Raleigh Samson

Samson is a a former Templar, turned beggar.

Background
Samson was, at one point, a good templar. According to Samson, the preceding Knight-Commander personally gave him his sun shield. He claims that he left the Templar Order due to "philosophical differences" in order to help apostate mages escape. He later admits he was dismissed because Meredith caught him delivering messages between a mage and his sweetheart.

Samson is addicted to lyrium dust, and is clearly suffering from withdrawal. Many templars are known to be addicted, as all templars have to ingest it by the orders of the Chantry; the fear of losing the supply of "dwarf dust" (as Samson calls it) is something that prevents them from leaving the order.

Involvement
{{SpoilerDA2|style=short| Samson plays a role in the quest Wayward Son. Whilst searching for Feynriel, both Vincento and Thrask will tell Hawke about Samson: a retired templar who aids mages. Samson can be found in Lowtown during night. However, Samson discloses that he sent the boy to Captain Reiner, who may be holding him captive. He mentions Hawke might find him at a warehouse in the Docks at night.

Samson returns several years later in the quest Best Served Cold as part of the conspiracy to oust Meredith. Hawke meets him in passing while looking for the renegade group that has kidnapped one of their allies; Hawke may recognize him as someone who had been begging for lyrium. Samson then brings Knight-Captain Cullen to break up the renegades, and will permit Samson to become a templar again if Hawke requests that he give him another chance. Alternatively if Hawke suggests Cullen execute the mages, Samson will be killed as well. If Samson rejoins the Templar order, he will remark that he's happy to have, "all the lyrium than [he] can quaff".

Bugs

 * If Samson is allowed back in the templars, he will still show up at night begging in Lowtown.}}