#geldauran

[lairofdragonagelore]

DLC: Jaws of Hakkon - Frostback Basin, Elvhen Tomb

Due to the quest The Mystery of Winter, we are informed that the cold emanating from this tomb is “familiar”. The only reason why we could perceive it like that must be because it is similar to the frozen gate, since it makes little sense to connect this cold with the unnatural one in Emprise du Lion [which, by the way, we never learnt its origin but seemed to be more related to Imshael anyway].

[This is part of the series “Playing DA like an archaeologist”]  

[Index page of Dragon Age Lore ]

This familiarity may suggest that the entity related to this tomb and the massive ice conjured at the frozen gate of the citadel because the presence of Hakkon, may be connected.

Analogous to the one in Forbidden Oasis, this is an elvhenan tomb sealed with shards that can only be found when the Veil gets weakened. However, in Leather-Bound Hakkonite Journal, we learn that Hakkon allowed the ancient hakkonites to see the shards, making them able to open this tomb in the past [referred in the codex as “cave”] and learn the secrets of the winter, so they could open the Frozen Gates. This suggests that the Frozen Gates were made by Tevinter magic and not Hakkon’s presence itself [Hakkon was communicating with the hakkonites, so he was not bound to the mortal form yet]. When Hakkon was bound to a mortal form, he lost contact with the hakkonites, so they had to relay on Tevinter oculara to see these shards. This codex finishes saying that the hakkonites need to recover the “mystery of winter”

The tomb, as I said in the post of Razikale’s Reach, is almost the same [in symbols and details] than the one in the Forbidden Oasis: Solasan Temple: it requires shards to open, has a symbol of 5 rhomboids overlapped at the top, and a swirly arabesque pattern around the door.

Inside we see the typical ancient chamber of this elvhen design: fading circular flowers, and columns which lower and upper parts are decorated with a pile of squares. There is a sarcophagus with little more of interest in this place.

The only detail that highlights in this tomb is the inscription on the wall. At a simple glance it depicts a rhomboid or a square at 45º, which could be related to the main symbol we see in the door. This square is also part of the set of glyphs we already saw in the game. In the inside there is a circle, that, with the subtle shadow projected outside, allows us to think of the reiterative symbol of this game: the golden circle.

I tried to see if the letters could belong to some place easy to identify, but I had no luck. They look similar to the letters of the other magical glyphs, but not completely.  See with more details General glyphs and magical symbols

This glyph triggers a unique codex called Geldauran's Claim.  According to the name of the codex, these are the direct words of Geldauran, a forgotten one: they claim that there are not gods, only power relationships of slavery. This entity sounds like a rebel, denying the power of the Evanuris upon him, but waiting for the right time to seize it and use it on his benefit.

As a forgotten one, it is not clear if he follows ideas of freedom or dominance. 

As a curious detail, he mentions June associated with fire, which is something I would have expected from Sylaise.  And when he claims "I refuse those who would exert will upon me", he only names Andruil and June. I’m not saying they are the only tyrannic ones, but if they are the main ones in this enumeration, it could be because they are the most radical ones in doing so.  So, we can potentially consider that Andruil and June have been the ones more interested into applying dominance.

Looking into the sarcophagus is not too relevant. There is only an Accuser's Staff, which is a cold-damage weapon, reinforcing the idea that Geldauran and Hakkon are related like different sides of the same coin. Or maybe it’s just a confirmation of the codex implying that this tomb may have been open by the ancient Hakkonites centuries ago.

It’s description is very hard to interpret:

Andrastian mages once used staves like this one to exact justice against maleficarum. None have been made since the Towers Age.

So, we are having a staff that looks like a naked Andraste in an elvhen tomb that clearly predates the Blights and Andraste herself which has been opened around the Second Blight by Hakkonites. The tower age is during the age in which the Third Blight happened and the Chantry Schism happens [The imperial Chantry and the Orlesian Chartry became different institutions]

[mogwaei]

If anyone reading my fic wants to know how I've been envisioning Geldauran, look no further than Ganondorf from LoZ. Why am I confessing this now instead of 2+ years ago when I first wrote him?

...because I have major Ganon brainrot right now :3

[caffeinosis]

It makes no sense that Elgar'nan does this but leaves 5000 statues of the guy who rebelled against him

[felassan]

"There are no gods. There is only the subject and the object, the actor and the acted upon. Those with will to earn dominance over others gain title not by nature but by deed. I am Geldauran, and I refuse those who would exert will upon me. Let Andruil's bow crack, let June's fire grow cold. Let them build temples and lure the faithful with promises. Their pride will consume them, and I, forgotten, will claim power of my own, apart from them until I strike in mastery."

... geldauran if you’re reading this i am free on thursday night. if you would like to hang out i am free on thursday night when i am free to hang out. i am free to hang out on thursday night so if you want to hang out on thursday night i am free.

[queenaeducan]

If people are experiencing Elvhen Rebellion feelings and Felassan feelings, may I recommend:

Comrades in Arms, Brothers in Broken Chains by @dreadfutures

Pairing: Felassan & Agent(s) of Fen'Harel

Characters: Felassan, Geldauran, Agent(s) of Fen'Harel

"Faith is what leads the weak to follow false gods," Geldauran snapped. "Faith is for those who have no trust in their own nobility, and strength. We would do well to cast it off, as we all should cast off our chains!"

"Ah, but it is faith that led us here." Felassan smiled. "What can compel a slave to stand against a god, if not faith in oneself, and in each other, above all?"

Written for me and @rosella-writes as a gift for the Arlathan Exchange! Still one of my fave rebellion era fics 🥺

[petchic101]

DA Elvish

I separated all of Dragon Age's known Elvish into Nouns, idioms ect

Nouns

Titles/Types of people/Groups

Anaris: – according to an old tale, he was once tricked by Fen'Harel while dueling the Great Hunter Andruil

Andruil: Goddess of the Hunt is the elven Goddess of the Hunt, known also as "blood and force" and the "great hunter."

Arlathvhen: Meeting of the Dalish clans that occurs every ten years. Means "for love of the people."

Asha'bellanar: "The Woman of Many Years." How the Dalish refer to Flemeth.

Da'len: Little child; little one.

Daern'thal: Known Forgotten One

Din: The dead.

Dirthamen: Keeper of Secrets, is the twin brother of Falon'Din and is the elven god of secrets and knowledge, and master of the ravens Fear and Deceit. Dirthamen gave to elves the gift of knowledge and taught them loyalty and faith in family.

Elgar: Spirit.

Dirth'ena enasalin: "Knowledge that led to victory"; the Elvish term for the Arcane Warrior or, more recently, Knight Enchanter disciplines.

Durgen’len: Children of the stone; the Ancient Elvish term for the dwarves.

Elgar'nan: God of Vengeance also known as the All-Father, the Eldest of the Sun and He Who Overthrew His Father—represents fatherhood and vengeance, and leads the pantheon with the goddess Mythal.

Elvhen: Elven name for their own race; our people.

Elvhenan: The name of the elven civilization before the arrival of humans in Thedas; the place of our people.

Era'harel: Demon-mage; similar to an arcane horror.

Evanuris: Leader; Translated by Dorian in context as "mage leader"; what the elvhen called their gods.

Falon: Friend.

Falon'Din: Friend of the Dead, the Guide is the elven God of Death and Fortune and guides the dead to the Beyond. He and his twin brother, Dirthamen, are the eldest children of Elgar'nan the All-Father and Mythal the Protector.

Fen'Harel: The Dread Wolf is an enigmatic trickster god of the elves, whose supposed betrayal of both the benevolent Creators and the malefic Forgotten Ones is the only explanation most elves have for the destruction of Arlathan. Dalish clans view him with wariness and seek to protect themselves and their kin from his treachery. It is revealed by Solas in Mythal's temple that this could be a misinterpretation by the Dalish and instead he was the god of rebellion.

Geldauran: Known Forgotten One

Ghilan'nain: Mother of the Halla is called the Mother of the halla—white deer-like creatures revered by the Dalish and used to pull their aravel, or "landships"—and goddess of navigation.

Ghil-Dirthalen: "One who guides seekers of knowledge true."

Ghilan'him banal'vhen: "The path that leads astray": a derogatory term for Arcane Warriors among those elves who eschewed physical combat.

Hahren'al: A gathering of hahrens during the Arlathvhen.

Hahren: Elder; used as a term of respect by the Dalish as well as by city elves for the leader of an alienage.

Harillen: Opposition.

June: God of the Craft is the elven Master of Crafts. He is variously described either as a brother to Andruil and Sylaise or as Sylaise's husband. He taught the elves to make bows, arrows, and knives to hunt Andruil's gifts.

Lethallin/Lethallan/Lethallen: Casual reference used for someone with whom one is familiar; generally, lethallin is used for males while lethallan is used for females; lethallen has been stated to be the appropriate gender neutral term unless otherwise stated later in canon, though it is likely to remain the same. Note: Though "lethallin" is usually used for males and "lethallan" for females, as stated above

Lethanavir: Another appellation of Falon'Din the elven god of death and fortune who guides the dead to the Beyond.

Mien'harel: Rebellion; depending on the interpretation, a violent call for justice; a concept that when humans push the elven population too far they must remind them that even a "short blade" must be respected; most commonly a term used by city elf.

Mythal: the Great Protector, the Protector and the All-Mother, and goddess of love, is the patron of motherhood and justice and leads the pantheon with her male counterpart, Elgar'nan.

Shemlen: The original name elves use for the human race; continues to see use as a slang term amongst the City Elves ("shems") even though its meaning has largely been lost; literally "quick children".

Somniari: Dreamer.

Sylaise: the Hearthkeeper is the goddess of all the domestic arts and the sister of Andruil the Huntress. Sylaise gave the elves fire, and taught them how to weave rope and thread, and to use herbs and magic for healing purposes.

Vhenallin: Friends of the People.

Nature

Adahl/Adhal: Tree.

Adahlen: Wood.

Alas: Earth, dirt.citation needed

Dahl'amythal: Tree of Mythal from which Dalish Keepers’ staves are cut.

Durgen: Stone.citation needed

Elgara: Sun.

Felandaris: Demon weed.

Vallas: Set, as in the setting of the sun.

Vallasdahlen: Trees planted in remembrance of those who dedicated their lives to the Dalish kingdom that grew into a mighty wood; life-trees.

Vhenadahl: The tree of the people.

Vhen'alas: The land itself, as in "the ground"; literally "our earth".citation needed

Vunin: Day.

Animal

Fen: Wolf.

Hallas: are a type of horned stag; some are herded by the Dalish—who use them to pull their aravels, or landships. Their milk is also made into cheese and butter.[2] The Dalish do not consider them beasts of burden but noble companions. To get them to accompany a clan, the Dalish elves ask rather than force them to.

Hanal'ghilan: Elven name for the mythical golden halla said by the Dalish to appear during times of great need; the pathfinder.

Body/Self

Banal'ras: Shadow.

Renan: Voice.

Taren: Mind.

Vallaslin: Blood writing; The art of tattooing adopted by some elves to more prominently display their worship of the traditional elven pantheon.

Vhenan: Heart; often used as a term of endearment.

Concept

Abelas: Sorrow; to be sorry.

Aravel: A wagon used by the Dalish; also a physical and spiritual path, a journey with purpose. Humans call them "landships."

Atish’an: Peace.

Athim: Humility.

Bellanaris: Eternity.

Din'an: Death; end.

Din'anshiral: A journey of death.

Dirth: A term for knowledge or secrets; tell; speak.citation needed

Enasalin: Victory.

Enansal: Blessing.

Enaste: Favor.

Halani: Help.

Hamin: Rest.

Harellan: Trickster; used by the Dalish to mean "traitor to one's kin".

Melana: Time.

Melanada: All time. 

Melava: Time;

Revas: Freedom.

Shiral: Journey.

Sulahn'nehn: Rejoice; joy.

Sulevin: Purpose.

Vir: Way; we.

Weapons/Equipment

Assan: Arrow.

Bor'assan: Bow.

Felassan: Slow arrow.

Mi: Blade.citation needed

Places

Arlathan: The major city of Elvhenan, original homeland of the elves; from the phrase "ar lath’an" meaning, "This place of love".

Banalhan: A name for the Blight or its place of origin; the place of nothing.

Dirthavaren: The promise; the Elven name for the Exalted Plains.

Halamshiral: The capital of the second elven homeland in the Dales; the end of the journey.

Setheneran: Land of waking dreams; a place where the Veil is thin.

Tarasyl'an Te'las: The place where the sky was held back; Ancient Elven name for Skyhold.

Vhenas: Home.

Vir'abelasan: The place of the way of sorrows; refers to the Well of Sorrows.

Other

Aravel: A wagon used by the Dalish; also a physical and spiritual path, a journey with purpose. Humans call them "landships."

Banalhan: A name for the Blight or its place of origin; the place of nothing.

Elgar'arla: Spirit-trap; a binding circle to hold a spirit or demon.

Eluvian: Mirror; literally "seeing glass."

Mi'durgen: Diamond; literally 'blade stone'.

Adjective

Eth: Safe.citation needed

Mirthadra: Honored.

Sa: One; one more.

Shem: Quick.

Tan: Three.

Then: Awake; alert.citation needed

Verb

Abelas: Sorrow; to be sorry.

Dirth: A term for knowledge or secrets; tell; speak.citation needed

Dirthara: Learn;

Dirthera: To tell tales.

Enfenim: To fear.

Ghilana: To guide.

Ghilas: To go.

Harel: To trick or deceive;

Him: Become.

Las: Grant; give.

Lasa ghilan: Grant/give guidance.

Lath: Love of being; to be in love.

Numin: Cry.

Nuvenin: Say, as in “as you say”.

Samahl: Laugh.

Somniar: To dream.

Sulahn'nehn: Rejoice; joy.

Sulahn: Sing.

Uthenera: The name of the ancient practice of immortal elves who would "sleep" once they tired of life; immortal; waking sleep; literally "eternal waking dream".citation needed

Pronoun

Ar: First person pronoun; I, me.

Mala: Your.

Mir: My.

Var: Our.

Vir: Way; we.

Ect

Banal: Never.

Dar: To be.citation needed

In: In.

Ir: I am.

Iras: Where.

Irassal: Wherever.

La: And.

Na: Is.

Pre/Suffix

-an: Suffix indicating place or location.

Da: Diminutive prefix; small.

Idioms

Andaran atish’an: "Enter this place in peace." A formal elven greeting.

Aneth ara: A sociable or friendly greeting, more commonly used among the Dalish themselves rather than with outsiders.

Ara seranna-ma: A way to excuse oneself, such as after a sneeze or belch.

Banal nadas: Nothing is known for certain./Not necessarily.

Boranehn: Lost joy.

Dareth shiral: farewell; literally "Safe journey."

Enasal: Joy in triumph over loss; a variation of joyful relief.

Falon’Din enasal enaste: A prayer for the dead.

Fen'Harel enansal: The Dread Wolf's blessing.

Fen'Harel ma ghilana: "Dread Wolf guides you." Indicates someone being misled.

Halam'shivanas: The sweet sacrifice of duty.

Hellathen: Noble struggle.

Ir abelas: I am sorry.

Lathbora viran: Roughly translated as "the path to a place of lost love," a longing for a thing one can never really know.

Nadas: Inevitability; something that must be; used as an expression of obligation, i.e. "must".

Ma nuvenin: As you say.

Ma vhenan: My heart; sometimes shortened simply to vhenan, "heart"; a term of endearment.

Ma serannas: My thanks./Thank you.

Mana. Ma halani: Help me. 

Mythal'enaste: Mythal's favor.

Penshra! Ghilas vellathan!: Politely translated as "I prefer that you remain close."

Revasan: The place where freedom dwells.

Sahlin: Now; is come.

Sa'vunin: One more day.

Solas: Pride; to stand tall.

Solasan: A prideful place.

Suledin: The concept of finding strength in enduring loss or pain; endure.

Tel'abelas: I'm not sorry.

Telanadas: Nothing is inevitable.

Var lath vir suledin!: Our love will endure

Vir enasalin!: We will win!

Vir sumeil: We are close.

Commands/Threats/Curses

Bellanaris Din'an Heem: "Make you dead."

Dirthara-ma: "May you learn." Used as a curse.

Fenedhis: Meaning officially undefined as of yet; a common curse.

Fenedhis lasa: Meaning officially undefined as of yet. A common curse.

Fen'Harel ma halam: "Dread Wolf ends you." A threat.

Garas: Come.

Garas quenathra: "Why are you here?/Why have you come?" Spoken by the voices of the Vir'abelasan

Masal din'an: A threat, meaning unknown.

Na abelas: You'll be sorry.

Na din'an sahlin!: Your death is come!

Na melana sahlin: Your time is come.

Specific Sentences

Ar lasa mala revas: "You are free." More literally "I give you your freedom."

Ar lath ma, vhenan: "I love you, heart/my heart"

Ar-melana dirthavaren. Revas vir-anaris: Fen'Harel’s secret greeting. Meaning unknown.

Atish'all Vir Abelasan: "Enter the path of the Well of Sorrows."

Dirth ma banal. Mar solas ena mar din: "You have learned nothing. Your pride will be your death/downfall." A Dalish saying.

Dirth ma, harellan. Ma banal enasalin. Mar solas ena mar din: Roughly means: "Your pride is responsible for everything that has gone wrong; you will die alone."

Ir abelas, ma vhenan: "I am filled with sorrow for your loss, my heart."

Ir tel'him: I'm me again.

Ma banal las halamshir var vhen: You do nothing to further our people. 

Ma harel, da’len: You lie, child.

Ma harel lasa!: You lied to me.

Ma ghilana mir din'an: Guide me into death.

Ma melava halani: You helped me.

Mala suledin nadas: Now you must endure.

Malas amelin ne halam: I hope you find a new name.

Melana en athim las enaste: Now let humility grant favor.

Sulevin ghilana hanin: Roughly translates to "purpose guides to glory". This is an inscription on the back of the Dalish shield called "The Path to Glory".

Sylaise enaste var aravel. Lama, ara las mir lath. Bellanaris.: Dalish marriage vows.

Tel garas solasan: Come not to a prideful place.

[dreadfutures]

Comrades in Arms, Brothers in Broken Chains Rated: T | Length: 2k, oneshot | Felassan & Agent(s) of Fen'Harel

At a secret refuge, Fen'Harel's Slow Arrow awaits the return of their agents from a vital mission. When things go awry, a furious ally points fingers at those in their ranks who still choose to wear their vallaslin. Felassan speaks on their behalf.

"Faith is what leads the weak to follow false gods," Geldauran snapped. "Faith is for those who have no trust in their own nobility, and strength. We would do well to cast it off, as we all should cast off our chains!" "Ah, but it is faith that led us here." Felassan smiled. "What can compel a slave to stand against a god, if not faith in oneself, and in each other, above all?"

by youworeblue (me) | narrated here by @rosella-writes partially based on codex entry Geldauran's Claim, and also inspired by @queenaeducan-writes for the Arlathan eXchange 2022: "In Masked Empire Felassan still possesses vallaslin, which may give us indication that the choice to get the markings removed was just that—a choice."

[mako-designated-driver]

Codex Entry #98: Fen'Harel: The Dread Wolf

There is precious little we know about Fen'Harel, for they say he did not care for our people. Elgar'nan and Mythal created the world as we know it, Andruil taught us the Ways of the Hunter, Sylaise and June gave us fire and crafting, but Fen'Harel kept to himself and plotted the betrayal of all the gods. And after the destruction of Arlathan, when the gods could no longer hear our prayers, it is said that Fen'Harel spent centuries in a far corner of the earth, giggling madly and hugging himself in glee.

The legend says that before the fall of Arlathan, the gods we know and revere fought an endless war with others of their kind. There is not a hahren among us who remembers these others: Only in dreams do we hear whispered the names of Geldauran and Daern'thal and Anaris, for they are the Forgotten Ones, the gods of terror and malice, spite and pestilence. In ancient times, only Fen'Harel could walk without fear among both our gods and the Forgotten Ones, for although he is kin to the gods of the People, the Forgotten Ones knew of his cunning ways, and saw him as one of their own.

And that is how Fen'Harel tricked them. Our gods saw him as a brother, and they trusted him when he said that they must keep to the heavens while he arranged a truce. And the Forgotten Ones trusted him also when he said he would arrange for the defeat of our gods, if only the Forgotten Ones would return to the abyss for a time. They trusted Fen'Harel, and they were all of them betrayed. And Fen'Harel sealed them away so they could never again walk among the People.

—From The Tale of Fen'Harel's Triumph, as told by Gisharel, Keeper of the Ralaferin clan of the Dalish elves

[dragon-age-codex-entries]

Codex entry: Fen'Harel: The Dread Wolf

"There is precious little we know about Fen'Harel, for they say he did not care for our people. Elgar'nan and Mythal created the world as we know it, Andruil taught us the Ways of the Hunter, Sylaise and June gave us fire and crafting, but Fen'Harel kept to himself and plotted the betrayal of all the gods. And after the destruction of Arlathan, when the gods could no longer hear our prayers, it is said that Fen'Harel spent centuries in a far corner of the earth, giggling madly and hugging himself in glee.

The legend says that before the fall of Arlathan, the gods we know and revere fought an endless war with others of their kind. There is not a hahren among us who remembers these others: Only in dreams do we hear whispered the names of Geldauran and Daern'thal and Anaris, for they are the Forgotten Ones, the gods of terror and malice, spite and pestilence. In ancient times, only Fen'Harel could walk without fear among both our gods and the Forgotten Ones, for although he is kin to the gods of the People, the Forgotten Ones knew of his cunning ways, and saw him as one of their own.

And that is how Fen'Harel tricked them. Our gods saw him as a brother, and they trusted him when he said that they must keep to the heavens while he arranged a truce. And the Forgotten Ones trusted him also when he said he would arrange for the defeat of our gods, if only the Forgotten Ones would return to the abyss for a time. They trusted Fen'Harel, and they were all of them betrayed. And Fen'Harel sealed them away so they could never again walk among the People."

—From The Tale of Fen'Harel's Triumph, as told by Gisharel, Keeper of the Ralaferin clan of the Dalish elves

[amaryllis-sagitta]

[Old reposts] Some thoughts about Ghilan’nain’s and Fen’Harel’s apotheosis

The myth of Ghilan’nains ascension tells that

“[Andruil] approached Ghilan'nain with an offer: the gods would share their power with Ghilan'nain, but only if she destroyed her creations”. (Codex: The Ascension of Ghilan’nain)

Dalish lore also points at Ghilan’nain being especially faithful to Andruil’s moral path and, in turn, favoured by her. The offer of apotheosis itself was extended by none other that Andruil.

This opens up a rare possibility of patronage being granted by the Evanuris to their chosen subjects. Eventually, the Evanuris agreed to “share their power with Ghilan’nain”. It likely involved some sort of social rite of passing: she received a domain, a sacred shapeshifting form (perhaps shapeshifting was reserved for the Evanuris only altogether?), probably much more than that, but she had to enter the clique and adjust to their group dynamic.

It is confirmed by Fen’Harel in Trespasser DLC that godhood among the elvhen was a matter of acquired power. The Evanuris climbed the ladder of power and esteem until they were worshipped as gods. This suggests an enormous disparity between the Evanuris and the common people of the Elvhenan in peak moments before Mythal’s murder - a disparity that Fen’Harel would have sworn to even out.

He could walk among both the Evanuris and the Forgotten Ones, but only the latter are said to have recognized him as their equal.

for although he is kin to the gods of the People, the Forgotten Ones knew of his cunning ways and saw him as one of their own. (Codex: Fen’Harel, The Dread Wolf)

It is implied from Cole’s remark from Trespasser DLC that Solas used to wear the vallaslin, presumably Mythal’s, but removed it from his own face:

He did not want a body. But she asked him to come. He left a scar when he burned her off his face.

I’ll leave aside the possibility of him being chosen as Mythal’s beneficiary at some point in history. What interests me is the tricky position: Fen’Harel being “kin” to the Evanuris, but being excluded from the pantheon; always separated as the double-dealing, lone walker, recognized by the Forgotten Ones, but not quite one of them either.

My guess is that Solas broke free from Mythal while she was still alive because, in his earlier years, he was this kind of archetypal chaotic rogue who couldn’t stand any restrictions, or follow any rules for dear life. Thus, he received a trickster moniker that seems to gather all meanings around betrayal, chaos, deceit, duplicity, havoc, revolt, etc. etc. The ostracization of Solas/ Fen’Harel would have begun long before he started his revolt, for one specific reason: he probably despised both cliques, defied their rules and inner dynamics altogether, and rose to power by plucking whatever bit he wanted to pry away from them to undermine the existing dynamic. For all it’s worth, he operated like a Forgotten One.

From Geldauran’s Claim we can derive that at least one of the Forgotten Ones recognized accomplishments of power and rejected the Evanuris as a group with their pretence to set the rules for others. We don’t know if the Forgotten Ones themselves showed any pretence to define themselves as a group, not just defiant individuals reconciled with their fate to be obscured by history as long as it’s dictated by the Evanuris:

Let Andruil’s bow crack, let June’s fire grow cold. Let them build temples and lure the faithful with promises. Their pride will consume them, and I, forgotten, will claim power of my own, apart from them until I strike in mastery. (Codex: Geldauran’s Claim, JOH)

The myth of Fen’Harel and the Tree shows him between a rock and a hard place, having wronged both Andruil and Anaris the Forgotten One. Which implies, our boy could have been really busy pissing everyone off and usually finding a way to escape retribution by the skin of his teeth. The question remains why Fen’Harel was somehow remembered as a separate entity, not just labelled another Forgotten One.

A possible answer is that his remarkable skill in deceit and double-dealing gave him an immunity pass of a spy mastermind who had a hook on everyone. Which leads us to another possible answer: it’s quite possible that he surpassed both groups, and they reluctantly had to reckon with him while trying to keep the common people away from his area of influence. If he truly managed to imprison both groups of the elvhen “gods”, then for a brief moment he might have been, effectively, the most powerful elvhen to ever exist.

So, here’s a contrast between Ghilan’nain, who obeyed the Evanuris and destroyed the majority of her creation in exchange for power and inclusion (possibly, also the mandate to keep making her creatures on a lesser scale, with better resources and infrastructure, under other Evanuris’ scrutiny), and Fen’Harel who disregarded their rules and quite literally remained a self-made figure. Apotheosis as a token of recognition and as a rise in reputation, and apotheosis as a claim for tangible control.

[lyriumrebel]

Okay hear me out because i've been thinking on this and researching

We know these are the same figures. I've seen popular theory

If it's the evanuris the worst would be Elgar'nan. He's powerful, he's the father or the sun god or the patriarch. He's going to be powerful and he's shown to be keen for vengeance.

Then probably Andruil because she was always shown as mad, prideful and spiteful.

Ghilan'nain was the mother of beasts so I see where the fan theory is coming from, looking at the tentacles and weirdness.

I keep looking at the Forgotten Ones who opposed the Evanuris, may have been on Fen'Harel's side in the rebellion to free the enslaved but if he still was behind locking them away they're not going to be happy

We know the name Geldauran from codices. That's the main one that actually has an entry?

But i'm still sticking with Evanuris. It makes sense for the look of terror on Solas' face. Rook's interference messed up his ritual and they got through when Solas tried to break down the Veil while keeping them inside.

For the more basic looking dude on the right - yeah i agree Elgar'Nan makes sense.

This is a skull representing Elgar'Nan from DA2(?) Spy the little pointy horns which certainly match the crescent headpiece

As for the unearthly shapes of the person on the left. I believe it's Andruil. One, she was driven mad by spending time in the Void hunting the Forgotten Ones. She has the potential to be a terrifying and unhinged villain. Two, her codex entry says that she cloaked herself in armour made from the void itself, masking herself so that people forgot her face.

"She made weapons of darkness, and plague ate her lands." That's metal

Also her mosaic is pretty tentacle-y

[rpgchoices]

spoilers for ending of veilguard (post credits scene)

the implication that the future villains in future games are the forgotten ones (other elven gods cast into the Void) is so funny because the people in Thedas are living their normal lives and every couple of years the elven lore attacks

Anaris, Daern'thal and Geldauran in the next game:

The Devouring Storm:

[flossingh]

Thinking about the conversation where Solas warns against power-sharing - that one person may wield it wisely, but it is inevitable that a group will be corrupted - and the codex in DAO about Fen'Harel being able to walk freely amongst both the elven gods and the Forgotten Ones, and the codex by Geldauran in JoH, and Sera and Solas' banter about revolutions, and wondering:

Did Fen'Harel, after Mythal's murder, initially ally with the Forgotten Ones to... neutralise/kill/imprison the other gods, only for the Forgotten Ones to turn around and decide that they would replace the old pantheon and become gods themselves?

[hoboblaidd]

the tale of fen'harel's triumph

There is precious little we know about Fen'Harel, for they say he did not care for our people. Elgar'nan and Mythal created the world as we know it, Andruil taught us the Ways of the Hunter, Sylaise and June gave us fire and crafting, but Fen'Harel kept to himself and plotted the betrayal of all the gods. And after the destruction of Arlathan, when the gods could no longer hear our prayers, it is said that Fen'Harel spent centuries in a far corner of the earth, giggling madly and hugging himself in glee. The legend says that before the fall of Arlathan, the gods we know and revere fought an endless war with others of their kind. There is not a hahren among us who remembers these others: Only in dreams do we hear whispered the names of Geldauran and Daern'thal and Anaris, for they are the Forgotten Ones, the gods of terror and malice, spite and pestilence. In ancient times, only Fen'Harel could walk without fear among both our gods and the Forgotten Ones, for although he is kin to the gods of the People, the Forgotten Ones knew of his cunning ways, and saw him as one of their own. And that is how Fen'Harel tricked them. Our gods saw him as a brother, and they trusted him when he said that they must keep to the heavens while he arranged a truce. And the Forgotten Ones trusted him also when he said he would arrange for the defeat of our gods, if only the Forgotten Ones would return to the abyss for a time. They trusted Fen'Harel, and they were all of them betrayed. And Fen'Harel sealed them away so they could never again walk among the People.

—From The Tale of Fen'Harel's Triumph, as told by Gisharel, Keeper of the Ralaferin clan

[vh-rp]

The Tirashan Elves

These elves of the Tirashan forest do not consider themselves dalish, and the dalish elves would agree. The Tirashan seek revenge against humans for their affronts to the elven people and rather than call upon the blessing of the Pantheon Gods, they have instead sought the Forgotten Ones out through hidden, dark cults. According to the Dalish, these individuals have committed a great crime and forsaken their people in return for the keys to a twisted and terrible strength.

These vicious elves wear vallaslin of bright red which is thought to be tainted by red lyrium, though somehow they have not succumbed to its terrible effects. These elves don't just chase humans off their land, they hunt them for sport and often offer them up as sacrifices to their Gods.

PHYSIOLOGY/VALLALSIN The Tirashan are not physically any different from the typical dalish elf, however, they seem to have a strange resistance to red lyrium. This could be because they tattoo small amounts into their skin and build up immunity, but no one really knows. Their vallaslin are homages not to the Pantheon, but to their own Gods.

GODS The gods of terror and malice, spite and pestilence. In ancient times, only Fen'Harel could walk without fear among both the Evanuris and the Forgotten Ones, for although he is kin to the gods of the People, the Forgotten Ones knew of his cunning ways, and saw him as one of their own. Where the Creators are gods of justice, knowledge and craft, who seek to guide and protect the elven people, the Forgotten Ones are a dark mirror presiding over the worst aspects of existence: disease, terror, spite and malevolence. They serve not as shepherds of the elves, but rather as figures of fear and dread. They may have greatly resented the Creator gods, and in fact asserted that there are no "gods" and that the right of dominance over others comes from deeds rather than nature.

ANARIS - God of Terror/Fear DAERN'THAL - God of Disease/Pestilence FEN'HAREL - God of Betrayal/Trickery GELDAURAN - God of Spite/Malevolence

[crackinglamb]

WIP Whenever

Tagged by @fadedsweater (like two weeks ago, ack), @theluckywizard and @anneapocalypse, thank you all! 💕

Tagging @ir0n-angel, @effelants, @lilbittymonster, @the-desert-dancer, @chrideart, @fiadhaisteach, @mogwaei and @serial-chillr. No pressure.

Biggest WIP right now is getting my back where it's supposed to be. Preferably without torquing my leg muscles into pretzels. Which is why I haven't been writing as much as usual. HOWEVER, the muse returned after months away at the war and I've gotten back into a groove this week with WG. Have a bit of HLTA, Imogen style.

---

“Ahh, a visitor,” a bodiless voice said, reverberating through the space. “Welcome, Imogen McLean. I have long been expecting you.”

Imogen stood tall, her hand halfway to her bow over her shoulder. “I told you that someday I would come, and I would cut you down to size.”

“I remember,” the voice of the Nightmare replied. “You are brave to enter this realm, and I salute you for it. But do not think I cannot feel your fear, even now. The fear of failure, of exhaustion and despair.” The demon laughed. It was a rich, rolling sound that felt like it should shake the ground, and yet it remained stable beneath her feet. “Come then, take your gift if you dare. I know you have sought it.”

“What is it talking about, Genny?” Hawke asked, her staff already held in her hands, ready at a moment’s notice to cast or swing like a cudgel.

“I’m missing the memory of how I got to Thedas. I’ve always known the Nightmare took it.”

“I took more from you than that, little fly,” the Nightmare taunted.

All at once she remembered Geldauran calling her that. A little fly caught in the web of something larger. Why is it always the Maker damned spiders? One of three last lines of a sacrificed Champion. It gave her strength now, feeling Hawke’s presence at her shoulder, while Solas stood at the other. Her friends gathered around her, fighting willingly at her behest. She was not powerless here. She would not give in to fear.

“Hmm, the very definition of bravery,” the Nightmare said as if she’d spoken the thought aloud. “But I am remiss, for you have brought company with you on this visit. The one who feels my voice creep up his spine into his head, the one who fears to mirror his past, the one who fears the opposite of death, the one who could not save anyone and...ah, yes, the harellan. Greetings.”

She ran the list through her head, identifying each member of her squad as their fears were named. Bull, Dorian, Terisin, Elly and Solas. The only one she wasn’t familiar with was Ter’s, but she could guess at it. Kal-Sharok had changed him, and now he was no longer a mere mortal. He would likely outlive everyone he knew and loved. Immortality was not a blessing, but a curse.

“Just words,” she said softly to her companions. “It wants to throw us off, make us think of these things so it can feed off them. Focus.”

“We once spoke on the nature of killing an idea, did we not, Inquisitor?” the Nightmare said. “It was an entertaining exchange.”

“I’m sure it was,” she called out into the expanse of green fog and glittering black stone. “But you will get no fuel from me now. As you might recall, I believe that was also when I told you that repetition dulls the experience of you. You have no power over me that matters.”

“Perhaps not. But you are not the only one here.”

“And you have yet to show your ugly face. Which one of us is afraid?”