#DA4 BTS Analysis

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #1

Analysis #2 Location, Location, Location

So...I kinda wanted go in order of the video. However, I really REALLY want to talk about dis ho

Because...well I love this. In concept and it’s just a gorgeous, if grotesque piece of art.

What this concept art is depicting is a study of Dragon anatomy, you can see (unfortunately) that the main person of the art is cutting into the dragon corpse. They have a saw (I’m gonna call it a bone saw, but I know 0 actual medical tools) and are removing some part of the Dragon (too small for the brain? but too big for eye?). They also have one of the dragon’s eyeball on an apparatus.

You can also see two skeleton assistants carrying away the dragon pieces in glorified trays.

So let’s take a closer look at the person first.

They’re dressed in a cross between armor, a smock, and an intricate headpiece. They also have more medical tools in their smock.

When I first looked at this and the other concept arts containing characters like this ones, I was super confused. This looks like a walking corpse, the glowing skull and all. Could what happened in Inquisition with the Fade, have allowed for such a shift in the possibility and acceptance of spirit beings in Thedosian society???

That was until I went back to this person’s assistants.

Their assistance are skeletons possessed by spirits, the bodies have been altered specifically to hold the spirits. And if you look closely, their bodies look more organic and coarse than the face of their master. Which got me to thinking about something, specifically something from Tevinter Nights.

Mortalitasi are known for Necromancy, summoning Fade spirits to possess mummified and preserved bodies. They foster these spirits and sometimes even employ them as assistants, giving them purpose. I especially noticed how similar the main figures outfit is to the statues outside the Nevarran Tomb pictured above.

Which means it is possible, the figure in the concept art isn’t a spirit themselves; rather they are a Mortalitasi in full uniform.

I don’t know why or how the skull helm/headpiece glows, if it is magic or residual spirit. If maybe they are possessed or if it’s just aesthetic. I’m just not sure the skull head is even their real head. Especially since the spirit skulls have lit eyes and they don’t. That’s honestly the most confusing and least convincing part of these concepts (as in a good argument to them Not being Mortalitasi).

I also mentioned before this figure shows up elsewhere in the video too.

They appear far right in what seems to be a silhouetted version of what could be Companions. I’m pretty sure this in them or someone like them, even though they are obscured. As you can still see the green glow and the head piece is similar to the one worn above (if slightly bigger) and zooming in, you can also see a similar smock/armor under their coat as above.

Meaning, if all my speculation isn’t just bullshit from too much Dragon Age College. It is possible (but of course not confirmed) we could be looking at a Mortalitasi Companion in the newest Dragon Age, which I think is awesome!! I definitely can’t wait for Nevarra! Which is why I had to do this one first, cause I just love the idea of this; even if I’m completely wrong or it changes. So sorry for not doing it ordered like I was going to (I’m going to try in the future posts), but come on! 

Death Goth Dragon Mage Companion, who wouldn’t want that?

Going forward, these analysis will vary in length and content. However, I will link them all together and try to make it easy as possible to find. Some will be in-depth, some surface looks, and some just a ramble of conscious. I hope you can enjoy them all, but if not there are absolutely plenty of cool people out there looking at these things.

Lastly shout out to all the devs working hard on this game, it’s already looking really nice and I look forward to seeing more in the future with high hopes.

#DA4 #Dragon Age 4 #DA4 Speculation #Speculation #idk what to label this for the dragon autopsy #dissection mention #?? #ageofdragon speculates #DA4 BTS Analysis #Analysis 1

[felassan]

MJ’s DA4 BtS vid masterpost

(In case this is useful to anyone. Note some posts contain TN spoilers)

[Vid] “The next Dragon Age: Behind the scenes at BioWare”

Official site update and the “new hero” question

New Solas content (Concept art, conceptual model, dialogue line)

New character-heavy concept art

New concept art and conceptual shots Part 1

New concept art and conceptual shots Part 2

New concept art and conceptual shots Part 3

Higher quality & more complete versions of some concept art (2)

A word from PW on the new concept art

Updated dev & cast Twitter list

Our new VAs

Ike Amadi VA appreciation

My initial knee-jerk reactions (2)

Later in-depth analysis

Party roster speculation

The supercalifragilisticBlight and I Am Scared

Triangle Guys speculation

The case for Lady Qunari companion

Comparisons of new concept art with 2017-era DA4 concept art

DAI default Inquisitor concept art comparison

Concept art ‘groupings’

“Rasaan???”

Some dev response to fan reception to Lady Qunari

Alix Wilton Regan’s and Jon Curry’s reactions to the vid

Posts relating to the EA Play 2020 tease segment specifically

The tree

Quickfire thoughts (TN spoilers at link)

More meanderings (TN spoilers at link)

Main takeaways (TN spoilers at link)

DAI assets and red lyrium infecting the tree

The snowy environ

The Origin of the Blight

The Ruined Tree of the People

Intense overanalysis of “tree” that absolutely nobody asked for

On the possible location (TN spoilers at link)

#dragon age 4 #the dread wolf rises #dragon age #bioware #solas #video games #mj meta #umm idk if this is helpful to anyone but here u go #lul #toll drink of waifu

[thedinanshiral]

The Next Dragon Age

As we’ve all seen during the Game Awards 2020 we got an official teaser for Dragon Age 4! Everyone is already analysing it, so here’s my personal quick take. 

It starts with a new mural reveal, slowly showing us parts of it while Varric gives us a bit of a prep talk. He’s faced tyrants and would-be gods,he says, as we see Meredith consumed by red lyrium and Corypheus holding the Orb of Destruction.

Then he continues basically saying how there’s always someoneo trying to destroy the world, and here’s where it gets interesting, as the following figures in the mural are completely new and unknown

These figures are upside down, both have horn-like headpieces, both have their arms crossed over the chest, both have halos. I’m 99% sure these are Evanuris, but the mystery remains, which ones? One appears more femenine than the other, so considering certain elements, like the shape of the headpieces and what we learned from Tevinter Nights, these could be any from a selection of Evanuris, namely Mythal, Elgar’nan, Ghilan’nain, Falon’din and Dirthamen.

Mythal and Elgar’nan because they represent the moon and the sun and the headpieces make it evident which is which. Ghilan’nain because DA4 concept art revealed in Bioware’s 25th anniversary book shows one of the marine monsters have the same head shape and we know Ghilan’nain created sea monsters. The relation to Falon’din and Dirthamen is a bit trickier, as it ties in with the Evanuris=Old Gods theory together with the remaining two Blights corresponding to Lusacan (Dragon of Night, possible equivalent to Falon’din Guide of the Death) and Razikale (Dragon of Mystery, possible equivalent to Dirthamen God of Secrets). Both Evanuris were said to be brothers and very close so, if they are in fact the Old Gods that remain, it’d make sense that they appeared together. 

Then this cinematic teaser trailer shows us new locations and examples of either companions or a new protagonist as Varric speaks over and over sabout “a new hero”, “someone nobody will see coming”. So we see what could be the Anderfells

Then Antiva

 And Minrathous

..while getting glimpses of new figures like what could be a Grey Warden

an Antivan Crow

...possibly a Tevinter Siccari or otherwise another Crow or assassin of some yet unknown affiliation

And an entirely new faction we have no name for yet, that we saw in the previously revealed concept art

Most likely an elf for two reasons, one being they look like what could be ancient elves with magic/tech unknown so far

and two because something similar served as illustration for one of the recent short stories posted on the Dragon Age site, the one titled “Ruins of Reality” with the two elven characters from Three trees to Midnight, the first story on Tevinter Nights

But after we get a quick look at new locations and new companions/protagonists, we get a full view of the mural, and Solas

Solas looks a bit weird here because this is a cinematic trailer, so the model used differs from the one in game, both previously seen on the BTS video.

Then we get a cute and simple title screen and it’s over.

Personally, i’m loving the dark and gold theme we have now, i hope it stays. 

As for the new mural, it has a central piece that calls for analysis

The Dread Wolf! We’ve always seen Sola’s portrayal of his other form in profile only, be it on the Trespasser murals or in his Tower card as well as the previous teaser from 2018, but now we see the Wolf up front. The eyes are six in number, and out of alignment, both eyes and pupils varying in size. The mouth is open and red, as it seems to strike down onto a city, smashing the barrier that surrounds it. Is the barrier the Veil? Is that the Black City, or Minrathous? We can take a better look here..

The city seems to be affected by red lyrium, so frankly, it could be either, as red lyrium has spread far and too quickly through Thedas, and the Black City has been corrupted at least since before the Magisters Sidereal visited. It’s also worth noting that Tevinter was built on the ruins of the former Elvhen empire, so it’s likely both cities are on the same place, in a way. 

Now, because Solas paints these murals, and he’s already shown a predilection for self-portraits, i think this new mural must be considered as Solas showing this particular aspect of himself, at this point in his history where he knows he’s about to do something catastrophic. He thinks it necessary, that every alternative is worse, but that doesn’t make it any easier or excusable. I think this version of the Dread Wolf we’re getting is Solas expressing his current instability. He is, first and foremost, battling himself, constantly. This is a twisted wolf, it looks deranged, eyes mad, mouth bloody, coming down in full force. This is something he doesn’t want to do but feels he has to, this is something he will regret and surely knows that. Notice how in the trailer a single ray of light illuminates only the well-aligned three eyes on one side, while the remaining three that look off stay in the shadows? Yeah, details.

I won’t dwell now on what sort of game we’ll get, based on this alone, but it’s not impossible that Solas turns from antagonist to ally again, should those two mysterious figures turn out to be either dangerous freed Evanuris or the remaining Old Gods threatening a double Blight. I think a double Blight is on the cards and it’d be something even Solas would have to deal with before moving on with his personal plans, as i doubt a blighted world is what he wants for his people. 

This concept art plays with the idea, with these two dragons (or is it a double headed dragon?) and the party fighting off darkspawn. Double Blight is definitely on the cards for the next game.

Next time i’ll be sharing some short notes on the short stories we got on the Dragon Age site, and my analysis of what i think we might get for the next game. 

#Dragon Age #Dragon Age 4 #Solas #TGA 2020 trailer #i'm frankly overworked these days so this is def not my best post to date but i couldn't postpone it any longer

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #2

Analysis #1 Skeletor

This is where I wanted to start, from the beginning of the video when the first Concepts flash across the screen. There is so much that makes me giddy in these videos, bits and pieces of a whole game that isn’t yet finalized. But the feel, the aesthetic and vision is there.

After hearing from several of the leading developers (all developers, working hard on this game will be listed in a post just for them eventually) on how they want to innovate and create a whole new experience; the first shot we get shown seems to be that of a villa on a bay.

I kind of went back and forth on this, once seeing it. The spires all around this area are quite Tevinter in make, most sharp and tall. The rounded ones could be taken as Byzantine influence, which some of Tevinter has been crafted after. Looking at it as a whole though, the feel is just a bit off. It almost has an Orlesian twist, possibly Especially when compared to later Concepts of what I truly believe to be Tevinter. Though it can be said Tevinter is a pointier Orlais.

I ultimately decided this is either a Tevinter environment OR a Nevarran one. Nevarra is the between of Tevinter and Orlais, as well as the Free Marches. Much of it is ports too, so it’s just as possible as Tevinter itself.

The next image was that of a giant underground door or entrance.

It reminded me of two things. The first was the door to a major Dwarven City, much like the one all the way back in Origins; when you first enter Orzammar. This one however, seems isolated, desolate, maybe even abandoned. All of which, could be used to described the actually, very much alive Dwarven city of Kal Sharok. A city so silent and isolated, they were believed dead for decades; after being left to their own devices and the Darkspawn.

This also reminded me of the Solasan Temple and the entrance that only open as crystals or keys were placed. Sealing away something rather than being an entrance to come and go from.

I would definitely think it a Thaig of some sort, given the size and depth of the room. Even if it isn’t Kal Sharok. Orzammar left many dwarven settlements to the Darkspawn’s army, there’s no telling which this could be.

The last picture I want to discuss, goes back to the a port city or town. It seems to be the same one as before.

This has a different look though and while I was willing to call it Tevinter or Nevarra before; I really, REALLY have to question if it’s not possibly Antiva as well. Where they are known for having leveled towns with spires at the top level. Usually for their larger and more important building that are higher up in the cities. There is a very subtle, Venetian Gothic architecture, but not enough for me to confidently call it Antiva. This certainly makes me lean more towards Nevarra than Tevinter though, if not the third option.

I can’t wait to see what others think of this and really know what it is, in the end.

There was also another Concept Art in this group of pictures, but I’ll leave that to its own post. There is just too much going on it it, for me to place it here. So that’ll be the next analysis! 

tldr; We are definitely in Northern Thedas, I just can’t say how much of it we’ll get to explore. Here’s hoping it’s from the deserts of the Anderfels, to the depths of Kal Sharok, to the shores of Antiva!

#DA4 #Dragon Age 4 #DA Speculation #long post #ageofdragon speculates #DA4 BTS Analysis #Analysis 2

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #6

Analysis #1 Skeletor  |  Analysis #2 Location, Location, Location | Analysis #3 Queen Under The Sea | Analysis #4 Around the Corner | Analysis #5 Grey Your Anderfels

Let’s talk about some of the most visual interesting concept arts that show up next in the full video.

We have one where two warriors seems to be attacking and defending against something.

If we take a closer look at what the one figure seems to be defending against, we can see black streaks with red highlights.

It seems to have a wispy, but solid appearance; yet it has the same sheen as red lyrium. I would guess it could be an attack from a blighted creature OR it could be a representation of blood magic.

In the background of the image we also see it seems to be some ruins, lighted by day.

If we next go to the defending figure. The first thing that stands out is their armor.

It is a runic gold, with sharp features. The helmet/mask piece has distinct points and the rest of the armor appears made up of cloth. This very specific armor style is something we’ve seen before that Ancient Elvhen wear. So it’s probably safe to say that this is either an Ancient Elvhen like Felassan or Abelas, or a current elf inspired by them. They could even be an agent of the Dread Wolf.

Though they cast their shield with a brand of, what I assume is, magic that I can’t recall in current Thedas. Their shield also seems to use runic pieces of metal, which looks quite similar to the Dread Wolf’s elven foci from Inquisition.

Lastly we can look at the attacking elf.

His armor is slightly different from the other’s armor, more layered with cloth and a fully metal helmet. We see he is an archer, but his bow appears made of the same incorporeal magic as the other elf’s shield. It also uses the same pieces of, possible elven foci as a base and he has loosed the arrow. So we can’t see what the arrow was made of, but it left behind some kind of elemental trail.

What all this says to me, is obviously for something referred to as The Dread Wolf Rises, we shall see more of these elven figures, their unique armor, and mysterious magic weapons. Whether we will get to use and wear them ourselves, who know? But Look At That Profile, Maker I Hope We DO.

#Dragon Age 4 #DA4 #DA4 Speculation #ageofdragon speculates #long post #Speculation #DA4 BTS Analysis #Analysis 6

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #5

Analysis #1 Skeletor  |  Analysis #2 Location, Location, Location | Analysis #3 Queen Under The Sea | Analysis #4 Around the Corner

So the next two images, I feel are pretty self-explanatory; but we can still take an in-depth look at them. These images return to showing us new locations.

The first one is a keep on a hill, flying flags.

A closer look shows the keep is weathered, worn, and perhaps abandoned; but flying blue flags with some kind of bird or winged creature statue atop the tower. It’s build into a mountain and off in the distance is a lone pillar, perhaps once housing a bridge or monument. There’s not much here to say what this at the moment, so lets move to the next picture and see if we can get a clue from there.

The second picture seems to be a continuance of the first, at least another angle. As we can see the same tower with the winged figurehead.

However, this one shows the valley below. It’s vast, empty, and full of sand. A river and water holes that cut through a canyon. It’s quite familiar to the north parts of Orlais in Inquisition: The Wastes, Approach, and Oasis. This is almost certainly the Anderfels and more specifically, a Warden’s Keep given the griffon statue in the foreground on the left.

To the bottom left, there appears to be more of that crumbled bridge or ruins, referenced in the other picture too. Perhaps a part of the Imperial Highway?

tldr; As expected we will most likely be following up on the Warden plot introduced in Inquisition. As well as getting to see at least a piece of the Anderfels, as seen above. The only question is, will it be as vast and empty as the Hissing Wastes?

#Dragon Age 4 #DA4 #DA4 Speculation #ageofdragon speculates #long post #speculation #DA4 BTS Analysis #Analysis 5

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #4

Analysis #1 Skeletor  |  Analysis #2 Location, Location, Location | Analysis #3 Queen Under The Sea

Today we’re moving on to the next set of images in The Next Dragon Age video, starting with the one filled with characters in hiding.

For starters, I can say this is in Tevinter. The sharp architecture is an obvious indicator of that much. We also see the Dwarven influences in Tevinter’s streets, due to their strong alliance and dependence. It has that gritty, stone feel; while still being elegant and high quality. Other than this, there doesn’t appear to be anything too exciting with the walls and background of this image.

Though we do see a dark figure in the back that tells us, this is absolutely Tevinter.

This man is tall, imposing, and wearing garbs of the Black Divine (or something similar and clearly Tevene). He is flanked by guards and makes me believe this may be the Imperial Chantry itself.

In the foreground of the picture we see four other figures.

On the left is a large, pale gray Qunari. He appears to be hornless and it seems he might be wearing a cross between traditional Qunari fashion and Tevinter garb. It could just all be Qunari cloth, worn differently than we’ve see. However, he could also be a Tevinter agent, slave, or gladiator. He is either removing or pulling on his helmet.

In the back we have pale-haired mage. On first glance she has a familiar design and I can’t truly place where I’ve seen a similar one, but my second instinct is to wonder if it couldn’t be Calpernia. Given the circumstances of her undetermined fate in Inquisition, even if one chose the mages over the Templars; it is possible for her to show up in Tevinter again. I don’t believe it to be Maevaris Tilani, though she is the other pale-haired Tevinter mage that comes to mind. It’s also completely possible for her to be an entirely new addition. She appears to be a fire-stat mage and truly of Tevinter.

The next person, third from the left I am pretty confident to call Scout Harding. She is shorter than the rest of the members, meaning it is a high possibility of her being Dwarven. She also has Harding’s braid and a similar outfit, the only thing out of place is the crossbow. As Harding was originally a bow and arrow build. Though the replacement of a crossbow isn’t outlandish.

This is strengthened by the last figure on the right. It is uncertain who he is at as glance. However, I wonder if he is not Donal Sutherland. Those who went through his war table missions will know him as the budding leader of the Inquisition’s personal mercenary band; with the Inquisitor as his group’s patron. He is shown to still be around in Tevinter Nights and if you look closely at his chest piece, you can make out the Inquisition heraldry.

He is the only pre-existing character I can think of in this moment with those features, but doesn’t rule out others who I can’t recall. I also thought it might be the Inquisitor themselves (as a default stand-in). If that were the case this character must have a prosthetic or fixture (i.e. magic) for their arm to still be functional, as shown here, after the events of Trespasser.

The only other thing I have to say about this, is that one of the characters could be a default stand-in for the PC. I find it odd, that a concept art in this context would miss out on having one. Which has other implications. As it could mean the PC works in some way for the Inquisition, directly or indirectly.

TLDR; we are confirmed in Tevinter at least. The Black Divine will no doubt play a role in the game somehow and we see more familiar faces. Such as possibly Scout Lace Harding and Donal Sutherland of the Inquisition.

#Dragon Age 4 #DA4 #DA4 Speculation #ageofdragon speculates #long post #speculation #DA4 BTS Analysis #Analysis 4

[ageofdragon]

The Next Dragon Age, Analysis #3

Analysis #1 Skeletor  |  Analysis #2 Location, Location, Location

*Due to length, a Read More has been added. TDLR under cut, at the end.

It is finally time to talk about That image. There is so much going on in that image.  It’s brightly colored, full of motion and detail. We see familiar faces and new ones. It’s another eye-catching and gorgeous concept art. I am of course talking about this one.

Now rather than touch the obvious first. Because oh the Obvious it is so great and exciting, that we’ll leave it for last.

Rather I want to start with the overall concept. We see a group of characters diving underwater into a coral reef area. They are doing so, presumably to escape the archers above; as we see a rain of arrows into the water.

So there are two ways this could happen. This could be a scripted event within the game, in which this scene needs to take place or is an option that can take place. This could also be showing off the PCs and NPC companions abilities to FINALLY after three games be getting a swim mechanic. As we’ve spent two games confined to land and a third insta-drowning on the Storm Coast. It would certainly open up new options for moving across maps and exploring beneath them, with new treasures and areas to unlock. The last game gave us jump puzzles, we could be looking at swim puzzles in the near future. It also makes sense for this to be the game for underwater travel and just water travel in general. As the entirety of Northern Thedas has some access and dependency on coasts, bays, and oceans surrounding it.

Now let’s return to the image. If we look closely, we can see some fish among a coral reef and far in the distance is the shadows of sharks. Which could be enemies similar to those found in the Assassin’s Creed franchise or just environmental/aesthetic additions.

I also want to point out that we can see where this group is coming from. At the top of the image is the shadows of boats, which again hint towards at least having ship exploration in cutscene or mechanic. These people aren’t jumping from a dock or shore, but from ships.

The last thing I want to touch on briefly, before moving onto the characters populating this image is the treasure. At the very bottom of this picture there is a skeleton, it has pieces of coral growing out of it. Obviously it rather gruesome in a way, but has a level of nature overcoming beauty to it (for some). So I’m not going to post a close up of it, but just wanted to point that out. The skeleton also has a treasure chest in it’s arms and the lock glints, to draw attention to it. Similar to the mechanics used in many games to distinguish loot chests, again hinting towards possible underwater exploration.

Now then...the characters, I’m still going to hold off on the obvious cause I’m cruel and I Mean ;) why not. So I’m going to start in the very back first.

In the back we see the skull-headed individual from before. Though this one doesn’t have any glow to the skull. I’ve seen a lot of other theories being brought up about this character too, so I still can’t definitively say much about them. 

I am still kind of under the impression they are a Mortalitasi or tied to them. Many others have pointed out it could be a Higher Undead (mentioned in Tevinter Nights, as I stated in Analysis #1), a self-aware spirit in the body of someone who once lived and I believe similar to what Justice and Kristoff became. I’ve also heard some people wonder if it isn’t Audric, a specific higher undead that was a main character of the aforementioned Tevinter Nights story; he is known  as a guardsman who was killed before filled by another character with a spirit, and later became an archivist for the Mourn Watch. Which would tie him to the Mortalitasi, but if it is him and he is shown in all concept arts; it makes me wonder why he would be performing a dissection of a Dragon.

Next we have this woman. 

I have a friend who on first glance thought it to be Scout Lace Harding, which could be possible given the company. She also has similar armor, a possibility of freckles, and similar physical features. However, it is strange that they would choose to loosen her hair, unless it is specifically to give more convincing towards the underwater scene. And the foreshortening of the drawing, makes it hard to gauge the woman’s height as dwarva or not. It’s a bit of an unknown. That said, if it isn’t Scout Harding, I have a strong feeling it could be a default PC stand-in. There is no extremely distinct feature about her and her face is rather basic to be an instantly recognizable companion. Which says to me she’s a NPC, like Scout Harding or a PC stand-in. Unless of course Scout Harding is a companion, which I certainly won’t say no to.

And Finally, I suppose we can talk about our last two characters in this concept art.

Still working from the back, we have this handsome and fine piece of art who I really wish I could 100% confirm is our favorite Tevinter piece of ass art. However...I cannot. On first glance, it absolutely looks like Magister Dorian Pavus.

The hair, skin color, and even aesthetic all seem to match. However, there are subtle changes to the hair and facial hair (against his long-haired epilogue look) that could be enough to claim it’s another person.

He is also wearing something similar to a crow uniform and wielding a rapier. In fact, in another concept art, what I originally thought could have been Zevran; actually seems to be this guy. Though I can’t confirm that either and Maker do I hope the other guy is Zevran. If this guy is Dorian tho, then Dorian could be undercover or has a few new tricks (maybe dual-classing or going back to dao unrestricted-class weapon loadouts?) It could even just be a style choice, though it still begs the question why.

So the possibilities are that he is Magister Dorian Pavus of Ventus or some unknown Crow. Either of which aren’t bad options, but one is definitely more exciting to me than the other.

Lastly, my favorite character to ever grace the Dragon Age fandom. The Queen of the Seas herself, and beloved Rivaini.

Captain Isabela of the Felicia Armada (allegedly).

She is honestly the only one in this entire picture, I can say with almost no doubt, who she is. There is such a slim margin for this not to be her. She has her gold decorations (including the overly large, penis necklace), her captain’s pants as seen in the comics, and her top and sash as seen in the Dragon Age Inquisition multiplayer. Her appearance is one of the most unique in the series, so for her to be unrecognizable would be a hard sell. She even has her one shouldered armor piece and her earrings.

Which Isabela has been in every game to date and I do mean EVERY game, even the spin-offs for PC and mobile, why wouldn’t she be in the one game that goes north near her hometown and the seas she roams? She could be working for herself, the Inquisition, or even Hawke. But it seems no doubt we’ll be running into her and she’ll be running into a good bit of booty. After all is it even a Dragon Age game anymore if the Queen of the Seas isn’t there (and like fewer dragons than the number of times she shows up?).

tldr; underwater or at least the sea seems to be a part of the Next Dragon Age game. And Captain Isabela seems to be too, in passing or sticking around a while we don’t know. We can also count of some new companions and maybe more familiar faces, but wherever it takes us we’ll be in good company.

#Dragon Age 4 #DA4 #DA4 Speculation #speculation #long post #ageofdragon speculates #idk what to put down but there is coral growing from a skeleton and that's kind of disturbing #tryphophobia #DA4 BTS Analysis #Analysis 3

[felassan]

Some DA4 BTS vid analysis

The sentiments in PW’s recent word on concept art applied and were sensible to bear in mind before the tweet thread was made, and are of course still important to remember now. Dissecting and overanalyzing what we’re given is still fun as hell though, so now that I’ve slept and had yet another pass at it with fresh eyes and a non-vibrating mind, and with the caveat flagged, here are some more thoughts on and speculation about the DA4 BTS video. For context and contrast, here’s some of my initial main thoughts. Cut for length.

Yes in places it veers into wild speculation bc why not

The domes and domed architecture here and here don’t say Tevinter to me. Tevinter architecture has strong horizontals and verticals; it’s more about spikes and boxy blocks than domes and curves. I'm reminded more of Rivain 

or Nevarra. 

The figure here is dwarven in build. I want this place to be something dwarfy in nature. What kinda technology are we looking at here? The structures actually remind me of the Vaults in Mass: Effect Andromeda. It’s different enough to Orzammar-style structures that I’m hoping we can finally go to Kal-Sharok.

This isn’t Dorian. :[ Crow-style armor (the distinctive metal segments on the arms and legs), sword at his waist. I’m not fussed about this fact though because Dorian is still clearly shaping up to be in the game anyway from the Trespasser slides, TN etc. This guy is instead reminiscent of Mr Longhaired Rogue. Compare the hairline, hair color, length, rogueishness, general clothing style. I think this is the same guy, and I still think this guy is Lucanis.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out that third from the right “Ezio” from the lineup is him too - assassin’s hood, AC-style belt insignia.

The brunette here could be a dwarf from her build and the fact that the swordsman next to her (who incidentally has Inquisition insignia on his chestpiece?) is kneeling. She’s reminiscent of the Harding-like woman in the underwater shot, and indeed of Harding. Compare the cape and bare upper arms. Not a surprise, given Harding’s presence in the Trespasser postcredits.

Elsewhere in this shot, the architecture is Tevinter (that doorway and corner). As for the big guy, his clothing style bears a resemblance to Archon Radonis.

This and this follow in succession and look to be of the same place just from different angles. Wings, griffons, blue pennants, the desolate brown rocky environ. I think we’re looking at Weisshaupt in the Anderfels and I hope this means we can finally go there. The dangling Warden plot thread is begging attention what with the civil war, the Warden weirdness in TN, the return of the griffons, etc.

I’m not convinced that the presence of floating objects means the Veil has already come down. We’re going north, and in Tevinter there are buildings which float, so the magic capacity for buildings and similar objects to do is in the mundane world is established already. The boats are reminiscent of aravels though, and funnily enough, Dalish Keepers use their magic to allow aravels to move through forests. In Last Flight, Isseya remembers tales of how Dalish used their magic to float their aravels through forests, and fashions improvised aravels which are held aloft by magic and pulled by griffons.

Zooming in here, the silhouettes of these nearby animals have antlers. These are straight up halla (so they’re horns, not antlers), not horses. I think this image is of an elfy place, perhaps from ancient times, or like the places we travel through in Trespasser (the hills and landscape reminds me of what we can see in the distance in there in the elfy bits), or one of the mysterious ancient elven enclaves which still persist in Thedas to this day, or in the heart of Arlathan Forest. 

Our new reptilian pal is potentially along the lines of a lurker, deepstalker or dracolisk (and Tevinter is fond of its dracolisks!). Compare the body structure to lurkers.

The pillars here look dwarven. I wonder if the snowy environment in that shot connects to the snowy environment from the now-infamous tree teaser, which is what follows next. This is unmistakeably dwarfy architecture too, but daylight in the upper levels? Somewhere like Kal Repartha, or perhaps upper halls of the Ambassadoria in Tevinter? The main part of the Ambassadoria is underground so the dwarves who work there don’t have to become surfacers, but there would have to be a part connecting it to the surface so that Tevinter diplomats and so on could go in to do business. 

This guy bears a resemblance to previously seen dwarven statues (DAO, dotted around in DAI).

The Crow on the left here isn’t Zevran, I’m afraid. It’ll be another one like the blond lady in Crow-like armor, Lucanis, “Ezio”, etc. For the lady as an example, compare the waist sash and other aspects.

Moving on, there’s a flimsy similarity in this lady.

This place reminds me somewhat of DAI Temple of Mythal concept art.

“Ezio”? 

The candle bois in this clearly-Tevinter scene strike me as wisps bound to the candlestick bodies by Magisters for the purpose of serving, like the lil spirit the Mortalitasi had bound to stir her tea in TN. People do that kind of stuff in Tevinter, see Dorian’s banters with Solas. Also in this image the machine-hand form of transport is super notable in terms of implications for technology and accessibility in Thedas (note: I don't mean like there will be a plotbeat based around this or a 'hand', I just mean I find it notable lore-wise that Thedas has tech/magic that can do this and find that important when thinking about accessibility as with Neve's prosthetic etc).

If this person isn’t Maevaris I will cry. The outfit in the middle’s color theme and shoulder features reminds me of her comic appearance, and the one on the right reminds me of her Trespasser epilogue slide appearance. The leftmost image is the least Maevaris-y, but the other two definitely strike me as Mae.

On guns: Not out of the realm of possibility for this world. Dwarves have lyrium-based explosives. Qunari have gaatlok, which is safer to use, and cannons. Varric’s Bianca is a repeating crossbow. An old Iron Bull concept has him with an arm-cannon. With technology like that in Thedas, guns aren’t far behind. Possibly a very recent invention in Thedas and still new to the vast majority of the population? In addition, the Sha-Brytol Earthshakers can manipulate lyrium into a unique explosive (though this is because they’ve drank lyrium and lyrium-infused armor has fused to their skin). Sha-Brytol Crossbow Bolters’ crossbows look very gun-like too, although they’re definitely crossbows, not guns (it’s in the name).

I’m curious about the plot implications of guns in the setting, if they are indeed a thing now. I don’t want them to be too OP or too modern, don’t want the high/dark fantasy vibe diluted, but curious about how they might level the playing field in a world with magic, or might turn the tide in one of the setting’s neverending battles (like the Qun vs Tevinter war). From the look of the possible gun in the lineup, it gives me a “guns in Fable”-gun vibe. Also, I wonder what Varric would think, considering how his past was much concerned with the issue with the secret to making a repeating crossbow and everything that entailed.

Second from the right in the lineup looks like a hornless qunari.

The skeleton entity appears 3 times, almost certainly the same entity in each appearance, and imo from its multiple appearances likely a companion. It’s not Cole (I’ve seen that suggested). If a companion it would be the designated ‘notable’ one on the roster in the way that Shale, Justice-in-dead-body and Cole were. If it’s a spirit inhabiting a body I’m glad the body is a skeleton, because we’ve had a spirit inhabiting a rotting fleshy corpse before already (Justice in Awakening), so that’s been done. I don’t think the green flame is Veilfire or Fade magic; in TN it’s noted that the Mortalitasi Myrna’s necro/Mortalitasi-type magic is emerald green. I like the notions that this is Audricuriosity from TN, a char a la Fane in Divinity, or a Mortalitasi that’s undead in that they (or a spirit mimicking them) have managed to ‘remain’ ‘in’ their skeleton after death, as opposed to just “this is a spirit inhabiting a skeleton”. Anyway, the focus we had in TN on Nevarra, the Mortalitasi and the undead is continued in this video - the dragon dissection looks like it’s taking place in the Grand Necropolis. Or maybe the Fade? The windows in the background at the top look upside down. Btw there is great dissection of the dissection image (ehue) which I recommend to check out here.

Compare his design with Nevarran styles.

Davrin? Suitably heroic, Warden-esque.

Rapier lady is surrounded by crows which reminds me of Leliana’s raven motif (not saying I think this is Leliana). She looks rogueish and assassiny so with that + the crows it wouldn’t be wild to assume Crow. However Mark Darrah retweeted this tweet which compares her mask to this Orlesian fashion.

The insignia on Solas’ new outfit in his concept art looks like the Mask of Fen’Harel from Felicia Day’s DA: Redemption.

This looks like the snowy environment from the tree teaser. Notice the statue of Andraste [?] in the background. The entity’s weapon looks like it would fit right into the Red Lyrium Weapons pack for DAI. Question: What happens when red lyrium infects a corpse or a corpse inhabited by a spirit?? Is that what we’re seeing here? elsewise it’s a darkspawn and red lyrium darkspawn.. [Mordin voice] Implications.. disturbing.

Davrin’s name is one letter off Davri as in Bianca Davri. Curious choice.

Hands-spider and the other Cetus-like monsters: Ghilan’nain, her original creations, and the Horror of Hormak.

The red lyrium tentacles being modeled look like what these guys are fighting off. Incidentally, with the sleek gold armor and advanced weapons/powers, maybe these guys are ancient elves. 

The red lyrium environment from the tree teaser now returns. Remember the spirited discussions about whether these tendrils were deep mushrooms corrupted by red lyrium? :D

Then it jumps back to the ominous snowy environment with the statues of Andraste [?]. The statue does however also remind me of the elvhen statues in the Raw Fade in DAI. Note the sky here in the corner which looks kind of like a breach. As for the red lyrium egg - now where have we seen red eggs before? In the Crossroads in Trespasser. iirc Inky uses them to extend bridges in the Crossroads. The egg in the vid even seems to have bits of gold on it. Does the egg have something to do with the weakened Veil here? Is it red lyrium?

This shot is the same dwarven hall as before (see above speculation on the Ambassadoria, Kal Repartha etc). This time we can clearly see that the ceiling is open with ‘skylight’-type windows to the sky above. Possibly reaching, but the foreground structure looks like a dwarven take on the DAI elf tree statue asset. Some elves and dwarves did dwell together for a time in Cad'halash, and we find elven statues in the Deep Roads in Trespasser. 

But this particularly sticks out to me because of the nature of Kal Repartha, how it was built on the surface (daylight from the ceiling), trees + Mythal, Mythal striking down the pillars of the earth and what some of the ancient elves did to the dwarves, Mythal + dragons, Kal Repartha + the urtok:

[quoting me] The scholar who was investigating Kal Repartha in the Hissing Wastes found pictures on walls of weapons with dragons (the urtok) worked into the decorations on them as part of an ancient crest. These were accompanied by an inscription of a verse that was passed down by Fairel’s ancestors for generations, from long before Fairel ever led his house to the surface and would have encountered dragons in the sky and from long before dwarves would ever have encountered Archdemons in a Blight. Curious. I suspect these are a holdover from when Mythal struck down the Titans and the ancient elves’ conflict with the dwarves/Titans. Given those events, it’s no wonder the dwarves of that time period had folktales about a dragon scourge.     

Still with me??

Now here we are inside Weisshaupt or the Warden fortress from before. Note blue banners with the Warden griffon sigil again. I want to believe there are big open archways in the walls/out to landing-pad style ‘balconies’ in the way it’s suggested that it’s built here because in ye olden times you’d have Wardens on their griffons flying to and from the fortress. Is that Davrin? It looks like it could be the same warrior guy as before, only this time it’s definitely a Warden. What’s happening outside? Why is the light/sky outside sickly Fadey green? Reminds me of the sky in the corner of the egg pic. And of Fade Weisshaupt from DAO.

If he’s not a Lord of Fortune, perhaps a Raider of the Waking Sea. Might tie into why Isabela is there in the underwater picture, or why there’s an Isabela-esque pirate-type lady in that pic at least.

now

#dragon age 4 #the dread wolf rises #dragon age #bioware #video games #tevinter nights #tevinter nights spoilers #tevinter nights spoiler #spoilers #spoiler #solas #cole #spirit boy #gpoy #mj meta