Fenris - A Machinima Adaptation of "A Short Story" by David Gaider

[@Kruukk]

Gideon Emery is officially my favoruite VA of all time. it's so nice of him to lend his voice for this. Shame I came across this video 9 years after it was made. It deserves more love.

[@gothicchick621]

I'm speechless, awed at how beautiful this is put together. You said in the comments that Gideon Emery was kind enough to add his voice into the scenes? Beyond awed really. I love this. I love it so much! You did amazing as did the people who contributed to the scenes!

[@Dahlialynn]

Shianne Pittman Thank you so much!

[@Fenrispro]

+Dahlialynn I'm still watching this again, and upload to my mobile too. I would love to see how the Grey warden rescues him and the fights, u won't be making one?

[@sth128]

So David Gaider wrote a story about how Fenris grabbed some lady's buns eh?

[@Grim_Sister]

sth128 Yep ^^ We're all very proud of him for it.

[@Fenrispro]

because he was on the run, starving

[@kitsu487]

Bloody Luna So when she reports to the guards an elf broke in and stole bread it will seem less unusual instead of “a cute emo elf with a massive sword broke in and stare at my tits”

[@Fenrispro]

Lol

[@Fenrispro]

​@@BloodyLuna20 Oh he threw it away coz no pockets n the bounty ppl came ahhh

[@xKumikoxChanx]

This is awesome... I wish Fenris would jump through my window, too... and that sweet little smile he had... *swoons*

[@LauraFromMarkerQuest]

I've read the story, but I'm just blown away by the skill shown in this. I have no idea how one makes a machinima, but I can't imagine it's remotely easy. And Gideon himself even provided his voice! Swoon! Excellent job, I'm so beyond impressed I don't have words!

[@Dahlialynn]

My guess is if you don't spend enough personal time with him, (or take him with you enough) the only side you'll see is the "dry" side. This story was already written and shared, but one can't expect every DA player to read the non game stuff. I'm glad you found the video, and especially glad it managed to enlighten you a bit on his background! Perhaps it may inspire you to get to know him better in your next playthrough? :P Thanks again for your awesome comment :)

[@life_as_valerie]

This was brilliantly done. If I hadn't known that this was based on a short story I would've thought that I was from a new DLC or something like that. Fantastic! Please continue to make these, I would love to see the rest of this story

[@screwyajax]

This is totally amazing! All your work is amazing, of course. And Thank you to Gideon Emery, who's voice melts me every time! Please continue this when you can.

[@jaquilinekangas7438]

This is extremly impressive. The scenes fit the short story to the last detail, and it's just so well-made. You also have a great voice!

[@Dahlialynn]

Thank you!!

[@RenaraHawke]

This is officially the best thing I have seen on KZbin in a LONG long time!! Well done my friend!! And you even got THE Gideon Emery to voice Fenris!!!!!! I'm so envious right know xD

[@Harmonyya1992]

OMG Gideon Emery.... has such a amazing voice.

[@vampyric0menace]

@Dahlialynn - Fenris is my favorite character out of all the Dragon Age Series, Thank you so very much for this, it is so very well done and made me want more, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and look forward to seeing the rest and more!!

[@Dahlialynn]

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful feedback! It's inspiring to say the least, and I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you enjoy it!!

[@ashlingteirney7543]

Having watched this immediately after reading the story I am amazed by how accurately they followed every detail... I love seeing/reading stories about our favorite broody elf, there need to be more.

[@infinitymage5906]

how the encounter with the woman could've gone: "Hm...white hair...distinguishing markings ...and a huge sword...are you one of those angsty emos I've heard so much about?" Fenris: =.=

[@Dahlialynn]

The awesome feedback really makes every minute spent on this project worth it. I'm so glad you enjoy :D! I especially appreciate the dedication of all the talented people involved. I could have never done this on my own..so a major thanks to all who have been involved, and thank you all for the wonderful comments!

[@gracewinchester2537]

Here’s the textual story for comparison. This is pretty cool, and the detail put in is phenomenal. The hunters were after him again.Truth be told, he’d known for several days. He’d seen it in the eyes of the innkeeper, the way the fat man guiltily glanced away and refused to meet his gaze. He’d seen it in the pitying look of the whore that stood on the corner, and the way she covered it up with a smile. The patrons in that squalid tavern where he went to buy his meals grew quiet when he entered now, and it was not the uncomfortable silence of human townsfolk being confronted with a strange elf covered in strange skin markings and carrying a large sword-rather it was the silence of men who knew trouble had just walked through the door and were now doing their best to pretend it didn’t exist. Fenris knew the difference very well.He’d been lazy. Despite the fact that he’d known, still part of him refused to admit that it was so. He’d hoped against hope that he was wrong, that the signs were simply a fugitive’s paranoia. His stay in the last three towns had been longer and longer, his efforts to cover up his distinctive markings almost nonexistent. He told himself that this was a challenge. Let them come. Let them try and take him back, if they dared. Deep down, however, he wondered if he hadn’t simply grown weary of the chase.Now was the time. He’d already cleaned his few meager possessions out of his room at the inn and jumped out the window. It led to a dark alley in the back, with enough ledges below that a quick descent was easily accomplished. That was why Fenris had chosen the room after an inspection that had the innkeeper staring at him in worry. He almost had to wonder how long it would take the fat man before curiosity, or a lack of payment, would lead him to check and find Fenris gone. A week, perhaps less if the innkeeper was the one who’d sold him out.There was nothing in the alley save for a few lone rats and an elven vagrant asleep against a garbage heap. Fenris paused and stared at the man in disgust. He’d thought to blend in more once he’d escaped theImperium. In a land where elves were free, certainly one more elf would go unnoticed? He’d been a fool, of course. How was he to know that so many of his people would squander their freedom living like frightened cattle? If his only choices were to either dress as meekly as the local humans expected their elves to be, run off to find the wandering clans that grubbed in the dirt for whatever scraps the human kingdoms threw them, or to fight… then his choice was clear.The vagrant stirred awake as Fenris drew the greatsword from his back. The elf squealed in sudden terror but Fenris ignored him. There were others coming now, cloaked in the alley’s shadows-at least two on either side and… one above? He listened, and heard the faintest scraping on the clay tiles up above. Yes, no doubt a crossbowman. They thought they had him pinned.Fenris launched himself towards the end of the alley that led away from the main street. Here it led into a maze of twisty courtyards, sewage and lines of hung laundry… but it would be darker there, easier for him to run without stirring the town guard. Why the hunters never tried bribing the guard to help their hunt he couldn’t say. Regardless, he’d run amiss of the guard in another town and they’d impeded his efforts to escape as much as they impeded the hunters. It wasn’t worth the risk.The vagrant shouted in fear and drunkenly scrambled to his feet, but Fenris was already past him. Two long figures approached, barely visible but moving fast now as they realized their quarry was aware of the chase. Fenris caught a glimpse of maroon. Tevinter soldiers, then. Good, that would make this easier. Not that he wouldn’t have killed mercenaries just as easily, but it was less pleasant than slaughtering dogs like these. A wide arc of his blade knocked the first hunter aside as he parried. The second rushed forward, hoping to take advantage of an opening-only to meet Fenris’s fist. The markings on his skin flashed brightly, the lyriumwithin them sending magic crawling through his flesh, and his fist phased through the man’s helmet and directly into his head. He lurched to a halt, stunned with terror.So they weren’t warned. Fools.The lyrium markings flashed again as Fenris partially solidified his fist. The hunter jolted back, blood gushing forth from his mouth and his ears. By now the first hunter was already recovered and swinging his blade. Fenris expertly hauled the second around by his head, putting him into the path of the swing. The sword chopped deeply into the man’s shoulder, and with a kick he sent both of them flying together into the brick wall. His fist was covered in dark red gore.He would have stayed to finish them off, but the other hunters were already figuring things out. A crossbow bolt flew by Fenris’s head, barely nicking one of his ears, and he could hear the booted feet of more soldiers rushing his way. He ran into the alleyway, leaping over the hunter who struggled to push off his dead comrade, and sped into the maze. Dark doorways flew by as he raced. He cut down clotheslines and tossed over barrels to present obstacles behind him. They were definitely giving chase-he could hear them swearing in Tevinter, and the crossbowman above scrambling to get into position.The first pair of open shutters he saw and Fenris dived through. He landed in a kitchen filled with the smell of baking bread, and a human woman screamed as he rolled to his feet. No doubt the sight of an elf in skintight armor, carrying a blade almost as large as himself, wasn’t a welcome sight. He got to his feet and noticed the surprisingly comely woman, dressed in a nightgown that revealed more of her cleavage than she no doubt expected, pressing against the wall.He grinned at her, and she screamed again. So he grabbed a freshly-baked loaf off the counter and raced for the front door of the hovel. Already a soldier was climbing through the window, causing the woman to scream once more and faint dead away. The others would be coming around to the front, so he had to get out before……he stopped cold. He knew the man who stood at the doorway: maroon cloak and jet-black hair barely covering those soulless eyes. Not to mention a scar on his neck, one that Fenris had put there. Damned healing potions and their foul magic. Why couldn’t anyone stay dead?“Avanna, Fenris. Good to see you again.” The hunter’s voice was a cold purr as he raised his crossbow and pointed the bolt at Fenris’s chest. The one on the roof, then. Clever.“Considering what happened last time, I’m surprised you decided to try again.”“It’s not just about the coin any longer, slave.”Oh, how Fenris loved it when they said that. “Not afraid you’ll lose your head for good?”“Not when we have the drop on you. You’ve become careless. Time to give yourself up.” The other hunter had made it through the window, and he could hear others shouting in the street. He supposed that he really had only two choices: give up and hope for a chance to escape later… or take his chances.It wasn’t really a choice. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade and smiled at the hunter, slow and deadly.“Vishante kaffar,” he hissed. And he attacked.

[@TheSestren]

BioWare really need to offer you a job. I can't believe how brilliantly this is... and I sat wondering if Gideon Emery did the voicing for this; at first I just figured you probably cut together dialogue from DA2 - but wow, he actually helped? That man is amazing... bravo to him and bravo to you and all who worked on this too - great job!

[@RedCloudLove]

With the whole DA4 news, seems like a good day to remember this video and be wowed by it once more. I can't believe how long it's been since I've watched this--before DA2 came out--but it's even more impressive upon rewatch.

[@vampirebite44]

awesome video ;) Fenris is my favourite romance character and i´m really glad that you did this video

[@CottenDollies]

Wow. This is just...beyond amazing! I love it when people take the time and effort to make something so great!

[@embernichols8333]

Watching this makes me wish you could get the chance to meet him in dragon age origins I absolutely love Fenris this is well done good job

[@mayaamis]

what a legendary masterpiece this is. so professionally done, so immersive. I wish there are more Fenris stories and made videos like this!! I know it's been almost a decade but thank you for this!!

[@jdipietronh]

Wow, very impressive and enjoyable film. One thing I noticed is how no frame is wasted in here. Each second is carefully crafted to convey meaningful material. Great VO work too!

[@masencullen]

This is the most AMAZING DA fan-made clip I have EVER SEEN! And Gideon Emery actually worked on this with you! That's incredible! I can't stop watching this! GREAT job!!

[@TypoWolf]

Your magic touch with the Toolset never fails to awe me, and leave me very much envious. I never load a game without your mods, and really loved the cinematics of this. My hat off to you, as always!

[@heatherwind]

Dahlia this is absolutely brilliant. This is far and away better than any other fan vid I have ever seen so far - and I do not say that lightly. Every aspect of this is SO well done! As with your other DA:O mods, you capture the on-screen essence and emotion of the characters so beautifully - I cannot wait to see the rest of it!

[@Hayleyptv]

Can I just say, that was amazing? :D loved it

[@Pencilbrand]

This is so good, I actually thought it wasn't modded at first.

[@yamiyoru]

Wow. Let's just say I am in awe now that this is fan made. Amazing!

[@Dahlialynn]

Thanks!

[@yana_v_v]

Thank you so much for this video. It's 11 years later, and I still come to watch it when I feel down. Never fails to bring a warm smile to my face. Your work is just great and was done with so much love for Fenris and Thedas altogether.

[@juliaklimek6280]

Three words: Amazing Amazing Amazing.. I was looking for something like this for a long time .. And repeats AMAZING

[@Dahlialynn]

Thank you! :)

[@thereseclairecreates]

I love this! I was a little disappointed that Fenris' romance ended the way it did. This satisfied my want for more story.

[@Dahlialynn]

I can't thank you enough for sharing that :D Fenris on his own is an experience we weren't "privi'ed" to as players, very very happy you enjoyed it!

[@andreacruxton3683]

This is absolutely amazing! The direction and editing are already stunning, but the fact that you got Mr. Emery to lend his voice for Fen again is just 😍

[@WickedSoulXD]

This is amazing, very well done, and it present Fenris in his elements, I love it! Fenris had always seems, to me, is a strong character; he was bitter about his past, and he hate mages, but he does show compassion now and again, not to mention he's forthright about who he is :) Amazing video,

[@Dahlialynn]

@StevenMKelly Thanks Steven, wonderful work on the Voice! It was a pleasure having you on the team :)

[@satsukynolife4094]

WHY AM I ONLY SEEING THE MASTERPIECE NOW

[@WonderWit]

Oh my.... This is a masterpiece!! Just utterly astounding! I hope you manage to continue this, I will be looking forward to it impatiently!!

[@StevenMKelly]

Incredible job to everyone on the team! Dahlia, you've put so much work into this and it really shows. It's a real honour to be involved ;D Steven.

[@shadowoflightdragon]

Impressed that you got Gideon to do VO. I would have assumed that for copyright reasons he wouldn't be allowed. Excellent video! :)

[@TheVerticleSmile]

Very well done! I remember reading the short story before DA2 came out and loved it as an introduction to the character... but to actually see it is just awesome. You executed it really well and the fact that Gideon Emery added his 2 cents in there... wow. I'm impressed. :D Keep it up!

[@xxprincesszeexx]

WOW! Dahlia, you have always been a legend, but you've just outdone yourself tenfold!! This was AMAZING!!! And Gideon Emery's voice

[@saltnsilver]

This is wonderful piece I can't wait for the to be continued. For such a short piece to convey so much incredibly well done thank you for all your work and sharing it with us. The voice work is excellent btw.

[@ExiledSoul12]

Wow, this follows the story a 100% down to every last detail!! I'm watching this with my jaw drop literally! AMAZING work! :D

[@LostOddity]

This is utterly amazing! I can't believe how talented you must be, not just in being able to create it, but the artistic shots and use of music. I love it.

[@trinchen1414]

this is. ridiculously good. how did i only find this now???

[@dhiannahe]

Beautiful work as always. You have a talent for machinima, this is easily the best DA machinima I have seen. I look forward to part 2 and more!

[@AbsoluteApril]

Wow Dahlia, that was Fan-flippin-Tastic!! You (and the others) did such a fabulous job with this. I bow before thee and squee with glee

[@Cakebaby53]

That's so amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! Can't wait to see what you do next!

[@Ogoomster]

Woah! Why the hell did I not see this when I played the game? This is awesome! Just wow! I'm so glad I stumbled upon it, even if a little late :D

[@xBlackxWingx]

That's not from the game :) It's an animated version of a story by D. Gaider.

[@Ogoomster]

I didn't mean that haha. I meant that I should have looked something like this up when I actually played the game, not so much later

[@xBlackxWingx]

Oh, sorry, misunderstood that ^^

[@chardajaf]

The story was/is well put together! I'm excited to see what happen next. Team Fenris!!

[@ysera]

Epic. Simply Epic. It was extra special with Gideon Emery's voice! The other VA's were great too! Bravo! I was so happy to see this vid!

[@annay6557]

Brilliant! God, I wish there was more.

[@Dahlialynn]

It was probably the toughest part of the production. Converting Fenris's model took around 5 months of hard work, trial and error and weeks of tedious face rigging just to get him to work in a relatively decent fashion. Currently he works alright in a cutscene, but it hasn't been tested in the game just yet. Feel free to contact Questorion on the BioWare Social Network linked in the description regarding the status of the mod if you want a bit more info :)

[@Aryana70]

See how much i miss when i'm not looking, fantastic again Dahlialynn, I applaud you. We need to catch up again, its been awhile since we spoke

[@Grim_Sister]

I will always love this short film. May the Maker bless all the wonderful people who made it

[@Dahlialynn]

@Odakage Yes, we used the DAToolset and had had quite the tough time converting the Fenris model, but we finally managed :)

[@harriereaper]

Dahlialynn, you never cease to amaze the masses.

[@asphodeline]

Brilliant! Great job with adapting Gaider's short story.

[@autumnyte]

This is absolutely brilliant. I can't stop rewawtching it.

[@miraculux.]

Holy hell, brilliant! Truly impressive, I agree with everyone else, you've outdone yourself. Thank you!

[@Dahlialynn]

I'm really passionate and sensitive to music, timing and its effect on visuals. Really glad you noticed the work that's gone into it :D Thank you!

[@MidnyteWolf]

I have to admit that when I saw people gushing about this in the forums, I thought it was going to be incredibly amateur-ish before I clicked the link. But I was very, very wrong. And I can say I'm thoroughly impressed with this. No real words, even.

[@Bloodsong13T]

brilliant work, dahlialynn! yes, i'm late to the party. this is one serious masterwork. great job all around!

[@raptorandrex]

Wow. This was gorgeous. Beautifully done. I look forward to seeing more.

[@witchthief]

FANTASTICO. As usual, after all

[@Galadh01]

This short story/movie is so wonderfully done! I´m playing DA2 right now, about finishing Act 3. It´s amazing! I know you are not going to continue this one, but you should do something with Fenris shirtless! ;) The game is lacking on something so interesting hehe

[@Fenrispro]

yeay i agree Haha

[@kuniklos]

That was extremely well done! So impressed!

[@dorkyfangirl3855]

And this is why I love Fenris

[@17Watman]

Nothing short of Amazing. Very well done.

[@Eiamii]

This is amazing! Great job. And how kind of Gideon Emery to voice some lines!

[@coldcoffee2277]

Oh, this is extraordinarily well done.

[@RedCloudLove]

Goodness gracious. Incredible job. I just...I just...wow.

[@AGirlAndAGame]

This is amazing,

[@cheydancer]

Beautiful and amazing work! My daughter loves your mods. :)

[@ArtemisMS]

Really beautiful ... broke my heart, too. He's so alone here :( At least I know things will end happily for him when he meets my Hawke :)

[@erettew]

This is absolutely fabulous epic piece of work. I wish I had the patience to learn tool set myself but...the talent you have is worthy of admiration. :)

[@SynysterShadows1213]

This is beyond amazing! Wonderful work :D

[@SkullFantasy]

That was f*cking awesome! Please, please, PLEASE make more of the story!!!!!!!

[@Shmurph]

So, I assume someone who can do a decent Gideon impression will be doing Fenris' voice? This looks amazing so far. I look forward to seeing more :D Also, your voice acting is superb c:

[@AllanbelongswithCaro]

PLEASE CONTINUE THIS! Do they recapture him or does he get away? You mustn't leave us all hanging any longer!

[@46LCG]

This is simply breathtaking!

[@Dahlialynn]

@TypoWolf Thank you so much :) Good to see you !!

[@blegh336]

Bioware featured this on their facebook page, you sir are that much of a boss.

[@Dahlialynn]

Thanks so much! I'm really happy you enjoyed it :D

[@cerulean93]

This is absolutely amazing!

[@Hydropalika]

Wow, this is absolutely awesome :DDD Love fenris and this video is.....have no words for it xD

[@amandamachado9500]

Oh god, I laugh so much when he say in the end, "vishanty kaffas" that means, you shit on my tongue, kkkkkk

[@ChaosControl7920]

This is so awsome! Fenris is my favorite DA2 companion, with Ander, Varric and Aveline very close behind ^_^

[@Lilxleprechaun77]

oh please continue this some time!!!!! its amazing!!!

[@Dahlialynn]

Not yet. If you would like info about the mod's status, you can write to Questorion in the BioWare Social Network project site linked in the description.

[@duellady]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!! I always friendmance fenris, i can never bring myself to Rivalmance him .EVER!!! And Gideon's voice makes the caracter that much more excitable. I hope there will be more videos to come, i can not wait. Again AMAZING video. and to the 7 people that would DARE dislike this video You should be ashamed of yourself!!! This was done perfectly and if i ever had a Fenris burst into my kitchen window the LAST thing i would do is throw a pan at him, LOL. Thank you for this video!

[@Dahlialynn]

Indeed:) It was very kind of him to help out!

[@Dahlialynn]

@randomkiddiesXD Thank you! I share an equal passion for both gaming and scene creation, so most certainly, yes. To answer your last question, you will find a special 'Thank You' during the final part of the credits section ;)

[@L-etoile-d-argent]

MAKER!! THAT WAS SOO ACURATE!! I LOVE IT!! (and Fenris)

[@Dahlialynn]

Currently it seems to be frozen unfortunately. You can try contacting Questorion, the mod leader (link at the project site) to see what his plans are.

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

Hey, this is beautiful work! Holy shit! (*Eta: Amid everything else,, the mouse (who Fenris nearly /squashes/) and its snuffling is a tiny & adorable detail.)

[@Jesscakez]

That was great haha! nice job getting Gideon in there :)

[@UniikkiZoif]

This is so good. I hope you will still continue :)