#sigrun is... i'd describe it as passive aggressively perky?

[teyrnacousland]

So remember how I said in this post that I wanted to be able to choose a Constable of the Grey, and then see an epilogue slide for that person’s rule? I did it myself. The game denied me this content and so I made my own. Here’s how I think things would go under each companion’s leadership (/second-in-command…ership)

Anyways. Enjoy!

Nathaniel

“Thank you, Commander. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

Nathaniel’s appointment as Constable of the Grey is a divisive choice. The nobles who supported his father are put off by the differences between the two. Those who suffered for Arl Howe’s actions see it as a continuation of his father’s betrayal, especially those who were loyal friends of the Couslands. (If the Warden is Human Noble, their support of Nathaniel assuages many, though not all, of these fears.)

Though it sometimes takes newcomers, especially those who have been affected by Arl Howe’s treachery, time to warm up to him, they eventually come around. (If the Warden is a Human Noble, their public forgiveness of Nathaniel helps, along with his public denouncement of his father’s actions.)

Though some of the nobles try to bully him into making excessive reparations, or try to get special treatment based on past alliances they believe Nathaniel should continue, he holds his own valiantly. He welcomes the advice of his companions and subordinates in all matters, and his rule over both the Keep and the Arling is a good balance of strict and fair.

He chooses Velanna as his Senior Warden. This causes a whole new round of outrage, but Nathaniel is openly adamant about his support of her. He does his best to give her bold ideas and declarations a bit more tact without detracting from what she says and does. They’re a good team.

Velanna

“I accept. Ma serannas, lethallin. I (/we if the WC is Dalish) will show them what the (/we) Dalish can do.”

The fact that the new Constable of the Grey was an elf, and an elven mage at that, causes outrage in some circles. (If the Warden-Commander was also Dalish it inspires a panic that this was some form of takeover by the Dalish. Despite this, Velanna refused to separate herself from her Dalish heritage. The conspiracies died down eventually, but they flare up again whenever a decision or action of hers is questioned.)

Velanna, having been the First in her clan, is an excellent leader. Though many nobles are initially outraged at her brash tone and lack of tact, others still respect her for her directness. Nathaniel, her Senior Warden, often helps to smooth over any potential problems. This leads some of the more… traditional (racist) people to refer to Nathaniel as the true leader, or to try and give him credit for Velanna’s accomplishments. Fortunately, Nathaniel is quick to denounce this line of thinking, and has no issue making the chain of command clear whenever he can. 

Though Velanna at times has to fight harder than others, and is often faced with undue blame and suspicion, she excels at the position. She is organized and ambitious. She has proven herself in both battle and several political standoffs, and those who follow her hold her in the highest esteem to this day.

Anders

“Whoa, wait, me? Constable of the Grey? You can’t be serious. I’m not exactly the leader type, in case you haven’t noticed.”     (Persuade) You have too little faith in yourself. You’ll do great. “Well… if you’re sure. I’ll do my best, I guess?”

Despite, or perhaps encouraged by, the Chantry’s protests, Anders accepts the role of Constable of the Grey. (The Chantry fights against this even harder if the WC is also a mage, but ultimately the Grey Wardens operate outside of Chantry rules, so their opinions don’t matter. Some resort to spreading rumours that Vigil’s Keep has fallen to some form of maleficar uprising, perhaps even blood magic.)

His inexperience with the world and its politics is a bit of a downfall, but his companions and advisors are there to help him. Seneschal Garavel is an experienced soldier and is happy to advise him with military decisions, and his Senior Warden, Nathaniel, advises him on political matters. Justice and Sigrun are happy to advise on anything when asked, though neither has much more world experience than Anders himself, and Velanna forcefully inserts herself into most decisions anyways. Anders rule becomes somewhat of a democracy, with everyone discussing each issue and trying to come to a compromise. He’s often more of a mediator than a ruler.

Though at the start of his career he often just defers to others’ judgements, he begins to speak up for his own beliefs as time goes on. Whispers start to circulate that apostates can find a safe place at Vigil’s Keep. All are welcome to be either conscripted as Wardens or informally recruited as “advisors” and “specialists”. (Making up titles is a favoured pastime of Warden-Constable Anders. “Oh, no, no, Neria’s not an apostate. She’s the Grey Warden’s Official Expert in the Arcane Arts of Ignition” “…you mean she’s a mage who can light things on fire.” “Yep!”)

He is fair and compassionate, though sometimes overly harsh or lenient depending on the circumstances. Whenever it falls to him to pass judgement on someone for a wrongdoing or crime it always ends in a very loud debate between him, Justice, Nathaniel, and Garavel. (He tends to go easy on things like theft or desertion, and anything that had a good reason behind it. And he tends to be extra harsh on anyone who selfishly wrongs those with less power than them, and especially anyone who wrongs mages. Or elves, since it tends to get Velanna fired up and he tends to take her side in such cases.)

Though there are some who would look down on his inexperience, or his heretical beliefs, there are twice as many who would laud his good character. Those who doubt him find their doubts drifting away when they hear his heartfelt vows to help where he can, and those who would call him a heretical apostate/maleficar have trouble reconciling that belief with the friendly, if on occasion immature, man who leads them with compassion and humility. (Also pretty much all of them have had someone they know, or have been themselves personally, saved by his healing magic, so no one can really protest all that much.)

But eventually Chantry pressure (mostly pushed for by those personally offended by the continued existence and freedom) reaches Weisshaupt. The First Warden sends an “overseer” to the Keep. This overseer also agrees to the Chantry’s demands that they recruit a templar named Rolan. Unable to reach the Warden-Commander, Vigil’s Keep has no choice but to allow the takeover, and Anders is unofficially demoted to more of a figurehead than a leader. Justice urges him to fight back, but the confidence Anders has gained in his months as a leader gives way to bitter resignation. He knows if he pushes back at the Chantry they’ll only push even harder. There’s nothing he can do. 

When Anders and Justice disappear Nathaniel officially takes up the position of Warden-Constable.

Justice

“I am honoured, Commander. I shall lead the wardens justly in your absence, this I swear.”

Outside of the Warden-Commander’s inner circle, no one knows what to make of their new Warden-Constable being a Fade spirit. Aside from the Chantry, who definitely knows what they think of it. They try to object, but the Warden-Commander shuts down their complaints by reminding them that they hold no authority over the Grey Wardens.

The wardens and soldiers themselves are cautious around him, at first. Even most mages have little experience with Fade spirits. But all who have fought with Justice know him to be a valiant warrior, and anyone who spends enough time around him learns that he is an inspiring leader. Soon, his supporters begin to outweigh his detractors.

Though he does his best to make his decisions fairly, those who end up with the shorter end of the stick often resort to attacking his nature, saying that a creature such as him cannot have the complexity required to lead, let alone make judgements and decisions. Justice himself is more than happy to engage with those who think him unfit, and he surprises many with his proficiency in debating their concerns. No one has yet to present a genuine reason for him to be removed that he cannot counter, aside from baseless Chantry superstition.

Despite the hardships, Justice seems to enjoy the opportunity to inspire and empower the people, as well as the extra reach leadership gives him that allows even more opportunities to fight injustices. Though he never loses his humility, and never sees himself as above those he commands. He is one of them, and they learn to respect him for it.

As with Anders, the Chantry convinces Weisshaupt to send someone to oversee the Keep. Justice does what he can to argue, especially when the overseer agrees to recruit several Templars at the Chantry’s demand, but he is ignored. He’s ready to draw swords and fight whoever he has to, but Anders and Nathaniel convince him (and Velanna, who’s also ready to throw hands) that will only make things worse. Especially for Anders, and for the Warden-Commander since they’re the one who appointed him. 

Before disappearing, Justice passes on his title to Nathaniel Howe. 

Sigrun

“Me? Really? Thank you, Commander. I promise I won’t let you down.”

The title and position give Sigrun a renewed sense of purpose. She has something to live for, and this determination is reflected in her actions and her choices. And though some doubt her due to her inexperience and that she’s a dwarf, she takes to leadership surprisingly well.

Those who fought with her are quick to jump to her defence in the face of criticisms. Her soldiers are fiercely loyal to her and she makes sure to deserve that loyalty. Her optimism is inspiring, and her determination is contagious. (That goes both ways. She’s inspired by the peoples’ faith in her, and in return she inspires them. It’s like a huge swirling cycle of optimism and loyalty.)

Though some criticisms are right, she really doesn’t have experience in leading or in politics. Nathaniel is more than happy to help and give his advice, as is Seneschal Garavel. She lets them make many decisions, but she is always a part of the discussion leading up to those decisions. She surprises many with how good she is at managing resources and battle strategies.

She appoints Velanna as Senior Warden. Velanna’s bitterness and skepticism balance out with Sigrun’s perky optimism perfectly. Vigil’s Keep becomes known as somewhere that accepts all sorts and gives them a place. Especially dwarves inspired by tales about the casteless who became a hero (/heroes, if the HoF is a Dwarf Commoner).