Archive of Our Own (AO3) is a nonprofit open-source repository for fanfiction and other fanwork contributed by users. Created in 2008, the site hosts 7 million works in over 40,000 fandoms. AO3 has received praise for its curation, organization, and design, done by readers and writers of fanfiction.

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In the video game category, Dragon Age has over 60,000 works. The fascinating and intricate world of Thedas is perfect for fans to write about, enhancing the lore and mythology with new and exciting adventures. Some of these fanfics mix modern elements with Dragon Age's fantastic and medieval setting, while others stick to the Thedas of the games. All these works prove how passionate the DA fandom is and why the franchise remains relevant as ever.

Life After Bull

iron Bull as he appeared in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Iron Bull's possible betrayal during the events of the Trespasser DLC is one nobody saw coming. The sting of losing such a close member of the inner circle is more meaningful than the game acknowledges. It's even worse if the Inquisitor is in a relationship with Bull at the time of the betrayal.

Life After Bull sets the action months after the tragic events that took place in the Exalted Council. The Inquisitor, Veda Adaar, deals with the aftermath of her life-changing adventure and the betrayal of the one she loved. Author hawlibear paints a nuanced portrayal of grief in a world as unforgiving as Thedas, where a bards song can be as deathly as a Qunari's blade.

The Songstress And The Swordsman

Angry Fenris in Dragon Age 2.

Fenris, the brooding and moody elf companion in Dragon Age II, is the star of this work by author Verdigirl. The character, who didn't return for Inquisition, still has an active fanbase in the DA community, mostly because he's a romance option for both male and female Hawke.

The Songstress and the Swordsman follows Fenris as he encounters a wounded fugitive in an alley. The work combines elements of romance and action, mixed with the politics and magic that are trademarks of the Dragon Age universe.

The Proposal

Dorian from Dragon Age: Inquisition kisses a male inquisitor.

Romancing Dorian in Inquisition is a wild ride. While the love story during the game is equal parts passionate and endearing, the result at the end of Trespasser is bittersweet at best. Dorian, ever the idealist, believes Tevinter can be rescued from corruption and treachery. After his father's death, he leaves the Inquisitor and returns to his homeland, hoping to reform it.

The Trespasser epilogue states that Dorian and the Inquisitor continue their relationship despite the distance, but author queenofthejungle believes more detail is needed. Her story, The Proposal, takes place between the confrontation with Solas and the end credits of Trespasser.

It's Always Darkest Before The Dawn

The Inquisitor romances and shares a moment with Cullen on the Skyhold balcony at the end of the game in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Cullen's character came a long way from his first appearance in Dragon Age: Origins. His traumatic experience with mages left him magic-weary and scarred, suffering from all he underwent. Inquisition deals with his traumas, providing more depth into his character.

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Romancing as a mage makes Cullen confront his own idiosyncrasies and prejudices. It's Always Darkest Before Dawn - a work by author Anigel - inserts a bit of domestic drama into the fantasy world of Inquisition. After a heated argument, Inquisitor Aryn Lavellan breaks up with Cullen, and the story follows the aftermath.

The Hawk's Eyes

Alistair and female Hawke in the Fade during Here Lies the Abyss in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Video games feature several NPCs whose fate is to die. Players often don't question the end of these characters, accepting that they're programmed into the game to fulfill that specific purpose.

Author createdtowrite toys with this concept in the story The Hawk's Eyes. The plot follows a girl who dies and mysteriously finds herself reincarnated as a video game character. Things take a turn for the worst when she realizes the fate of her NPC is to die again. As she navigates the world of Thedas, she discovers new abilities and tries to find a way to escape her seemingly inevitable fate.

The Sun Will Shine Again, And It Will Rain

The Inquisitor speaks to his advisors at the Winter Palace in Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Murder mysteries are always fun and enthralling, and when done right, command the reader's attention like no other genre. Author dementxa takes this approach with the story The Sun Will Shine Again, and It Will Rain. The plot follows Tamarion, a young mage from Kinloch Hold, who accompanies his mentor to Heaven. While there, he finds himself entangled in a murder plot.

Other than the mystery hook, the story features a romantic relationship between Cullen and a Male Inquisitor. Described as a slow burn story with mutual pining, The Sun Will Shine Again, and It Will Rain will satisfy players who wanted Cullen as a romance option for male and female Inquisitors.

Herald Of Time And Space

The Witcher season 2 Ciri

Some of the best and most creative fanfics result from the combination of two universes. Author poetikat writes a story where two similar worlds collide, with unexpected and fantastical results.

Herald of Time and Space follows Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, best known as The Witcher's Ciri, as she answers a letter from another world and gets transported into a new reality. After surviving the explosion of the Conclave and being hailed as the Herald of Andraste, Ciri becomes the Inquisitor, and her journey through Thedas takes a turn for the worst.

Second, Third, And Hundreth Chances

Dorian looking serious in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Fans enjoy not only creating alternate stories for well-known franchises, but they also like shipping characters with each other. Cullen and Dorian share one funny and slightly flirtatious scene in Inquisition, enough to make many fans wonder how the two would be as a couple.

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Second, Third, and Hundreth Chances features the two characters as the protagonists of a friends-to-lovers story. To make it even better, author artemine gives the story a modern setting and places the action in the world of flight attendants and pilots. Creativity pours from every chapter of this work.

The Road, The Hidden Truth, & You

Varric at Haven in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Author mrs_theirin had the unbelievably inspired idea of turning Dragon Age into a romantic comedy. She put it into words, and the result is the charming The Road, The Hidden Truth, & You. The plot follows Varric Tethras, who convinces his close friend Eden Hawke to act as his fake date for the wedding of his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Bianca.

With all the elements of a classic rom-com, this story puts Varric front and center. The surface dwarf and author is one of the series' most popular characters, and it's about time that he becomes the star of a story.

Stand In The Rain

Some companions sit at the tavern and share a drink in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Author Ricecake93 is behind this immensely creative story. Stand in the Rain tells the story of Mia, a girl scout, Judo champion, and pianist who, despite not being an avid gamer like her sister Ria, wakes up inside the world of Thedas. With only vague knowledge of the game's plot, Mia must now make her way through a dangerous but enthralling plot.

Stand in the Rain is another prime example of the creativity that inhabits the Dragon Age fandom. It's a funny, daring, and original idea that only enhances the complexity and engrossing quality of the Dragon Age universe.

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