Editing Michel de Chevin

{{Quote|The Academie gave me my honor, and the peace of knowing that as long as I am true to it, I may die with a happy heart.}}

<onlyinclude>{{CharacterTransformer
|style          = {{{style|}}}
|name           = [[Michel de Chevin]]
|image          = MichelDeChevin.jpg
|px             = 270x360px
|title          = [[Chevalier]] <br> Champion of [[Celene Valmont I|Celene I]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Agents|Inquisition Agent]] <small>(conditional)</small>
|gender         = Male
|race           = [[Human]] ([[Elf-blooded]])
|class          = [[Warrior]]
|specialization = 
|rank           = 
|family         = 
|affiliation    = [[Inquisition]] <small>(conditional)</small>
|location       = [[Sahrnia]], [[Emprise du Lion]] <br> [[Skyhold]] <small>(conditional)</small>
|quests         = [[Call Me Imshael]] <br> [[Capturing Suledin Keep]] <br> [[Assigning Michel de Chevin]] <small>(conditional)</small> <br> [[Reconciliation for Celene and Michel]] <small>(conditional)</small> <br> [[Restoring Michel de Chevin's Honor]] <small>(conditional)</small>
<small>(conditional)</small>
|voice          = [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1561631/ Damian Lynch]
|appearances    = [[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]]
}}</onlyinclude>

Ser '''Michel de Chevin''' is a [[chevalier]] and champion of [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|Empress]] [[Celene Valmont I|Celene I]]. A [[warrior]] skilled in all forms of combat, he also deeply values the chevalier code of honor. He was sponsored into the [[Val Royeaux#Places|Academie des Chevaliers]] by Comte Brevin de Chalons, with whom Ser Michel was fostered as a youth.

== Background ==
{{SpoilerTME|style=short|
Michel is the bastard [[elf-blooded]] son of an [[Elf|elven]] mother and a [[human]] commoner father.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', p. 360</ref> He grew up in the [[alienage]] of Montfort with his mother and she provided for him by working in a [[Taverns|tavern]].<ref name="tme223">''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', p. 223</ref> Michel's life was one of poverty and fear, for the chevaliers would often kill peasants in the slums.<ref name="tme202">''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', p. 202</ref> His mother died when he was a child. When he was ten, Comte Brevin de Chalons saw him fighting off three larger boys in an alley to save a friend and ordered his coach to stop and help. Brevin took Michel in to train with his family's guards and after three years, paid an expert in [[heraldry]] and legal documents, ''le Mage du Sang'', to make up a title for him.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', p. 77</ref> Ever since Michel posed as Ser Michel de Chevin, a distant cousin to the de Chevins, coming from a dead line of the family so that his assumed identity could not be questioned.

Brevin also paid for his induction into the Academie des Chevaliers which accepted only those of noble birth; Michel arrived at the Academie with a letter of introduction from Comte Guy [[De Montfort family|de Montfort]] confirming his lineage. The years in the Academie were the best in his life and he excelled in the martial training. For a final trial, he and the other senior students were taken to the slums after dark to "test their blades" by killing elves.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', Chapter 2, pp. 54-55</ref>

Michel eventually rose to the position of [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|Empress]] [[Celene Valmont I|Celene's]] champion after her previous one died stopping an assassination attempt and has served her faithfully for nearly ten years.}}

== Involvement ==
=== ''Dragon Age: The Masked Empire'' ===
{{SpoilerTME|style=short|
{{BioWare canon}}
Ser Michel accompanies Empress Celene to meet with Chancelier Morrac of the [[University of Orlais]] regarding the acceptance of promising commoners and elves who can obtain sponsorship for their applications. Celene suggests that elves are already present at the university, and unwittingly asks an understandably reluctant Michel to identify a mural of the elven [[Disciples of Andraste|Disciple]] [[Shartan]] that had been subjected to iconoclasm following the [[Exalted Marches|Exalted March]] of the [[Dales]]. He then escorts Celene to a meeting with [[Divine]] [[Justinia V|Justinia]]'s representative, [[Leliana]].

Later on, at a ball hosted by Empress Celene, Grand Duke [[Gaspard de Chalons]] attempts to goad [[Teagan Guerrin]], the [[Ferelden|Fereldan]] ambassador, into a duel by insulting [[Moira Theirin]]'s memory. Celene, however, outwits him by offering her own champion, Ser Michel, in the duel to satisfy Teagan, and Ferelden's, honor. The challenged party has the choice of weapon, and Ser Michel at Celene's behest chooses a feather as the weapon of choice (more specifically the feather of the chevaliers). This harmlessly settles the debt to the delight of some and the outrage of others. 

The next morning [[Melcendre]], a [[bard]] in Gaspard's employ who had assisted him at the ball the previous night, lures Ser Michel to a tavern in the slums with a note. She attacks him backed by six armed men and manages to neutralize him with choking dust which was based on [[deep mushroom]]s. Michel is brought to a warehouse in the alienage of [[Val Royeaux]]. Melcendre comes to the warehouse and reveals that she has learned of his past and his elven heritage. Only those of noble blood are allowed into the ranks of the chevaliers and Michel is a commoner and, worse, elf-blooded, information that would disgrace the Empress and destroy his life if revealed. Melcendre intends to provide the information to Gaspard, but Michel knocks her down and strangles her before killing her with her own dagger. Just as Michel is confronted by a group of Gaspard's soldiers, [[Briala]] and [[Felassan]] appear and help him escape. 

During the escape Briala deduces from the chevalier's reactions to the word "knife-ear", something he'd never said to her or any other servant, that Michel is elf-blooded. Briala tells Michel that she will never tell anyone about his secret, but that he now owes her one favor that she can call in at any time. Although Michel has no idea what that favor will be, he accepts the deal to protect his status as a chevalier and also as Celene's champion.

Michel later escorts Empress Celene to a play at the Grande Royeaux Theater aimed to weaken her political position by painting her as overly sympathetic to the elves, at a time when the elven slums of [[Halamshiral]] are rebelling. This leads Celene to order Michel and her forces to march on the city to crush the rebellion and cement her strength in the eyes of the nobility. Celene orders Halamshiral to be burned down while the elves are still inside the city.

When Michel, Celene, Briala and Felassan later become trapped outside of Halamshiral due to the machinations of Gaspard, they decide to join forces to find the [[Dalish]] and seek their aid in returning to Val Royeaux. On the way the party is savagely attacked by [[sylvan]]s and Cheritenne as well as Celene's mount are slain, Cheritenne mercifully at Michel's hands. Clan Virnehn rescue them from the sylvans. When they reach the camp of Dalish clan Virnehn, they are treated with scorn and are told that the clan wants nothing to do with them. Michel is bound but later freed and lured by the [[demon]] [[Imshael]] to the ''elgar'arla'', the stone circle where [[Keeper]] [[Thelhen]] keeps it imprisoned. Imshael reveals that it was summoned by the Keeper to help him activate the ancient [[eluvian]]s. However, Imshael refused, as Thelhen only wants the eluvians awakened but nothing else; Imshael needed someone to make a choice. Imshael offers Michel a deal: it would [[magic]]ally grant Michel the valid identity of Ser Michel de Chevin, with no one ever finding out about him being elf-blooded. Imshael offers to magically alter other people's memories and forge documents to validate his fake heritage. All it wants in return is a choice, and a host, so that it could live outside [[the Fade]].

Michel is soon found by Dalish warriors, who bring him back to the camp. When he reveals that it was Imshael who lured him away, Thelhen became alarmed and left to reinforce the binding circle. The Dalish warleader then accused Michel of endangering his clan. Michel silently indicated to Celene not to show weakness before the Dalish, so she requested that he allow the warleader a companion in the interest of a fair fight. Once the Dalish left them alone, Michel informed Celene of what he had learned from Imshael and they decided to take advantage of this information.

When Briala returned to the camp, they let her in on the secret. Though she believed they could use the information to gain favour with the Dalish, Celene convinced her that the Dalish are indifferent to the city elves and lied about their plans to kill her. Thus, Briala conceded to their plan to escape and left to convince Felassan to help them. Michel then kills several of the Dalish elves himself to free Celene. He spares the clan's First, [[Mihris]], however, after she tells him he killed her love during the fight.

Returning to the binding circle, instead of accepting the terms of the offer, Michel tries to trick Imshael into giving him the keystone needed to activate the eluvians while not fulfilling his part of the bargain. When the demon puts down the keystone, Michel destroys its prison, believing that the demon would be forced to return to the Fade. However, by destroying the stone circle, he instead frees Imshael. Imshael goes on to massacre the rest of Clan Virnehn and, though Michel wants to turn back and stop Imshael, the group decide to leave the Dalish to their fate.

Using the keystone given to Celene by Imshael, Michel, Celene, Briala and Felassan enter into the [[Thedas#Underground|underground]] chamber housing the nearest Eluvian, which Celene hopes to use to return to the capital ahead of Gaspard and end their conflict. The party eventually encounters Gaspard's entourage, however, which had been pursuing them with Mihris' help, and they agree to a temporary truce as they fight to survive in the distorted world and series of burial chambers to which the central chamber of the eluvians are connected. Though they are opposed, Michel prevents Celene from dishonorably murdering Gaspard during their journey.

After arriving at the central chamber, Ser Michel duels Gaspard to the death for the fate of Celene's kingdom. During the duel, Briala calls in her favor and asks Michel to yield to Gaspard instead of killing him. Michel is honor-bound to that promise and yields. This technically loses Celene's duel and, consequently, Michel's position as Celene's champion.

Briala, who now has control of the eluvians through the keystone, transports Michel and Gaspard outside of [[Val Chevin]]. The two men exchange words, Michel asking what would be his fate, knowing full well that the Academie would strip his name from the rolls and have him executed. However, Gaspard refuses to do so, stating that a strong character like Michel is an exemplar of what a chevalier should be, regardless of his blood line, comparing his example to that of [[Aveline (chevalier)|Ser Aveline]]. He tells Michel to find his own path, as he would be executed if Celene lays eyes on him, and Gaspard refused to insult his honour by asking for his service. The two men then part ways. Michel, no longer Celene's champion, decides to dedicate the rest of his life to hunting and stopping Imshael to atone for releasing it.}}

=== ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' ===
{{SpoilerDAI|style=short|
Michel can be found just outside of [[Sahrnia]], a town in [[Emprise du Lion]]. He tracked the demon [[Imshael]] to the nearby [[Suledin Keep]], but with the town under threat from and the keep full of [[Red templars]], he decided to stay there and protect the villagers instead of attacking the keep alone.

If [[Vivienne]] is in the active party she will remember who he is after he introduces himself, but explains that she didn't recognize him because he is dressed differently. 

[[Cassandra Pentaghast]] will ask further, after he introduces himself, if he is Ser Michel de Chevin, Empress Celene's champion, and Michel will reply, that he is no longer a champion and no longer "ser". If the Inquisitor asks further, he explains that he was champion, protector and perhaps once, even a friend, but now disgraced. The empress wants nothing to do with him and he cannot blame her. But despite all, he has a strong arm, a stout heart, and he still serves [[Orlais]].

If Celene was killed during the quest [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts]], the Inquisitor can tell him about her death. Michel will reply that the Game is merciless and that he wished he could have said goodbye. He even wonders, if he would have been able to protect her. Michel also states that [[Gaspard de Chalons]] will make a good emperor, in his own way. 

Michel pledges himself to the [[Inquisition]] as an [[agents|agent]], if the [[Inquisitor]] kills the demon [[Imshael]] after talking to Michel outside Sahrnia. Michel will help fight a group of [[Red Templars]] in front of [[Suledin Keep]], but will not follow the Inquisitor inside to fight Imshael, as he will need to return to Sahrnia to protect the people there who are being attacked by [[Shade]]s unleashed by Imshael.

However, if the Inquisitor accepts a deal with Imshael, the demon will murder Michel.

If Imshael is slain prior to talking to Michel in Sahrnia, he can no longer be recruited for the Inquisition.

If Michel is recruited, the Inquisitor can later decide whether he will become a mentor to Inquisition soldiers, work with [[Solas]] on the [[eluvian]]s or become a counselor for the nobility in [[Lydes]]. Michel will be seen walking [[Skyhold]]'s courtyard.

If Gaspard becomes Emperor, either alone or ruling with Briala, he will offer Michel a full pardon for any prior incidents and a place in his honor guard. The Inquisitor may accept the offer or insist on keeping Michel.<ref>[[Restoring Michel de Chevin's Honor]]</ref>

{{Note|Even if Michel returns to court under Emperor Gaspard, he will continue to provide his agent bonus at the [[war table]].}}

Alternatively, if Celene is still Empress and Michel is an agent of the Inquisition, Celene will send Lady [[Colombe]] to try to negotiate a secret reconciliation between Celene and Michel. Celene cannot publicly forgive Michel due to her public reputation but she can still make use of him as a secret agent. [[Leliana]] suspects Celene's attempts at reconciliation is not truly out of magnanimity and she is merely using Michel as part of some scheme. The Inquisitor can undermine Celene's attempt to recruit Michel by stipulating Celene make the reconciliation public or allow Colombe to treat with Michel. If the latter is chosen—the reconciliation is successful, Lady Colombe acts as Michel and Celene's go-between, and Michel's mood is said to have improved.<ref>[[Reconciliation for Celene and Michel]]</ref>
}}

== Quests ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' ===
:{{:Call Me Imshael|style=iconmini2}}
:{{:Capturing Suledin Keep|style=iconmini2}}
:{{:Assigning Michel de Chevin|style=iconmini2}} <small>(war table)</small> <small>(conditional)</small>
:{{:Reconciliation for Celene and Michel|style=iconmini2}} <small>(war table)</small> <small>(conditional)</small>
:{{:Restoring Michel de Chevin's Honor|style=iconmini2}} <small>(war table)</small> <small>(conditional)</small>

== Codex entries ==
:{{:Codex entry: Suledin Keep Documents|style=iconmini}}

== Notes ==
{{SpoilerTME|
* Michel often betrays his secret background by his knowledge of things a noble would not know, such as how a village should provide for its foodstuffs,<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', p. 189</ref> and how "peasant bread" is made.<ref name="tme223"/>
* Michel learned a bit about elven history and culture from his mother, in particular about the [[halla]].<ref name="tme202"/>
}}

== Trivia ==
* Ser Michel's armor is based on the heraldry of Empress Celene's family, the [[House Valmont|Valmonts]], which is a golden lion on a field of purple.

== Bugs ==
* Michel can still be found outside [[Sahrnia]] after he is recruited, although he is already at [[Skyhold]] and can be found there too. Also he can still be found at Skyhold and Sahrnia after he returned to [[Val Royeaux|Val Royaux]] into [[Gaspard de Chalons|Gaspard]]'s service though the war table operation [[Restoring Michel de Chevin's Honor]].

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="180" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center" orientation="portrait">
Michel_HoDA.jpg|Michel in ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
Masked-empire-p10.jpeg|Michel in ''Masked Empire''
Masked-empire-p51.jpeg|Michel in ''Masked Empire''
DA_inks_masked_03.jpg|Michel in ''Masked Empire''
Michel_3.jpg|Michel in ''Masked Empire''
Mich1.jpg|Michel in ''Masked Empire''
</gallery>

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chevin, Michel de}}
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