#dalish elf origin

[sinsofsinister]

ᴍɪʜɴʏʟᴀ 'ɴʏʟᴀ' 'ᴍᴀʜᴀʀɪᴇʟ • ᴅᴀʟɪsʜ ᴇʟғ • ɢʀᴇʏ ᴡᴀʀᴅᴇɴ ʙᴇʀsᴇʀᴋᴇʀ

[calico-callista]

I have nothing to say in my defence-

[daotranscripts]

The Lost Mysteries of the Ancients

Dalish Elf Origin, Part 1 -- Humans in the Forest

The camera pans over pine trees. A flock of birds flies between the branches. Deer walk out from between the bushes while a bird hops in the foreground. Duncan's voice is heard as voice over.

Duncan: You were born amidst the Dalish elves: noble wanderers who refuse to join the society of humans that subjugated their homeland so long ago.

Duncan: The Dalish travel the land in tightly-knit clans, struggling to maintain their half-forgotten lore in a human world that fears and despises them.

Duncan: You spend your time hunting with your clan-mate Tamlen in the forests, and as is sometimes the case, your quarry is not always the local wildlife…

Just past some trees, a human is running away from something.

Hunter 1: (panicked scream)

Hunter 2: Stop! You don't know where you're going!

He scrambles down a hill and is met by an elf with a drawn bow -- Tamlen.

Tamlen: Well, what have we here? A stray human.

Hunter 1: It's a Dalish!

Tamlen: And you three are somewhere you shouldn't be!

Hunter 2: Let us pass, elf. You have no right to stop us!

The PC creeps into view, bow also drawn and aimed at the hunters.

Tamlen: No? We will see about that, won't we?

Tamlen: You're just in time. I found these… humans lurking in the bushes. Bandits, no doubt.

Hunter 2: We aren't bandits, I swear! Please don't hurt us!

Tamlen: You shemlen are pathetic. It's hard to believe you ever drove us from our homeland.

Hunter 3: W-we've never done nothing to you Dalish! We didn't even know this forest was yours!

Tamlen: This forest isn't ours, fool. You've stumbled too close to our camp. You shems are like vermin--we can't trust you not to make mischief.

if PC is male:

Tamlen: What do you say, lethallin? What should we do with them?

otherwise, if PC is female:

Tamlen: What do you say, lethallan? What should we do with them?

Dialogue options:

Let them go. You judge humans too harshly.

Tamlen: (scoffs) You are too soft. How many injustices must our people suffer before you resent them properly?

Let's find out what they're doing here.

Tamlen: Does it matter? Hunting or banditry, we'll need to move camp if we let them live.

Give them a warning. Killing them will only bring trouble.

Tamlen: Letting them go might bring more of them. You are too soft.

Kill them--what do I care? The others will never know.

Tamlen: I like the sound of that. Anything to say in your defense, shems? Hunter 1: L-look… we didn't come here to be trouble. We just found a cave…

Hunter 2: Yes, a cave! With ruins like I've never seen! We thought there might be, uh…

Tamlen: Treasure. So you're more akin to thieves than actual bandits.

Dialogue Options

Ha! I'd like to see these ruins.

Tamlen: So would I. I've never heard of ruins in these parts.

If you've been there, you should have treasure to prove it.

We know this forest. There are caves, but no ruins. You lie.

Hunter 2: I… I have proof! Here… we found this just inside the entrance.

The hunter hands something to Tamlen.

Tamlen examines the stone.

Tamlen: This stone has carvings… Is this elvish? Written elvish?

Hunter 2: There's more in the ruins! We didn't get very far in, though…

Dialogue Options

How do you know that's elvish, Tamlen?

Tamlen: I've seen something similar on the keeper's scrolls…

This sounds like a trap. Don't believe it.

Hunter 2: A trap? We didn't even know you elves were here! We-we were just trying to find the treasure! Tamlen: And this is all you found? Why didn't you look for more?

Why not?

Hunter 2: There was a demon! It was huge, with black eyes! Thank the Maker we were able to out-run it!

Tamlen: (scoffs) A demon? Where is this cave?

Hunter 2: Just off to the west, I think. There's a cave in the rock face, and a huge hole just inside.

Tamlen: Well? Do you trust them? Shall we let them go?

Dialogue Options:

You've frightened them enough. They won't bother us.

Tamlen: Run along then, shems… and don't come back until we Dalish have moved on. Hunter 2: Of course! Thank you! Thank you!

Kill one. The others will make sure no one else comes.

Hunter 2: No! No, wait! You… you can't do this!! Tamlen shoots and kills one hunter. The other two run off.

So they can bring a mob to drive us out? Kill them all.

Tamlen: Yes, one could expect no less from a shem. This will not take long… Tamlen shoots and kills all three hunters.

Tamlen: Well, shall we see if there's any truth to their story? These carvings make me curious.

Dialogue Options:

Sounds like a good idea.

Tamlen: And if we find anything, the keeper will want to know.

Shouldn't we inform the keeper?

Tamlen: She might be interested in these carvings, but let's see if there's anything more before we get excited. Tamlen: Besides, we're already here. Now, they said it was to the west…

I'm not sure… I have a bad feeling about this "demon."

Tamlen: Skittish shems say it's a demon and you believe them? They probably woke up a bear. Tamlen: Let's see if these ruins actually exist. Then we'll worry about what to do.

(END CUTSCENE)

Environmental Dialogue

Player clicks on Tamlen:

Tamlen: Come on, already. Let's look for this cave. They said it was to the west.

Player approaches the cave:

Tamlen: This must be the cave. I don't recall seeing this before, do you?

Dialogue Options:

No, I don't. Let's check it out.

My thoughts exactly. With luck, we'll find something that will make us clan heroes!

No, and I don't think we should go in alone.

Tamlen: There's nobody else here. And I'm not running back for help unless there's something worth making a fuss over. Tamlen: Come on, let's at least see what's there. How dangerous could it be?

No, and that worries me. We should be wary.

Tamlen: Always the careful one. Fine, but I'm not running back until I know there's something worth making a fuss over. Tamlen: Come on, let's at least see what's there. How dangerous could it be?

Lost Mysteries of the Ancients Quest Masterpost

| Part 2 - Elven Ruins. >

[homiest88]

Ho boy haven’t posted anything in Tumblr for two weeks mostly due to College. So here is a a Dragon Age fact for you did you know if you choose the Dalish Elf Origin you’re actually a descendant of an Emerald Knight. The name Mahariel is actually the name of the Emerald Knight who founded Clan Sabrae as Dalish Clans are named after noble houses from the Dales and Emerald Knights would found these clans with their descendants keeping their last name.

[hotdogcabbagesausage]

i’ve got zero self control because i can’t stop thinking about tamlen and now i’ve started two different fanfictions concerning him

[spellandblade]

Varathorn, master craftsman in the Dalish Camp in the Brecilian Forest, speaking of Warden Mahariel’s father.

[phier]

The idea for this piece has been simmering in the back of my head and in some sketchbooks for YEARS, so I finally bit the bullet and actually painted it. It's also influenced by Paramore's song Misguided Ghosts, which has always been one of the main songs I associate with Mahariel. It fits the Dalish Warden Origin so well. 💙

[mynqzo]

valarin the totally not blood mage

[anikorsmthnidk]

in peace, vigilance in war, victory in death, sacrifice

[feeshies]

Ariane and Finn redraw

[bloodycyrano]

I love the idea of my (Female) warden calling Kieran her son if she ever got to meet him.

"Out of the way, Alistair. I have to see my son and his beautiful mother."

And Alistair just sitting there like.. "YOUR son? I don't remember you being the one in bed with a witch"

"You slept with Morrigan, Morrigan did the magic, I killed the archdemon. It was a group effort, I claim a third of the child, and now I get to teach it dalish swear words."

[pumpkincalico]

I figured why not give loghain some warden friends while he's serving in fantasy france, so meet Farris and Ra'dell! the only two brave enough to want to pester and invade his precious personal space (they're their commander's worst nightmare)

[calico-callista]

It ends how it starts: an Eluvian.

[daotranscripts]

The Lost Mysteries of the Ancients

Dalish Elf Origin, Part 2 – Elven Ruins

Tamlen: It… looks like the shem was telling the truth. But these ruins look more human than elven.

Environmental Dialogue

After first undead encounter:

Tamlen: Were those walking corpses? This place is haunted!

After killing the Bereskarn:

Tamlen: By the Creators! What… what was that thing?!

Interacting with the Statue

Tamlen: I can't believe this. You recognize this statue, don't you?

Dialogue Options:

Enough gawking. Let's move on.

Tamlen: Touchy, aren't we? There's bound to be more. Let's keep looking around. (DIALOGUE ENDS)

It's worn, but it looks vaguely familiar…

Maybe. Why should I care?

Tamlen: Back when our people lived in Arlathan, statues like these honored the Creators. When the shems enslaved us, much of that lore was lost.

Tamlen: This looks like human architecture… with a statue of our people. Can these ruins date back to the time of Arlathan?

Dialogue Options:

This isn't the time or place for a history lesson, Tamlen.

Tamlen: I suppose you're right. Still, the possibility is thrilling!

It's interesting. So much of our past is lost to us.

Tamlen: I'd never have guessed ancient elves might have lived here! With humans!

We're nowhere near Arlathan, and this proves nothing.

Tamlen: We must have lived in other places, too. Even if elves didn't live here, its architects knew of our gods.

Perhaps, but there isn't much left down here.

Yes… time and decay take their toll. Still, there's bound to be something of value!

(DIALOGUE ENDS)

Interacting with Tamlen

Tamlen: This place makes me nervous.

1 - Dialogue Options:

What do you think all this is? [2]

So talk, if that will calm you down. [3]

How did you know all that about the statue? [4]

How could walking corpses be here? [5]

You said something about a veil? [6]

Let's keep going. [7]

2 - What do you think all this is?

Tamlen: I'm not sure. This looks like a very old human place. Why did the they build this? And why would elven artifacts be here?

Tamlen: Maybe some of our ancestors lived here, in caves like the dwarves. I'll stick to roaming the land, myself.

Dialogue Options:

This doesn't feel like anyone's home.

Tamlen: I don't know. I have this odd sensation that we've… disturbed something. Like we just walked into a dragon's lair.

More likely the elves here were slaves.

Tamlen: The keeper said it took a long time for slavery to erase our ancestors' history. Maybe whoever lived here still wrote and spoke elven. Tamlen: It does feel… sinister here, doesn't it?

Do you think the keeper will want to come here?

Tamlen: She takes any opportunity to gather elven lore. When the clans come together, they exchange whatever they've found. Tamlen: She shouldn't come without hunters to guard her, though. The air here feels so… sinister.

Why did you want to come down here so badly?

Tamlen: Aren't you curious? We could be discovering our history. Minstrels will write songs about us! Dialogue options: - You aren't fooling me, Tamlen. - I am curious. - I'm just worried about the danger here. Tamlen: If I were to bring some valuable ancestral artifact back to the keeper, she might forgive me for… well, you know. Dialogue options: - Thank you for covering for me, by the way. > Tamlen: Of course. You know I'd do anything for you. > sets troublemaker flag - We were both brawling. I don't see why you got punished. > Tamlen: Because I was caught and wouldn't give up any names. Of course she was angry with me. > sets fight flag - You get into far too much trouble, Tamlen. > Tamlen: And you get into far too little… which is probably why the keeper sent you with me. > sets cautious flag Tamlen: At any rate, I wasn't expecting this place to… feel quite like this. Maybe this wasn't the best idea… (END DIALOGUE)

Tamlen: Well, whatever it is, it… it won't stop me. A Dalish hunter fears nothing!

(END DIALOGUE)

3 - So talk, if that will calm you down.

Tamlen: I suppose so… hey, weren't you supposed to be assisting Master Varathorn* today? How did you end up coming with me?

(* He's supposed to refer to Master Ilen here.)

Dialogue Options:

I got out of it. I prefer to hunt.

Tamlen: Me too, even if you are a better hunter than I am.

You know me. I get away from camp whenever I can.

Tamlen: I've never known anyone so eager to wander. I bet you'll end up a flat-ear someday, living in the cities like a shem. Sets wanderer flag

(female only) I wanted to be with you, of course.

Tamlen: I… thought that might be the case. I'm glad. Sets romance flag

(male only) I wanted to keep you out of trouble.

Tamlen: Wanted to? Or were sent to? Never mind… I can guess.

Actually, it's a punishment.

Tamlen: Typical. What did you do? Never mind… I can just imagine. Sets troublemaker flag

Tamlen: Let's just find whatever's here and get out. We can talk later.

(ENDS DIALOGUE)

4 - About the Statue

Tamlen: I saw a picture of it in one of those old books the keeper never lets anyone touch.

Tamlen: It was one of the old gods. The keeper called him a "friend of the dead."

Dialogue Options:

"Friend of the dead?" What does that mean?

Tamlen: He was a guide who took people across the spirit land to their final rest in the Beyond.

Maybe this was a place of worship.

Tamlen: Yet these are human ruins, remember? Why would they worship an elven god? Tamlen: He was a guide who took people across the spirit land to their final rest in the Beyond.

(if walking corpses encountered) Then it's no coincidence there are walking dead here.

Tamlen: He was some sort of guide who took people to their final rest in the Beyond. He didn't bring them back.

Is that all you remember?

Tamlen: Maybe if you'd paid more attention when we were fledglings, you'd know yourself. Tamlen: He was a guide who took people across the spirit land to their final rest in the Beyond.

Perhaps this place is a tomb.

Tamlen: An elven tomb built by shems? I doubt it. Tamlen: It's said that the old ones never truly died; they just went somewhere and… slept forever. And this god would come to guide their spirits away.

Tamlen: But he wasn't an evil god, not like Fen'Harel--the Great Wolf. It doesn't seem right that a place so… wrong… would be his. [1]

5 - Walking Corpses

Tamlen: Hahren Paivel once said that in places where many people died, it can become setheneran--a land of waking dreams. The Veil becomes weak and spirits slip into our world.

Tamlen: Then they possess corpses and walk around. (shudders)

Dialogue Options:

You think many elves died here?

Tamlen: There's certainly enough bones… Maybe nobody was left to bury them.

(If Bereskarn killed) Maybe this is the "demon" the humans saw.

Tamlen: It's hard to imagine anything else could live here with these… creatures. Tamlen: Still, worse things may be ahead. This place reeks of something… wrong. Can you feel it?

Do you want to turn around?

Tamlen: Mmm, no. This place must have been important for so many to have died here. I'm curious…

Let's press on… I want to know how our people were involved with this. [1]

6 - About a Veil

Tamlen: I'm no storyteller. All I remember of the hahren's tales is that a veil separates our world from the spirit world.

Tamlen: He said that spirits are jealous of us, and always try to steal our souls. They want to be like us so badly they'll even possess our dead, which drives them insane.

Tamlen: But for them to enter our world, the Veil must be weak. Is that why this place feels so strange?

Dialogue Options:

I don't like that idea.

Tamlen: Neither do I. [1]

If they show themselves, we'll kill them too.

Tamlen: I doubt it would be that easy. More likely, we'd get possessed too. [1]

You believe that superstitious nonsense?

Tamlen: Say what you will, but those walking corpses were real enough. [1]

7 - Let's keep going.

if PC is female:

Tamlen: Lead on, lethallan.

otherwise, if PC is male:

Tamlen: Lead on, lethallin.

(ENDS DIALOGUE)

The Mirror

Read 8A if you interact with the mirror.

Read 8B if you try to leave the room.

8A - Player Interacts with the Mirror

Tamlen: It's beautiful, isn't it? I wonder what the writing says.

Dialogue Options:

Stand back. We can't be sure it's safe.

Tamlen: It sat here for who knows how many centuries--what could be so dangerous? Don't worry; I won't break it. [9]

The keeper might be able to translate it.

Tamlen: Maybe, but she's not here to help us. Odd that it isn't broken like everything else, especially with that bear lumbering around in here. [9]

"Do not touch the glass?"

Tamlen: (scoffs) Not that we'd leave a fingerprint on it… see how clean it is? Not a single smudge or crack. [9]

8B - Player tries to leave the Mirror Room

Tamlen: You aren't going to leave without taking a closer look at the mirror, are you?

Dialogue Options:

I'll come back and look at it later.

Tamlen: I want to look at it now. It's the only thing we've seen in here that isn't broken. [9]

I don't trust it, and neither should you.

Tamlen: It sat here for who knows how many centuries--what could be so dangerous? Don't worry; I won't break it. [9]

If you're so eager to look at it, go ahead.

Tamlen: I will. This is the only thing we've seen here that isn't broken. [9]

9 - Scene Continues

Something ripples in the mirror.

Tamlen: I wonder what this writing is for? Maybe this isn't--hey, did you see that?

Tamlen: I think something moved inside the mirror.

Dialogue Options:

Inside the mirror? Let me see.

The mirror ripples again. Tamlen: Look! Don't you see it? There it is again!

Get away from it, Tamlen…

The mirror ripples again. Tamlen: Hold on, I just want to know what it is. Don't you see it? There it is again!

You're imagining things.

The mirror ripples again. Tamlen: No, it was right there. Wait--there it is again!

Tamlen: Can you feel that? I think it knows we're here. I just need to take a closer look…

Tamlen approaches the mirror.

Tamlen: It's showing me places. I can see... some kind of city! Underground... And there's a great blackness.

The mirror makes a strange noise

Tamlen: It saw me! Help! I can't look away.

The mirror thrums with magical power, throwing both of them backwards.

The PC blacks out.

When they drift back to consciousness, they briefly see a human: Duncan.

Duncan: Can you hear me? I am... very sorry.

The player blacks out again.

(END SCENE)

Lost Mysteries of the Ancients Quest Masterpost

< Part 1: Humans in the Forest | Part 3: Dalish Camp >

[homiest88]

My top 4 origin stories in Dragon Age Origins

1. Dalish Elf

2. Magi Origin

3. City Elf

4. Human Noble

[dragonagecinema]

With only 16 days left until Dragon Age The Veilguard, let's go through history.

Have you played them all?