17 réponses à ce sujet

[Cody2Hottie]

So I'm thinking of a good storyline for one of my characters, he's gonna be a male dalish but kinda ignoring the beginning lol. He's dalish but he was raised in the alienage, he was old enough though to still get his facial tattoo's. Unlike other elves who rather use magic or rogue like weapons, he always favored a good sword and shield with some nice thick armor. He was never too fond of what he is, others around him always assumed he was mystical and wise just cause he was dalish.

He often yell at them saying "Don't judge me based on what I am! You honestly think I believe in that kind of cr*p?!"

It's kinda meh to be honest, it's on it's rough draft right now but I think I have something good going lol. Pretty much he's a self hating Dalish. So what I'm asking is what kind of choices would a person like him make during the story? It's something I should know I know but like I said he's still on his rough draft lol...and hey it's fun having people help out with these things. I love hearing opinions and such.

[Qun00]

I don't see how that would affect the main choices at all.

The way he feels about his elfiness is completely irrelevant to what is involved in choosing between mages and templars, meddling with dwarven politics or helping Redcliffe.

Uh... you could side with the werewolves, I guess?

[Asha'bellanar]

Just so you know, the tattoos, vallaslin, are a "coming of age" thing. You get it when you're an adult in the eyes of your clan. And with the Dalish, you have to prove yourself to earn the right to be called an adult, that is, it's not automatically bestowed at a certain age as it is in many cultures. In DAO there's an example of this in Cammen,

Spoiler

who is clearly a young adult, old enough to marry, but who hasn't been able to prove himself as a hunter due to the issue with the werewolves. Cammen does NOT have his vallaslin yet.

.

 

So... the backstory you'll need to come up with in order to justify a Dalish elf who grew up in an alienage but also had vallaslin could be really interesting.  

 

What sort of character would a self-hating Dalish elf be? One who goes against the Dalish at every opportunity, I would think, and who takes every option to assume that others are making judgements because "I'm an elf and you must hate elves!" (There are a few opportunities in the game for elves, both Dalish and alienage, to say stuff like that.) Also, there are things that other characters might say that really have nothing at all to do with race, but which a character with a chip on his shoulder about it might assume is racially based, and might respond accordingly. I've known people who will take the most innocuous comments as insults, actually. It's annoying as hell in real life, but it could be fun to play that way.

[straykat]

Why do you want to skip the origin? You can still play a Dalish and still have lines that are on the dismissive side of things. Like with Tamlen, he'll joke that one day you'll probably run off and hang around the Shem.

 

The Dalish origin's father also encouraged that they communicate with humans more too.

 

You won't get the alienage aspect, but you'll still get to roleplay similarly with this.

[Cody2Hottie]

Just so you know, the tattoos, vallaslin, are a "coming of age" thing. You get it when you're an adult in the eyes of your clan. And with the Dalish, you have to prove yourself to earn the right to be called an adult, that is, it's not automatically bestowed at a certain age as it is in many cultures. In DAO there's an example of this in Cammen,

Spoiler

who is clearly a young adult, old enough to marry, but who hasn't been able to prove himself as a hunter due to the issue with the werewolves. Cammen does NOT have his vallaslin yet.

.

 

So... the backstory you'll need to come up with in order to justify a Dalish elf who grew up in an alienage but also had vallaslin could be really interesting.

 

What sort of character would a self-hating Dalish elf be? One who goes against the Dalish at every opportunity, I would think, and who takes every option to assume that others are making judgements because "I'm an elf and you must hate elves!" (There are a few opportunities in the game for elves, both Dalish and alienage, to say stuff like that.) Also, there are things that other characters might say that really have nothing at all to do with race, but which a character with a chip on his shoulder about it might assume is racially based, and might respond accordingly. I've known people who will take the most innocuous comments as insults, actually. It's annoying as hell in real life, but it could be fun to play that way.

Haha see, rough draft. Thanks for telling me about the tattoo thing, I actually had no idea unless I did than I just forgotten  I'm still trying to figure out what I want him to be, he's self hating but he doesn't hate the Dalish and will always find ways to screw them over. He just finds it annoying he's labeled as something as in (wise and peaceful) just cause he's dalish. It's hard to explain so I hope I'm doing it pretty decently at least lol. This is why I popped on here to ask this without you telling me the tattoo's are "coming of age" thing than I would have looked like a total arse.

[straykat]

Dalish aren't seen as wise and peaceful. People see them as savages. Even the City Elves don't think positive things.

 

That's if they even think they exist. They're rarely ever seen.

 

The Dalish Origin is the only origin where you start off with a weapon pointed at someone, and you can kill innocent people right off the bat... before the game even starts. While the first Dalish companion does the same thing. Velanna killed dozens of innocent people. And she's smug about it. This isn't Lord of the Rings.

[Xawer]

Why do you want to skip the origin?

+1

 

I think it's a pointless exercise to completely RP out of the predetermined stories. In a game such as ES, yes,  but not one such as this.

[Ghost Gal]

Haha see, rough draft. Thanks for telling me about the tattoo thing, I actually had no idea unless I did than I just forgotten  I'm still trying to figure out what I want him to be, he's self hating but he doesn't hate the Dalish and will always find ways to screw them over. He just finds it annoying he's labeled as something as in (wise and peaceful) just cause he's dalish. It's hard to explain so I hope I'm doing it pretty decently at least lol. This is why I popped on here to ask this without you telling me the tattoo's are "coming of age" thing than I would have looked like a total arse.

 

No offense, but have you played DA before? O.o

 

You know that no one in Thedas considers the Dalish wise or peaceful, right? The Chantry has denounced them as violent, amoral, pagan, and uncivilized. Most Non-Dalish see them as nothing but homeless wanderers at best, heathens and savages at worse.

 

Leliana explains the Dalish's history and relation to humans here:

 

 

If your guy has a chip on his shoulder regarding how people see the Dalish, it should probably be Non-Dalish assuming his people are all nothing but gypsy trouble-makers or wandering bandits, not being "wise" or "peaceful."

[Cody2Hottie]

No offense, but have you played DA before? O.o

 

You know that no one in Thedas considers the Dalish wise or peaceful, right? The Chantry has denounced them as violent, amoral, pagan, and uncivilized. Most Non-Dalish see them as nothing but homeless wanderers at best, heathens and savages at worse.

 

Leliana explains the Dalish's history and relation to humans here:

 

 

If your guy has a chip on his shoulder regarding how people see the Dalish, it should probably be Non-Dalish assuming his people are all nothing but gypsy trouble-makers or wandering bandits, not being "wise" or "peaceful."

Last time I ask for help I've played this game before (if you see my post history I post...ALOT back than.) However I won't say I'm an expert on all the lore. It's been a good couple of years since I did a playthrough and thought I would come back and for a bit of fun I'll add some lore to my Dalish character (my least played Origin mind you.) And thought I would get some pointers and post my rough draft on here. I like all the help I'm getting but it's now kinda ruining my experience with even wanting to add my own lore to my character. I'm sorry that I forgot the lore to these races, I thought I had them remebered but I guess not >.>

[straykat]

Sorry to ruin your idea a bit... I don't think anyone's trying to do that though. What we're trying to say is you might just like the Dalish origin as it is... and they're not necessarily wise and peaceful. But have fun either way

[Cz-99]

Don't the Dalish get their Vallaslin around the age of 18? And from what I remember it's a pretty culturally significant thing (involves their gods and what-not).

 

*Checks Wiki*

 

Yup, that seems to be the case. If he was 'raised' in the alienage since he was 18, how old is he exactly? At that point you're either playing a very old character, or he's simply been living in the alienage instead of being raised there.

 

My main question is why? Why not just make a city elf who left the Dalish with X for whatever reason 'cause he doesn't believe in their gods and/or style of life? Is it just 'cause you want your character to have tattoos? There's mods for that, you know.

 

I dunno. Personally, I love the Origin stories in DAO, so I'd never discount them. Also, to me, he's kind of giving off a Sera-vibe, and I personally found her to be cringey. In the end it's your character, do whatever gives you the most joy. The City Elf origin is one of my favorites; inspirational, quickly satisfying, relatable, and you can play a non-Dalish elf that - unlike Solas - isn't a hipster.

 

Edit: I just read some of the other posts and they basically cover most of this. Well, now you've heard it again... In case you... You know, forgot the first time? Or something.

[ModernAcademic]

Dalish aren't seen as wise and peaceful. People see them as savages. Even the City Elves don't think positive things.

 

That's if they even think they exist. They're rarely ever seen.

 

The Dalish Origin is the only origin where you start off with a weapon pointed at someone, and you can kill innocent people right off the bat... before the game even starts. While the first Dalish companion does the same thing. Velanna killed dozens of innocent people. And she's smug about it. This isn't Lord of the Rings.

 

The Dalish are indeed hostile, forceful and agressive toward other races. Dwarves are also reclusive and proud, but they never hostilize other humans, nor races. Not even Qunari are like that once you get to meet them. They might not trust you and dislike you on principle, but you can earn their respect over time and be elevated to basalit'an.

 

After we hear the true story of Arlathan, about how leaders like Falon' Din enjoyed blood sacrifices, how they conspired to kill one of their own (Mythal), how they proclamed themselves gods and enslaved the population, I sincerely fail to see how elves can be the victims in Thedas.

 

Just hear Briala's speech if you help her rule by Celene's side. She sounds like a fanatic hellbent on taking what she wants from humans by force. Even the Arishok acted with more honor and balance than she did if you helped him achieve his goals. He peacefully leaves the city, as he promised and makes only an idle threat of returning one day. And that because his people are supposed to be the fanatics, not the city elves!

 

Trespasser's epilogue showing the elves gathering around Solas worries me A LOT. The elves are not an enlightened people. They're violent, intolerant, xenophobic and prone to killing even when there's no need for it. They're borderline psychotic and I really don't think their civilisation should rise again. They earned their downfall. 

[straykat]

I know what you mean on Briala, but personally I like her and Celene alive.

 

And I'm trying to counteract Solas at the same time. Elves need hope and a place in society... and an alternative to whatever he and his agents offer. I'd only make his job easier if I'm against elves.

[Cody2Hottie]

Sorry to ruin your idea a bit... I don't think anyone's trying to do that though. What we're trying to say is you might just like the Dalish origin as it is... and they're not necessarily wise and peaceful. But have fun either way

I understand that and I thank all your help for what you did. I already know the Dalish origin as is, that's why I wanted to add my own little lore to it, now that...well my experience got kinda ruined. I probably won't even do a playthrough anymore. (Kinda drained me.) And I'm not saying you guys caused that or complaining about the help I got, I really am thankful for you guys giving me your 2 cents.

It just really ruined my look on making your own lore's. Wanted to do something fun and....yeah.

[straykat]

I understand that and I thank all your help for what you did. I already know the Dalish origin as is, that's why I wanted to add my own little lore to it, now that...well my experience got kinda ruined. I probably won't even do a playthrough anymore. (Kinda drained me.) And I'm not saying you guys caused that or complaining about the help I got, I really am thankful for you guys giving me your 2 cents.

It just really ruined my look on making your own lore's. Wanted to do something fun and....yeah.

 

I kind of feel bad now.

 

Hope you find something to work with...

[Cz-99]

I understand that and I thank all your help for what you did. I already know the Dalish origin as is, that's why I wanted to add my own little lore to it, now that...well my experience got kinda ruined. I probably won't even do a playthrough anymore. (Kinda drained me.) And I'm not saying you guys caused that or complaining about the help I got, I really am thankful for you guys giving me your 2 cents.

It just really ruined my look on making your own lore's. Wanted to do something fun and....yeah.

 

I think most people's response was addressing the established lore. In that, if you were looking to create this character while following Bioware's lore, there'd be some inconsistencies. There's nothing wrong with scrapping some/most of their stuff and planting your own. Hell, that's what a lot of people do in TES games.

 

Highly doubtful that anyone's goal was to shoot your stuff down, since ruining someone's fun is a shitty thing to do. If you're really intent on playing the character (perhaps once you regain your drained energy) just shape the lore around 'em and go wild. No one's going to QQ that you're not adhering to established rules in a single-player game, everyone was just - as you've said - throwing their cents around.

[Ghost Gal]

Last time I ask for help I've played this game before (if you see my post history I post...ALOT back than.) However I won't say I'm an expert on all the lore. It's been a good couple of years since I did a playthrough and thought I would come back and for a bit of fun I'll add some lore to my Dalish character (my least played Origin mind you.) And thought I would get some pointers and post my rough draft on here. I like all the help I'm getting but it's now kinda ruining my experience with even wanting to add my own lore to my character. I'm sorry that I forgot the lore to these races, I thought I had them remebered but I guess not >.>

 

I'm sorry. It's just, the Dalish have become infamous in-universe and out for being wary and mistrustful of outsiders at best, heathens and savages at worst. If you've played the games before and frequented the forums, I just don't understand how this hasn't come up?

 

If you want to brush up on your in-game lore before adding your own, the Dalish wiki page is stock full of information. 

 

Sorry to ruin your idea a bit... I don't think anyone's trying to do that though. What we're trying to say is you might just like the Dalish origin as it is... and they're not necessarily wise and peaceful. But have fun either way

 

Yes, what he said.

 

The Dalish are indeed hostile, forceful and agressive toward other races. Dwarves are also reclusive and proud, but they never hostilize other humans, nor races. Not even Qunari are like that once you get to meet them. They might not trust you and dislike you on principle, but you can earn their respect over time and be elevated to basalit'an.

 

Just hear Briala's speech if you help her rule by Celene's side. She sounds like a fanatic hellbent on taking what she wants from humans by force. Even the Arishok acted with more honor and balance than she did if you helped him achieve his goals. He peacefully leaves the city, as he promised and makes only an idle threat of returning one day. And that because his people are supposed to be the fanatics, not the city elves!

 

Trespasser's epilogue showing the elves gathering around Solas worries me A LOT. The elves are not an enlightened people. They're violent, intolerant, xenophobic and prone to killing even when there's no need for it. They're borderline psychotic and I really don't think their civilisation should rise again. They earned their downfall. 

 

Ha! I was wondering how long it'd be before we had our "ALL DALISH SUCK!" post. 

 

If all Dalish are indeed hostile, then I wonder how it is that every Clan we've seen in every game has been shown, as you said of the Qunari, to "not trust you and dislike you on principle" (Zathrien's Clan in DAO, Velanna's Clan in DAA, Merrill's Clan in DA2, the Exalted Plains Clan in DAI), but once you prove to be a friend to the Clan (help Clan members with their problems in minor quests for DAO and DAI, save Zathrien's Clan, etc), they accept you as a valued ally?

 

As for how the Dalish interact with other races compared to others:

 

Spoiler

We'll conveniently ignore how the Qunari launched a preemptive full-scale religious war on and tried to forcibly conquer and assimilate all of Thedas, took a century and a half to push back, lied about agreeing to peace terms, and fully intention to launch another full-scale invasion soon; whereas the elves just want one homeland of their own where they can live and let live. (Albeit in a grumpy "Damn you humans! Get off my lawn!" sort of way.) 

 

We'll conveniently forget that the Arishok actually had his own homeland to return to after leaving the human city when relations with humans went sour, but the elves don't have a homeland that they can return to when they get tired of dealing with humans because humans keep taking it from them.

 

We'll conveniently ignore that the dwarves have their own homeland that they don't want to leave and no one else wants to invade, so they don't have to fight anyone for land or resources or power; whereas humans took all the elves' homelands yet won't allow them basic rights in their own society either, so now the two races clash over land and resources (with humans almost always getting the lion's share and elves almost always getting scraps).

 

We'll conveniently ignore how humans keep taking elven homelands (even the Hinterlands that a Dalish Warden won and left Lanaya in charge of), but then keep forcing them to live in subjugation and poverty (if city elves), or homeless wandering (if Dalish) who get attacked by humans if they step out of line or stay in one place for too long (the lynch mobs in DAO and DAA, Chevaliers as The Masked Empire revealed, Templars as some codexes reveal, etc).

 

We'll conveniently forget that human rulers keep going back on their promises to improve conditions for elves (if they bother to make them at all, like Anora and Celene), so elves are getting fed up with waiting for humans to start treating them better (after over 700 years of this it's starting to dawn on them that if Andrastian humans haven't started treating them better by now, they're never going to); so they've resorted to either rebellions (Briala) or siding with other races like the Qunari or Agents of Fen'Harel who offer them better lives; because sitting around asking nicely for over 700 years hasn't worked.

 

I'm not saying the elves are perfect little angels either (I personally think they really need to learn when to be diplomatic and when to stand up for themselves; they either act like complete pushovers at the wrong time or antagonize humans at times when diplomacy would have served them much better) but you act like the other races are perfectly fair and even-handed with them and the elves are nothing but hostile (which we've established is not true), and hostile for no reason or provocation even though that's far from the case. Or that the elves' and Qunaris'/Dwarves' situations are the same when they're not.

 

After we hear the true story of Arlathan, about how leaders like Falon' Din enjoyed blood sacrifices, how they conspired to kill one of their own (Mythal), how they proclamed themselves gods and enslaved the population, I sincerely fail to see how elves can be the victims in Thedas.

 

That's like saying starving Orlesian peasants don't deserve any sympathy for living in squalor just because their Orlesian nobles live in excess. 

[GoldenGail3]

I like this. My Female Amell feels the same way about being a mage in Ferelden... Or at least in the beginning