[ID: softly colored digital art of Hunter, Gus, and Willow from the Owl House holding hands in a circle. They’re playing in the rain on earth, standing under a streetlight. Willow leans slightly back, pulling Hunter with her as Gus jumps, presumably to splash the both of them when he lands. Beneath their feet are swirly puddles, bright where the streetlight hits the ground. They’re all laughing brightly. End ID]
Unless you also tag inquisition as da:i, you have no justification for tagging dreadwolf as da:d, don’t be cowards and use dad like we were meant to do
The thing with Dragon Age is like… literally none of the information released about this game has been anything new at any point
7 years ago, Trespasser: we’re setting up the next game it’s about Solas here’s Solas
whenever it was a couple of years ago at some game convention: here’s a teaser it’s Solas
today, title reveal: hey y'all it’s about Solas
I know the state of Bioware these last seven years has been so difficult and that this team must have worked so hard and gone through so much but like damn. Seven years and it’s still just “look it’s Solas”
I mean, I don’t completely disagree but I feel like you’re being pretty disingenuous. I don’t know how long you’ve been playing these games, or how deep you are in any of the lore stuff, but if you played Trespasser, read Tevinter Nights, and kept tabs on all of BioWare’s DA announcements and only came away with “it’s got Solas in it.” I think that one is on you, tbh.
Red Lyrium, A potential Qunari invasion, A potential slave rebellion in Tevinter, “disappearing elves”, Titans, Grey Warden troubles, Lingering unrest with the Mages and the Chantry, A buttload of HUGE monsters??? Plus whatever the heck Mythal/Flemmeth is up to. And the Evanuris. And also…yes. It does have Solas in it.
We have SO MUCH more info about what is likely to be in the next game in comparison to the older ones in the franchise. We have so much more access to the devs as fans now then we did in the past. They’ve rewritten this thing at least twice, and just because we knew Solas was likely going to be in it does not mean we knew how big his role was going to be. They’ve completely changed course on story arcs in the past. Heck, they rewrite their own lore all the time!!
The title Dragon Age: Dreadwolf solidifies Solas as the mainantagonist/antihero. Which we did NOT know before.
ALSO: fans are excited because an official title and promises of more information later in the year means that the next game could possibly be released next year. It’s a light at the end of the tunnel for fans who have been waiting almost a decade for it. Which is why we are excited. Regardless of WHAT the title is or how much it does or does not tell us about the plot, it means IT’S ALMOST HERE.
I love when people post pictures and art of the Dragon Age protags cause it’s like when people post pictures of their pets. Just someone posts a screenshot going “LOOK at her!!! Isn’t she the most beautiful cute garbage fire you’ve ever seen??? She’s a gift to this earth” and everyone else, who think THEIR protag is the the most beautiful cute garbage fire gift to this earth will respond “God she IS congratulations” and everybody is right
Dorian: Your magic is incredibly boring, Anders. Anders: It’s healing magic. It’s not supposed to be flashy. Dorian: But it could be, couldn’t it? Surely you could throw in a bit of flair here and there. Anders: Sure. Next time you get stabbed by a Red Templar, I’ll be sure to stop to twirl my staff around before I heal you. Dorian: I wouldn’t want it any other way.
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Anders: I don’t think I’ve ever met a real necromancer before. Dorian: We are a rare and remarkable find, certainly. Anders: I’ve heard it’s one of the hardest schools of magic to master. Dorian: The hardest, actually. Although, spirit healing isn’t easy either, from what I’ve heard. Anders: I guess. I mean, I’ve studied and practiced hard, of course, but to some extent it’s always come naturally to me. (Cole: You want to help, and so do they. They like you because you let them.)
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Anders: So. You bind spirits to your enemies’ corpses and make them fight for you in battle. I can’t tell if that’s fascinating or creepy. Dorian: Oh, fascinating, definitely. Haven you ever watched me in action? I am very impressive. Anders: You, sure. Necromancy? A bit of both, at best. Dorian: Fair enough. I’ll take it.
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Dorian: Spirits really are fond of you, aren’t they? First spirit healing, then Justice, and now you’ve got Cole following you around as well. (Cole: He’s hurting, both of him are. I just want to help.) Anders: What can I say? It’s my natural charm. Dorian: You are fairly charming, for a Southerner. Anders: Well, technically, I’m part Anders. Dorian: I’ve been to the Anderfels, believe me, charm is not something that could possibly come from them. Unless, of course, your family possessed the last of the fun and attractive genes. Anders: We did. That’s the true reason the wardens are hunting me. The whole deserting and blowing up a chantry thing is secondary to my true crime. Anders: Wait, you think I’m attractive? Dorian: For a Southerner, at least. // (if romanced) Dorian: Not the most attractive Southerner I’ve met, that title is taken, unfortunately. But you’re not bad either.
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Anders: What is it like, Dorian? Dorian: Being as handsome as I am in a world full of mediocrity, you mean? It’s a burden I am happy to bear. Anders: I meant living in Tevinter. Growing up respected, and free. Being able to cast a spell without immediately worrying someone is going to kill you or lock you up for it. Dorian: We still have to worry about that last part, sometimes. Getting assassinated certainly cuts back on one’s freedoms. Dorian: But that’s not the same, is it? Honestly, I don’t know what I can say about it. It just… is. I’ve never known anything else. Anders: Lucky. Dorian: Yes. I… sorry.
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Anders: I wanted to apologize, Dorian. I think I was a bit… bitter when we last spoke. Dorian: No, no, no need for apologies. From what I know of the South’s treatment of mages, you have every right to be. Anders: Still, that’s not your fault. And the spirit in my head doesn’t like it when I don’t make amends for even minor wrongdoings. So, I apologize. Dorian: Well, I hereby absolve you your crime. You can tell your spirit that all is forgiven. Anders: He can hear you. And thanks.
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Dorian: What is it like living in the Circle, Anders? I can’t even imagine. Anders: Sure you can. Just picture Skyhold, but with less windows and dark dungeons. And also imagine that about a third of the people you see around you are Templars who want you dead. Dorian: Well, that sounds… charming. Anders: Oh, it was great. Sometimes I miss little rituals like checking under my bunk for murderous Templars before bed. Dorian: Well, Cullen’s still here. I’m sure you could check for him, if you like. Anders: True. I guess things haven’t changed that much after all.
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Anders: You aren’t afraid of your magic, Dorian. Dorian: Is there a reason I should be? It isn’t as though it can manifest a will of its own and rebel against me. Anders: No, obviously not. But… It’s different when you grow up in the Circle. Or anywhere in Thedas influenced by our Chantry, really. Anders: It’s just… it’s hard not to listen when everyone tells you over and over you’re dangerous, or cursed. Dorian: Well, you’re not. I can’t claim divine certainty, but I do fancy myself somewhat of an expert on magic. It’s a skill like any other, and there’s nothing wrong with it. Anders: I appreciate the impassioned lecture, Dorian, but I’m an adult. I know all that. It’s just… your mind lies to you sometimes, makes you doubt the things you should know. Does that make sense, or do I just sound crazy? Dorian: No, your words are clear as crystal, unfortunately. I don’t know that there’s anything I can do about that. But if you ever need reminding that magic is good, I’d be happy to put on a little show for you. Anders: Perfect. You can remind me of the positives of magic by pulling spirits out of the Fade and animating decaying corpses with them. Dorian: Exactly. Nothing says “harmless fun” quite like an army of living corpses. Maybe I can make them dance? Anders: Now that would cheer me up.
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Dorian: I’m planning to go back to Tevinter, when this is all over. Anders: And here I thought the South was growing on you. Any day now I expect you to come out of your room dressed in furs and heavy armour, talking about how at home the smell of wet dogs makes you feel. Dorian: (shudders) Perish the thought. Dorian: But I’m not just bragging, this time. I was going to find a boat back after Corypheus is defeated. If you’d like, I could find one that seats one extra person. Dorian: Or, two extra people in one body, as it were. Justice would come too, I presume. Anders: Are you… asking me to come with you? Why? Dorian: The Chantry is still looking for you, and I don’t imagine they’d be satisfied with a heartfelt apology and a promise not to do it again. Not to mention, if you’re looking for somewhere to hide without being persecuted for your magic, there’s nowhere in Thedas better than Tevinter. Anders: That’s… This may be one of the nicest things anyone has ever offered to do for me. Dorian: Come now, don’t get sappy on me. Anders: Too late. It’s happening. I might even cry. Dorian: If you get your tears all over my robes, you’re uninvited. Anders: (laughs) Anders: Thank you for the offer, Dorian. I’ll think about it.
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Anders: Dorian, I’ve considered your offer. Dorian: And?
(if Anders is with Hawke) (Or the Warden because insert kicks canon into the sun gif here) Anders: I think I’ll suffer through the South a while longer. It’s not all bad here. Dorian: You mean that one person in particular who makes it worth it. Anders: That helps, yes. Dorian: Fair enough. // (if romanced) I know what that’s like. Dorian: Well, if the two of you change your mind, do stop by and say hello. If you don’t, I might forget how grateful I am to be back somewhere that doesn’t smell like cold and wet all the time.
(otherwise) Anders: I’m in. Dorian: Wonderful! I’ll have Josephine get you a new wardrobe right away. Anders: What? Why? What’s wrong with my clothes? Dorian: As much as I’ve come to appreciate this “feathered creature dragged through a Marcher swamp” look, it isn’t exactly in style in Tevinter right now. Anders: (muttering) I lived in the sewers, not a swamp. Dorian: Yes. My bad. I’m sure that will make you much more popular with my countrymen. Dorian: Don’t worry, you’re in good hands. Anders: Thank you, Dorian. Not for insulting my clothes. For… well, everything else. Dorian: It’s the least I can do for a friend. Dorian:But enough of that. If you cry again, then I’ll cry, and then we’ll both look stuffy and miserable for the rest of the trip. We’ll discuss plans when we return to Skyhold.
I’m seriously enjoying replaying DA2. My beloved disaster polycule of messy queer friends/rivals-who-hang-out attempting to keep a city (and each other) from imploding (and failing).
But going into the tags for cool artstuff reminds me how hard loving both Fenris and Anders is in this fandom!
(I mean, I love all of them but I think those two hit hardest for marginalised fans and I’m certainly not immune).
The discourse wants to pit them against each other so freaking hard (tbf, so does the game) and I can’t help but think of it mirroring how irl machinations pit marginalised identities against each other…
A Elf whose been enslaved, tortured, and abused by Tevinter mages has every right to their bias against magic. A Mage whose spent their whole life in internment camps, tortured and abused because of their magic, is going to romanticise the only free mage society he knows of existing.
The bias Fenris and Anders have against each other makes sense. Anders life and mission (post-Justice) is to free the mages from internment and oppression. Fenris is understandably vocal about his reservations.
What isn’t understandable (imo) is how these two are so hard-headed in their opposition to each other that they cannot consider where the other is coming from at all.
Both Fenris and Anders have plenty of empathy, are capable of compromising with other characters, but where does it all go when dealing with each other?
It’s a failure of the game because it reduced and oversimplified both characters to a pro-mage/anti-mage stand-off when their relationship (in whatever form it remains or grows into) deserved a careful and complicated exploration. It also pitted the two biggest in-game marginalised identities against each other… which is… not great…
Furthermore, that’s what I see explored most in Dragon Age fanfiction that ships them. You see the gross stuff too, of course, but it’s not the majority. Most of the fic I’ve read that involves them illustrates a simple desire for Fenris and Anders to understand each other.
A desire to explore how, if they’d bend but a little, they should be uniquely capable of recognising each other’s hu(elf)manity in a society that dehumanises both of them. For them to acknowledge that they have more in common than they don’t. For them to realise that their enemy is not the other but a system of oppression they should be fighting against together.
This time: I think we all wanted to know what Hawke’s LIs would say if Hawke was left in the Fade so… here’s my idea of what might’ve happened if they were at Skyhold after Adamant
Note: Solas’ prayer very roughly translates to - “My sleeping friend, dream well and undisturbed. I will beg my heart for peace now I am alone, and I will hope for the night we meet again in the beyond.” it’s the best I could do with what I was going for with the wiki lmao
Also I’d be happy to take some Fake Banter requests! Send me some characters and/or a scenario and I’ll give it a go fake banter is SO FUN
dragon age inquisition playthrough but its just me doing all the weird and creepy side quests that contribute absolutely nothing to the plot but just make you go,, “huh,,” highlights include:
the haunted chateau where that noble family locked up their little mage girl and tried to hide her magic and things turned out Much Worse than in Frozen
escorting LORD WOOSLY,, a good and fluffy friend described as a “veRY SPECIAL ram,,”–demon. its actually a demon. you don’t know that unless you attack it but if you accidentally do, surprise!! demon,,
JUDGING A BEAR FOR HIS CRIMES??
Fun scavenger hunt where you find severed body parts that scream with the souls of the damned,,
hopping on a rock until you upset an otherwordly being and its disgruntled, disembodied voice tells you its Great Secrets. Following its instructions, you then crawl behind a tiny cave and recieve a flower crown
Raiding a mausoleum, but you have to put a story together correctly or else demons come out of the rocks
Finding a love letter with a meeting place, then getting attacked by a spider that drops a wedding ring when you go to the location
Finding the journal of a stalker who’s been tracking a woman for at least three days
Turning a chainmail bikini into an astoundingly terrible amulet
Sticking your hand in a pile of shit to get a schematic for a banana on a stick
you know at one point anders says “justice won’t let me get drunk :(” and you COULD interpret that as “because of justice alcohol has no effect on me” but the far superior and correct interpretation is that every time he’s offered a drink justice briefly takes control and slaps it out of the person’s hand
There’s apparently party banter from the Legacy DLC where if you have him and Isabela in the party, she says something like “Oh look, we passed another broken pillar, everyone take a drink!” some other party members have commentary, but Anders says something like “the last time we played this game, I kissed an ogre”
And I have to ask, if that is a recent development, or from like, his warden days because that contradicts the whole not able to get drunk thing if it’s something that happened in DA2.
But the imagery is hilarious regardless
look. friends don’t let friends get drunk if that means making out with an ogre.
justice: ALCOHOL LOWERS YOUR INHIBITIONS AND BARES YOUR VULNERABILITIES. I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO PUT YOURSELF IN RECKLESS DANGER AGAIN, NOT WHEN I HAVE PLEDGED TO PROTECT YOU FOR AS LONG AS IT IS RIGHT TO.
anders: …………is this because of the
justice: YES THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE OGRE INCIDENT.
I like to HC that Justice doesn’t let him drink either because it makes Justice take over at bad moments becaue Anders is out of it/out of control or that it suppresses Justice completely
You know what? Leaving aside party gender balance issues, DA continuity might just have been better off if Fenris and Sera switched places.
Allow me to play devil’s advocate!
Fenris in DA2:
Has a background that is totally unrelated to anything else that is going on in Kirkwall, making him a poor foil for Anders’ rebellion against the Chantry system.
Fenris in DA:I:
Has a natural entry-point into the story as a hunter of slavers and magister assholes.
Also provides a very good foil to Dorian, insofar as Dorian’s pride in Tevinter culture is couched in his own unexamined privilege.
Could easily be given a personal quest that ties in to Calpurnia’s backstory, further bringing him into the main story. For extra heartache there could also be a red lyrium tattoo scare.
Fits in with the Inquisition’s crew of experienced warriors who want to eradicate injustice. We see a lot of determination and sadness and loss in the Inquisition personal quests, but not so much anger. Maybe some anger would be good for them.
Sera in DA:I:
Is out of place amongst the older and more experienced party members.
Has a personal storyline that only ties in to the greater plot to the extent that it reminds the player that commoners exist.
An aged-up Sera in DA2:
Fears magic because she witnessed blood magic firsthand in the Denerim alienage, and provides some context for why regular people are so afraid of mages in the first place.
Vocally believes in the Chant of Light, putting a more human face on the doctrine that Anders speaks out against.
Has an epic rivalry with Merrill, because let’s be real, in what universe is Sera okay with some Dalish blood mage feeling free to drag a dangerous mirror into the center of the alienage because her elfy elf research is more important than the safety of those around her.
Fits right in with Hawke’s ragged crew of outcasts, but is not afraid to challenge a pro-mage Hawke.
Yes but let me expand on this:
Fenris and Vivienne finding surprising common ground in their shared beliefs on the Circle and on magic. Fenris slowly coming to befriend a mage. Vivienne teaching Fenris to read.
Sera leaving tips that in turn leave cloth and food and herbs on Anders’ doorstep - he’s wrong about everything, about mages and the Maker and that demon in his head, but he’s always helping people and never asks for anything in return and that has to count for something.
Fenris and Krem going at each other in the courtyard with their ridiculously oversized weapons, chugging Aggregio Pavali straight out of the bottle (hopefully not sticking the bottle up their nose *cough*), talking in Tevene - Dorian is not invited.
Sera always talking with someone new every time you visit her, putting real faces on the people of Kirkwall, laborers and servants and refugees who can’t afford to leave, who just want the chaos to end.
Red lyrium Fenris during In Hushed Whispers.
Sera and Isabela hooking up if neither of them are romanced.
I am in love with these ideas and am suddenly mourning something that could never be.
Solas offering to attempt removing Fenris’s markings and Fenris flipping him the fuck off, but then spending time actually considering what that would mean….
I didn’t know I needed this tho
But the red lyrium thing I could do without thankyouverymuch.
