Orsino

Orsino is an elven mage in Dragon Age II. He is the First Enchanter of the Circle of Magi in Kirkwall.

Official Description
As the First Enchanter, Orsino holds the unenviable position of being in command of the Circle of Magi - in reality, and certainly in Kirkwall, a title granting little more power than that of prisoner's representative. It is a testament to his sense of duty that he tirelessly defends his quarantined wards against Templar accusations, even while some regard him as a traitor and apologist.

Orsino is determined to make life better for his charges by standing up to Meredith and demonstrating that the Circle can act for the good of the people. As both a Mage and an Elf - still a slave race in the Free Marches - he understands how fear leads to oppression. But he is also quick to overlook the threat posed by Knight-Commander enshrined Rights of Annulment, and is perhaps too willing to excuse the transgressions of his initiates as a consequence.

Quotes

 * (to Meredith) " Blood magic! Where do you not see blood magic? My people cannot sneeze without you accusing them of corruption."
 * Meredith: " My patience is at an end."
 * Orsino: " A wonder that I never saw it begin!"

Trivia

 * Orsino's name means 'Little Bear' in Italian, perhaps because he is an Elf - who are smaller and more slender than Humans.
 * Orsino carries a 3-headed dragonheaded staff, and in Dragon Age: Origins you can find statues of similar design. You can find them in a blood mage hideout in Denerim, and there is one in the Vigil's Keep basement in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening, among other places.
 * His robes and his staff are available for Xbox Live avatars.
 * Orsino is a crucial part in earning the "Friends in High Places" achievement, along with Knight-Commander Meredith, Viscount Marlowe Dumar, and Grand Cleric Elthina.