"Magic in Thedas is old, but has changed through time." And it was entirely his fault for the greatest change it underwent, but he will leave that part out.

"Spirits can be spoken to. The fear is that anything met in the Fade could be a demon in disguise and a mage susceptible to possession is dealt either death or cut from magic entirely," he returns and it's clear in his tone he considers both options much the same. "It is my understanding that those who research spirits are kept under close watch."

But it is not something he has ever had to deal with personally. Staying far from that and remaining an apostate had been the easier alternative.