All four of my heroines from my main world state in the Dragon Age games with their respective love interests.
Hero of Fereldan: Amenthris Mahariel, Dalish Elf Rogue. Romanced Zevran, is an absolute bi disaster.
Champion of Kirkwall: Juliet Hawke, Rogue. Romanced Fenris, Emotional Disaster.
The Inquisitor: Asala Adaar, Tal Vashoth Mage. Romanced Iron Bull. An absolute sweetheart.
Rook: Assaranda, Qunari Mage of the Antivan Crows. Intends to romance Lucanis.
Probably fits best with Muppet AU but it can honestly be any AU where Mel and Kass have All The Babies.
**
Asaaranda always had the dreams. They were nightmares when she was little and unable to protect herself from the dark visages of the Fade. Nanae figured it out quickly, though, and they helped her. She has lots of nice dream memories of them showing her the Fade, their dark form a comforting pillar that kept all the actually scary things away from her.
As far as discovering if one is a mage, Asaaranda was discovered early. At two, she was waking up screaming from the terrors. Nanae would whisk her into their and Mama’s bed and curl around her. She remembers a shadow sliding over her like a blanket and being eased back into a much more peaceful sleep.
At seven, Asaaranda has learned how to keep her dreams nice almost all of the time, and when they’re bad, she can usually fix it. She knows she is very lucky to be able to do this and to have a nanae and older siblings who are so good at helping. Well, sometimes. Aelynthi and Selene are in college now and can’t help her as much as before, but they did when she little! And Ash helps with what she knows, but her magic is so different that she doesn’t get it a lot of the time. Nanae gets it, though. They know tricks and things and it makes Anda feel safe.
Nanae has said that out of all their kids, her magic looks the most like their own. It makes sense, Anda thinks. Nanae adopted Selene and Ash and Aelynthi has two other parents. It makes Anda feel special to be like her nanae. Not that her siblings aren’t also special! Ash and Selene have the prettiest fires and Aelynthi is very good with his Super Secret Magic. But Anda is like Nanae, and she likes that.
When Nanae said her magic was the most like theirs, she beamed. Later, she got to thinking - could she do things like Nanae? Making lightning at her fingers turned out not to be hard, but she thinks Aelynthi can do that too. She wants to do something only she and Nanae can do. The only thing she can think of is shape-shifting.
Anda saw Nanae do it once. Normally they come out of their room looking a little different, but she saw them do it once. She was playing dress-up and Nanae has the best jewelry. They have a box full of stuff they said she can use if she’s careful and Anda is always careful. She was in their closet, going through the box when they came in, talking to Mama about...something. She looked up and saw them take off their shirt. They had a bra on like Mama wears, and Ash and Selene. They undid the bra and then they began to change. There was a ripple of magic around them and their chest changed until they almost looked like Aelynthi.
Then their ear twitched and they turned to see her covered in their jewelry.
“Playing dress up again, da’len?” They asked and she nodded, still staring at them.
“Does that hurt?” She blurted and they shook their head.
“No, because I know how to do it correctly.”
“Oh.”
That image stayed with Anda for the last few weeks. She doesn’t know many mages who can do that. She thinks one of Aelynthi and Selene’s friends can do that, but she doesn’t know for sure. Maybe some people are just born with pointy teeth.
She thinks about their Nanae shifting a lot. They said it doesn’t hurt and she knows they do it a lot. Or it seems like a lot. She thinks about her nanae shifting and how her magic is the most like theirs.
Finally, Anda plucks up the courage and locks herself in the bathroom she’s supposed to share with Ash. She climbs up on the counter and stares at herself in the mirror. She needs to pick something to change, something small. So she stares long and hard at herself, picking at herself, trying to think of what will be best to change.
One of her teachers once told her she looks like a doll with her big eyes. Anda doesn’t think she looks like a doll, she’s never seen a doll with horns. Sometimes she sees a doll with elfy ears, but her ears are smaller than her nanae’s and Aelynthi and Selene’s. They’re bigger than Ash’s and Mama’s, though. She’s all in-between, she thinks.
Mama is always saying Anda is so beautiful and pretty. Nanae says it too, but not as much. They say she’s smart and clever and observant. Anda likes to think she’s all of it. She’s elfy and Qunari and smart and pretty and clever and beautiful.
She doesn’t want to change her ears. She likes them, and she thinks it’s a bad idea to try and change her horns. Nanae goes to the salon to get their hair done, so she doesn’t think she can change her hair. She thinks about her nose but remembers that awful game when she was little where adults liked to pretend they stole her nose. She...always believed them and screamed. So no nose. The mouth won’t work either because what if it goes away and she can’t eat? She needs to eat! Mama is making cookies tonight and she wants them.
Anda stares and stares and ah-ha! Eye color. It’s perfect, it’s small and if it won’t go back, she doesn’t think it will be that bad.
She takes a deep breath and leans forward, focusing completely on her eyes. Mama told her that they named her Asaaranda, which means thunderstorm, because of her eyes. She said they reminded Mama and Nanae of a thunderstorm at sea, with the grays and blues and greens all together. They’re nice eyes, if big. She blinks slowly and thinks about her stormy eyes becoming darker, earthier. She imagines them turning brown like her friend’s. She can see it in her mind, the gray-blue-green giving way to brown. Almost like her pupil expanding so that it overtakes her iris.
After she has the picture in her head, Anda brings up her magic. It’s not difficult, her magic is never far away. It feels thick and strong, like syrup. It moves inside her and she feels it tickle her eyes.
She blinks slow and she pauses with her eyes closed and counts to ten, picturing her eyes being brown when she opens them. There is a tingling sensation behind her eyes and when she reaches ten, she cautiously opens her eyes.
Anda screams. It worked! It more than worked, her eyes are now black! As in the entire eyeball! Black! She looks like a demon!
She scrambles away from the mirror and falls off the counter.
“Ah!” She yells as pain shoots through her body as she lands on the tile.
“Asaaranda!” She hears her Nanae yell and then the door is yanked open, the doorknob cracking as it swings into the hallway.
“Nana-a-a-aee!” Anda sobs on the tile.
“Baby what hap - your eyes,” they exclaim, getting on the floor with her and pulling her to them.
“I-I-I wa-a-anted, to, be....li-ike you-u-u,” she cries, gasping as she leans into them. “Maake it go away!”
“Shh, take a deep breath, da’len. It’s okay, shhh,” they whisper, holding her close. “I want you to think about your eyes, your beautiful, green-blue and gray eyes. Do you remember what they look like? Here I have a picture,” they say and somehow pull out their phone and open up the pictures and select one she had taken of herself the other day in one of her outfits.
“See? That’s you. Look at yourself, look at your eyes. It’s working, da’len, the black is going away, keep looking.”
They keep coaching her, telling her to look at the picture and to think about the specific color of her eyes. Her sobs slow and she feels her magic swirl inside of her again. She squinches her eyes shut and when she opens them, Nanae smiles.
“There, back to normal.” They smooth her hair back and she leans into them. She pushes the selfie button on their phone to look at her eyes to see that they are back to normal.
“Did you try to change them on purpose?” Nanae asks and she nods. “You wanted to be like me?” She nods again, feeling a little embarrassed. She really messed this up, didn’t she?
But Nanae just sighs and holds her close, “That is very sweet, da’len.” They kiss the top of her head, “And I am very proud of you for figuring out how to change your eyes on your own, but you need to be careful about shifting. It can really hurt you if you’re not careful.” They pet her hair like they do when she’s woken up from a nightmare and slowly she starts to feel herself relax from the scare of her eyes. But now she feels bad about not being smart and doing something so stupid.
“I’m sorry, Nanae,” she whispers.
“You are a very talented little mage, Asaaranda. I can show you how to safely shift so you you don’t scare yourself or hurt yourself.”
Anda shifts in their lap to look up at them. They’re looking down at her, their silvery eyes all soft and nice.
“I’d like that,” she says.
They smile and kiss her forehead, “Good.”
“Did you scare yourself when you tried it the first time?” She asks and they tilt their head slightly like they do when thinking.
“I have scared myself before. Sometimes your own magic can be scary, that’s why you have teachers who can help make it less scary.”
“Oh.” All calm now, Anda’s mind starts to whirl and questions start to fill her head. She has so many questions now! She wants to ask Nanae about their teachers and what they’ll do first, and how much she’ll have to practice, and -
“Let’s go see if Mama can make the cookies now. Your tummy is about to be very hungry.” They pick her up and start walking down the hall while Anda’s eyes go wide with excitement.
Happy birthday @scurvgirl! I decided to try my hand at interpreting what Asaaranda would look like, so here you go! I hope you like her, and I hope you have a wonderful birthday! <3
1: which OC has the softest hair?Shanedan cuz its really the only part about his appearance that he actually lowkey cares about.
2: which OC spends the most time on their appearance?That honor is occupied by Shanedan, and its exclusively on his hair. He spends at least an hour every night washing and combing his hair (cuz lets be fair, the guy has hair down to his knees, that’s around five feet of hair) and a nice chunk of time in the morning braiding it before wrapping the braid in fabric and then bandaging his throat and his waist over the braid before getting dressed to keep his hair out of the way. Its an ordeal okay?
17: What does your OC(s) smell like?Aether smells like herbal tea, honey, earth, antiseptics, and a very faint smokey undertone.Shanedan smells like clean leather, blood, metal, pine wood, and a little like a fever.Assan smells like sweat, cooked meat, and horses.Tierian smells like armor oil, earth, greenery, tree sap, and clean water (it has a smell okay)Ghalen smelled like clean linens and just blown out candlesSuledin smells like leather and snowErik smells like brandy, hot metal, dirt, and dogsWhisler smells like peaches and laundry soap.Asaaranda smells like old paper, book glue, and spice
Race / Class / Specialisation: Qunari Warrior Berserker and Reaver
Gender Identity: Female
Varric’s Nickname for them: Stormy
Short bio: Here
What would their companion tarot card look like?
Recruitment mission: Capturing lightning
How do you get it? When you first get to Val Royeaux after your confrontation with the chantry clerics you will find a group of guards and ladies gossiping. “I told you this place had gone to the dogs” “First the Grand Duke lets that Ox set up shop in his city now (insert derogatory term fitting Inquisitor here) heretics are claiming to start an inquisition!”
A Dwarf walks past them “Talk talk talk and you people still have no idea what's going on.” She walks past them to the Herald “I'm Veronica Varen With the Silverite Smithery in Verchiel ran by Asaaranda head armorer of Verchiel. We have a business proposal for you inquisition folks. You'll have to come by Verchiel to get in on it though. Moving house is too dangerous in this climate without a solid promise. See you lot when ya do!”
Where? Her recruitment mission takes place in Verchiel.
Description: You come into Verchiel a prosperous city under duke Gaspard. It aesthetically seems to have a heavy leaning towards military power than ornamentation. When you come to the forge you see a tall Qunari woman arguing with some Templars. As you approach you hear the woman say “I've already told you. You can pick up the commissions I've finished and have your investment back on the ones I haven't but I'm not making weapons for either side until this whole mess is cleared up.” The Templars shake their heads and walk off with a cart, a horse, and some weapons.
Where they would be in Skyhold / Haven:
At Haven, they can be found wandering between the mounts and the armory.
In Skyhold she can be found in the blacksmith. She expresses her delight at having a place for herself away from Harret's scrutiny. You can also find Lorin and Veronica wandering around there once you finish her quest.
Getting to know them: in her first couple conversations, you can get to know about her time under the Qun and why she left.
Starting Tarot: The tower- her starting card shows her facing away from a falling Qunari fortress.
Personal quests:
Quest 1: The cry of my people
Quest 2: Forged by storm
Quest 3: Roaring thunder
Small side mission: The cry of my people
Asaaranda asks you if you would be willing to help Vashoth as they are being used as scapegoats in this time full of hysteria. In this mission, you have to find and defend Vashoth being attacked by various people in Crestwood and the hinterlands.
After you get the people down to a low hp there is an option to finish them or try and reason with them. (Does not always guarantee the won't just keep taking and have to be killed anyway)
Asaaranda approves of killing them and highly approves of trying to reason with them.
Companion quest: Forged by Storm
Asaaranda will mention that here is a lack of sophisticated tools at her disposal and that she misses her old forge.
It will also give the option to contact her old crew through the war table which will allow you to go and visit them again reopening her recruitment area. They express interest in where she is now and say that they miss her and things aren't working the same without her even if the pay she sends home is great. You can either ask them for advice or invite them over. (If you invite them they stay here rather than in Val Royeaux and that will grant major approval)
This will unlock a mission to collect stormheart to use in a Skyhold upgrade for her that will give a larger forge and an updated lyrium forge for the tranquil to make more advanced runes.
The effects will be seen on the field. The camps will now have weapon racks and some soldiers will be equipped with enchanted weapons. (Here companions will invite themselves to Skyhold regardless)
Tarot card change: her tarot changes to the star. It shows her forging on an anvil as water flows from her work into a pool.
Romance quest: Roaring thunder
Asaaranda's romance quest is opened after you have flirted with her multiple times and you have gained enough approval.
If you have flirted and managed to gain her approval she will approach you in your quarters. She’ll tell you that one of the “Bas” traditions she had encountered as she left Pa Vollen and traveled through Rivain is the lover's knot. A braided thin cord with two round knots that hold a cutting of the lover's hair intertwined. (She mentions that eyelashes are used as a substitute in case of baldness) Cut into two pieces and wrapped around the lover's wrists. The search ability will alert you of an item to be found. After searching you will find a cutting of her hair left on your bedside table.
Should you accept you will need to get gurgut webbing to create the lover's knot. And then you can invite her out, you will meet her in the Gazebo in the chantry gardens and give her the gift.
Tarot card change: Courage shows her in a flowing dress walking side by side with a Tiger towards a green light with a hand reaching out.
How to get their approval: Straightforward decisions and following through, helping the needy, respecting other traditions, fighting dragons and wyverns, Siding with Briala through Gaspard or just Gaspard
How to get their disapproval: If you say you will do one thing and then do another, claiming to be the Herald, disrespecting people's beliefs and sacred grounds, Siding with Celine
Are they romanceable? Yes
Orientation: Bisexual, likes Non-binary and Female partners.
If you are smaller than her you’re cute. If she likes your personality a lot your attractive and if you can kick ass you’re hot.
Race gate: No race gate
If they can be romanced and are not, will they begin a relationship/relationships with other character(s)? If so, who?
If Leliana was not romanced and is softened Asaaranda will express interest in her and there may be some rumors of courtship happening but Leliana keeps it quiet for the most part. The inquisitor has the choice to encourage and help this pairing or dissuade Asaaranda.
If those conditions are not meet or the inquisitor dissuades her, Asaaranda will begin a romance with Veronica and they will be married in trespasser.
Who are they friendly with?
Cassandra is a close friend, she finds a familiar comfort in her presence and they enjoy the same pass times (yes that includes books)
Varric’s stories become a great escape during even the most grueling of missions and she offers her own back.
Though you might not expect it Vivienne’s Wisdom on magic is greatly valued during this time as she tries to learn more on the subject but is also assured safety as she learns
She respects Blackwalls honor and dedication. She finds his presence to be warm and doesn't mind spending time with him even if just in silence. Her opinion of him does not change after revelations.
Iron Bull (conditional read below) She tries to help him learn how to be a true Tal-Vashoth and the find they have much in common through this.
Who do they dislike?
They dislike The Iron Bull until after his personal quest IF made Tal-Vashoth (then she will become good friends with him). If reaffirmed as a Qunari she refuses to speak to him and avoids him as much as she can.
Sera She doesn't understand how she thinks. If she fights for the “little people” why does that not seem to include those discriminated against like the Dalish, Mages, and those of different religions just because you don’t agree with or like them. She also finds her disrespect infuriating. It doesn't matter if you believe something different, be kind.
Solas’ way that he uses magic and thinks that his casualness should be normal sets her edge. She manages to stand him for the most part. And can be convinced to be more amicable with him.
Mages, Templars, Other?:
Asaaranda will vouch for the Templars as a stronger military force and will admit she knows little to nothing about mages but is wary of it. Regardless of choice, she will give Great approval for free allies and Disapproval for them chained.
Something to make them leave the party: An alliance with the Qun will cause a scene where she will want to leave. Her personal quest will have to be completed and you have to have extremely high approval in order to get her to say.
Special Events:
Imprisoned at Redcliffe: How is your companion holding up in Redcliffe, being slowly infected with red lyrium over the course of a year? When Asaaranda is found she speaks mainly in Qunlat and broken common. She is eager to fight and no longer fears death but instead wants a quick and worthy end.
At the Winter Palace: Does your companion enjoy the party, any special events with them at the Palace?
Asaaranda stays in the trophy room and has a few comments on people whose ornamental weapons and metal works she made. She fiercely supports Gaspard or Briala being put into power behind him. There is a dance scene with her if you are romancing her.
In the Fade: Your companion’s reaction upon entering the Fade? Archdemon’s taunt, and Inquisitor’s response? Epitaph on their grave?
Asaaranda is stoic but a bit freaked out about the place. She checks to make sure everyone is ok and immediately urges to find a way out as quickly as possible.
Asaarandar will mention that the fearlings look like ben-hassrath when the inquisitor brings up the “spiders”.
Her tombstone says “Qamek”
Trespasser: What is your companion up to two years after Corypheus’ defeat? Any special events with them over the events of Trespasser?
Asaaranda has opened a business on the outskirts of the Val Royeaux market. Her now bolstered reputation has made this possible. (More to add later if I feel like it)
Fighting Style
Asaaranda is a Reaver and a Berserker. Her attacks focus on doing as much damage as quickly as possible.
