#i just go all in on my inquisitor being an imperialist vying for power

[darktownclinic]

I know people probably don't like the idea of it because we're literally playing the leader of the Inquisition, but I think it works really well as a genuinely morally questionable imperialist force. Stories from the POV of non-inquisition characters where the Inquisition acts as an antagonist would actually work really well.

Like we see the Avvar get displaced when the Inquisition moves to Skyhold. One of the throne decisions even lets you banish a tribe from 'Inquisition' territory aka the home they've lived in for thousands of years that you just showed up in. And they're probably dealing with famine due to their land now hosting thousands of more mouths to feed.

Plus the vast majority of the Inquisition's troops believe they're carrying out a holy mission for the herald of their religion's founding prophet. That sort of fanaticism in general is trouble enough, but their main garrison being in a region full of polytheistic tribes? Uh, yeah, that could cause some problems.

And speaking of their 'main' garrison, the fact that others exist is a problem too. We see the Inquisition making unsanctioned claims on fortresses in both Orlais and Ferelden like Suledin Keep and Caer Bronach.

The Inquisition's presence in general is something many nobles in both nations take issue with, but outright claiming territory? Major fortresses? Even quartering troops in various towns like Redcliffe and Crestwood? If it wasn't for the world ending crisis that'd be a declaration of war.

The Inquisition also conscripts soldiers from all over the place. you have dozens of opportunities to force people to work for you throughout the game. People probably fear the Inquisition showing up at their doorstep and forcing them to fight.

It also has either an army of templars or army of mages, both which can be pretty scary groups to your average person, and those armies might also be conscripted.

And how can Ferelden feel secure with all of these Orlesians tearing across their lands for the first time since the occupation? Sure, they may be fighting demons and wearing Inquisition colors, but they're still Orlesians marching through Fereldan land.

Also the Inquisition may have been involved in an assassination plot to overthrow the ruler of Orlais, the largest nation in Southern Thedas, the one that's been backing the Inquisition the most. If the Inquisition put a figurehead in place, does Orlais' backing really even mean anything? Can you really trust a faction that so readily betrays its primary ally?

With all of that in mind... yeah it kind of looks really really bad for the Inquisition.

And all of this happens within the span of a year.

Oh and then it turns out an ancient elven god was hiding within the ranks of the Inquisition and was a close friend/lover to the Herald of Andraste and he wants to destroy the world.

#and i actually like it. after playing hawke as a genuinely good person its interesting to switch to someone who's practically a villain #i just go all in on my inquisitor being an imperialist vying for power #the only plot hole is that hawke came to skyhold to help her instead of coming to kill her #dragon age #herald of andraste #dai #orlais #ferelden #the inquisition #avvar