Meredith Stannard


 * See also: Codex entry: Knight-Commander Meredith

Meredith Stannard is the Knight-Commander of the Templars of Kirkwall and the main antagonist of Dragon Age II.

Background
An orphaned native of Kirkwall, Meredith rose in the ranks of the Templar Order and became an accomplished warrior. In 9:21, when Viscount Perrin Threnhold attempted to oust the domineering Templars from the city, Meredith led a coup which ended with the arrest of Viscount and execution of the Knight-Commander at the time. Grand Cleric Elthina then promoted her to lead the Order and she has governed with an iron fist, though few doubt that her influence is reserved to the Templars as it was at her behest that the current Viscount was appointed.

Quotes

 * (to Hawke) "If you cannot tell me another way, do not brand me a tyrant!"
 * "I will not allow insubordination! We must stay true to our path!
 * "You recognize it, do you not? Pure lyrium, taken from the Deep Roads. The dwarf charged a great deal for his prize.

(said during the final battle of The Last Straw)
 * "Blessed are those who stand before the corrupt and the wicked and do not falter!"
 * "Maker! Your servant begs you for the strength to defeat this evil!"
 * "It is not enough that they make innocents suffer, no! We must also have insult added to injury! Enslaved mages... Give them freedom and they would use it to tear down everything we hold dear! No! No, it cannot be allowed! I will stop it! Do you hear me, Champion? I will defeat you!"
 * "Can one so evil truly be so powerful? Maker, guide your servant. Please, tell me what I must do! What if... I'm not the right thing? What if this is all madness?... No! I must remain vigilant!"
 * "My own knight-captain falls prey to the influence of blood magic. You all have! You're all weak, allowing the mages to control your minds, to turn you against me! But I don't need any of you! I will protect this city myself!
 * "I will not be defeated! Maker! Aid your humble servant!

Trivia

 * David Gaider wrote Meredith for Dragon Age II.
 * Meeting her is required for the "Friends in High Places" achievement, along with Viscount Marlowe Dumar and First Enchanter Orsino and Grand Cleric Elthina.
 * Meredith is also one of the figures on the starting screen of the game along with First-Enchanter Orsino.
 * Meredith is voiced by Jean Gilpin, who also voiced the character Amanra, the Nubian Mercenary and later queen of Egypt in the mythological RTS spin-off "Age of Mythology" and its add-on "The Titans" based on the popular "Age of Empires" RTS series developed by Ensemble Studios.