Varric Tethras born 9:1 Dragon is a surface dwarf and member of House Tethras.The Tethras family was once part of the Noble caste in Orzammar, until Varric's father was caught fixing Provings. Such was the disgrace and danger to the family that the household had no choice but to leave for the surface. Varric's mother, Lady Ilsa found the shame of the family's exile too much to bear and turned to liquor and smoke for comfort. With his older brother Bartrand busy building the family's wealth, it was Varric who took responsibility for his mother. He took pains to keep Ilsa's addiction hidden so as to avoid the public scandal this would bring and cared for her during bouts of illness. Varric thus displayed both the shrewdness and compassion that would mark him in life. Unlike his older brother, Varric was born in Kirkwall and has no feeling of loyalty or love towards Orzammar, his knowledge of which is largely second-hand. He is a merchant prince among the surface dwarves.
Varric is a rogue from House Tethras. He is the youngest son of the Tethras family while his older brother is the head and runs the family business. On the outside, he is seen as the idle younger brother who spends his time in taverns telling wild stories while people buy him drinks. His real job is to maintain a "spy network" with contacts to deal with various troubles that come along with being in a family that is part of the Dwarven Merchants Guild.
Varric has a signature crossbow named Bianca. Bianca has a carved wood stock and brass embellishments, as well as a retractable bayonet that slides out of a slot in the front. When asked about the story behind how Bianca got her name, he replies that it involves a girl and a promise, and that it is the one story that he can never tell. He has put the story to song, but will not sing it, instead humming the tune during battle.
Varric likes to talk and likes telling exaggerated stories of the players heroism. Solving problems and gaining advantage through diplomacy, outright lies, and even blackmail will impress him, while straightforward violence and thuggery leaves him cold. He also responds well to joking, flirting and sarcasm and to mild greed. Beneath his silver tongue, however, he's a goodhearted person and will appreciate players who look out for their families and are kind to dwarves.
To earn disapproval with Varric, choose aggressive responses that glorify violence and combat, and show a lack of interest in his stories, his friendship, and your place in Kirkwall.