Character

Artemis was born to be a leader. Even before the Inquisition, she was next in line to become the steadfast commander of the Valo-Kas should Shokrakar have ever retired. She is strong, determined and loyal to her people, with just enough humour to humble her amongst her peers. Perhaps most importantly, she takes it all - she holds the weight of the world on those broad, grey shoulders and refuses to crumble. Certainly, it's an immense amount of pressure and emotions often get in the way, but she continues to stand tall.

Background

Artemis grew up just outside Tevinter, in a small refugee community to two, lovely Tal-Vashoth parents. She was a spritely young child and well-loved to those who met her. As she grew, she was taught in the ways of the warrior and continued to thrive. When she was old enough, she joined the mercenary band known as the Valo-Kas and took to working with them. Only, one day, when she returned to visit her parents, she found her childhood home destroyed - burnt by the volatile magic of Tevinter Magisters. It was said that someone tipped them off about a colony of 'Oxmen' living on the outskirts of their great Empire. So, driven by fear and hatred, they decided to eliminate any potential threat.

Eventually, Artemis led a plan to exact her revenge on those magisters and along the way, she accidentally recruited the help of the great Iron Bull. After she'd bathed Tevinter in their blood, the two parted ways and Arty continued her work for the Valo-Kas.

It was many years later that she was working as a bodyguard for the council and wound up with the insidious green mark on her hand that would lead her to become the Inquisitor.

Notes

• Artemis rarely uses Qunlat, only doing so in moments of great emotion.
• She gained the nickname 'Vataari' or 'Fiery One' after working with Bull
• Her mount is a Red Hart
• She is not picky with her partners - Bull is a prime example, she often jokes.

Relationships

Cassandra Pentaghast [ crush ]

Though the two have had their differences, Artemis holds a lot of respect for Cassandra. It can't have been easy - losing your trusted leader, only to have her replaced with a confused Qunari, but Cassandra took it (mostly) in stride and soon became a friend. Artemis admires her soft side and her wish to protect all that is good, but acknowleddges it is extremely unlikely that their relationship will ever progress beyond one-sided flirting.

Iron Bull [ friend/ex ]

Artemis could speak the world about the Iron Bull. After first meeting him in a Tevinter prison, she was sure he was the Worst - what, being a Ben-Hassrath and everything. However, as the two spent more time together they warmed up to each other and for a brief time, became lovers. It seemed to be fate that Arty met him again and recruited him for her Inquisition. He is the man she trusts most amongst her companions and there is not a secret she would keep from him. Likewise, she hopes he puts the same amount of faith in her.