Recap:

This is not a new chapter, but a guide that includes a list of characters and events that happened in the first 49 chapters. This will hopefully help let you keep track of things better than having to find old chapters and reread them.

(It's still a work in progress, but I hope it still helps.)

Some names will appear more than once as they join other factions. Some information is taken from the codex. This will contain spoilers up to chapter 49.

Sorry there was some update confusion. I posted the wrong thing. This is the Recap that's suppose to be posted tonight, but I accidentally posted something first instead of this and a new chapter should be posted Wednesday. So stay tuned.

War of the Laurels Cast of Characters

The Cousland Coalition Plot:

Edmund Cousland- The second son of Bryce and Eleanor Cousland. Was exiled in 9:22 Dragon earning the moniker: Edmund the Exile. He was allowed to return in 9:29 Dragon. He is serving as the Regent to his nephew, and is the Commander of his nephew's armies in their effort to retake Highever.

*By chapter 44 is named King of Ferelden by the South Reach landsmeet. They put forward and endorse Edmund's candidacy in succeeding King Cailan Theirin.

Oren Cousland- The only son of Fergus and Oriana Cousland. He is a boy of eight. He is the rightful Teyrn of Highever.

Sarim- A fierce and loyal Mabari hound. He's imprinted with Edmund Cousland. He is a very good boy.

Loren- Is the Bann of Caer Oswin. He lost his wife and son in the sacking of Highever. He is the first to rally to the Cousland's cause.

*Is killed in the Sacking of Caer Oswin in chapter 37.

Leonas Bryland- The Arl of South Reach. He is Eleanor Cousland's brother, making him an Uncle to Edmund, and a great Uncle to Oren. He is one of Edmund's most influential and strongest supporters in their effort to retake Highever.

Alfstanna Eremon-Is the Lady of the Waking Sea Bannorn. She along with Lord Loren, Lord Sighard, and Lord Bryland make up the founding members of the Cousland Coalition.

Sighard- Is the Bann of Dragon's Peak. He is one of the first and most stalwart supporters to the Cousland Coalition.

As of Chapter 49: Distraught with his son's absence has ridden to Redcliffe to serve as an envoy to Edmund Cousland.

Oswyn- Is Sighard's son and heir to Dragon's Peak.

As of Chapter 49 is missing and presumed dead.

Telmen-An influential Bann of the Coastlands, leader of the northern contingency of nobility who believes Howe and Loghain are the bigger threat than the darkspawn.

*Retreats north with his allies when Edmund Cousland decides to fight darkspawn over Howe and Loghian.

Percival: The Lead Healer and herbalist for Cousland and his allies.

Matilda Barton- The lady of Elk Glen. A loyal supporter to the Couslands and one of the commanders of his armies. A renowned warrior.

Jevrin Barris- A Bann and key supporter to the Cousland Cause.

Ser Cauthrien- A prisoner captured in the Battle of Eastern Crossing. She now serves as a sworn shield to Oren Cousland.

Habren Bryland- Lord Bryland's daughter, a notoriously pampered noblewoman who is not well liked within the servant circles of South Reach.

Ser Lawrence- A knight who's fighting days are behind him, but is still respected for his past prowess and deeds.

*Is killed in the Battle of Gwaren after heroically leading a charge through the darkspawn ranks.

Bann Hargrove- He is considered an honorable man. His holdings are in an area between Lothering and South Reach.

Wynne- A Senior Enchanter of the Ferelden Circle of Magi, and a companion of the Grey Warden. She is tasked to help heal Edmund Cousland and to lead the newly allied Templars and mages who have vowed to help fight the darkspawn.

Lord Olson- An influential leader of Gwaren survivors, who had previously pledged their loyalty to Loghain, but deserted their Teyrn's cause when he left Gwaren to the darkspawn. They now serve the Couslands.

Solona Amell- A mage from the Ferelden Circle of Magi. The leader of the Ferelden Grey Wardens. Makes an alliance between the Wardens and their allies with Edmund Cousland's forces.

It is rumored that was Edmund Cousland's paramour. It is wise not to repeat such gossip in her presence.

Alistair- A Grey Warden warrior. And rumored bastard of King Maric Theirin. He loves being a Warden and has no desire for politics.

Lady- Solona Amell's mabari.

Revas Surana- Percival's apprentice, but is given the boon by Edmund Cousland to raise and train a contingent fighting force of elves. They are later given the name-Fangs of Ferelden.

Riordan-A Senior Grey Warden who was sent by the Orlesian Wardens to assess the situation in Ferelden. Comes to South Reach and becomes an ally/adviser to Edmund Cousland and their fight against the darkspawn.

*On a mission to investigate the nearby Dalish and hopefully bring them in as an ally against the darkspawn. He travels with Wynne and Revas Surana.

Howe and his Amaranthine Allies:

Rendon Howe- Is the Arl of Amaranthine and Denerim, and the disputed Teyrn of Highever. He is a chief advisor to Teyrn Loghain, and the Teyrn's most powerful supporter.

Captain Chase- A commoner who rose to the rank of Captain. A loyal and competent officer for Lord Howe.

Thomas Howe- The second son, but is Lord Howe's chosen heir. A soldier who is infamous for a nasty temper, and heavy drinking. He has Berserker training.

*Killed in the Battle of Eastern Crossings by Edmund Cousland.

The White Falcons- A band of mercenaries that were hired by the Howe-Mac Tir Alliance to fight against the Cousland Coalition in the Battle of Eastern Crossings.

Cristof- The Leader of the White Falcons. He carries a unique axe known as Aodh.

*Killed in the Battle of Eastern Crossings. Aodh was taken by Edmund Cousland, who killed Cristof.

The Crimson Oars- A band of mercenaries that were hired by the Howe-Mac Tir Alliance to fight against the Cousland Coalition in the Battle of Eastern Crossings.

Captain Lowan- Is one of the captains of Howe's scouts.

Bann Esmerelle-The Bann of Amaranthine City, rumored to be Howe's lover.

*Is captured when Amaranthine City falls and is later sentenced and executed by Edmund Cousland.

Lord Guy- A nobleman who has holdings within the Arling of Amaranthine.

Ser Timothy- A minor nobleman within the Arling of Amaranthine. Is more proud of his knighthood than lordship.

Lady Liza Packton- An influential noblewoman within the Arling of Amaranthine.

Lady Morag- The daughter of Lord Randall. They have minor holdings, but an influx of wealth. A rumored lover to Rendon Howe.

Ser Temmerly- Referred to as Ser Temmerly the Ox, is one of Howe's most reliable warriors.

Word of Kaden-Fe- Elite and savage Qunari mercenaries from the Free Marches. They currently serve as Howe's personal bodyguard.

An unnamed Blood mage- Kept close to Howe and has ferreted all of Slim's attempts at putting spies in any of Howe's estates in the city. He was instrumental in the short lived alliance between Howe and a cabal of Blood mages and mercenaries within Denerim. They were eventually killed by the Warden and her companions. He is the only survivor.

Teyrn Loghain and his Gwaren allies:

Loghain Mac Tir- Is serving as Lord Protector and Regent to Her Majesty's armies following the king's defeat and death at the Battle of Ostagar.

Ser Cauthrien- Is a knight and is Loghain's most trusted Lieutenant. She carries the famous greatsword-The Summer Sword. She's the leader of Maric's Shield. Teyrn Loghain's hand picked elite fighting force.

Lord Olson-Is considered one of the more powerful lords in the Gwaren Teyrnir.

Benedict Sloan- He hailed from the richest family in Gwaren. The wealthy merchant family are still seen as outsiders and struggles at trying to marry into the old, but proud nobility of Ferelden.

Ceorlic- A Bann of the Southern Bannorn and is a staunch ally of Teyrn Loghain.

Anora and her Allies:

Anora- The widow of King Cailan, and Queen Dowager, who wishes to take the crown due to her own merit, but more importantly seeks a swift end to the civil war and a unification of Ferelden against Howe and the darkspawn.

Luwin- Her loyal seneschal who was raised from a commoner to minor nobility when he served Anora's father as the Seneschal in Teyrnir. He was eventually promoted to royal seneschal and moved to Denerim to serve the King and Queen.

Gallagher Wulff- The Arl of West Hills. He is considered one of the more powerful and influential Arls in Ferelden, and is well known throughout the western portion of the country. He's lost much to the darkspawn, and agrees to serve Queen Anora as her envoy to the Cousland Coalition while promising her his troops if they are to be used for fighting darkspawn.

Nathaniel Howe- The oldest son of Lord Rendon Howe. However, he was disinherited and exiled for embarrassing the family name. For the last eight years he served Ser Rodolphe in the Free Marches. He returned to Ferelden at Edmund's urging, but went to Anora first to try to oust his father and redeem his family's name.

Ser Mhairi- Anora's captain of her personal bodyguard. A dedicated and well trained knight. She is a survivor of the Battle of Ostagar. She serves the Queen faithfully and is willing to die to defend her.

Lady Reginalda- The Bann of the River Dane. One of Anora's strongest and influential supporters in the Queen's growing army.

Amaranthine City's Cast of Characters:

Lady Alfstanna Eremon- The Bann of the Waking Sea, and one of the first influential nobles to side with Edmund and Oren Cousland in the aftermath of Howe's attack. An old friend of Edmund's, she now rules the city of Amaranthine having successfully taken it from Lady Esmerelle, the former bann of the city.

Ser Walter Smith- The General of the Horns of Highever, an elite fighting force loyal to the Couslands of Highever. He and his forces are currently in Amaranthine city, and is in charge of the city's defense in preparation for the pending siege by Howe and his forces.

Calida- A trusted lieutenant and scout of The Horns of Highever. Sister to Cordero. Their parents fled Kirkwall being supporters of the ousted Viscount Perrin Threnhold and were saved by Eleanor Cousland.

Cordero- A trusted lieutenant and scout of The Horns of Highever. Brother to Calida. They have Rivaini ancestry but their recent family ties come from Kirkwall in the Free Marches.

Horns of Highever- An elite fighting force that took the best men and women across the Teyrnir to serve and protect the Couslands. It is rumored their origins lie when Mather and Haelia Cousland drove the werewolves out of their lands. Their loyalty remains with the Couslands even when they bent the knee to King Calenhad.

They avoided the slaughter at Highever because they had already marched south with Fergus Cousland.

Lord Eddlebrek- The Master of Feravel Plains, devoted lord who prefers farmers to nobility, a key voice in the Amaranthine Arling as its biggest farm-holder. He reluctantly joins Edmund's cause and currently serves on Alfstanna's Amaranthine council and holds no qualms in voicing his concerns for the people and the farmers, determined to make sure they are not forgotten or ignored in this civil war.

Captain Dirk- The Captain of the Crimson sword, Dirk is an elf smuggler who was an associate of Lord Eddlebrek in past successful attempts at undermining the previous Bann of Amaranthine City, Lady Esmerelle. He threw in his support for Alfstanna's cause in helping to smuggle her and forces into the city, under the promise that his and his crew are allowed to continue their business without interference. He holds a seat on Lady Alfstanna's council more to keep an eye on him then to actually hear his voice.

Sister Dorothy- A Sister for the Chantry of Our Lady Redeemer, she was tasked by the Chantry to serve as an envoy and a voice to Alfstanna, once the city fell into her hands. An elderly woman who steadfastly follows her vows of poverty and charity, and a respected voice within the city and its people.

Nathaniel Howe- Son and legal heir to Arl Rendon Howe, who spent years in the Free Marches. Grew up childhood friends of Edmund, Anora, and Alfstanna. Has only just returned to Ferelden to learn of his father's treachery. Comes to Amaranthine as an envoy for Anora, but desires peace between his friends.

Irminric Eremon- He turned down the title of Bann of the Waking Sea and instead joined the Templar order, forsaking his legal rights. He is currently a prisoner of Howe and is being used to force his sister to give up the city peacefully.

Lady Esmerelle- The former Bann of the city of Amaranthine, rumored to be Howe's lover. She was deposed after her city was taken. She was then brought to Edmund Cousland where she was tried and sentenced for her crimes and plots against the Couslands. Deceased.

Denerim's Cast of Characters:

Robert Kylon- Is a sergeant within the Denerim City Guard. Loves his city and is loyal to its people. Cares little for politics, and only for helping the denizens of his city and protecting them.

Slim Couldry- A thief, but an influential information broker who has spies all over the city and in parts of Ferelden. He uses elves to spy for him, and tries his best to serve and better their lives. He's half elf. Is considered the most well informed man in Denerim. Robert's ally and friend in rooting out threats.

Harkin- A city guard in the employment of the Arl of Denerim-Rendon Howe.

Lady Sophie- A rivaini noblewoman and Howe's lover. Has gone into hiding when she found out she is pregnant with Howe's child. She is currently under Slim's protection.

The Dark Wolf- Slim's most feared agent, a skilled warrior, and is considered a protector and champion of the elven people. The identity of the Dark Wolf has baffled the city guard leading to numerous searches and hunts to discover and arrest the vigilante. They have not been successful.

**It's later learned her name is Kallian Tabris.

Amethyne- An orphan who lost her mother at Highever. Her father was friends with Slim, who now looks after her.

Dwyn- A newly arrived dwarf who is presumed to be working for Arl Eamon. Sells stories of Alistair's bravery in hopes of stirring the people and winning them over on supporting the Warden at being the next King of Ferelden.

Orzammar's Cast of Characters:

Valda Aeducan- The newly crowned Queen of Orzammar. The daughter of King Endrin, and sister to the deceased Trian and Bhelen Aeducan.

Gorim Saelac- A trusted friend and adviser to Queen Valda.

Lord Pyral Harrowmont- The Head of House Harrowmont. An influential adviser to King Endrin and now serves as an adviser to Endrin's daughter, Queen Valda.

Rica Brosca- Bhelen's lover, who is carrying his child. She is currently a prisoner to House Harrowmont.

Anwer Dace- The patriarch of House Dace who has funded more than half dozen expeditions into the Deep Roads. He is a warrior and an explorer, and selected as one of the leaders of Valda's expedition.

Adal Helmi- The eldest daughter of the Matriarch of House Helmi. A warrior who is eager to fight for her new Queen. Is selected as one of the leaders of Valda's expedition.

Lady Helmi- The matriarch of House Helmi. The mother of Adal and Denek, a supporter of House Aeducan and Queen Valda.

Denek Helmi- Is the youngest Deshyr in the Assembly. He is an advocate for better rights for the casteless and common citizen. Is proud to stand against the usual stale and spoiled nobility. Has been considered a potential husband for Queen Valda.

Piotin Aeducan- Queen Valda's cousin. Is a proud and prominent warrior and given the honor of leading House Aeducan's forces into the Deep Road expedition.

Darvianiak Vollney- Is a four time Grand Proving champion. Was proven innocent for the charge of the murder of his brother. Is picked as one of the leaders of the Deep Road Expedition.

Renvil Harrowmont- Lord Pyral Harrowmont's nephew and named heir to House Harrowmont. The representative of House Harrowmont for the Deep Road expedition. A fighting companion of the Queen's battleguard.

Vartag Gavorn- Is a member of House Gavorn. He served as Prince Bhelen's second, and was a chief supporter for Prince Bhelen's claim to the dwarven throne. Has gone into hiding with Bhelen's defeat and death.

Frandlin Ivo- Is a member of House Ivo. He was an ally and agent of Prince Bhelen. A noble warrior who was killed when trying to rally dissent against Valda before her coronation.

House Aeducan- Is one of the leading and most powerful dwarven noble houses of Orzammar. Valda Aeducan is the latest in a long line of Aeducans who have ascended to the dwarven throne.

House Harrowmont- Is one of the oldest and most powerful dwarven noble houses of Orzammar.

House Dace- Is a major and influential dwarven noble house of Orzammar. Supported Valda Aeducan for the throne. And is considered a friend and strong ally to the Smith Caste.

House Helmi- Is a major and influential dwarven noble house of Orzammar. Supported Valda Aeducan for the throne.

House Vollney- Is a minor dwarven noble house of Orzammar. Their prospects look bright by being selected to help lead the Deep Road expedition being spearheaded by Queen Valda Aeducan.

House Gavorn- Is a minor dwarven noble house of Orzammar. Their ascendency for more power and influence was stymied when they backed Bhelen Aeducan for the throne, who lost his bid and life.

House Ivo- Is considered an inconsequential dwarven noble house of Orzammar. Their attempt for more power and influence was blocked by supporting Bhelen Aeducan for the throne, who lost his bid and life.

Redcliffe's Cast of Characters:

Arl Eamon- The Arl of Redcliffe. Having recovered from his sickness has rallied his men throughout the Hinterlands. A staunch supporter of the Theirin Bloodline who advocates its return in the unlikely candidate of Warden Alistair Theirin.

Teagan Guerrin- The Bann of Rainesfere. An adviser to his older brother Arl Eamon and an envoy to Redcliffe to try to form alliances in supporting Alistair Theirin.

Ser Perth- The highest ranking knight in Arl Eamon's employ. And one of the commanders of his forces.

Murdock- The Mayor of Redcliffe.

Dwyn- A dwarven mercenary who was in Redcliffe during the undead attack. In its aftermath he was hired by Arl Eamon to travel to Denerim to spread stories of Alistair's brilliance and make alliances.

The Korcari Wilds Cast of Characters:

Fergus Cousland- The Heir to the Teyrnir of Highever and is presumed dead. He was saved in a darkspawn attack in the Korcari Wilds by the Chasind.

Brosca- A Grey Warden dwarf. A veteran of the order and Fergus' unlikely partner. A skilled warrior. He like Fergus was saved by the Chasind, causing the two survivors to owe them a blood debt.

Shaman- The spiritual leader of the Chasind village and is the one to collect the debt Fergus and Brosca owe her people. She gives them the mission to honor said debt-The hunting and killing of two ogres.

Ursa- A Chasind who is tasked in helping lead Fergus and Brosca through the Korcari Wilds to accomplish their mission.

The Fereldan Civil War:

Is the conflict between rebel Edmund Cousland against Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir and Rendon Howe in the aftermath of the Highever Sacking and the Battle of Ostagar.

*The Events of the Civil War were difficult to track and record due to the chaos that was spreading across Ferelden. This is the best guess and effort by many to try to put in chronological order.

The Highever Sacking- Arl Rendon Howe betrayed his liege lord when he attacked Cousland Castle. His forces killed Teyrn Bryce Cousland, Teyrna Eleanor Cousland, Orana Cousland, Lady Landra, and her son and Heir to Caer Oswin, Dairren. As well as countless soldiers and servants in the bloody attack.

The Battle of Ostagar- A disastrous defeat for the Ferelden army against the darkspawn that saw the deaths of many, including much of the gathered forces and the Ferelden King-Cailan Theirin.

The Battle of Pigs- A brief skirmish led by Edmund Cousland against Howe's forces. Less than fifty fought and no more than fifteen were killed, but it was enough to spark the truth across Ferelden-Edmund Cousland lived and planned to retake Highever.

The Rich get Richer- Rendon Howe is approved by Loghain Mac Tir as the new lawful Teyrn of Highever and is given the Arling of Denerim. Lord Howe is now the strongest man in north Ferelden.

A Rebellion Grows- Arl Leonas Bryland disgusted by Loghain's unwillingness to punish Howe, abandons the Teyrn and takes his preserved forces as well as the Highever forces to Caer Oswin. Thus Edmund Cousland is given an army.

Battle of Eastern Crossing- The first battle between Edmund's rebels and Loghain's forces. The outcome stuns Ferelden when the rebels secure the victory forcing Loghain and his men to retreat back north.

Give Peace a Chance- Distraught at her Father's actions, Queen Anora is still hopeful to unite Ferelden under one banner. She sends terms with Arl Wulff to Edmund's camp in hopes of convincing him that she is an ally and does not sanction Howe's legitimacy and wishes to depose him.

Lothering- The town of Lothering is destroyed by the darkspawn who now have an unblocked path through the Ferelden heartland of the Bannorn. Their forces only grow in numbers and in their devastation as they corrupt and slaughter all who they come across.

Decision and Desertion- After seeing the ruins of darkspawn attacks, Edmund Cousland decides to bring his men south to try to stem the hoarde. He is met with strong resistance by many, and a sizable force of his army retreats north under Bann Telmen who seek to protect their lands from Loghain and Howe.

The Siege of Gwaren- Edmund Cousland marches his army into enemy territory to lift the siege of Gwaren from the darkspawn. A great battle ensues that leads to a darkspawn defeat, the town is saved, but Edmund Cousland loses three fourths of his army that day.

A victory for Gwaren but the possible end for Edmund's rebellion against Loghain and Howe.

The Taking of Amaranthine City- Lady Alfstanna Eremon accompanied by the Horns of Highever use local nobility under Lord Eddlebrek and smugglers to sneak into the powerful port city and after brief skirmishes, the city falls. Alfstanna arrests Lady Esmerelle and holds the city for the Cousland family.

The Alliance- Ferelden Grey Wardens agree to an alliance between their allies and Edmund Cousland's forces in fighting the darkspawn. Templars and mages are the first to come to South Reach.

New Pledges- The surviving forces and nobility of Gwaren defect from Loghain and swear new oaths to the Couslands after they answered their pleas against the darkspawn. It in no way equals the losses the Couslands suffer, but the new allies are welcomed.

The Sacking of Caer Oswin- Lord Howe leads the attack and then annihilation of Bann Loren's seat including executing said Bann. A small but important victory for Teyrn Loghain and his forces at trying to restore order and force loyalty to their banners.

Old friends, New Chances- Anora still hopeful for peace enlists her recently returned friend, Nathaniel Howe to Amaranthine City to present terms to Lady Alfstanna of an alliance through marriage between Edmund Cousland and Anora Theirin.

Redcliffe Stirs- Arl Eamon having recovered from his sickness, calls on his levies throughout the Hinterlands, gathering his men and supplies for the battles to come. Will offer no aid to any side unless they bend the knee to Eamon's candidacy for the Fereldan Throne-Grey Warden Alistair Theirin.

South Reach Landsmeet- All of the allies who have rallied to the Cousland cause discuss and debate who to follow in the Civil War, and the merits of the sides presented to them by Bann Teagan representing his brother, the Arl of Redcliffe, and Arl Wulff, representing Queen Anora. In the end, neither is chosen as a new candidate is presented-Edmund Cousland.

The Landsmeet readily agrees and anoints Edmund Cousland their chosen king.

Thus causing the sides of division to only be further entrenched/divided and not bridged between the nobility.

Crestwood Coalition- Anora's newly gathered army arrives to the town of Crestwood in hopes of saving it only to discover that it has already fallen to darkspawn and a flood has swept through the lands. Her forces are met with Lord Cousland's forces under the leadership of Lady Barton.

The two come to an agreement that allows Anora to travel with her forces to South Reach, pledging her support in helping to fight the darkspawn. While also presenting her case for a potential permanent solution between their forces.

The Unexpected- Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir is killed within the city of Denerim. His death sparks riots, but also opens up a power vacuum within the capital of Ferelden.

Lord Rendon Howe is currently marching to Denerim with his army. His intentions unknown.