47 réponses à ce sujet

[Eggplant Hell Princess]

Is there a reason?

 

It's cool, but I'd like to understand why. During the Winter Palace quest I assumed it was just for the occasion, but then when I was in the "restaurant" in Val Royeaux I noticed the customers were sitting there in full face masks. Kind of surreal.

 

I don't recall it ever being mentioned in game as a cultural practice or anything like that, but the codex's small text makes it illegible for me so it might have been and I just missed it.

 

Thank you my darling caramel mocha frappuccinos.

[Hydwn]

I like Vivienne's explanation that by covering their faces, Orlesians feel they can be their true selves.  

 

Which makes you wonder why Vivienne removes her mask when she joins you

[DeLaatsteGeitenneuker]

Is there a reason?

 

It's cool, but I'd like to understand why. During the Winter Palace quest I assumed it was just for the occasion, but then when I was in the "restaurant" in Val Royeaux I noticed the customers were sitting there in full face masks. Kind of surreal.

 

I don't recall it ever being mentioned in game as a cultural practice or anything like that, but the codex's small text makes it illegible for me so it might have been and I just missed it.

 

Thank you my darling caramel mocha frappuccinos.

[Eggplant Hell Princess]

I like Vivienne's explanation that by covering their faces, Orlesians feel they can be their true selves.  

 

Which makes you wonder why Vivienne removes her mask when she joins you

 

Does Vivienne only give you this dialogue if you take her to the ball? I don't remember hearing it.

 

Makes sense for hiding emotions at court. Gives all of the quests in Orlais kind of a Lynchian feel, though perhaps that was intended...

[Wiggs Magee]

It is just part of there culture I'd imagine

 

Vivienne does alot of help explain it

Gives the idea that when you're in the game everyone is wearing a mask for social/political reasons

Allowing people to physically wear a mask and so giving them a sense of anonymity allows them to theoretically allow them to express themselves more

Naturally when the entire of your ruling class wear masks, this then trickles down to the soldiers and merchants who also do

[Hydwn]

Does Vivienne only give you this dialogue if you take her to the ball? I don't remember hearing it.

 

Makes sense for hiding emotions at court. Gives all of the quests in Orlais kind of a Lynchian feel, though perhaps that was intended...

 

I've been trying to find the exact quote somewhere, but can't.  Maybe I'm thinking of the codex entry on Orlesian masks - you could get that during the Red Lyrium Reapers promotion before the game came out, and Vivienne's voice actress narrated it.

[Eggplant Hell Princess]

It is just part of there culture I'd imagine

 

Vivienne does alot of help explain it

Gives the idea that when you're in the game everyone is wearing a mask for social/political reasons

Allowing people to physically wear a mask and so giving them a sense of anonymity allows them to theoretically allow them to express themselves more

Naturally when the entire of your ruling class wear masks, this then trickles down to the soldiers and merchants who also do

 

It makes sense for nobles, but I'm not certain I buy the trickle down theory. 

 

Are there any consequences for not wearing a mask? Being seen as uncouth or overly bold, etc.?

 

I've been trying to find the exact quote somewhere, but can't.  Maybe I'm thinking of the codex entry on Orlesian masks - you could get that during the Red Lyrium Reapers promotion before the game came out, and Vivienne's voice actress narrated it.

 

Oh I see. I didn't follow any of the pre-release promotions.

[Chenoah]

It is explained pretty well in Asunder. It is to show one's status. The fancier and more jeweled the mask, the higher your status in nobility. If you wear no mask at all, you either consider yourself above the game (which nobles think you're an idiot for this) or you have no status worth mentioning. Slaves often wear simple masks to represent that they are property of someone. The slaves masks will reflect their masters symbolizing not to mess with them as they are someone's property and you will pay if you do. Hope that helps. 

[Bizantura]

Because to specify they are one sick and nutty society.

[Riverway_Inca]

Because complex facial animations for so many assorted characters costs money.

[Arlee]

During Josie's personal storyline she talks about the why of the masks at one point. It's when she disscusses her past as a Bard. Sadly I can't remember exactly what she says. Iirc aside from all the status reasonings, I think she said in a way it helps the nobles to not get too attached so when they have to take each otehr out it's not as big of a deal. For example someone tried to kill Josie while she was a Bard and she fought back and the dude ended up dead. It was only after she removed his mask that she realized she knew him.

[Machina Obscura]

because their faces are hideous.

[Ashagar]

The thing about Orlesians and their masks was noted back in Origins and the books as well long before DAI, it made them stand out more than just being that imperialistic country with the funny accents. The masks also hides expressions from each other which is why both the merchants and nobles likely love them so much, it keeps the subtle expression that might otherwise give way intentions hidden from sight.

[Eggplant Hell Princess]

It is explained pretty well in Asunder. It is to show one's status. The fancier and more jeweled the mask, the higher your status in nobility. If you wear no mask at all, you either consider yourself above the game (which nobles think you're an idiot for this) or you have no status worth mentioning. Slaves often wear simple masks to represent that they are property of someone. The slaves masks will reflect their masters symbolizing not to mess with them as they are someone's property and you will pay if you do. Hope that helps. 

During Josie's personal storyline she talks about the why of the masks at one point. It's when she disscusses her past as a Bard. Sadly I can't remember exactly what she says. Iirc aside from all the status reasonings, I think she said in a way it helps the nobles to not get too attached so when they have to take each otehr out it's not as big of a deal. For example someone tried to kill Josie while she was a Bard and she fought back and the dude ended up dead. It was only after she removed his mask that she realized she knew him.

 

Good explanations, thank you. Seems the reasons are pretty varied. All make sense, but I'm still not sure I buy it being a huge trend outside of the nobility and upper middle-classes.

 

The thing about Orlesians and their masks was noted back in Origins and the books as well long before DAI, it made them stand out more than just being that imperialistic country with the funny accents. The masks also hides expressions from each other which is why both the merchants and nobles likely love them so much, it keeps the subtle expression that might otherwise give way intentions hidden from sight.

 

When was it noted in Origins? It's been like 5 years since I've played that game so I'm probably just forgetting.

 

The Inquisition was socially awkward a f to not wear masks during Celene's ball. 

[Eggplant Hell Princess]

because their faces are hideous.

 

Nailed it. Everybody pack it up, this thread's closed.

 

But really though every ugly person in Thedas should just immigrate to Orlais. 

[Chenoah]

Good explanations, thank you. Seems the reasons are pretty varied. All make sense, but I'm still not sure I buy it being a huge trend outside of the nobility and upper middle-classes.

 

 

When was it noted in Origins? It's been like 5 years since I've played that game so I'm probably just forgetting.

 

The Inquisition was socially awkward a f to not wear masks during Celene's ball. 

It isn't really a trend for the lower class unless they are slaves servants, in which case it is forced upon them. Peasants and farmers don't play the game and some people just don't give a crap about the game. I see myself as someone who would most certainly not be wearing a mask despite status. 

[Draining Dragon]

Vivienne's explanation is that everybody wears "masks" for different situations; sort of like how you might behave differently at work than with your friends. Orlesians just choose to represent this concept physically.

[KaiserShep]

I like Vivienne's explanation that by covering their faces, Orlesians feel they can be their true selves.  
 
Which makes you wonder why Vivienne removes her mask when she joins you

A mask isn't much good if you're the only joker in the room wearing it.

[Kantr]

Read The Masked Empire

[Dutchess]

It is explained pretty well in Asunder. It is to show one's status. The fancier and more jeweled the mask, the higher your status in nobility. If you wear no mask at all, you either consider yourself above the game (which nobles think you're an idiot for this) or you have no status worth mentioning. Slaves often wear simple masks to represent that they are property of someone. The slaves masks will reflect their masters symbolizing not to mess with them as they are someone's property and you will pay if you do. Hope that helps. 

 

Wait, since when is slavery legal in Orlais?

[ManchesterUnitedFan1]

I've been trying to find the exact quote somewhere, but can't.  Maybe I'm thinking of the codex entry on Orlesian masks - you could get that during the Red Lyrium Reapers promotion before the game came out, and Vivienne's voice actress narrated it.

 

'We all wear masks my dear, not just the people in orlais. The Orlesians codify this truth, make it real. They believe that by covering their faces, they can be their truest selves unmasked'.

 

It's something like that. It was leaked as a video by EA Japan, and later taken down, but you hear it in game if you take Vivienne to the ball.

[Chenoah]

Wait, since when is slavery legal in Orlais?

You're right, sorry just servants. 

[Eggplant Hell Princess]

'We all wear masks my dear, not just the people in orlais. The Orlesians codify this truth, make it real. They believe that by covering their faces, they can be their truest selves unmasked'.

 

It's something like that. It was leaked as a video by EA Japan, and later taken down, but you hear it in game if you take Vivienne to the ball.

 

Oh I see. I didn't take Vivienne to the ball. 

 

Read The Masked Empire

 

I'm not into fantasy novels. Wish important things from the novels had been better explained in game. Ho-hum.

[Chenoah]

 

 

Oh I see. I didn't take Vivienne to the ball. 

 

 

I'm not into fantasy novels. Wish important things from the novels had been better explained in game. Ho-hum.

 

Awww, that's too bad. My next recommendation would have been to read Asunder. You get to know a lot about Rhys, Evangeline, Cole and a lot more about Wynne. We can always give you the important stuff here at least

[AzureAardvark]

A mask isn't much good if you're the only joker in the room wearing it.

 

Now they just need an empire where everyone wears big floppy shoes as a symbol of bravery, 'cause you can't run away in big floppy shoes.