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| Amalia |
Age: 39
Race: Human
Occupation: Teacher
After long decades at purposes that have mostly revolved around fighting and death, Amalia has earned her current, more peaceful existence. Originally of the Qun, Amalia landed in Kirkwall when the Qunari fleet did, and remained after it left. Having hunted down her nemesis Marcus Alesius and ended his life, she has returned to Kirkwall's Elven Quarter along with her kadan Ithilian. These days, she acts as foster parent to a large number of Kirkwall's so-called siege orphans, as well as a teacher to the children of the Alienage more generally, ensuring that each of them knows how to read and write, as well as something of history and mathematics and music. She keeps herself sharp by occasionally aiding in the training of Kirkwall's Argent Lions.
Age: 39
Race: Human
Occupation: Teacher
After long decades at purposes that have mostly revolved around fighting and death, Amalia has earned her current, more peaceful existence. Originally of the Qun, Amalia landed in Kirkwall when the Qunari fleet did, and remained after it left. Having hunted down her nemesis Marcus Alesius and ended his life, she has returned to Kirkwall's Elven Quarter along with her kadan Ithilian. These days, she acts as foster parent to a large number of Kirkwall's so-called siege orphans, as well as a teacher to the children of the Alienage more generally, ensuring that each of them knows how to read and write, as well as something of history and mathematics and music. She keeps herself sharp by occasionally aiding in the training of Kirkwall's Argent Lions.
| Arrin Ledor |
Age: 22
Race: Elf
Occupation: Courier
Arrin Ledor is the only child of Riris Ledor, Val Royeaux's current hahren. Though only recently come to the position, she's always been a pillar to the community, and so Arrin has always been at the heart of it, too. The Purge devastated him, killed his first love, and would have killed him, too, but for the intervention of Lia, then a Lieutenant with the Argent Lions. In the aftermath of the Purge, Arrin's admiration of her only grew, and he pestered her to give him things to do, both to help the community they both cared about and repay a debt he felt he owed her, all of which is how he wound up with the Ashfingers in the first place. Exuberant, impulsive, and perhaps a hair too clever for his own good, Arrin's ebullient personality masks a darker side, one awakened in him after the slaughter of so many innocent friends and kin.
Age: 22
Race: Elf
Occupation: Courier
Arrin Ledor is the only child of Riris Ledor, Val Royeaux's current hahren. Though only recently come to the position, she's always been a pillar to the community, and so Arrin has always been at the heart of it, too. The Purge devastated him, killed his first love, and would have killed him, too, but for the intervention of Lia, then a Lieutenant with the Argent Lions. In the aftermath of the Purge, Arrin's admiration of her only grew, and he pestered her to give him things to do, both to help the community they both cared about and repay a debt he felt he owed her, all of which is how he wound up with the Ashfingers in the first place. Exuberant, impulsive, and perhaps a hair too clever for his own good, Arrin's ebullient personality masks a darker side, one awakened in him after the slaughter of so many innocent friends and kin.
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| Estella Avenarius |
Age: 29
Race: Elf-Blooded
Occupation: Lady Inquisitor of the Inquisition
Formerly a member of the Argent Lions mercenary company, Estella was assigned as security to Divine Justinia's Conclave. When Corypheus attacked and the Temple of Scared Ashes exploded, she and Romulus were the only survivors. Together, they became the Heralds of Andraste, and then the Inquisitors, working to seal the rifts in the world and defeat the darkspawn magister that created them. During this time, Estella learned that she was a descendant of Mythal, one of the Evanuris. The bearer of this news, her uncle, turned out to have been the precipitating force in Corypheus's creation of the Breach. Since the darkspawn's defeat and her uncle's disappearance with her twin brother, Estella has been working with the rest of the Inquisition to find them in hopes of redeeming Harellan and saving Cyrus—so far to no avail.
Age: 29
Race: Elf-Blooded
Occupation: Lady Inquisitor of the Inquisition
Formerly a member of the Argent Lions mercenary company, Estella was assigned as security to Divine Justinia's Conclave. When Corypheus attacked and the Temple of Scared Ashes exploded, she and Romulus were the only survivors. Together, they became the Heralds of Andraste, and then the Inquisitors, working to seal the rifts in the world and defeat the darkspawn magister that created them. During this time, Estella learned that she was a descendant of Mythal, one of the Evanuris. The bearer of this news, her uncle, turned out to have been the precipitating force in Corypheus's creation of the Breach. Since the darkspawn's defeat and her uncle's disappearance with her twin brother, Estella has been working with the rest of the Inquisition to find them in hopes of redeeming Harellan and saving Cyrus—so far to no avail.
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| Galatea II |
Age: 34
Race: Human
Occupation: Divine
Formerly known as Séverine Lacan, Divine Galatea II rose from the ranks of the templars rather than the clergy. She was an unconventional choice for Divine, but all those that might've taken it instead were killed in the Conclave explosion. Her fame was won during her years with the Inquisition, where Galatea led the efforts against the traitorous Red Templars and their leader, Carver Hawke. Following his death, Galatea was anointed as Divine alongside the marriage of Sophia Dumar and Lucien Drakon, signaling the beginning of a new era in Orlais. Her first year has not seen any drastic change, as Galatea has initially worked to simply rebuild the ranks of the Chantry and the Templar Order, doing so slowly in hopes of avoiding the mistakes of the past.
Age: 34
Race: Human
Occupation: Divine
Formerly known as Séverine Lacan, Divine Galatea II rose from the ranks of the templars rather than the clergy. She was an unconventional choice for Divine, but all those that might've taken it instead were killed in the Conclave explosion. Her fame was won during her years with the Inquisition, where Galatea led the efforts against the traitorous Red Templars and their leader, Carver Hawke. Following his death, Galatea was anointed as Divine alongside the marriage of Sophia Dumar and Lucien Drakon, signaling the beginning of a new era in Orlais. Her first year has not seen any drastic change, as Galatea has initially worked to simply rebuild the ranks of the Chantry and the Templar Order, doing so slowly in hopes of avoiding the mistakes of the past.
| Ithilian Tael |
Age: 48
Race: Elf
Occupation: Hahren, Kirkwall Elven Quarter
The last survivor of the Fereldan Dalish clan Mordallis, and Lia's adoptive father, Ithilian has had a hard life, one that shows on his body. He's missing a few pieces of it, in fact, including his left arm's lower half and his right eye. The eye was taken by a bear when he was young, while the arm was lost much more recently to the Venatori general Marcus Alesius. His hunt for his lethallin Amalia's torturer cost him his ability to fight, his swiftness and strength he'd always had, but with his kin able to finish the fight for him, Ithilian was freed. He returned to Kirkwall with Amalia to accept their offer to make him the new hahren there. Finally, Ithilian can live in peace, both with the world around him, and with himself.
Age: 48
Race: Elf
Occupation: Hahren, Kirkwall Elven Quarter
The last survivor of the Fereldan Dalish clan Mordallis, and Lia's adoptive father, Ithilian has had a hard life, one that shows on his body. He's missing a few pieces of it, in fact, including his left arm's lower half and his right eye. The eye was taken by a bear when he was young, while the arm was lost much more recently to the Venatori general Marcus Alesius. His hunt for his lethallin Amalia's torturer cost him his ability to fight, his swiftness and strength he'd always had, but with his kin able to finish the fight for him, Ithilian was freed. He returned to Kirkwall with Amalia to accept their offer to make him the new hahren there. Finally, Ithilian can live in peace, both with the world around him, and with himself.
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| Julien D'Artignon |
Age: 36
Race: Human
Occupation: Marquis of Arlesans, Advisor to the Emperor
An ally of the Inquisition, Julien devotes much of his time, energy, and money to furthering the cause of racial justice in Orlais. Formerly framed for treason, he was granted a new trial by the Inquisition's successful investigation into the matter, and in return donated a considerable amount of foodstuffs to the cause. He was of considerable assistance to them at Halamshiral as well, demonstrating his commitment to helping them defeat Corypheus, and more generally improve the state of things in Thedas at large. He also fielded his household troops in the final face-off with Corypheus. When Lucien indicated interest in forming an advisory Council of nobles and commoners alike, Julien was instrumental in forming it, and was himself granted a position at its head.
Age: 36
Race: Human
Occupation: Marquis of Arlesans, Advisor to the Emperor
An ally of the Inquisition, Julien devotes much of his time, energy, and money to furthering the cause of racial justice in Orlais. Formerly framed for treason, he was granted a new trial by the Inquisition's successful investigation into the matter, and in return donated a considerable amount of foodstuffs to the cause. He was of considerable assistance to them at Halamshiral as well, demonstrating his commitment to helping them defeat Corypheus, and more generally improve the state of things in Thedas at large. He also fielded his household troops in the final face-off with Corypheus. When Lucien indicated interest in forming an advisory Council of nobles and commoners alike, Julien was instrumental in forming it, and was himself granted a position at its head.
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| Kharisanna Istimaethoriel |
Age: 28
Race: Elf
Occupation: Inquisition Irregular, aspiring Chevalier
Quite possibly the most famous elf in Orlais, Khari is known primarily for her overall second-place finish in the Grand Tourney of 9:44, as well as her first place finish in the Grand Melée. Having entered the Tourney illegally, she was very nearly imprisoned for her efforts, but a duel with the Emperor himself allowed her to save face and preserve honor, and so the result stood. Like Ser Aveline before her, this has made her the object of more than a little controversy, and as one might expect, just about everyone has an opinion. She's undaunted by the negative ones, and continues to pursue her dream of official knighthood, albeit in tandem with her work as one of the Inquisition's trademark Irregulars. She might have ordinarily left after the fight with Corypheus was done, but her readily-admitted fondness for some of her compatriots—the Lord Inquisitor in particular—has given her reason enough to stay. New aspirations, to mingle with the old. It's a tall order, but she's always been pretty good at delivering on her promises.
Age: 28
Race: Elf
Occupation: Inquisition Irregular, aspiring Chevalier
Quite possibly the most famous elf in Orlais, Khari is known primarily for her overall second-place finish in the Grand Tourney of 9:44, as well as her first place finish in the Grand Melée. Having entered the Tourney illegally, she was very nearly imprisoned for her efforts, but a duel with the Emperor himself allowed her to save face and preserve honor, and so the result stood. Like Ser Aveline before her, this has made her the object of more than a little controversy, and as one might expect, just about everyone has an opinion. She's undaunted by the negative ones, and continues to pursue her dream of official knighthood, albeit in tandem with her work as one of the Inquisition's trademark Irregulars. She might have ordinarily left after the fight with Corypheus was done, but her readily-admitted fondness for some of her compatriots—the Lord Inquisitor in particular—has given her reason enough to stay. New aspirations, to mingle with the old. It's a tall order, but she's always been pretty good at delivering on her promises.
| Leonhardt Albrecht |
Age: 32
Race: Human
Occupation: Military advisor to the Inquisition
Recruited into the training program for Seekers of Truth as an adolescent, Leon passed his vigil at the age of twenty, and was then moved from his native Anderfels to the south of Thedas, where he studied under High Seeker Ophelia Géroux, who taught him her family's reaver fighting techniques. Put on standby at Haven during Divine Justinia's Conclave, Leon served in the four years that followed as the Inquisition's Commander and military advisor. During this time, the long term effects of his reaver tonics became enough to almost kill him, and if not for the inventiveness and efforts of his friends, he would have died before Corypheus's defeat. Though he will never fully recover from the ravaging of his body, he is in fighting shape once more, and for the moment continues to advise the Lord and Lady Inquisitor. Truthfully, he anticipates that he will one day command the new generation of Seekers—with its reduced army, the Inquisition proper doesn't really need him any longer. That said, he has made lifetime friends there, and will always hold the organization close to his heart.
Age: 32
Race: Human
Occupation: Military advisor to the Inquisition
Recruited into the training program for Seekers of Truth as an adolescent, Leon passed his vigil at the age of twenty, and was then moved from his native Anderfels to the south of Thedas, where he studied under High Seeker Ophelia Géroux, who taught him her family's reaver fighting techniques. Put on standby at Haven during Divine Justinia's Conclave, Leon served in the four years that followed as the Inquisition's Commander and military advisor. During this time, the long term effects of his reaver tonics became enough to almost kill him, and if not for the inventiveness and efforts of his friends, he would have died before Corypheus's defeat. Though he will never fully recover from the ravaging of his body, he is in fighting shape once more, and for the moment continues to advise the Lord and Lady Inquisitor. Truthfully, he anticipates that he will one day command the new generation of Seekers—with its reduced army, the Inquisition proper doesn't really need him any longer. That said, he has made lifetime friends there, and will always hold the organization close to his heart.
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| Lucien Drakon |
Age: 39
Race: Human
Occupation: Emperor of Orlais, Prince-Consort of Kirkwall
It might be enough to say of most monarchs that they are monarchs, and therein would lie a basic sense of how they spend their time, what their lives have been like, and what they're committed to. Not so with Lucien. Emperor he may be, but he has also been a knight, a mercenary, a mentor, and a friend to many extraordinary people. He brings the same warm, personal touch to running an empire as he did to running a mercenary company or helping friends through personal tribulations, and slowly but surely, his dedication to making his country a better place for everyone in it is winning over even his initial detractors. There are detractors aplenty, however, and such change is never fast. He struggles with that, too, but thankfully he has never been tempted with the idea of becoming an autocrat, and so the slow and steady way it must be. For now, he's quietly pleased with the progress, and more than quietly pleased with his personal life, which is about to change drastically as he and his beloved Sophia prepare to welcome their first child, who not incidentally will become the heir to everything he now strives to build.
Age: 39
Race: Human
Occupation: Emperor of Orlais, Prince-Consort of Kirkwall
It might be enough to say of most monarchs that they are monarchs, and therein would lie a basic sense of how they spend their time, what their lives have been like, and what they're committed to. Not so with Lucien. Emperor he may be, but he has also been a knight, a mercenary, a mentor, and a friend to many extraordinary people. He brings the same warm, personal touch to running an empire as he did to running a mercenary company or helping friends through personal tribulations, and slowly but surely, his dedication to making his country a better place for everyone in it is winning over even his initial detractors. There are detractors aplenty, however, and such change is never fast. He struggles with that, too, but thankfully he has never been tempted with the idea of becoming an autocrat, and so the slow and steady way it must be. For now, he's quietly pleased with the progress, and more than quietly pleased with his personal life, which is about to change drastically as he and his beloved Sophia prepare to welcome their first child, who not incidentally will become the heir to everything he now strives to build.
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| Marcel Lafleur |
Age: 32
Race: Human
Occupation: Chevalier (Lieutenant)
Eldest scion of the Lafleur family and heir to the minor title and holdings that go with, Marcel is also a chevalier. He's been in service since graduating the Academie at twenty. He serves in the immediate Val Royeaux area—and though it is now shameful in some circles to say so, he was among the officers participating in the 9:40 Purge on the then-Empress's orders. Marcel has indicated remorse for this, but in general he is tight-lipped with his political views, believing that the soldier's ultimate function is to follow orders, and that the blame for wrong actions lies with those who command them, not those who carry them out. To his family, he's quite different: a rather warm, affable personality with a tendency to tease and gently mock.
Age: 32
Race: Human
Occupation: Chevalier (Lieutenant)
Eldest scion of the Lafleur family and heir to the minor title and holdings that go with, Marcel is also a chevalier. He's been in service since graduating the Academie at twenty. He serves in the immediate Val Royeaux area—and though it is now shameful in some circles to say so, he was among the officers participating in the 9:40 Purge on the then-Empress's orders. Marcel has indicated remorse for this, but in general he is tight-lipped with his political views, believing that the soldier's ultimate function is to follow orders, and that the blame for wrong actions lies with those who command them, not those who carry them out. To his family, he's quite different: a rather warm, affable personality with a tendency to tease and gently mock.
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| Marisol Sansone |
Age: 17
Race: Human
Occupation: Officially, none
Vito's only child is an enthusiastic, optimistic seventeen-year-old with an intelligence somewhat beyond her years. Though Vito handles the alchemy that provides both of them with a modest living in Val Royeaux, Marisol does a great deal to assist him, and she knows at least as much if not more than he does about how to run the business. She's generous to a fault and adventurous to boot, but it would absolutely be a mistake to think her naive of the way the world works. She and Vito have a deep bond and work very well together, even if she has a habit of being the adolescent she still is, and pushing against the boundaries he tries to set for her.
Age: 17
Race: Human
Occupation: Officially, none
Vito's only child is an enthusiastic, optimistic seventeen-year-old with an intelligence somewhat beyond her years. Though Vito handles the alchemy that provides both of them with a modest living in Val Royeaux, Marisol does a great deal to assist him, and she knows at least as much if not more than he does about how to run the business. She's generous to a fault and adventurous to boot, but it would absolutely be a mistake to think her naive of the way the world works. She and Vito have a deep bond and work very well together, even if she has a habit of being the adolescent she still is, and pushing against the boundaries he tries to set for her.
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| Nera Pavell |
Age: 23
Race: Elf
Occupation: Domestic Servant
Currently a resident of Kirkwall, Nera has had a rather tumultuous life. Taken from her home alongside her mother and brother at the tender age of twelve, she was transported across the Waking Sea before rescue, an event which turned she and her family out onto the streets of Kirkwall. Fortunately, they did not languish long, and wound up moving into Lucien Drakon's house thereafter. Nera took something of a shine to their host, but not perhaps in the same way her brother did. Never inclined to fighting, she went from bright, curious child to quiet, reserved adolescent, rarely speaking to much of anyone and more often in her own head than her brother, who could feign extroversion even when he didn't feel it. She made few friends, and eventually took a job cleaning houses. Of all the things she keeps hidden, she's most likely to share her love of and talent for music, which is considerable, if never showcased in public.
Age: 23
Race: Elf
Occupation: Domestic Servant
Currently a resident of Kirkwall, Nera has had a rather tumultuous life. Taken from her home alongside her mother and brother at the tender age of twelve, she was transported across the Waking Sea before rescue, an event which turned she and her family out onto the streets of Kirkwall. Fortunately, they did not languish long, and wound up moving into Lucien Drakon's house thereafter. Nera took something of a shine to their host, but not perhaps in the same way her brother did. Never inclined to fighting, she went from bright, curious child to quiet, reserved adolescent, rarely speaking to much of anyone and more often in her own head than her brother, who could feign extroversion even when he didn't feel it. She made few friends, and eventually took a job cleaning houses. Of all the things she keeps hidden, she's most likely to share her love of and talent for music, which is considerable, if never showcased in public.
| Rilien Falavel |
Age: 40
Race: Elf
Occupation: Inquisition Spymaster, Emperor's Steward
An accomplished Bard, spymaster, bodyguard, alchemist, enchanter, and personal tutor to the Lady Inquisitor, Rilien is also both an elf and a Tranquil, making him an entirely singular entity. For all that he has achieved and proven himself capable of, however, he finds himself most inclined to work in the service of others. At present, he helps the Inquisition in their transfer to Lydes, and while he will always be their ally and friend, he spends increasing amounts of time in Val Royeaux, in anticipation of his return to Lucien's shadow, where he firmly believes he is both most useful and needed. It is also where he, to his own mind, belongs. Few people earn the Tranquil's trust and loyalty; those who do have a guardian of impeccable skill and formidable acumen.
Age: 40
Race: Elf
Occupation: Inquisition Spymaster, Emperor's Steward
An accomplished Bard, spymaster, bodyguard, alchemist, enchanter, and personal tutor to the Lady Inquisitor, Rilien is also both an elf and a Tranquil, making him an entirely singular entity. For all that he has achieved and proven himself capable of, however, he finds himself most inclined to work in the service of others. At present, he helps the Inquisition in their transfer to Lydes, and while he will always be their ally and friend, he spends increasing amounts of time in Val Royeaux, in anticipation of his return to Lucien's shadow, where he firmly believes he is both most useful and needed. It is also where he, to his own mind, belongs. Few people earn the Tranquil's trust and loyalty; those who do have a guardian of impeccable skill and formidable acumen.
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| Riris Ledor |
Age: 45
Race: Elf
Occupation: Hahren, Val Royeaux Alienage
One couldn't be blamed for thinking Riris a little young to be Val Royeaux's hahren, but the elders intentionally picked someone with a little more youth than usual, in part because the job is now so enormous an undertaking. Holding together what community remains after the Purge is not an easy task less than a decade after it, and the Alienage of late simmers with latent tension probably not far from boiling over most days. Riris has both passion for her community and also the patience to handle disputes between its members, as well as a friendly relationship with many members of the Argent Lions, something rightly seen as an advantage in her favor.
Age: 45
Race: Elf
Occupation: Hahren, Val Royeaux Alienage
One couldn't be blamed for thinking Riris a little young to be Val Royeaux's hahren, but the elders intentionally picked someone with a little more youth than usual, in part because the job is now so enormous an undertaking. Holding together what community remains after the Purge is not an easy task less than a decade after it, and the Alienage of late simmers with latent tension probably not far from boiling over most days. Riris has both passion for her community and also the patience to handle disputes between its members, as well as a friendly relationship with many members of the Argent Lions, something rightly seen as an advantage in her favor.
| Romulus |
Age: 32
Race: Human
Occupation: Lord Inquisitor of the Inquisition
Once a slave of Tevinter trained as an assassin for the personal use of the magister that owned him, fate placed Romulus on a different path when he found himself spying on the Conclave at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. One of the two survivors of the blast, Romulus found his hand marked with magic that enabled him to close rifts in the Veil. This gift enabled him to seize his own destiny, eventually becoming Inquisitor alongside Estella Avenarius, and leading the fight against the darkspawn magister and self-proclaimed god, Corypheus. His place in the world found, Romulus remains as Lord Inquisitor, helping guide the organization from their new home in Lydes.
Age: 32
Race: Human
Occupation: Lord Inquisitor of the Inquisition
Once a slave of Tevinter trained as an assassin for the personal use of the magister that owned him, fate placed Romulus on a different path when he found himself spying on the Conclave at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. One of the two survivors of the blast, Romulus found his hand marked with magic that enabled him to close rifts in the Veil. This gift enabled him to seize his own destiny, eventually becoming Inquisitor alongside Estella Avenarius, and leading the fight against the darkspawn magister and self-proclaimed god, Corypheus. His place in the world found, Romulus remains as Lord Inquisitor, helping guide the organization from their new home in Lydes.
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| Sophia Drakon |
Age: 35
Race: Human
Occupation: Empress of Orlais and Queen of Kirkwall
Sophia's story is long and bloody, a tale even the greatest of bards and storytellers might have trouble encapsulating. Strife in Kirkwall forged the former Viscount's daughter into a warrior and a ruler, and it brought her into contact with Lucien Drakon. Together they reclaimed her throne from the likes of Meredith Stannard, and they defended the city from all threats that would see it brought low. Rather than a desire for power, it was love that made Sophia into an Empress, though the power that came with it cannot be ignored. Her foreign status makes her not as popular in Val Royeaux as she is in Kirkwall, but tales of Sophia's deeds and heroics have a way of combating that. Of late her concern has turned away from ruling, distracted as she is by the looming birth of her first child.
Age: 35
Race: Human
Occupation: Empress of Orlais and Queen of Kirkwall
Sophia's story is long and bloody, a tale even the greatest of bards and storytellers might have trouble encapsulating. Strife in Kirkwall forged the former Viscount's daughter into a warrior and a ruler, and it brought her into contact with Lucien Drakon. Together they reclaimed her throne from the likes of Meredith Stannard, and they defended the city from all threats that would see it brought low. Rather than a desire for power, it was love that made Sophia into an Empress, though the power that came with it cannot be ignored. Her foreign status makes her not as popular in Val Royeaux as she is in Kirkwall, but tales of Sophia's deeds and heroics have a way of combating that. Of late her concern has turned away from ruling, distracted as she is by the looming birth of her first child.
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| Vesryn Cormyth |
Age: 37
Race: Elf
Occupation: Champion of the Inquisition
One of the Inquisition's two most famous elves, Vesryn never had any difficulty standing out. He came to the Inquisition of his own accord in 9:41, and there he eventually disclosed his unique condition to a select few. An elven woman from ancient times, trapped inside his head, unable to speak but certainly able to feel, and to guide him. With her help Vesryn became a powerful warrior, a modern knight of his people, and the self-proclaimed Champion of the Inquisition. He served with the Irregulars throughout their war against Corypheus and his allies, and developed a powerful bond with the Lady Inquisitor, one of the numerous reasons he has remained with the organization even after the battle at Skyhold, and after his silent companion finally passed away. Alone in his head now, Vesryn struggles to be the same champion he was at his peak, but this hasn't stopped him from trying.
Age: 37
Race: Elf
Occupation: Champion of the Inquisition
One of the Inquisition's two most famous elves, Vesryn never had any difficulty standing out. He came to the Inquisition of his own accord in 9:41, and there he eventually disclosed his unique condition to a select few. An elven woman from ancient times, trapped inside his head, unable to speak but certainly able to feel, and to guide him. With her help Vesryn became a powerful warrior, a modern knight of his people, and the self-proclaimed Champion of the Inquisition. He served with the Irregulars throughout their war against Corypheus and his allies, and developed a powerful bond with the Lady Inquisitor, one of the numerous reasons he has remained with the organization even after the battle at Skyhold, and after his silent companion finally passed away. Alone in his head now, Vesryn struggles to be the same champion he was at his peak, but this hasn't stopped him from trying.
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| Braven |
Age: 50
Race: Elf
Occupation: Leader of the Vhenallin
To be an old elf in Val Royeaux is actually something of an accomplishment, and while five decades might not be elderly in some senses, it suits Braven's purposes just fine. Once a founding member of the Ashfingers, Braven lacks some of the subtlety his compatriots would prefer to employ, but he always made up for it in passion, charisma, and sheer boldness. Recent events have led him to an ideological impasse with the other Ashfingers, spurring him to break away from an organization he sees as too timid to seize an opportune period for drastic change. He now leads the Vhenallin, the Friends of the People, and with no one remaining to check his impulses, he and his followers stand ready to wreak havoc on Val Royeaux, and thus the human world at large.
Age: 50
Race: Elf
Occupation: Leader of the Vhenallin
To be an old elf in Val Royeaux is actually something of an accomplishment, and while five decades might not be elderly in some senses, it suits Braven's purposes just fine. Once a founding member of the Ashfingers, Braven lacks some of the subtlety his compatriots would prefer to employ, but he always made up for it in passion, charisma, and sheer boldness. Recent events have led him to an ideological impasse with the other Ashfingers, spurring him to break away from an organization he sees as too timid to seize an opportune period for drastic change. He now leads the Vhenallin, the Friends of the People, and with no one remaining to check his impulses, he and his followers stand ready to wreak havoc on Val Royeaux, and thus the human world at large.
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| Leta |
Age: 31
Race: Elf
Occupation: Former Venatori Captain
Few have lived lives as troubled as Leta's, even among the city elves of Thedas. Born into slavery and into magic, it was hardly a surprise that she fit nearly nowhere. Her brother was killed in their childhood by a man she swore vengeance upon—vengeance she then built her life around, learning magic from Marcus Alesius and earning her freedom, then joining his Venatori and entering the Inquisition as a spy. Her attempt at revenge was thwarted, she was revealed, and then after some time as a squad leader among the Venatori, she was captured in Ferelden by Inquisition forces. But in the chaos surrounding the final battle with Corypheus, Leta engineered her escape, and now seeks to inflict her pain on a much larger target: Thedas itself. Orlais seems as good a place as any to begin.
Age: 31
Race: Elf
Occupation: Former Venatori Captain
Few have lived lives as troubled as Leta's, even among the city elves of Thedas. Born into slavery and into magic, it was hardly a surprise that she fit nearly nowhere. Her brother was killed in their childhood by a man she swore vengeance upon—vengeance she then built her life around, learning magic from Marcus Alesius and earning her freedom, then joining his Venatori and entering the Inquisition as a spy. Her attempt at revenge was thwarted, she was revealed, and then after some time as a squad leader among the Venatori, she was captured in Ferelden by Inquisition forces. But in the chaos surrounding the final battle with Corypheus, Leta engineered her escape, and now seeks to inflict her pain on a much larger target: Thedas itself. Orlais seems as good a place as any to begin.
Spoiler: show
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| Blaise Fournier |
Age: 43
Race: Human
Occupation: Criminal
Blaise, more often called by the pseudonym Bleeder for his brand of magic, is one of Kotter's closest underlings. The more charismatic of the two, Blaise often provides a softer, subtler touch where such things are needed.
Age: 43
Race: Human
Occupation: Criminal
Blaise, more often called by the pseudonym Bleeder for his brand of magic, is one of Kotter's closest underlings. The more charismatic of the two, Blaise often provides a softer, subtler touch where such things are needed.
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| Camille Duret |
Age: 43
Race: Human
Occupation: Revered Mother of the Val Royeaux Chantry
The Durets have lived in Val Royeaux going back hundreds of years, and as a family they have always been at the forefront of the city’s politics. Camille is the eldest of her generation of the family, but rather than inherit the family holdings she chose to go into the Chantry hierarchy and pass the rest on to her younger brother. Starting as a mere lay sister, Camille’s devotion and dedication to the faith advanced her to the rank of Mother swiftly. Her personal friendship with Empress Celene didn’t hurt, either. In the wake of the Conclave she soon became the Revered Mother, responsible for leading the city of Val Royeaux’s faithful. Her ambitions are obvious, as is her distaste for the new Emperor and Empress and the Inquisition they are allied with, an organization that put her friend behind bars. Her work for the city has made her popular, and her significant reach and influence makes her not a force to be trifled with.
Age: 43
Race: Human
Occupation: Revered Mother of the Val Royeaux Chantry
The Durets have lived in Val Royeaux going back hundreds of years, and as a family they have always been at the forefront of the city’s politics. Camille is the eldest of her generation of the family, but rather than inherit the family holdings she chose to go into the Chantry hierarchy and pass the rest on to her younger brother. Starting as a mere lay sister, Camille’s devotion and dedication to the faith advanced her to the rank of Mother swiftly. Her personal friendship with Empress Celene didn’t hurt, either. In the wake of the Conclave she soon became the Revered Mother, responsible for leading the city of Val Royeaux’s faithful. Her ambitions are obvious, as is her distaste for the new Emperor and Empress and the Inquisition they are allied with, an organization that put her friend behind bars. Her work for the city has made her popular, and her significant reach and influence makes her not a force to be trifled with.
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| Eugène Lefévre |
Age: 35
Race: Human
Occupation: Nobleman, Actor, Amateur Criminologist
Eugène is something of a dilettante, someone who studies a wide range of subjects without really becoming an expert in any of them. This isn't widely known, however, as he's commonly believed to be an expert criminologist. He has been credited with assembling the evidence for several major court cases, and regularly self-publishes articles on everything from plant components to corpse rot. In truth, however, it's his ward Gemma who is the expert, and Eugène is rather than this an actor—and an exceptionally good one at that. He plies this skill to lend her studies a legitimacy that they might not otherwise have, but his foremost passion has always been treading the boards, something he continues to do at every opportunity afforded to him.
Age: 35
Race: Human
Occupation: Nobleman, Actor, Amateur Criminologist
Eugène is something of a dilettante, someone who studies a wide range of subjects without really becoming an expert in any of them. This isn't widely known, however, as he's commonly believed to be an expert criminologist. He has been credited with assembling the evidence for several major court cases, and regularly self-publishes articles on everything from plant components to corpse rot. In truth, however, it's his ward Gemma who is the expert, and Eugène is rather than this an actor—and an exceptionally good one at that. He plies this skill to lend her studies a legitimacy that they might not otherwise have, but his foremost passion has always been treading the boards, something he continues to do at every opportunity afforded to him.
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| Fennas Evunial Alerion |
Age: 32
Race: Elf
Occupation: Hunter
Exactly how Fennas came to leave the Dalish clan of his birth and wound up in Val Royeaux's Alienage of all places is hard to say, but he's only been present a couple of years, in which he's settled relatively comfortably into the community. He's a bit sparse with his words, and a lingering distaste for most humans and flat-ears means he doesn't have too many friends, but despite his grumpiness he's usually willing enough to help whoever seeks his aid. While often hiring himself out to forest-blind humans as a guide on hunting expeditions or just furnishing their tables himself, he also goes to the trouble of making a fair number of kills for the Alienage itself, dressing the kills and handing most of the meat over to Riris, and the other parts to whomever can make use of them. This means his attitude is usually overlooked, and he enjoys the respect of most of the neighborhood's denizens.
Age: 32
Race: Elf
Occupation: Hunter
Exactly how Fennas came to leave the Dalish clan of his birth and wound up in Val Royeaux's Alienage of all places is hard to say, but he's only been present a couple of years, in which he's settled relatively comfortably into the community. He's a bit sparse with his words, and a lingering distaste for most humans and flat-ears means he doesn't have too many friends, but despite his grumpiness he's usually willing enough to help whoever seeks his aid. While often hiring himself out to forest-blind humans as a guide on hunting expeditions or just furnishing their tables himself, he also goes to the trouble of making a fair number of kills for the Alienage itself, dressing the kills and handing most of the meat over to Riris, and the other parts to whomever can make use of them. This means his attitude is usually overlooked, and he enjoys the respect of most of the neighborhood's denizens.
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| Gemma de Santis |
Age: 21
Race: Human
Occupation: Criminologist
A bit of a wunderkind, Gemma has from a young age had a marked interest in empirical science, particularly as it relates to the solving of crimes and mysteries. Over time, she has developed several completely new investigative methods, but without a way to legitimize them in the eyes of the general public, she could not ensure that they helped solve crimes of the sort that had orphaned her. Eugène's ingenious solution was to act as the public face of her discoveries, something discovered by the Inquisition in the course of solving the D'Artignon case. She was quite useful to them at Halamshiral as well, and came to be something of a long-distance friend to Cyrus.
Age: 21
Race: Human
Occupation: Criminologist
A bit of a wunderkind, Gemma has from a young age had a marked interest in empirical science, particularly as it relates to the solving of crimes and mysteries. Over time, she has developed several completely new investigative methods, but without a way to legitimize them in the eyes of the general public, she could not ensure that they helped solve crimes of the sort that had orphaned her. Eugène's ingenious solution was to act as the public face of her discoveries, something discovered by the Inquisition in the course of solving the D'Artignon case. She was quite useful to them at Halamshiral as well, and came to be something of a long-distance friend to Cyrus.
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| Ines Bernard |
Age: 37
Race: Human
Occupation: Captain, Val Royeaux City Guard
In the wake of the regime change in Orlais, many of its civic and politically-appointed positions were shifted around. Ines's predecessor was saved from this shuffle largely by the fact that the guards were not active participants in the Purge. Of course, they didn't do anything to prevent it, either, and so eventually, the more idealistic members of Emperor Lucien's advisory council offered him a generous severance package and removed him. Ines was among the younger of his potential replacements. Though firm and often stubborn, with her own set of biases like everyone else, she's generally good at keeping her personal feelings out of business, and has an underlying sense of justice missing in some of the more opportune public servants, so the job went to her. Reforming the rather underwhelming City Guard has become her mission, and she takes it very seriously.
Age: 37
Race: Human
Occupation: Captain, Val Royeaux City Guard
In the wake of the regime change in Orlais, many of its civic and politically-appointed positions were shifted around. Ines's predecessor was saved from this shuffle largely by the fact that the guards were not active participants in the Purge. Of course, they didn't do anything to prevent it, either, and so eventually, the more idealistic members of Emperor Lucien's advisory council offered him a generous severance package and removed him. Ines was among the younger of his potential replacements. Though firm and often stubborn, with her own set of biases like everyone else, she's generally good at keeping her personal feelings out of business, and has an underlying sense of justice missing in some of the more opportune public servants, so the job went to her. Reforming the rather underwhelming City Guard has become her mission, and she takes it very seriously.
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| Kestrel |
Age: 25
Race: Elf
Occupation: Leader, Ashfingers
Kestrel occupies one of several upper-echelon leadership positions in the organization known as Les Cendredoights, or more commonly the Ashfingers. Trained as a bard in her youth by Lady Aurelie Montblanc, she went on to be a founding member of the group, whose popularity and prominence skyrocketed for better or worse after the Purge. Kestrel, unlike some of her fellows, has shown a certain willingness to compromise with sympathetic parties, though she never makes a deal she isn't getting the better end of. Of late, the Ashfingers have undergone some internal strife, as a more extreme faction within the whole pushes for increasingly aggressive, public action.
Age: 25
Race: Elf
Occupation: Leader, Ashfingers
Kestrel occupies one of several upper-echelon leadership positions in the organization known as Les Cendredoights, or more commonly the Ashfingers. Trained as a bard in her youth by Lady Aurelie Montblanc, she went on to be a founding member of the group, whose popularity and prominence skyrocketed for better or worse after the Purge. Kestrel, unlike some of her fellows, has shown a certain willingness to compromise with sympathetic parties, though she never makes a deal she isn't getting the better end of. Of late, the Ashfingers have undergone some internal strife, as a more extreme faction within the whole pushes for increasingly aggressive, public action.
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| Kotter |
Age: 39
Race: Dwarf
Occupation: Criminal Leader, Val Royeaux's Untouchables
Spawned from the lowest depths the dwarves have to offer, Kotter (likely not his birth name) came from the ranks of the Casteless of Orzammar, and then from the ranks of the deadly and notorious Carta. After a falling out that forced him to flee for the surface, Kotter ended up in Val Royeaux with a few of his friends, in an environment ripe for expansion. With the city guard being restructured and the leadership overhauled, Kotter led the rise of a criminal organization in the poorer areas of the city that he would affectionately come to brand as the Untouchables. Crime is all this dwarf has ever known. He is good at it, and he enjoys it.
Age: 39
Race: Dwarf
Occupation: Criminal Leader, Val Royeaux's Untouchables
Spawned from the lowest depths the dwarves have to offer, Kotter (likely not his birth name) came from the ranks of the Casteless of Orzammar, and then from the ranks of the deadly and notorious Carta. After a falling out that forced him to flee for the surface, Kotter ended up in Val Royeaux with a few of his friends, in an environment ripe for expansion. With the city guard being restructured and the leadership overhauled, Kotter led the rise of a criminal organization in the poorer areas of the city that he would affectionately come to brand as the Untouchables. Crime is all this dwarf has ever known. He is good at it, and he enjoys it.
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| Mathias Duret |
Age: 41
Race: Human
Occupation: Duke of Churneau.
Duke Mathias de Churneau leads the Duret family. His official holdings are far to the north, but Churneau itself is known as simply a castle and a title that the Durets pass down, while their real interest is in Val Royeaux, where the Duke can be found more often than not. Mathias was a close ally of Celene’s during the war, alongside his sister Camille, and while its outcome caused their ambitions to stumble, they did not collapse entirely. Mathias had earned a reputation as a war hero during the conflict for his actions against demons in the Exalted Plains rather than any Orlesian enemy, and this has given him a popularity that is hard to break. He has become something of a leader of the conservative Orlesian party that backed Celene, a voice for their disapproval of Emperor Lucien and Empress Sophia. So far his resistance remains civil, a matter of debate rather than arms, and this has made any overt action against him difficult to employ.
Age: 41
Race: Human
Occupation: Duke of Churneau.
Duke Mathias de Churneau leads the Duret family. His official holdings are far to the north, but Churneau itself is known as simply a castle and a title that the Durets pass down, while their real interest is in Val Royeaux, where the Duke can be found more often than not. Mathias was a close ally of Celene’s during the war, alongside his sister Camille, and while its outcome caused their ambitions to stumble, they did not collapse entirely. Mathias had earned a reputation as a war hero during the conflict for his actions against demons in the Exalted Plains rather than any Orlesian enemy, and this has given him a popularity that is hard to break. He has become something of a leader of the conservative Orlesian party that backed Celene, a voice for their disapproval of Emperor Lucien and Empress Sophia. So far his resistance remains civil, a matter of debate rather than arms, and this has made any overt action against him difficult to employ.
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| Varric Tethras |
Age: 44
Race: Dwarf
Occupation: Author, Political Advisor, and Owner of the Hanged Man
The most famous dwarf in Kirkwall, Varric's popularity is unsurpassed in Kirkwall's Lowtown, and his works are read well beyond that. He came to own the Hanged Man tavern, where a number of famous individuals have lived, including the Grey Warden Nostariel Riviera, and the future Queen, Sophia Dumar. His friendship with Sophia became a valuable asset after her return to power, as Varric came to serve as one of her advisors, speaking for the people of Lowtown and ensuring their needs are met. He hasn't given up his career as a writer, though, and lately he has been working on a play meant to commemorate the new Orlesian Emperor and Empress's years together in the City of Chains.
Age: 44
Race: Dwarf
Occupation: Author, Political Advisor, and Owner of the Hanged Man
The most famous dwarf in Kirkwall, Varric's popularity is unsurpassed in Kirkwall's Lowtown, and his works are read well beyond that. He came to own the Hanged Man tavern, where a number of famous individuals have lived, including the Grey Warden Nostariel Riviera, and the future Queen, Sophia Dumar. His friendship with Sophia became a valuable asset after her return to power, as Varric came to serve as one of her advisors, speaking for the people of Lowtown and ensuring their needs are met. He hasn't given up his career as a writer, though, and lately he has been working on a play meant to commemorate the new Orlesian Emperor and Empress's years together in the City of Chains.
Spoiler: show
| Castle District |
The Castle District is what one pictures when stories are told about the lavishness of the Orlesian capital. Home to the Emperor, Empress, Divine, and a host of chevaliers, the Castle District is a near impregnable series of massive structures, each more impressive than the last.
Locations of Interest
The Castle District is what one pictures when stories are told about the lavishness of the Orlesian capital. Home to the Emperor, Empress, Divine, and a host of chevaliers, the Castle District is a near impregnable series of massive structures, each more impressive than the last.
Locations of Interest
- The Sun Gate: Said to blind an attacking army in full daylight, this is Val Royeaux's most magnificent entrance into the city.
- Imperial Palace: The home of Lucien and Sophia Drakon, the Emperor and Empress.
- Grand Cathedral: The seat of the Divine, the center of the Chantry faith in the south.
- Grande Royeaux Theater: The Empire's most renowned theater, where actors all across Thedas aspire to perform.
- The Academie des Chevaliers: Where the finest of Orlais' warriors are forged and educated in the ways of battle.
- Summer Bazaar: The finest goods of any market in the city can be found here, albeit at a steep cost.
| Administrative District |
Not as lavish as the Castle District by any means, but just as impressive in its own way. Where the palaces speak to the grandeur of Orlais, the imposing architecture of this district speaks to the Empire's reach, and its might.
Locations of Interest
Not as lavish as the Castle District by any means, but just as impressive in its own way. Where the palaces speak to the grandeur of Orlais, the imposing architecture of this district speaks to the Empire's reach, and its might.
Locations of Interest
- Avenue of the Sun: The largest, most widely traveled road through the city. Leads from Castle District through to the markets and beyond.
- La Flèche Noire: One of the most notorious prisons in Thedas. The last place any criminal wants to end up.
- Seekers of Truth Headquarters: Only sparingly used these days, given the devastating casualties the Seekers suffered at Corypheus's hands.
- Val Royeaux Guard Headquarters: The workplace of Val Royeaux's day-to-day protectors, led by their new captain, Ines Bernard.
- The White Spire: Once the home of the Val Royeaux Circle and templars, the future of the Spire is a hotly debated subject.
| Market District |
The center of Orlesian commerce and trade, goods from anywhere in the world can be found here. Every day, tens of thousands of Royans pass through, using the markets as a meeting place as well as a place of trade and supply. Merchants from all over Thedas take up residence here, lured in by the promise of easy coin, and an endless supply of customers.
Locations of Interest
The center of Orlesian commerce and trade, goods from anywhere in the world can be found here. Every day, tens of thousands of Royans pass through, using the markets as a meeting place as well as a place of trade and supply. Merchants from all over Thedas take up residence here, lured in by the promise of easy coin, and an endless supply of customers.
Locations of Interest
- Belle Marché: The district's largest marketplace, a bustling hub crammed with people from dawn to dusk.
- The Night Gates: Not as magnificent as their counterpart in the Castle District, but the Night Gates are actually the more commonly used entrance to the city, with easier access to the markets, the harbor, and the administrative centers.
| Alienage |
More elves are crammed into Val Royeaux than any city in the world, and in their Alienage they live in oppressive squalor. The district has been subject to numerous atrocities over the years, the most recent and painful of those being the Purge, ordered by Empress Celene in the year 9:40. Currently the Alienage is a hotbed of tension, as the emboldened elven population there begins to test their bounds of their new and more lenient rulers.
Locations of Interest
More elves are crammed into Val Royeaux than any city in the world, and in their Alienage they live in oppressive squalor. The district has been subject to numerous atrocities over the years, the most recent and painful of those being the Purge, ordered by Empress Celene in the year 9:40. Currently the Alienage is a hotbed of tension, as the emboldened elven population there begins to test their bounds of their new and more lenient rulers.
Locations of Interest
- Hahren's home: Riris Ledor's home is as modest as most Riverbend shacks, but the elves ensure their hahren lives in relative comfort, positioned centrally in the Alienage so as to always be easy to find.
- Vhenadahl: The Tree of the People, located in the heart of the Alienage. Val Royeaux's is a very young whitewood, devoid of its leaves, almost ghostly in appearance.
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| University District |
Almost a town unto itself, the University district is the most inland of all of them, and surrounds the prestigious University of Orlais, the first and still most prominent institution of its kind. It attracts young nobles from all over Thedas with the best education one can buy. The University is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes, and those in the know believe this tension will only continue to grow.
Locations of Interest
Almost a town unto itself, the University district is the most inland of all of them, and surrounds the prestigious University of Orlais, the first and still most prominent institution of its kind. It attracts young nobles from all over Thedas with the best education one can buy. The University is a relatively modern institution, whose liberal-minded professors have already clashed with religious conservatives over the content of their classes, and those in the know believe this tension will only continue to grow.
Locations of Interest
- University of Orlais: A large complex of buildings housing, feeding, and educating a body of approximately three hundred students at any given time.
- Sweetsong Brandy Parlour: A rather upscale distillery and tastinghouse steadily growing a reputation for both its fine craft liquors and its elegant, but unfussy atmosphere, the Sweetsong is also frequently host to special performances by famous bards and minstrels from all corners of the world.
| Harbor District |
The most important single trade hub in Orlais, as well as the its primary point of entry for immigrants, Val Royeaux's Harbor District is massive, sprawling over the side of the city adjacent to the water. Home to the headquarters of the Orlesian Port Authority, numerous bars, taverns, restaurants, and warehouses, it's perhaps second only to the Market District in terms of daily foot traffic and activity.
Locations of Interest
The most important single trade hub in Orlais, as well as the its primary point of entry for immigrants, Val Royeaux's Harbor District is massive, sprawling over the side of the city adjacent to the water. Home to the headquarters of the Orlesian Port Authority, numerous bars, taverns, restaurants, and warehouses, it's perhaps second only to the Market District in terms of daily foot traffic and activity.
Locations of Interest
- Port Authority Headquarters: Perhaps the most stately building in the district, and home to various administrators and trade officials.
- Argent Lions Barracks: A complex converted out of old warehouses, the barracks is today a well-maintained and very recognizable landmark. Many of the officers own small adjoining homes along the same street.
- The Smiling Lion: While the tavern's owner hasn't made it clear which of the many Argent Lion regulars she renamed the tavern after, she's happy to see any and all of them.
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| The Gardens |
A much more populated area than the Castle District, The Gardens is home to Val Royeaux's more minor noble families, as well as those among the common folk who have successfully made fortunes. Abundant with greenery, hence its name, The Gardens also hosts a number of smaller, more upscale businesses for the local clientele.
Locations of Interest
A much more populated area than the Castle District, The Gardens is home to Val Royeaux's more minor noble families, as well as those among the common folk who have successfully made fortunes. Abundant with greenery, hence its name, The Gardens also hosts a number of smaller, more upscale businesses for the local clientele.
Locations of Interest
- The Roost: A rather peculiar establishment, ostensibly an inn and tavern. Those in the know understand it to be the legitimate front for the Marquise de Valle's eccentric Bardic organization.
- The Spice of Life: A café owned and operated by the Lafleur family.
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| Riverbend |
Home to the city's poorest humans, Riverbend is directly adjacent to the Alienage on the inward side, something which has not of late helped much with the growing racial tensions in the area. Realistically, the people that live here are usually no better off financially than the elves, though of course there are other important differences in how they are treated and how they see themselves.
Locations of Interest
Home to the city's poorest humans, Riverbend is directly adjacent to the Alienage on the inward side, something which has not of late helped much with the growing racial tensions in the area. Realistically, the people that live here are usually no better off financially than the elves, though of course there are other important differences in how they are treated and how they see themselves.
Locations of Interest
- The Elixir Mixer: A cramped but colorfully-decorated storefront, advertising itself as an apothecary's. A small apartment sits on the floor above.
- Redthorn Tavern: The sort of place where no one bothers to ask your name or your business, as long as you've coin to pay. Willingly does business with elves, however, which is not always true of such establishments.
Spoiler: show
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| Sunshore |
To the east of the Orlesian capital lies a rather gentle shoreline, backed by impressive hills. The area garnered its name from the brilliant display of colors that can be seen come autumn, when the maples turn bright red and the native grasses take on golden and orange hues, resembling nothing so much as a sunset. It's dotted with small settlements and occasionally vacation abodes for those inclined to get out of Val Royeaux for some part of the year, but not too far out.
Locations of Interest
To the east of the Orlesian capital lies a rather gentle shoreline, backed by impressive hills. The area garnered its name from the brilliant display of colors that can be seen come autumn, when the maples turn bright red and the native grasses take on golden and orange hues, resembling nothing so much as a sunset. It's dotted with small settlements and occasionally vacation abodes for those inclined to get out of Val Royeaux for some part of the year, but not too far out.
Locations of Interest
- Braven's Hideout: A hidden location serving as an initial Vhenallin staging area.
- Riom: One of many small costal villages.
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| Clairtaillis |
The area immediately to Val Royeaux's north and west is covered by a modest, but picturesque, forest, one that stops short of the coastline on one side and the Imperial Highway on the other, where the land eventually gentles into rolling plains.
The area immediately to Val Royeaux's north and west is covered by a modest, but picturesque, forest, one that stops short of the coastline on one side and the Imperial Highway on the other, where the land eventually gentles into rolling plains.
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| Lydes |
Once the ancestral holdings of the Drakon family, Lydes and the countryside surrounding it now belong to the Inquisition, with Orlais functioning as its suzerain state. The abundant vineyards and carefully-regulated crafts industries there make for good trading opportunities, but perhaps its best feature is its keep, which unlike many Orlesian castles was designed primarily for military defense.
Locations of Interest
Once the ancestral holdings of the Drakon family, Lydes and the countryside surrounding it now belong to the Inquisition, with Orlais functioning as its suzerain state. The abundant vineyards and carefully-regulated crafts industries there make for good trading opportunities, but perhaps its best feature is its keep, which unlike many Orlesian castles was designed primarily for military defense.
Locations of Interest
- Lydes Castle: The heart of the region, and the new home of the Lord and Lady Inquisitor, as well as what remains of their Inquisition.
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| Arlesans |
A bustling city center located in the heart of Orlais, the comparatively-small region of Arlesans contributes an impressive amount of the country's agriculture. It has prospered for generations under the even-handed management of the D'Artignon family.
Locations of Interest
A bustling city center located in the heart of Orlais, the comparatively-small region of Arlesans contributes an impressive amount of the country's agriculture. It has prospered for generations under the even-handed management of the D'Artignon family.
Locations of Interest
- Arlesans Castle: Julien D'Artignon's policies regarding employment and equality mean that his castle runs more like a large commune than the imposing facade of wealth and power most of them are. Servants are in and out at all times of day, and the grounds are frequently opened to residents of the city proper, especially during holidays. Everyone in it seems to know everyone else, and in this way it remains relatively secure despite its tolerant guard force.
- La Roseraie: The massive, sprawling gardens surrounding Arlesans Castle are considered by the experts to be some of the most beautiful in Thedas, rivaling the Hanging Gardens of Minrathous. Several acres and over a dozen greenhouses and nurseries produce all manner of exotic species, hybrids and crossbreeds, as well as more conventional plants. Many of these are sold to collectors and gardeners elsewhere; the gardens alone employ over three hundred people.
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| Nahashin Marshes |
More properly swamp in most places, the Nahashin Marshes are harsh and only barely navigable. The trees grow twisted and the water, while not saline, is not at all safe to drink, leading to the hypothesis that the area sits on or near a Deep Roads entrance.
More properly swamp in most places, the Nahashin Marshes are harsh and only barely navigable. The trees grow twisted and the water, while not saline, is not at all safe to drink, leading to the hypothesis that the area sits on or near a Deep Roads entrance.
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| The Western Approach |
A large, arid expanse in southwestern Orlais, dotted with old forts and other defenses. Farther west lie the Hunterhorn Mountains and uninhabited steppes and forests.
Locations of Interest
A large, arid expanse in southwestern Orlais, dotted with old forts and other defenses. Farther west lie the Hunterhorn Mountains and uninhabited steppes and forests.
Locations of Interest
- Adamant Fortress: A massive, dwarven-constructed fortress that sits on the very edge of the Abyssal Rift.
- Griffon Wing Keep: A smaller fort maintained by the Inquisition during the fight against Corypheus; now derelict.
- The Abyssal Rift: A deep chasm that is believed to run as far down as the Deep Roads.
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| The Hissing Wastes |
The Hissing Wastes is a stretch of sandy desert north of the Western Approach, a lonely place where the wildlife is hungry and hostile. Among the hungriest and most hostile are the dragons that make their nests here. The rare person wandering into the wastes is either hunting prized beasts or hoping to uncover evidence of a long-vanished civilization in the dunes.
Locations of Interest
The Hissing Wastes is a stretch of sandy desert north of the Western Approach, a lonely place where the wildlife is hungry and hostile. Among the hungriest and most hostile are the dragons that make their nests here. The rare person wandering into the wastes is either hunting prized beasts or hoping to uncover evidence of a long-vanished civilization in the dunes.
Locations of Interest
- Dwarven Ruins: Inside a great cleft in the earth lie the remains of Kal Repertha, the first surface thaig.
| Lost Temple of Dirthamen |
Once a place of worship dedicated to the ancient elven god of secrets, this impressive site in northeastern Orlais is now a crumbling, flooded ruin.
Once a place of worship dedicated to the ancient elven god of secrets, this impressive site in northeastern Orlais is now a crumbling, flooded ruin.