Elsa MacAslan

Lady Elsa MacAslan is the third child and only daughter of a powerful and popular lord. Her mother died when she was younger but she thinks of her maternal grandmother as a mother figure. After her father is killed in battle by a lesser lord, one who was a potential suitor for her, she left to get her revenge, but vowed to end the civil war first, becoming a respected military leader. She has two older brothers who are very close, and they teased her a lot growing up but always looked out for her though she just wanted to be one of the boys. Despite being the youngest, she is the most talented in battle, the middle brother is the most charming and flirtatious and diplomatic, while the eldest is the most charismatic and outgoing and grand and free. Elsa takes after both. Lady Elsa MacAslan was raised in a castle in a small city by the sea. Her mother died when she was a child but she has fond memories of her. She was raised by her father, a popular and powerful noble who was a ward to the previous king's family, and her maternal grandmother, who is strict but loving and wishes to turn her into a lady with no avail. She has a brother that is three years older than her, and another one five years older who is the heir, the two brothers are close, and are a bad influence. She also has a younger brother who is only ten years old and doesn't remember their mother as she died giving birth to him. She dotes on him and he follows her around. She also gets along with the betrothed of her eldest brother, who is from the capital and finds their home simple and rough. Her father was killed by a young lord who just took over for his sickly father, the young lord was her childhood friend and a candidate for marriage as he served under her father, and this was a heinous betrayal as he killed her father in an ambush in a dishonorable way, under a banner of peace and parlay. Her little brother was acting as a squire to her father and was murdered by the young lord to get her father to submit. She had snuck in as one of the foot soldiers and witnessed this, she luckily managed to escape the ensuing slaughter at the insistence of her father, vowing revenge on her former ally. She left her two brothers, and her grandmother, who unbeknownst to her died of a broken heart upon hearing of the death of her son-in-law, to win the war and bring the traitor to justice. She met up with the young king and he endorsed her mission, having her work with a few other warriors on an important mission. The eldest brother inherited the castle and title of their father, finally marrying his betrothed, while the other brother went abroad to mourn alone. While Elsa became the leader of the nation's army. Her family's castle was sacked during the civil war, led by the young traitor, and everyone was killed and all the artefacts stolen and sold. Though the young traitor was not the mastermind, he was in charge of destroying her family due to his relationship with them. 
== Changes ==
* Eleanor: now dead and her mother helped raise her
* Bryce: killed in an ambush during the civil war
* Fergus: now two older brothers 
* Oriana: now the eldest's betrothed
* Oren: now a younger brother she dotes on
* Arl Howe: now a lesser lord that used to serve under Bryce
* Thomas Howe: now the lesser traitor lord around her age
* King Cailan: 
== Chronology ==
# Lady Elsa MacAslan lives a charmed life with her heroic father, a high-ranking lord and close friend of the king, with a younger brother, two older brothers, the eldest of which is engaged to a lovely woman who lives with them, her maternal grandmother who is like a mother to her, and is currently being courted by the young son, just a year younger than her, who's father is a bannerman of her own father.
# The civil war starts between the king and his cousin, as the king has only a bastard that is not yet disclosed, and the cousin has many heirs and a large private army with large coffers from foreign marriages, while the crown has been blamed for the current sufferings of hunger and poverty that ravage the land.
# Two years since the start of the civil war, her father is called to lead a part of the army against the king's insurgent cousin, the very man who's brother is a bannerman of her father, and who's son courted her. She and her brother's were meant to remain at the castle, while her younger brother, now already twelve, was to act as a squire to their father. Elsa decided to join the battle disguised as a common foot soldier. Before the battle was to start, the young son was sent to deliver a message under a banner of parlay, curious, Elsa snuck in. During this talk, the young traitor, Colin, grew angry at her father pulling rank and showing disappointment in his lack of fealty to the crown. Enraged, Colin swiftly struck her little brother down. In a frenzy, her father attacked, but two officers she didn't recognize came up behind him holding him back, as Colin fiercely stuck him in the gut and dragged the sword long. With the deed done, Colin fled before others would be alerted, and Elsa, who was frozen in horror, rushed to her father and yelled for the guard, tearing off her helmet and held her father, who was quickly bleeding out. She vowed to avenge him, and he told her to see out the end of the war first, that country must come before family. Soon the camping troops were ambushed, and Elissa fled with two of her father's most loyal knights. 
# Three months after the murder of her father and the decimation of her family's troops, her grandmother passed away from heartbreak at the loss of her precious son-in-law and youngest grandson. Her eldest brother took their father's title and place among the nobility and did his best to rally their remaining troops, however meager, and married his long-time betrothed in a modest and quiet ceremony. And her other brother left to the Isles of Veyhn to escape the reminders and responsibilities of the tragedy, leaving his family mourning yet another loss, as he tried his hand at sailing and adventuring, having always been good with ships and hoping to distract himself with adrenaline and chaos.
# Five years after her father's death, and the effects of the civil war can be seen, ravaged farms, food shortages, refugees, and people arguing in the streets. Colin, who had grown into his cruelty and power-tripping now that he took over for his father, which was hotly contested by the king, but he did it anyways, decided to strike a blow against Elsa who's men had been harassing him with her superior military competence. He marched on her home, targeting the castle and all inside, all the castle residents whom she'd known since childhood were slaughtered, while her eldest brother held a remarkable defense in the chapel. Unfortunately for Colin, her spies have long since given him false information, and she was actually on her way home with her most talented soldiers. Her retinue arrived just in time to give relief to the defense, flanking the enemy and killing them all in a righteous fury. 
# She was tempted to stay behind and help her brother rebuild, but he urged her to end this bloody feud once and for all. Colin had been wary of entering the battlefield himself, growing paranoid and sheltered, but when Elsa came to his front door under a banner of peace, he had her immediately arrested. He met her in his great hall, surrounded by his many bodyguards, with her sword taken but hands unbound as she was a great lady and he felt secure. They argued viscously with him cowering from her venomous hatred. She slowly approached, using her words as distraction, and when she was close enough she took a sword from the sheath of his bodyguard and cut off his head, daring his men to test her steel. None did, and she walked out holding his head, straight to her brother. 
# Despite wanting to stop and rest and finally grieve, her king called her to the field once again, and she served well until the wannabe usurper was killed by the king in a grand battle for the ages, and remained the General of the Camling army for the rest of her days, often visiting her brother and sister, and their two brave and lively children, one who looked just like their little brother, and the other had eyes the same color as their mother.
# She never married or had children, and lived to be 82 years old, dying in early December, she never retired, and eventually died of an unknown cancer. She became very knowledgeable in herbalism and healing magic when she looked for treatments for her wasting disease, befriending a mage healer whom she had as her live-in healer, and the two were good companions in her later years. She kept her illness a secret from all but him. She left everything to her brother and his children, whom she visited often.
== Biography ==
She earned her place as a leader, and does not rely on her status as a noble. Her family, the MacAslans have ruled this coastal city, the third largest in the country, for many generations, being appointed by the first king that united/conquered Camling. They have a reputation for justice and temperance, and their willingness to lead men into battle.
Elsa has the charge of living up to the proud heritage of her family, while the second eldest forged his own past and damned the consequences. Her family has long been in service to the kings as right-hand men.
===Early Life===
I love my family, we have such a strong and proud lineage, and everyday I see why. Father's sense of duty, his sense of honor and service, his high expectations of me, backed up by a kind of faith only a Father can have. Mother, with her elegance, her kindness, her courage. She is everything I hope to be some day. And I know she loves me, I know she worries as I do, I know she is there for me, no matter my social blunders. Fergus, with his ill-timed, unrelenting childish humour. I'm glad for Oriana, she grounds him, she is so selfless and solemn, a truly honest soul. Little Oren, my own nephew, so eager to learn from his Auntie! Mother Mallol, with her warmth and thoughtfulness. Aldous, with his chiding remarks. Nan, with her lessons of wisdom. I have been shaped so much, by such good and wise souls, felt such love, been given such responsibility.
==Involvement==
Lady Elsa MacAslan is a human noble of Camling, she lived a charmed life of a good and loving father and grandfather, the chapel priests, tutors, a nanny, a dog, a best friend, and three brothers. She was raised and taught well, instilled with the skills, knowledge, and moral compass needed to be a just leader. She lived a sheltered castle life, sometimes attending boring and complicated court events. She much preferred combat, enjoying fighting with the soldiers, unusual training for a lady, but her father nurtured her skill and she excelled. 
She is very much like the rest of her family, pious, humorous, and peaceful royalists. Being the third youngest sibling, with her eldest brother already engaged, she was allowed to not care about being tactful or ladylike. She was asexual and aromantic, though her family did not know, and she herself did not know the proper term, she felt pressured to marry, much to her annoyance, and was often pestered by her family to act according to her status.
She wanted to prove herself to her father and men. She did not wish to let her father down, and was determined to make him proud. She was also terrified that her father or brother would be killed in battle, and despite comfort from her grandmother, priest, and her supportive sister-in-law, she snuck away following the army dressed as a common foot soldier. 
She loved her family dearly, and was raised well, though inexperienced and still somewhat petulant and stubborn. Tragedy hit, and she lost her father and little brother. The aftermath continued to haunt her, she felt guilt for being the only survivor, paranoia around her brotherss safety, and shame for failing to protect her family. During the attack, she was bewildered, an old family friend was killing them all, and no one knew why, it came out of nowhere. She slaughtered every soldier of How'es that she could, seeing the elven servants flee, and found her best friend Ser Gilmore and only two other soldiers trying to hold the main doors shut. He was so heroic, choosing to stay so that she and her mother had a chance to survive, bravely facing almost certain death. She claimed her family sword, and the shield of Highever, so that their enemy could not take it. They found the chantry empty, and her tutor Aldous dead. She saw her mother bravely fight for her home, no care for her own safety, righteous fire in her eyes, she was beautiful and capable, and strong. They made it to a secret tunnel, and there was Nan lying dead, Nan who told her stories to make her wise, who complained about her dog even as she gave him food, who was old and tough and full of deep caring. 
Then there was her father, lying barely alive, in a pool of his own blood. She wanted to bring him with her, even if she had to drag him. But he could not make it, she knew this but it did not matter, what mattered was that he would die and there was nothing she could do. Grandmother died, leaving us too, I needed her to guide me, and chide me, and protect me as fiercely as I knew she could. I had to go, I had to leave them, I know I needed to get revenge, but none of those facts make any difference, I left my father to die and my brother's body abandoned.
I made it out, and I traveled home. It was a long trip, and I barely remember it I was so consumed with grief. I met with the king then, he would see justice done.
I managed to survive, and I went to Lothering, where I heard the Grey Wardens were traitors. That could not be true, I saw Loghain retreat, and I would expose his treachery against our King.I led as many refugees as would come to Denerim, taught them to fight, and we made it unscathed. I heard Arl Eamon was sick, and went to Redcliffe to help. I was named Champion of Redliffe for helping them fight, and there I met Alistair, and we saved young Connor. We went to find to Urn of Sacred Ashes, and then went to Denerim, where I fought against Loghain and especially Howe in every way I could, gathering support for Prince Alistair for the Landsmeet. I kept making trips to the Wilds, searching for Fergus to no avail, and it is a miracle I survived, especially as the Blight grew, but I am well trained and no fool.
1. Highever Attack, escaped alone, with only Arthur, Duncan was not there.
2. Arrived at Ostagar, told King Cailan what happened, fought in the battle and survived.
3. Went to Lothering, met Alistair, Morrigan, and the other Wardens.
4. Went to Redcliffe with Alistair and Leliana, named Champion
5. Found the Urn of Sacred Ashes
6. Went to Denerim, gained support for the Landsmeet, killed Howe
7. Argued in the Landsmeet, gave support to Alistair
8. Went home with Fergus and rebuilt
9. Leader of the Fereldan Army
Possibly stayed in Lothering to help and then evacuated to Denerim
Possibly looked for Fergus in the Wilds to no avail
She was left in charge of Highever Castle when her brother and father were to leave for the King's army at Ostagar. When Arl Howe attacked and killed her family, she and her mabari managed to escape. She went to Ostagar to alert her brother and the King of Howe's treachery. Though she just missed her brother, she was among the soldiers in the battle, and managed to get out though not without her injuries. She immediately went to Denerim to try to stop the traitorous Loghain and Howe. She later reunited with the surviving Grey Wardens, and helped them gain political allies for the Landsmeet, and accompanied them to Redcliffe to gain soldiers against the Blight. 
After the Battle of Denerim, she reunited with her brother Fergus, and went with him back to Highever to rebuild. She demanded of King Alistair that Arl Howe's family pay or the massacre at Highever, and his lands were given to the Grey Wardens. She later became Teyrna instead of her brother. She never married or had children, leaving Highever to the child of Fergus and Anora.
===Attack on Castle Cousland===
I have no interest in being a Grey Warden, I am far too entrenched in the life of a Cousland, the duties I will have, my service to my people and the honor of my family. That is my world, that is all I could ever want, to be somebody to people I love, to be able to care for them and lead them.
===Battle at Ostagar===
 
==Physical Appearance==
She has medium length straight brown hair that she wears in a utilitarian ponytail. She is strong and athletic, with a muscular build and moves like a warrior. Her eyes are a bright blue-green, and she has the elegant beauty of her mother, holding herself like a noble. 
==Personality==
==Relationships==
Though she generally gets along well with others, she is not the most friendly at first, and speaks her mind regardless of offending people. She is quite kind and selfless in wanting to protect others, and many appreciate having her at their back.
===Companions===
<tabber>
|-|Marcena=
|-|Alexander=
|-|Zevran=
She thinks assassins are dishonorable, but understands that it is how the world works and that they can be useful. She dislikes his obsession with sex, and his flirting exasperates her. He considers her a challenge and likes that she is dominant, and wants her to be more feminine, as he thinks she is wasting her beauty. He does not understand her asexuality, being bisexual himself. He dislikes how she judges him, and considers herself different from him. 
|-|Sten=
They both put duty above all, she agrees that we must all find our place in life and fulfill the role given to us. She dislikes his sexism, as she has dealt with that her whole life, and made her insecure about not being feminine enough. They both respect their prowess in battle and commitment to their purpose. 
</tabber>
===Origin===
<tabber>
|-|Fergus=
She wished she could go with him to fight with the King's army. She was not eager to tell him of their parent's fate. They are very close and often joke around with each other in a teasing way. She gave him a lock of Oren and Oriana's hair when they reunited.
|-|Nan=
Nan would always scold her to keep Arthur reigned in, and would tell her many stories to make her wise and think about things, she was her nanny before she was the cook, and knew her since she was a bairn.
|-|Mallol=
She always found comfort in Mallol, but was hesitant to be overly familiar with her as she was a strong authority figure.
|-|Arthur=
Her mabari warhound, he only listened to her, anyone else risked having an arm bitten off, though he knew better than to hurt anyone. He often had the kitchens in uproar.
|-|Eleanor=
She would constantly nag her daughter, much to her annoyance, about being more feminine and tactful. They loved each other dearly and were always there for each other. Elissa held it against her when she decided to die instead of come with her, feeling like she was being abandoned. She wishes he had done the same and protected her parents to the death. She got her kindness and piousness from her, and always tried to do what she would do.
|-|Bryce=
He trained her as a warrior, which was unusual. He was very proud of her, and it was he whom she saw during the Gauntlet in Haven. She wanted to do him proud and live up to his expectations. She decided to help her country with the blight before revenge for him, as he wanted her to make her own mark on the world, and put duty above all.
|-|Thomas=
Thomas was a few years younger than her, and their parents attempted to arrange a marriage, thinking the age difference would not matter after a few years. He asked after her when his father visited. She had no interest in an arranged marriage, but he was very amenable to the idea.
|-|Rendon=
She would be happy as long as he paid for his treachery. She killed him with great satisfaction, after he stole her father's title and insulted them.
|-|Gilmore=
They were best friends growing up, often sparring together.
|-|Oren=
She doted on him and loved how much he admired his Auntie. She indulged him when he wanted to learn how to fight. She was devastated after his loss, and seeing Connor, the same age, was determined not to let another child die. She also encouraged Bevin to be brave and fight, as she imagined Oren would have wanted to be.
|-|Oriana=
She appreciated her kindness and willingness to help. She thought she was good at keeping Fergus out of trouble, and was glad she adapted to the rough Fereldan life. 
</tabber>
===Potentials===
<tabber>
|-|Duran=
The two butt heads a lot, him trying to be the leader, thinking he has more of a right to it, but she thinks he lacks the compassion and faith to bring people together and would never let him have control over the fate of the Blight if she has any say, and luckily she does.
|-|Natia=
She is like the sister she never had, she loves showing her the wonders of the surface world and wants her and Alistair to get together already and stop their shy dance.
|-|Lyna=
She is intrigued by her and admires her nobility and becomes more curious about her people and is surprised they are respected so little, she thinks they deserve the same treatment as anyone else and that they are better than many of the other people she has met.
|-|Solona=
She took her under her wing, trying to teach her how the real world works and toughen her up, and learns that mages can be good people and use their considerable power responsibly.
|-|Alim=
She doesn't trust him, and thinks it is suspicious how close and secretive he and Morrigan are. She is intimidated by his mysterious knowledge and intelligence and he manages to make her feel inferior, though she tries to not let it show. He does not take orders well and she finds it hard to act superior to him or convince him to do something he does not want to do, same as Kallian.
|-|Kallian=
She is secretly terrified of her unpredictability and reckless violence, trying to stay on her good side and find a way for her to be useful instead of a liability.
|-|Daylen=
He reminds her of Fergus, but out of control and without the sense of duty and nobility that kept Fergus grounded. She worries for him and wished he would show some maturity.
</tabber>
==Skills & Abilities==
*Combat: She uses a sword and shield expertly, she has trained very hard and has sparred with many skilled knights and warriors.
*Battle Tactics: Due to her studies and training, she has developed a keen and analytical mind for dissecting a battle, taking into account all variables.
*Leadership: She is a natural leader, having learned from the example of her parents, and has experience leading smaller groups of warriors. As a Cousland, she was raised to be a leader.
*Religion: She is very familiar with the chant of light and the teachings of the Maker.
*Sailing: She is a skilled raider and sea captain, having taken many trips to the coast with her mother.
*Education: She was well-versed in history, diplomacy, and politics.
==Weaknesses==
*Lady: She did not pick up the skills expected of a Lady very well, due to lack of interest and no natural skill.
*Inexperience: She has been sheltered and is still quite young.
*Tact: She tends to speak her mind, regardless of proper social decorum, though she later adopts the skills her mother taught her.
==Possessions==
*Dog: A large brown warhound with short hair, stocky, large, and all muscle, with an ugly face and intelligent brown eyes. He is named Arthur and imprinted on her as a puppy, well-bred and loyal, her closest companion and a brave defender that would die for her in a heartbeat, but in the meantime loves bellyrubs and finding random baubles. Like an oversized pitbull.
*Sword: It was her ancestor's and has been in her family for generations, long and broad and sharp, of the finest steel, there is a chip in the heavy golden hilt, not very noticeable, but once felt, seems to be constantly there. It was given to her at birth. Not as flashy as the family's ceremonial sword that went to the eldest and heir, her brother, this sword has seen more battle and has more history.
*Shield: Her father's shield, custom made for him, and is slightly too large for her but she has grown used to its feel. Painted with the sigil of her family, it has many nicks and the leather handle, while black and supple, is beginning to fray, as it has not seen much use in recent years. It was a gift for her birthday, marking her adulthood, kite shaped.
*Horse: A tall black mare named Una after a famous knight, she is muscular but swift and surefooted, with a gleaming coat and braided mane, the color of coal, she is tolerant of others and exceedingly well-trained, fearless in battle, intelligent and cooperative. Of a royal lineage, Elsa trained her herself as a child, and the two have an unspoken bond. Even if uncommanded, she would know what to do and do it without hesitation and with all her might. Like a Friesian.
==Songs==
*Dynasty, MIIA
*Heavy In Your Arms, Florence + The Machine
*Tempo, EXO
*Daft Pretty Boys, Bad Suns
*Remember (Feat. Seo Ho), U-mb5, SEAGATE DJ, Seo Ho
*Warriors, Imagine Dragons
*Who I Am, The Score
*One Woman Army, Porcelain Black
*Castle, Halsey
*I'm A Ruler, Tommee Profitt, Ruby Amanfu
*Joan of Arc, Little Mix
*Look What You Made Me Do, Taylor Swift
*Shatter Me Featuring Lzzy Hale, Lindsey Stirling
*Night of Your Life, WAR*HALL
*Bad, Royal Deluxe
*bad guy, Billie Eilish
*Bang!, AJR
*I Did Something Bad, Taylor Swift
*5 out of 6, Dessa
==Quotes==
*"I've no interest in an arranged marriage."
*"Are you trying to get rid of me?"
*"A good shield would be more useful."
*"Then we will stay and defend you."
*"A Cousland will see it done."
==Trivia==
*She mumbles in her sleep.
*She is left-handed.
*She walks fast, with her chin up.
*She often stands with her hands behind her back.
*She clears her throat when she wants to speak but is either nervous or self-conscious.
==Etymology==
*Elissa is a form of Elizabeth or Alice, and means noble and God is a promise. It is of Hebrew and German origin.
*Cousland is of Scottish origin and means "peace"
==Gallery==
File:Elissa5.jpg
File:Elissa4.jpg
File:Elissa1.jpg
File:Elissa3.jpg
Amaranthine-charger.webp|Una
Dog.webp|Arthur
== Tropes ==
* The Ace: Evolves into this over the course of the game.
* Affectionate Nickname: 
** The Human Noble, being the youngest, is frequently called "Pup" by their father.
* Asskicking Leads to Leadership: If the Warden manages to survive the Blight, they will become Warden-Commander of all the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, which also effectively makes them the Arl/Arlessa of Amaranthine. In addition, they receive a special title linked to their origin and actions in-game:
** A Dwarf Warden will become a Paragon, which is not only an honor equal to or higher than that of a king, but also grants them their own house and followers.
** A City Elf Warden has the option of representing their people as the first Elven Bann of the Alienage in Denerim.
** A Human Noble can marry Alistair if female, Anora if male and become Prince/Queen-Consort of Ferelden.
** Depending on your chosen origin and your actions in-game, you can also add a Teyrnir (Dukedom), another Arling (Denerim), the Kingdom of Ferelden (as a Prince or Queen-Consort), and a Lord Chancellorship (Prime Ministership) into the bargain, although the latter titles are mostly derived by forcibly removing their incumbents from the position.
** If the quest "Secret Rendezvous" and Alistair's appearance as king during Dragon Age II are any indication, the Warden ruled Amaranthine for six years, and was competent enough to quickly turn Arl Howe's den of provincial aristocratic corruption into a powerful rival of Kirkwall itself, so apparently Asskicking Equals Competent Authority.
* Authority in Name Only: The Warden spends most of Origins as the acting Warden-Commander of Ferelden. The title is functionally meaningless since there is only one other surviving Grey Warden in the country and they are unable to make contact with any of the order's leadership or access any of their resources thanks to being labeled fugitives by Logain. It isn't until Awakening that their title is given official recognition and actual authority.
* Awesome Moment of Crowning:
** In Awakening, a Dwarf Commoner Warden will discover that they, a Casteless, has been named a Paragon.
*** The Dwarf Noble will find out the same from Gorim, your childhood friend and Second, who was forced to leave Orzammar after your exile. After telling you that it is all but certain you will be named a Paragon, he offers to resume his position as your Second, reuniting the two of you at last.
** A female Human Noble romancing Alistair can become Queen of Ferelden.
*** Likewise, a male Human Noble can marry Anora and become her Prince-Consort.
* Badass Bookworm:
** During their origins, the Human Noble mentions that they spent a lot of time in their grandfather's library, while the Dwarf Noble mentions greatly enjoying a scholar's book about their ancestor, implying each is very well read about Fereldan and Dwarven history, respectively.
* Badass Family: It'd be easier to list the Wardens who don't come from one note .
** If a Human Noble, the Couslands have served as a Big Good in Ferelden for centuries. The World Of Thedas vol. 2 reveals that both your parents fought Orlesian forces in the Ferelden Revolution (Bryce fought beside the King, while Eleanor led her father's armada), which was how they met. At the start of the game, Teyrn Cousland and his heir-apparent Jumped at the Call to fight alongside the King against darkspawn forces in Ostagar. While a Retired Badass, Teyrna Cousland is still no slouch with her bow and arrows.
* Badass Normal: Every non-mage Warden is clearly this before they undergo the Joining.
** The Human Noble essentially mows through a large crowd of Arl Howe's personal soldiers in order to safely escort their mother through the family castle in the dark of night.
* Bad Boss: The Human and Dwarf Nobles can be assholes towards their servants during their origins.
* Bad Powers, Good People:
** A Mage Warden learning Blood Magic is the most obvious example, but on a larger scale, any Warden can use Avernus' research to unlock the true potential of their tainted blood, resulting in Cast from Hit Points blood-based abilities, and still act genuinely heroic. A Reaver Warden is a more ambiguous case, as you technically have to Kick the Dog to unlock the specialization (whereas it's not required for Blood Mage as long as you have a sufficient speech level).
** All Grey Wardens fall under this to a minor degree, due to the Joining Ritual being a form of Blood Magic meant to grant the Wardens the power of the Darkspawn taint by imbibing their blood.
* Because You Were Nice to Me: If you make the effort to befriend the members of your party, you learn that you are one of the only real friends (if not the only one) that most of them have ever had. This is particularly true of Morrigan (who has never known anyone that she even liked before meeting you), Zevran (whose closest friend is willing to kill him), and Shale (who has never before known a person who didn't exploit it).
* Benevolent Boss: The Human Noble and Dwarf Noble can both choose dialogue options to be a reasonable lord toward their servants and other characters during the origin story.
* Berserk Button:
** Arl Rendon Howe becomes one to the Human Noble. Human Noble: I want Howe dead NOW!
* Beware the Nice Ones: The Warden can be played as the most shining paragon of virtue to ever exist... just don't get in their way!
* Big Eater: It's a Grey Warden thing, apparently.
* Big Good: Can be played this way. If playing as the Human Noble, the Warden is a member of the Cousland family, who have for centuries been the Big Good of all Ferelden.
* Blade Enthusiast: The PC always uses the same knife to murder people in dialogue scenes. Examples include some off-duty guards in the City Elf Origin, the hungry deserter in Ostagar, the Elven Messenger, Brother Genitivi, Avernus.
* Blatant Lies: A female Warden can claim to be “Winnifred” from “just outside Highever” no matter their actual name and origin, while conversing with the Mad Hermit.
* Blessed with Suck/Cursed with Awesome: Congratulations! You've been selected as a Grey Warden recruit — the highest honor to which you could ever aspire! It means any birthright or title you had is now forfeit. But wait, you have yet to become a Grey Warden - first you have to drink darkspawn blood, which will often kill you right away. If it doesn't, congratulations on becoming a Grey Warden! You can now sense the darkspawn and destroy archdemons at the low cost of obliterating your soul if you try the latter. Of course, they can sense you just as easily as you sense them. Oh, and you have about thirty years to live until the taint starts turning you into a darkspawn, at which point the Grey Warden instruction troubleshooting manual tells you to go on a suicide run against the darkspawn hordes. Oh, and good luck ever having children, especially if the other parent is also a Grey Warden.
* Blue Blood: If of the Human or Dwarf Noble origin; in fact, the Human Noble's origin icon even depicts a drop of blue blood. The Human Mage comes from a wealthy family which is part of the nobility of Kirkwall, in the Free Marches, but this has no effect on the origin story and they are probably not even aware of the fact; it doesn't get mentioned until the sequel game.
* Boxed Crook: In five of the six origins, no less.
** At the end of the Human Noble Origin, they are the last known surviving member of their family, the rest of whom were massacred on trumped-up charges of treason, and there's most certainly a bounty on their head if they ever come anywhere near their home region again.
* Brutal Honesty: Every background has a brutally honest response option for when you meet King Cailan. For example, when meeting a City Elf, Cailan apparently thinks of the Alienages as a somewhat poor but fair chance for the elves to rebuild themselves after an age of slavery. A City Elf PC has the option to exercise this trope to correct him: King Cailan: Do you come from the Alienage? Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me from going there. City Elf Warden: I killed an Arl's son for raping my friend. King Cailan: You... what?
* But Now I Must Go: If they survive Origins, the Warden abandons his or her life and party members in pursuit of a mysterious mission (or woman) at some point in the decade between the end of the first two games. We finally learn why in Inquisition.
* But Thou Must!: If the protagonist doesn't join the Grey Wardens voluntarily during the origin story, they'll be conscripted.
* The Cameo: If they're alive, the Inquisitor will write to the Hero of Ferelden for help. The Hero will apologize they can't help directly, but do send vital information about what's going on.
* Canine Companion: Regardless of your origin story, you get a dog - specifically, a giant mabari warhound, whose loyalty to you is absolute. If playing as the Human Noble, the dog has been your pet since childhood; otherwise, there's a quest in Ostagar where you can save the poisoned dog's life, and he imprints on you and tracks you down when you first leave for Lothering.
* Canon Name: Each Warden has a default namenote .
** Human Noble: Aedan/Elissa Cousland
* Celibate Hero and/or Really Gets Around: As with the hero/anti-hero status, the Warden can be anywhere in between these two. The Warden can have a foursome with Zevran, Leliana, and Pirate Queen Isabela. And then taking the edge off by sleeping with male hookers, female hookers, nugs, a transvestite dwarf, or having some rather unusual things done to you using some rather interesting tools. The tragic turn in the Human Noble's origin prologue can happen in the afterglow of a tryst with the son or servant girl of a visiting vassal noble.
* The Chessmaster: At the Landsmeet, it's possible to manipulate every single lord but one into supporting you over Loghain, including Queen Anora, his own daughter. You can then execute Loghain in front of her, and she'll still go along with marrying Alistair and lending her support for the Warden. An even better show of mastery of Fereldan politics is to still turn the Landsmeet against Loghain even without the heavy support that his daughter the Queen curries.
** Lampshaded by Loghain during the Landsmeet, who suggests that while Arl Eamon might believe that putting Alistair on the throne would guarantee him a Puppet King to control, in reality even his strings are being pulled by the Warden. Loghain: Ah! Here we have the Puppeteer!
* Chick Magnet: Aside from various party members (male and female for both genders), serving girls and a few elves are smitten with the male PC, and Bann Teagan seems to be considering proposing to the female PC after a few days of knowing her, explicitly stating that it doesn't matter one bit that she's a dwarf, an elf and/or a mage. Oghren points this out in a conversation with Wynne.
* The Chooser of the One: The Warden decides who ends up on the thrones of Orzammar and Ferelden. They can even choose themselves as a royal consort if they're Human Nobles (and the crowned is gender-compatible).
* Chosen Conception Partner: Played with.
** Discussed at the Landsmeet. If Alistair is romanced and becomes King, he'll express doubt over whether he and the Warden can be together. The whole point to this event was to prevent a Succession Crisis, but Wardens have extremely low fertility, and two have an extremely poor chance of conceiving together. If he becomes king, the female Warden would be a very poor choice for a mate because sooner or later, Ferelden will be back where they started. Of course, Inquisition shows that neither Alistair nor a Warden who marries Anora have much success at producing an heir with her either.
** Invoked by Morrigan, who wants to give birth to a child with an Archdemon's soul and offers it as a way to avoid the inevitable Heroic Sacrifice. If the Warden is male, she'll come to him first, and depending on your Relationship Values, it'll either be out of love, respect on some level, or simply acknowledgement that he's in charge and makes the decisions. If you're female, you'll be the one doing the picking (if any). However, if Morrigan was romanced, she is very happy that you'll be the one to give her a child.
** Also invoked by Mardy, a casteless woman whom the Dwarf Noble may have a child with. She and the other noble-hunters like Rica are specifically hoping to conceive sons with higher-caste men so that they can be raised out of Dust Town.
* The Chosen One: Averted, as the Warden in each origin is merely the Right Man in the Wrong Place. Further averted with the Darkspawn Chronicles, which depicts a non-canonical Alternate History where the Warden died during the Joining and Alistair was forced to step up. It didn't end well.
* Clear My Name: All Wardens go through the entire game knowing that Loghain is doing his best to convince the entire country that their order betrayed the king to his death.v fffffffffffffff
** Subverted for the Human Noble as well, though for different reasons. While you can prove that the Cousland family is innocent of the crime of being Orlesian spies, which Howe used as an excuse to slaughter your family and usurp your lands, it's eventually revealed that almost none of the nobles believed him anyway - so there was really nothing to clear. One of the nobles, Bann Alfstanna, even urges you to call on her for help when you're ready to take back your family's lands.
* Comes Great Responsibility: An honourable Mage Warden under the tutelage of Wynne. While their remarkable self-confidence is one of their greatest strengths, Wynne reminds them that mages should never indulge in pride because of their abilities, lest it corrupt them.
** To a lesser extent, Wynne tries to impress this lesson to all Wardens. You are a hero, and heroes have to make hard choices, but as a hero, it's your duty to make the best choices you can. You serve the people, Wynne says, and must put their benefit before yours. Whether you take this lesson to heart or not is entirely up to you.
* Commanding Coolness:
** The Warden becomes "Warden-Commander of Ferelden" in Awakening. They also are called the "Commander of the Grey" by some characters.
* Continuity Snarl:
** The conclusion of Dragon Age II has Leliana claiming that the Warden and Hawke's disappearances are no coincidence and Cassandra says in Inquisition they thought they were connected after they couldn't find either of them. This is all well and good unless a Warden who romanced Morrigan goes through the Eluvian with her eight years ago at the end of Witch Hunt. So why did Cassandra and Leliana expect (or even bother trying) to find someone who had been missing for almost a decade, and why would they think their disappearances were connected if they'd have been five to eight years apart from each other?
** During a King Alistair's visit to Kirkwall in Act 3 on a side quest, Teagan will claim, "The Hero of Ferelden should be back in Denerim by now." But at that point, they should be five years missing.
** Their codex in Inquisition if they survive the Fifth Blight is they served as commander for several years rebuilding the Order in Ferelden before disappearing, even though they pretty much left the Order and Ferelden altogether to be with Morrigan after holding the title for six months.
** The after-mentioned also applies to a Warden who romances Zevran, as they left to reunite with him in Antiva and join him in his personal war against the Antivan Crows, taking them to places far outside of Ferelden. It is very unlikely the Warden would have had the time or means to have led an organization in another country.
* Cloud Cuckoo Lander: Some dialogue options, if they're not to be considered snarky, can come across as... loony: Chantry Priest: We are all sinners. The fire symbolizes our hope that forgiveness is possible. Thus, we all serve by feeding its flames. Warden: So if I sin, I should just set myself on fire?
* Cool Uncle: Or Cool Aunt.
** The Human Noble is very clearly seen as this by their nephew, Oren.
* The Creon: If you are a Human Noble, your entire family is this. Despite being the most powerful nobility in all of Ferelden beside the King, they have no desire for more power, and are rumored to have turned down the crown.
* Curb-Stomp Battle: Among all the Player Characters, the Warden is the more proclive to this and his/her reputation of The Dreaded is mainly for this reason. The best examples is the Mage Tower's one (Gregoir, the templar in charge here, mentions that the demons and abominations are all dead) and the Carta headquarters' one (this one is even mentioned in the codex from the sequels, saying that the Warden pretty much decimated the entire branch in Orzammar).
* Deadpan Snarker: The player character has 100% more snarky lines than in previous BioWare games. It's especially notable if the Warden is given the Violent voice; Suave (for males) and Sultry (for females) are also fairly snarky.
* Death Seeker: A potential interpretation of the Dwarf Noble and Human Noble Wardens, particularly if these Wardens make the ultimate sacrifice at the end of the game.
* Defiant to the End: The Warden can be played as this.
** The Human Noble definitely is this, much to the chagrin of Arl Rendon Howe. Its possible to play them as being willing to go down fighting with their parents, up until Duncan basically makes it an order that you have to join him.
* Determinator:
** The Warden is forced to become this in order to unite Ferelden and defeat the Blight, even know the odds are impossibly against them at the start of the game in being one of the only Grey Wardens left in Ferelden.
** The reason the Warden isn't seen in Dragon Age: Inquisition? They're looking for a way to avoid the Calling. The tone of the letter they send suggests they see the impossibility of this as a mere inconvenience.
* Did You Just Punch Out Cthulhu?: There are a number of powerful horrors that The Warden can take down before, and after slaying the Archdemon and end of the game. Unless you disagree to Morrigan's Dark ritual, then The Warden will be dead. In Origins there are two Optional Boss Fights that take place before the Point of No Return, specifically Flemeth and Gaxkang the Unbound. In Awakening you take down the The Mother, (potentially) The Architect, and (again potentially) The Queen of the Blackmarsh. In Golems of Amgarrak there's the Harvester, and in Witch Hunt there's the Varterral.
* The Dreaded:
** The Warden becomes this to Loghain and Arl Howe, the latter particularly if they're the Human Noble.
** During "Unrest at the Alienage", when the Warden runs into a bunch of Tevinter slavers and tells them who they are: Guard: Oh no! I've heard of you!
** In Awakening, simply informing a group of kidnappers that you're the Commander of the Grey is enough to reduce one into to a gibbering wreck that he's dealing with the one to slay an Archdemon. Further intimidation causes half of the bandits to run away, and one decides he'd rather jump off a cliff to his death rather than have to face the Warden.
** In Awakening, many nobles dread the Human Noble Warden's retribution after Howe's treachery against the Cousland Family. Is especially lampshaded in how Lord Eddelbrek is quick in mentioning that he had nothing to do with Howe's actions.
* The Drifter: For the Grey Wardens, it's practically their raison d'être.
* The Dutiful Son:
** The Couslands taught the Human Noble to always do their duty.
* Empowered Badass Normal: As a warrior, you can gain access to the slightly mystical Templar and reaver specializations, and even more in the expansion. Avernus' blood draughts also give a warrior or rogue upgraded abilities.
* Even the Girls Want Her: The women who love/lust after the PC are not limited to love interests or even her own race, which is somewhat uncommon in Ferelden nowadays.
* Everyone Calls Him "Barkeep": Despite having established surnames for every origin, only two of these ever seem to get used: Cousland for the Human Noble and Aeducan for the Dwarf Noble, since both are tied to the main story. The other names - Amell for the Human Mage, Surana for the Elf Mage, Brosca for the Dwarf Commoner, Tabris for the City Elf, and Mahariel for the Dalish Elf - appear only in the character creation screen.
** However, if you play Dragon Age II and import a save with a Dalish Warden, both Merrill and Marethari talk about Mahariel, since they are from the same clan, and were involved in the events of the Dalish Origin.
** Similarly, if the Warden in an imported game was a Human Female Mage (an Amell, Hawke's second cousin), Cullen remembers her fondly. If the Inquisitor in the third game is a mage, Cullen may speak to them about Amell as well.
** In Awakening, Sigrun is amazed to meet the Dwarf Commoner, as apparently Paragon Brosca has become a Folk Hero among the Dusters.
** Lampshaded in the second game, if Teagan says that "the Hero of Ferelden" is back in Denerim, Alistair mutters, "S/he has a name, you know!"
* The Exile: The Human Noble is also effectively this, since returning to Highever would almost certainly be a death sentence while Howe is running the place.
* A Father to His Men: The Warden spends almost as much time guiding their followers through their personal demons as they do fighting actual demons.
* The Fettered: Can be played this way.
* Fighter, Mage, Thief: Your class options via Warrior, Mage, and Rogue.
* Fighting for a Homeland: The Dalish Warden can be granted the Hinterlands for their people to settle, as their boon for stopping the Fifth Blight.
* Figure It Out Yourself: The Warden can be played as doing this with companions. Particularly noticeable with Alistair; if you convince him to take the throne, despite his reticence, he proves to be a great leader.
** Also noticeable with a romanced Morrigan, where the Warden's dialogue implies that he has been aware of her feelings for a long time, but has patiently waited for Morrigan to notice the penny drop.
** The Warden says this verbatim when Loghain openly asks why you didn't take him with you to kill the Archdemon, since he assumed this was the Warden's reason for making him go through the Joining.
* Folk Hero: According to Sigrun in Awakening, the Dwarf Commoner apparently became one amongst the Casteless, being the lowly Duster who defeated Orzammar's finest warriors in a Proving, became a Warden, then was even made into a Paragon.
** By the second game, the Warden is commonly referred to as "the Hero of Ferelden."
** One of the epilogues reveals that Bevin, the little boy in Redcliffe, grows into a famous adventurer and often regales his companions with the tale of how the Warden came to Redcliffe, took up his grandfather's sword to fight off an army of undead, then returned it to him.
** If Lloyd dies in the fight against the undead, Bella inherits his tavern and renames it "The Grey Warden's Rest," though in the years to come, travelers find it hard to believe the "tall tales" of the Warden's exploits recounted there.
** In Awakening, you meet an individual calling themselves the "Dark Wolf" in Amaranthine. If you did the very quests in Origins, you get to call him out that he's not the real "Dark Wolf," because you are!
* For Want of a Nail: The Warden surviving the Joining is a pretty crucial nail. If the Warden survives the Joining, the story plays out as normal. If the Warden doesn't survive the Joining, Ferelden loses to the Blight. This is illustrated by the DLC The Darkspawn Chronicles, in which the Warden does not survive the Joining and Alistair has to run the show.
* Friend to All Children: Depending on the player, the Warden can be this. There are a few opportunities to do things like give money to orphaned children and protect a child from a demon who wants to possess her.
* Friend to All Living Things: The Warden can also be played this way. They have the opportunity to save the lives of several mabari warhounds during the battle at Ostagarnote , and in the Dalish camp they can resolve a life-threatening situation with one of the halla.
* Gaydar: The Warden's functions with 100% accuracy, ensuring that they will never hit on a member of the same gender unless such an individual would at least potentially be receptive.
* The Ghost: What the Hero of Ferelden becomes if they survive the events of the first game.
* Girly Bruiser: A female Warden who beats the snot out of darkspawn in hulking armor who then turns around and fawns over shoes and hairstyles with Leliana definitely counts.
* Glory Seeker: The Human Noble, likewise, can be played as wanting to go to Ostagar with their father and brother, either because of misgivings about them being able to take care of themselves or finding it unfair that Bryce and Fergus get to ride off and fight for honor and glory beside the King while they're stuck home tending to the castle.
* Good Bad Girl: Can be played as such. One response to Alistair's "licked a lamppost in winter" query is quite vividly phrased in a manner to declare that she decidedly has, many times.
* The Good Chancellor: Depending on who ends up on the throne, a particularly honorable Warden can become this to Alistair and/or Anora.
** In Awakening, the Warden can become this as the new Arl of Amaranthine.
* Good Is Not Soft: More Heroic Wardens, in particular, seem to excel at delivering Cruel Mercy to people.
** A good example is Nathaniel Howe in the Awakening expansion. He tried to break into Vigil's Keep in order to kill the Warden. Moreover, if the Warden is the Human Noble, Nathaniel is the son of the man who massacred the Warden's entire family. The Warden can decide that the most fitting punishment of all for him is... to make him become a Grey Warden.
** Also from Awakening, you are required to pass sentence on a man who stole in order to feed his starving family. The best result comes if you make him join the army.
* Handsome Lech: Potentially. A frightening amount of possible interactions with members of the opposite sex (and even a few of the same sex) allows the Warden to hit on them, if not outright sleep with them. Heck, a female Human Noble can even hit on Duncan, though he demurs.
* Happily Married: Heavily abundant in the Human Noble origin story. Your parents are this, as well as your older brother Fergus and his wife Oriana. Unfortunately, the Origin doesn't end well for most of them.
** This is the fate of a female Human Noble who romances Alistair and becomes Queen during the Landsmeet. An ending slide shows that the people of Ferelden are utterly charmed by their happy marriage.
** Surprisingly, Awakening shows that Anora and male Cousland seem to have developed an amicable relationship, and the final epilogue slide states that when he returns to Denerim, even Anora is glad to have him back.
** While not technically married, the Warden and a romanced Morrigan develop this kind of relationship, complete with the Warden receiving a ring from her, although at first both are quick to ruthlessly deny it. Lampshaded in Witch Hunt, when Ariane comments that the Warden often idly plays with the ring Morrigan gave him when he thinks no one is looking, before asking if her knowledge about couples in Thedas exchanging rings is accurate. By the time of Inquisition, if they reunited at the end of Witch Hunt, they've pretty much given up pretending.
* The Heart: Can be played this way.
* Head-Turning Beauty: Everyone wants the Warden. Seriously. No matter how long you spend beating your character with the Ugly Stick in Character Creation, he or she (especially she, and especially if she's a human) will constantly be referred to as drop-dead gorgeous.
* The Hero: In the job description for a Grey Warden, and during a Blight that goes double. You'll one-up even the great accomplishments of the other Wardens, ending the Fifth Blight so quickly and so effectively people outside Ferelden doubt there even was a Fifth Blight! The most common epithet the Warden is known by in post-game content is "the Hero of Ferelden."
* Hero with Bad Publicity: Played with. Despite Loghain's claim that the Grey Wardens are responsible for the King's death, the only people who really believe that, and subsequently antagonize you, are either Loghain's men or mercenaries/desperate refugees with their eye on your bounty. There are some people gossiping in various settlements, but their opinion seems to fluctuate from moment to moment.
** Subverted for the Human Noble. Arl Howe also attempts to tarnish the Human Noble's family name by claiming the Couslands were killed in a failed rebellion to seize the throne for Orlais. However, if the Human Noble Warden speaks to other nobles prior to the Landsmeet, it becomes clear that almost no one actually believes this.
** Played straight in Awakening if you start off fresh as an Orlesian Grey Warden. Everybody in Ferelden will hold your Orlesian heritage against you. It's understandable, since Ferelden just freed itself from a brutal occupation at the hands of the Orlesians a scant few decades ago, only for an Orlesian to become the new Arl of Amaranthine. Depending on how you play the game, their mistrust can be justified.
* He Who Must Not Be Seen: The Warden's actions had a very notable impact on Dragon Age II, and they will get brought up directly by Varric and Cassandra, indirectly by Flemeth, and by mention on the loading screen. Depending on your playthrough, they can also be mentioned by Anders, Merrill, Isabela, Bethany, Cullen, Nuncio, Bodahn Feddic, Zevran, Alistair, Leliana, Nathaniel Howe, Sophia Dryden, a letter found in the Wounded Coast, an ex-werewolf, several Codex entries, and Hawke themself. Despite this, the Warden never shows up in that game.
** In Inquisition, the Warden is occasionally referenced and, if a certain sidequest is done (and the Warden is alive), even writes a letter to Leliana, but never actually shows up in person. They are on a quest to cure the Wardens of their Calling.
* Hope Bringer: All you have to do is flash the Grey Warden credentials to get most people to listen to whatever you have to say. Of course, it's up to you whether or not you want to fulfill the spirit of this trope.
** By the time of Dragon Age: Inquisition, it's quite possible for Dagna the Arcanist to describe the Warden in such a way. Dagna: It was a dark time. There was one light.
* Hypercompetent Sidekick: More or less ends up as this at the end to either Alistair or Anora. They lead the kingdom and deliver the Rousing Speeches, the Warden leads the armies.
* I Did What I Had to Do: Ruthless but well-meaning Wardens will find themselves adopting this as their creed.
* I Will Find You: At the end of Origins, a male Warden who romanced Morrigan can state his intention to set off in search of her, although this gets interrupted due to the events of Awakening. He finally succeeds in catching up with Morrigan during Witch Hunt.
** If romanced, it adds an interesting subtext to the fact that one of his first acts as Warden-Commander was to send scouts to watch over the Korcari Wilds for a year. While officially it's because they were hunting down the last darkspawn stragglers on the surface, it's mentioned the scouts were also given Morrigan's description and told to closely watch Flemeth's hut on the off-chance she might return.
* Informed Attractiveness: Even if you make a Warden that looks like the uglier cousin of The Phantom of the Opera that fell down in a vat of acid and has mismatched hair and eyebrows, everyone you ever meet will find them especially attractive.
* In-Series Nickname: Nearly everyone refers to the PC as "the Warden." It's a logical enough nickname, but it comes off a little bit strangely given that they aren't the Warden - there are two.
** Dialogue with Wynne implies that the Human Noble is known as "the last of the Couslands."
*** Which is about the same as above, because Fergus is still alive.
** In Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition, the Warden is known as "the Hero of Ferelden".
* It's All My Fault: Every origin has an event happen for which the Warden can blame themself. During the "Urn of Sacred Ashes", the Warden undergoes the Gauntlet, where they can confront these feelings of guilt or deny having them.
* It's Personal:
** The Human Noble vows revenge on Arl Howe for the brutal murder of their entire family.
* Knight in Sour Armor: Can be played like this. A natural fit in particular for an elf - even if you're a Dalish who regards the Grey Wardens and Ferelden as an Enemy Mine situation at best, every human assumes you care about their kingdom.
* Lady of War: Again, the female PC.
** The Female Human Noble first gets lightly scolded about this by her mother, who wants her to get married and thinks this might be getting in the way. She later gets this lampshaded, albeit mockingly, by Arl Howe: Howe: Well, well. Bryce Cousland's little spitfire. All grown up and still playing the man!
* Large Ham: The Warden never outright chews the scenery, but there are some dialogue options that teeter on the edge. This is only exacerbated by some of the voice sets (such as Violent) whose lines can range from snarky to completely hammy.
* Last of His Kind: While there are other Grey Wardens in the world, they and Alistair are the only ones left in Ferelden and thus the only ones close enough to end the Blight in a timely and decisive manner.
** The Human Noble Warden becomes the last member of House Cousland. At least until their brother is revealed to be alive after the final battle, and may become it himself if his sibling performs the Ultimate Sacrifice.
* The Leader: Can run the entire gambit.
* Like a God to Me:
** Some of the bits of party banter show that with high enough approval rating, the other party members feel this way about the Warden. Zevran calls them "an object worthy of worship."
** In Awakening, if Alistair is king and married to the human female noble, he fondly notes that "I married an indestructible goddess."
* Like Brother and Sister:
** The relationship between any Warden and a non-romanced companion of the opposite sex can be played out this way.
* Like Parent, Like Child: The Human Noble and Dwarf Noble are heavily implied to greatly take after their fathers.
* Living Emotional Crutch: Various epilogues and the Darkspawn Chronicles DLC show that the group falls apart after the death of the Warden. They drift apart rather quickly even if the Warden survives to the end, but it's just because they each have things they want to do.
* Living Legend: The Warden becomes one during Origins, and the extent of their fame can be seen as part of the landscape of Dragon Age II and Inquisition.
** Also subverted if Zevran is romanced. The Warden pretty much runs off to Antiva to reunite with him not long after defeating The Mother and joins him in his effort to dismantle the Antivan Crows.
** Further subverted if they're the queen, prince-consort or chancellor of Ferelden as they'll permanently return to court to resume their duties after Awakening.
** Even more subverted with Leliana. By Inquisition not only are they still in a loving relationship but if Leliana becomes Divine, she'll remove the restrictions surrounding priesthood, allowing anyone in the Chantry to be in romantic relationships so they can openly be together. Though, it's not like they weren't already open about it before she did this.
** Completely averted if Alistair is romanced and remains a Grey Warden.
* Magic Knight: Mage Wardens can become Arcane Warriors.
** Warriors can become a Reaver and inverted as a Templar.
* Manic Pixie Dream Girl: A female Warden can come off as this if the player tends towards the more snarky and quirky dialogue choices and goes out of their way to do things like break Zevran and/or Alistair out of their shells.
* Magnetic Hero: You can also be this.
* Meaningful Name: Quite a lot of the Warden's default names and they can be remarkably appropriate.
** The Human Noble's last name is Cousland, which is derived from the Gaelic form of absolom, meaning "Peace." The Couslands have been the Big Good of Ferelden since before Ferelden actually existed. The female default name is Elissa, meaning "Oath," so her default name is "Oath of Peace"; alternately, Elissa can also mean "Wanderer", thus making her "Wanderer of Peace". Whether the name suits her is up to the player, of course.
* Mistaken for Gay: Possibly for a female Warden. Gossips in Witch Hunt seem to think that the female Warden is gay/bisexual and something happened between her and Isabela, even if no such encounter took place and the Warden was played as completely straight or asexual.
* Modest Royalty: The Dwarf Noble can be played like an amiable person who doesn't look down on people below them, and who only plays along with the dwarven caste system and all its restrictions because dwarven society expects it of them. Younger brother Bhelen is this way as well, having a surprising lack of disdain for the casteless. Older brother Trian, on the other hand...
** The Cousland family counts as well, as seen with the Human Noble. While they are the most powerful and respected noble family under the actual royal family, they still frequently talk to each other and allies informally. The Human Noble often has the option to ask other Nobles to just use their given name in lieu of a title when they recognize you as being a Cousland.
* Morality Pet: The Warden can be this for the more morally-dubious characters (like Morrigan and Zevran) should he or she befriend or romance them.
* My Significance Sense Is Tingling: The Joining allows all Grey Wardens to sense Darkspawn. Warden: Warden-senses tingling.
** If the Warden has the Templar specialisation, a conversation with Ser Otto reveals the Warden also has the ability to sense demons.
* Never Accepted in His Hometown: The Human Noble's home was seized by Arl Howe.
* Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Depending on your options, this can definitely occur more than once.
* Noble Fugitive: If of the Human Noble or the Dwarf Noble origin.
* Not So Stoic: The Warden, who generally is given no expression in cutscenes, looks absolutely horrified after Duncan stabs Ser Jory, and will be visibly surprised at seeing Wynne collapse. In both cases, however, facial expressions are largely limited to the mouth, which can come off as Dull Surprise for the player.
** A Human Noble Warden looks completely heartbroken upon finding the dead bodies of their sister-in-law and nephew during the origin story, and any Warden looks genuinely distraught when the party finds Cailan's body in the Return to Ostagar DLC. Both of these are done much more believably than the above examples.
* Occult Detective: While the darkspawn are their primary concern, the Wardens do train themselves to be able to deal with any threat.
* Odd Friendship: With everyone in the party, aside from your fellow Warden and your dog. When your closest friends include a Qunari Warrior, a Stone Golem, the daughter of Flemeth, a member of the Antivan Crows, an elderly Mage kept alive by a Fade Spirit, a Femme Fatale Spy who had a Heel–Faith Turn, a constantly drunk Dwarf, and potentially the Fallen Hero who left your King to die and blamed your fallen comrades for it, it's worth considering the possibility that you are the odd person in this friendship. The Warden can lampshade it when recruiting the dwarf: Warden: Don't I have enough armed lunatics following me around already?
** The trait carries over to the Ragtag Bunch of Misfits recruited in the Awakening expansion. This includes a Howe who tried to murder you to avenge his father, an apostate mage on his seventh escape attempt from the Circle, a perky female Dwarf from the Legion of the Dead, a rather prickly Dalish First searching for her kidnapped sister, the corpse of a Grey Warden inhabited by a Spirit of Justice, and the return of the constantly drunk Dwarf.
*** Nathaniel Howe is a particularly Odd Friendship for a Human Noble Warden (or, to a lesser extent, the City Elf Warden), as he's the son of the man who murdered their entire family (or purged their alienage and sold their family into slavery). Giving the Howes a chance to redeem themselves seems to be a Cousland trait. However, unlike his predecessors, Nathaniel's actually a very deserving fellow and, if befriended, grows quite fond of the Warden-Commander, leading to arguably the least odd of the odd friendships.
** In Golems of Amgarrak, the party includes a Dwarf Beastmaster who is searching for his brother and the secrets of Amgarrak, his brother who went mad from what he found there, and a salvaged Runic Golem.
** In Witch Hunt, the party includes an impish Dalish warrior searching for an Ancient Tome stolen from her clan by Morrigan, and a bookish Circle Mage Afraid of Blood and dirt, as well as the return of your faithful dog, who's finally finished repopulating Ferelden's Mabari kennels.
** The recruitments of Zevran, Nathaniel, and potentially Loghain fall into this. As the Warden can casually remark in Awakening: Warden: You'd be surprised how many of my closest friends have tried to kill me at some point.
* Old Hero, New Pals: Imported Wardens in Awakening trade in one Ragtag Bunch of Misfits for another, with Oghren only staying due to his lack of screentime in the main game. It happens again in Witch Hunt as well, with just the Dog still around from the original group.
* One Degree of Separation: The Warden to the other "potential" Wardens from the other Origins.
** Additionally, every Warden has one degree of separation from every other "potential" Warden in the form of Dog. Canonically, Dog is/was the loyal companion of the Human Noble; however, in the other five origins, Dog imprints on the Warden in question after the Human Noble died during/after the trek to Ostagar with big brother Fergus. This is implied by the kennel master, who observes that Dog formerly belonged to a young noble who died.
* Only Sane Employee: Given that the only other Warden in Ferelden is Alistair, the Warden frequently comes across as this. Or not, if you play your Warden just as snarky as Alistair.
* One-Man Army: The tales of the First Blight say that every Grey Warden is able to fight ten or twenty darkspawn at once. The Warden is The Dreaded because of this. Duncan states, if you ask about the danger of the Joining, that he wouldn't have recruited you unless he thought you could handle it, implying good Warden recruiters look specifically for people who have the rare fortitude that affords them a chance at surviving the ritual. While this doesn't directly translate into combat prowess, it certainly would help. All the potential Wardens were superlative badasses before they were recruited.
* Only Sane Man: Dialogue choices can have the PC repeatedly be the voice of reason amidst selfish political infighting and other craziness.
* The Paragon
** The Human Noble origin is the only one that starts out with both of the player character's parents alive and well; they are both likable, genuinely good people who clearly love their children and each other very much. Naturally, they both end up being brutally murdered by Arl Howe's forces.
* Parental Favoritism:
** The Human Noble is also implied to be Bryce Cousland's favorite child; but unlike the Dwarf Noble's brothers, big brother Fergus doesn't seem to be remotely distressed by this fact.
* Pragmatic Hero
* Princess in Rags
* The Quest
* Revenge Before Reason: The Human Noble may invoke this numerous times when discussing Arl Howe.
* Riches to Rags
* Right Man in the Wrong Place: All possible Wardens begin as well-trained but (mostly) unimportant figures, and rise to their station through skill and pure luck.
* Royals Who Actually Do Something:
* Shut Up, Hannibal!: The Human Noble's defiant response during their final confrontation with Arl Howe. Human Noble: You lie, Howe. To yourself most of all. I am a Grey Warden! Howe: There it is, right there. That damned look in the eye that marked every Cousland success that held me back! It seems you have made something of yourself after all. Your father would be proud. I, on the other hand, want you dead more than ever.
* Sink or Swim Mentor: Often can be seen as both this and Trickster Mentor in regards to Alistair, keeping him from falling apart after the loss of Duncan and the Wardens at Ostagar, as well as if they put him forward as King during the Landsmeet.
* Spare to the Throne
* The Squadette
* The Stoic
* Tragic Keepsake
** The Cousland family sword and shield can be this for a Human Noble.
* Tranquil Fury:
** Implied to be the case when the Human Noble Warden finally faces off with Arl Howe.
* Undying Loyalty: The Human Noble is from a family of ardent royalists, with Bryce Cousland being rumored to have turned down the throne when it was offered to him, in favor of the true heir to the throne. Their loyalty is such that the only time we ever see Bryce even get remotely angry is when Arl Howe insults their King. Historically, they've only ever turned on tyrants, but fought to the death to defend their true king and/or homeland.
* The Unfettered
* The Unwanted Harem
* Warrior Princess
* The Wise Prince
** It's also mentioned by an NPC during the Human Noble origin story that, although big brother Fergus is technically next in line to be Teyrn of Highever, many of the people would be pleased to see the PC in that role because of their popularity, intellect, and battle skill. This same NPC notes that many of the nobles wanted the PC's father, Bryce Cousland, to be named king - suggesting that it may well be In the Blood. 
* World's Best Warrior: The Warden is legendary by the time of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Even as early as Awakening, several distressed characters immediately feel that their horribly bleak situations are going to be okay simply because the Warden has shown up. Because of this exalted reputation, s/he was Divine Justinia's first choice to lead the Inquisition. By that point, however, the Warden has disappeared to whereabouts unknown to try and achieve something most believe to be impossible (curing the inevitable corruption every Grey Warden will eventually endure). Every person who knows him/her shows absolutely no doubt that they will find a way to succeed at this seemingly insurmountable task.
==Scenes==
*Bryce: I trust, then, that your troops will be here shortly?
*Howe: I expect they will start arriving tonight, and we can march tomorrow. I apologize for the delay, my lord. This is entirely my fault.
*Bryce: No, no. The appearance of the darkspawn in the south has us all scrambling, doesn't it? I only received the call from the king a few days ago, myself.
*Bryce: I'll senf my eldest off with my men. You and I will ride tomorrow, just like the old days!
*Howe: True. Though we both had less gray in our hair then. And we fought Orlesians, not... monsters.
*Bryce: (Laughs) At least the smell will be the same.
*Bruce: I'm sorry pup; I didn't see you there. Howe, you remember my daughter?
*Howe: I see she's become a lovely young woman. Pleased to see you again, my dear.
*Elissa: Is your family here, Arl Howe?
*Howe: Oh no, I left them in Amaranthine, well away from the fighting in the south. They do send their best wishes.
*Howe: My son Thomas asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time.
*Elissa: I've no interest in an arranged marriage/(Thomas is a few years younger than I am.)
*Elissa: See what I contend with, Howe? There is no telling my fierce girl anything these days, Maker bless her heart.
*(Howe: As you get older, those years make less difference. A lesson often hard won.
*Bryce: I doubt she'll be receptive, Howe. My fierce girl as her own mind these days, Maker bless her heart.)
*Howe: Quite talented, I'm sure. One to watch.
*(Howe: Mmm. No doubt because you've trained her as a warrior. How unique.)
*Bryce: At any rate, Pup, I summoned you for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle.
*Elissa: What? Why can't I go into battle with you and Fergus./(I'll do my best, Father.
*Bryce: Now, that's what I like to hear.)
*Bryce: I'm certain you'd more than prove yourself, but I am not willing to deal with your mother if you join the war.
*Bryce: She'd kill me if I let you go. She's already twisted into knots about Fergus and me going.
*Elissa: Let me talk to her. I'll convince her.
*Bryce: I doubt that. You know your mother, and she made it clear there is no debate.
*Bryce: This is no needless task. I ask you to take a great responsibility.
*Bryce: Only a token force is remaining here, and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?
*Bryce: There's also someone you must meet. Please... show Duncan in.
*Duncan: It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland.
*Howe: Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present.
*Bryce: Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?
*Howe: Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am... at a disadvantage.
*Bryce: We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that's true. Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?
*Elissa: They're an order of great warriors.
*Bryce: They are the heroes of legend, who ended the Blights and saved us all.
*Bryce: Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore.
*Duncan: If I might be so bold, I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate.
*Bryce: Honor though that might be, this is my daughter we're talking about.
*Elissa: I've no interest in becoming a Grey Warden./(Is there a reason I shouldn't join them?)
*(Howe: You did just finish saying that Grey Wardens are heroes, old friend.)
*(Bryce: I've not so many children that I'll gladly see them all off to battle. Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription...?)
*Bryce: Do you hear that, Duncan? My daughter is not interested. So unless you intend to invoke the right of conscription...?
*Duncan: Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intentions of forcing the issue.
*Bryce: Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?
*Elissa: Of course./(Don't strain my abilities or anything.)
*(Bryce: And don't strain my patience.)
*Bryce: In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me.
*Elissa: Are you trying to get rid of me?
*Bryce: We must discuss the battle plans in the South.
*Bryce: Be a good lass and do as I've asked. We'll talk soon.
---
*Servant: The castle is so eerie with everyone preparing to ride south. It will be so empty!
---
*Mallol: Maker prepare a place for us. Redeem our world from sin. Forgive our transgressions.
*Soldier: Maker forgive us all.
*Mallol: Have you come to pray for your brother and father? I'd be happy to ask for the Maker's blessings with you.
*Elissa: I would appreciate that, Mother Mallol.
*Mallol: Please, child. Call me 'Mallol'. I've known you since you were a wee babe, after all.
*Mallol: Creator of the Sky, the Land, and the Sea, hear your people in our time of need.
*Elissa: Maker watch over us.
*Mallol: Let no man have cause to fear the shadows. Let their souls be lifted upon your return. So let it be.
*Elissa: Maker forgive us all.
*Mallol: There now. I'll be keeping a vigil tonight. You're welcome to come.
*Mallol: There are many more who must receive the Maker's blessings before they leave. If you would excuse me?
*Elissa: Thank you, Mallol.
---
*Soldier: Oh! My lady, we were just... ah...
*Elissa: Taking a break?
*Soldier: Well... the treasury's safe... I'm not even sure why the teyrn stationed us here...
*Elissa: Don't worry about it, men. I won't say anything.
*Soldier: We... appreciate that, my lady. Thank you.
*Soldier 2: Thank you for your lenience, my lady!
---
*Gilmore: There you are! Your Mother told me the Teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt.
*Elissa: Good thing, too, considering Father's company./(Hello to you, too, Ser Gilmore.)
*(Gilmore: Ha! Pardon my abruptness, my lady. It's simply that I've been looking everywhere for you.)
*Gilmore: I fear your hound has the kitchens in uproar once again.
*Gilmore: Nan is threatening to leave.
*Elissa: She was my nanny before she was the cook, Nan won't leave.
*Gilmore: Your mother disagrees. She insists you collect the dog, and quickly.
*Gilmore: You know these mabari hounds. He'll listen to his mistress, but anyone else risks having an arm bitten off.
*Elissa: He knows better than to hurt anyone.
*Gilmore: I'm not willing to test that.
---
*Aldous: Hello, my dear girl.
*Aldous: By chance, I am beginning to teach these young squires about your family's history.
*Squire: (Groan) Do we have to? History is boring!
---
*Gilmore: We really should go after your hound, my lady, before he does something worse.
*Elissa: Tell me about yourself, Ser Gilmore.
*Gilmore: Well, you know I've served your father for years, since my own father sent me to squire here.
*Gilmore: My father is a minor lord in the Bannorn, but out land is little more than a glorified farmstead. I do miss it, though. The valleys of the Bannorn are beautiful this time of year.
*Gilmore: I take great pride in serving the teyrn. Still, if I had the opportunity to join the Grey Wardens, I wouldn't hesitate.
*Elissa: You would leave my father's service?
*Gilmore: With his blessing, I imagine. Joining the Wardens is the highest service one can render.
*Elissa: Do you know much about the Grey Wardens?
*Gilmore: Only what everyone hears. I never expected to actually see one. So few of them are here in Ferelden.
*Elissa: Have you ever seen darkspawn?
*Gilmore: Never. You hear about darkspawn attacking homesteads and travelers, but... I thought they were just stories.
*Elissa: Are the Grey Wardens really as skilled as the legends say?
*Gilmore: I hear they only recruit the most skilled. It'd be disappointing if that wasn't true.
*Elissa: What happens if the Grey Wardens recruit you?
*Gilmore: I only know that once you become a Grey Warden, your old life is over. There's no going back.
*Elissa: Let's talk about something else.
*Gilmore: As you wish... but what if the Grey Warden tries to recruit you? Have you thought about it?
*Elissa: Why would he recruit me?
*Gilmore: Begging your pardon, my lady, but your are no ordinary woman. You're strong, skilled, and easily the equal of any man, on the field or off.
*Gilmore: The Grey Wardens would be fools to overlook you.
*Elissa: He assured my father he wouldn't recruit me.
*Gilmore: He could change his mind. Grey Wardens are notorious for doing whatever is necessary to fight the darkspawn.
*Gilmore: Scribe Aldous once told me that the Grey Wardens used to burn entire villages to keep them out of darkspawn hands.
*Elissa: So they'll kill people to protect them?
*Gilmore: If they have to. A few villages are a small price to pay to save the world.
*Elissa: I really don't know how I feel about it.
*Gilmore: I suppose you have many other options. Me, I would give anything to be recruited.
*Elissa: Why aren't you marching with our men?
*Gilmore: I would, were it my choice. Your father decided I should remain with the complement guarding the castle. I hope that's because this Grey Warden wishes to see me.
*Elissa: I really don't need you to accompany me, you know.
*Gilmore: Oh, it's no bother. I should make sure that Nan is settled, anyhow, or your mother will have my hide.
*Elissa: Let's keep going.
*Gilmore: Of course, my lady. Lead on.
---
*Eleanor: And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year. The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bruce for the king.
*Eleanor: Ah, here is my daughter, along with Ser Gilmore.
*Eleanor: Darling, you remember Lady Landra?
*Landra: I think we last met at your mother's spring salon.
*Elissa: Weren't you drunk?
*Eleanor: I am so proud of my pup's mastery of tact and diplomacy.
*Landra: Well, it was a lovely salon, from what little I remember. (Laughs)
*Dairren: Which wouldn't be much, considering we had to pour you into the carriage afterwards.
*Landra: You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet, either.
*Dairren: Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady. You're looking as beautiful as ever.
*Elissa: Flatterer.
*Landra: And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona. Do say something, dear.
*Iona: It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother describes.
*Eleanor: You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult.
*Dairren: Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your Ladyship. You should be proud.
*Eleanor: Proud doesn't get me any more grandchildren.
*Elissa: I can handle my own affairs, thank you.
*Eleanor: All evidence to the contrary.
*Landra: I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear. Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper.
*Dairren: Perhaps we will retire to the study for now.
*Landra: Good evening, your Ladyship, Ser Gilmore.
---
*Eleanor: You should say goodbye to Fergus while you have the chance.
*Elissa: Why can't I go with Father and Fergus?
*Eleanor: I know it's difficult to stay in the castle and watch others ride off, but we must see to our duties first. You understand that, don't you?
*Elissa: What if they fall without me?
*Eleanor: It's in the Maker's hands now, and we must cope as best we can.
*Elissa: Did you know there's a Grey Warden here?
*Eleanor: Yes, your father mentioned that. You haven't gotten it into your head that you want to be recruited?
*Elissa: Would that be so bad?
*Eleanor: There's enough here at the castle to occupy you. I don't need you off chasing danger like your brother.
*Elissa: Are you staying at the castle?
*Eleanor: For a few days. Then I'll travel with Lady Landra to her estate and keep her company for a time.
*Eleanor: Your father thinks my presence here might undermine your authority.
*Elissa: I don't think you should go.
*Eleanor: Don't worry, my dear. It won't be long.
*Elissa: I have a bad feeling about all this.
*Eleanor: As do I. Your father and brother are marching off to fight Maker-knows-what. All the assurances in the world don't comfort me.
*Eleanor: But it wouldn't help for us to take up arms and follow. Fergus and your father have their duty and we have ours.
*Elissa: Do you know where Fergus might be?
*Eleanor: If he's not out with his men, probably upstairs with Oriana.
*Elissa: I should go.
*Eleanor: I love you, my darling girl. You know that, don't you?
*Elissa: I love you, too.
*Eleanor: Go do what you must, then. I will see you soon.
---
*Iona: That is a wonderful dog! He seems very noble and intelligent.
*Arthur: (Happy bark!)
*Iona: Greetings once again, my lady.
*Elissa: I haven't seen many elven ladies-in-waiting.
*Iona: Lady Landra has been very good to me. I am lucky.
*Iona: If I may... I see that you have no ladies-in-waiting. Is this usual for a noblewoman of your rank?
*Elissa: I don't like others serving me.
*Iona: That is not a sentiment I see amongst other noblewomen.
*Elissa: How did you come to know Lady Landra?
*Iona: My family has been in service to hers for many years.
*Iona: Lady Landra elevated my place as a reward for our loyalty. I hope this position might pass to my daughter.
*Elissa: You have a daughter?
*Iona: Forgive me; I shouldn't have mentioned her.
*Elissa: Tell me about her.
*Iona: Her... name is Amethyne. Her father died of a wasting sickness two years ago.
*Elissa: You speak of her fondly.
*Iona: Amethyne is my life. You will know when you have children.
*Iona: This is why your mother protects you from the coming battle.
*Elissa: You don't hope for more for your daughter?
*Iona: I have risen very high, for my people. I would not tempt fate by wishing more.
*Elissa: It sounds like Lady Landra has been good to you.
*Iona: Lady Landra is good to her elven servants. That is not true in many households, but I hear it is in yours.
*Iona: It speaks well of your father to show such compassion.
*Elissa: Tell me more about yourself.
*Iona: I am an open book, my lady. What would you like to know?
*Elissa: Where were you born?
*Iona: Lady Landra's manor is not half so large as your castle, so my family lives in the Alienage.
*Elissa: Do you enjoy living there?
*Iona: There we do not... stand out quite so much.
*Iona: In an alienage, my daughter learns what it means to be elven... as much as possible. So much of our history has been lost.
*Elissa: What do you think of humans?
*Iona: That is... an awkward question. What do you mean?
*Elissa: Do you resent humans for what they've done to your people?
*Iona: Well... that is not an easy question.
*Iona: I think that conversation would take far more time than we have now.
*Elissa: Is there anyone special back home?
*Iona: No longer. I have little time for such things.
*Elissa: Have you thought about it?
*Iona: Between caring for my daughter and Lady Landra... very little. Though I would not rule it out if... the right person came along.
*Elissa: I'd like to ask you about something else.
*Iona: Of course.
*Elissa: Good evening.
*Iona: Farewell, my lady.
*Iona: Good luck on managing this castle in the coming months. I imagine it shall be very difficult.
---
*Dairren: Hello, again. Your castle's study is wonderful. Might I ask whose collection this is?
*Elissa: It was my grandfather's, but I come here often to read.
*Dairren: So would I. Do you have a favorite book?
*Elissa: "The Fragons of Tevinter" by Brother Timious.
*Dairren: Good choice! Timious's theory on the nature of dragons and how they connect to darkspawn is quite intriguing.
*Elissa: So you're going to be riding with my father tomorrow?
*Dairren: Yes, though I don't know when. I will leave when your father does.
*Dairren: I'll ride as his second--a glorified squire, more or less. I'll care for his horse and armor and such. It's quite an honor.
**Elissa: You consider it an honor to do menial tasks?
*Dairren: Unlike you, I am no child of a great house. If I can rise within the ranks of your father's service, it is more than I could normally hope for.
*Dairren: I'm a bit surprised that you're not riding alongside your brother. Is that... disappointing?
*Elissa: Yes. I really want to go.
*Dairren: If you're interested, I shall record what I can during the battle. My writing skills may be lacking, but I hope to convey a true sense of the warrior's experience.
*Dairren: Writing such an important work is one of my ambitions.
*Elissa: Will you actually fight?
*Dairren: I hope so. I admit to trepidation about facing darkspawn, but I can't imagine an opponent more worthy of defeat.
*Elissa: Do you know anything about the Grey Warden?
*Dairren: No more than anyone else. Is it true there is one here in the castle? Have you met him?
*Elissa: It's true. I've met him.
*Dairren: I'd join the Grey Wardens in a heartbeat. Can you imagine? Destroying the darkspawn forever, becoming a hero...
*Dairren: But I'd never gain a Grey Warden's notice. I'll have to be happy under your father's command.
*Elissa: I'd like to get to know you a little better.
*Dairren: I'd like that. What did you have in mind?
*Elissa: Tell me about yourself.
*Dairren: There's not much to tell. I am the eldest son of a minor lord.
*Dairren: I can't imagine I'm anyone very interesting to you.
*Elissa: Perhaps we could talk after you return from the south.
*Dairren: I would be glad of the chance to get to know you better. Until then.
*Dairren: Is there something else you would like to discuss, my lady?
*Elissa: Let's talk about me, I like that topic.
*Dairren" I... don't actually know you that well, my lady. You're beautiful, capable... but beyond that, a bit of a mystery to me.
*Elissa: What have you heard about me, exactly?
*Dairren: Everyone says that you're more likely to succeed the teyrn than your brother is. That the Cousland line has never been stronger.
*Dairren: I don't know about here, but outside your castle, people discuss your family a great deal. Some say your father should have been king instead of Cailan.
*Dairren: But is is just talk, I think, borne of affection for your father.
---
*Oren: Is there really gonna be a war, papa? Will you bring me back a sword?
*Fergus: Thats 'sword', Oren. And I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise. I'll be back before you know it.
**Oriana: I wish victory was indeed so certain. My heart is... disquiet.
*Fergus: Don't frighten the boy, love. I speak the truth.
*Fergus: And here's my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well.
*Elissa: You two are nauseating me.
*Fergus: Ha! When there's a man in your life, you'll understand.
*Elissa: I prefer my freedom, thank you.
*Fergus: One day you'll meet someone who can handle you. Mark my words.
*Elissa: I wish I could go with you.
*Fergus: I wish you could come! It'll be tiring, killing all those darkspawn myself.
*Oriana: In Antiva, a woman fighting in battle would be... unthinkable.
*Fergus: Is that so? I always heard Antivan women were quite dangerous.
*Oriana: With kindness and poison only, my husband.
*Fergus: This from the woman who serves me my tea. (Chuckles)
*Elissa: Do you really think the war will be over quickly?
*Fergus: Word from the south is that the battles have gone well. There's no evidence that this is a true Blight--just a large raid.
*Oriana: Could that be true?
*Fergus: I'll see for myself soon enough. Pray for me, love, and I'll be back within a month or two.
*Elissa: Did you know there's a Grey Warden in the castle?
*Oren: Really?! Was he riding a griffon?
*Oriana: Shush, Oren. Griffons only exist in stories now.
*Fergus: I'd heard that. Did he say why he's come?
*Elissa: He's going to test Ser Gilmore.
*Fergus: Good for him! I hope he makes it. If I were a Grey Warden, though, I'd have my eye on you--not that Father would ever allow it.
*Elissa: You'll be missed, Brother.
*Fergus: If it's any consolation, I'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain and completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe.
*Oriana: I am positively thrilled that you will be so miserable, husband.
*Elissa: I bring a message: Father wants you to leave without him.
*Fergus: Then the arl's men are delayed. You'd think his men were all walking backwards. (Sigh)
*Fergus: Well, I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time!
*Fergus: Off we go, then. I'll see you soon, my love.
*Bryce: I would hope, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave?
*Eleanor: Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone.
*Elissa: A good shield would be more useful.
*Oriana: The Maker sustain and preserve us all. Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us.
*Fergus: And bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it. Err... for the men, of course.
*Oriana: Fergus! You would say this in front of your mother?
*Oren: What's a wench? Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?
*Bryce: A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren. Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale.
*Eleanor: Bryce! Maker's breath, it's like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully, I have a daughter.
*Fergus: (Chuckles) I'll miss you, Mother dear. You'll take care of her, Sister, won't you?
*Elissa: Mother can handle herself. Always has.
*Fergus: It's true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the Deep Roads.
*Eleanor: Well I'm glad you find this so funny.
*Bryce: Enough, enough. Pup, you'll want to get an early night. You've much to do tomorrow.
*Oren: Mama says you're going to be watching over us while papa is gone. Is that true, Auntie?
*Elissa: Yes that's true, Oren.
*Oren: What if the castle is attacked? Will there be dragons?!
*Oriana: Dragons are terrible creatures, Oren. They eat people.
*Oren: Yeah! I want to see one!
*Oriana: This is your influence, Fergus.
*Fergus: What? I didn't say anything.
*Oren: Are you going to teach me to use a sword, Auntie? Then I can fight evil, too!
*Oren: Take that, dire bunny! All darkspawn fear my sword of truthiness!
*Elissa: You bet! Let's go!
*Oriana: Fergus, there are times your family causes me great pain.
*Fergus: Now, now. Mind your mother, Oren.
*Oren: I never get to do anything!
*Fergus: Don't worry, son. You'll get to see a sword up close real soon, I promise.
*Bryce: You should be on your way, pup. Long day ahead, tomorrow.
*Elissa: No darkspawn could harm Fergus!
*Oriana: He is as mortal as anyone, despite his refusal to believe.
---
*Bryce: There... you both are.
*Bryce: I was... wondering when you would get here.
*Eleanor: Bryce!!
*Eleanor: Maker's blood, what's happening? You're bleeding!
*Bryce: Howe's men... found me first. Almost... did me i nright there.
*Elissa: We need to get you out of here!
*Bryce: I... won't survive the standing, I think.
*Elissa: Then we will stay and defend you.
*Eleanor: Once Howe's men break through the gate, they will find us! We must go!
*Bryce: Someone... must reach Fergus... tell him what has happened.
*Elissa: You can tell him yourself, Father.
*Bryce: I... wish I could (groans).
*Eleanor: Bryce, no! The servants' passage is right here! We can flee together, find you healing magic!
*Bryce: The castle is surrounded... I cannot make it.
*Duncan: I'm afraid the Teyrn is correct. Howe's men have not yet discovered this exit, but they surround the castle. Getting past will be difficult.
*Elissa: Thank you for saving my father.
*Duncan: I fear your thanks are premature. I doubt I have saved him.
*Eleanor: Whatever is to be done now, it must be quick! They are coming!
*Bryce: Duncan... I beg you... take my wife and daughter to safety!
*Duncan: I will, your lordship. But... I fear I must ask for something in return.
*Duncan: What is happening here pales in comparison to the evil now loose in this world.
*Elissa: What about Ser Gilmore?
*Duncan: I will take the Teyrna and your daughter to Ostagar, to tell Fergus and the King what happened. Then, your daughter joins the Grey Wardens.
*Bryce: So long as justice comes to Howe... I agree.
*Duncan: Then I offer you a place within the Grey Wardens. Fight with us.
---
*Cailan: No need, Duncan. You are Bryce's youngest, are you not? I don't think we've ever actually met.
*Elissa: Are you not even aware my father is dead?/Yes, I am, and I bring important news.
*Cailan: Dead?! What do you mean? Duncan, do you know anything about this?
*Duncan: Teyrn Cousland and his wife are dead, your majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and overtaken Highever Castle.
*Duncan: Had we not escaped, he would have killed us and told you any story he wished.
*Cailan: I... can scarcely believe it! How could he think he would get away with such treachery!
*Cailan: As soon as we are done here, I will turn my army north and bring Howe to justice. You have my word.
*Elissa: Thank you, your majesty.
*Cailan: No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting in the wilds.
*Elissa: I am not eager to tell him, Your Majesty.
*Cailan: Of that, I have no doubt. You will see him again once the battle is over, I am certain.
*Cailan: I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. All I can suggest is that you vent your grief against the darkspawn for the time being. 
*Elissa: So long as Arl Howe pays, I'm happy.
*Cailan: I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies.
---
*Guard: You approach the tent of Teyrn Loghain. State your business.
*Elissa: Is the Teyrn inside? What is he doing?
*Guard: He's inside, but... I don't think it's my place to discuss his activities.
*Elissa: I would like an audience with the Teyrn, please.
*Guard: I'm not just anyone. My father is... was Teyrn Cousland.
*Guard: Oh. I didn't know. Hold on, I'll get him.
*Loghain: Yes, what is it? Ah, you are Duncan's new Grey Warden, I assume.
*Elissa: Yes I am/How do you know that?
*Loghain: Cailan's fascination with the Wardens goes beyond the ordinary. Are you aware his father brought your order back to Ferelden?
*Elissa: A fascination you don't share.
*Loghain: The Wardens are impressive, but not as relevant as Cailan thinks.
OR
*Loghain: You look familiar. Have I seen you at the Landsmeet?
*Elissa: My father was the Teyrn of Highever.
*Loghain: The King told me of his promise. I am certain he has every intention of following it through.
*Loghain: I don't suppose you'll be riding into the thick of battle with the rest of your fellows, will you?
*Elissa: I certainly hope so.
*Loghain: Now I must return to my task. Pray that our King proves amenable to wisdom, if you're the praying sort.
*Elissa: And if he doesn't?/You don't seem very fond of him.
*Loghain: Then simply pray.
Category:Female
Category:Characters