The city itself remembers and reveres its hero, Marian Hawke for her efforts some years ago. However, the chaos with red lyrium has all but eradicated the infrastructure. The mage's rebellion has left much of the city in ruin, but Prince Sebastian Vael is determined to rebuild, though the process has been slow.
The city is rife with crime and desperation. Those that sympathized with Anders still riot within Kirkwall, and there has been much bloodshed since the rise of their resistance. While it has not broken into an all out war, any who visit or seek an alliance with the merchant's guild must tread carefully.