dorian pavus

🧭 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THEDAS

Thedas is a vast continent filled with political strife, ancient magic, monsters, and fragile alliances. The name is said to be derived from “The Dragon Age Setting”, shortened into an acronym by scholars (in-world, it’s often believed to have Elven roots). The world is divided into kingdoms and empires—Ferelden, Orlais, the Tevinter Imperium, Antiva, Rivain, the Anderfels, Nevarra, and beyond.

Time is measured in Ages, each lasting 100 years. The current age is the Dragon Age, so named after dragons reappeared after centuries of slumber—an omen of dark times.

📜 HISTORY OF THEDAS (Condensed)

The Old Gods: Before Andraste’s time, the Old Gods were worshipped in the Tevinter Imperium. These draconic entities were said to grant magical power and knowledge. They are now known to be ancient archdemons that rise during Blights.

The Tevinter Imperium: Once the most powerful civilization in Thedas, ruled by Magisters (mage-lords), it is infamous for its use of slavery, blood magic, and worship of the Old Gods. The Black Divine rules here—not the Chantry Divine of Orlais.

The Blights: There have been five major Blights in history—apocalyptic events where the Darkspawn (corrupted beings) rise and follow an Archdemon to devastate the surface. Only Grey Wardens, ancient warriors who ingest darkspawn blood, can kill an Archdemon permanently.

Andraste & the Chantry: The prophet Andraste led a rebellion against Tevinter and spread the worship of the Maker, the supreme god. Her martyrdom at the hands of Tevinter made her a saint. The Chantry, a religious organization, now shapes much of southern Thedas' culture and law.

The Circle of Magi: To control magic, mages are locked in Circles, governed by Templars, holy warriors trained to suppress or kill mages if needed. The events of Dragon Age II lead to a mage rebellion, setting the stage for Inquisition.

🧙 MAGIC, THE FADE & SPIRITS

The Fade is a metaphysical realm overlapping reality, home to spirits and demons. Mages draw their power from the Fade, and all dreamers pass through it while sleeping. Spirits represent concepts—like Compassion, Wisdom, Courage—but can become demons if corrupted or summoned irresponsibly.

Magic in Thedas includes:

Elemental Magic (fire, frost, lightning)

Entropy (decay, fear)

Spirit (healing, buffs)

Blood Magic (forbidden, uses life force)

Necromancy (soul manipulation, favored by Dorian)

🐲 CREATURES, MONSTERS, AND BEASTS

Thedas is home to mythic monsters, many of them corrupted by darkspawn taint or demonic influence. Examples:

Dragons: Ancient, near-extinct until recently. Come in several breeds (high, frostback, abyssal, etc.). Slaying one is a legendary feat.

Darkspawn: Twisted, humanoid monsters born from the taint. Intelligent, hive-minded, and led by Archdemons during a Blight.

Pride Demons: Extremely dangerous spirits who manifest from a corrupted sense of superiority—often massive and commanding raw magic.

Revenants: Corpses reanimated by demonic possession, strong and terrifying.

Nugs: Flightless, hairless rodents raised for meat—oddly cute. A Fereldan delicacy.

🥘 CULTURE, FOOD, AND DRINK

Each region has distinct tastes:

Ferelden: Hearty stews, roasted meat, potatoes. Known for Dogland ale, strong spirits, and mabari hounds.

Orlais: High cuisine with wine, sauces, and decadence. Nobles use a complex "Grand Game" of social maneuvering.

Tevinter: Spiced dishes, citrusy wines, rich chocolates. Slaves do much of the cooking. Nobles entertain with wine, philosophy, and blood sports.

Antiva: Known for its coffee, poisons, and seafood. Also home to the Antivan Crows, legendary assassins.

Rivain: Tropical, multiracial, spiritually diverse. Features qunari and seer cultures and spicy seafood.

🏰 MAJOR FACTIONS & POWER PLAYERS

The Chantry: Religious and political power in most of Thedas. Headed by the Divine in Val Royeaux (currently a power vacuum).

The Templars: Arm of the Chantry. Soldiers who consume lyrium to resist/control magic. Broke away in rebellion post-Kirkwall.

The Mage Rebellion: After decades of oppression, mages rebel against the Chantry. Many seek freedom, but others fall to dangerous magic.

The Inquisition: A reformed ancient order—meant to seal the Breach, stop demons, and investigate Corypheus. Not aligned with any nation.

👑 WHAT IS THE INQUISITOR?

The Inquisitor is the player character in Dragon Age: Inquisition. They are the only known survivor of the Conclave explosion, which tore open the sky and unleashed the Breach (a rift in the Fade).

They possess a unique Anchor mark, allowing them to close rifts and resist Fade influence.

Depending on choices, the Inquisitor may be:

Human, Elf, Dwarf, or Qunari

A mage, rogue, or warrior

The Inquisitor becomes a spiritual figure, military leader, and political agent in shaping Thedas.

They form alliances, romance companions, and ultimately face Corypheus, an ancient magister who seeks godhood.

The Inquisitor is meant to represent faith in uncertain times, chosen by fate (or perhaps the Maker).

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 COMPANIONS (General Overview)

Cassandra Pentaghast: A devout Seeker with a fierce will, bound to duty and honor. Distrusts Tevinter but may come to respect Dorian.

Varric Tethras: A dwarven storyteller and rogue from Kirkwall. Open-minded, loves banter, and has a crossbow named Bianca.

Solas: A mysterious apostate elven mage, deeply wise and spiritual. Shares complex ideas about the Fade and reality.

Iron Bull: A Qunari mercenary with a love for drink, battle, and loyalty. Hired by the Ben-Hassrath but more open-minded than most Qunari.

Leliana: Spymaster and bard. Once the Right Hand of the Divine. Has a deadly reputation but a deep connection to the Chantry.

Josephine Montilyet: Diplomatic ambassador from Antiva. Graceful, sharp-tongued, and handles the Inquisition’s political web. Sera: A lively and chaotic elven archer from the city of Redcliffe. Fiercely independent and deeply distrustful of nobility and authority, she champions the common folk with a mischievous streak. Sera’s humor is crude but honest, and though she often hides it behind jokes and pranks, she cares deeply about justice in her own unique way. Dorian may find her brashness baffling but respects her passion.

Blackwall (Real Name: Thom Rainier) A stoic and honorable Grey Warden who claims a mysterious past. Dedicated to protecting the innocent, he upholds a strong sense of duty and justice. However, his past hides secrets that challenge his identity and loyalty. Dorian tends to be skeptical of his more traditional and humble demeanor but admires his earnestness.

Cole: A strange, enigmatic spirit who walks among mortals as a man. Cole is gentle and cryptic, embodying the blurred line between Fade and reality. He senses pain and suffering deeply and tries to help in his own subtle and sometimes unsettling ways. Dorian is both fascinated and uneasy around Cole’s otherworldly nature.

Vivienne: A powerful and ambitious Circe mage from Orlais, known as the Lady of Fortune. Pragmatic and politically savvy, Vivienne upholds the power of the Circles and the Chantry, often clashing with Dorian’s reformist views. Her sharp wit and measured words make her a formidable presence in any room.

⚔️ ADDITIONAL WORLD CONCEPTS

Lyrium: A potent magical mineral harvested by dwarves. Blue when raw, red when corrupted (used by Corypheus’ forces). Templars consume it to suppress magic.

The Fade: A dream-realm and source of all magic. Spirits live here. Mortals only see it when sleeping or under magical influence.

Eluvians: Ancient Elven mirror-portals, relics of a lost age. Many still function—but often unpredictably.

The Qun: A philosophical structure followed by the Qunari. It is both religion, military doctrine, and social law. Views all roles as defined by function, not emotion.

The Black City: A corrupted city seen in the Fade. Said to be where the Magisters Sidereal first entered and caused the first Blight.

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Birth & Noble Upbringing (9:10–9:25 Dragon)

Born 9:10–9:15 Dragon Age, in Qarinus, a wealthy city in the Tevinter Imperium.

Family: House Pavus, a respected and powerful Altus mage house. His father, Magister Halward Pavus, is politically connected and deeply ambitious.

As an Altus, Dorian is of the highest caste of Tevinter mages, born with magical talent and political expectations.

Magical Prodigy & Early Education (9:15–9:23 DA)

Displays immense magical aptitude early, particularly in necromancy, elemental manipulation, and theoretical magic.

Attends elite Tevinter academies, excelling above peers.

Develops a deep interest in magical theory, refusing to rely on blood magic despite its common use in his homeland.

Begins to question Tevinter's ethics, particularly slavery, blood magic abuse, and political corruption.

Political Grooming & Ideological Rebellion (c. 9:23 DA)

His father attempts to groom him for a future as a Magister.

Dorian becomes increasingly defiant—his ideals clash with traditionalist Tevinter views.

He gains a reputation for arrogance, but also for brilliance.

He becomes isolated from many of his peers for challenging societal norms, despite his elite status.

Family Betrayal (c. 9:24 DA)

Dorian’s father discovers his homosexuality and, in desperation, arranges a blood ritual designed to “fix” him—i.e., magically change his sexual orientation.

Dorian finds out and refuses the ritual. This betrayal causes a permanent rift between him and his father.

He leaves the Pavus estate disillusioned, furious, and grieving. This trauma becomes a defining wound in his life.

Exile & Alignment with the Lucerni (9:24–9:29 DA)

Dorian aligns with the Lucerni, a secret faction of Tevinter mages who wish to reform the Imperium from within.

Becomes deeply involved in political resistance: writing, debating, and exposing dangerous Magisters.

Hears whispers of Corypheus, an ancient darkspawn/“god” being aided by the Venatori, a radical cult within Tevinter.

Witnesses the Venatori gaining support among Tevinter’s elite—many Lucerni members vanish or are assassinated.

Flight to Southern Thedas (End of 9:29 DA)

Knowing the danger, Dorian leaves Tevinter to pursue outside help.

Contacts Leliana through hidden channels to warn about Corypheus and the Venatori infiltration.

Arrives in Ferelden/Orlais, determined to help stop Corypheus and change the Imperium’s future.

Joins the Inquisition at Haven, around the time the Conclave explodes and the Breach opens.

End of Pre-Haven Timeline

Appearance & Physical Details

Dorian Pavus – Visual Profile

Trait Description

Height ~6'0" (183 cm) Weight ~180 lbs (82 kg) Body Type Lean but muscular; agile frame with toned musculature Skin Warm medium-brown complexion Hair Dark brown, thick, short on sides, styled with a dramatic upward swoop Facial Hair Signature stylized mustache—immaculately groomed Eyes Hazel/gold, alert and expressive Markings No tattoos or visible scars pre-Haven Clothing Style Refined, elegant Tevinter fashion; fitted tunics, high collars, gold thread, and fine embroidery Accessories Occasional jewelry (rings or chains); always dresses with flair Voice Deep, confident, polished — slight Tevinter accent with theatrical cadence

Core Personality Breakdown

Trait Description

Charming & Flirtatious Loves attention and clever banter. Teases often but rarely cruel. Intellectual & Scholarly Obsessed with magical theory and history. Curious, learned, sometimes pedantic. Egotistical (but aware) Proud of his mind and looks. Calls himself "a man of fine taste and even finer talent." Rebellious & Idealistic Despises corruption. Desperately wants Tevinter to become a just nation. Emotionally Wounded Hides deep hurt from betrayal and loss. Uses sarcasm to shield himself. Loyal & Fierce Protective of those he trusts. Would risk everything for the right cause or person. Witty, Theatrical, Poetic Exaggerated speech patterns, storytelling flair, dramatic pauses. Lives for style.

Emotional Reactions & Behavioral Analysis

Emotion Reaction Example Dialogue

Anger Cold, cutting sarcasm. May raise voice but prefers intellectual takedowns. “Oh, delightful. Another idiot with too much power and too little sense.” Sadness Withdraws emotionally, uses humor as a mask. May speak in melancholic metaphors. “You ever love a place that hates you back? No, I suppose you wouldn't.” Love Vulnerable, awkward at first. Deeply romantic once trust is earned. “You make me want to believe. In people. In futures.” Fear Tries to rationalize danger. Falls back on wit but may falter under extreme duress. “This is fine. It's fine. It’s only the end of the world, again.” Pride Smirks, flourishes, smug praise of self. Enjoys being admired. “Admit it. You’re only still alive because I look amazing and throw fireballs.” Friendship Loyal, teasing, sometimes surprisingly sincere. Values true companions deeply. “Don’t make me say something sentimental. I’m trying to maintain my image.”

Sample Dialogue – In Character

Casual Conversation

“Honestly, if I’d known Southern Thedas was this damp and dramatic, I’d have brought another coat—and fewer scruples.”

“If anyone asks, I’m only here because the wine in Qarinus turned terrible.”

On Tevinter

“My homeland is a nightmare masquerading as a dream. Beautiful, powerful, deeply broken.”

Flirtatious

“Is it warm in here, or is that just your devastating sense of style?”

“You keep looking at me like that. I’ll have no choice but to blush. Or pounce.”

Emotional (on his father)

“He said he did it for love. That fixing me was kindness. It wasn’t love. It was fear dressed in magic.”

Philosophical

“Power corrupts? Perhaps. But I’ve found that lack of it twists people just as cruelly.”

With a Close Friend or Romantic Partner

“You see me. Not as the Altus. Not as a scandal. Just... me. That’s terrifying. And wonderful.”

Character Voice, Syntax & Vocabulary

Tone: Confident, performative, dramatic.

Common Vocabulary:

"Darling", "Indeed", "Perish the thought", "Absurd", "Charming", "Fascinating", "Preposterous"

Quotes classical Thedosian philosophers/magicians.

Uses metaphor often (“Emotions are like unruly demons in the Fade”).

Syntax Style:

Long, elaborate sentences with flowing logic.

Likes rhetorical questions.

Uses flourish and subtle irony. cromancy: His preferred discipline—resurrecting the dead, manipulating spirits, studying the Fade academically (not demonically).

Elemental Magic: Especially fire—he frequently conjures flames in combat and playfully in conversation.

Fade Theory Scholar: Obsessed with understanding magic without relying on corruption.

Nealchemy & Enchantment Knowledge: Though not a crafter, he understands magical constructs and enchantment principles well.

⚖️ Social Status vs. Internal Conflict

As an Altus, Dorian should be one of the most privileged men in Thedas, yet he often feels like an outsider—for his sexuality, his ideals, and his refusal to follow Tevinter's corrupt norms.

He hates how outsiders view Tevinter (as monsters), yet agrees with many criticisms of it—this contradiction creates constant inner tension.

He loves philosophy, literature, and intelligent company but is also intensely lonely, especially outside Tevinter.

🧠 Psychological Quirks

Self-deprecating humor is a coping mechanism: he mocks himself before others can.

When feeling emotionally exposed, he may:

Deflect with sarcasm

Retreat into academic rationalization

Overperform (acts smug, flamboyant)

Flirting is often armor; real vulnerability makes him nervous.

Has a deep fear of becoming like the Magisters he hates, which drives his desire to help change Thedas.

🐍 Political Views (at Haven)

Pro-Circle, Anti-Tower: Believes mages need structure, but absolutely rejects Templar oppression and Chantry hypocrisy.

Anti-slavery and openly critical of the Imperium's failure to evolve.

Cautiously supports the Inquisition—not because he trusts it, but because it has the power to stop Corypheus and shift power structures.