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Vivienne is one of the Inquisitor's companions. With the world thrown into chaos, she sees the Inquisition as the only group willing to stand against it and introduces herself by throwing them a party. An invitation to the party is obtained the first time the Inquistor goes to Val Royeaux and speaking to a mage there. She intervenes when a Marquis openly disparages the Inquisition and attempts to challenge the Inquisitor, magically immobilizing him and leaves his fate up to the Inquisitor. Afterwards, she offers to join up with the [[Inquisition]] to help her fellow mages however she can.<ref name="GI">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/08/06/september-2013-dragon-age-inquisition-6119.aspx Game Informer September 2013 Issue]</ref> Later in the game, however, [[Cole]] reveals during [[Vivienne/Dialogue#Vivienne and Cole|party banter]] that Vivienne manipulated the Marquis into attacking the Inquisition at her party, which allowed her to move against him in response to a vicious insult he had previously dealt her. |
Vivienne is one of the Inquisitor's companions. With the world thrown into chaos, she sees the Inquisition as the only group willing to stand against it and introduces herself by throwing them a party. An invitation to the party is obtained the first time the Inquistor goes to Val Royeaux and speaking to a mage there. She intervenes when a Marquis openly disparages the Inquisition and attempts to challenge the Inquisitor, magically immobilizing him and leaves his fate up to the Inquisitor. Afterwards, she offers to join up with the [[Inquisition]] to help her fellow mages however she can.<ref name="GI">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/08/06/september-2013-dragon-age-inquisition-6119.aspx Game Informer September 2013 Issue]</ref> Later in the game, however, [[Cole]] reveals during [[Vivienne/Dialogue#Vivienne and Cole|party banter]] that Vivienne manipulated the Marquis into attacking the Inquisition at her party, which allowed her to move against him in response to a vicious insult he had previously dealt her. |
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| − | Note |
+ | {{Note|Vivienne must be recruited before starting [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts]]. After that quest, she is no longer available.}} |
Vivienne is extremely bitter and resentful at what she perceives as the selfish actions of the rebel mages. In her mind, they see only their own oppression and fail to consider the well-being of others outside the [[Circle of Magi]], as well as the justifiably increased fear of [[magic]] in the populace and ranks of the [[Templar Order]]; a fear that she believes is now, by their actions and that of the [[Kirkwall Rebellion]], greater than it ever was since the rise of the [[Tevinter Imperium]].<ref>[http://www.twitch.tv/bioware Skyhold and Companion Twitch Feed].</ref> She believes that the Circles and Templar Order must be restored to ensure the continued protection of mages, and thus supports [[Cassandra Pentaghast]] as the new Divine. Despite Vivienne's preference for Cassandra, Vivienne notes to the Inquisitor that Cassandra's lack of charisma is a serious fault in her leadership abilities. The Inquisitor can mention that mages like Vivienne should be more active in Chantry politics, and that Vivienne herself may make a good Divine- to which Vivienne responds positively. |
Vivienne is extremely bitter and resentful at what she perceives as the selfish actions of the rebel mages. In her mind, they see only their own oppression and fail to consider the well-being of others outside the [[Circle of Magi]], as well as the justifiably increased fear of [[magic]] in the populace and ranks of the [[Templar Order]]; a fear that she believes is now, by their actions and that of the [[Kirkwall Rebellion]], greater than it ever was since the rise of the [[Tevinter Imperium]].<ref>[http://www.twitch.tv/bioware Skyhold and Companion Twitch Feed].</ref> She believes that the Circles and Templar Order must be restored to ensure the continued protection of mages, and thus supports [[Cassandra Pentaghast]] as the new Divine. Despite Vivienne's preference for Cassandra, Vivienne notes to the Inquisitor that Cassandra's lack of charisma is a serious fault in her leadership abilities. The Inquisitor can mention that mages like Vivienne should be more active in Chantry politics, and that Vivienne herself may make a good Divine- to which Vivienne responds positively. |
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Revision as of 06:54, 15 October 2015
“For those who value survival, sentimentality is not an option.”
Vivienne is an Orlesian mage and personal enchanter and adviser to Empress Celene. She is an optional companion to the Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition and can be unlocked through The Imperial Enchanter quest.
Background
Vivienne is of Rivaini heritage[3] but was born in the Free Marches[4], Wycome specifically.
She is straight-laced, pro-Circle and was set to be appointed the First Enchanter of the Circle in Montsimmard. However, the Mage-Templar War and the Orlesian Civil War started before she could formally assume the position.
Vivienne is a connoisseur of fashion, placing beauty above function. Caring more about her outward appearance than protection, Vivienne is always found in the finest silks and jewels. Her rich wardrobe and appreciation of fashion speaks of her station, being dubbed "the jewel of the high court of Orlais,"[5] where she serves in an advisory capacity to the empress.
As a cunning participant in Orlesian politics, Vivienne doesn't let anyone stand in the way of her goals. She originated from the Ostwick Circle but was transferred to Monstimmard while still an apprentice. She became the mistress of Duke Bastien de Ghyslain, the head of Orlais' Council of Heralds, an advantageous connection that opened many doors. When the position to enchanter of the Imperial Court became vacant, Vivienne was able to secure it.[6] She managed to turn her position as enchanter of the Imperial Court, which was regarded as little more than being a glorified court jester, into an advisory position to the Empress despite the official ban prohibiting mages from holding political power. Her reputation was such that she earned the moniker Madame de Fer: the Lady of Iron, claiming a place as both a respected, and feared, member of the court. The important thing to her is that she is left standing at the end of her struggle for order. To this end, Vivienne defies those who may see her only as a social climber or someone whose power must be restricted, and even fellow mages who try to push her into backing the Mage-Templar War, a rebellion she does not support.[7]
Vivienne had never officially joined a Fraternity previously. Yet since she was never restricted to a Circle tower she was also never coerced to join the mage rebellion. Thus, after the Circles revolted, Vivienne became the de facto leader of the Loyalists when she rallied those who took up arms against the mage rebels.[6]
Involvement
Dragon Age: The Masked Empire
Vivienne is briefly mentioned by her epithet "Madame de Fer" by Empress Celene while she considers speaking to her about Lady Cosinne de Montsimmard and her husband's familiarity with the Circle of Magi.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Vivienne tarot card
Vivienne is one of the Inquisitor's companions. With the world thrown into chaos, she sees the Inquisition as the only group willing to stand against it and introduces herself by throwing them a party. An invitation to the party is obtained the first time the Inquistor goes to Val Royeaux and speaking to a mage there. She intervenes when a Marquis openly disparages the Inquisition and attempts to challenge the Inquisitor, magically immobilizing him and leaves his fate up to the Inquisitor. Afterwards, she offers to join up with the Inquisition to help her fellow mages however she can.[8] Later in the game, however, Cole reveals during party banter that Vivienne manipulated the Marquis into attacking the Inquisition at her party, which allowed her to move against him in response to a vicious insult he had previously dealt her.
Vivienne is extremely bitter and resentful at what she perceives as the selfish actions of the rebel mages. In her mind, they see only their own oppression and fail to consider the well-being of others outside the Circle of Magi, as well as the justifiably increased fear of magic in the populace and ranks of the Templar Order; a fear that she believes is now, by their actions and that of the Kirkwall Rebellion, greater than it ever was since the rise of the Tevinter Imperium.[9] She believes that the Circles and Templar Order must be restored to ensure the continued protection of mages, and thus supports Cassandra Pentaghast as the new Divine. Despite Vivienne's preference for Cassandra, Vivienne notes to the Inquisitor that Cassandra's lack of charisma is a serious fault in her leadership abilities. The Inquisitor can mention that mages like Vivienne should be more active in Chantry politics, and that Vivienne herself may make a good Divine- to which Vivienne responds positively.
Vivienne Divine tarot card
If her approval is low, however, Vivienne will have movers rearrange all of the Inquisitor's furniture in Skyhold. She claims that she was needling the Inquisitor to test their limits but she also expresses her disapproval at how the Inquisitor allows the mage rebel "malcontents" loose on the population unchecked.
Trespasser
Vivienne reappears during the events of the 'Trespasser' DLC, set two years after Corypheus' defeat during the Exalted Council. She appears either as the Loyalist enchanter she always was or as Divine Victoria.
Vivienne treats the Inquisitor to a "spa day". The two relax and catch up in a spa Vivienne likes to frequent while Sera causes mischief in the background.
If Leliana became Divine, the end of the Inquisition sent shock waves through the College of Enchanters. Madame de Fer ably played on the mages' fears. Her followers united to build a new Circle- with Vivienne as the Grand Enchanter- in direct competition with the College. What the Circle lacked in numbers, they made up in political connections and became a force to be reckoned with.
The two groups settle into an uneasy coexistence in which they vie for power.As Divine Victoria, Vivienne sits on the Exalted Council representing the Chantry.
The Exalted Council continues to exist and advise her, and Cassandra serves on the Council as well. However, she later becomes disgusted with Vivienne's perversion of the Chant of Light's intent to suit her whims and leaves.
Approval
- Main article: Vivienne/Approval
Vivienne favours a return to the old order of the Chantry and Circles. She detests the violence that has come with the mage rebellion and is scornful of radical change. As a result, she likes those who support the Circle system and scorn the mage rebels. Despite her approval of the Circle system, however, Vivienne is ambivalent towards the templars. She will slightly approve of actions that support the Templar Order, but she will also approve of negative or distrusting remarks the Inquisitor makes about them.
Vivienne is fond of politics and appreciates an Inquisitor who plays The Grand Game well, either by maintaining a polite facade or by noticing and pointing out hidden motivations in others, including in Vivienne herself. As a player of the Game, she knows the value of cultivating an image and approves of an Inquisitor who puts care into how they appear to others. She will disapprove if the Inquisitor ignores her advice or rejects the Game.
Approval gained:
- During the first conversation with Vivienne at Haven, tell her "We need the Circle restored", "This chaos harms everyone" or "The rebels are apostates"
- Conscript the rebel mages during In Hushed Whispers
- After either In Hushed Whispers or Champions of the Just, tell her "We need mages in the Chantry" or "We need the Circle back" when discussing the future for mages
- When dedicating the Inquisition, have a mage Inquisitor say "I will set an example as a mage"
- Give Vivienne the heart of a Snowy Wyvern during Bring Me the Heart of Snow White
- Tell Vivienne you think she'd made a good Divine
- Complete Favors the First Enchanter
Approval lost:
- Ally with the rebel mages during In Hushed Whispers
- After either In Hushed Whispers or Champions of the Just, tell her "Mages should be free"
- During Bring Me the Heart of Snow White, either refuse to help her or lie and give her the heart of a common wyvern
Initial Statistics
Ability trees
| Ability trees | Initially selected abilities |
|---|---|
 Spirit
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 Storm
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|
 Inferno
|
|
 Winter
|
|
 Knight-Enchanter (specialization)
|
Equipment
| Weapons |  Disciple Ice Staff (Vivienne)
|
| Armor |  Enchanter Coat
|
Quotes
Vivienne Alternate tarot card (snowy wyvern heart)
- Main article: Vivienne/Dialogue
- (To Cassandra Pentaghast) "Rest assured, dear Seeker. I'm never truly out of my element."[11]
- (Regarding the Mage-Templar War) "Kirkwall gave the world a reason to remember its fear of magic. A mage killed hundreds with a snap of their fingers. Across Thedas, a new tangible fear of magic grew. Commoners and nobles alike called out to the Chantry for protection. But the malcontents in the towers thought nothing of this."[12]
- "Magic is dangerous, just as fire is dangerous. Anyone who forgets this truth gets burned."
- "In my own experience, nothing is more deadly to a young mage than a lack of knowledge."
- "I never worry, darling. A leash can be pulled from either end."
- "The Divine must set the example for all Thedas. She must seem to be the embodiment of the Maker to the faithful. She needs the authority of the Maker and the charisma of Andraste."
- "We need an institution to protect and nurture magic. Maker knows, magic will find neither on its own."
Trivia
Vivienne Alternate tarot card (wrong wyvern heart)
- According to David Gaider, Vivienne's "fashion touchstone" is Maleficent.[13]
- She is described as "The Ambition".[14]
- Vivienne was written by Mary Kirby[15], who remarked that she is "allergic to Fereldan fashions," arranges to receive only approved gifts on Wintersend and favors gold encrusted boots made from rare animals, "and possibly the skins of one or two of her political rivals."[16]
- Vivienne's greatest fear is irrelevance.
- When asked to compare Vivienne to food, Mary Kirby described her as "Ortolan Bunting," a notorious French dish. This kind of bird dish is a delicacy in France. The bird is caught alive and then blinded or put in a darkened cage. In the cage, the birds are force-fed until they get very fat and then drowned in a snifter of Armagnac. After which they are roasted for eight minutes.[17][18][19]
- When Bioware announced Vivienne's voice actor, Indira Varma, they had her instigate a fake twitter war with Vivienne's writer, Mary Kirby.[20]
- Despite her standing in the Orlesian court, she does not wear a mask at the Winter Palace, as she does at the party she throws for the Inquisitor. This is not remarked upon, even when the Inquisitor asks her about Orlesian mask customs.
Gallery
See also
A Letter to an Ambassador
Codex entry: Vivienne: Madame de Fer
Codex entry: Vivienne and the Last Few Years
External links
References
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