At first, Skyhold isn’t much to look at. I overhear a bystander disdainfully comment that it’s just a dusty old ruin. But I see a throne in the shadows, which is at least one improvement from the rustic décor of Camp Haven. I’m planning next steps with my advisors when Varric shows up and cagily invites me to meet with one of his contacts. It appears he knows someone who has first-hand knowledge of Corypheus. Oh, please let it be Anders!
I’m surprised to see that it’s Hawke, but I’m not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, it’s Hawke! On the other hand, it’s not my Hawke. I’m able to customize his face, so this doppelganger sort of looks like my Hawke, but he doesn’t act like him. He’s much more serious. Maybe he’s been hardened by a quest in between games. At least he speaks lovingly of Anders, so that’s something. I agree to help him look for a Grey Warden named Stroud, then start my conversation rounds.
First, I need to break up a fight between Cassandra and Varric. She’s beyond pissed that Varric lied about Hawke’s whereabouts. She takes a wild swing at him…and misses by miles. Good thing she fights demons better than she fights dwarves. I reasonably explain that it’s not Varric’s fault the conclave blew up and Cassandra (shocker) disapproves. She hints that she would have preferred Hawke as the Inquisitor. Ouch. She tries to backtrack later, but it’s too late. Inquisitor Disapproves.
On the way to my next companion, I see an option to “look for Cole”. I had forgotten about that little guy! Know-it-all-Solas tells me that Cole is a spirit able to manifest itself in human form. Vivienne bluntly calls him a demon. As Inquisitor, I have to decide whether to cast Cole out or allow him to join up. I have only regretted party inclusion once, while playing Phantasy Star 4.
An archaeologist named Seth joined my group and he had amazing spells. Like, boss-quality spells. Sadly, he had no armor or weapons, so I tricked him out with the best stuff I had (you see where this is going). A few minutes later, he turned into Dark Force and kicked my ass. But, this has never happened in any game since, so I throw caution to the wind and ask Cole to stay. I think Cassandra disapproves, but really, who cares at this point?
I hit up Josephine next. She tells me about a masquerade ball I need to attend. The ball is actually a front for peace talks or trade negotiations or something equally boring. I have zero interest in the politics of Thedas, and I tell her so, but she insists I play the game. I’m not yet important enough to score a party invite, so I need to increase my power and influence. Side mission time!
I head to the Storm Coast to finally recruit Iron Bull. I had delayed this mission because my previous Qunari companion, Sten, was such a stick-in-the-mud, but I wish I had done it sooner. Iron Bull, excuse me, The Iron Bull (he likes having the article in front), is hilarious. Recruit him early for some amusing party banter. Fun fact, Iron Bull is voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr. Yes, Buffy’s husband. Fred from Scooby Do. And he does a kick-ass job. Who would have thought?
So there you have it. My week of Dragon Age: Inquisition. And I’ve only just scratched the surface. There is still so much to do! Rifts to close, companions to recruit (I’m on my way, Blackwall), shards to find, and astrariums to solve. I need to sit in my throne and judge people (off with their heads!), get my horse from Dennet, and fight a few of the dragons that I’ve seen and cowardly run away from. Not to mention fill all those damn requisitions. I know they’re not required, despite what their name makes you think, but I really want new curtains in Skyhold. The ones we have are so 9:40 Dragon.
