"-now I think that we can place the new supply of potions next to the stable while we sort out the books in these rooms to make more room," Josephine suggests, sitting at the table before passing over a paper to the seated Cullen. "We can donate those books or have them be passed around the camp so that our soldiers would have something to entertain themselves with."

"I agree on what to deal with the books," Cullen concurs, looking over the given paper, "but I don't think it's a good idea to leave the potions by the stable. The horses could kick them by accident and it wouldn't just be the loss of health potions that we would end up worrying about, that is if nothing in that supply will either poison us or explode our entire base."

"Cassandra assures me that a majority of these vials are healing potions and medicines," Josephine states pointedly, "Of course, we shall have each potion examined before they are to be taken together. You do have a point, however."

Cullen rubs his chin, his brows crinkled together as he ponders, "Why don't we instead remove the assortments within these rooms and make into a new potion room." He pointed at their base in the map, "In the meantime, we can have the supply by the kitchen-"

"Where I'm sure a cook could mistakenly pour one potion into their pots," The Antivan immediately interjects with a soft-spoken tone, "and while energizing our soldiers sounds welcoming, we don't want to cause any incidents and questions as to why we have less of the supply we have just received than we should. Also, we haven't confirmed as of yet if the majority of these potions are in fact not poisonous or explosive. I think I would worry more about missing men than a missing base, a lot more troubling to clean up too."

His hand circles in a small conceding wave, "I see your point. The library?"

"If we can move most of the books for our soldiers to have their earned brief distractions," Josephine adds to the thought, her expression lightening, "I think that just might do."

The commander nods, "It's settled then." He reaches for the next paper. "That marks the first step off of our list. Only several more to go..."

A discussion is being exchanged between Josephine and Cullen in the War Room where the map of Haven lays before them on the table. Markings of Xs and Os in certain places and arrows leading to them, drawing across the camp. A packet of papers also sits on the table next to Cullen, while Josephine writes diligently on her clipboard from her sitting spot as she lists off the first round of supplies, before moving onto the next out of several more that comes their way, besides Arturia's own spoils from the capture of the stronghold at the Storm Coast.

The phrase of "the more the merrier" has the implication of being good when there weren't little resources that can only provide for the few, and assured difficulties at the obstacles that wait ahead, but in this case, having so many things coming at the Inquisition all at once is what makes incoming issues so difficult because of how instant and far their group and influence has been expanding. The more the merrier is a more optimistic phrase in a different context; having too much and there is only so many things to have control over before everything implodes in their grasps.

Luckily, Haven is run by the most efficient professionals of the continent, and if one were to boost their collective egos, they can claim to perhaps be the best in Thedas; that they would be unfettered at any and all challenges.

"Good Maker; I feel like I'm about to drown under all this paperwork..."

...Of course, they were still only mortal.

A brief release of his exhausted sigh that did well to temper himself, Cullen continues on - albeit, while rubbing his temples, "We should focus on the recent influx of recruits. Our camp is about to expand beyond the forest, but here should be enough room for about hundred thousands more, and while that sounds congratulatory enough, there are concerning matters based on the numbers that we're living off of donations from our supporters, hunting for food for all of us won't be enough. We'll have to double our efforts in farming."

"Some of these recruits do have farming-experience from what I gathered," Josephine points out, looking up from her board.

"I don't want to insult their bravery to join our forces by giving them a pitchfork instead of a sword," Cullen expresses, "Still, they could offer some good tips and guides."

"Food is the essence of encouraging warriors starving for righteousness," Josephine hums, her lips curved in small amusement. "Or so I heard from Arturia, I think though that she may have been talking about herself."

"But she's not entirely wrong," Cullen retorts with a knowing smirk. "I think, for now, we should have the recruits with farming experience help around the stable and our gardens. The rest I shall personally see to their skills and settling here, and then I can evaluate the others later."

Nodding, Josephine marks off the next item on the next. She reads a section of the new recruits coming, one mage, and another one ex-member of the templars. Reading it twice, a thought of wondering came to her. "...Commander. What is your opinion about Arturia's suggestion to have both the Mages and Templars together?"

There is a pause, signaling that Cullen is caught off guard by the sudden question, but his look tells Josephine that he has had this very thought before, perhaps more than a few times. "Well, looking at it as a whole, it's just what Thedas need: for the war between the Mages and the Templars to be done with, what Divine Justinia wanted to achieve. I'll be honest though, much as I would want it to happen, at this point, with both sides convinced that the other is responsible for what happened at the Conclave, I don't think we can get them to settle down to talk without either leader accusing each other. If we do and they won't listen, then all that would happen is for them to settle their conflict right then and there."

"Even more troubling is how the public views them," Josephine evenly spoke her own thoughts. "Neither the mages or the templars are favored by the mass. Too afraid of both groups, and even despised in some cases. If they were to actually sign a peace treaty, it's likely that not everyone would accept their union. They would most likely be more afraid."

"Perhaps if we get backings from the Chantry, it might have people be at ease," Cullen offers with uncertainty. "Although, considering the current relationship between the Chantry and the Templars..."

"It might be worth the effort," Josephine insists, though the chewing of her lip is a sign of nervousness at such an attempt. "The main issue is to learn more about what either group is planning, especially the reason for the sudden behavior of the current Templar's leader. Do you have any idea, commander?"

"I'm as lost as you are," Cullen internally grimacing at what is becoming of his former order. "I've even tried reaching out to old colleagues of mine, friends who owed me favors. Strangely enough, they were all silent. Not one letter of response from any of them. Leliana offered to look into it, and though tempting, we can't risk ourselves spying on the Templars and be discovered, or else they'll officially declare us as their enemies."

The blonde rubs his face, announcing his exhaustion through his tired eyes, "I really just don't see how it can be possible to re-introduced peace to these groups. It was hard enough as it is when Divine Justinia succeeded as far as she did, this will be even harder. I think we may have to consider letting Arturia know and understand that having the Mages and Templars come to an agreement might be an impossible task."

"I know and I already have."

Cullen looks at Josephine curiously. The dark-skinned woman then elaborates, "I've told her that it was an admirable feat to be determined in attempting to come together both forces, but that it could lead to inevitable conflict and a wall that we may not break for them to see peace with each other. For one thing, the leaders of the Mages and the Templars would never actually meet in person, they would send others in their place, and even then, they would not trust us with whatever we have to say. It's likely that we may have to decide having allied with one or the other, but choosing both is an unachievable possibility. We would have to place in deals that one would agree while the other would object, and at worst, to pick both sides would be the same as to pick neither side, as will it be if we attempt to stay neutral, they will not take us seriously if we do not intend to give either party what they want. This is a risky decision that could have us lose powerful allies."

She takes a breath, "After explaining all of that, Arturia looked me dead in the eye and said to me this: "If it is an unachievable possibility, then the probability is by all means not zero. And if they still refuse to set aside their debacle, then we shall give them a reason to."

More reason than that massive tear in the sky? "What do you suppose she means by that?" Cullen asks, more than curious as he leans in.

"She offered some ideas," Josephine answers. "Ideas that, I'll be frank, are something that I would never consider. Clever but concerning. But if it works out well, it may open the opportunity we need, and we may just finish where Divine Justinia has left off."

"I'm worried that there is a legitimate reason why you're being very vague right now," Cullen states.

"I shall explain more in detail once we have Cassandra and Leliana with us. This is something all of us should hear. For now, we should finish all this."

Trusting Josephine's words, Cullen nods and went right back to organizing their supplies and recruits, the worry of meeting both groups set aside for now.


Spells are uttered quietly, magic being practiced on the daily, and other conversations between the rebel Mages that take shelter at Redcliffe Village. This is the base of the Mage Rebellion. Having cast themselves out from the tightening grips and cages of the former places they only knew as home - their prison of abuse and discrimination, of torment for being gifted.

Compared to that jail sentence, here, outside is a delight, though as they tend to their wounded fellows and educate the lost and frighten younger generation, it is an espy of freedom that is with a price of their blood they continue to pay until the day comes when they won't need to anymore. Their magic locked with the swords of the Templars who see them as a danger to society, not of one who should be treated the same rights and respect as any other people.

There is a way to teach them control over their gift, but they did not have to be castrated for it.

These are the thoughts running through the head of the Mage Rebellion's elven leader as she sits on the bolder upon the hill above, running a hand through her black hair in an effort to somewhat lower the pressure upon her shoulders.

Fiona has just finished consoling another mage who all too soon lost a dear friend of his from another battle in this war; a life-long friend who had been brought together at the Circle at the same time. Depressingly, his tragedy is not so different from the rest, most of who have suffered one way or another. To think that such sad events are not regarded by so many, as if they did not weep or bleed the same way as even a templar or civilian, be it elf, dwarf, human. This is the kind of damning discrimination Fiona is fighting against, so that her mages would not face such injustice or prejudice any more - that they would not be caged as animals anymore, like criminals that could attack anyone on sight - as if ALL of them could allow themselves such a loss of control!

The problem is that they are not taught. Only sheltered and chained and berated and beaten.

No more. No more of it. Of the Mages treatment lower than second-class citizens.

She will make change occur, Fiona swears that she will not stop for all of her brothers and sisters in robes. But of course, no such noble intentions can be achieved so easily, nor can it proceed without harrowing setbacks from the loss of friends or daunting obstacles.

The Mage Rebellion has been suffering since even before the Conclave's destruction, but THAT unholy catastrophe that birthed the Breach in the sky worsened matters severely. All of their prominent members that went were killed off in that disaster: from high ranking to powerful backers who sympathized and aided the Mage's cause. All of them and their much-needed support was lost to the Breach. And that's not getting into the fact that even their previous base was exposed and brought to ruin by their enemies!

They have only managed to find refuge here in Redcliffe because of King Alistair and Queen Anora. Their kindness has given the mages a chance to recuperate, and Fiona will never forget that, nor can she expect to take too much from them...especially not Alistair.

She cannot allow herself to take advantage of that man's generosity; she cannot allow herself to do that to her own son, even if he himself is unaware of this very fact.

Yet, as much as it saddens her to the depths of her heart, she firmly accepts this act of goodwill for she cannot afford to miss opportunities such as this at this point. The Grand Enchanter doesn't remember feeling more grateful and proud than knowing that Alistair supports her cause, and is thankful of Queen Anora even as she is split between honest rebels and terrorists when it comes to the mages. Fiona thanks the Maker that the Queen decided to dub her group as the former.

But there is only so much that the Royals can do, and even then, she cannot allow her son to involve himself any more than how much he has already done. The people of Thedas could condemn him, and it could cause a wave of doubt and scrutiny in his kingdom and court. True to her cause as she is, her motherly instinct is heeded. She will not let her only child be under fire for her sake, worse yet if he realized that he was giving aid to his birth mother that the whole world, not even him, must know about, or that will surely damage his standing worse than it would to damage hers.

She must have alternatives at hand, there is only so much she alone could do after all. Support for her cause is apparent, but not as numerous as it would have been preferred. There ARE thoughts of alliance with other groups, and one in mind that she may have to agree. But there is one group in particular that had her interest since she's first heard of them.

The Inquisition's reputation has amassed a seemingly endless amount of supporters, with the reborn order being the subject everyone from practically every side has been talking about them currently. This is embodied by their face and leading force of every battle; Arturia Pendragon has garnered so much attention that, by now, possibly all of Thedas would have known her name. Even though they are a recently reformed group, they have gained so many members that practically the Empress herself should have already been aware of them, and other powerful figures would acknowledge them, including those Maker-damned Templars.

And from what rumors and stories Fiona has heard of, after her meeting with the young Herald, she finds herself something close to a believer as well. While there is much to be considered if she is to think about her fellow mages, Arturia's influence could be the very thing Fiona needs in order to have her message spread and save her followers. Of course, there are matters of the Breach itself - a threat against the entire world if nothing is done about it anytime soon.

With that in mind, what point would her cause be if everything is destroyed?

Considering her other options, Fiona knows she will have to make an effort in gaining the alliance of the Inquisition, that is if they too would see her cause as a noble one. But for there to be a chance, she must also have the support of the people she is leading.

No goal so grand can be done alone, and with the people of Redcliffe and the Inquisition behind her, then change is almost certain to occur for the better and freedom of all mages.


The chilling air is settling in the premises of Therinfal Redoubt, where the Lord Seeker has chosen to be the place of refuge for the Templar Order. A place once harboring a great number of esteeming proud warriors, fighters against the possessed catalyst embodying out of control magic, and protectors of the people from such chaotic events along with fanatical heretics, cultists, abominations, blood mages, and even demons.

Once, they often boast to be the very reason why Thedas remains in relatively one piece. Once, they were the first Inquisition to have kept the thought of the people's well being and way of life in mind, their duty to preserve the peace and safety of the common folk.

Now, they are only coming closer and closer into becoming a husk of their glorious selves. Too demented with prejudice and ecstasy against not only mages, but to all of the people suspected to be abominations. The years have changed them - as time does to everything in life - but one way or another, something has ultimately pushed off the course of their original purpose, resulting in a lost of identity for who they are...lost in what they were fighting for in the first place.

Ser Delrin Barris remembered the stories his family would tell him. The stories of the Templar and how the people relied on them, that they were safe because of them. The Templars were heroes. Protectors. Saviors. Upholding the peace and justice at the expense of slaying those who had the unfortunate of enduring corruption, but it was either that or the corrupted caster of magic be allowed to kill innocents who shared the misfortune of crossing its path, letting suffering to continue as well the agony of that corrupted mage, or protect the people and put to rest the poor mage who was just as much of a victim.

To avoid such terrible tragedies is the very reason the Circle was created at all: so that no one with great magic talent and greater susceptibility to demonic possession or lack of understanding of how to control their power would fall to such a terrible fate. It is the very reason why the Templar Order are called to a higher calling, rather than kill, they can keep watch and help the peace remain strong.

For is that not what they are all trying to do? Is this not the very thing the Templar Order first formulated in order to accomplish? It is the best solution to give, all the while lives would be taken less often. It is the best conclusion and what it should have brought about.

But the first moment he heard whispering exchanges concerning the mages in the most resentful voices along with their unfeeling, lack of compassionate staring, that Delrin realized such an ideal contribution was not ideally performed by those who have lived in bloodshed for far too long. Those who have lived in opposition against the casters of those practices for so long has had their views of all kinds of magic casters blended to the point that they cannot distinguish who is innocent and who needs to be executed, so it is easier to claim all mages as their enemies and not bother to let themselves grow close to what could only be their potential targets.

Delrin can understand their mindset as most of them must have had an awful experience with rogue apostates, yet their experiences shouldn't cloud their judgment towards all mages. What mage, who has spent the beginning of their life until now in the Circle, deserves to be regarded with such distrust and coldness? From what he has seen for himself, he honestly sympathizes with the Mage Rebellion in small regards even if their methods are a danger to too many, but that is a thought he keeps to himself for he would no doubt be socially exiled from his peers. However, it brings him comfort to hear that there are indeed others, if only a few, templars who shared his mindset. But like he, they all keep their opinions to themselves, not wanting to ire their short-tempered Lord-Seeker who has seen better days.

Lord Seeker Lucius has been acting so strange even by the Seekers of Truth's standards let alone the Templars. Even before the Conclave's destruction, he was a tense man as it is, especially with his then behavior towards the rebelled mages, though justified by the havoc they were raining more often than not. Now? He is even more estranged. Angrier. Only times he ever shows his soft sides are with the newest recruits, having heard his short speech that "they will be the generation to pick off where the old has failed to in their life, for the good of Thedas and all."

There is undoubtedly a decent man there, but whatever happened to him, whatever happened to the Templar Order, Delrin cannot help but think some strange evil force is at the works here. He'd even seen some templars looking sickly these days, yet they still fight like the powerful warriors that they are to the best of their abilities. But from what he sees, it is more than just exhaustion and stress; it is a strain to their minds as well.

Delrin is certain that the other Templars were overdoing something, and someone has been pushing it onto them. He can't say for certain if it is by the Lord-Seeker himself as even that man seems to be pushed as well, though he had no proof of it as of now.

There IS one thing that he noticed though. When everything had begun to visibly decay, their order's purpose and the men who firmly assures to still follow it, it all began at Val Royeax and what occurred there. That was when his beloved order started its descent so shockingly rapid and threatens to fall into obscurity unless he does something about it.

As Delrin observes the practice field, less Templars are out training - a new usual these days - he spots a familiar figure walking for what seems to be the direction to the quarters. Immediately, he feels something is off with this figure with the way this person walks, as if he...is trying to appear as unnoticeable as possible. Acting on this suspicion, Delrin instantly goes to this man's position.

"Knight-Captain Denam."

Caught on sight, the knight-captain stops, and at Delrin's approach, he nods in greeting. "Ser Delrin Barris. Is Lord-Seeker Lucius in?"

Delrin, with a faint suspicion in his eye, confirms, "Yes. He's down the hall in the meeting room with our other members. I haven't seen them step out all morning. I can check if they are willing to see you."

"That's alright," Denam quickly declins, holding to his side and what seems to be a carrier bag. "I've sent word to him days prior. He's expecting me."

Delrin pays heed to the bag the knight-captain had with him, the cloak covering it as if attempting to hide. "A delivery, I presume?"

"It's not something to concern yourselves about. You should mind yourself," Comes the sharp retort from the knight-captain. "This is matters between myself and Lord-Seeker Lucius. Now, if you'll excuse me. I don't wish to keep him waiting, and I should assume that you shouldn't either."

His manners are off-putting, trying to undermine Delrin with his rank and level of authority. Unfortunately, Delrin has no choice but to abide, especially since he has not much reason to suspect the knight-captain, no matter how much his gut tells him otherwise. He can only watch as Denam resumes his way to the quarters.

Something was most certainly going on here. He hasn't had this level of questioning a well-respected figure since the death of Knight-Vigilant Trentwatch, though what more could he say about the man who tore apart the Nevarran Accords?

'In the name of Andraste, What is happening to our Order?'

Delrin can feel the life of Therinfal Redoubt being drained from its righteous vigor and pure intentions of his brethren and all he's doing is watching it all go into the shitter. Something is affecting his group, something is poisoning his brothers and sisters in arms.

He has to do something about it. He cannot simply let it go by any longer than this. Though, deep down, even if he were to speak up, or investigate it himself, deep in the pit of his stomach, he knows that it will get him killed. Much as he hated to imagine the Order he truly believed in and loved down to his core would go so far as to betray him for sticking to the Templars beliefs, he feels that this is to be the case if he is to act so recklessly.

But what else should he do?! Wait and watch everything he had fought for fall apart while the world outside does the same? They should be focused on tending to the people suffering, instead, they are wallowing in their own base as if it is their own graves. What arre they doing? What are they doing?

'Where were your men when those people cried out for your help?!'

Delrin recalls the words of the girl with unwavering emerald eyes. The painful but truthful words that the Templars have only brought more pain than they were trying to restore peace...

No. Not even that are they reaching for such a noble goal. They are simply killing. Demons. Mages. People who looked at them the wrong way. They are just killing and not helping.

He looks up at the dreaded sky, a sadness in his heart that reflects in his eyes, yet one of hope when he thought of the brave girl who stood up to the man who claimed to be doing what needed to be done, yet she was the one who had actually done much to better the lives of the common folk and more. He wonders then, what that girl is doing right now?

He wonders then if perhaps, there was any interest to have her look into his Order. If maybe, just maybe...

Delrin regards the sight of his fellow warriors, men, and women he fought alongside in every battle, men and women whose lives weighed his shoulders as he hopes Lord-Seeker Lucius must feel.

A moment of contemplation, a moment of hope in his eyes, and a concern to this suggestion. It is more than just a risky idea, it would be a blasphemous thought. But, unless something can be done to help his Order, to save the Templars...

Keeping hold of this thought that would have him possibly hanged for seemingly disregarding the humiliation his group had suffered because of that person. Ser Delrin Barris turns his heels and marches off elsewhere with purpose.


In the freezing environment of Haven, a small mishap disturbed the peaceful residence within distance of its local apothecary, smoke spewing from the roof that is without a chimney with leaks of it escaping through the crack of the windows and other places.

The front door is swung open as three people ran out, covering their mouths that hacks out coughing fits as a wallop of smoke escapes over their heads.

"O-Okay!" Sera sputters out in the midst of her coughing, keeling over, "So...now we know! That we definitely DON'T mix the powder with that fire tonic...and add in a little pinch of pepper just to see what happens. Good effort though, Turi! I'm sure-" A wheeze from her lungs. "I'm sure this'll give it to those bastards a good what for!"

"To hell with good effort!" The alchemist, Adan spouted in anger, "What about my house?! It's gonna leave a stench for days! Weeks maybe!"

"I-" Arturia coughs out, her airway clearing for the fresh wind of the outside. "You have my...my most deepest, sincerest apology. I shall...think twice before I decide to experiment on my own accord like that again."

"Damn right you should! How about three times before you can think to ask me?!" Adan heatedly demands.

"Oh keep it down," Sera shrugs her arm for the alchemist, "People make fops all the time. We blow up and then we learn how not to do that again. That's life, ain't it?"

"Not while I'm around, or when you end up dead," The irate of the alchemist cooling, but making his annoyance still very apparent. He gestures both of his hands affirmatively, "Alright. So, maybe before we should give lessons about how to make advanced potions and grenades, let's start off practicing with a simple step-by-step ingredient to making a simple, ordinary, and non-prone to explode tonic."

Sera makes a disgusted face, "Oh what? Pfft! No! That's so boring! Plus, where's the use in simple tonics? Grenades are more useful! And hey! It backfired on us but at least we know it works!"

"I wouldn't call that working. I'd call that a self-destruction. Why don't we just blow all of us and everyone in Haven sky high so we can just be eaten by that abominable sky and be done with all this? Eh?!"

"You're so negative. Why don't you get off your tiny little high horse now, huh? Or did your mother never hugged you enough?"

Arturia regains her rhythm of breathing, her coughing lessened, and she turns for the bickering alchemists.

"Stop. Both of you," She commands. "The fault is mine and mine alone. Let's not bicker amongst ourselves before we should recover everything. I'll take responsibility in the cleaning, and if you are willing to have the patience and generosity of your forgiveness, Adan, I will follow your lead. Sera, grenades are useful, but I believe it's best that I understand the mechanics of mastering potion-making and adept-level recipes before I should immediately move on to the highly flammable and easy to set off."

"Muh. Why's the fun got to be taken out of everything?" Sera complains. "Alright fiiine. But you'll hear from me still. I know my stuff just as much, if not more than pompous stick-up-in-the-arse alchemist here."

"Oh very creative." A mocking clap from Adan before his brows furrows at a thought. "You know, maybe we should focus on reading through the recipes instead, do some minor assignments, pick out and name which ingredient is which, and if you so happen to make another minuscule mistake Herald, then a repercussion is in order."

He starts off boringly before the end of his sentence caught Sera's interest, and she begins to bounce by the ends of her feet, "Oh? Now that's really interesting! What do we give? Sitting on a block of butter? Feet inside a bucket of ice?" A sudden loud gasp at the most enrapturing idea. "Strip teases? Wait, wait even better! Running across Haven in nothing but your breeches!"

The elf rogue cackles, a laughter that leaves Arturia visibly unamused as Adan rubs his chin. "I wouldn't go that far, though that butter and ice suggestion does sound appealing."

An unease settles in the pit of Arturia's stomach.

"Why just stick to ice and butter?" Sera suggests with a devious grin. "Let's put in something alive."

The dread grows stronger.

"You know I have a friend who's raising a rare breed of toothless rats. Those critters loves to teethe on people's toes."

"Gross! And awesome! I actually know someone who could lend us her pet lizard that likes to crawl around under people's shirts and trousers!"

The alarms are screaming in her head.

"I don't think I like where this is going..." Arturia cautiously steps away from the two, now preferring to them arguing than to them complying. Her access to escape is unfortunately denied as Sera grabs her by the arm and secured it against the elf's side.

"Nothing to worry about, Turi! It's gonna be extra fun!"

"I don't think I like your definition of fun," Arturia counters with a narrowed gaze.

"Well, you can use the time to make up for ruining my house and lab," Adan throws at her before covering his mouth and nose with a cloth he pulled out and walks back into the semi-cleared house mostly empty of smoke now.

Flinching at his words, Arturia battles with herself behind her troubled eyes, then hesitantly lowers her head in concede. "...Very well. I accept the terms." It is the least she can do to make up for her blunder.

Sera squeals in delight, then pulls the unenthusiastic Arturia back into the house. The thought of fleeing running through the knight's head constant, but she is not a knight without giving her utmost in embracing the trials. No matter what expected torment may await.

Though she would prefer torment over humiliation, crawling lizards and butter stuck to her rump any day.


HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Now, Arturia DOES know how to make potions, tonics, and grenades, but only on the most baseline level at the moment and still has a ways to go before she can properly pull of the more advance creations of alchemy like Jar of Bees for example.

Now, this chapter was made to showcase the two sides of the damage the Mage-Templar War has wrought upon both factions in order to not completely cast one side as more right and sympathy worthy than the other as I think this is a mistake Inquisition did since all signs pointed to CLEARLY siding with the Mages. Here, a more nuanced view will be heeded...wherther this is pulled off or not is up to you.