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[EmissaryofLies]

Those were the times, I laughed myself to tears.

 

Inspectors are above the law. 

"Anyone for drugs?"

"We're just so upset with the players."

 

 

 

So many great lines.

[KainD]

So many great lines.

 

I think my favorite has to be the: ''I could be Jennifer'' from Sheploo.

[Lady Artifice]

Trying for an objective, broader approach, what do you think we should see in the next game in addition to Tevinter?

They should probably show somewhere under Qunari control for the Qun fans. Id like to see Rivain as well.

[raging_monkey]

Trying for an objective, broader approach, what do you think we should see in the next game in addition to Tevinter?
They should probably show somewhere under Qunari control for the Qun fans. Id like to see Rivain as well.

id prefer to go to rivain tbh

[Warden Commander Aeducan]

Trying for an objective, broader approach, what do you think we should see in the next game in addition to Tevinter?

They should probably show somewhere under Qunari control for the Qun fans. Id like to see Rivain as well.

I'd like to go to Rivain and Seheron as well, to help the Imperium retake Seheron   , but the Tevinter Imperium is what I wanted to see most.

[Uccio]

Most of them are fixed now...there are some that never got fixed.  That animus hack glitch complete killed the MP for months...they patched it twice and failed to fix it LOL.  It was bad.

 

I believe monkey is speaking more towards the story of the SP....and I know why he feels that way also haha....although I admit the time period and setting of that game made me so amped for it to come out.  And the fact you were a Native American.  It was a good start IMO although many disagree with me.  They technical side of their games are why i'm done with Ubisoft forever though.

 

It takes WAY TOO LONG for the game to get started....and the "twist" is a terrible failure anyone will see coming who has followed the series.

 

 

Good to know, maybe I will give it a spin then. I still haven´t finished the first one (or second) so it will probably take time to get there.

[Uccio]

Trying for an objective, broader approach, what do you think we should see in the next game in addition to Tevinter?

They should probably show somewhere under Qunari control for the Qun fans. Id like to see Rivain as well.

Rivain obviously since their strange qun infested seer culture might be worth to see. Though in the parts under the qun seers probably will just get their mouth sewn shut. Also there might be a change to bump into Isabela. Antiva with their crows and Zevran. A country drifted into hands of assassins.
If darkspawn are part of the game then Anderfels, maybe with Oghren and who knows, HoF? Somewhere there in the north apparently a lone dwarven woman hunts pigeons with fervor, I would love to find her too. Not forgetting Kal-Sharok. Qunari and the qun (vs Tevinter Imperium) probably needs a game of its own, unless it is the cuddly qun. Which would be sad, the iron version is better IMO. More intimidating that way.


*story continues*

Spoiler

*Vegetation was changing, thick jungle was slowly giving way to a more open terrain. Visibility among trees made orienteering easier. For their delight western breeze brought a distant scent of the sea. Coast was now closer. That knowledge cheered up their spirits. It had been a long journey through the island.
Nazlik watched as Ukki overturned a specifically thick vegetation with a force field, with a wave of his hand to clear the way. Then he turned and with a smile gesturing her to come. Even she was happy to get out of the jungle Nazlik could not help but be feel a bit of sadness, now everything would return as it was before. Magister and slave, despite what they were in their hearts. She had gotten used to this. The growing child inside her made her aware of her position. The child´s future worried her, she new he would do everything in his power to protect her and their child. But what if something was to happen to him? She new his official wife had no love for her, a slave oxwoman, or a cow. As she had eloquently put it.

*Nazlik walked through the corridor in her evening gown, she had forgot to take the diamond bracelet he had bought her. It took her some time to find it and now she was in a hurry to find him, they were late from one of the many balls one Magisters had thrown in honor of the Archon. Turning around the corner brought her face to face with Mucia. Nazlik knew who she was as during her years in the house of Vaellanius she had seen her occasionally. Mucia did not live in the tower but she visited Ukki sometimes to discuss matters of the house. She had not payed any attention to Nazlik as she was just one of the slaves to her. Until now.

Mucia had to look up to look her into eyes. With the high heels Nazlik towered over the woman, which she obviously didn´t like. "So, you are the cow my husband has been spending his time with?" Mucia said with scorn in her steel blue eyes. "Yes milady" Nazlik said dropping a curtsey.
"I have heard some rumors of you. Remember this cow, I am the lady of the house Vaellanius. You are just a toy. I have ears and eyes in this tower, and if I ever get even a hint of anything else it will be the end of you. I will not be shamed by a cow" Mucia said eyeing her closely. Nazlik kept her head bowed, "Yes milady" she said with a coy voice.
Mucia smirked at her and then turned around striking her staff against the floor, "keep that in mind, cow". Then she was gone.

*Nazlik had no fallacy of what would happen to her and the child if Ukki would not be around. It worried her.
"Look, there is a trail ahead" Ukki suddenly said pointing towards interrupting her thoughts. He went ahead pleased to finally find a path to walk on. "Be careful" Nazlik said, "we don´t know who else uses this trail". "You worry too much" he said over his shoulder.
After a few hours of trailing down the path they discovered for their delight a small spring few steps from the path. A small spring surrounded with colorful flowers and small trees. Clear water bubbled from the sandy bottom of the spring streaming down by the trail and then disappeared into the forest.
" A great place for a break" he said relieved sitting down. With a swift move he took of his boots and sunk his feet in the stream. "Ah, now you´ve done it. How can I drink from the water now?" she said slapping playfully him in the head. "Hey now, I now what I am doing" he said grabbing her hand and biting it. "I am down the stream milady, you are perfectly safe from my horrible feet". Nazlik giggled and took of her boots, she waded into the spring to fill up their canteens. "You could take a bath, you know" Ukki said innocently. She gazed at him and splashed some water on him smiling, "maybe..".

"Don´t hold up on our count" a rasp voice said suddenly. Ukki stood up fast while Nazlik dropped the canteens in the spring drawing her sabres. They scoped around for the source of the voice. Slowly several men loitered from the jungle from the opposite side of the trail. They had mostly rags on them and they were carrying bent and rusty weapons. All together six men Ukki counted, plain robbers. The man who spoke was the obvious leader of the group. He had the best looking outfit and weapons which was not much though. Scars crossed his bearded face. He scratched his beard as they approached Ukki and Nazlik.
"That is close enough" Ukki said, "there will not be another warning". "Now now, is that a way to greet fellow travelers?" the man said grinning. "You look like a smart people, so I will cut to the chase then. We are in desperate need of money. And as it looks, you have some fancy equipment on you" he said eyeing Nazlik armor and weapons. "Those will do nicely for the spring toll. Unless you want to pay more" he said winking at Nazlik.

A cold smile on his lips Ukki muttered, "fools, like always". He pointed a bleeding finger he had cut with his dagger at the leader and spoke with a demanding tone, "Kill all your friends. And you too" he continued pointing at the man next to him. Both men had dazed eyes for a second and then turned around swinging their weapons at the closest men. "Mage, a blood mage!" one of the robbers screamed as his leader sunk his blade in his guts.
Ukki stood there with folded arms and wry smile on his lips as the bandits fought each other. After a short skirmish last of the bandits had ran away chased by his own companion. The leader had just killed his last remaining fellow as a arc of lighting from Ukki´s hand struck him down.

"Lets see what we can do here.." he said crouching down next to the leaders smoking body. As he started to cast a spell, Nazlik felt like a chill wind had gone by causing her to have goosebumps. "What was that?" she said as the dead man started to move. For her horror the bandit slowly stumbled up and stood there still with his staring lifeless eyes, and a burnt hole still fresh in his body.
"What did you do?" she whispered at Ukki grabbing his arm. "Necromancy, I don´t want to be disturbed again. He will guard us from now on" he said with satisfaction. "It has been a while when I did this last time. Good to see I still got it". "No! Do not do this, let him rest!" she begged squeezing his arm, "that is a horrible faith".
He looked in her worried eyes for a moment then with a sight waved his had at the dead body. With that the bandit just collapsed like someone had cut the rope holding him up. "There, there is no need to worry" Ukki said cupping her face smiling, "you truly are a woman with a kind heart". "Thank you" Nazlik said relieved. She couldn´t look at the dead man as they walked past him. Nazlik had no problem killing someone in combat, but that simply felt so unnatural.

That night they camped in a small sheltered grove. Ukki had cast a small fire to keep darkness away. As Nazlik lay there next to the fire Ukki sat next to her looking how the light from the fire flickered on her light bronze skin. He placed his hand gently on her belly mound. "You know, I have already thought of our child and this situation". He said looking into her eyes. "you have?" she said surprised. "Of course, what kind of man I was if I wouldn´t take care of you and our child?" he said smiling affectionately. "Do not worry, I have thought this through. I have already made a testament where it states that you will be released and given a citizenship along with the child. Also a large sum of money has been deposited in your name, and a deed for a house in the city". He touched her chin, "just in case..".
"Don´t say that" she said grabbing his arm, "nothing will happen". "Nothing will happen" he replied, "also my daughter will receive instructions to adopt the child into the family in due time. Weather or not he or she has any magic".
"Go to sleep now, I will watch over you" he said calmly. As she slept peacefully he watched in silence at the sky where countless of starts glittered in the dark.

[Red of Rivia]

I'd like to go to Rivain and Seheron as well, to help the Imperium retake Seheron   , but the Tevinter Imperium is what I wanted to see most.

I want to see Anderfels

[KainD]

Trying for an objective, broader approach, what do you think we should see in the next game in addition to Tevinter?

They should probably show somewhere under Qunari control for the Qun fans. Id like to see Rivain as well.

 

I want to go to the black city for a while now. 

[raging_monkey]

I want to go to the black city for a while now.

ambitious arent we haha

[Lord Surinen]

If not Tevinter Imperium then Elvhenan during its prime. It is time to start hunting all these slaves, they have expiration date after all.

[Uccio]

ambitious arent we haha

 

It is good to aim high, if you fall it will be a dashing downfall. 

[raging_monkey]

It is good to aim high, if you fall it will be a dashing downfall. 

sounds like alot of work

[The Baconer]

So, my anonymous patron reveals himself. Or, rather, themselves. I was alerted to a great commotion within the Circle, as two Qunari, bound and collared, were escorted inside. Straight from Seheron, they insist. Still seasoned and beholden to their Qun. We then discussed the specifics of our arrangement within a more private space.

 

It appears that this... group is not only interested in my current endeavor, but some of my other works regarding blood magic as well. Of course, their interest did not seem to be academic. They focused on my permutation of the "Walking Bomb", as it is colloquially known, and my notes on rendering individuals a beacon for entities of the Fade. They didn't even want a copy of my treatise on the projection and fusion of consciousness, or the relocation of memory! Typical. In Blood Magic they see only a weapon, a quick and expedient path to power, like so many others. Nevertheless, their contribution will allow me to make my final breakthrough.

 

Many of my colleagues sneer at me with bitter jealously, and sometimes I see it on the streets as well, from those high-born Altus windbags. Rumor travels fast. Before, they'd look at me and only see a pair of pointed ears. Now they can't ignore me, what I'm about.

 

They will learn.

 

~ Enchanter Nerva of Vyrantium

[Boomshakalakalakaboom]

Hey, Tevinter thread.

 

Just posting this here for TheDarkKnight since he can't do it himself.

 

Spoiler

There were three of them. The best of the uninitiated in the Imperium. Alone they were each the equal of several men but together they could fell an army. Induction into the Order is no light matter and traditionally restricted to those who could master the Fade. The security of the Imperium and her people, its beating heart, would one day lie with these brave men and women. The Order is the staff that illuminates the darkness, the blade that strikes from the shadows. The bulwark that pushes back against the Void—Ordo Silentia.

 

________________________________________________________

 

 

The first to grasp my attention was Milexenia, an elf of all things. She was a gladiator whose grace was matched only by her exotic beauty. She stood no taller than my pauldrons with skin the color of Antivan caramel and luscious hair darker than a moonless dusk. Perhaps it was fate or the design of the Archon himself that I caught her victory in the Proving. 

 

The Archon so loved his sport and it was there that I was tasked with creating this unorthodox contubernium of elites. She moved as a lightning strike dancing amidst the clouds felling one, then another and yet another. Her speed made her imperceptible to the naked eye. What came as a focused gaze from myself was barely returned as a peripheral glimpse. I was in awe and as her fallen enemies circled the red earth of the Proving Coliseum she seductively posed in the center victorious, holding apart her daggers that trickled with blood in an inviting yet challenging manner. She was a siren had I ever seen one. 

 

After a brief moment of silence which had seemed more akin to minutes than seconds the crowd roared. The maddened bellows and cheers of the Soporati shook the very foundation of the ancient structure. I could feel her manifested victory hitting my chest like a crashing wave. I knew at that moment that she was my first recruit.

               

The second given the honor to join the Order was Bracchus Vesuvian, Legate of the Imperial Legion. A member of the Altus house that is patron to my own and a cousin twice removed, there were few equal to Bracchus' skill on the battlefield. A wiry-haired giant of a man, especially for a Tevinter. Ignis, a zwiehander wrestled from a Karashok in one of the Legions' few victories in Seheron of late, was dwarfed by his towering frame. Forever his battle companion, they were inseparable since that relished in victory all those years ago.

 

Bracchus was a practical man resigned to the fate that he would not rise beyond the rank of General within the Imperium. Stout and true, had he been born to the griffons of the Anderfels or the hounds of Ferelden he'd be a champion of illustrious repute bringing both honor and glory to his family’s name. But he is Tevinter and words such as honor and glory are rare commodities afforded only by those born with the 'gift'—a folly that the Imperium of Old would shun without impunity. This was his opportunity to prove that men of mundane nature were just as worthy as the Fade-Touched. My cousin would not squander it. He could not.

 

Last to join was my apprentice, Merrie Lariat. A golden haired beauty with crystalline eyes bluer than the Boeric Ocean. A true Orlesian lioness whose stare would inspire many a bard. I was smitten the day my eyes laid upon her. She was a Senior Enchanter of the Monstimmard Circle. When the Enclave of the Sacred Ashes was attacked and the Sunburst Divine slain, the barbarous lands to the south fell into a chaos worthy of the approval of Razikale. 

 

Merrie was a Libertarian, a fraternity in the non-Tevene Circles known for its liberal approach towards magic. With their idealistic liberalism came the superstitious scrutiny of the Orlesian barbarians.  Her association with the fraternity had all but condemned her to death when fighting erupted between the zealous templars and the meek southern mages.

 

She found the resolve to journey north towards more sympathetic lands. Disguised as an unwashed peasant she eventually reached the Nevarran-Tevene border. There she was questioned by three auxilia as to her reasons for crossing into the Imperial territories. As the story goes, fear and regret in equal measure consumed her as she released a draconic gout of flame from her hand. The blaze engulfed the legionnaires as it changed hue twice from a fiery orange then to a milky white and finally, a bluish tinge. Their corpses burst in the searing heat of the flame, humors and entrails were quickly bunt to ash and as the fires died down around her all that remained were smoldering embers. She ran until her lungs were inflamed and breath evaded her, eventually collapsing from the physical and emotional strain of the ordeal. It was half a day before she was captured by a cohort of legionnaires.

 

Being a mage she was afforded a trial before the local magistrate of a miserable little border settlement called Solas. Upon the magistrate's inspection she pleaded as a foreigner for her right to be tried by the senate and the magisterium. Impressed with her knowledge of Tevinter laws, she was escorted under heavy guard to Minrathous.

 

It was in the Archon's legatio where I had first seen her. Tired and more than a little frightened she’d looked around the quarters for a means of escape, I had assumed. The wit that I had perceived as well as the beauty hidden under weeks of travel and soot was what had captured me. She was bound with warded shackles of dwarven make reserved only for outlaws with the gift. It was a temporary measure in the event she may have been dim enough to attempt to use her magic. The praetorians that escorted the weary woman threw her to the floor where she prostrated on bended knee.

 

"You have been given a great honor. Not many murderous reprobates would warrant an audience with the Archon of the Imperium, least of all a foreign mage of stifled training. The magistrate and cohort stationed on my border was nonetheless impressed with your display of power as well as your knowledge of our laws and customs. Tell me, barbarian, why should I spare you?"

 

She took a deep breath knowing that a single wrong word could spell her undoing. She tilted her head upwards, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. I stood with arms crossed beside the Archon who had been resting on his marble carved throne. 

 

"I only plead for mercy your Excellency! I am but a refugee from a land that curses me for my gift. The south is in turmoil. The Templars of the Chantry hunt and butcher us like sheep. I did not collude with the rebels, but irrespective of my choices I would be persecuted for my ability to touch the Fade. Is the Imperium not different, monsieur? I pledge myself to you and the Imperium. I would serve the Legion as recompense for my crimes. Perhaps giving my life for the Imperium would find me redeemed of my transgressions."

 

I could see the earnestness in her plea. She did not want to kill those men. I looked towards the Archon with sharpened eyes. He understood. The Archon leaned in as he gave his judgment.

 

"Very well. You have spoken your piece, Orlesian. Take her from my sight. I must confer with the Magister-General further before deciding what to do with her."

 

The praetorians took her each by one arm and dragged her from the Archon's legatio. 

 

"What are you thinking, Euandros?" chuckled the Archon as he measured me for intent. "You have that look about you. The one where you are about to say something I will utterly disagree with."

 

"She could be of use to me. Even when tired and starved, she killed three auxilia—reduced them to ash. A feat unfamiliar to any out of the Altus within the last Age."

 

"And what would your infinite wisdom deem a worthy punishment?" he sung out in a condescending tone. "She is a criminal—a murderer. She should hang or perhaps thrown in the Proving pits. "

 

"I would take her as an indentured slave. Last I checked, I was still a General of the Legion. She could serve me and perhaps in time earn her redemption. I will test her. If her potential is near anything we've heard she will serve Tevinter. And if it is not, she will die an unceremonious death." 

 

"How predictable of you. You were always a soft touch. Even in the time of our apprenticeship under First Enchanter Galerium, you were always looking for ways to avoid bloodshed. I don't know how you've managed to climb to the ranks of General in the Legion."

 

"Skill my friend. Hard work and skill."

 

"So be it. You may take the girl as a slave and apprentice. Should she prove troublesome know that the consequences are your own."

 

"Thank you, your Excellency."

 

________________________________________________________

 

 

Months passed. The recruits were sufficiently prepared and formally inducted into the Ordo Silentia. Bracchus and Milexenia were the first without magic and Merrie the first foreign mage to complete the arduous training. They were now silent sentinels. The shadowy elite of the Imperium tasked with its protection from forces both foreign and domestic and I, was their Commander and Overseer.  

They had barely known of each other before boarding the Seductora, an Antivan merchant frigate bound for Seheron.  I could vaguely remember quarrelling between Bracchus and Merrie as she rebuffed his advances. Perhaps even a dull recollection of Merrie shouting knife-ear.

I was deep in meditation for the duration of the voyage. I ordered the ensigns, the Captain, and the privateers not to disturb me. For what seemed two weeks I sat cross legged in the barracks. I found myself studying under the sage spirits of the Fade and in turn the Fade sustained my mind and through it, my body. I focused on synchronizing body and mind so that I may bridge the gap between both worlds with greater ease. 

Battle Magisters of the Ordo Silentia are devout followers of Dirth'ena Enasalin, the knowledge that leads to victory,  much to the chagrin and amusement of the select few of the magisterium that know of the Order's existence. These magisters find it humorous and peculiar that some willingly turn to the unorthodox philosophy and magic of the Ancient Elves. Perhaps they view it as inferior and in some respects, threatening.

The Battle Magisters have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of discipline and wisdom and the Dirth'ena is excellence in all things magical and mundane. It is to strive for the mastery of balance. The southern Circles have a similar school of mages called the Knight-Enchanters but they have all but forgotten the Dirth'ena. They erroneously believe their magic to be of human origin and pay no mind to its elven principles. It is this drive for excellence and strength of mind that grant us our uncanny abilities on the battlefield and this would be my weapon of choice upon my encounter with the Karasten plaguing the northern shores of Seheron. 

The frumentarii had been delivering reports of a mobilization signaling what would appear to be major a offensive coming from the Qunari. For months activity in the north of the island was quiet. Had the Archon not ordered me to personally investigate I would have pulled our legionnaires stationed in the south back home as the magisterium had mandated. 

The Qunari had settled in the west where the natives ignorantly viewed them as saviors. Mostly it was elves converting and dying for a religion that was not their own. Then you hear the wives tales of the Fog Warriors—rebellious natives led by their Shamans. If they could be found, it'd be in the island's center. But the north; the north is dangerous. It is hostile. It's where the jungle is thickest. It is the domain of black jungle cats and poisonous serpents who rule with fervor. What the cats and serpents leave behind the Tal Vashoth would scavenge like vultures.  Even the Qunari are malleable enough to restrict their presence in the area solely to their arrival from Par Vollen.

What were they planning? 

At that moment I felt the ship maneuver. My stomach turned with the frigate and as my thoughts began to align with the present, I knew we had arrived. Alam.

 

 

 

 

[Warden Commander Aeducan]

I want to see Weisshaupt

FIFY.

[RobRam10]

Wait how long is DKR's ban?

[Boomshakalakalakaboom]

He was supposed to be able to come back today but right now all he can do is use PM.

[Bruce Wayne]

 

Spoiler

There were three of them. The best of the uninitiated in the Imperium. Alone they were each the equal of several men but together they could fell an army. Induction into the Order is no light matter and traditionally restricted to those who could master the Fade. The security of the Imperium and her people, its beating heart, would one day lie with these brave men and women. The Order is the staff that illuminates the darkness, the blade that strikes from the shadows. The bulwark that pushes back against the Void—Ordo Silentia.

 

________________________________________________________

 

 

The first to grasp my attention was Milexenia, an elf of all things. She was a gladiator whose grace was matched only by her exotic beauty. She stood no taller than my pauldrons with skin the color of Antivan caramel and luscious hair darker than a moonless dusk. Perhaps it was fate or the design of the Archon himself that I caught her victory in the Proving. 

 

The Archon so loved his sport and it was there that I was tasked with creating this unorthodox contubernium of elites. She moved as a lightning strike dancing amidst the clouds felling one, then another and yet another. Her speed made her imperceptible to the naked eye. What came as a focused gaze from myself was barely returned as a peripheral glimpse. I was in awe and as her fallen enemies circled the red earth of the Proving Coliseum she seductively posed in the center victorious, holding apart her daggers that trickled with blood in an inviting yet challenging manner. She was a siren had I ever seen one. 

 

After a brief moment of silence which had seemed more akin to minutes than seconds the crowd roared. The maddened bellows and cheers of the Soporati shook the very foundation of the ancient structure. I could feel her manifested victory hitting my chest like a crashing wave. I knew at that moment that she was my first recruit.

               

The second given the honor to join the Order was Bracchus Vesuvian, Legate of the Imperial Legion. A member of the Altus house that is patron to my own and a cousin twice removed, there were few equal to Bracchus' skill on the battlefield. A wiry-haired giant of a man, especially for a Tevinter. Ignis, a zwiehander wrestled from a Karashok in one of the Legions' few victories in Seheron of late, was dwarfed by his towering frame. Forever his battle companion, they were inseparable since that relished in victory all those years ago.

 

Bracchus was a practical man resigned to the fate that he would not rise beyond the rank of General within the Imperium. Stout and true, had he been born to the griffons of the Anderfels or the hounds of Ferelden he'd be a champion of illustrious repute bringing both honor and glory to his family’s name. But he is Tevinter and words such as honor and glory are rare commodities afforded only by those born with the 'gift'—a folly that the Imperium of Old would shun without impunity. This was his opportunity to prove that men of mundane nature were just as worthy as the Fade-Touched. My cousin would not squander it. He could not.

 

Last to join was my apprentice, Merrie Lariat. A golden haired beauty with crystalline eyes bluer than the Boeric Ocean. A true Orlesian lioness whose stare would inspire many a bard. I was smitten the day my eyes laid upon her. She was a Senior Enchanter of the Monstimmard Circle. When the Enclave of the Sacred Ashes was attacked and the Sunburst Divine slain, the barbarous lands to the south fell into a chaos worthy of the approval of Razikale. 

 

Merrie was a Libertarian, a fraternity in the non-Tevene Circles known for its liberal approach towards magic. With their idealistic liberalism came the superstitious scrutiny of the Orlesian barbarians.  Her association with the fraternity had all but condemned her to death when fighting erupted between the zealous templars and the meek southern mages.

 

She found the resolve to journey north towards more sympathetic lands. Disguised as an unwashed peasant she eventually reached the Nevarran-Tevene border. There she was questioned by three auxilia as to her reasons for crossing into the Imperial territories. As the story goes, fear and regret in equal measure consumed her as she released a draconic gout of flame from her hand. The blaze engulfed the legionnaires as it changed hue twice from a fiery orange then to a milky white and finally, a bluish tinge. Their corpses burst in the searing heat of the flame, humors and entrails were quickly bunt to ash and as the fires died down around her all that remained were smoldering embers. She ran until her lungs were inflamed and breath evaded her, eventually collapsing from the physical and emotional strain of the ordeal. It was half a day before she was captured by a cohort of legionnaires.

 

Being a mage she was afforded a trial before the local magistrate of a miserable little border settlement called Solas. Upon the magistrate's inspection she pleaded as a foreigner for her right to be tried by the senate and the magisterium. Impressed with her knowledge of Tevinter laws, she was escorted under heavy guard to Minrathous.

 

It was in the Archon's legatio where I had first seen her. Tired and more than a little frightened she’d looked around the quarters for a means of escape, I had assumed. The wit that I had perceived as well as the beauty hidden under weeks of travel and soot was what had captured me. She was bound with warded shackles of dwarven make reserved only for outlaws with the gift. It was a temporary measure in the event she may have been dim enough to attempt to use her magic. The praetorians that escorted the weary woman threw her to the floor where she prostrated on bended knee.

 

"You have been given a great honor. Not many murderous reprobates would warrant an audience with the Archon of the Imperium, least of all a foreign mage of stifled training. The magistrate and cohort stationed on my border was nonetheless impressed with your display of power as well as your knowledge of our laws and customs. Tell me, barbarian, why should I spare you?"

 

She took a deep breath knowing that a single wrong word could spell her undoing. She tilted her head upwards, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. I stood with arms crossed beside the Archon who had been resting on his marble carved throne. 

 

"I only plead for mercy your Excellency! I am but a refugee from a land that curses me for my gift. The south is in turmoil. The Templars of the Chantry hunt and butcher us like sheep. I did not collude with the rebels, but irrespective of my choices I would be persecuted for my ability to touch the Fade. Is the Imperium not different, monsieur? I pledge myself to you and the Imperium. I would serve the Legion as recompense for my crimes. Perhaps giving my life for the Imperium would find me redeemed of my transgressions."

 

I could see the earnestness in her plea. She did not want to kill those men. I looked towards the Archon with sharpened eyes. He understood. The Archon leaned in as he gave his judgment.

 

"Very well. You have spoken your piece, Orlesian. Take her from my sight. I must confer with the Magister-General further before deciding what to do with her."

 

The praetorians took her each by one arm and dragged her from the Archon's legatio. 

 

"What are you thinking, Euandros?" chuckled the Archon as he measured me for intent. "You have that look about you. The one where you are about to say something I will utterly disagree with."

 

"She could be of use to me. Even when tired and starved, she killed three auxilia—reduced them to ash. A feat unfamiliar to any out of the Altus within the last Age."

 

"And what would your infinite wisdom deem a worthy punishment?" he sung out in a condescending tone. "She is a criminal—a murderer. She should hang or perhaps thrown in the Proving pits. "

 

"I would take her as an indentured slave. Last I checked, I was still a General of the Legion. She could serve me and perhaps in time earn her redemption. I will test her. If her potential is near anything we've heard she will serve Tevinter. And if it is not, she will die an unceremonious death." 

 

"How predictable of you. You were always a soft touch. Even in the time of our apprenticeship under First Enchanter Galerium, you were always looking for ways to avoid bloodshed. I don't know how you've managed to climb to the ranks of General in the Legion."

 

"Skill my friend. Hard work and skill."

 

"So be it. You may take the girl as a slave and apprentice. Should she prove troublesome know that the consequences are your own."

 

"Thank you, your Excellency."

 

________________________________________________________

 

 

Months passed. The recruits were sufficiently prepared and formally inducted into the Ordo Silentia. Bracchus and Milexenia were the first without magic and Merrie the first foreign mage to complete the arduous training. They were now silent sentinels. The shadowy elite of the Imperium tasked with its protection from forces both foreign and domestic and I, was their Commander and Overseer.  

They had barely known of each other before boarding the Seductora, an Antivan merchant frigate bound for Seheron.  I could vaguely remember quarrelling between Bracchus and Merrie as she rebuffed his advances. Perhaps even a dull recollection of Merrie shouting knife-ear.

I was deep in meditation for the duration of the voyage. I ordered the ensigns, the Captain, and the privateers not to disturb me. For what seemed two weeks I sat cross legged in the barracks. I found myself studying under the sage spirits of the Fade and in turn the Fade sustained my mind and through it, my body. I focused on synchronizing body and mind so that I may bridge the gap between both worlds with greater ease. 

Battle Magisters of the Ordo Silentia are devout followers of Dirth'ena Enasalin, the knowledge that leads to victory,  much to the chagrin and amusement of the select few of the magisterium that know of the Order's existence. These magisters find it humorous and peculiar that some willingly turn to the unorthodox philosophy and magic of the Ancient Elves. Perhaps they view it as inferior and in some respects, threatening.

The Battle Magisters have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of discipline and wisdom and the Dirth'ena is excellence in all things magical and mundane. It is to strive for the mastery of balance. The southern Circles have a similar school of mages called the Knight-Enchanters but they have all but forgotten the Dirth'ena. They erroneously believe their magic to be of human origin and pay no mind to its elven principles. It is this drive for excellence and strength of mind that grant us our uncanny abilities on the battlefield and this would be my weapon of choice upon my encounter with the Karasten plaguing the northern shores of Seheron. 

The frumentarii had been delivering reports of a mobilization signaling what would appear to be major a offensive coming from the Qunari. For months activity in the north of the island was quiet. Had the Archon not ordered me to personally investigate I would have pulled our legionnaires stationed in the south back home as the magisterium had mandated. 

The Qunari had settled in the west where the natives ignorantly viewed them as saviors. Mostly it was elves converting and dying for a religion that was not their own. Then you hear the wives tales of the Fog Warriors—rebellious natives led by their Shamans. If they could be found, it'd be in the island's center. But the north; the north is dangerous. It is hostile. It's where the jungle is thickest. It is the domain of black jungle cats and poisonous serpents who rule with fervor. What the cats and serpents leave behind the Tal Vashoth would scavenge like vultures.  Even the Qunari are malleable enough to restrict their presence in the area solely to their arrival from Par Vollen.

What were they planning? 

At that moment I felt the ship maneuver. My stomach turned with the frigate and as my thoughts began to align with the present, I knew we had arrived. Alam.

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued...

 

Any critiques on this folks?

[Uccio]

To be continued...
 
Any critiques on this folks?

Keep them coming .

It is all good. No critique from here, I just hope my own scribbles are atleast as coherent and entertaining. 

[Red of Rivia]

FIFY.

Hehe, if we go up further north we will arrive in Rivia.

[Cespar]

Does the World of Thedas offer any details about Tevinter? 

[The Baconer]

Does the World of Thedas offer any details about Tevinter? 

 

Yes, quite a lot actually.

[raging_monkey]

Does the World of Thedas offer any details about Tevinter?

goes quite detailed as how they are a meritcracy and how they functions

[Cespar]

Thanks! I'll need to get that book then, before the second one comes out. 

 

Maybe when we go to Tevinter, I may or may not push for the freedom of slavery(If it's a choice that is) . Since according to Dorian, they aren't all bound to that life, but just does it to help provide for their family. I feel that cycle will continue, even if you try to fight for the freedom of slavery.