“Remember that, for the moment, we are not your enemy.”
The Executors, also referred to as "those across the sea," are a shadowy group that came into contact with the Inquisition during the turmoil of the Breach.
Background[]
Involvement[]
Dragon Age: Inquisition[]
The Inquisition first learned of the existence of the Executors in 9:41 Dragon after their symbol is discovered marked in chalk at nearly every Inquisition outpost. Archivists were unable to identify the symbol in any records, but Inquisition agent Argent claimed to recognize it from a ledger belonging to the Comtesse de Bayard. The Inquisitor had the options of getting the reclusive Comtesse to cooperate, or setting up a decoy outpost to capture whoever is making the symbols. Either approach connected the symbol with agents who spoke of "those across the seas".
The symbols did not reappear after they were removed. Leliana eliminated the Qunari as the most obvious suspects behind the marks, and concluded that someone with ties to "those across the seas" had an interest in the Inquisition. Although Leliana wanted to investigate further, Cullen dismissed it as pointless and argued the entire affair was best forgotten so they could focus on Corypheus.
We hold your Inquisition in high esteem. Thedas's present troubles are great, but you have the strength to meet and conquer them. More will come. We prepare for the day and hold vigil. Do not look for your men; do not mourn them. They have given themselves of their own free will to a higher cause.
On behalf of powers across the sea,
The Executors
Compliments to your spymaster. She is a resourceful woman. Once she traced our agent to Caimen Brea, the match was ruled in her favor. Tell Sister Leliana to call off her dogs. Save them for Corypheus. We suspect also that she has gotten all she can from Ser Helmuth. A caterpillar on a leaf does not know there is a forest about him.
You will hear no more from us. Our intention was to watch, and we have seen enough. Corypheus threatens us all, and the Inquisition is Thedas's only hope for stopping him. Remember that, for the moment, we are not your enemy. As a gesture of goodwill, we share our knowledge. May it prove valuable in your coming battle.
On behalf of powers across the sea,
The Executors
Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights[]
The Dread Wolf Take You
An Executor attends a meeting of Thedas' best spies to share information about Solas and his plans to restore the empire of the ancient elves. Those across the ocean don't care about Solas' true nature, only about his goals and means of accomplishing them. Charter, the spy of the Inquisition who called the meeting, describes the Executor as covered head in toe in dark robes, a mesh covering the opening of the hood, with a voice that could have been male or female, young or old. Before the Executor can share their tale, Solas covertly petrifies them. He later cautions Charter that those across the sea are dangerous.
Quests[]
Investigate the Strange Chalk Markings (war table)- Unmask "Those Across the Sea" (war table)
Notes[]
- The Executors are mentioned in Varric's book Hard in Hightown.
"Well, this doesn't look very interesting at all." Maysie frowned, disappointed. " 'What you have claimed belongs to greater powers. You will answer to us.' That's a lot of rubbish."
...
"Oh, it's the Executors, of course!" Maysie peered excitedly at the wax seal, holding it up to the window for better light. "I should have guessed it from the silly 'great powers' nonsense. There's only been one example, on the letter claiming responsibility for the assassination of Queen Madrigal in 5:99! And this one is so much better! Just look at that imprint!"
"Any idea how I'd contact these 'Executors'?" Donnen asked.
"Oh, they're not real, of course. Everyone knows that."
Trivia[]
- The Executors are referenced in war table operation Hard in Hightown: Trouble in Skyhold by agent of Leliana who is covertly attempting to track down the author of a fake publication of Hard in Hightown 3.