Seers are specially trained female mages of Rivain who serve as leaders in local communities.
Background
The tradition of seers in Rivain is very old, dating back millenia.[1][2] Rivain is a matriarchal society, and many of its inhabitants believe that women are best suited to rule. In the majority of Riviaini communities, the responsibility of decision-making lies with the eldest women. The most senior of these women are called seers. Due to the acceptance of magic among traditional Rivaini people, seers can freely practice their craft.[2] Even so, mages in Rivain must renounce any claim to rule as a noble.[3]
Female mages undergo a special training to become seers.[4] As a result, they can communicate with spirits. They may even allow themselves to become possessed.[1]
Seers often create magical charms, such as fertility talismans that are popular among Rivaini women,[5] and amulets for spirits that are meant to protect them against forced binding. Rivaini seers would enchant amulets to protect spirits they summoned from rival mages. A spirit wearing an Amulet of the Unbound was immune to blood magic and binding.[6]
Twice a year, all seers travel to the capital of Rivain, Dairsmuid, to meet in an event called the Allsmet where they publicly pledge loyalty to Rivain's queen. Allsmet is also an opportunity to make trade arrangements and pass binding judgements. Decision made during that time are seen as very auspicious. Celebrations surrounding the Allsmet include feasts, gift exchanges, and musical contests.[7]
The seers' practices are considered hedge magic by the rest of Thedas, and as such are prohibited by the Chantry.[1][7] However, the prevalence of seers in Rivain resulted in an unusual relationship between the Chantry and the local Circles, where seers are tolerated and allowed to have apprentices and maintain their freedom, provided that they assist Templars if need be.[8]
According to First Enchanter Rivella, Dairsmuid Circle existed as a façade to appease the Chantry. One of the reasons behind the Annulment of the Circle in 9:40 Dragon was the fact that female mages were being trained in the traditions of the seers.[4]
Relationship with the Qun
Some seers follow the Qun and consider Qunari their people.[9][10]
Involvement
Known seers
- Seer Agata – author of The Seer's Yarn: A Treasury of Tales for Children All Over
- Lady Annamaria of Dairsmuid[12]
- Unnamed Seer of Kont-aar – led the settlement circa 8:41 Blessed; author of writings on the Qunari culture[13][14][15]
- Unnamed Seer of Vindaar – encountered by Brother Genitivi[16]
Codex entries
Codex entry: The Annulment at Dairsmuid
Codex entry: Rivain- Codex entry: Seers and the Allsmet
Codex entry: Tal-Vashoth
Codex entry: Rivaini Seers and Spirits
Trivia
- Isabela's mother, Madam Hari, posed as a seer in the outskirts of Rivain. When bored, she would leave the village, claiming to "seek spirits".[17]
- There's a settlement called Seere in northern Rivain.
- According to Seer Agata, a seer's role is to be "a little like a grandmother" to every person.[18]
- Sailors who voyaged far into the Boeric Ocean claim that that witches of the mysterious, isolated Par Ladi island are somehow similar to the Rivaini seers. It's believed these witches cloaked their island with a spell that discourages foreigners from searching for Par Ladi.[19]
