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[Gilbert Salarian]

Two problems with this scenario: 1) The Inquisitor can never use blood magic openly, because their enemies could see it and live to tell the tale. This makes blood magic useless in combat. 2) Once Corypheus is dead, does everyone still want to keep the blood magic secret, even if their approval is extremely negative? Or is possible that somebody could reveal the secret in order to get rid of their enemies?

Essentially, this scenario only makes it possible that a blood mage Inquisitor remains in power after the game. That's simply not enough. What we need is a scenario, where it's inevitable that the blood mage remains in power after any successful playthrough, regardless of companion approval and the choices made during the game.

 

By the end of the game, the only two ways a blood mage Inquisitor could NOT remain in power is if (1) an Exalted March or something of that magnitude was declared on the Inquisition.  Since the Divine is from the Inquisition and you've helped the major players of Southern Thedas, this is unlikely.  (2) a small-scale assassination attempt.  This scenario does not exclusively apply to a blood mage Inquisitor, though; ANY Inquisitor could be subject to an assassination attempt.

 

A small insurrection is about all any of this would amount to.  Even were someone of significance make an accusation (like Cullen, for example), would the majority of people believe him or the Inquisitor, Hero of Thedas?  It would be easy to write him and his supporters off as jealous, power-hungry war-mongers.

[themageguy]

Im okay with no blood mage specialisation being available in Inquisition.

Id much rather play a stand alone game where you are a blood mage and all the moral implications that goes with it.

If the next game is based in or near Tevinter, then i fully expect to see blood magic as an option for mages.

[Catche Jagger]

Dorian is the blood mage companion, for obvious reasons.

Blood Magic is a passive ability that means that spells use a certain percentage of your health once your mana is depleted (it's a percentage rather than a flat rate, because there's option to put more points in Constitution). Other spells in the blood magic tree will take off a bit of health to cast.

The spells available would be Hemorrhage, Blood Slave, and some variant of Grave Robber (something to drain health, at any rate). The focus spell would involve summoning demons who would last until the end of combat (I kind of like the idea of summoning a pride demon with three bars of focus). Passive abilities I've not yet decided on.

The specialization quest would involve crafting a magic knife for bloodletting purposes that doesn't leave visible marks, to keep anyone else from spotting signs of it on your body; obviously, the whole thing has to be kept a secret.

Approval loss from taking it would be somewhat problematic. Greatly disapproving would be Cassandra, Vivienne, and Iron Bull; disapproving would be Sera, Blackwall, and possibly Cole; slightly disapproving would be Varric. Solas and Dorian would slightly approve.

The specialization quest at rank 8 would be called Bind and would involve a choice of mind controlling a specific noble who was opposed to the Inquisition (Leliana), or taking control of a bunch of demons out of a rift and using them to attack the Venatori (Cullen).

It would be possible to completely skip Cole's personal quest by binding him to you. Solas and Varric would disapprove to some extent (either normally or greatly), but Cole would greatly approve as usual.

It would be possible to mind control the ruler of Orlais at the end of Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts. Disapproval rates, I don't know of, as I don't know whether you'd let the rest of the Inquisition know that you did it.

It would be possible to break Erimond's own mind control on the Warden mages at certain parts of Here Lies the Abyss, keeping them alive and making the fights slightly easier.

More plot ideas I'm open to.

I have a few issues with this. I apologize if you've already addressed these.

1) Dorian being a blood mage does not mesh with his character on a fairly basic level, regardless of rewrites of his backstory. The point of Dorian's character is that he stands as example of one who avoids the vices common in Tevinter. For him to use blood magic weakens his defiance of the examples we constantly see in the series.

2) Why would Solas approve of the use of blood magic? I don't think he'd disapprove, but I can't see him thinking it's a good idea.

3) I highly doubt any of these story changes would be implemented as no one specialization has altered the story so much in any of the previous DA games. It seems like an interesting idea, but it changes far too much.

[Xilizhra]

1) Dorian being a blood mage does not mesh with his character on a fairly basic level, regardless of rewrites of his backstory. The point of Dorian's character is that he stands as example of one who avoids the vices common in Tevinter. For him to use blood magic weakens his defiance of the examples we constantly see in the series.

I disagree, because I don't see blood magic as being a vice. Indeed, I think his being a blood mage would strengthen his story, as he'd seem more Tevinterish and less like a transplanted southerner, but could still be a wholly good person.

 

 

2) Why would Solas approve of the use of blood magic? I don't think he'd disapprove, but I can't see him thinking it's a good idea.

He always slightly approves when you get a new mage specialization, IIRC. The "practicing magical forms" thing.

 

 

3) I highly doubt any of these story changes would be implemented as no one specialization has altered the story so much in any of the previous DA games. It seems like an interesting idea, but it changes far too much.

Truth be told, I'd be all for adding more specialization-based story changes for other specializations; I think there were far too few of them, and the extremely scant content we got wasn't enough to justify the inability to reset one's specialization, in my opinion.

[MyKingdomCold]

Solas says that blood magic interferes with his fade dreaming, so I don't think he'd use it

[The Baconer]

I don't care for blood magic, but I don't see why they didn't put it in. Reavers are just as problematic. And they made it very hand-wavey, as far as companion disapproval goes. If they want to cop out on that, they might as well have copped out on blood magic. 

 

Hm, you've got a point.

[Xilizhra]

Solas says that blood magic interferes with his fade dreaming, so I don't think he'd use it

He doesn't, but he doesn't hate it.

 

 

I don't care for blood magic, but I don't see why they didn't put it in. Reavers are just as problematic. And they made it very hand-wavey, as far as companion disapproval goes. If they want to cop out on that, they might as well have copped out on blood magic. 

How exactly does companion disapproval work for that?

[ComedicSociopathy]

How exactly does companion disapproval work for that?

 

Cassandra and Iron Bull are the only one's that bring it up. 

[MyKingdomCold]

I may be wrong but I think reavers are different from blood mages. Most people might not know what a reaver is while blood magic is taught as "evil".

[Catche Jagger]

I disagree, because I don't see blood magic as being a vice. Indeed, I think his being a blood mage would strengthen his story, as he'd seem more Tevinterish and less like a transplanted southerner, but could still be a wholly good person.

You seem to be under the impression that
A) Tevinter=blood magic and B ) Blood magic is no more dangerous than any other form of magic.

So, firstly, there is no reason to assume that blood magic is a thing inherent to Tevinter. The reason why the Tevinters that we see in the games use blood magic is that unscrupulous, selfish, insane, etc. There isn't any reason to assume that someone dissatisfied with the political state of his country would turn to the use of a form of magic that is used by the corrupt. Dorian often brings up how the rest of the world views Tevinter as a place filled with power hungry blood mages, when there is so much more to their culture. To be a blood mage himself makes it more difficult to distinguish him from those he opposes and this weakens his argument.

On to the second point, blood magic is not inherently evil (though I'd argue that very few, if any, things in the games are inherently evil). It is, however, more dangerous than other forms of magic due to its reliance on demons and binding. It is possible to perform blood magic without the use of a demon, but such practices appear to be rare. Of course, a practiced and steady hand could manage such dangers, but not all are so patient or in control.

He always slightly approves when you get a new mage specialization, IIRC. The "practicing magical forms" thing.

I have looked around and have seen evidence of no such thing, so my previous statement still stands. I doubt Solas would outright approve of the use of blood magic.

Truth be told, I'd be all for adding more specialization-based story changes for other specializations; I think there were far too few of them, and the extremely scant content we got wasn't enough to justify the inability to reset one's specialization, in my opinion.

This is perfectly fine, but it seems unlikely that such a thing would ever happen. Specializations are even more distinct than the individual classes, making it more difficult to make content for them.

[The Baconer]

I may be wrong but I think reavers are different from blood mages. Most people might not know what a reaver is while blood magic is taught as "evil".

 

You don't have to know what a Reaver is to be unsettled when you see the Herald of Andraste... eating beating still-beatin' hearts and drinkin' blood.

[draken-heart]

I can see why they did not implement Blood mage specialization. Mostly gameplay, but it would feel like an AI Reaver Bull. If you know how badly the AI plays a fully spec'd Reaver, it just would not work well. Story reasons could be anything, but I like to think/RP that the mage inquisitor had a hand in the decision, or Josie just picked the ones that would feel best fit for the inquisitor's reputation.

[Xilizhra]

You seem to be under the impression that
A) Tevinter=blood magic and B ) Blood magic is no more dangerous than any other form of magic.

So, firstly, there is no reason to assume that blood magic is a thing inherent to Tevinter. The reason why the Tevinters that we see in the games use blood magic is that unscrupulous, selfish, insane, etc. There isn't any reason to assume that someone dissatisfied with the political state of his country would turn to the use of a form of magic that is used by the corrupt. Dorian often brings up how the rest of the world views Tevinter as a place filled with power hungry blood mages, when there is so much more to their culture. To be a blood mage himself makes it more difficult to distinguish him from those he opposes and this weakens his argument.

On to the second point, blood magic is not inherently evil (though I'd argue that very few, if any, things in the games are inherently evil). It is, however, more dangerous than other forms of magic due to its reliance on demons and binding. It is possible to perform blood magic without the use of a demon, but such practices appear to be rare. Of course, a practiced and steady hand could manage such dangers, but not all are so patient or in control.

The trouble is that your descriptor would apply to all Tevinter mages who appeared in the games before Inquisition, and that wasn't because they were blood mages, but because they were villains. Moreover, there's every reason someone dissatisfied with the politics in his country would equip himself with the tools necessary to face down those who implement said politics on their own ground... that is, if he ever intended to do anything about it.

 

On the second point, in the previous two games, none of the especially dangerous forms of it were ever practiced in combat, so I doubt that'll be a major issue.

 

 

I have looked around and have seen evidence of no such thing, so my previous statement still stands. I doubt Solas would outright approve of the use of blood magic.

The wiki is a poor source for approval points. I know he does so if you become a necromancer, and I'm reasonably sure he does so for a rift mage too.

 

 

Cassandra and Iron Bull are the only one's that bring it up. 

Oh, good, that at least lowers my temptation to play as a warrior.

[MyKingdomCold]

I think with Solas it depends on the reason you give him for picking the specialization you pick

[andy6915]

That reminds me, aren't reavers supposed to be changed to be much more aggressive and blood thirsty after becoming? It's a side effect of the dragon blood that makes you a reaver. It's why my warrior Hawke's in DA2 are always aggressive personalities, it fit with them being a berserker-reaver combo since someone like that is going be be a very angry and violent person overall. Yet in DAI, Iron Bull is most definitely not remotely aggressive or acting like I expect a reaver to.

[draken-heart]

That reminds me, aren't reavers supposed to be changed to be much more aggressive and blood thirsty after becoming? It's a side effect of the dragon blood that makes you a reaver. It's why my warrior Hawke's in DA2 are always aggressive personalities, it fit with them being a berserker-reaver combo since someone like that is going be be a very angry and violent person overall. Yet in DAI, Iron Bull is most definitely not remotely aggressive or acting like I expect a reaver to.

 

I do not think Bull is actually a reaver in the lore. They just gave them specializations that fit them.

[Uccio]

 

Writing isn't black magic. If people in this thread haven't been able to come up with a plausible scenario, where a powerful blood mage Inquisitor can be tolerated, but blood magic in general is still the ultimate taboo, then BioWare writers can't do it either.

 

Neither is blood magic. Fanbois here will defend any decision done in the game just because. That does´t mean it is not possible. If you pay me enough I will write you a story of Inquisition with blood magic. Simple, when there is a will there is a way.

 

The Qun may seem very alien, but in the end, it's just a bunch of guys playing under the same rules as everyone else. In Medieval Europe, Islam and the Mongols were perceived in a similar way. Sometimes they were the Great Enemy, sometimes you fought them for more mundane reasons, sometimes you traded with them, and sometimes you allied with them.

 

That is just bull. The qun is THE monster which tried to engulf whole of Thedas. Turn people into mindless tools and destroy any free will. In another words mental blight. Anyone opposing will be destroyed, be it either physical death or mental destruction. You can´t whitewash such monstrosity and then turn around and say one blood mage is impossible. Sorry, you are just shooting your credibility out of the window.

 

The difference is qualitative. Procedural generation helps with all other kinds of assets, while spoken dialogue still requires monkeys speaking predetermined lines to a microphone in a studio.

 

Again, unless you can provide me with the numbers that is just your assumption.

 

I'm not offering any kind of solution. I'm just explaining why computer games are always extremely restrictive.

 

Yes you are, you are offering "submission". Just raise your hands and say, "can´t be done". As for me I believe the work required is not a defining factor, more like it is a deliberate direction taken. There is a difference.

[esper]

As for Solas, he outrights says (though it might be female elf specific) that he would teach blood magic to you if he could. And that it is a shame that he can't use it because of his dreaming since it is a powerful Tool.

 

So no, he would not disapprove because of the blood magic.

[themageguy]

I don't care for blood magic, but I don't see why they didn't put it in. Reavers are just as problematic. And they made it very hand-wavey, as far as companion disapproval goes. If they want to cop out on that, they might as well have copped out on blood magic.

I initially thought so too. However in conversation with the Reaver trainer, you learn that demons cannot possess them and that their blood magic doesn't come from demons, it comes from the primal power of.dragons blood.

[themageguy]

That reminds me, aren't reavers supposed to be changed to be much more aggressive and blood thirsty after becoming? It's a side effect of the dragon blood that makes you a reaver. It's why my warrior Hawke's in DA2 are always aggressive personalities, it fit with them being a berserker-reaver combo since someone like that is going be be a very angry and violent person overall. Yet in DAI, Iron Bull is most definitely not remotely aggressive or acting like I expect a reaver to.

I think it may have something to do with the theory that qunari have draconic blood in them, especially given their draconic appearance.

As for Bulls temperament, his life experience and position may have had an influence on tempering his aggression. Many of the Tal vashoth he has met are savage and feral, and i always got the vibe the qun was put in to place as a means to combat the more aggressive nature some of their people exhibit.

As for Reavers, it would seem the more and more they drink dragons blood the more savage and bestial they become (to the point of growing scales and horns- though Cassandra admits this could he embellishment within the tales). If a reaver just stick with the initial ritual, i don't think their temperament changes to out of.control savagery.