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[HeyCal]

@Rynj, shuffle around all the potential inquisitors! XD I keep doing that too.., just when I think I'm all set.

But that's good news! I was hoping people would be less... Angry today and really didn't expect so much backlash. (Though that's most likely because he already fit my character) I just want them to put out that blog now and let us just know and be done with it! The reveals have been just atrocious this game.

And yes, I think once we play the game, everything will make much more sense and really just fall into place. It's so hard to be objective ATM since all we have to go on are small things and what our brains have filled the cracks in with.

[Fialka]

That theme is quite Shakespearean and admittedly one of my favorites (in spite of being "done to death" as they say).

It's very "10 Things I Hate About You" aka "My Fair Lady", aka "Taming of the Shrew."

Haha, yes, exactly! I happen to love those movies, and I've read the play like three times (yes, I'm one of those nerds who reads Shakespeare for fun....)

Also, I wouldn't feel resentful, necessarily, if it turned out Solas only wants elven children and that being the reason for the gate. I just mentioned why it would bug me, for personal reasons... Also I just don't think it's all that interesting (you're supposed to be more complicated than that, Solas).

Also, I doubt anyone is even really convinced its true. We're all just speculating, at this point. And I agree that hating the character for it is silly and premature - let's at least find out why before we rage, yes? To be fair, I don't see too much of that in here anyway... And as for those people who popped in the thread yesterday calling Solas a racist/homophobe and acting all bitter and angry... I was like, um, who are you? For someone who supposedly loves his character so much that they're getting this upset over the race-gating, it's interesting that you've never bothered to post in this thread until now... Just saying, those so-called fans shouldn't be taken as an example of the majority.

[LobselVith8]

We've never met a companion before that was only interested in their species and I really feel like it's going to be really interesting to talk to him about it and get his feelings/explanations for it. It's weird for me because it seems very xenophobic of him, but I'm trusting that the devs will do a good job with his romance. Honestly, the ancient elf theory sounds really cool, haha, but yes, it's totally more than just wanting babies (though I'm pleased as punch with the possibility)

I don't think it's xenophobic if it's because he is straight, and wants to have elven children someday (which is only a theory at this point). Elves as a species are prohibited from having elven children with anyone other than other elves, as both the books and the developers have repeatedly made clear time and again. What elves face as a species is completely alien to real world humanity.

[dragondreamer]

I'd be surprised if babies, evil or otherwise, were the reason for Solas' gating.  It wouldn't bother me personally, but I have a feeling there's something else going on.  And I'm pretty sure we've been told that there would be no Inquisitor babies outside of headcanon.

[DragonRacer]

Oh, you know, every once in awhile a bog unicorn wanders in, and you have to be polite even if they are stinking up the place. Poor things. 

 

So has anyone had any major ideas about possible Lavellans they want to pair with Solas? I'm really leaning towards a making Braeth a mage. With the new combat set-up, if sort of feels if you a run a two-mage party you'll be better prepared, and I'd like my main posse to be Team Mutually Respectful Moral and Theological Debate, with some swapping probably. As per my usual set up, I'll probably spec Cole as an archer, as that's usually how I role: three ranged, one tank.

 

As much as I hate to say goodbye to The Odd Couple pairing I (literally) dreamed up of (former) Templar Warrior Trevelyan with elf mage Solas, I'm kindly pushing her in Cullen's direction because I think a pairing of two former Templar warriors will be a fascinating arc to explore in Playthrough # 2 or 3.

 

I'm revisiting my original idea - from back when they announced multiple races would return - of female elf rogue. That was my first two playthroughs of DAO, the first being Dalish and the second being City Elf and both were duel-wielding female rogues. In all honesty, I was sad when we heard city elf wouldn't be a PC option this time around, but... meh, it is what it is.

 

So, first "canon" playthrough is going to be a world of heroic and quirky/funny duel-wielding rogues who change the world. Constantly. My initial Keep set-up for importing DAI will be my DAO "canon" of that rogue duel-wielding city elf female who romanced Alistair, then gave him up to Anora for the greater good and - being incredibly pragmatic given what happened to the Alienage - chose to be the better person and spared Loghain anyway, making him a Warden. They both survived the Archdemon thanks to Kallian's bestie, Morrigan. LOL And then DA2 was a sarcastic duel-wielding female Hawke rogue who fell madly in love with Anders, was all about supporting mages (after all, her father was one and her sister is, too), and those two crazies ran off into the night together to start a rebel mage army after the "Chantry Incident".

 

A history of wild duel-wielding female rogues shaking the world up. That's the world my Lavellan will be inheriting and she'll look to keep up that streak. LOL I'm envisioning someone who will be very smart, but also a bit too daring and inquisitive for her own good. A Dalish who's more curious than cautious, and that could be very well why she finds herself spying on the conclave when all hell breaks loose. And, of course, she'll be a duel-wielding rogue. Tradition and all.

 

Balancing the party will be the interesting part. I envisioned my first playthrough with my warrior Trevelyan, flanked by rogues Varric and Cole and mage Solas. But now we're looking at three rogues and a mage. Will be interesting to see if we'll miss having a tank too much.

[jellobell]

I don't think it's xenophobic if it's because he is straight, and wants to have elven children someday (which is only a theory at this point). Elves as a species are prohibited from having elven children with anyone other than other elves, as both the books and the developers have repeatedly made clear time and again. What elves face as a species is completely alien to real world humanity.

 

That doesn't mean my elf inquisitor has to like potentially being treated as a means to get elven children. That squicks me the hell out.

[Mistic]

The only reason the news worried me is that I worried about what this harsh restriction might mean for the open-mindedness that is apparently a huge part of Solas's character. That doesn't mix all that well at first glance with his very specific gating so that's why I was a little bit skeptical. Plus, as someone who was never all that into the elves and the human vs elf struggle, I could never quite get into characters that were all about that elf power and elf things. I liked them, but I never loved them (Merrill for instance).

 

Interestingly, Solas' narrow-mindedness in this regard makes him a more compelling character to me. Even before meeting him in the game, it means he's not a walking stereotype and apparently has contradictions (that could make much sense to him, but not to others).

 

Now I'm interested about his reaction if the Female Elf Inquisitor doesn't choose him. Party banter could get interesting.

 

I don't think it's xenophobic if it's because he is straight, and wants to have elven children someday (which is only a theory at this point). Elves as a species are prohibited from having elven children with anyone other than other elves, as both the books and the developers have repeatedly made clear time and again. What elves face as a species is completely alien to real world humanity.

 

True, but although realistic from a Thedosian point of view, it could be full of unfortunate implications in real life. Still, Bioware has said repeatedly that companions aren't made to be universally liked, not even in-game. Female Elven Inquisitors aren't obliged to go the "elf kids route".

[Kalyppso]

That doesn't mean my elf inquisitor has to like potentially being treated as a means to get elven children. That squicks me the hell out.

I don't think that this will be the case, though it easily could be. I personally would not be upset if Solas' turning down a non-female elf by simply saying you're not his type, in the same way that Dorian would do the same to any female.

[Dean_the_Young]

I'm out of likes as well, so I'll quote. I agree with you entirely. The marketing in regards to LIs has been absolutely abysmal. It is frustrating to DA lovers to have information dispensed piecemeal like it has been over the past year. If they had simply gotten it out of the way months ago, then yes, people would have been hurt and sad, but by now the majority would have rallied and been prepared to play DAI. They sincerely ought to just tell us the last one now and save their fans from this serious anxiety. It is absolutely disgraceful in how they've dealt with this.

 

Dispensing it piecemiel closer to the release is the point of the advertising campaign. They want to provoke, and prolong, interest closer to the release date when people are most inclined to order (and pre-order) when the game is near. The last thing they want is for you to be sated and move on and lose interest.

 

Giving you spoilers and romance tidbits well in advance all fine and good for resolving your 'serious anxiety', but there's not much in it for them.

[Vlk3]

I'm wondering how the rejection will go. Can we try to romance him anyway, but he decides to tell us outright that he's not interested or will he decide just after some time that this will never work? The way a character refuses to form a relationship with Inquisitor may be good enough to make up for the loss.

 

Hopefully, what I just wrote makes some sense.

[jellobell]

I don't think that this will be the case, though it easily could be. I personally would not be upset if Solas' turning down a non-female elf by simply saying you're not his type, in the same way that Dorian would do the same to any female.

 

I don't either, but just the idea makes my skin crawl. As for it being a "preference" thing....ehhhh. I'm ambivalent about that. The last time I played a story that was locked to an elf/elf pairing was that one Xan romance mod which went on and on about the super-specialness of romantic bonds between elves. Bleh.

 

My best-case scenario is that the romance just involves a ton of elven mythology stuff and perhaps a trip to a special part of the Fade. Maybe it has something to do with Fen'harel (Solas does wear a wolf jaw bone in all of his outfits, after all). So it's less of a "preference" thing and more of a "we've spent a lot more time together and I'm starting to warm up to you" thing. I would be so on-board with that. More Fade is always good.

[coldwetn0se]

Still stings a bit, that Solas is restricted as much as he is. Also was hoping for a nice even mix for gender/sexuality. Might still get gender equality, but not sexuality. Not that I find it shocking, just a tad disappointing. I did always figure, that not all race types would have an even footing, but did not foresee that Solas would be one of the race-gated LI's. *shrug* It is, what it is.

When it comes to the story related reasons, for such gating, these are some of my immediate thoughts:


I think the biggest problem for me, with a race gate being imposed strictly for "propagation" purposes, is that it limits (even further), how one can role play. At that point, you have already narrowed it to a female, to a Dalish Elf (with a "semi" set background), and then if the gate is based in any way of perpetuating the elven race, then you can choose "YES! Impregnate me", or "No! Back off, Jack!". (and yes....I am being loosey-goosey with my descriptors here, for humor sake. ).

HOWEVER!! This is why I don't believe, it will be about having baby elves - as the story reason. (Granted, this is also me being "hopeful", that it is something entirely else ). A few people like @Chryslynn, @dragondreamer and @Frialka (gods don't flay me for murderlizing the spelling of your avatar/usernames....I apologize in advance if I have ), have tossed out some very good story ideas, such as the Eluvians (which is a "happy place" as I understand it, for elves, and not so much for humans and possibly dwarves and qunari), immortality, or some connection to "ancient elves". Have no clue, what the exact story line would be, but these ideas seem quite workable.

Now should the whole "start a family" thing come up, as simply optional romance fodder (and it has no bearing on being able to complete the romance story arc), I have zero problem with that. If it is introduced like that, it could simply be just another addition for role-playing, which is good.

As for my Dalish elf (which is exactly what I had originally planned to play as first), there is enough wiggle room in the background for my somewhat poorly done Dalish Rogue. In a nutshell:

- Ulee's parents left a city alienage, when she was but five years old.
- They had intended to relocate to another city, but ended up seeking shelter along a forested route, due to slavers on the main routes.
- Running out of food and being exhausted, they find themselves upon a Dalish clan.
- The clan was kind enough to take them in, but it was Ulee's father's intention to stay only long enough to "refuel" (so to speak).
- Mother became ill, and plans changed. They needed to stay longer.
- Eventually they became integrated. (Though her father was always teaching her about the outside world, as much as the Dalish taught her about their world.)
- Even though Ulee mostly grew up in the clan, and she loved and respected them, she had a "woman of the world" streak about her.
- Mischievious, but crafty, and more familiar with the outside world, she seemed the likely choice as a spy to the Conclave.

Would have enjoyed romancing him with other races and with male PC's, but what's done, is done. Now I just need to cross my fingers that he isn't a villain and we end up with some tragic romance. Cuz.....no. (LOL! At least for me, I no want! )

*Vulcan Peace-Out!*

[Mistic]

I'm wondering how the rejection will go. Can we try to romance him anyway, but he decides to tell us outright that he's not interested or will he decide just after some time that this will never work? The way a character refuses to form a relationship with Inquisitor may be good enough to make up for the loss.

 

Hopefully, what I just wrote makes some sense.

 

That's an interesting thought. But I suppose we would need to know more about romances. Is it "begin a romance > lock the romance (nobody else is permitted) > finish the romance" or is it a bit more chaotic? I mean, at this pace, at least Female Lavellan could end up with an unwanted harem.

 

Lavellan: "Varric, why is my table full of gifts?"

 

Varric: "Ah, sorry, sometimes I forget that you Dalish don't know many festivities. Just like Daisy. Well, today is Wintersend. It was once a festivity to honour the Old God of Beauty, but now it's dedicated to the Maker. People like it for trading, going to the theater... and arranging marriages."

 

Lavellan: "That doesn't explain the gifts."

 

Varric: "Well, as far as I know, those roses are from our valiant General Cullen. Fade-guy Solas left that old tome of Arlathan lore. Those jewels... I'm sure Sera stole them from a nasty Orlesian lady. I think the armor was Iron Bull's idea, always the pragmatic guy. And that bottle of sweet Antivan wine comes from Scribbles, I mean, Lady Josephine."

 

Lavellan: "And no gift from you, Varric?"

 

Varric: "Sorry, sweetheart."

[Jessihatt]

I don't think it is xenophobic and if it is child-driven it doesn't put me off.

In reality if I was with a man and he didn't want children I would probably end the relationship - I don't see him as a baby maker but some things are important to people.

If I was an elf I'd probably want elven children too!

(I doubt it is child-driven but I'm just saying if it is, I'm not offended by it)

[Dean_the_Young]

Interestingly, Solas' narrow-mindedness in this regard makes him a more compelling character to me. Even before meeting him in the game, it means he's not a walking stereotype and apparently has contradictions (that could make much sense to him, but not to others).

 

How does Solas making a decision about what sort of relationship he is interested in, and what sorts he is not, make him narrow-minded? Or at least, in any meaningful sense of the word as typically used?

 

I used to think that the joke of 'that which is not forbidden is compulsary' was just a joke about ants, but there are a disturbing number of people here who are arguing that because Solas is not interested in a relationship with everyone, he is automatically a racist/bigot/hypocrite/various other derogatory terms.

 

Which sounds like a big '**** you' to anyone else who falls under the category of 'not interested in everyone else in the world', be it straights or gays or lesbians or people who just have different tastes or life goals.

 

I really, really don't think 'would you **** a -X-' should be the benchmark for someone being open minded, and I rather doubt you do either. I could come up with any number of tastes you would find utterly abhorrent and yet reject the label of 'closeminded' for not indulging.

[LobselVith8]

That doesn't mean my elf inquisitor has to like potentially being treated as a means to get elven children. That squicks me the hell out.

If Solas wants to have children one day, that doesn't necessarily mean he wants to have them with just anyone - he might want to have children with someone he genuinely, truly loves.

[Asdrubael Vect]

 

This man can swing only with females and yeah he does not into shems, durgelen and cows

[mindoirs]

I think with the exclusion of certain people on Tumblr, most people have been polite and taking it in rather well for being such a restrictive romance.

I think most people were too shocked to be rude to the devs. I don't think anyone expected Solas to be so restricted.

 

Word of advice though, don't venture into the Solas tag on Tumblr. You're gonna see people being mean and saying that he's a mistake and shouldn't have been a romance and other dumb nonsense like that he's homophobic.

 

 

The only thing I'm truly worried about is having to make my vallaslin as close to invisible as possible, tbh. Not a fan of it.

[Dean_the_Young]

You know what? Saying things like that is not helping. Keep it to yourself instead and leave them alone. Give them some time to process the info and have some damn compassion. 

 

I believe in a doctrine of tough love.

[Hanako Ikezawa]

[DA]: In addition to dealing with the world’s perception of mages, he’s also elven. How does he deal with that much adversity?

[PW]: Honestly, Solas hates people who look at him and just see an elf. He considers that kind of attitude part of the black-and-white dichotomy that has led to so much tragedy in theDragon Age world. Templars versus mages, demons versus spirits, elves versus humans… it’s more complicated than that. Come to think of it, “It’s more complicated than that,” may actually be Solas’s battle cry.

 

And yet he has no problem with himself having that mindset. Hypocrite. 

[wildannie]

I like your Ulee's background coldi, hadn't thought of bringing CE parents into the mix!  I also like all today's chat but have been out of likes since this morning 

[Mistic]

How does Solas making a decision about what sort of relationship he is interested in, and what sorts he is not, make him narrow-minded? Or at least, in any meaningful sense of the word as typically used?

 

I used to think that the joke of 'that which is not forbidden is compulsary' was just a joke about ants, but there are a disturbing number of people here who are arguing that because Solas is not interested in a relationship with everyone, he is automatically a racist/bigot/hypocrite/various other derogatory terms.

 

Which sounds like a big '**** you' to anyone else who falls under the category of 'not interested in everyone else in the world', be it straights or gays or lesbians or people who just have different tastes or life goals.

 

I really, really don't think 'would you **** a -X-' should be the benchmark for someone being open minded, and I rather doubt you do either. I could come up with any number of tastes you would find utterly abhorrent and yet reject the label of 'closeminded' for not indulging.

 

Sorry, it's my fault for not writing "narrow-mindedness", between inverted comas, instead of just old plain narrow-mindedness. In fact, I was trying to point out in that previous post that Solas' "open-mindedness" wasn't exactly what some expected... and the character isn't worse for that.

 

However, as I said before, we can't deny the unfortunate implications that it may bring for some in our modern world. Not being interested in someone because of sexual orientation is not considered the same as not being interested in someone because of racial reasons. Even if, as Lobsel pointed out, "race" is a very different concept in Thedas.

 

Also, I think there's a bit about not being able to be the special snowflake this time. Solas' won't be interested in a non-elf female Inquisitor, no matter how awesome the player thinks their Human/Qunari/Dwarf is... which spoils some people's previous plans (headcanon is a problem these days).

[Tevinter Rose]

I think the theory of Solas being an ancient elf is very cool, I would love to see how that would play out. Also I'm hoping a romance with him will include long romantic walks in the fade with my mage inquisitor.