“I would rather die a mage than live as a templar puppet.”
Karl Thekla is a mage friend and ex-lover of Anders who resides in Kirkwall.
Background[]
Karl spent many years at Kinloch Hold, the Fereldan Circle of Magi. There, he befriended and eventually fell in love with Anders, another apprentice. They were inseparable for years; Anders never attempted to escape while he was with Karl. Shortly after passing his Harrowing, Karl was transferred to the Gallows, which required new talent. A few weeks later, Anders escaped Kinloch Hold to try and reunite with Karl in Kirkwall but was caught by templars on the docks in West Hill. Though they wouldn't see each other again for years, they continued to exchange letters.[1]
Involvement[]
Karl is involved in the quest Tranquility. Anders asks Hawke to assist him in helping Karl escape from the Circle. Anders has been corresponding with Karl for some time and has arranged to meet him in the Kirkwall Chantry. In reality, Karl was caught in contact with Anders and was made Tranquil at the behest of Ser Otto Alrik. When Anders and Hawke arrive at the Chantry to help Karl, they realize the Templars are using Karl to lure Anders into a trap.
When confronted by Karl, Anders becomes enraged and unleashes Vengeance. Vengeance's emergence brings with it a piece of the Fade, which, for a short time, restores Karl's emotions. Karl confesses that he does not want to live as an emotionless puppet serving the templars, and he begs Anders to end his life. Hawke can advise Anders to grant Karl his wish or ask Anders to spare Karl. Either way, Anders will kill Karl in order to put him out of his misery, apologizing for failing Karl before killing him.
If the player chooses to visit Anders in Act 1 after completing the quest, Anders, if Hawke is male, may admit that he and Karl were once lovers, and that Karl was his "first."
Quests[]
Quotes[]
- "Anders. I know you too well. I knew you would never give up."
- "I was too rebellious. Like you. The Templars knew I had to be… made an example of."
- "Now! It's fading! [monotonous voice] Why do you look at me like that?"
References[]
- ↑
Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 162