In Defence of Misunderstood Gods and Antagonists: Dragon Age’s Solas [CC]

[@BrokeBech]

His intelligence is absolutely the definition of sexy. His cadence, the way he strings his vocabulary into sentences that are practically melodious as they fall from his lips, the way he never gets tired of my incessant curiosity, but instead rewards it and actually enjoys answering and explaining even small details.... yeah. That's some of what initially made me fall. However, what kept me completely invested was the very visible depths of his love for Lavellan, and how it only grows the longer you're with him. I've never been so deeply affected by a video game character in my life, and being that heavily affected echoes in my thoughts long after the console has been turned off. Love your videos. Truly.

[@wendynerd1199]

I love Solas because I, like him, am terrible at making decisions.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

The way I just CACKLED!!! Also SAME!!!!! Cuz you know he probably noticed that scaffold but was like, we’ll get to that another day. My postponing king 😭😭😭

[@vercare]

Never heard anyone describe this so well! I agree wholeheartedly ❤ excited for what Veilguard brings!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Thank you 😊. And I’m so excited for Veilguard too. Gah!!!!!! 😁😁

[@Helgatwb]

I'm replaying inquisition right now, and I decided to do most of the hinterlands quests before trying to close the breach, and Solas's constant approval of your kindness and comments about helping people made me take a second look, and now I'm obsessed!

[@2756-Lassy]

Regarding his approval of helping the people in the Hinterlands, I like to think he is pleasantly surprised. Like it's part of the long realization that the Inquisitor is a good person, that they're real. We know that Solas is continually shunned by the people he tries to help (trying to impart real historical knowledge on the Dalish, for example), and so the Inquisitor asking questions and acknowledging his wisdom is likely foreign to him and perhaps a nice surprise to him as well, resulting in his approval.

[@johnbarham9991]

I've NEVER had a man break my heart like he did.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

😭😭

[@mobunagathevoiceofresistan801]

I didnt even romsnce him, but i felt the same as he was my best friend in the game. Even more than Varric

[@DontMockForest]

I adore Solas. Trick Weekes is neurodivergent and everyone I know who also loves Solas is as well. Misunderstood, nerdy, mysterious, seen as an uppity know it all... he just clicks with us 😂 Tbh I'd listen to a man with a voice like GDL's infodump about his special interest for hours. And what a cool special interest.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Right??? I find myself kicking my feet and smiling at my screen as I tell him “go on. Tell me ALL about your special interest 🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️”

[@virginiamurr3703]

You aren't alone. :-) He's my favorite character in the series (and I am an OG player who played DAO at launch). I romanced him strictly on the basis of his nerdiness and (to be really honest) his voice actor ... such a glorious voice. Ha! Such an incredibly complex character. And, honestly, that's no surprise given his writer is so talented and has (imho) written the best characters & stories in the series.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

We are blessed as a fandom to have Trick writing for us! By the gods!!! They are AMAZING at their work 😭😭😭😭. Glad to know I’m not alone!!

[@kokobop]

i love this so much! your point about him having an obsessive interest and that being attractive is so true... i felt like i was truly forming a friendship with him, and he indulged my constant questions ❤

[@dorcielambert4153]

Yes!!! Nerd Solas was what attracted me to him in the beginning

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Right??? I love that he loves knowledge and doesn’t attempt to hoard it. Like yes!!!

[@honey3728]

Oh yes, easiest click in my LIFE to watch. I have loved Dragon Age for years and years. Solas was my first choice romance pick when I played Inquisition. Stellar content!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Thank you 🥹🥹🥹❤️

[@WodenARM]

My first inquisitor was a human mage, coming from DAO and DA2, we're led to believe that we knew how the world works, the mindset that magic and the fade were paths that, if you'd delve too much into, it would inevitably lead you to corruption or possession. Solas was a real surprise for me, he was someone with a different outlook, and not just a vision, he was someone with knowledge and experience on matter, I was ever eager to come back to Haven/Skyhold to speak to him and see if there was more question available to ask, to know more about the fade.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Right??? As someone who personally loves to question and learn things and who often as a child was told things like “now’s not the time”, or “you don’t need to know about that”, or “you ask too much questions”, having Solas be a character who is like “here is a different perspective and yes I will answer any and all questions you ask of me because I want you to really know about this and see things from this other POV” was an absolute delight! I too looked forward to chatting with him every time I returned to Skyhold/Haven 🥹

[@YueAki]

I love solas because he wants to help, even if he makes the WORST decisions, AND decides to be alone. In the end is for love, the love he had for his people. (And im a sucker for nerds, and lore, and for elves, and for that voice) PS: I dont have any friends that enjoy dragon age, and im so fascinated by the universe, so finding your channel helps a lot. Ty for the video.

[@binah7744]

God the chokehold these pixels have had on me for the last ten years 😭 so glad someone linked your channel on tumblr! Cannot wait to check out more!

[@dylanwickersham5610]

Alternate title for this video: On the Hotness of Hyperfixations, Cosmic Consequences and the Elven Oop

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Fjfjfjfjfjfjfjtj!!! DYLAN!!! The way I just CACKLED!!! Omgggggg 🤣🤣🤣

[@HikikoMuri]

I love that you mentioned Solas approving of your helping the refugees in the Hinterlands. That is what made me want to pursue a romance with him in my first playthrough. 🥺❤️

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Right??? Every time I got the little pop up notification of “Solas slightly approves”, every time I help someone, I’m like “ah. My heart. You are so kind” 😭😭😭

[@TeroTheShortOne]

@@ChroniclesofNoria You can also see him in the background of the initial Crossroads cutscene going to help the refugees himself.

[@ThatsSoWorm]

Yes, thank you!!! This man wants to pretend that these aren't his people and their existence can't matter to him, but he's the one who cares most about them. Svgafdjqbdka *Solas*

[@TeroTheShortOne]

@@ThatsSoWorm And this is after putting his life on the line even approaching the Inquisition after the Conclave explosion. I don't know how many people stop to think about the fact that he was basically at what, 10% power at that point? He approached a *Chantry* organization after a *magical* explosion, and instead of hearing him out, it was just as likely they'd have run him through for being a mage. Then, he goes out on the front lines with the Inquisitor to try and fix the Breach. He could have played it that he was a research mage, not a combatant and never been in a second of danger, but he put blood, sweat, and tears into it.

[@josephjoestar8063]

Unlike Astarion who doesn’t even approve of petting a cat lmao

[@saisgirlfriend]

Okay now I finished the video! I love Solas. I think I’ve always had a friendship with him and just finished a romance run with him. His character hits harder in Trespasser and the way the writers made it much more emotional for the characters that were friends with him have to come to terms that their friend is going to do something completely stupid and destructive and has a duty to stop him. I’m hoping we’re able to find a balance between fixing his mistake but also finally finishing a job that took over thousands of years to finish ( killing the Evanuris, stopping the Blights)

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Gods! Trespasser still has me WEEPING on some days 😭😭😭😭. But you’re right. I need him to finish what he started!!!

[@sugarandscenes1931]

Solas was an INCREDIBLY impactful character for me. As I was always treated like I am frustrating or irritating for my inquisitive nature and tendency to ask a lot of questions. He was an incredibly comfortable validating gaming experience I had no idea the HEARTBREAK I was walking into, I actually cried for days! A real point of interest that really put my attention on him was that he was the first to speak ill of the Grey Wardens in a way that felt like, beneath the surface he knew better than them! It was one thing for the wardens to be sold short by those claiming they are unnecessary in their hubris. It was another to see a character I regarded as compassionate and wise as he is straight up denounce them as wrong and even implying it was *cruel*. My shivers were timbered and my interest piqued, I knew there was something more to him than meets the eye

[@beccangavin]

I love Solas. The first time I played Inquisition I talked to him as much as possible…Actually every time I play Inquisition I talk to him a lot and a take him with me just about everywhere. In ActI, most of the companion characters start telling you about their tragic backstory but Solas just wants to talk about the fade and politics and it was interesting to hear his opinions. I liked Josephine for the same reason.

[@SleepyAE31]

I loved Solas's character and his writing. Just seeing how he opens up to you throughout the game made him a better fleshed out character than many in games that I've played. And after the reveal, looking back at scenes or dialogue with your new knowledge of him really made my second play through interesting. So as upset as I was at the romance story with him (and oh, my heart was broken), I'm so happy to see more of him in DA4.

[@Velvet1001]

I love seeing more dragon age content from you

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Thank you 🥹🥹❤️

[@Velvet1001]

​@ChroniclesofNoria oh my gosh you responded! I just wanted to say thank you for the positive content and Dragon Age stuff. With all the hate around DA4 I have felt so sad and alone that I still really wanted the game, you and Kala's videos have really helped and I have met some of my best friends even in the hype of this game now, thank you for being part of the positive comunity

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

This just made me cry!!! Thank you so much, and I’m so honoured to be a part of the fandom that’s able to feed you excitement and help you maintain positivity about the game. It’s almost here and gods! I can’t wait for us all to play it come the 31st 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@julilla1]

I love Solas, but he has that Greek tragedy vibe. His undoing is his inability to let other people in. It's like he can't let them help. It's the cause of all of this. That's why it's so sad with Lavellan, because she does want to help, she just needs the information. Maybe she could help him think of a different way, but because of his issues, he is incapable of letting her. I am hoping in the flashbacks BW have promised that we'll see the genesis of that inability to trust, and perhaps with that knowledge, we can help free him. He who is so proud of his liberation of the enslaved cannot free himself.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

“He who is so proud of his liberation of the enslaved cannot free himself”. Gods! That got me in the GUT!!!! 😩😩😩😩

[@kalaelizabeth]

You get it 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

😄😄

[@nicolevandermeulen9422]

I love a well written "villain" who is complicated and sympathetic. I love it when I can understand and sympathize with their motives, and when I can see how they can be redeemed but not sure if they will pick that option. I get all of this from Solas. He can so easily just be a Villain, but his motivations are understandable, and you can see his inner struggle. I feel like he desperately WANTS to be proven wrong, for someone to give him an alternative where he can save his People AND the world as it has become, but he just cannot see how there is any other option.

[@inutrasha94]

I love seeing other black people so outwardly in love with this fandom and I'm sat for every video you make!! I can't wait to see more 🥹 Also all the Solas haters have to go through ME 😤 I'm defending my terrible decision making man until the end of time😂

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Thank you 🥹🥹🥹. And yesssssss!!! Solas defender for LIFE!!!!! 😤😤💪🏾💪🏾

[@illizcit1]

I saw it was a sista and clicked on the video so fast! 😅

[@part-timeprofessionalfull-8083]

I aggressively love Solas. There's a codex you get about Fen'Harel in DAI that says "for they say he did not care for our people" and despite 12,031 playthroughs, it is more devastating each time I read it.

[@MrOzzi18]

My first play through, I was devastated by him leaving the inquisition because I respected him so much as a character. When i got to trespasser and i learned more about him, it made me love his story. Now as I prep for veil guard, I’m doing the Solas romance to see him in a new light and I hope his story gets the shine it deserves

[@quinnnorman9916]

Solas did nothing wrong. I kid, of course. He's done many things wrong, that's why we love him. And I'm tearing down that veil if he asks

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Fjfjfjfjfjfjtj!!! You and me both!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thareneeford6926]

Same here, lol.

[@MicahLetsPlay]

OMFG Noria, this video is exactly why I love Inquisition! The stories of the NPC's in the world and most importantly Solas. I personally believe that Solas is one of the best written villains/antagonists I have ever encountered in a video game or media I love. If Solas was into elven dudes, all of thedas would be doomed when my inquisitor shows up to save him. 😂😂😂 But my inquisitor is best friends with him. Thank you for making this video. You describe me in so many ways talking about obsessions and how things consume your thoughts. It is hilarious.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

He would WRECK the world if he was bi!! I don’t think we can handle him 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😭😭😭😭😭

[@MicahLetsPlay]

@@ChroniclesofNoria No we couldn't! 🤣

[@NathTMcC]

I love him. He broke my heart and I still love him.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

😭😭

[@ThatsSoWorm]

Gosh, thank you for this!! I just did my replay of DAI before DAV, and of course I had to revisit my Solavellan hell 😢❤ I had forgotten that man literally breaks up with me right after the Temple of Mythal, and the scream i screamt having to go through that tender-ass vallaslin removal scene, only to get whiplash broken up with....It's fine, I'm fine, I'm sure Trespasser won't rub salt in these wounds again. I cannot turn my back on a tragic romance. 😂 It was always gonna be Solas for me. (Also love a broody elf...)

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

I was a male Dalish mage, and he was my best friend. I've spoken to many about Solas and have noticed: They consider the harm the Veil does as an entirely acceptable price for their current way of life. If lives are lost removing the Veil, it's tragedy. However, all elves are unnaturally losing their lives every day by(to) maintain the Veil. Spirits become demons when forced through the Veil. Mages fear possession because some spirits want to experience the world again. Their attitude is "that's natural". It explains injustice in the world. Sacrificing others is ok, so long as it doesn't disrupt "my world". Lastly, Solas said he destroyed their world in striking down the Evanuris. He then says he will restore their world by destroying this world. He never says "the world" because Solas is speaking in relative/subjective terms. Like how the Blights destroy the surface world, but give respite to the Dwarven world.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

This point!!! All of this!!!! Omg!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Vulpix298]

YES YES YES THIS EXACTLY

[@part-timeprofessionalfull-8083]

Oh friend! I didn't need another reason to ride so hard for Solas and his antics, and yet here you are with facts on facts on facts!

[@MoonWolfMate]

Im a Solas Appologist 100% my Inquisitor in Veilguard will be Lavellen that romanced Solas and I desperately hope they can potentially expand on that in Veilguard.

[@legacian4039]

Solas inversely gets extremely frustrated if your Inquisitor refuses to ask questions or approaches situations apathetically. If you play as the "shoot first, ask questions later" type of character, he really dislikes you. And even though Dragon Age is a game all about dialogue and relationships and character growth, unfortunately a lot of people skip over it or just try to rush through it, which makes no sense to me.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Yup! Like you can see how he disdains an inquisitor like that. And it’s not just with questions that are focused on him! Even when Dorian first shows up, if Solas is in your party and Dorian starts talking about Corypheus’ time magic. He approves of you not taking Dorian’s explanation at face value. Every additional question you ask so you have a clear and full understanding of what is happening nets you more of his approval. Like you, I legit will never understand people who speed run the game. Like BioWare games, particularly Dragon Age, are not the games you speed run through. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@HeroOfTime223]

In Tevinter Nights he describes himself as “prideful, hotheaded, and foolish” and I hope we can show him how a romanced Lavellan/us Solasmancers see him. He’s so self aware and so blind at the same time. There is beauty in both the current Thedas and within him, but he is too caught up in his own past to see it. 😭💔

[@burningrose_bailey]

"it is why no one is going to spoil my excitement or have it dimmed in any way" THIS!!! THIS RIGHT HERE!!! ive been a HUGE fan of the series since i was a kid and ive been trying so hard not to let all the negativity people have been spreading about a game that hasnt even released yet get to me. but you saying this gave me the reassurance that it doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks. you put it into words perfectly. keep up the amazing work! ❤

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Oh definitely! Glad I can help in helping you regain your joy and happiness and excitement for this series. Please don’t let the haters win. They’re not worth it. And they totally don’t should not be allowed to take that joy from you. Don’t give them that power!

[@LadyRav3nGaming]

I like Solas as a character and I think the writing of his character is very good. He's a complex character who is an antagonist but isn't inherently evil. That makes him interesting. He's not my fave romance though. Of all the current Dragon Age games, Fenris is my fave. I relate to him the most and I love romancing him as a mage and helping him learn and grow past his trauma (which doesn't completely happen as per the comics, novels, etc) but it's what I have in my head. His abuse trauma is something I relate to because of my own life and his anger is something I understand as well. So while I don't relate that much to Solas (though I do like him overall) I understand how people love him so much and can relate to him as I relate to Fenris. I think they're both misunderstood but that is part of why these characters are so compelling. How many of us are often misunderstood by others in the real world? I know I am often misunderstood.

[@montgomerypierce]

Growing up is realizing Solas was right all along.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Yup!

[@ladiesman777777]

Solas went from the guy I had my party to keep an eye on him, to me genuinely struggling to come to terms with the fact that I have to stop him. And I'm gonna love hating every minute of it.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

😭😭😭😭

[@dreadwolfcult]

Giga chadette, fantastic video and analysis

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Thank you ☺️. Glad you liked it!

[@Keriga]

I agree with all of your points. Solas is a very interesting character for me, I am very intriqued by his knowledge (and since I am a huge nerd myself, I can relate to his somewhat obsessive interest over the things he nerds out about), I wish we could ask him more questions in game because I have SO MANY of them 😅 Also as someone who loves bittersweet, tragic romances, his romance arc is just so beautiful. I've played it many, many times over the last decade and it still manages to break my heart every single time. And I love every moment of it.

[@x_rhi_x2772]

Love this video! Good character analysis of one of my fave characters in all of fiction. Im so excited for veilguard!

[@Nictat0r]

I love this! I think from a roleplay perspective solas might be lost on some people. I know when i did my first playthrough I thought he looked down on the dalish, was rude about other races, and hated the wardens. Yes he had his interests and but if you disagreed with his he made you feel small sometimes. This made me dislike him a lot, especially when his true nature was revealed. We weren't friends in the game and his arrogant pursuit to destroy my world for his did not change that. However, when I romanced him as a elf you really felt this vunrability from him. It's a very different gaming experience and, this may be just because i made different choices but you feel his love of learning and the elven people more. There is a sadness in him and he seems to see the good in the Inquisitor as a light in the dark that makes him exited to live in this world. That being said, there are also moments where he takes what she says and uses it to fit his own narritive, it feels like hes listening to her but when you watch it back, its as though he is using her a sounding board for his own ideas. There is also his gravestone. He fears dying alone which is where he sees his journey ending on the path he has taken. Yet here is the Inqusitor, a different path, one where that doesn't happen. Still he puts his cause first above his own needs because he believes it is the right thing to do. To me he is such a great representation of a villain. A lot of people who do evil things believe they are doing it for the right reasons. It's one of the reasons I really want there to be redemption for Solas. To show that no mater what you have done, there is always a chance to change and atone.

[@aspavazoura5523]

I'm with Solas through and through...Yeah I get he manipulated people and circumstances but in the end he's right. And he fights for his people trying to right his wrongs..As for us Solavellans , I don't think he actually betrayed us..He was always one step behind us helping whenever he could, and because he loved us he couldn't take us with him and put us through torture and despair...So, yes my Lavellan loves Solas to bits and wants to be with him no matter the cost...

[@aest3050]

This was such a great video, but also you're soooo engaging to listen to, I subscribed immediately! You really put the things I liked about both Inquisition and Solas himself into words. The opening section of the Hinterlands with the refugees, right in the beginning of the game where your PC is just being thrown into this situation, being called the Herald, and tossed out there -- what else should you do but find somewhere to help, right? Even if you're playing a self-serving character, like you said it's the start of building up the Inquisition's power. It's honestly a part of the game that I really look forward to. I know that's not a popular opinion but I really love running around the early Hinterlands, low level, just finding regular people help. It's really cool to see that other people played the game and had the same experience as me. I can't wait for Veilguard, I can't wait to see some of the truth behind Solas's mysteries, I can't wait to see how Rook mirrors him and screws up on their own. Solas s such a compelling, layered character, and I think that's why so many people can't handle him: some people go through their lives only engaging on a surface-level. Hope you make more DA videos! Excited to hear how you feel about DAV. PS. Your glasses are incredible!!

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

Is that The Fifth Season in the background???? My favorite series, ever!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Yes it is! Also ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SERIES EVER TOO!!! Omg!!!!!! Welcome!!!! Gah!! Also, Nk Jemisin SUPREMACY!!!!!!

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

@@ChroniclesofNoria a woman of culture! *fist bump *

[@TheFuronMothership]

The fact that I can't romance Solas as a gay elf twink should be a crime punishable by ENCHANTMENT!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Right???? 😩😩😩😩. The POWER he would have!!!!

[@ract46]

As a player, I love the character of Solas. I see him like an onion, so many layers to peel and you never get to the core of his character. My inquisitors are split on whether they swore to save him or to stop him, and I can't think of any that were not friends with him (at least until Trespasser). And the spilt of save/stop is not clearly down any race or class lines. None of my Inquisitors romanced him; they are all male, about half of them elf, the other half mostly human and a couple of Qunari. Solas is probably my favourite DA character, either Solas or Morrigan; though I do like Flemeth too, and Alistair, Leliana, Cullen, Cassandra, ... but the point of this comment is I like Solas and find him a complex and interesting character.

[@fluffy_walrus]

I really enjoy Solas as a character, he's a high INT guy with comically low WIS that is persistently inept at making decisions with his substantial power. He has a big heart for those he deems worthy of existence, and can show tremendous empathy, while also callously disregarding the lives, wellbeing, and cultures of so many because he just reduces them to the product of his failures. He's a well written tragic character. That said, i 100% don't want him to succeed at anything he tries to accomplish. At this point, i think the kindest thing would be to put him out to pasture and end his suffering (alongside the other corrupted elven gods), letting the world recover without Solas' endlessly predictable fuck ups. And my Lavellan inquisitor was committed to that goal at the end of Tresspasser.

[@blukinoseXD]

Yes! Inquisition is my favorite game as well. :) I completely agree with you. Getting alone with Solas was a breeze for me because I love doing all the side quests. I was a Qunari on my first play through and wanted to romance him without knowing his wolfy secret. But... I had to learn the hard way that the race and gender you played locked you out of certain romances. when I saw his story twist at the end of my first play thought, I immediately started a new game to play as a Lady Lavellan. XD

[@saisgirlfriend]

Omg I love your work so much!!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Thank you so much!!☺️☺️

[@anna-friedavandyk]

Im in a weird position of both wanting to kiss Solas and smack him. Because he is a well written and consistent character. Which means he has well written and consistent character flaws- alot of which makes my Lavellan want to shake him by the shoulders in frustration. I romanced the dude - but that only wanted to make me strangle him more. Suffice to say, i am very excited to try and save him in Veilguard. My Lavellan needs her happy ending.

[@minashepard1255]

I actually like Solas though I didn't romance him in the game. My main Inky is a human Mage who often has the hots for Cullen. However I do have a Dalish Elf Quizzie I have been contemplating using for a Solas romance arc. I do like to poke fun at Solas on occasion especially with the dialogue between him and Blackwall regarding a love interest in a spirit. Either way both Quizzies Elf or Human Solas deserves a chance.

[@DogFlamingoXIII]

As a person, I really like Solas, but at the same time, I saw him very similar to The Architect. The Architect did horrific things (like awakening the dragon god and causing the Blight), and his reaction is always, "Yeah, everyone makes mistakes; but when I do the next obviously insane thing, I'm sure that it will turn out just fine." He cares. He wants to improve things. He also has incredibly stupid and catastrophic ideas that he won't be dissuaded from, because he is sure that even if all his big decisions have been disasters so far, the next one will be great. He refuses to listen to others, and he refuses to back down, because he would rather gamble on a really bad idea than step back and hear what others have to say, potentially having his mind changed. I almost always played a very altruistic Elven Inquisitor that spent a lot of time trying to get to know all her companions.

[@illizcit1]

I just want to bring Elven Glory to our people with my beloved Egg.

[@penpenpenpenpen]

I love hating Solas, he's such a good character

[@Zelomakitoko]

My only thing to add is that I hated Solas for years simply bc I thought he's ugly and I didn't understand the people's thirst. And then a few weeks ago I had a dream about him which has caused me to finally see him as attractive as the rest of the fanbase. Anyway, I am finally in the right mental state to watch content about him 😂

[@Julia-301]

I have found a person who feels as I do. Subscribe!

[@CaughtBetweenPages]

Again, I’ve not played any Dragon Age…. But if/when I do, I’m gonna have a Solas play through, because I ADORE a character who is doomed from the start, and there’s a very Tragic Hero aspect to him (and to your protag if you romance him). Also, as a certified Obsessisive girlie (it’s the ‘tism, I fear), I’m deeply protective over characters other people call annoying for being so deep into their interests.

[@Dannigirltx]

Solas might be a walking red flag but, he's our walking red flag lol.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Yes he is!!!! 😏😏😏

[@TheDMG_DA]

Very interesting video! I've always liked him, but had never thought about the reasons you mentioned...and I think I just subconsciously always liked him on 1st run before the reveal likely for those reasons you gave voice to. Oddly enough, despite liking him as a character, I'm actually not much of a Solasmancer - I didn't romance him until over 1000 hours into DAI playthroughs and only then because I heard such good things about his romance. It...was a mixed bag for me. Not my cup of tea as doomed tragic romance isn't my schtick, but seeing another side of him was fascinating. Thank you for this thoughtful and introspective analysis of what drew you to him. I appreciate your insight.

[@Mary.Petrie]

I love Solas because he is complicated, he not good or bad (he will kill the moronic Kirkwall mages if you let him) but he first offer a helping hand and the only way to really get to know him is to romance him. Second, as any DA fan knows, never trust the apostate mage companion, why because they will break your heart and leave (oh and possibly blow up the chantry along they way!).

[@nuworldpress]

He killed Flemeth! I named my cat Flemeth.

[@kyrajager907]

I think it's cool of you to have a different perspective on him! One thing I would define differently: He's not driven by guilt. He's driven by shame. Guilt is when you don't want to do the same mistake twice and learn from it. Shame is when you don't process events and make the mistake your whole idendity. Personally, I think it's telling to have a person fascinated by the past, by dreams, by things lost. He's disconnected with the (new) reality, stricken with grief, seeing the good in the bad (demons and blood magic), to be obsessed with a world lost and trying to recreate what he had destructed. Nothing against being deeply interested, his motivation is just egoistic, not inquisitive for just cherishing the topic, like the other characters are. He never gave the new world a true chance, choosing suffering above building real relationships. He's not truly in love with Lavellan, he's in love with the Self he embodied before this tragic decision. A man who didn't bruised his own ego with a fatal mistake. I love the man for his academic interests/curiosity, his gentle voice and (questionable) support, but I cannot unsee his ENTITLEMENT: To change a whole world because you can't live with the outcome of your bad decisions,... he's not doing anything for others, but for himself. He wants to go back to a place and time he can't truly recreate, because, despite all his efforts, even if he achieves it, the world will be changed forever, because *he* has through these events. I think it's interesting that he is all for helping refugees, when he's aware that his plan might kill them all the same. I think he does have a warm streak, a kindness, but he's maybe too obsessed with his self-afflicted mission to see people as people, and not collateral. He's blessed and cursed with the power of being a god whilst showing - ironically, despite being a seeker of knowledge - a lack of wisdom in relation to emotional growth.

[@BlondeNordic]

Solas is a man who thinks he knows what is best for everyone. Not willing to admit that hey i made a huge mistake by destroying the original world by killing essentially everyone and everything in that world. His arrogance knows no bounds we shouldn't let him off the hook because we might think his past has been tragic. After all we really dunno what truly happened we have only fragments of info... I think in the next game we truly see who he is and then we can judge him by his actions.

[@mobunagathevoiceofresistan801]

I didn't romsnce him, but i dud befriend him. And i was so hurt when i played Trespasser

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Right??? Even as a friend, he breaks your heart 😭😭😭

[@mobunagathevoiceofresistan801]

@@ChroniclesofNoria exactly

[@TeroTheShortOne]

Oh, the way I *immediately* clicked this. Can't wait to mutually yell about this man in Veilguard (this is ImaSithDuh). 😁 Editing to mention, if anyone is just starting and wants to play DA:O, the GOG version is the most stable and doesn't have the memory leak that the EA App/Steam one has, verified by a friend that just did a full playthrough of the games.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Omg!!! Hi Ima 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾. Thanks for watching my video 😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹. And thanks for the info about GOG ❤️❤️

[@natbvm1880]

Go girl

[@CatharticEscapism]

You know, I really WANT to like Solas. I've even done a gameplay centered around him in Inquisition recently, but despite my fervent attempts to do so, I still find him incredibly boring. I'm not sure why seeing as I love the Fade, lore, and all things Spirits. I'm obsessive and enjoy similar types of people. I love tragic backstories and stories in general! I've explored every nook and cranny in Inquisition and put hundreds of hours into it. He's pretty much my kind of character, but I've disliked him for 10 years now, and I can't seem to put that aside no matter how much I want to. It sounds like so much fun to enjoy him and indulge in his romance... I want to join in! I want to be a part of that, but alas... it's simply not to be. )8

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Awwww. I’m sorry 😞. Sometimes we just don’t click with certain characters. And I know how difficult it can be to when the characters are beloved by the fandom. Here’s hoping that maybe Veilguard might give you a new perspective of him that would have you liking him in the game 🥹❤️

[@CatharticEscapism]

@@ChroniclesofNoria I would love that! I would love to delight with the rest of the fandom after The Veilguard comes out. I'm really hoping it helps.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

@@CatharticEscapism my pleasure 🤗🤗

[@angiep2229]

I've always found Solas really compelling and tragic. But several years ago I read an opinion piece that compared him to a white supremacist, and I've felt kind of ashamed, and like it's not really my place to argue against that opinion, and it sort of hurt TBH. So, it does make me happy to see this video.

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

Well I’m glad my video was able to make you happy. I’ve realized that a lot of people because they legit have no idea about freedom fighting and historically how people of colour and oppressed peoples have used violence to gain their freedoms, speak out of their asses when it concerns Solas. The SHEER AUDACITY to compare a character who is positioned CANONICALLY as fighting for the oppressed group in Thedas who have been separated from their power, heritage, history and identity, and turned into second class citizens on lands that are as much theirs… the AUDACITY to compare a character like that to a white supremacist??!! The fuck???!!! I’m so sorry you had to see that. If you still have a link to that opinion piece, please let me know. I’m in the mood to cuss someone’s ignorant relative out. The effrontery!!!! But yeah. This is a safe space if you like Solas as a character and understand where he’s coming from, what he aims to do, even amidst his flaws. Please ignore people who like to project or do not do enough reading to have what remotely sounds like a reasonable conversation!

[@angiep2229]

@@ChroniclesofNoria Thank you! I'm new to your channel but have a feeling I'm going to love your content! I googled around but I can't find the essay anymore. It really came out in the year or so after the game first came out, and I don't know if it's even out there anymore! I do feel as a more pale person it's not my place to really argue with POC about racism, being in a more privileged position in that regard. I'm part of the LGBT community, so I still feel pretty confident discussing marginalization more generally, but feel like when it comes to race it's my job to listen and learn (and sometimes attempt to call out and educate other white folks). I am really excited for Veilguard too. In the meantime I've been playing BG3. I don't know if you've played it yet but if you haven't, it sounds like the sort of thing you'll also really enjoy. Lots of really complicated, beautifully written characters. I'm definitely gonna browse through your other videos when I have some more time!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

@angiep2229 welcome. And I do hope you have a swell time here on my channel ❤️❤️. I do think your philosophy of learning and listening and not inserting yourself into racial politics discourse with people of colour especially when it’s on matters you know they have more to say about, is a good one. I wish others emulated you. Honestly, But yeah, the reason why I’m so pissed is honestly because I am a firm believer that words mean things. And there’s always a more appropriate or suitable word for whatever a person wants to say. As a writer, the onus is on the reporter to be certain of the words they chose, what they meant and if it applied to whoever they were talking about. It’s a pity the article is off the internet cuz I definitely would have left QUITE the response. lol. But yeah. Welcome to the channel. Hopefully my content brings you comfort and nudge a bit onto thinking more about characters and the roles they serve in the story we’re being told ❤️

[@Mary.Petrie]

I also feel the fans who dislike Solas also dislike Sebastian Veal in DAII for similar reasons. He romance able but won't boink you. His views don't completely aline with "Mages can do no wrong" and victim narrative they like to use. He will leave your party (having a backbone) if you make choices he doesn't agree to (like letting a mass murder have a second chance!) I know my soapbox, but I honestly think a lot of fans just understand Sebastian Vael the same way.

[@NobodyNothing-f5c]

Yeah, no. Flemeth will be avenged, this mfer was sleeping while she got abused. Solas: "Mythal was the only person who loved her people." Solas: "I love you." Me: But you just said only Mythal was the only good Evanuris. Solas: "I'm gonna need a hand, simp."

[@x_rhi_x2772]

He didn't consider himself evanuris though. He talks of them in a disgusted tone and as false gods. So he does love lavellan, and believes mythal was the only decent evanuris

[@VillainessCodex]

1 Flemeth isn't Mythal she just has a peace of Mythal in her 2 Solas never claimed to be an Evanuris 3 Flemeth obviously know what was going to happen when she went to meet solas and let it happen 4 Flemeth is a abusive pos who treated Morrigan awful

[@Vulpix298]

No, Solas says Mythal was the best of the Evanuris. Not that she was good, necessarily. Solas dislikes the Evanuris as a whole and refers to them as false gods. She was the best of them, but still one of them. Solas wasn't willingly sleeping while things went bad. He used up ALL of his power creating the veil to seal the gods away. It took him that long to recover, and even then, once he did wake up he was still extremely weak. He was only able to wake up at all just a year before Inquisition took place. And Flemeth-Mythal willingly gave her power to Solas, he didn't do anything bad to her. She also sent something through the eluvian before they met, most likely another fragment of herself like in DA2. But again, she gave her power to him willingly. That is stated in the devnotes for that scene. And Solas takes the Inquisitor's hand because the Anchor had grown, was unstable, and killing them. To remove it, and save the Inquisitor's life, meant the hand had to go too, because it was so intrinsically linked.

[@NobodyNothing-f5c]

Nope. She knew he was coming, and gave him Kieran's power while sending hers back out into the world. Possibly to Morrigan. She set him up, the reckoning involves killing his evil ass and the evanuris. Stop believing his lies, and realize Weekes is a simp for his own character. We'll have to mod in a way to kill this genocidal freak probably. He also dided with Corypheus to cause the events of Inquisition to begin with. He's evil, and lying to you throughout both games because he didnt create the veil. Dwarves have spirits and demons not associated withthe veil at all.