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[Red of Rivia]

Enough history, I am interested to read.

[teh DRUMPf!!]

 Gonna do a new game and chronicle it ITT....

 

Mahanon "Stickly" Lavellan (or, the only interesting concept Inquisitor I have conceived of thus far).

 

In my headcanon, the timeline is stretched out another seven years -- a couple more added to Hawke's time in Kirkwall, a couple more before the mages break away from the Chantry, a couple more to the duration of the war between Templars and mages... enough to just stretch things out a lil more. The Conclave takes place a couple days after Lavellan's 17th birthday.

 

Mahanon was the son of Warden-Commander Mahariel and Velanna -- both of whom wished to contribute a pure-blooded Dalish child to their people before leaving them altogether to pursue other plans (Mahariel with the Wardens, Velanna with the Architect) -- and was orphaned to a clan Lavellan 17 years ago. Strangely, despite the strong magic in Velanna's blood and minor magic in Mahariel's, no such abilities manifested in Mahanon (though this will resurface later). With many archers among the clan, Mahanon was trained in the sword and shield largely out of necessity, but he proved quite capable nonetheless. He was sent to the Conclave as a spy, in the guise of an elven servant. Like his father, Mahanon grew up very proud of his heritage and aspired to lead his people forward.

 

Mahanon was sent to the Conclave as a spy, in the guise of an elven servant. He and his clan were hoping for the Templars to loose some teeth, as they saw the Chantry's army as an enemy to their people. At the same token, Mahanon and several fellow elves did not care for human mages, given what (they believed) the Tevinter magisters did to Arlathan, and hoped for the Circles to be reinstated as well.

[TEWR]

What are Mahanon's opinions of the Grey Wardens as a whole? Of his parents? I assume he has knowledge of who his parents are. Similarly, I assume that because he has pride in his heritage, he is proud of his parents? 

 

What was his life like within the clan? Did he have many friends, or was he a bit of a loner? What are his opinions of the Dwarves (most important question )?

[teh DRUMPf!!]

What are Mahanon's opinions of the Grey Wardens as a whole? Of his parents? I assume he has knowledge of who his parents are. Similarly, I assume that because he has pride in his heritage, he is proud of his parents? 
 
What was his life like within the clan? Did he have many friends, or was he a bit of a loner? What are his opinions of the Dwarves (most important question )?

I am still working out a lot of that. I'll have to think a bit on the dwarf thing in particular, because they are not very story-relevant in this game for the player to flesh out any strong opinions on them. But, that's what this thread is for!

I imagine he will have curious fascination with the 'Grey, knowing his parents both belonged to the order, and in DA:O the Dalish seemed to have generally positive stories about them. He might resent the parents a bit, though, for not being there. Then again, the same thing did not bother Mahariel too much, so who knows.

[TEWR]

On Cassandra's Post-Inquisition life

 

 

Markus is old -- I believe that's his name -- and his health is failing him. Virellius was taken care of (The Serpent of Nevarra) and while Markus is grateful for the assistance, there is little he can do to actually pay attention to the Venatori activity in Nevarra. His throne is fracturing and many believe civil war is imminent, especially with Ferdinand's disinterest in the throne. Whispers abound that Markus is being poisoned, perhaps even by his "disinterested" brother.

 

Nasir then decides that, due to the Pentaghast/Van Markham feuding going on for the throne, they need to rally the masses of Nevarra behind a single candidate. After a lot of discussion on the matter, Cassandra believes that she can be the person Nevarra needs. Initially she was not just reluctant, but adamant that she not be pressed into this, but when Nasir reminded her of how she once said she was not willing to give a task to someone else she was unwilling to do herself, and how she said there were other ways she could help change the world, she took some time to herself and thought it over. A few hours later, she came back to Nasir and Josephine and said she would do it, though not without a few disgusted noises here and there.

 

So Josephine meets with Markus in private, a matter he is willing to do only because the Inquisition helped him out before. It takes some time, but he eventually sees that Cassandra should be his successor. So he draws up a writ naming her as such and hands it to Josephine.

 

This was sometime around the time of the Orlesian Civil War's climax.

 

Following the defeat of Corypheus, Nasir and Cassandra and Josephine began to figure out where the Inquisition should go next, as there were still threats to deal with and things to undoubtedly do in the future. They had earned the political backing of Orlais, Ferelden, Kirkwall/Starkhaven, and Orzammar which meant that they weren't some theological cult with an insane amount of power. Now they had to ferret out the last of the Venatori and Red Templars, and there were rumors of a plot to take down the Nevarran King.

 

Thus the Inquisition, or rather its core members and a fair amount of soldiers/spies, traveled to Nevarra City to attempt to strengthen Cassandra's claim. She is 78th in line for the throne, and thus this weakens any claim she might make on her own. Moreover, it could potentially cause chaos in Nevarra were she to announce her intentions, with nothing to show for it (which is why the writ is going to be handy). A Seeker of Truth taking the place on the Nevarran Throne? True, she has since taken up arms with the Inquisition and isn't really a Seeker anymore except in the ideals she holds, but people might not see it that way.

 

Meanwhile, Leliana has her spies and agents dig up dirt on the various other contenders, so that when the moment is right they can bring Cassandra's claim to the throne up by a lot. At the same time, there are investigations underway to determine the extent of the Venatori involvement in this new political upheaval.

 

It turns out to be worse then anyone feared. The Venatori have the backing of several Tevinter Magisters and Mortalitasi, who hope to destablize Nevarra and use the conflict over the contested land where a Venatori outpost was as grounds to go to war with Nevarra, in such a way that they do not seem the aggressors in the conflict. However there is no proof connecting the Venatori to the Magisters, at least none that would give the Inquisition grounds to move. They know, but that's it. The Magisters were careful to maintain a matter of plausible deniability and eliminated any trail to them.

 

Markus ends up dying in his bed, and Ferdinand dies as well not long after. Now a power vacuum has opened up, leaving the nation weak and vulnerable. Civil war is now brewing and the clans are going at one another. Nobles against nobles, the Mortalitasi taking care of every corpse that is thrown at them as fast as they can. Trade is disrupted, farms decimated, etc. The Venatori and Red Templars take control of Cumberland, which makes the civil war worse.

 

There is an alliance between Nevarra/Ferelden/Kirkwall/Starkhaven going on meant to dissuade Orlesian aggression, but I'm unsure how a civil war in Nevarra might influence it.

 

So all the Inquisition can hope to do is foil the Venatori attempt and put Cassandra on the throne and then deal with whatever lingering threats there are in the nation. This goes on for a minimum of six months -- perhaps a year? -- but I'm unsure. Point is, there's a lot of blood shed that paves the way for Cassandra ascending to the Nevarran throne.

 

I imagine the final battle for her throne would take place in Nevarra City itself, akin to how the battle for Gotham City played out. 

 

When she does take the throne, she marries Nasir and Josephine and Nasir becomes the first Dwarven King of Nevarra, and news plays out of another plot a splinter sect of the Mortalitasi are involved in, something deadly and nefarious and obviously dangerous. I'm thinking it would have to do with the awakening/liberation of Falon'Din.

 

Cassandra still travels with the Inquisition though, serving her people as a warrior queen.

 

*this idea merits more thought, however. Be good for an expansion though.*

[TEWR]

Oh, and Vivienne becomes Grand Enchanter in my world-state, while Giselle becomes Divine. Fiona retires from the position and joins the Circle again as First Enchanter of Ferelden's Circle, as there are enough reforms in place to make the idea fair (Fiona says to you that war can't continue, so the epilogue having her go "LOL war some more" makes me shake my head honestly).

[teh DRUMPf!!]

 Stickly's story is underway...

 

The intro is what it is. Nothing real new and exciting for me to say. Mahanon quells the Breach, and the Inquisition is formed.

 

Mahanon first went around getting acquainted with the other, notable members of the Inquisition. Cassandra told him a little about herself, in an effort to make things between them less icy. She impressed with telling him the story of how she became Right Hand of the Divine, but said that this accomplishment was about 20 years old. Mahanon is 17. She has more years of experience than he has even been alive. Crazy. Mahanon did not expressly accept or reject being the "Herald of Andraste," since he had no idea where his 'mark came from, simply called the designation unnerving to him. He was not sure if this gave him power to make good, worthwhile changes, or if it meant the humans were using him to further their own interests. When asked, however, Mahanon said that he believes in the elven gods, not the Maker.

 

Mahanon did not intervene with Leliana's orders over Butler, the traitorous agent. Later, they chatted a bit. Mahanon has an insatiable curiosity about the Grey Wardens and his father, the Hero of Fereldan. He asked Leliana if she knew him, and she responded by saying she still considered him a friend and writes to him and now and then, exchanging stories and asking for advice. Now I understand where Leliana's ruthless approach comes from.

 

With Solas, Mahanon discussed many things: ancient elves, the Fade, and Solas himself. Mahanon was definitely fascinated by the things Solas had to say, particularly about the elves. However, it seemed that the two of them shared little in common besides pointy ears. Mahanon could agree that spirits may be people, but voiced some doubt over Solas's take on them and expressed reservations over having the 'veil removed to allow spirits to freely enter this world. I am planning for this working relationship to go south.

 

Mahanon then went to Val Royeaux to sway the Chantry towards supporting the Inquisition, or being less opposed to it. It did not go well. The Templars crashed the party and left. However, he did get an invitation from Fiona to meet with her in Redcliffe and perhaps gain the support of the rebel mages.

 

Additionally, two individuals reached out expressing interest in joining the Inquisition. Mahanon followed a note to find the local Friend of Red Jenny, Sera, whose reaction to him was priceless ("Annnnd you're an elf"). Sera seemed like trouble, but the Inquisition was lacking for "rogue skills," so Mahanon agreed to bring her aboard. Next he attended Madam Vivienne's ball, where she made quite an impression. Mahanon figured they could use the skills she had to offer them. Back at Haven, Mahanon was pointed to a Warden Blackwall and mercenary commander Iron Bull. Mahanon picked up Blackwall from the Hinterlands, hoping to get more answers about the 'Wardens (both for the Inquisition and himself). Next, Iron Bull. Mahanon knew next to nothing on the Qunari. 'Bull was likely the first one he'd ever seen in person. Recruiting one of their spies seemed a bit silly, so Mahanon agreed to let him join on the condition that he ran his reports through Leliana. 'Bull was understanding of his caution.

 

Back at Haven, Mahanon decided to chat up the Inquisition's newest members. Sera said the Templars and mages needed to be "sat down" and for things to return to normal. Mahanon said plainly that he simply wants to get the job done (sealing the Breach) however that may be, which Sera could agree with. Vivienne asked what the Dalish elves' interest in the Conclave was. Mahanon said that this chaos benefited no one (seemed like the most appropriate response for someone who did not trust either side of the mage/Templar war). In all, it seemed that they could agree that order had to be restored. Iron Bull said that the Inquisition soldiers looked good, but the issue was at the top: no leader. Mahanon said Cassandra was the driving force behind the Inquisition. Iron Bull agreed she was a good person for that role, likening her and the Seekers to Ben Hassrath, but said that she is too focused on finding answers and questions if she sees the big picture. And, naturally, Mahanon grilled Blackwall for anything he could tell him about the Grey Wardens.

 

Next, Mahanon goes to Redcliffe to meet with Fiona, and finds some very suspicious things going on...

[Carmen_Willow]

Rywick Surana was taken to the Ferelden Circle when quite young. Even at an early age, he a strong gift of the Sight, and often saw the future. An elf in a world that despised his people, he was often bullied by the human mages when young, but that only lasted until he truly came into his power. This treatment, however shaped him. He was sarcastic and he developed a tough exterior. The result was that he was respected but not truly liked by his peers.

 

He didn't care, because his visions told him that a girl was coming into his life, a human girl but one who would love him and one whom he would love. He saw them, happy together in the circle sharing as much as they could in that oppressive atmosphere. He was content to wait for her arrival, but then one day, the visions ceased. He knew that his meant that quantum uncertainty had taken a twist and she was no longer coming to the circle. He became a rebel, though not in the way that another mage rebelled. Anders' constant unauthorized departures from the circle was, to this thinking, stupidly reckless. No, he rebelled in other ways, such as getting someone to tattoo his face.

 

He grew up and took his harrowing, passed with flying colors, and threw it away to help a friend who turned out to be a blood mage. He became the Hero of Ferelden, and then the Court Mage and Chief Advisor to Alistair's and Anora's Court. And then one day,  he was asked to investigate a young woman who wa a Seer like himself, but showed no sign of being a mage. When he met her, he came face to face with the girl become woman of his visions long ago. Sadly, she had already given her heart to another Warden, Nathaniel Howe. Rywick became her mentor and quickly realized that her parents had done such a good job of suppressing her gift that she didn't even know she was a mage. It was his job to help her come into her power, because she had been marked by Flemeth. to play a part in the Kirkwall uprising.

 

When he learned that Morrigan had borne him a child, he went in search of her and his offspring, and when he found her, he went through the looking glass. The only person to see him after that was his beloved Angharad. Through magic he was able to appear to her at a crisis point and save her life. Some say that he is in the West, searching for a cure for the taint. Others say he is waiting for Angharad to cross over so that they will be together at last.

[TEWR]

I might end up adjusting the Nevarran plotline I detailed above to be more into Corypheus' schemes rather then taking place after the events of the main game, since the main story of Inquisition was so dreadfully short. Would be a very compelling arc on its own if it was in-game -- and not just 1 quest.

[teh DRUMPf!!]

 So Mahanon went to Redcliffe only to find that the situation/leadership with the mages was as uninspiring as that of the Templars. At that point, going to the Templars seemed the sensible thing to do rather than walk into Alexius’s trap. However, Mahanon had something of a phobia of Templars. He saw them as an enemy to his people, and feared that allying with the Inquisition in any way would make their order stronger (and, in effect, a bigger threat). So, insisting Alexius was a great threat of immediate concern, Mahanon opted to go to Redcliffe anyway.

Sadly, his understandable fears and clever ways of hiding his true reasons did not make going to Redcliffe any less foolhardy. The magister unleashed his spell and sent Mahanon forward in time. In the year he was gone, the world had crumbled and fallen to The Elder One. Fortunately, Dorian was there to help reverse time with him and save the day.

Once back, the Inquisition arrested Alexius, and Queen Anora arrived with the Fereldan army to confont Fiona (author’s commentary: Anora <<<<<33333333 … first time I’ve watched this scene with her in it alone; I knew there was a reason I made her (sole) ruler -- I love her fire!)

Mahanon did not fear mages quite like Templars, but he did not trust them a whole lot more, either. After all, it was the Tevinter mages that destroyed Arlathan (...right??), and Circle inhabitants were either humans or flat-eared elves. Taking the advice of his present companions, Cassandra and Vivienne, Mahanon chose conscription of the mages.

Not what his father would have done, mind you. Mahariel believed in recruiting among discontented Circle mages to further his pro-Dalish agenda. Mahanon’s attitude towards magic was a lot more cautious.

 

Furthermore, though it worked out well enough for him, Mahanon could not shake off the fact that the enemy had won in the time he vanished and vowed not to let fear drive his decisions again (kid’s young, learning).

 

Nothing interesting came of the companions' response back at Haven. Next up, sealing the Breach.

[nikki-tikki]

I'll sum up my Male Lavellan playthrough for you.

 

 

EVERY DECISION THAT BRINGS A HELLSPIRAL OF PAIN AND AGONY!!

 

Mages want their freedom? TOO BAD!! TEMPLARS REBUILT!

 

Hawke who wants to return to his dear? NOPE LEFT YOU IN THE FADE SUCKER!

 

Wardens want to stay and help? GET YOUR ASSES OUT OF HERE!

 

Bull wants me to save the chargers? I BROUGHT MY POPCORN TO WATCH THEM DIE!

 

Sera wants me to help her kill the guy who killed her friend? YEAH OF COURSE I WANT TO MAKE DEAL WHY DIDN"T YOU SAY SO EARLIER?

 

Cole confonts me about not helping people? SORRY I SEEM TO HAVE STOPPED CARING.

 

Gaspard, Celene or Briala? ALL THE CHEVALIERS!!

 

Judging people on my bad ass throne? OFF WITH ALL THE HEADS

 

Sentinels trying to stop me from getting to the well? MOVE B!TCH GET OUT THE WAY *stab*

 

Morrigan or me to drink the well? NO POWERS FOR YOU WITCH

 

Cassandra, Leliana or Vivienne for Divine? HARDENED LELIANNA AND LET ALL THE BLOOD FLOW....

 

I think that's about it. 

[TEWR]

Marisa Lavellan was born in the year 9:16 Dragon as a cousin to Anessen and Lysa Mahariel. When the Arlathvhenn gathered in 9:21 Dragon (as Merrill is 24 in 9:31 Dragon, she was given to the Mahariel clan in 9:11 and born in 9:07 Dragon), it was discovered that her gift of magic had manifested unusually early. This was seen by Keeper Mahariel (Anessen and Lysa's father) as being a great thing, and it was decided that she and her parents would move towards the Lavellan clan, where she would adopt the last name of said clan.

 

Marisa found that she had to compete with the other children for the position of First, which was not something she took much comfort in. The other kids were, predictably, mean to her and tried to upend her. But when she concocted a plot to get back at them after they left sap in her hair which attracted all manner of insects, she showed them how better-suited she was to be the Keeper's apprentice. To keep a long story short, magic was involved that had her show more mastery then the others (though she was still raw and inexperienced and in fact needed a lot of teaching still. It was just better compared to the others).

 

Marisa's childhood was much like Merrill's, in that it was a very lonely experience filled with study, study, and more study. Often, she would sneak away from the camp to wander through the woods, finding a peace and serenity there she found indescribable but beyond amazing. She had perhaps only three friends within the clan, while she was friendly with the others.

 

When she was 13 years old, she attended the Arlathvhen with her Keeper, as it was called upon early by the Mahariel siblings' clan. Normally, the Keepers were to be sequestered all on their own while everyone else waited and intermingled. Such gatherings of the clans were a time for celebration as well as discovery, where festivities would be held and tournaments competed in, along with marriages performed to strengthen the blood ties between clans and keep them fresh. Keeper Deshanna had promised Keeper Iloweyn Mahariel long ago that they would work together to forge a new future for the Elves and the humans, and bringing Marisa to the rotunda where the Keepers were assembled was meant to be the first step, to give her an edge that would allow her to think on things.

 

Of course, Keeper Marethari had brought Merrill along as well. Deshanna and Marethari had a feud years ago that soured their friendship, and now they couldn't really stand to look at one another. But Merrill and Marisa were deep friends and they were glad to see one another once again. Marisa's memories of Merrill were limited, but what she remembered was a kind soul that would always feed her sweets and play with her.

 

Deshanna was saddened to hear that Iloweyn had passed on before he could tell the world of his news, that there was hope for the Elves to be given justice by the monarchs and lords of Ferelden, something he'd talked with King Maric about in 9:22 Dragon. On his way back to the clan, he and his wife had been ambushed and killed by bandits, and when news of this was learned the Elves demanded retribution and vengeance. King Maric had punished the bandits when he learned of it and had Loghain lead the charge, but some had called for blood still, believing the king had wanted to get rid of the Keeper and now was trying to cover his tracks.

 

At any rate, Merrill and Marisa bid their farewells to one another and she returned to her life wandering the wilder areas of the Free Marches. Fast forward to 9:31 Dragon and she hears that her cousins have played a huge part in ending the Blight. Her heart swells with pride and she stands in admiration of the Grey Wardens, hoping that one day she can meet her relatives. And then she heard that they were to be given lands of their own in Ferelden! She believed that Keeper Iloweyn's dream might finally be coming true. 

 

Deshanna was skeptical and sent a few elves as emissaries to keep an eye on the situation. Seven clans made the journey to the Hinterlands and began to set up shop there, but tensions soon flared up again with the Elves and the humans living in the region (both the Chasind barbarians and the Fereldans). The Fereldans eventually killed a group of Elven children, claiming it was an accident, but the circumstances were too suspicious for the Elves to feel comfortable believing such a tale. Shouts and cries were uttered, profanity-laden language used, and there was a battle that ended with an entire clan being nearly wiped out. The remaining clans left the Hinterlands, knowing that they couldn't make a home there.... not now and possibly not ever.

 

She was saddened to hear the news, but this gave her a sense of resolve. When the first battle of the Mage-Templar War erupted in the Gallows in 9:37 Dragon, her clan ended up giving weary shelter to First Enchanter Orsino, who relayed the news to them. They gave him shelter and food, along with the few Elven mages he brought with him, and he also told them of the Champion's refusal to cull the Mages for a crime they didn't commit. Moreover, he asked them if they were the clan of the woman the Champion was seen with. When they said no, Orsino told them that he thought they were the clan stuck on Sundermount.

 

After a time, he left to go to the other Circles, while Clan Lavellan went to rescue Clan Sabrae with their halla. Upon arrival in Kirkwall, Marisa Lavellan saw Merrill again and was amazed to hear that she was now Viscountess of Kirkwall (Tobias Hawke has a polyamorous relationship with Merrill and Athenril, but Athenril can't afford to be publicly connected to the Champion) and Merrill gave Marisa some of her notes on the Eluvian, beseeching her to not disclose it to anyone so that she wouldn't face the same scorn she (Merrill) did from her clan.

 

Marisa was incredibly curious as to the nature of the Eluvians and upon hearing the tale agreed with Merrill's perception of them, and also promised to deliver them to Velanna if she could -- as Merrill wished of her. With luck, Velanna or Marisa could pick up where Merrill left off, as she began to suspect Kirkwall wouldn't be her home for much longer (Velanna eventually did pick up the Eluvian).

 

When the Mage-Templar War erupted in 9:38 Dragon in full force, the Lavellan clan saw an influx of Elven Mages that wished nothing more then to avoid the horrors of war. They found they could not give enough shelter towards, as they didn't have the resources -- to say nothing of the attention it would draw. So an emergency Arlathvhen was called and the Elven Mages, Orsino among them, spoke up about what they wished. It was decided that they would form their own clans and go their own ways, recruiting from the Alienages. Orsino agreed with the premise, and the gathering was one of the longest yet as there was much knowledge that needed to be shared -- both from the Circle and from the Dalish.

 

Then the Conclave was heard of, and Marisa was sent as a spy to determine how the war would affect Thedas. When the explosion happened, she was buried in a cave-in and had to fight her way out using only her magic, as her staff had broken in two. Inquisition forces eventually discovered her fighting off Demons and took her into custody. 

 

Nasir Cadash interrogated her with Solas and Cassandra nearby and asked of her to join the Inquisition. She very reluctantly accepted, as she wasn't very trustful of this organization (or humans in general).

 

It's worth pointing out that Marisa doesn't hold disdain for the City Elves. She actually respects them, sort of. She certainly admires Orsino when she meets him.

 

 

[Al Foley]

Malcolme Cousland was born to nobility from a young age, and had a knack for it.  Young, head strong, passionate, but very much the noble.  Greedy, self absorbed, eager to prove himself on the battlefield.  He wanted it all, to prove himself and assure his rise to some minor position, or even a major one.  Despite this attitude he was well liked by his family, his peers, and many of the local women of Highever who wanted to use him to secure their own rise to dominance.  He had a certain charm about him.  

 

Though unfamiliar with magic in the extreme he was fascinated by the subject and had mixed feelings about the Circles, though he was a firm believer in the Chantry and its dogma often believing in them and paying more then lip service to its doctrines, despite his own personal problems and attitudes.  

 

His position seemed assured.  Until one fateful night when Arl Rendon Howe murdered his entire family and butchered many of the inhabitants of his home.  He swore revenge, taking his family sword.  And set out as a life of a Grey Warden, though he never forgot.  

 

Thus a sea change started in his perceptions.  Though briefly turning to crime he soon left that life behind, with the influence of Leliana, Wynne, and Morrigan he began to get a new perspective on the world.  His life and his perspective began to grew.  He learned to rexamine his attitude towards evrything, himself, mages, the Chantry, the Maker, and thus proved himself in very real ways.  Thus, when it came time to chose a boon he only wanted to be a simple advisor to the new King of Ferelden.  Until the First Warden declared him Warden Commander...

 

It was now his responsibility to rule, to lead, and to command a warrior order against a new and dangerous threat.  And uneasy was the head that wore the crown.  While he found himself more then capable of handling the situation he did not want command, not really, not anymore.  

 

Though he was forced to by the Architect, a terrible creature, but one he couldn't help but trust.  After all he could see the wisdom in ending the Blight...

 

Leaving Nathaniel Howe in command of Vigil's Keep he returned to Denerim, taking up his post, though he was still the Warden Commaner in more ways then one.  So he traded his time between the Vigil and Denerim, taking up both duties....until he was called by the First Warden to give an account on the Archtect.  

 

***

 

Aeryn Hawke was born to Malcolme and Leandra Hawke, the eldest of three siblings.  She never developped magical talent, and with Bethany's talent increasing her father had to train her to resist demons, and evade the Templars, almost full time.  Thus Aeryn was left to her own devices, to fend for herself.  To hunt, to forage, to develop survival skills.  Though she did not resent her sister and in fact relished it and remained very good friends, she developed the skills neccessary where she was the 'leader' of the Hawke clan.  Even with Carver, when Malcolme passed away.  

 

When the Darkspawn threatened the Kokari wilds she joined up, volunteering for military service along with Carver, figuring this would be the adventure of a life time and she could do some good as a minor soldier.  Figuring she could pass it off to her children and grand children in years past.  Though it was a disaster, soon, she was forced to flee.  

 

In the beginning of her time in Kirkwall she was quite mercenary, willing to do anything for gold to get by, survive, and go on to fund an expedition to the Deep Roads.  She quickly fell in love with the mage Anders, and developped a swift and unearring friendship with the Dwarf Varric Tethras, and the elf Fenris.  Together, they stormed the Deep Roads, refusing to make any deals with Demons, and coming out changed forever.  

 

Though she had reached the height of her power, achieving everything she wanted to, as her losses continued to mount she continued to be humerous, projecting a light hearted air, secretly holding a heart that was heavy with its burdens and breaking inside.  Though, she did maintain her sanity, barely, and her general outlook, it was rough at times.  

 

And though being quite capable herself, and willing to lead her family...what was left of it...she despised taking a leadership role within the community.  Didn't want it, not the power, the fame, the influence, quite content to be a small town business girl and scion of the Hawke estate...

 

That is until the Qunari invaded.  She had developed a begruging respect for the Airishock, despite loathing his political and moral positions.  She had to stand against him though.  And, seeing that Meredith and Orsino was too busy fighting themselves to care about the people of Kirkwall, she finally assumed the leadership position Kirkwall needed.  She took charge of the group, leading an attack on the Viscount's Keep, and defeating the Airishock in Single Combat.  

 

Her position as Champion was tough though, as she was thus caught in the middle of the gathering storm between mages and Templars.  She was friends with Knight-Captain Cullen, had an amazing respect for Grand Mother Elthina, and was in love with the mage Anders who was now living in her home.  She saw the humanity in both sides.  And wanted peace to rein between the two.  

 

On a trip to the Dalish Clan, to do a favor for Merill, she was forced to kill the Clan, and immedietly got stone cold drunk...nearly breaking her for commiting genocide, though not really by her choice...

 

Then, it happened, Anders blew up the Chantry.  Her trust was violated but she couldn't kill him, she had no right to judge him then, they were in a crisis, the mages had to be saved despite themselves.  So, they went off to war.  And were declared outlaws.  

 

Soon, the group seperated, going their seperate ways, until only Varric, Aeryn, and Anders remained.  But, even then the Templars were coming.  A full Batallion was coming for them.  And Aeryn had to flee.  Packing up the rest of her supplies she ventured forth for the Tevinter Imperium, in the one vein hope of curing Anders of his condition once and for all 

 

***

There, she would meet the Hero of Ferelden, saving his life.  There, they would tell them of an ambitious plan.  A plan to go into the Deep Roads, and kill the rest of the Old Gods before they succombed to the Blight.  Together, they led a small group of Wardens and Silver Order Knights to Orzamar, and to their destiny...

 

Read about the story here.  

 

***

Benjamin Trevelyan was born to the great Scions of the Trevelyan Family.  Though he was pampered, spoiled, and treated as the next great leader of the family...he soon developped magical talent.  

 

In order to avoid social embarrasment the Trevelyans informed the Circle in Starkhaven, though they had one arrangement, to secretly send off Benjamin to the Circle Tower in the middle of the night.  In Secret.  In order to avoid the societal nightmare that would have resulted from giving birth to a mage for this very devout follower of the Chantry.  

 

There, he would spend years training.  Though, he had little interests in practical magic.  Learning few spells, and just barely passing his Harrowing.  His interests lay in books.  Academics.  Magical theory and magical history.  He was even tempered, a devout Andrastrian, witty, charming, though a bit naive, he was well respected by the Templar Knights who watched over the Circle.  Even allowed privlages that seemed to have him well on the rise within the Circle, and though he believed the Circles were good organizations, he also believed they needed reform.  

 

He would get the chance when he was called to the Circle in Nevarra and was given a chance.  Begin training a new generation of 'battle mages' the intention, take a propsal to the Chantry allowing these mages into the Templar Order.  Allowing them to join in the fight against Abominations and Apostates.  Thus, als allowing the Templars to, maybe, not be so addicted to their Lyrium usage.  

 

Sadly, events in Val-Royeux changed everything.  The mages rebelled, the Templars cracked down, and Benjamin was forced to flee.  

 

Staying in the outback for years until he heard about a meeting in Haven, one which would change his life forever...

 

Read the story here 

 

*** 

Kara Trevelyan was the youngest daughter in the House of Trevelyan, and hated every moment of it.  Though perhaps in her youth she enjoyed the pagentry, the rules, the role, and the frilly dresses...one day her family secretly spirted her brother off.  She was more then just a kid.  But hated them for it.  Now seeing through the lies of them and their nobility.  Feeling that it was unfair that they did that to him simply for being different from everyone else.  And whats worse, they bent the rules, sneaking him off in the middle of the night to avoid hurting their personal standing.  Despite her familie's pleas, she became ever more aloof.  Secretly drifting more towards Atheism with each day.  Secretly distancing herself from the Chantry, refusing to take part and become a lay sister.

 

She spent most of her time out doors the older she got.  Forsaking her studies, and her hertiage for a chance to live in the wilds, learn 'practical skills,' and be free.  She often would borrow a bow and quiver from one of the families who served the Trevelyan's, riding a horse given to her by her uncle of her parents objections.  

 

Her growing skills and talents made her mother try giving her to the Templar Order.  A statement she found ludicrious, especially with the mages and templars in open rebellion against the Chantry.  

 

On one last attempt to get her to see the light her mother sent her on a trip, far away, to a town in Ferelden called Haven.  there, sshe would learn the truth about the Chantry and hopefulyl come around from the experiences.  From seeing the Chantry do some good and end the silly war between mages and templars.  

 

The trip would change her life forever...

 

Read her story here,  

[GoldenGail3]

My Warden's reaction towards the Mage and Templar War:

Warden Commander Amell

"Well, in my circle the Templars weren't bad, you got warm-sheets, free-food, shelter, safety, and you complain. Wow, how pathetic, I image the Templars are just doing there job, while the mages are just dragging away whining."

Warden Commander Cousland (Fem Version)

"I don't really care, but I do kind of see the Templars point of view, abominations and blood mages are what the general people are afraid of, so yeah, I support the Templars, the mages are too irresponsible with their rebellion to take notice of the common folk such as the ones Alistair kicked out of Redcliffe. Fiona allied herself with Tevinter! Tevinter of all places!"

Warden Commander Cousland (Male Version)

"All I know is that I support my dear lovely Leliana in whatever she believes!"

Warden Commnader Aeducan

"Whiners, the load of em!"

Warden Commander Broska

"I for one, support the rebel mages, they ain't free so their fighting, they sound like my kind of people."

Warden Commander Surana

"I once asked the monarch for freedom of the Ferelden Mages, the Divine said uh nooo.... I guess I should be mad or somethin' but i'm not. Ummm.... So neither side? I guess... I mean, I think that Alistair was very nice of saying it free when I was there, but I was younger, I made too bold of a request..."

Warden Commander Amell (Male Version)

"Morrigan is right! We mages allow our selves to be corralled like cattle, I think we should take a stand and fight!"

[GoldenGail3]

My Warden's reaction towards the Mage and Templar War:

Warden Commander Amell

"Well, in my circle the Templars weren't bad, you got warm-sheets, free-food, shelter, safety, and you complain. Wow, how pathetic, I image the Templars are just doing there job, while the mages are just dragging away whining."

Warden Commander Cousland (Fem Version)

"I don't really care, but I do kind of see the Templars point of view, abominations and blood mages are what the general people are afraid of, so yeah, I support the Templars, the mages are too irresponsible with their rebellion to take notice of the common folk such as the ones Alistair kicked out of Redcliffe. Fiona allied herself with Tevinter! Tevinter of all places!"

Warden Commander Cousland (Male Version)

"All I know is that I support my dear lovely Leliana in whatever she believes!"

Warden Commnader Aeducan

"Whiners, the load of em!"

Warden Commander Broska

"I for one, support the rebel mages, they ain't free so their fighting, they sound like my kind of people."

Warden Commander Surana

"I once asked the monarch for freedom of the Ferelden Mages, the Divine said uh nooo.... I guess I should be mad or somethin' but i'm not. Ummm.... So neither side? I guess... I mean, I think that Alistair was very nice of saying it free when I was there, but I was younger, I made too bold of a request..."

Warden Commander Amell (Male Version)

"Morrigan is right! We mages allow our selves to be corralled like cattle, I think we should take a stand and fight!"

[yawnandshrug]

Warden. Bloodmage. Hero. Kingmaker. Traitor. Azrael Surana has been called many things. Regarded as the finest mage of his time, Azrael came of age railing against the confines that trapped his kind in their circles and towers. Following his tenure as Warden Commander of Fereldan and encounter with Morrigan at the Eluvian, the conflict weary Azrael organized a ‘diplomatic mission’ to Val Royeaux. Though he had no love of the Chantry, it was where his lover Leliana could be found, and thus where they dwelt in peace for several happy years. However, it was not to last.

 

With the return of Corypheus, Azrael was one of the first to experience the unnatural calling. Racing to Adamant, he found the order in disarray and devising increasingly extreme and foolhardy plans to bring a final solution to the blights. Some say he realized the impossibility of the task, others whisper that he had come to entirely abandon the Wardens, seeking only to prolong what time he had with his lover. Regardless, amongst Clarel and the rest of Warden leadership, Azrael’s demands that they find a cure to the Calling fell on deaf years. Named a coward and traitor who had pledged his allegiance to the Architect, Azrael’s feud with the Warden Commanders lead to a schism within the Warden ranks between those loyal to the order and the Wardens, including the his stalwarts Avernus, Nathaniel and Oghren who’s ultimate loyalty lay with his person. Eventually, with the Calling strengthening and fearing a Warden civil war, Azrael, his loyalists and the Architect decided to mount one final, desperate mission. They fled west, past the Hissing Wastes and into the unknown.

 

Following old Grey Warden maps and Darkspawn migration patterns, they journeyed west and beneath, beyond the primeval Deeps Road to places even the ancient histories of the dwarves do not speak of. Their trials were constant and many. At the Hall of a Hundred Sighs the mages dueled a dark cabal of emissaries, so great were the magic storms unleashed that entire sections of the Deep Roads collapsed.  Nathaniel was killed by an enormous, blighted, abomination. His last act was to put an arrow in its eye. For a dozen days they survived The Eye of Ruun. Alone, Oghren held a passage against a thousand Darkspawn as others picked an unbreakable lock, he lived to tell the tale. Twenty days were lost from their minds, all that remained was a memory of that Howling. They encountered a forgotten thing, who with but a word, caused Starfang to burst asunder. For ten days they ran, racing a hundred thousand Darkspawn to the steps of night. At the memory of flame Azrael slew the Evarghest. Then came the Night of breaking when a dozen Wardens were taken by some unseen enemy. Finally, shattered in all but will, in a realm between here and the fade, guarded by wards, seals, traps, locks and guardians who had forgotten their names. They found him: The dormant Old God Razikale.

 

[To be continued...]

[teh DRUMPf!!]

 Back at Haven, Stickly and the mages successfully sealed the Breach. Victory was short-lived, however, as the mastermind behind the tear in the sky, his army of Red Templars, and an Archdemon came marching in and overwhelmed Inquisition forces.

 

Ashamed of letting fear drive one of his decisions, earlier, Mahanon faced this darkspawn emissary calling himself Corypheus and the Archdemon at his side accepting the risk of his life. In a bold act of defiance, Mahanon declared that they would take the fight to him on their terms while bringing an avalanche down on him. Mahanon narrowly escaped with his life and was nursed back to health, but Haven was lost, and the Inquisition lost almost everything in the battle.

 

But on a personal level, this was a positive, life-changing moment for Mahanon. He faced something greater than he could have ever imagined, but showed great courage in the face of it and grew up quickly. Moreover, Solas pointed them all another direction, saying he knew of a place where the Inquisition could get back on its feet. After taking all the survivors and whatever resources they could carry on their backs, the Inquisition moved north and discovered a new stronghold to rebuild anew: Skyhold.

 

(... more to come...)

[TEWR]

Giving this a bump. I have a few headcanon ideas that need more fleshing out.... but they're not fleshed out enough to post here just yet. Maybe tomorrow night I can think them out some more.

[teh DRUMPf!!]

Since joining them, Mahanon largely took a backseat to the rest of the Inquisition leadership. He was very young yet (17), more of a follower than leader with the hunters in his clan, and generally very cool/calm and laid-back. This was rather unlike his father, who was the leader of his clan's hunters, and typically assumed the leadership role without asking.

 

Cassandra was the defacto leader of the Inquisition. However, while Cassandra did most of the work and gave the Inquisition direction, she cleverly used Mahanon in a role very similar to her own as the Divine's "Right Hand." Cassandra recognized that, as the "Herald of Andraste," Mahanon was something of a symbol to the people (and she was all too happy to play up that idea, herself). On top of that, Mahanon was a humble and likeable individual. Though few people were fond of the Dalish, his youthful appearance and puppy-eyes made him rather endearing. Mahanon also had some useful knowledge of the seedy underworld in his dealings with outlaws as his clan's hunter, and could sometimes exploit criminal organizations and the black-market to further advance Inquisition interests.

 

So, in effect, Mahanon was the Inquisition's poster-boy. It unsettled him somewhat to be the puppet of an organization with such close ties to the Chantry, but he recognized that the Inquisition was acting in the best interests of all for the moment, including his own people. Not being one to cause much trouble, anyway, he went along with it. Also, he had a crush on Cassandra, so he would not give her anything less than his best.

 

In fact, Mahanon’s role was no different as part of the Inquisition’s fireteam. When it came down to it, Mahanon was among the least of the group's combatants, second only to Cole and a "push" next to Sera. As a hunter, he was never very impressive with the bow, not overly quick or sudden to dual-wield, and too weak to be any good with large, two-handed weapons. He was a sword-and-shield warrior. In that, he was technically sound, had a good swing, was evasive and good at staying alive while attracting attention. However, he was not particularly powerful in any way. Virtually everyone else in the party -- aside from Cole, and maybe Sera -- was stronger/more skilled than he was. So the party used Stickly as a decoy -- drawing attention while the rest of them did the real damage. Truth be told, they only took him around because of his ability to seal rifts...

 

 

... This all changed radically after the Inquisition arrived at Skyhold. Cassandra recognized that Corypheus was gunning for Mahanon specifically because of the power he wielded, and in turn, she decided that the title of Inquisition's leader needed to belong to him now. So, in an improvised coronation ceremony, Mahanon was named the Inquisitor, and was given much greater reign over its operations as a result (though, quietly, Cassandra still had enough of his ear to pull some strings).

 

Even more significant, Mahanon received special training as a warrior. Quartermaster Morris recognized that Mahanon was of average skill and needed to develop into a more effective combatant. Cullen agreed to bring in some trainers. Mahanon wanted to improve his offense in particular. Champion training was defense-focused, and Templar training specialized predominantly on hostile magic, but Reaver training was exactly what he was looking for: combat centered around lethal offense. Moreover, the way of the Reaver was to lead and inspire, not to simply follow. So, taking after his father’s habit of ingesting strange concoctions/fluids in the name of power, Mahanon created an infusion-primer and ingested the dragon-blood.

 

The metamorphosis was immediate, intense, and thorough. All the dormant magic within Mahanon’s body reacted powerfully with the dragon-blood in an effect unseen with previous Reavers. Mahanon suddenly became stronger, faster, more nimble, and altogether more powerful than anyone else in the party. He gave up the shield and longsword in favor of an axe, maul, greatsword, or any weapon larger and harder-hitting than the last. Where Stickly was previously just the party decoy, he was now the shining star. Dragon blood also had an effect beyond the physical. On a mental level, Mahanon was now a bit more direct and fiery (pardon the pun) than he was before. Indeed, Cassandra noted how some relatives who were Reavers went mad with their newfound powers, leading Mahanon to regret his choice a bit. However, Cassandra stated that if anyone could match the power of the dragon-blood, it was him. Though she was probably just trying to be reassuring and supportive, there was truth to that statement. Mahanon’s low-key demeanor offset much of the aggression stemming from the blood.

[TEWR]

Bump

[teh DRUMPf!!]

 I've hit on an idea for a new Inquisitor after I wrap up Mahanon's story.

 

Concept: Inquisitor is a Tranquil. Since obtaining the magic on his/her hand, the Inquisitor regains minor emotional ability, but is still mostly aloof and unfeeling.

 

Play as a warrior or rogue only.

[brownie56]

Artorias Cousland (Yes it's a tribute to the Abysswalker, they share the "fall from grace, become badass" plotline)

I always pictured it that my Human Noble Warden and Morrigan were the Claire and Frank Underwood of Thedas (until season 3 made them both idiots). The main objective was survive at any cost...(a chance to continue/conclude the story of these two is really why I keep playing.) While a bit of a knight in shining armor stereotype in the beginning, Artorias resorted to more brutal methods and ruthless manipulation as he drifted away from Leliana into the arms of Morrigan. (I always envision that she's still a little pissed about it, despite preserving the friendship).

 

Alexander Hawke (Looks like Alexander the great, gave him a huge bushy beard for his return)

Hawke was just a smartass, finding an instant best friend in Varric and a fellow rebel with Anders. (I never got past seeing Varric as "Hawke's friend" and him becoming the Inquisitors, anyone else feel that way?) Anything for the mages, but Anders went too far. I actually think it wasn't too far of a stretch for Hawke to be really anti blood magic for his/her return. It sort of wrecked his/her life regardless of choices. 

 

Kurdt Trevalyan (Went for Cobain, got Sean Bean. GOLDENEYE!!!)

The Inquisitor was the outcast of the Trevelyan family, bonded with his BFF Dorian over family issues, and seduced Cassandra with his rogueish charm...and is now enslaved by an Elven diety...(Dorian was probably the best new party addition, lot of potential with him, and I'm really worried all three Divine candidates will never return to parties in the future). Always looking out for the oppressed, the Inquisitor is more of a classic hero, which is exactly why I made him the slave of Mythal, who is at her best a moral gray area. Supported Leliana for Divine, though she employed some of her former lovers tactics to consolidate control and instill reform. Things are quiet now...but someday Mythal will come calling. 

[LobselVith8]

I also want to ask questions to the people in the thread, whether those who have already posted or who might post in the future:

 

1) What are your characters' perception of the Mage-Templar conflict?

 

Revas views magic as a gift of the Creators, and saw the templars as a threat to the People; Cullen did demonstrate that the templars can be more than a thorn in the side of the Dalish, however. He didn't regret his decision to ally with the mages.

 

2) What do you imagine your Warden was doing in the time-span that isn't elaborated upon in depth?

 

Warden-Commander Surana focused on rebuilding the Wardens in Ferelden after the Fifth Blight, and left everything behind to be with Morrigan and his son. He was happy; he never thought that he could find solace or love after years of living in the Circle. I see that as the reason why he fights so hard to prolong his life, and keep his ghoulification at bay; he simply wants some more time with his family. As Fiona was able to be 'cured' from the Calling, he might be trying to find the remnants of the Architect's research to discover how it was performed and replicate it.

 

I imagine his mother, a former Night Elf who fought in the war against the Orlesian occupation, would have ventured to Zathrian's clan when one of the messengers tried to find him to tell him about his daughter. She would eventually become the new First of the clan, following Lanaya.

 

3)What would your Warden and Hawke say if they met each other? Or your Warden and Inquisitor? Or your Hawke and Inquisitor, beyond what happens in the game proper?

 

I could see some common ground between my Surana Warden and my apostate Champion when it comes to mage autonomy from the Chantry, but I can also see disagreement because the former is an atheist and the latter is a religious Andrastian. My Hawke did have respect enough for the Hero of Ferelden to say that he was the one who saved Ferelden, rather than the Maker, so I think he would have a high opinion of him. The anti-Warden and anti-blood magic sentiment that's expressed in Inquisition, however, makes me wary about that. That could put them at odds.

 

As for the Champion and the Inquisitor, I'm not sure; I don't think my Dalish mage felt very comfortable being the only Dalish elf among so many different Andrastian shemlen, and I think he would feel more comfortable talking to Merrill, or even my Surana Warden. I think, once the crisis with the Breach has been resolved, he would simply want to be with his people again.

[ShadowLordXII]

Be forewarned, this is a bit long.

 

King Revan Cousland

 

Revan Cousland was raised to be dutiful and loyal to his people. As the second son, Revan had no illusion about who would inherit the Terynir of Highever when his father Bryce passed. However, he did not covet power. He only wanted to do what was best for the people that he had been raised to command and protect. He was an avid reader of history and strategy, knowing that both were important for the future. But his physical energy was put towards learning about weapons with dual-wielding being his personal favorite though he was proficient with the sword and shield as well.

 

But it did nothing to protect his family when Arl Howe betrayed his father and murdered everyone including the handmaiden Iona whom Revan had maintained a relationship with. Revan joined Duncan to fight the Darkspawn, understanding that the man's priorities lied with the Blight, but promising himself that justice would be brought upon Howe. He joined the Wardens to both fulfill his deal with Duncan and to be better capable of facing the Darkspawn, but Ostagar's outcome changed many things.

 

In the year that followed, Revan assembled a band of companions and used the Grey Warden treaties to assemble an army to face the darkspawn. He convinced Zathrien to end his curse and recruited both the cured werewolves and the dalish; the mage rebellion was put down with the remaining mages joining his cause; Arl Eamon was cured and Connor saved along with Redcliffe, though Isolde was sacrificed and Jowan was recruited despite Eamon's heavy protest and reluctance; Orzammar's crisis was resolved with Harrowmont sitting the throne with the legitimized child of the Lost Prince Durin as his heir; The Anvil was preserved for Orzammar's future though Revan hated having to slay Cariden or entrust the weapon to a mad woman.

 

In the course of his travels, Revan gained the abilities of a Spirit Warrior after a close encounter with death near Soldier's Peak which further augmented his combat prowess. He also formed strong bonds with his companions, especially Sten whose sword he recovered, Alistair, Leliana and Morrigan with whom he fell in love. The witch and he often bickered for moral differences, but they found common ground once Revan began to understand and see the realities of the wider world. Morrigan in turn, grew less cold and was more open around Cousland though he never doubted that she had her own goals in mind. A suspicion confirmed on the night before the battle of Denerem.

 

After ending the Civil War with Loghain's death and defeating the Blight (utilizing Morrigan's Dark Ritual as he doesn't believe in sacrifices that have viable alternatives), Revan married Queen Anora and became her prince/king-consort to ensure the stability of recovering Ferelden. Alistair was a good man, brave, noble, loyal, humble and more intelligent than some would give him credit for. But as much as Revan loved Alistair as a brother, he knew that Alistair (unhardened) would have been a puppet king for Eamon and Anora. He also knew that Alistair loved being a Grey Warden and cherished his role despite its inevitable consequences.

 

Alistair and Revan had two last adventures together in Amaranthine where they ended the Darkspawn Civil War through a strained alliance with the Architect and cleaned up the last significant vestiges of the darkspawn. Afterwards, Alistair agreed to act as Revan's second-in-command for the Ferelden Wardens just before Revan returned to Denerem to resume his duties to the crown. Technically, Wardens weren't supposed to be involved in politics, but the 5th Blight had convinced the King-Consort that this absolution was more harmful than good in the long run. To further demonstrate his defiance of warden neutrality, Revan proposed that the Landsmeet grant him the right of Crown Matrimonial, effectively making him co-ruler of Ferelden in his own name.

 

It was an unorthodox proposal and Anora had a reasonable knee-jerk reaction to the idea. However, she made no act of defiance when the Landsmeet agreed to Revan's request. After all, Revan was Teryn of Gwaren, Hero of Ferelden and Arl of Amaranthine while there were many whom still doubted her capabilities in light of the 5th Blight, the Civil War and the shadow of her father's crimes. Fortunately, Revan never attempted to shirk or marginalize his Queen to assure her that they were indeed equals and even relinquished the Terynir of Gwaren to Anora as it was her family's birthright.

 

A further sign of prosperity came when Anora became pregnant and gave birth to a son. The boy was olive-skinned with dark hair, but had the eyes and face of his mother and grandfather Loghain. The newborn prince was named Brandon and Anora seemed to grow both in happiness and resolve with the boy's birth. Two daughters and another son followed in the next decade with the Queen and King acting as doting, firm yet loving parents for their children. However, despite her growing fondness and affection for her husband, Anora knew that his heart belonged to another. Deny or hide it all that he wanted, Revan's love for a certain Witch of the Wilds remained strong and this left a quiet strain between them.

 

Despite this, the nation continued to heal and re-flourish. Arl Vaughen was eventually stripped of all lands and titles and personally executed by Revan for his continued persecution of the Alienage elves with Anora choosing a suitable replacement. A riot occurred between elves and humans in protest to the appointment of the Hahren as bann of the Alienage, raising an elf to nobility for the first time in Ferelden history. Tensions remained, but Anora and Revan managed to restore the peace and the Alienage became further indebted to King Cousland.

 

However, the emerging Mage-Templar War spread through all of Thedas with Ferelden not being exempt. Fleeing mages hid throughout Ferelden or bolstered the numbers of the Grey Wardens despite the many who died in the Joining. This in-turn brought the templars whom provoked conflict with many muggles dying in the crossfire. Revan and Anora put their foot down and sent troops to capture, rout or kill any violent sects of the conflict who threatened their people. Revan himself sympathized with the mages, but knew that the War could have no peaceful resolution as long as both sides refused to come to a compromise and placed his people's stability above that of his own personal feelings.

 

Yet again, he was challenged when began to have visions of the phenomena known as the Calling. But every warden in Ferelden began to have them at the same time and Revan knew that something was wrong. As the Mage-Templar Summit was called by Divine Justinia, Revan met with Alistair who'd just returned from a "personal trip" to Tevinter and shared his concerns. Alistair agreed to head to Orlais to try and learn more about this supposed mass calling while Revan choose to meet with old Avernus. In the meantime, the Wardens of Ferelden were ordered to hold their positions until Revan or Alistair said otherwise with Oghren and Nathaniel left in command.

 

Revan reluctantly said good-bye to his children and spent one last night with his queen before he left Denerem for what he assumed to be a longtime. He had confidence in her ability to keep Ferelden safe in his absence and knew that Ferelden would endure should he never return. At Soldier's Peak, Revan spoke with the ailing Avernus about this "Mass Calling" and came to the agreement that it was a false calling set-off by a powerful darkspawn. It was at Soldier's Peak that Avernus revealed secret knowledge shared to him by the brother of Kirkwall's Champion. That of an ancient darkspawn that could control wardens, but was slain by Hawke shortly after it was freed from it's prison.

 

Avernus believed this to be...unlikely.

 

But before he could act against this supposed enemy, Revan would need to be freed of the Calling or else he may fall under it's control. Revan remembered the book which Morrigan had left him in their last bittersweet meeting and saw where he would have to go. It meant that he may be too late to stop whatever plans that the ancient darkspawn would unleash, but it would be better than becoming a weapon against Thedas, his homeland, his friends or his family.

 

With that, Revan departed from Soldier's Peak and has not been seen in Ferelden for four years...

 

PS: I'll get to Viscount Galian Hawke and Inquisitor Ebasit Adaar later...

[ShadowLordXII]

Viscount Galian Hawke

 

* Both Carver and Bethany are alive as I found the Prologue's required kill-off to be rushed, contrived and lacking in true emotion.

 

When the dust settled in Kirkwall, Galian Hawke was very tired.

 

In the aftermath of the Arishok's death, Galian Hawke was elected as Viscount of Kirkwall. Meredith attempted to block the elections on the grounds that Hawke was a mage and because of the threat of blood mages, but with Galian's encouragement, Grand Cleric Elthina put her foot down and reminded Meredith that she was not to intervene in the city's politics. On the other hand, Elthina warned Galian that he was in a precarious situation as a mage being given power considering Chantry Law. Galian disagreed with the conventional interpretation, but vowed to only use his magic to serve Kirkwall and not dominate it.

 

But even as Viscount, Meredith still meddled in ways that Hawke could not immediately counteract and was a constant thorn in his side. For the next three years, tensions between mages and templars exploded when his friend, Anders...a man who he'd trusted when the healer saved his brother's life...blew up the Chantry and hundreds of people with it. Sparking an all-out war between the mages and templars of Kirkwall with both of it's leaders demanding that he pick a side.

 

Galian refused.

 

He'd seen enough of both organization's flaws to know that siding with one or the other would not help Kirkwall. Meredith was a madwoman who was overstepping Chantry authority with her paranoia and despite finding himself understanding Meredith's perspective, Galian could not trust her. Orsino was reasonable enough, but there were too many Circle Mages who "happened" to have come across knowledge of blood magic or demonology. Galian himself was a Blood Mage, but never used his powers in the ways that he'd seen many of the crazies use their's.

 

So he stood up for Kirkwall. Some moderate or reasonable mages and templars joined him as did the City Guard and many other small groups and friends that he'd made in the past 7 years. But the Champion's forces were still outnumbered by the Circle and Meredith's Templars and had to fight a battle on two fronts to protect Kirkwall while their enemies didn't care about how many people died.

 

Varric, Merrill, Isabella, Aveline, Bethany and Carver stood by Hawke in this dark hour. But Fenris refused to fight alongside mages and joined the templars. He was given one last chance to put down his sword and Fenris refused. Galian shed tears as he cut down his friend.

 

Anders was allowed to live as Hawke did not want to make the mage into a martyr. He planned to have Anders held captive until after the battle where he would be given a trial and execution, but Sebastian wanted vengeance in that very moment. When refused, Sebastian swore that Kirkwall would burn once he reclaimed his birthright in Starkhaven.

 

So Galian ended that threat with a knife to the skull. This action shocked Hawke's companions considering their relationship with the Starkhaven prince and what it would cause. But Hawke had to save Kirkwall, he refused to lose anything else because of another man's selfishness. It was agreed that if Starkhaven asked what happened to Sebastian, they would say that Sebastian was killed in the Chantry explosion trying to save Grand Cleric Elthina.

 

The fighting was hard and fierce. Even with training as an Arcane Warrior and the powers of Force Magic and Blood Magic; even with the help of his lover Merrill; even with Carver's powerful physical; even with Aveline's resolve and guardswomen; even with Bethany's healing and elemental mastery; even with Cullen and his rebel templars; even with Varric's crossbow and "friends"; and even with the unexpected aid of Tal-Vashoth including a Vashoth Mercenary group named the Valo-Kas, the war for Kirwall was bitter with no quarter given or asked for.

 

Orsino was killed by a harvester which one of his mages summoned and with his last words, he lamented his failure as Grand Enchanter and that perhaps Anders was right. Galian grit his teeth while doubt seeped into his mind. Why were madmen who condemned hundreds to die always so certain about the rightness of their immoral actions? He asked this question again when confronting Meredith and her templars. Hawke nearly died several times, but Meredith wasn't quite as strong as the Arishok even with the use of her Red Lyrium sword and eventually turned to stone. After that, the remaining templars stood down with Carver assuming leadership of the Templars and Bethany assuming leadership of the remaining mages with those who wished to leave being allowed to do so without being hindered.

 

Kirkwall was saved, but nearly all of the city from Hightown to Darktown was in ruins. Thousands had died with many more missing and worst yet, the world seemed conflicted on Hawke's part and so he shouldered the blame for other people's idiocy and madness. Some said that he helped Anders while others state that he killed Anders. Some said that he fought with the mages and others said that he helped the Templars. Either way, all fingers were pointing to him as the cause of the Mage-Templar War that started soon after the Battle of Kirkwall. The Circles saw Kirkwall as a sign that the templars and the Chantry were truly oppressive monsters and that they could be defied.

 

This was part of the reason why Anders was allowed to escape. Killing him now would do nothing and Galian wanted him to witness the hell that he'd unleashed on Thedas. Hawke wanted Anders to face what he'd created and to question himself years from now as to if he'd done the right thing. To feel even a portion of the pain and fear that the muggles of Thedas would suffer for this war that he forced upon them.

 

Later, sects of the templars using red lyrium began to invade the outskirts of Kirkwall and with Cullen's departure, some of the remaining Kirkwall templars began to help them enter the city. Hawke rooted them out and fought where he could, but he knew that further fighting would only lead to more death in the devastated city. Therefore, Hawke and his companions departed from the city and split up into different directions to evade their Red Templar pursuers.

 

Hawke became a Mercenary under the name "Malcolm" and wondered through all of Thedas honing his martial and magical abilities in addition to trying to learn more about the red lyrium which corrupted Meredith. He kept in contact with the others, most of all Varric and even met with Grey Warden Alistair on more than one occasion.

 

Carver left for Ferelden to warn it's Warden-Commander about an ancient darkspawn that Hawke had encountered years earlier in light of rumors about a "mass Calling".

 

Bethany eventually joined a Rebel Mage conclave in the Free Marches who wanted to help the common people ravaged by the War.

 

As Guard-Captain, Aveline could not abandon Kirkwall and returned once the red templars had departed from the city. In Hawke's absence, Aveline acts with the powers of Viscount until he returns or...dies.

 

Isabella went back to pirating and became a Pirate Lord when she took up her former title of "Queen of the Eastern Seas" in addition to becoming an Admiral of the Waking Sea.

 

Merrill stayed at Hawke's side with no where else to go with the death of her clan (their own fault). Sometimes Hawke would try to leave her and in time, she'd find him again. Seeing how much his actions hurt Merrill, he choose to respect her decision and allowed her to stay with him. For better or worst.

 

Varric laid low with his Merchant Carta contacts and even reunited with Isabella for an adventure with Warden Alistair in Tevinter. A year after that encounter, Varric was captured by members of fragmented Chantry and interrogated by Seeker Cassandra. He told all except for Hawke's location and later joined in Divine Justinia's attempts to bring peace to the war.

 

However dim they may have been.

 

When the Conclave's date approached, Varric asked Hawke and Merrill to attend. Despite his reluctance, Hawke set out for the enclave, but wasn't even halfway to the Frostback Mountains when a massive rift opened in the sky...