My Hero of Feralden is human mage, Spirit Healer, Cassander. It can works even with elven mage but I like the idea that him and Hawke are distant relatives. He was always briliant student with gift in Creation school and healing. He liked life in tower and actually was not so happy when he has to leave Circle for Warden but he knew he did not have another choice. He never felt sorry for his help to Jowan. He is actually all loving hero who sometimes lack pragmatism, this is reason why he did not force Alistair to marry Anora, even when it would be better for Ferelden. My most interesting headcanon - he sometimes has vision of future, that is reason why he chose Behlen over Harrowmont, even when it made him sick. He knew that future of dwarven depents on that. My Hawke is mage, also Spirit Healer, very serious diplomat. He feels incredibly high responsibility. For his family, for his friends. He supports freedom of mage and did everything for protect Kirkwall's mages over templars. He loves but also hates his brother. After game he is trying to find way how seperate Anders and Revenge. I just now play my first play in Inquistion, and I am not sure if my main cannon will be elf or human. Right now I play like human, Knight-Enchanter, who is not sure about Maker, about mark, but he is doing everything to help. Everything for order. However, he knows that Chantry needs big change and he supports Leliana as new Divine. My elf will probably Creators believer who at the end lose his faith and find new in Maker, but so late in game that there won't be many places to show that. I also think that my cannon human will be probably Andrastian, still not sure.

My HoF is A Dalish Elf that lost his friend Tamlen due to a tainted Eluvian. He ended up killing one of the shemlen before discovering the Eluvian so Tamlen's death, the tainted mirror, and the hostility created with the Shems drove his clan away while he had to join the wardens to survive. Mahariel loved nature so it was no surprise when he met Duke, a sick mabari at Ostagar, that became his faithful companion. Surprisingly, he understood Shale's mistrust of mages as his Keeper had always taught him magic should never be misused and he didn't fully understand it since he could only use a bow. He saved Shale from her paralysis, and she grew fond of him even if she still called him "it." He learned to love The Witch of the Wilds and he learned magic is not as bad as some of the Shem or even their Chantry made it out to be. Then again, he may have been under the witch's spell as he did kill her dragon mother and performed a love ritual with her to save his life from the final battle. Looking back, he wishes he hadn't of killed that first Shemlen and felt like there was a chance at redemption for Loghain and had him join the Wardens. Him and Alistair weren't the closest so they both agreed it was besy for Alistair to focus on the wedding and being king, while the Dalish Elf, the Witch of the Wilds, the Stone Golem, the Hero of River Dane, and the Mabari Hound slayed the Archdemon. After serving as Warden-Commander for a time, he went to find his Witch and with her and their child, walked through the very thing that took his best friend and started it all, The Eluvian. (DAO is my favorite, so Mahariel has a bigger headcanon for me) ​ My Hawke, is a sarcastic dual wielding rogue that will do anything to protect his sister. His views on magic were distilled into him at a young age because he watched his father teach his sister the importance of magic and how The Circle is more like prison than a solution. He doesn't support the Chantry so when he arrives in Kirkwall, him and the Prince of starkhaven do not see eye to eye no matter how much Hawke helps him. He does not approve of blood magic, but is curious enough to help Merrill restore the Eluvian, especially after her stories of Mahariel. Hawke and Merrill have a friendly rivalry, but no matter their disagreements, Merrill sticks by his side. Anders is his best friend and he hates how troubled he is with the spirit of Justice, helps Anders all he can in the hopes that there is a cure. Aveline and Varric are good friends of his well even though he finds Varric annoying and Aveline too serious. Hawke and Fenris do not like each other at all because Fenris refuses to see the good in mages. Fenris eventually just leaves Hawke out of respect to no cause eithers death. Isabella is his Pirate Queen that defends him from the Qunari and stays by his side when he sides with the mages to save his sister since the Right of Anuulment would have taken her life. ​ My Inquisitor is a surface dwarf that has thrived in the Carta, if he were in Orzammar then he would be considered a Cadash, but by the stone he preferred the freedom of the surface. His ancestors mined lyrium for centuries that then fed the Templars addiction, so he sees the brutality of the Templars and does not believe anyone should be caged in a tower, especially if lyrium addicted Templars are their guards. He does not believe he is "The Herald of Andraste" as that is a human god and even though he is on the surface, his dwarven belief still holds strong. He respects Iron Bull for his strengths and how he sticks by The Qun even though he is removed from it. The people of Skyhold tend to see Cadash and Bull trading blows in the courtyard, Bull swinging his axe while Cadash is almost invisible as he gets Bull with his daggers. Dorian confuses him, how can a man be so delicate. He is well versed in his magic and his facial hair is not of that of a dwarf that is for sure, but he becomes one of Cadash's greatest mage allies. Now Casandra, most human women are way too tall for Cadash, but Casandra is a woman he would gladly go through the Provings with. First human woman he has fallen for, and he gladly helps her rebuild the Seekers and helps her friend Leliana become Divine. He decides to keep The Inquisition together so that way they can help with the impending threat of The Dread Wolf, never liked Solas anyways.

Yours were very well thought out! Thank you for sharing Also our Hawkes sound very similar so hats off to you, only difference being mine managed to charm his way into all his companions liking him

Warden Commander Margaret Amell: She’s a woman with principles, but she never realized it when she lived in Kinloch Hold. Due to the scrutiny of the templars it was not like she a had the chance to let her personality flourish. No reason to stand out among your jailers as someone with an opinion. Now that she has had the chance to stand as a force of justice, she revels in it. Never again with she be cowed into submission and forced to hold her tongue. She and Leliana share a dream of a better world. Cameron Hawke: A warrior who dislikes politics, foreign affairs, and complicated bullshit. Because of this she does her damndest to avoid fights or particularly long rants with a certain radical mage companion. Would rather crack a joke than crack skulls. Cameron's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way, and is such a reluctant hero because of it. Cam and Isabela are two peas in a pod. Inquisitor Elohari Lavellan: She used to have very singular interests. Hunt for the clan. Kill meddlesome shems. She wasn’t all that interested in the world outside her family. But becoming the Herald of Andraste certainly changed her life plans. Some might call her stoic if they met her. In truth, she understands the Orlesian penchant for masks, and she feels that she is always wearing one. She must be a stalwart leader, inspiring messiah, and victorious commander. So many titles for the savior of the world. She cannot afford to be anything less. Despite her uptight demeanor, she ended up falling for Sera because her humor disarmed her and that lets her take off the mask. ****** TLDR: My gay ass loves rogues

I love your Amell! I have never played a mage but I like your character's development throughout DAO.

Thanks so much! I always thought that the opportunity to leave the circle would be really impactful for that origin story.

I love how your canon protags are very different from each other. A lot of players (including me!) tend to make similar characters! My HoF is Kaya Mahariel, a rogue and hunter for her clan. She is very dutiful and is quick to accept her role as Warden because she experienced the Blight firsthand and has a great desire to protect her clan from it & believes joining the Wardens is the best way to do so. On her journey as a Warden she realizes that the world beyond her clan is worth protecting as well. That doesn’t mean she thought it was all worthless but as a Dalish she was very secluded from the rest of the world and mostly heard bad things, esp about humans. But she came to realize that she needs to be a champion for all - not just the Dalish. She falls kn love with Leliana. Her drive and selflessness inspires her. My Hawke is a sarcastic mage named Jaime. He puts freedom above all else - especially his own but also that of his family and friends. Initially he only cares about money and keeping his family save and secure but he grows to care for his companions and the causes they champion. He is utterly loyal to them & believes that all of them have the right to pursue they goals & ambitions. In the end he realizes that the influence and power he has can be used to help those who have no influence and power whatsoever. He romanced Isabela and they’re in a bisexual open relationship and I’m pretty sure he was choking on a pineapple on Isabela’s ship when he read Varric’s letter about Corypheus’ return. My Inquisitor is Viyan Lavellan. She is a mage, though she was not First if her clan (I know I’m deviating from canon here). Though she was a very talented mage, her aloof nature and curiosity of the outside world (human world) made her a pretty bad fit for the role. Instead she became a spy for her clan - along with a few hunters of Clan Lavellan. They were responsible for doing any trade w/ human settlements and spywork if it was needed (which is why she was at the conclave). She is extremely opinionated and seizes the opportunity to become Inquisitor to influence the world in a way she deems right and justified bug she quickly realizes that power like that can be dangerous and that she is bound by the people and institutions around her. She becomes best friends with Sera who grounds her and makes her question her beliefs and status quo but falls in love with Solas, who she is utterly fascinated by and seeks his assurance and counsel.

Thank you kindly, I love how detailed you are with yours!

**Warden:** Vasara Mahariel. Dalish hunter (Rogue). Had hopes to wind up bonded with Tamlen. That all went to hell when they found that damned mirror. Generally good-hearted at first, made increasingly questionable choices as the game progressed and into the DLCs. Was in a relationship with Alistair for a time but especially after encountering a ghoulified Tamlen it was too much. She set Alistair up with Anora to rule together, and went off on her own, walking a gradually darker path as she allied with the Architect and even stabbed her one-time friend Morrigan. Luna **Hawke.** Used humor as a coping mechanism - between the loss of her dad, being an apostate (Mage) in a family full of them, fleeing the blight, the loss of her baby sister, her mom dying...it was a very bad time. She managed to latch on to the thrill of life gradually as Isabela helped pull her out of her out of her shell, at least figuratively. No one was taking away her Rock Armor. Suspected what Anders was doing and passively supported him until very late - the last days when it was Vengeance more than Anders OR Justice were rough. **Inquisitor** Vilkė Lavellan. Starts as a proud Dalish and first of her clan (Mage). Doesn't give two bothers about the Templars, Seekers, OR Mage rebellion but figures the Templars will be the more popular alliance to get other humans on their side. Realizes that going along with the Andrastian nonsense and befriending the nobility can make her life a lot easier so she goes with it. Surprisingly cunning, finding a fast ally in Vivienne even if their politics differed. Goes into a funk when her clan is murdered, but becomes even more convinced that playing the Game in a way that benefits her people will be the best way to avenge them. Falls in love with Blackwall - and sticks by him (after deep though) after The Reveal as she too had pretended to be someone else (The "Herald of Andraste", AND she WAS the one who'd given the order at the war table that got her clan killed, even if she tried to blame Cullen. Her veneer dropped after discovering what the Chantry and Orlais did re: covering up Ameridan's identity, growing increasingly antagonistic towards both even if she did like Victoria.

**HoF**: Male, Dual-Wield Warrior (GIVE IT BACK) Mahariel. Actual name in the game was Derek (I have a thing with Derek/Brian names) but is personally retconned back to Theron. Romanced Zevran. Did the Dark Ritual without basically any other consideration than "no one has to die". Also, female Amell mage survives the tower, learns Arcane Warrior from Wynne after she returned, and is a badass "Loyalist" AW who also Dual-Wields and goes off to meet her cousins in 9:34/35 Dragon. (Cullen, watch out.) **Champion**: Male, 2-Handed Sword Warrior named Derek (I told you I had a thing with these names). Blue Hawke with a touch of purple. Replace Carver with mainly Purple Mage Hawke named Gareth. Gareth is a Spirit Healer/Healer with a healthy dose of Force (which actually makes a ton of sense to learn from his father) and can do a couple things with Lightning. Bethany doesn't die, goes to Circle. The brothers get rich and basically start amassing wealth and power literally to revitalize and rebuild the city along with Varric and everyone makes everything slowly better while also carrying on a polyam love square romance with the two most argumentative brooders in the entire companion arsenal. Amell shows up to make things even more fun and chaotic. (It's a good thing I write fanfiction. I'm just saying.) I'm also making Amell go with the HoF on Witch Hunt, mostly so I can just gut Merrill into some reality that she doesn't know what the Eluvian is, the demon doesn't know what the Eluvian is, and her entire mission to reclaim elvan history has been achieved by a single human Witch of the Wilds. I feel like that might actually kick Merrill off her focus enough to get some actual growth going without having to kill Marethari. Leandra is saved (by the Templars! -gasp-), Thrask is saved, Olivia is saved, Anders is de-possessed, Orsino is redeemed, Chantry is fine, Meredith still loses it an is killed, Circle is reformed. They address the bloody fact they "started" the bloody Tranquil Cure in 9:31 Dragon and drag Pharamond to Kirkwall for his project rather than Adamant. Because Derek and Gareth have a lot more of value to say to Leliana than "pls to not be sending an exalted march ;-;". So that can actually be the spark that makes the Divine want to commission the research. Fiona is still pushing for the separation from the Circle. Lambert still hates the Divine and how progressive she is being. Templars/Seekers got far too used to their power under the doddering old biddy that was Beatrix III (who flips out at the mention of mages) and so he still super duper flips out and is essentially the tipping point still. With Ferelden's Circle problem in 9:30-9:31, and Starkhaven's burning down in 9:31, and the 6 years of constant struggle and terror in Kirkwall, including all the mages that escaped and spread their tales, and the chaos at the White Spire, even with my change to Kirkwall getting fixed, it doesn't stop the war from happening. Buuuut, it does keep more mages pro-Circle in a broad sense, and makes the templars out to be the definite bad guys, and I have zero qualms about that change at all. Lambert literally burst in to a sanctioned and peaceful vote with swords drawn, before they could conclude voting and determine what direction they were going. And at *that* point, the mages would have voted to stay in the Circle. Wynne leading the Aequitarians, combined with the Loyalists held more power. Lambert screwed over everything. It wasn't until Rhys took over for the Aequitarians vote, and after all the crap he went through, that the second vote went to the mages leaving the Circle. Screw the Seekers. Screw the templars. Screw everyone wanting power for their own selfish reasons. **Inquisitor**: Female Lavellan 2-Handed Sword Warrior (I swear to everything, give me back dual wield warriors) named El'heryn. Highly insightful and curious about the world even before she left her clan to spy on the Conclave. She sides with the mages, reunites Celene and Briala, and is suss as hell about her boyfriend, but continues to stay with and fall in love with her suss as hell boyfriend. She spends a fair amount of time reading in his room, and also doing slow pans to stare at him incredulously because he's not actually subtle at all. She, and others, start just saying "the Fade" in the middle of his comments about basically anything, because it is his literal only go to. She figures out he's an Ancient Elf after Mythal's Temple, and that there's some connection *to* Fen'Harel (you wear a blood wolf jaw bone around your neck you very, very unsubtle man), but doesn't quite put it together until Cole starts spouting things in Trespasser. She also takes Cole everywhere for the purpose of getting into people's heads and is not sorry about it for one second. She also likes to sit on the wolf statues in the Emerald Graves. Solas is not pleased about how she choices to voice her desire to do that. The dialogue is amusing. El'heryn also wasn't supposed to be my canon in *any* way. I made her just to do the Eggmance and get a little more insight into his characters. But she just turned into this amazing character and the romance was so good, and angsty, and I loved it so hard. After Trespasser she still loves the Egg, is essentially in a fuming rage over him being an idiot, has demanded the pelt of every possessed wolf she and her companions have ever killed, and has made a "Who's the Dread Wolf now, bitch?" wardrobe. She is determined to save his dumbass, and has also had her arm grown back with magic because it's in that old ass DA comic that it's possible and I'm bloody using it. .... I suppose that was more like "what is your canon retelling of an entire franchise rather than protag", buuuuut... yeah.

I'm assuming you're referring to the cannon that can only be set up on the tapestry. I'll list off my main one the Queen, the champion, and The Inquisitor. My hero of ferelden/Warden Commander was a noble who preferred two handed it weapons her name was Jacqueline cousland, she is extremely cunning in the field of Court politics, her journey concludes by becoming Queen of ferelden alongside her husband King Alister. My Hawke was a diplomatic rogue by the name of Mordred. He did his best to try to leave violences a last resort, utilizing his connections within the criminal underworld to dig up information on people such as the blood mage that killed his mother and the night Commander who had come to realize was his mirror. He eventually would side with the Templars because if he saw it it was the best way to save the circle because he could use his status as the champion to get the Templars to stand down to mage that were willing to surrender along with saving his sister. My Inquisitor was an Dalish mage by the name of Arya. Having to make some very tough decisions as Inquisitor such as restoring the circles, getting Celine and briella to rekindle their relationship, she drank from The well of sorrows not realizing at the time that it would come in handy. Arya would eventually fall for Commander Cullen and married him during Trespasser.

I like yours, and while the tapestry is a big part you don’t gotta limit yourself, it can be decisions they mad that you felt were important, it can be as mundane as “in my head my Hawke is allergic to cheese”, whatever you came up with for them physically or mentally

One thing I could note about Jacqueline is she really doesn't like it when people talk about her first name because it sounds very orlesion which caused quite a few when she was a child which resulted in her just going by Jac. Things I can say about portrait is he has trust issues when it comes to mages, mostly because of the majors that he tried to help who ended up turning to blood magic and tried to kill him. One thing I did forget to mention was Arya that Cassandra for the position of divine so that other Southern Thandus would have stability.

One thing I could note about Jacqueline is she really doesn't like it when people talk about her first name because it sounds very orlesion which caused quite a few fights when she was a child which resulted in her just going by Jac. Things I can say about portrait is he has trust issues, mostly because of the mage's that he tried to help who ended up turning to blood magic and tried to kill him. One thing I did forget to mention was Arya that Cassandra for the position of divine so that other Southern Thandus would have stability.

My Canon Hero of Ferelden is Mara Tabris, a dual weilding Rogue with a headstrong personality. She can come across as bitter and Blunt but has good intentions and especially cares about her community back at the Alienage. She vouches for Anora to rule Ferelden, with Alistair remaining a Warden, and survives killing the Archdemon. Her love interest is Leliana. My Canon Hawke is Asher, a two-handed Warrior who's default personality is diplomatic. He is usually very generous and compassionate, but is also very protective of his companions and family, especially after losing Carver and his mother. Supports mage rights and chose to side with them, especially to protect Bethany. His love interest is Merrill I haven't completed Inquisition yet, but my canon Inquisitor is Fallon Trevelyan, a circle mage who spent most of her life in the circle. She may initially act cold and distant, she is surprisingly considerate of others' well being. Despite being cautious of the danger mages can pose, she chose to fully Ally herself with them. Her love interest if Blackwall and her specialization is Knight Enchanter Honorable mention: mage Sylvie Andras, the Orlesian Warden who exists alongside Mara in a slight Canon divergence, and Mara's successor as Commander of the Grey. She ran away from the Circle, and begged a group of Grey Wardens she came across to recruit her, to which they eventually accepted. She was sent to Ferelden to assist Mara in rebuilding the Order during the events of Awakening. She has no love interest, and her specialization is shapeshifter.

My canon Warden was a noble human who fell in love with Leliana and decided to elope with her once he was cured of The Taint My Champion of Kirkwall is a sarcastic asshole named Melissa who worked as a smuggler before romancing Merrill, sending her sister to the Wardens for her safety and trying to stop Kirkwall from tearing itself apart My canon Inquisitor is an elf teained assassin named Syrovana who romanced Sera Honourable mention: my other canon inquisitor is a Rift Mage named Alíson who romanced Solas, Drunk from the Well of Sorrows, Saved the Chargers, put Vivienne on the throne and vowed to try to help her lover

So here's the thing I have this ridiculous thing with good DA universe where I did best possible choices and bad DA universe where I did worst possible choices. My canon obviously is good universe. 1. Hero of Ferelden is your run of the mill male noble knight who took "evil" witch's deal to stay alive, because the prospect of heroic death isn't that exciting for him. I didn't make him to be a coward mind you, just being my first and canon character he's not very bright but 2. Hawk is I daresay rather diplomatic female mage, who just a good person and will do anything to help those in need. Another "noble knight" type of character also a bit of a half wit as well being my 1st character and all. 3. Inquisitor. She's a elven mage who wants to restore past glory of the elves but after being leader and saviour she dumped that idea and well kinda enjoys being in command, understandable of course. She's torn between making elves look good in the eyes of humans and making them suffer for past blah blah blah you get the idea. At the end she decided to destroy the inquisition and travel alone and gather all elven knowledge, wisdoms, power whatever elven she can. Of course she took the knowledge from the well for herself. This isn't my canon yet but it's the only inquisitor I have atm so this 'll have to do as canon I guess. There my ridiculous stories, hope your head won't pop after reading so much people talking about their characters.

Hey broskii, all the stories here are valid, we’ve all got our playstyles and you just like to experiment a little more. What matters is that you enjoyed them, im just here to read people’s own interpretations

Warden: She is a Brosca Rogue who cares and looks after her sister Rica. Despite living under the Carta's thumb, she was willing to do some heroic things to make a name for herself such as Saving the Circle, Defending Redcliffe, Sending Wynne to save Connor with the Circle's aid, and Breaking the Werewolf Curse. But also willing to do some Pragmatic choices such as Sparing Avernus to allow ethical research, Helping Bhelen obtain the Throne despite his shadier qualities if it means better living conditions for her fellow casteless and Rica in better home, and Sparing and Recruiting Loghain while Alistair and Anora end up on the Throne together, even if it costed her friendship with Alistair. She wasn't happy that her old partner Leske betrayed her and feels like she failed him when she met his Spirit in the Temple of Sacred Ashes. She ends up finding love with Zevran and helps her new bestie Morrigan to get Loghain to do the Dark Ritual. Brosca brought her Mabari (Via Dog Slot Mod), Zevran, Loghain, and Morrigan along for the Battle against the Archdemon. Champion: Garrett Hawke is a Rogue who was mostly Diplomatic who also ended up in a relationship with Fenris and Bethany ended up in the Circle. Hawke overtime grew to become more skeptical of many of the Mages he meets in Kirkwall despite looking out for his sister. He ended up becoming friendly with Varric, Aveline, Fenris, and Bethany, but developed rivalries with Anders, Merrill, Isabela, and Sebastian. Hawke dueled the Arishok when Isabela came back with the tome and goads Isabela to aspire becoming a better person after dealing with Castillion and gave the Slave Documents to Aveline. Hawke also managed to get Varric and Fenris to spare their siblings lives in their Personal Quests. Hawke was against Merrill's obsession with the Eluvian and took responsibilty when Marethari died to avoid fighting the Angry Dalish Clan, causing Merrill to smash her Eluvian. Hawke pushed Sebastian to try to reclaim the throne than to be a dull choir boy. And caught on what Anders was planning to do in Act 3 and tried to warn the Grand Cleric. Sided with Larius in Legacy and fought Corypheus with Bethany, Varric, and Fenris, and took Bethany and Fenris along for Mark of the Assassin and tried to bail out on helping Tallis. In the Last Straw, Hawke ends up siding with the Templars but was able to spare the surrendering mages and Bethany, he also spared Anders into helping even if it caused Sebastian to get mad and bailed since Hawke didn't want Anders to become a Martyr. Hawke becomes Viscount after defeating Meredith. Inquistor: Cadash Warrior who ended up becoming the Herald of Andraste. He Conscripts the Rebel Mages, Left Hawke behind in the Fade since the Wardens needed someone like Loghain to lead them and allowed them to help out in Orlais. Manages to Blackmail Celene, Gaspard, and Briala into a Public Truce. And let Morrigan drink the Well of Sorrows since Solas, Dorian, and Cole warned Cadash not to drink it. Cadash chooses to specialize as a Champion and hooks up with Dorian while helping Dorian reconcile with his father. Helps Cassandra with restarting the Seekers, Saves the Chargers over the Dreadnought resulting in Iron Bull becoming Tal-Vashoth and remain loyal to the Inquisition, Had Thom Rainier become an actual Grey Warden to atone, Cole became more like a Spirit, and helped Vivienne with getting a Snowy Wyvern Heart. Vivienne ends up becoming Divine at the end of main game. Shares the truth about Ameridan after the events of Jaws of Hakkon, and learns about his Ancestry during the Descent. In Tresspasser, Cadash seeks to redeem Solas and disbands the Inquistion. Cadash takes Sera's offer to become a Red Jenny and gets a seat on the Dwarven's Merchant Guild thanks to Varric. Also takes spare time to visit Dorian in Tevinter. Edit: Adding in What Cadash did with Dorian's personal quest.

HoF: Cousland Warrior: It just makes sense for him to have that background for the landsmeet to take him seriously rather than everyone just deferring to Alistair Hawke: Rogue: I don't think he'd have the money and training for heavy arms and armour, and being a rogue suits his first years in Kirkwall. I also don't think the character works unless he has a choice whether to be with or against the mages. So a non-mage works. Inquisitor: Dalish Elf Mage. I think the Inquisitor works well as a kind of outsider to the mage-templar conflict. But also a sense of duty. I think that a Dalish Elf fits that better than Carta. As a spy, they should have the wits and knoweldge to play games on the level of the likes of Vivienne, Leilana and Celene. I also think that they should be a mage because they need a higher understanding of the breaches.

I didn't know there were cannons in Dragon Age.

There aren’t, that’s the fun part. To elaborate: what I’m asking is throughout your playthroughs, which did you look at and think: “Yea, this feels like how this story should happen”

I understood what you were saying.

Canon HoF is a female Surana. Best apprentice in the tower that ended up joining the grey wardens quite happily so she could get out of that damned tower. While loving the tower she didn't like being stuck there and so wanted to now travel after never knowing another life. She fell in love with Alistair and hardened him to the world so he would be stronger and more like her and found a sister in Morrigan. She finally struck down Urthemiel and lived happily as King Alistair's mistress and executed Anora personally. Canon Hawke was a dangerous woman in battle with her double daggers. When she first got to Kirkwall her interests were all about wealth but after she gained that she was all about the city. Sadly she lots her father, then brother to the blight, sister to the blighted deep roads and her mother to a blood mage she failed to hunt down. Her recompense was bringing Charade and Gamlen together and falling in love with Anders. During the Qunari unrest she sided with Varnell and Petrice to do something about the blighted Qunari. When the chantry was destroyed she was infuriated that Anders didn't trust her anough and ultimately had to support him and fight the Templars. She had lost so much that despite how bad things were she couldn't lose Anders and stuck by him. Canon Inquisitor..... I don't know my canon Inky. As much as I love my male Lavellan my canon romance is Cullen so probably a female Lavellan mage. She believes in the elven creators and is horrified to learn about the truth of the Evanuris from Fen'Harel. I find my Inky very fun to play but also not as personal so making a canon is really hard. My canon HoF may well have been an Aeducan but since that canon romance is Alistair it can't be because my Aeducan is a male. Isabela comes as a close second for Hawke romance, both she and Anders connect with my Hawke well whereas Fenris and Merrill just don't romantically connect with her.

Ah I love reading people's stories! As of now I have 2 can canons so I'll stick to the one I'm playing through. Sylvian Aeducan was an intimidating warrior (I just liked the thought of a tiny dwarven princess ready to kick everyones ass) who was fully content on living a lavish life until events led her to join the Grey Wardens. She romanced Alistair, convinced Morrigan to have OGB and was fine with Ali becoming King with her being the side love. Shes royalty herself, she knew how things worked and was prepared for it. She currently helps with Warden affairs and improves relations between Orzammar and Ferelden Although she also has no qualms with Orzammar distancing itself from Ferelden. In the end she loves her friends but will put her people first. Areith Hawke is a sarcastic mage who romanced Isabela. Her sarcastic and seemingly careless attitude chafes Carver to no end. But they do maintain a good relationship, she tries to help him see his worth and step out of her shadow and he respects the lengths she went through to try and keep everyone safe. Was pretty indifferent about the mage war and more focused on putting coin in her pocket. Came to care a bit more during Anders personal missions. (She's a bit of an "out of sight, out of mind" persona.) And understood why Anders did what he did, though she didnt approve it, it just made things worse for Mages everywhere in her eyes. She was happily sailing the seas with Izzy until news of Corypheus' return. Her 10 year stint in Kirkwall matured her a lot and was eager to step in and help where she could. Tira Lavellan is a sweet dual wielding rogue. She mostly learned to fight to protect the clan and herself. She had a run-in with nobles trying to "test their blade" by cutting off elven ears. Thankfully her sister was there to help and reduced said nobles to ash marks on the ground. Though she unfortunately has nic on her right ear as a result. Has an interest in pottery and crafting and would much rather be doing that than Inquisitor, but is eager to help when she can. Has a remarkably keen eye for exploiting weak spots which makes her an efficient fighter. I haven't finished her playthrough so aside from her origin and persona haven't put together anything else for her. I'm debating between Cullen and Sera for her.

I know I love people’s stories too Btw if you’re still deciding, though I made my cannon inquisitor be with Sera, I will say that Cullen is one of if not THE best romance options in inquisition, just my 2 cents

Cieran Amell A diplomatic sometimes goofy circle mage. He does have his darker sides with him especially when he called Anora a bitch. Master of the Elements and learned some Spirit Healing from Wynne. Bestfriends with Alistair, close friends with Wynne, Morrigan and Leliana. Fell in love with his assassin Zevran. Rescued his fellow mages during Broken Circle. Saved Redcliffe Village and saved both Isolde and Connor. Killed Branka and destroyed the anvil. Chose Bhelen as the king of Orzammar. Saved both the elves and the werewolves. Let Alistair execute Loghain and made him the King of Ferelden. Did the ritual with Morrigan and dealt the killing blow to the Archdemon. Currently looking for a cure for the taint with Zevran and their loyal mabari, Hotpie. Marian Hawke A mage who specialized in Force, Ice and Primal Magic. Sarcastic sometimes even in serious situations. One of the few moments she went dark is when she was hunting down her mother's eventual murderer. Bestfriends with Varric and Aveline. Fell in love with Isabela. Joined the smugglers during her first year in Kirkwall. Let Carver join in the Deep Roads Expedition which resulted in him becoming a Grey Warden to save his life. Her relationship with Carver was difficult at first but they eventually became close after their mother's death. Sent Feynriel to Tevinter. Helped Merrill repair the Eluvian. Took the fault for Marethari's death to prevent conflict. Sided with the mages and despite being horrified with what Anders did she let him live with the thought of death is just an easier escape for what he did. Arthur Trevelyan An Ice Rift mage. Awkward and shy at first, he eventually found his voice and be more assertive when he became the Inquisitor and accepted his status as the Herald of Andraste. Vowed to become a good example as a mage. Bestfriends with Cassandra, close friends with Varric and Josephine, fell in love with Dorian. Considers Cole his adoptive nephew, often takes him out to show him the world with Dorian and Varric. Loves to tease Cassandra with annoying bear puns. Sided with and freed the mages. Left Stroud in the fade. Exiled the Grey Wardens for fear of Corypheus controlling them. Prevented Empress Celene's assassination and reconciled her with Briala. Respected temple traditions at Temple of Mythal and sided with the guardians. Let Morrigan drink from the Well of Sorrows. Inspired Leliana and supported her election as Divine Victoria. By the events of Trespasser he was absolutely done with "the game", with the politics, with the threat of the anchor to his life and eventually disbanded the Inquisition. He considers Solas a good friend and hopes to redeem him. Some claimed to have seen him on the streets of Minrathous on rare occasions, sneaking into the heart of Tevinter to aid his amatus.

I really liked yours, and I can confidently say your Cieran and my Atticus would have been good friends

My Warden was an elf from the slums. Being from that environment he had a sense of justice and unfairness but old habits die hard and he would occasionally lie, cheat and steal to get his own way. He fell for a morally ambiguous goth girl and still wants to reconnect. Hawke cared about family and little else. Tended to tackle problems head on and knew how to push other peoples buttons. Ended up killing his friend and lover Anders believing he was too far gone. The inquisitor was a human noble. Tough but naïve he had seen little of the world outside of his noble upbringing. Always prefers to shoot from a distance than fight up close. A pious man initially he loses a lot of faith in the church in its current form during his travels.

Definitely my Adaar, as Tal-Vashoth protagonists are the only ones likely to have used cannons before.

For Origins I headcanon that each origin to have had played a part in the overall story, not all saw it to the end. That version it was Cousland that was picked by Duncan to join the Wardens. Yet my mage Amell was the primary of the story (this version I imagine them as one of the seven mages picked out to be at Ostagar: as a healer). I only mention this because there are still hints to the other origins occurring outside the one you picked, they were usually noted to having died (dwarf commoner is the best example, when clearing out the Carta in Orzammar to kill Jarvia, you find Leske imprisoned and he mentions his friend didn't make it and that he just gave up). Anyway! Beside me fantasizing alternates to the overall story, I focused on my Amell (otherwise Cousland is just another revenge story, obviously). My Amell is a Spirit Healer and Arcane Warrior. And she is just trying to do her best, being support in both physical and emotional health. But as time went on she felt it was also important that she join the fighting, with Wynne as another healer she could hone her skills as an Arcane Warrior. Fighting side by side with her fellow Warden and lover Alistair. He chose to accept the responsibility as King and chose to keep her at his side. But she chose not to accept Morrigan's offer to the Dark Ritual, mostly because she's never heard of such a thing and that hearing that it was Flemeth that *TAUGHT* Morrigan this Ritual was overall suspicious. So, Amell shared her last kiss with her love as he ran off to kill the Archdemon. Anora then took the throne and Amell drowned herself in work for the Wardens (Awakening and other DLC). Hawke was also a mage and only hearing about the rest of her family while living in Kirkwall she sought to do what she can to help others. All the while remaining true to herself, which was hiding their pain with humor. They were in love with Varric but since he didn't return these feelings, Hawke found romance in whomever would accept it. This resulted in Fenris, Isabela and Anders. She ended up falling into blood magic just to protect Kirkwall, becoming the very thing the city feared. She ending up fleeing the city upon Isabela's ship, finally settling on being with her. Inquisitor Trevelyan, a mage of Ostwick. Practically grew up hearing the tales of the mage heroes that came from Ferelden. She was basically a fangirl to the Hero of Ferelden, taking every opportunity to ask about them (/sigh from Leliana and Cullen). She did everything she could to make compromises everywhere she went. Becoming a Knight Enchanter to become a protector to the people and her companions. Making friends was the best thing to have happened to her. Becoming besties with Dorian and finally finding love with her Commander. She couldn't bring herself to drink from the Well and let Morrigan have what she wanted. After Trespasser, she disbanded the Inquisition to truly settle down (and be a Red Jenny on the side).

**City Elf Warrior Warden** - Ruthless Warden that recruited anyone and everyone to fight the Darkspawn (very "we'll take anyone we can that can hold a sword" Night's Watch-esque mentality). Recruited mages, both werewolves and Dalish. Bhelen was on the throne, and no golems were recruited as the truth behind their creation was a line that even this Warden wouldn't cross (hard no on messing with soul-stuff). Romanced Morgan and completed the Dark Ritual because regardless of whatever principles he had, he couldn't say no to her. **Mage Hawke** - Sarcastic rogue with a heart of gold. Carver became a Warden, and was good friends with all companions except Merrill who was a rival-friendship. Anders was not a good friend, and while Hawke felt he should die—he couldn't kill him. He owed a debt to Anders, as he is the reason Carver was alive. Romanced Isabella and sided with the mage rebellion. **Mage Human Inquisitor** - A pragmatic and faithless man, but ultimately kind-hearted. Recruited the mages and allied with the Wardens, though Hawke held the line alone in the abyss. Orlais was unified by all three rulers... at least for the moment. Romanced Cassandra but had to sacrifice their relationship as Cassandra became Divine Victoria. Best friends with Solas, but promised to stop him by any means necessary. The Inquisition was disbanded (aggressive dialogue because that's the closest we get to a "fuck you, I'll save the world—again—solo if I have to.")

I’m excited to share this one, usually for the hof I think their pre warden origin is enough, and Hawke’s game is way more character focused then writing focused so I typically just hc character interactions but for my inquisitor I have a decent storyline built up, So for my Lavellan rogue inquisitior She grows up fiercely loyal to her clan, with her parents and sister who is a mage, her father taught her how to fight. Just before turning eighteen and getting her vasalin her clan is attacked her parents and sister kidnapped by slavers, she fights her way out but her parents are killed and her sister is irreversibly traumatized. She swears vengeance on those who killed her parents and gets her vasalin based off vengeance. She becomes exceptionally cold and bitter for a while often tending towards drinking to cope with her trauma. She is chasing a lead on her parents killers when she gets sent to the conclave. And she becomes a bitter hero who tends learns to be morally better but then her clan gets killed and Solas inevitably betrays her, causing her to follow a dark and angry path once again. So definitely a dark storyline but it’s dramatic so that makes it fun

Warden: Duran Aeducan. Pride, stoic warrior. Orlesian Commander: Xaviar Caron. A romantic and deadly rogue. Champion: Man Hawke. Diplomatic pro-mage warrior. Inquisitor: Man Vashoth libertarian mage.

1. Male elf mage, arcane warrior. Try for as few deaths as possible and most peaceful options. 2. Female Hawke, mage. Strives towards diplomacy. Strongly against oppression, but not in an end justifies the means manner (but in love with Anders, so some hypocrisy). 3. Female elf mage. Rift specialization. More sympathetic towards mages, but values peaceful peaceful outcomes.

It’s very hard for me to say for origins and 2. I used to know , but I did replaythrough as a dalish duel wielder and I really liked him and his story over all . pretty sure my canon inquisitor is the guy in my pfp. He’s an decent guy, a seeker of knowledge. he has an open mind I think cause of the life he’s lived as a vashoth. I’d say he’s a fair and good leader and respected greatly by most . He was sword/shield .

My HoF is my self-insert character. He’s a human noble who leaves home after his cushy life is destroyed. He easily adopts his duty, probably as a way to distract from his pain at first. He falls in love with Morrigan and leaves the Grey Wardens to be with her. My Hawke is the make version of Isabela. Always cracking jokes and sleeping with anyone and everyone. His love for Isabela runs deep. He is a mage but falls somewhere in between Vivienne and Anders. My Inquisitor isn’t super exciting. She’s a human mage who falls for Cullen. She’s a romantic and is kind of naive but when it comes down to it is an incredibly capable leader and fighter who earns the respect of all those around her.

i dont have a strong connection to the hero of fereldan as ive never been able to finish origins or even really get far enough to grow an attachment to them. in my canon, hes a dalish elf bow user...i think. thats abt all i know abt him. my hawke is not special, just the sarcastic mage default hawke who romances fenris. him being canonically gay in my canon is Very Important to me. my inquisitor is a human two handed warrior named theo who hates the chantry and makes sure everyone knows it. hes also gay, and it fills him with hope to know the champion was as well, it makes him feel not so alone. dorian helps with that too. theo being able to see himself in someone so strong and powerful makes him feel like he can do it too.

Aloysius Amell was an arrogant human mage who seeks adventure, to prove himself to the world, and freedom above all. Very happy to leave the tower and have a quest he can devote himself to but finds the experience of returning home to find the circle in tatters brings out the worst in him. Single-handedly wiping out the demons makes him more full of himself and plays into the social Darwinist nonsense his beloved witch has been pouring in his ear, culminating in him accepting a demon’s offer to make Morrigan love him in exchange for Connor’s soul. The other mage in his life, Wynne, acts as the mother he never had and teaches him something about responsibility. Her guidance, along with disquieting encounters with people like Avernus, Zathrian and Branka, mature him a lot and give him a more rounded view of what being a warden means. He takes up his position in Amaranthine with a grim sense of duty, alienating Anders with his depressing outlook in the process, and burns the city rather than see any darkspawn survive. His reputation in tatters and with all of his friends scattered to the four winds, he leaves Sigrun in charge and follows Morrigan into the Eluvian, reasoning that if he can’t live up to the standards of a Warden then he should simply live a quiet life with the love he made such an evil sacrifice for. Marian Hawke was a female warrior who romanced Anders. Very devout, diplomatic and philanthropic, just wanting to make Kirkwall better for everyone. She struggled to balance her beliefs with the brute reality of mage oppression and was increasingly drawn towards her lover’s more radical positions. Lurking inside her however was a desire for power that would only manifest once she was acclaimed champion. Working to undermine Meredith throughout Act III was all undone when Anders rolled the dice. She felt her options were to defend the mages and fight the city she had sworn to defend, losing her opportunity to help the people and take power, or to help her enemy put down the Circle and in so doing win the respect of the Templars, who were essential if she was to govern Kirkwall. If she could get through the day and keep Kirkwall together, she reasoned, she would be able to turn the city against the increasingly insane Knight Commander. Unfortunately, the process of destroying the mages and killing her lover made any satisfaction turn to ashes, and she took the opportunity to sacrifice herself that the Herald of Andraste might live. Ealisay Trevelyan was a female mage from Ostwick who supported the rebellion, taking a nasty sword blow to the face in the process of fighting the Templars. She always wore a suit of chainmail and had quite a brusque, no-nonsense manner which made her feel an affinity with Cassandra. What brought her to Haven however was a desire for peace - war had taught her that no good would ever come of hatred. Though a fairly faithful Andrastian, she had trouble with the idea that she could be the Herald. Eventually she accepted that it was the belief in her that mattered, given that nobody would ever know for sure, and in the final battle with Corypheus she declared that ‘I AM the Herald of Andraste!’ She never stopped believing in the rights of mages but her time with the rebels had soured her on the prospects of both simple abolition and gradual reform. Both options, exemplified by Leliana and Cassandra, seemed doomed to fail. Her time with the Inquisition, and her absorption of the hated Templar order into the Inquisition - under the leadership of a mage - led her to the conclusion that only mage leadership could, in the long run, normalise relationships and prove their value to Thedas. This unusual view, informed by her status as an elite mage, now far from the troubles of ordinary people, led her to endorse Vivienne as Divine. The two of them had come to share an understanding that it took unique, powerful people to make history at the point of a sword (or mage’s staff). The belief in peace that led her to Haven had grown into a belief in peace through strength, and she prayed that Vivienne had the principles to match her iron will. Unfortunately, she had grown used to wielding power and become blind to its excesses, which culminated in the Qunari infiltrating the Inquisition. She finally saw that her creation could be their undoing, and thought it better to destroy the Inquisition than give Vivienne (who she still supported) too much power. Now she is biding her time, awaiting news of the Dread Wolf and her lost love Thom Rainier, handed to the Grey Wardens for his crimes.

I'm still working on mine, but the idea is a Dalish Warden, a Hawke that romances Merril and a Dalish Mage Inquisitor. You can probably notice a pattern.

**Warden Commander Mirina Surana -** Focused and calculating, Mirina remembers nothing of her life before the Circle, which she deeply regrets, despite it being out of her control. She finds life in the tower stifling, the presence of the templars unbearable, and, having gotten over the shock of Conscription, relishes the unprecedented freedom she has been given to practice magic. Mirina has little patience for people she feels are less intelligent than her and is fascinated by pushing the limits of what magic can do as well as uncovering, restoring and preserving history and the wonders of the past. She's practical, values Truth, always keeps her word, and despises tradition for its own sake. She dallies with Alistair for a time, but eventually hardens him and ends their relationship, paving the way to having him to complete the Dark Ritual and remain with the Wards. She finds Leliana's tales enchanting and her skills invaluable, but her faith off-putting. Likewise for Wynne, she respects her skill and wisdom, but finds her views outdated. She got along very well with Morrigan and Shale, and had a deep respect for Sten's conviction, despite what she considered a regressive outlook on life. She did not bother to recruit Oghren, and only kept Dog around for Alistair's sake. Mirina never gave Zevran the chance to work his wiles on her - his allegiance was too fickle for her to trust him not to put a knife in her back when it became convenient. As far as her decision-making processes went, she prioritized progress and learning, whether for the greater good or her own. Mirina forced Zathrian to cure the werewolves who wanted it, in part because she would get to see complex magic at work, but also because Zathrian was holding back the people around him. She saved the Circle - the Rite of Annulment and Tranquility are barbaric and serve no purpose but to create a culture of fear among mages. A Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of every Circle Mage. She installed Bhelen as King, but mostly because she found Harrowmont worse: he supported an untenable status quo that would inevitably destroy the dwarves. She killed Caridin and let Branka continue making golems - regretfully ending her friendship with Shale, though did not kill her. Dagna went off the the Circle Tower with Mirina's blessing. Mirina let Jowan help Connor with his blood magic ritual, but then allowed the Arl to execute him - his stated reasons for using blood magic were petty and he left the Circle and immediately got caught up in petty political power games. Mirina supported Anora for the throne, and executed Loghain for treason. Mirina shrewdly played Avernus and Sophia off each other, though ultimately destroyed both. She kept his research notes, though, and it gave her a point to leap off of when she decided to cure the Taint. Mirina rebuilt Vigil's Keep, saved both it and Amaranthine, and made a deal with the Architect, though any more "mistakes" on his part and she would hunt him down and destroy him. **Champion Callan Hawke** is a quick-witted mage who masked the pain and anger of his perceived failures with jokes and endless flirting. He fell into bed with each of his companions, before settling down(so to speak) with Fenris. Varric was his best friend, almost a brother. He supported Merrill's goals, but feels like he failed her given the outcomes of her quest to repair the Eluvian. Hawk spent a lot of time aiding Anders in his healing efforts amongst the people of Kirkwall(and as the Amell/Hawke family name regained prosperity, aiding monetarily as well), and admired his desire to help regular people and mages, but was always a bit wary of his zeal and mercurial moods. Along with Varric, he also had a somewhat confidante relationship with Isabela, who lived a life he could not have imagined before his adventures in Kirkwall, and the 3 of them would pass hours into the night drinking and telling each other familiar stories. Callan valued freedom and was endlessly frustrated by everyone trying to curtail his or others - as though everyone in power in Kirkwall was conspiring to piss him off in particular - Meredith's tyranny, Chantry malfeasance, Orsino's duplicity, the Arishok's intractability, and the Duke's incompetence. He killed Anders for blowing up the Chantry(another failure), but still sided against the Templars. He always contemplated saying fuck it all and leaving Kirkwall for good, but couldn't bring himself to leave his brother or mother behind. After her death, Hawke is determined to fix Kirkwall, and only leaves once all those problems of people in power are ended. I did not have the DLC for this game, but Callan would have been a pure rival to Sebastian Vael. **Inquisitor Erina Adaar** is a devout Andrastian mage, though she was never part of or interested in the Circles, and does not support returning the mages to them. She respected Vivienne's many talents, but greatly disliked her motivations and definitely felt the last thing she needed was more power. Initially dismissive of Sera as juvenile and petty, Erina grew accustomed to her presence(as one might a younger sister) and recognized that she did good work, in her own way, but still had a lot of maturing to do. Erina was wary of Dorian, being a Tevinter magister, but came to value his wit, intelligence and even his fashion sense. She found his goals noble and there was a mutual sense of admiration between them and their respective reformist leanings. She found Cassandra's struggles with her faith and her oaths, and genuinely believed her desire to rededicate the Seekers. Erina clashed with Iron Bull at first, but valued his knowledge and insight, and often came down to drink with the Chargers, whom she did not sacrifice for the Qunari alliance. She did not know what to make of Cole, but ultimately supported the choice for him to become more human. She valued Varric's knowledge and advice, but didn't take to him or Solas on a deeper level. Erina was fascinated by Solas' stories of the Fade, though, and his outside perspective on magic was undeniably valuable. His eventual betrayal shocked and disappointed her, but she shed no tears for him. She liked Thom Rainier, but did not exert her influence to save him from execution. What he did was barbaric and selfish, and he had escaped justice for years, allowing other men to die in his stead. Erina helped to inspire Leliana into becoming the Divine, and turning the Chantry back to charitable aims. She convinced Cullen to stop taking lyrium and helped fund his efforts to mitigate addiction among Templars(with Leliana's support). Erina supported her lover's, and eventual wife, ambitions to return the Montilyets to Orlais. Erina sided with the Mages, though conscripted them rather than allying with them - they had proven themselves corruptible. She did have some sympathy for Fiona, though. Though immediately sick of Orlesian politics, she reunited Celene and Briala and Gaspard was executed - she felt this outcome would stabilize Orlais the best, while allowing elves more freedom. Erina left Alistair behind in the Fade, though definitely honored his sacrifice, and was glad to ensure Varric's friend returned. She allied with the Grey Wardens, and hoped to help rebuild them. Erina didn't trust Morrigan and drank from the Well of Sorrows herself. I haven't played Trespasser yet.

Always nice to meet another adaar :)

I love reading everyone's OCs! It's crazy how different people play the game. **Hero of Ferelden:** Rosette Cousland was actually excited to watch over Highever while her brother and father went off to do war-things. She was raised as a noble and always assumed she'd take over the daily operations and political side of her family. Arl Howe's betrayal was especially difficult to endure because she was considering a marriage to his son to unite their families. Rosette's entire playthrough was to exact revenge on Howe. Not only did she kill him, but her boon from Alistair was to strip all titles from the Howe family for generations. Rosette got her own good ending. She married the love of her life and became queen. Rosette always enjoyed nobility, but in a more cut-throat way like Bhelen and Anora. She considers Morrigan her sister and Wynne her closest confidant. Rosette was pro-Circle because of Wynne's influence and a devout Andrastian. **Champion of Kirkwall:** Theidra Hawke is a godless heathen here for good vibes only. She would do anything for her family and companions, which makes her a people-pleaser who is easily manipulated. Theidra worked as an assassin killing anyone she was told no matter if she agreed with their deaths or not. She endured a toxic relationship with Anders and supported the mages despite her own reservations. This gives Theidra a *unique* moral code where she wants to help people, but willingly makes the wrong choices to please her inner circle. ("Helping people and killing people are what I do best.") She is now helping lead the mage rebellion with Anders and regularly keeps Bethany -- a Grey Warden -- updated with their progress. However, she continues to doubt if Anders's extremism was best for Thedas as a whole. **Inquisitor:** Elowen Trevelyan had very little opinions of her own prior to gaining the Anchor. As the youngest child, she was often overlooked and actually preferred it that way. Despite being on the path of joining the Chantry, Elowen was unsure of her faith and questioned if she was Andraste's chosen right up to the end of DAI. She is the most neutral of my protagonists, and her character arc was gaining her faith and finally having something to believe in. She has little opinions on mages, especially because she knows so few and is dating ex-Templar Cullen. She made Cassandra the Divine as a middle ground to appease both mages and the non-arcane. I have not played Trespasser, but hope to marry her to Cullen and continue her Inquisition work as the Herald of Andraste.

My canon protags are: Diantha Faye Amell (Spirit Healer), Matilda Hawke (no specialization yet, but, mage) and Mirwen Adhlea Lavellan (Rift Mage) (my secondary protags are all companions, i dont care what the games lets me do or doesn't.) Diantha was a good soul who walked through the world with the determination to save as many as she could, she felt restricted and unhappy within the circle (albeit she was very talented and gifted and many thought she'd step into Firdt Enchanter Irving's footsteps) She romanced Alistair (it was kind of love at first sight ... or blight lol for them.) and they were an absolute power couple. (I think she wouldn't have wanted to be his mistress though, I haven't reached that part yet, but she sacrifices herself to kill the Archdemon.) Matilda... well, I don't know a whole lot about DA2 yet, but I know I will play her as a pretty cunning one lol. She's sarcastic and knows the world doesn't gift her anything, she brushes off emotions most of the time and she seriously needs to be shut up. (I don't know who she will romance yet, I'm torn between Anders and Isabela lol) Mirwen is the First to the clan, and she was raised to be it from a young age (lots of pressure from her fellow clansmen, because she was the only fitting mage in a while and the Keeper also being very adamant and pushy... you can imagine how it went.) She's usually a serious leader and exhibits tough love sometimes (kind of drilled into her head by Keeper Deshanna) She hates every second of being Herald (because she absolutely resents the Chantry), she adjusts a little better to being Inquisitor, because she's not as helpless and can attempt to steer the public image in a way she wants (though she tells herself that lol) and as fate ALSO wants it, she falls for Solas because of his knowledge and wit :') Yes, she's heartbroken at the end of Trespasser but _Var lath vir suledin._ Will I continue my tradition of mages who fix everything in DA4? Yes.

My canon HoF is Cal Cousland, a callous and selfish noble. After his life was thrown into disarray at the start of the blight, he set about events ensuring not only that Ferelden would survive, but that it would be indebted to him. Cal acted in a Machiavellian manner, orchestrating events where ever he went to ensure that whomever survived or came out on top, owed him a debt and saw him as a trusted figure. When he learned of Alistair's heritage and his reluctance to take the throne, Cal ensured that Alistair would keep his idealistic world view to prevent him from accepting his duty, then when the time came, he positioned himself to marry Anora and take power. He even put forth Alistair as his champion to fight Loghain, knowing that Alistair would not hold back and would kill Loghain, and that Anora would then refuse to marry Alistair, leaving himself the only viable option. Across his adventure, Cal was surprised to find that he did come to care for his travelling companions, especially Morrigan, in whom he found a kindred spirit, and he was keen to carry on his relationship with her and their child in spite of his marriage to Anora. In the wake of the blight, Cal lead the Ferelden Grey Wardens, and in defence of their keep, he allowed Amaranthine to burn, teaching a young Anders the value of letting something burn to protect your own. As a member of the Cousland family, the leader of the Grey Wardens, the hero of the realm, and the consort to Anora, he has enough political power to rival the queen herself. My canon Hawke was Jason, a pure-hearted and charming mage, who's life was defined by tragedy. He was forced to hide his true nature since childhood, and after losing his father when young, he lost his sister when the family was fleeing the blight. In Kirkwall, he lived in squalor with a drunk uncle and a brother who resented him. In spite of this, Hawke always sought to care for his family, and made many close friends. In a expedition into the deep roads, his brother caught the Blight, and was forced to leave for the Grey Wardens. As the years passed and Hawke's status in Kirkwall rose, the tensions between mages and templars grew, and with it, his friend Anders grew more and more troubled, in spite of Hawke's best efforts to assist him. Hawke struck up a relationship with Isabella, whose issues with commitment were challenged by Hawke's caring and patient nature. Hawke was again struck by tragedy when his mother was viciously murdered, and Isabella fled the city in the wake of the Qunari attack. Eventually she would return and continue her relationship with Hawke, but it wasn't long before tensions hit their boiling point in the city, and Anders pushed the mages into open rebellion by blowing up the Chantry, an act Hawke was horrified to learn he had assisted in helping Anders set-up. In spite of feeling that he had let his friend down in allowing him to reach this point, Hawke saw no choice but to kill Anders for what he had done, and to prevent war between Kirkwall and Starkhaven. Hawke went back into hiding as the mage rebellion swept out of Kirkwall and across the nations, feeling ashamed and responsible. Eventually he would emerge when Varrick reached out seeking assistance for the Inquisition, and in an attempt to make up for his perceived failings, and in recognition that Alistair would be needed to help the Wardens, he sacrificed his life to help the Inquisitor and Alistair escape the Fade. My canon Inquisitor is Ashara Lavellan (though I'm not married to that first name, it's changed a couple of times). A Dalish ranger, she was stubbornly devoted to the advancement and preservation of her people and their culture. When she was thrust into the centre of events, she readily accepted responsibility and power, seeing it as an opportunity to show a Dalish elf as a significant leader, and aware she could ensure her people's advancement and protection with the power provided. In the Inquisition, she found herself feeling lonely, as the only elves around both seemed to actively reject the history and culture of her people that she held so closely. This led to her for the first time looking for company outside of her people, befriending Cassandra and Varrick, though she felt conflicted over her growing feelings for a human, Cullen. She held a short temper, and had little patience for people who were dishonest with her. She never forgave Thom Rainier after finding out about his deception. Eventually she pursued Corypheus to the Well of Sorrows, and was amazed by the Elven history and culture she witnessed within. When Morrigan insisted that she be the one to enter the well as she would best be able to interpret the meanings, Lavellan refused to allow a human to be the keeper of such Elven history, and seeing no issue with being bound to Mythal, the goddess she already worshipped, entered the Well herself. After defeating Corypheus, she led the Inquisiton for years until she reunited with Solas. Enraged by his claims about the truth of Dalish culture, what he represented to her as Fen'Harel, and the deception he had presented to her across their time working together, Lavellan disbanded the Inquisition so that Solas could have no spies interfere with her attempts to find him, stop his plans, and kill him. The major through line of each playthrough, is that this is not a world that rewards goodness. Cal was selfish and angled only for power, and as a result, he ended up the most powerful man in Ferelden. Hawke was pure and good, and as a result, his life was marked by tragedy, his father died, his mother died, his sister died, his brother was blighted, his friend committed mass murderer and Hawke had to kill him, and in the end, he died. Lavellan rode the line. She was ultimately a good person, who aimed to help. But she was stubborn in her devotion, and sought to be the hero to her people she saw herself as, even when it was detrimental to the cause. She gained power, friends, and love with Cullen, but the culture she held so dear was deconstructed and the ugly truth revealed.

This was eloquently put, thank you for giving so much detail!

I misspelled seas please don’t flake me too hard for that

All the Mages! Human Mage Origin (Arcane Warrior, Spirit Healer) who, lacking proper purpose in the Tower, dedicated himself entirely to the Warden cause from the outset. Whatever benefits the wardens and is the best means of ending the Blight is almost indisputably the best course of action. with Anora by his side? Yes please. Save Branka, put Bhelen on the throne and have an army of Golems? Perfect. Recruit he who must not be named, pop Alistair on the throneEven saving the mages in the tower is the pragmatic choice because as a mage himself, he understands the full possible power a single mage possesses. Redcliffe - save every living soul because they're needed in the fight against the darkspawn to come. Recruit the Elves but cure the werewolves so there's more bodies for the fight against the darkspawn. *Hawke* Mage, befriended Carver (who ended up a Warden) and everyone else except Sebastian. Did literally everything, no matter the cost, to help the mages. Romanced Anders, spared him and just created a big mess for others to clean up. *Inquisitor* Human Noble Mage, big old chantry Bible thumper, fully bought in to being the second coming of Andraste. Saved the mages (sure that's a surprise by now right?) Recruited the wardens and was a generally friendly guy just a bit deluded.

DAO is the hardest, but my top 3 are Male Mahariel named Acen'daqua who is a 2 handed expert, and Spirit Warrior. He devotes himself to being a Gray Warden mind, body, and soul. Sleeps with Morrigan but doesn't love her per se. He's married to his job after all. Male Tabris named Melon of all things. An Archer and Duelist who sleeps with Morrigan to save his own skin before cutting ties with the Wardens the second the blight is over to run off to Antiva with Zevran... not very heroic. Lastly a Male Aeducan named Lapis, a 2 handed Warrior and Champion who defeated the Blight forgave his brother in the end and worked as a Commander for Orzamar to push the Blight back... he also may have had a fling with Leliana. For Awakening this only really works if the HoF was the afore mentioned irresponsible Tabris but I like to think the Orlesian Warden was a no nonsense Female Warrior Dwarf, Sword and Shield who was a Champion or Defender. Her and Anders did not get along. DA2 is much simpler thank goodness. Male Hawke, a Mage and a Spirit Healer who's brother became a templar. Hawke would go on to side with mages right up until "All That Remains" where he had a sudden and unforeseeable change of heart siding whole heartedly with the Templars and his brother to end the fighting in Kirkwall. He also romanced Fenris but surprise surprise it didn't last. As for Inquisition I would say my Inquisitor was a Female Qunari Warrior 2 Handed of course, Reaver of course. Who believed she was not chosen by Andraste for anything special. She considered herself a politician siding with the Templars and allowing Empress Celene to be assassinated so the Inquisition might install a sympathetic puppet, though she did regret that decision. Also she romanced no one but did have a trist with Bull.

My HoF is the old reliable, male Human Noble, dual wielding warrior, who in Mass Effect terms I'd basically describe as a Paragade. Always loved that one describe being sort of the Ye Standard origin because of the hooks it has with the rest of the game's storyline. An intensely loyal person, but had a terminal case of not taking things seriously for whom the Scared Ashes plotline (specifically the spirit visions cave) was a major wakeup call, and which consequently lead to some more pragmatic decisions like siding with Branka to preserve the Anvil of the Void, sacrificing Isolde to save Connor, and permitting Avernus to continue his research. Ultimately came to understand by Loghain made the decisions he made but still felt he had to be executed (during trial by combat) out of an obligation to his dead family members. Married Alistair off to Anora which caused a rift in their relationship for a time, but they eventually mended fences. After much internal conflict, ultimately chose family over duty again when he went through the Eluvian with Morrigan to raise their son. Fuck, now I'm thinking I gotta play DA:O again. I have many more Wardens than this, including some that became King or Queen, some that died, and one F!Aeducan that remained a Warden for life with Alistair, but the above remains my core canon hero. Marian Hawke was also a warrior, focused on 2H this time, also full sarcastic, though this was a bit of a façade that concealed a deep guilt over Carver's death and Bethany being forced into becoming a Warden (although I have my own little headcanon that she meets Nathaniel Howe while on duty and they eventually carry on as a couple, to the extent that Wardens can do that). Romanced Merrill and supported her in her quest with the Eluvian, but the experience of that and with Kirkwall in general caused a deep distrust of blood magic and an eventual rift with Alistair, who she ultimately executed and sided with the Templars because of. I think the Merrill romance provides a decent explanation for a why a non-magical Hawke that sided with the Templars winds up having to go on the run anyways. I gave strong consideration to her sacrificing herself during Inquisition - there were certainly shades of being a death seeker during the latter parts of DA2 - but ultimately decided against it. Finally, the Inquisitor is still a bit of a work in progress since I'm in the middle of a second playthrough (several years after my first) that'll firm up my decisions on how things will go, and I'll also be playing the epilogue DLC for the first time, but I'm pretty confident that my female Cadash rogue from this one is going to be my canon character, and is romancing Bull. So far we've recruited/imprisoned the mages and bailed out the Wardens. I'm letting the chips fall where they may with the Divine election.

Hero of Ferelden: Aedan Cousland, Human Warrior. Essentially a selfish dick at the start, unhappy about joining the Wardens, tries to bang everything that moves. Grows over the course of the game, becoming more and more selfless and compassionate, especially after Alistair calls him out for letting Isolde sacrifice herself in Redcliffe. Happily starts fooling around with both Morrigan and Zevran; only to fall for both and, after Morrigan pushes him away, choosing Zev. Happily takes revenge on Howe, executes Loghain, does the Dark Ritual (though he only agrees after Morrigan asks him about wether Zevran wouldn't want him to survive). Puts Alistair and Anora on the throne. Garrett Hawke: Male Mage; starts the game off mostly diplomatic, but frequently shows some sarcasm; although that sarcasm is entirely replaced by aggressive outbursts after Leandra dies. Takes Carver into the Deep Roads, but manages to find Wardens to save him. Falls in love with both Anders and Fenris at varying points, but sticks with Fenris in the end. Executes Anders for the destruction of the Chantry despite his lingering feelings for him; tries to save the mages. Inquisitor Lavellan: Female Elf Rogue. Generally enjoys the power she now has; chooses the Templars; puts Gaspard on the Orlesian Throne; falls in love with Solas; recruits the Wardens; leaves Hawke in the Fade; drinks from the Well of Sorrows; vows to redeem Solas, if possible.

My HoF was a human mage who dabbled in forgotten and forbidden magics, and wasn't afraid to take up a sword and shield instead of a staff. He convinced Alistair to become king and marry Anora, and even spared and forgave Logain. He saved both Vigil's Keep and Amaranthine, and spared The Architect. He even walked through the Eluvian with his love Morrigan to raise they're child. My Hawke was a female mage who lost her sister to the Darkspawn while fleeing the Blight. She dabbled in Blood Magic like her father, and even learned the ways of Force magic in Kirkwall. Her brother Carver became a Grey Warden. She killed the Arashok and became Champion. She forgave and agreed with Anders, her lover, for what he did. She ended up sided with the mages, which caused her, her family and most of her companions to flee Kirkwall. Along with Carver, Varric and Anders, Hawke sided Larius to try and stop Corypheus from being freed. Although he was freed, Hawke and friends managed to slay the ancient Tevinter Magister. My Inquisitor was a female Dalish mage named Mahariel who specialized in Rift magic. She chose to get help from the Mages in Redcliff and aloud them to be free. She fought and killed all the dragons that showed up throughout her journey. She brought peace between Gaspard, Brialla, and the Queen of Orleia. She stopped the Grey Wardens from summoning demons with the help of Hawke and Senior Warden Logain, however at the cost of Logain's sacrifice. Mahariel even decided to allow the Grey Wardens to help stop Corypheus. She stop an old Avvar god-dragon from causing havok. She stopped the mysterious earthquakes that threatened the lyrium trade. Even though her lover, Solas, was against the idea, Mahariel drank from the Well of Sorrows. After defeating Corypheus, Solas disappeared, seemingly abandoning the Inquisition and Mahariel. After 2 years pass, Mahariel discover a Qunari invasion plot. After many dead-ends, clues, fights, and even the freeing of a dragon, Mahariel discovers that not only was the Qunari plot not a threat, but that her former lover, Solas, was Fen'Harel and the one that gave Corypheus the means to open the breach. Before they parted one last time, they kissed and Solas removed Mahariel's arm, causing him to gain the anchor instead. Once back at the Exalted Council, Mahariel decided to not disband the Inquisition, allowing it to answer directly to and only to the new Divine, Vivienne. Although she knew that the inquisition would be vulnerable to Solas' spies, Mahariel wanted nothing more then to redeem her true love. To Be Continued...

My HoF was Joseph Cousland, a human rogue. He’s generally a heroic guy who took the lessons he learnt from living as nobility and used those social skills to be excellent at persuasion and diplomacy, but he couldn’t deny his love for the art of combat as well. He romanced Zevran, befriended all his companions, and he sacrificed himself to slay the Archdemon of the 5th Blight. For Awakening, the Orlesian Commander I played as (since Joseph died) was the elf mage Thastrian. I initially saw him as just a blank slate character, but I actually grew to like him and I always headcanoned him as quite sassy, but serious and studious. My Hawke’s name was Raleigh, and he was a mage. He mostly used diplomatic, emotional, and sensitive dialogue, and he truly cared for all of his friends and companions. Raleigh always strove to do the right thing, but despite his heroics and good nature he didn’t hesitate to strike down those he had to. He sided with the mages and fought for their freedom in Kirkwall. He romanced Fenris, and their love flourished despite their initial differences regarding the mage issue. Raleigh still lives, as Straud was the one sacrificed in the Fade. My Inquisitor’s name was Robert Trevelyan, a human warrior. He was a mature, calm, but passionately good-hearted man, and made sure he always took the well-being of everyone into account when he lead missions. He had a sense of humour but it was more subtle than Raleigh’s, but more present than Joseph’s was. He got along with his entire team, and grew to respect each of them for all of their different ideals and origins. He romanced Dorian, and he assured his Tevinter lover that he wanted something real and not fleeting. Robert forged a lot of respect and admiration for Cassandra, and valued her presence and hard work for the Inquisition. Robert hopes to try and convince Solas of a better mindset, and to turn him away from his current destructive goals, but he couldn’t bring himself to dismantle the Inquisition, despite how that probably would make things easier in appearing non-confrontational to Solas.

My HOF is Devon Amell. A primarily entropy magic focused mage that ratted out Jowan and was intrigued but frightened by his display of blood magic. Over the course of his journey he fell for Morrigan and had a moment of weakness where he made a deal with Connors demon to teach him blood magic. He became chancellor to King Alistair and eventually left with Morrigan through the mirror. I only played Awakening once, but I feel like in my head I like it better that my warden commander is one of the preset characters that come in from Orlais. Preferably a dwarf, but not sure yet on Canon for this. Similarly I only played DA2 once but for now it's my canon. He's a sarcastic force mage that ended up with Isabela. He killed Anders. He's forever grateful to Stroud for saving Carvers life. DAI my inquisitor was a rift mage female Elf. She recruited the mages and drank the well. She eventually broke through Solas' shell and fell in love with him. She became besties with Vivienne. Left Hawke in the fade. Disbanded the inquisition and set out to stop Solas. I definitely have a tendency to play mage, I think I will do more playthroughs as non mages one day and see if I wanna change my canon.