Other Characters: Kit Gandir, Atticus Vedici
Interests: Redemption arcs, exploring the experiences of a character who knows that some crimes are too terrible to ever be forgiven--and yet the importance of continuing penance regardless.
CHARACTER
Name: Loghain Mac Tir
Canon/OC: Canon
Journal: ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mactears Race: Human
Nationality: Fereldan
Occupation: Senior Grey Warden
Division: Forces
Mage or Not: Not
Age: Late 50s, early 60s
History
To flesh out a bit of what he has been up to since his last canon appearance in the Dragon Age universe: Loghain spent the requisite amount of time in Montsimmard as is referenced by his appearance in the Awakening expansion, and then afterwards, his actions are in keeping up to a point with what unfolds in Dragon Age: Inquisition. After investigating Corypheus and his connection to the Blight, Loghain was forced to flee the Wardens enthralled by Corypheus’ power.
In the aftermath of the events at Weisshaupt and the First Warden’s seizure of the throne from the royal family of the Anderfels, Loghain has made slow progress trekking across Thedas to make his report to the remaining Grey Wardens affiliated with the Inquisition. Word of their arrival in Kirkwall means that the City of Chains is his destination, rather than Skyhold.
PersonalityTo paraphrase his own words, Loghain is a man who now knows the danger of too much commitment to any cause or organization; he learned this the hard way, and is keenly aware of the trail of blood and bodies his blind dedication has left in his wake. Prior to the Wardens, he lived a life so devoted both to Maric’s reign as king of Ferelden--and then to preserving his legacy--that any perceived threat to that legacy was cause either to take up arms, or to turn aside aid critical to Ferelden’s survival. His horrific experiences under Orlesian occupation of Ferelden, and the subsequent horrors he witnessed in the resistance, are not easily shed even decades later, and it is difficult for him to set aside his prejudices when it comes to interacting with Orlesians. (Difficult, though not impossible.)
His circumstances have necessitated that Loghain humble himself in a way few other men have ever been asked to; Loghain carries himself with dignity, but accepts slights to that dignity as part of a penance he’ll be paying daily for the rest of his life. It is one of many burdens he feels obligated to shoulder without complaint or criticism; who knows how his actions at Ostagar, or during the war in the Bannorn, or during the Blight, affected the one slinging vitriol at him? Whose father or sister died for the sake of his hubris, or his dedication to Maric’s memory?
In conversation, he’s quiet, his words considered, and often taciturn; but he isn’t without a sense of humour. The cutting edge of his humour, however, is one that is is more often than not inclined to turn on himself than on others. There are few people in his life who loathe Loghain Mac Tir more than he loathes himself, though he isn’t inclined towards grand gestures of repentance or spells of self-pity.
In short, Loghain is a man who is at his best when he is presented with a task to perform, a duty to fulfill, or an army to lead. He turns a critical eye towards all organizations--the Wardens included--and towards those whose belief in anything seems to be beyond question. He longs to consider himself a person who is mindful enough of his own actions to know when those actions no longer serve the good of all, but have begun to serve himself.
Opinions & AffiliationsThe Chantry (and organized religion more broadly): Loghain finds peace and solace in the words of the Chant of Light, and in contemplating Andraste, but doesn’t consider himself a devout Andrastian by any means. As an institution, he regards the Chantry with suspicion.
Grey Wardens: The Grey Wardens have never truly accepted Loghain as one of their number, despite his uncomplaining service (i.e. penance) in their service. He considers himself dedicated to combating the Blight and values the role of the Wardens in that cause, but the events at Weisshaupt have confirmed some long-held suspicions about the aspirations of the organization.
The Inquisition: Currently the best and most formidable organization in Thedas actually capable of taking down a blighted magister. Beyond that, Loghain is keeping his opinions on the Inquisition tightly under wraps… though it shouldn’t be a stretch to figure out his opinions on it.
Ferelden Nobility: The “Traitor Teyrn” moniker somehow suits him better than life in the Gwaren teyrnir ever did; Loghain grew up the son of a farmer and has never truly shed his humble roots, neither in his mannerisms nor in his means of approaching delicate social entanglements. Loghain is not a natural diplomat or politician (e.g., his obvious affection for and devotion to both King Maric and his wife were hardly politic, but he took no pains to hide this).
Strengths & WeaknessesStrengths:
Champion Specialization. A seasoned veteran, Loghain has commanded armies and let assaults; he earned his old monikor, the Hero of River Dane, honestly.
Shrewd. If the best way to acquire good judgment is to learn from your mistakes, then Loghain should have some of the best in Thedas. He does not make hasty decisions, but when he does, tends to make them well.
Patient. Learning to live with the reality of being perhaps the second most loathed man in all of Thedas (hello, Anders) has given Loghain an understandably long fuse. He does not rile to anger easily; wounding his pride is virtually impossible.
Hobbyist Cartographer. Loghain’s love of maps has engendered in him a keen ability both to interpret them, as well as to create them with great accuracy. This makes him an excellent asset for determining how best to approach a battleground.
Weaknesses:
The Traitor Teyrn. In all things, Loghain’s infamous reputation precedes him.
Blind Spot. Regarding those he loves best (e.g., Anora, and his memories of Maric), Loghain is especially short-sighted and not inclined towards demonstrating the best objectivity.
Prejudiced. It is very unlikely that Loghain will ever fully unlearn his bone-deep distrust of Orlais and the Orlesian nobility.
Inventory
Motivation
The few remaining Wardens not complicit in the coup in the Anderfels have affiliated themselves with the Wardens, and the cause of bringing down Corypheus is one that he supports wholeheartedly. While he may regard the Inquisition with suspicion, he recognizes that lending it his sword is the best hope the world has to see tomorrow.
SAMPLES
Loghain’s first meeting with Alistair.
Loghain meets Teren. 
