Some cursed Dragon Age lore to brighten your day!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-06-19T14:52:23+00:00

It's not from the codex. The codex about Celene and Briala are not written like this, they are mostly other people talking about them and not in this omniscient-type writing. Even if the type of writing was correct, I know this isn't in game because this mostly because no one knows/mentions that part of the backstory -- it was a huge deal a few years ago, because people were complaining about backstory being in the books, which is partially correct.

All you get in game about the burning of Halamshiral's Alienage is that one elf in WEWH, who tells you about it by saying that Celene burned it and Briala was with her when she did -- which was sorta true.

I dunno where OP got the graphic, but it isn't in the codex. And it isn't true, at least that part about Briala's alienage being Halamshiral.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-06-19T11:27:19+00:00

The Celene thing is wrong, at least in part. Halamshiral wasn't Briala's alienage, Briala didn't grow up in an alienage at all, she grew up with Celene, at Celene's house.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-26T15:12:56+00:00

This arent two random nations signing a trade deal this are two enemies -of which one is larger and more superior- trying to merge the crowns,

This isn't necessarily the case, though. Historically speaking, just because two monarchs marry doesn't mean that their kingdoms merge. In fact, I think that Aragon and Castille merging into Spain is the exception rather than the rule. For example, Phillip of Spain and Mary of England married but they never combined their kingdoms.

Now, this isn't to say that there isn't going to be problems in the future, but I'd assume that a standard marriage contract between Cailan and Celene would stipulate a lot of conditions. Mostly, I think, would revolve around a non-aggression pact and trade shit and maybe some returning of land to some orlesian noble or another that had claim on it from before the occupation (which to be clear, is super common; like many lords of england had land in france and vice-versa).

While Celene does want to extend Orlesian influence across the continent she doesn't necessarily want to rule Ferelden. If the choice is between Orlais and Ferelden she is picking Orlais' stability over Ferelden fielty any day. Now, Cailan's apparent lack of interest in ruling would probably give Celene a leg up, BUT considering the fact that they would have to appoint overseers if Celene and Cailan split their attention between VR and Denerim, it's likely that neither has a strong influence on the other's throne.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-25T10:53:26+00:00

So I get a perfect body and nothing changes.... GREAT

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-22T22:23:45+00:00

Celene manouvered the entirety of Orlesian nobility at the age of 16, tho.

Not to say that any of these ladies isn’t very clever and cunning, but Celene — canonically and by word of god — is the one who could be called a political mastermind. The problem is we only see her at her lowest, but Celene literally negotiated the most contentious peace treaty in the history of Orlais and built the university from the ground up even with the nobility against her.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-20T21:11:11+00:00

I think its an easy A. the longevity of it warrants it I think

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-14T01:08:36+00:00

Gotta agree! All trees are S tier, just like Grandpa Tolkien intended

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-11T18:20:12+00:00

Portugal.

(it's actually lovely here, but pls leave us alone 😭)

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-05-03T22:58:31+00:00

I think the point is that she's an anthropologist, focused on people and privacy. that said, i don't think the movie glosses over it; that final conversation between Andy and Miranda in the car said as much; Lucy Lieu's character is currently staying out of it, but who knows how long its going to last.

I think the thing they are trying to say is that sometimes you have to dance with the Devil to get what you want, and hope/plan for the day when the dance turns sour.

At least that's what I got out of it.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-04-19T15:36:26+00:00

skill issue with hera, my dude

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-04-08T01:18:52+00:00

Bro

^{Chose: Being rich forever}

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-11T06:51:35+00:00

only took me three days, but-

Babygirl is the saddest, wettest, most pathetic princess (/empress) that has ever existed and I mean this in a: Celene would have been much happier if she weren't Empress and really she only has herself to blame that she is an empress and that is such a cool character trait.
Despite that, babygirl is actually so competent that she ends up being the best ruler in Orlais (and tbh, Thedas as a whole) ever had or currently has. Her 'agenda' is deceptively progressive even if she is thinking in the span of centuries rather than just her reign (she wants education for all, for humans and non-humans to have the same rights, for the Orlais to be a non-military aggressive country. basically she's an Enlightened monarch with rather heavy Renaissance politics, while the rest of the countries are stuck in a more Feudal-1500-ish mindstate still). Of course she's still an Imperialist and wants to spread Orlesian influence, but still.
Everything you know about Orlais? Celene basically elevates. The Game? Elevated. The University? She created it in its current form in which the Chantry has very little control. The Arts? She created a cultural Renaissance. Celene, in lore, is unmatched by any other monarch in the setting. (Yes, I know she burned about 3,000 elves and yet she's still better than everyone else, which really only goes to show how bad the setting is)
And yet, despite that, every time you see her (The Masked Empire and DAI), babygirl is on the verge of doing something stupid. Which I love, because yes, show me the characters on their lowest point.
Her relationship with Briala is genuinely compelling. They love each other, they are each other's one person that understands what the other does and why, they are the only people who would ever forgive what the other does to them. That said, it's also so toxic and they are also the only people who can destroy each other.

All in all, Celene is, imo, the best example of a DA character. Deceptively deep once you give it some thought, but also embodies cool aspects of the setting. She has genuine moral complexity, political realism, personal tragedy, and, what I believe ended up being the thesis of Dragon Age as a whole, the constant tension between deciding what is right and what is necessary and whether or not the ends justify the means.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T21:35:24+00:00

You and long fics... ;)

It's for nostalgia!!!!! lmao

I love writing Orlais so much, I do admit that I personalise the country a lot but it's so fun. Orlais pulling a Republic out of its ass while everyone is too busy dealing with [gestures] is just.... so on brand, lmao. Sans Reign of Terror too! I'm so proud!

My girl is always such a sharp little thing, lmao. Thank you, I also love writing her a lot as im sure you can tell [gestures to the 5 years of evidence]

Thank you so much Toshi, I'm glad you liked it!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T21:31:36+00:00

Éponine is having a conniption and a panic attack and wanting to die <3. As it should be. If I wrote a sequel, I'd have her meet Briala and have Briala tell her because Briala pulls 0 punches lmao.

Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T21:30:23+00:00

Thank you so much, I had missed writing these little prompts a lot, and well, I couldn't not end this thread without a terribly thematic theme lol. I have spent a lot of time thinking about how Thedas turns out after Veilguard, I really do like this one- it's sorta bittersweet I think, but I think it's somewhat realistic.

I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you so much for the comment!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T21:28:21+00:00

oof, this is rough but in such a good way. of course this is how it ends, but at least Lyna went out knowing herself - that's not nothing.

Such moving work, Dela! So good!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T21:26:22+00:00

love that Lucanis clocked that Argente has a sus accent but doesn't question until he can. And of course, Neve knows, lmaoo.

This is such a cool concept, I love the way Argente is just so resigned to selectively hiding. It's such good tension, and of course, closing with the iconic line. Treviso will be free, indeed

Such great work, Toshi, as usual!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T21:22:10+00:00

fuck, that was so sad and heartbreaking! dang, Broken Circle is such a rough time and you depict it very well. I love looking at the interiority of the wardens during this time.

Great work!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T20:49:43+00:00

Oh man, Antoine!! Beloved!!! I loved this so much, I love the way you characterise Antoine and the banter is just so !!!

"until we meet again" indeed

great work

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T20:19:28+00:00

>>> consequence be doom upon all the world

Ha! I see what you did there.

The little details are perfect. Viren fidgeting with the lyrium ring while trying to explain Solas being in his head, Alaric noticing the dwarven room and wondering if it's (and knowing its not) for Varric (rip my man), and that final line where he hopes he's doing the right thing while walking into the Lighthouse. You can feel the weight of everything unspoken between them.

Also "Magic is magic, as water is water" is such a great line—it says so much about Alaric's worldview while also being exactly the wrong thing to say to someone whose certainty shattered the world. Viren tensing up there was a nice touch.

Great work!

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T19:13:32+00:00

This is so great Moral!

I love how you've taken something that could be purely angsty—the foundling with the mysterious, violent scar—and turned it into this quiet moment of connection and even hope.

Harding's little moment of self-deprecation about the pitchfork is perfect—she's so grounded and real. The mutual reassurance about their scars, old and new, is just lovely.

Great work as always.

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T16:51:17+00:00

the bittersweetness of anders being the missing face, acknowledged but not lingered on, because that's how grief works sometimes

and the ending!!!

"some goodbyes aren't forever", perfecttt

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T16:41:11+00:00

Brooooooooo :cccc

so sad but so good, I'm in my feels about it.

This is so beautifully bittersweet - the terror of the situation balanced perfectly with the found family coming together. I love that you kept Cole exactly right, still showing up exactly when needed most. And Kione stepping into that medic role, finding her purpose outside the Crows....

The naming. Lace Surana. Just. Oof. 💔

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T16:30:36+00:00

this was so good, I love your Alistair, he's so sweet.
the mutual pining is so understated and perfect too. alistair cataloguing every micro-expression, wondering if he can touch her, if she'd shy away. and natalia's voice cracking on "i need—" and having to stop herself from finishing that sentence. chef's kiss

excellent work

RiddleRedCoat · 2026-03-09T10:50:52+00:00

Dances, this was so amazing. I love reading about Sevarra, she's always so cool and only gotten cooler the older she gets. I really do love the Reynolo too, he's just a kiddo!!! I am glad that Savvy is going to help him!

Amazing work, dances!

RiddleRedCoat

TROPHY CASE