Midnight Syndicate App

[unrelentingly]

PLAYER INFORMATION
NAME: Geoff
ARE YOU 18 OR OLDER?: Yes
CONTACT: email - starkhaven.prince@gmail.com
CURRENT CHARACTERS: n/a

CHARACTER INFORMATION
NAME: Garrett Hawke
CANON: Dragon Age
CANON POINT: Post Dragon Age 2, s
CHARACTER AGE: Early 30's, approx 33
HISTORY: Because Hawke is the player character from a video game, here's a few wiki links detailing the story of Dragon Age 2.
general DA II + storyline of DA II
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.

Hawke is a supportive friend, even when he shouldn't be. Anders is a fine note of this. Hawke does all that he can to support Anders and support his cause. He’s patient throughout their friendship and always jumps at the opportunity to assist his friend. This is unfortunately a negative thing in the long run as Hawke’s willingness to stand by him, be patient and helpful serves to enable and amplify some of Anders’ radical behaviour. 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, it served as a turning point for the political unrest within the city and Hawke was left with the realisation that his actions had helped cause this. He's given the choice to kill Anders or to let him live - and Hawke chose to let Anders live.


ABILITIES:

Hawke is a dual-blade rogue. He carries a high dexterity and cunning rating, allowing him to pick locks with ease and the increased likelihood of critical/lethal blows when he uses his weapon along with increased speed and sharpened reflexes. He's mastered the Dual Blade specialization, with a minor in both the Assassin and Shadow specialization. Being a dual-blade rogue he is also ambidextrous, capable of using both hands with the same precision.

As mentioned about picking locks, Hawke can also disarm traps with relative ease. A full breakdown of Hawke's skill trees can be found here - obviously mechanics in MS will differ from that of his canon universe so suffice to say, he's quite athletic, fast on his feet, remarkable with his hands and quite talented with knives.


SINS & VIRTUES:

As Dragon Age 2 is a game where the player-character can more or less follow one of three personality paths, as mentioned earlier in the personality. I have chosen the Diplomatic path for Hawke, which means he tends to feel a lot more than the other two personality types. he's very human, quite placid and tends to look at both sides of the situation. He believes in fairness and second chances, which fits him to a number of virtues.

Despite being a rogue class, a man who can open any lock and slit any throat in the blink of an eye, temperance is most definitely one of Hawke's stronger suits. Self-restraint is key for him, often putting aside any of his own wants and pleasures in favour of his companions or others in need of his aid. A fine example of this would be when he and his family first arrived in Kirkwall, refugees from the Blight. He was more or less sold into slavery for a year by his uncle but he stayed true to his path, not about to let his family suffer. Somehow during this time, he managed to not only pay off his uncle's debt to the smugglers, he also managed to find a means to provide for his family. Whatever he wanted was not important at this time - all he cared for was seeing his family happy. He found the deed to his family's estate for his mother, single-handedly bought back the property from the city and though his hard work, allowed his mother a few more years of genuine happiness. Diligence can be seen in this display as well, never leaving things unfinished. He's an extraordinarily hard worker.

Good things often come to those who wait - he will bide his time and consider his options before making a move. In some manners, this can be seen as a downfall but for Hawke, it just brings to mind the patience he carries with him. Among his group of peers, there are often those who butt heads and seek to antagonise one and other. Hawke often remains calm and steady with them, even when they sometimes push matters too far. He shows mercy to those who repent, always looking to give people the benefit of the doubt. There always seems to be room in his heart for just a little more, offering up forgiveness to those who deserve it.

In doing so, we can see where kindness grows for him. He's always finding ways to help others. He feels deeply for his friends, he understands their needs and their wants, offering up a friendly ear whenever they should need it. He shows a great deal of loyalty to them all, standing up for them, aiding them, always finding a way to inspire. Many people throughout the game find it easy to open up to Hawke, welcoming his counsel and compassion.

Now to the other side of the coin...

Pride is no doubt the most obvious sin when it comes to Hawke. Hawke's main fault throughout all of Dragon Age 2 can be found in the way he tends to feel that what he decides is best for everyone. While his heart is often in the right place and it isn't done in an intentionally malicious way, his ideals often fall into the category of "it's my way or the highway". He is genuinely trying to help the people of Kirkwall and his own companions but his decisions often blow up in his face. Even so, he continues doing what he feels is right for the situation, even when it proves to be a bad idea. His poor choices result in everyone's downfall - and though he realises maybe something wasn't such a good idea in the end, he does it regardless. He continues to do it as well, not learning from his past mistakes. This particular Hawke comes from a more diplomatic path, often trying to take the "middle of the road" kind of stance but time and again, this proves to be a poor option.

Another point to make in regards to pride would be with his companion, Anders. Thoughout the entire game, people tell him Anders is not someone to keep around. Hawke ignores it. Anders proves time and again he is dangerous, Hawke ignores that, thinking that so long as he's here, so long as he spends time with the man, he can make it better. When Anders blows up a church, Hawke chose not to end the man's life for his crimes. Almost all of his companions are threatening to turn their backs on him and yet, Hawke will not swallow that pride and do what many feel he should have done long ago. He allows Anders to live, thinking something can be achieved.

It can't.

Next in line would have to be greed for a few reasons, though they are minor and pale compared to Pride. Hawke doesn't really exhibit any real greed within the game but it's entirely possible to loot just about everything. He can and will make attempts to turn torn trousers, old pantaloons and moth-eaten scarves he found in the trash for profit. The original reasons for doing so were no doubt to provide for his family during that rocky first year in Kirkwall - but it's fully possible to continue this trend even after Hawke's started moving up within society. He can comment in his own home that he's amassed too much junk but he never really does anything about that.

While it doesn't seem his greed stems from any sort of malice, it still has its place.

It would be hard to mention Dragon Age without mentioning lust. Hawke is bisexual. Though that in itself isn't exactly enough to qualify as being "lustful" there are various points within Dragon Age 2's canon that can lean in that direction. Though not quite as forward as some, when romanced to one companion, they will remark that Hawke is a tiger in bed and they indulge sexually with one and other on a nightly basis. Whether or not this has any truth to it is left unsaid, though it's possible to have Hawke become sexually involved with all four of his romanceable companions in a single playthrough. It is also possible to partake in the city's brothel with a number of prostitutes. In said brothel, there is even one point where Hawke can be offered sexual favours. He can make the choice to accept and if he does so, he is quite willing to indulge.

The path I am playing Hawke from does not involve him romancing multiple partners but he did flirt with each of his companions. He likely indulged in the brothel on occasion though he did not take the offer of sexual favours.



SAMPLES

Sample 1 -- meme thread

Sample 2: (prompt 1 from the test drive meme)

Game night. It wasn't a concept that Hawke was unfamiliar with but everything here was wholly bizarre. When it was first announced, he almost wondered if it was worth making an appearance at. The logical side of him told him yes - but at the same time, reminded him just how surreal this whole circumstance was making itself out to be. Since he'd arrived, it had all been a great deal to try and wrap his head around, still not fully comprehending it.

At least cards were a bit easier to decipher. Dice games, however, not so much. Particularly this yarmouth thing that was entirely over his head. The rules had seemed basic enough to understand though he hadn't quite expected it to get quite as rowdy as it had. Rowdy enough to have him down to an under shirt and his breeches, feeling a distinct draft he did his best to ignore. He was still more clothed than a few people at the table, two of them already reduced to nothing at all and forced to sit out. They seemed to find ways to keep themselves busy at least.

If fondling each other could be considered busy. They'd already threatened that the next one naked got to join in the middle. Not happening, in Hawke's mind. Not at all. He would fit tooth and name to get another yerble or whatever the Maker cursed this game as. Yahtzee- that was it. Yahtzee. Strange name, odd game. Varric might like it, perhaps he could introduce it to the dwarf--

Being caught in his thoughts for a moment, he almost missed the next roll. One small woman rolled the dice and all but cackled as she shouted out the game's name. She grinned wide and clapped her hands in delight before pointing to Hawke and the other men at the table. That immediately made him grimace, giving a dour look across the table to her.

"That's your sixth one," the rogue said, almost sputtering at the idea. The woman just grinned and gave him - along with the others at the table - a coy look that told them they were stripping down. Again.

Breathing out through his nose, Hawke complied with the request, stripping off his shirt. Not entirely how he'd planned to spend his night but here he was. He'd just have to bounce back from this, just like he'd done so many times back home. Though a few losing hands at Wicked Grace was drastically different that stripping down at the whim of a set of dice. He motioned for those dice to be handed his way, managing to put on a thin smile.

"You should all watch out," he began, looking at the others around the table, shaking up the dice. "I'm playing for keeps now."