139 réponses à ce sujet

[sanam]

I've just rolled a second character as a Dalish elf. So far (5 hours) there's already been several chances to reference my background.

My first PC was a dwarf and, despite the naysayers, I really found that it worked. You do experience a lot of push-back from the Chantry and the nobles of Orlais, but they need you, whether they like you or not. That, and the extra options with the carta encounters are a lot of fun. Discussions with Solas about the reason for the dwarven magic resistance were also very interesting and (I hope) foreshadowing.

 

Maybe I expected less than the original poster, but I found DA:I very reactive to my choice of inquisitor. Every second conversation had an extra option, almost.

 

It's also worth noting that DA:I takes place in Fantasy Europe (a common setting for fiction). Medieval Europe was not a monoculture, though it was often portrayed as one. Prejudice was rife, but that did not erase minority populations, or their contributions to the culture.

 

[Ashagar]

From what I seen the human warrior has natural advantages at the start the others do not, He/she are considered to be of the proper blood by the Orlesians because of their background and they have deep family ties to the chantry both of which aren't complicated by being a scary rebel mage and gives some starting minor legitimacy to the new inquisition that the other starts do not.

[OldSwede]

It's also worth noting that DA:I takes place in Fantasy Europe (a common setting for fiction). Medieval Europe was not a monoculture, though it was often portrayed as one. Prejudice was rife, but that did not erase minority populations, or their contributions to the culture.

 

Finally! Thank you thank you thank you! The Viking in me thanks you - a lot - for this!    (I, myself, have wanted to stress this so many times, but then given up as I've been reading this very misconception over and over again)

 

On topic:
To OP and everyone else, so if I was to play as a human mage, my Inquisitor must please everyone by believing in the thing they call "The Maker"?

My Inquisitor (and I haven't even bought the game yet LOL) already believes that this guy/Flemeth/Solas-whom/whatever it is (I haven't read all the spoilers so I don't truly know of the ending), is The Evil in itself, meaning they (the humans, here in this part of Thedas) are more like "cultists", although ignorant of it, and my Inquisitor will probably believe Andraste was a mage.

That said, I guess my character wouldn't be "the best" for this game - or how does that work out?

(and I do not care much for being forced, it's enough having to be forced to go to regions only if you have completed certain parts of the main story - that has always been an issue for me with BW-game. I have loved (most of) the games I've played, even so) :-)

 

E.g. when arriving at Skyhold, saying "I believe in the mages freedom" (which would probably get some turbulence LOL ) and things like that - people's reactions across the world.

 

It's okay with spoilers (just not too detailed if and on the Morrigan/Flemeth/Solas-part, please )
 

Thank you very much in advance! I might play as a mage elf though - now that I know the downsides, i will not have to be disappointed. Thank you Ssekyr1 (OP)

[berrieh]

Looks like I found someone able to answer my question. Ok, from elven lore and history perspective the story fails you or could be done much better (all solid arguments) but can you tell me how did it feel to play an elf for someone who read Masked Empire?

My problem with the elves here (still hesitate to roll one) is the necessity to deal with Orlei. I can not believe that all that people can ignore the fact that you are a second class citizen, lower race, practically a slave (well, almost). In ME the injustice towards elves was everywhere, one of the main plot line. And now an elf is leading a huge religious human organisation?! To me it's like a black slave suddenly promoted to pope in medieval times. 

 

I can not play an elf until I somehow manage to justify that very point  (With kossith or dwarf it's no better but in their case it's more about their originaly alien nature to the Chantry and anything related to human specific traditions)

 

I mean, if you seem to be cast out of the Fade by a figure that looks like Andraste and can close Rifts with your hand (something no one else can do - not even the most powerful mage, etc), then people are going to at least respect that power and consider it. Also, as a Dalish elf, you aren't exactly a "second class citizen." You're not really a citizen at all. You're a myth to the humans - many of whom have never seen and will never see the Dalish. 

 

I've read ME. Briala has power, too, by the way, and is even called an "Ambassador" at the party. And that's without a godlike glowy hand power. I didn't have any problems with DA:I in regards to elves. City elves may have been more difficult (why would they even be at the Conclave? Serving food?). 

[Leoroc]

I believe this is because Hawke was originally intended to be the central character of this game as well. They were wanting to create their own "Shepard", a more recognizable character that could be used across multiple sequels. Because of the backlash DAII received, they decided to distance themselves from Hawke, but still used the same general story layout. That's why they had to start the game with a conveniently timed magical terrorist attack that gave this one random person tons of influence and power.

 

I'm also playing a Dalish elf, and I understand where you're coming from. There area few moments that really feel authentic to the Dalish experience, but those are somewhat few and far between.

Not quite. DA always intended to have different PCs each game, but there are two factors that influenced this.

 

1 - Exalted March, this was an expansion for DA2 that got canceled so more work could go into DAI. A lot (or all) of the story from that got rolled into DAI, though it's hard to tell specifically what.

 

2 - Human PC. Originally the game was planned to be Human only again, this changed after about a year of development already done. It's no surprise really, but comparing the Human run I did first with the Qunari run I'm doing now they seem to point out my Qunari background more often than my noble background. I hope there will be some mention of me being a Bas Saarebas but I doubt it.

[Jackums]

Honestly, DA:I has finally created interest in the elves and their culture, for me. The Temple of Mythal quest was one of my favorites in the game, largely because of the elven lore and revelations about Arlathan and these "ancient" elves.

 

In previous games, the elves just seemed like some run down, shamanistic tribes of a bitter, waning race of people with pointed ears that were salty they lost to the invading humans. But now? We find out their decline was not the fault of Tevinter, but of in-fighting, and the elves have this prestigious history (which is finally confirmed and not regurgitated legend), and used to exist in a great empire with powerful, elegant magics and natural immortality.

 

I, for one, welcome this change, and am glad the elven empire was not some weak victim of an invading human force.

 

As for the reactivity to the race in-game, I can't comment because I haven't played an elf yet, personally.

[staindgrey]

Not quite. DA always intended to have different PCs each game, but there are two factors that influenced this.

 

1 - Exalted March, this was an expansion for DA2 that got canceled so more work could go into DAI. A lot (or all) of the story from that got rolled into DAI, though it's hard to tell specifically what.

 

2 - Human PC. Originally the game was planned to be Human only again, this changed after about a year of development already done. It's no surprise really, but comparing the Human run I did first with the Qunari run I'm doing now they seem to point out my Qunari background more often than my noble background. I hope there will be some mention of me being a Bas Saarebas but I doubt it.

I don't believe they originally intended for a different PC in DA:I. Bioware even said before DAII's release that Hawke would be "the mot important figure in the Dragon Age world". And the fact that they cancelled the Exalted March DLC is likely further proof that they decided on a change after DA:I's initial development, which began before DAII's release.

 

Plus, don't you think it curious that while the lead character of Origins was intentionally left vague and unmarketed outside of one combat trailer, Hawke was given a very distinctive, canonical look and was placed at the forefront of all DAII marketing? They were building a brand, much in the same way they successfully did with Shepard in ME2 and ME3. EA likely wanted a player character that they could put on t-shirts for sequels to come, then figured out, "Oh, maybe DA is better off with a less established player avatar".

 

A lot of this is speculation. I admit as much. But it makes far too much sense to me after playing through the final product of DA:I. There are many points within the game in which the Inquisitor's involvement almost seems forced at best, unnecessary at worst.

[Dabrikishaw]

Even now, I feel like the game acknowledges a Dalish enough that I can forgive the well incident. 

[n7stormrunner]

haven't finish a play though yet but things about playing as a dalish. was talking with cassandra, I think, she give the best come back from a human to a dalish about the maker. and why no dalish decor or beds really all the things we do they couldn't steal a few statues from the ruins we visit. and I couldn't send someone to ask my keeper to send me my bed.

 

other then that it's been pretty good. it's fun to sass the shems about me not believing in the maker.

[Wolfen09]

so what are we comparing this to?  i mean, origins had very little race references, and inquisition actually has more.  plus the developers were "bullied" into adding race selection and the qunari by the fans in the first place...  (thats my opinion).  The references are more than origins, and since da2 didnt have any, id say its a step up for them.

 

So you want to be locked out of val royeaux because your an elf, or have the chantry despise you the entire game because your an elf.  I think they went the better route as more people would be frustrated with the constant hate over the minority worrying about lack of racial inequality in the game

[Gravybeard]

A huge thanks for the replies to my question and the continuing discussion. I now know what I'll do: dwarf (for fun/to learn) then elf (for my "canon" playthrough).

 

Like Wolfen09 mentioned, I don't want to be frustrated or locked out of content, but I do like the feeling of the character really being what she/he is. Playing the intro of DA:O as a dwarf, if felt truly special to return to Orzammar later. Playing an elf mage who left to become a warden and returned to find the tower in crisis felt special too. That's when RPGs are at their best, I think. Skyrim, by the way, failed to do that every chance it got. It was all but irrelevant that my char was Khajit. It's great to hear that DA:I doesn't have the same problems.

[inko1nsiderate]

Really? This is the only thread I've seen pertaining to race reactivty and elves in general.

 

 

Did you try the war table with Cullen, as well? I wonder if it'd go different with Josephine or Lelianna, both are more tactful in different ways.

 

Regardless if Fen'Harel exists now as Urthemiel and Mythal or Flemeth exists as all three, they all still exist. But, to what end? Specualtion on my part will be fruitless simply because the answer is apparent. A new installment is forthcoming. Something that doesn't delight me quite the way the forthcoming DA2 and then DA:I did.

I used Josephine.  My clan died.  I agree that your clan getting wiped and having no reaction is... incredibly frustrating. In that, it doesn't even make sense.  You have this option to get the PC's entire family killed off but they don't mention anything?  Both DA2 and DAO had better handles on that, with at least ONE conversation about Tamlen or Hawke's family and people saying sorry.  It is just baffling to me that this is a valid outcome to the operation but nothing gets said about such a HUGE event for a Dalish PC.  In the rest of the game people ask you what you want to do when this is all over, and you can say 'I'd like to go back and see my clan' SEVERAL times.  And then they die?  But no word?  UGH.  

But as to the other stuff?  I think there are only a handful of instances where I felt the elf needed extra options and didn't have them, but I spend a lot of time arguing about elves with Solas and Sera.  Overall, I felt like the race reactivity in this game was better than DA:O for the Dalish.  During the Cullen romance I was able to bring up my elfness I think at least twice.  I talked about the Dalish with a random animal researcher in Haven, I definitely told Mother Giselle that I followed the Elven gods, I remember numerous interactions at plot critical moments where it came up and I could discuss it.  I can't really say the same for DA:O can I?  I guess there was never an option like the one right at Ostagar where you tell Calin off, but I felt my elfness discussed thoroughly.  Short of discussing the elven pantheon more in depth, I'm not sure what more I could expect from the game.  I also seem to remember speaking a bit of elvish at some point (maybe I'm delirious though), and in Solas' quest you know what was spoken in Elvish (why you don't know at other points in time is beyond me).

That being said, there are definitely parts of the game where the dialogue options just don't quite fit, but being given the chance to talk in some depth about the plight of the elves in the Temple of Mythal after the Arbor Wilds was thoroughly satisfying for me.

[Amirit]

I mean, if you seem to be cast out of the Fade by a figure that looks like Andraste and can close Rifts with your hand (something no one else can do - not even the most powerful mage, etc), then people are going to at least respect that power and consider it. Also, as a Dalish elf, you aren't exactly a "second class citizen." You're not really a citizen at all. You're a myth to the humans - many of whom have never seen and will never see the Dalish. 

 

I've read ME. Briala has power, too, by the way, and is even called an "Ambassador" at the party. And that's without a godlike glowy hand power. I didn't have any problems with DA:I in regards to elves. City elves may have been more difficult (why would they even be at the Conclave? Serving food?). 

 

This is actually a good point (I am collecting all of them in attempt to convince myself an elf-quisitor is not weired). Felassan was an obvious dalish (I mean, he looked like one) and was looked upon with a great suspicion. Briala, on the other hand, withing the city was nothing but a "rabbit" and a "knife-year". 

Probably it has to be something a la Jeanne d'Arc - something so mythical that people can overlook your race\gender\whatever. Thanks.

 

So you want to be locked out of val royeaux because your an elf, or have the chantry despise you the entire game because your an elf.  I think they went the better route as more people would be frustrated with the constant hate over the minority worrying about lack of racial inequality in the game

 
No and yes. I do not WANT it - my game would be obviously ruined but I can not JUSTIFY the absence of such things. This is the problem. The game immediately become a fairytale instead of dark fantasy. Oh, you are a qunary? No problem, we love you, believe in you, trust you, declare our religion symbol and you are very welcome in high society!
 
I do not know how to solve it. The only way is non-human for fun and human for the canon PT (though almost convinced elves can pull it off too).

[TMJfin]

I very much enjoyed my Lavellan playtrough and with the main plot it seemed to me that elf was the way to go. Only irritating thing was the Temple of Mythal. I was like "HELLO! Dalish right here, she's one of our gods!" Also it would've been nice to meet more Dalish clans or at least bigger clan. My clan didn't die by the way, I think I used Josephine for that mission.

[TK514]

This probably makes me a terrible person, but I can't help but be amused that the Dragon Age tradition of wiping out a Dalish clan continues, only this time you have to be Dalish yourself to do it.

 

Honestly, though, it doesn't surprise me at all to hear people saying they don't feel like they're getting enough non-human reactivity.  DA:I was designed for a human protagonist, and they tacked on the other races in about a year.  That's just not a lot of time, when you consider everything that goes into such reactivity.  I'm going to hold off on forming a final opinion until I've played a Dalish myself, but I didn't really expect more than occasional lip service, so anything more than that will be a pleasant surprise.

[berrieh]

No and yes. I do not WANT it - my game would be obviously ruined but I can not JUSTIFY the absence of such things. This is the problem. The game immediately become a fairytale instead of dark fantasy. Oh, you are a qunary? No problem, we love you, believe in you, trust you, declare our religion symbol and you are very welcome in high society!

 
I do not know how to solve it. The only way is non-human for fun and human for the canon PT (though almost convinced elves can pull it off too).

 

 

First of all, while dwarves may lose favour at the fancy Orlesian ball, most nations rely on dwarven trade and the Chantry certainly does. You being Carta (depending on how widely known it is) presents a greater problem, but being a Dwarf doesn't seem that problematic. The Chantry does teach that Dwarves are further from the Maker, but that would only make it even more a miracle for Andraste to save you and give you this gift - after all, the Chantry's goal is to convert everyone so that the Maker will return. I don't see why the Chantry would hate you any more than they do a human noble as a dwarf (and they kind of hate you regardless of race at various points). Humans aren't particularly "racist" against Dwarves - they think they're different, but not necessarily less. Many surface dwarves seem to do just fine and socialize with nobles, etc, especially in the Marches, Ferelden, and Tevinter. Orlais likes you best as a Noble, because you fit best into their Game, but I don't see any reason they'd refuse to deal with a Dwarf. 

 

We've already handled Dalish Elf. 

 

As to the Qunari - that one I can't help with. The Vashoth are so rare (compared to the true Qunari or Tal-Vashoth) that I have no idea how they fit into any society. I'm guessing fear plays a big role in your being able to get anything done? 

 

It's worth noting that even my Human Noble female was not fully "welcome" in high society. She was used as a tool by players of the Game and looked down on as a backwater Marcher. The whole "Court favor" mechanic reflects your choice of race - my Dalish elf was not well-trusted at the start. But, whatever race you are, the mark on your hand makes you a novelty worth using as a tool. 

 

Now, why that guy in my courtyard always fussing about how he doesn't trust elves stays with the Inquisition when I'm a Dalish elf, I don't know. But people do engage in selective racism IRL, so why not in game? 

[Vilegrim]

I felt that they established pretty well that you were an elf. It came up far more often than it did in Origins, at any rate, where it only tended to pop up in re-visiting your origin's areas. You could always push back about believing in Andraste, Elf-dialogue came up in most critical areas.

 

The Lavellan board quests were pretty bad, admittedly.

 

I think that you're disappointed, but that's honestly how the Elven experience is supposed to feel. They're a broken, dwindling race, unable to compete with Humans in population or organization. The Dalish have consistently been shown to repeat half-forgotten tales (Merrill is supposed to know as much as anyone about Elven lore as a First, but doesn't really understand what an Eluvenan is) about a kingdom that was in and of itself an attempt to remember an even older, faded empire (which happens to have some crazy-cursed ruins even in Origins--an early red flag). I'm wondering: what did you expect from the game, or what would have been satisfying to you.?

 

 

To claim that I was the Herald of Mythal (Or possibly Andruil, either works), to instead of saying 'I don't believe in the maker' when asked, to reply with what I did believe in (Elven pantheon, naturally), to say the circles had obviously failed and they should try the keeper and apprentices approach.  Because despite what other people say, I wasn't getting or at least not seeing those options.

[Amirit]

First of all, while dwarves may lose favour at the fancy Orlesian ball, most nations rely on dwarven trade and the Chantry certainly does. You being Carta (depending on how widely known it is) presents a greater problem, but being a Dwarf doesn't seem that problematic. The Chantry does teach that Dwarves are further from the Maker, but that would only make it even more a miracle for Andraste to save you and give you this gift

Exactly. But first, I have to tell it openly - I do not argue about legitimacy of your arguments. And far from bashing your view of the inquisitor's race. All I am trying to do is to justify for myself the ability to play a race other then human.
 
So, about dwarves. Unfortunately, there is nothing in human history to compare it with. Even if you declare a barbarian cannibal from a cave "holy symbol" of catholic church, that barbarian still will be a human and there COULD be a missioner who made him a catholic. With dwarves it's still more extreme. 
Trading - sure! There can be no doubts. Official visits from dwarven officials? Any time! They are noble folk, they have a king, they have traditions. Or warriors - who can be better? As a warden your DN is equal to the king and the best of the best with a weapon.
Now, religion - is another matter. It's racial, it's private, it's one of the thing separating the culture. And dwarves were never mentioned in andrasten-t-ism, unlike elves, btw, who owe Andraste their freedom and who were even mentioned in the Chant of Light before.
 
There for I can not see a dwarf as a Herald of Andraste. Or anything bound to the Chantry. Yes, with kossith it's double so - a daemon like creature sent as a holy messenger? Are you kidding me? But when my dwarf (I tried every race, of course, to see for myself) woke up and heard "it's her! It's Herald of Andraste" - from a local folk who should spit on my footsteps for even thinking of representing the most holy figure! - I was immediately disconnected from the story.
 
So, with elves the problem is with humans (human masters) in general, with dwarves - religion. Kossiths are out of the picture completely.
 
 

Now, why that guy in my courtyard always fussing about how he doesn't trust elves stays with the Inquisition when I'm a Dalish elf, I don't know. But people do engage in selective racism IRL, so why not in game?

Again, this is the problem - that guy can not be alone. Yet, he is. And at the same time, should there be more of them - game would be unplayable. I am screwed

It's good that elves become a bit more acceptable after our conversation here, though.

[lavellans]

I played a Dalish rogue who had never felt like she belonged in her clan, and wanted to be Special her whole life. So when people started telling her she was Andraste's chosen, she ate it right up and became a devout Andrastian. That's how I roleplayed it to make sense. The "who is Mythal?" line was the only bit where I was like "did my race flag not program in right, what." The rest of the time I felt very much like my race was constantly recognised. 

 

Also, while the Solas romance was definitely quite a slow-burner and short, I think within itself it was very well-written. Solas has this reverence towards Lavellan which is beautiful. Gareth David-Lloyd slays it in the acting department. Bit unhappy how both he and Cullen were last-minutes and Cullen has piles of content compared to Solas, but what are you going to do.

 

If you play a Lavellan who believes the Anchor was given to her for some divine reason, or at least believes that she is a prophet of some kind, you get some interesting Andraste parallels due to the postcredits scene.

 

Spoiler

Bride of the Maker, Bride of the Dread Wolf.

[staindgrey]

Now, why that guy in my courtyard always fussing about how he doesn't trust elves stays with the Inquisition when I'm a Dalish elf, I don't know. But people do engage in selective racism IRL, so why not in game? 

That's an extremely good point. But my counter point would be: why can't there be actual racism to which to compare? If every NPC conveniently dropped their born & raised hatred or distrust of your race/culture, then it feels less genuine with each progressive person. If the developers were to actually make some agents or shopkeepers completely unavailable for some races, that would be way more intriguing.

 

For example:

 

Spoiler

To my knowledge, the ancient elves can eventually trust you enough to let you have the Well regardless of what race you are-- even if you're a Shemlen. I thought that I had earned their good will by being an elf myself and admitting that they were right about The People not being so knowledgeable as we like to believe, but it turns out that even if I'm a Shemlen, I can get their favor anyway. Kind of kills the idea of them hating Shems so much, eh?

 

I just think it would be cool if, for instance, the Dalish clan you can earn the favor of in-game were to be only available to a non-human Inquisitor. Or if the shopkeeper you mentioned told your Inquisitor up front, "I'm sorry, but I just can't respect myself while working under you. I'll be finding my replacement and leaving in the morning." There are so many completely optional side quests and NPCs in this game, surely they could sacrifice a handful of them per playthrough based on your customized Inquisitor.

[robmokron]

because it was riddled with spoilers i didnt read too much, i want to say im able to replay my dalish elf quite well.

 

Though, your OPERATION situation has gotten my concerned, i cant remember who i used for it and i was careful with that operation, so if you sen cullen it says they all die? ruthless

 

I'll be very shocked if any of the Operations become choices in the updated Keep for the next games, so i wouldnt worry about it too much, either way you can always just change it in the keep.

[RVallant]

I think Bioware is trying to be very careful about outright saying a person can die after the mess that was Leliana and Wynne's deaths in Origins, as chances are they're going to want one of those characters back for one reason or another. They're still receive flack for that, not that I blame the people who are doing it at all, so better to avoid the finality outright and instead make a situation where they could be dead, but the text and angles leaves it open for interpretation.

 

Yes, I was here when the writers tried defending that and ended up locking out the forums due to the feedback. It was an illogical thing to do, I think most people would have just forgotten about it if they held their hands up and went 'massive oversight, we apologise' instead of actually trying to fight the fans off and say its their work = law. Plus their justifications for it bordered on delusional at times. I was fairly neutral (as most people were I suspect) until that happened, PR nightmare is an understatement.

 

Actually it seems to be tailored to a human mage and I guess that's what the canon inquisitor will most likely be.

 

I thought warrior due to the sword, the leanings towards Templar support. But god knows what they'll write, probably a nug inquisitor, I was surprised the Warden 'default' is a Dalish Elf, did not expect that at all.

 

From what I seen the human warrior has natural advantages at the start the others do not, He/she are considered to be of the proper blood by the Orlesians because of their background and they have deep family ties to the chantry both of which aren't complicated by being a scary rebel mage and gives some starting minor legitimacy to the new inquisition that the other starts do not.

 

Yeah a 'minor' legitimacy point as Josie notes.

 

Not quite. DA always intended to have different PCs each game, but there are two factors that influenced this.

 

1 - Exalted March, this was an expansion for DA2 that got canceled so more work could go into DAI. A lot (or all) of the story from that got rolled into DAI, though it's hard to tell specifically what.

 

2 - Human PC. Originally the game was planned to be Human only again, this changed after about a year of development already done. It's no surprise really, but comparing the Human run I did first with the Qunari run I'm doing now they seem to point out my Qunari background more often than my noble background. I hope there will be some mention of me being a Bas Saarebas but I doubt it.

 

That isn't exactly inspiring as it makes it sound like they didn't learn their lessons from the failure of DA2. I would have assumed the array of races, the romances and a longer main quest would have been the priority but it looks like it's only being added as a secondary point. I don't mind the lack of races though.

[Zu Long]

Just FYI, you can get through the game with your clan alive. Mine are now co-rulers of Wycome.

[berrieh]

Exactly. But first, I have to tell it openly - I do not argue about legitimacy of your arguments. And far from bashing your view of the inquisitor's race. All I am trying to do is to justify for myself the ability to play a race other then human.
 
So, about dwarves. Unfortunately, there is nothing in human history to compare it with. Even if you declare a barbarian cannibal from a cave "holy symbol" of catholic church, that barbarian still will be a human and there COULD be a missioner who made him a catholic. With dwarves it's still more extreme. 

 

I prefer not to compare Thedas to Earth. It only leads to false correlations. 
 

Trading - sure! There can be no doubts. Official visits from dwarven officials? Any time! They are noble folk, they have a king, they have traditions. Or warriors - who can be better? As a warden your DN is equal to the king and the best of the best with a weapon.
Now, religion - is another matter. It's racial, it's private, it's one of the thing separating the culture. And dwarves were never mentioned in andrasten-t-ism, unlike elves, btw, who owe Andraste their freedom and who were even mentioned in the Chant of Light before.
 
There for I can not see a dwarf as a Herald of Andraste. Or anything bound to the Chantry. Yes, with kossith it's double so - a daemon like creature sent as a holy messenger? Are you kidding me? But when my dwarf (I tried every race, of course, to see for myself) woke up and heard "it's her! It's Herald of Andraste" - from a local folk who should spit on my footsteps for even thinking of representing the most holy figure! - I was immediately disconnected from the story.

 

 

 

But that point of view - the audacity that a "Qunari", a dwarf, or a Dalish elf could be Andraste's Herald - is noted in the story. Some people are super pissed about it (some people are pissed in the Chantry even if you're a human noble non-Mage). The thing about Andraste is that, while she was a real person, a lot of what's said about her is clearly bullshit (since there are multiple stories) and nobody can "prove" the Maker, etc, etc. It's a religion. Based in some very real lore, yes, but a religion. The idea that you "can't" be the Herald of Andraste if not human does come up but also you have a big glowy thing on your hand, you do stabilize the Rifts and keep demons from pouring out on their heads, etc. I do not have trouble believing that many of the common people - in a time of great fear - would not accept any savior who seems to be on "their" side. That doesn't mean they'll suddenly check their racism as much as they'll make exceptions - people do this all the time. 

 

Now, whether you are or aren't the Herald....as far as I can tell, it's never made clear. You learn where the power came from, etc, etc, but you don't know if everything is the Plan of the Maker or not. This is good. You can be a believer or a non-believer, an Andrastian, a convert, or a believer of something else, or of nothing at all. The story wraps nicely around different kinds of beliefs. 

 

Again, this is the problem - that guy can not be alone. Yet, he is. And at the same time, should there be more of them - game would be unplayable. I am screwed 

 

 

My point about that guy is pointing out that the Inquisitor (like Wardens, actually) gets elevated beyond race. BECAUSE of what she/he is. If you can close a massive sky rift that would endanger all Thedas, people aren't going to care if you're short or have horns or whatever. I mean some are. (And some do.) But mostly nobles with their heads up their asses - and most of the people you see are commoners. They want things like food, their family's safety, comfort, etc. The whole reason they're racist is likely to make their own lives more comfortable (it puts someone below them in society and it means they don't have to deal with the scary idea of "different."). 

 

I still don't think that applies to dwarves much. Humans don't seem to have much issue with surfacer dwarves and seem to get along with them just fine. They don't want to inter-marry or whatever, or give them too much control, but they're perfectly happy to associate with them. We don't see Varric experience much racism at all, for instance. Now, the church does exclude him - Cassandra says this when she points out he actually believes, but whether it has to do with dwarfyness I can't say - and the church excludes dwarves from service (Mother Giselle says). But that doesn't really say much about the beliefs of the commoners. 

 

Anyway, maybe this helps you play the other races; maybe it doesn't. To me, since it is "reacted" to, I am fine with it. I can easily believe that someone who can close holes in the sky would get a different kind of treatment.