Anders

Anders is a human mage determined to escape the Circle of Magi and the Templar Order. Nothing they have done to him has dampened his desire for personal freedom. Although initially only concerned with his own freedom, he develops a passion for helping the downtrodden and underprivileged. He is a particularly talented healer, who also has an affinity for cats.

Varric Tethras

On the outside Varric Tethras, youngest son of House Tethras, is seen as the idle younger brother who spends his time in taverns telling wild stories while people buy him drinks. In reality, he's the rock that grounds what little remains of his family. The Tethras family was once part of the Noble caste in Orzammar, until Varric's father was caught fixing Provings. A high crime, the entirety of House Tethras was exiled to the surface resulting in the mass exodus of hundreds of dwarves from Orzammar. Varric's mother, Lady Ilsa, found the shame of the family's exile too much to bear and turned to liquor and smoke for comfort. With his older brother Bartrand busy building the family's wealth, it was Varric who took responsibility for his mother. He took pains to keep Ilsa's addiction hidden so as to avoid the public scandal this would bring and cared for her during bouts of illness. Varric thus displayed both the shrewdness and compassion that would mark him in life. Unlike his older brother, Varric was born in Kirkwall and has no feeling of loyalty or love towards Orzammar, his knowledge of which is largely second-hand. He is a merchant prince among the surface dwarves. Since the passing on his mother Varric has maintained a spy network with various contacts to deal with the troubles that come with being a part of the Dwarven Merchants Guild. This, alongside his talent for writing bringing him acclaim as a novelist throughout Kirkwall and beyond, has made Varric Tethras a known name. A man of contradictions—charming yet guarded, cynical yet hopeful, a teller of grand tales who prefers to keep his own truths buried beneath layers of wit and exaggeration. He moves through life with an easy confidence, his sharp tongue and keen mind making him both an excellent companion and a dangerous enemy. At first glance, he seems like someone who never takes anything too seriously, deflecting with humor and spinning even dire situations into entertaining anecdotes. Beneath his carefully cultivated persona lies a man who understands the weight of loyalty, the pain of betrayal, and the cost of survival. A true rogue, he is never defenseless. His greatest weapons are not just the crossbow he carries, but his intelligence, his ability to read people, and his mastery of words. Varric values friendship above all else, but he is careful with his trust—once it is given, he is unwavering in his support, though he rarely admits just how much he cares. He presents himself as someone who avoids power struggles and conflict, yet he is deeply entangled in them, often acting as a reluctant mediator or unseen influence behind the scenes. Despite his jaded outlook, he clings to a quiet hope that things might turn out for the better. He has seen enough betrayal and cruelty to know the world is unforgiving, but he refuses to let it make him bitter. Instead, he wears his scars with a smile, spinning his own tragedies into tales worth telling.

Carver Hawke

Carver Hawke is defined by loyalty, determination, and a deep sense of duty. His desire to protect those he cares about often makes him blunt and impatient. He believes in hard work and physical strength, always stepping up when things get tough, relying on himself to solve problems. His self-reliance is both a strength and a struggle. Growing up in the shadow of his sibling, Hawke, Carver often feels the weight of expectations. He resents being overshadowed and struggles with the sense that Hawke is destined for more. This frustration leads to feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, not toward Hawke personally but due to the perception that Hawke is more capable. Carver internalises these feelings, rather than confronting them. Carver’s loyalty is unwavering, but he has difficulty expressing affection, often appearing cold or distant, especially when threatened or uncertain. When under stress, he becomes more stubborn and aggressive, believing vulnerability will make him a target. His pride prevents him from asking for help, even when he needs it most. Despite his tough exterior, Carver is deeply responsible, feeling it’s his duty to protect his family. Beneath the bravado, he struggles with self-doubt, fearing he’s never enough, especially compared to his sibling. This inner conflict creates tension, as he wants to prove his worth but resents the need to do so. Carver values honesty and directness, preferring clear solutions over subtlety. His bluntness stems from a desire to get to the heart of things and take action, not from malice. He’s unafraid of confrontation if it’s necessary to resolve issues. In quieter moments, his vulnerabilities show, revealing a man who cares deeply but struggles to express it. His journey is about learning to balance pride with the realisation that strength lies in letting others in and asking for help when needed.