- • application [ amatomnes ] •

[unrelentingly]

PLAYER

» Journal: foxlike
» Birthdate/Age: 25 ; September 1987
» Characters Played: Ma Chao (warsteed)

CHARACTER FACTS

» Name: Garrett Hawke
» Canon: Dragon Age (II)
» Reference: general DA II + storyline of DA II
» Canon Point: End of act 3, leaving the Gallows after the final battle
» Gender: Male
» Age: Early 30’s, roughly between 31 and 33.

CHARACTER INTERPRETATION

» Appearance: Garrett Hawke is a dashing rogue who is often decorated in red clothing with white and black accents, accompanied by enough belts to meet a Final Fantasy seal of approval. He is also quite pointy when it comes to what he considers armour, wearing gauntlets with clawed fingers and intricate, spiked shoulder pads.

Hawke has dark hair that's relatively short but a bit shaggy, just long enough to brush against the top of his ears and combed messily over to the right. In addition to that mop of hair he had a rather thick beard that's squared off around his jawline and a dense trail of stubble that spans towards his cheekbones. His nose is a bit large and somewhat pointed though it's not terribly oversized in any manner. Across the bridge he occasionally has a streak of blood or warpaint that been rubbed across it with his thumb. Above this streak would be his eyes which are a striking shade of amber.

His body is rather muscular, possessing a great deal of lower body strength and control, allowing him to do a great number of jumps, flips and narrowly weave his body away from his enemy's attacks. His arms are also trained, having learned how to dual wield large daggers with excellent proficiency. He's highly dexterous and those hands of his, though seemingly like large paws, are capable of highly intricate work such as lockpicking.

» Suitability: n/a

» Orientation: Bisexual

As one of the game mechanics in Dragon Age 2 is the ability to romance certain members of your party, it is the players choice to decide what Hawke’s sexuality is. All party members are capable of being romanced regardless of Hawke’s sex (save for one). I’m taking Hawke as bisexual, having been a bit playfully flirtatious with all of his companions and having romanced the male mage, Anders.

In the Dragon Age universe, homosexuality is uncommon among most races though it’s not entirely looked down upon. They are odd though not immoral by any standing. There is a push (particularly amongst nobility) to find a partner of the opposite sex but this is merely due to the fact homoseuxal relations cannot produce offsping. Nobles need heirs, elves are a dying race, dwarves have a low birth rate to begin with. Hawke’s companions will accept his romantic partner regardless of their gender though a few NPCs have choice words for the relationship Hawke chooses (his uncle may be inclined to say he doesn’t need to “ask which one of them is the girl” if Hawke is involved in a homosexual union).

The romance between Hawke and Anders was a slow and steady one. Though it’s possible for Hawke to show his interest in men early on (much to Anders’ pleasant surprise, having never met a man quite so bold and forward) it isn’t until after they’ve known one and other for about three years that any progression is made in a romantic sense. There are several instances where Hawke is rather forward with his flirtatious behaviour though Anders seems to brush it off, likely assuming it’s just Hawke being playful. Hawke finally coerces him not to hold back and Anders makes a bold move, grabbing Hawke and kissing him there in his clinic. After the first kiss Hawke and Anders share, Hawke admits that he has never felt so strongly about anyone before. They agree to meet again that night and more admissions of feelings are to be had. Hawke ultimately says that he would be quite comfortable having Anders living with him. He is also able to ask if Anders would like a sandwich after they’ve had sex - to which Anders laughs and claims Hawke will inspire a generation of romantic poets.

However, although he is involved in a relationship with a man, Hawke still shows a sexual interest in women as well. During the first act of the game when meeting the companion, Isabela, she is openly flirtatious with Hawke who just so happens to indicate he’s rather interested. When invited to return to her room at the Hanged Man for a bit of fun, Hawke’s eyes light up and he grins a bit, looking rather keen on possibility taking up that offer.

Throughout the game there are multiple opportunities where Hawke has the chance to flirt with both women and men, sometimes using that charm to his advantage. During a downloadable side-mission, Mark of the Assassin, Hawke needs to steal a key and manages to do so by engaging the (male) keeper of it in a quick tryst in a cellar, stealing that key while the keeper of it is a bit distracted by Hawke's mouth.

Also I do wish to note, should it be a concern - the relationship between Hawke and Anders has been discussed with the individual playing Anders and they have given me their okay for taking Hawke from such a route.


» Personality

Due to the nature of Dragon Age 2, there are three distinct personality types that Hawke can be placed in: Diplomatic, Sarcastic or Aggressive. Fundamentally, Hawke will display all of these traits but when it comes to larger decisions, based on the choices made by the player, Hawke may lean in one particular direction over others. While a diplomatic Hawke is less prone to making a snappy comeback, he can still be charming. An aggressive Hawke can still make a snide comment. A sarcastic Hawke can still step back and look at the situation from both sides. Where I am taking Hawke, he’s primarily drawn from the Diplomatic personality route.

Being from this route, this unlocks a few special options based on his personality type. These choices are often subtle but there are a few instances where he truly shows his dedication to diplomacy. Instances such as in one quest in the first act, Hawke will be approached by a small mob of refugees who are given the wrong impression as to why he's sniffing around for information on a certain mage living in Darktown. For Hawkes of other natures, they would either be forced to defer to a companion to talk the mob down or fight them head on. A diplomatic Hawke is able to persuade his would-be attackers and assuage their fears, making it known they're on the same side without resorting to violence.

A diplomatic Hawke knows how to approach things rationally and with a level head. Being able to look at things from both sides allows for him to play the mediator, whether it’s in spats between his companions or whether it’s in regards to solving the political unrest that threatens Kirkwall. To say that Hawke has the patience of a saint would be a bit an understatement but Hawke is rather selfless individual who puts his focus on others. Willing to lend both a kind hand and attentive ear, he thrives on being able to help others with whatever he can, often without question when it comes to his friends. He is diligent, hard-working and capable when it comes to helping others and doing what’s right but when it comes to himself, he often falls short and neglects his own issues.

Hawke drowns himself in fixing others in order to avoid facing against his own problems. To the people of Kirkwall, he’s a hero but to those closest to him, when it comes to the things that matter, Hawke’s determination to fix it all often backfires. He wants to protect everyone, he wants to hold what matters close and keep it safe. Though he is an inspiration to those in Kirkwall, he cannot hold on to what he himself treasures. No matter how he struggles, no matter how tightly he tries to hold on, when it comes to that which he loves, it seems that Hawke will always lose it. Even so, it doesn’t stop him from forming deep attachments to people. Bonds are among the strongest thing Hawke possesses, be they friendly, familial or romantic. The threat of what he loves being taken from him always lingers but it never stands as a deterrent.

The lesson to be found most in Hawke’s life is that there is strength in what is left behind. In the very beginning of the game, we discover his father has been dead for the past three years, leaving him to assume responsibility of his family. He took care of his mother and two younger siblings, the twins Bethany and Carver, and did all that he could to keep them safe. When he was enlisted into the King’s army, he stayed in the same unit as Carver presumably to keep an eye on his younger brother. As the Blight broke out and Darkspawn began attacking villages, Hawke took his brother and fled back home to gather up his mother and sister and make sure everyone got to safety.

But even under Hawke’s guidance, not everyone made it. Carver was quickly overwhelmed and killed by a Darkspawn ogre, signifying the first in a series of tragedies that would come to haunt Hawke’s life as the game progresses. Carver’s death devastated his mother and his sister too was filled with sadness at the loss of her twin. Though the relationship Hawke carried with his younger brother was less than stellar, the loss also affected him. It strengthened the already steady bond he held with his sister, both agreeing to do their best for their grieving mother.

It was only a year later, during an expedition to the Deep Roads, that was where Hawke lost Bethany. She became infected with Darkspawn taint and in an effort to save her life, went to seek out a Grey Warden. The Wardens, an order of people who's soul existence is to fight Darkspawn, develop an immunity to that taint but carry a heavy burden. In joining the Wardens, Bethany would not be able to return home, sentenced to a life of hardship and warfare. Hawke made the call that this was the right choice though in the end, Bethany grew bitter towards him for it. Even though she was alive with the Wardens, she should still meet her end far sooner than she ought to. Regardless of Hawke's choice, she is sentenced to death. She did not speak to her brother again for nearly three years after he left her to the mercy of the Wardens.

It was after those three years of silence from his sister that Hawke was afflicted by another tragedy - the loss of his mother, at the hands of a blood mage. Like his siblings, he'd been unable to save her, unable to protect her despite his efforts. Bethany blamed him for her death and that was the last he'd heard from her - the pair undergoing another three years of silence after that.

But Hawke doesn't let these tragedies dampen his spirit. He is always ready to rise again and take action where it is needed,. Whether its bolstering the spirits of downtrodden soldiers with a pep talk or making a girl blush with a smile and kind word, Hawke is always willing to face what may come. It's part of what makes him rather charming in that regard. Though often presenting himself as serious, he can be flirtatious - though he does so in a kind and friendly manner, playful without pushing any particular buttons. Through this, he manages to carry quite a positive relationship with all of his companions, despite some of them having some very stark differences and getting into disagreements. It's through the diplomacy he offers that he earns respect and favour from not only his friends but from some people in high places as well.

Though Hawke does often try to view everything from both sides, he does have a tendency to side with the scrappy underdog. Whether it’s mage rights or the freedom of slaves, when action is needed, Hawke is ready to step in and do all that he can to set things right. Though he prefers to avoid violent means to achieve this, he is not opposed to defending himself, his companions or the innocent - his blade is always at the ready for when things turn ugly. He knows he cannot change the world but he will still try. Taking on responsibility has always been something Hawke has tackled head-on, willing to engage in whatever is necessary for the good of others. Be it aiding a friend or taking on a task for the Viscount of Kirkwall, he has never been one to say no to someone in need. The maturity he puts forth and the effort he expends for others earned him a great deal of favour in the Viscount's eyes along with the city guard. The Viscount trusted him with deep issues within the city that he himself could not touch, such as dealing with the Qunari and the demands of the Qun or any kind of task that could create a conflict of interest among the political presences of the city. Hawke has never batted an eye at shouldering these tasks, hardened by years of putting others before himself.

It wasn't until after the Viscount was murdered by the Arishok that that respect he'd earned truly come into play. When the Qunari had launched their assault upon the city, Hawke stepped in to take action without hesitation. People, including the circle's First Enchanter and the Knight-Commander, looked to him for guidance during such a turbulent time and Hawke proved himself capable of meeting - and going beyond - their expectations. After defeating the leader of the Qunari, the people of Kirkwall heralded him as a hero and he was given a place as Kirkwall's Champion. He had power, he had respect and he had the people's adoration. The Champion of Kirkwall was invincible but he remains modest and continues to be a diplomatic voice amid the chaos.

… Though he still had a tendency to side with the oppressed.

An important thing to note about Hawke is the relationships he holds with his companions. Throughout the game, Hawke’s actions can hold a positive or negative impact upon those in his party, his choices determining how they feel in regards to him. Where Hawke is being taken from, he holds friendly relations with all of his companions save for Merrill - Merrill remains in a neutral ground, erring somewhat to the side of friendship though Hawke’s negative view on blood magic keep it from progressing very far.

Aveline and Varric are two of the most important people Hawke has, as well as the people he has known the longest. Aveline crossed over from Ferelden with him and it was Varric’s brother who was in charge of that Deep Roads expedition. Varric is the reason Hawke ended up meeting the majority of his companions. While Aveline is very structured and proper, Varric is more laid back and casual, though he is quite secretive about certain things. They both care very much about Hawke and his well-being though and often make it known. Of all the companions in the game, it’s Aveline and Varric who are the ones who come closest to getting Hawke to talk about the concerns on his mind. Hawke respects and cherishes them both, glad to have people like them on his side.

The friendship Hawke has with Fenris isn’t one to be overlooked either. Being a former Tevinter slave, Fenris has lived an exceptionally difficult life, one where he had been denied basic rights. Hawke offers not pity for his circumstance but rather extends a willing ear and offers himself as someone Fenris can place his trust in. Often times, it seems that Fenris feels indebted to Hawke for all he’s done but all Hawke wants is to show Fenris compassion and friendship. When presented with the opportunity to return Fenris to his master, Hawke refused and stood at Fenris' side, supporting him as he took the life of the man who'd destroyed his - and helping Fenris cope when retribution left him feeling hollow.

When involved in a romance, Hawke is a very dedicated and supportive partner. This particular Hawke has been taken from a path that has left him with a friendly romance with Anders. As stated in the sexuality portion of the app, it was Anders who stirred something in him that no one else could, something that seemed to spark from the moment they met. Bold and flirtatious, Hawke’s nature won Anders over quickly and from there, it moved forward. Anders moved in with him and the two were seemingly quite happy together across the next three years. Flavour text in various parts of Hawke’s estate indicate that Anders leaves pages of his manifesto laying about, leaves his socks on the floor and is also atrocious at playing the lute. While some of Hawke’s companions express a bit of concern over his involvement with Anders, they grow to accept his choice and are only interested in what makes Hawke happy. Even if what makes him happy so happens to be an apostate mage that has a spirit of the Fade living within him and corrupting his mind.

Hawke does all that he can to support Anders and support his cause. He’s patient throughout the relationship and always jumps at the opportunity to assist his partner. Often times, Anders will make comments about how he doesn’t deserve someone quite as remarkable as Hawke. In many ways, Hawke’s love and support for Anders is a negative thing. Hawke’s willingness to stand by him, be patient and helpful serves to enable and amplify some of Anders’ radical behaviour. Despite this, he loves and he trusts Anders, asking only that he do the same in return. This goes well for some time but there was always something larger lingering, something that Anders placed as being more important than himself and more important than even Hawke.

It’s in the final act of the game where Hawke’s seemingly endless cup of patience finally runs dry. Anders spends the majority of the final act sneaking about and ultimately betraying Hawke’s trust. Guilting Hawke into assisting him in a task, Hawke inadvertently helps Anders gather the materials for a devastating bomb and also serves as a distraction as Anders plants it in the Chantry. When the bomb went off and destroyed the Chantry, killing those inside and serving as the turning point for the political unrest in Kirkwall, Hawke can no longer carry on. All that support and love he gave was for nothing if Anders couldn’t trust him - he could no longer trust Anders. He agreed to let Anders live, believing that there was still a chance to set things right, still the opportunity to stand up for the rights of mages but everything between himself and Anders was over. It was here that Hawke finally understood it and realized that so long as Anders was to stand for the plight of mages, Hawke and his feelings would always be second. He could not - and would never be - be the most important thing in Anders’ life.


SAMPLES

» First Person Sample Choice: Prompt 2

Are we on? Hm. I think it is... Never much seen something quite like this before. [Hawke gives a light hum and inspects the communicator, bringing it close to his face and then drawing it back a bit of a ways. His brows crease, puzzled at the entire concept of the thing but still curious - and willing - to learn how it all works.]

Right. Looks like we’re all ready to go, are we? [It’s hard to say if he’s talking to himself, the communicator or the currently invisible audience he’s attempting to address. He takes in a breath, giving a light sigh and a smile, nodding - seemingly satisfied with the results so far.]

My name is Garrett Hawke, though most simply address me as either Hawke or Champion - well, not so much the latter any more, I’m sure. [He lets out a short laugh, pausing as he realizes there’s no one to shake their heads and offer a chuckle in return.] I’ve had the opportunity to look around a bit, speak with some of the servants in this palace and I’ve come to discover a number of rather alarming things. Firstly, I am not certain where I am or how I got here but I have been assured I am not leaving anytime soon. [His brow furrows a bit, mouth forming into a strained grimace] This doesn’t wholly please me but I don’t see much of a reason not to believe them at this stage. This is certainly not Kirkwall and I’m quite convinced it’s not Orlais either.

Secondly- [He reaches to the leather collar around his neck, a thick blank band with red stitching, small spiked studs decorating it. His grimace remains but there’s almost a hint of exasperated amusement hiding behind it.] I’ve been given an explanation on this... The one with the rabbits - cute but not exactly the most awe-inspiring, particularly to someone waking up without their trousers. I’m... Confident enough I shall find a means of coping. After all, Hawkes are known for making the best of rather unusual situations, aren’t we?

But I would suppose that will bring me to my next point, though the two are strictly unrelated. I was told that it may be possible some of my companions are here? [He inclines his head a bit as he asks, inflection in his voice indicating his curiousity on the matter] If any of you are, I’d appreciate knowing. Varric? Fenris? [He clears his throat a bit - maybe the collar part isn’t wholly unrelated] … Isabela?

Ah, I’m quite sure you will all contact me in time. Merrill, Aveline, And-- [He clears his throat again, catching himself on something] And I would hope you are not here, Sebastian, but if you are... [He lets out a short laugh] Well, I’d appreciate the company of any one of you. Though perhaps not entirely in the manner this old thing [back to tapping the collar] dictates. [Though, that smile is back now, eyes gentle.]

I seem to be rambling a bit, I have one final thing to address before I find myself getting off track again. As it appears I am going to be here for some time, I’ve already been made aware that I’m only permitted to remain here in this palace for no longer than a week. I’m going to require lodging elsewhere - and most likely, employment. These two things are rather crucial to me so I would appreciate any information on obtaining either one of these. If you are in need of a Champion, someone well-versed in politics or simply someone to do a bit of heavy lifting, just say the word! Hawke at your service, no matter what the task. [He gives another short laugh and a charming, rather playful smile] Brings me back to my days as a mercenary! Though I believe this will involve far less looting and plundering.

[He gives a bit of a dismissive wave, shaking his head - he’s only teasing about that. Maybe.]

I thank you for your time and patience and I’m... [he hesitates a moment, tilting his head to the left and then to the right, inspecting his device. He gives a sigh, bringing a hand up to touch against various parts of the screen - succeeding in pressing the pad of a finger against the camera portion more than once.] Not... Entirely sure... How to turn this off...

Maybe it’s--

[and the feed stops.]



» Third Person Sample Choice: 1st Prompt


Bed. A place of rest, a place of warm. Familiar, comforting warmth. Though Hawke was steadily finding that this bed, though comfortable, was less than warm, having kicked off the covers during his slumber. A draft coursed over him, making him shiver, disrupting him from a rather pleasant dream. "Dog..." he groggily murmured the word, curling up tighter around the pillow he so happened to be spooning. His bare feet rubbed together a bit, trying to retain some semblance of warmth, air in the room proving to be cooler against his skin. A groan escaped him, turning his head to press into the pillow, voice muffled by it as he began to stir awake. "Stealing the blankets..."

Hawke blinked a few times, stirring as he began to stretch out. Remnants of the dream he was having still clung to the back of his mind, replaying over again as the world around him came into focus. Warm lips against his face and a body moving above him, legs straddling him hard as hands pressed flat to his chest. The body over him rolled against him, Hawke's hands holding those hips, fingers digging into the skin as he rocked back up against them. He could hear those gasps, his name being panted softly between each thrust. Though he didn't see the face of his partner in the dream, a familiar ache in his chest reminded him of precisely who is was supposed to be.

This wasn't a familiar place. Not in the least. It didn't take a genius to determine he was in some type of palace but the trick was understanding what kind of palace Garrett Hawke had found himself stumbling into. Intricate columns that rose to the ceiling, pristine walls of white marble, such strange and complex architecture - for a moment, he almost wondered if it were Dwarven in nature, were it not quite so clean. Perhaps Elven? Some kind of ancient Dalish palace, tucked away in a hidden valley- he snaps himself quickly enough out of that thought as well. How this palace was constructed and by what people wasn't important. It would be, though not for the time being. There were greater issues at hand, his whereabouts as a whole still yet to be determined. He wasn't going to solve that laying here and he sits up in bed, letting go of that pillow he'd been holding.

Once he'd determined he was not in the most familiar of places, the next task Hawke found himself with was understanding why he was naked. He was in a bed - not his bed but certainly a bed - so the answer was obvious enough. Sleeping was more often than not a clothing-optional activity. Though, perhaps not so much in a bed he didn't recognize in a strange palace with no recollection of how he'd found himself here. He remembered parting ways with his companions, taking his leave from Kirkwall and making his way North with his dog. The incident with the chantry, the First Enchanter turning to blood magic, the Knight-Commander's exposure to so much lyrium - it was all a blur in the back of Hawke's head now, even though the incidents were all still so fresh.

There wasn't time to dwell on it. He needed to find his belongings.

He didn't need to venture far in search of pants, finding all of his equipment lain out for him on a chair next to the ornate bed. It was hardly the place he'd expected to find them - after all, when one wakes up in a strange palace of unknown origin, one's first impression tends to be a negative one. He'd expected his armour - and his weapon, in particular - to have been confiscated. Yet, here they sat. His clothing neatly folded, his blades in tact and his armour all lain out for him. Belts, gauntlets, shirt, pants, all of it sitting there, arranged by what he would put on first.

To say such a thing was enough to raise an eyebrow was an understatement. It was exceptionally peculiar and Hawke found carefully inspecting each fold of fabric and beneath every bit of armour for anything unusual or nasty that might be hiding there. Satisfied that he'd found nothing, Hawke pulled on his pants, slipped his shirt over his head and began to assemble his armour. Shoulder pads on, shin guards equipped, belts fastened, everything quickly in its place, though his shirt didn't quite feel as though it was fitting correctly at his throat, part of it bunched up as though caught on something. He tugged at it and brought his hand up to the neckline, freezing up as he felt something beneath it. Something out of place. Something wrong.

Moving quickly to the mirror that adorned the wall, Hawke tugged the fabric of his shirt down, revealing what was caught beneath it. His eyes widened, staring in shock are precisely what sat there. The band around his neck was an unmistakeable sight. It was a collar. A dog's collar, leather, a single row of spiked studs decorating it along the middle, sitting at his throat.

Grasping at the article around his neck, his fingers moved between the leather and his throat, inspecting the band in the mirror. He craned his neck, twisting the collar and trying to find where the clasp held it in place - careful not to catch a finger against the small, rounded spikes that decorated it (one could never be too careful, after all). With the collar turned around, the discovery of that clasp did little to ease his mind.The metal had been melded together, firmly locking the collar in place around his neck.

"What in the world..." he shook his head, slipping his fingers from beneath that leather band. He looked at it again and the way it rested against the base of his neck. Fereldans were often looked down on and called Dog Lords but even Hawke knew this was ridiculous. "Maker, collared like a Mabari..." he couldn't stop shaking his head, trying to make some kind of sense about this place. Waking up in a strange location, waking up without his clothes and now finding himself collared like a farmer's dog? He needed answers.

With a defeated sigh, he turned away from the mirror and looked around the room again. He could cut it off later, he determined. Leave it for the time being, what harm could there be? He needed to steel himself, prepare to walk like the Champion he still was. "I would say it's time we do a bit of exploring," Hawke said, straightening his armour a bit with a final glance in the mirror as he spoke to no one in particular. He gave a nod to his reflection and turned to the doorway, holding his head high and making his way out.

Collar or no collar, if there was one thing Hawke knew, it was adventure - and he had a feeling he was about to embark on quite the tale.