Avernus


 * "The Chantry foolishly forbids blood magic -- but there are so many secrets to uncover."
 * -- Avernus.

Avernus is a Grey Warden that has lived since the time when Wardens inhabited Soldier's Peak also known as Warden's Keep.

Background
{{spoilerDAO| Avernus was a young mage in the Wardens at the time Sophia Dryden was Warden-Commander. During King Arland's siege on Soldiers Peak, Commander Dryden knew about Avernus' involvement in blood magic and ordered him to summon demons from the Fade to aid in the fight, although if questioned, Avernus will admit he probably would have done so even without Sophia's order. Yet, they did not account for the evil that exists in the Fade on coming out. After the tear in the Veil between the world of the living and the Fade opened, Avernus retreated to his lab at the top of the tower. It was there he conducted his terrible experiments for centuries along with extending his unnatural life.

Involvement
In the last room of Avernus' tower, The Warden will find Avernus himself. After telling him what the Demon has asked The Warden to do, Avernus proposes a second solution... to help him kill the demon possessed body of Warden-Commander Sophia Dryden and help him seal the tear in the Veil. He can still be betrayed once The Warden, Avernus, and Sophia are in the same room. After either Sophia or Avernus has been killed, the other will take you to the next room and begin the ritual to close the tear in the Veil. Even if The Warden chooses Avernus to close the tear, he can still be killed once the ritual is complete. This yields the Robes of Avernus. He can also be persuaded to bow to the Warden's justice and thus can be executed without a fight after the Veil has been sealed. Alternatively he can be allowed to continue his research up in the tower.

If he is questioned for details about the rebellion, he will mention that they specifically sought the aid of the then-current Teyrn Cousland, but were betrayed. If the Warden is a Human Noble, it is possible to exclaim that this is your family. Avernus will then dryly inform you that you lost many relatives that day and that he saw the head of Teyrn Cousland "on a table, with an apple in his mouth." Apparently Arland decided to butcher as many Couslands as necessary to ensure the remainder would stay in line.

If you allow Levi to question Avernus about Sophia Dryden, he will express his belief that (prior to her possession, at least) she was the very best of the Wardens, and a hero, but that there is unfortunately no proof to be found that could help clear his family's name.

Strategy
Even if you want to kill Avernus, tell him that you will help him so you have an extra man in the fight against Sophia. When the Veil is sealed, you can still choose to kill him. No apparent downside to killing him. The Warden may also choose to endorse his research and allow him to continue. Avernus says that he will report that he is near a breakthrough and will report any successes to you. No specific benefit or following quest has been reported, however it might always be a factor in expansions. }}

Quotes
Warden: "You practiced blood magic on the nobles?"

Avernus: "Of course. To nudge people, to keep our secret safe."

(About Avernus stating his "research" was necessary)

Alistair: "Necessary? Having to relieve yourself after an eight-hour ride is necessary. But there's no excuse for summoning demons."

Avernus: "Charming."

Leliana: "Careful, this... man has dabbled in matters forbidden by the Maker... he may look frail but don't trust him."

Avernus: "So the Maker told you that, did he? Short-sighted men have forbidden my research, not any god. Enough."

(About Avernus stating his "research" means were justified)

Morrigan: "He has a point there. If a single spell could win the battle I would not question its source."

Avernus: "Your charming companion is quite correct. You'd do well to heed her advice."

Oghren: "Oh, that one was me. Feeling a bit gassy today. Didn't want to hold that in for the whole fight. One belly hit and it would be all over."

Avernus: "Could you find anyone more... suitable? The Wardens' standards have fallen so low."