Absent of Cause or Excuse

Chateau d'Onterre has me thinking again. I have always found Dragon Age's relationship with spirits, but in particular, ghosts to be slightly confusing. It seems like the mechanics and story line of the games follow the developed andrastian beliefs, rather than those beliefs being used to explain the in game events (I hope that makes sense). I have a bit of a ramble about it, but if someone has more background or thoughts on ghosts in this series I would love to hear your thoughts! I know that Veilguard may get into it a bit more, however, I havent managed to do a full playthrough because my computer is oldddd.

It seems to me like ghosts arent generally supposed to be a thing in this universe. There are spirits and demons, but they are inherently different than the souls of humans, elves, qunari or dwarves. For Andrastians there is the belief that you go to the makers side, and I believe Dwarves believe you return to the stone (someone who knows more about dwarves please correct me)? Ultimately, souls do not stick around.

Starting in DAO there is the abandoned orphanage. The orphanage seems haunted, due to being the cite of a massacre. However, as you go through the area, you end up fighting a variety of demons. Compare this to what happens in Mage Circles after Annulments, it increases the likelihood of possessions and abominations afterwards because it weakens the veil. However, you also fight three spirits in the orphanage; the rampaging spirit, rioting spirit, and the tormented woman. However, this could just be spirits reenacting the experiences or emotions of the people who were killed.

In Da2 you have Bertrand's estate which is ultimately due to the red lyrium and the presence of demons. Each time, it focuses more on the haunted house vibe, rather than the demons and that could just be put in place to have a fun quest.

But DAI is where this really gets explored. Lets start with Solas and his explanations of what he see's in the fade. He mentions that he can see history through the reenactments performed by spirits in the fade. Each one reflects the differents emotions and memories of those who were present at the time. You can ask Solas which one is right, and he highlights that both are true.

Then theres the multitudes of undead throughout the game. Possessed bodies, once again due to the thinning veil in areas where atrocities took place. Or even due to the fade rifts popping up everywhere.

Then theres the discussion around Divine Justinia, and whether you were helped by her ghost or a spirit mimicking her reflection. To me it seems like the story is really directing you to the fact that this is ultimately a spirit.

Then theres the mortalitasi, who put spirits in the bodies of those who have died. There was a codex somewhere on necromancy in particular (I cant remember which one) that mentions that the mortalitasi will wait for a time to ensure that it is not the ghost or spirit of that loved one who is bound to the body. This suggests that the soul needs to go somewhere, and that it needs some time, and that you COULD accidentally bind the soul instead of a spirit.

The game often suggests that its actually spirits, never truly ghosts. But now I have questions. Where do the souls actually go? If the maker isnt real, they cant go to his side. Do they go into the fade, and become memories or shadows? Or are they still stuck on thedas somehow, and our characters are actually interacting with ghosts?

Elves were immortal at one point, prior to the veil. We know that Solas messed that all up with his actions. How did this change where human souls go? (again I need more information on the dwarves and titans because I believe this is already explained for them partially). We know that spirits can see into the physical world, they watch and they mimic, and at times pass through the veil. But those who dream can enter the fade (just not physically). Its possible that the dead should be able to pass into the fade (which is where they would be going if they are going to the makers side anyways).

My mage trevelyan was having a terrible time. I'm still developing her back story, but she definitely does not have a good relationship with her family due to being a mage and them being devout Andrastians.

Each letter or diary entry that outlined the horror of what happened in that house had a deep effect on her. From the obvious mistreatment of a mage child. The fear and hatred of magic seeping through in their treatment, the search for magic cures or suppression tools. To the child finding a friend in a demon that leads to their possession and the deaths of those in the house.

It brings up a lot of emotions and memories for her. Im imagining her group traveling back to skyhold with her in a daze. When they do get back, she goes to Cullen (who she is in a slightly tentative relationship with). While she initially is seeking comfort from someone she trusts, she ends up spiraling and questioning how much Cullen as a former templar could truly care for her.

This leads to her asking him if he would kill her if she ever became possessed. Cullen still has his Canon response, please dont ask that of me, its not that simple. He is already trying to navigate his feelings for her and the obvious distress she is in and his own guilt from his past.

But what Evelyn truly means is, would you be complacent in how I am treated by those who hate or fear mages? Would you allow or join in pushing me towards the desperation of seeking a demons company? Could anyone ever love me exactly as I am?

Whenever they took a nap when they were younger, my first response was always "awe look how cute".