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Post by dayze on Apr 7, 2023 19:45:18 GMT
Well; the mural seems to be showing someone helping another through the process of death To be honest, I'm not sure what it is meant to be depicting. However, something else has just struck me and that is the abnormal length of the lower figure's neck. Is this just really poor illustration or deliberate? It gave me deja vu for the elves in DA2, although even they weren't as long as this one. Meanwhile, the upper figure makes me think of the elven mosaics of the Evanuris with the elongated face and odd looking nose. Obviously the ears of both are hidden by their head gear. I just find the whole image really strange and not in keeping with any of the murals we have seen before in connection with the ancient elves, particularly those painted by Solas. The headdress on the upper figure calls to mind not so much the weird creature in the concept art, or Solas' mural in the trailer, but the Archon in Magekiller if his hat lost a bit of its starch. Notice the close up shows how similar the design is around the face. There is a similarity in the big shoulder pads too. So, did Archon Radonis base his robes on earlier art they discovered in elven ruins? Or do all illustrators think alike when it comes to what they think are the robes of rulers? Incidentally, I would find the figures more impressive and convincing as Evanuris if their robes had the colour of the Archon's rather than sludge brown. Thinking about abnormal prorportions, some of the Evanuris statues in DAO have unusually long arms, and in the fade some of the (barbarian?) statues that seem to be part insect have unusually long arms/forelegs(?). One of the comments I've come across is how the Elven-statues resemble the "Architect" from the darkspawn.....got me thinking, multiple elongated forearms like The Children, Tentacles like the Brood mother, body type as the Architect but seemingly female. Were the priests of the elven ruling class "Awakened" Darkspawn? I've seen the barbarian-statue referred to as "Maferath Statues", the part insect aspect makes me think of "The Children" darkspawn from the Awakening DLC. Looking at the mage, one of the thing's it makes you wonder about is, supposedly Tevinter built much of it's society off the fall and appropriation of Elven societies and culture. Have to wonder how much of a representation of elven culture it might really be. I mean even some of the Venatori hoods still have "elven ears" on them.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 8, 2023 9:01:29 GMT
Looking at the mage, one of the thing's it makes you wonder about is, supposedly Tevinter built much of it's society off the fall and appropriation of Elven societies and culture. Have to wonder how much of a representation of elven culture it might really be. I seem to recall that Dorian noticed the similarity between the two. If the Dalish could develop a culture mostly based off old pictures and items they found in elven ruins, why not the humans too? Also, I've always thought it odd how the rise of the "human" Dreamers occurred only around 50 years after the elves felt the Quickening (raising of the Veil) and the majority went into retreat (effective hibernation). I'm fully convinced that not all elves went into retreat but instead integrated with the barbarian tribes and likely inter married as well, the resulting children inheriting their magical ability but not their appearance. It was these elf-bloodied humans who became the first Dreamers and priests of the Old Gods, directing the development of their civilisation and hierarchies to mimic that of the Evanuris. The reverence for dragons would fit with this and the assumption that the Old Gods would be in dragon form (since I don't think they ever saw their deities in the flesh). It would seem that the barbarians already respected mages as shamans and guides with respect to the spirit world, so it didn't require much upheaval for the magical priesthood to now assume leadership in secular matters as well. This was finally consolidated by Darinius when he united the three separate kingdoms into the Imperium, with the High Priests of the Old Gods forming the first Magisterium. It is noticeable that all the Altus claim their ancestry dates to the first Dreamers. I've also brought up on another thread the reaction of the dwarves of Kal-Sharok, the then capital of the dwarven civilisation, first to the establishment of the Imperium and then later the refugees of the destruction of the city in Arlathan Forest. Despite the apparent friendly overtures of Archon Darinius and the official alliance of the dwarves with the kingdom of Tevinter before the unification, only 25 years later King Stonehammer moved the captial down south to Orzammar, about as far as you can get away from the Imperium, which at that time had not conquered the nations south of the Waking Sea. Scholars have suggested he was worried about the rising strength of the Imperium and I now wonder if this could be because he saw the similarities between the Imperium and something in the Memories about a previous empire ruled by mages who enslaved the dwarves, even though they were not human. This idea seems further strengthened by the fact that it was the dwarves of Kal-Sharok that took action against Cad'Halash for sheltering the elven refugees. The theory by the dwarf in Witch Hunt was they did this to cover up dwarf involvement so as not to jeopardise the alliance with the Imperium. However, the thaig was far to the south and much closer to Orzammar, yet it was Kal-Sharok dwarves who took the action. This suggests to me that did this on their own initiative, without orders from the King. Were they just worried about their relationship with Tevinter, or were they concerned about the appearance of the elves themselves? Were they fearful that the elves, with access to lyrium, might resume their previous domination? There is also the curious reaction of the Imperium to the discovery of the elves. This first came about through their settlements encroaching on the forest and the inhabitants being attacked but the Imperium did nothing in retaliation, even when emissaries sent to establish friendly contact did not return alive. This was some decades before -998 Ancient when several settlements on the edge of the forest "disappeared". Yet, it was not until Archon Thalasian in -981 that the Imperium finally declared war. So, including at least two decades before -998, that would make it some 37 years that the citizens of the Imperium were threatened and attacked, yet the Imperium did nothing. Was this because their archives contained records that would make them extremely reluctant to antagonise the elves? If so, it would seem it was with good reason. The siege of the city lasted 6 years, consuming Imperial resources and weakening their position against their southern human neighbours, whilst the elves showed no sign of capitulating, forcing the Vints into using a massive blood magic spell to bring about victory. Presumably the elf defenders were very little different to the Sentinels, probably just more numerous and possibly with access to greater magical artifacts to aid them. Nevertheless, did they have access to lyrium? If not, what might they have achieved with it? Also, did they have access to an active eluvian? Could this be how they maintained themselves in the face of the siege and how the refugees successfully evaded the Vints on the fall of the city? Not all of the elves escaped. In fact most of the ordinary inhabitants seem to have been taken captive. So, I would hazard a guess that the ones who did escape were likely the priesthood and their immediate followers. Such a group, with access to lyrium, could well have formed the basis for a new elven power in the south. No wonder the dwarves of Kal-Sharok wanted to nip that in the bud.
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Post by necrowaif on Apr 10, 2023 5:06:55 GMT
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 10, 2023 7:40:44 GMT
I happened to check the page for The Missing Issue #4, and it looks like this adventure is wrapping up in Minrathous. That's why we were speculating if their contact in Minrathous is the same mage that was featured in concept art back in 2021. Based off the cover, there does seem a strong possibility this person is going to feature in the issue but whether as friend or foe remains to be seen.
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Post by Hanako Ikezawa on Apr 10, 2023 15:22:03 GMT
Curious what the tough decision they have to make will be.
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Post by Iddy on Apr 10, 2023 16:11:58 GMT
Curious what the tough decision they have to make will be. To kill or not to kill Solas, I guess.
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Post by necrowaif on Apr 10, 2023 16:25:02 GMT
More likely, whether or not to form an alliance with the Venatori to bring down the Dread Wolf.
Varric agrees, but Harding refuses to work with the Inquisition’s old enemies. She also believes Solas can still be persuaded to turn away from his genocidal campaign.
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Post by eaglepursuit on Apr 10, 2023 16:26:48 GMT
Curious what the tough decision they have to make will be. To kill or not to kill Solas, I guess. I don't think that's the case. Or it's going to be funny going through all of DA:D thinking, "We could have avoided this whole stupid mess if Varric had only pulled the trigger back in Minrathous." Rather, maybe Solas is will ask Varric to join him.
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Post by colfoley on Apr 10, 2023 19:30:39 GMT
I don't think the choice will involve Solas at all really, at least not directly. More likely internal Tevinter politics or their war with the Qunari.
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Post by dayze on Apr 10, 2023 20:44:24 GMT
Looking at the mage, one of the thing's it makes you wonder about is, supposedly Tevinter built much of it's society off the fall and appropriation of Elven societies and culture. Have to wonder how much of a representation of elven culture it might really be. I seem to recall that Dorian noticed the similarity between the two. If the Dalish could develop a culture mostly based off old pictures and items they found in elven ruins, why not the humans too? Also, I've always thought it odd how the rise of the "human" Dreamers occurred only around 50 years after the elves felt the Quickening (raising of the Veil) and the majority went into retreat (effective hibernation). I'm fully convinced that not all elves went into retreat but instead integrated with the barbarian tribes and likely inter married as well, the resulting children inheriting their magical ability but not their appearance. It was these elf-bloodied humans who became the first Dreamers and priests of the Old Gods, directing the development of their civilisation and hierarchies to mimic that of the Evanuris. The reverence for dragons would fit with this and the assumption that the Old Gods would be in dragon form (since I don't think they ever saw their deities in the flesh). It would seem that the barbarians already respected mages as shamans and guides with respect to the spirit world, so it didn't require much upheaval for the magical priesthood to now assume leadership in secular matters as well. This was finally consolidated by Darinius when he united the three separate kingdoms into the Imperium, with the High Priests of the Old Gods forming the first Magisterium. It is noticeable that all the Altus claim their ancestry dates to the first Dreamers. I've also brought up on another thread the reaction of the dwarves of Kal-Sharok, the then capital of the dwarven civilisation, first to the establishment of the Imperium and then later the refugees of the destruction of the city in Arlathan Forest. Despite the apparent friendly overtures of Archon Darinius and the official alliance of the dwarves with the kingdom of Tevinter before the unification, only 25 years later King Stonehammer moved the captial down south to Orzammar, about as far as you can get away from the Imperium, which at that time had not conquered the nations south of the Waking Sea. Scholars have suggested he was worried about the rising strength of the Imperium and I now wonder if this could be because he saw the similarities between the Imperium and something in the Memories about a previous empire ruled by mages who enslaved the dwarves, even though they were not human. This idea seems further strengthened by the fact that it was the dwarves of Kal-Sharok that took action against Cad'Halash for sheltering the elven refugees. The theory by the dwarf in Witch Hunt was they did this to cover up dwarf involvement so as not to jeopardise the alliance with the Imperium. However, the thaig was far to the south and much closer to Orzammar, yet it was Kal-Sharok dwarves who took the action. This suggests to me that did this on their own initiative, without orders from the King. Were they just worried about their relationship with Tevinter, or were they concerned about the appearance of the elves themselves? Were they fearful that the elves, with access to lyrium, might resume their previous domination? There is also the curious reaction of the Imperium to the discovery of the elves. This first came about through their settlements encroaching on the forest and the inhabitants being attacked but the Imperium did nothing in retaliation, even when emissaries sent to establish friendly contact did not return alive. This was some decades before -998 Ancient when several settlements on the edge of the forest "disappeared". Yet, it was not until Archon Thalasian in -981 that the Imperium finally declared war. So, including at least two decades before -998, that would make it some 37 years that the citizens of the Imperium were threatened and attacked, yet the Imperium did nothing. Was this because their archives contained records that would make them extremely reluctant to antagonise the elves? If so, it would seem it was with good reason. The siege of the city lasted 6 years, consuming Imperial resources and weakening their position against their southern human neighbours, whilst the elves showed no sign of capitulating, forcing the Vints into using a massive blood magic spell to bring about victory. Presumably the elf defenders were very little different to the Sentinels, probably just more numerous and possibly with access to greater magical artifacts to aid them. Nevertheless, did they have access to lyrium? If not, what might they have achieved with it? Also, did they have access to an active eluvian? Could this be how they maintained themselves in the face of the siege and how the refugees successfully evaded the Vints on the fall of the city? Not all of the elves escaped. In fact most of the ordinary inhabitants seem to have been taken captive. So, I would hazard a guess that the ones who did escape were likely the priesthood and their immediate followers. Such a group, with access to lyrium, could well have formed the basis for a new elven power in the south. No wonder the dwarves of Kal-Sharok wanted to nip that in the bud. I didn't even consider the possibility of inter-breeding between humans and elves.....not only could Tevinter have notable elven influence they could quite literally "be" the last remnants of the Elven Empire. Not simply influenced by it.
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Games: Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
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Post by RelevantRevenant on Apr 11, 2023 4:57:57 GMT
To kill or not to kill Solas, I guess. I don't think that's the case. Or it's going to be funny going through all of DA:D thinking, "We could have avoided this whole stupid mess if Varric had only pulled the trigger back in Minrathous." Rather, maybe Solas is will ask Varric to join him. Maybe Harding will be the one who is more sympathetic to Solas' cause?
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 11, 2023 9:44:42 GMT
I don't think the choice will involve Solas at all really, at least not directly. More likely internal Tevinter politics or their war with the Qunari. I'm inclined to agree with you on this one since I find it hard to believe they will end up making a decision that could have such lasting repercussions on the actual game. I suppose it could be something like Briala's decision to prolong the civil war in Orlais, so may be they have the chance to end the conflict between the Antaam and Tevinter but that would allow Solas' trail to go cold and so they let the opportunity pass. Or may be the series will end with the decision still to be made and that is where our new hero will come in. Initially they will just be proving their worth to the Inquisition and perhaps forming the start of their own team. Then, either go with Harding and route X or opt for Varric and route Y. Each will ultimately arrive at the same point in the future but with differing benefits and drawbacks and something/someone sacrificed along the way. A bit like the Mage/Templar decision but with different factions.
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Post by Hanako Ikezawa on Apr 11, 2023 14:48:23 GMT
I don't think the choice will involve Solas at all really, at least not directly. More likely internal Tevinter politics or their war with the Qunari. I'm inclined to agree with you on this one since I find it hard to believe they will end up making a decision that could have such lasting repercussions on the actual game. I suppose it could be something like Briala's decision to prolong the civil war in Orlais, so may be they have the chance to end the conflict between the Antaam and Tevinter but that would allow Solas' trail to go cold and so they let the opportunity pass. Or may be the series will end with the decision still to be made and that is where our new hero will come in. Initially they will just be proving their worth to the Inquisition and perhaps forming the start of their own team. Then, either go with Harding and route X or opt for Varric and route Y. Each will ultimately arrive at the same point in the future but with differing benefits and drawbacks and something/someone sacrificed along the way. A bit like the Mage/Templar decision but with different factions. I doubt they’d do the first one. After all they want the fanbase to like these characters, and “we could have ended the war but we didn’t letting countless people die” wouldn’t do that. If they did do that, I hope we have the option to kill both of them on the spot.
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Games: Mass Effect Trilogy, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age Inquisition, KOTOR, Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Jade Empire, Mass Effect Andromeda, SWTOR, Mass Effect Legendary Edition
PSN: The Ascendent
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Post by theascendent on Apr 11, 2023 17:33:11 GMT
Would anyone want to continue working with/for the Inquisition if they realise that it's shadow architect was the Dread Wolf? How can you rely or trust their competency or capability if they completely missed their true enemy for his dupe/proxy? I wouldn't be surprised if we start with an Inquisition remnant/cell then break away from them when we realise how much they indirectly aided and abetted Solas, our principal enemy.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 11, 2023 18:24:46 GMT
Would anyone want to continue working with/for the Inquisition if they realise that it's shadow architect was the Dread Wolf? How can you rely or trust their competency or capability if they completely missed their true enemy for his dupe/proxy? Well, of course, that depends on just how much the Inner Circle decided to reveal to the wider world. Would they really want to join up the dots so people were aware the Dread Wolf was ever part of the Inquisition, let alone possibly in a relationship with its leader? Although, thinking about it, in Tevinter Nights the people at the meeting with Charter were aware and the Carta dwarf really enjoyed rubbing it in. Perhaps that is why the Ben'Hassrath and Tevinter Sicarri declined the offer to attend, which was wise as it turned out since Solas was still able to infiltrate an alleged secret meeting. Up to now, in all the associated media, Solas seems well in control of the situation when it comes to the hunt for him. So, you may be right and once our hero has had a chance to appraise the situation, they might well prefer to cut all ties with the Inquisition.
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Post by colfoley on Apr 11, 2023 19:52:08 GMT
Not to mention if certain people die early on we'll have no choice but to be cut off from the Inquisition.
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Post by Hanako Ikezawa on Apr 12, 2023 0:21:03 GMT
Would anyone want to continue working with/for the Inquisition if they realise that it's shadow architect was the Dread Wolf? How can you rely or trust their competency or capability if they completely missed their true enemy for his dupe/proxy? I wouldn't be surprised if we start with an Inquisition remnant/cell then break away from them when we realise how much they indirectly aided and abetted Solas, our principal enemy. No thanks. Have no interest into being pigeonholed into an opinion like you describe. Also he wasn’t a shadow architect. All he did was lead us to Skyhold. Plus the fact they are trying to deal with him now absolves them of anything like that. Him being an enemy now but an ally then is hardly rare. Even in Dragon Age we’ve had groups that hate each other put aside their differences to deal with a greater threat. Just look at history, like the Western Allies despised the Soviet Union and yet they aren’t judged for working with them against the Axis. Not to mention, you know, him trying to destroy the world and the Inquisition being one of if not the only group really trying to stop him.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 12, 2023 8:20:32 GMT
Not to mention, you know, him trying to destroy the world and the Inquisition being one of if not the only group really trying to stop him. This may not be entirely the case since we only have the Inquisition's take on the situation via Charter. We don't know what the situation is with the Archon but since he regarded the Venatori/Cory as a threat, likely he would view Solas the same way. However, with the Venatori he preferred not to show his hand in it, so he could be quietly sponsoring a covert group or even have his official network involved. In Tevinter Nights Charter says that the "Tevinter intelligence network declined to answer our request" to attend the meeting. That doesn't mean they aren't interested in stopping Solas, just that they prefer to do it on their own. Given how they have likely heard the degree to which both Qunari and Solas' agents had infiltrated the Inquisition, they probably did feel the security of the organisation was too badly compromised. Dorian also told us in Trespasser that the Magisterium really wanted to Inquisition gone, so another reason they would give them a wide berth, particularly if they are still on good terms with Par Vollen. The Ben'Hassrath have also been studying Solas' movements for some time and, as Charter freely admits, probably know more about what he has been doing than anyone else. They do seem to have some sort of loose alliance with the Inquisition, based off Gatt's recommendation to Irelin about Varric, although allegedly they declined Charter's invitation to her meeting. Was Charter being evasive about the amount of co-operation between the two groups when she said this or was the Executor right and when they discovered they were going to be part of the meeting, the Ben'Hassrath no longer wished to be involved? Solas declared the Executors to be dangerous and it may well be that in this case the Ben'Hassrath agree with him. Then there is Rasaan. It is still not clear from the narrative in Tevinter Nights if she is working on her own initiative or with the backing of Par Vollen. Whatever the case, she is definitely seeking specific information about Solas that presumably she thinks will help neutralise him. It is curious what a softly, softly approach Solas appears to take with the Inquisition, being reluctant to take out leading operatives when he has the chance and constantly trying to persuade them the outcome won't be as bad as he originally led them to believe. I wonder if this is because he needs them for part of his plan or that he regards other parties as posing more of a threat because he hasn't got that prior relationship that allows him to manipulate them.
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Post by Hanako Ikezawa on Apr 12, 2023 8:25:01 GMT
Not to mention, you know, him trying to destroy the world and the Inquisition being one of if not the only group really trying to stop him. This may not be entirely the case since we only have the Inquisition's take on the situation via Charter. Hence why I said “one of if not the only” instead of just “the only”. As for why Solas is being more lenient, honestly it’s probably just because they’re the only group that have established characters beloved by the fanbase. Ingame lore wise you could say it’s part of his whole “I want your last few years to be peaceful ones” thing. His attachment has made him softer towards them.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 12, 2023 8:54:40 GMT
Ingame lore wise you could say it’s part of his whole “I want your last few years to be peaceful ones” thing. His attachment has made him softer towards them. It doesn't really make sense to me or chime with his previous behaviour. He was quite willing to execute an old ally like Felassan for one simple bit of insubordination that turned out to be more of a nuisance for him than posing any real threat to his plans. Not to mention that the Inquisitor could have been actively hostile towards him and Solas have a similar attitude towards them. Even if he does have a soft spot for Varric, would he really allow sentiment to potentially threaten his plans? Why in the latest comic series did he leave a trail of clues as to his next destination? It is almost as though he wanted Varric and Harding to follow him and telling Varric to stop was just to make him believe that is what he wanted, with Solas knowing it was likely to result in exactly the opposite. Why tell the Inquisitor his plan at all? I just don't buy the idea it was a "moment of weakness" and wanting to give the south a bit of peace, when he doesn't even offer that as a reason to a hostile Inquisitor. We do know that he tried to escalate the war between Tevinter and the Qun by forcing Par Vollen to get involved. Was that because he needed the conflict as a cover for something he was doing in Tevinter or was it that one or both of them was getting a bit too close for comfort? Is he hoping that the Inquisition will ultimately cross paths with these others groups and interfere with their progress against him?
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Post by Hanako Ikezawa on Apr 12, 2023 15:17:23 GMT
Ingame lore wise you could say it’s part of his whole “I want your last few years to be peaceful ones” thing. His attachment has made him softer towards them. It doesn't really make sense to me or chime with his previous behaviour. He was quite willing to execute an old ally like Felassan for one simple bit of insubordination that turned out to be more of a nuisance for him than posing any real threat to his plans. Not to mention that the Inquisitor could have been actively hostile towards him and Solas have a similar attitude towards them. Even if he does have a soft spot for Varric, would he really allow sentiment to potentially threaten his plans? Why in the latest comic series did he leave a trail of clues as to his next destination? It is almost as though he wanted Varric and Harding to follow him and telling Varric to stop was just to make him believe that is what he wanted, with Solas knowing it was likely to result in exactly the opposite. Why tell the Inquisitor his plan at all? I just don't buy the idea it was a "moment of weakness" and wanting to give the south a bit of peace, when he doesn't even offer that as a reason to a hostile Inquisitor. We do know that he tried to escalate the war between Tevinter and the Qun by forcing Par Vollen to get involved. Was that because he needed the conflict as a cover for something he was doing in Tevinter or was it that one or both of them was getting a bit too close for comfort? Is he hoping that the Inquisition will ultimately cross paths with these others groups and interfere with their progress against him? Again, the real reason is because this is a video game and these are popular characters. Not the first time BioWare beat a villain with the Idiot Ball.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 13, 2023 8:34:57 GMT
Again, the real reason is because this is a video game and these are popular characters. Not the first time BioWare beat a villain with the Idiot Ball. This would explain having Harding and Varric involved, particularly as they have said this is meant to be a lead into the game, but it is too much of a stretch of the imagination that Bioware would approve of making Solas that much of an idiot that he would leave an obvious trail and not realise it. We know he has a history of leading people into taking action that he wants to happen. Whilst we don't know the precise details, he ensured the Venatori would find his orb and pass it on to Corypheus so he could unlock it. He definitely made the trail that led to the Viddasala and the plot against the south so we could stop it, which as he admits to a hostile Inquisitor is principally because the Qunari "offend" him. This may be because of their general philosophy but perhaps also because they had been taking too close an interest into what he was doing. His agent laid a trail that Irelin and her lover would follow in order they could be implicated in the destruction of Kont-ar. There is always a purpose behind his trail of breadcrumbs that makes logical sense, so I feel that must be the case this time round. That original clue as to his whereabouts that took them to the Deep Roads under Marnas Pell must have been left by him (or his agent), as were the others that led them to Vyrantium and Arlathan Forest, with Solas being the figure shadowing them to check they were still going in the direction he wanted them to take. No doubt it will be made clearer in the final issue but I think there has to be a reason why he took them on that particular route rather than simply straight to Minrathous. Now it could be that he wanted to make them aware of the degree to which the Venatori are still operating before a final reveal of the danger they pose in issue 4. This would be why he led them through the Deep Roads (something to do with the Blight/red lyrium?), killing in the manner of the Venatori to make the connection; then to Vyrantium where they appear to be concentrated outside of the capital; then to Arlathan Forest where they have been searching for elven artifacts (as they have done in the past); until they arrive in Minrathous for the final piece in the puzzle. Taking them to Arlathan may also be so they could confirm the rumours about strange phenomena there, particularly if it doesn't have anything to do with him. If it is the work of the Executors, then he would want to show Varric, and thus the Inquisitor, just how dangerous they are, as he warned Charter against working with them. One final possibility is that he has now decided to start revealing to the Inquisitor "why this world has to die". He did say that they were intelligent enough that if he told them too much, they would work it out for themselves, which was presumably only a problem for him if it could lead them to find a way to stop him. However, if his ritual is now far advanced enough that he thinks it can't be stopped, perhaps he is now willing to divulge a bit more. In which case, some of the clues I outlined for the Venatori are also relevant: the Blight/red lyrium, the Venatori's actions in spreading it, weirdness in Arlathan indicating forces are starting to be unleashed that warp reality. Alternatively, perhaps the latter is something he is responsible for and made him realise that his plans are going haywire once again, which is why he said he will do his best to limit the damage.
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Post by dadithinkimgay on Apr 15, 2023 3:39:40 GMT
Curious what the tough decision they have to make will be. I’ve been thinking about this, and I ended up deducing scenarios and coming to a conclusion(ish). So, starting big - Varric and Harding will not be making any world-changing decisions in regards to countries, the fade, wars, etc. Mainly because that is not what this comic series is about. So we can go ahead and boil it down to what has been introduced in the comics. There actually isn’t really much of anything going on, but there has been constants throughout the series: Varric and Harding on a journey to find Solas, Varric and Harding meeting different characters from different factions, a Venatori agent following Varric and Harding, and Solas on his mission to essentially destroy the world. That’s pretty much it, and I am inclined to think the decision will connect with one or a mix of both or all three. Harding asked in the first issue something along the lines of “what will we do when we find him?” And Varric essentially answered “I don’t know.” Varric and Harding aren’t even sure of what they’re doing, they are just focused on the goal of finding Solas, and old friend. But is Solas really The Dread Wolf, the evil god bent on destroying the world, to them; or is he Solas, the friend they knew years ago? That being said, I think the true stakes will be revealed in their choice, and they will ultimately HAVE to make a decision on how they’re going to handle this mission. That could mean being on Solas’ “I’m gonna write you a letter, warning you, because this is just sad at this point” side, or “I’m going to kill you with no mercy” side. Now that doesn’t necessarily reveal the choice they have to make. But from what else is happening in the comic series, it could be related to The Venatori and the Crucious Stone as well. Perhaps they will have to make a decision to destroy the stone, pissing off both The Venatori and Solas. Whatever it is, I think Varric and Harding will likely be on Solas’ bad side by the end of the comic, and The Venatori will somehow be involved in that decision. Perhaps even Solas is underestimating The Venatori’s ability (it wouldn’t be the first time Solas underestimated someone else’s ability.) In conclusion, Varric and Harding will have to face the reality of the fight they’re in with The Dread Wolf, and they will soon realize the stakes with whatever choice they make. No one is safe.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 15, 2023 8:47:00 GMT
There actually isn’t really much of anything going on, but there has been constants throughout the series: Varric and Harding on a journey to find Solas, Varric and Harding meeting different characters from different factions, a Venatori agent following Varric and Harding, and Solas on his mission to essentially destroy the world. That’s pretty much it, and I am inclined to think the decision will connect with one or a mix of both or all three. I was thinking this over after my post on the Schmooples thread and I realised that you are likely correct. The main purpose of this comic series is to highlight which factions we are likely going to be working with. This was felt necessary because after the reset to single player, people were questioning whether anything about that original 2020 trailer was going to be relevant going forward. At the time they said it showcased factions we would be working with and we saw a Grey Warden's legs in what was probably the Andefels, a Crow sitting on a roof in Antiva City, a mysterious character in the back streets of Minrathous and a masked Arcane Archer character in a forest, likely Arlathan. In the latest series thus far Varric and Harding have met with the Grey Wardens, Evka and Antoine, the Crows Viago and Teia and a group of Veil Jumpers in Arlathan Forest, including Strife and Irelin (I'm not altogether convinced they aren't connected with the Executors but they probably feel it is expedient not to reveal this to outsiders). In each case it is noticeable they have met with couples that have previously featured in both Tevinter Nights and their own short stories, so I think it fairly certain they will be part of the narrative in the game and, if either Harding or Varric is with us, then they will acknowledge this previous encounter. If my theory is correct then whoever features in Minrathous is going to be part of that fourth faction that was present in the 2020 trailer. Strangely enough this was the only one which wasn't obvious as to their identity, having been variously labelled a Lord of Fortune, Tevinter Sicarri or some other as yet unidentified group. If they have decided to make our new Hero a Lord of Fortune, then the contact in Minrathous may be from some other group. Based off the idea that it has to contain some elements that are found in both Tevinter Nights and the short stories issued in December 2020, I suspect this final faction will have some connection to the Viper and his supporters, who oppose the Venatori and represent the people the ruling hierarchy have disregard down the years. In Tevinter Nights we had clues that an anti-slavery faction has arisen in Tevinter and there was also some shadowy group/person employing the Crows to eliminate leading members of the Venatori, which would tie in with the Viper's group in the short story. It would seem this group also contains at least some Imperial Templars who have become disillusioned with serving the status quo. So, it is entirely possible that one or more of the Templars featured in Streets of Minrathous could be involved with them or even that Neve was subsequently recruited to their ranks. The Templar from the short story, Tarquin I believe was his name, could also be the one to be featured in next issue. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if the lady mage on the cover is the same as was featured in concept art and whether she is going to be a friend or foe. Of course, she could be a revamped Calpernia and she could be now part of the Viper group, having totally rejected the Venatori for the scum they are. After all, she did want to elevate the slaves to true citizens of the Imperium and "believed in the worth of people unseen by the powerful", which sounds very similar to the sentiments expressed by Tarquin. May be that is going to be the big reveal, that Calpernia is alive and is now part of a different faction. Now that doesn’t necessarily reveal the choice they have to make. But from what else is happening in the comic series, it could be related to The Venatori and the Crucious Stone as well. Perhaps they will have to make a decision to destroy the stone, pissing off both The Venatori and Solas. I'm not entirely convinced the Crucious Stone wasn't just a red herring to justify Varric and Harding heading for Arlathan Forest. Solas seemed to suggest it was no longer something they needed to worry about and, if I am correct that he was laying a deliberate trail to follow, may be the Crucious Stone was never a real object but simply something he made up. As a matter of interest, why are they heading to Minrathous? Was it just the report of a sighting of Solas or something more? Any way, for what it's worth, that is my theory, that the comic series was basically about revealing the major factions we will be working with. Obviously, we shall have confirmation if the fourth issue does feature a new faction. As for what the big decision might be, I doubt it will be anything that significant but possibly may involve how they view dealing with Solas should they catch up with him, with Varric and Harding representing the two different options we were given in Trespasser. If it does involve the Crucious Stone, likely it will just be whether they should destroy it or not.
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Post by gervaise21 on Apr 15, 2023 18:09:34 GMT
I've had another thought and that relates to the amulet that Vaea was given to take north in Herold Had the Plan. Now, she no longer had it when they reached Ventus/Qarinus, so presumably must have passed it on to someone else on route. It was an amulet of healing, so I wonder if it will appear in the narrative at some point, either in the next issue of the comic or in the game. Admittedly, the sequencing was out because in the Tevinter Nights story the conflict in the north had already started and this is why the amulet was needed, yet in the comic series Vaea was in Ventus when the assault began. Still, leaving that aside, Herold Had the Plan was an odd story to include if the amulet was never going to feature again.
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