Dragon Age Inquisition - Why You Should LET CELENE DIE

[@knightzer0fy]

What I love about the three-way peace is the inquisitor's third final response, in which they basically tell the three, "I beat you in your own game, you all work for me now."

[@finchblue7322]

for sure. My Inquisitor is an estranged Trevelyan, but I imagine that for an elf, dwarf, or Qunari inquisitor, it would be the same: Having this inquisitor that no one suspects to be any good at the Game beating three (+Florianne) of the most powerful manipulators in it, is just glorious. Especially when you choose dialogue options that absolutely rub their faces in it (ie. "Smile, Florianne. this is your party. You wouldn't want them to think you've lost control")

[@AStrangeWindmill]

@@finchblue7322 honestly, doing that shit as a qunari was one of the most "power move" things I've seen in a game. Like, half the country barely believes you are sapient, but you're running the fuck out of their whole political system.

[@B-rex395]

Same

[@kamarreingram5045]

@@AStrangeWindmill same I managed to do that with my qunari after I heard them insult me I had the biggest grin when I outplayed them all

[@archiwistykaumk5182]

I want choice this to but my qunari inquisitor who is andriastan neofit who is not sure did he is champion of god but really want this be true, never told such thing. I must choose ,,If you work together you create strong and good Orlais" or something like that.

[@npc6254]

I love the ending where the inquisitor makes a a bitch out of all three leaders. I didn’t even know it existed until I looked up all the endings of this quest.

[@narutorasbat]

One thing to remember is that in the event that the player disbands the Inquisition then there's literally nothing stopping Gaspard from moving against Briala.

[@Ghilannugs]

My fave choice is making Briala rule through Gaspard (though I tend to let Celene live just bcus it feels icky to let her die), but I also like disbanding the Inquisition, and maaan this is such a good point

[@afgusti4269]

I disagree simply because brialaa is a very resourceful woman. Had the inquisitor not intervened she would have probably made her move. The only piece against her Gaspard has is the one you give him

[@user-oi5eo6mv9i]

​@@afgusti4269 Briala lost all her Eluvian network, Inquisition support too. And her blackmail is only good until Gaspard cares about it or until Orlesian Nobles finally fed up with her policies. Besides Gaspard is 67 in DAI. I wonder how long he'll last This choice is the most unstable

[@Paradox-es3bl]

You think Briala couldn't just puppeteer the next ruler? She's played "the game" for long enough and is at least somewhat competent at it... and an elf. She could be the puppet master behind the throne for centuries, theoretically.

[@user-oi5eo6mv9i]

@@Paradox-es3bl For centuries? She'll die before that, elves aren't long-living at this age, their lifespan is like human Besides all the next emperors/empresses would also play the game and there's a decent chance they'll be better than Briala at it. Also the only reason Briala can be puppeteer is because Inquisitior found blackmail and presented it to her on silver platter, not because of her own accomplishments

[@busanikingz3453]

Putting Gaspard on the throne is only good for Orlais. The problem about this choice is that Gaspard has tyranny traits and will eventually begin his expansion campaign and invade Ferelden and other neighbors which is bad because he's going to introduce instability in the south and make it vulnerable against threats like tevinter and the Qun. If the south of Thedas wants peace than Celene or the three of them working together is the best option for both Orlais and it's neighbors.

[@warallied]

Not exactly true. He's the only leader who settle any dispute with Ferelden BUT the nobles of Orlais do want Drakon's expansion years back. The distinction is that altho she is diplomatic and she wants peace - the game let us know clearly that Orlais will be more unstable, weaker and less united. Its a bit like the Belhen and Harrowmont choice. Trade offs and pros/cons.

[@santiagopersona6743]

Yes but Briola is an elf, so she is going to support Solas lol

[@woon5595]

In my walkthrough he send his army towards Tevinter Imperium after peace talk between orlais and ferelden

[@Ghilannugs]

@@santiagopersona6743 Doubt it, there are MANY reasons why Briala would not support Solas. He's already opposed her TWICE

[@leonardomarquesbellini]

But it's a mistake to believe all southern nations are equivalent, given how overwhelmingly powerful Orlais was just a few decades before Origins a strong Orlaisian Empire might as well be synonymous with a strong Southern Thedas.

[@BHRamsay]

I go for Briala and Celene working together, Imperial support for the Inquisition remains strong and the reward is an additional skill point which, depending upon when you do the Winter Palace, can allow your Specialized Inquisitor to start effectively one-shotting high dragons. (Not hyperbole if you're playing as a Knight-Enchanter) Yes it is a toxic relationship but they're still going strong years later at the Conclave so toxic or no they're clearly having a lot of fun.

[@ryhi5]

I agree. It’s the only Celene outcome that’s actually a good choice Not that any of the Pro-Briala choices are going to matter since Solas takes control of the Eluvian network away from her and most of the city elves join up with him leaving Briala with literally nothing

[@ConnorLonergan]

@@ryhi5 Nope. Yes, many elves did join Solas, but it was not the vast majority, and certainly not at a level for Briala to no longer have a spy network.

[@ryhi5]

@@ConnorLonergan Trespasser Epilogue wasn’t specific with just how many elves joined Solas. It didn’t specifically mention elves working for Briala joined Solas but I imagine it was a significant number. If Solas was smart, he Would turn Brialas spies against her without her even realizing it. The important thing is the eluvian network. Briala used to have control over it in Masked Empire and she’s crippled without it

[@ConnorLonergan]

@@ryhi5 Yes it wasn't specific but it would be rather silly for the amount to be at the scale as said here. Sure taking over the whole network would be a good idea, but Briala is not a threat or obstacle to Soals' plans so no need to bother about it. Yes Briala now no longer has the Eluvian network, but it's loss is not that cripling. She just now has to use conventional means to operate, and she knows how to do just that.

[@ryhi5]

@@ConnorLonergan maybe so, but I don’t exactly have any faith in her. Just like the video suggested, if she’s Gaspards puppet master then she’s not going to have control over him forever. If she rekindles her relationship with Celene then she’ll last a lot longer but who’s to say they won’t start fighting again?

[@raikiri23]

I don't think in all my playthroughs of Inquisition, that I've ever actually done the Florianne boss fight. I've always either exposed her and had Celene rule, or done the three way peace

[@gzapray7203]

You missed the best judgment ever then. XD

[@H3lios227]

Nobody expects the inquisition!!

[@ryanraju6774]

Especially not the Andraste Inqusition

[@Kilo_23]

Nobody expects the secret quanari inquisition who have infiltrated the Inquisition INQUISITION!!

[@heavenlyking8386]

@@ryanraju6774 Nobody ever does

[@thirdcoastfirebird]

Well the Man In the Iron Mask did, and see what happens there....

[@Skijaramaz]

Reminds me of an idea I had to do a playthrough of this game, but have the voice over dub be set to Spanish for the entire run through, without telling anyone, leaving any indications that it'd gonna be like that, or at all acting like it was out of the ordinary in gameplay. No one expects the spanish-dubbed inquisition!

[@fenrirwolf7238]

The only issue I have with this arrangement is that with Gaspard on the throne of Orlais, means war with both Ferelden and Nevarra in the long run. Even if Celene’s or both Briala’s and Celene’s rule doesn’t support the Inquisiton aa much as Gaspard would, you would still avoid 2 wars once Corypheus dies 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Fortify2030]

If you do peace treaty table operations, then Gaspard starts a war with Tevinter 🤷‍♂️ No one cares for Tevinter

[@EmoBearRights]

My idea with the three way compromise is that the Inquisition could continue to influence Orlais even after the ball and curtail the worse excesses of all three of them. I find it extremely ironic that the two people within your party who Stan for Gaspard are the Nevaran and the Ferelden because Gaspard will come for their countries especially since they have looming succession crises too as none of the people either on the thrones or in line to them have any kids to inherit them. Nevarrans is pretty imminent as the current ruler and the younger brother he came as his successor are both old and there are a lot of other people with a claim.

[@TheRagingStorm98]

This was quite literally my concern. Gaspard makes it quite clear he will expand the empire. He makes it very clear fereldan will be a target. And man even with Alistair and anora, yeah I wouldn't fancy the chances of fereldan. Then their nervara, which and I might be wrong here, has frequent border skirmishes or is at war with tevinter during inquisition. Been years since I played inquisition. But I remember nervara appearing in war table missions and you have to assist them. Soo yeah when gaspard makes it so clear to you that, he will just steam role these two neighbour nations. It makes picking him seem a very bad option long term. Who's to say he doesn't go after some free marcher cities next? The only way a gaspard outcome works is he then has enough might to challenge tevinter after these conquests. Hence another exalted march is called against the imperium. Gaspard is just bad all around I find even if you as the inquisitor get more direct support.

[@Paradox-es3bl]

But what if you properly disband the Inquisition, as you should, after it has served its purpose?

[@Ryanfinder226]

I always go for a three way peace. It is best for me as a power hungry inquisitor. The blackmail puts all three in my pocket while also giving me the advantage of each three undermining each other’s ability to gain enough power to ever throw off my inquisitorial chains.

[@Ranger881]

I did this too for the exact same reasons, but also to rub it in their faces that I'm a Dalish elf who's superior to them in every concievable way.

[@liesdamnlies3372]

@@Ranger881 That’s the best possible reason, right there. The irony is beautiful.

[@amadeus3263]

I did it for the opposite reasons for me the elf is a great spy master the dude is a great general and the blue dress noble is great at ruling even though they have qualms against each other they are great in their respective fields and a more powerful ally to have backing the inquisition

[@olaczyz6]

I always pick Celene because that’s what is best for Ferelden. Also I strongly dislike Orlais, the whole political climate of the place and don’t care If they perish. 😅

[@BigR62]

I can't stand how they talk.

[@TheDarkRaven]

Yes, that's why I always pick Celene too. She's the weakest candidate against Ferelden.

[@DevilfishFace]

So you let the person who created that political climate rule?

[@akchilov]

if you truly dislike orlais, you should let the three arguing, and new civil war and elves rebellion are on the way

[@haydennoble9253]

Fereldan are uncultured swine.

[@ZrodyApo]

I did this in my first playthrough, then put Gaspard a puppet for Briala because I was playing an elf. Gaspard as sole emperor also is a great choice too. For Orlais at least, not so much for their neighbors

[@Libanoni974]

As a French and bc Orlaïs is basicaly France, i like when Gaspard became the new Emperor FOR ZE GLORY OF THE ORLIZIAN EMPIRE !

[@racheljohnson9480]

Or the elves in Orlais. Honestly, I pick whatever's good for mages, elves, and the lower classes in these games. Fuck the nobility.

[@Fenrispro]

How to do that

[@efaristi9737]

@@Libanoni974 It's based on France?

[@BigBlackGlock]

@@efaristi9737 Does the accent not make that obvious? Ferelden is basically England, Orlais is France.

[@pedrohmorales1896]

Most of the times I let Celene die and make Gaspard Briala’s puppet, because as Cullen said, she led Orlais to this point, while elfs die, farmes starve and assassins kill, Celene was worried about the game and the nobility, she was not a great leader, I did not want to kill her but maybe it was for the best

[@Daelyah]

After what she did to Briala's parents and alienage, though, fuck Celine. With an arrow, to the face. À la Sera, if possible.

[@afgusti4269]

She is a great "orlesian" leader. Because she did exactly what orlesians leaders are expected to do. Except drakon I don't think orlaus ever had a benevolent leader

[@mickeyveach3612]

After reading the Masked Empire, having Celene and Briala rule jointly feels even more disgusting.

[@DOOMSDAY500]

Why is that?

[@lizd2943]

@@DOOMSDAY500 On top of killing Briala's parents, she lied to her about it for years while still sleeping with her.

[@brandonvandijk5736]

@Ethan Schultz ah so Celene must die now in all my campaigns

[@teoadventures2564]

It's worth the extra skill point lol

[@mattrichard3383]

@@teoadventures2564 yes, but you know you can infinity skill points right?

[@ohauss]

The argument that having a military leader on the throne is good for the inquisition's fight against Corypheus is short-sighted. Leaders like Gaspard need an enemy to fight. The moment Corypheus is gone, he'll look for another one, meaning continued, incessant warfare.

[@pbonfanti]

It is good for the campaign, not so good for the aftermath.

[@efaristi9737]

Very true but it also depends if your Inquisitor care about the other nations. I mean, saving the world is saving yourself, it's not the same as "oh no, two kingdoms are going into conquest war". It's way less personnal.

[@Alexor715]

True. But the Inquisition should be a non-political organisation (same as the Grey Wardens, Seekers, Templars, Circles...). The purpose of Inquisition is to fight a "tyranny of magic" threats (the Breach in this case). Not to meddle with politics and plan how the borders of kingdoms should change in the future.

[@jordanrobinson5346]

Celene isn’t a bad leader or bad stateswoman. She politically outmaneuvered Gaspard for the throne at SIXTEEN YRS OLD, almost forged an alliance with Ferelden until Loghain started the coup and killed King Calin, and brought a renaissance age to Orlais. She’s the best person to have on the throne period. Gaspard will destabilize the south trying to retake Ferelden as well as conquer Nevarra. There is no logical reason for letting Celene die…unless u just wanna see what’ll happen

[@squares4u]

Not really. In the epilogue, it can state that Celene forgets about her promises to the Inquisition. She’s more interested in playing “The Game” then actually ruling. Briala or Gaspard are far more effective rulers. Gaspard keeps his promises too, he’s a real bro to the inquisition, so that’s a point in his favor.

[@jordanrobinson5346]

@@squares4u No, not really. I just checked the epilogues wiki to be sure. It can say the same exact thing for Gaspard, it all depends on ur court approval and war table ops. None of them are ideal rulers on their own, so it makes more sense to have them work together. Celene handles politics, Gaspard focuses on Orlais’ military, and Briala deals with espionage and rallies the Orlesian elves behind the empire.

[@ohauss]

@@squares4u As if Gaspard was interested in ruling. The only thing about ruling he's interested in is the ability to fight wars. And wars he'll have. But as Sun Tsu said "No country has ever profited from protracted warfare" As Sun Tsu continues, " The greatest achievement is to win without fighting, to convince the enemy's forces to yield or switch sides rather than be annihilated." That's playing the Game

[@deckardshaw6696]

​@@jordanrobinson5346You're right, except for the fact that making those 3 "work together" will cause another civil war. The best option is still to let Celene rule alone, even though she's not a good person

[@jordanrobinson5346]

@@deckardshaw6696having just one of them rule by themselves is the surest way to get another civil war. The Chevalier’s are fiercely loyal to Gaspard, If Celene stays on the throne or teams up with Briala, what’s to stop them from avenging their duke? If Gaspard is on the throne by himself, the man would be too focused on conquering lost territories from Orlais’ golden age instead of governing. He’d be more interested in his own glory to resemble his ancestor Emperor Drakon and leave himself as well as Orlais vulnerable to political manipulation. And if Briala was put in charge with Gaspard as her puppet…the nobility would burn the empire to the ground if they discovered that they were being governed by an elf. The 3 of them working together is the best scenario period. Especially with a divine like Cassandra or Leliana to keep them in line.

[@sagelion5279]

After reading book 4, “The Masked Empire” I can never do this quest without letting Celene die anymore. Out of the three, she is the most vile imo. She suggested sleeping with/marrying Gaspard to joint rule in the beginning (and even he was like, “ew cuz, no.” lol) and then all the messed up stuff she did to Briala and her family in her growing lust for power. When the whole crew was stuck in that wacky Eluvian trek at the end, I was like, “don’t worry, Inquisitor is coming to liberate you of this woman!” She was the most manipulative and twisted to me. Just icky all-around. I really grew to like Gaspard and Briala throughout the story. But yeah, everyone should take the time to read this book, I feel it’s really great to build your knowledge/personal feelings on these three characters…I mean the first 4 books are all great for learning more about the respective characters/motivations, really.

[@silverpyro19]

I am of the opinion that the tie-in books The Stolen Throne and The Masked Empire are good evidence on why Gaspard should not be on the throne. I personally want some semblance of Briala present because of the events of The Masked Empire.

[@kevind3974]

But if briala wins she will never actual get the thrown wich is so annoying as the best actual candidate cant ever rule without celine as all three or gaspard will end with her most death most likely. It’s a trick just like ogramar was with haymond. Such a better choice at the time but in the long run HU boy dos he Suck balls and he gets himself killed before accomplishing anything

[@silverpyro19]

@@kevind3974 ya Gaspard would run Orlais back into the warmonger empire of its previous (pre-Celene) monarchy and I think would honestly weaken the country defensively

[@TheDracoNite]

Personally I prefer Gaspard ruling alone, but in my first playthrough back in 2016 i opted for the public truce. I hope this choice has somewhat of an impact in dreadwolf and isnt completely forgotten about.

[@ConnorLonergan]

It will be. And mostly because we are going to Tevinter, where the decision should not have much if any impact

[@davido.1233]

I'm surprised that the two guards on the balcony don't try to stop Florienne.

[@Trialwolf]

Hate this mission, more though how it exposes human weakness were power can blind people or push them to do horrible things for personal ambition. None of the choices are really suitable in the long wrong: - Gaspard would be good for wartime but in peace would grow restless as he has shown to be hostile when without a challenge. - Celene is weak as a wartime leader but her plans for peace are ambitious, those are nice ideals but she would be a more suitable ambassador than a ruler. - Briala again has commendable goals to help free her people but it is clear that she is blinded to the big picture, has harmed her own people, and clearly has her own ambitions. Shame there was no option to get them to work together as they could keep each other in check so one does not try to over reach on the political stage and then use there skills regardless if it is war or peace time or if racial tensions are flaring.

[@AlTariqLuqmanMuhammad]

Don't know if that last sentence is being ironic or not, but you can blackmail all three of them to work together if your court approval is high enough.

[@Trialwolf]

@@AlTariqLuqmanMuhammad Never had that pop up, I have gotten court approval up to 100 and was able to get the passive ending to the event avoiding the boss fight, I have gotten Celene and Briala to work together but never all three, Gaspard was always removed.

[@JayJay2515]

@@Trialwolf you have to find 5 halla statues and find the dude who’s tied up in Celene’s bed that way you can blackmail all 3

[@ConnorLonergan]

I'm guessing you did not watch this whole video because the being mentions about the option to get all three to work together (or at least to keep the knives under the table.)

[@Trialwolf]

@@ConnorLonergan Actually I'm in an odd spot. I watched the whole video, I will admit I got distracted by a text at the beginning so when re-watching I caught the sentence I missed.

[@OddsterVal]

I can never in good conscience as an elf in every game put Gaspard on the throne. Celene is too wishy washy and Gaspard is a tyrant in the making. Briala ruling through Gaspard maybe the best option for elves in general. I’m getting real sick of elves getting fucked over at every turn 😅

[@sirpotatolord2219]

in every playthrough i generally support gaspard for ruler, celene is a wishy washy noble with very little real power and brialla is volatile at best, gaspard may not be much for orlesian subtly but he is trustworthy, a capable leader and not afraid to stand up to a challenge making him an extremely valuable asset.

[@Nempo13]

Will also most definately attack his neighbors to expand orlais

[@kevind3974]

@@Nempo13 you mean dos. He dos attack his neighbors almost instently to

[@mc_rysiek5277]

Forcing the truce between those three is my favorite outcome, simply because I like to rub in their smug faces the fact they've been outplayed. Is it petty? Yes. Do I care? Nope xD Other than that, I do agree Gaspard is the best option as a sole ruler. He's by far the most qualified to address the Corypheus situation, and bring a lasting change to Orlais by getting rid of the Great Game. Celine's indecisiveness and incompetence put Orlais in its current situation. And I'm pretty sure that in /The Masked Empire/ novel, Gaspard offered to resolve this whole mess via marriage and she refused out of sheer vanity.

[@joshofthewilds7265]

That's a weird way to refer to incest (which regardless of if it's normal in Orlais there's plenty of reasons why she wouldn't want to marry him). But also Orlais has been in a bad spot years before Celene ascended due to the consequences of them losing the war (especially once Nevarra joined in). Celene is not why things are a mess; it's made explicitly clear in the game and especially in The Masked Empire that Celene has actually generally been turning things around. She hasn't been on the throne for long enough to have fixed anything, but it's clear she's more than competent at being the leader Orlais needs.

[@inwus4359]

@@joshofthewilds7265 don’t you know every female rulers are always bad? I mean Gaspard is literally a Tyrant and know nothing about ruling but somehow this guy tell you he is more competent and blame Celene for everything despite the game making clear it was a mess way before her…

[@maximilianvatteroth1604]

Oh God, how have I never noticed how huge Gaspards earlobes are?

[@Gangerworld]

I strongly disagree that negotiating a peace and "joint rule" between Gaspar, Celene and Briala is the technically "best" outcome. In fact, I think it's a trap. *Nothing* changes. I don't even think Briala comes out publicly as a part of this new order but works it from behind the scenes With Briala ruling behind the scenes it's like you said - countdown to the next bloody civil war. No good. Gaspard rules, countdown to the next war with Ferelden and wherever else. No good. Celene alive means the status quo keeps going - which in this case is a good thing as it means fewer wars, and Briala out as a Marquis means *something* for the elves... but change comes slowly still. It's the crappy status quo but in this case it means fewer wars which is unquestionably better than more wars. And yeah the Inquisition doesn't get as much muscle for its army from Celene as Gaspard, but the Inquisition is doing fine in that regard. Best outcome isn't to kill Celene, but to reconcile her and Briala and have Gaspard executed for treason. Briala comes out, clearly, as a new Orlesean Noble. Not to mention, with Celene alive and Floreane captured, you get arguably the best head gear in the game so... nuff said.

[@kevind3974]

It is a trap. The games post credit proves it. Shit falls apart almost instently

[@nycto5335]

Gaspards pro-war stuff always shoots him down as an option for me. The most I do is have him as a puppet ruler sometimes but never alone. Usually I go for Celene + Briala despite reading the book. My characters also usually don't like the idea of Orlais getting a lot of influence and being open to the idea of war/expansion. Which again is another reason to not chose Gaspard for me. High court approval keeps Celene and the Court happy and warm to the Inquisiton. The only character I played that chose Gaspard was one solely focused on Coryphenus and concluded Gaspard would be the better tool for the job. This character had little concern for many political aspects in the decision. While I like the idea of drastic progress when it comes to elf rights in Orlais having Briala as a puppetmaster is not stable. If a noble found out the Emepror was a puppet to an elf shit would hit the fan hard. And yeah it can only last for so long.

[@DonnieSpill]

@5:05 Love how the guards just stands there as their Empress' assassin flees

[@richardalex4516]

lmao hey guys keep up the good work

[@VAustin89]

But I like Celene eating right from the Inquisitors hand, siding with Briala only makes sense if you play as a rebellious elf. My first play through I had Gaspard rule Orlais and Celene die.

[@jamisonfrey3452]

I just did this mission yesterday. I put Gasbutt on the throne. Yes, I know what his real name is, but he'll always be Emperor Gasbutt to me.

[@ReplicatorFifth]

I always do gaspard with briala as the power behind the throne. Though after trespasser I think leaving briala out would be best…

[@moonyarrow]

No ones else said it , but youuu did !

[@afgusti4269]

Nah, i don't think briala is on solas' side. After all solas takes the Eluvians away from her, so it's probable she doesn't agree with solas' views.

[@moonyarrow]

I think leliana, or someone exposed briala as an agent of fen'harel.

[@wintertrooper7918]

​@@moonyarrow Briana was never an agent for solas he opposed her

[@moonyarrow]

@@wintertrooper7918 true, eluvians were taken from her. She at least knows about it :)

[@keiyangoshin3650]

Let her die? Well yes. Just need to chose when. The first, the second or the third play-through. Or forth or fifth depending on how many romances you’re working on. 😁

[@JamesCourse66]

I disagree with the premise. Celene is very good ruler. She has successfully held her throne for like 20 years- in Orlesian Game that’s impressive. She has used the lawful yet cunning tactics to keep power. Because Gaspard had a better claim and is bull in a China shop he becomes her enemy. However, Celene had already BEAT Gaspard during the night, remember? She outsmarted the mercenary and was going to choose when to publicly condemn Gaspard to death. This itself proves Celene is a superior Orlesian ruler. As we are frequently told any leader who tries to break the Game just becomes a casualty, even former emperors. Gaspard saying he will just change it is extremely naive and shows he doesn’t even understand his own country’s politics. Next: Florianne tricked everyone. It isn’t fair to say she is a terrible leader when us, Briala, Celene, even her own brother could not know she sided with an ancient Tevinter magister. That out of the way, Gaspard will go to war soon. That is not what the world needs. The South needs to be as strong and settled as possible to fight any new conflict. Celene has the respect of the majority of Orlesians and focuses on peace. She is in many ways Thedas’ version of Queen Elizabeth I. I always choose her as sole ruler.

[@Gabor-92]

A great ruler of course😅, he let tens of thousands die and letting elves be slaughtered just because he loves the Orlesian game, the only reason I didn't let him be killed is because if Gaspard rules it means war for Ferlenden.

[@morgantollhall]

Why not Celene/Briala? Why not have someone who will keep her accountable for the welfare of the elves?

[@JamesCourse66]

@@morgantollhall Because I have sneaking suspicion that it will be a “give a little, they demand even more” situation. The epilogue also ominously foreshadows a conflict even in the “best” ending with those two: “… everyone wonder show long their reunion will truly last.” Because it won’t.

[@morgantollhall]

@@JamesCourse66 Fair enough, I feel like they try to add a line about things potentially going wrong in pretty much every choice, so they can do what they’re going to do regardless of what the player chose. I think it would be good if the elves did demand more. If things absolutely have to get chaotic or violent for that, better than injustice without end. Briala-Gaspard is my second favorite choice for that reason. However, as long as they are moving forward, one also wants to maximize chances of those changes actually being productive, not harming the elves with a backlash, being peaceful, etc, even if that means slower change.

[@pativi6643]

She isn't a great ruler, she is great at playing the game of nobility, intrigue and deception. Beating Gaspard doesn't make her a superior ruler. The common people still suffer. She burned an elven alienage just to get a point across. What kind of ruler is this? The fate of people isn't getting better. She just can hold the power.

[@Jeezes718]

My issue with Gaspard is he wants to retake fereldan. In all side material he is openly vocal about this. Celine could be better for sure, but as soon as corypheus is taken care of and the chantry dissolves the inquisition all he wants it war and conquest. His one night of denying his desire to retake fereldan fall flat compared to the decades of saying otherwise. So for me it comes down to, he may help sure, but what about afterwards? Celine proved she wants to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring nations, she is simply too caught up in the game. Gaspard will inevitably come back to bite you in the ass.

[@Mitsu2040]

I agree that Celene is not fit to rule as she had been for all the reasons you mentioned. However, I have to disagree that Gaspard ruling alone would be the best choice. While Celene had been lax with the elves, Gaspard would put them down definitively. See how he keeps referring to Briala as "rabbit", a slur for elves. Also, his pitch for power is that he will re-conquer Ferelden. Siding with him is siding with war. One of your points against Celene is that she didn't see through Floriance's deception--well, neither did Gaspard, her own brother. Celene may "grow cold" towards the Inquisition but--spoiler alert--the Inquisition is forced to disband regardless so it doesn't matter. As for all three ruling together, it is merely a pause in the conflict, not a resolution. One of the two has to die in order to put an end to the civil war for good. Briala ruling through Gaspard is fine but like you stated it cannot last forever. That's why my ultimate choice is to kill Gaspard, and let Celene rule with Briala by her side (reconciled). What makes this any different than Briala ruling through Gaspard? She has an advantage because of Celene's feelings for her, which would hopefully make things better for the elves in the long term (even if not permanent).

[@kevind3974]

Shu hes not playing the game right let him believe in his delusions. He did the same thing with haymond ruling orgramar. Such a better choice right. No, no hes not. Your playing the game right. You play this game for the future not the now

[@dolphinoegglet7263]

Are we all forgetting that in the alt future where corpheyus wins, its predicated on Celine dying? I imagine the threatof an unstable Orlais continues even if the inquisitor wins.

[@loonyman83]

Deciding the fate of Florianne at Skyhold trumps all of your points lol. Love making her the new jester.

[@Sifya]

And remember it is the only thing every companions agree!

[@RRC904]

The part about Celene being a bad ruler is blatantly untrue. Celene has been lauded as the 'saviour' of Orlais since basically DAO, because when she ascended to the throne she managed to turn it from the crapper that Florian - the previous ruler - left it and managed to actually right the country in more ways than one and even inspiring a cultural and intellectual revolution in Orlais. Celene has actually done more for the elves than almost anyone currently living; she allows them into the university and allows them to sell their wares in the same place that the humans do, and has encouraged a more gentle way of treating them. More, Orlais wasn't weak when Gaspard attacked, Orlais has never been as strong and prosperous as when Celene was leading it, and Gaspard needed Orlais to be going through 2 Major Crisis - the mage rebellion and an elven rebellion, none of which are actually Celene's fault - to even get a foothold to mount his rebellion. Celene is many things, and there are valid reasons to want her off the throne, but her being a Bad Ruler is not one them. Also, the Truce is actually the worst possible result for Orlais. With that you solved nothing, it is heavily implied that as soon as Corypheus is defeated they go right back to being at each other's throats. The best options are Solo!Gaspard or a Solo!Celene, with Celene-Briala being a strong second.

[@StonedHunter]

Ya my issue with Gaspard is he's too much of a power grabber for me to ever trust on the thrown even with Briala. I don't like overly militaristic people in general and don't ever believe they should be in charge. I like Celene and Briala together because to me it feels like Celene especially had a bit of a wake up and that with the Inquisitor's help the pair can actually start putting in the changes they agree on.

[@henrymcbark7337]

I will be honest, I've set it up many times that I can bring peace to the three... But I mostly end up with Gaspard rule. He seems like the best option.

[@monkekun3033]

Gaspard is the based choice

[@pamjarvis2318]

Depends on my romance partner's own opinions on the matter and my own personal mood in my final decision on choosing any of this endings. It is too easy to collect all of clue answers within your investigations in this quest. Plus , I do enjoy judging assassin who is dead within crate at Skyhold if I am feeling humorous that day.

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

As a pro-Tevinter individual, the best option is the one that causes Orlais to disintegrate and become incapable of opposing the Imperium.

[@Dekken88]

Seriously, have we seen any bit of lore that pictures Tevinter as a not horrible place? Slavery and blood magic, possibly the creation of the darkspawn and the defilement of Heaven, what they did to the elves, most recently standing aside and allowing groups to side with Corypheus and I could probably go on. I do think that we would really need an entry in the series that shows some positive qalities of the Empire because all we have seen so far seems to be horrible. But at this point I cant fathom how anyone can be pro-Tevinter.

[@Maddox_Clayne]

This video is a great breakdown of the in game information from Inquisition, and makes so much sense in the setting of Inquisition, given what we know in the game. And I don't agree given the extended media giving us a fuller context, and I want to go into this saying I mean NONE of this as a dig at Big Dan, and yes, I am aware that I know way too much about this lore and yes it is a little bit very sad. But, I'm mildly a fan of Celene (there is no good side, but in my opinion, Celene IS the best option for Orlais, and I can break it down point by point, using the game, and extended media, namely The Masked Empire. And DA is my biggest investment into a media series lore, and I actually just got done rereading Masked Empire and Asunder and another playthough of Inquisiton, as it's one of my comfort games and this month has not been kind to me so, if you will bear with me, I can explain my reasoning and a TLDR at the end. Forewarning: I am NOT setting aside the burning of Halamshiral's alienage/slums, or Celene's order to Lady Mantillon to have Emporer Florian and the servants killed, meaning Briala's parents. Much like I'm not setting aside Briala's blackmail of Ser Michel, and her choice to extend the war and in doing so killing many soldiers and disrupting the peace and endangering or killing many innocent people. And not setting aside Gaspards overt racism against the elves, bloodthirsty attitude when it comes to immediately launching Orlais into war with Ferelden, and his first gambit in the war to attack Celene by ambush outside Halamshiral. And in keeping with the book, The Masked Empire, I am counting Michel as a figure of Celene, as his only real crime is claiming a false title to nobility to hide that he is elf-blooded. Firstly, Celene ruled for 20 years until the war started, cultivating a rich growth of culture and academia in Orlais. She tried to take Ferelden by marrying Cailen, but he'd already gotten married to Anora by then and planned to divorce her to marry Celene (which is part of why Loghain did what he did). And with Briala's urging, she did enact some laws to assist the elves; she ordered taxes be changed to account for number of wagons and factoring in weights of goods, as Gaspards nobles wanted to change the laws to punish elven merchants. She also ordered the University of Orlais to admit not only commoners, which was previously unheard of, but started this by having an elf admitted based on a local Countess having sponsored the elven boy based on his prodigal math skills.She absolutely could have done more, but even Imshael states that Celene WOULD free the elves, but only when it was safe to do so, with order properly maintained. Gaspard rebelled partly on Celene's policies, but largely because her overly careful handling of the Mage Uprising, but it was Celene who entered into an agreement with Divine Justinia V, who made the proclamation in the book Asunder (at a ball thrown by Celene in honor of Justinia) to hold the Divine Conclave, which was the explosion that kicks off Inquisition. And we must remember that damn near anyone we spoke to in Inquisition said that Justinia WOULD have succeeded had Corypheus not done what he did. And Gaspard admits in Masked Empire that he also just wanted the throne, which, as Celene has no heirs, he is the ONLY one among the Orlesian nobility with a right and precedent to try to make a claim for the throne. Celene had matters well enough in hand with the mage rebellion had Gaspard not jumped to ambush in Halamshiral, and she was keeping peace with Ferelden, in the beginning of Masked Empire, Gaspard insults Teagan by giving him the broken and rusty blade of Queen Moira Therein, King Maric's mother and Cailen and Alistar's grandmother, who was killed by Orlais, when Meghren seized Ferelden. Gaspard's plan was to insult Teagan into anger and having to defend Orlais in a duel to the death, and start a war with Ferelden, but Celene and Briala stopped him. And Celene is likely the most skilled player of The Game, because she was absolutely aware that she would have an attempt on her life, and if she had played her cards wrong she would die, but would take down Gaspard with her, thus giving Briala little to work with to extend the war she needs to work the elves free from Orlesian prejudice. Literally no one expected Florianne, that is a fact. HOWEVER, Celene wears a ring with a special enchantment that gives her extremely heightened awareness. While it's never explicitly said how it works, if Celene has to be focused on the person, we do know she doesn't have to be looking at them. Celene NEVER takes this ring off, especially in court. She could have very well known right before it happened that Florianne would attack her, and could get the same outcome as if Gaspards coup worked. Celene is a highly skilled rogue, and could have outmaneuvered Florianne. I do very much agree that Briala ruling is likely the worst option, it's not necessarily political in my decision. Briala on the throne, with power over the Eluvians, is a direct line for Solas to take them back, as we know this had to happen after WEWH, because she still has control over them before this based on evidence collected during WEWH in a letter from Gaspard to Celene. Gaspard ruling is not a bad choice, but Gaspard will come for Ferelden like Meghren did. He will soak more of Orlais in the blood of its people to maintain his idea of order, he says so in Masked Empire when he proposes to Celene. Briala and Celene reconciling is perhaps the worst writing in the whole series (strictly speaking narrative and not bad joke or offensive stereotypes in Origins) TLDR: Celene actually does a lot for Orlais if you look past WEWH and Inquisition, and was ambushed by Gaspard on the basis of not working fast enough on a solution that made him and his nobles happy. And her not marrying him. None of them are good for Orlais, or each other, or even decent people. But out of the three, Celene ruling alone has the chance for the greatest growth and prosperity for Orlais.

[@thecrazygamer6034]

Ya know, I honestly think gaspard is only good in the immediate future. There will DEFINITELY be political backlash for him that he cannot handle in dreadwolf. He’s got the soldiers support but sadly that only carries you so far. Most of his army is from other nobles homelands. Without them he only has the royal army and there is a LARGE skill difference between regular soldiers and the royal guard so he would lose the few skilled, to the many unskilled.

[@Daelyah]

Gasfart's going to wind up in similar circumstances to Loghain in Origins, if he survives into Dreadwolf...but Cellulites and her equally sus elven paramour have their own setbacks as rulers. At most, my future playthroughs are going to be either puppeted Gaspants or the trio all blackmailed into servitude for the duration of the Inquisition. I think the latter option will make Dreadwolf's world state all the more interesting...

[@Erebus04]

I prefer Gaspard as leader but I honestly hate the entire political climate of Orlais to begin with

[@kevind3974]

Same but hes horrible for the future. Dude starts a war with ferelden almost instently.

[@Erebus04]

@@kevind3974 I thought their was a war table mission where you make sure theirs peace with Ferelden and Oralis, no matter whos in charge

[@winter_wolf2_097]

Honestly, I don't like Gaspard, and I think that he is a horrid ruler choice. Making death threats, planning a coup, and even leading mercenaries into the palace? Acts of desperation. Celene though- I prefer her a lot, and she does bring peace to Orlais, and its elves if you play your cards right. And it also gives me the most approval from party members lmao

[@sircrimsonwolf7492]

I never considered to allow the assassin to strike. I figured more lives would be saved with a piece option. Plus the empire is doomed to fall anyway my opinion. I truly do not know the circumstances of the upcoming dragon age game, but we all know that the oppressed will always rise up against the oppressors and boast. The empire and the imperial are both the second biggest oppressors and the dragon age universe second only to the queuen which is the biggest, oppressive religious/regime governing body especially since it strips you of free will and the right to think for yourself literally.

[@tut28Angel]

The reason I've not been for Gaspard is im worried he'll try to start another war with Feledren.

[@fatal_error8397]

That was his death warrant. I assume only people who have never played DAO would ever choose him.

[@tut28Angel]

@@fatal_error8397 im not saying its 100% true he would attack feledren but he wants to. Also him being a soldier type of leader can be good for a country. Strong army can keep everyday people safe.

[@Mitsu2040]

Actually, he does say that he WILL take Ferelden back when you talk to him at the party. It's been years, so I can't recall the exact words but I'm very certain he said so.

[@leftlucid]

@@Mitsu2040 he is without a doubt pro-war and for the invasion and Fereldon again - it affirms the Orlesian supremacy they believe they have over the rest of Thedas. Celene felt it their culture/art that made them superior, while Gaspard has always been a soldier and therefore finds Orlesians supremacy in their military power. I always choose Celene or Briala and never Gaspard unless Briala is puppet master because i dont want a waring Orlais when Solas “accidently” starts the 6th nd 7th blights

[@kevind3974]

He dos. Instantly to. Gaspard winning in any way imaginable is a horrible outcome. Theirs post credits it tells you what happens

[@VinceP1974]

Gaspard is a tyrant in waiting, and is an awful choice.

[@ryhi5]

Way I see it, this is no different than deciding who sits on the Orzammar throne in origins Lose/Lose situation because that’s politics. All three of them are guilty of shady shit

[@EmoBearRights]

Briala was working towards improving the lot of the elves when Celene was on the throne so what you're saying is wrong.

[@SleepyOwley]

Gaspard ruling alone is the best I think if your a non elf inquisitor, I think the end line is a bit more favorable if your an elf and have Briala in power

[@JMixingKing]

Thanks for the video. I always have a hard time letting her get killed. Now I know what happens.

[@overscoresam948]

This puts alot of assumptions. Gaspard do have support of the Chevaliers but now with Briala removed and Celene dead. There is nothing stopping Gaspard and the Chevaliers to rewrite Orlais as they see fit. The entire existance of Celene and her supporters shows that not all of Orleans society supports this move. Its not like Celene's power base will dissappear after Gaspard becomes emperor. However it is more likely that Gaspard will initiate and political purge of all his political enemies. Considering the Celene didn't kill all of Gaspard's family members and even called for a truce shows she isn't crazy as bloodthirsty as Gaspard. A further look into Gaspard History is that 1.) He feels entitled towards the Seat of the Imperial Throne. 2.) He orchestrated Assasinations on Celene's Family members. This continued Ruthlessness is a good prelude of how bloody his policies would be. Furthermore, what stops Gaspard for going full Genocidal? Sure the Purge of the elven quarter was brutal but Celene and Briala Relationship shows she isnt gonna go full Final Solution. Assumptions of weakness are also usually colored in political propaganda. One could argue, this is just a plot of the Chevaliers to finally rest political power from the great Game and the Nobles and finally consolidate Orlais as something reminiscient the Teutonic Knights in Real Life. Celene herself is defined by a couple things politically. 1.) Is her policy in Friendly Relationship with Ferelden, in which most would argue is beneath them as Ferelden is a former Orlesian Colony. 2.) Her Patronage of the Arts and Education as the biggest sponsor of the University of Orlais, allowing them rein in the Chantry's power in controling academic thought. 3.) And more Importantly she is the face of Orlesian Society that rejects Gaspard Overly Militaristic approach. Why is it even though the Chevalier are technically the Military Superior force and still has not won the war against Celene? This is kind of why the Peace Truce is the most powerful ending. Because it forces all sides to preven further damage towards orlais to allow to face Corephius. Continuing the Civil war or Violent purge of their political enemies during the Crisis only removes resources for Orlais to use against them. That is why Corephius wanted Gaspard to win, for him to destroy Orlais with his violent policies or Briala win for her to do the same thing. -This Messages is sponsored by her Majesty, Empress Celene of Orlais

[@xenon8117]

Keep up the good propaganda for our rightful ruler, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Celene Valmont I.

[@grallonsphere271]

I always keep Celene since a) she is the legitimate ruler - b) she is a diplomat rather than a warmonger - c) she becomes dependent on the Inquisition since she can't trust at least the half of the imperial army that rebelled against her - and d) as a human noble, I head cannon I pressure her into marriage, after Corypheus's death, since she has no heir (both Gaspard & Florianne are dead by then). I marry her not so much to rule Orlais myself but to prevent the Inquisition disbanding later. Of course, Trespasser happens, Celene doesn't show up and in my head, she grasps this chance to evade the marriage (why would she marry a minor noble who no longer commands an army since the Inquisition has been disbanded)? Blood does drip from her fingers...

[@phlownomenalbeat5421]

Interesting argument, but hard disagree. Gaspard is a warmonger and a buffoon (he didn’t notice his own sister was working for corypheus when it really was pretty obvious). He only succeeds at the game due to your interference (though to be fair that can be said of both him and Briala, though Briala being an elf shows she’s far more cunning than “born with a silver spoon” Gaspard). Between the two, Briala seems the best bet. She’s clearly capable of controlling Gaspard. Gaspard’s only real use is as a military leader, he doesn’t have the chops to rule. And generally, “strong men” make terrible leaders. I think your analysis of Celene is a bit unfair, but this comment is already long enough (she does suck though). Thanks for the video! Enjoyed your thoughts!

[@tablesthetablegod]

the three way peace is the best solution, actually. keeping the empire under your control during the times of the breach is important for the support, and then disbanding and freeing them from the blackmail in the dlc is the best move politically speaking. too much interference and aiming to keep the empire under the inquisition's control would be like announcing to the world the inquisition aims to keep meddling in national affairs and stay in ultimate power, painting them as the villain, hence the issues in the dlc. choosing the peaceful, less-involved path is best for the inquisition, and the empire too. allowing a foreign power to elect a ruler, either for them to disappear later or stay in power, is a bad image that the orlesians wouldn't forget. if anything, there'd be more internal war and bloodshed than normal that way. having the inquisition only aim to promote temporary peace simply for the support for the breach times paints the inquisition AND orlais both as competent people. similarly to the grey beard's meeting in skyrim, to promote temporary peace while not picking a side is important as staying a neutral party while being in power yourself paints you in the best image, unless of course there are unforgivable sins involved in one of the parties (ahem the stormcloaks). it's important to let orlais deal with orlais, not a foreign power.

[@SaganTheKhajiit]

I will tell you one reason to not let Celene die: the Mask of The Grand Duchess you get from exposing or killing Florianne. That's +12% critical hit chance and +6 cunning, totalling +15% crit chance and +3% ranged defense. It's hard to pass on this helmet, unless you have an aversion to the cooldown reduction passives. Let's be real for a moment, the best decision for the inquisition is that which will make the inquisitor and company stronger because we all know who does the heavy lifting in there.

[@wardasz]

What is really bad about this quest is that there are no good or bad option - however you define what is good and bad. We have so little information about Celene, Gaspard and the civil war as a whole that all the arguments you made are hollow. Yea, Celene kinda fail managing mage uprising and mistreat the elves. But... what give you an idea that Gaspard would be any better in this? He ussually go for the brute force solution, that I would guess would made the situation even worse. Also, is Celene really a bad ruler? Would anyone else put on her position does better? Yea, the outcomes look bad... but there is no single moment in her rule about witch we can say "this decision ws dumb, she should does that instead". We simple know nothing.

[@vvo1sky]

From a political perspective. It is wise allow the assassination and establish Gaspard. Nobility, after witnessing of the Celene murdering, will clearly see how sirious situation with Corypheus across the world (Thats what Inquisition is talking about). That is is not an illusive danger far away, but your enemy as well. Moreover Gaspard popular leader with noble blood and famous general, better candidate in any case than Briala (Elf who shall never get trust of the noblity, at least in close perspective). Orlais gets the solution of civil war and unite against common enemy right away.

[@sinanroyal5359]

Gaspard is the only choice. He will unite the Empire and built up the army the world needs to defend against the darkness.

[@SoldierSpiderx]

in my first playthrough, I let her die and let Gaspard be the leader, because he was hardcore, and was about that life and he actually kept his promise and Celene and Briala I didn't trust at all and I hope when the new dragon age game come out, and our choice matter, we will see what happed who you let become leader

[@shadowstar37]

That will happen and IS happening rn

[@Mitsu2040]

I don't know, it didn't really matter when we picked the ruler of Orzammar. Both Bhelen and Harrowmont (who should be dead according to the epilogue in DAO) support the Inquisition.

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@shadowstar37 yea I just hope they make the server online again on dragon age keep

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@Mitsu2040 yea I think who you choice king it alive or dead like I think Harrowmont died if you make him king and Bhelen still alive and also the choice you do when you go Orzammar

[@shadowstar37]

@@SoldierSpiderx yes

[@chizhang4369]

I like beautiful woman, I cannot deny. This is why I never ever let Celene die. What do I care for some insignificant elves when I can win the favor of such a beauty?

[@FetcheousRex]

In my most recent play through I put Gaspard puppet solely to try and get a Leliana divine. But since I was trying to 100% I had to go back on my save and save Celine to actually pop the achievement rq and then go back.

[@Nempo13]

You can get leliana there if you do the 3 way forced compromise.

[@FetcheousRex]

@@Nempo13 true but you can’t 100% all the quests in there if you do the 3 way

[@johnsay7216]

The best reason to let Celene live is that the unique helm you get for forcing the 3-way truce is superior to the alternatives. +12% critical chance is definitely better than +18% barrier damage bonus or +68 health, and arguably better than a measly +9% critical damage bonus.

[@jonathanweed6683]

This video does not even grasp the exapanism that Gaspard wants and the consequences it will have on Thedus. No, Celene is not perfect, but for me, why on earth would I have Gaspard put on the throne with a queen of Ferelden? Celene brings stability to a Thedus that doesn't even have a grasp on their religion with an apocalypse on their heel every century. Celene and Briala, forever!

[@Phantom19913]

This video big sell is that she unfit to rule because of her lackluster handling of the Mage Templar war the only problem is who do you side with? The Templars were out of control by that point making any mage tranquil for any challenge to them or slight infraction then you have the chantry and the seekers who let Meredith taken over Kirkwall that alone should have called for an exalted march to remove Meredith from power. The mages while their cause was just had taken over Redcliffe and tossed out the legitimate ruler. As we know we need one to beat the other so who would you choose its a difficult choice Mages aren't fully trusted by the people and the templar are proven untrustworthy.

[@jonathanweed6683]

@@Phantom19913 The main templar vs mages matter was best served by the chantry. Yes the empress has a lot of sway even the first emperor created the chantry and could have fixed a lot but I find that problem to be mainly with the chantry and the divine which helped not much by the end of things. Celene even stated to the divine if things didn't get fixed soon by them, SHE would handle it herself.

[@Sorakovu]

Celine has the words, Gaspard the power and Briala the stealth, the best choice is always make all of them work for you, killing Celine brings chaos...

[@omerro11]

I did the threeway peace because I played a power hungry inquisitor who wanted no one to be able to shake me. But, I have read the Empire unmasked and Celene is definitely the best suited of the three. She knows the game and she is best at it

[@1957DLT]

I prefer Gaspard ruling alone: the Florianne fight is fun, Celene is a twit, and Briala is too full of herself. Gaspard and his troops come through for the Inquisitor all the way through Trespasser.

[@DarkKnight52365]

reuniting Celene and Briala is the least bad option that does the most good for the people

[@kevind3974]

Wich also means is the best choice for the future games. Like i alwase say you dont play these games for the now you play them for the future. Best example being in dragon age 1 with not letting harowing rule orgramar and letting Logan survive. Harowing ends up being the worst king imaginable while balhl a completely unloyal guy during the game. ends up being fantastic and amazingly loyal to the warden even the brother one he backstabbed. dude even adopts your kid if you had one (not kalem). While Logan you play for his death as you want to keep him alive until inquisition for two reason. one hes a better choice then the other ones to be left behind. 2 based on what happens in dreadwolf when we find out what happens to those left behind. If its good leaving hawk behind and having him take over the wardens is fantastic as he will fix the wardens and if its bad puting him down will be not as sad.

[@RazthorFodring]

of all your choices, this is the one I cannot agree to, either way that Gaspard gets to the throne poses danger to Ferelden, Celine is more brains really so saving her is one of the best ideas.

[@jordantompkins859]

Honestly don’t know why there are so many people saying that a three-way truce is the best. Or even Gaspard is the best. This video gets a lot wrong and sounds like a clickbait title. All of them will never have peace for long, this is Orlais, it doesn’t work like that. At some point they will vie for power again and we’ll be right back where we started. Gaspard is a terrible choice only if you care for Fereldan. He wants war for the simple reason of war being how chevaliers prove themselves. He doesn’t need any political reason to start one, he just wants one. Celene may be terrible too, but only as a person, and that’s the fault of Orlais. Celene ruling alone will be good for Orlais but bad for Elves. Whilst her together with Briala will be good for both. As for Gaspard and Briala, well, that’s interesting. Gaspard will never do any good for elves, so with Briala in control that may change. But given his position as a Chevalier, he may get a bad rap from other chevaliers for being ‘soft’ on elves, and honestly I can’t say how that would turn out But basically, a three way truce is awful for Orlais

[@kevind3974]

Best is celene and briala. That says a lot as if you read the book that one hell of a toxic relationship, yet its the best ending by a longshot

[@babygirlatwell]

is there any consequences of siding with gaspard. I always sided with Celine and her elf lover.

[@TheThe-1326]

Was wandering when you release a vid of that mission, top notch as always.

[@Bruh-jj9kk]

I dont agree that the truce is the best. All your doing is kicking the can down the road for later. The best choice long term is to reunite Celene and Briala. Gaspard is a warmonger who will destabilize Thedas.

[@3000TonnenKoala]

The sad thing, is that Bioware chose to not cause this decision to have any meaningful impact. I would have loved to see us lose the lives of some companions or other meaningful losses, if we sided with Celene or Briala and that if we chose the Tyrant Gaspard, we would have prevailed in battle. In reality, a military leader is mostly doing better in wartimes, than a nice diplomat. Bioware games are awesome, but they are still going too soft with the impacts of decisions.

[@wintertrooper7918]

You literally have to chose to leave someone to die in the fade

[@gun2334trx]

All choices are bad for the future, Gaspard is 70 with no heir, Celene is 40 with no heir, Briala ruling through Gaspard can only work for a short while, the truce will only lead to war later. Celene and Briala together still has no heir. There is a 10 year time jump in Dreadwolf, Orlais is fucked.

[@R1CK3RS]

If you read 'the masked empire' you gain a whole new perspective on Celene. I just can't let her die.

[@TheSpectacledOwl]

Harrowmont vs. Bhelen suddenly comes to mind…

[@xshyax9681]

U know the banner at all ur camps with the little flags on it. The only way to get the Orlesian one is to save Celene and let her kill Gaspard and have her rule alone and maybe expose Briala. I think thats how it goes. I just remember there was only a certain way to get the flag

[@Hrafnskald]

Next video: Why you should let Corypheus win so that the events of Dragon Age 4 never happen :D

[@wizardking9829]

Most of the time I pick gaspard. Dan you should do a video on why you should pick anora in origin if you haven’t already

[@thirdcoastfirebird]

Thanks for posting this. I have never thought of it this way.

[@SrChr778]

Nope. Celene dies, Gaspard takes the throne, Orlais goes back to war in earnest. That means invading all other neighboring countries. A military leader will only bring Militarism. A "fighting king" isn't as heroic as people make them out to be. They're always the first to become tyrants.

[@bradley8867]

I always reunite Celene and Briala to bring the kingdom together and get the happy 😊 ending

[@Redfox_7256]

Pretty sure Celene and Brialas relationship was very abusive if I remember the book correctly

[@jonathanweed6683]

@@Redfox_7256 correct but would you rather have a chevalier that abuses and allows elves of the empire be abused, raped and killed for no reason than them being an “elf ear”. But by all means point to Celene for having a troubling relationship when she is am empress of a racist empire with an elf.

[@draakgast]

@@jonathanweed6683 so an honest racist VS a hypocrite racist?

[@jonathanweed6683]

@@draakgast how is she a hypocrite she delivers on elevating elven culture with her thrown secured with briala receiving a noble title finally opening the door to reperations. Sure she made questionable decisions on her way to the throne but do you think with a culture like orlais she could make every decision with lily white repercussions on her way to the throne. Lol no.

[@draakgast]

@@jonathanweed6683 IDK what to tell you, I just red your comment and that's how it come acros. I also think that shagging your elven lover while burning their kins home is is just a general dick move

[@alexdenton6586]

I still play this game It doesn't have the maturity, nor the complexity of Dragon Age Origin it has some pretty empty moments with lots of fetch quests but when it's well done, it's really well done it's a shame they ran out of time to finish it properly I suffer from violent psychosis , my life is a waking nightmare and seeing this kind of content or this kind of video game, it makes me feel a little better, it takes me out of my daily life, I tried 3 times to jump out my window in 2022, I try taking pleasure in simpler things Thanks again

[@Daelyah]

Hang in there, please. My mental state is nightmarish in its own ways, but I cannot presume to know what you're experiencing. I just hope you're able to have more easy and possibly even pleasant days, in the future.

[@alexdenton6586]

@@Daelyah Thank you It's not much but it's always better to read a comment like that than something else I'm holding on because I have no choice and I tell myself every day that there is hope that it will get better one day with my diet etc. How are you doing?

[@Daelyah]

@@alexdenton6586 Fighting through one health issue after another, and trying to push myself to restart my education so that I can attempt better career options (the process of the application alone has been tedious, though). Doing what I can with current work, but it's just to pay the bills until I can find better opportunities. My partner and old friend has been my anchor through all of the madness that the recent years have brought, at least; otherwise I'd have no clue what the hell I would be doing with myself, anymore. Hopefully you've found some good days, recently.

[@jadewukong]

I needed this explain in the plainest way possible because they speak so weird in the game that I never knew who to trust so I always just saved the empress and threw my hands up to be done with it. hate that entire party section and sneaking around.

[@scoutlaceharding]

It's interesting, I really don't think of Celene as a bad leader. Yes, she failed to prevent the mage-templar war but it's not like that's an Orlesian war. It's raging across all of southern Thedas. Divine Justinia V, the Fereldan monarch/s, and the leaders in the Free Marches also failed to prevent the war. Honestly, I don't think it could have been prevented (not after Kirkwall). If Gaspard had been on the throne at the time, I think the outcome would be the same. He certainly never says how he would have prevented the conflict and he doesn't make an effort to fix it. He's too busy taking advantage of the instability brought by it to wage a civil war. Celene also put down the elf rebellion in Halamshiral easily. In fact, Briala had Halamshiral under control. If Gaspard hadn't goaded Celene into burning the alienage to the ground, the rebellion would have disappeared overnight with only the life of a murderous noble dickhead lost. Sure, the elves are still working against her (and Gaspard, equally) but I believe that by the time the Inquisitor enters the scene, Briala has lost the Eluvians. If she hasn't yet, she does shortly after we meet her, as we know Solas has them by Trespasser. The Eluvians were what gave Briala an edge to harass both sides and prolong the war. But, with Gaspard out of the way, Briala's network simply won't be able to match Celene's resources. I think you're kind of just taking Gaspard at his word which...well, I wouldn't. A lot of what is presented as Celene's "weak leadership" is actually Gaspard being opportunistic. For all that he claims to hate the Grand Game, he absolutely plays it. None of Celene's policies on elves were revolutionary enough to pose any actual threat to the humans of Orlais. Gaspard is just using the opportunity of the unrest in Halamshiral to exploit the racism of Orlesian nobles for his benefit. The unrest between the mages and the templars gave Gaspard another opportunity to blame Celene but, again, that shit was going to go down regardless of who was on the Orlesian throne. Gaspards narrative is: Celene's poor leadership skills have gotten us to such a dire point that I can't do anything but step in and take the throne for the good of Orlais. But the reality is, the whole world is at a dire point and that has made Celene's POLITICAL POSITION (not her leadership) weak. He's a clever general and politician, he knew when to strike. He's always wanted the throne and it has little or nothing to do with what's good for his country. He wants the throne and he want's to rule an expansionist empire...and he doesn't care how many people, Orlesians or not, die for what he wants. He's a political opportunist, not a problem solver. Don't get me wrong, Celene has many faults. But she DOES actually care about whether or not her people die for no reason. She doesn't want to plunge Orlais into another decades long war with Fereldan for her ego. She doesn't always want to use the quickest and most violent route to solve a problem when she can achieve her ends with much less loss of life. She doesn't care about the poor or the elves as much as she should, but she at least gives a little bit of a crap (still racist and classist, though, don't get it twisted). Gaspard does not. Gaspard wants to swing his dick around. And when whatever crap the Dread Wolf of Qunari bring on us in the next game, Gaspard will see it as an opportunity not to unite against an existential threat, but to invade other countries while they are weakened by said existential threat. He'll do this because it's EXACTLY what he does when southern Thedas is faced with the threat of the mage/templar war and the breach. Because, again, he's all about exploiting opportunities for his own gain, not fixing real problems. His actions speak louder than his words. While I hate to do it (because Briala deserves so much better than to be with the racist woman who murdered her parents) I think that reuniting Celene and Briala is the best outcome in Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts. It helps restabilize Orlais in this time of crisis with leadership that's much more likely to help stand against future threats. Having Briala in Celene's ear will help in bringing sustainable change for the elves that, let's face it, Celene would never enact without her. The main reason I don't think it's a good idea to put Briala in charge with Gaspard as her puppet is that I don't trust blackmail to hold Gaspard for long. It's not enough to bridge the power differential between the two of them and give Briala a firm hold on his leash. Despite all of the above, I actually think Gaspard ruling alone is better than the three way peace agreement. Again, you have to be a master blackmailer to hold any kind of lasting power over an Orlesian noble and it'd be a full time job to keep up on it. The conflict will absolutely erupt again, probably during another crisis, and all the same issues will be at play. The peace agreement isn't really a solution. It just kicks the can down the road.

[@danentakoto2701]

one of which might be canon in the next game, though if they keep their track record we all get the endings we want from this questline

[@chrishamilton7516]

I always choose Gaspard because we are fighting God, I do not need a politician. I need a general.

[@razgriz501]

Gaspard might be best for Orlais, but he makes no secret about what he'd do after Corypheus is dead. He'd return Orlais to its expansionist age, meaning Fereldan and the Free Marches would be threatened. So, Gaspard is, in my opinion, worst for Southern Thedas. (That, and I really don't care for Orlais anyways. For Fereldan!)

[@Butcherbg]

I have no memory of what my Warrior did trough there... All I remember is I were happy to see Morrigan once again after DAO and that I really couldn`t w8 for "all those political" stuffs to be dealt with and/or over and done so that I can go back to not being on that ball event. My point is it probably didn`t even cross my mind any of that or even the possibility of the Empress die, being replaced by someone else... Thus I watched this video... because totally unknown for me option indeed.

[@lukebarroso449]

Nobody expects dragon age inquisition! I love this game. Thanks again Dan, your videos really helped into getting this game. Its my first dragon age game. You're 3 for 3 for games and they all rule. Mass Effect, Witcher 3, and Dragon age inquisition

[@supernova9930]

Sadly there are no real consequences from that decision like most others in DAI

[@rafabuda0]

Eh, same for most bioware games. Consequences usually ahow up later on in the series, only ones to have conseguences within the same game were ME2 and like, one or two choices in ME3 and DA2.

[@kevind3974]

@@rafabuda0 ya best example being horawing and Logan. Don’t even think about letting horawin be king. WORST KING EVER. And Logan you play for his death literly 2 games down the road.

[@rafabuda0]

@@kevind3974 do you mean Harrowmont and Loghain?

[@leow9778]

Anyone have Morrigan's reaction after we let Celien die? I guess she still joins.. but not under the empress' command..

[@emodante1084]

I went with the peace outcome in my prime playthrough (my canon timeline) because I was roleplaying as a law-and-order Inquisitor. But my absolute favorite outcome was Briala ruling through Gaspard.

[@roseJ96]

I always go Celene. Alliance is gonna start another war, Gaspard is bad for Orlais, Briala is inevitably going to be killed by Gaspard, Celene and Briala's next fight can end up getting a shit load of elves killed. Celene alone seems most likely for relative stability.

[@dododimitrov9657]

But then you can't use Florian as jester, which is the most hilarious outcome.

[@UnknownDenizen]

Me before the video: Hold on, we need to save everyone possible! Me after the video: No no, he’s got a point…

[@ElegantUsuper]

The only factor I needed to consider when I choose the successor to the empire was, how strong are they as a leader? Celine was weak, insurrection was on her back door and yet she was blind to the the truth. It's a wonder how Emperor Gaspard couldn't take over without our Inquisitor's help....

[@LordOfTheNorthwoods]

I spared Gaspard and exiled him, a shadow behind Celene which kept her from distancing and more or less clutching the Inquisition for further safety. (evil diabolical laugh ensues)