[DRAGON AGE]: Its been a few years since we last saw Leliana. What has she been doing?
[SHERYL CHEE]: After the Fifth Blight, Leliana was summoned to Val Royeaux by her friend and mentor, Divine Justinia V.
[DA]: Theres definitely some history between them.
[SC]: YesJustinia was formerly known as Revered Mother Dorothea, the woman who saved Leliana when Leliana was betrayed and almost killed by her old mistress, Marjolaine. Because of their history, Leliana feels a close bond with Justinia; naturally, when Justinia needed her help, Leliana went to her side. She has been serving as the Divines Left Hand for some time now.
[DA]: How has her personality changed since her introduction to the series?
[SC]: Those who played Dragon Age: Origins might remember Leliana as a cheerful, optimistic young woman who tried her best to do what she thought was right. Its now ten years later, and lots of things have happened. Shes not as carefree. Even if she wanted to show that side of her personality, she cant.
[DA]: Whys that?
[SC]: Shes a high-ranking member of the Inquisition with a great deal of responsibility, and she has to present herself a certain way for the Inquisitions sake. However, if you prove that you're trustworthy, and that you understand where she's come from, she might let her guard down a little.
[DA]: How did you find revisiting Leliana?
[SC]: Coming back to Leliana gave me the chance to pull everything from Lelianas various appearances throughout the Dragon Age world and fit them together.
[DA]: In what way?
[SC]: Lelianas Song shared her backstory, establishing her relationship with the woman who would become the Divine. In Dragon Age: Origins, Leliana is coming to terms with her past and trying to figure out who she is. In Dragon Age II, and the Asunder and Masked Empire novels, we see Leliana in her role as Left Hand of the Divine. Its been a long road for her, and in Inquisition, well get to see how her journey has shaped her as a person, and where the path might take her in the future.
[DA]: Were there any challenges?
[SC]: Leliana is always a little tricky because of how the players choices in Origins can affect her. I had to make sure that no matter what the player did in Origins, Lelianas role and character in Inquisition made sense. It's a matter of respecting her core nature, so that regardless of what happened (or happens) to her, she's always clearly "Leliana."
[DA]: You said that Leliana is now Left Hand of the Divine. What exactly does that mean?
[SC]: As we know, Cassandra is Right Hand of the Divine: the warrior who puts herself front and center, shes bold and direct and driven. Leliana is the Left Handthe sinister hand, as it were. She hangs back in the shadows. She watches the Divines back, watches for enemies, waits for them to reveal their weaknesses, and comes at them from the shadows.
[DA]: Those skills must be useful for the Inquisition?
[SC]: The Inquisition is a new power, a threat to some of the existing structures within Thedas. Naturally, some people will oppose it, and Leliana will deal with these opposing forces should direct action or diplomacy fail.
[DA]: So she gets along well with the rest of the Inquisition?
[SC]: The Inquisition is Lelianas priority. She knows that infighting will doom it to a quick and messy end, so shes often willing to put aside her own personal feelings to do whats best for the organization.
[DA]: Can you give us an example?
[SC]: She has a healthy respect for Cassandra, even if she doesnt always agree with her. Ultimately, their goals align, and theyll work together for what they believe is the greater good. Its a little like Mom and Dad quarrelling behind closed doors, but presenting a united front to the kids. Same goes for Cullen.
[DA]: And finally, the question on everyones mind: How is Schmooples?
[SC]: Ah, Schmooples. Maybe we should let people find out on their own when they play the game.
