Care to muse on what you’d like to see in the future? Admittedly, there are other similar threads, but this focuses particularly on your ideal crew.
Let’s keep it loose. Whether your hopes are general (Avvar warrior), or you have a specific idea in mind (Avvar shield warrior with red hair, one eye, and a secret fondness for lowlander poetry), they’re equally welcome here.
I’ve put this into the story section as opposed to say, the feedback section, because for me, the experiences of this game are ideally a factor in my hopes for the alternate experiences of the next. i.e. We received one perspective on Tevinter with Fenris, and a contrasting perspective with Dorian.
What would you find in your ideal future set of companions? What general types of character story arcs are you interested in seeing? What new ideologies would you most like to encounter? And on the lighter side, what would be your ideal voice actors (or even character face models)? The only stipulations to the last being restricting yourself to living actors, but apart from that, go wild. You can pick academy award winners if you like. If you’d like to note setting and premise as well, do so, as those aspects factor into whether your party works together (For example, a party of mostly Fereldens made sense in a Ferelden setting, just as a party of mostly Anders would make sense in the Anderfels).
Which current/prior companions or NPCs, if any, would you like to see return in a prominent role?
My ideal setting for the next game would be Tevinter with a side of Rivain. I’d like the racial options to be retained, but with a return of the playable origin and perhaps a return of more than one Origin available to each race. For example, I’d like for human players to have the option to play as an Altus Mage or as a Gladiator. I also value more personal RP opportunities for our character, such as the Bethany/Carver dynamic.
My Companion Wish List:
WARRIORS
- The Fog Warrior/Gladiator
Spoiler
My most significant hopes for companions of future DA installments involve the Fog Warrior, the mysterious group of freedom fighters Fenris and Iron Bull have talked about, and the Tevinter Gladiator. If those two hopes come in a single package, I’m all the happier. My concept of this character is a Two Handed Warrior who was captured by Slavers and ended up performing in the amphitheater of Minrathous. Thanks to his origin, he has a few ostensibly rogue like abilities (tricks of the Fog Warriors).
My ideal voice actor: Tom Hiddleston
- The Valkyrie
Spoiler
The female warriors we’ve had as companions so far have been relatively stoic and straight laced, and they’ve also usually been sword and shield warriors. This one would be charismatic and warm, while naturally ferocious on the battle field. She would preferably default as a Two Handed Warrior.
Also, she would be from Starkhaven, so she could have that accent. Belinda Darrow, while not a Two Handed Warrior, would be a good alternative.
My ideal voice actor: Karen Gillan
- The Chevalier
Spoiler
Technically, he would be a former Chevalier, disillusioned with the order, but he represents the culture and background of the elite of Orlesian society and the elite of the Orlesian military, feathers and all.
My ideal voice actor: Djimon Hounsou
- The Female Dwarf Warrior
Spoiler
A combination we haven’t had yet. A female Dwarf wielding a sword and shield. When it comes to personality, I basically want Sigrun 2.0, but without the death wish, and with a more adult, almost Isabela like sense of humor. Also, freckles.
My ideal voice actor: Jennifer Lawrence
ROGUES
- The Elven Bard
Spoiler
We’ve already had a Bard, obviously, but she was a former Bard at the time. This one would still be very much a part of the Bardic lifestyle. Also, as an Elf and a part of the higher echelon of Human society, this character would bring a perspective we haven’t had in a companion before.
The idea here, is that your interaction with this character is initially a game of intrigue. The game does not expect the player to be fooled when they are freely offered the services of a Bard. Clearly, she is here to spy, but “could you use her anyway?” is the question to ask themselves. The player character can refuse her offer without consequence or they can take a risk and gain a resource. What follows depends on player choices and the resulting approval.
My ideal voice actor: Emily Blunt
- The Veteran Warden
Spoiler
He’s the embodiment of traditional Warden philosophy, in that he believes ends will always justify means. He’s very much a Warden of a certain age, so the issue of the Calling would likely arise. Also, we haven’t had a rogue Warden in a main game companion party (Main game, not counting Nathaniel and Sigrun).
My ideal voice actor: Liam Neeson or Patrick Stewart
- The Southern Chantry Spy
Spoiler
Thanks to a few in game notes and codex entries, I subscribe to a theory that there are a lot of Chantry agents that are code named after birds. It makes for some fun head canon.
One of the optional companions in a game, this character would represent the aspects of the Southern Chantry that both Leliana and Sebastian were designed to subvert. Namely, aggressive dominionism. This character would offer their services to you only reluctantly, and they would offer up approval primarily for actions that further the interests of the Southern chantry, as well displays of dominance and power. In some ways, this character is as much a social Darwinist as Morrigan, but with very different priorities and goals.
Remember Bishop? He’s sort of like that. Angsty romance betrayal optional.
My ideal voice actor: Benedict Cumberbatch
- The Avvar Archer
Spoiler
He’s a reserved type of character, and not one for wordiness. Part of the inspiration for my image of this character is The Silent Hunter in The Last Court. Of course, this one’s an Avvar, and as a result he’s similarly comfortable with Spirits and Veil entities. He’s very straightforward and deeply devoted to his faith. However, he’s doesn’t look down on lowlanders and different philosophies. Like one of the Avvar merchants in Stone Bear hold, he admires some aspects of lowlander culture, like architecture or industry.
My ideal voice actor: Brandon James Keener
MAGES
- The Tevinter Battlemage
Spoiler
My conception of this character is that, initially, he is an antagonist/“act one” Boss. Like Dorian, he wants to “redeem” Tevinter, but not at all in the same way or for the same purpose. He’s fiercely patriotic, and wants to strengthen and bolster Tevinter’s political and military power, and he believes the way to do so is to basically tear down the current system, and get rid of Tevinter’s tendency toward decadence and excess. Thus, he stands in opposition to both Tevinter’s status quo and Tevinter’s enemies. He perceives the protagonist as in his way, whether they want to be or not. You must defeat him to continue, and afterwards you have options. Execution, imprisonment…Recruitment.
Think something like Tevinter Loghain, but more charismatic.
My ideal voice actor: Nicholas Boulton (Yes, I know, but since Jon Curry managed to return as the Inquisitor, I’m holding out hope that the same kind of thing could happen again)
- The Rivaini Seer
Spoiler
She’s mysterious and difficult to know, but she’s also sensuous and possessing of an earthy glamour. One of those blink and you’ll miss the opportunity recruitment missions, and you have an opportunity for an influential Rivaini Mage claiming a place in your party.
My ideal voice actor: Gugu Mbatha-Raw
- The Expert Blood Mage
Spoiler
Very definitely amongst the optional companions. Think Tevinter Orsino, and resultantly much more up front about his “darker” magical studies. I picture him as an elf, but the real key is that this character is focused on the research of blood magic for its own sake (as opposed to Merrill, who practiced blood magic for certain specific goals). As a result, he offers particular insight into the Arcane and Demons that we haven’t encountered before. Most importantly, however, Tevinter Orsino.
My ideal voice actor: Mathew Goode
- The Vashoth Mage
Spoiler
Oversimplified, she’s sort of like the Vashoth version of Bethany, in that she’s warm and gentle mannered, completely subverting the common expectations for a Qunari/Tal Vashoth.
My ideal voice actor: Scarlett Johansen or Emmy Rossum
Regarding returning characters:
I’d be interesting in having Dorian and Dagna involved in a future game. I also like several of the MP characters, namely Belinda Darrow (as referenced above), enough to want them to return and have their character fleshed out and expanded upon.
Abraham_uk, Uccio, PapaCharlie9 et 11 autres aiment ceci
would like to play as male elf mage(he would be my canon hero, as was hero of ferelden and lord inquisitor who was elf male mages too)..if game will not have race selection that would be very bad and i never like DA2 for this
about companions i will not like to see any orlesians, antivans, starheven guys in my party...as with any pro Orlais Chantry, Templars/Seekers and Qunari guys
i want to see more nonhuman females companions/advisors especially more non-human females romance for males hero(3 games and only humans females except merril)..if they would be race restricted("elf female would romance only elf male") that would be only more good
I want to see companions/advisors from those groups ....dalish, tevinters, nevarrans. blood mages, non-andrastians, grey wardens, dwarfs(Orzammar or Kal-Sharok), elfs, tal-vashots
If the next game takes place in Anderfels, Tevinter, and Par Vollen I could see a female Tal-Vashoth mage as an interesting party member
We haven't had a female qunari party member yet so that would be a start. As for her class and background a Tal-Vashoth mage would be a solid foundation to build off of. Lastly, I would find it interesting if she was a warden as well since we know Tal-Vashoth have been rumored to join the wardens but we have yet to actually see one. To me this is a nice blend since being warden gives us a good foothold for exploring the lore and story in Anderfels while being a Tal-Vashoth opens up avenues to explore the Tevintar and Par Vollen conflict.
I'd like a "bad guy" as companion, whose goals just happen to align with yours. I don't think we've ever had one of these in DA. Morally neutral, yeah, but bad/evil? Nope. I'm thinking someone like Sophia Dryden or Avernus. That would be awesome, IMHO.
Serelir, Kel Eligor, LiaraShepard et 7 autres aiment ceci
How about my wishlist for who should have been companions in this game?
Cassandra, Solas, Varric, Vivienne and Dorian can stay.
Iron Bull, Cole, Sera and Blackwall basically have no point in the story, let alone being made companions, the characters you get to know best. So toss them.
To the 5 above we should then add:
Lelianna
Cullen
Hawke
It makes far more sense, or at least it might if they fleshed them out more like actual companions, for those 3 to be companions in place of the 4 pointless ones I mentioned earlier. Seriously, those 4 are basically the equivalent of making Scout Harding a companion. Yeah, might be interesting, but she's a side character and has no real place in the plot outside of her little role as the briefer before you enter a new level. She doesn't need to be made more than that, and those other 4 companions either shouldn't have been in the game, or relegated to side roles.
Having played JoH I'd really like an Avaar trained mage because they would appear to be the polar opposite of the Chantry trained mage with an attitude to spirits more in keeping with Solas. However, since we're probably going to be in northern Tevinter, then a Rivani seer would do just as well because I believe they have a similar outlook and it is a really ancient culture, pre-dating both the Chantry and Tevinter.
I'd definitely like a fog warrior because again they would be different from anything we have had before and they are also grounded in a very ancient culture that has been nearly wiped out.
As for a rogue character, I'd like some sort of agent of Briala/Inquisiton, sent north through the eluvian system to spy out Tevinter, may be even running a sort of slave equivalent of the mage underground. Alternatively one of the sentinals that used to serve in the Temple of Mythal.
I'd like a "bad guy" as companion, whose goals just happen to align with yours. I don't think we've ever had one of these in DA. Morally neutral, yeah, but bad/evil? Nope. I'm thinking someone like Sophia Dryden or Avernus. That would be awesome, IMHO.
I now want a Spirit of Honor inhabiting the body of a Mabari, conveniently named Honor. How the main character encounters this character, let alone how they came to be, is a mystery to me, but the thought of a Spirit struggling alongside the mindset of a Mabari is hilarious, especially if the main character is one of those wise-cracking types:
Main Character: Aw, who's a good boy, who's a good boy?!
(Honor approves)
Honor: *tail wagging* What are you doing? I am the very soul of the battlefield made physical; the beating heart of all things good and proper, not some lap dog to be stroked and petted! *Mabari Barks*
M.C.: Then why is your tail wagging? I know you enjoy this.
Honor: I enjoy nothing, it's this bo- what's that smell?
M.C.: That would be the larder. Smoked bacon, I believe.
(Honor Slightly approves)
Honor: Hm...don't you think we should investigate?
M.C.: Looking to beg for some treats?
(Honor Slightly disapproves)
Honor: Begging is a dishonorable act! *Mabari whines and gives those sad eyes!*
M.C.: Your words say 'no-no', but your eyes say 'Woof-woof!'
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Later on, maybe the spirit's 'friendship mission' involves them being conflicted with what will happen once their mission/whatever is done. You can either convince the spirit to go back to the fade, or try and convince it to 'stay awhile longer', wherein it stays permanently bound to the Mabari.
Many of the player's interactions with Honor involve them asking questions about the fade, spirits in general, or its opinion of various matters including it's being in the body of a mabari, the progress of the player, companion opinion, ETC. It would greatly approve of acts considered honorable (refusing rewards, doing 'what's right' ETC) and naturally disapprove GREATLY in matters opposite, possibly ending up with it leaving the party...also it would slightly approve of the dog jokes as it slowly grows accustomed to the form its in.
In the end, it's a unique companion bringing back what we liked from the first game, along with the obligatory spirit companion we have in each installment in the series. By combining both together you augment the somewhat lackluster abilities of the mabari to gain a unique support-melee character, with spirit abilities focused around buffing the team, and the mabari abilities that are centered around de-buffing and harassing enemies, and even incapacitating one in the form of pounce.
Tayah, teh DRUMPf!!, colemanshane et 4 autres aiment ceci
More female non-human companions for starters. Aside from Awakening it's been pretty much diverse as far as male companions go but mostly human with females. In fact I actually wouldn't mind if they went the Mass Effect 1 route and only had the signature male and female human and the rest be non-humans.
Male Qunari Warrior
Male Human Rogue
Male Elf Mage
Female Dwarf Warrior
Female Elf or Qunari Rogue
Female Human Mage
I'd also have ALL of them be romanceable BUT with gated restrictions. At least two from each gender would be available to both males and females and one from each group would have a gender/race restriction ala Solas/Cullen.
Example:
Male Qunari Warrior only available to Female Qunari
Female Dwarf Warrior only available to Male Dwarf
Male and Female Human available to all races (given Humans are the default romance option, generally speaking)
One of the elves might only prefer humans and elves while the other might exclusively not be interested in humans entirely.
Also, the companions can be built as you wish as far as weapon/spell styles goes. That way you can take whichever warrior/rogue/mage you like or not feel forced to take a certain character outside of personal missions.
Excellent list milady. Very thorough, this requires a lot of thinking. I have to get back to this.
I'll look forward to it, Ucci. Don't feel pressured to post more than one, if you don't have a lot of characters in mind. Share as little or as much as you like.
Besides Honor, there's another companion type I'd like to see, but to I have to give some backstory to begin with:
I didn't spoil myself with details prior to the launch of Inquisition, so I only knew three things, only one of them remaining true:
1) There was a Warden named Blackwall who had an amazing beard. (this is the one that remains true.)
2) I saw a picture of Dorian: I don't trust a man with a mustache that just screams 'I'm going to tie you to the railroad tracks muahahaha'.
3) I thought that 'The Iron Bull' was going to be this big human covered in heavy black armor with horns on his helmet.
Then I played the game. When sharing thoughts afterwards with 'the gang', we all came to the conclusion that The Iron Bull was a disappointment in just about every way. We then started making our (actually rather impressive) Iron Bull impersonations, and thus we ended up crafting a character who we have come to call (and imitate on multiple occasions): The Real Iron Bull.
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I have no idea what he would actually be called. What we do know is that he is always wearing this very thick, basic looking dark armor and you can only see his eyes through a small slit in his oversized, bucket shaped helmet (like the massive helmets in DA:O). He has a deep voice, and can be usually be found in the tavern drinking (with his helmet on), eating (see before), and just engaging in idle banter with random people. We described his personality as 'The Perfect Bro' as he's just always there to cheer you up with his jovial nature. He's the type who lives from paycheck to paycheck, spending it like it's candy...sometimes literally spending it on candy and just shoveling it through his visor or under his helmet and into his mouth. He's very easy to get excited about something, but it's near impossible to get him angry (being trained as a berserker, he just builds it all up and releases it on the battlefield.)
Conversations with him would generally be asking his opinion of people (with hilarious results), asking to hear a random story from his past, or just triggering a cutscene of the two of you hanging out at the tavern either in a drinking contest (you lose. No one can out-drink T.R.I.B..), the two of you taking on and beating up people in a bar fight, or otherwise just hanging out laughing at the same old jokes. He approves of 'fun' actions, not necessarily renegade type decisions but ones he thinks will be the most amsing. He'll disapprove of boring decisions or actions that are clearly immoral or horrific. (He's a thrillseeker, not a jerk!). He'll approve anytime you insult someone, including himself: he'll even insult you back, playfully of course.
You cannot unequip his armor, you can however upgrade it with gemstones (a la shale from DA:O, sans cosmetic changes). Using cheats to change his armor would reveal that no face model was designed for him. He would be a two-hander type, and if they brought back new specializations, he'd likely be a Berserker. Not a Reaver, a glorious berserker... heck, he might be a Dwarf if he's a berserker, or still a human as originally imagined.
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He's a unisex Romance Option, but here's the catch: the romance is hilariously one-sided as he just doesn't understand that the player is hitting on him. He'll either not understand, misinterpret, or just wander off whenever you try to initiate flirt options. There would be times where he tries to play wingman for you and send people your way (where you could actually accept the 'one night stand' option or reject them.). Based on how you refuse (if you did), he'll end up sending different types of people towards you with comical results.
Eventually, if you've stuck with this romance line all the way through, an annoyed player character will just outright say what they feel:
Player Character: Look, I love you alright?
T.R.I.B.: Oh. No thank you. *wanders off, end cutscene*
You would then get the achievement 'Shot Down', with it's description reading: 'Well, at least you tried.'.
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His Loyalty/Friendship.Companion mission would be hilariously simple: He just wants to hang out with his best friend: The Player. Beginning the mission triggers a series of cutscenes that you can influence the progression of. Either the two of you have a nice calm evening spending time together, or you get into all sorts of crazy trouble (likely at the expense of your teammate's dignity and the collarbones of a few random people.).
The first cutscene? You're at a tavern drinking when a couple of people come in and start making trouble. You could either ignore them or You and T.R.I.B. can just start walloping them (whether that's in cutscene form and involving beating them with bar stools or actual gameplay I don't know.)
The inn closes regardless of your actions, and the two of you are out in the streets at night. The both of you? Just a little bit drunk, maybe you just go for a walk...maybe you break into that bakery and steal all the two day old pastries?
Maybe you encounter a companion out for a stroll? Maybe you banter for a bit...maybe the two of you start messing with them in some way or form?
Regardless of the night, the two of you end it laughing heartily. You then get the achievement 'A Friend Indeed', with it's description being: 'Friends don't let friends drink and not fight'.
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This all ties into his character: He doesn't need help with some deep issue or dilemma: he doesn't have one. There's no dark and troubled past full of emotional turmoil and conflict. He's just living his life the way he chooses and with no regrets. There's not backstory to him, at least none that he's giving you. He's just T.R.I.B.
Thank you, Brogansity. Personally, I'm fine with The Iron Bull (though I do wish his voice was more consistent), but I've really enjoyed your contribution.
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