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exhausted-archivist · 6 months

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Tastes of Thedas Lore Blurbs

Here are all the recipe lore blurbs for Dragon Age: Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas. Putting them below the cut due to length, there are 72 recipe blurbs in total.

Starters and Refreshments

Eggs à la Val Foret

Ah, yes. Tons of cream! Exactly what I've come to expect from Orlesian cuisine. Do I have any tips for creating the perfect poached egg? Well, ever since I heard that Solas's bald head was once likened to an egg, I simply try to make my eggs just as round and shiny! So far, it's worked wonderfully and never ceases to put a smile on my face.

Nevarran Blood Orange Salad

Although I knew that Divine Victoria left behind a life of wealth and privilege to join the Seekers of Truth, it wasn't until I was in Nevarra, seeing exactly what she'd given up, that I truly gained an appreciation for the path she'd chosen. The best way to describe my first glimpse of the gardens of Nevarra is that it was like seeing a painting come to life. For a long moment, I could only stand there, so dazzled by the richness and vibrancy of it all that I was half-convinced I was actually still napping in the carriage. Surely, there was no way such beauty could be found outside of a dream. And yet the beauty before me was very much real.

So, too, was the picturesque tableau that arrived later that day on a plate: perfectly cut slices of blood orange artfully arranged on a lush pillow of bitter greens. Was this a meal or a still life, I wondered. In truth, the answer was both. For Nevarrans, food is as much a feast for the eyes as for the mouth. But even if your arrangement isn't quite worthy of being displayed in a museum, this salad will sing a symphony on your tastebuds.

Fried Young Giant Spiders

Just as people on the surface raise cows and goats, the dwarves underground raise spiders. Yes, to eat. The legs are fried and served with a sauce, which, true to dwarven fashion, is made with some type of alcohol. The precise kind depends on the establishment where you're eating your spider legs. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an exact recipe from any of the chefs I spoke to. These sauces are apparently closely guarded secrets and have spurred many a nefarious plot to acquire them - the competition to be crowned Orzammar's Best Sauce is fierce. But I've been assured that lichen ale is generally not used.

I've therefore come up with my own recipe, based on the many varieties I sampled while in Orzammar. Given that sourcing the requisite spider legs above ground is not nearly so easy, and the demand for such exports is minimal, I've substituted them with crab legs. It's not a perfect match, but it's close enough to satisfy me.

Stuffed Deep Mushrooms

Though the mushrooms growing underground in caves and in many parts of the Deep Roads are all called "deep mushrooms," there is no singular variety. In fact, there are several! Some mushrooms are squat, with broad, flat caps, while others are long and spindly, reaching toward the sky like an old man's gnarled fingers. They also have a multitude of applications, used in the creation of everything from restorative potions to deadly poisons. But in Orzammar, mushrooms are farmed for eating!

I was able to sample some of these dwarven delicacies, prized for their unique flavor and intoxicating scent. After only a few bites, I was struck with inspiration. How delicious would one of these mushrooms be when stuffed with cheese and spinach? The answer is: very. Rest assured that I selected this particular variety of deep mushroom not only for its shape, which is ideal for holding the maximum amount of cheese (and spinach), but also for the fact that it does not carry the darkspawn taint. While certain dwarves will insist that a deep mushroom's proximity to lyrium and darkspawn can only improve its flavor, I am quite content to leave that particular question a mystery, especially where lyrium is concerned. Although I'm hardly an expert on the stuff, I can't help but think about Fenris and how much suffering he endured as a result of his lyrium-infused markings. It seems to me that, barring any natural resistance, lyrium and the body are two things that probably shouldn't mix.

Rivaini Couscous Salad

When I first encountered couscous, I mistakenly believed it to be a grain, like rice or the more familiar Fereldan barley. I was swiftly corrected. In fact, couscous is a sort of pasta, made with semolina flour and water, although it's far smaller than your typical Antivan pasta. Couscous has a very mild flavor on its own--maybe slightly nutty. But where it excels is in its ability to soak up surrounding flavors, making it a perfect base for any salad. I'd love to experiment further, but so far, this particular combination of red bell pepper and mint has proven to be incredibly pleasing.

Crab Cakes from Kirkwall

I love it when recipes add a dash of whimsy into the mix. Food should be fun. I, therefore, took it upon myself to put this into practice with a classic Kirkwall dish. After all, who hasn't looked at their crab cakes and wished they looked a little more like crabs? Okay, maybe I'm the only one who's thought this. But now that I've brought this possibility to your attention, I'm certain you're interested as well! Best of all, these extra-crabby crab cakes stay true to the original recipe's flavors, so nothing is lost--only gained!

Fluffy Mackerel Pudding

Can it really be Feast Day without fluffy mackerel pudding? No! In fact, there's no dish I associate more strongly with the holiday than this unique combination of mackerel, onion, celery, and eggs. Granted, I've heard stories that, several decades ago, someone once attempted a diet consisting entirely of fluffy mackerel pudding. Now, that I certainly wouldn't recommend. It stops being Feast Day Fish if you eat it every day, no?

Snail and Watercress Salad

When the Avvar can't get their hands on a gurgut or a wyvern, they turn their attention to smaller prey. Much smaller prey. Snails are found on many a hillside boulder, making them an abundant source of food for the Avvar. Now, while some would wrinkle their noses or cry out in disgust at the prospect of eating a snail, I am pleased to report that, when prepared correctly, the texture, and flavor are actually good! I could happily eat a plate full of snails dressed in butter and oil, but those still on the fence about a snail's place in Lowlander cuisine might prefer to sample them in conjunction with other ingredients. Might I suggest a snail and watercress salad? It’s not exactly traditional Avvar cuisine, but my hosts certainly seemed to enjoy it.

Cave Beetles

You think that, after snails, I'd balk at beetles? Never! In fact, I greatly enjoyed this dwarven dish, which involves roasting cave beetles in their shells. However, I recognize that many may not have a palate that's nearly so adventurous. If that's the case, the cave beetles can be replaced with whole prawns while keeping the rest of the recipe the same. That being said, if you do enjoy the variation with prawns, I really recommend giving the cave beetles a try. They're quite similar in both texture and flavor. If you were to blindfold yourself, I doubt you could tell the difference!

For the Road

Spiced Jerky

Preserved foods play an important role in many different cultures across Thedas. Not only do they help certain communities weather times of scarcity brought on by the changing of the seasons, but they also ensure that long journeys away from home are possible. Imagine how difficult it would be for Dalish hunters to bring back meat the clan is depending on if they have to be back for supper night - or, worse, hunt on an empty stomach! This spiced jerky ensures that all Dalish hunters are well provisioned whenever they set out on a hunt so that no one, either the hunter or the clan at home, must go hungry. I do wonder, given how well this food keeps, whether it’s used in offerings made by certain Dalish elves to Fen’Harel. Although his shrines are usually located well outside of Dalish camps, I can’t imagine that leaving behind food that’ll readily spoil is good practice, especially if the prevailing opinion about these shrines is to avoid them. Besides, he is the Dread Wolf. If any god would enjoy a good piece of jerky, it should be him!

Grey Warden Pastry Pockets

Unlike many of us, Grey Wardens often don’t have the luxury of sitting down for their meals. Instead, they’re off on patrol, usually in less-than-pleasant climates, which makes their work all the more exhausting. In their shoes, I imagine I’d be downright ravenous, well beyond what a handful of nuts could hope to sate. But a pastry stuffed to the brim with meat, potatoes, and onion? Now, that would keep me going, and the Grey Wardens certainly seem to agree! While the original recipe produces a much tougher pastry - mostly to keep the whole thing from falling apart in one’s pack - another variation, championed by newer recruits from Orlais, incorporates the far more delicate Orlesian puff pastry. Whether eaten hot or cold, the results are certainly delicious, but I wouldn’t recommend storing these pastries anywhere they might be jostled. Otherwise, you might open your pack to find a mess in place of a meal!

Pickled Eggs

Got a fever? A cold? An aching shoulder, perhaps? Ask any Fereldan for advice, and they’ll be quick to prescribe you a pickled egg, the Fereldan cure for…well, pretty much anything! Actually, no, I take it back. You don’t even have to ask. Looking a bit under the weather is prompt enough for most Fereldans to unleash a deluge of eggs, which is exactly what Commander Cullen found waiting for him in his office during the worst of his lyrium withdrawals. Whether the eggs really work is a completely different story, but I’d be the last person to complain if one was offered to me. I am Fereldan, after all. Still, next time you feel a bit of illness coming on, try one of these salty-sour eggs. You never know; it might actually work. And at the very least, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy one of Ferelden’s finest snacks!

Unidentified Meat

Have you ever heard a tale so exciting that you decided then and there that you absolutely have to see the truth of it for yourself? That was me when I learned about the mysterious, impossible-to-identify meat that’s often served in taverns across Tevinter - usually with a heaping portion of Nevarran flat bread. Of course, sometimes, the truth is far less exciting. Because what did I find on my plate when I ordered a portion of this strange meat? Was it quillback? Dracolisk? Giant? No. It was chicken - chicken legs, to be precise. Ah, well. They were still delicious.

Seheron Fish Pockets

Alas, for all my desire to see every last bit of Thedas, there are still certain places where I simply cannot go. Take far-off Seheron, for example, a land that, according to the Hero of Ferelden’s companion, Sten, smells like tea, incense, and the sea. Sounds lovely, no? What a shame then, that all my knowledge comes secondhand - and this recipe is no exception. I learned of this recipe from a member of the famous mercenary band Bull’s Chargers. A group favorite, the fish is packed with flavor. On its own, this combination of spices might prove a bit too much for the more delicate Orlesian palates, but I find that the soft wrap and crisp vegetables temper the resultant heat a fair bit. Do note, however, that this dish has a tendency to fall apart if eaten haphazardly. I suppose that’s why the mercenary who shared this recipe with me emphasized the importance of sitting down properly. He seemed to think I might stand in my chair to eat it instead. Who does that?

Fereldan Hearty Scones

Traveling is tiring work, especially when circumstances beyond your control necessitate going by foot instead of carriage. Thankfully, I had these hearty scones from home to keep me going! Unlike their sweeter, more delicate counterparts, Fereldan scones are packed with cheese and bacon, making them certain to keep you full until your next meal. Unfortunately, this also makes the scones a prime target for any nearby mabari, who love cheese and bacon as much as any other Fereldan. Don't make my mistake! Take a moment to survey your surroundings before enjoying your first bite; otherwise, a four-legged someone might do the honors for you.

Crow Feed

You don’t see much rice outside of Antiva and its neighbor, Rivain. In fact, it’s an especially rare sight in Ferelden, where any grain is seemingly always either barley or wheat. Evidently, very little of the rice Antiva produces ends up being exported, making it relatively cheap compared to other grains. It’s no wonder, then, that rice is a key component in dishes favored by poorer Antivans. However, that doesn’t make them any less delicious! Take crow feed, for example - a simple dish of rice, butter, and onions named after the (in)famous Antivan Crows. Although it’s most certainly cheap, the taste is fit for a king!

Black Lichen Bread

No doubt your face is already creasing in trepidation. “But wait,” you think, “isn’t black lichen toxic?” And yes. Yes, it is. But high temperatures seem to largely neutralize the lichen’s toxicity, making it safe to consume. If you’re still concerned, you can easily substitute any surface varieties for the lichen used in this recipe. Just make sure to thoroughly dry it, as you would any lichen from underground. You can also use bark in place of lichen, but I think that defeats the point. This is supposed to be lichen bread, after all, not bark bread!

Hearth Cakes

Some lovely comfort food, courtesy of the Dalish. These cakes are traditionally made over the hearth on an iron griddle or skillet (hence the name). While the original recipe calls for halla butter, I’ve found that other types of butter work just as well. The resulting dough stays moist on the inside, but crisp and flaky on the outside. In other words: perfect. Although hearth cakes can be made plain, I recommend adding some dried fruit into the mix. Cranberries, raisins, and currants all work. I believe the Dalish simply use whatever is on hand. Of course, if you’re feeling a bit mischievous, you could mix in some hot peppers instead: Just be prepared to be cursed as loudly and vehemently as Fen’Harel, the Lord of Tricksters himself!

Peasant Bread

While traveling through Orlais, I spied this rustic and hearty bread being eaten by both Dalish and city elves alike. The recipe is very straightforward, calling for wheat, salt, and grease in nearly equal parts, and it produces a biscuit that feels like it would be right at home in any Fereldan dish. It does a wonderful job mopping up any last bits of stew left inside your bowl, but it also pairs well with a bit of butter and jam.

Soups and Stews

Merrill’s Blood Soup

In the same vein as Llomerryn red, this is not actually blood - it’s just red. The color comes from the beetroot, which gives the soup a rich, earthy flavor that goes well with the roasted chickpeas sprinkled on top. Some might find the vibrant crimson hue off-putting, in the same way many shun the practice of blood magic. However, as mages like Merrill have shown, I think it’s best to not judge by appearances or by what you think you know. Take the time to experience things for yourself, and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised!

Fereldan Potato and Leek Soup

Most people immediately think of Orlais when it comes to creamy soups, and I can’t blame them. However, as often as cream might appear in their cuisine, the Orlesians certainly don’t have a monopoly on it, whether in soup or otherwise. This dish is 100% Fereldan through and through, and the recipe I’ve noted here is actually Mum’s. Of course, I couldn’t help but put my own little twist on it. Instead of using a side of toasted bread to give the meal a necessary bit of crunch, I turned my attention abroad, settling on chickpeas from Rivain, toasted to crouton-like crispiness. In a way, this recipe is very much a reflection of me, now that my journey is coming to an end. While my origins are unmistakably Fereldan, my travels across Thedas have touched me in a lasting way, and I’m all the richer for it.

The Hanged Man’s Mystery Meat Stew

A famous dish from the Hanged Man tavern in Kirkwall - or infamous, I suppose, depending on your perspective. Personally, after having heard so much about it, I couldn’t wait to taste it, even if the establishment, as Fenris once so succinctly put it, smelled of sour ale, vomit, and desperation. Oh, yes. I can hear what you’re thinking. A Fereldan excited about yet another stew. How predictable. But this is the tavern’s feature dish! Why shouldn’t I be excited? It’s made from a different meat every morning. I suspect mine was pork, although after overhearing the waitress tell another patron that they hang people who ask stupid questions from the rafters, I declined to confirm.

Fish Chowder

As Antivan as it gets! A bowl of this thick, creamy soup will have you feeling like you’re in Antiva City. No need for any pickpockets, corrupt politicians, or Antivan leather to further enhance the experience - the word “enhance” being entirely debatable, of course. I can’t imagine that the smell of rotting flesh would do much for anyone’s appetite, though Zevran Arainai might disagree with me on that. Evidently, becoming an accomplished assassin can have a pronounced effect on one’s tastes. But if you ask me, this desire for rather unusual accompaniments is likely born of something much more universally understood: homesickness.

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

This Fereldan staple is often more solid than liquid, filled to the brim with cabbage, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Paired with a thick slice of dark bread, it makes for a filling and satisfying meal, one guaranteed to leave you full of warmth for hours afterwards on even the coldest of days. A perfect fit for us Fereldans, you might think, but we aren’t the only ones who enjoy this soup on the regular. Apparently, there’s a troupe of actors in Orlais whose sole focus is a popular comedy set in the fictional Fereldan village of Wilkshire Downs. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see it for myself, as the performance was sold out almost instantly. But in order to play their roles most convincingly, the actors went so far as to change their diets to match those of their characters. For example, there’s a mayor who specifically eats cabbage soup. Personally, I don’t think I’d enjoy subsisting only on cabbage soup for an extended period of time, but you can’t help but applaud them for their dedication to their craft!

Lentil Soup

Lentils and Onions - open any pantry across Thedas, and I’m certain you’ll find these two ingredients sitting on the shelves. They’re both relatively inexpensive and keep well for an extended period of time. Best of all, they go with pretty much anything! Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if these two Thedosian staples played a starring role instead of a supporting one. So I combined a recipe that’s popular in elven alienages with some classic Tevinter flavors to supply an answer to this question. And what a delicious answer it is!

Nettle Soup

I first encountered nettles as a child, when I tripped and fell face-first in a whole patch of them. Many tears were shed, along with a lecture from Mum to play elsewhere from now on. In short, it was far from a pleasant experience. So I was understandably dubious when confronted with the idea of using nettles as an ingredient in my cooking. How could something so painful to the touch be in any way edible, let alone pleasant on the tongue. Funnily enough, I didn’t even have to taste it to understand. Though I doubt she’d appreciate it, I immediately thought of Lady Morrigan. She is, in a word, prickly, much like a nettle. And yet, despite her oftentimes cruel manner, no one can deny that she’s done much for Thedas’s benefit, helping not just the Hero of Ferelden, but also the Inquisitor. She’s a perfect example of how first impressions are not always the most correct. So, yes, nettles are both incredibly nutritious and delicious, contrary to my expectations.

King Alistair’s Lamb and Pea Stew

Hearty, humble, and straightforward to make - the three key aspects of any good Fereldan stew. This is a dish so ubiquitous that it’s become almost synonymous with Fereldan cuisine in general. I’m certain you’ve heard many a clever quip about our stews, perhaps even from Fereldan! But let me be the first to assure you that, no, contrary to what King Alistair may have said, we don’t cook our ingredients until they’re all “a uniform grey color.” Throwing them into the largest pot we can find, on the other hand… …that much is true. If you’re going to make a stew, you might as well make a lot of it! Although Mum’s stews will always rule my heart, I’d be lying if I said this recipe - its namesake’s view on Fereldan stews aside - didn’t come close to stealing the crown. (Sorry, Mum!)

Main Courses

Stuffed Cabbage

Gathering is just as important as hunting for the Avvar. It’s like Mum said: You can’t live off only meat, and any meal without vegetables is a meal half-finished. Of course, I didn’t understand her reasoning as a child, especially one who was single-handedly waging a war against the green menace on my plate. But now that I’m older, I have a new appreciation for her words. Plus, with a bit of proper seasoning, and some meat, even the most unappealing of vegetables can be delicious.

Antivan Gnocchi

Phew! Antivan meals sure are something to behold - and, to think, for Antivan nobles like Lady Josephine, these decadent spreads are just another dinner! Every time I thought we’d reach the last course, another was swiftly brought out. After ten dishes full of ingredients like olives, truffles, pasta, and cream, it’s a wonder I didn’t have to be rolled away from the table! In retrospect, I probably overindulged in the gnocchi, which were dressed with leeks and a rich cheese sauce. While they’re delicious, these small lumps of wheat, flour, egg, salt, and potato are incredibly filling. Still, I cannot say I won’t repeat this mistake next time I find myself at an Antivan table - nor will I regret it if I do!

Antivan Paella

Bordered by the Rialto Bay to the east, Antiva is populated mostly on the coast. It’s no wonder, then, that seafood plays a starring role in Antivan cuisine. There’s no dish that exemplifies this more than the classic Antivan paella. Rice, saffron, and a variety of seafood (from whole shrimp to cuttlefish to mussels) come together to create an aromatic smorgasbord of everything the ocean has to offer. Best of all, it’s all made in a single pot - truly a dish after my own stew-loving Fereldan heart, if King Alistair’s thoughts on Fereldan cuisine are to believed! Although paella is traditionally cooked in a shallow, wide pan called a paellera (or, more confusingly, a paella in certain regions of Antiva), it can be prepared in virtually any deep skillet. Be sure to pair your paella with a glass of wine - ideally, an Antivan vintage, according to Lady Josephine, whose opinion on such matters can certainly be trusted - for the full experience.

Grilled Poussin

The Chasind sure love their poussin. And who can blame them? I love it, too! It’s a great alternative to the roasted turkey one might normally trot out for guests - although, I admit, the length of the guest list will likely be the deciding factor here. A poussin is a significantly smaller bird, after all, and as much as we might love the kitchen, sometimes we must be economical in our choices. Still, for a more intimate dinner party, you can’t go wrong with this dish! Although the Chasind typically cook poussin in a large pot over an open fire for an extended period of time, a similar effect can be achieved with any other cookware of suitable size and an oven. Marinating and basting the meat to keep it moist. That’s the secret to a meat so tender that it practically falls off the bone!

Gurgut Roast with Lowlander Spices and Mushroom Sauce

It was spring when I trudged through the Frostbacks on my way toward one of the many Avvar settlements that populate the area. As this is the time of year when the Avvar begin preparing for the following winter by smoking meat, pickling vegetables, and drying fruit, I thought it an ideal time to visit and observe. Unfortunately, springtime is also the gurgut’s mating season. As a result, I nearly discovered firsthand why travelers are advised to keep their distance from these brightly colored beasts. Luckily, a nearby group of Avvar hunters quickly came to my aid, and I was spared the indignity of beating at the beast with a ladle. In an expression of my thanks, I shared with them several jars of spices from home, which they happily accepted. These Lowlander spices are prized among the Avvar and often reserved for feasts are rare delicacies. What unparalleled good fortune, then, that I later had the opportunity to dine on the slain gurgut, now roasted and seasoned with the spices I had gifted, at the hunters’ hold.

Nug Pancakes

Although some see nugs only as pets, they are edible. In fact, nugs constitute a key part of dwarven cuisine, so much so that Varen, the first dwarf to attempt eating a nug - albeit out of desperation - became a paragon for his culinary discovery! I'd liken the flavor to a cross between pork and rabbit. Very tender, especially when roasted. But of all the nug-based dishes I've sampled, my favorite is still the nug pancakes (with nug-gets coming in a close second). I've noted down the recipe here and recommend you give it a try! Of course, if you cannot bring yourself to eat nug, other meats can be substituted in its place.

Fish in Salt Crust

The Avvar are generally rather utilitarian in their cooking methods - lots of stews, which I can hardly find fault with. But holds by lakes and rivers have a unique way of cooking fish. Instead of using a pan, they’ll wrap the fish in pungent leaves and salt, then leave it baking all day over banked coals. Like a stew, this method of preparation does not require constant attention. In addition, the salt helps keep moisture inside the fish, which turns the flesh creamy and tender. Plus, there’s a great deal of fun to be had when cracking the salt open! It adds a level of drama that I’m sure even the Orlesians would appreciate.

Roasted Wyvern

Having made their home in the inhospitable Frostbacks, the Avvar live on whatever they can glean from the land, hunting all manner of beasts, from harts and rams to large creatures like lurkers and gurguts - sometimes even wyverns! But take care! Although wyvern can be delicious, if they’re not prepared correctly, they’re devastatingly poisonous, a consequence of their venomous nature. I’ve made sure to include detailed instructions. I’m no Antivan Crow like Zevran Arainai, after all; the last thing I want is for anyone to be poisoned via dinner!

Nug Bacon and Egg Pie

Ever since I heard about Sister Leliana keeping a nug as a companion, I’ve desperately longed for a Schmooples of my own. Of course, as adorable as nugs are, allowing them anywhere near a fully stocked kitchen is a recipe for disaster. You’d think that after seeing Mum nearly lose her mind trying to keep the Hero of Ferelden’s mabari out of her larder, I’d be a touch more aware of the security of my own roasts. And yet…that cute face… Suffice it to say, I discovered firsthand just how voracious these little omnivores can be. These days, the closest thing to a nug in my house is this traditional Fereldan farmer’s pie.

Starkhaven Fish and Egg Pie

In some ways, this famous pie mirrors its namesake. Not only is it almost oval in shape, but it’s also stuffed to the brim with fish from the Minanter River, lending the impression that it, like the city of Starkhaven, sits perched upon the river’s bounty. But where the city is crowned with solid rings of tall, gray stone, this pie has a light, flaky crust that, I imagine, is far kinder on one’s teeth –not to mention, far tastier! As beautiful as Starkhaven is, with its lavish estates and fountains, I’d much rather take a bite of one of its pies instead. Of course, if Starkhaven’s prince were on offer as well… just kidding! I’d still take the pie. Given Sebastain Vael’s popularity, though, I might be alone in this decision.

Cacio e Pepe

A classic Antivan dish that graces the tables of both rich and poor alike. Composed of three pain ingredients – pasta, cheese, and pepper – cacio e pepe is delightfully simple. And yet, it is also very easy to get wrong, as I quickly discovered. The sauce must be smooth, not clumpy, a surprisingly tall ask when your tools are dry cheese and water. But do not despair! This skill, like all others, can be learned, and with a bit of practice, you too will be able to make a sauce that even the most scrutinizing of Antivan grandmothers can’t help but approve of. And let me tell you, that nod of approval is worth every ounce of struggle. So let me be the first to offer it to you, as Mum did for me when I was a child helping her in the kitchen: I’m so proud of you for persevering!

Turnip and Mutton Pie

I already know what you’re thinking. A Fereldan about to extol the virtues of turnips? Of course! They’re a wonderful little root vegetable, capable of being prepared any number of ways–whether boiled, stir-fried, roasted, steamed, or mashed–and even eaten raw! Although they certainly make a great addition to any stew, for now, I’d like to introduce you to the wonders of turnips in pies.

This particular pie is a classic Fereldan dish served at taverns across the kingdom. Tender chunks of lamb and turnip are enveloped in a buttery crust that, together, never fail to put a smile on my face. It doesn’t matter how cold or miserable the day is. None of that is any match for a belly full of warm, rich, turnipy goodness. Even just the smell alone is a comfort that no other food could ever hope to match. And although you could certainly evoke it by throwing a bushel of turnips into the fire, as Cole once did, I think putting them in a pie is a much tastier idea.

Smoked Ham from the Anderfels

Contrary to what the rumors (or perhaps just the importers) would have you believe, this ham does not taste of despair - whatever flavor that might be. Although the Anderfels are largely ill-suited for farming, pigs do surprisingly well there, in spite of the notoriously inhospitable climate. As a result, ham from the Anderfels is generous in size and, when glazed, makes for a delicious meal. In terms of glazes, my personal favorite is made from a combination of apples and apricots. However, I’ve heard that one glaze, in particular, made from wildflowers, can turn a smoked ham as hard as jade! Not at all suitable for eating, but I imagine it would pack quite the punch, especially in the hands of a warrior like Divine Victoria!

Roasted Turkey with Sides

If you're attending the Prince of Starkhaven's birthday celebration or any dinner party in the Free Marches, chances are, you'll find this feast waiting for you. The roasted turkey, cooked to golden-brown perfection, sits surrounded by a host of different sides, creating a picturesque scene that's certain to impress everyone lucky enough to secure an invite. Unsurprisingly, this culinary tableau is far from a quick-and-easy meal. The chef who prepared the rendition I enjoyed in Kirkwall informed me - after much persuasion - that the turkey alone took hours to prepare. Add a few sides, and there goes most of the day, especially if you don't have a full kitchen staff to assist you! Unfortunately, I discovered this the hard way when I later attempted to put this recipe into practice. By the time everything was properly cooked and ready, it was late into the evening - well past dinnertime, even in Antiva, where dinner is usually a late-night affair. So take my advice, and budget more time than you think you need. Also be sure to invite some friends! This is definitely a meal that's meant to be shared, which, in my opinion, makes it the best kind!

Sides

Sera’s Yummy Corn

This recipe is simple, yet strict. No wraps. No non-yellow corn. Peel halfway, then wash and cook; peel again, and eat. Personally I think other varieties of corn would work just fine - I agree with checking for rot, of course - but the suggestion was met with such disgust from Sera that, well, I couldn’t bring myself to try it. Also, while the original recipe advises acquiring the ingredients through less-than-honorable means, let me assure you that merchant-bought corn is absolutely fine. Friends of Red Jenny can, of course, pilfer a few ears from an undeserving noble, as usual.

Stuffed Vine Leaves

The first thing I did upon arriving in the Tevinter Imperium was head for the nearest tavern and order this classic Tevinter appetizer. These tender leaves are stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. When topped with a bit of lemon juice and a dollop of tzatziki sauce, they’re sure to leave you in a state of bliss with just a single bite. In my case, I was so enchanted by the delicious flavors that I didn’t even notice the commotion outside! Apparently, there was a disagreement between a magister and another magister’s son - about what, I couldn’t say. After all, I was too busy eating!

Honey Carrots

In much the same way as the Inquisition is to the Inquisitor, a meal is more than just a main course. Sides form an equal part of the equation and deserve just as much care and attention as the dish they’re served alongside. It’s a lesson Mum taught me long ago and one I haven’t forgotten since. So of course, I noticed when this Orlesian staple made an appearance. It graced my table not once, not twice, but every single time I dined in Orlais. And while I enjoyed the traditional Orlesian rendition of this dish - which is on the sweeter side, thanks to a liberal application of honey - those who prefer a level of sweetness more in line with a carrot’s natural flavor should employ a lighter touch.

Nevarran Flat Bread and Yogurt Dip

There’s something supremely satisfying about a tall stack of Nevarran flat bread - and I don’t just mean in an aesthetic sense. Of course, being pleasing to the eye is certainly a consideration. This is a Nevarran dish, after all. But the process of being able to go from dough to ready-to-eat bread in minutes reaches a whole level of satisfaction on its own, especially if you’re used to waiting hours for a loaf to finish baking! Best off all, this bread can be eaten in a variety of different ways, whether on its own, brushed with oil, or as a vehicle for an assortment of dips. Personally, I’d love to try it with a good stew from home one day.

Sweet Delights

Blancmange

When translated literally from Orlesian, blancmange means “white eating,” which, I suppose, is pretty accurate. This dish is a white pudding made with either milk or heavy cream that’s been thickened. On its own, it possesses a relatively mild sweetness–particularly by Orlesian standards. But that’s because it’s generally served with various toppings, such as a red grape compote, to amplify the dish’s sweet flavors. The toppings are also a great way to decorate an otherwise plain-looking dessert. I’ve seen everything from designs composed of toasted almonds to ribbons of fresh mango. There’s really no limit to what you can do!

If you’re looking for a particularly elegant option, you need only turn to Lady Vivienne for guidance. After all, she’s the veritable queen of style, no matter the medium. When it comes to blancmange, her preferred arrangement remains true to the dish’s name, offering a pristine white-on-white tableau of white chocolate curls and whole jasmine flowers. The result is gorgeous on its own, but when served on a dark plate, it looks all the more stunning!

As stunning as that is, I prefer to add a cherry sauce to top the dish.

Poison Stings

Traveling is exhausting, as I’ve recently discovered. Even if you’re just sitting in a carriage, it can often feel like you’re walking every step of the way. Thankfully, I’m not the first to take long journeys across Thedas. Dorian Pavus traveled all the way from Tevinter to Ferelden in order to join the Inquisition - and rather quickly, at that! His secret? Chocolate-coated orange peels, colloquially known as poison stings. They’re sweet and sour, crunchy and chewy, and are certain to perk you right up whenever you’re starting to feel a bit worn down.

Dalish Forest Fruit Cobbler

Mum always knew there’s no greater comfort than a warm slice of cobbler - and the Dalish know it too! The first time I had a bite of this dessert, it was like sitting in Mum’s kitchen all over again, letting the simple pleasure of her baking wash away the day’s troubles. Hard to feel the sting of a skinned knee or a lost game when your belly is full of warm, gooey goodness, no? Although Mum usually made her cobblers with strawberries and rhubarb - only the stems, of course, as the leaves are poisonous - you can follow the Dalish’s lead and use whatever forest fruit is currently in season.

Dwarven Plum Jam

One of the great joys of this journey has been the sheer variety of foods I’ve encountered. However, there are certain places that, by nature of their climate or simply location, offer little in the way of choice when it comes to locally produced foods. The dwarven city of Orzammar is one such place.

Though it is underground, the city is by no means isolated, and trade with the surface has ensured that foods from above ground have soared to great heights of popularity below. Jam, particularly that made from plums, seems to be in especially high demand. The price, however, was enough to make my eyes water! It’s no surprise that only the wealthiest and most influential residents of Orzammar can afford it.

That’s not to say the rest of the city’s population is doomed to live in a jamless existence! While in Orzammar, I spoke to a local jam maker who, rather than purchase the jams directly from merchants, has opted to import only the individual components. They hope that, by making the actual preserves themselves, they can sell their product for a much more reasonable price. And the results, I dare say, were very sweet.

Sour Cherries in Cream

Imagine that you, like me, are at a dinner party in Orlais. You’ve just finished polishing off the second-to-last course, the latest in a long slew of extravagance, and you’re starting to realize that perhaps you overindulged earlier in the evening. But how could you not? The food was just so good. Now there’s only dessert left, and your stomach feels like it’s about to burst. At this point, you cannot imagine how you’ll manage to choke down whatever tower of sugar and cream awaits you in the kitchens. All you know is you have to. You cannot be rude to your host, after all. What a relief, then, when dessert finally arrives, and you’re presented with a small bowl filled with black cherries dressed in sweet cherry sauce and whipped cream. Evidently, even the Orlesians are sometimes in need of lighter fare. And so the night ends, with stomachs still intact and no offense caused. A happy ending for all!

Treviso Energy Balls

As a Fereldan, I’m no stranger to hardship. The Fifth Blight took much from us, but the darkspawn are hardly the sole cause of suffering in Thedas. Take Treviso, a port city in northern Antiva, for example: Treviso was captured and liberated several times during both the Qunari Wars and the New Exalted Marches. As you can imagine, during times of occupation, food was scarce, and those living in the city had to make do with the limited ingredients they still had. Of course, people can be remarkably creative, particularly in difficult times. You need only look to the work Anders did in his clinic in Darktown to know that much. And so the Treviso energy ball was born, combining peanut butter, oats, and dried fruit into a bite-sized treat that’s just bursting with energy! Perfect for when you’re out sabotaging weapon caches - or just taking a hike.

Rice Pudding

I assumed a mercenary would be paid in gold. But according to the second-in-command of the Bull’s Chargers, this is not always the case! One time, he, the Iron Bull, and five other Chargers defended a village from fifty bandits, an awe-inspiring feat by anyone’s measure. I certainly listened in slack-jawed amazement as Krem recounted the tale. How incredible they must have been! If only I could’ve seen it for myself. Ahem. In any case, once the bandits were defeated and it came time for the Chargers to collect on the payment they were owed, instead of receiving a sack of gold, they got several bags of rice. When I asked what they did with all this rice, Krem only shrugged and said, “When life gives you rice, make rice pudding.” I don’t believe truer words were ever spoken!

Goat Custard

You’ll find custards all across Thedas in a dizzying number of variations. I sourced this particular recipe from Rivain, where it has gained great popularity as a dessert. The custard is made from goat’s milk and studded with roasted figs to add a touch of sweetness to the dish’s overall richness. If you’d like to further enhance the dish’s sweet flavors, milk from the Ayesleigh gulabi goat can be used, as it boasts a natural sweetness that makes it prized by custard connoisseurs everywhere.

Baked Goods

Antivan Apple Grenade

It’s no secret that I delight in creative presentation when it comes to food. Whether it’s a crab cake designed to look like a crab or a dish featuring a fish peeking its head out of a pie, the extra touches are all certain to leave me clapping my hands with glee. Thankfully, this Antivan dessert nails it on both counts! Its name comes from the fact it resembles the fire grenades reportedly used by the Antivan Crows assassins - not just in shape, but also in heat! I discovered that part for myself the hard way, when I bit into the piping-hot apple at the center of these sweet pastry bundles with a touch too much enthusiasm.

Found Cake

The Hero of Ferelden’s mabari is very good at finding items. One time he even brought back a cake! As I understand it, the cake in question was a chocolate cream variety, topped with white frosting and fresh strawberries. Of course, I had to try my hand at reproducing it, and I think the results are sure to delight. I did, however, make the decision to omit the few flecks of drool that apparently clung to the original. As much as we love our mabari in Ferelden, I don’t think their spittle makes for a very appetizing ingredient. Not even Teyrn Loghain, who, I would argue, is far more tolerant of mabari drool than I, is liable to enjoy a cake that’s become intimately acquainted with the inside of a mabari’s mouth.

Varric’s Favorite Cinnamon Rolls

When you hear the tales of Thedas's heroes, what you don't always hear are the silly names Varric Tethras called them. Some of them more fitting - Blondie, Curly, Ruffles, Broody - and others a little more...ironic. Tiny? Chuckles? I can easily imagine his amusement at the exasperation of those around him, but that's Varric for you. He can disarm you with his humor and charm (or quite literally, through his spy network). I'll tell you a secret, though-I think he has a soft spot for the soft heroes. "Daisy" for Merrill, "Sunshine" for Bethany, "Kid" for Cole. I've even heard rumors that there was a kind, appeasing hero he called "Waffles". And "Waffles" is just on short step away from him calling someone a "Cinnamon Roll," which I've heard is one of his favorite sweets. (Some of those heroes would decidedly deserve that nickname, too.) I whipped up a batch of cinnamon rolls while thinking on it, and I believe they're the perfect treat to have while listening to him spin you a tale. Warm, sweet, comforting- the kind of treat not for listening to Hard in Hightown, but for hours spent reminiscing.

Croissants

The Orlesians certainly know how to make a good pastry! It’s no wonder Lady Vivienne starts off her day with one of these, the most well-known of all Orlesian pastries and, in my humble opinion, the most delicious. But, by Andraste, these little crescents are a lot of work to make! In order to achieve that wonderfully flaky texture croissants are known for, the dough is layered with butter and then rolled and folded several times over before being rolled into a thin sheet. It’s times like these when I wish I had a strong companion like the Iron Bull or Commander Cullen to take over the duties with the rolling pin. Anything to spare my arms the indignity of being reduced to limp noodles!

Cherry Cupcake

These delightful little cakes are decadence in bite-sized form, as pleasing to the eye as they are the tongue. Although they were served alongside other sweets, carried from one private box to the next by a servant on stilts at the Tevinter theater, I was so enchanted by the pink color that I barely noticed what else was on offer. It was only after I’d had a cupcake (or four) that I heard these tiny cakes were once used as a vehicle for deadly poisons! Thankfully, my cupcakes were poison free, and so is the recipe I now pass on to you.

Chocolate Cake

I didn’t have to travel very far to get my hands on this recipe. In fact, I didn’t need to travel at all! This cake is actually one of Mum’s recipes. She baked it for the first time on my tenth name-day, and it made for a sweet celebration that not another name-day passed without me begging for an encore. Thankfully, Mum was kind enough to indulge me, even though, more times than not, she already had her hands full with the Couslands’ meals. And so whenever I think about her love for me, this cake inevitably sits front and center in my mind. It therefore seems only fitting to include here.

Varric’s Favorite Pastries

Leave a plate of pastries, fresh from the oven, to cool on a windowsill, and you might soon find a certain member of House Tethras lurking nearby. It’s unsurprising, given that the man’s first thought when it came to renaming the Bone Pit was apparently “the pie fields.” I can’t blame him, of course. I, too, love a good pastry, whether it be biscuit, roll, or bun. And after an extensive consultation with the famed arbalist himself, I’ve put together this sample, which is sure to delight! But whether you choose to leave them within dwarf’s reach well, that is entirely up to you.

Sugar Cake

There’s often joy in simplicity, as illustrated by this humble cake, which is topped with a sweet mixture of butter, sugar, and almonds. I purchased one off a surface dwarf merchant who assured me that it would be well received by any companion. According to him, even the Hero of Ferelden purchased a few for this very purpose. Of course, for me, traveling alone, this cake isn’t as much a gift as it is a perfect pick-me-up after a long day of travel. But perhaps one day, I’ll have a beloved companion to bake this cake for.

Lamprey Cake

The lamprey is one of Thedas’s more unique-looking creatures, with its long, slender body and toothed, suction-cup mouth. It’s also one that’s seldom found in the kitchen. Unless, of course, the kitchen belongs to Lord Norbert de la Haine, whose fondness for pickled lampreys was just as unfortunate as his desire to conquer the Free Marches.

Given that Lord de la Haine’s tastes were rather singular, it’s better, I think, to bring the lamprey to the dinner table in spirit only. Rest assured, you’ll find none of its noxious flavors in this cake. I’ve limited myself to merely borrowing its shape.

Tevinter Pumpkin Bread

Granted, I didn’t need much tempting to visit Tevinter. After all, how else was I going to sample Dorian Pavus’s favorites? But if I did require some convincing, these wonderful treats would certainly do the trick! Best of all, because the ingredients are so limited, I can share this recipe with more people than ever - provided, of course, I don’t eat the whole pan myself.

Drinks

Lichen Ale

Deep underground, food is easily defined. So long as it’s edible and capable of being scavenged, it’ll eventually find its way into someone’s stomach. That being said, the surface dweller’s understanding of the word edible may not exactly align with that of an Orzammar dwarf. The best illustration of this is lichen ale, the drink of choice among the dwarves in Dust Town. Put simply, it is toxic, and I do mean that in the literal sense. In sufficient quantities, it can even overpower the heartiest of dwarven constitutions. As a result, the rest of us must approach this drink with caution. Although most can tolerate a few sips without issues, I think we’d all much rather enjoy a full glass of any beverage–particularly when we’ve made it ourselves. I, therefore, took it upon myself to devise my own rendition of lichen ale, using the dwarven recipe as a base. Now we can all enjoy the look and (most) of the flavors of the original without fear of poisoning ourselves in the process!

The Hissing Drake

During my visit to the Gilded Horn, I chanced upon a group of young men engaged in a contest of sorts. The goal? To drink as many Hissing Drakes as possible in quick succession, with the person who drank the most being crowned victor. Evidently, they’d already had a few drinks before the idea occurred to them, as no sober individual would dare down more than a single glass of the stuff at a time due to its fiery effects on the stomach. In fact, when it comes to ill-advised drinking contests, I’d say this one is a close second to the game Admiral Isabela once played, with participants drinking based on the number of enemies they had. Suffice it to say, that one killed a man. Thankfully, in this case, no one died. But I think the young men managed only two or three servings before they were forced to rush for the nearest balcony, where they were promptly divested of all their pride and bluster. I have no doubt that next time the urge to compete takes hold, they’ll follow my advice and choose a soothing Fereldan ale instead.

Hot Chocolate

Varric isn’t the only one who loves sweets. And, no, I’m not talking about myself; I’m talking about the Iron Bull! Hot chocolate is a particular favorite of his, to the point that it’s practically a necessity. Although the cocoa powder he swears by is sometimes difficult to find, it’s well worth the effort. Add hot milk and some Orlesian guimauves like the Iron Bull does, and you’ll have a drink that’s certain to please. Personally, I’m partial to topping it all off with a bit of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon, but there are many ways to dress up a cup of hot chocolate.

Antivan Sip-Sip

I was warned that this particular drink packs a bit of a bunch. More than “a bit,” I’ll say. Anyone capable of downing an entire glass of this is made of sterner stuff than I! I could scarcely manage more than a small sip each time I brought this to my lips - and that was with the added help of a tall glass of water! Perhaps that’s why it’s called a sip-sip - because each sip of it must be chased by a sip of something else.

Dragon Piss

I really hope the name is figurative. It probably is - or, at least, that’s what I’ll tell myself now that I’ve sampled this less-than-enticingly-named drink. Perhaps the name Dragon Breath would suit it better? After all, it certainly burns like a dragon’s breath - both in the glass and on the way down!

Rivaini Tea Blend

A cup of tea is often the perfect accompaniment for any sweet treat, although it can certainly be enjoyed on its own. Personally, I’d still prefer the added biscuit on the side. Not just because I like desserts–I do, of course–but because it’s great fun deciding which to pair with all the various blends.

When it comes to tea blends, the most famous is probably the classic Rivaini tea blend, a mixture of peppermint, lemon verbena, oregano, and licorice root. It’s a wonderfully soothing combination that’s said to have healing properties. In fact, I believe Empress Celene Valmont I of Orlais takes it throughout the day to alleviate headaches. Given how messy Orlesian politics are wont to be, with chevalier cousins vying for the throne and elven handmaids turned both spymaster and lover, I imagine there must be a pot of the stuff boiling at all times.

The Golden Nug

From the name, I expected this drink to be gold, but it’s actually pink! Evidently, inspiration was drawn from the living creature rather than the golden statue I passed in Haven (of which I’ve heard there is more than one). A base of white Seleney wine sweetened with a splash of West Hill Brandy dilutes the color of the pomegranate juice and mulled raspberries into a softer, pinkish hue. The goal is to imitate the color of a typical nug, after all, not a severely sunburnt one!

The Emerald Valley

The sisters of the Chantry truly make some marvelous creations - namely, the spirit used in this drink. Distilled from over seventy different herbs and flowers, it has a complex, varied flavor positively bursting with all the freshness of an emerald-green valley.

Chasind Sack Mead

After having sampled some Chasind Wildwine, I wasn’t surprised to learn that their mead is equally strong. Some might even call it brutal. For me, the flavors are almost poetic. First, there’s a nearly overwhelming rush of honey, tinged with the sour-sweetness of apple blossoms, that fills the mouth with all the bright warmth of a summer’s day. But as the initial sweetness fades, there comes an unexpected bitterness, reminiscent of the slow decay into fall, then winter. In essence, the turning of the seasons, all in a single cup - well, sack (although you can certainly fancy it up with a stunning decanter, as I’ve done here).

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lairofdragonagelore · 3 months

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Dragon Age Iconic Patterns: The Sun

In this post I will try to extensively gather all the sun-based or sun-like imagery that we find in all the games of Dragon Age. From the most typical ones to those which may seem obscure or with a hidden allegory/design. I will qualify their resemblance with the Sun symbol as Strong, Weak or other.

This post contains the following symbols

Chantry Sunburst

Elvhenan Culture: Sun symbol among the Evanuris

Elvhenan Culture: Asterisk Symbol and Elvhenan Doors

Elvhenan Culture: Golden Ring

Elvhenan Culture: Crappy Sun

Elvhenan Culture: Elgar’nan and Sylaise

Elvhenan Culture: Murals

Tevinter Culture: Green Star

Tevinter Culture: different decorative elements

Dwarven Culture: Fairel and Dwarven art

Ferelden Culture: The Sun Face and the geometrical Sun

Grey Wardens and the Sun

Avvar and the Sun

Flemeth

Qunari, Par Vollen, and the Solium Constellation

DAO design

Free Marches Rural Areas

[This post belongs to the series “Analysis and speculation of Statues”]

[Strong] Chantry Sunburst

The most typical one that appears in DA series is the Sun or Sunburst with wavy rays, repeated so much along the games that we can identify it immediately. It’s the unequivocally symbol of the Chantry. We found it in many versions, and it represents the “dawn” with the idea of hope and “new beginnings”, but also the fire that “purified” Andraste in her pyre to let her ascend to the Maker’s side. In the posts of Andrastian Art [Andrastian Design: Stained Glasses], we also find that “balls of fire” [which can be interpreted as a Sun in another way] are shown to represent the Maker or the Faith in Him.

Andraste’s single spiked helm seems to be inspired in a single sun ray, at least this is what an illustration in the Chant of Light [book of World Of Thedas] seems to suggest.

In general, most of the representations of the Chantry Sun have 16 rays.

The same sun-like symbol appears in its Tevinter version when we see the Imperial Chantry; the only difference with the Orlesian one is that the Tevinter Sunburst has straight rays.

As a detail, in DAO, we had the typical representation of the wavy sunburst present in some strange devices of Tevinter origin, for example, the ones we found in [Brecilian ruins], while the main Church in Denerim, or in Haven, display spikes that, more than resembling a sun, look like thorns or even a thorny vine. This may be a consequence of an original plan in linking, design-wise, the chantry symbology with the thorny vines that represent the Blight or the Darkspawn [As we explained in the section “Non-mural symbol: Thorny vines” from Murals in DAI: Basics], or merely it was a limitation of the design of the game, as we know DAO suffers from.

We also know that tranquils should display this symbol on their foreheads, burnt with lyrium, but as we saw along DAO, none of them had it. Later we were informed that the devs had problems to add this mark on the npc, therefore, it was never shown until DA2. When it comes to this symbol, it is interesting to see that tranquils carry the metaphor of “a Sun burning their minds and emptying them”, which may or may not be related with Dwarves and their fear to the Sun and potential relatinship of Elgar'nar shoving a fire ball into their underground lands [More details of this concept in Deep Roads [DLC Trespasser]: Lower Walkways in particular with the codex Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads,].

[Strong] Elvhenan Culture: Sun symbol among the Evanuris

Strangely close to the Chantry Sunburst symbol, we find the “half” sun symbol [tagged along the blog as Sun-head creature] in what we suspect was one of the ancient primordial dragon symbols that some Evanuris took over when they claimed Divinity [for more context, read Attempt to rebuild Ancient Elvhenan History]. It’s hard to say which Evanuris took control of this symbol, but we know there is a clearly sun-like symbol present in the Crossroads of the DLC [as a statue, check The Crossroads [DLC Trespasser]: Entrance] and in the Shattered Library [as an Eluvian, check Shattered Library; Entrance and Courtyard]. With the release of the Vinyl, we also discovered and reinforced the hypothesis that this symbol belongs to or was co-opted by an Evanuris [read Speculations about the Vinyl Art for details] thanks to the image of an elf wearing a hat with that shape.

A consistent detail of this image is that it’s a half-sun with exactly 7 rays.

[Weak] Elvhenan Culture: Asterisk Symbol and Elvhenan Doors

If we extend this imagery, and check other symbols that may look similar to a sun, we find the ancient Elvhenan Doors [Elven Ancient Shard-based door], which top displays a pointy sun of 8 rays that may or may not be related to the Asterisk symbols [also related to the Titan’s core, which I talked about in the post of Murals “The Death of a Titan”]. In the way the door gets illuminated when activated also makes us see a “circle” in it that can be loosely related to the “Golden Ring shape”. More details about this ring will be treated below.

This strange sun on the ancient door also makes us think in the Asterisk Symbol [made of 8 points], which lays at the centre of the yellow mosaic, which may be related to the core of a Titan [asterisk of 8 points too]. The link is immediate when we see that this asterisk is outlined by a shape that looks like a star or a Sun, inside a big ball with triangular-shape ends. This same symbol appears in the last Trailer of DA4, behind Solas, when he is presented like an Hermit, mysterious, apostate mage. Around this “sun” we can make out several concentric lines that may refer to a “Golden Ring”.

The Asterik symbol also appears in murals such as “The Creation of the Veil” or “The Death of a Titan”, which allowed us to relate them with the core of a Titan and its immense power of "making real what you imagine"reinforcing the reality", but this symbol also appears in a corner of Solas’ tarot card.

The yellow mosaic also has some shapes at the four corners that may represent eluvians or something related to Mythal. In the mural of “the Temple of Mythal” from “The actions of the Inquisitor”, we see that Solas draw a particular star of 8 points inside a door frame that resembles this “eluvian outline”, but it’s also the shape of the doors of the Temple of Mythal which represents Mythal herself in her dragon shape. All these symbols seem to reinforce the idea we explored in “The Death of a Titan”: Mythal seems to be related to the core power of a Titan represented by an asterisk that evolves into a golden ring and into a sun.

As I repeated several times in Speculations about the Vinyl Art, at times, we find some hints where stars or balls of fires [also understood as suns] are related to Mythal and Elgar’nan, making us suspect that, maybe, Mythal and Elgar’nan share a nature similar to Falon’Din and Dirthamen’s: apparently, the same creature with two different aspects from them. If this were the case, associating Mythal with the Sun would make sense, and it would also explain why, if Elgar’nan was so central in the Elvhenan culture, there are so few representations and statues of him, while Mythal overwhelms it.

[Weak] Elvhenan Culture: Golden Ring

During the last trailer of DA4, we see Solas turns into the Black Dread Wolf as a sun in the background becomes a moon [single golden circle] and later, it separates itself into concentric rings, that may or may not be related to the “Golden Ring” so deeply entangled with Elvhenan culture. Thanks to this imagery, we may relate the Sun to the Golden Ring [specially if we consider that the mural presented in Nation Art: Elvhen displays the yellow ring in a position that may be considered “the sun”, but also the "authority/power above"]

We need to remember that the Golden Ring’s presence is always associated with control, power, and occasionally to Mythal and Dirthamen. In the mural of the “zombie elves”, it’s above all of them, and due to this position, it could be interpreted like a “sun” or moon upon the controlled, zombified elves. But I’m not too convinced in this interpretation, since we already explored in posts such as: Nation Art: Elvhen, Exalted Plains: Ghilan’nain’s Grove and the Dead Hand, DLC: Jaws of Hakkon - Frostback Basin, Elvhen Tomb, Ancient Elven codices; Fen’Harel’s mountain ruins, The Crossroads [DLC Trespasser]: Elven Mountain Ruins; Vine-covered Tower, Murals in DAI: The Death of a Titan, and Speculations about the Vinyl Art that this ring was more related to control, power, or even forced change/shape in some cases. Due to its power or potential knowledge, it's also associated to Dirthamen Owl [which also could be Andruil's owl according some inconsistencies in the same Unreliable Dalish legends].

On the other hand, it’s never clear if this symbol may have morphed into a sun along the ages with the loss of memory that the Elves had throughout generations when they lost their immortality. However, I tend to consider that this Golden Ring may have changed into a Sun when it entered in contact with human groups, in the same way that I see the story of Fen'Harel gave enough context for humans to create the Maker myth based on him, potentially during the time of Halamshiral [for more details, read The Chantry and the Mythology of the Chant of Light]

This ring also appears in the last scene of DAI, when we defeat Corypheus, showing Mythal inside it, as bits of red lyrium sprout around it. This can be related to many speculations done in Speculations about the Vinyl Art, where we can conclude that another fragment/part of Mythal is still trapped in the Black City, corrupted, and contained by an immense power that may have been used before by the rest of the evanuris to control their own people.

The Golden Ring has also been seen enclosing Elven Tree Statues and Elven Orbs, implying its relationship with elvhenan power and/or Mythal’s [after all, we know that Mythal took the power from a Titan from which elvhen orbs were developed, and trees are also her symbol, according her vallaslin]. It's worth noting that the only working orb we saw in the game was Mythal’s, so far.

[Weak] Elvhenan Culture: Crappy Sun

There is also a strange symbol that I called “crappy sun” in the ancient tablet we find at the entrance and deep into the tomb of Forbidden Oasis: Solasan Temple [along this blog I’ve tagged it as “Stone in Razikale-Ceremony-style”]. It’s hard to say if it represents a sun or a breach. It may be related to a sun similar to the one of the Elven Ancient Shard-based door that, later, Tevinter co-opted to turn into the several versions of pointy suns we see in Tevinter Pre-blight ruins, [let’s remember they were not Andrastian yet, and still they had this symbology in their buildings and elements because it may have been related to ancient dragons, or taken from another elvhen symbology during the time of the Dreamers since there are some proofs, such as the Tevinter Mosaic [Invasion], that may show that Tevinter had a better relationship with elves back then].

Maybe the original symbol was related to Elgar’nan, as we see in his mosaic, where he shoves down the sun into the earth, and its rays are wavy and a bit “crappy”. If this relationship is correct, maybe what Elgar'nan shoved into the Earth to destroy the dwarves/Titans was not a sun but a breach? Again, a very unlikely hypothesis.

This “crappy sun” also has 8 rays.

[Strong] Elvhenan Culture: Elgar’nan and Sylaise

Elgar’nan’s mosaic was interpreted in the post Evanuris, and basically shows an elf shoving down a Sun of wavy rays into the Earth. It’s easy for us to relate this image to the unreliable Dalish legend of Elgar’nan [read Elgar'nan: God of Vengeance]. Elgar’nan is presented here as the son of the Sun itself, who tried to burn all life on the Land out of Jealousy, so Elgar’nan vowed vengeance against his Father’s cruelty, and his rage won against the fire of the Sun. Then, “Elgar'nan threw the sun down from the sky and buried him in a deep abyss created by the land's sorrow.”

This story can be followed later in the post Emprise du Lion: Pools of the Sun, where we find another unreliable Dalish legend claiming that this place has spring waters because it was here where Elgar’nan shoved the sun into the Earth. I also made a link to Sylaise considering the Elvhenan arenas we can see in this region, the presence of Sylaise’s Shrine, and her thirst for being always competing with someone. These details can make us suspect that this Sun could have been Sylaise [so deeply related to fire, the sun, and also as angry as Elgar’nan according the Song to Sylaise].

It’s very worth noting that these two legends, said by different clans, claim that Elgar’nan pushed the Sun into the Abyss. Another detail we have to assume is that "Abyss", "Beyond the Deep Roads" and "The Void" seem to be one thing related to the places where the Titan sleep [or even inside the Titan themselves] instead of a strange dimensional pocket we never saw before. This links the Elvhenan with the Dwarven in what we speculated in Murals in DAI: The Death of a Titan.

With this relationship, we see again the Sun as a weapon of destruction and control.

[Weak] Elvhenan Culture: Murals

Murals present a red sphere with rays that may imply a Sun .

In the mural “The Creation of the Veil” [1], we find a red sphere inside a black one, making us suspect it’s the big evil released by the Evanuris that Solas isolated with the creation of the Veil. Around it, there are seven “bubbles” with similar “rays” in grey and golden colours that may imply “gates” that would allow us the access to the central “sun” or red sphere.

In the mural “The Death of a Titan” [2] we talked extensively about the asterisk symbol, its representation of a Titan’s heart and all that power associated with it, as well as with Golden Rings. The codex in here speaks of a red sphere that contains fury, and maybe all of this can be related to a sun, or better said, the other way around: a Sun as a sphere of fire, related to fury, and buried below underground to contain its destruction. This also brings us some similarities with the unreliable Dalish legends about Elgar'nan.

In the mural “Red Lyrium Idol” [3] we also commented how the image looks as if Solas were walking on a sphere of fire. It may be related to the red lyrium idol too. Here, we keep linking this idea of a “sphere of fire” as a potential Sun.

In the murals of “The actions of the Inquisitor” [4], we see several times that the red sphere associated with the big evil isolated behind the thick, impenetrable barrier of the Black City seems to be positioned in places that may allow a soft interpretation as a “sun”in the sky.

These symbols seem to gather more importance as we analysed the Vinyl Art, where we find the concept of the Eclipse [as an ominous symbol of Fen’Harel that covers and hides the Sun] and a lot of iconography of stars, which can be interpreted as “suns”.

[Weak] Tevinter Culture: Green Star

Pre-Blight Tevinter art has a “star” symbol that may be interpreted as a sun, specially if we consider that the inside of this green star displays the symbol of the elvhenan Golden Ring in red colour. However, it seems more likely to be a symbol representing the power that one can extract from the Breaches. The green colour helps in this interpretation and puts it a bit farther away from a sun interpretation than other symbols. However, it keeps linking the Golden Ring with the power of creating a Breach.

[Confusing] Tevinter Culture: different decorative elements

The rest of the symbols in Tevinter objects may have some relationship with the Sun. For example, we find doors, boxes, and columns decorated with an 8-pointed star [1] but we also find another one with 6 points in something that looks like a box [2]. The shape of an “hexagonal” sun of 8-pointy rays can be found as well in objects like the “scrying orb” [4].

Among the outfits, we find a 3-ray comb used by Tevinter women [3], which may be related to the sun-based symbol of an Old God [and potentially related to the corresponding Evanuris associated with it]. This symbol is a lot closer to the "Sun-head creature" we found among Elvhenan objects.

As a curious one, I will always point out the strange, hidden Sun figure that belongs to the Free Marches decoration that can be found at the entrance of the Inner Sanctum in Western Approach: The Still Ruins, Viridis Walk and Inner Sanctum.

I think it’s clear and safe to say that most of the sun-based symbols present in Tevinter culture [and previous to their conversion to Andrastian religion] may have been originated from the contact with the Elvhenan [during the Dreamer time where we can see less repulsion to Elvhen according the Tevinter Mosaics] or [most likely] with the dragons that may have been related to the Elvhenan, as I made the connection in the comic post The Missing.

[Weak] Dwarven Culture: Fairel and Dwarven art

The Dwarves, at least the ones in the Fairel’s ruins, may have some link with the Sun as well. In these ruins we find the same exact stone tablet we find in the Ancient Elvhenan tombs [1], which displays the “crappy sun” I commented above. Once again, it could be a sun but also a breach, so there is no much sense to keep focusing on it.

Another symbol to relate the Sun to the Dwarves may or may not be an old “Dwarven stone-paintings” we saw since DAO, which basically shows a dwarf working the stone [3]. Based on symmetry, we could assume that the triangles on the background are stalagmites, but if we stretch-out this interpretation, they could even be seen as a sun with its rays. It’s very unlikely, since it seems to be more a design resource to highlight the scene of the stone-painting, but for completion’s sake I think it’s worthy to keep it commented here.

However, this simple design allows us to interpret it in different ways: the spikes we see can be pieces of rock protruding from the ground and the Dwarf in it is mining them [as its original codex in DAO seems to imply], but also it could be understood as a quarter of a Sun peeking through the corner of the image as a Dwarf works tirelessly.

Later in DAI we are introduced to another piece of art of similar characteristics [2]. The building was never possible to be identified unequivocally, and in posts like “Architecture of Kirkwall : Gallows and Lowtown/Darktown” I related it to representations of Kirkwall or cities that may be similar to Kirkwall where the runecraft mastery of dwarves was used [and probably, it was a source of pride for these clans, who may have kept the achievement immortalised in a piece of art reproduced among the noble dwarven families]. This piece also shows a background very similar to the one in [3] that may be a representation of stalagmites or a sun, if it’s stretched-out enough.

Another strange symbol in the dwarven furniture is the one presented in some stone-seats: an elaborated metal image that shows thorny vines on or over a sun [4]. This symbol appears in many other parts of the game where there are dwarven rooms, but also in Arbor Wilds :Cradle of Sulevin where we can read the Vir Tanadhal, However, in this case, the symbol is not completely the same one than in the Hissing Wastes: Fairel tomb.

It’s hard to suspect if this is a mere reuse of assets, it has a lore-related meaning, or it’s just a reflection that the Dwarves and the Ancient Elvhen had a relationship quite ancient [as it shows the Elvhen tree and its dwarven, more geometrical style, that I’ve been pointing out since DAO in Orzammar]. We have to remember that the Ancient Elvhenan saw the dwarves as soulless creatures, workers of the “pillars of Earth” and worthless. However, I always claimed it was never clear if this was a reference to ancient Dwarves that were linked to the Titan deeply to the point that they became Sha-Brytol after the break of the link, or were related to more independent dwarves as the ones we see now, who have a sense of Stone, but can’t understand the Titan with the exception of some gifted ones [such as Valta].

Finally, the dwarves have an additional aspect related to the Sun in the very unreliable codex called Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 2. I wrote about this codex in a more integral way in Deep Roads [DLC Trespasser]: Lower Walkways. But basically an ex-Dalish elf [now a Qun converted] relates Elgar’nan’s fire [which another unreliable Dalish legend, Elgar'nan: God of Vengeance, claims he shoved the Sun into the Earth] to the fear to the Sun that Dwarves experience [Read the section Elgar’nan and Sylaise above]. This may have been a Dev’s choice to makes us aware that there exists a relationship between the Sun and the dwarves, even though there is no lore material that can make it clear enough.

[Strong] Ferelden Culture: The Sun Face and the geometrical Sun

In the Tryptich presented in Andrastian Design: Tapestry and Tryptich, we find three symbols on top of each part of the scene: the six-snakes that represent Tevinter, the golden city above all the image representing the Maker or the Chantry Religion, and over the section of Ferelden/Orlais chantry, a 8-pointed sun which rays look like triangles. Once again, the resemblance of this symbol with the elvhenan sun in the mural “Temple of Mythal” is remarkable [check the Temple of Mythal in “The actions of the Inquisitor”] or the sun shape in the elvhenan yellow mosaic or in the background of Solas in the Trailer of DA:D. This could come from different roots:

1- An Orlesian root, considering how much of the elvhenan influence it had during the time of the Halamshiral and the coexistence of humans and elves in the Dales for some years [to the point where inter-racial families were made, as it was hinted all over the Exalted Plains]. I spoeculated how the idea of the Maker may have been developed during this time in the post The Chantry and the Mythology of the Chant of Light

2- Another potential root is related to the Alamarri root, and therefore, linked to the Avvar: this sun may be a representation of the Lady of the Sky for the same reasons I will explain below in the Section Avvars and the Sun.

We can find similar icon in the book World of Thedas, where they show a unique Ferelden Tryptich [3], which top displays this symbol with a sun that even may have a shape of a Golden Ring within it. In either case, we know that this symbol later was part of the Ferelden Chantry, which sun is very pointy, as DAO showed it [see the first section in this post: Chantry Sunburst].

In DAI, we find in some small towns of Ferelden, a unique strange Sun with a crying face [1]. On it we see a bird and a squirrel. It’s hard to know exactly what this is, [check the post Nation Art: Ferelden], but maybe it can be understood as a representation of Andraste made by Ferelden culture mixed with some local animals and fables created as a mixture of cultures, similar to the tale that related Wyverns to Andraste [check the wyvern section in Dragon Age Iconic Patterns: The single spike].

There is also a fish drawn in the DLC of Hakkon on a fisherman shack [2], which displays a pattern that can be related to the “crappy sun” designs on its skin. Not sure what to make about it. The closest is that the Avvar represented this symbol as a way to reflect what they may have seen in the Isle of the Lady, where a big ancient breach have been there, open, since the time of Telana [read about this in “The Veil and the preservation of the Waking World” from the post Frostback Basin [DLC]: Miscellaneous ].

[Strong] Grey Wardens and the Sun

The typical symbol of the Grey Wardens involves a chalice that represents the Joining ritual. It always displays a Sun, and not any sun: it’s one with a strong resemblance to the Sunburst of the Chantry. Let’s remember that the Grey Wardens was and is an independent Order that doesn’t respond to the Chantry, and even more so: it was created before the existence of the Chantry, and before Andraste was born. So any quick explanation that this sun is present in this object due to some potential influence from the Chantry seem unlikely.

However, as I showed in Western Approach: The Still Ruins, Main Chamber and Hall of Silence, there are griffons with this same chalice that belonged to pre-Blight Tevinter, maybe remotely associated with Dumat in some ways [since they appear in a hall called “Hall of Silence”, and Dumat=Silence]. We know that the Joining, as a ritual of blood magic, came from the knowledge of Arlathan elves and Tevinter Mages during the desperate times of the First Blight when nothing seemed to stop the darkspawn and even slaying Dumat did not work the first time. Therefore, this Sun may have some relationship with the elvhenan, the Old Gods, or just the blood magic that allowed the creation of the Joining.

[Curious] Avvar and the Sun

The Avvar have a symbol that I always found very Sun-like due to its design and cultural concept: The Lady of the Sky. It’s not only the concept; the lady of the sky can be any important object in the sky; moons or suns. Since Thedas has two moons, it seems more plausible to think of her as unique as the Sun itself.

In the painting that represents her (found on a wall in the Frostback Mountains) we see a design of an owl which shape looks like a Sun. Even her sculpture in Skyhold displays small spikes around her neck which give her a low-key “sun-like” design, specially if we relate this shape with the “sun” shape we saw in the Ancient Elvhenan Yellow Mosaic or with the star we saw in the “Temple of Mythal” mural [in “The actions of the Inquisitor”] or with the Sun that appears behind Solas in the trailer.

Curiously, her banner displays her eyes in a shape that looks similar to the Golden Ring shape, but in black colour. That the Avvar have an art that may have resemblance with Elvhenan's is not strange for me if we remember that Tyrdda Bright-Axe Path’s story narrates that her lover was an elf that, as it is hinted, may have been the Lady of the Sky herself. This means that the Avvar always were a culture under the influence of the Elvhenan and the Dwarves [due to the marriages they arranged with the children of the Stone].

[Weak] Flemeth

Flemeth also had a unique concept art that shows all of her nature in one drawing: her dragon shape, Mythal, as the central part of it over a human figure that may be a petitioner; a bit aside and as if she were in a inner ring of a brown sphere, The Witch of the Wild: Flemeth, with a very particular staff inside a yellow circle that may be interpreted as a Sun. And very hidden in the corner, in the core of this sphere, now black, we see her as an "old, old woman" with a big eye drawn on her apron, at the edge of a cliff [potentially representing the fragment of Mythal that lives inside her]. This kind of eye is very similar to the ones that we see in the concept art armours of Mythal’s temple guardians. I assume it has to do with her omnipresence due to the manipulation of dreams [we know that she presented herself in dreams to an elf and marked him with the Vallaslin of Mythal after awakening, check the video]

Mythal also has bland hints related to Elgar’nan symbology, which is related to the sun, fire, and balls of fire with anger [check all this in the posts Speculations about the Vinyl Art and “The Death of a Titan”]. Flemeth ends up being related to all this since she carries a fragment of Mythal in her.

[Strong] Qunari, Par Vollen, and the Solium Constellation

The Qunari have little link with the Sun, but not the land they conquered. In the book World of Thedas we are informed about the existence of the Fex, a race we never saw nor had much information beyond the fact that they exist. May they be related to the Sun or a Sun-base proto religion? We don't know.

In the Codex Constellation: Solium, we learn that this constellation [which looks like a Sun/Star, image above, pretty similar to the Chantry Sunburst I may add] may have been a representation of the Sun or the Moon [or both] for the Neomerian [Ancient Tevinters], however, it could also represent Elgar’nan, since unreliable Dalish legends claim him to be the “eldest of the Sun”.

Another Codex, called The Pyramids of Par Vollen, tells us that the Jungles of this continent have ancient ruins that doesn’t seem to be tombs but places of scientific purposes. The shape of these ruins fits perfectly with the constellation of Solium, making them, in some way or another, related to the Sun. These pyramids are a great mystery in the DA lore, especially for their total lack of information beyond this codex. We know their walls show images of “intricate sea creatures, shipwrights, musicians, archers, and kings. Odd figures are depicted, tall, horned, always in a position of authority and respect.” It seems that there was no resistance when the Qunari came to conquer this place, so we can suspect that this previous civilization embraced the Qun without much resistance, in part, because the Qunari have horns, and that caused respect and authority. Or the civilisation had been gone long ago when they came. Or it was a civilisation that was developed by or under the authority of the Kossith, the ancient Qunari who had no Qun.

The brief description of these ruins also makes me link it, potentially, with the underground ruins we find in The Horror of Hormak .

[Confusing] DAO design

This section tries to relate the Sun shape with designs that may make the connection a bit stretched or not truly reasonable, therefore, DAO leads this part, lol.

We find that many places along the game, specially the ones related to puzzles [Honnleath and Enchanter Wilhelm’s basement] or to Tevinter experiments [Ruins of Brecilian Forest] display a platform on the ground with a symbol similar to the Sunburst of the Chantry. I’m not sure why they are there, specially in the Brecilian Forest, since we know this was a fortress probably developed by Tevinter [ which potentially may have co-opted, as usual, an ancient Elvhenan building and claimed it as its own] just to be taken by Dalish and humans later. This Fortress is a mess in terms of design and statues that it displays, so it’s hard, if not impossible, to truly take it seriously. To me it all feels more like a reuse of graphical resources, but just for the sake of completion, I add the present section.

More of these sun-like platforms can be found in the Tower of the Circle of Magi [which could potentially make sense since the tower was made by Avvar and Dwarves, and it may be a representation of the Lady of the Sky, as we saw in the Avvar section of this post] but also in the Temple of Andraste or in Denerim at the Fort Drakon which makes less sense [unless it is taken as a symbol from the Chantry itself]. Again, these inconsistencies make me suspect the reuse of assets in a game that could not afford to have 5 different platforms designs.

[Confusing] Free Marches Rural Areas

Another place where I found a sun-like symbol was in a very disturbing image of the book World of Thedas associated with a cautionary tale told to Free Marches kids. In it, we see that people/children are punished if they go outside a bubble of darkness with small “sun-like” symbols floating around. Each of these kids have a symbol on their belly or head. Curiously, one of these symbols is a small spiral that I’ve brought the attention upon long ago in the post Hinterlands: Statues, paintings, and structures found in the open where we found the alamarri statue I called Eroded dragon skull which has a “G symbol” on its back, which, at the same time, seems similar to the one present in a reiterative way all over the elvhen artefacts and in some dwarven rug designs.

I don't know how to interpret this image, mostly like the big black bubble that contains these klids seems to protect or shield them from the dangers outside. The kids that "behave badly" are dropped outside of it and are consumed by the dragon fire/jaws of the dangers outside. So in a very stretched way, we can interpret this image that the bubble filled with Suns protects people, or at least, it's the right path to follow not to be eaten by those monsters outside.

Conclusions

To put an end to this post, I would like to bring a short conclusion that we may have reached together along it. The Sun in Thedas is an ancient symbol that mostly every culture took to exploit and use in their own representation of gods/power.

This fact alone is not strange, since in anthropology we can see that severals cultures on Earth have developed religious rites or created Gods out of the Sun itself. The Sun is a symbol related to warmth, light, food, life, and security, so it seems reasonable for DA Lore to take it as the main symbol of Thedas civilisations.

The Sun in current Thedas is immediately associated with the Chantry and Andraste: it is a symbol of hope, of dawn, that provide the idea of new beginnings; it’s also the idea of the Maker itself and the Faith people have in him. It's also the fire that purifies in order to grant ascension [Andraste's case].

When it comes to Elvhenan, the Sun is immediately related to Elgar’nan, who was considered, according to the underaliable Dalish legends, the son of the Sun itself, who in order to save the Land shoved the sun into the ground, potentially causing a great damage to Dwarves and Titans.

There is also a symbol of a half-sun in an Eluvian, a statue, and in a hat worn by an elf, that may suggest that an original god, represented by the sun [potentially an ancient Dragon] was worshipped by the Evanuris. Lately, that symbol may have been co-opted by one of the Evanuris when they took divinity and the identity of the ancient gods they worshiped.

Elvhenan also seem to take the symbol of the asterisk as an oversimplification of the Sun, which across the murals, is also related to the heart of Titans, to power, and to the Golden Ring, which is also associated with control. So, for Elvhenan, we may suggest that the Sun represents immense power, if not, Divinity itself, that may end up being related to the core of Titans. The asterisk is also associated to the orb, a big power object.

Since Elvhenan were the first civilisation we know that started in Thedas [besides the Titans and their children], their symbols of power [asterisk, orb, golden ring] may have evolved along time to reach human groups which developed, later, all the sun symbols that ended up in the Chantry’s.

Thanks to Tevinter, we also can suspect that the Sun may have been a representation of an Old God, since they have a lot of sun-related images in their decoration and objects that belong to ancient times in which they were not Andrastian yet [in fact, so ancient times that Andraste herself was not born yet]. This may mean that the Sun symbol cloud have been taken from the Elvhenan or from the Ancient Dragons. Through Tevinter style, we also realise that the Elvhenan Golden Ring may have been used to create Breaches, which again shows and seems consistent with the idea of relating it to power and control. The symbol of Sun in Tevinter culture may be related originally with Elvhenan or with Ancient Dragons that Tevinter used to worship.

Dwarves have little representation of the sun for obvious reasons, but due to the unreliable legend of Elgar’nan and the war with the Titans, we may establish a relationship in which the dwarves endured the Sun [or the Elvhenan power] at some point in their story.

Thanks to the Grey Warden we can relate a sun with the idea of ancient Blood magic or ancient Dragon blood knowledge, since the Joining is represented by a chalice with a Sun on it.

The Avvar also have a low-key representation of the Sun in their Lady of the Sky, which may be just consequence of their deep relationship with the Elvhenan culture.

Par Vollen may have more answers about the Sun and ancient times, but the lore of DA world is very scarce on this region of the map of Thedas, so we can only speculate.

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camelliagwerm · 3 months

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I ended up in a discussion with a friend about OC/Canon children and ended up writing enough that I figured it was worth posting lol.

Valerius & Camellia —

Princess Mirela Daciana Camelia Dragavei (she/her, born 15 Rova 4725 AR, dhampir) – the youngest of Prince Valerius and Lady Camellia; she transitioned in her teenaged years. Quiet and unsettling, Mirela much prefers studying the properties of her family’s blood and anatomy to politics and religion; she is more than content to leave those responsibilities to her father and sister, and could often be found in the labs in the depths of the old ziggurat. Cruromancer wizard / vivisectionist alchemist mix.

Princess Violeta Valeria Andrada Dragavei (she/her, born 15 Rova 4725 AR, dhampir) – the eldest and heir of Prince Valerius and Lady Camellia by scant minutes and she never fails to remind her sister Mirela of it. Spoiled and hot-tempered, demanding, and she absolutely let being the heir get to her head. Still, she has a soft spot for her twin and her father, but has a very strained relationship with her mother as a result of being a shaman. Bones Shaman.

Magni Aeducan —

Ser Gorim Magni Aeducan (he/him, born 9:30 Dragon, mother: Mardy) – conceived on the last night that Magni Aeducan was a Prince with their favoured noble hunter Mardy, by the time Gorim was born, his noble parent was an exiled kinslayer, sentenced to walk the Deep Roads. By the time Magni learned of Gorim’s birth upon their return to Orzammar, they arranged for Bhelen to sponsor the child on their behalf. No Aeducan child would be left in the gutter. Gorim grew up with a distant parent who often preferred to remain topside, but idolised them anyway – wanting to be a hero too. Named after their parent’s second and now Seneschal of House Magni, Gorim - “the most honourable dwarf [Magni] knew”

Kieran (he/him, born 9:31 Dragon, mother: Morrigan) – Magni’s tempestuous affair with the Witch of the Wilds was always going to end in heartbreak. Though they broke off the relationship after negotiating an engagement with Queen Anora of Ferelden, Magni and Morrigan spent one last night together, conceiving Kieran in a ritual. After the final battle, Morrigan disappeared to raise their child on her own. Kieran has only met his father a handful of times and both parents prefer to keep it that way so Kieran does not get caught up in Fereldan, Orlesian or Orzammar politics.

Princess Amgarra Aeducan Mac Tir (she/her, born 9:43, mother: Anora) – often referred to as a little miracle, Amgarra was an unexpected surprise for Queen Anora and her consort. With Anora in her 40s, the rarity of half-dwarves and the taint inside Magni, it should not have been possible. But still, it happened, after 13 years of marriage and Magni having found a cure for the Darkspawn corruption inside them. Amgarra comes from the dwarven word amgarrak, or ‘victory.’ She very much favours her grandfathers Endrin and Loghain in different ways: the classic Mac Tir nose and piercing eyes and the famous wiles of the late King Endrin. When she is of age, no doubt she will be a strong successor to Queen Anora – and a frightening prospect to Orzammar, as she has blood claims to both countries.

Ser Valdan Magni Aeducan (he/him, born 9:32 Dragon, mother: Mardy) – the second son born by Mardy. After the events of Awakening and Amaranthine had burned to the ground, Magni was advised to take a ‘diplomatic leave’ from the Fereldan court and his post as Commander of the Grey, and returned to Orzammar for a year, during which Valdan was conceived. Similarly to Gorim, he grew up with not much contact with his topside parent, but unlike Gorim, he resented his father for it.

Byron & Viconia —

Vala DeVir (she/her, date of birth unknown) – the only child of the Bhaalspawn Byron and the Sharran drow Viconia DeVir, Vala grew up sequestered in the cloisters of a Sharran temple alongside her parents. However, her relationship with her parents – especially her mother – grew strained the older she got and the more she longed to have a life outside of the temple. Against her mother’s wishes, but with her father’s blessing, she set out on her own the night she became of age – becoming an explorer of the Underdark and gaining a trusty giant spider as her companion. She never returned to her parents until her father was on his deathbed, and by the time she arrived, he’d already passed away in his sleep. Gloomstalker ranger.

Leto & Cassia —

Lady Cassandra Visteria van Mynaard von Valancius af Dargonus (she/her, date of birth unknown) – the only child and heir of Rogue Trader Leto van Mynaard von Valancius, born via surrogacy with a member of House Werserian after it became apparent that Lady Cassia was unable to bear a living child due to her Navigator genes. She was allowed to have a proper childhood at the insistence of Cassia, who never got to have one – and it was only when she hit her teen years that Cassandra’s education in the von Valancius dynasty began in earnest. After Cassia left the public eye and retired to Janus following her mutations becoming more grotesque, Cassandra was devastated by her mother’s absence and her grief was compounded by her father’s increasingly apparent madness from his diviner abilities. She comes to rely heavily on her great-grandfather Abelard after she is forced to take up the mantle of Rogue Trader too young.

#the archdemon works hard but magni's blighted balls work harder apparently #oc: magni #oc: byron #oc: leto #oc: valerius #pair: valerius x camellia #pair: leto x cassia #pair: byron x viconia #pair: magni x anora #pair: magni x morrigan

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anneapocalypse · 1 year

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As students of culture, it is important to always recognize your biases. I wear my Chantry perspective openly, for if my readers do not understand the lens through which I view the world, they cannot account for how these biases may color my writing.

Gathering accurate information is challenging in a place as vast and fragmented as Thedas. One man may go on at length about lurid dealings with a king, then refuse to provide his name or some proof of the account. Other sources may conflict wildly. Fixing travel to some of the more remote areas of the continent is nothing compared to the difficulty I've had finding contacts I can trust. I cannot tell you how many times "reputable people" have tried to deceive me, sometimes for personal notoriety, more often in the interest of a pet cause. Trustworthy Qunari, Dalish, and Tevinter contacts are especially scarce, and I prize those I have kept friendly. Often it is I who must earn their trust.

Texts too can be unreliable. From extensive readings, I have determined that Andraste was a Fereldan Orlesian who was born in every town from here to Hossberg. What little remains of elven history has been told and retold, shifted and skewed, until the tales are unrecognizable. I have particular respect for the dwarves, for there is no other people so obsessed with recording an accurate and complete history. If only the Shapers were as open as the skies they fear.

If I can be honest, the long reign of the Chantry has made the recording of reality at times a trial. Most common histories have been rewritten through the filter of my religion. Everything has meaning as it pertains to the Maker. And while this is unavoidable, it sometimes leads to conflicts between what is officially taught by the Chantry and what I have seen with my own eyes.

While my belief in the Maker is absolute, only a fool would ignore the lessons to be learned from other societies and religions.

Take the Fade. Was it the kingdom of the Maker, as common knowledge dictates, or the realm of the Tevinter Old Gods? Few people would contest its existence, but beyond that, there is little agreement among scholars. Though there are many who would disagree with me, I have come to believe nothing is for certain. I've met too many people and encountered too many perspectives not to keep an open mind about these things.

—Excerpt from a lecture by Brother Genitivi at the University of Orlais, delivered shortly after the release of his seminal work, In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of a Chantry Scholar

(Found in the Redcliffe Chantry in Dragon Age: Inquisition.)

#can we just give it up for brother genitivi here #reminding us that all narrators are unreliable and foreshadowing the bombshell #in one fell swoop #(swooping is good in this case)#ferdinand genitivi #dragon age inquisition

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dalishious · 2 years

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Everything About the Elven Pantheon

IMPORTANT NOTE: This post is in the context of Dalish knowledge, practices, beliefs and legends, not anything to do with the Evanuris revelations in Trespasser.

Creation

Though the Dalish refer to the Elven Pantheon as the Creators, unlike Andrastian belief of the Maker, the Creators did not create the world; the world created them. The Dalish recognize the sun, land, sea and moon as the origin of creation.

Before anything else, there was the Sun and the Earth. Out of where the Sun touched the Earth, Elgar’nan was born, the first of the Creators. Elgar’nan walked the land, and for her son, the Earth grew all he needed. Green to live on, animals to eat. And the Sun gave light and warmth.

However, the Sun grew jealous of Elgar’nan being able to walk the land and take in everything his mother provided to him. So the Sun, in a fit of spite, set the Earth on fire and burned everything to ashes. The Earth cried in pain, her tears pooling together to create oceans and lakes, and in the cracks on her skin from the sun’s wrath, rivers. And from the deepest part of her sorrow, the Abyss (AKA the Void) was created.

Elgar’nan flew into the sky and wrestled the Sun, ending in him throwing his father into the Abyss.

Without the Sun, the Earth grew dark, the only light remaining being pieces of the Sun’s lifeblood left behind from the battle; the creation of the stars. From the Abyss, the Sun boiled the waters of the earth. Elgar’nan tried to regrow what the Sun had destroyed, but nothing would. The Earth tried to convince Elgar’nan to let the Sun go, but in his vengeance, he refused, and the Earth continued to die.

Then the Sea gave birth to Mythal, the second of the Creators. Mythal calmed Elgar’nan with a touch on his brow, and convinced Elgar’nan to make a deal with the Sun: if the Sun promised to be gentle to the Earth and return to her each night, he would release his father. The Sun was remorseful, and agreed. Thus, the cycle of night and day.

Elgar’nan and Mythal brought to back to life everything the Sun had destroyed. Once again the Earth was filled with life. The remains of the Sun’s heat in the Abyss left hot springs with sacred healing waters. And the Sun kept his promise; every night he returned to the Earth, and in his place, Mythal used a bit of his light to create the Moon.

Elgar’nan

Titles:

All-Father

Eldest of the Sun

He Who Overthrew His Father

Sun's-Death

Taker of Vengeance

Represents:

Vengeance

Fatherhood

Sun

Symbols:

Sun

Thorns/spines

Fire

Notes:

Along with Mythal, Elgar’nan heads the pantheon.

As the Taker of Vengeance, the Dalish invoke Elgar’nan’s name when seeking retribution. They also ask for his forgiveness in transgressions done out of too much pride.

It’s said the reason that the dwarves fear the sun is because of Elgar’nan’s fire.

Before the Exalted March of the Dales, Elgar’nan had the largest temple in Halamshiral.

Some Dalish clans believe Elgar’nan is the god that will restore their glory.

The sacred hot springs in the Dales—the Pools of the Sun—hold the remains of the sun’s heat from when Elgar’nan buried his father beneath the earth. The waters have healing properties. Unfortunately, the Orlesians claimed these sacred waters as their own, and built Andrastian statues all over the territory.

Known Legends:

(See Creation above)

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“All-Father, may you forgive our part in this tragedy. Would our sons and daughters have died if not for our pride?”

“Elgar’nan guide me, enemies come!”

Mythal

Titles:

All-Mother

Great Protector

The Protector

She Who Watches

Represents:

Justice

Motherhood

Protection

Moon

Love

Symbols:

Dragon

Moon

Tree

Beam scale

Notes:

Along with Elgar’nan, Mythal heads the pantheon.

Dalish Keepers carry staves cut from a Dahl’amythal; Tree of Mythal. The staves are cut when a mage becomes First, for the day they take the current Keeper’s role.

Mythal is considered to be the wisest of all the Gods.

Dalish elves invoke Mythal’s name when declaring a debt, seeking justice, seeking love, and seeking protection for themselves or others.

The Dalish also consider it dangerous to neglect praying at Mythal’s shrines. Pleasing Mythal means she will offer you protection and guidance, but angering her is to risk getting struck from the earth, as if you never existed.

Known Legends:

(See Creation above)

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“I will pray that Mythal watches over your path.”

“Mythal, All-Mother, protector of the People, watch over us, for the path we tread is perilous. Save us from the darkness, as you did before, and we will sing your name to the heavens.”

“If Mythal smiles on you, then you need fear nothing at all.”

“Let fly your voice to Mythal, deliverer of justice, protector of sun and earth alike.”

“Go with Mythal’s blessing.”

“May Mythal protect you in your quest.”

Falon’Din

Titles:

Lethanavir; Friend to the Dead

Guide of the Dead; The Guide

The Merciful One

Dirthamen’s Shadow

Represents:

Death

Fortune (as in the future)

Symbols:

Owl

Notes:

In most legends, Falon’Din was created by Elgar’nan and Mythal.

Falon’Din is known as the overseer of funerals and guide of the dead.

In the times of Elvhenan, Falon’Din guided elves entering Uthenera on their journey of enlightenment. When an elf died, he carried them to the Beyond (AKA the Fade).

Falon’Din and Dirthamen are linked and said to be inseparable, known for their great love for each other, though the nature of their relationship varies. Most legends call them brothers, while others refer to them as “twin souls,” but no family relation… though details may lack, basically they’re drift compatible.

The ancient elves referred to him as “master-scryer”.

Dalish elves invoke Falon’Din’s name on their deathbed, when departing on quests or entering battles they do not expect to survive, when asking to be spared from death, and when praying for a deceased loved one’s safe passage to the Beyond.

The owl is sometimes depicted as Falon’Din’s companion, messenger and servant, helping him guide the People through the Veil. Other times, Falon’Din is depicted as a great owl himself.

Known Legends:

When Falon’Din searched for someone to serve him, he refused to chain the wind, as swift as it was, and could not task this of the People, as they could not live where he walked. The owl volunteered, saying “I am not cowed by darkness. Let me serve you who also has no fear of night.”

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“O Falon'Din, Lethanavir—Friend to the Dead, Guide my feet, calm my soul, Lead me to my rest.”

“Falon'Din, Friend of the Dead, may you guide our sons and daughters safely into the Beyond.”

“May your ashes be gathered by Falon'Din, And carried safely.”

“Falon’Din guide your steps.”

“Falon'Din be your guide.”

“Falon'Din, spare me.”

Dirthamen

Titles:

Keeper of Secrets

Falon’Din’s Reflection

Represents:

Secrets

Knowledge

Symbols:

Raven(s)

Bear

Varterral

Notes:

In most legends, Dirthamen was created by Elgar’nan and Mythal.

Dirthamen gave the People the gift of knowledge, and taught them the value of loyalty and faith in family.

Dirthamen and Falon’Din are linked and said to be inseparable, known for their great love for each other, though the nature of their relationship varies. Most legends call them brothers, while others refer to them as “twin souls,” but no family relation… though details may lack, basically they’re drift compatible.

Dalish elves pray to Dirthamen when seeking knowledge, to reveal desired secrets.

Known Legends:

One day, Falon’Din and Dirthamen found a sickly deer lying beneath a tree. Falon’Din asked, “Why do you sit so still, little sister?” They invited the dear to play with them, but the deer explained that she is too old, and wanted to go to her rest but was too weak to travel herself. Pitying the deer, Falon’Din took her in his arms and carried her across the Veil. Dirthamen tried to follow, but got lost in the shifting paths of the Beyond, separated from Falon’Din for the first time. He wandered aimlessly, until attracting the attention of two ravens by the name of Fear and Deceit. Fear told Dirthamen that he would soon fade, lost forever, and Deceit told him that Falon’Din abandoned him because he no longer loved him. But Dirthamen subdued the ravens, and bound them to his service. He ordered the ravens to fly him to Falon’Din, where the two were reunited. Falon’Din vowed to remain and carry all the dead to their place in the Beyond, as he did for the deer, and Dirthamen vowed to stay with him, as they could not bear to be apart again. (For Falon’Din’s part of this tale, see his legends.)

Dirthamen gave one secret for each animal to keep, but one by one they all gave their secrets away. The foxes traded their secrets for wings from Andruil. The hares shouted theirs to the trees. The birds sold theirs for coin. But the bears hibernated with their secrets. When Dirthamen found out, he took the wings from the foxes, voices from the hares, and wealth from the birds. But the bears he honoured for their steadfastness, making them beloved above all other animals by Dirthamen.

In the days before Arlathan, a city beloved and counselled by Dirthamen was attacked by a high dragon. For three days and three nights the people shut themselves in and prayed for Dirthamen's protection. On the fourth day, Dirthamen shaped a giant, agile spider-like beast from the rock and trees of the mountain's forest. The first varterral drove away the dragon, and from that day on, guarded the city and its people.

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

N/A

Andruil

Titles:

The Huntress

Lady of Fortune (as in luck)

Lady of the Hunt

Sister of the Moon

Mother of Hares

Represents:

Hunting

Survival

Luck

Symbols:

Hare

Owl

Notes:

In some legends, Andruil is the daughter of Elgar’nan and Mythal. In others, she was born of the Earth.

Where Sylaise is known as docile, Andruil is known as wild.

Andruil watches over the animals of the Earth, and taught the People to respect all of nature; to never misuse the Earth’s gifts.

Her greatest teaching to the People was the Vir Tandahal; the Way of the Three Trees. There are different versions of the Vir Tanadahl (see below).

Dalish elves pray to Andruil for guidance on where to hunt, where to raise their halla, and where to settle and build. They also invoke her name when looking for good luck.

Andruil brings messages to the People by an owl, and the Dalish teach their children to watch for the owl’s messages.

Enchanted belts called Andruil’s Blessing are given to honoured allies of a clan.

In the time of the Dales independence, at least one forest was dedicated to Andruil, where a sanctuary for her worshippers was built. The sanctuary is now a haunted tour location for Orlesian nobles.

Vir Tandahal:

Vir Assan: the Way of the Arrow – 1. “Be swift and silent; strike true, do not waver, and let not your prey suffer.” 2. “Fly straight and do not waver.”

Vir Bor'assan: the Way of the Bow – 1. “As the sapling bends, so must you. In yielding, find resilience; in pliancy, find strength.” 2. “Bend but never break.”

Vir Adahlen: the Way of the Wood / the Way of the Forest – 1. “Receive the gifts of the hunt with mindfulness. Respect the sacrifice of my children. Know that your passing shall nourish them in turn.” 2. “Together we are stronger than the one.”

The Vir Tanadahl applies to more than just hunting, but is a way of life for those who follow it. The mantra’s metaphors teach resiliency, respect and unity as much as they do a code of conduct for hunting.

Known Legends:

Fen’Harel was one day hunting for halla without the blessing of Andruil. As punishment, she tied him to a tree and declared he would need to server her in bed for a year and a day. However, Fen’Harel was also sought after by the Forgotten One Anaris, who found Andruil’s camp and sought to battle Andruil over claim on Fen’Harel. However, Fen’Harel tricked his way out of the situation by manipulating both opponents to lose focus on him, so he could escape. (For Fen’Harel’s part of this tale, see his legends.)

Ghilan’nain was one of the People, and favoured by Andruil for her devotion to the Vir Tanadahl. When Ghilan’nain was blinded by a vengeful hunter after she cursed him, Andruil turned Ghilan’nain into the first halla, so she could find her way home and then lead her sisters to bring the hunter to justice. (For Ghilan’nain’s part of this tale, see her legends.)

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“Andruil guide your path.”

“Andruil bless your hunt.”

“Andruil, grant me your power!”

Sylaise

Titles:

The Hearthkeeper

Represents:

Hearth

Home

Foraging

Domestic arts

Symbols:

Herbs

Fire

Notes:

In most legends, Sylaise was created by Elgar’nan and Mythal.

Sylaise taught the People how to use fire, how to heal with herbs and magic, how to deliver babies, and textile arts such as spinning and weaving.

Where Andruil is known as wild, she is known as docile.

She is seen as a protector of children.

The Dalish pray to Sylaise to spare the sick and watch over the innocent. They invoke her name every time a fire is kindled, and thank her when it is quenched. They also invoke her name in marriage vows, asking to protect the home.

While most Dalish elves follow Andruil’s Vir Tandahal, there are those who instead choose to follow Sylaise’s Vir Atish’an; the Way of Peace. Not much is known about these teachings, other than that it is the way followed by healers.

Dalish elves sprinkle tree-moss over their aravels as offerings to Sylaise.

Known Legends:

N/A

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“Sylaise enaste var aravel.” (“Sylaise favour/bless our home.”)

June

Titles:

Master of Crafts

Represents:

Crafts / Craftsmanship

Building

Symbols:

Bent branches

Anvil

Notes:

In most legends, June was created by Elgar’nan and Mythal.

June used Sylaise’s lessons to teach the People how to fashion weapons for hunting Andruil’s gifts. He taught them how to fashion coverings of furs and ironbark to stay warm.

Dalish elves dedicate most of their crafts to June.

In the days of the independent Dales, the High Keepers of June were all smiths.

Of all the Creators, June is the least understood.

Known Legends:

N/A

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

N/A

Ghilan’nain

Titles:

Mother of the Halla

Represents:

Guidance

Navigation

Halla

Symbols:

Halla

Notes:

Ghilan’nain was once a follower of Andruil, who rose Ghilan’nain to godhood for her devotion to animals.

As an elf, she is described as having snow-white hair.

In times of great need, Ghilan’nain will send a golden halla to the Dalish, to guide them safely. This halla is known as Hanal’ghilan; the Pathfinder.

Known Legends:

Ghilan’nain was one of the People, and favoured by Andruil for her devotion to the Vir Tanadahl. When Ghilan’nain came across a hunter who killed a hawk without making an offering to Andruil, she demanded he do so. When the hunter refused, Ghilan’nain called upon Andruil’s wrath to curse the hunter with the inability to ever kill another living creature. The curse worked, and the hunter was mocked by his peers for his inability to hunt. Seeking vengeance, he lured Ghilan’nain away from her sisters with promises that he learned his lesson and wanted her to teach him how to make a proper offering. Of course, the moment they were alone, he attacked Ghilan’nain, bound her, blinded her, and wounded her. But he was unable to kill her due to the curse, so he left her to die in the woods. Ghilan’nain prayed to Andruil for help, and Andruil sent her hares to chew through the bindings to free Ghilan’nain. However, she was still left wounded and blinded. Andruil transformed her into the first halla, so that she could find her way back to her sisters, and then lead them to the hunter to enact justice. (For Andruil’s part of this tale, see her legends.)

Ghilan’nain used her power to create fantastical beasts, the likes of which were hunted by Andruil. After a year of killing, Andruil approached Ghilan’nain with an offer: destroy her creatures, and she would be made a goddess. Ghilan’nain agreed, with a few exceptions: She destroyed her creatures of the air except those she presented to Andruil as a gift. She destroyed her creatures of the sea except those deep in the ocean, for they were too perfect. She destroyed her creatures of the earth, except for the halla, as she cherished them too much.

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“Ghilan’nain guide my hand.”

Fen’Harel

Titles:

Dread Wolf

The Great Wolf

The Great Deceiver

Lord of Tricksters

Represents:

Tricks / Tricksters

Nightmares

Misfortune

Deception

Symbols:

Wolf

Notes:

Fen’Harel is kin to both the Creators and the Forgotten Ones.

It is said that Fen’Harel kept to himself, away from the People. After the fall of Arlathan and the sealing away of the Creators and Forgotten Ones, he alone now freely roams the Fade on the hunt for dreams.

Dalish set statues of Fen'Harel outside their camps to frighten harmful spirits, and leave offerings at shrines to him like any other god. They also invoke Fen’Harel’s name when avoiding tragedy, as thanks for turning a blind eye to them.

Fen’Harel fears crossing the ire of hounds.

Known Legends:

In the days of Arlathan, a village came together and prayed for Fen’Harel to slay a great beast that tormented them. Fen’Harel appeared, assessed that the beast would kill him in a fight, and instead shot an arrow into the sky. The villagers asked how he would save them, to which he said, “When did I say that I would save you?” and left. That night, the beast killed the warriors, then the women, then the elders. But when the beast went for the children, the arrow Fen’Harel shot into the sky came back down into its mouth and killed the beast. While the children wept for the loss of their families, they still made an offering to Fen’Harel in thanks, because he did what the villagers asked of him.

There was once an elven king who lost one of his two daughters to a snake bite. At the funeral, a young noble man caught sight of an elven lady so beautiful that it broke his heart not to know who she was. Customs forbade him from talking during the funeral. The noble prayed to all the Creators that he would see this elven lady again, until finally he prayed to Fen’Harel; the only one to answer. Fen’Harel told the noble if he wanted to see this lady again, he simply needed to kill the king’s other daughter.

When the Creator Andruil and Forgotten One Anaris battled over who would punish Fen’Harel for wrongs he’d done against each of them, Fen’Harel tricked his way to freedom. During the fight, Fen’Harel called out to Anaris that there was a weakness in Andruil’s armour. Anaris took advantage of this and severely wounded Andruil, seemingly winning the battle. Fen’Harel said that since Anaris only won because of him, he should get his freedom. This distracted Anaris long enough for the Andruil to rise up again and attack the Anaris from behind. The two were so badly injured that they fell unconscious, allowing Fen’Harel to chew through his ropes to escape. (For Andruil’s part of this tale, see her legends.)

Fen’Harel is the one responsible for locking away the gods from the People. In one version of the legend, he tricked the Creators and the Forgotten Ones to retreat to the Beyond and the Void by proposing a truce. In another version of the legend, he lied about the location of a great weapon to win the war, luring them into each location respectfully. Whatever the method, the end of the tale is the same: Fen’Harel sealed away the Creators in the Beyond and their respective realms, never again to interact with the mortal world.

An elderly Keeper of a clan in the Silent Plains had a coursing hound companion. When the Keeper slept, Fen’Harel thought to steal the Keeper’s dreams, but the hound protected his master, and chased Fen’Harel away. The hound caught Fen’Harel by the tail, and the two went around in circles before Fen’Harel eventually chewed off his own tail in order to escape. He has ever since feared hounds.

Known Dalish Prayers/Sayings:

“He Who Hunts Alone, the Dread Wolf. He will come for us in the end, but today he turned a blind eye, and for that, we are thankful.”

“May the Dread Wolf never hear your footsteps.”

“May the Dread Wolf never catch your scent.”

“May Fen’Harel chase your spirit across the Beyond forever!” (A curse)

“May the Dread Wolf hunt you for the rest of your days!” (A curse)

“May the Dread Wolf take you.” (A curse)

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SOURCES:

Dragon Age: The Masked Empire

Dragon Age: Redemption

Dragon Age: The World of Thedas vol. 1

Dragon Age: The World of Thedas vol. 2

Dragon Age: RPG Book

Codex entry: The Dalish Elves (DA:O)

Codex entry: Elgar'nan: God of Vengeance (DA:O)

Codex entry: Mythal: the Great Protector (DA:O)

Codex entry: Andruil: Goddess of the Hunt (DA:O)

Codex entry: Falon'Din: Friend of the Dead, the Guide (DA:O)

Codex entry: Dirthamen: Keeper of Secrets (DA:O)

Codex entry: June: God of the Craft (DA:O)

Codex entry: Sylaise: the Hearthkeeper (DA:O)

Codex entry: Fen'Harel: The Dread Wolf (DA:O)

Codex entry: Ghilan'nain: Mother of the Halla (DA:O)

Codex entry: Arlathan: Part Two (DA:O)

Codex entry: Bear (DA:O)

Codex entry: Varterral (DA:2)

Codex entry: Vir Atish'an (DA:2)

Codex entry: Andruil's Messenger (DA:I)

Codex entry: Song to Falon'Din (DA:I)

Codex entry: Twins in Shadow (DA:I)

Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 1 (DA:I)

Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 2 (DA:I)

Codex entry: Judicael's Crossing (DA:I)

Codex entry: Constellation: Silentir (DA:I)

Codex entry: Constellation: Tenebrium (DA:I)

Codex entry: A Letter from the Hero of Ferelden (DA:I)

Codex entry: A Ghoulish Delight (DA:I)

Codex entry: The Ascension of Ghilan'nain (DA:I)

Codex entry: The Mystery of June (DA:I)

Codex entry: The Rebel God (DA:I)

Codex entry: Vallasdahlen (DA:I)

Landmark: Pools of the Sun (DA:I)

Landmark: The Guide of Falon'Din (DA:I)

Landmark: Offering to the Dread Wolf (DA:I)

Item description: Mythal's Blessing (DA:O)

Item description: Andruil's Blessing (DA:O)

Item description: Robes of the High Keeper (DA:I)

Item description: Elgar'nan Enaste (DA:I)

Item description: Evanura (DA:I)

Text appearing over statues at the Dalish camp in the Brecilian Forest (DA:O)

Dialogue with Tamlen in The Lost Mysteries of the Ancients (DA:O)

Dialogue with Lanaya in Nature of the Beast (DA:O)

Dialogue with Zathrian in Nature of the Beast (DA:O)

Dialogue with Maren and Velanna in Awakening (DA:O)

Dialogue with Marethari in Long Way Home (DA:2)

Dialogue with Marethari in A New Path (DA:2)

Dialogue with Merrill in Long Way Home (DA:2)

Dialogue with Merrill in Mirror Image (DA:2)

Dialogue with Merrill in Memento of the Dalish (DA:2)

Dialogue with Merrill about Hawke’s mabari (DA:2)

Dialogue with Merrill in battle (DA:2)

Dialogue with Ineria in A New Path (DA:2)

Dialogue with the elderly widower in the Flowers for Senna (DA:I)

Dialogue with Lavellan and Morrigan in What Pride Had Wrought (DA:I)

Dialogue with Keeper Hawen after gaining Dalish approval (DA:I)

Dialogue with Lavellan in Trespasser (DA:I)

Dialogue with Vivienne in Trespasser (DA:I)

Dialogue with Ithiren in The Golden Halla (DA:I)

War Table mission: Contact Clan Lavellan (DA:I)

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364 notes · View notes

sapphim · 10 months

Text

just from the wiki banter page, varric referring to the other characters by his preferred nickname for them

Anders (Blondie - 14 hits)

Varric: Of course I am. We come to the surface with the skills our ancestors had, Blondie.

Varric: You could have just stopped me, Blondie.

Varric: Blondie, I don't mean to sound critical, but have you considered a new line of work?

Varric: Oh, cheer up, Blondie. You're making me cry just looking at you.

Varric: You feeling all right, Blondie? You're always in the mood for templar jokes.

Varric: If you could see it from this angle, Blondie, it'd be at least a close second on your priority list.

Varric: Come on, Blondie. You're strong enough to overcome this.

Varric: Hang in there, Blondie! We're going to get you out of this!

Varric: As it happens, I haven't said a word about you and Blondie. I'd look at that, uh, uncle of yours for this particular rumor.

Varric: Because I like trouble, and you think Hawke is cute. That wasn't a serious question, was it, Blondie?

Varric: This isn't so bad, Blondie. You could be losing more coin to the elf in a game of Wicked Grace.

Varric: Well, I'd probably say something like... "Then around the corner, we caught the sight of an entirely new type of darkspawn." You had to ask, Blondie.

Varric: Seriously, Blondie? No one ever invites you anywhere?

Varric: Blondie, I hate to say this, but I'm pretty sure we've been here before.

Varric: Hold on, Sunshine, I'm coming!

Aveline (N/A)

Bethany (Sunshine - 10 hits)

Varric: Sunshine, I'm a dwarf. In case you missed that detail.

Varric: Sunshine, nobility is just an expensive lifestyle. I've already got one of those.

Varric: So... Milady Sunshine, what's your first act as a noblewoman going to be?

Varric: Insist that they're blatantly copying you, and demand royalties. A good noble always has a complaint ready, Sunshine.

Varric: Sunshine! What's wrong? Not feeling well?

Varric: Good to be out and about, Sunshine?

Varric: You're not looking so sunny, Sunshine.

Varric: What's the matter, Sunshine? Thought you'd be enjoying the whole "fancy Orlesian estate" thing more.

Varric: There's my Sunshine. Let's go!

Carver (Junior - 7 hits)

Varric: Hang on, Junior, help's on the way!

Varric: You know, Junior, it's eerie how much of a resemblance there is between you two.

Varric: You know, Junior, you're looking at this all wrong.

Varric: What's the matter Junior? Three assassination attempts! You're the centre of attention! I thought you'd be happier.

Varric: You've been away too long, Junior.

Varric: It's not that hard, Junior. He's my brother.

Varric: (laughs) Fair comment, Junior. All right, let's get this done.

Fenris (elf, I swear to god, it's elf - 12 hits)

Varric: The tame elf is down!

Varric: Oh-ho! The broody elf tells a joke!

Varric: So where's your beard, elf?

Varric: So, elf. That thing you do with your hand...

Varric: You really ought to take that offer, elf. It would keep the Coterie off your back pretty much permanently.

Varric: You know you still owe me five sovereigns, elf.

Varric: Every little bit helps, elf.

Varric: I haven't told anyone about you and that, uh, angsty Tevinter elf. Try looking closer to home for that intelligence leak.

Varric: This isn't so bad, Blondie. You could be losing more coin to the elf in a game of Wicked Grace.

Varric: You, elf, are one lucky son-of-a-bitch.

Varric: So, elf, what's this I've been hearing about you and the Rivaini?

Varric: Dwarves don't do prisons, elf. This is a trash heap. They threw something away here and hoped it wouldn't come back.

Isabela (Rivaini - 13 hits)

Varric: Don't die on me, Rivaini, you still owe me a pint!

Varric: I shit you not, Rivaini, it was this big.

Varric: Rivaini, stop looking at my chest. My eyes are up here.

Varric: You know, Rivaini, you promised me you'd tell me how your ship wrecked.

Varric: You have got to tell me what was in that box, Rivaini.

Varric: I like the way you think, Rivaini, but one doesn't just ask to be made a Paragon.

Varric: Keep dreaming, Rivaini.

Varric: No fun in calling her Rivaini if she's not here to be annoyed by it.

Varric: I'm not spreading any tales about you and the Rivaini. Although she asks me every other week to start some.

Varric: So, elf, what's this I've been hearing about you and the Rivaini?

Varric: That's true. Rivaini.

Varric: Our little Hawke is growing up, Rivaini.

Varric: Or we've been through the same twenty feet of this place about a dozen times. It's hard to tell, Rivaini.

Merrill (Daisy - 23 hits)

Varric: Blast it! Daisy got herself knocked out!

Varric: So, Hawke and Daisy.

Varric: That's because you spend too much time frolicking in the woods, Daisy. Dwarves don't frolic.

Varric: Bring it next time, Daisy. Just in case.

Varric: Daisy, for my sake, please quit cutting through the alleys in Lowtown alone at night.

Varric: So, I hear you've been visiting the viscount's garden, Daisy.

Varric: I'll tell her you said so, Daisy.

Varric: (Snorts) I have family like a rat has fleas, Daisy.

Varric: Don't worry Daisy, the chantry keeps a lot of water on hand.

Varric: Keep it, Daisy.

Varric: There's a story behind everything, Daisy.

Varric: That was the idea, Daisy.

Varric: No offense Daisy, but I could live without telling anyone that we murdered you on some mountain side, it's little hard to made that one sound good.

Varric: I fought my own brother, Daisy. Nobody said this was going to be happy story.

Varric: Which story, Daisy?

Varric: You have to stick with us if you want to find out how it turns out, Daisy.

Varric: I haven't breathed a word to anyone about you and Daisy. Maybe you better have a talk with uh, uncle greasy?

Varric: Daisy, haven't you heard? Swooping is bad.

Varric: Daisy, everyone is fair game for my stories.

Varric: Daisy, I could never make that stuff up. Nobody would believe it.

Varric: I wish I hadn't given that ball of twine to Daisy.

Varric: We're not that kind of merchant, Daisy.

Varric: Right now? I don't think we have time, Daisy.

Sebastian (Choir Boy - 6 hits)

Varric: So, Choir Boy, this usurper of yours is... twenty feet tall?

Varric: Tell us about Starkhaven, Choir Boy. I'm sure we're all burning with curiosity about your far-away land.

Varric: You know, Choir Boy, I wouldn't normally say this, but—the shiny white armor? It works for you.

Varric: Choir boy! What are you doing?

Varric: Choir Boy, suddenly your life makes much more sense to me.

Varric: That depends entirely on the audience, Choir Boy.

Tallis (Shivs - 1 hit)

Varric: All right, Shivs, I'll admit it: I'm surprised the Qunari employ thieves. They never struck me as the subtle type.

Tallis: That's because you've only met the antaam. Armies aren't usually celebrated for their sneakiness. Also, "Shivs?"

Varric: Yes, "Shivs." So, how does stealing valuables from a pompous Orlesian noble fit in with your Qun?

Related nickname banter #1

Aveline: Blondie, Sunshine, Daisy, Rivaini... What am I?

Varric: Beg your pardon?

Aveline: You don't call anyone by name except for me. Where's my nickname?

Varric: That's not true. There's Hawke. And Bianca.

Aveline: "Hawke" is a family name and Bianca is a crossbow. Don't change the subject.

Varric: Haven't thought of a good one yet. What do you think of "Red?"

Aveline: Too common.

Varric: Well, when you think of one, let me know.

Related nickname banter #2

Isabela: You've a nickname for everyone.

Varric: That's true. Rivaini.

Isabela: But everyone just calls you Varric. That's hardly fair.

Varric: Well, it's my story.

Isabela: What?

Varric: Nothing.

Related nickname banter #3

Hawke: Varric.

Varric: You called?

Hawke: I notice you don't have a nickname for me.

Varric: I call you Hawke. You've probably heard it once or twice.

Hawke: But that's my name. It's not like Daisy or Blondie.

Varric: All right, Waffles. You really want a nickname, I can hook you up.

Hawke: Waffles? That's... unexpected.

Varric: Sure, Chuckles. You want a nickname, I'll be happy to fix you up.

Hawke: Chuckles? That works.

Varric: If you really want a nickname, I can oblige. I'm thinking about going with Killer.

Hawke: How creative.

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gayhawkelatehomicide · 7 days

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Meet Rogelan Lavellan, my tall tough son. He's saddled with a tremendous responsibility from birth by his clan, and then THIS happens to him. He, like all the rest of my trio Inquisitors, does so much better when he's not by himself. Here's the beginning of a thing I'm writing about him and his mage siblings in the Hinterlands. The title right now is "The Lights in the Shadow" from Benedictions 4:11

"Blessed are the righteous, the lights in the shadow.

In their blood the Maker's will is written."

Corporal Vale meets the man who will soon be Inquisitor, and at first glance, he's not impressed. The fellow isn't particularly arresting: just a tall, heavily armed elf with a hooked nose and sad eyes. The tattoos are a bit distracting, but once you've worked alongside enough runaway dwarves with big blocky casteless brands on their faces, you get to where you can ignore pretty much anything. The future Inquisitor—who introduces himself as "Rogelan Lavellan, Inquisition agent" and leaves out a number of things that Vale will consider fairly important parts of a complete introduction, once he learns about them—looks like every other Dalish exile running with the kind of sell-swords who spend every winter halfway to banditry. The long scar at the corner of his mouth that carries across his cheek and up to the missing tip of his left ear, marring the smooth lines of his tattoos, just adds to the effect.

Still, Seeker Pentagast is behind him, and she seems to think he's worth talking to. So. Vale gives him the laundry list of shit he needs done in order to keep this refugee rabble from starving, freezing, or getting caught in the crossfire of this stupid war. Lavellan listens attentively, asks a few pertinent questions, and then leaves. Vale figures he's seen the last of the man, and that he'll either get the help he asked for or not. He won't bother getting his hopes up. Asking the people at the top to actually do anything doesn't get results most of the time, and he has no reason to suspect this will be any different.

From his hilltop command center, he watches the Seeker's small party wander around the Crossroads for a little less than an hour, stopping frequently to talk with people, before they head north towards the King's Road and Master Dennet's farm. The horses are why the Seeker herself came all the way out to the Hinterlands, after all. Vale hardly expects her to abandon her mission over the issue of a few hundred malnourished, hypothermic peasants. He sees the last glint of the sun off the Seeker's polished armor as they pass into the tunnel and heaves a sigh. He gets back to work.

The next week passes without significant incident. There are few minor skirmishes because the rebel mages or rogue templars object to even a modest encampment of people who refuse to be intimidated by them, a brief brawl between a pair of mothers in the bread line, and some worrying reports of maybe-not-bandits on the East Road, but nothing to write home about. On the evening of the sixth day after the Seeker and her party come through, Vale is walking between the rows of tents towards his own bunk when he smells something delicious. He's usually a more controlled individual than this, but when you've been soldiering on half rations for nearly a month, the smell of fresh stew will draw you like Orlesian nobles to wyvern territory.

Later, Vale will not be able to recall how he got from the hillside path all the way to the poacher's fireside. All he knows is that he was headed to bed hungry again, and then he was seated on a stump by a campfire with a half empty bowl of hot stew in his hands. The poacher, the one with ideas about the rams in the hills, shoots him a knowing smile from under the edge of his hat which has Vale's cheeks warming from more than just the food. He gets a second bowl, and then a third. While he eats, he watches a seemingly endless rotation of refugees with pots of their own come and go, taking cut meat from a pair of substantial ice chests that the poacher is guarding. Those who don't have their own campfires to return to are welcomed one and all, until the poacher's fireside is crowded with happily chatting people.

Just when it looks like they'll run out of food, the steady stream of newcomers slows to a trickle, then stops. The poacher scrapes the last of the stew out of the pot into a bowl for himself and plunks down on the ground beside Vale's stump; this is, incidentally, one of the only remaining clear spaces close to the warmth of the fire. He tucks into his dinner as Vale is finishing the last of his own fourth bowl.

"Feels good to see this lot fed, don't it?" The man grins up at Vale.

"It does," Vale agrees readily. "How'd you manage it?"

"Not me," the poacher shakes his head. "Couple of elves in Inquisition gear came out of the woods with those boxes and enough dead rams to fill 'em. Said they'd be back tomorrow. Dunno if they're crazy or just brave as hell, but I have to say I believe 'em."

"Huh." Vale finds himself utterly lost for words.

"Yeah, that's what I said. I guess we'll all see tomorrow evening, eh?"

"I guess we will."

They sit in companionable quiet for a time as most of the visitors to the campsite thank their host and bid him farewell, heading off to shiver through the night with whatever warmth they can scavenge. The poacher happily eats his stew, and Vale doesn't feel the urge to leave just yet. He wants to let his stomach settle, he tells himself. The moon is half-up when he finally gets up from the stump and sets his dirty bowl atop the stack that people have left on the now-empty ice chests.

"I'll have somebody come help you wash these," he suggests.

The poacher nods gratefully. "That'd be a great help, Corporal. I wasn't lookin' forward to that job."

"Of course, serah..?"

This earns Vale a derisive little snort. "No need to serah me. Name's Kerrel."

"Well then, Kerrel, until we meet again." Vale tips his helmet and turns heel to march back to his bunk, trailed by Kerrel's merry laugh.

***

Sure enough, the next evening Vale himself meets a trio of hunters emerging from the trees to the south with two more ice boxes aboard a horse-drawn wagon laden with enough dead rams to fill all four boxes and keep the whole encampment fed for a tenday. Along with them comes a pretty Inquisition scout named Ritts, carrying a map. She asks directions to Recruit Wittle, which Vale gives, and shortly there is a patrol headed out to round up caches of food and blankets that the rebel mages were hoarding. Vale catches the girl's arm on her way back out of camp.

"Who found all this?" He asks, gesturing to her map and, more generally, the sudden influx of aid.

"Serah Lavellan, Corporal," she answers promptly. "He's been all in amongst the hills, hunting these caches. I heard he's headed north next, to clear out the arseholes on the King's Road."

Vale blinks. "What, the mages and templars?"

"That's right," Ritts smiles. "He's a stand-up man, that one. If he says he'll do it, I believe him."

And for some reason, when she says it, Vale finds himself believing it too. He snorts derisively anyway, and turns her loose. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"As you say, Corporal," Ritts says. Something about the way she says it gives Vale the impression that she knows what he really thinks. She gives him a cheeky little grin and trots off to catch up with Wittle's patrol.

***

When you're as far out in the middle of nowhere as the Hinterlands, information does still get to you through the official channels. However, it's usually about a week and a half behind the rumor mill, if not slower, and significantly less reliable. Corporal Vale learned long ago to listen to the whispers that the soldiers share when they think nobody's listening, and to take them just as seriously as any dispatch from headquarters.

The whispers going around camp say the Herald of Andraste is coming to close some of the holes in the air that keep belching out demons. Vale hears from several of his better-connected subordinates that the Herald herself has been seen on the road to Redcliffe. He doesn't hear anything from Haven, but that's to be expected with the lines of communication as patchy as they are. He decides to have one of the nicer huts cleaned up and cleared out, just in case.

Three days later a wagon train comes rattling down the mountain path. It stops at the camp in the hills before trundling on down to the Crossroads, where a motley crew of Inquisition agents hops off. A man Vale identifies immediately as a sergeant squints doubtfully at the surrounding terrain, spits, and starts to make his way up towards Vale and the command post. Meanwhile, a pair of elf girls crawl out of the back of the lead wagon. The first, a tall redhead with green face tattoos, stretches like a cat before slinging a staff that's at least 30% blade casually over her shoulder with the ease of long practice. The second, a small-framed blonde, moves much more gingerly, treating her blunt-ended staff as a walking stick more than a weapon.

The rest of the Inquisition soldiers don't seem to know how to react to the pair: one young man starts to offer a hand to the blonde, but the redhead turns and snaps something at him that has him snatching his hand back and double-timing it away from the wagon. Vale watches them for the minute or so that it takes the sergeant to hike up to the command post, and in that time he's decided that they have to be some sort of related. They're also obviously both mages, which is making several of the refugees closest to the wagon visibly nervous. Somebody will have to do something about that, and sooner rather than later.

"Corporal," the sergeant greets Vale as he reaches the top of the hill.

"Sergeant," Vale nods back, eyes still on the mages.

The sergeant follows his gaze. "Worried about the girls? Don't be. They're no trouble." He sucks his teeth for a moment, then changes his mind. "Well, I oughta say they're worth the trouble. The redhead is a hell of a fighter, and the little one's a healer. The pair of 'em kept my men alive through a couple of bad bandit ambushes. Speakin' of which, you've got trouble on your east road, Corporal Vale."

"Don't I know it," Vale says sourly. "We could use that healer of yours if you can spare her for a bit. I've got some men who might not make it back to civilization. But you've got me at a disadvantage Sergeant...?"

"Aw, shit, sorry. I've been reading Scout Harding's briefs. She's too thorough for a recruit as new as she is. Makes me think the Nightingale's been in here. Apologies," he puts out a hand to shake, "I'm Sergeant Mayes. I hear you're doing good work out here, Vale."

Vale shakes it, then shrugs modestly. "I'm doing what I can. Are you here to take over?"

"Andraste's sweet bosom no," Mayes makes a superstitious warding sign with his free hand. "Naw, you couldn't pay me enough to take command of this pigsty. Uh, no offense."

"None taken," Vale sighs. "It is a shitshow. Alright then, if you're not here to take over, what are you here for?"

"Commander's orders," Mayes gestures to the wagons, which are loaded down with what looks like building materials. "We're putting up watchtowers so you and the local farmers can get some warning before the bandits or demons or what-have-you come howling out of the hills."

Vale stares at Sergeant Mayes for a long second. "And just where does the Commander think you lot are going to put those towers?" he asks incredulously. "In the middle of the burning fields, or up the arse of some crazy mage?"

This draws a genuine guffaw of laughter from Mayes. "Naw, Seeker Pentagast's crew has been out surveying spots for 'em," he explains. "Apparently Master Dennet's people had some plans made up before everything went to shit, and we're just following up. Foundations are already laid and everything."

"Huh," Vale says. He remembers having just about the same reaction to the arrival of meat and blankets, and wonders how many more times in the next few weeks he'll be reduced to saying "huh." Not that he minds. The help is more than welcome.

"Yeah, that's about what we thought," Mayes sympathizes. "Anyhow, we're just passing through. I was hoping we could leave the girls with you, though. Their cousin's with the Lady Seeker, and they came out to meet him. Big elf with one ear half missing, name of Rogelan. You seen him?"

"Aye, he came through with the Seeker and that smart-mouthed dwarf about two weeks ago. As long as they behave themselves, your girls can stay. I'm not about to turn away help, especially if they're as good as you say."

"Better, probably, when they're not rattling around in the back of a wagon playing catch the fireball," Mayes speculates somewhat alarmingly. He turns back towards his men and sticks a couple fingers in his mouth. Vale has time to clap his hands over his ears before the sergeant emits a loud, sharp whistle that has the whole wagon train moving again in short order. A couple hand signals tell the front teamster to head along the King's Road, and another has the two elven girls climbing the hill. It takes them longer than Mayes, as the blonde isn't terribly steady on her feet, so Vale guesses he has time for a couple more questions before they get in earshot.

"I heard you were bringing the Herald with you," Vale says as-if-casually. "She one of those two?"

"Oh, yeah." Mayes waves a hand as if brushing the comment away. "The little one, Harea. She says she's not any such thing, and I ain't seen anything to prove otherwise. She's good at what she does, but I've seen circle mages do the same. Apparently she can do somethin' about those holes in the sky, but we didn't run into any on the way down here to test it."

"Huh. Didn't she fall out of the fade at the Temple of Sacred Ashes? Handed out by Andraste herself or some such, is what I heard."

"Yea-up. She and that cousin of hers lived through the blast somehow. Just got lucky, maybe, but she does seem a little touched. I dunno. It's all above my pay-grade."

"Well. Mine too, probably."

"Yea-up. Well, I'd better get going. Gotta catch that wagon. Good luck, Vale. Keep up the good work."

"You too, Mayes. Come back when you're done working. We'll feed you something hot."

"That'd better be a promise, Corporal," Mayes grins. Then he heads off down the hill with a wave towards the girls, jogs after the last wagon, and hauls himself in.

Vale shakes his head and turns to face the newest additions to his perpetual headache.

As they top the rise, the two elf girls are mid-conversation. Whatever they're discussing goes right over Vale's head, something about energies and spirits and magical Andraste-knows-what. They stop when they reach the makeshift desk where he has his maps laid out, and the redhead smiles.

"Hello. You must be Corporal Vale." Her accent is a cosmopolitan Free Marcher's—Ostwick or Wycome, if he doesn't miss his guess.

"I am."

She puts out her hand to shake. "Isene Felivetanin, Second of Clan Lavellan. This is my cousin Harea Elgadira, our First."

Vale hasn't the foggiest clue what any of that means, but he shakes her hand all the same. "Pleased to meet you both," he says politely.

"If you've any wounded," the blonde, Harea, interjects diffidently, "I'm a capable healer. If you think they'd accept my help, of course. Mother Giselle's note said there might be some who would prefer herbs and such? I can do that too, it just takes longer."

"Right, the tents you'll want are that way," Vale points. "None of the men in there now ought to give you any trouble, they've all gotten the good Mother's lecture on letting magic serve them. I'll have what medicines we do have sent down there for you to work with, and Recruit Fara will show you exactly where you can set up. Good enough?"

"More than, thank you." She bobs her head and begins to make her way slowly in the direction of the infirmary, leaning on her staff.

"How about you?" Vale turns to Isene. "Are you looking for something to do, or would you rather just wait for your kinsman?"

"I get antsy without a job, so I'd like to be useful if possible. I'm good with my hands and I'm good with people, but my magic is better for destroying than healing, I'm afraid." She offers an apologetic half-smile with this.

"Good to know," Vale mutters to himself, eyeing the Maker-forsaken pole arm of a staff she's carrying. "Well, we always need folk to clean and carry, but the refugees can handle most of the basic labor. If you can mend or weave, there's a group of ladies turning scrap fabric into clothes and blankets around the north end of camp, but if not, I think Recruit Ansel is trying to get an accounting of everyone in camp. He could use an extra pair of hands, for certain."

"I'm willing to do any of that, but I can read and do figures, so I'm probably most useful to your Recruit Ansel. Point me in the right direction?"

Vale does. "He's down the slope that-a-way, heavyset dwarven fella with dark hair and one of those square casteless brands on his left side. Oughta have a big ol' scroll with him. Tell him I sent you to help, and maybe leave that," he nods to the staff, "in your quarters. You'll make people nervous."

"Quarters?" she inquires brightly.

"See that hut by the waterfall? For you and your kinsmen. Wouldn't do to have the troops see the Herald of Andraste out under a tarp next time it starts snowing. Bad for morale, whether she is or isn't what they say."

This last comment draws a keen look from Isene. "Whether she is or isn't?"

Vale shrugs. "I don't know one way or another, and it's not my job to care. What is my job is keeping these poor folks alive, and if that means making some decisions about housing based more on opinions than facts, then that's what it means."

"Good to know," she echoes his earlier sentiment. "I appreciate your candor, Corporal Vale. I'll drop my staff off and go find Ansel, then."

With a salute that's only a little too casual to be military, she heads off down the hill. Vale watches her go with mixed feelings. Two mages powerful and comfortable enough to have been "playing catch the fireball," as Mayes said, are in his camp. They seem pretty tame now, but he saw Isene snap at that soldier for offering a hand. He resolves to have them watched. Better safe than sorry, and if they get bent out of shape over it, that'll also be important information to have.

Still, though he's loath to say it and invite disaster, things in the Hinterlands seem to be looking up.

#dragon age #dai #my writing #oc: rogelan lavellan #oc: isene lavellan #oc: harea lavellan #my ocs #inky trio

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transprincecaspian · 11 months

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Fic Recs

Hi! I finally updated my fanfic recommendation page on my blog (which you can view here)! This will be updated regularly, but I will copy and paste it as is so you can take a look at what I'm reading!

Here are a list of the fanfictions that I have either read or are currently reading and think that should get more attention!

“Not Another Dragon Age Fanfic (The Lone Wolf Cries)” by dork_trash94 Kieran finds himself suddenly transported to Thedas, and vows to keep a close eye on the Dread Wolf to stop him from betraying them once again. As he finds out, a ‘close eye’ unfortunately means actually being close - and it doesn’t help that the game’s timeline is changing, either. Lots of pining, sprinkle of yearning, some funky Time-bending, and a frequently flustered Solas. (via @fenharel-apologist94 on tumblr)

They’ve also just released the first chapter of their newest fanfic!

“Tea Leaves and Sweet Dreams” by dork_trash94 Kieran was not prepared to meet Solas - the infamous and reclusive TA for Professor Flemeth’s Magic Theory and Application class - in person, in his tea shop. Much less the same academic program.

I am currently in the midst of reading this next fanfic but I positively adore the author’s use of language! Dwarves are not usually my favorite fantasy culture but I have so grown to love the Aeducan and Brosca storytelling here. It is the first part of a four part series so we are all in for a treat!

“Of Diamonds and Dust” by @dragonologist-phd Marja Aeducan and Darvis Brosca lead lives as different as one could possibly imagine. Marja Aeducan, a member of the nobility and second in line for the throne, has spent her life maneuvering the dangerous political machinations of the Diamond Quarter. Meanwhile, Darvis Brosca, a Casteless dwarf rejected by society, does whatever it takes to survive on the streets of Dust Town. When a Grey Warden arrives in Orzammar, the lives of Marja and Darvis are forever changed. Driven from the city by misfortune and betrayal, the two must join the ranks of the Wardens in order to save their own lives. But the surface has far greater dangers than they realize. The noble and the thief will need to stand together if they’re going to fight against the oncoming Blight, the brewing civil war, and the strange surface malady called “sunburn”. Also, the contemporary fic to read alongside it: “And So They Burned”

I have been reading “South” for over a year now and I need it to get widespread to a wider audience. His use of imagery and their idea of Tolkien’s world is so refreshing. They also have a lot of other LoTR fanfics that you should check out, too!

“South” by oxbridge The Grey Company rides south: Through Eregion, Dunland, and beyond.

Other fics that I’m currently reading and think should be shared!

“Dead Pasts and Dread Futures” by youworeblue The Inquisitor’s heart broke after the Exalted Council when her family of friends scattered to the winds. She was emptied of hope as Solas’s power and reach grew. Left with a dead past and dreading the future, Ixchel Lavellan lay down and chose not to wake up. As the Veil began to unravel, and the fabric of reality tore apart at the seams, a desperate ally sacrificed everything to give her a second chance. And Ixchel will never forgive him. (via @dreadfutures on tumblr)

“Keepers” by AkbalKiin A necromage in the plains causes a stir to the local folk. The Inquisition investigates and recruits an elf, a former Keeper, into their rank for his knowledge on Dalish archaeology and his stealth abilities. The Inquisition tests his skills as they close in on Red Templars as part of a plan to thwart Samson and Corypheus. (via @nightmarist on tumblr)

“Une Autre Histoire D'amour” (series) by fondofthehowes Exploring the relationship between Étienne Montmartre, an Orlesian warden better suited to be a bard, and Cassandra Pentaghast. For a woman that long pined for the concept of a man that would sweep her off her feet, she never anticipated that she would not only find it, but that he would be far more than that too.

“Would That I (O Unrepentant, Faithless, Treacherous)” by @thiefbird Saved from Alistair’s vengeance to presumably die to the Archdemon, Loghain Mac Tir is at a loss to find himself alive after the end of the Blight.

#cas reads #fanfic recs #cas recommends #dragon age #dragon age fanfic #lotr #lotr fanfic #fanfic #ao3 #my mutuals my beloveds

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dragon-age-codex-entries · 1 month

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Codex entry: Ser Stroud

"Born the younger son of a minor noble family in the Fields of Ghislain, Jean-Marc Stroud had just finished training at the Academie des Chevaliers when he received word that his family had been killed, ostensibly by bandits. In reality, they were victims of the Orlesian Great Game. Ser Stroud's plan to find his family's murderers was cut short when the Grey Warden, Clarel, recruited Stroud on the advice of the Academie trainers, who did not wish to see a promising young chevalier throw his life away in fruitless pursuit of vengeance. Unable to refuse such a request honorably, Ser Stroud joined the Wardens and left his old life behind.

Warden Stroud has served the Grey Wardens with honor for decades. He is regarded as one of the finest swordsmen in the Order, combining his study at the Academie with years of fighting darkspawn alongside dwarves in the Deep Roads. Warden-Commander Clarel has tasked him with recruiting and training new Wardens; most young Warden warriors owe their skill to Stroud's mentorship.

Stroud prefers to travel in the Free Marches rather than Orlais, knowing his family history could cause him to become caught up in the Game, leading to accusations of political interference among the Wardens. He also has no strong opinions regarding mages or templars, although he believes both groups wrong to turn their back on the Chantry, which Stroud holds in some esteem."

—An intelligence report delivered to Leliana

#dragon age #codex entry #characters

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ripflemeth · 1 year

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Cheeses of Thedas

From the Dragon Age fan who brought you Wines of Thedas, I now have some cheeses that you can pair them with! I love love love the cultures and climates of Thedas and dreamed up these cheeses to make the world feel a little richer, so feel free to use them in your writing and worldbuilding.

In parentheses, I included the Real World cheese the Thedas head canon was inspired by, when applicable.

Enjoy!

Ferelden Cheeses

Gwaren chumlavi (norwegian brunost) - This semi-hard cheese is mild, a little tangy, and a little sweet. It is made on the island off the coast of Gwaren in southern Ferelden. Local cheese-mongers boil a mixture of milk, cream and whey until the milk sugars into caramel, giving the cheese its characteristic brown color. Local legend claims it was a favorite of the dwarves who traded with the outpost during the Divine Age. In recent history, it is a favorite staple in the diets of fishermen and sailors who traverse the Frozen Sea, as it travels well and can be sliced easily to add to bread or hardtack.

Ceodre (cheddar) - A hard, off-white cheese, named after the small village it originates from in the Highever region, where a number of caves maintain the humidity and temperature needed for maturing the cheese. Delightfully sharp in flavor, its popularity has let to its spread across the southern countryside and has become a favorite on Ferelden farmsteads. In Orlais, the cheese is similarly loved, but not wanting to be associated with the palate of dog-lords, the Orlesians claim the cultures originated in the caves outside Montsimmard and call it "grottes fromage" or simply "grottes" which translates as "cave cheese.”

Marcher Cheeses

Minanter Cheese (emmental) - Whereas most cheeses are made into 10 or 20 pound cheese wheels, this particular cheese, crafted in the dank river valley between Starkhaven and Ansburg, is made in 200 pound wheels. The many tolls running up and down the Minanter charge per item, so bigger cheese wheels are more affordable. The size of these giant wheels of cheese is a popular amongst marcher city states, and in Ostwick the greased cheese wheels are used in races and competitions. The cheese itself is hard and the inside is riddled with holes, a by-product of the fermentation process. It has a mild flavor and melts easily when cooking.

Damsleigh (brie) - A soft cow's-milk cheese, pale in color with a rind of white mold. This cheese is crafted by monks who live at a monastery outside Damsleigh, a small town in the Planasene Forest at the base of the Vimmark Mountains. It is said that when the Qunari invaded cities along the Waking Sea, brothers from the monastery took to the mountains, hiding out in caves. One monk, Brother Florence, had the foresight to hide away the monastery's stock of cheese wheels, and his thoughtfulness kept the monks from being driven from hiding by their starvation.

Nevarran Cheese

Fortnight (fromager d'affinois) - Similar to damsleigh in production and appearance, this soft cheese is produced by a secular cheesemaker based out of the city of Cumberland. Using milk from cows that pasture north of the city, the milk is richer and creamier than its damsleigh counterpart. Added to that, the production process heats the milk until a substantial amount of water evaporates out, making the cheese creamier still. While fortnight has a more intensive process to make it, the resulting cheese is made much quicker, in a mere fourteen days, which is where this rich delicacy gets its name.

Antivan Cheeses

Rialto (provolone) - The region that runs along the Rialto Bay and its most immediate trade routes is the home to a stretched-curd cheese that is a staple at tables and trade ports alike. Along the Minanter, in the eastern-most Marches, the cheese is called rialto dolce for its sweet and mild taste, but along the river valley that stretches between Seleny and Antiva City the rialto piccante varieties have a sharp flavor. Within Antiva, if you ask for "cheese," you will most assuredly be served this rialto variety without a second thought, but outside of the region it is referred to exclusively as "rialto cheese" and is sought after in palaces from Minrathous to Denerim. Pedaggio (munster) - Cattle herders who live in the steppe north of Seleny, in Antiva, will migrate south towards the river valley each summer to graze their herds in the lush and humid subtropical region. They return to the grassland plains with their herds to overwinter for the rainy months, and in the cool of cellars they craft and age a cheese that is very soft, very strong and requires vigilance. The uncooked, raw milk is cultured into cheese wheels that are washed regularly in a brine as they age in the damp and cool cellars of these winter homes. When the herders travel south for grazing season once again, they use the cheese as a toll for the Merchant Prince of Seleny, and that is where the cheese derives its name ('pedaggio' meaning 'toll' in Antivan). These cheese wheels are traded up and down the Antivan river valley for considerable sovereigns that rarely see their way back to the steppe herdsmen.

Orlesian Cheeses

Bosquet (limburger) - Cultivated in a monastery deep within the forests that lie between the rivers north of Val Foret, this cheese saw a rise in popularity after a folk tale arose about its use resisting the Tevinter occupation. As the legend goes, a local folk hero on the run from soldiers took shelter in the monastery, and the monks hid her in the cheese cellar. The smell was so pungent that the Tevinter soldiers passed by the cellar, leaving the monastery, and its hidden occupant, in peace. Bosquet is a rind washed soft cheese made from raw cow's milk. It has a crumbly texture and softens the longer it ages. After its third month of aging, it starts to give off a pungent odor that smells like feet. It is popular amongst Orlesian loyalists. Perdu (muenster) - Introduced to Orlais by the cook for an Antivan princess who married an Orlesian Grand-Duke. The Antivan princess arrived to Val Royeaux with a wheel of the coveted pedaggio as part of her dowry and begged her new husband's cook to try and recreate it. After years of trial and error, she found an acceptable imitation of the beloved pedaggio cheese. Upon tasting it, the Grand-Duke renamed it "perdu" for having found what once was lost. Despite the enthusiasm of its reception, this cheese has little in common with its Antivan counterpart. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk. The cheese itself is pale in color, mild in flavor, and smooth in texture. Its orange rind is attributed to the blood lotus used to add a rich and colorful note to cheeses such as grottes. Souscendre aux Lueur - Cheesemakers in southern Orlais, drawn to the luminescent properties of deep mushrooms, use the blue fungus as a crucial ingredient in this glow-in-the-dark cheese. The cheese itself is a soft cows milk cheese interspersed with flecks of this particular strain of deep mushroom and rubbed with a deep mushroom oil. It tastes slightly sweet with hints of unami from the mushrooms. Commonly referred to simply as “souscendre” or under ash, this cheese gets its name from the coating of beech ash mixed with dried herbs and spices that form the dark rind which locks in the flavor and light while preserving the cheese's freshness. When sliced into, the food will illuminate a five foot radius with a blue glow for up to an hour for each cut made (subsequent slices can increase the glow up to a 15 foot radius). In order to gain any substantial stamina gains from the cheese, one would have to consume such a quantity that it would not be advisable, but that does not stop cheese mongers and adventurers alike from making claims to its bolstering affects. Snow-Favored Cheese (gruyère) - In the caves of the Frostback basin, the Avvar craft this cheese that has been a staple since the founding of Stone-Bear Hold. An excellent melting cheese for use in quiches, soups and fondues, it is sought after in trade, and often gets called the erroneous name "Snow-Flavored Cheese" for the mild flavor of its less-aged variants. The cheese tastes sweet, creamy and slightly nutty when young, then becomes more earthy, and complex as it matures. Virelay (epoisses) - Before the dawn of the Divine Age, when Emperor Drakon was uniting all of Orlais under his banner, he sacked the village of Virelay and razed it to the ground, leaving no survivors of the heretical cult known as The Daughters of Song that lived there. The cult had been a hedonistic one and hosted a yearly festival to celebrate gluttony and lustful desires, and one of the only surviving products of that town was a cheese that was so delicious that visitors to the annual festival kept making it in nearby towns. While the town was never rebuilt, the story of the cult lives on, and is passed down from one cheese maker to another.

The cheese itself is made through a time intensive and difficult process, including washes in both brine and brandy, but the finished cheese is like none other, with a custardy creamy center that is so runny it is recommended one eat it with a spoon.

The etymology of virelay has morphed over the centuries, and where once the Orlesian word was associated with wanton hedonism, it now carries a connotation of abstinence and patience, with the connotation of "worth waiting for." The small cheese wheels are sold in round wooden boxes with the emblem of two naked women dancing under grape vines seared onto the cover.

Rivaini Cheeses

Caws Cynrhon (casu marzu) - A traditional Llomerryn sheep milk cheese. It is fermented by maggot larvae who decompose the cheese with their digestive action, resulting in a very soft cheese that seeps liquid when pressed. It is often served sliced atop open face sandwiches alongside Llomerryn red sauce. The cheese is considered spoiled once the maggots have died and is to be consumed with live larvae that appear as translucent white worms, typically thousands per wheel of cheese. Considered an aphrodisiac, because the worms can jump out of the cheese when disturbed, diners hold their hands over their sandwiches while dining to prevent the maggots from jumping off the plate.

Orzammar Cheeses

Brochalavi (bronto-milk cheese) - The bronto's slow reproduction cycle and long nursing period lead to a sweet and watery milk that is used to make this cheese. Brochalavi has several versions, all of which utilize bronto rennet. The fresh curds taste mostly bland, slightly sweet, and have a soft and bouncy texture. The brochalavi that is aged a matter of weeks is often used as a vehicle for other flavors and ingredients such as syrups, mushrooms, and dried surface foods. The brochalavi that is aged for years is crafted with an additional bacteria; it is kept in cheese caves where it ripens into a pungent and nutty cheese. This aged variety originates in Orzammar, where dwarves pair it with the best ales, and it even finds its way to the surface as a rare and highly sought after trade item in upper class homes from Halamshiral to Minrathous.

Note from the author:

If you’d like to use these cheeses in your fanfic writing or DA roleplay, feel free to do so. You don’t have to credit me, but if you want to, you can tag me bc I’d really get a kick out of seeing them in action!

♡ ♡ ♡ Many thanks to all my friends who had fun brainstorming these with me or giving me prompts that led to these creations.

#dragon age #foods of thedas #dragon age worldbuilding #dragon age headcanon #my writing #kitty speaks

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