When I had a couple of minutes to chat with Mike Laidlaw in October, he said Trespasser was selling very, very well and the feedback probably means some of what they tried there will be drawn upon, you know "if" there's more DA as they're all required to say for now.
Ahhh so jealous! Though maybe it's for the best; I might have fangirled all over him, and that would be awkward for everyone 
Imagine if they never made Solas a romance option, as originally planned.
I probably would never started to draw. And I wouldn't know who Dirthamen was.. the horror.
Speaking of which, I found another of his statues in front of a Tyrdda codex (Stanza: Thelm Gold-Handed, the Dreamer), and that image I thought was him and Ghilan'nain:
That Tyrdda codex was sounding suspiciously Dirthamen themed regarding Thelm Gold-Handed:
"Told his tribes a tale of treasure, over sea to north it gleamed,
Whispered words to drive the droves to golden city where he dreamed.
Counseled quick in dreams alone, Voices wiser man ignores,
Pushed the tribes until they screamed, Heed the dreams and cross the Waking."
"Fire flares as Thelm Gold-Handed, honey-tongued, repeats his lies.
"North to warmth, and golden cities, Whispers speak in Dreamers' ears!"
Silver scorched, the liar flies
On raven's beaks, to dream unwaking."
This reminds me of Dirthamen and Razikale, who also have lore about whispers, madness, ravens and honey:
"What of the old secrets that burn within our hearts?"
"Our Highest One, he deceives us.
The honeyed words that drip from his tongue
We know the despair they mask."
"The secrets are madness in our ears, but they are ours"
"And now Razikale is silent and madness descends."
"Razikale, O Shadow Which Obscures the Path Ahead, deliver your faithful, save us from the silence which devours."
"We will build a shrine to the Dragon of Mystery—implant foci into the walls, cut sacred designs into the stone, the better to hear her with. We will hear her voice again, or we will die."
The picture below is the beginning story of Andraste. But notice those ravens? They have faces. And see the eluvians in the background?
What if those things are servants of Razikale, and they hunted Dirthamen's secrets? Since Razikale (Dragon of mystery) is quite the equivalent to Dirthamen (Keeper of Secrets). Those in the Lost Temple of Dirthamen were worried about something coming after them once Dirthamen had been locked away:
They will come for us in the night
Those who could steal the words from our lips
Art
Sparkly Solas
http://tamarandom.de...Solas-582594205
Fen'Harel sketch
http://seprisite.dev...chool-574023602
Another beautiful Solas and Lavellan tarot card
http://steftastan.de...ellan-582625396
Solas and Lavellan kisses
http://drathe.devian...yfall-582574414
Art post!
That one by nipuni is so sad :<
Also, off topic -- but since I know you're an artist and whatnot you might appreciate it! Capricorn, have you seen this art model before? Link -- it's like the ultimate figure. Well, compared to the 5 piece wooden ones, anyway. 
Thanks for sharing this! It kinda makes me worried though since he is mentioning the whole search for Solas that they might be going a totally different direction which would be sooooo sad not to get that. I do understand what he is saying about them not being able to make it what they wanted. A lot of budget and time restraints have the potential to make something amazing mediocre. Still T-T
Also I was eyeballing the previous game release dates. DA2 was released two years after Origins but Inquisition was 3 years. I really really really hope DA4 is another 2 year lol
I don't hope it's a 2 year. As much as I really want another DA game soon, DA2 suffered a great deal from the short development time. They added another year to Inquisition which allowed them to do a lot more than they were originally planning.
That one by nipuni is so sad :<
Also, off topic -- but since I know you're an artist and whatnot you might appreciate it! Capricorn, have you seen this art model before? Link -- it's like the ultimate figure. Well, compared to the 5 piece wooden ones, anyway.
An... anime figure, huh. Definitely much better than typical "BJDs" (I have 3 of them xD Bought when I got an idea for photo assignment in photography class, and the only thing I use them for are a decoration. It's good for drawing still life, at best, not as a reference for human anatomy or poses, uh...) and I suppose it's useful for those who work more in traditional medium or don't have secondary monitor to display references... still, a secondary monitor would be cheaper 
3D software with premade models are much cheaper as well - in fact DAZ3D and some basic models are free 
Anyone who isn't using them and would like to set own poses I highly recommend to download it -> https://www.daz3d.com/
It takes about half a day or a half to master the basics, but after you get the drift of things, it helps to set poses, cadres and lighting and even the basic models are highly customizable.
DAI was officially announced 6 months after Mass Effect 3 came out. So...if we are getting a new Mass Effect at the end of the year, we might see an announcement to follow. But BioWare also has David Gaider's new secret IP to announce. So I wonder when that is coming, and if that will be announced this year or not.
A completely brand new IP though .... it might take them awhile to really get into it. They'll have to create a new world, history, lore, characters. It took them quite awhile with DAO from what I understand. So we may not hear anything about it for awhile. In the case of DA they created 2 sets of lore ... what the people believed happened from an in-game perspective and what actually happened. An entirely new IP seems quite complicated.
Edit to add: I said "awhile" a lot. I must like that word for some reason.
I don't hope it's a 2 year. As much as I really want another DA game soon, DA2 suffered a great deal from the short development time. They added another year to Inquisition which allowed them to do a lot more than they were originally planning.
Why do you destroy my hopes with reasoning? Buuut you are right. They have to make it brilliant and this will probably need time. Patience is not my strong suit. ^^
What do you plan on playing or are you already playing if you set Inquisition aside already?
I started a new PT of Divinity: Original Sin with my boyfriend since the enhanced edition was released in december and he never finished the game when he played the original version. This will take some time though, since we don't have that much time to play, but it's nice to play in co-op.
Why do you destroy my hopes with reasoning?
What do you plan on playing or are you already playing if you set Inquisition aside already?
I started a new PT of Divinity: Original Sin with my boyfriend since the enhanced edition was released in december and he never finished the game when he played the original version. This will take some time though, since we don't have that much time to play, but it's nice to play in co-op.
I can be patient if I know for sure the game IS in development. At this point in time they're still saying "if there's another DA game". I'd like a solid announcement lol. But as Cee said, we're unlikely to hear before ME: Andromeda is released.
I still load up DAI occasionally but mostly I've been playing ArcheAge and SWTOR with some friends. Fallout 4 bored me quickly.
Sniperoo
(I'm quoting Midnight specifically but this post is direct at the general conversation)
Sorry to be a nitpicky b*tch (It's what I'm best at!) but the gap between 2 and Origins was actually one and a half years. Origins came out in November, 2009, 2 came out in March, 2011. So, not quite two years.
Secondly, we already have a reference for BioWare putting out games about two years apart - Mass Effect 2 came out in January 2010, Mass Effect 3 came out in March 2012, and both were made in Unreal Engine 3. (DA2 and Origins were also technically made on the same engine - Eclipse - but DA2's was, and I quote, "a heavily upgraded version" named Lycium. *Shrug* Don't look at me.) While you'll hear no end of the problems ME3 had, they seem to stem mostly from writing, not anything asset-related. Given Gaider's comments, Inquisition and it's sequel should have the writing all wrapped up... but, on the other hand, they claimed that for ME3, too. It's just at the last minute they decided to ditch their original conclusion and go with something else entirely.
Thirdly, on the subject of the new IP, remember we were getting screenshots of Origins back in 2004. Again, it didn't come out until 2009. But, BioWare was a very different studio back in 2004, and even back in 2009. (Really, the industry in generally was.) so they might be a bit more... coordinated, in how they decide to hype things. (I say that, even though a year or so ago they were putting out trailers for Shadow Reams before promptly ditching it for unexplained reasons.)
Anyway, them's the facts, brought to you by my spotty memory and it's best friend Wikipedia.
(Also hi I'm not dead I've just... slowly sunk back into lurking.)
That one by nipuni is so sad :<
Also, off topic -- but since I know you're an artist and whatnot you might appreciate it! Capricorn, have you seen this art model before? Link -- it's like the ultimate figure. Well, compared to the 5 piece wooden ones, anyway.
Oooh! I haven't seen that art model before but it looks good! But damn, that price... $300 USD?! 
Art post.
Late night tales by nipuni. So cute! 
(Solavellan)
Lavellan: "So you're suggesting I'm graceful?"
Solas: "No, I'm declaring it. It was not a subject for debate." 
Solas looks smitten by Lavellan. 
A badass looking artwork of Lavellan and the Dread Wolf.
A very interesting Solavellan WIP. 
Some more gorgeous Solas doodles by kallielef.
Lovely acrylic painting of the Solas Hermit Tarot Card.
Trespasser Solas.
Oooh! I haven't seen that art model before but it looks good! But damn, that price... $300 USD?!
Yeah... and more than that, I think. It's limited edition though and all hand made by the guy who masterminded it. So... kind of special? Haha. There's a dude one coming out. It's bald. Someone should slap elf ears on 'em and call him Solas. :>
An... anime figure, huh. Definitely much better than typical "BJDs" (I have 3 of them xD Bought when I got an idea for photo assignment in photography class, and the only thing I use them for are a decoration. It's good for drawing still life, at best, not as a reference for human anatomy or poses, uh...) and I suppose it's useful for those who work more in traditional medium or don't have secondary monitor to display references... still, a secondary monitor would be cheaper
3D software with premade models are much cheaper as well - in fact DAZ3D and some basic models are free
Anyone who isn't using them and would like to set own poses I highly recommend to download it -> https://www.daz3d.com/
It takes about half a day or a half to master the basics, but after you get the drift of things, it helps to set poses, cadres and lighting and even the basic models are highly customizable.
Yes! It's made in Japan (so the aesthetic goes toward anime style).. and apparently made because of the anime industry having no decent 'handy' tactile reference material. Over 80 articulated parts! The forearm muscles adjust depending how it's rotated (just like our own do). It's... wow. Only thing I don't like about it is the chest area, haha.
Traditional vs digital artists be damned, reference is reference! If I had one... okay, it might turn in to a bragging piece... but as far as artist mannequins go, it's the only one I'd consider buying. Much more versatile than even Figma's Body-kun and Body-chan. Though I don't think it's very fair to compare mannequins to 3D reference, just like it's not fair to compare either to live models! They all have their strengths, right? Live models are just... the bomb. 3D is good for unusual angles and lighting reference especially. Mannequins would be good for all around casual reference. In the past, I've vehemently avoided any mannequins on the pretense that they are terrible and only exist to pick the pockets of those who don't know any better (I'm thinking of those old school wooden ones). Some countries don't allow nude models, so hey -- next best thing!
That's an interesting source for premade models though, thanks for sharing! I have a few friends who tend to use Poser, which is also pretty amazing in what it can do... all in all, 3D is a powerful reference tool. -nod nod-
Something something Solas Solas... Solas. Ah! Actually. On the topic of animu. Here, I give you if Solas had anime hair. 
*snip*
Something something Solas Solas... Solas. Ah! Actually. On the topic of animu. Here, I give you if Solas had anime hair.
Omigod, nooooo! xD
*clings to beautiful bald Solas*
BTW Your artwork is gorgeous as always. :>
Omigod, nooooo! xD
*clings to beautiful bald Solas*
BTW Your artwork is gorgeous as always. :>
You clinging to beautiful bald Solas is actually just hair-do Solas' GENJUTSU. 
My theory is that, well obviously, every single companion at Skyhold is super fit. They have to be since they're in a pseudo-medieval setting and we see they have to run/walk hundreds of miles and survive all kinds of environments and situations. The Mages probably need to know how to get out of tough situations without their magic as a matter of survival backup.
This. Additionally, magic is something that requires one to be fit because you are using your mind for complex manipulation of the Fade. It can be mentally and physically demanding. Its like real life. You can study and learn a lot better while being fit, having a good diet and getting your naps.
Think of being a mage in Thedas as being an adept in Mass Effect. Have you see fat blob mages in Thedas or overweight adepts in Mass Effect ? You need control, focus, fitness or you won't be able to damage a tissue paper.
It would not be hard to imagine Solas doing some workout every day. Some sit ups, push ups, planks, light jogging, staff combat, stretching, drills or even yoga like exercises.
Solas - "Ah yes. In my journeys of the fade, I saw Elven mages doing this exercise ritual to get themselves to be fit and improve their mana regeneration. The most popular forms are Hatha yogo and Raja yoga. The Tevinter humans stole this art and polluted it by wearing tight leggings to show of their assets."
Now someone needs to do a drawing of Solas doing yoga in his apostate hobo robes. Make it happen Vhenans.
You clinging to beautiful bald Solas is actually just hair-do Solas' GENJUTSU.
Not gonna lie, I had to google up the word "genjutsu".
*sees the meaning of genjutsu*
Not gonna lie, I had to google up the word "genjutsu".
*sees the meaning of genjutsu*
I'm sorry hahahaha
Yes, it's because I put Sasuke's hairstyle on him. From Naruto... 
With regards to the time between the release of DA:O and DA2 I would also like to add that they also released DA: Awakening (a full expansion) in early 2010. Now, I'm honestly not sure how this works, but even if they had two different teams working on DA:A and DA2 I would imagine that the expansion was still a big resource drain for DA2. So, in some ways, they may only have had a year to fully work on DA2.
This. Additionally, magic is something that requires one to be fit because you are using your mind for complex manipulation of the Fade. It can be mentally and physically demanding. Its like real life. You can study and learn a lot better while being fit, having a good diet and getting your naps.
Think of being a mage in Thedas as being an adept in Mass Effect. Have you see fat blob mages in Thedas or overweight adepts in Mass Effect ? You need control, focus, fitness or you won't be able to damage a tissue paper.
It would not be hard to imagine Solas doing some workout every day. Some sit ups, push ups, planks, light jogging, staff combat, stretching, drills or even yoga like exercises.
Solas - "Ah yes. In my journeys of the fade, I saw Elven mages doing this exercise ritual to get themselves to be fit and improve their mana regeneration. The most popular forms are Hatha yogo and Raja yoga. The Tevinter humans stole this art and polluted it by wearing tight leggings to show of their assets."
Now someone needs to do a drawing of Solas doing yoga in his apostate hobo robes. Make it happen Vhenans.
Sorry not sorry
It's like 5 min scribble but whatever
http://umabbas.tumbl...to-do-a-drawing
No you don't! Short development cycles lead to bad games and poor stories. I'd rather they take their (reasonable) time getting the rest of the story out there. Hopefully that won't be too long, since as people say, they know the new engine now.
No Solas romance would have meant I never read this forum, which never exists in the first place, I never get to discover all the fanfiction, never write a(n almost smut and very very very short) story (that I never shared with anyone... yet...) and never register to AO3 (got my invite today, yey!). I also would have never gotten my xbox one back from my (once again) ex for lack of emotional interest in it. I cannot live without Solas in my life. It is stupid, but at least you people understand me.
I'd rather have them work on the next game longer than have something like DA2. I did not understand how it was that bad because I played Inquisition first and I simply thought, okay it was not as good of course, but then I got to DAO and realized that DA2 should have been so so so much better actually.
Guys, I'm laughing so hard right now! I found an old post of mine, pre-Trespasser, and the irony is just so delicious!
I was impressed by a bow an Inquisitor in the "Post your Inquisitor"-thread had, so I wrote:
That bow is amazing (as is your Inquisitor I might add)! Where did you find it or its schematics? My elfquizzy would have given her right hand for it had it not made her unable to use it...
And when I was told the bow was a part of the pre-order I answered:
Oh... Well, I can't say I'm surprised. Guess my quizzy is keeping her hand
The irony... it is just too much!
The irony... it is just too much!
Well, there's always the potential for crossbow arm quizzy
Art post.
At the Winter Palace by nanananananalr. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) (Somebody's been busy, hehe! )
The Apostate by Fen'Inan.
Lovely Solas sketch.
Another Solas sketch.
Modern AU Cassandra and Solas.
Retour en haut
