Lorik Tabris

**Lorik Adrien Tabris** (Born 9:11 Dragon) was an alienage elf better known as a Veteran of the Fifth Blight and the previous Warden-Commander of Ferelden.

One of two surviving Wardens at the disastrous battle of Ostagar, Lorik and his allies managed to rally enough support to overthrow Regent Loghain Mac Tir and face the Darkspawn in the Battle of Denerim, where he slew the Archdemon Urthemiel at the top of Fort Drakon and lived. Lorik went on to become the Warden-Commander of Ferelden and Arl of Amaranthine for almost a decade until his sudden disappearance in 9:37 Dragon.

## Overview

### **Physical Appearance**

Lorik is short even for a elf at only 5'2, but makes up for his small stature with a lithe body and quick reflexes. He has tan skin, large green eyes, slightly larger-than-normal pointed ears and sharp, angular features that put him in a permanent scowl. He has dark brown hair usually tied up.

Lorik sustained nearly life-threatening injuries in his fight with the Archdemon thanks to its fire breath, namely severe burns to his legs, torso and left arm. Though Wynne was close by and able to heal a majority of the damage, it still left considerable scarring and required physical therapy over several years to fully recover from.

Lorik acquired a tattoo of a griffon on his back during a night of revelry with the other Wardens of the Vigil, some time after his appointment to Warden-Commander. It's one of the few things he's embarrassed about.

### **Personality**

Lorik is very sardonic, cavalier and sarcastic. His sometimes clinical and distant demeanour covers up a deeply caring and worrisome man who tries hard not to show it, afraid that it can be used against him. He's definitely, as silly as it sounds, a cynical idealist: he believes intrinsically in the good in people, but also that Thedas lets people indulge their worst instincts very easily. Lorik tends to surprise people with his generosity, but is well aware of his outward demeanour and isn't above intimidation to get his way. Lorik rarely drinks, preferring to be in full control of his faculties.

### **Talents and Skills**

Master Coercion, Expert Survival, Master Combat Training, Master Combat Tactics, Master Clarity.

## Biography

### **History**

Lorik was born to **Cyrion Tabris** (nee Renmere) and **Adaia Tabris** while en route to Denerim, as the couple made the decision to move from Adaia's home of Highever to the country's capital. Cyrion was the son of a simple cobbler trying to survive during the Orlesian occupation while his future wife led a very different life: Adaia and her mother (until her death) were members of the oft-maligned Night Elves, an all-elven guerilla fighting force under Loghain Mac Tir that fought for Prince Maric Thierin during the Fereldan Rebellions. Once Ferelden was freed of Orlesian control, the Night Elves' contributions to the war effort were largely forgotten, and Adaia fell into a life of obscurity and little to any acknowledgement.

Their marriage was arranged, with Adaia considered the luckiest of the pair for "marrying up" to the son of a successful cobbler - but after Cyrion snuck out to get to know Adaia and learned about the troubles her family had gone through, he began falling for her. He then made the controversial decision to take Adaia's name. This upset some of his relatives but the two fell in love quickly, and had Lorik within a year of their wedding.

Lorik was brought up on sanitised versions of Adaia's exploits during the war, and idolised his mother the Night Elf in the same calibre as the famed Grey Warden Garahel. Adaia carried on her roguish training to Lorik once he was old enough, but expressly forbade him from using it unless he needed to.

Lorik grew up alongside his cousins, Shianni and Soris, and their closest friend Samuel "Slim" Couldry, who together often pushed the boundaries of what was allowed in the Alienage. At 12 Lorik and Slim concocted a scheme to break into the houses of some of richer residents of Denerim while they were outside of the city, hoping to bring in extra coin for the alienage. Slim acted as a spotter while Lorik actively broke in, and the two made a living from it until Cyrion became aware and forbade Lorik from continuing.

When Lorik was almost 15, tragedy struck - Adaia was murdered trying to placate a human mob. His father Cyrion withdrew and fell into a deep depression, while Lorik only grew angry at what he saw as the alienage's helpless against human riots. In an effort to work through his anger Lorik contacted Slim Couldry again and planned a break-in, but Lorik's seemingly purposeful carelessness resulted in Lorik nearly killing a hired guard. A confrontation with Cyrion afterward was explosive enough to draw the two apart for the better part of a decade, as Lorik packed up his things and left home not long after his 15th nameday.

Aimless and alone, Lorik travelled by caravan to his mother's home, Highever, where he managed to scrounge up enough work to eventually impress the castle's head cook, Nan. After a year of service he was promoted to a castle servant despite none of the connections most other alienage elves had worked years for, alienating him from some of his peers. This was largely due to a growing friendship between himself and Willhem Cousland, youngest son of Teyrn and Teyrna Bryce and Eleanor Cousland. It wasn't for long as Lorik was removed from the position when he grew too close to his charge, and was seen as an 'undue influence'. Lorik had burned all his bridges securing a position at the castle, so made the long journey back home to try and reconcile with his father.

The road to reconciliation was awkward from the jump, with Lorik too stubborn to apologize and Cyrion unsure of how to talk through his emotions. Things had been slowly improving for several years when Lorik's 19th nameday approached and the prospect of an arranged marriage loomed closer.

### **In-game**

#### Conscription into the Grey Wardens

Lorik's arranged marriage was interrupted by the son of the Arl of Denerim kidnapping several women in attendance, including his bride-to-be and his cousin Shianni. Together with his cousin Soris and advice from the Hahren he snuck into the Arl of Denerim's estate to free them. In the ensuing break-in they managed to save Shianni, but Lorik killed the Arl's son in revenge. When they returned to the Alienage the city guards were not far behind, but a Grey Warden who'd recently visited stopped them and conscripted Lorik into his ranks - saving him from the guards, but binding him to the Grey Wardens and forcing him to leave his old life behind.

Lorik allied with the Circle Mages.

With Irving safe Lorik accompanied him back to Redcliffe with a contingent of mages and enough lyrium for their ritual. Jowan opted to go into the Fade and confront the desire demon possessing Connor. With Leliana's help Lorik freed Jowan from the cells in Redcliffe's dungeon, not wishing tranquillity on anyone and believing Jowan had gotten on the path to atoning.

When faced with a choice between Lord Harrowmont and Prince Bhelen, Lorik attempted to play both sides for some time until he was forced to pick a successor - Bhelen, for his promise to uplift the Casteless.

Lorik chose to back Anora during the Landsmeet, not wishing to force his Alistair into a life he didn't choose.

He beat Loghain in single combat and let Alistair deliver the final blow.

Whether out of self-preservation or a hope to be happy with Zevran, Lorik agreed to sleep with Morrigan and go through with the Dark Ritual.

He killed the Archdemon's generals in Denerim's market and the Alienage, where he asked Shiani to keep his father safe.

He dealt the final blow to the Archdemon himself and survived thanks to Morrigan's ritual.

Lorik chose to become interim Bann of the Denerim alienage, eventually giving the position to Shiani.

#### The Amaranthine Conflict

Despite his protestations Lorik was eventually promoted to Warden-Commander of Ferelden, and expected to lead the order there as well as run their new vassal Arling of Amaranthine. While there Lorik set to work recruiting new wardens and repairing the Warden's fortress of Vigil's Keep, all while uncovered the cause of the recent amassing of intelligent Darkspawn. He learned of the civil war between two factions of Darkspawn led by the Architect and the Mother, and erred on the side of caution in dealing with either of them. In the end, when the Mother's forces attempted to sack Vigil's Keep and Amaranthine Lorik chose to remain in the city and attempt to rescue survivors, leaving the Vigil to fend for itself. In the Dragonbone Wastes Lorik confronted the Architect but spared him, only to learn from the Mother that he was the one responsible for awakening the Archdemon.

#### A Visit to Orzammar

After receiving a request for aid by Brogan Dace, Lorik returned to Orzammar and helped the dwarf rescue his brother from Amgarrak Thaig.

#### The Search for Morrigan

After two years of intermittent searching Lorik finally found a lead on Morrigan's location - Flemeth's elusive hut had suddenly appeared in the Korcari Wilds.

### **Post-game**

#### Warden Business

Lorik visited Starkhaven in search of the Architect, and butted heads with it's leadership. With the help of Carver Hawke he managed to follow reported sightings of Utha, the Architect's second, but the trail ended in a dead end.

#### The Winter Palace

Lorik travelled to Orlais on invitation by Empress Celene - a celebration of the Grey Wardens and the defeat of the Fifth Blight was to be held at the Warden's fortress in Jader, and many Wardens and old friends were expected to attend. He was encouraged to go by his then-husband Zevran, but only ended up agreeing if Zevran also came as his plus one, disguised to avoid the ire of the Crows. Lorik travelled to Jader along with Sigrun, Oghren, Odette and Nathaniel, with Kavir and Velanna holding down the Vigil.

While there Lorik reunited with his old companions: he ran into Leliana, now right-hand of the Divine, who'd taken a night off from slinking in the shadows to mingle with dear friends…and keep an ear out for gossip; Wynne was in attendance, now Archmage of the Circle and growing increasingly weary of the politics, but nonetheless happy to see Lorik again; Alistair, who Lorik was grateful to see again since his brief visit to the Vigil; and Shale, too, who grew increasingly irate at being mistaken for an art piece by guests.

An altercation broke out between himself and an Orlesian Warden questioning how he killed the Archdemon and survived. While attempting to get some air in the training gardens Lorik found Morrigan, now Court Mage of the Empress. The two awkwardly reminisced about old times and Morrigan, now slightly mellowed, allowed him to briefly see their son Kieran.

Lorik finally deserted his post 6 years after the Battle of Denerim in order to search for a cure to the Calling.

## **Relationships**

Lorik was close friends with almost all of the other veterans of the Fifth Blight.

### Alistair

Alistair and Lorik became like brothers over the course of the Fifth Blight. Lorik backed Alistair in his meeting with Goldanna and tried to comfort him afterwards. When the Landsmeet was set into motion Lorik calmed Alistair's fears of being King, and helped him avoid the throne and continue life as a Grey Warden. Though duty kept them apart the two remained in contact and made sure to grab drinks whenever Alistair was near Amaranthine, though interference from Weisshaupt kept Lorik maligned and Alistair overworked.

### Morrigan

Morrigan and Lorik had a rocky start but over time they grew to become extremely close friends, neither afraid to call out the other and both ready with a sarcastic jibe at the other's expense.

When Morrigan asked him to kill Flemeth, Lorik was hesitant - the witch was *powerful,* and he worried Morrigan was acting too quickly. In the end though he faced and killed Flemeth and delivered her true grimoire.

Their friendship was…confused, let's say, when Lorik agreed to the Dark Ritual in order to survive and be happy with his new love Zevran. Their reconciliation later on smoothed out some of the weirdness but Lorik always regretted how he'd handled things, especially not being there for Kieran.

### Leliana

Lorik and Leliana also became unlikely friends. Lorik's jaded view of Andrastianism, the Maker and the Chantry as an institution changed by getting to know Leliana, restoring a little faith that the Chantry could be good for some people.

Lorik pushed Leliana to let him kill Marjolaine.

Leliana and Lorik remained in contact for years professionally too and shared information where they could. Leliana was one of the few people Lorik fully confided in, keeping her aware of the dangers he was facing.

### Sten

Philosophical buddies. Their relationship didn't properly start until Lorik (barely) bested him in a confrontation in Haven, but from then on their was a mutual respect.

Lorik retrieved Asala with Sten.

### Wynne

People like Wynne had typically talked down to Lorik for most of his life, so how Lorik and Wynne ended becoming so close is still beyond the both of them. Wynne became a maternal figure he hadn't had in years, and Lorik could sense she'd grown to see him like a son. When she told him about her encounter with the Spirit of Faith, Lorik couldn't help subconsciously coddling her, doing strenuous tasks for her, leaving her at camp and irritating her to no end. He confided in her for deeper philosophical questions, queries about the Fade, magic and the treatment of Mages in the Circle Tower. The two butted heads on the Circle and the Templars, with Lorik concerned Wynne worried too much about the status quo to try and fix the plight of all mages.

Lorik helped her find and reconcile with her old apprentice Aneirin.

Years later after the onset of the Mage-Templar War, Lorik contacted Aneirin and the two traveled to Andoral's Reach to pay their respects.

### Zevran

It wasn't immediate, technically. But as soon as the failed ambush was over and the two locked eyes, there was something. Zev and Lorik had a harmlessly flirtatious relationship until they started a physical one not long after their visit to the circle tower. Lorik, afraid to call it more than a fling, pretended it was nothing more than letting off steam after the stress of being stuck in the Fade. A romance developed between the two until Orzammar, where things became serious as it became clear Lorik would venture into the Deep Roads, and they finally confessed their feelings for one another.

Lorik and Zevran survived the ambush by Taliesin together.

Though the two were never married in the eyes of the Chantry, both of them wear rings signifying their connection and consider the other to be their husband.

They make sure to meet up once a year at minimum to catch up, and inevitably get themselves into trouble.

### Oghren

Lorik…. puts up with Oghren, at first. He's a useful warrior and very entertaining in his own way when he's not outright disrespectful to those around him. After a while though, once Lorik begins seeing the real dwarf under the booze, he can't help but pity the guy. He takes it as a personal project to help Oghren work through his issues, slowly but steadily, and tries to call him out on his behaviour. Is it working? Kinda. Is it gruelling, and led to multiple "check-ins" with him? Yes, and too many to count.

Lorik tried half-heartedly to stop Oghren from pursuing Felsi, but gave in to keep him happy.

When he learned Oghren had left home to become a Warden without Felsi's knowledge, Lorik was furious at having unknowingly broke up a family. He invited Felsi back to Vigil's Keep and refused to let Oghren back in the field until they'd talked things through.

### Shale

Lorik backed Caridin against Branka in part because of Shale's protests - Shale was living proof that the Anvil was too damaging to be allowed to remain. He also helped Shale recover some of her past in Cad'Halash, and to learn about the dwarf Shayle.

### Anders

They could've been close friends, but Anders was quick to deflect genuine emotion and Lorik recognised that. They were two similar for their own good.

Lorik helped him destroy his phylactery.

Years later Lorik and Anders would reunite on the former's search for a cure to the Calling, with Anders once again being pressed into Lorik's service to avoid the Templars.

### Nathaniel

Nathaniel was Lorik's right-hand man, though Lorik was quick at first to tease him for his privileged upbringing and dismissed him as a common nobleman at first. Lorik only called him 'Howe' for the first few months after his Joining, and eventually it became more of a nickname than a snide remark.

Lorik helped him reunite with his sister and see the truth of his father's corruption.

### Velanna

Velanna taught Lorik much of the Elvhen lore her clan had obtained, and though he isn't as interested in the spiritual side of things he still took the time to understand the Creators. Lorik was quick to confront Velanna on her disdain for Alienage elves, being blunt at times.

He encouraged her to not regret leaving her clan, and to write new stories for the Dalish.

### Sigrun

Partners in crime, rogue buddies and bookclub members. Lorik and Sigrun quickly became like siblings over the course of only a few months. After Nathaniel, Sigrun was his most reliable Warden.

Lorik helped Sigrun make amends for her past as a criminal in Orzammar, also paying the price of her peace offering.

### Kavir

The chasind mountain of a man is one of the most reliable Lorik knows, and trusts him to see things clearly when politics gets in the way. Lorik regrets keeping him from his family on missions away.

### Odette

Lorik is aware that trusting an Orlesian blood mage is pushing the limits, and they're unlikely to be best friends any time soon, but Odette and Lorik developed a friendly banter.

## **Miscellaneous**

* Lorik's choices/actions during the Blight:
	+ Recruited Leliana and freed Sten
	+ Helped stop the siege of undead in Redcliffe.
	+ Opted to hold off confronting the Desire demon possessing Connor to help the Mages of the Circle
	+ Ignored Greagoir and Cullen, recruited Wynne and sided with the Mages of the Circle Tower.
	+ Recruited the crow assassin sent to kill him, Zevran
	+ Purchased the Golem control rod, saved the survivors of Honnleath, tricked and then killed Kitty, and recruited Shale into the fold.
	+ Found brother Genitivi, killed Kolgrim and his Cult of Andraste, passed the Gauntlet and took a pouch of the ashes for Eamon.
	+ Convinced Zathrian to end the curse of the werewolves.
	+ Played Harrowmont and Bhelen until finally deciding to help Bhelen achieve the throne.
	+ Sided with Caridin against Branka and destroyed the Anvil
	+ Recruited Oghren into the party
	+ Uncovered Soldier's Peak, killing the demon inhabiting Sophia Dryden and allowing Avernus to continue ethical research into the Taint
	+ Took down Arl Howe, discovered the surviving Grey Warden Riordan and rescued Anora before being captured.
	+ Was broken out of Fort Drakon by his friends and allies.
	+ Talked down Ser Cauthrien
	+ Turned public opinion against Loghain at the Landsmeet, and defeated him in single combat.
	+ Chose to execute Loghain, letting Alistair do the deed
	+ Supported Anora to become Queen
	+ Agreed to the Dark Ritual
	+ Decided to become Bann of the Alienage
* Lorik's main weapons are Starfang (a meteorite blade) with Fang (his mother's dagger) in his off-hand. His secondary weapon is the bow Falon'Din's Reach
* Lorik revisited many of the places he'd been to during the Blight to wrap up lose ends:
	+ When visiting Orzammar to help Brogan Dace, Lorik first stopped by Dust Town and offered Nadezda a place on the surface. He also followed up on Seweryn's offer to join the Wardens, but pushed him instead to join the recently-founded Silverites
	+ He sent Warden escorts to Ostagar to assist Keeper Lanaya in carving out a safe area to live. A hunter accidentally infected with Blight sickness was saved thanks to a quick Joining ritual.
	+ Lorik visited Ser Jory's wife and offered her a place in Amaranthine, but she refused. Instead he gave her 50 Sovereigns and his apologies
* For a time Lorik hosted a monthly get-together at the Warden's Chalice for his fellow Wardens and anyone invited, until duties got in the way. Then that honour got passed quickly away from Oghren and into Sigrun's hands.
* Lorik has visited every country in Thedas except Par Vollen, Rivain and Tevinter.
	+ He visited Orlais in the months after the Amaranthine crisis to attend an event in honour of the Grey Wardens.
	+ He's been to the Free Marches several times for Warden business, mainly Starkhaven, Wycome and Ansburg.
	+ He's only visited the Anderfels twice: once on an official summons by the First Warden, and then much later on his quest to find a cure for the Calling
	+ He visited Antiva with Zevran to help him set up safehouses away from the Crows, and have an impromptu honeymoon.
	+ He visited Nevarra on Warden business,

* Lorik's biggest fear used to be being vulnerable with people, but over time and after gaining status and responsibility it became losing sight of his origins, becoming the darkest version of a Warden or becoming like Loghain. Also Deepstalkers.

## **Gallery**

* Sample Photo
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