7969 réponses à ce sujet

[Tishina]

I haven't and won't! I just don't have a lot of time to keep track of the topics here since a lot of my off time is spent studying the truckload of data for my job and then decompressing with some sketching or a game. Not a lot of time for forum reading at present. I do post on tumblr, mostly art reblogs though, but if anyone wants to keep up with me there, I check it regular and my page is here.

We've missed you, but glad it's for (sort of) pleasant reasons!

[TEWR]

Not sure this has been discussed or not, but I have a question.

 

If we are fortunate enough to not only have a choice of what race to play again in the next Dragon Age game and also have a dwarf LI. Should the dwarf LI be race restricted to just dwarf players or should the other races be able to enjoy the glory of the dwarf? 

 

All the companions in the next game should be Dwarves.

 

[Red of Rivia]

All the companions in the next game should be Dwarves.

 

And the protagonist could be Snow White 

[Spectre4hire]

Just recruited the Templars and I liked the the speech Cadash makes if he acknowledges being the Herald of Andraste even though he is a dwarf.

 

And thanks to the underworld knowledge perk, I got to also RP that Cadash knew the right people to secure more lyrium for the Templars.

[TEWR]

Can someone take screenies of the Kal-Sharok missions in the War table, both before you do it and after (success or failure routes) for all people? Also, is it true Sutherland has a Kal-Sharok related mission?

 

EDIT: And I'm looking through my own screenies and I can't believe I never realized Charade was a Friend of Red Jenny.

 

EDIT 2: And if you're having a rough day guys, just know that Nasir believes in you -- 

 

[Gilsa]

@tewr - I'm on my phone ATM so forgive my shorthand. Is this the kal-Sharok mission you are thinking of?

http://dragonage.wik..._on_Their_Terms

[TEWR]

Ah yes it is! I'm glad the wiki was updated to have the mission's stuff.

 

I think it's interesting that there was a Blighted deepstalker corpse found, which indicates that the Kal-Sharok Dwarves have some mastery over tainted creatures, probably due to the weird suffusion of their own biology with the constant low-level taint exposure they've endured over the centuries. Perhaps they're managing to tap into the taint's power, like Avernus theorized? Like Genlock Emissaries are capable of?

 

Looking through other WT mission things now

 

Hmmmm, interestingly, dragons are resistant to the Blight disease. That does explain some things, like Alistair being a Warden (given the Theirin blood specialness thing that was added) but I wonder if it also means that Leliana is, as I argued once in the past, the descendant of Andraste the Dumat OGB (since she was resistant to the Blight disease as well). She sings, Andraste was noted to have been a redhead IIRC by Cassandra, Andraste's descendants were all women, both have visions, etc.

[TEWR]

So.... here's a short little ficlet I just wrote randomly throughout the day. It's.... nothing special. Rather meh at best, honestly, but then I say that about everything I write so.... meh.

 

Spoiler

 

Xanthos stopped what he was doing as he heard a slight shuffling sound emanating from outside his study, followed swiftly by a knock on the door. "Come in", he said before continuing to write his letter. The one on the other side opened the door and passed the threshold, walking with a slight gait that indicated a twisted ankle.

 

There was enough in his peripheral vision to get enough of an image of who the Dwarf was. A stout and solid frame with a small but nonetheless intricately braided black beard, adorned in armor with the crest of House Harrowmont upon it and Smith House Toldra, and piercing golden eyes -- almost supernatural in their aura. 

 

"Renvil, it's good to see you're doing well." Xanthos said. He raised a glass of juice to his lips and continued about his duties, stoic like a Qunari.

 

"Well enough, all things considered. My ankle still has yet to heal from the last mission. Blasted spiders...."

 

A small smile passed over the king's face as he finally set down his quill and gazed at the Dwarf before him, standing dutiful and ready for his next assignment. Gorim was sitting on a sofa imported from Orlais in the background, evidently relaxing, but even so he was never once unready to fulfill his obligations as Second in whatever capacity was needed.

 

Rising from his chair, Xanthos walked around the desk and rolled up the parchment before securing it in a tiny container made by some of the finest artisans Orzammar had to offer. Intricately carved with images of dragons and kings, it was also something that could only be opened by a specific action. To try and force it open would ruin the contents within. He then handed the cryptex to his friend, leaning against the edge of the desk and crossing his arms.

 

Renvil examined the item with fascination, turning it over in his hands to understand each and every little aspect of it. There hadn't been such a thing in the Dwarven lands before. Indeed, it was something Xanthos had thought should be crafted, for there were many people that would be giddy to have trade secrets of Orzammar. 

 

"Renvil, I have another assignment for you. I wish for you to head up an expedition to Kal-Sharok in my name. I wish to expand on the levels of communication my father re-established."

 

If Renvil was surprised, he said nothing. Kal-Sharok was the seat of the old empire, across the span of two nations and beneath a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns long since left to the Darkspawn's filth. To travel there would require not just a considerable amount of manpower, but a large sum of funds as well.

 

But what was Kal-Sharok other then a bitter memory of a bygone age, an echo of the sounds of Dwarven prosperity? No doubt the isolation they'd endured had taken a toll on their status, but even then Xanthos suspected they would have found ways to circumvent such limitations. The one rule of society was that when your survival is on the line, you will break down whatever barriers are in your way.

 

As it happened, there was still grousing among the nobility at Xanthos' talks of helping them. Many had argued that for their refusal to acknowledge the sovereignty of Orzammar over Kal-Sharok, they should be forgotten and left to the Stone -- if it would even accept them. Lords Meino and Bemot were happy themselves, but their concerns were focused purely on money. And that was how it was, the noble houses only cared about themselves or tradition.

 

To Xanthos, it was about so much more then that. It was about survival.

 

"You should first take a ship from Amaranthine to Kirkwall and talk with Varric Tethras. I understand his brother has been adamant in his search for anything related to Kal-Sharok, hoping it would help his own ambitions. From there, head towards Cumberland in Nevarra, where the rest of your expedition will await you."

 

"How many people am I to take?"

 

"Ten of the Legion will accompany you, along with two Golems, forty of House Aeducan and Harrowmont's soldiers, some of the Shaperate, and three merchant caste caravans. Word has already been sent to Kal-Sharok that we are planning to meet with them, so they will not be surprised by it."

 

"Very well, your Majesty. When would you like me to return?"

 

"You won't be returning Renvil. I need an ambassador there, someone willing to throw aside tradition and who can earn the respect of the Dwarves there by learning their ways easily. They are still bitter at being sealed away, and I cannot blame them. But demanding they swear fealty to us will only widen the gap, not shorten it. For the moment, we are two separate kingdoms, brothers caught in a feud, willing to work together out of a sense of pragmatism."

 

"I see."

 

Xanthos could see in Renvil's eyes that he probably wondered if it was a punishment of some sort, but the thought was quickly banished. There was nothing to punish, but it was more of a reprieve. Renvil's father fell in the Blight and it took a heavy toll on him, where he devoted himself solely to missions in the Deep Roads. A new start would do wonders for his spirits, and what better way was there then to leave Orzammar and be able to maintain caste?

 

But it wasn't going to be an easy mission either, as he told his delegate. The Carta had since moved north to the Free Marches and established a tight grip on the region, moving lyrium from the old abandoned mines and thaigs all around. Nasir's reports on the Cadash Syndicate's movements were thoroughly detailed, and Nasir's pull within his family was enough to give Xanthos some measure of authority over them that he hoped to expand. He could only surmise at what the Carta was planning and what they'd do, split into the various families they now were.

 

The Cadashes had long since taken control of the Free Marches since their exile some time ago, but now they had competition. The remnants of Jarvia's group moved to Ferelden and Kirkwall and began to violently take ground, with a penchant for backroom dealings and mercenary work and selling their services to the highest bidder. As he had heard, the seat of Templar power in the east was facing renewed troubles on the age-old debate of mage freedom vs. security. No doubt the Carta would take advantage of the situation, using both sides to bring in coin. Smart, to be sure.

 

"The Carta will most likely seek your head, Renvil. They'll end up hearing about this expedition and I can't guarantee they won't try anything. I'm willing to bet they'll try and kill you, replace you, and then set up shop in Kal-Sharok under your name."

 

"I'll be more then careful, your Majesty."

 

With that, Renvil bowed his head and turned to leave, still dragging his foot slightly across the floor. He was certainly a stubborn Dwarf, that was certain. He should be in bed resting, yet he chose to carry on through willpower alone. Commendable, if reckless. Xanthos sighed and shook his head before looking at Gorim, who seemed to be content as he ever was. Did anything ever faze him?

 

"This is bound to net you more enemies, you know."

 

"I'm surprised there are people who aren't my enemies yet." Xanthos said in jest. "No matter. We've already dealt with two assassination attempts already. Let them have a few more."

 

"As you will."

 

"At any rate, let's go down to Tapster's for some ale the surfacers make. By the Ancestors could I use one now..."

 

[DanteYoda]

I find it really hard to play anything not Dwarf... The other Races just don't compare..

 

I want a Bianca Romance Dammit!

[Merela]

I haven't and won't! I just don't have a lot of time to keep track of the topics here since a lot of my off time is spent studying the truckload of data for my job and then decompressing with some sketching or a game. Not a lot of time for forum reading at present. I do post on tumblr, mostly art reblogs though, but if anyone wants to keep up with me there, I check it regular and my page is here.

 

Yeah, good luck with your training! Take care!

[Gilsa]

That made me nostalgic for the dwarven nobles and Gorim. Tickles me to see all the connections weaving through the dwarf wardens, nobles, and Cadashes in one story, y'know?

 

And this link isn't dwarf related, but it's still related. Horography/firemadeflesh has released the human male Skyhold retextures, which means that dwarf males will be next on the list now: http://porcelyn-doll...d-outfit-velvet

[Tishina]

First conversation between Zhenya and Viv at Skyhold. Six answers to "why were you at the conclave?" and none of them make any particular sense for most Carta dwarves, lol. I may be with the Inquisition now because there's a big hole in the sky that's an obvious problem for almost everyone. But I was not at the Conclave for anything to do with preferring mages, templars, or the circle, and I'm not sure chaos or justice had that much to do with it at the time. Trying to strike a lyrium deal, or making sure the conference wasn't going to mess with our business, sure. Does anyone know if a qunari gets a chance to say, "I was hired to be there?"

[Gilsa]

 Also, is it true Sutherland has a Kal-Sharok related mission?

 

I hadn't forgotten this question. I looked around a bit and found a complete video of Sutherland's quests from start to end here:

 

 

The dwarf stuff appears around 5:30ish or so and a dwarf NPC will appear later on in Skyhold. I guess I missed this part on my games. Apparently if you leave Storm Coast without finding him, he disappears. I probably forgot about this since there's too much going on in the game.

 

First conversation between Zhenya and Viv at Skyhold. Six answers to "why were you at the conclave?" and none of them make any particular sense for most Carta dwarves, lol. I may be with the Inquisition now because there's a big hole in the sky that's an obvious problem for almost everyone. But I was not at the Conclave for anything to do with preferring mages, templars, or the circle, and I'm not sure chaos or justice had that much to do with it at the time. Trying to strike a lyrium deal, or making sure the conference wasn't going to mess with our business, sure. Does anyone know if a qunari gets a chance to say, "I was hired to be there?"

 

Yeah, I always found some conversation options to be shoe-horned in for the dwarves. Viv's conversation is one of them. The conversation with Mother Giselle about beliefs during In Your Heart Shall Burn is another.

[veeia]

Oh, how so with that convo about belief with Mother Giselle, Gilsa? I've played through it twice with dwarves and both times I felt like I could pick an option that fit them...but I honestly can't remember what they were, or what any of the options were, lmao

Totally agree with the convo with Viv though. I went through it with my Mage Trev and it had so much more substance. Of course a circle Mage is going to have more personal things to talk about with Viv regarding that, but just something that fit period would have been nice.

[veeia]

Or it would have evened out if Cadash had like,..any special lines with say, Varric about red lyrium or the Carta.

[Gilsa]

Well, Mother Giselle is not as bad as Viv's. The choices are:

 

1. We need more than faith.

3. I believe, but is that enough?

4. Fanatical belief is to blame.

5. This is a waste of time.

6. I still don't believe.

 

For a dwarf that only believes in the Stone, my best options look to be 5 and 6.

 

6 says, "Whatever the rest of you say, I felt no divine aid at the Conclave or Haven. The struggle ahead seems mine alone." (This seems, to me, like someone who is struggling with her faith in the Maker. It's OK, but eh.)

 

5 says, "If the enemy is still out there, these questions don't matter. We need soldiers, weapons. Corypheus doesn't care what we believe." (This is better, but there ain't no "we" in "what we believe." I know it's nitpicky. STILL.)

 

I don't remember what 4 says. I don't have screenshots for that, alas.

[HurraFTP]

I've picked the 4 with my dwarf. I don't remember the exact quote and i have no screenshot .
From my memories it's something like this: "All that happens because some people want to start another world, I think it's time believing in this one".

 

[TEWR]

So I played the Kal-Sharok mod for the PC that was made years ago by a fellow gamer. It's.... not too bad, all told. 

[veeia]

Oh, well I got the impression that the game is set up so that you're supposed to be an Andrastrian dwarf. I mean, I sure as heck played a Stone following one, but I think there are like...what, two dialogue options that address it? I forget the other one, but one is with Flissa and your only way to actually address the Stone is to say you don't follow it. So to me that doesn't feel like a dialogue option that doesn't take into account dwarves, because in their account, Cadash is supposed to be Andrastrian like everyone else...seems like it might feel more jarring for Lavellan, who actually gets to define themselves as following the Dalish religion. 

 

btw, I checked my screenies and my stone following dwarf picked option 4, about fanatical belief.  "All of this happened because of fanatics and arguments about the next world. It's time we start believing in this one." and that seemed to fit him pretty well. 

[MoonDrummer]

Oh, well I got the impression that the game is set up so that you're supposed to be an Andrastrian dwarf. I mean, I sure as heck played a Stone following one, but I think there are like...what, two dialogue options that address it? I forget the other one, but one is with Flissa and your only way to actually address the Stone is to say you don't follow it. So to me that doesn't feel like a dialogue option that doesn't take into account dwarves, because in their account, Cadash is supposed to be Andrastrian like everyone else...seems like it might feel more jarring for Lavellan, who actually gets to define themselves as following the Dalish religion. 

 

btw, I checked my screenies and my stone following dwarf picked option 4, about fanatical belief.  "All of this happened because of fanatics and arguments about the next world. It's time we start believing in this one." and that seemed to fit him pretty well. 

I don't think that being Andrastian and following the stone are mutually exclusive, I thought that the chantry says that the maker didn't create the dwarves because they don't have a link to the fade. I'm not really sure about it, but my Cadash believes in the stone, the ancestors and all that jazz, but also believes everyone else was created by the maker.

[TEWR]

To the Chantry, such beliefs are mutually exclusive. You have to be one or the other. In the grand scheme of things, religious beliefs actually aren't. A Dwarfquisitor/Dwarvden could easily believe that the Maker created the Dwarves, but did not feel they needed Him in their lives and thus also believes in the common Dwarven thing of Ancestor worship.

[MoonDrummer]

To the Chantry, such beliefs are mutually exclusive. You can't be one or the other. In the grand scheme of things, religious beliefs actually aren't. A Dwarfquisitor/Dwarvden could easily believe that the Maker created the Dwarves, but did not feel they needed Him in their lives and thus also believes in the common Dwarven thing of Ancestor worship.

I could have sworn I read somewhere that the Chantry acknowledged that Dwarves did not come from the maker...

[TEWR]

And what would they have as a basis for such a claim? An interview with the Maker?

 

(not being snide. I'm just in a joking mood).

 

It's religious politics, mainly. They'll never acknowledge such things as being possible, whether it's true or not. It's far easier to denounce the Dwarves as being heretical and outside the Maker's favor then it is to say "they are His children, beloved by him, no matter what path they walk". The Chantry easily accepts Dwarves into their ranks if they believe -- Burkel -- but if you don't, you're not actually something the Maker created.

 

If you line up with what they believe, they'll welcome you with open arms. If you don't, they'll treat you with derision and scorn. A matter of convenience and certainly the nature of the world, in the end.

[LadyofClockwork7]

Hey guys! Sorry for the prolonged absence. What've I missed?

[vertigomez]

I like the idea of Stone/Maker syncretism. Are they mutually exclusive according to those in charge? Probably. But that's never stopped anyone before. Look at voudon (an amalgam of West African and Caribbean spirituality and Catholicism) or Messianic Judaism or Trinitarian Wicca... it all boils down to inculturation. "How do we make our religion more palatable to these potential converts..? Let them keep some of their other beliefs/cultural practices while still maintaining belief in OUR religion!" And over time you've got a brand-spanking-new belief system.

Even if the Chantry or the Shaperate considers it heretical, there are still gonna be those that find a way to make it work in their minds.