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For the character in Inquisition, see Mantillon (Inquisition).

“The Orlesians have a saying: You must dance with the dowager if you want to play the Game.” ―Lady Alcyone[1]


Dowager Lady Mantillon, or Lady Mantillon, is an Orlesian noblewoman of renown. A master player and gatekeeper of the Grand Game, she had a reputation for manipulating others to suit her own goals, as well as rewarding those players who impressed her.

Background[]

Lady Mantillon was mistress to Emperor Florian before turning to his niece, the future Empress Celene I, as successor. She became a mentor and powerful influence upon the girl during Celene's rise to power after her parents' deaths. Though not seemingly a ruler herself, Lady Mantillon moved behind the scenes of many political situations in Orlais during her life. She instructed many in the bardic arts; not only in terms of cunning and manipulation, but also in combat skills like archery and knifework.[3]

Involvement[]

Dragon Age: The Masked Empire[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: The Masked Empire.


BioWare canon
The plot follows BioWare's own canon, meaning it may not follow some of the player's choices in the games.

Following the death of Celene's mother by Grand Duke Gaspard's wife Calienne and the death of her father, Grand Duke Reynaud, by a poisoned dagger, Lady Mantillon sent her son as one of many suitors for the girl's hand. Though Celene ultimately rejected the offer of marriage, Lady Mantillon was impressed by her social finesse and ability to handle multiple offers of marriage without tipping her hand. She befriended the young heiress and took her under her wing as a protégée.[4]

Both agreed privately that current Emperor Florian was weak and would drag Orlais into chaos. Celene suggested to Lady Mantillon that he needed to die quickly rather than live on to beleaguer the Empire. When Lady Mantillon questioned whether there was anyone who could betray her secret, Celene realized that the servants in her estate might have heard something and had them all assassinated. She also suggested that an attack on her estate might win her sympathy. Lady Mantillon agreed with the plan.[5]

Lady Mantillon was later murdered by Briala in her coach, as revenge for her parents' deaths. Lady Mantillon made several covert attempts to kill Briala after being mortally wounded, then questioned Briala's motives for killing her and returning to Celene. After hearing that Briala wanted only to empower Celene's rule and, ironically, to prevent her from becoming like Lady Mantillon, the noblewoman died with a satisfied smile after confessing her regret over the deaths of Briala's mother and father. Though she intended to strike one last time at Briala she withheld the blow, knowing the elven woman was still loyal to Celene and would be the perfect tool to ensure Celene's success as Empress despite the unknown cost to her own family.[6]

As a master of the Game, Lady Mantillon also, through the years, gave gifts to those who impressed her. Celene was given a puzzle ring for her masterstroke in ordering Florian's death and securing Briala's support. Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons was also given one for ordering a man's death as part of the Game and proving his worth to Lady Mantillon.[7]


Codex entries[]

Codex entry: Portrait of the Dowager Codex entry: Portrait of the Dowager

Trivia[]

References[]

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