Why is Dragon Age Inquisition forcing me to choose the Templar storyline

I'm at a point in the game where it seems I can only move forward if I choose the Templar storyline mission. I want to choose the mage storyline but I'm only level 11 so I can't beat the Ferelden Frostback to get to Redcliffe. And I've exhausted all the other locations I've been to, which also means I have no way of leveling up so I can beat the Frostback. There's no option in the war room to unlock a new area or mission, besides the Templar one. Did anyone else have this issue? Am I being forced to choose the Templars?