Harper Hawke

Personality

Harper is a diplomatic and pragmatic person who tries to see the best in everyone. They make decisions based on what outcome they think is likely to result, rather than ideology (ie they're generally pro-circle, but will side against the circle if it seems to be the best decision for whatever the ongoing situation is, even if siding with the circle wouldn't necessarily lead to an undesirable outcome).

Regarding their gender identity, they've always felt "different" and never felt any amount of shame over it. It helps that they are comfortable with feminine terminology being used for them (including she/her pronouns), but they do feel a level of social dysphoria when they're referred to as a woman.

They always knew they were bisexual and only feel discomfort about it around their family, who they feel had certain expectations for them (ie marrying a man, having kids).

They are pro-circle, for the most part. They don't necessarily dislike not being part of the circle, but they think that the circle tends to have mages' best interests in mind. Of course, they acknowledge the problems facing circle mages, but they think they're issues that can be solved relatively easily.

They're Andrastian, but were not particularly devout until their relationship with Sebastian. They still are not as devout as Sebastian is, but they've developed a greater appreciation for the Chant of Light, at the very least.

Appearance

Class Information

Mage

She favors elemental and creation magic.

Main, Spirit Healer. Secondary, Force Mage.

History

Note: I apologize if I switch between she and they pronouns for Harper. They use both and I'm usually not thinking about this that hard. I hope it doesn't get confusing!

Harper Hawke was born on 22 Justinian, 9:06 Dragon in a small town outside of Amaranthine to their parents Malcolm Hawke and Leandra Amell. They have two younger siblings, Carver and Bethany Hawke.

They started showing signs of magical ability at a young age, but they were kept away from the circle through the vigilance of their parents and proper training from their father. Because Bethany also was born with magic, Harper and Bethany ended up growing closer together than Harper and Carver did. Both Bethany and Harper also had a closer relationship with their father than Carver had, due to Malcolm taking the time to help them control their abilities. This caused Carver and Harper to have a relatively strained relationship.

The family moved to Lothering shortly after Bethany's magic manifested and lived their for roughly a decade until they were forced to relocate due to the fifth Blight. Malcolm Hawke died three years prior to the Blight, when Harper was 21 years old.

When the Blight was initially starting, Carver enlisted in King Cailan's army while Harper remained in Lothering to ensure the safety of their younger sister and mother. Carver returned to Lothering after the battle of Ostagar, and the family fled Lothering to escape the coming darkspawn hoards.

While escaping the darkspawn, Harper and their family met Aveline and her husband Ser Wesley. They are eventually helped by Flemeth and are able to reach a boat to gain passage to Kirkwall. Bethany and Wesley did not survive the hoard and died before reaching Kirkwall. Upon reaching the gallows outside Kirkwall, they struggled to gain entrance into the city, but were eventually able to get in after accepting a job offer with the Red Iron mercenary company.

The events of Dragon Age II take place after this point and I'd rather not recap the enire game. I'll just list key moments and elaborate on ones that I feel left an impression on Harper.

Important Events

• During a conflict with some mages and a group of templars, Harper spoke to the mages and ultimately turned them over to the templars.(1)
• Sent Feynriel back to the Dalish(2)
• Returned Ketojan to the Qunari, unaware of the fact that this would lead to his death.
• Left Carver behind during the deep roads expedition.(3)
• Allowed Feynriel to be made tranquil, they didn't want to risk him becoming dangerous.
• Leandra was killed by a serial killer(4)
• Merrill's clan was killed(5)
• Killed the Arishok
• Ultimately sided with the templars after the chantry explosion.(6)

(1) Most of the time, she sides with the templars, believing that things will be better for mages who were already in the circle if they comply. She believes the circle in Kirkwall is less than ideal, but could be reformed.

(2) Feynriel was not a circle mage, so she felt there was no real chance of the templars tracking him down. She also was aware that the Dalish are permitted to have a certain number of mages and felt that this was the most pragmatic decision.

(3) They were terrified that something would go wrong and their mother would be left with only Gamlen. They couldn't bear the idea of their little brother getting harmed down there.

(4) This, obviously, was devistating to them. They spent a large chunk of their life trying to protect their family and being blamed for Bethany's death made them hypervigilant. They were constantly worried that something was going to happen to their brother and mother, so when this happened, it was earthshattering. The event was only made worse by Gamlen blaming them for not keeping a closer eye on their mother. They internalized this and continue to struggle with this specific trauma.

(5) They blamed themself for not being able to properly support Merrill during her disagreements with her tribe. This percieved mistake haunted her for years.

(6) They were Andrastian, so they were particularly hurt by Anders' decision to blow up the Chantry, especially since they were so sure that Kirkwall's circle could eventually be reformed and put under more benevolent leadership. They decided to kill Anders after this, unaware that they likely made him a martyr for the mage rebellion.

During Harper's time in Kirkwall, they developed a close relationship with Sebastian. Harper agreed to become a Chantry sister.

In the time between the start of the mage rebellion and the conclave, Harper became Viscountess of Kirkwall. Unfortunately, the templars in Kirkwall began using red lyrium and turned on them, forcing them to step down. Harper contacted Stroud, a Grey Warden, to ask with help investigating the red lyrium.

During the events of Inquisition, Harper was contacted by their close friend Varric and was brought to Skyhold to meet the Inquisitor. Harper was abmittedly a bit taken with the Inquisitor, thinking the young elf was quite endearing. They kept everything professional, though.

Harper helped the Inquisition during the seige of Adamant Fortress, entering the fade with Stroud, Pryderi, and their companions. In the fade, they met a spirit posing as Divine Justinia V. Harper survived the fade and traveled to Weisshaupt to brief the remaining Grey Wardens on the events at Adamant Fortress.

Currently, Harper and Varric are trying to rebuild Kirkwall's infrastructure, together. Presumably with help from Sebastian, as well.

For reference, their age throughout the series: 24 (DAO/Prologue), 25 (Act I), 28 (Act II), 31 (Act III), 32 (DAI), 34 (Trespasser).

Aesthetics

Relationships

NAME HERE INFO

The Basics

She is affiliated with the Chantry, through her relationship with Sebastian Vael.

They share a world state with Hroki Brosca and Pryderi Lavellan.

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