De Ghislain family

The 'De Ghislain family is one of Orlais most powerful noble families.

History
Upon the death of Duchess Marissa de Ghislain of the blue death in 8:96 Blessed, her younger brother Bastien returned home to assume the title and responsibilities of the thirty-third Duke of Ghislain. As a young man, he'd famously eschewed the Game in favor of living life as an outlaw, spy, minstrel, and general troublemaker. He had talent at being a bard, and even trained under the legendary Black Fox. Upon becoming duke, he left his former wild life behind to become a respectable noble: taking part in the Game, making the proper marriage, taking a seat on the Council of Heralds. He had two children with his wife Nicoline: Calienne and Laurent. His daughter Calienne later went on to marry Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons.

After the death of Emperor Florian in 9:19 Dragon, Bastien supported his son-in-law for the throne. Calienne took a more active part in the Game, and arranged for Celene's mother, Clarisse de Montfort, to suffer a "hunting accident." In retaliation, her cousin Duke Prosper de Montfort and husband Prince Reynaud paid a visit to the de Ghislain estate and arranged for Calienne to have a hunting accident of her own. As Calienne always carried a poisoined stiletto up her sleeve, Prince Reynaud later died of "illness."

At the Wintersend Ball of 9:16 Dragon, Bastien met Vivienne, a young mage from the Circle of Montsimmard, and immediately became enraptured. They started a love affair shortly after, creating an intense scandal at court. Bards and assassins were sent after them, all of which were skillfully thwarted by Bastien and Vivienne. The nobles remained vocally opposed to the match until a newly-crowned Empress Celene named Vivienne Court Enchanter. According to Vivienne, Duchess Nicoline was not angered by their arrangement at all, and actually considered Vivienne a friend.

Known Members

 * Duchess Marissa de Ghislain, died of the blue death in 8:96 Blessed
 * Duke Bastien de Ghislain, thirty-third duke of Ghislain, head of the Council of Heralds, Vivienne's lover
 * Grand Cleric Marcelline, an influential voice among the Grand Clerics
 * Calienne de Ghislain, wife of Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons, murdered Celene's parents and was killed in return
 * Duke Laurent de Ghislain, son of Duke Bastien, member of the Council of Heralds

Note

 * In Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, the name is spelled "De Ghyslain."