1. Probably any towns with a large enough population. Although Highever and Denerim may be the only two large enough. (Maybe Gwaren? Does anyone mention alienages existing there? I actually thought I remembered the opposite, as there are so many Dalish who wander through the place that everyone went "screw it", although I could be wrong.)
2. The weapon thing always seems a bit odd to me on a long term basis as Nelaros is supposed to be a smith. I mean, maybe he didn't make weapons (just nails and horse shoes?), but it seems a bit strange to have elves making weapons, but not carrying them. Then again, people are really weird...
3. There are collection plates for orphans at the Chantry in Awakenings, so they probably do a bit of things. Adopt orphans. Marry people. Sort of look out for the poor. Mileage probably varies, depending on the sisters, the funding, etc.
4. I like your theory on the elves. ;) I know in game there was a bit about elves becoming Andrastians because she freed them from slavery, but that's about the farthest I can come as to why elves would stay. Other than that forests are cold and uncomfortable, and if you were a servant somewhere and were told "hey, why don't you go into the woods and support yourself hunting and gathering?" that you'd probably go "hell, no! I'd starve!" Which would be the most realistic expectation...
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2. The weapon thing always seems a bit odd to me on a long term basis as Nelaros is supposed to be a smith. I mean, maybe he didn't make weapons (just nails and horse shoes?), but it seems a bit strange to have elves making weapons, but not carrying them. Then again, people are really weird...
3. There are collection plates for orphans at the Chantry in Awakenings, so they probably do a bit of things. Adopt orphans. Marry people. Sort of look out for the poor. Mileage probably varies, depending on the sisters, the funding, etc.
4. I like your theory on the elves. ;) I know in game there was a bit about elves becoming Andrastians because she freed them from slavery, but that's about the farthest I can come as to why elves would stay. Other than that forests are cold and uncomfortable, and if you were a servant somewhere and were told "hey, why don't you go into the woods and support yourself hunting and gathering?" that you'd probably go "hell, no! I'd starve!" Which would be the most realistic expectation...