Dorian Pavus

Magister Dorian Pavus

Dorian Pavus is a Tevinter magister, and companion of the Inquisitor, Merai Lavellan.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Dorian was born in 9:11 Dragon to the prestigious House Pavus of Qarinus in the Tevinter Imperium. Dorian demonstrated from an early age a flair for magic which made him the envy of his peers. Dorian studied at the Circle at Carastes, but what expelled at the age of nine after a duel with another magister's son left the other boy injured. He then moved from Circle to Circle and through private tutoring situations, though each tenure ended after another incident. In desperation, his father sent him to Minrathous to attend a smaller school run by the Order of Argent, known for their adherence to strict Andrastian discipline and exorbitant entry fees. Dorian disappeared three months later. He was found in a drunken stupor at a house of ill repute in the elven slums by Magister Gereon Alexius, who was amused enough by his behavior that he convinced Dorian to return to the Gilded Quarter rather than call the templars. Alexius was impressed by the conversation they had in the carriage and offered to take him as his apprentice. Dorian was personally tutored at the Alexius estate in Asariel, where he flourished. Four years later, he became a fully-ranked Enchanter in the Minrathous Circle. He split his time between aiding Magister Alexius in his research and partaking in the life of a well-heeled scion. He participated in Lower Floor debates of the Circle and attended social functions and balls. Dorian was finally on the path his parents had envisioned for him, until tragedy struck in 9:35 Dragon. Alexius' wife was killed by darkspawn while his son Felix was afflicted with darkspawn corruption - an incurable disease. Dorian spent two years trying to help Alexius find a cure for his son. After a heated argument in 9:37, he left the estate and went back to a life of debauchery, engaging to such excess that the scandal led his family to abduct him from the home of Lord Ulio Abrexis. He was brought to their Qarinus estate by ship, and kept as a veritable prisoner for months. When Dorian finally escaped into the countryside with not a coin to his name, he vowed never to return. The speculation over their disagreement forced Halward to step down from his position on the consiliare for the Archon. Dorian spent the next two years drifting from one part of the Imperium to the next. With his magical ability, wit and charm, it would seem he would have had a promising career in Tevinter had Dorian not become a pariah for opposing every fault his homeland is known for. Dorian bears his ostracism with pride as he feels Tevinter will only change if someone like him makes a difference. Dorian then traveled to Ferelden, following after Alexius and his son, Felix, as they met with the rebel mages. Dorian first encountered the Inquisitor, Merai Lavellan, in the Redcliffe Chantry, asking for her help in sealing a Fade rift. After the rift was sealed, Dorian introduced himself and revealed Alexius' allegiance to The Venatori, who were interested in the mark on Merai's hand. He also revealed that Alexius had invoked time-traveling magic, once thought theoretical back in Tevinter, which was how he arrived in Redcliffe first. When the Inquisitor chose to confront Alexius, Dorian attended the war council in Haven, stating he could help the Inquisition's agents infiltrate Redcliffe Castle and avoid Alexius' magic to surprise his former mentor. Unfortunately, when they did, Alexius pulled out the time amulet to attempt to go back before the Inquisitor interfered with the Elder One's ritual at the Temple of Sacred Ashes; Dorian interrupted him, accidentally sending both himself and the Inquisitor one year into the future, where the Elder One ruled over Southern Thedas. They were able to track down the future Alexius and claim the amulet. Using it, the two were able to return to the exact moment they left and defeat Alexius, and the Inquisitor recruited Dorian into the Inquisition. After settling in at Skyhold, Mother Giselle informed the Inquisitor of a letter sent by Dorian's father, Halward Pavus, asking to meet with the family retainer at the Gull and Lantern in Redcliffe, but asked that they not tell Dorian. Merai revealed the letter to Dorian, and offered to go with him to the Tavern. Upon arriving to the Gull and Lantern, Dorian was surprised to see his father instead. Dorian became very angry, revealing to the Inquisitor that when his father learned he was gay and didn't want to keep up appearances by marrying his betrothed, he tried to use blood magic - which Dorian was taught was the last resort of a weak mind - to change his sexuality and make him comply with his family's wishes. Halward defended that he wanted what was best for his son, but Dorian retorted that Halward only cared about himself and his legacy. Merai stepped in to defend Dorian, and told him that he didn't need to stay and listen to this if he didn't want to, and that he owed his father nothing. Dorian and Merai left, and Dorian never reconciled with his father. After the events at the Temple of Mythal, Dorian felt inspired to return to Tevinter. He leaned from Abelas that the Imperium didn't destroy Arlathan, he observed that truth would reflect badly on his countrymen, as it would reduce their ancestors to scavengers, though he believed that Tevinter must accept the truth. Sometime after Merai went to the Hissing Wastes, Dorian was sent along with some of Bull's Chargers led by Krem to help Marius and Tessa Forsythia clear out the remaining Venatori, whose position had grown stronger since the Inquisitor left. Though he was initially wary of Marius, a former Tevinter slave specialized in killing mages, they worked well together. Dorian saved Marius' life during the battle, and they parted on friendly terms. In the two years since Corypheus' defeat, Dorian has since become the official Tevinter ambassador to the Inquisition. Merai re-encountered him at the Winter Palace - Dorian had since entered into a romantic relationship with Fael, an elven Grey Warden from the Anderfels. Later on, Varric and several of the Inquisitor's companions held a farewell toast to Dorian. Dorian explained to the Inquisitor that his father was dead, presumably by assassination, and he was to inherit his seat in the Magisterium, meaning he'd be departing the Inquisitor's company permanently. He also stated that his friend, Maevaris Tilani, is making a push for reforms in the Imperium that he would like to be a part of. He then gave the Inquisitor a sending crystal so they could communicate. Dorian returned to Tevinter to take his father's place in the Magisterium. As rumors flew about the Imperium's infighting, Dorian was spoken of often as a voice of resistance against corruption. Along with Magister Maevaris Tilani, he formed a group called the Lucerni to restore and redeem Tevinter.