[I know I said I’m gonna post the codex with a ref sheet, but I’m still working on it as I constantly keep changing the outfits for one reason or another, SO I was going through my inspo folder and ended up doing a Holbein inspired portrait for Cora! The headgear is inspired by Sidony's outfit in Multiplayer.]
Codex entry: Lady Corinna Forsythia
Nightingale,
I received your message just as I was about to leave, so this is scribbled in great haste, but I will try to provide as much of what I remember of Lady Corinna. Because she left Cumberland quite young there isn’t much, though I’m hopeful to expand the knowledge to your satisfaction as soon as I had returned from my travels. I haven’t visited Duchess Amalia for a while and her daughter joining the Inquisition will be a reason enticing enough.
Cora’s talent for magic had manifested very early, she was conscripted to the Circle in Cumberland at twelve, I think, but was soon whisked abroad because of an self-inflicted accident involving the static cage spell, which left her temporarily paralyzed in her left arm and prone to bouts of melancholy. An awful business, really, the scar she is left with is hideous as you have sure noticed. Whether the trauma is ongoing, I do not know.
She traveled to Tevinter with Speaker Rodomonte van Heigl, who was formally invited by the family Pavus to train their son in Necromancy--this is how she came to meet the son, eventually (van Heigl is a senior member now, a good friend of the prelate and a guest to King Markus’ court, should you ever wish to contact him). Because she left the Circle early, she trained in the secrets of the Mortalitasi with van Heigl, which I understand is unusual, but not unheard of. She finished her studies later the traditional way under Master Anaxas, the great-great-grandfather to dear Sandral--or his spirit anyway, I won’t delve into the details of how this works, it makes my hair stand on end. Except for her magic, from what I hear she is also a skilled player of the Grand Game.
Now, why she remained in Qarinus and later Minrathous even after van Heigl’s departure, and remains at the young Pavus’ side to this day is nothing short of a mystery to me. From what I gather she still acts as an official advisor to him and as Emissary to the order, so her main agenda should be diplomatic work. What the Death Mages may want with the Inquisition remains an open question, though perhaps it has something to do with The Breach itself. If I may, I advise you to keep an eye on her research, especially on any mentions of spellbinding.
Her relationship with the family is quite strained--they still feel embarrassment over the weak willpower that caused her accident, but in public they proud themselves greatly in having a Death Mage in the family as there has not been one on Amalia’s side for two generations (her mother’s side are mostly merchants). She wants nothing to do with their hypocrisy. But this is nothing new, estrangement seems to be quite popular with the youngest members of the Forsythia clan: ask your people, I believe they had some dealings with Corinna’s cousin, Tessa.
To sum up--Corinna could be a formidable ally, specifically in regard to what she may know of The Fade through the teachings of her order. Do approach her with caution though, the Death Mages are not only extremely dangerous, but also well connected and notorious for their political power plays, and all things considered she might be there only to seek personal advantage. I will find more later if time allows. Much love, J.
-- A letter found in a locked compartment of Sister Leliana’s desk
