#may the dread wolf take you

[rosieofcorona]

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(wip)

[onewomancitadel]

Varric has now convinced a new audience that Solas' first and most important name is Solas, and his second most important name is Chuckles.

[liaragaming]

Lyrium Idol + Dread Wolf + Solas Theory

Solas and The Dread Wolf are two separate entities. The Dread Wolf is a pride spirit / demon. The Red Lyrium Idol is a conduit to The Dread Wolf (which is why Solas wants it back).

I was working up a post discussing The Hunt of the Fell Wolf codex where (apparently) Inquisitor Ameridan hunts a spirit-demon-wolf. It caught my attention because - you know what "fell" means?

adjective - fierce; ferocious; dreadful; savage; destructive; deadly

Basically, Bioware put a Dread Wolf codex in front of our faces and just used a thesaurus so we wouldn't notice. You find this codex in the Frostback Basin (one of the dlc's to Inquisition).

The codex has no given author. For context, I'm assuming this story didn't actually happen, that it's just a tale in which Ameridan features, like Varric inserting Hawke into a story because it needs a hero. Ultimately, I don't think whether or not Ameridan actually fought The Dread Wolf is as important a question as what the codex says about The Dread Wolf. So, that's what I'll be discussing.

BUT... then a friend came over, we started discussing the codex, they had ideas, and I grabbed my copy of Tevinter Nights. And the two actually back each other up really well. So...

Theory Breakdown - Part I - The Nature of The Dread Wolf

*spoilers for Tevinter Nights (only for "May the Dread Wolf Take You")*

The Mortalitasi's Tale

In this tale, the Red Lyrium Idol is used to pull various mages into the Fade (the exact reason why isn't important for this discussion). Almost instantly as the mages are pulled into the Fade, the Dread Wolf appears:

It was a beast unlike any I had ever seen. Lupine in appearance, but the size of a high dragon, with shaggy spiked hide and six burning eyes like a pride demon, and it came to us on wings of fire that resolved themselves into a horde of lesser demons as the Dread Wolf landed before us.

This matches up with the description of the spirit-demon-wolf in the "Fell Wolf" codex.

Favored like a wolf it was, In size like a Woodsman's Death. Within its eyes burned eldritch fire, The Fade in every breath.

The wolf is also described as striking out "with one huge paw, the monstrous thing" and having "jaws like a dragon's."

This horde of lesser demons is also present in the "Fell Wolf" codex.

Whilst elsewhere did Haron valiantly With demon-wards contend.

So, here we have two different sources collaborating the same thing.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. The Dread Wolf is massive in size (like that of a dragon) 2. It is accompanied by a horde of lesser demons.

The Mortalitasi's Tale (cont.)

The Dread Wolf yells at the mages:

"YOU MEDDLE PAST YOUR UNDERSTANDING, FOOLISH MORTAL MAGES, AND IN DOING SO, YOU THREATEN ALL CREATION. YOU USE MY IDOL CARELESSLY TO VANDALIZE THE SEA OF DREAMS. NOW FEEL THE PAIN OF WHAT YOU HAVE CREATED. FROM THIS MOMENT, SHOULD YOU EVER BIND A SPIRIT, THEN YOUR LIFE IS MINE."

The fandom has largely accepted that this is Solas talking. But, at no point do we seen the Wolf as anything but a wolf. The Mortalitasi also comments on the hypocrisy of the Dread Wolf forbidding the binding of spirits when the lessor demons would have needed to have been bound in order to follow Solas' bidding. And this just doesn't make sense because we know Solas is against binding spirits.

BUT, does it not make sense that lessor demons might willingly choose to follow and fight alongside a greater, more powerful one? I thought there was something in Inquisition about the other spirits/demons following the bidding of the Nightmare, but I can't find the specific dialogue.

In any case, going with this theory because it means there is nothing contradictory about what we know to be true about Solas's morals regarding spirit binding.

As to what kind of demon, we need to go back up to the Mortalitasi's description of The Dread Wolf, which specifically states it has "six burning eyes like a pride demon." The fandom has been pointing out that the eyes on Dread Wolf imagery look a lot like a pride demons and that Solas's name means "Pride" for years. I don't think I need to elaborate further - except to point out that the "massive" size of the Wolf makes sense for a Pride demon, as they are also huge!

CONCLUSIONS: (cont.)

3. The Dread Wolf is it's own spirit/demon entity separate from Solas (most of the time - we'll get to that). 4. The Dread Wolf is a Pride demon.

(Part 2 below)

Theory Breakdown - Part 2 - The Nature of The Lyrium Idol

In the "Fell Wolf" codex, Ameridan follows the Wolf to it's lair, described as a "labyrinth" (which is not a word often used in DA and interestingly is what Solas calls the network of eluvians in Trespasser). In the lair, Ameridan finds what I can only conclude is the lyrium idol - which (somehow) can slay it:

An idol of fade-touched stone, Which could prove the monster's doom.

There is nothing else on the traits of the idol. But suddenly afterwards, Ameridan has a "burning blade" (like Meredith's) which is later referred to as a "demon-stone" as Ameridan slays the Wolf.

This seems to imply the Red Lyrium Idol and the Dread Wolf are connected, somehow. (1) The idol is found "in it's lair" which implies it has special significance. (2) when Ameridan strikes at the Wolf, the idol shatters - which might actually be what defeats the Wolf, not Ameridan's blow. (3) In the Mortalitasi's Tale, the moment the the Idol was used, the group was taken into the Wolf's presence. The ritual wasn't even complete!

We don't see Solas interact with the Dread Wolf in Tevinter Nights, but we do get a story of Solas interacting with the Idol when he finally retrieves it (told by Solas, himself).

The Bard's Tale

He whispered something as he picked it up, tracing his gloved fingers gently along the crowned figure who comforted the other, but I could not make out the words for they were elven.

A lot of people have interpreted this as Solas "lovingly stroking" the Idol... which is not exactly what the text says. But I agree with the sentiment that there is something tender or perhaps more accurately affectionate here.

The Bard's Tale

The Idol's Journey is now complete, and it has found its master.

What we can be certain about the idol is that it is a weapon and a tool and something more - and it means a lot to Solas.

CONCLUSIONS: (cont.)

5. The Red Lyrium Idol is a conduit to the Dread Wolf.

Theory Breakdown - Part 3 - Tying it all Together

We know each of the evanuris is associated with an animal, and there has been theorizing that each of them had a spirit-animal companion. I can only conclude that the Dread Wolf is such a spirit that Solas encountered and befriended and is connected to in some level that goes beyond what we currently understand, somehow bound without binding.

The "Fell Wolf" codex describes the Dread Wolf as both a pride demon and a wolf spirit:

Beast and spirit—both felled at once, Though neither hunter knew.

"Neither hunter" is referring to Haron and Ameridan. They were hired to slay a beast but encountered something otherworldly instead. This part is pointing out that the true nature of the "Dread Wolf" is complicated. While it is a Pride demon, it's also more than that. It is both "beast" and spirit, whatever the nature of a spirit-beast may be.

And I do think it being a Pride demon is important to not forget because it put the events of DA2 into greater context. If the Idol is a direct conduit to an extremely powerful pride-beast - it makes sense that the thing has great appeal to Bartrand and Meredith (the two must prideful people in close proximity) so much as to consume them.

Which just makes the context of Solas being connected to this thing somehow even more interesting. For instance, this line in the Pride Demon codex for DAO stood out to me:

Be wary of how prideful you become, lest you find too much in common with such a fiend.

In context, the line is warning mages and templars about being too confident in their abilities and falling when facing a pride demon. Taking it alone at face value, it seems to be saying, "don't befriend a pride demon." Solas connected with this creature, found "too much in common" with it, and befriended it.

I'm not really sure why the Red Lyrium Idol was created, if it was blighted to begin with, or when it was made. Theoretically, Solas should be able to just find the Wolf whenever he wants, but maybe there's something more convenient in having a fast-travel method. And maybe the Idol is involved in a ritual that bound the two together. Maybe that's how the evanuris ascend to godhood.

There's also the question of how the Veil has messed with things. Maybe the Idol is more important than ever if the Veil is somehow interfering with this connection between the two.

But I do think Solas wants and needs the Idol because the two can merge into one being. We've seen that possessed mages (abomination and non-abominations alike) have increased power. I'm almost certain Solas would have needed an insane amount of magical power to put up the Veil, and merging with the Wolf would have helped. He likely needs it again for what's to come.

Part 4 - Extra Stuff

This doesn't fit into the theory but I need to point it out:

The words "Woodsman's Death" in the Fell Wolf codex used to describe the Wolf is really interesting. Call me crazy but, I think this might be a reference to The Woodsman and The Beast in Over The Wall. (DA has used pop culture references before, so it's not that big of a stretch).

Also, there is another reference to an eclipse in the Fell Wolf codex - the Wolf directly appearing after the sun descends and the moon rises.

an eclipse as fen'harel stirred

[sunniedayz46]

Vhenan. Based on Solas’s Murals. (Be kind I’m not an artist lol)

[plucky-elves]

what if i am team dreadwolf though

[paranagram]

POTENTIAL FLASH WARNING FOR THE TIMELAPSE!

Inquisitor Junriel Lavellan

I have lavellan (+dragon age in general) brainrot today but hey it's making me draw! Dragon Age: Inquisition, and this guy specifically, was the first time I ever really felt attached or invested myself in a player character. (Also by the time I reminded myself it was the left hand I was already too far gone please forgive me 💀)

[missmontifaye]

A little something to last me until the reunion 💕😩

[emeraldforestraven]

I‘m currently playing Dragon Age Origins again and while strolling through the Brecilian Forest, I came across the cutest little statue of Fen‘harel.

I mean look at this little fella. Isn’t he cute?

[onewomancitadel]

I've repeatedly encountered this argument like 'if Solas putting the Veil up was a mistake, why is he so proud as to think he can tear it down?' well like, generally when I make a mistake I want to fix it. That's a very natural instinct. If everybody's mortality was my fault and I knew what immortality was like and everybody was dying on my watch I'd probably feel a bit bad about it too, especially coming face to face with my ageing friend.

Also he's a trickster god, expect shenanigans

[itsfacedelune]

Ma Vhenan,

I wanted to be crushed under your caresses, to feel your skin against mine, to see your eyes close and hear your voice die out in a sigh.

Thus we were one and our souls joined in an infinite and eternal love.

❤️‍🔥

[lightfen]

I got my own little Fen'Harel made by @curiousthimble !! He is so cozy I love him so much🥰😭 Thank yoouu

[moonlightheretic]

The Heretic: May The Dread Wolf Take You

Chapter 28

Y'all this is probably one of my favorite chapters I have ever written! I really hope you all enjoy it! Fair warning! It is pretty intense! Our lovely Inquisitor's excerpt...

The culmination of various schemes come to a head, and one pays the price with their life. Solas is missing, and the trio capitalize on the opportunity his absence presents. Talek, Moon'Hwa and Dal'Nim make their escape, but before they can leave the Crossroads and Solas's sanctuary, bloodlust and ambition changes all of their fates. But perhaps this opportunity was in fact, a miscalculation instead? With borrowed time they pursue their target and they descend into the deepest levels of depravity one can imagine. Two stay, two leave, one returns, one dies, and all of them...regret.

CW (please read) under the line---This is a Dark Solas fic. In fact, I wrote most characters in this fic as villains, even Moon'Hwa. There are no heroes here.

Murder, gore, torture, violence, death, Blood and body horror! MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH-- In future chapters!

[secretmage]

The Din'anshiral | DeviantArt

"I walk the din’anshiral. There is only death on this journey."

Faux stained glass 'triptych' art of Solas' journey, inspired heavily by the frescoes, art, Veilguard gameplay trailer and of course Nick Thornborrow's amazing The Chant stained glass, as a sort of companion piece to my previous stained art Dragon Age: Trespasser a long time ago (WHERE I SAID I WOULDN'T DO A TRIPTYCH BUT LOOK WHERE WE ARE NOW??) this took me more than a week of sleepless nights so imma lie down now bye (Find the WIP Gif here!) edit: prints for anyone who wants them!

[jackals-ships]

okay i lied one more thot in the form of Isekai!elf!jackal having to learn how to like. Function in their new body bc i like when elves are all Gangly (divinity 2 elves in particular my loves) and anyways the important thing is they have new muscles that control their ears bc smthin smthin elf is like kitty cat

so someone tries to tell jackal "no" and their ears slowly droop down and now everyone feels bad it's like you just kicked a puppy-

[iniziare]

Tag drop: Solas

[soiasan]

blog mostly set up, now time for tag spam !