I love the idea of Varric having changed and modified the story of DA2 to protect his friends. Like, downplaying just how powerful and intelligent a mage Merrill was, in an attempt to make her less of a target. Consistent, inaccuract descriptions of their appearances. Interpersonal rivalries with Anders played up, while friendships were downplayed, to create distance between Anders and the group (not because he doesn’t love Anders, because he does, but being associated with Anders puts a very large target on your back nowadays). Larges parts of Hawkes relationship were skipped over, to protect his friends privacy.
Honestly, I like to imagine that the writing process was a collaborative one! The whole group sitting down for drinks, and discussing what should be included, and what should be left just between them. Anders was the one who suggests distancing the fictional version of him, and making the plans for the chantry his secret in the book, to have his friends not have been aware and helping him.
And it mythologizes Hawke. All of the seemingly impossible wins and constant enormous luck in the book was a result of Varric leaving out the constant planning and researching and preparation Hawke & company did. The reality of the group was that they started out a little ragtag, but by the beginning of Act II, they’re a powerful, organized, well informed group among Kirkwalls power structure.
Idk, I really enjoy exploring the idea of what Varric chose to leave out of the story, and what he chose to amplify.