614 réponses à ce sujet

[LostInReverie19]

Oh my god, I'm loving this so much. Man, now I need to read your Origins thread. As someone who has played DA2 more than 5 times all the way through (I may have a problem....shhhh), it is both amusing and refreshing to hear a true newcomer's take to the game. It brings back all the thoughts and reactions I had to the game way back in 2011 when it came out. 

[Ozzy]

The taunt is hilarious because of how campy it is. I agree, that it does get frustrating something when you're sitting there taunting while your team is getting pounded on. Yeah, there isn't much to Cullen in DA2. He's pretty much a straight shooter. His fangirls and fanboys are plenty passionate though, haha. 

 

Mark Meer has great range. That clip where he shifts from Shepard to Shisk is hilarious. I did roll my eyes at the Justice pun, I have to admit. I went an entire semester at uni where the person next to me spent the duration making puns wherever he could. ;P

[JeffZero]

I stopped following Final Fantasy since the 2001 film, although Aki Ross wasn't that bad.

Anyway, off-topic...

The most interesting point in DA2 is the various shades of grey of the NPCs. Make sure to have fun with this aspect.

That is definitely proving a highlight, I agree. I'm loving how so many quests are branching out into dialogs with companions. DA2 and ME3 really nail this, but DA2 is giving it an option to shine well beyond the humor ME3 often goes for with it by getting deep and grey about so much that is said. Kirkwall is rife with opinions. And the non-companion characters are often fairly grey themselves!

Oh my god, I'm loving this so much. Man, now I need to read your Origins thread. As someone who has played DA2 more than 5 times all the way through (I may have a problem....shhhh), it is both amusing and refreshing to hear a true newcomer's take to the game. It brings back all the thoughts and reactions I had to the game way back in 2011 when it came out.

Aw, shucks. :3 (I don't know if that will turn itself into an emoticon. I hope it doesn't, but I'll find out when I click submit.) I'm happy you're enjoying it! I know what you mean though. Back on GameFAQs my buddies and I always goad one-another into making topics for their first time with various games because it really is amusing and refreshing, and because there's a certain joy in the communal experience itself, for the newcomer as well.

My Origins thread shouldn't be too hard to find, it's toward the top of the story forum. A word of warning: I decided to document my progress only fr about halfway, so I had to rush-job coverage before that.

The taunt is hilarious because of how campy it is. I agree, that it does get frustrating something when you're sitting there taunting while your team is getting pounded on. Yeah, there isn't much to Cullen in DA2. He's pretty much a straight shooter. His fangirls and fanboys are plenty passionate though, haha.

Mark Meer has great range. That clip where he shifts from Shepard to Shisk is hilarious. I did roll my eyes at the Justice pun, I have to admit. I went an entire semester at uni where the person next to me spent the duration making puns wherever he could. ;P

I had a friend way back in seventh grade who did the same thing. And hell, we were 12 and he was awfully cultured for his age whereas I was a former New York City street rat myself, so half his puns went straight over my head, too. Goodness that was annoying. To this day I can't hear one without seeing his (now-much-older) face smirking with self-appreciation.

At any rate, update pending! Gonna hammer it out in a couple of hours while I'm on the bus. Not terribly much to report again due to those same midterm blues, but I'll be sure to give it my best Dalish-Welsh accent!

[JeffZero]

When last we left Hawke, there were Enemies Among Us but we didn't quite know who. A trip to the Blooming Rose later and things started to crystallize. I gotta say, I love the hostess lady at the front entrance. Weren't we just discussing Hawke's swagger? "You ain't a prize yourself," she says. So there *are* people capable of resisting his considerable charms! Believe it or not, you've just made yourself a friend for life, chick.

We're sent to a certain woman for further information, and right off the bat something is awfully awry because *Fenris* of all mage-haters is abruptly convinced she doesn't know anything. When pushed as to why he's so confident, a mere "I... don't know...?"is Hawke's reward. Mind control. It has to be...

...what? Get... out of my... miiiind, Liquid!*

*Metal Gear Solid in-jokes will be mercifully few in this topic, rest assured. Just not enough fandom crossover to make it worth the trouble, right up there alongside my love for Star Trek and Zelda. I suppose I could do with more Game of Thrones references, though...

We interrupted this quest to provide you with inane rambling at the request of that accursed blood mage, who wanted even you, dear readers, to cease your investigation immediately. But that wasn't going to happen, because Heroine Bethany broke the Vulcan mind-meld (and I had *just* claimed I wouldn't go there) with sass and simmer. I had Anders with me as well; am I correct in assuming there was a sort of descending order there? Would he have been able to help, too? Well no matter, we beat her at her little game, got what we needed and sent her packing. Erm, I hope so anyway. She certainly did disappear afterward.

Off to Darktown. I deal in Darktown almost exclusively at night. Because it's... dark... tow -- look, nevermind. So there were a bunch of shades and skeletons but Bethany the pyromancer and Anders the cryomancer and Fenris the axeman-cometh and Garrett the awesome-masher proved too button-awesome for their I-really-must-quit-that-joke. And then we were face to face with our latest nemesis. Look at these hood playas! Best recognize, y'all Tevinter reenactment violates about a hundred city ordnance codes. The North Will Rise Again, yeah, yeah, but you're getting dropped.

We dropped them. Actually, funny story: the robe dudes all fell in like one Scythe motion and I was all, "are you kidding me?" And then we were harassed by abominations behind us and I had one of those little zen epiphany moments. Naturally a desire demon made her Isabelian presence known shortly.

Hoy, Cullen fry! We fried 'em up and found you a scantily-clad remarkably-chiseled Swedish model recruit, too. But he was a bit of a bad boy. But his sister needs to eat and Garrett knows all about that. And really, he wasn't so bad. Please let him off easy.

And that's when I finally made my pilgrimage to Sundermount. I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A praw-miss. Ooh, pretty place. I don't care how many times I wind up staring at this map before my journey's through, for now it's shiny. And here's some more Flint flock. Alright, that's done with. And here are the Dalish, with their droll American acc --

...

--pffthahahahahaha oh my god amazing. These Dalish are positively Welsh and Irish. Oh my gobrino, this is the best thing. And it plays into Celtic associations too. I love you, whoever made this change. I love you to pieces.

The Keeper wants is to hike up a bit and meet with her First, who will then accompany us on this ritual and subsequently leave with us. Uhh, OK. Weird. Why am I getting Morrigan vibes? Chrissakes, I mean, this is tied together with Flemeth, even. I wonder what this First is like, I wonder if she's a battle-hardened Velanna type, or --

--d'awwww, Merrill is ADORABLE. *_* First impression: she's got a secret, but that accent, that awkwardness. All I can say is *_*.

"*_*."

And that's that.

[caradoc2000]

We interrupted this quest to provide you with inane rambling at the request of that accursed blood mage, who wanted even you, dear readers, to cease your investigation immediately. But that wasn't going to happen, because Heroine Bethany broke the Vulcan mind-meld (and I had *just* claimed I wouldn't go there) with sass and simmer. I had Anders with me as well; am I correct in assuming there was a sort of descending order there? Would he have been able to help, too?

If Hawke is a mage, he/she can break the hold him/herself. Otherwise any mage in the party can do it. If not, Hawke can break the hold, but Idunna always gets killed.

 

Hoy, Cullen fry! We fried 'em up and found you a scantily-clad remarkably-chiseled Swedish model recruit, too. But he was a bit of a bad boy. But his sister needs to eat and Garrett knows all about that. And really, he wasn't so bad. Please let him off easy.

There is extra dialogue with Cullen (and F/R opportunities) if you leave the Gallows and then go back after you've finished Enemies Among Us.
 

These Dalish are positively Welsh and Irish. Oh my gobrino, this is the best thing. And it plays into Celtic associations too. I love you, whoever made this change. I love you to pieces.

If you play the Dalish origin in DAO, you start as a member of this particular clan, you even get Merrill as a temporary squad mate.
 

--d'awwww, Merrill is ADORABLE. *_* First impression: she's got a secret, but that accent, that awkwardness. All I can say is *_*.

Merrill is voiced by Eve Myles (from Torchwood).

 

"She's got a secret" is a pretty safe guess, who in this game doesn't? No wonder there are all those skeletons lying around, they need them to fill all the cupboards.

[Music]

I have to say, your fresh perspective is quite entertaining to watch. The fact that you're willing to try the DA series despite all of the negativity that's been spat at it definitely speaks well of you.

 

Witty Hawke is best Hawke, and your ramblings are most amusing. I'll definitely have to read your DAI thread if you decide to play it.

 

I suppose just one thing, if you haven't picked up Isabela in The Hanged Man I definitely suggest heading there at night. There's coin to be had and getting her friendship maxed is definitely helpful later on down the road.

[caradoc2000]

And two if you haven't picked up Isabela in The Hanged Man I definitely suggest heading there at night.

You meet her at any time of the day as long as you've finished Anders recruitment quest.

[Music]

You meet her at any time of the day as long as you've finished Anders recruitment quest.

 

Well there you go, all the more reason to go there and meet her XD.

[CronoDragoon]

 

 

Edited!

[CronoDragoon]

Edited!

[JeffZero]

Thank you for the sweet tones, Music! I think much of the DA negativity is centered around these more fandom-centralized locations. I can tell you that elsewhere I've been although there's a hefty chunk of anti-DA2ism there is still a considerable amount of goodwill toward what has been glimpsed of Inquisition. Which is... basically true here, too, but the anti-DA2 crowd is far more focused.

I will most certainly be playing Inquisition, even if this game does a dramatic about-face so vast I wind up loathing it through and through somehow. I must confess I had not considered doing a first-timer topic for a game we'll all be first-timers on. But maybe I will! There may be some amusement to be had for others watching the exploits of another newcomer.

Whatever you said that may or may not have been spoilery, I appreciate your concession. Please don't feel as though you need to shut up! As for Isabela, I have indeed picked her up! Although from as independent and full of spunk as she is, I dare say *she* picked *Hawke* up.

caradoc, as always your words are like gold to this hapless Kirkn00b, but especially that bit about Cullen. I hope I can go back there and chat him up some more after Sundermount. (Now watch the whole of the Free Marches explode while I'm performing the rite. gg Flemeth.)

CronoDragoon, is that avatar Kid from Chrono Cross?

[CronoDragoon]

I understand some of the dislike for DA2, but I think it's way overblown. When I finished it I remember thinking "not one of my favorite BW games, but still very very good." I also play on console, and the gameplay felt so much better than Origins.

 

Yep, it's her. Chrono Cross was my first and still favorite RPG.

[caradoc2000]

As for Isabela, I have indeed picked her up! Although from as independent and full of spunk as she is, I dare say *she* picked *Hawke* up.

She does, however, fall for Idunna's "mind-trick", as does Varric.
 

especially that bit about Cullen. I hope I can go back there and chat him up some more after Sundermount.

It is very easy to miss as you have to leave the Gallows and return. At that point, you no longer have the (quest based) need to talk to him for the rest of act 1.

[CuriousArtemis]

Okay, I'm hooked It's like all the excitement and joviality of a Let's Play but without the time commitment on my part  I wonder who Garrett will fall for, Isabela or Merrill, hmm?? As you can guess by my avatar, it was Fenris for my Hawke, always was and always will be. He has such a tragic story, as you've already surmised. Good luck rivaling him; FYI: pro-mage stuff rivals him, but being nice to him in conversation AND being anti-slavery nets you friendship, so be careful. It's actually easier to friend him than rival him, if you leave him at home during the pro-mage quests. Otherwise you have to be a dick to him in conversation, and that's really not that fun.

 

I'm a huge Cullen fan, so I hope you get to see in him what I did  He's a character who experiences a lot of growth throughout the game for such a minor NPC. He is sort of the middle ground between Anders and Fenris... both of whom have excellent reasons for being as extreme as they are, of course.

[JeffZero]

I understand some of the dislike for DA2, but I think it's way overblown. When I finished it I remember thinking "not one of my favorite BW games, but still very very good." I also play on console, and the gameplay felt so much better than Origins.
 
Yep, it's her. Chrono Cross was my first and still favorite RPG.

It's a pretty great game, from an incredible era for that company. I don't think it quite tops my list (I prefer FFVII, IX, X, Xenogears, FFT, Tactics Ogre, Chrono Trigger) but that says a lot more for the quality of the day than Chrono Cross itself.

  

Okay, I'm hooked It's like all the excitement and joviality of a Let's Play but without the time commitment on my part  I wonder who Garrett will fall for, Isabela or Merrill, hmm?? As you can guess by my avatar, it was Fenris for my Hawke, always was and always will be. He has such a tragic story, as you've already surmised. Good luck rivaling him; FYI: pro-mage stuff rivals him, but being nice to him in conversation AND being anti-slavery nets you friendship, so be careful. It's actually easier to friend him than rival him, if you leave him at home during the pro-mage quests. Otherwise you have to be a ****** to him in conversation, and that's really not that fun.
 
I'm a huge Cullen fan, so I hope you get to see in him what I did  He's a character who experiences a lot of growth throughout the game for such a minor NPC. He is sort of the middle ground between Anders and Fenris... both of whom have excellent reasons for being as extreme as they are, of course.

Aw shucks, you're too kind! Well I've actually never even watched a Let's Play in my life -- in many ways I'm not a part of the things gaming communities typically take for granted these days, haha. I'm very old-school, I still vastly prefer reading text-based responses and the like, to the point of exclusivity. But yeah, the time commitment part is another major element. That stuff can suck weekends dry! And besides, even if I wanted to go about making this into an LP, I lack the hardware.

But seriously, it delights me to know several people are really enjoying this. I'm really enjoying this, too! Let's all enjoy this. Together.

Paragon +10

As for Fenris, duly noted. But I think I'd rather let it all flow organically and get as much dialogue content as possible out of companions by taking them anywhere I suspect they might be chatty rather than striving for bar fulfillment, even at the cost of nifty abilities. Of course as I understand it they may have content locked from me *because* I'm not working toward such ends... blast. I do revel in the opportunity to make life as interesting as possible either way, though, so Fenris will probably continue to see some action in mage quests, just as Aveline won't be a stranger to Garrett's somewhat mercurial philosophies.

I'm glad to hear Cullen features recurringly. I had hoped that was the case. I like him, but I'm the kind of guy who likes everyone who brings something to the table. I "liked" Rendon Howe in the sense that I looked forward to ending him.

Isabella or Merrill... that is indeed the question. Well I hardly know a thing about Merrill, other than her delicious accent. I enjoy the idea of Garrett and Isabela just kind of using one-another as folks of her ilk often do, and then maybe that transcends such trappings, but I'll have to see how things progress with this Dalish lass. If it were me and not Hawke... well, I would have a tough time of it myself. I've known women like Isabela, but I've never known a Welsh elf, so probably that.

[CuriousArtemis]

Isabella or Merrill... that is indeed the question. Well I hardly know a thing about Merrill, other than her delicious accent. I enjoy the idea of Garrett and Isabela just kind of using one-another as folks of her ilk often do, and then maybe that transcends such trappings, but I'll have to see how things progress with this Dalish lass. If it were me and not Hawke... well, I would have a tough time of it myself. I've known women like Isabela, but I've never known a Welsh elf, so probably that.

 

That would be a little unfair for poor Isabela; I don't know if any of us has ever met a real Welsh elf 

 

Hmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Well, not maxing out friendship or rivalry does lock you out of certain quests and conversations, but it also has other consequences. Just know that "middle of the road" relationships are NOT good. I shall say no more as I don't want to spoil you. BUT if you intend to go about it organically, perhaps the consequences that spring from such a playthrough will be enjoyable in some way for you! 

 

Can't wait for the next installment  UGH You're so lucky, getting to play the game fresh. I've played it so many times now I can never recapture that magic 

[Music]

Thank you for the sweet tones, Music! I think much of the DA negativity is centered around these more fandom-centralized locations. I can tell you that elsewhere I've been although there's a hefty chunk of anti-DA2ism there is still a considerable amount of goodwill toward what has been glimpsed of Inquisition. Which is... basically true here, too, but the anti-DA2 crowd is far more focused.

I will most certainly be playing Inquisition, even if this game does a dramatic about-face so vast I wind up loathing it through and through somehow. I must confess I had not considered doing a first-timer topic for a game we'll all be first-timers on. But maybe I will! There may be some amusement to be had for others watching the exploits of another newcomer.

Whatever you said that may or may not have been spoilery, I appreciate your concession. Please don't feel as though you need to shut up! As for Isabela, I have indeed picked her up! Although from as independent and full of spunk as she is, I dare say *she* picked *Hawke* up.

 

Ha. Perhaps, I always enjoyed DA2 just as I enjoyed DAO so the supposed negativity is lost on me. I see the flaws, shortcomings and faults of the games but still had a very enjoyable experience playing the second installment, perhaps I'm more optimistic than I give myself credit for.

 

Heh, well I appreciate the good will. Huzzah for Isabela though! She's easily my favorite female companion, and Varric is my favorite male cmpanion. Oh ho, the saucy minx, I definitely will enjoy seeing how you and your Garret react to her charms. I was never a fan of Merrill so I'll refrain from commenting on her xD.

[LostInReverie19]

You're making me want to replay DA2 for the billionth time. =X 

[Xilizhra]

Ah, intriguing... I'm a spoiler hound, so I almost never have this feeling when playing a game for the first time.

 

Also, I implore you to not rival Merrill if you do romance her. Well, I'll implore that anyway, but especially so in this case.

[JeffZero]

That would be a little unfair for poor Isabela; I don't know if any of us has ever met a real Welsh elf 

 

Hmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. Well, not maxing out friendship or rivalry does lock you out of certain quests and conversations, but it also has other consequences. Just know that "middle of the road" relationships are NOT good. I shall say no more as I don't want to spoil you. BUT if you intend to go about it organically, perhaps the consequences that spring from such a playthrough will be enjoyable in some way for you! 

 

Can't wait for the next installment  UGH You're so lucky, getting to play the game fresh. I've played it so many times now I can never recapture that magic 

 

Fair point re: Isabela. I guess I ought not hold that against her. Speaking of which, I went to the Hanged Man to see where that room was she referred to a while back only to find her boozing it up and automatically telling Garrett if he had no plan to get drunk with her he should bugger off. Bit confused, as I had intended to maybe do just that!

 

And yeah, heh, I've played through the Mass Effect Trilogy a couple of times now and ME1/ME2 a solid five I think (got into the series between ME2 and ME3; I actually really love ME3 but I haven't had the time to go back for thirds.) And as much as I love every file, there's nothing quite like the first. I have found that following topics like these has helped me rekindle that magic for myself when it comes to beloved video games, television shows, books, etc. Hopefully it works on you!

 

Ha. Perhaps, I always enjoyed DA2 just as I enjoyed DAO so the supposed negativity is lost on me. I see the flaws, shortcomings and faults of the games but still had a very enjoyable experience playing the second installment, perhaps I'm more optimistic than I give myself credit for.

 

Heh, well I appreciate the good will. Huzzah for Isabela though! She's easily my favorite female companion, and Varric is my favorite male cmpanion. Oh ho, the saucy minx, I definitely will enjoy seeing how you and your Garret react to her charms. I was never a fan of Merrill so I'll refrain from commenting on her xD.

 

I know what you mean. I find myself on repeat tonight; I feel the same way about ME3. As I've previously stated though, ME3's bad reaction is much more poised against its finish, whereas DA2's seems all over the place. In both instances though people who want ammunition against EA's "takeover" of BioWare have fired volley after volley... and thus far I just don't feel it. I notice a few more stunted animations here and there than direct predecessors in both products (I'm talking characters who stand and then suddenly they're perfectly seated, etc.) likely as a result of increased deadlines but otherwise I'm good.

 

You're making me want to replay DA2 for the billionth time. =X 

 

Toutes mes excuses! But I dare say perhaps you should.

 

 

Ah, intriguing... I'm a spoiler hound, so I almost never have this feeling when playing a game for the first time.

 

Also, I implore you to not rival Merrill if you do romance her. Well, I'll implore that anyway, but especially so in this case.

 

Duly noted, my friend. It's good to see you here.

 

I have an update coming. A bit tipsy (roommate offered me a pint of Foster's and I don't drink much these days) so my brain's a tad scattered. Er, more so than usual, that is. Should be fun trying to keep track of everything, but I definitely made (what I consider!) ample progress tonight so I've got a lot of ground to cover. Best get on that, then.

[JeffZero]

Let's see, let's see... ah yes, Dalish accents. They kind of make me melt.

 

You know what else kind of makes me melt? Abominations. Specifically the fire-twirling kind. Ran into some nasty business up here on Sundermount, but at least I was warned. Y'know I gotta say, this place sure is pretty. I may well grow weary of many of these reused maps over the course of the game, but anything which features these old battlegrounds upon the mountain pass will withstand my patience. Betting that now.

 

Sarcastic Hawke really is best Hawke. (By the way, you'll always know when I'm actually at a PC for a change when I use italics rather than asterisks. Random aside.) That elf with the chip on his shoulder? Hawke's dialogue about how very mountain-y it is today had me bursting into laughter. Mind you, this was hours before the ale, so it was genuine and not just my Irish drunkenness tingling. Then we dabbled a bit further and... oh goodie gumdrops, Merrill is a blood mage. Even Anders is "lolwut"-ing at this so we just know it's no bueno. Her retort about knowing how to handle it is delivered in just such a fashion that I think it's as safe a bet that she will experience turbulence in that arena as everyone in Kirkwall having a secret, so I'll recognize the obviousness straight-up this time, caradoc.

 

Well at least we're past that mean old barrier. Whatever it is. And we're off to see the Flemeth, the wonderful Flemeth of the Intrepid-class starship Voyager. Oh look at me, that's another Star Trek reference. Phooey. Well I can't help it if I hear Kathryn Janeway every time she...

 

...pops out of... my... trinket.

 

Oh gobrino, this is intense. Damn if I don't end up standing at attention every time Flemeth hosts a scene in this series. (And I don't mean that sexually, sheesh, she's got like, hair-horns now, even.) Lots of cryptic words here, but I get the distinct impression Garrett may have kept Flemeth's witch-spark radiating after that nasty business with Aedan "killing" her earlier. Well that's just... Garrett, you... I... damn, man, I don't know what to make of this. And her warning? And her "sympathy"? I guess she said that because Garrett's destined to play a part in the coming chaos she's alluding to. Look, lady, Aedan dealt with plenty of chaos and a lot of it is finito. But I guess a great deal more... isn't.

 

And that's sort of one of the beauties of Dragon Age over Mass Effect, I'm finding. The galaxy is a huge place, but Shepard ultimately gets his hands on everything. Thedas is in some ways just as big or bigger, and Aedan couldn't possibly have covered it all. Garrett won't either, and I don't just say that because I know he never leaves this region. On this adventure, anyway. Nor because I know Inquisition is dealing with a lot of big-picture stuff again (most of which I've managed to avoid familiarizing myself with, thankfully.) I say it because it's obvious. And whatever Flemeth has cooking, or whatever she's working to prevent -- ditto for Morrigan, whose reference here was golden, by the way -- there are several courses to this feast and no one hero has so big a stomach.

 

That's right ladies and gentlemen, tipsy Jeff Zero just went there. Wherever... there is.

 

Now Merrill is tagging along. Groovy. Mage tag-alongs are delicious. That's another food reference. I wonder if I'm hungry. Heh. "Dalish scout cookies." They come around but once a year, all-natural and simply magical. Well, some of them are. Many of them are stale now, thanks to human meddling. Bastards. I need to focus here! Where was I?

 

Kirkwall, of course. Merrill settled into her new home in the Alienage, and might I add, her commentary is darling. She really reminds me of one of my long-term ex-girlfriends, straight down to all the awkward remarks about... well, everything really and the very out-of-her-element demeanor. And you know I... I'm not sure how that makes me feel. Will Garrett woo my adolescent sweetheart? Because good luck with that one buddy, she's got issues. But damn if her accent isn't savory. Now we're off to speak with Cullen again thanks to my pals on the forum and their glorious reminders. More Cullen depth is good! I told him there the templar stuff needs a-changin' and surprisingly he wasn't super-stern with me at that. Talked a little bit about his past and of course I got some approval from Anders in the process.

 

I should click submit before I proceed. So I shall!

[caradoc2000]

Then we dabbled a bit further and... oh goodie gumdrops, Merrill is a blood mage. 

Merrill brings yet another dimension to the mage-templar conundrum. She is pro-mage, but unlike Anders she is (obviously) not anti-blood magic.

Her Dalish Pariah specialization is straight up Blood Magic with the Blood of the First sustainable. Her Friendship unlockable even improves her hp/mana ratio. If you want her to use that, I'd wait till she has a bit more beef on her bones (hit points, that is). I usually use her as a regular mage for a while and then respec her with the Maker's Sigh potions you can get from the Black Emporium, and replace her willpower with constitution.
 

Even Anders is "lolwut"-ing at this so we just know it's no bueno.

As you can imagine, Fenris is not thrilled with her either.

By the way, did you go all the way up to the top of the mountain - past the Flemeth altar? There are encounters on the way, including a "hidden" one: you need to run into the blue barrier near the very end.

[JeffZero]

Exiting Merrill's humble usually-not-dirty-she-swears abode treated me to an elven woman whose half-human son had gone missing. Sounds like he's got a mages-at-puberty problem. I'll find him. And curse that stupid Vincento, I swear. Would that there were an option to tell him off. But apparently there isn't. Oh well. Oh yeah, and I found a flyer advertising an issue with the viscount's son. Went to inquire... took Aveline with me for good measure. The assistant was dealing with someone from the Winters. I can see where they get their names. Although I don't remember even the harshest winters carrying such cold steel.

 

By the way, I found myself in possession of enough coin to kickstart the Deep Roads Expedition at this point. I found a whopping six sovereigns on that arcane horror up in Sundermount, in addition to all the other money from that mission. I literally blurted out an exclamation (what it was I can't recall) when I saw that. Talk about progress. But I wasn't sure if following through with that would block any of this other stuff off so I'm sticking to my guns for now. And by guns I mean swords. And by swords I mean swinging them wildly at a great many fools.

 

Made a quick trip to the Chantry to inform Sebastian the deed was done. He has strikingly blue eyes. The eyes in general really pop at you in the Free Marches, don't they? Bunch of Fremen, I tell you. That's a Dune reference but the name is so fitting that I have to pat myself on the back for this. OK, I'll refrain. Anyway, he's from a family called the Vaels who had a most unfortunate turn of events befall them back in Starkhaven. Poor fellows. He's thankful and he paid me handsomely and then he was off. Well, see ya, buddy. I think I'm supposed to like... have you in my party at some point though. So uh. Just... try to remember that, m'kay?

 

Garrett decided to follow up on that elven boy business first, because saving the poor is more his style, and frankly, those Winters are involved in the other matter, at least. Which... probably wasn't really something to file under the positives section. But... eh. And it was a big roundabout adventure waiting to happen! Speaking with Thrask, a retired templar sympathetic to runaways (awesome), led us to some slavers and a most depressing abomination. Then the trail took us to Danzig, who happened to have proven himself a real filthy sort just from non-interactive dialogue alone earlier, but now his first thought is to shackle us. Garrett said something really funny, which I seem to have forgotten, but I want you guys to trust me on this, it was really funny. And then we killed Danzig.

 

And then Garrett said something funny again and this time I remember the gist and it was about how silly a name that is. And then we killed a bunch more slavers on an increasingly-flooded-with-quests Wounded Coast.and then we rescued the boy and told him to join the Dalish. Which is a stellar recommendation. And I want to address something here: I was thinking at the time, "Dragon Age 2 has really been impressing me with how often companions are relevant to conversations. Now I have Merrill and Fenris with me. If they both speak, I'm going to be really, really impressed." And, well, they did. And then Anders spoke too. Damn. Bravo.

 

May as well rescue that son of the viscount now, I suppose. And on the way the team bumped into a most mercurial dwarf. Ah, the Blackpowder Promise's hour come 'round at last. Sounds like some sovereigns, bub, but you're a weird sort. Followed up on this to encounter a qunari with a word of warning. Might I just say, by the way, that I really, truly, for the life of me, do not recall Sten having sizable horns protruding from his head at any point in Origins? Because I don't. I really, really... don't. Maybe he cut them off. You know. In shame. For losing his sword. And I bet he was just, "oh, this would have been so much easier if I had my sword on hand." And Aedan was like, "but then you wouldn't have to do this, would you?" And he was all, "no." Heh.

 

But I don't care because these qunari look totes badass. Totes.

 

So we slew a bunch of Tal'Vashoth including a leader at the end who took forever to go down. And then that was done so it was time to meet the dwarf at the qunari compound, which, oh, goodie, would actually be open now. Gumdrops. But first there was that matter of the son... again. So we hiked on over a short distance and encountered that icequeen chica, and things quickly got off on the wrong remaining foot. Next thing we knew she was dead (Mighty Blow-->Scythe, what's that? I can't hear you over all this carnage, baby) but two waves complete with their own commanders made things difficult. Especially what turned into a protracted battle because I wasn't wise enough to get out of a tight spot during the latter. That second commander was hardier than the damn qunari leader and Merrill was left in a scrape. Garrett Scythe'd his way out of there (man, I love that) and saved her, and she was all, "oi, thenkye kahdnly, ye big, brave mahn", and they made out right there, and... er.

 

As the dust settled, and by dust I mean piles of corpses, the viscount's son let me in on further details> Those Winters killed his friend, who just so happened to be a qunari, but screw the rules, he has money. What a bunch of thugs. Well they're dead now. Hawke's Thug Lyfe > their Thug Lyfe. Then we met with the viscount, who didn't appreciate Garrett's worldly views, or rather, his assistant didn't, because he ushered us out like Fereldans in an Orlesian-styled manor. Which is... what happened, so you get the picture.

 

Penultimate order of business for the day: I met with the Arishok. My, what a booming voice you have. This man is a badass, did you lads and lasses know that? A ruthless and antagonistic badass, but a badass nevertheless. The way he disposed of that dwarf, calling him on his junk like that. Ruthless. Sheesh. But at least he recognized Garrett's contribution. Oh, and so he made the dwarf pay up. Highway robbery, but utterly practical highway robbery. Heh, that string of expletives on the poor sod's way out. And then I tried my luck and looked to see if I could chat him up again, the Arishok I mean, and lo and behold, I could. Now that was an... enlightening conversation. Oh boy, some dark days may be ahead if he decides the flock needs herding. Duly... noted.

 

That Codex entry on the qun was equally enlightening. And that's really the word of the hour, isn't it? Because the story there has strong parallels to... well, a great many things, really, but the first thing that I thought of was Siddhartha. You know, the bloke who became Buddha? Reminded me of the tree he lay perched against for a very, very long time, and the sudden epiphany that followed. Except, well, the Buddha didn't suddenly start enslaving folks or anything. Technicalities. But seriously though, I'm seeing a sort of militarized old-world reactionary Hinduism here, blended with some of its Buddhist offspring and wrapped up in a Stalinist blanket. Now that is a slice of Asia for you. With horns.

 

One last matter. Garrett had to tell that elven boy's mother about his choice. He braced for the worst. A direct approach. That would be best. And then endurance. He had just chatted up the Arishok. And yet this made him more nervous somehow. And she... oh. Was pretty OK with it. Well, all in a day's work.

[JeffZero]

Wow, that turned out quite long even by my standards once you bundle those two posts together in a drunk little bow. I don't know if I should be pleased with myself or mildly disturbed.

 

Let's go with both. That's usually the case anyway.

 

 

Merrill brings yet another dimension to the mage-templar conundrum. She is pro-mage, but unlike Anders she is (obviously) not anti-blood magic.

Her Dalish Pariah specialization is straight up Blood Magic with the Blood of the First sustainable. Her Friendship unlockable even improves her hp/mana ratio. If you want her to use that, I'd wait till she has a bit more beef on her bones (hit points, that is). I usually use her as a regular mage for a while and then respec her with the Maker's Sigh potions you can get from the Black Emporium, and replace her willpower with constitution.
 

As you can imagine, Fenris is not thrilled with her either.

By the way, did you go all the way up to the top of the mountain - past the Flemeth altar? There are encounters on the way, including a "hidden" one: you need to run into the blue barrier near the very end.

 

Hey, great idea. I had noticed that about her skill tree, aye. I suppose now's a beautiful moment to ask for some vague little advice on companion development choices. Maybe just a touch of insight, a sprinkling of sagely wisdom. The Maker's Sigh thing makes me feel a lot more at ease about what are probably a bunch of really stupid choices.

 

Aveline has been following Sword and Shield, Battlemaster (or whatever it's called...?) and her personal tree.

 

Anders has some healing stuff, that Panacea/"Revive" spell combo gig, and lots of ice magic.

 

Bethany has all the fire magic and almost the full healing tree.

 

Varric has been outfitting Bianca a fair bit, but I also put him through a considerable slice of a couple of other trees; I've given him Armistice and Evade and Rhyming Triplet and Pinning Shot and Bursting Shot, lots of nifty tricks.

 

Um... Isabela I've had a lot of trouble locking down. I think I've given her a bunch of that Shadow-esque skill field though. And lots of dual wielding.

 

Fenris is bulking up Two Handed and his really cool skill tree.

 

Garrett is going Two Handed and Vanguard and it's working out great as per recommendations.

 

Merrill is learning lots of Primal magic and I've given her that cool sustained ability where she's constantly dishing nature damage too. She also has Hex of Torment, which Bethany also has, come to think.

[CuriousArtemis]

.......So, Merrill it is then?