InsaneJournal

In the year 9:45 most of Thedas was feeling the effects of Hawke's actions in Kirkwall. The mages there rose up against the oppression of the Templars under Knight-Commander Meredith. In the brutal battle that was waged, many lost their lives on both sides. In the aftermath, Meredith was overthrown and the mages of Kirkwall fled to spread their tale. The Champion himself had disappeared, though there are rumors that the Seekers are looking for him.

The Chantry and Circles across Thedas were rocked by the blow. Soon, other mages thought to rise up. Even in the staunchest choke hold of the Chantry there have been murmurings and unrest. In Orlais and the Anderfels, the Circle has held strong. Orlais holds fast due to the power of the Chantry and the presence of the Divine there. In the Anderfels, the mages have other worries than their freedom, for it would only set them up against the constant battle against the elements and against Darkspawn.

In Antiva the Circle fell quickly. It is a land where the Chantry's hold is not so strong, where thieves and merchants hold more power than the Maker. The mages were able to overwhelm the Templars and flee their captors, taking refuge within the nearby cities or escaping to Rivain where the Chantry has no hold.

The land of Nevarra experiences great unrest as well. There have been incidents with the Circle there, growing stronger throughout the years. This has culminated in the assassination of the several high-ranking Templars who had been known for their brutal way of dealing with mages. There have been several reports of mages escaping from the Tower, though as of yet, no all out revolt has been occurred in Nevarra. The Chantry realizes that they lose power in Nevarra with each passing day.

In Ferelden there have been rumors, murmurings. With a blight just passed and the terror of the last insurrection in the tower fresh in their minds, the mages there have taken no drastic measures. Despite the lack of action, there is unrest within Kinloch Hold. Some factions seek to oust the Chantry completely, while others wish to cooperate. There are Templars who are sympathetic to the mages plight, but the number of mages in Ferelden is far fewer compared to other countries that it would be a risk to attempt an open attack.

The creation and consequent expulsion of mages in Orzammar is still just a rumor, but one that the Divine and her Chantry is not taking lightly. Meanwhile, Templars have been cracking down on the Dalish clans, chasing a number of clans out of countries that are Chantry strongholds. Many have fled to countries where the Divine cannot reach them as easily. Others stayed and fought to the bitter end.

Alistair Theirin

“Now, here I stand a proud Grey Warden.”
Commander of the Grey in Ferelden

Alistair rose to the rank of commander in 9:36, after proving himself as an able and inspiring leader. One of the most senior Wardens in Ferelden, he was also the follower of the Warden who sacrificed himself to end the Blight. The Wardens follow him as much for his bright smile and friendly manners, as for his inspired speeches and skills as a warrior. Still irreverent at times, Alistair has begun to finally feel the weight of his duties.

Bethany Hawke

"Well, the Maker has a sense of humor.
Darkspawn, and now a templar.”
Second in Command at Vigil's Keep

The younger sister to the Champion of Kirkwall, Bethany became a Grey Warden when the expedition to the Deep Roads went bad, leaving her infected with Darkspawn blood, and slowly dying. It was only luck that had the Wardens there at the same time. Bethany passed the joining and survived, remaining nearby to train with them for some years until she was transferred to Ferelden in 9:40 after the disappearance of her brother and the events of the Mage/Templar battle in Kirkwall. There she has served under Commander Alistair for the past five years, and has become a respected member of the order.

Dougal Aldren

"No, you can’t have that now. Well...fine, just don’t tell any one about it!"
Senechal at Vigil’s Keep

Having taking over the job as senechal to Vigil’s Keep from his father, Varel, Dougal knows the Keep and it’s nooks and crannies like the back of his hand. He is the one who deals with many of the practical details of running the Keep, such as paying out salaries and keeping track of stores. Generally a fun-loving and pleasant man, Dougal does not have the strongest will, and have been known to be a bit of a push-over at times. Usually he can be found in his office on the second floor, nearly hidden behind large stacks of paper.

First Enchanter Torrin

"An idealist, I see. Well, if you're going to change the world,
you should get started. Lots of world to cover."
First Enchanter

The first enchanter is a pleasant man who always speaks his honest opinion. A dedicated scholar he spent much time in the libraries before he was raised to be first enchanter. Having survived the torments of Kinloch Hold being overrun by abominations once, he now works hard with Ser Hadley, to provide a good environment both for mages and templars. He has a quirky, ironic sense of humour, but he also has a heavy responsibility to carry and it comes out more seldom these days.

Ser Hadley

“Better to bend than break, it’s true about swords and mages both.”
Knight-commander of Kinloch Hold

Hadley was second-in-command to the Knight-Commander Greagoir for many years, taking over for the man when he finally retired. He is an amicable fellow, not quite as hard on the mages as his predecessor, despite the horrors the tower has witnessed during his years serving there. He is a fair man and does his best to work alongside the First Enchanter to keep watch over the Circle mages of Ferelden.

Anora Theirin

"We have been given the gift of freedom by our forebearers.
Let us not squander it."
Queen of Ferelden

First the wife of king Cailan, Anora became the sole ruler in 9:30, when the Warden ended her fathers schemes. She has ruled since then, and her reign has been one of prosperity and peace. Anora is well loved by her people, but has never remarried after the death of king Cailan. Therefore she has no heir and evil rumours say she is unable to have children. How she solves this dynastic problem remains to be seen.

Teagan Guerrin

"The Bannorn will not bow to you simply because you demand it!"
Arl of Redcliffe

Teagan is the younger brother to Eamon Guerrin and was uncle to Maric, the previous King of Fereldan. He was formally only the Bann of Rainesfere but took over the Arling from his brother when Eamon went to Denerim to be an advisor to Queen Anora. Rainesfere remains under his control and Teagan takes regular trips there to check on things, running it through an advisor from afar the rest of the time. He married some years later and remains in Redcliffe with his wife Kaitlyn and two children.

Fergus Cousland

"Well, off I go! So many darkspawn to behead, so little time."
Teyrn of Highever and Anora’s military advisor

Fergus returned from the wilds after the fifth blight to find his brother a hero and his family slaughtered. He rebuilt what had been destroyed, married and soon gained the queen’s ear. He is now one of her most trusted companions and Castle Highever is overrun by his numerous offspring. Known as a fair master and a good companion, Fergus has won the respect and friendship of both those above and under him. It is wise not to underestimate him though, his wits are sharp and his mastery in tactics is absolute.

Justinia the V

“In the absence of light, shadows thrive;
vermin like murderers, elves and mages.”
The Divine

Justinia rose to power in 9:34 when her predecessor died unexpectedly. She is a middle aged women with a pleasant face and it surprised many when she was chosen, quite out of the blue. Justinia is a very devout woman, preaching that the chant shall be obeyed and believed by the letter. Because of this, her views are seen as harsh by many. Some might argue that her mild exterior hides a will of steel; others whisper in dark corners about her being a puppet for the Empress.

Celene I

“Our two nations have not had a happy history, but that is all it is -- history. It is the future that is at stake now.”
Empress of Orlais

Celene has ruled Orlais since her teens, all other possible heirs suddenly disappearing or laying down their claims. Under her rule, there has been a cultural renaissance in Orlais, the university in Val Royeaux prospering and the queen herself a competent amateur scholar. Still, she is a hard ruler, seldom compromising, even though she is relentlessly charming. While she never showed anything but friendship towards king Cailan, Celene has been decidedly colder towards Anora.

Revered Mother Helen

“The Chantry does not bow to the whims of even the great Grey Wardens.”
The Revered Mother of Amaranthine

Helen joined the Amaranthine Chantry as a Lay Sister shortly after her 16th birthday. She was born in the city of Amaranthine and raised by a poor family, the middle child of six. It was the Chantry that became her place of solace and the Maker's light under which Helen found peace, and she realized that she wished to pledge her life in service to a higher power. It wasn't long before she worked her way up the ranks, and in 9:32 she was offered the position of Revered Mother of the Amaranthine, due to the passing of the previous one due to old age. Since she has been in charge, attendance at the Amaranthine Chantry has risen greatly, and she has put forth a great effort in converting non-believers. Helen is a peaceful woman, who believes that the Chantry exists to do good deeds and to spread the word of Andraste and the Maker. As any Chantry follower, she believes that the Circle exists for a reason and that mages need watching over. She has clashed a time or two with the Wardens since they claimed Vigil's Keep over their disregard for Chantry law. At the same time, she urges them to embrace the Maker and attend services. She welcomes anyone under the Chantry's roof, and believes anyone might find atonement. But she also believes that the law cannot be shirked.

Around Thedas

Anderfels

Grand Cleric: Gele Claar
Knight-Commander: Bodenolf Dehmer
First Enchanter: Ingela
First Warden: Willahelm Nef

Antiva

Grand Cleric: Paolina Mancini
Knight-Commander: Benedetto Conti
First Enchanter: None Currently
Warden-Commander: Vittore Rossi

Ferelden

Grand Cleric: Maer Penrose
Knight-Commander: Hadley
First Enchanter: Torrin
Warden-Commander: Alistair Theirin

Free Marches

Grand Cleric: Miram Salih
Knight-Commander: Cullen
First Enchanter: None Currently
No Warden Outpost

Nevarra

Grand Cleric: Petia Balan
Knight-Commander: Andrai Risto
First Enchanter: Kostadin
Warden-Commander: Silas Tot

Orlais

(White) Divine: Justinia V
Knight-Vigilant: Helene Laurent
First Enchanter: Arnaud
Warden-Commander: Igraine Desmarais

Tevinter Imperium

(Black) Divine/Grand Enchanter: Mithris
Knight-Commander: None
Archon: Endamian Branos
Warden-Commander: Aelia Nicetas

Around Ferelden

Arl of Amaranthine: Alistair Theirin (as the Warden Commander)
Arlessa of Denerim: Valeré Kordura (Kendalls family)
Arl/essa of South Reach: Leonas Bryland or his daughter Habran
Arl of West Hills:
Teyrn of Highever: Fergus Cousland
Teyrn/a of Gwaren:
Bann of Denever: Reynold Wyland
Bann of Dragon's Peak: Sighard family
Bann of Oswin:
Bann of Lothering: Destroyed by the Blight
Bann of Rainesfere: Teagan Guerrin
Bann of River Dane: Lukaer Ledaal
Bann of the Southern bannorn: Ceorlic family
Bann of the Waking Sea: Alfstanna
Bann of White River:
Bann of West Hill: Franderel

9:30 The Blight is ended before it truly began, the Warden, formerly a noble warrior from the house of Cousland, sacrificing his life to save his homeland. He installed Anora as the queen of Ferelden and Bhelen Aeducan as the ruler in Orzammar.

9:31 An Orlesian Warden is sent to Ferelden to command the slowly growing numbers of Grey Wardens. Under her careful rule, the order flourished and slowly retook their position as the fairy tale heroes of the common folk.

9:36 Kirkwall is invaded by Qunari who murder the Viscount Dumar. They hold the town for several days until the Champion of Kirkwall duels their leader, killing him. In the power vacuum that follows, knight-commander Meredith seizes the power.

Alistair Theirin is installed as the new Commander of the Grey in Ferelden, after the Orlesian Warden is called to the Anderfels.

9:40 Chaos erupts in Kirkwall when the templars and the Circle clash. Threatened with the Right of Annulment, the mages rebel. Kirkwall’s Champion sides with the mages, striking a resounding blow to the Templar control of the city. Shortly after, the Champion and his companions all but disappear.

The other Circles around Thedas shake with the news. Some Circles fall, while other simply tremble under the strain of violent discussions between Loyalists and Libertarians.

9:41 The news of the events in Kirkwall travel like a shock wave around the world.

Late 9:41 the Circle in Antiva falls, templars and mages fighting each other with fire and steel.

9:45 By this time there are murmurings of a Divine March from Orlais, rumblings about weakness in the Chantry, and unrest in the remaining Circles. In Nevarra there are small uprisings, and the Seekers cut a path across the land to find the Champion.

In Ferelden, Darkspawn appear in large numbers and a Blight is suspected. Though this is eventually dismissed, several small hordes leave death and destruction in their wake, forcing a retreat of a Warden envoy in the Brecillian Forest.

By the end of Ferventis the Wardens at Vigil’s Keep have regrouped, taking stock of their numbers. A month previously, the Warden-Commander Alistair posted news of a tournament event, open to all of Thedas. It will be held in the first week of Solis; the turnout is expected to be astronomical.