Hessarian (2024)

“I am the penitent sinner who shows compassion in hope that compassion will be shown to him.”

Hessarian, also known as Hessarian the Redeemed^[1], was the Archon of the Tevinter Imperium during the time of Andraste. He is a critical figure in Chantry lore for his role in ordering the prophet's death by fire. He was also the first to convert to the Chant of Light.

Background[]

Maferath, the mortal husband of Andraste, betrayed the Alamarri warrior-prophet to the Imperium. With Andraste in captivity, the Archon decided her fate, encouraged by his wife Lady Vasilia to be ruthless though he originally wanted a quick death for Andraste. In a square in the capital Minrathous, Andraste was burned alive before a crowd of her adherents and enemies alike as an example to all those who challenged the Imperium, but showed no distress in her death. It is said that in the prophetess' final moments, the Maker spoke to Hessarian, filling him with guilt and compassion and so he drove his sword through her heart to put an end to her suffering.

Though Hessarian had originally intended to end Andraste's following, he refused to take action against them following her death.^[3] Ten years to the day after Andraste's death, the Archon converted to the Chant of Light, claiming that he heard the voice of the Maker when his blade touched Andraste, and the beginnings of the religion took root. He declared the Maker the one true god, made Andrastianism the religion of the Imperium, and publicly revealed Maferath's betrayal. Most of the high-ranking clergy, including nearly all of the ruling Altus magisters, refused to give up their Old Gods, but the non-mage Soporati class overwhelmingly supported Hessarian, beginning a period known as the Transfiguration. With the High Priests dead, Hessarian repurposed the Old God temples into the first Circle of Magi.^[2] There is apparently debate as to whether he was sincere in his conversion, with some suggesting that he simply found it politically expedient to embrace a religion which was already gaining popularity amongst his own people. However, his ghost/shade claimed to truly have felt pity for Andraste, feeling it was his duty as a true ruler to show mercy and that he hoped for mercy to be shown to him.

Archon Hessarian's act of clemency is a very influential tale in the Chantry, and his sword, covered in the flame of Andraste's pyre, is a well-recognized icon of the Templar Order. Being the Imperial Chantry founder, he is especially revered in Tevinter, where he is considered the most important of Andraste's disciples and the anniversary of his death is a religious holiday.^[4]

After a long and tumultuous rule and life, Hessarian died in his sleep in -125 Ancient.^[5]

Involvement[]

Hessarian is one of the eight spirits the the Warden encounters in the Gauntlet during the quest A Test of Faith. It is unknown for certain if the shade came from Hessarian's immolation as a part of a ritual or not.

In order to advance the quest the Warden will need to answer the following riddle proposed: "She wields the broken sword, and separates true kings from tyrants. Of what do I speak?"

The correct answer is "Mercy"; all other answers are not accepted. If the Warden answers correctly the shade will disappear. If the Warden answers incorrectly, "Hessarian" will turn into an ash wraith and attack.

Quests[]

A Test of Faith

Quotes[]

• "Yes. I could not bear the sight of Andraste's suffering, and mercy bade me end her life. I am the penitent sinner, who shows compassion as he hopes compassion will be shown to him."

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: The Blades of Hessarian

Codex entry: The Conversion of Hessarian

Codex entry: Ghoul

Codex entry: In Hushed Whispers

Codex entry: Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

Trivia[]

• In a dialogue between Isabela and Bethany it is mentioned that there is a p*rnography book named "Hessarian's Spear," involving him and Andraste.
• Hessarian wrote the Canticles of Erudition and Penance, which are still sung in the Chantry today. His alternate version of Transfigurations, which removes references to prohibitions against magic, is only taught in the Imperial Chantry. His Canticle of Silence is part of the Dissonant Verses.^[3]
• When encountered during the trials he is equipped with The Summer Sword.
• Cetaphina of Perivantium in "Mapping of Ephemera" speculates that Hessarian showed mercy to Andraste because he remembered the tragic fate of his mother, Eleni Zinovia, who was turned into a stone statue by his father, Valerius, after she prophesied the Archon's downfall. Cetaphina further theorizes that perhaps Eleni had a vision of what's to come and shared it with her son, which led Hessarian to put Andraste out of misery on the day of the execution.^[6]

Gallery[]

References[]