The vast and intricately designed space of Skyhold in Dragon Age: Inquisition serves not only as the central hub for the game's Inquisition but also as a canvas for the diverse cultures of Thedas. However, players have noticed a curious omission: the lack of Dalish Elf decorative elements. This blog post delves into this mystery, exploring the cultural, historical, and narrative reasons behind the absence of Dalish decor in Skyhold.
The Dalish Elves: A Brief Overview
The Dalish are a nomadic group of elves in Thedas who reject human assimilation and strive to preserve the remnants of their ancient culture and language. Known for their venerated halls adorned with lore-rich murals, stories of the Elven pantheon, and artifacts from their past, their aesthetic is distinct, characterized by:
- Organic, nature-inspired designs
- Complex, vibrant colors
- Symbols representing the Elven pantheon
- Herbal and wooden decorations
Their architecture is often temporary, reflecting their wandering lifestyle, yet it is rich with symbolism and heritage.
The Inquisition’s Need for Symbols and Allegiance
Skyhold is not just a fortress but a symbol of the Inquisition’s mission and the myriad cultures it unites. Here’s why the absence of Dalish decor might make sense:
- Political Neutrality: Displaying decor from one culture might alienate others, potentially affecting the Inquisition’s efforts to gather support from diverse factions.
- Rebranding Effort: The Inquisition has to establish itself as an independent force, unaffiliated with any particular race or culture, to gain broader acceptance and legitimacy.
- Historical Context: Skyhold, built by the original mages who rebelled against the Chantry, might hold historical significance as a place of neutrality or a ground where various cultures can come together.
Narrative Justification
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, the Inquisition’s storyline involves the reformation of beliefs and the search for ancient knowledge. Here are some narrative reasons for the absence of Dalish decor:
- Elven Hesitancy: Given the Inquisition’s human leadership, Dalish elves might be cautious about fully integrating their culture into this institution, fearing a repeat of historical assimilation or subjugation.
- Diplomatic Relations: A focus on diplomatic relations with the elves could have led to a decision to keep Skyhold’s decor neutral to avoid offending or favoring any particular faction.
- The Search for Ancestral Knowledge: The Inquisition’s focus on unearthing ancient truths might mean Skyhold remains a blank canvas, awaiting the findings from the Dalish, if they choose to share them.
Practical Considerations
From a design perspective, including decor from all cultures of Thedas would:
- Clutter the space, making Skyhold feel less like a personal fortress and more like a cultural museum
- Challenge developers in terms of balancing game performance with detailed asset creation
Empathy for the Dalish
Despite their nomadic lifestyle and the limited resources they have, the Dalish deeply value their history and culture. Skyhold’s decor might:
- Respect Space: Be a respectful way to leave space for the elves to potentially decide how or if they want to contribute to its decor
- Future Integration: Offer an opportunity for the Dalish to integrate their cultural elements at a later stage, allowing for a narrative of growth and understanding
🔑 Note: The absence of Dalish decor in Skyhold might also reflect the developers' choice to subtly hint at the complicated relationship between the Inquisition and the elves, fostering a narrative of potential future inclusion.
In unraveling the mystery behind the lack of Dalish decorations in Skyhold, we find a rich tapestry of cultural dynamics, historical significance, narrative depth, and practical considerations. Skyhold, as the heart of the Inquisition, must maintain a delicate balance between neutrality and inclusivity. This balance reflects the game's themes of reconciliation, understanding, and the slow process of building trust among Thedas's diverse peoples. Ultimately, the omission is not an oversight but a calculated decision that adds depth to the game's world, lore, and the evolving story of the Inquisition's mission to bring unity to a fractured land.
Why isn’t there Dalish Elf decor in Skyhold?
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The lack of Dalish Elf decor in Skyhold is likely due to the Inquisition’s need to remain politically neutral, historical significance of the fortress, and the narrative choice to allow for potential future integration of Dalish culture.
Is there any indication that Dalish Elves could contribute to Skyhold in the future?
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The game leaves room for such narrative developments. Skyhold could potentially evolve with decorations from various cultures, including the Dalish, as relationships strengthen or new events unfold.
How does Skyhold’s design reflect Thedas’s cultures?
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Skyhold’s design tries to integrate elements from various Thedas cultures while maintaining a somewhat neutral look. It embodies the Inquisition’s mission to unite rather than divide.
