AmongDragon Age: Inquisition’scompanions, Blackwall doesn’t seem all that interesting at first blush, and for some, he’s by far not the most likable in the lineup. ToOriginsfans, he will say all the right things recognizable as the well-known Grey Warden clichés of Thedas folklore, but then evade other easy questions players know the answer to, making him seem perhaps not the most highly ranked or experienced Warden, despite his talent with sword and shield. If befriended or flirted with consistently, he is unexpectedly hesitant to bond despite his open professions of admiration and confidence in the Inquisitor earlier. Blackwall wants players to believe that there’s nothing remarkable about him, which might as well paint a sign on him that there’s more to this warrior than meets the eye.
Blackwall isn’t all mystery; he is one of the more outspoken characters inInquisition, and although his emotions are controlled, they’re close enough to the surface to read. There are interesting details about his background that he more readily reveals to players who ask, especially about his younger years in the Free Marches and Orlais. Similarly to Solas, he keeps Inquisitors who express romantic interest at arm’s length for reasons he won’t explain, but the courtship flourishes. However, there is a point beyond which this indomitable Grey Warden won’t look his friend or lover in the eye, and the journey he then takes sympathetic Inquisitors on asks this question: Is the honest desire to protect the defenseless enough? Blackwall, in the end, really is who he chooses to follow, and his story is one of the few that players are invited to shape.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Blackwall’s entire character arc inDragon Age: Inquisition.
9In War, Victory
A Perfect Recruit For Long-Time Fans
Players who startedDragon AgewithOriginswill immediately see the appeal of having a Grey Warden join the Inquisition, and, at first impression, Blackwall is the living embodiment of the Order. Stalwart, duty-oriented, and willing to help, this burly tank wastes no time joining up as soon as the Inquisitor makes their case by downing a few darkspawn with style upon meeting him.
Fans hoping to glean more information about the Order will have plenty to digest inInquisition, but, contrary to expectation, the obvious source – the Grey Warden carving figurinesin Skyhold’s stables– isn’t forthcoming at all. Inquisitive players who press him will notice that Blackwall will be noticeably vague on Grey Warden specifics, cagey enough that it subtly tips off those who know what to listen for.
8Blackwall Has The Charm Of Enigma
…And It’s Incredibly Suspicious
The intrigue of Blackwall’s story is partly in how middling of a liar he is upon closer examination, and how he pulls it off for as long as he does. That said, some players have a keen sense of when they’re being hoodwinked, and no other character inInquisition’slineup sets off those alarm bells more than this allegedly honorable Warden does.
It works to Blackwall’s benefit that the Order of the Grey Wardens is somewhatsecretive about its ritualsand what makes them able to sense darkspawn. Seeing as the Inquisitor is not a Warden, it makes sense that he wouldn’t reveal much, but at times, Blackwall expresses an uncertainty about the Wardens and the Blight that feels out of place.
7As Good As The Real Thing
The Man Behind The Wall
It’s difficult at first to put a finger on why players find him unsettling despite his altruistic demeanor anddemonstrable skill in battle, but it makes perfect sense onceit turns out he’s someone elseentirely. Blackwall – or, more accurately, Thom Rainier – poses as a convincing enough Grey Warden for such a good portion of the early plot that it’s impressive to realize.
Learning who Thom Rainier is in reality explains a lot about both Blackwall’s gaps in knowledge as well as his reluctance to claim his true identity. The crimes he is revealed to have committed more than warrant the drastic options available to players in judging his fate, and players aren’t obligated to go easy on him or intervene.
6The Brooding, Burly, Bearded Trifecta
His Identity Is Carefully Crafted
Part of what makes Blackwall’s character so convincing is that he looks and acts the part. He gives off the vibe of a person who spends a lot of time in rugged country, as comfortable in log cabins in demon-infested lands as castle backyards. There is no hint of his distinguished background in how he presents himself.
When it comes to player expectations, there is no one type of Warden, as it’s an order that famously takes in people from all walks of life who are willing to undertake their duty and sacrifice. Although not a real Warden, Blackwall still knows how to channel his guilt into a Warden persona who wants to help everyone.
5Equally Redeemable & Condemnable
His Relationships Are Extra Brutal For The Unprepared
Blackwall doesn’t seem like he will evoke a lot of emotions at first, although he has an immediate appeal for some players, and he is one of themore extensive romance options. Once his secret is out, Thom Rainier suddenly reveals himself to bea far more interesting characterthan the one he introduces himself as. Worse, his romance goes all the waybeforethe truth is revealed.
Blackwall lies, assumes the identity of the real Warden Blackwall, who died, and he originally intended to join the Order properly, but didn’t. On top of that, the crimes he tried to leave behind with his identity are dark. But as Blackwall, Rainier also does a lot of good and clearly wants to atone. Whether players forgive or condemn him, his story is sure to make an impression.
4The Most Dramatic Exits
The Best Companion Choice-To-Consequence Ratio
Blackwall’s fate is up to the player, and it’s not meant to be an easy choice. Inquisitors who feelhis deceit is unforgivablecan leave him to hang in Val Royeaux or step in to pass judgment. Blackwall condemns the latter because this choice seemingly negates his final act of willingly taking responsibility for his crimes by stopping the execution of one of his former soldiers. Despite his sentiments, he is also committed to abiding by the Inquisitor’s ruling, whatever it is.
No matter the player’s decision, Captain Rainier’s man, Mornay, is spared. Still, many have already died for him, and saving Blackwall’s life comes at a cost and possibly another life. For players inclined to punish, one of the available sentences is that he can be forced to continue with his real identity hidden and without redemption, bound to serve the Inquisition. The most apt choice, though, is the path manyDragon Agecriminals walk and that Thom Rainier tried to manifest: undergoing the Joining tobecome a real Warden, if he survives.
3Murderer, Traitor, Monster
Not Everyone Will Forget & Forgive, Him Included
There are a lot of good reasons to keep Thom Rainier alive, but no matter the Inquisitor’s judgment, there will be some displeasure about the notorious captain essentially evading justice. The first to protest his return to the Inquisition is Cullen, if asked, and the next one in line is Thom himself.
That said, fans who arenostalgic for the Grey Wardenswill see the poetic justice in having him undergo the Joining and all the risks it entails, while also paving the way for an excellent redemption arc involving Adamant Fortress. Thom Rainier, undisguised, also becomes a familiar but new character to get to know, and letting him free to be himself is an ideal choice for his romancers if players choose to forgive him.
2Thom Rainier Is A Better Grey Warden
They Don’t Get Many Volunteers
If allowed to live and consigned to be a Grey Warden, for real this time, Blackwall makes the most of the opportunity offered him to live up to the legacy he tried to hide behind. His guilt and newfound claim of responsibility won’t allow him to see it at first, but he is, ironically, a perfect Grey Warden recruit. The real Blackwall, who tried to recruit Thom, probably wouldn’t argue.
Part of Blackwall’s success is thathe does want to be the person he pretends to be. Conviction aside, Rainier goes through a drastic personality shift after embodying Blackwall, so a lot of his actions are honest enough to make deciding his fate a meaningful choice for those who can look past his lies.
1Betrayal, Forgiveness, Redemption, Nobility
His Story Has Powerful Themes
However players feel about Blackwall, it’s undeniable that his story is well-written. He evokes just enough suspicion in those versed inGrey Warden lore, and the magnitude of his crimes can come as a shock even to those who saw through his deflections. He breaks the Inquisitor’s trust, the depth of his betrayal is nuanced, and the player’s decisions satisfy a variety of feelings.
A complicated character hiding in plain sight, Blackwall has compelling depth that turns a frustratingly elusive Warden into an impostor who evokes moral contemplation. Is a treacherous and deceitful murderer worthy of forgiveness if his actions speak of seeking redemption? How many lives saved offset the ones he took? The Blackwall the Inquisitor knows is undeniably a good man. But does Thom Rainier deserve noble sacrifice?
