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[nightscrawl]

OK, question ... is "Magekiller" considered cannon content, or simply another addition to Bioware's own personal Cannon like many of the previous comics were?

 
The other comics can be considered canon as well. If your world state didn't meet the requirements for the previous run comics, and even if the events didn't happen exactly as they played out, there are lore reveals within them that ARE. For example, Warden Alistair can also mention in DAI the comics experience, we meet Maevaris and learn about her connection to Varric, we meet Bianca, we learn things about Isabela, and so on. So it's not all simply throw away material that can be ignored.
 
In a way, that is the crux of the problem with these ancillary materials: we don't know what Bioware will decide to use in the future, it could be some random lore factoid, or it could be a full-blown character. We just don't know. But they can't be dismissed or disregarded only because they don't match a given world state.


Also, just FYI, it is "canon" (law, rules), not "cannon" (2 Ns, the weapon).

[Kantr]

#5 really wasted them they could have been off having an interesting adventure killing venatori instead of doing a useless job of killing a few demons in that tunnel.

[Andromelek]

The other comics can be considered canon as well. If your world state didn't meet the requirements for the previous run comics, and even if the events didn't happen exactly as they played out, there are lore reveals within them that ARE. For example, Warden Alistair can also mention in DAI the comics experience, we meet Maevaris and learn about her connection to Varric, we meet Bianca, we learn things about Isabela, and so on. So it's not all simply throw away material that can be ignored. In a way, that is the crux of the problem with these ancillary materials: we don't know what Bioware will decide to use in the future, it could be some random lore factoid, or it could be a full-blown character. We just don't know. But they can't be dismissed or disregarded only because they don't match a given world state.Also, just FYI, it is "canon" (law, rules), not "cannon" (2 Ns, the weapon).

Wait... Bianca? I don't remember that, well, I haven't read the comics for a while, I may have forget something.

Anyway, while one could argue that any living Alistair can trigger the events of the comics, a dead Alistair can't, at least not those regarding dead people... A captive Isabela and a caged Sten could also make plot holes.

[Heimdall]

Wait... Bianca? I don't remember that, well, I haven't read the comics for a while, I may have forget something.

Anyway, while one could argue that any living Alistair can trigger the events of the comics, a dead Alistair can't, at least not those regarding dead people... A captive Isabela and a caged Sten could also make plot holes.

She appears in Varric's dream.

Isabela always escapes and it can be argued that Sten would get out of the cage on his own if left in Lothering. Dead Alistair poses a problem.

[Shechinah]

Dead Alistair poses a problem.

 

Varric's a great ventriloquist and does a good Alistair impression?

[vbibbi]

OK, question ... is "Magekiller" considered cannon content, or simply another addition to Bioware's own personal Cannon like many of the previous comics were?  It's existence seems to (like its predecessor) require certain world states to work, especially in regards to the Bulls Chargers decision.  Also, I'm having a lot of issues placing where exactly this content takes place in comparison to DA:I.  I was under the impression that it started prior and sometime during the events of DA:I, but with the way its set up and the way it ends ... it seems like they are using this comic to set up DA4 to some respect (perhaps characters at bare minimum, though I'd be lying if I'd say I found either Marius or Tessa up to par with Dragon Age's normal character quality).  

 

It ends with Lelliana saying that the Inquisitor needs their help, but this is apparently still before the defeat of Corypheus which would mean that the Solas subplot from "Trespasser" had yet to occur by at least two years.  So then what were Marius and Tessa intended to help the Inquisitor with?  Am I reading too much into this, I'm kind of confused and I may be a ******, but any help would be appreciated.

 

Ironically, this comic series is the most easily classified as canon, IMO, due to the fact that nothing important actually happens. It's basically a subplot about Inquisition agents that can occur at any time within DAI. There's nothing to really conflict with the game except possibly Dorian being sent away after IHW. The Bull's Chargers are in the Inquisition by default if we don't do IB's personal quest, so we can headcanon that the Inquisitor just hasn't done Bull's quest yet and does it in the time between the Hissing Wastes and the endgame.

[vbibbi]

Varric's a great ventriloquist and does a good Alistair impression?

 

Awww.

 

I'd imagine it's easy enough to work around. Replace Alistair with Fergus, have Queen Anora send Fergus out to discover the final fate of King Marric before she names him her successor. It loses the personal interest of the main character, but otherwise things could still progress the same.

[turuzzusapatuttu]

I have just one thing to say:

Spoiler

[CardButton]

Ironically, this comic series is the most easily classified as canon, IMO, due to the fact that nothing important actually happens. It's basically a subplot about Inquisition agents that can occur at any time within DAI. There's nothing to really conflict with the game except possibly Dorian being sent away after IHW. The Bull's Chargers are in the Inquisition by default if we don't do IB's personal quest, so we can headcanon that the Inquisitor just hasn't done Bull's quest yet and does it in the time between the Hissing Wastes and the endgame.

Thanks vbibbi and nightscrawl I always can count on you two to explain this stuff to me.

 

So, the events of this series were just a side story then?  I mean I guess outside of the fact that the two protagonists are from Tevinter there really is not a lot beyond getting to finally see the current Archon that would suggest the stories interaction on the next game.  It finished well before the events of Trespasser and Marius and Tessa don't seem like the best options for contacts in Tevinter (both because their current relationships with the Inquisition and the Archon).  So I guess outside of seeing those three characters as NPCs potentially in the next game (if we are going to Tevinter) there really isn't much in the way of ... connection or hints in what is going to happen in DA4? 

[MrObnoxiousUK]

I'm interested in seeing how non Templar mundanes take out mages. Hopefully it's through sneak attacks and such. Element of surprise, getting them while their sleeping and stuff like that. Seems like the easiest and safest way to go about it.

I read a Forgotten Realms book series many years ago also titled Magekiller I believe, and though it was enjoyable for the most part, I took issue with the ridiculous assumption that most if not all casters fought the same and with the same spells. This enables the fighter to predict moves and counter attack but it's very hard to believe that every caster will behave the same way or have the same spell list. However, this was necessary in order for the fighter to stand a chance in a straight up fight with a caster.

I hope this new book doesn't go that route.

When magic is taught as part of a curriculum everyone tends to get taught the same gestures,techniques and movements as each other. This beleive it or not makes mages somewhat predicable to a set degree.

Templars that live long enough to pass on their wisdom to new Templars tend codify or teach the next generation of Templars this hard won knowlege.

Hedge wizards/mages are most likely more dangerous to deal with,but there is only so many way you can cast a fireball or cast a cloud of acidic fog.

[vbibbi]

Thanks vbibbi and nightscrawl I always can count on you two to explain this stuff to me.

 

So, the events of this series were just a side story then?  I mean I guess outside of the fact that the two protagonists are from Tevinter there really is not a lot beyond getting to finally see the current Archon that would suggest the stories interaction on the next game.  It finished well before the events of Trespasser and Marius and Tessa don't seem like the best options for contacts in Tevinter (both because their current relationships with the Inquisition and the Archon).  So I guess outside of seeing those three characters as NPCs potentially in the next game (if we are going to Tevinter) there really isn't much in the way of ... connection or hints in what is going to happen in DA4? 

 

No, there is no indication of future Tevinter-based events based off of this series. As others have said, we do get a small glimpse of Tevinter in the first two issues, but those are events which occur before the start of DAI. And since the comics (at least for now) end at the end of the base game, no reference to Trespasser is made.

 

Tessa is actually Nevarran, not Tevene (sp?). Marius is an escaped slave, I think, so neither of them would be ideal contacts to have in Tevinter. But I could see them being companions, like Cole was pulled from the novel Asunder. But, Marius does

Spoiler

know Calpernia from their shared past as slaves

so he could have an existing connection in Tevinter for DA4.

 

 

A side note continuing the line of questioning about the future of this comic series...the Polygon article also quotes Rucka as saying that there would eventually be an explanation for how Marius was freed from slavery.

 

A former Tevinter slave (and a human), Marius was raised and trained to kill mages without using magic himself. Rucka refrained from revealing how he escaped his masters, but promised that it won't remain a mystery forever.

 

I interpreted this to mean that the comics would explain, but maybe Marius will be a companion or NPC in DA4 and explain his past there.

 

Honestly, I'm just frustrated because this comic series, like so much marketing from Bioware these days, comes across as false marketing. They promise a lot and the resulting product is only half. It's not overt lying, as marketing is open to interpretation and is by nature misleading, but it feels to me like Bioware is distancing itself from its audience and promising everything in the hopes for greater sales. (Anyone remember the promotional video of IHW where Laidlaw says having Dorian in the party results in a different outcome since he has a connection to Alexius? Uh, except it turns out Dorian is mandatory. There was no branching options in that quest!)

[Heimdall]

Thanks vbibbi and nightscrawl I always can count on you two to explain this stuff to me.

So, the events of this series were just a side story then? I mean I guess outside of the fact that the two protagonists are from Tevinter there really is not a lot beyond getting to finally see the current Archon that would suggest the stories interaction on the next game. It finished well before the events of Trespasser and Marius and Tessa don't seem like the best options for contacts in Tevinter (both because their current relationships with the Inquisition and the Archon). So I guess outside of seeing those three characters as NPCs potentially in the next game (if we are going to Tevinter) there really isn't much in the way of ... connection or hints in what is going to happen in DA4?

I think Rucka wants this to be a continuing series, where these five issues were basically setting up the background of the characters.

[thats1evildude]

I imagine that, like many things, whether or not Magekiller continues is a question of sales and general reception.

I'm semi-indifferent. I want more Dragon Age stories, but Issues 1-5 haven't made a compelling case for the return of Marius and Tessa. There's nothing overly interesting or complex about their adventures or the characters.

The plot here is strictly paint-by-the-numbers. If I personally could have written your comic, then it's not a very good comic.

[dawnstone]

All I have to say is I have no idea what this comic was trying to do, unless it was a prologue to a longer series. It reads entirely like a (very repetitive) prologue, which are generally something writers are encouraged to dispense with and get straight into the action.

 

The few dribs of information we are actually given are a) super vague (like what the hell is so special about Marius' skillset? So he's like a templar, or what?), b ) incidental (Minathrous is four panels worth of evil cool, the Archon wears a stupid hat, Tessa is insecure, Marius is Fenris with all the personality and Final Fantasy bits cut out, Sutherland's company is adorable and deserve a better book).

 

I may be squinting at this too hard, but maybe this was supposed to be a look at the Inquisition from the ground up, besides just introducing two characters for the next game? I am already quite sure Marius is going to be one of the people the Inquisitor will recruit for the next game (knows Tevinter, wants to save the world, has some special defense against mages). Not as sure about Tessa, since they paired her off with Charter, and if she's a party member and romanceable, then they'll have broken up and I'll have a sad.

 

So, they successfully made me care about Tessa, I guess that's something. I still don't give two flying nugs about Marius though, and he's ostensibly the one they were setting up as the mysterious, interesting one to be your bro in the next game? Or his character was some sort of meta fake-out to set up Tessa?

 

Why did they have to make Marius so boring?

 

[ArcaneEsper]

I think Rucka wants this to be a continuing series, where these five issues were basically setting up the background of the characters.

If that was the plan it didn't really give us much background either. Hell, as it stands Tessa and Marius still feel really trope-y, in a bad way.

[Reznore57]

I think Rucka wants this to be a continuing series, where these five issues were basically setting up the background of the characters.

 

That's what I thought as well.

Otherwise the comics is like a giant waste of time , I mean Broody and Snarky ended up doing Inquisition mission we've already done in game , haven't bought comics since issue 2 , but it seems their last act of heroism is cleaning up the tunnels we cleaned up in the first hours of the game ...(well if you take the moutain way) Errr...hooray?

 

Meanwhile there was a somewhat interesting plot in Tevinter with the Archon dealing with Venatori that got dropped.

I'm a big fan of DA , and I'd like to actually buy the comic , but boring characters , boring story , boring monologue , and recycled stuff I already saw in Inquisition isn't helping.

Hopefully they'll somehow will end up in Tevinter again and we'll get some new lore.If there's some new lore I'll buy even if I don't care for the main characters.

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Not as sure about Tessa, since they paired her off with Charter, and if she's a party member and romanceable, then they'll have broken up and I'll have a sad.

Well, they could always have it so they are in a polyamorous relationship. I remember Bioware saying that the only way they could really have a romance like that work is if the other two are already in a relationship and then the player can be joined in or something. 

[Andromelek]

Awww.

I'd imagine it's easy enough to work around. Replace Alistair with Fergus, have Queen Anora send Fergus out to discover the final fate of King Marric before she names him her successor. It loses the personal interest of the main character, but otherwise things could still progress the same.

Unless he has Dragon Blood, I don't see that happening, that was the entire premise of the plot after all.
.

I think Rucka wants this to be a continuing series, where these five issues were basically setting up the background of the characters.

This reminds me the Halo comics series, Initiation and Escalation, the first just painted the background for a despicable character and wasn't really relevant out of that, it was boring and lame, but some months after that Dark Horse launched Escalation, which had multiple arcs and many issues, focused on different characters, some of them were really good and had relevance for Halo 5.

Edit: Escalation had many writers so, maybe there are more comics coming but not under Rucka's direction.

[Kantr]

For a comic about mage killing. They didn't actually kill that many mages. 

 

Seeing the chargers and Dorian was a nice cameo but my whole interest in the comic in the first place was that it was supposed to be in Tevinter.

[BansheeOwnage]

Supposedly by clearing a tunnel so the Inquisitor could get reinforcements we didn't actually need. In other words, they didn't actually help that much, which is the crux of the criticism around Issue 5.

 

(In fairness, M&T had no way of knowing the Inquisitor had the situation well in hand.)

Yeah, they thought they were helping, and they tried... which is important. It's just odd for them to pat themselves on the back like that when it turned out they didn't actually help at all, trying or no.

[BansheeOwnage]

Ironically, this comic series is the most easily classified as canon, IMO, due to the fact that nothing important actually happens. It's basically a subplot about Inquisition agents that can occur at any time within DAI.

Funny, when I read that I had a thought about the multiplayer Inquisition agents, who I actually found quite interesting, and thought stories about them would have made a much more interesting comic.

 

 

(Anyone remember the promotional video of IHW where Laidlaw says having Dorian in the party results in a different outcome since he has a connection to Alexius? Uh, except it turns out Dorian is mandatory. There was no branching options in that quest!)

Or when they said you could send Cullen to Redcliffe instead of Leliana, and it would have different consequences? There's marketing, and then there's Bioware marketing

 

Not as sure about Tessa, since they paired her off with Charter, and if she's a party member and romanceable, then they'll have broken up and I'll have a sad.

Well as someone else suggested, they could do this crazy thing and not have her be romanceable, but actually have a companion be in a stable relationship with someone other than the PC, who doesn't need your help to sort out their relationship problems and just... is. I'm not even rooting for Tessa to be a companion, but that concept would be refreshing.

[Heimdall]

Or when they said you could send Cullen to Redcliffe instead of Leliana, and it would have different consequences? There's marketing, and then there's Bioware marketing

I'm betting it was in the plan when they said that, but this is the danger of giving out information long before release, a lot can change in the interim. It makes me feel bad that we badger the devs with relentless requests for information during development...

[dawnstone]

Well as someone else suggested, they could do this crazy thing and not have her be romanceable, but actually have a companion be in a stable relationship with someone other than the PC, who doesn't need your help to sort out their relationship problems and just... is. I'm not even rooting for Tessa to be a companion, but that concept would be refreshing.

They did that with Vivienne, giving her a ltr with Bastien (whom they killed, and I do not want to see something like that happen w/ Charter/Tessa). While I didn't mind someone cool and imperious like Viv being unromanceable, I can see major butthurt from the community, over someone like Tessa, who is generically attractive and "nice", being left out of the romance pool if she's a party member.

[BansheeOwnage]

I'm betting it was in the plan when they said that, but this is the danger of giving out information long before release, a lot can change in the interim. It makes me feel bad that we badger the devs with relentless requests for information during development...

I'm not so forgiving of them. This was late in development, near release. And it had nothing to do with badgering them. Why do some people insist on blaming fans for everything? Bioware is not immune to mistakes or doing bad things.

 

The story would have been finalized, and they had a whole video to go along with it (which even changed some things like zombie Leliana to keep the time-magic a secret). But all the cutscenes and the entire level were done. Furthermore, since they know it's time-travel, they know that they're outright lying since we don't get to send anyone; Leliana sends herself to Refcliffe offscreen, and even further, there are no consequences to either Leliana or a potential Cullen going because it's time travel, and those versions aren't the same ones as we interact with.

 

It was a marketing lie. It happens.

 

They did that with Vivienne, giving her a ltr with Bastien (whom they killed, and I do not want to see something like that happen w/ Charter/Tessa). While I didn't mind someone cool and imperious like Viv being unromanceable, I can see major butthurt from the community, over someone like Tessa, who is generically attractive and "nice", being left out of the romance pool if she's a party member.

True, I forget about Vivienne sometimes. But like you said, Bastien dies and we do end up trying to save their relationship, sort of, even if we don't know it    I would want the next version of that to just be a nice stable relationship in the background, where the companion's partner may occasionally appear with them.

 

I don't know, maybe people would want her as an option, but I'd prefer someone else. I've had enough lesbian/bi rogues.

[Heimdall]

I'm not so forgiving of them. This was late in development, near release.

I thought that demo was almost a full year prior to release.