81 réponses à ce sujet

[Shechinah]

Do we have official info on mage slaves? My impression wasn't that slaves who develop magic are kept for training, but rather that a magic wielding slave is even more valuable than a mundane slave. Why would the slave master spend resources sheltering and training the mage slave, then just set them free once they had proven in control of their magic? Rather, they would want to keep or sell the slave for an increased profit.
 
...I feel icky writing this...

 

Oh no, the slave in question is not freed after they've been trained: they remain a slave. The training seems to be to prevent the slave from causing accidents due to uncontrollable magic or turning into an abomination because of a lack of training against demons.

 

I admit my information specifically about slaves with magic and their training is largely based upon an official short story called "Paying the Ferryman" by Joanna Berry. It features parts of Calpernia's background and provides some insight into the Tevinter Imperium. Here's an excerpt from Calpernia is put before her master after they discover has magic and after her master has taught her;

"A slave with magical talent needed training or their owner might find an abomination, frothing and shrieking in the slave quarters one day. But as Erasthenes often murmured when they were cleaning his rooms, he couldn’t bear distractions. He might simply sell her. Or use her as an experiment."

"But once he was certain she had her magic under control, Erasthenes went back to his study and shut the door. Calpernia was left with a broom in her hand instead of a staff. What did Erasthenes care? He had his peace and quiet."
 
The Circles in the Tevinter Imperium are described as being prestigous academies and attendence is not mandatory nor a right but a privilege which fits with Fenris' description of the people who attend. This would be why slaves and likely commoners as well do not seem to be sent there for training when they are discovered to have magic.

 

Here is an excerpt regarding the Circle that could support the theory that a slave with magic might have more or a different worth than a slave without;
 
“This is the one?” Magister Anodatus asked Erasthenes one afternoon. As Calpernia leaned over to refill his teacup, he grasped her chin. “She seems half-broken. Hardly bows to her betters—and those insolent eyes. You should send her to the Circle. Her… attributes might buy you some influence at least." Calpernia froze —by “attributes” she knew he meant the blood of a slave capable of magic." 
 
By the way, I can heartily recommend the short story especially if you are interested in the Teviner Imperium and even if you have no interest in the character of Calpernia. Here is the link for those curious; http://blog.bioware....015/06/02/8316/

[Dai Grepher]

There are also the Lucerni, the group of mages Dorian assembled that argues for reform. Though this could just be an optional affiliation of the player character, not necessarily an origin.

Personally, I would like to see a new 4th class added to the list. I have played a warrior, a rogue, and a mage in my worldstate. I would like a new 4th class for my 4th player character. Perhaps some kind of combination of the three, or maybe a spear user that focuses more on party buffs and enemy debuffs.

With that in mind, I think I would like to see a soporoti military commander. Someone who is fairly high up, but still under the thumb of any magister. It would present an interesting situation if he is ordered to do something by a magister and he will have to choose between refusing it or going along with it.

Another option is to have a fog warrior. Their fighting style could be more of a 4th class kind of thing. It would show someone who is mainly an outsider to all parties involved. Not Tevinter, not Qunari. An avvar might also be an option, or some combination of these perhaps.

Another possible origin could be a dwarven inventor. This class would focus on manipulating the surroundings and constructing items to use in battle. There could also be a main weapon that works on runes and/or ambient magical energy. Like something to channel different energies and expend them as offensive attacks. This class could even work beside various mage party members to change or amplify effects. This could be a mix of technology and magic, and the weapon could have physical attacks as well.

But as for origins in general, soporoti warrior/assassin, mage of various ranks, dwarves connected to trade with Tevinter, elves and slaves, possibly a Dalish elf origin depending on direction of the plot with Solas, outsider groups from other nations, real Qunari, possibly even a Fade spirit origin (would make customization more sensible).

[Abyss108]

Inquisitor origin.

 

(Ok, so I wouldn't buy the game if the Inquisitor doesn't return, buts lets ignore that for a second so I can actually answer the topic and pretend this is an unrelated to Solas game set in Tevinter)

 

Elf Slave is what I would pick. Games usually end up being massive power fantasies and I'm sure this will turn into one, but I always find it more interesting to play the parts where that power is stripped away. It's more fun playing against worse odds.

 

I can't think of anything less appealing than a human only choice. I don't need Origins to be happy, I'm fine with only a single race or background - as long as it's not human. It's just such an utter waste of potential to invent this massive fantasy universe, with all these fascinating races, then limit the story to the most generic character imaginable. Complete waste of time.

[Aren]

Ancient elf awakened from Uthenera and captured as a slave.

[vbibbi]

Oh no, the slave in question is not freed after they've been trained: they remain a slave. The training seems to be to prevent the slave from causing accidents due to uncontrollable magic or turning into an abomination because of a lack of training against demons.

 

I admit my information specifically about slaves with magic and their training is largely based upon an official short story called "Paying the Ferryman" by Joanna Berry. It features parts of Calpernia's background and provides some insight into the Tevinter Imperium. Here's an excerpt from Calpernia is put before her master after they discover has magic and after her master has taught her;

"A slave with magical talent needed training or their owner might find an abomination, frothing and shrieking in the slave quarters one day. But as Erasthenes often murmured when they were cleaning his rooms, he couldn’t bear distractions. He might simply sell her. Or use her as an experiment."

"But once he was certain she had her magic under control, Erasthenes went back to his study and shut the door. Calpernia was left with a broom in her hand instead of a staff. What did Erasthenes care? He had his peace and quiet."
 
The Circles in the Tevinter Imperium are described as being prestigous academies and attendence is not mandatory nor a right but a privilege which fits with Fenris' description of the people who attend. This would be why slaves and likely commoners as well do not seem to be sent there for training when they are discovered to have magic.

 

Here is an excerpt regarding the Circle that could support the theory that a slave with magic might have more or a different worth than a slave without;
 
“This is the one?” Magister Anodatus asked Erasthenes one afternoon. As Calpernia leaned over to refill his teacup, he grasped her chin. “She seems half-broken. Hardly bows to her betters—and those insolent eyes. You should send her to the Circle. Her… attributes might buy you some influence at least." Calpernia froze —by “attributes” she knew he meant the blood of a slave capable of magic." 
 
By the way, I can heartily recommend the short story especially if you are interested in the Teviner Imperium and even if you have no interest in the character of Calpernia. Here is the link for those curious; http://blog.bioware....015/06/02/8316/

 

Thanks for that detail!

[mgagne]

I want to be one of Leliana's agents sent to Tevinter, as a dormant mole, before the Inquisition was disbanded.  Once 'activated' he will assemble his posse and begin hunting for elvhen orbs and other artifacts, as well as sniffing around for our bald quarry.  Hardly any intervention from the shadow inquisition will be needed.  I see them always on the move with no base to speak of, save temporary hideouts now and again.  This means there shouldn't be anymore than 4-5 potential companions. 

 

You live with the squad, you eat with the squad, you fight with the squad.  And when the quarry has been found and neutralized you bring him back in chain and throw him at the feet of the Inquisitor. *purrs in hungry anticipation*

[BansheeOwnage]

I want no origins, and instead have the background be ambiguous. 

 

But if I had to choose one of the ones you listed, I'd choose slave. Allows all race/class combinations, an excuse for the protagonist to be asking about Tevinter despite living there, and if our history before being a slave isn't touched on a sense of ambiguity which increases roleplaying potential. 

You raise some good points, but I just really don't like the idea of being forced into a slave origin. The implications of that are so... ugh.
 I suppose it's possible it would take place in a family who treated the slaves relatively well, but... I don't know.

 

One thing I could see them doing though is having the master of the house/most of the house treat you very badly, but have one person (the master's child perhaps) develop a friendship* with you and help you escape after stopping the master of the house from doing something horrible to you. They would be your first companion. The repercussions of this could also be explored later in the story, as it progresses.

 

*The friendship wouldn't have to be directly requited of course, but they'd still save you.

[straykat]

I want to be one of Leliana's agents sent to Tevinter, as a dormant mole, before the Inquisition was disbanded.  Once 'activated' he will assemble his posse and begin hunting for elvhen orbs and other artifacts, as well as sniffing around for our bald quarry.  Hardly any intervention from the shadow inquisition will be needed.  I see them always on the move with no base to speak of, save temporary hideouts now and again.  This means there shouldn't be anymore than 4-5 potential companions. 

 

You live with the squad, you eat with the squad, you fight with the squad.  And when the quarry has been found and neutralized you bring him back in chain and throw him at the feet of the Inquisitor. *purrs in hungry anticipation*

 

I love the spy lingo here. "Activated". I bet he has a cool briefcase.. and can torch his quarters at any given moment.

 

Problem is, Leliana is my Divine. So I'd need another spy master.. but whatever.

[BansheeOwnage]

Inquisitor origin.

I approve. This would be ideal (understatement).

[Sifr]

 

Problem is, Leliana is my Divine. So I'd need another spy master.. but whatever.

 

Didn't Asunder mention that the Divine is often expected to be best players of the Game there is, so I don't know why Leliana would stop having agents everywhere just because she's put on some fancier robes. Besides, political intrigue is far more interesting than running the Chantry, if she didn't have that as a hobby, she'd go (even more) crazy within a week!

[straykat]

Didn't Asunder mention that the Divine is often expected to be best players of the Game there is, so I don't know why Leliana would stop having agents everywhere just because she's put on some fancier robes. Besides, political intrigue is far more interesting than running the Chantry, if she didn't have that as a hobby, she'd go (even more) crazy within a week!

 

I suppose you're right. I haven't played Trespasser either. This would make even more sense if I decide to align (and keep) the Inquisition with her.

[Thelzar]

Tevinter seem to be something really distinct. So a foreigner origin would make sense as a contrast, something for the tevinter to react to. The foreigner would also be an easy bridge to past games and stories, and give the writers lots of conflicts and lore to draw on. I would very much like to play a foreigner in Tevinter.

[Baboontje]

Inquisitor origin.

 

I came here to post this.

 

But if I ignore my desire for the Inquisitor to return and think about a new PC and their possible origins, then I actually would like to either have an Altus origin and/or be an Elven slave. And I wouldn't really mind if the slave origin would imply dark things, as the CE origin in DAO also did this and it was one of my favourites. I can totally picture said slave snap one day and paint the halls of the castle/mansion/house red with their masters' blood.

Or maybe it would also be fun to have the Altus origin and slave origin be of the same house and decide through dialogue options how the family treats the slaves so the outcomes may vary.

 

Example:

Spoiler

The slave implies being badly treated, members of the family represent this through their actions and statements, ultimately leading to said refurbishment with blood. As you escape, you seek out Dorian/Dorian's guys as the family had ties with the Venatori and you make a deal with him to spill the beans in exchange for protection. Alternatively, when playing as the Altus, you can treat the slaves badly and there will be one or several slaves who rebel that you have to put down. Family still had ties with the Venatori, but they betray your family and in your revenge you seek out Dorian to get back at them.

 

Or:

 

You, the slave, mention that they are lucky to be in their current masters' service as it is far worse elsewhere. Masters have ties with Dorian and after members of the Venatori infiltrate the mansion, kill said masters and the slave PC flees to find themselves rescued by either Dorian's guys or Inquisition guys and pledge to help them from then on.

For the Altus origin, it would kind of be the same except that you survive in this scenario. Seeking out Dorian to help you beat back the Venatori and in return help him and the Inquisition.

 

Just some thoughts though. Might not work out well.

[Sifr]

Human Mage - Altus

It'd be interesting to see Tevinter from a character who's top of the food chain, especially if they have any kind of affiliation with the Magisterium. Perhaps our family's secret is that we're descended from one of the Magisters Sidereal, something that ruins our prestige once it's outed. Maybe we even belong to the Amladaris family, making us a distant descendant of Corypheus himself.

 

Human Rogue/Warrior - Soporati

A commoner's perspective of Tevinter (and Thedas) is something that's not really been touched on, as we've mostly played Nobles and the Human Commoner background from Origins was nixed. Hawke was the closest we've had to this in terms of origin, but even they joined the nobility a third of the way into DA2. Perhaps our character could be a merchant or former soldier who served time in the Imperium's army?

Elf Mage - Laetan.

Since I don't believe we've seen any Elven Mages from the Imperium, nor have we seen what their versions of the Circle are like save being told that they're prestigious magical academies. Perhaps our Mage character might stumble upon something from the days when the Circles were used as Temples of the Old Gods.

Elf Rogue/Warrior - Liberati.

Having the background of a former slave would let us see that not everyone treats slaves (especially Elven ones) as nothing more than disposable property. Perhaps we are cordial enough with the master that freed us we might even continue to work for them in a paid capacity? Otherwise a former slave turned self-made man in Tevinter would be just as interesting of a background.

Dwarf Rogue/Warrior - Ambassadoria (Noble, Warrior, Merchant or Servant Caste)

To make up for the lack of Dwarven options, perhaps we could be allowed to choose a Caste we belong to. This might potentially give us an interesting dichotomy and provide some nice juxtaposition between how our kinsmen treat us compared to the Vints, since a Dwarf belonging to a low-rung Caste might get more respect from outsiders than among their peers.

Qunari Mage/Rogue/Warrior - Slave (before Liberati).

With how the Imperium and the Qunari have been at war forever, it would make far more sense for any captured Qunari to be forced into slavery, regardless of class. Likely due to the events of the game they'd end up being freed and becoming Liberati at some point however.

[GoldenGail3]

Mage Noble Origin. Sorry, I really like the Noble Origin, lol.

[jlb524]

Mage Noble Origin. Sorry, I really like the Noble Origin, lol.

 

That's probably given for a human mage if the next game is in Tevinter.

 

I'm guessing the mage background will have the protag as an apprentice to a Magister (they'll be Altus if they're human).  It would be neat if you start out studying with Dorian or Maevaris.

 

 

Didn't Asunder mention that the Divine is often expected to be best players of the Game there is, so I don't know why Leliana would stop having agents everywhere just because she's put on some fancier robes. Besides, political intrigue is far more interesting than running the Chantry, if she didn't have that as a hobby, she'd go (even more) crazy within a week!

 

Divine Lelitoria has spies in Tresspasser even.  

[GoldenGail3]

Yeah, I really like to be play mages, as everyone's noticed...  So i'll likely play a mage in the next game as well.

[kimgoold]

Slaves lower class elves and other races other than human (I'm bored of human protagonists); something along the lines of Fenris DA2 or a new class/type of rogue, warrior or mage exclusively trained in Tevinter style classes. The only humans I would be willing to play are Maevaris, Dorian or Crem. 

 

I want to see the underbelly, a crime syndicate (dwarf-carta)

 

A Tal Vashoth body guard Mercenary hired by a merchant or Mage family;

 

A newly risen Elven Mage Laetan? class and the effects on his/her family.

 

An underground slave movement that help slaves escape Tevinter or are planning to topple the Mages. (This most of all) who have to change gears to combat the Qunari subversives infiltrating their organisation.

 

A Qunari agent? sent to fracture Tevinter thru slave uprisings and civil unrest. Elven preffered or Dwarven.

[WardenWade]

Elf: City elf/elven slave (particularly if we're in Tevinter)

 

Qunari: Ben Hassrath (rogue) or member of the Antaam (warrior), or Sarebaas mage (Vashoth is more likely, I imagine)

 

Dwarf: Ambassadoria Kal Sharok dwarf

 

Human: Tevinter Circle Mage or Altus (rogue or warrior), or slave (any class)

[DuskWanderer]

I don't think we should have our main character be from Tevinter. As we the players lack perspective on what society in Tevinter is truly like, it would be more relatable to have our exposure match the PC, which is to say none. Given the pattern of DA protags thus far, I think that the PC should come from Orlais (1st game Fereldan, 2nd game Fereldan-born set in Free Marches, 3rd game Free Marches born set in Orlais) 

 

I also don't think qunari should be a class, simply because the story suggests strongly that the qunari are enemies, and that they aren't exactly the most welcome in Tevinter.

 

But I'd like to see it as:

 

Human Warrior - A noble-born chevalier

 

Human Mage - A former Circle mage 

 

Human Rogue - A bard 

 

All humans, regardless of class, are from a noble family who allied with Celene during the Civil War. The PC is the third son/daughter of the family, neither heir nor spare.

 

Elf Warrior - A former bodyguard

 

Elf Mage - A former Circle mage

 

Elf Rogue - A spy who infiltrated noble estates, often posing as a servant

 

All elves, regardless of class, were former allies of Briala, who used them in her quest to build up the elves.

 

Dwarf Warrior - Hired muscle from the Carta

 

Dwarf Rogue - A smuggler and assassin from the Carta. 

 

All dwarves, regardless of class, worked for Gaspard. 

 

 

 

The PC is sent up to Tevinter either as a hand-picked ally (if their faction won the civil war) or were sent up there both to report on the situation in Tevinter (stopping the ruler from needing to provide another) and to prevent retaliation. There will be a specific small sidequest for every race and class, granting an extra skill after it is completed. 

[Baboontje]

I don't think we should have our main character be from Tevinter. As we the players lack perspective on what society in Tevinter is truly like, it would be more relatable to have our exposure match the PC, which is to say none. Given the pattern of DA protags thus far, I think that the PC should come from Orlais (1st game Fereldan, 2nd game Fereldan-born set in Free Marches, 3rd game Free Marches born set in Orlais)

 

Whilst there's some sense to the PC not being from Tevinter to gain perspective as the player, I really wouldn't like to play another outsider (unless we can play as the Inquisitor). Being from the country the story is set in makes me care more about what actually happens. In DAI we were from the Free Marches and a lot of the times I felt like; "Why should I care about this?"

Also, no PC ever should be from Orlais. In fact, if I never hear any Orlesian ever speak again I will be satisfied.

[DuskWanderer]

Whilst there's some sense to the PC not being from Tevinter to gain perspective as the player, I really wouldn't like to play another outsider (unless we can play as the Inquisitor). Being from the country the story is set in makes me care more about what actually happens. In DAI we were from the Free Marches and a lot of the times I felt like; "Why should I care about this?"

Also, no PC ever should be from Orlais. In fact, if I never hear any Orlesian ever speak again I will be satisfied.

While that's a failure on the writer's part, being an outsider has little to do with that. 

 

Most of the reason why I wanted to protag to be from Orlais is because of the pattern, and the other is that we have an excuse to be in Tevinter: Orlais is it's largest trading partner, after all. 

[Baboontje]

While that's a failure on the writer's part, being an outsider has little to do with that. 
 
Most of the reason why I wanted to protag to be from Orlais is because of the pattern, and the other is that we have an excuse to be in Tevinter: Orlais is it's largest trading partner, after all.

Yes well if the next PC absolutely has to be an outsider I'd still be against an Orlesian PC. Pattern or no. I don't think I can bare listening to that for a 100+ hours a playthrough. I'd rather have another Fereldan or someone from Starkhaven.

[vbibbi]

Whilst there's some sense to the PC not being from Tevinter to gain perspective as the player, I really wouldn't like to play another outsider (unless we can play as the Inquisitor). Being from the country the story is set in makes me care more about what actually happens. In DAI we were from the Free Marches and a lot of the times I felt like; "Why should I care about this?"
Also, no PC ever should be from Orlais. In fact, if I never hear any Orlesian ever speak again I will be satisfied.

I agree in that I doubt the PC will have the Orlesian accent, if only because at this point, barring Leliana Bio has portrayed all Orlesians as foolish dandies. They have not allowed players to actually treat any Orlesian seriously.

BUT they could have the PC have been on assignment on the Orlais-Nevarra border or Orlais-Tevinter border; this would allow liberty to explain why the PC's accent has softened, and why they are well situated to deal with a situation in Tevinter.

[AFA]

Rebel Mage (for non-Dalish). This should have been the mage origin in DAI

City Elf

Human barbarian and commoner

Surface Dwarf