The Blanketfort (crying and throwing up) - The Official Solas Thread [Spoilers]

Since WoT says the elves first felt the Quickening in -2850 Ancient, the Veil must have been created sometime before that, which means Solas had been in Uthenera for some 3790 years if he had been napping ever since he took that action. That is a very long time but it is quite possible that when you are deep into the sleep trance you lose track of time as you wander the Fade.

We don't know exactly what happened when he created the Veil. Perhaps he did pass out initially but I think it more likely that he had already entered Uthenera before the final act of creating the Veil because he needed to be there in order to co-ordinate the ritual. Also, perhaps his presence was necessary in order to entice the Evanuris into his trap. Plus, if he anticipated the magic would drain him, then he would have to ensured he was somewhere safe whilst he recovered. The Keepers seemed to believe that Fen'Harel stalked the Fade, preying on the unwary, and I believe that is based on one or more having a close shave with him there.

Of course, it is possible that he fell unconscious, awoke and then entered Uthenera. What has always puzzled me is how he knew to awake when he did. Did his orb have some sort of alarm on it to tell him when it was fully charged? Felassan was around for at least 20 years before the events of Masked Empire, so what was he doing during that time? Just looking for some stooge to do the deal with Imshael? If so, it would seem that Solas was waiting for him to activate the network before he awoke. So, I thought that perhaps he was safe in one of those pocket realms within the Crossroads network but that he wouldn't be able to get out until someone activated the network for him, which might explain why he was so angry with Felassan because perhaps he had to wander the Fade and locate Briala in order to discover the password in order for him to escape. Or may be he was able to escape but he just didn't like someone changing his plan.

Another possibility is that he developed a split personality as a result of the Veil, so when Solas is in Uthenera it is in that persona that he wanders the Fade and interacts with the spirits there but when he returns to his physical body, the shade of Fen'Harel takes his place in the Fade. He can also swap to Fen'Harel when in Uthenera if he so chooses in order to confront his enemies.

No, I haven't

I think it is more akin to a deep hibernation. Felassan explained that the most adept were able to go into such a deep state of slumber that they drew their sustenance wholly from the Fade, which is what I think must have been the case with Solas, particularly if he was in the Crossroads rather than the Thedas side of the Veil. It also seems as though you can be revived from this state because Felassan was deeply upset when they discovered one of these deep state ancients whose throat had been cut, likely when their servant discovered they had been trapped in the network, either by the Veil or whoever chose to shut it down. He said that they could have helped, although he never said with what. The reader naturally thinks he meant they could have helped their little party but I think he may have been referring to something else, possibly connected with Solas. Also, Mihris said how the Dalish believe those in Uthenera were able to contact their allies through the Fade and even send spirits to aid them and whilst Felassan appeared to ridicule this, I think it was likely because it was very near the truth. Solas at least was capable of doing this since he interacted with Felassan through the Fade and the latter entered Uthenera in order that he could do so. There are also ways to avoid such contact but it seems like this would be taxing to maintain.

Still, I think that definitely suggests that those in Uthenera are not unconscious within the Fade but appear that way to outsiders. You will recall that this was how it appeared with Feynriel in DA2 when he had retreated inside his own mind to escape the demons plaguing him, so to his mother he appeared unconscious and unresponsive, but once our minds joined his in the Fade he was perfectly able to communicate with us.

My nightmare (former) Bf:

Willing to destroy the world if it advances his agenda.
Willing to sacrifice even his old friends if they challenge him over his intent.
Keeps apologising for said actions, yet unwilling to consider alternatives or explain why not.

It's kinda funny that Solas and Morrigan refer to the Well of Sorrows as "power", considering that all it gives you is a lore dump and the ability to speak fluent elfy.

What else? Controlling a high dragon? That's not a lot in the grand scheme of things, unless it means you could gain control over a few more at least. Perhaps one could argue that with this deep knowledge, you might unlock ancient magic, but I suspect that it depends on whether the spirits of the Well (and Mythal) approve of it.

Maybe there is a lot more you can do, but the game simply didn't bother to expand upon it. Or who knows? It could be that Solas and Morrigan simply abide by that old saying: "Knowledge is power".

gervaise21 If you're interested, I've found this incredible article that goes quite in depth into the parallels between the DA elves and indigenous peoples. It goes beyond the superficial "both live in the forest and have lost their land".

tepkunset.medium.com/indigenous-coding-in-the-elves-of-dragon-age-f77b71caeda2

That you, that was most interesting. I also agree with the author in her conclusions, including:
In the tweet from David Gaider included in the Forward, he claimed to regret making real life analogies to the world of Dragon Age. I sincerely disbelieve this. He has never had a problem accepting accolades for his real life analogies before. The only thing Gaider — and Weekes — appear to regret is when people expect accountability for their writing and world-building decisions. But what exactly is praise for things are done well worth, without accountability when things could use improvement?
My problem with some of the decisions and comments with regard to the Dalish in DAI is how little respect they seem to show for the culture they developed in the previous two games, particularly considering how close the analogy was to the real world minority cultures they had previously claimed to base them on. It wasn't that other characters made those criticisms but that Lavellan was so seldom given the opportunity to defend their people. This was particularly noticeable in JoH where everyone, including Ameridan, seemed to dump on the Dalish. I think the author of that piece was only referencing the main game in DAI, as I don't recall any mention of JoH or Trespasser, although DLC were mentioned from previous games.  However, all the specific incidents that the author picked up on were ones I have previously commented about on the boards, particularly the War Table mission concerning the weeping halla.  I wonder if she knew about what happens if you are in a relationship with Sera after the Temple of Mythal and how she viewed that.   Mind you, I never understood how Lavellan would get into a relationship with Sera in the first place given her antagonism towards anything "elfy", unless she hated her own culture.  Anyway, once again, thank you for posting this.

Yes, and they did acknowledge that at least Lavellan can say this in refusing to remove their vallaslin. To be honest, I feel that even if they were slave markings (and we only have Solas' perspective on this, since he could regard pledging allegiance to a god as becoming a slave to them), in fact the Dalish have inadvertently caused them to have the completely opposite meaning: they are the sign of the elves who would not submit to the dominant power of the time, which in that case is the Chantry and human rule.

That said, with regard to the vallaslin, I do wonder if Fen'Harel's insistence on removing them was just to show the rebels symbolically they were now free. I know people have suggested this before and I generally disregarded the idea but could they have been a way for the Evanuris to contact, co-ordinate or even control the actions of their followers? I was thinking again about the idea that those in Uthenera could contact their allies from a distance or send spirits to aid them. They would need something to identify them so the spirits didn't aid the wrong people or are we to assume it was just based on mind reading? Then there are all those magical rituals involving thousands of elves working together. Did the vallaslin aid in keeping them focused and in harmony? Is that what Solas actually meant by slave markings; that they allowed the control of the mind of the followers rather than simply indicated ownership?

The geas associated with the Well of Sorrows allowed Mythal to control the drinker and, of course, if you have the arcane knowledge ability, you deduce this is associated with the collective will of the spirits of the priesthood somehow contained within it. Abelas also said that you would be "bound as we are bound" to the will of Mythal. Were they simply bound by an oath they made to Mythal on joining her service, or were the vallaslin involved in this binding? Was this the same for all the gods? So, when Fen'Harel removed the vallaslin, he removed the binding so they could no longer be controlled by their god.

Patrick Weekes @patrickweekes
my dream bf
- 6ish ft
- dreamer and painter
- thoughtful and sensitive
- (redacted) years old
- eyes that can freeze you with a look
- hates tea
- strong opinions on forced servitude
- late sleeper
- has old friends
- can kill a dragon
- hair optional
- loves me
- loves wolves



Solas lore. toll

One way to spot an ancient elf, look for the tall dude.


As in really old friends?   

You know, apart from the "hates tea", that is pretty much my wish list for a bf.    It probably accounts for why I fell for Solas first run and why I felt so deflated after he went off without an explanation at the end.  That final party really wasn't a celebration for me without him there and that final balcony scene with Lavellan standing there all alone, gazing wistfully off into the sunset, was so sad.   Also a bit too close to my real life experience.

However, I found the ideal remedy.   Immediately start another game with a male Lavellan, make him gay, fall for Dorian, persuade him to stay, feel real elation that we both survived that is shared by him, have final happy balcony scene.   Nothing like real life but that is why I play fantasy. 

Two questions about your female Lavellan:

1. Assuming it's been 10 years since Trespasser, is she still pinning over Solas?

2. After all this time, would she get into a relationship with someone else?

There is a new DA:D and Solas merch item in the BioWare Gear Store.

Dragon Age Dreadwolf Keepsake Box
gear.bioware.com/en-eu/products/dragon-age-dreadwolf-keepsake-box (if you'd like a 20% off discount code, just sent me a PM   )

"YOU HAVE QUESTIONS…

I suspect you have questions… Indeed we do, but for now those questions will go unanswered until it is the right time for them to be resolved. Store them away along with other precious memories of your beloved elf in this ornate box.

Interior lid quote in gold printing:

“NO REAL GOD NEED PROVE HIMSELF. ANYONE WHO TRIES IS MAD OR LYING”"

THE REDEEMER HAS ARRIVED

A heretic, a betrayer of clans, a destroyer, or a redeemer; whatever you want to call Solas, you cannot deny his relentless resolve to bring back all of Elven land to its past glory. A companion to the inquisitor, he whispered words of wisdom and his endearing embrace (at least to his female companion). But times have changed and with the events not turning out the way they should have, the humble elf has had to reveal himself as the elven god Fen'Harel, The Dread Wolf.

The great betrayer is back to accomplish his prophetic mission of protecting
the elven people from internal war and civil strife, tearing down the veil, and rectifying his past trials.

This vibrant canvas print captures the Dread Wolf deep in thought. His devilishly calm visage and royal regalia steer away from his pedestrian apprentice armor. And while you lose yourself in his gold ornamented crest and the green halo, his malevolent mind plays tricks on yours. Through the canvas and across the realms, this Dread Wolf bewitches the beholder.

The stretched canvas is spread over a ¾” wood frame. Hang it in your gaming dungeon or living room as you prepare yourself to confront the agents of Fen'Harel and the elven lord himself.
---
This was posted over on the Schmooples thread. I recall the picture being featured before on the boards but I thought that was connected with a Bioware blog post of associated fan art. When I checked the merchandise site, I only got the picture, not the associated narrative. When it featured previously, I questioned him being titled "the Redeemer", particularly since one of the choices given in Trespasser was to "Redeem" him. Neither use of the word is actually applicable to Solas if you go by its true meaning. It doesn't simply mean "save" but to ransom or pay off a debt on their behalf in order to free them. I really don't see how that applies to Solas unless there is another part to his story we don't yet know.

Also what "prophetic" mission?   Who made the prophesy?    Just Solas vowing to do these things, doesn't make it a prophesy.   A prophesy is when someone, usually independent of the events, predicts they will happen.    To be a true prophet those events actually have to happen as predicted, a false prophet is when they don't.      Just saying, "I will do this", isn't a prophesy.   Saying: "So and so will do this, this will follow and this is what will happen to me/you/them as a result, is a prophesy".

"Rectifying his past trials."   Surely that should read "past mistakes"?   Is the problem here an incorrect translation of a text that wasn't originally in English?