228 réponses à ce sujet

[jellobell]

The bolded to me seems like it could really mean what we suspect about Sera. I have tried but can't think of any other interpretation. Even if this is not true, it's great fun to speculate about

Actually, the bolded could be very simply explained by remembering that Solas is horrified at how far modern elves are from the elves he remembers from Arlathan's golden age. From Solas's perspective, Sera is representative of the decline of the elves; she rejects her elven heritage, the elven language, the elves' inherent ties to magic, and prefers to wallow in ignorance and fear. She's been assimilated into human society, and embraces that assimilation. That's what he's referring to with that line, not anything about Sera being tied to any of the elven gods.

 

Yeah, I still don't like this theory. I'm an Occam's Razor kind of person, and this is all way too convoluted. Farthest I'm willing to go is that Sera has unacknowledged hedge mage powers that she's kept repressed; not powerful enough to get her dragged to the circle, but her connection to the Fade makes her more perceptive than she would otherwise be.

[jeromefiefdom]

I still hate Sera though she is annoying. Acts like elves are just stupid

 

It is justified though in her personal conversations. She was abused as a child for her elvish heritage, and thus became embittered with who she was

[Stinkface27]

Actually, the bolded could be very simply explained by remembering that Solas is horrified at how far modern elves are from the elves he remembers from Arlathan's golden age. From Solas's perspective, Sera is representative of the decline of the elves; she rejects her elven heritage, the elven language, the elves' inherent ties to magic, and prefers to wallow in ignorance and fear. She's been assimilated into human society, and embraces that assimilation. That's what he's referring to with that line, not anything about Sera being tied to any of the elven gods.

 

Yeah, I still don't like this theory. I'm an Occam's Razor kind of person, and this is all way too convoluted. Farthest I'm willing to go is that Sera has unacknowledged hedge mage powers that she's kept repressed; not powerful enough to get her dragged to the circle, but her connection to the Fade makes her more perceptive than she would otherwise be.

 

Great analysis of that line, I can certainly see what you mean. I'm still a big fan of this theory, but I understand the skepticism.

[Helmetto]

Actually, the bolded could be very simply explained by remembering that Solas is horrified at how far modern elves are from the elves he remembers from Arlathan's golden age. From Solas's perspective, Sera is representative of the decline of the elves; she rejects her elven heritage, the elven language, the elves' inherent ties to magic, and prefers to wallow in ignorance and fear. She's been assimilated into human society, and embraces that assimilation. That's what he's referring to with that line, not anything about Sera being tied to any of the elven gods.

 

Yeah, I still don't like this theory. I'm an Occam's Razor kind of person, and this is all way too convoluted. Farthest I'm willing to go is that Sera has unacknowledged hedge mage powers that she's kept repressed; not powerful enough to get her dragged to the circle, but her connection to the Fade makes her more perceptive than she would otherwise be.

 

Sera could hardly be considered a "modern elf", and Solas would know it, considering that he's aware that she was raised by humans.

 

If you take the bolded line out of context, sure, it could mean that Solas is like "oh god, look at these elves." But in the context of the conversation, he seems to be implying that Sera isn't... well, isn't serving her purpose. 

 

All of Sera's gifts should be signs of what she actually is; I imagine that she is, perhaps, just more elf than Elfquizzy, or actually, someone more akin to who Felassan and Solas are, who was unfortunately lost to Denerim and then adopted.

[ThreeF]

The idea that Sera could be Andruil is an interesting one, the evidence that you've all brought up is kind of hard to fully ignore the possibility, we know from the myths that Mythal sealed away Andruil's memories so that could be a possible reason why Sera doesn't know she is Andruil if she in fact is and the way Cole and Solas react to her is strange. Her fear of Nothing could relate to the Void or it could relate to the Nothing after Mythal took her memories--the myth says that Mythal took away her memories of how to get the Void but we don't know if she accidently all Andruil's memories or not.

Yes I'm still not sure what Cole means when he says that her ears always look into direction of the Fade.

 

However her fear of Nothingness can be related to her Fool status, only a fool fears nothing.

[jellobell]

Sera could hardly be considered a "modern elf", and Solas would know it, considering that he's aware that she was raised by humans.

 

If you take the bolded line out of context, sure, it could mean that Solas is like "oh god, look at these elves." But in the context of the conversation, he seems to be implying that Sera isn't... well, isn't serving her purpose.

Solas's big fear is that the elves are slowly losing themselves and their culture. Even the Dalish, who are actually trying to preserve their heritage, have gotten so many things wrong. Sera's the end product of this decline. The fact that she doesn't even want to entertain the idea that what she's feeling could be an "elf thing" speaks to this. In previous banters, Solas tries to talk her through these feelings, which are a result of an elf's inherent connection to the Fade, but she either ignores him or is hostile towards the idea. So the line "you are the furthest from what you were meant to be" is his frustration at her unwillingness to listen finally coming to a head. She isn't 'serving her purpose' to the extent that she is actively trying to cut herself off from her heritage. And Sera just checks out because she's heard it all before.

 

If you put it in the context of all of the banters they have together, it's pretty clear that he isn't talking about any sort of mystical god-being that she may or may not be harboring inside of her.

 

However her fear of Nothingness can be related to her Fool status, only a fool fears nothing.

Well, Sera doesn't fear 'nothing' so much as the prospect of nothingness. She suffers from some pretty major existential dread, which is why she holds on so tightly to the idea of Andraste and the Maker, even though she's not the hugest fan of the Chantry. That's also why she's so insistent on living in the moment. She doesn't want to think too hard because that leads to thinking about things that she's too scared to face.

 

Really, the beauty of Sera as a character is that she isn't really anybody special. She's a person who's been caught up in these world-changing events and decided to do something about it rather than just sitting around. I mean, you don't even have to recruit her. You can get rid of her whenever you want. She isn't essential to the story in any way. But she's a compelling character precisely because she's not special. She owns that, and uses it as a strength.

[Master Warder Z_]

I still hate Sera though she is annoying. Acts like elves are just stupid

Because they are?

[jeromefiefdom]

Because they are?

 

Pretty much, yeah

[NaclynE]

The thing that is currently getting me right now is how Sera claims she was in "Denerim" I swear I may of remembered her being around there in DAO. Honestly after a-lot of thinking a-lot of what she said does ring true because I remember the red Jennies being around since DAA and DA 2. i remember in DAA you had to do a annoying item fetch quest (find 20 items? items included pantaloons, a pie, a cat, sheers, etc) while I think in DA 2 I think it was similar but smaller.

 

As far as how similar she is to Solas I kind of see why in a way where Sera and Solas are not thirl on where they truly came from and what their true origins are. However Sera does open up far more than Solas even when there relationships are high. Sera is just mainly anti noble while Solas is just against people wronging spirits and demons. As far as "approving" and "disproving" it's kind of hard to upset Sera as far as your choices while it's easy to anger Solas for your choices.

[Helmetto]

Solas's big fear is that the elves are slowly losing themselves and their culture. Even the Dalish, who are actually trying to preserve their heritage, have gotten so many things wrong. Sera's the end product of this decline. The fact that she doesn't even want to entertain the idea that what she's feeling could be an "elf thing" speaks to this. In previous banters, Solas tries to talk her through these feelings, which are a result of an elf's inherent connection to the Fade, but she either ignores him or is hostile towards the idea. So the line "you are the furthest from what you were meant to be" is his frustration at her unwillingness to listen finally coming to a head. She isn't 'serving her purpose' to the extent that she is actively trying to cut herself off from her heritage. And Sera just checks out because she's heard it all before.

 

If you put it in the context of all of the banters they have together, it's pretty clear that he isn't talking about any sort of mystical god-being that she may or may not be harboring inside of her.

 

Well, Sera doesn't fear 'nothing' so much as the prospect of nothingness. She suffers from some pretty major existential dread, which is why she holds on so tightly to the idea of Andraste and the Maker, even though she's not the hugest fan of the Chantry. That's also why she's so insistent on living in the moment. She doesn't want to think too hard because that leads to thinking about things that she's too scared to face.

 

Really, the beauty of Sera as a character is that she isn't really anybody special. She's a person who's been caught up in these world-changing events and decided to do something about it rather than just sitting around. I mean, you don't even have to recruit her. You can get rid of her whenever you want. She isn't essential to the story in any way. But she's a compelling character precisely because she's not special. She owns that, and uses it as a strength.

 

Actually, Solas' biggest fear is dying alone, but that's not important.

 

I think we've basically come to an impasse as to what Solas actually means. I read the conversations one way, you the other, and our interpretations of Solas are different. Let's just agree to disagree.

 

However, I would argue that a lot of characters are not "essential" to the story in any way; Vivi, Cole, The Iron Bull, and Blackwall are all companions that you don't need hanging around, nor do they ever do anything significantly important. If you want to key out "Isn't special", The Iron Bull is your man. And considering that I don't have to have anybody except Varric, Solas, and Cassandra, nobody gets bonus points for being disposable or indispensable.

 

And, of course, what I like about Sera and what you like about Sera aren't going to be the same thing. 

 

However, I do think you're wrong that Sera doesn't want to think too hard; a lot of her stuff/beliefs hit pretty hard up there in terms of philosophy and thought, so she's obviously thought a lot about it. She's also not actually around for fun or anything; you can convince her to stay for the people when she threatens to leave, and she's like "******, I thought I was here for fun, but I guess I wasn't all along. ****." She's also done a number of really suspicious things, like somehow defacing your codex of her everytime something's been added (how does she KNOW?) and isn't forthright about her past even when probed. I think that really, what she doesn't want to think too hard on is herself; everything and everybody else is fair game.

 

And of course Sera is special; picked up a bow with little to no training, can keep up a fight with Cassandra of all people (warrior for years, trained under the best, constantly at it...then this chick shows up with arrows and can slay a motherfucking dragon at level 23 with her focus on nightmare. WTF.) Sera is also a member of Red Jenny, a group that we knew next to nothing about in until she said something. Strangely perceptive, has a tavern song dedicated to her, was adopted by a noble despite being an elf. In terms of personality, I'd say that she's as unique as they come by. 

 

Sera might say she is normal people, but everything about her doesn't say, "normal people."

[KaiserShep]

Because they are?

Lol.

[Drasanil]

The thing that is currently getting me right now is how Sera claims she was in "Denerim" I swear I may of remembered her being around there in DAO. Honestly after a-lot of thinking a-lot of what she said does ring true because I remember the red Jennies being around since DAA and DA 2. i remember in DAA you had to do a annoying item fetch quest (find 20 items? items included pantaloons, a pie, a cat, sheers, etc) while I think in DA 2 I think it was similar but smaller.

 

The red jennies were in DAO and DA2, Sera wasn't though. As for the fetch quest in DAA, that had nothing to do with any of them, you were just running errands for two of the drunks in the tavern. 

[Banxey]

Yes I'm still not sure what Cole means when he says that her ears always look into direction of the Fade.

 

However her fear of Nothingness can be related to her Fool status, only a fool fears nothing.

Well, Sera doesn't fear 'nothing' so much as the prospect of nothingness. She suffers from some pretty major existential dread, which is why she holds on so tightly to the idea of Andraste and the Maker, even though she's not the hugest fan of the Chantry. That's also why she's so insistent on living in the moment. She doesn't want to think too hard because that leads to thinking about things that she's too scared to face.

 

She doesn't fear nothing or nothingness, she fears "The Nothing". That seems like a completely different thing to me. 

[Suketchi]

Sera isn't a mandatory companion and can be kicked at anytime so I doubt the writers would be going in this direction (compare to Solas who is mandatory and important to the plot).

 

Morrigan could be kicked out at any time too though, and she was an integral part of the whole Dragon Age series.

[Drasanil]

Morrigan could be kicked out at any time too though, and she was an integral part of the whole Dragon Age series.

 

Unless Sera returns before the final battle with a sack of schleets to defeat Corypheus, I somehow have trouble seeing her become quite as integral to the whole series as Morrigan is/was. 

[DuVessa]

I agree with you, it seemed that there was a hint of something more about Sera! It would be awesome if she dropped the asshat personality and stunned everyone with who she really is! The possibilities are endless.....

[MikeJW]

She doesn't fear nothing or nothingness, she fears "The Nothing". That seems like a completely different thing to me. 

 

Nah nothingness took a clue from The Iron Bull and took to calling itself The Nothing.

 

I'm going to be disappointed if Sera is another god in a mortal body or some big plot point. What makes her special to me is that she is simply Sera.

[AutumnWitch]

yet another hint.

 

When Sera first meets the Inquisitor she remarks about the Inquisitor "glowing". Who is the only other character who says something similar when first meeting her/him? Morrigan's son.

[Elfyoth]

Don't tell me people are buying this garbage...

 

In that case Merril is Ghilan'nain and Fenris is Falon'Din. Because reasons.

And Zev? Well he likes being an assasin so... death... So no, Zev should be Falon'Din. 

[Elfyoth]

yet another hint.

 

When Sera first meets the Inquisitor she remarks about the Inquisitor "glowing". Who is the only other character who says something similar when first meeting her/him? Morrigan's son 

 

Hmmm Intrensting 

[AresKeith]

yet another hint.

 

When Sera first meets the Inquisitor she remarks about the Inquisitor "glowing". Who is the only other character who says something similar when first meeting her/him? Morrigan's son.

 

It could also have been an elven thing, I also remember Dagna having something like it too

[Lebanese Dude]

You’re not the only one who thinks something is going on with Sera, OP. I started getting the feeling something was up before finishing my first playthrough. It doesn't mean it's correct of course, but it is fun to speculate. A friend and I have been speculating about Sera for a while.
First I’m not sure that Sera is Andruil in the way Solas is Fen’Harel. While Sera doesn’t remember her parents, I think it’s possible she is a vessel for Andruil in the way Flemeth is for Mythal. Regardless, I don’t think Sera knows what is going on. She seems to be hiding from memories, fears her dreams could be real (something that comes up in the romance) and is antagonistic toward the elven “gods”. At times she seems to want the Inquisitor to reassure her that the elven “gods” aren’t real (her reaction when returning from the well of sorrows).
Here is a codex entry on Andruil that I think is important:

Spoiler

One day Andruil grew tired of hunting mortal men and beasts. She began stalking The Forgotten Ones, wicked things that thrive in the abyss. Yet even a god should not linger there, and each time she entered the Void, Andruil suffered longer and longer periods of madness after returning.

Andruil put on armor made of the Void, and all forgot her true face. She made weapons of darkness, and plague ate her lands. She howled things meant to be forgotten, and the other gods became fearful Andruil would hunt them in turn. So Mythal spread rumors of a monstrous creature and took the form of a great serpent, waiting for Andruil at the base of a mountain.

When Andruil came, Mythal sprang on the hunter. They fought for three day and nights, Andruil slashing deep gouges in the serpent's hide. But Mythal's magic sapped Andruil's strength, and stole her knowledge of how to find the Void. After this, the great hunter could never make her way back to the abyss, and peace returned.

—Translated from ancient elven found in the Arbor Wilds, source unverified

"Yet even a god should not linger there, and each time she entered the Void, Andruil suffered longer and longer periods of madness after returning." and "But Mythal's magic sapped Andruil's strength, and stole her knowledge of how to find the Void. After this, the great hunter could never make her way back to the abyss, and peace returned."

This text could explain why Sera doesn’t know what she is (whatever that is) where she came from, and her apparent loss of memory. She remembers being a child in the alienage but says she doesn’t remember her parents and doesn't care to remember where she was born."One day Andruil grew tired of hunting mortal men and beasts. She began stalking The Forgotten Ones, wicked things that thrive in the abyss." and "Mythal spread rumors of a monstrous creature and took the form of a great serpent, waiting for Andruil at the base of a mountain."

I think The Forgotten Ones may be dragons or like Flemeth take dragon form. The evidence for this is shaky but there is more ancient elven text that suggests the greater gods and their chosen could.
"His crime is high treason. He took on a form reserved for the gods and their chosen, and dared to fly in the shape of the divine. The sinner belongs to Dirthamen; he claims he took wings at the urging of Ghilan’nain, and begs protection from Mythal. She does not show him favor, and will let Elgar’nan judge him." For a moment there is an image of a shifting, shadowy mass with blazing eyes, whose form may be one or many. Then is fades.

If true, it could explain why the game goes to lengths to enforce how much Sera enjoys hunting dragons. From her dialogue when you encounter dragons, to war table notes and this from her codex entry. I took a screenshot of it:

Spoiler

Yet even a god should not linger there, and each time she entered the Void, Andruil suffered longer and longer periods of madness after returning.
When you take Sera to The Fade and go to the area with the gravestones Sera’s specifically says that she is afraid of The Nothing. Which is strange unless you consider that The Nothing could be another way to describe The Void.

What evidence is there that Sera could be a vessel of sorts for Andruil? Andruil made Fen’Harel serve in her bed which doesn’t fit all too well with Sera’s preferences. I believe someone mentioned this earlier. And there's this quote by Cole:
"Fleet-footed and free, the arrow that caught the miller's sack, but no longer shot alone, a quiver in a quiver."

I think the quiver in a quiver part may be significant. If Andruil is empty of most of her significant memories, as is Sera. But the arrow is Andruil's purpose. Stuck in the sack it can't tear a hole that opens the floodgates. Meaning perhaps that she isn't serving her purpose.
"She shook the radiance of the stars, divided them into grains of light, then stored them in a shaft of gold. Andruil, blood and force, save us from the time this weapon is thrown. Your people pray to You. Spare us the moment we become Your sacrifice" There is a brief image of an elaborate golden spear, glowing with unbearable heat. Then it fades.

Cole also says the following, which I think ties into her purpose."She hurts, but helping hurts more. She sees the strings that pull me, eyes like raisins in a stale cookie."
Also how would Sera see the strings that pull Cole? I don't think she is hiding being a mage. But I think the part of Sera that may be Andruil is capable of it.
There is more I'm forgetting, but I am sure this is already a mighty wall of text so I'll end it here.

Fascinating read Banxey! All if your points made sense within the context of what's given.

Together with some other posts in this thread, this is one of the most convincing fan theories I have ever seen.

[Helios969]

I like the Sera as Andruil idea and think it has some plausibility based on some of the secondary evidence people have cited.  Alternatively a thought I've had for a while which I admit I have little evidence to support other than her disdain for all things Dalish and why she refused to talk about her past is that she actually comes from a Dalish clan.  Perhaps her or her mother/family were exiled when she was still rather young.  Maybe she was rescued by the Chantry in the same way Mineave was by the Templars.  I dunno, but something is definitely up with Sera.

[Fandango]

Always pleased to see this thread get bumped.

[Rekkampum]

I think it's unlikely. They'd be going overboard if every mysterious elven character they introduced was somehow an elven god. But the Andruil theory is very popular up here. I think she's just a goofy rebel. We do also kinda forget that the Inquisitor literally has a glowing hand, so I took what she said to be a reference to that, and in later convos, a bit of sarcasm. Interesting speculation coming out of all this though. Can't wait to see if any of it sticks.