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blind-alchemists · 2 years

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Inquisition’s Codex on Pride Demons

Spoilers for: Tevinter Nights

I recently dug into blind playthroughs of DA:I on Youtube (an extremely funny activity, I promise you) and came across a guy who – in an effort to rp’ his character properly – reads all codex entries in the game. All of them. Without fault.

Anyway, after the prologue he read the one on Pride Demons and I immediately thought, ‘huh, that’s interesting; I wonder if it’s deliberate’. Like Mother Giselle saying the Chantry teaches that pride is evil. (I posted about it.)

The Codex entry in question:

The most powerful demons yet encountered are the pride demons, perhaps because they, among all their kind, most resemble men; as clever and manipulative as the desire demon, with a penchant for cruel irony that is almost human. While the demons of desire largely engage in the bribery of mortals, pride will use mortals' own best nature against them. Clever men outwit themselves. Strong men crush themselves. Humble men forget themselves. Jealous men fear themselves. They turn corruption and ruin into an art.

[source]

See? It’s interesting; a bit of a shame this is only a Codex Entry.

Anyway, let’s start taking it apart.

The most powerful demons yet encountered are the pride demons,

For one, there is the first part about pride demons being the most powerful (yet). I never really thought about it until now (or until I started my Nightmare playthrough), because the first boss Inquisition throws at you is a pride demon and on lower difficulties, it’s a joke – but looking back at Mother Giselle’s comment (“We teach that pride is evil”), it’s curious, especially if you take into consideration what roles Pride demons have played in earlier games. (Merill’s companion quest comes to mind.)

I’m not denying that Pride Demons may have the standing they have in the hierarchy of strong demons because of the Chantry’s teachings: Much in the Fade is about believing in something, so many people believing Pride demons to be the strongest will obviously give them a huge buff. On the other hand, it’s reasonable to me to assume Pride has always been a strong form of corruption and thus makes strong demons.

I could get into ‘Pride is one of the Worst of the Seven Deadly Sins & the writers obviously borrowed a shit ton from Christianity, so That Has Implications’ but …

(There is a quote I found when re-checking some facts: “It was Pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” (St. Augustine), and Solas being set-up as being prideful in this context of the Sin Of Pride & Chantry = Christianity specifically makes me fear for the turn DA4 will take, and, … no, I’ll already said I’m not opening this can of worms.)

Anyway! Moving on.

perhaps because they, among all their kind, most resemble men;

It’s an icky part. Don’t the other demons and forms of corruption not also resemble humanity? Desire, Sloth, Despair, Rage, Fear, Terror? I’d argue all of these are more often – and deeply – part of human nature than pride is, but maybe that’s just the Christian Influence. (I think some of the writing has also been pushing ‘All Mages Are Arrogant’ narrative too much, especially with the Evanuris, since everything needed for setting up an interesting plot point featuring religious arrogance stemming from fundamentalism is right there, but I digress.)

Another interpretation is that “most resemble men” part is related to the way they act and think. While I do think every demon has some capacity for communicating, especially with mages, Desire and Pride have been shown to be the most “human-like” in that regard. Meaning, high intelligence that allows them to propose deals or try to divide people. Outside of Inquisition, at least; I think a quest involving such a demon would have done some small wonders for the plot.

as clever and manipulative as the desire demon, with a penchant for cruel irony that is almost human.

Now we’re getting to the parts that I find most interesting. Note the traits mentioned here: clever, manipulative, and cruel irony. Note also the comparison to Desire demons. And note the ‘almost human’ part (when has cruel irony ever been not human?).

Trickster archetypes are often set-up as clever and manipulative; I already said in another post that Solas, himself, doesn’t fit that. The Evanuris made him look like he did.

Sure, he’s clever, and maybe you could argue a good case for him being manipulative to some degree because he lies by omission and makes the Inquisition think he’s some he’s not, but I don’t think this part is necessarily about that: It is more about the nature of Pride.

Which doesn’t bode well for the future of Solas’ arc, since the following paragraph in the codex says this:

While the demons of desire largely engage in the bribery of mortals, pride will use mortals' own best nature against them. Clever men outwit themselves. Strong men crush themselves. Humble men forget themselves. Jealous men fear themselves.

Personally, I’m a big supporter of the ‘the greatest enemy you’ll ever face is yourself’ narrative because I have found it to be true. In the same breath, ‘your greatest strength could become your greatest flaw / your greatest flaw could become your greatest strength’ is an engaging way of setting up characters: Having a deep trust in the people you care for is a great strength … until you become so blind you deny their misdeeds, flaws, crimes, etc. Similarly, never trusting anyone at all is terrible for cooperating … until the new member of your group is a spy and you avoid getting your team killed because you never trusted the newbie to begin with.

In the context of DA:I, this takes on an especially interesting turn in the narrative. Through Solas, we know that Wisdom can be corrupted into Pride. Now, putting aside whether you think Solas is a spirit of Wisdom who took a body or not, the man’s name still means “pride”.

And while there is nothing wrong with being proud, Solas looking for the Red Lyrium Idol when he knows how much it’s going to fuck him up is a clear-cut sign of being arrogant. In DA:I, he’s shown himself to be wise and knowledgeable and reasonable, especially in the one banter with Dorian where he says Elvhenan wasn’t any less innocent than Tevinter.

He has also never been boastful about his abilities as a mage (mostly, anyway). But Pride, as the Codex Entry says, will use people’s best nature against them: Solas may think himself wise and knowledgeable and reasonable, and he may think he knows the dangers of Red Lyrium well enough, but despite knowing it’s going to fuck him up, he’s still going to use it. (He’s not happy about it – “I’d rather not have you see what I become” – but this is his regret about the lack of other options since his orb broke; this is not acknowledging that his pride makes him think he could handle it.)

It comes also down to what you interpret his motivations as, and what you think he’s going to do. I believe there is also an element of desperation to his actions, but, ultimately, he is named “Pride” and that will be his downfall.

(I know I said I’m not going there but: In Christian mythology, Lucifer is turned into a fallen angel because of his pride. It is, literally, his downfall. I can guarantee you Solas’ story will show parallels indicating his pride will ruin him – whether it is through the corruption of the Red Lyrium, or whether it is because he’ll fail to tear down the Veil as he imagines it, or whether it is because he has failed to consider the horrors that come after abolishing the Evanuris’ prison I can’t say. I can just guarantee you he will fuck up even more than he did when he raised the Veil and that’s what will cause regret to eat him alive.)

They turn corruption and ruin into an art.

There’s not much I have to say about this except that it’s kind of funny. Kind of, because Solas is an artist and if anyone knows how to turn something into art, it should be the painter.

But it’s also tragic because it’s not going to be one of his murals/frescoes that’ll show his corruption; it’s going to be Solas himself.

I don’t think corruption and ruin is an art form, and I don’t believe there is anything artistic about it; I think it’s just an allegory. Maybe also a little hint and nudge towards the elf named “Pride” who has a hobby of painting in-game, like his line about the Dalish chasing him away due to superstition and the jawbone of a wolf and his excessive knowledge about things no ordinary Dreamer or elf could know.

The breadcrumbs were there; we just didn’t think about picking them all up because what were the chances we’d get a supposed god as a companion? (In all fairness, DA:I being such a vast game where you can spend +30hs avoiding the main plot didn’t help putting all these subtle leads together.)

TL;DR: The Codex entry holds several interesting clues about Pride demons and, further, the nature of Pride (as a form of corruption). Applying that to Solas, though, makes his future arc in DA4 look very grim.

#dragon age inquisition #dragon age meta #solas #pride demon #codex entry #tevinter nights spoilers #long post #i said it was an interesting one #kind of wish the DA writers would have laid off the discount Christianity #it's not even a critique. it's just lowkey propaganda-#since the writing keeps pushing for you to think the Chantry is good or just as bad as the mages-#when it's almost a full-blown fundamentalist religion that balantly twists the words of its prophet to suit its own agenda-#and oppress minorities.#like actual Christian churches!#oh wait.#the games want you to think it's all grey morality #but it really isn't grey morality. because you have state- and church-sanctioned abusers and their victims.#that's why I hate DA lore sometimes #the more you dig the more of this shit you find

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anneapocalypse · 2 years

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So, is the Randy Dowager issuing reprints of old material because Brother Genitivi is in hiding and doesn't have time to look for new material? 👀

#the implications of 'genitivi dies in the end' live rent free in my brain #can't overstate how much i want to know what's happened to our writer trio and what they really found under tevinter #tevinter nights spoilers #da4 #dragon age dreadwolf #ferdinand genitivi #the randy dowager #blunders of thedas

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felassan · 11 months

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its that time again! 🍵

Thoughts/wonderings on Dragon Age: The Missing #4, under a cut due to spoilers for The Missing -

I'm probably becoming a lil unhealthily obsessed with this building. what do we think it is? the Archon's Palace is the highest building in Minrathous (tho I guess not, as it has sewers and this is floating). A Circle? it has a similar shape to the logo for the Circle of Magi. the meeting place for the Magisterium senate, lording over everyone below from high above? whatever it is it looks cool and it must be important to be featured on the map. I wanna go there (๑*ᗜ*)

I love Neve Gallus' design. it's fresh and cool, and she just looks so cute and neat okay. also full of detail - the snake pattern on the headpiece, shoulder 'scales' and scales elsewhere, collar & jacket like one of those hooded snakes, snake-'tailcapped' footwear (rather than steel toe-capped), the serpent belt and of course most of all the beautiful snake design of her prosthetic limb. 10/10 character/costume design

this page had me on my knees basically. my heart.

surely this panel is a new meme format hh? same goes for the one where Varric is saying "Then perhaps all this is linked" and Harding says "And we've led them here"

you walked into the wrong neighborhood bro

I also liked this pair of illustrations, they had a nice 'bookend' feel and reminded me a lot of Lord of the Rings.

Other thoughts:

Minrathous looks kinda cyberpunk and (despite what Harding says in the opening panels) feels quite clean in this comic

Is that the person tailing them lurking in the doorway that Harding is catching sight of here?

These holes in Varric's ear seem to be new. What happened? Injury from the leopard attack?

confused a bit by the perspective flip in this issue. In issue 1, Varric was more like 'stop', and Harding was more like 'talk to him'. it's flipped around a bit here.

Varric smiled when he thought about Neve and then lit up when he saw her. she calls him an "old friend". I wonder how they met and how long they've known each other. something to do with varric's spy network?

This panel felt a bit meta hh.

When Neve says "Your friend is quite intense" is she referring to Solas or Harding?

Then we come to the two main things we learn in this issue:

We learn that Solas has been in Minrathous causing trouble. He's been attacking Venatori locations in the city, stealing artifacts from them and freeing elven slaves in the process, which has greatly angered the Venatori. The Venatori now want revenge and a "bunch of rebellious elves" are "causing trouble throughout the city, presumably in the name of the one who freed them". I wonder if the artifacts weaken the Veil, are connected to the idol somehow, or are simply sources of great power that Solas either needs for himself/his plans or that he simply thinks should be taken away from the Venatori so that they don't cause harm using them? Tevinter Nights showed agents of Fen'Harel seeking artifacts and referenced rumors of elven artifacts that strengthen the Veil, like the ones from DA:I. freeing folks also makes sense, "I am not a monster" and it's something he has a history of doing

In this issue we also learn that Neve works with a group called the Shadow Dragons, who have been trying to help the former slaves. indeed they're trying to help anyone who is held as slaves in Minrathous. this is our first time hearing about this new group. they make it their business to help those in need and Neve makes it her business to help them. I'm a bit ¿ about their name, just due to how it sounds, but it's exciting to learn about a new group/faction. Each issue of this DA:D prequel comic has shone a spotlight on a faction - Grey Wardens, Antivan Crows, the Veil Jumpers and the Shadow Dragons. two new, two old. it's a nice balance. and it brings to mind the common fan theory/speculation about the PC of DA:D having a different faction background depending on the player's choice. at the very least it feels like a way of saying 'these four groups [or characters from them] will feature in a significant way/be 'players on the board' in DA:D".

thinking about the Shadow Dragons' name in an in-world context, like thinking about why they may have chosen their name: dragons are emblematic of Tevinter. dragon imagery is everywhere there, dragons are a symbol of power and Tevinter heraldry shows a dragon. the Tevinter Imperium is a 'dragon', or several (metaphorically) - Magisters, ruling over the classes below. the "shadow dragons" feel like "the other side" of Tevinter, the side in shadow, the underside, the 'anti-Tevinter'. I'd guess that they are the "Tevinter you forgot", i.e. the Viper's faction. (and if you look at Tevinter heraldry, there is also a snake 'in opposition' to the dragon.) before Missing #4 I wondered if “the Tevinter you forgot” "means they are a group of folks who have fallen through the cracks in Tevinter society or who are the downtrodden in Tevinter society. is it some sort of uprising or anti-Magisterium movement?" - here we learn they're trying to help people Tevinter 'forgot' like slaves and former slaves. I also commented "from the story it sounds like the dark-clad card dealer is the Viper. the magister in the story is afraid of him and tries to claim that the Viper is just a tale, implying that the Viper’s name has become known as a sort of shadowy, stealthy urban legend in Minrathous and that it has a sort of bogeyman effect on magisters." Shadow indeed. Neve later comments that the Shadow Dragons are trying to "help anyone held as slaves in Minrathous". I think it was in the Dorian short story in Tevinter Nights that there's a reference to how there's now an anti-slavery movement in Tevinter. Is that the Shadow Dragons? you can see possible echoes of "the Tevinter you forgot" in later comic dialogue "The Shadow Dragons have vowed to help us restore our dignity. To get back the lives that were stolen from us by the Venatori. To make sure we don't have to scrabble in the dirt for food and warm", imo.

I wonder if Dorian, Mae and the Lucerni know anything about the Shadow Dragons? maybe they've done some work together?

and while the Viper/Viper's faction/the Shadow Dragons themselves didn't appear in issue 4, issue 4 still highlighted them, continuing the pattern I speculated about, of the DA Day short stories (Evka/Antoine/Wardens, Teia/Viago/Crows, Strife/Irelin/Veil Jumpers and Viper's faction/Shadow Dragons), one from each of those short stories per issue.

Varric is still having a bad time. also he was born in 9:1, and so if DA:D is set in 9:52, he's now over 50. from these comics, he's feeling old and tired. I don't expect that he'll be a companion in DA:D. more like an advisor (off-field), a contact or quest-giver, or the person that recruits us.

"But why? What did he get out of it? Surely, he wanted something in return" was an interesting line. because like on one hand "I am not a monster", he has a history of freeing people who were enslaved and he's shown as valuing freedom and not enjoying needless suffering. setting people free definitely is the only decent thing. but he's also smart and does things with purpose, always playing 4-D chess, and has been outwitting Varric and Harding at every turn throughout these comic issues, always one step ahead. it seems like a 'it's both' situation. like two birds, one stone. he would free people and it's the right thing to do, and he also gains from it strategically. Varric lampshades this in the final page: and it's three stones, actually. Solas freed people, dealt with the Venatori on his tail and slowed Varric/Harding down long enough to escape all in one move.

Also, at first I wondered if the brown-haired elf was sort've projecting his own perceptions on Solas (with the "his kin" lines). but look here. the leader of these Venatori has a pouch round their neck. the others don't, it's prominently placed and it's consistent on this Venatori in every panel they're in here. and where have we seen that before? around the neck of the Venatori stalker that saved Varric from the leopard in Issue 3. I think we're supposed to conclude that the ringleader of the Venatori that attack the elves in this issue is the Venatori person that's been tailing Varric and Harding all throughout these comic issues. the Venatori ringleader seems to recognize Varric in a later panel, with the "You!". They fight and Varric starts demanding answers from the Venatori leader. but then, just as he's about to get answers, the brown-haired elf intervenes and kills them at that very moment. they won't hurt their people anymore, and conveniently also (more than one purpose to things again..), now Varric and Harding won't get any answers. and also this:

another - not two, but - three stones. when the brown-haired elf kills the Venatori ringleader, A) preventing them from further harming his people and B) preventing them from giving any answers to Varric and Harding, C) the killing blow also cuts that pouch from their neck. a very specific thing to depict. presumably in the chaos of the Venatori leader's death (you can't see the elf's hands in the very next panel) the brown-haired elf has grabbed the pouch, and part of his goal all along was to take it. I think we're supposed to conclude that the pouch contained the crucious stone and that the brown-haired elf works for Solas. so the "You're too late, I already have the crucious stone" letter from issue 3 was a Solas fakeout, the Venatori at that point in time did in fact have the stone (having beaten Solas to the vault, and as-shown by the Venatori who saved Varric from the leopard having the pouch around their neck), and the events of issue 4 were part of Solas' plan to steal it/steal it back from them (and going by Neve's earlier dialogue, it's not the first artifact he's stolen from them). so two things here: one, Solas' 'three stones' are actually-actually four (free the slaves, deal with the Venatori on his tail, delay Varric/Harding long enough to escape, and steal the crucious stone artifact from the Venatori [my head hurts]). and two, the brown-haired elf was working for Solas after all. he'll give the pouch (and the contents, the stone) to Solas, "he set us, his kin, free" wasn't projection considering that he does work for him, and him being there in the alleyway when he was, with the information that he had, was part of Solas' plan to escape and get the stone. otherwise, it's pretty convenient that one of the former slaves at the place Neve's aware of where former slaves have been eating scraps, at the time when she takes Varric/Harding there, just happened to have helpful info about the meeting that Varric/Harding needed and also happened to kill the Venatori leader and in the process cut the pouch from their neck. idk if it means all the elves here were working for Solas or just the brownhaired one or the brownhaired one & the blond one, but yea. definitely the brownhaired elf is I think.

Neve fighting was cool: staff-less magic and then as a mage using a dagger or shortsword.

party combo-kill! ice spell + finishing blow - a comic depiction of Shattering :)

Brown-haired elf missing his elven ear here.

A cool panel. Also, you can't see his other hand..

just really liked these two panels :) also, they missed their chance, they missed this chance, in this, a comic called The Missing... is that why it's called that?

[clenches fist] vowing to protect Neve and her good heart at all costs

and he stole the crucious stone artifact from the Venatori.

I am not sure that I agree with the premise of this article that BioWare retweeted, that The Missing is required reading before DA:D. I enjoyed issues 2 & 3 a lot! I was hoping for a bit more from the end of issue 4, perhaps a small Solas appearance like at the end of Dark Fortress or just a bit more insight into his plans or things in/the setup for DA:D. finishing on the Dread Wolf mural from the DA:D TGA 2020 trailer as a reminder was neat but the highlight reveal from these comics as a whole was definitely the new mural depicted in issue 3.

"He knows us too well, we need to find/use people he doesn't know" is the same conclusion that was reached at the end of Trespasser (and Harding was present for that conversation). I guess the meta irl reasons for The Missing are: A] since it'll be almost 10 years irl between games, to refresh folks about that conclusion and the fact that it will be a new PC and why it has to be 'someone he doesn't know', since most new players to the franchise at DA:D aren't going to buy years old DA:I and DLC and play til it the end of Trespasser B] fill some irl time C] do some marketing/advertizing and D] highlight these four groups/factions and introduce the two new ones (Veil Jumpers and Shadow Dragons) in advance of DA:D, and possibly highlight these specific characters (Strife, Teia, Evka etc) the same way (though I speculate those characters are more like DA:D 'contact' cameos rather than that they will be companions themselves). Certainly if I was Varric at the moment when Harding asks "So who are you thinking?" at the end here, after the events I had experienced and people & groups I had met in recent weeks, with those being fresh in my mind, I would be thinking about the Grey Wardens, the Antivan Crows, the Veil Jumpers and the Shadow Dragons, both as groups and terms of the mental list of people that I had recently met who Solas doesn't know. again it makes you think about the popular speculation that the DA:D PC will have the background of being from one of these groups. also, those 4 groups aren't ones which were referenced in Tevinter Nights as keeping an eye on Solas/as Solas having some info on them in turn (unlike some other groups like the Mortalitasi, the Executors, the Ben-Hassrath etc).

#dragon age: dreadwolf #dragon age 4 #the dread wolf rises #da4 #dragon age #dragon age: the missing #dragon age: the missing spoilers #bioware #video games #solas #late bc ive been working on other posts #long post #longpost #tevinter nights #strife

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ohmyarda · 2 years

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I read Tevinter Nights so you don’t have to [potential ramifications for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf]

So, I just finished Tevinter Nights which is part of the Dragon Age novel series but unlike the predecessors, it’s a compilation of short stories that take place after Inquisition. This will include some heavy spoilers so if you’re interested in reading the stories yourself, I’d advise against continuing forward. Also, this is just my immediate thoughts afterwards and won’t be an in-depth explanation, but I will gloss over some points established in the short stories that I think might be important to Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. SPOILERS AHEAD ... Status of the Inquisition: At the start of Trespasser, the player is offered a choice if they’d disband the Inquisition or keep it together. Bioware tends to incorporate their own canon into their novel series so take this with a grain of salt, as it seems that the Bioware canon is that the Inquisition is disbanded. However, either way (whether you keep the Inquisition together or not), it is implied that Inquisition’s legacy has suffered upon Solas’ reveal as the Dread Wolf. One of the short stories states that it’s not a call for disbanding that ended the Inquisition, but a revelation that happened beyond an eluvian. Several characters throughout the stories also call the Inquisition directly into question, berating the organization for not knowing they were harboring an “elven god.” Agents of the Inquisition: Whether or not the Inquisition is banded or disbanded, or potentially disgraced, there still seems to be many active Inquisition members, both outside and inside the Inquisition’s inner circle. Cassandra Pentaghast personally commissions an Inquisition investigation in one of the stories, and Varric, numerous times. Therefore, whether or not the Inquisition is in power, it is obvious it still has power and influence throughout Thedas. Varric Tethras: Speaking of which, it’s important to note our favorite Viscount of Kirkwall has been busy. In one of the stories, he personally hires a few scholas (including Brother Genitivi, who wrote practically every codex you find in Inquisition) to seek out an elven chamber underneath the Silent Planes in Tevinter. A lot comes from this but what’s important for you to know without this being buggered down by too many details is that Varric is actively investigating Solas’ agenda, which might play more into his role in DA: Dreadwolf. The Antaam: It’s very clear by Tevinter Nights that the Qunari will be incredibly important in DA: Dreadwolf. The Antaam, or the military branch of the Qun, seem to have either gone independent or split from the other branches and are acting on their own terms (or under Rasaan terms, a Qunari you may know being behind a lot of the actions in DA2 with Isabela and the comics). The Antaam have begun to go on the offensive, further pushing back against the Tevinter Imperium and seeking to occupy more of Northern and Southern Thedas. They also seek elven knowledge, Rasaan herself (who appears to be in command of the Antaam) seeming to want to uncover Solas’ true name to better understand him (and perhaps better deal with him - the whole ‘if you make a god bleed, they’re not a god anymore.’ If they can learn his name, then they know he’s something that can be destroyed). As she states that, Fen’Harel is a name given to him by his enemies, Dread Wolf isn’t an exact translation, and Solas is the name he gave himself, leaving his true name a mystery. The Antivan Crows: In response, several stories also deal with the infamous Antivan assassins. What can be best said of them at the moment is that they fear the Antaam’s recent aggressions. The Antivan Crows act as assassins, but they also act as defense of Antiva, and seeing as 200 years ago, Antiva was once occupied by the Qunari, the crows are readily watching the Antaam’s movements. A deal made by one of their own Talons lead to the murder of a majority of their Talons (the Crow hierarchy), who made a deal with the Antaam that if they spared this Talon’s house, they would allow the Antaam to invade Antiva. This Talon was exposed as a double agent and killed by the others and thusly, the Antivan Crows are very pissed off at the Antaam (and also incredibly vulnerable with several of their houses leaderless - and thus it ends with the Talons summoning new Talons - me, sending out good vibes that we’ll get Zevran back as one). Nature of Solas: It seems implied that the Dread Wolf secret is out and somewhat common knowledge. Throughout the stories, it’s obvious that there are many elves who have flocked to Solas’ banner, so much so they have garnered the title of being a ‘Fen’Harel cult.’ However, it seems that not every elf is interested in what the Dread Wolf has planned. One elf in particular comments that they were attempted to be recruited, but they rejected the notion, as also serving Fen’Harel meant death before capture and they personally thought it all madness. Many characters who know of Fen’Harel argue over his nature in the stories: is he a god? A demon? Just a very powerful mage? Something different? Status of Solas: Direct actions taken by Solas in the novel itself mostly deal with Rivain and his attempt to use one of his agents to destroy a Qunari port. This Qunari port has remained neutral and by attacking it, Solas would be provoking direct aggression against the Qunari. He had intentions of making it look to be an assault by Tevinter forces and thus the Ben-Hassrath would have to involve themselves and all-out war would have been broken loose. Fortunately, as will be better described in the next note, this is able to be avoided. However, by the end of Tevinter Nights, it’s revealed that Solas is in possession of the red lyrium idol that wasn’t actually destroyed but still housed within Knight-Commander Meredith in Kirkwall. It is strongly implied he needs this idol to complete his ritual to tear down the veil, and descriptions focusing on the figure cradling another seem to suggest it does have something to do with Mythal. The Ben-Hassareth: Do you remember Gatt? Well, Gatt’s back and he is involved in the whole debacle of Solas nearly destroying a Rivain port. Fortunately, a Tevinter Altus-gone-thief was able to stop the Fen’Harel agent from acting out her plan to detonate a relic that would completely obliterate the port and make it look as if Tevinter was the aggressor. Gatt and the Altus agree that the Dread Wolf’s agenda must’ve been an attempt to force the Ben-Hassrath from their neutrality, as it is suggested that the Ben-Hassrath do not recognize the Antaam’s recent actions and showcase that the Qunari under the Qun are no longer acting completely as one. Thedas is honestly a mess right now. The Tevinter Imperium: We know it’s no secret that Tevinter will be much of the playing field for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. So, what’s been going on? Dorian is in the Magisterium, the first Magister to enlist servants and not slaves, and he and Magister Maevaris Tilani are one of the few trying to actively push for change in the Imperium (we love to see it). War against the Qunari does not seem to be going well for Tevinter. They’ve lost several strongholds and cities to the Qunari and war in the Northern territories has left many victims. Yet, the Imperium continues to feign normalcy. The Venatori: Inquisition was certainly only a beginning for them. Though now masterless, the Venatori are still thriving in Tevinter society. Some Magisters are known to be Venatori agents, and the Venatori themselves attempted to active a ritual that Corypheus had in store for Minrathous, had the city refused his godhood. Such seems to include waking up something very ancient and very old underneath Minrathous that has been imprisoned and needed Venatori amulets to wake it up and cause great destruction to the city. Fortunately, the Venatori are stopped, by Tevinter Templars none the less, and the ritual - for now - is paused. What could be underneath Minrathous? It isn’t said, though it is said that a “demon” is an inappropriate word. My personal running theory is that it might be the archdemon Razikale, but if you want my conspiracy theory on that, just let me know. Either way, the Venatori still have their fangs deep in the Imperium, despite “public” rejection of the cult. The State of Nevarra: Several short stories focused on the Mortalitasi, and with the “necromancy” class having been explored in Dragon Age: Inquisition, I think there’s more importance to the death mages that have yet to be seen. However, for the most part, it should be noted that Nevarra might be on the brink of a civil war. With their king in very poor health and with half the country seeming to have claims to the throne, I can imagine a very “game of thrones” style predicament rising within the nation if the king comes to pass and everyone wants the throne for themselves. Perhaps an element of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will be helping decide who’ll sit on the Nevarran throne. Masters of Fortune: Several times, there has been characters belonging to what they call “Masters of Fortune,” that appear to be like Rivani treasure hunters. I make note of them because I think they might be a faction or a party we will see more of in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, or perhaps one of our party companions will be a Master of Fortune themselves, as there is concept art of a very pirate-esque character with a lot of gold rising out of the sea as a ship burns behind them and fit very much the descriptors of the Masters of Fortune in the books. Unmask “Those Across the Sea:” Do you remember this war table operation? Perhaps give it another look. Briefly, there is a character identified as an Executor who has come to Thedas to investigate this Dread Wolf. It seems much like with the Rift, Solas has also brought curiosity to these mysterious figures. Will we perhaps be getting to know more about them come the next game? Interesting enough, Solas directly states in Tevinter Nights not to trust them. What is the Dread Wolf: Perhaps one of the most interesting short stories in Tevinter Nights is one called “Call Back.” In it, Skyhold is mostly abandoned (as again, perhaps Bioware’s canon is the Inquisition being disbanded, or disgrace has forced the organization elsewhere). In it, Sutherland and his party return to answer why the few who remained at the stronghold have gone quiet. Shenanigans ensue, and it seems to be due to a demon hunting them down. The demon? A terrible monstrosity in the form of both dragon and wolf that resides in the paintings done by the elven apostate in the rotunda, that declares itself “the regret of a god.” Regret hunts down Sutherland and his party, but through Sutherland’s faith in the Inquisition, he’s able to drive the Dreaded Wolf back into the mural, where it retreats into the fade and seems to “hunt” for the one who’s regret had summoned it. Personal note: In some murals leaked by Bioware, we do see a depiction of what we think is the Dread Wolf with red eyes and almost somewhat reptilian features that I think is actually this demon named “regret.” As it is different enough from the depictions of the other Dread Wolf with more normal wolfish features and green eyes. The Grey Wardens: The Wardens still seem to be active and doing their duties across Thedas. Not much to really mention on them, though I doubt Inquisition’s option to exile them was the last we’ll see of our beloved Order. With two Blights to go, I’m hoping we’ll see them again. For the meantime, I imagine they’re still trying to regroup and regather their strength from the humiliation that was Corypheus. The Elven Pantheon: There is a rather disturbing short story that involves Grey Wardens uncovering an elven ritual chamber in the heart of a mountain. It lies past Dwarven ruins and upon the murals, what first seems to be sick elves being transported by halla driven aravels to a place of perhaps quarantine, are instead, revealed to be elven slaves cowering as their masters force sickness into them and the hallas are mutated into monstrous creatures with many horns. Within the mountain, there seems to be a lake of lyrium, and from the lake, creatures of Frankenstein proportions are created, horrific hyprids of each other. The Wardens are forced to destroy the chamber, but the murals hinted that there are eleven other mountains hosting such horrors. What does this have to due with the Elven Pantheon? Given the murals depict an uglier truth of the age of the Arlathan, Solas’ words can be taken with some truth, that perhaps these weren’t gods to be worshiped. I can’t help but think with this humane-centipede story, the story of the goddess Ghilan’nain, who was said to have created creatures for both land, sea, and air. With the fate of them and the Forgotten Ones being imprisoned still beyond the veil that might soon come down, perhaps we’ll have better wished, those elven gods stayed locked up in their prisons. ... For now, that is my initial thoughts on concluding Tevinter Nights and how I think the start of Thedas might be in the beginning of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Of course, this is mostly vague and doesn’t include complete synopsis and direct texts that made me come to my conclusions, and trust me, there’s so much more I can say. If you want more, or have your own thoughts if you’ve read the text, or think I have misunderstood something, please, comment below. However, I suggest reading Tevinter Nights for yourself as I think what has been revealed within those short stories is really going to set the stage for Dreadwolf. For now, my concluding thoughts is that: The Qunari and Tevinter war will be at the forefront, with Solas using the chaos to his advantage, but obviously, there’s so much more that’s going on beneath the surface, I don’t think any truth we will be initially presented with will be one we should trust. - Ardie. **can also be found on reddit @ lore & theories page

#dragon age #dragon age dreadwolf #dreadwolf #dread wolf #da4 #dai #dragon age inquisition #inquisition #da #da origins #dragon age origins #da2 #dragon age 2 #tevinter nights #biowar #potential spoilers #feel free to share c: i felt like i was mad rambling but i think i might have a nugget of something here ahhh

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misculenica · 2 years

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Solas' True Name thoughts

Okay, so.

From Tevinter Nights (specifically Genetivi Dies in the End); we know that the Antaam (Qunari) are looking for Solas' true name - because it would allow them to exploit Solas' weaknesses.

And a lot of people (including myself) thought this was a little bit of an anomaly from what we understand of the world of gods/spirits/people etc. It's just kind of weird.

There are 2 ways to look at this, from what I can see;

Knowing his 'true name', it may be possible to track down other iterations of Solas; his past actions/methods to predict his current/future plans.

Knowing his 'true name' will give them some literal power over him, like how we (irl) might understand the summoning/banishing of demons and the like.

Now.

1 sounds a lot more reasonable than 2, but hear me out.

In Origins, there are codex entries concerning things called 'The Black Vials'

Why is this important, you ask?

Every one of them involves a person being bound by using their 'true name' - and we know this was done because you have to kill the people who were bound (who became revenants).

True names and how they relate to binding individuals is not a new concept.

We know that people can be bound (by their true name).

So I'm just going to say, I am very very-veryveryvery- interested to see what comes of this.

My understanding of these entries is as follow;

these were people who were undead bodies possessed by desire or pride demons - that were then bound by phylacteries (vial of blood to track mages) and probably blood magic. These were entities that are considered 'boss level' enemies to fight - therefore, it makes sense that they were bound/sealed away where nobody could find them instead of killed (mmmm fascinating... wonder where we've heard this one before........)

The Antaam must then believe that 'Solas' and 'Fen'Harel' are new names for a person who once was, someone who's body was taken over by a desire or pride demon - and since Solas means pride - I don't blame them one bit for thinking that. Hell, a good chunk of the fandom theorizes that Solas is actually a pride demon (/spirit of wisdom) who took physical form. So; if they found out who the 'original body-owner' was, they could bind him 'for eternity' because realistically; the Qun 1. doesn't really stand a chance of killing him, and 2. they don't kill their mages, that cut out their tongues and bind them. It kind of fits.

Now, this could all be me with my late night tinfoil hat and corkboard mentality stretching the dots with my need for answers, but I very much like the prospect that we'll learn more about Solas, and what his 'true name' is. Knowing the Dread Wolf and his views on the idea of people being 'bound' especially 'bound for all of eternity'.

Please let this come up in DA:D, please.

Sorry for the long post and grammar/spelling errors.

#dragon age #dragon age dreadwolf #solas #theory #fen'harel #dread wolf #qunari #true name #dragon age spoilers #tevinter nights #genitivi dies in the end #nae_theory

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nightingaletrash · 10 months

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So I read DA: the Missing and I don't really get the necessity of the story? It just felt like Varric and Harding were just meeting a bunch of Tevinter Nights characters and then came to the same conclusion that we reached back at the end of Trespasser? And also to go 'hey look, Varric's getting old now! See that? He's going grey and shit!'

Also reinforced the divorced vibes he has with Solas lmao

But yeah, I'm not sure why this was a story that needed telling. It didn't break any new ground or share anything we didn't know. The best I can guess is that bioware wanted to give faces to some TN characters so they'll be more recognisable in-game, to give us a glimpse of what to expect in the Arlathan forest, and to introduce the Veil Jumpers and Shadow Dragons. I did see speculation that it's also setting Varric up for a Duncan-esque role in Dreadwolf - an older mentor figure whose death at the end of the prologue will serve as motivation to pursue justice against his killer - and that would be fitting, considering that Gaider has wanted to kill Varric for years, but does that justify a whole comic?

I dunno, it just felt like there wasn't enough substance to it. Honestly, the resources and energy could have gone into marketing instead, like doing a series of 'Meet the Character' articles like ZOS does in the run up to a DLC release for ESO, and shorts introducing the new factions. It'd be a lot more accessible than a comic would be and would generate much more interest around the game.

#dragon age #da the missing #dadw #spoilers #varric tethras #lace harding #but yeah this comic really was just varric and harding going from one place to another. meet a tevinter nights character. move on.#and it didnt really offer anything of substance imo

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mrs-gauche · 2 years

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Solas: *takes two years of meticulous planning to initiate a series of events that would precisely direct each and every step of the Inquisitor's actions, to lead them through like a dozen mirrors, half the world and an entire Qunari plot, have them go exactly the way he wants them to go in order to see the truth about the past with their own eyes and to ultimately lead them to him, so that he could save their life and finally deliver the answers to a gazillion questions in a conversation he had been preparing for for two whole years*

Also Solas: "It was a moment of weakness."

Yeah, you tell that to yourself honey.

#*proceeds to let Charter live and report all that information to the Inquisitor*#this man wants to be stopped so desperately it's actually hilarious #lmaoo #tevinter nights #tevinter nights spoilers #solas

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arsuledin · 1 year

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Here’s a couple of things I learned from Tevinter Nights and the short stories (spoilers, I guess, if you still intend to read?):

Solas can now, apparently, kill people in their sleep aside from just turning them to stone.

The last fresco painting was finished by a demon of Regret, born from Solas’ remorse at what he intends to do and the fact he lied to the Inquisition. ( “I was born from the regret of a god—” Callback, page 128. ) Solas originally had an outline of it just being the last battle of Corypheus, but since spirits can’t lie, the spirit reveals a giant looming wolf blended with a dragon, indicating Solas consuming Mytal’s powers.

The people that follow him are ruthless. I was listening to a YouTube video on it, and the things they’re willing to do to support him is pretty insane. The fact that some would rather take a poisonous pill when captured than spill anything about Solas is telling.

The Executors are dangerous enough for Solas to be keeping an eye on them, and also to kill one in the middle of a ‘spy’ meet up. He also killed them before they could share any information they had on him, so I’m assuming it’s some good stuff. Why does he take their staff though??

Solas decreed that any calling forth demons or using spirits will be his to take. I guess binding spirits and such has an adverse effect on his ability to bring down the Veil.

“I have no choice. What I’m doing will save the world, and those like you. The elves who still remain may even find it better when it is done.” “There are a lot I care for who would not.” Solas smiles sadly. “I know that feeling well.” ( Ow.)

“I am not a God, Charter. I am prideful, hotheaded, and foolish.”

When asked why he came personally to the meeting of spies, he eventually gives in and says it was because the Inquisition was involved, which I can only assume he literally went out of his way to go just to tell Charter to tell the Inquisitor he’s sorry. Obviously there is more to why he went, but he could’ve just as easily sent someone else in his place.

“Why did you come?” “Because you told the Inquisitor you were going to destroy the world. Did you expect us not to try and stop you?” “It was a moment of weakness. I told myself it was because you all deserved to know. To live a few years in peace before my ritual’s complete. Before this world ended.” “Then perhaps we are not the only ones you lied to. You do not have to do this.” — I’m assuming that Charter means Solas was lying to himself when he revealed his intentions to the Inquisitor. He says it’s because he wants to warn them, but maybe, deep down, his true hope was to let them know so the Inquisitor can stop him.

#ch. study |「 I'LL KEEP MY LANTERNS LIT 」#hc(s) |「 SUCH A STUBBORN BEAST IS BEST AWAY FROM THE FLOCK 」#tevinter night spoilers

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