Elissa Cousland

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**Lady Elissa Cousland of Highever** is the younger sister of Fergus Cousland, only daughter of Teryn Bryce and Teyrna Eleanor Cousland. She is a noble of Ferelden, the Champion of Redcliffe, and later the Commander of the Fereldan Army. Although everyone says she is more likely to succeed as Teyrna over her brother Fergus, she instead opts to co-rule with her brother, and eventually left the Teyrnir to him completely as she was occupied protecting Ferelden against the Rift and then the Mage-Templar War.

## Biography

“Some lands are ruled by men and women who believe that they have been elevated to their rank by the Maker Himself, but in Ferelden, rulers must earn their place. The nobility is not suffered gladly, as the Orlesian Empire discovered to its dismay when it attempted to occupy the land.

The Couslands have stewarded the lands of Highever for many generations, dating even to before Ferelden's first king was crowned. They have persevered so long because of their reputation for justice and temperance, as well as their willingness to lead men into battle. With the rise of the darkspawn horde in the south, it thus falls on the Teyrn of Highever to send out the call once again: duty demands that an army be sent to King Cailan's aid at once.

As the Couslands will quickly discover, however, the evil horde to the south is not the only darkness in Ferelden; treachery stalks the halls of Castle Cousland as well.

As a young scion of the Cousland family, the duty of carrying its banner will fall to you. Will you live up to your family's proud heritage? Or will you forge your own path, and damn the consequences?”
For generations, her family, the Couslands, have stewarded the lands of Highever, earning the loyalty of your people with justice and temperance. When Ferelden was occupied by the Orlesian Empire, her father and grandfather served the embattled kings of the land. Her elder brother took up House Cousland's banner in service to the Crown--not against the men of Orlais, but against the bestial darkspawn rising in the south.

### 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 Elissa Cousland is a human noble of Ferelden, she lived a charmed life of two good and loving parents, the chantry, tutors, a nanny, a dog, a best friend, and a brother. 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 younger sibling, with her brother already married and with a son, 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.

The time came when she would be left in charge of the castle for the first time, her mother deciding to leave so as to not undermine her authority, while the men went off to battle. She had never been in charge before, and wished her mother had decided to stay, but was grateful for her encouragement. 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, but was comforted by Mother Mallol, her strong mother, and her supportive sister-in-law.

She loved her family dearly, and was raised well, though inexperienced and still somewhat petulant and stubborn. Tragedy hit, and she lost everything, her family, her home, everyone she had ever known had been brutally slaughtered, even little Oren. The aftermath continued to haunt her, she felt guilt for being the only survivor, paranoia around her brother's safety, as he had left with the troops before the attack, and shame for failing to protect her parents. 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. And Mother, her mother refused to leave him, she would die protecting him, she would not come with me. But I needed her! 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, just me and Arthur. I had to leave them to die, when I should have stayed and died protecting them. I know I needed to find Fergus and warn him, I know I needed to get revenge, but none of those facts make any difference, I left my parents to die.

I made it out, and I traveled to Ostagar, where Fergus was. It was a long trip, and I barely remember it I was so consumed with grief. I met King Cailan, he would see justice done, but Fergus was not there. I needed to find him, was was persuaded not to. I knew it was foolish, and that I would be of more use fighting in the battle.

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

It has been days on the road, just Duncan and I, and though he answers my questions well enough, I still feel as though he is a stranger, something other, some great and wise warrior that is so far above me. My parents were like that, *were*. I'm on my own now, unless Fergus hasn't been somehow assassinated, Maker watch over him! I still haven't processed that everyone I've ever known is dead, Nan, Ser Gilmore, Aldous, Mallol, even little Oren! Oh, Andraste! Fergus said he would see a real sword up close soon, what sick fate has befallen us. All I have now is my duty, as Father always said, "A Cousland will see it done." And I am to put our vengeance on hold, for darkspawn, no, for my country, that I can do.
Once again, betrayal and a massacre, everyone is dead, except for me and Arthur, and Alistair, I suppose. Oh Fergus, are you alright? I'm so glad you were not here for the battle, but these wilds are swarming with darkspawn, and you've been out here so long. Night isn't safe for even grey wardens that guardsman said! At least you still don't know about Highever, at least you have been spared that. I must find you, brother, we will be fine if we are together.
I am doing this for my father, because I am a Cousland, and that means something, because I want to be who my parents shaped me to be. I will keep the stories Nan told me, the combat skills from my father, his sense of humour he gave to Fergus and I. My mothers manners, her complete sacrifice for those she loved, the duty of my ancestors, what our blood means, and the privileges I have to prove myself worthy of. My people, under our care, the elven servants that felt like family, the devotion to the Maker from Mother Mallol, the dedication to the value of knowledge from Aldous, the camaraderie of the guards and Ser Gilmore. Arthur, my one and only mabari. I know I am only nineteen, I know I have large shoes to fill, and that I am green. But I have nothing left, it is up to me, to gain vengeance, and justice, to rebuild, to be there for my brother, my people, my country, and my King. I will use the diplomacy I never bothered to use at home, be the leader I am ready to become, because I have to, because that is who I am, because that is the path set for me, the path in my blood. And because I have nothing, what was my world was taken from me, and I'll be damned if I let it be, if I let it fade, if I let Howe win. My family will be avenged, we will live on, and I will make my mark on the world, that's what my father said to me, what my mother, who loved me dearly, wanted for me, and they were not liars, and neither will I be. The Couslands will rise again, Howe will pay, and I will see my duty done, whatever that may be.

### Origin

She managed to escape with her mabari, Arthur, and the two of them fought their way out through the tunnel. She went to catch up with Fergus's forces at Ostagar to tell him the news and entreat the King.

### Epilogue

She struck the final blow against the archdemon, believing she would be sacrificing her life, and was compelled to do so as she was a Cousland, and wanted to save the life of her new King. She encouraged Fergus to remarry, and was an involved aunt, and helped Alistair rule.

She never married or had children, and lived to be 82 years old, dying in early December of 9:93, 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 circle 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.

## 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

Elissa feels called to serve a greater purpose in life. Thoughtful and idealistic, she strives to have a positive impact on other people and the world around her. She rarely shies away from an opportunity to do the right thing, even when doing so is far from easy. She is a born leader, her passion and charisma allows her to inspire others not just in their careers but in every arena of their lives, including their relationships. Few things bring her a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment than guiding friends and loved ones to grow into their best selves. She speaks up for what is right, and tends to be vocal about her values, including authenticity and altruism. When something strikes her as unjust or wrong, she speaks up. But rarely come across as brash or pushy, as her sensitivity and insight guides her to speak in ways that resonate with others. She has an uncanny ability to pick up on people's underlying motivations and beliefs. At times, she does not even understand how she can come to grasp another person's mind and heart so quickly. Her flashes of insight can makes her an incredibly persuasive and inspiring communicator. If anyone can change people's minds - which is no easy task - she can. Her secret weapon is her purity of intent, she is motivated by a sincere wish to do the right thing rather than a desire to manipulate or have power over other people. Even when she disagrees with someone, she searches for common ground, and can communicate with an eloquence and sensitivity that is nearly impossible to ignore - particularly when she speaks about matters close to her heart. When she cares about someone, she wants to help solve that person's problems - sometimes at any cost, and many people are grateful for her assistance and advice. There is a reason she has a reputation for helping others improve their lives. She is genuine and caring, she talks the talk and walks the walk. Nothing makes her happier than motivating other people to do what's right. She is known for being insightful and wise, but sometimes she misreads a situation or unwittingly gives bad advice. She tends to get involved in other people's problems, and tends to have a clear vision of what people can or should do in order to better themselves, but not everyone is ready to make those changes, and they can feel resentful or unfairly judged if she pushes too hard. She is a devoted altruist, ready to face the slings and arrows in order to stand up for the people and ideas she believes in. The strength of her conviction bolsters her innate leadership skills, particularly her ability to guide people to work together in service of the greater good. Her greatest gift is leading by example. In her day-to-day life, she reveals how seemingly ordinary situations can be handled with compassion, dedication, and care. For her, even the smallest daily choices and actions - from how she spends her weekend to what she says to a coworker who is struggling - can become an opportunity to lead the way to a brighter future. She is reliable. Few things bother her more than the prospect of letting down a person or cause that she believes in. She can be counted on to see her promises and responsibilities through – even when it’s difficult to do so. She is receptive, despite having strong opinions, she is far from closed-minded. She recognizes the importance of allowing others to express themselves fully, and even when she doesn't agree with someone, she recognizes their right to voice their truth.

* Passionate – Protagonists are far from being boring do-gooders. These types brim with interests, and they take great pleasure in pursuing their hobbies – whether that’s hiking, cooking, dancing, growing houseplants, or something else entirely. As a result, they rarely find themselves at a loss for something interesting to do.
* Altruistic – These personalities are known for harboring a deep desire to be a force for positive change. Protagonists genuinely believe that if they bring people together, they can do a world of good.
* Charismatic – Determined and inspiring, Protagonists often find their way into leadership roles. Whether they’re captain of their softball team or a leader on the world stage, they rarely lose sight of their main goal: to be of service to others.

* Unrealistic – Many Protagonists put pressure on themselves to right every wrong that they encounter. But no matter how hard these personalities strive, it just isn’t realistic for them to solve all of the world’s problems. If they aren’t careful, they can spread themselves too thin – and be left unable to help anyone.
* Overly Idealistic – Protagonists tend to have clear ideas about what’s right and what’s wrong. They often think that everyone shares these fundamental principles – or, at least, that everyone *should* share these principles. So it can come as a genuine shock to Protagonists when people violate their core values, such as truth or justice.
* Condescending – People with this personality type enjoy teaching others, particularly about the causes and beliefs that matter so much to them. But, at times, Protagonists’ attempts to “enlighten” others may come across as patronizing – not the most effective strategy for persuading other people, unfortunately.
* Intense – When it comes to self-improvement, Protagonists are rarely short on energy or determination. But they may not recognize that not everyone shares these qualities. At times, Protagonists may push others to make changes that they aren’t ready for – or simply aren’t interested in making in the first place.
* Overly Empathetic – Compassion is among this personality type’s greatest strengths. But Protagonists have a tendency to take on other people’s problems as their own – a habit that can leave them emotionally and physically exhausted.

Protagonists (ENFJs) can be intense when it comes to matters of the heart – and they wouldn’t have it any other way. People with this personality type rarely settle for anything that falls short of their ideals, and their romantic relationships are no exception.
Protagonists want to fall in love with the content of a person’s character and the tenor of their soul – not just the way they look from across the room.
When she likes someone, she really likes them, and is not coy about it. She readily expresses how she feels, and often finds herself making the first move, and does not play games or wait for reassurance that the other person feels the same way. Her willingness to put herself out there is refreshing and more than a little unusual. She is intense in her passion, which is incredibly appealing to many people. She has experienced her fair share of rejection in her search for a kindred spirit. She is eager to prove her commitment, taking the time and effort to establish herself as a dependable and trustworthy partner. She has high standards and she knows it, which gives her a deep appreciation of just how rare and precious it is to feel a real spark with another person and for it to grow into a steady flame of true, abiding love. She can come across as outgoing or even a bit flirtatious, but is not satisfied by the fleeting attractions of casual friendship.

Even on the first date, these personalities may steer the conversation toward weightier topics. Protagonists don’t just want to find out what TV shows someone watches – they want to get a sense of their partner’s dreams and aspirations, the changes they hope to make to themselves and to the world. And as the relationship deepens, Protagonists take pride in supporting their partner to make good on these dreams.
For Protagonists, one of life’s greatest joys is helping someone they care about reach their goals.
Some Protagonists carry this a step further, taking on their partner’s goals as their own. This can be problematic, to say the least. If Protagonist personalities become overinvested in helping their partner, they may end up neglecting their own self-care, hobbies, and friendships. They may also be at risk of pushing their partner to change their life in ways that they simply aren’t ready for.
When Protagonists carry this too far, they often find that the pressure they put on their partner to “better” themselves backfires in one of two ways. Their partner may become insecure, fearing that they aren’t good enough as they are, or they may become angry, feeling resentful of the implication that they need to change. Either way, Protagonists must learn to encourage their partner to grow without pushing too hard.
The Long Haul
Few personality types are keener than Protagonists to establish a loving commitment with their chosen partner. They take dating and relationships seriously. Even in the earliest days of a relationship, Protagonists tend to focus on long-term potential, and as the relationship matures, they want to do what it takes to bring that potential to fruition.
While Protagonists certainly know how to enjoy the moment, they also know that love isn’t all fun and games.
This can be a beautiful thing. Protagonists care about pleasing their partner, and their sensitivity helps them tune in to their partner’s shifting moods and desires. As long as they don’t lose track of their own needs, people with this personality type can enjoy incredibly rewarding relationships that are founded on trust, mutual support, and honesty – and, of course, love.
Connecting with other people makes Protagonists (ENFJs) feel alive and purposeful. It’s no surprise, then, that they are anything but apathetic about friendship. Protagonists put sincere, dedicated effort into staying close with their friends. For these personalities, friendships are far from expendable or insignificant – instead, they’re a key component of a life well lived.
She has a sincere desire to get to know people, discovering someone's quirks and opinions and hopes and follies is to her, one of life's purest pleasures. She can't help but be fascinated by other worldviews, even those with which she wholeheartedly disagrees. Encountering a wealth of perspectives is what keeps life interesting for her.
Protagonists surround themselves with all sorts of friends and acquaintances, including those whose experiences and ideas differ wildly from their own.
That said, most Protagonists find it difficult to respect anyone who takes shortcuts, disrespects others, or refuses to challenge the status quo. Instead, they find it easiest to connect with people who share their core ideals, particularly their commitment to doing the right thing and leaving the world better than they found it.
It is with these closest friends that Protagonists truly open up, sharing their vulnerabilities and their most precious dreams for their lives. These personalities maintain warm, caring, and supportive connections with many people, but they tend to show their full selves – including their insecurities – only to an inner circle of friends who have earned their trust.
Through Thick and Thin
Protagonists can be among the best friends anyone could wish for. Kindhearted and trustworthy, people with this personality type dedicate incredible amounts of energy and attention to their friendships. They want their friends to feel not merely validated but supported, not merely heard but understood.
From their closest friends to their wide circle of acquaintances, Protagonist personalities approach relationships with a sense of purpose, creating bonds that are not easily broken.
They can also be trusted to show up in ways both large and small – whether by taking time after a grueling day at work to help a friend spruce up their resume or by putting together a weekend-long destination birthday party for a friend who needs a boost. Nothing makes Protagonists happier than seeing the people they care about doing well, and few things could stop them from trying to help make that happen.
Finding Balance
While Protagonists enjoy lending a helping hand, they aren’t always happy with the results. The truth is that some people don’t have the energy or the drive to take full advantage of Protagonists’ offers of help – or they simply might not want to. For example, their friend might ignore that resume advice, or they might decide to kick back and relax instead of using that new resume to send out job applications.
When this happens, people with the Protagonist personality type may feel unappreciated, frustrated, or resentful. They may even become judgmental in an effort to push their friend forward – an approach that all too often backfires.
As they mature, many Protagonists learn to avoid taking their friends’ behavior personally.
Paradoxically, having a more flexible attitude can guide these types to support the people they care about even more effectively. As many Protagonists discover, the most enduring friendships are based not only on mutual growth but also on acceptance, compassion, and genuine respect.
Protagonists (ENFJs) bring all of their gifts to raising children, including their compassion, their resolve, and even their leadership skills. As parents, they are guided by a deep sense of purpose. Specifically, they see it as their mission to help their children grow into their best, kindest, most capable selves.
To do this, Protagonists strive to create a loving, encouraging, and supportive home life for their children. Parents with this personality type promote creativity and authenticity, freeing their children to speak their minds and be themselves. For Protagonists, one of the greatest rewards of parenthood is watching their children blossom into their unique personalities.
As a leader, she does not have an "anything goes" mindset, and will occasionally pull rank and tell people to do something "because she said so", but in her heart of hearts, she wants the people under her command to do the right thing out of understanding, not blind obedience.
Protagonist parents see it as their loving duty to help their children realize their unique potential.
These types usually set clear, age-appropriate rules and boundaries, so that their children understand the consequences of behavior that’s irresponsible or unkind. Even when Protagonist parents behave strictly, however, they do so out of love – in an effort to instill in their children strong values and a sense of personal responsibility.
Fortunately, these idealistic, good-natured parents can explain the difference between right and wrong in ways that uplift and inspire their children. And just as importantly, Protagonist personalities teach by example, modeling the kinds of behaviors that they hope their children will emulate.
Great Expectations
Parents with this personality type have high standards for their children. These expectations generally come with the best of intentions – Protagonists simply want to be sure that their children are on a path toward a meaningful, fulfilling life that makes good use of their potential.
Protagonist parents pride themselves on their ability to see what each person brings to the world – a trait that helps them recognize all the ways in which their children are gifted and capable.
At times, however, Protagonists’ expectations may seem overwhelming to their children. Children of Protagonist personalities may sometimes feel that they need to earn their parents’ love by meeting their standards – standards that might seem impossibly difficult to reach. In these situations, Protagonists may need to reassure their children that they are loved for who they are, not what they do.
Whatever her people need to thrive, she dedicates the time and energy necessary to provide it. Her sensitivity helps her appreciate people's deeper needs, including the need for acceptance. Even as she urges them to grow and learn and chase their dreams, she offers a bedrock of emotional support that stays with them all their lives.
As they mature, Protagonists’ children rarely lose sight of the genuine warmth, care, love, and encouragement that they received from their parents. These children tend to grow up with a deep appreciation for lessons that have been woven into the fabric of their character, including honesty, empathy, accountability, and the vital importance of doing the right thing.
When it comes to choosing a career, Protagonists (ENFJs) find fulfillment in doing what they love most – helping other people. And with their creativity and drive, they can find ways to serve and uplift others in nearly any work environment, whether they’re behind a gleaming table in a corporate boardroom or behind the counter at a beloved local coffee shop.
People with the Protagonist personality type rarely want for inspiration or opportunity in their search for meaningful work.
Earning Their Place
Thanks to their emotional intelligence and social skills, Protagonists can excel in nearly any people-oriented field, such as human resources, event management, recruiting, or public relations. That said, they tend to feel especially motivated in positions where they can guide others to learn, grow, and become more independent. Many people with this personality type gravitate toward careers with an altruistic bent, such as social work, teaching, counseling, coaching, health care, or public interest law.
Protagonists prove that a desire to serve others can be more than compatible with big ambitions.
Rather than fading into the background, Protagonists are known for their leadership abilities, and they often find themselves in positions of influence. These personalities can be found in public office and at the helm of all sorts of organizations – from nonprofits and religious groups to scrappy start-ups and corporate empires. They may also find themselves in jobs as consultants, advisors, and managers.
Wherever they work, Protagonists rarely lose sight of their core mission: to improve people’s lives. They intuitively pick up on the needs of their clients or customers, and then they draw on their creativity to meet these needs in innovative, unexpected ways. As a result, these types are able to bring sincerity, integrity, and even idealism to jobs in sales, customer service, marketing, advertising, and product development.
Finding the Deeper Issues
Focused and driven, people with the Protagonist personality type are always up for a good challenge. That said, certain challenges motivate them more than others. Work that is repetitive, isolated, or otherwise constrained can be frustrating for them. Protagonists want to see the impact they’re having, not to plug away at tasks all on their own.
In their heart of hearts, Protagonists want to witness the positive effects of their work – to feel and experience the gratitude and appreciation of the people they’ve helped.
Protagonists feel fulfilled and energized by work that allows them to step back and reflect on the big picture. For these types, leaving a positive legacy is a key priority. This needn’t mean something as grand as solving world hunger (although, knowing Protagonists, it certainly could). But most people with this personality type do use their professional energy to resolve at least some of the deeper issues that their customers or colleagues face.
Versatile and insightful, Protagonists bring a wealth of strengths to their careers. At times, they may feel stuck or bored, wishing that their daily tasks could make more of an obvious difference in the world. But with their altruistic, creative spirits, these personalities almost inevitably find ways to use their work – whatever it might be – to contribute to the greater good.
Protagonists (ENFJs) are warm, idealistic, charismatic, creative, and social. With this wind at their backs, these types can thrive in many diverse roles, at any level of seniority. Moreover, they are generally likable and good-natured – qualities that can propel them to success wherever they have a chance to work with others.
She often pushed herself to prove her merit and make a good impression on her superior, whether that be her father, or King Alistair. She is perceptive and dedicated, and took on multiple responsibilities with competence and good cheer. She is hardworking, reliable, and eager to help.
Unfortunately, some managers may take advantage of Protagonists’ work ethic by making too many requests or overburdening them with extra work. Although these personalities are more than capable of standing up for themselves, they may still accept all of these additional tasks in order to keep the peace and avoid letting others down.
Protagonist Colleagues
As colleagues, Protagonists stand out for their desire to collaborate. They are always on the lookout for opportunities to create win-win situations and help their coworkers reach their full potential. These personalities foster equitable team environments where everyone – whatever their job title – can feel comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas.
Protagonists’ tolerance and easy sociability makes it easy for them to relate to their colleagues.
That said, Protagonists’ tendency to take charge may sometimes ruffle their coworkers’ feathers. With their strong drive to lead, Protagonists may sometimes be tempted to make decisions or suggest changes that go beyond the scope of their authority – leading their colleagues to ask, “Hang on, who put you in charge?”
Protagonist Managers
Many Protagonists feel called to roles as managers and leaders. With their charisma, their insight, and their inspiring way of expressing themselves, people with this personality type often shine when given the opportunity to lead a team – and they make sure that their team shines as well.
As managers, Protagonists make the people who work for them feel not just motivated but also inspired.
These types tend to see each member of their team as a person with important gifts and unique potential. As a result, working for a Protagonist can feel meaningful and exhilarating – it’s a chance to develop as a person as well as an employee.
That said, Protagonists’ idealism may prevent them from recognizing the real limitations of their employees. At times, managers with this personality type may give team members assignments that they simply aren’t ready for – an approach that all too often backfires. Fortunately, Protagonists can use their emotional intelligence and personal judgment to find a balance between encouraging their employees to grow and pushing them too far.
8s are confident, forward, resourceful and competent, motivated by the need to be independent and have control over their lives. They are audacious and intense, action bound and love taking on a challenge, having initiative and making things move forward. They are more interested by being respected than being loved, and are thus able to get what they want in spite of criticism and opposition. They often have a personal code of honour, and a sharp sense of justice which pushes them to act when they perceive injustice. 8s are natural leaders who often need to have control over their own surroundings and want to have a big impact on the world.
Avoidance compulsion
8s search at all costs, and sometimes subconsciously, to avoid weakness. They do everything they can to avoid being weak, feeble, vulnerable, depend on others, unfair (or restrictive) rules and being controlled or manipulated.
Center of attention and motivation
8’s attention is mainly focused around questions of power: who has it and especially - “is it being used fairly?”. They often summarise things and are more interested in the whole picture rather than the details, which they will look at if they feel the need to.
They are autonomous and are motivated to develop their independence to become their own authority. They are also motivated by contributing to have an impact on the world. They do not need to be loved but they need to be respected. They need a sense of fairness and equality in their relationships with others.
Vice and defense mechanism
When they are in the grips of their compulsion (avoiding weakness), their ego makes them excessive and can push them to extremes. They are quick to respond and can react excessively, answering in a strong way to what triggered their compulsion. They tend to push things to the maximum, make too much of it, become too intense and not want to limit themselves. They may have too much faith in their own justice and truth. Their defense mechanism is denial: They can deny or repress (often unconsciously) the vulnerabilities, weaknesses or more tender feelings they may have, especially when they are in the action.
In harmony
When they are at peace with themselves and manage their compulsion, 8s are confident, brave, fair, responsible, clear, stern, protective, keen for action and can make good leaders.
They are at ease when others are loyal, innocent and sincere, and when they are the only ones to have control. Then, they lean towards their integration type (type 2) and the latter’s positive traits are incorporated into their behaviour. This way, they become more affectionate, generous and humble.
In imbalance
In the grips of their compulsion, 8s can become intimidating, impulsive, dictatorial, irritable, lecherous, aggressive and merciless.
If the situation doesn’t improve, they lean towards their disintegration type (type 5) and the latter’s negative traits are incorporated into their behaviour. They can thus have more paranoid thoughts and become more distant and withdrawn for a certain period of time.
Wings
Type 8’s neighbouring types are 7 and 9. The “wing” is the neighbouring type that appears to have the most influence on the base type.
8w7s are more energetic, audacious and entrepreneurial but can also be more impulsive and prone to addiction.
8w9s are calmer, more receptive and stable, but can also be obstinate and indifferent.
She is fierce and has a mind of her own. Noble, faithful, and fearless, she is everything a noble and a warrior should embody. She can come across as haughty, unapproachable, intimidating, and cold. Underneath that wall is a dry sarcasm and sharp wit. She is strong-willed, impatient, but very kind. She does not chase glory, only justice. Though inexperienced with the world, she is surprisingly tolerant, as she studied other cultures well through books. She is very patriotic and loves her family and country with all her heart. She has her father's sense of humor and adventure, and her mother's bravery and seriousness. She believes in standing up for others, doing what is right, and following her moral compass. She is a devout follower of the Maker, and believes in doing her duty as a Cousland. She is outspoken, chivalrous, and willing to fight for her cause and speak up against tyranny. She is loyal, kind, sympathetic, receptive, and has an open mind and strong opinions. A reliable and hardworking person, she hates the idea of letting people down. She always does her best to see her promises and responsibilities through, no matter how difficult. Far from a boring do-gooder, she is passionate and energetic, prone to both restlessness and melancholy. A natural leader, she is inspiring, charismatic, and determined, rarely losing sight of her goal to be of service to others. She has a hard time recognizing that other people do not share the same qualities as her. She often gets emotionally and physically exhausted by spreading herself too thing, as she is overly compassionate and empathetic and tries to take on the burdens of others. She believes that her duty in life is to bring people together so that they can do good, being very altruistic and nearly unrealistic in her idealism. She is rarely bored as she finds many things interesting and greatly enjoys her hobbies. She wants to be a force for positive change, putting pressure on herself to right every wrong she sees. She thinks everyone should share these beliefs, and is prone to not noticing when they do not. She loves to teach others about the causes important to her, which to some is condescending. When it comes to self-improvement, she is relentless, and is driven to help others achieve their full potential, which can come across as patronizing. Although she sometimes pushes others to make changes they are not ready to make or are uninterested in making, she knows how important it is for people to express themselves fully, and accepts their truth even when she disagrees. She is intense when it comes to truth and justice, with very clear ideas on what is right and wrong, being shocked when others violate these core beliefs.

## 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

* Morrigan
* Alistair
* Oghren
* Zevran
* Leliana
* Shale
* Sten
* Wynne

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.

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.

### Origin

* Fergus
* Nan
* Mallol
* Arthur
* Eleanor
* Bryce
* Thomas
* Rendon
* Gilmore
* Oren
* Oriana

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 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.

She always found comfort in Mallol, but was hesitant to be overly familiar with her as she was a strong authority figure.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

They were best friends growing up, often sparring together.

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.

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.

### Potentials

* Duran
* Natia
* Lyna
* Solona
* Alim
* Kallian
* Daylen

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

## 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 mabari warhound named Arthur, he escaped Highever with her, and imprinted on her as a puppy.
* **Shield of Highever**
* **Family Sword**
* **Amaranthine Charger:** A black horse named Una, she is spirited but not unruly, an impressive mount in that she is an uncommon breed.

## 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"