#keeper dalish

[taschaka-blog]

I'm continuing to draw in a limited color palette. I'm also exploring static composition and the use of ornamentation. But I'm trying to stay within the confines of my style, simply expanding my visual language. I'll also try to draw more narrative compositions in this technique.

A continuation of

(apparently there will be a series provisionally titled "Defenders of the People"). These are portraits.

This is an attempt at elven (Dalish) iconography after DAV. Or rather, instead of DAV.

My slightly (or not so slightly) alternate universe. The sphere was preserved. I know nothing about any dagger. Lavellan and Solas work together.

My Lavellan is a mage. I like the Dalish Keeper magic from the first two Dragon Age games. So I wanted to draw her Magic as Keeper's magic. There's also a reference to Vhenadahl, as the Tree of the People. Lavellan, as a Keeper.

Her costume is a fantasy of what a Dalish costume might look like in civilian life. It's unlikely they wore armor the whole time.

And yes, Theneras Lavellan does possess Dalish Keeper magic. She is still the first of her clan. So when Solas says that the Dalish have finally figured something out and let's grow a tree, Theneras grows a tree for him.

I think all the Keeper magic, Dalish secrets, and rituals alluded to in both the first and second games have been undeservedly forgotten.

[taschaka-blog]

I continue to paint in a limited color palette. At the same time, I'm exploring static composition and the use of ornament. But I'm trying to stay within the confines of my style, simply expanding my visual language.

Solavellan again!

This is an attempt at elven iconography after DAV (and although for me, the removal of the veil is canon). But in any case, I think Solas and Lavellan would have received divine significance in Dalish culture. My Lavellan doesn't like all this. And Theneras especially doesn't like this icon. Because my Lavellan is actually tall. And here she's depicted much shorter than Solas. (Although I simply wanted him to rest his head on hers (and compositionally, it looks good. Solas looks protective of his vhenan). And Solas likes another image created by Dalish, where Lavellan is depicted sitting on a wolf.

And certainly, Solas smugly thinks his frescoes are better.

[taschaka-blog]

A sketch of my Lavelan. Theneras Lavellan.

And reflections on a summer suit. I still think a Dalish should have lots of jewelry, and lots of layers in her suit. And definitely scarves, shawls, and so on.

And I really like the brief descriptions of dalish Keeper magic we find. There's the control of plants, and apparently animals. And the levitation of objects. And the Keeper could ask the trees to part for aravel, hiding their tracks And the trace of aravel. And the mysterious ritual that sent Hawke into the Fade. Dalish Keepers are clearly powerful mages with their own secrets. Even if they don't have the big words and scientific justifications.

Although Theneras sometimes felt inadequate in the Inquisition, because she cast spells as the Fade whispered to her, the most harmonious, the most comfortable. A everyone around her knew so many big words. Although the result is more important, she thought. And there are different approaches. Unlike human mages, she didn't force the Fade and the world to follow her orders. She asked, and the world and the fade gladly granted her request. After all, elves are magic and spirit.

The human approach to studying magic didn't appeal to her and wasn't relatable. But she had Solas and her dreams.

[taschaka-blog]

Theneras Lavellan.

Thoughts on Dalish clothing.

Still, the Keeper chainmail armor from Dai seems questionable to me as a clothing option for mages. Besides, it's unlikely that elves would wear armor all the time in their camp. Leather clothing is also more comfortable for hunting, rather than armor with metal elements.

I think Dalish should wear all sorts of braided hairstyles. Or shaved sides and a braid. Dreadlocks. Braided hair gets less and stays clean longer. Hair braided into a braid will look clean for a very long time. . Ribbons and leather cords make braids stronger. You can braid multiple braids and then gather them into a bun. After all, the Dalish lifestyle doesn't allow for daily hair washing.

Cloaks. A cloak is essential. It provides warmth and can serve as a blanket. For winter, fur-lined cloaks are ideal, of course. Fur, feathers, leather, ironwood, wood, horns, and bones are clearly the main materials for clothing and jewelry.

Fabrics are most likely knitted, woven from wool. Can halla be sheared? Cloth are bartered with humans and city elves, just as the Dalish barter for metal products.

I think the Dalish likely have established trade with the city elves.

Layered clothing is more practical because it's warmer and more comfortable.

Furthermore, I think Dalish clothing should be decorated with embroidery, appliqué, and beadwork. Dalish Do not have the opportunity to make frescoes and mosaics, Because they have no walls, but they can tell stories of the people and their own personal stories—on their clothing, blankets and cloaks, and on the sails and wagons of the Aravel. These are the same geometric motifs and ornaments that adorn the frescoes and architecture of the ancient elves. For Theneras, I used the Vhenadahl motif. Ceremonial And festive robes, cloaks, and blankets are likely passed down to future generations.

And a lot of jewelry. But how much is up to each elf to decide for themselves.