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“As much as the Chantry influences this office, I cannot be seen to do the reverse.”


Marlowe Dumar is the Viscount of Kirkwall, assuming power after Viscount Perrin Threnhold, who was eliminated for seeking to expel the Kirkwall Templar Order. Dumar himself holds power only at the sufferance of the templars. During his reign as viscount, the Templar Order has grown extremely powerful in Kirkwall: it has become the center of Chantry strength in eastern Thedas and holds its Circle of Magi in a terrifying iron grip.[1]

Background

As Viscount, Dumar struggles to maintain order in a city riddled with political and religious tensions, without any ability to effectively enact his will. Forced to appease Meredith to avoid his predecessor's fate, under growing pressure from Orsino to grant mages more freedom, and dealing with radical mages seeking liberation by violent means, Dumar is a better negotiator than a military leader, having the unenviable task of balancing the demands and desires of so many competing factions, and ultimately pleasing no one. With the Qunari presence exacerbating the city's tensions, Dumar becomes increasingly helpless as events spiral out of his control. Weakened by personal loss and lacking the military authority to achieve results, his reputation as Kirkwall's ruler plummets as matters reach breaking point, with both Meredith and the Arishok considering him incompetent and foolish. Along with dealing with an idealist son pushing to be closer to the Qunari; against all possible Chantry wishes.

Involvement


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.


Dead viscount

The head and the crown of the dead Viscount

During Hawke's first year in Kirkwall, Dumar put out a bounty for the safe return of his son, Saemus. He was under the impression that Saemus was kidnapped by the Qunari. When it turned out that Saemus befriended a Qunari, he tried to make his father understand but Dumar was concerned how embarrassing it would be if it was found out that a Qunari influenced his family.

Three years later, Dumar summoned Hawke to help with the matter of the Qunari, due to Hawke's past dealings with the Arishok. However, events culminated with the death of Saemus, who was murdered by pious fanatics desperate to set the whole city against the Qunari. Dumar grieved for his son and no longer had the resolve to lead his city.

Dumar was killed by the Arishok during the Qunari attack on Kirkwall and his head tossed about his own throne room. After his death, Knight Commander Meredith tightened her stranglehold on the city, paranoid about maleficar activity. At the end of the game, the Champion can take his place as Viscount of Kirkwall, provided they side with the Templars.


Quests

Act 1

The Unbidden Rescue The Unbidden Rescue

Act 2

Blackpowder Courtesy Blackpowder Courtesy

Offered and Lost Offered and Lost

Following the Qun Following the Qun

Quotes

  • (Act 2 Opening) "Zealots are bravest where their lies can't be argued: behind closed doors."
  • (After Blackpowder Courtesy) "I'm preparing for the worst. The very worst. This may require absorbent linens."

Trivia

  • Marlowe is part of the "Friends in High Places" achievement, along with Knight-Commander Meredith, First Enchanter Orsino and Grand Cleric Elthina.
  • The symbol of House Dumar is a falcon.[2]

Codex entries

Codex entry: Viscount Marlowe Dumar Codex entry: Viscount Marlowe Dumar

Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 4 Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 4

Following the Qun Following the Qun

References

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