Okay, just wanted to share this short one-shot Solavellan fluff fanfic I did a few days ago for the April Fools Bodyswap on Tumblr (where fanfic writers do art and fanartists write fanfiction). It's the first time I posted anything online but hope you enjoy reading my little attempt! 
http://archiveofouro...g/works/6433819
It seems hard to imagine why mage!Lavellan would be sent to the Conclave.
Spying is closer to a hunter's expertise, as what they do involves stealth and investigating surrounding areas. They are also the ones who venture into human villages to trade with them. In short, most of the clan's field work rests on the hunters' shoulders.
The First is... well, the bookworm that sits around all day studying magic and history. And s/he is likely too valuable to be sent into a risky task unless his/her presence is absolutely vital.
It's because faith demands that we meet Solas so we can nom his face. It's our destiny. 
I jest of course. Or am I.... But no, I agree, though. I still can't think of a reason for my Lavellans to go there besides lame-o; "All the hunters have the common cold atm."
Edit: Also @ CapricornSun; I just read your fanfic and I thought it was really funny!
It's because faith demands that we meet Solas so we can nom his face. It's our destiny.
I jest of course. Or am I.... But no, I agree, though. I still can't think of a reason for my Lavellans to go there besides lame-o; "All the hunters have the common cold atm."
It's because faith demands that we meet Solas so we can nom his face. It's our destiny.
I jest of course. Or am I.... But no, I agree, though. I still can't think of a reason for my Lavellans to go there besides lame-o; "All the hunters have the common cold atm."
Not really sure why is spying supposed to be a domain of hunters? Hunters don't spy per se, and the spying at Conclave couldn't be anywhere close to cartoonish walking on tiptoes and hiding behind pillars as if they're hunting an animal prey.
Plus, hey, look at real life - in spy movies we need all those top agents and advanced tech, while in reality the Panama Papers were carried out causally on a cheap memory disc All they need is not bring too much attention to themselves, which is generally what most elves are pretty good at.
Anyway, I'd say that mages, and especially Firsts would be suited for spy missions as well as others, if not more - they usually take care of things like dealing or contacting strangers and know something about outside customs or politics (might use it to soothe out nerves or be less conspicuous), probably know how to read and write better than most (correspondence and interesting documents) and even have a legit reason to be at the Conclave, unlike random non-mage elves with Dalish tattoos - after all, they're mages, and the Conclave is in large part about mages.
Must be a shemlen disease.
But yes, nomming Solas' face is a worthy goal.
Yes! Or one of those city-elves! Like, us Lavellans were being nice and stuff. Like the Sabrae's, you know. But then, those flat-ears carry something contageous, infect us with their shem-germs.
Edit: @ midnight tea: It's not so much the spying that is odd though. It's the fact that they're their clan's First. In my opinion, hunters are a bit more....expendable perhaps? Firsts are successors to Keepers. Sure, some clans have Seconds too. But then, that's it. At least, that's it according to Minaeve and Morrigan (or was it Vivienne....). Still not sold on that though. But! If the writers do inted it to be so from now on, we can expect that there only would be one other mage next to the Keeper and the Inquisitor. So maybe if they were said to be their clan's Second....I'd think it would be a little bit more plausible. 
Not really sure why is spying supposed to be a domain of hunters? Hunters don't spy per se, and the spying at Conclave couldn't be anywhere close to cartoonish walking on tiptoes and hiding behind pillars as if they're hunting an animal prey.
Plus, hey, look at real life - in spy movies we need all those top agents and advanced tech, while in reality the Panama Papers were carried out causally on a cheap memory disc
Anyway, I'd say that mages, and especially Firsts would be suited for spy missions as well as others, if not more - they usually take care of things like dealing or contacting strangers and know something about outside customs or politics (might use it to soothe out nerves or be less conspicuous), probably know how to read and write better than most (correspondence and interesting documents) and even have a legit reason to be at the Conclave, unlike random non-mage elves with Dalish tattoos - after all, they're mages, and the Conclave is in large part about mages.
Not really sure why is spying supposed to be a domain of hunters? Hunters don't spy per se, and the spying at Conclave couldn't be anywhere close to cartoonish walking on tiptoes and hiding behind pillars as if they're hunting an animal prey.
Plus, hey, look at real life - in spy movies we need all those top agents and advanced tech, while in reality the Panama Papers were carried out causally on a cheap memory disc
Anyway, I'd say that mages, and especially Firsts would be suited for spy missions as well as others, if not more - they usually take care of things like dealing or contacting strangers and know something about outside customs or politics (might use it to soothe out nerves or be less conspicuous), probably know how to read and write better than most (correspondence and interesting documents) and even have a legit reason to be at the Conclave, unlike random non-mage elves with Dalish tattoos - after all, they're mages, and the Conclave is in large part about mages.
While there might be a point about sending a valuable First to spy on the conclave, the idea that Dalish mages sit around on their hands in a nomadic society will always make me roll my eyes. You're still going to have to take care of daily tasks and chores and do your part to support yourself and your clan. No healthy individual in that kind of life gets a free pass, because everyone's survival is depending on every person pulling their share. You don't get to twiddle your thumbs just because you can shoot lightning from them.
And I think there were valid reasons a First might be sent brought up in a similar discussion a few months back. I can't remember most of them now though. It's been a rough week.
Yes! Or one of those city-elves! Like, us Lavellans were being nice and stuff. Like the Sabrae's, you know. But then, those flat-ears carry something contageous, infect us with their shem-germs.
Edit: @ midnight tea: It's not so much the spying that is odd though. It's the fact that they're their clan's First. In my opinion, hunters are a bit more....expendable perhaps? Firsts are successors to Keepers. Sure, some clans have Seconds too. But then, that's it. At least, that's it according to Minaeve and Morrigan (or was it Vivienne....). Still not sold on that though. But! If the writers do inted it to be so from now on, we can expect that there only would be one other mage next to the Keeper and the Inquisitor. So maybe if they were said to be their clan's Second....I'd think it would be a little bit more plausible.
Whether Deshanna sends her First, or a respected hunter or a warrior she loses a valuable member of the clan (plus, a Second exists for a reason). And I think sending her valuable clan members is supposed to show how seriously Deshanna treats the whole mission.
It's because faith demands that we meet Solas so we can nom his face. It's our destiny.
I jest of course. Or am I.... But no, I agree, though. I still can't think of a reason for my Lavellans to go there besides lame-o; "All the hunters have the common cold atm."
Edit: Also @ CapricornSun; I just read your fanfic and I thought it was really funny!
Glad you liked it! 
Because the clan relies on hunters for all tasks that involve going outside.
There are rare exceptions, of course, but generally speaking the Keeper's apprentice wouldn't be the first choice for that sort of work. And it is funny that you speak as though observing from a distance were something spies never, ever, ever do. Not to mention that the Dalish aren't Orlesian. If you imagine them taking a bard's approach, that wouldn't be accurate.
Keepers and Firsts, as leaders or potential leaders, DO deal with outside. It comes with a job.
Also - to observe something from a distance you don't need a hunter. Or a warrior for that matter.
Well, they do deal with such things but that usually when it is the outside that comes to them, like Zathrian and Lanaya speaking to the Warden.
... Yet Marethari sent her valuable First to a mysterious pit full of Darkspawn in Dalish Elf origins. NOT her hunters. NOR her warriors. Her First.
I've always kind of headcanoned that there was a 3 member party of elves (warrior, mage and rogue) from Clan Lavellan that went to the Conclave, but only one of them survived if they became inquisitor.
Okay, just wanted to share this short one-shot Solavellan fluff fanfic I did a few days ago for the April Fools Bodyswap on Tumblr (where fanfic writers do art and fanartists write fanfiction). It's the first time I posted anything online but hope you enjoy reading my little attempt!
heheehe..I love it..it's very cute. 
It seems hard to imagine why mage!Lavellan would be sent to the Conclave.
Spying is closer to a hunter's expertise, as what they do involves stealth and investigating surrounding areas. They are also the ones who venture into human villages to trade with them. In short, most of the clan's field work rests on the hunters' shoulders.
The First is... well, the bookworm that sits around all day studying magic and history. And s/he is likely too valuable to be sent into a risky task unless his/her presence is absolutely vital.
The First would be trained to deal with people. Clan Lavellan mixes a lot with humans so it's likely that the First is already dealing with shems more than the average hunter.
Some people believe old gods are just the fragments of Mythal who knows if true but i don't think so,to me they are just shapeshifter elves trapped underground.Good point. Many including me suspected the old gods are the evanuris, but I suppose it seems they are not, after all.
Art post.
Gorgeous art of Trespasser Solas and Lavellan.
Cute art of Solas and Lavellan in front of an eluvian.
The Courser and the Wolf. Based on the tale Merrill tells in DA2. (Solavellan)
Lovely colored version of that Solas lineart that was shared earlier.
Solas and Lavellan kissing their daughter's cheeks. 
It seems hard to imagine why mage!Lavellan would be sent to the Conclave.
Spying is closer to a hunter's expertise, as what they do involves stealth and investigating surrounding areas. They are also the ones who venture into human villages to trade with them. In short, most of the clan's field work rests on the hunters' shoulders.
The First is... well, the bookworm that sits around all day studying magic and history. And s/he is likely too valuable to be sent into a risky task unless his/her presence is absolutely vital.
I agree with others here who pointed out arguments for sending a mage. I want to add another: it's a sign of respect (because she is valuable) and that's always good in negotiations and other official tasks. Sending the second in command (sort of) means to honor the conclave, which looks a lot better than sending a common hunter. The Dalish do try to improve their standing after all, so they might want to send somebody important.
Moreover this sort of assembly is rather political than pure spying, and it requires not only a keen eye and hand but also a keen mind and tongue, so it's rather clever to send an academic type who did a lot of studying and (as Uirebhiril and Illyria already said) practiced the art of diplomacy. This is not reading foot prints on dry soil after all. Hunters mainly deal with the human trading folk because they are well suited to get to those people in the first place (through the dangers lurking in the woods), not because it's that much of a politically challenging task.
Well, I can see your point. But to me it still feels odd. Also, it might be a sign of respect but would that actually be necessary? Would they actually let themselves be seen. Would the Chantry folk even care about the Dalish sending someone at all?I agree with others here who pointed out arguments for sending a mage. I want to add another: it's a sign of respect (because she is valuable) and that's always good in negotiations and other official tasks. Sending the second in command (sort of) means to honor the conclave, which looks a lot better than sending a common hunter. The Dalish do try to improve their standing after all, so they might want to send somebody important.
Moreover this sort of assembly is rather political than pure spying, and it requires not only a keen eye and hand but also a keen mind and tongue, so it's rather clever to send an academic type who did a lot of studying and (as Uirebhiril and Illyria already said) practicing the art of diplomacy. This is not reading foot prints on dry soil after all. Hunters mainly deal with the human trading folk because they are well suited to get to those poeple in the first place (through the dangers lurking in the woods), not because it's that much of a politically challenging task.
Also, it might be a sign of respect but would that actually be necessary? Would they actually let themselves be seen. Would the Chantry folk even care about the Dalish sending someone at all?
May I expand your roster of questions by one more? "Do things ever get better if we stop trying?" 
Maybe respect is unnecessary because nobody cares anyway. But "maybe". As long as it wasn't attempted and failed there's still a chance.
Well, I can see your point. But to me it still feels odd. Also, it might be a sign of respect but would that actually be necessary? Would they actually let themselves be seen. Would the Chantry folk even care about the Dalish sending someone at all?
It's necesary from Deshanna's point of view. It's even stated verbatim on Lavellan tarot card:
"Keeper sent [him/her] to spy on the Conclave at Haven, as the outcome might determine the fate of [his/her] own clan."
And in character summary if you pick the elf:
"What happened there [at the Conclave], she said, would impact not only the Dalish but indeed all elves. She could not have known how right she was."
... Now, I'm not saying that it's neessary, but I do wonder if, based on that description, anyone tries to headcanon Deshanna as a bit of a clairvoyant?
Hi guys *waves* It's been a few months. I admit I needed to take a step away from Solas hell, but now that I've started a new playthrough I'm right back smack into it *sighs*. I did miss this thread though.
For the question of why sending a first to the conclave instead of a hunter, there are two more points I don't think anyone has brought up yet (if so, I'm sorry I missed it). The first is that, as others have said, a first would have more knowledge of the outside world -- outside of the Dalish clans that is -- than a simple hunter. The conclave is very political, and apart from being able to listen, an effective spy needs to be able to understand the subtleties of what is happening. Only someone with at least some knowledge of human affairs would be able to do that. And then, (s)he might well be the only one to speak the language! Most probably, the conclave would be held in Orlesian, as most parties are from Orlais (the Divine, Fiona, the seeker leader whose name evades me at the moment). A first would probably have more education than a normal hunter and would have more opportunity to learn human languages. But, that's really a matter of headcanon since there is never any mention in game of people not knowing each other's language. We only know they exist because people have accent and it can be inferred.
For the question of why sending a first to the conclave instead of a hunter, there are two more points I don't think anyone has brought up yet (if so, I'm sorry I missed it). The first is that, as others have said, a first would have more knowledge of the outside world -- outside of the Dalish clans that is -- than a simple hunter.
I'd think its more accurate to say the First could be as knowledgeable of the outside world as a hunter, not more. Hunters, as has been pointed out, are typically the ones with the most outside world interaction. They meet the outsiders where they are, rather then letting those people get to the clan. Firsts are typically insulated.
But ultimately the good thing about Clan Lavellan's description is that Keeper Deshanna is noted to have a different, more open view towards interacting with outsiders and you are free to decide what that means to Clan Lavellan's structure and your character's experience.
I'd think its more accurate to say the First could be as knowledgeable of the outside world as a hunter, not more. Hunters, as has been pointed out, are typically the ones with the most outside world interaction. They meet the outsiders where they are, rather then letting those people get to the clan. Firsts are typically insulated.
But ultimately the good thing about Clan Lavellan's description is that Keeper Deshanna is noted to have a different, more open view towards interacting with outsiders and you are free to decide what that means to Clan Lavellan's structure and your character's experience.
True. I also usually play a hunter, so I don't really have much skin in the game , so to speak. I did seem to remember the Keeper and first being more involved with talks when it came to outsiders, but it's been a while and I might not remember right after all .
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