15931 réponses à ce sujet

[Uccio]

You know, when you have your priorities straight, you don't have a worthy adversary.

 

Who is more worthy to fall before the might of a Magister than the Arishok  ? I will raise my banner in the battlefield just to get his attention. *takes a sip of the wine*

[KainD]

Says the honorless person who would never fight a heads up battle

 

Not fighting head up battles as in never restraining myself to match your inferior level? Yeah. I fight battles as I am, with what I've got. 

[Drasanil]

Who is more worthy to fall before the might of a Magister than the Arishok  ? I will raise my banner in the battlefield just to get his attention. *takes a sip of the wine*

 

A rival Magister, of course. Any other foe is trivial by comparison. 

[Uccio]

A rival Magister, of course. Any other foe is trivial by comparison.

Yes of course. I ment external foe. Obviously.

[Slevin424]

Hey,  you can't claim an entire organization of life is completely evil without even seeing their organization. Until we get Tevinter in a DA game and you can actually see their empire hold thy tongue. Only Siths deal in absolutes.

 

Maybe they were trying to make magical cupcakes and accidentally got the recipe wrong then *POOF* the Blight was created. You'd be surprised how many times magic accidentally *poofs* out something that destroys the entire world.

[Geth Supremacy]

Hey,  you can't claim an entire organization of life is completely evil without even seeing their organization. Until we get Tevinter in a DA game and you can actually see their empire hold thy tongue. Only Siths deal in absolutes.

 

Maybe they were trying to make magical cupcakes and accidentally got the recipe wrong then *POOF* the Blight was created. You'd be surprised how many times magic accidentally *poofs* out something that destroys the entire world.

 

You can claim whatever you want.  Nothing is sacred.  Bioware can and will change things from game to game not caring.  This is DA.

[raging_monkey]

Well I usually don't trust ingame lore at all (though I'll speculate on it) since it's unreliable due to cultural bias I need plot to buy x group as wholesale "evil"

Again "you say retcon I say clarification/addition "

[EmperorSahlertz]

Didn't BioWare just go to great lengths in DA:I to paint both the Qunari AND Tevinter as just like everyone else, basically. They aren't actually evil, but just out there, trying to do what they believe is right. While Magisters sure are selfishly motivated, the Tevinter people are just like any other Thedosian.

[raging_monkey]

In a way it could be true Personally I think the extremism of DA2 blinded fans to alternative thought but I'm a wise mouth what do I know

[Geth Supremacy]

In a way it could be true Personally I think the extremism of DA2 blinded fans to alternative thought but I'm a wise ****** what do I know

 

Also got beat up by a harmless deer. 

 

I just can't see it as you do.  I have no problem with you disagreeing with me....even though I'm right   

 

addition would be like the speech about the dragon and pleasuring yourself about it later.  Clarification would be learning exactly what the Tams do for the Qunari and how that works.  From my POV and thats where it stops.

[raging_monkey]

Also got beat up by a harmless deer.

I just can't see it as you do. I have no problem with you disagreeing with me....even though I'm right

addition would be like the speech about the dragon and pleasuring yourself about it later. Clarification would be learning exactly what the Tams do for the Qunari and how that works. From my POV and thats where it stops.

still won though

I wouldn't say disagreeing with you just don't share the same viewpoint lol

but one could also say that's only one part of it

[raging_monkey]

Though at end of the day it's perspective what x person sees will be different from person y.

[KainD]

Hey,  you can't claim an entire organization of life is completely evil without even seeing their organization. Until we get Tevinter in a DA game and you can actually see their empire hold thy tongue. Only Siths deal in absolutes.

 

Maybe they were trying to make magical cupcakes and accidentally got the recipe wrong then *POOF* the Blight was created. You'd be surprised how many times magic accidentally *poofs* out something that destroys the entire world.

 

Evil is just a fancy word people use to describe something that they personally don't like. 

[Uccio]

Spoiler

*"Master! Your mistress, she left! We couldn´t stop her!", a terrified slave ran to Caius who was walking through a corridor towards his study.

Caius stopped in his tracks surprised, "what? When did this happen, did she say anything?". "No master, she just said she wants to get some air", the elven slave girl started to tear up. "I am so sorry master, she was too strong for us".

"Just tell me the exact moment when she left, and where?". We will deal with this later he thought.

"She left just half an hour ago. Linnie followed her to the stables, she took one of your favorite horses". The elven girl stood there wringing her hands then suddenly screamed frantically, "We could not find you before master! Please don´t hurt me!".

She has my signature pass, they would not stop her at the gate, Caius thought. "That is all, you can leave now" he said calmly. The slave stared at him for a moment then realizing she was not going to be reprimanded she practically ran backwards bowing at the same time.

Caius closed his eyes rubbing his forehead. "What was this? Why did she leave? In the middle of the night too?". He turned around and hurried through the manor towards the service exit. This had to be handled with care, and silently. Guards bowed when he passed them stepping outside.

The moon was full, only few lonely clouds wondered the nightly sky. Moonlight illuminated the yard and the ancient walls casting strange shaped shadows everywhere. He wasted no time walking straight to the stables. He stepped inside and stood there for a moment listening the silence. A faint breathing could be heard from among the hay. Caius raised his hand and shot a weak lightning bolt into the hay pile.

A young stable boy jumped high in the air with a high pitch scream. "Prepare me a horse, fast" Caius said at the boy jumping around rubbing his arm. The moment the boy saw who had woken him up he bolted into action scared out of his wits. Magister himself wearing his pitch black robes in the dead of night by his bed. In a few moments one of the horses had been brought out and saddled.

Caius rode off without a word leaving the young boy watching after him with his mouth open.

Outside the gates he stopped for a moment. This is something people are going to talk, there was no question about it. She ran pregnant as ever and he went after her, alone. One would have to be a idiot if could not connect the dots. Caius cursed his own stupidity, "I should have been more with her. This was long time coming. Stupid blind idiot".

He closed his eyes and concentrated on his ring. Her wedding ring was more just a ring, it was magically connected to his, and the enchantment was strong. He would find her anywhere if she still had the ring.
There, he felt a connection. Not far, towards the Imperial park. He sank his heels to horses sides and galloped through the sleeping Minrathous. Caution be damned.

There, by the lake he found her. She had left her horse tied up to a tree. Caius dismounted his horse and tied it next to the other one. He walked slowly to the shore. Nazlik floated in the water gazing the nightly sky. She had not taken off her clothes, still her large belly was clearly visible under the wet clothes like a small island before her. Caius sat down by the shore silently.

"I am not a prize animal" she whispered softly. "No", Caius said "you are my love, my wife and mother of my child". He sighted, "I have been so entangled in preparing our future that I forgot for what I was making it".

"What future? You never speak of it" she said accusing.

"I know, and I am sorry" he said. "It is a future where we and our child can live happily without worrying what tomorrow brings".
The vision he saw surfaced in his mind, a man with white hair and silver eyes sitting on the Archon throne. Feeling of immense power lingered. His son. Imperial flags flying over Qunandar. It can be... silent voice echoed in his ears. Stone table had shown him..

He shook himself of his thoughts. "It is a long and time consuming work. One move here, one there. Something that will happen in years to come. Something that will prevent things from happening".

He stood up, "in the end, there is only you and me. Everything I have done is for you and our child". Caius waded into the lake towards her, "If I don´t have you then wold can fall into abyss". He stood there next to her looking in her eyes. "I love you. Will you come home with me? From now on I will find us time to break away".

Nazlik floated in silence for a while, then she sighted, "I will. I do love you. Sometimes the walls in that tower chamber just close in too much".

"Please, next time tell me when it happens. Then we will run away together that instant. There isn´t a man or a woman in this world I fear. I fear no death, nor pain. But I fear being without you". He took her hand as she stood up, "And I have too many enemies to have you run around Minrathous alone in the night".

He kissed her as they stood there in the lake under the moonlight.*

[raging_monkey]

Bravo as always

[Uccio]

Thanks monkey, waiting your follow-up too. 

[raging_monkey]

I'll post it after a bit of JOH I wanted 2montgs I'm playing it

[Uccio]

Ambush and deception

courtesy of The Baconer and Uccio

Intro

Spoiler

*A battered and old worn out trade-cog had been anchored for the night in the fast streaming river, close to shore. It had been modified to have larger cargo space as the main commodity it transported was humans. It was a slave ship. Clouds mostly covered the moon hiding the ship occasionally in darkness. The wind had died down and the air was still. The night watch stood on the ships rear deck smoking his pipe. He occasionally gazed upon the river and on the river bench close by. The night was silent.

From the shore, at a distance, few small slick boats left the shore. Silently they approached the ship from the rear under the cover of darkness.*

Spoiler

Davion sat up against a post within the ship's hold. The air was hot and heavy. Too many bodies. They sat in complete darkness, save for a few specks of light falling through the grate of the main deck. A man, their "slaver", moved beneath the light, anxiously peering through the grate. Sweat stained his shirt, dripped in beads from his forehead.

A hired thug. Terrified, as he should be.

A soft thunk above them. The utter silence in the hold gave way to something deeper. The suffocating heat from the rags, meant to hide maille, the wood digging into his back, all of it fell away. Only an intense focus and anticipation remained, and he knew he wasn't the only one.

The stomping of frenzied feet erupted on the main deck, quickly replaced by another thunk. The thug drew his blade, backing out of the light towards the chest at the other end of the hold, away from approaching footsteps. Davion tilted his head down and tugged at the rags, loosening them. He would have to remove them quickly for what came next.

Spoiler

*Vel sneaked slowly down the wooden stairs. So far so good, the resistance on the deck had been suppressed fast and clean. His steps were light as a feather, years of hard training had made it a inherent feature. Vel straightened his leather armor and weapons, dam this dalish gear he thought. Breathing through the half mask on his face in this heat was a ordeal. His eyes adjusted into the dim light of the cargo hold. Silence lingered, he could see a group of slaves in chains hunching at the back of the cargo hold. He took a few silent steps ahead.

"Shemlen! Look out Feynsas!". Vel bolted blindly left avoiding the crew member charging at him from the shadows slashing with a sword, missing Vel with just by a few inches. His wild leap landed him among the water barrels knocking his head on the broadside of the ships interior.

Varhel, one of the actual elves in the team, shot a arrow right through the eye of the slaver from the stairs. He had a straight view over the cargo hold from his position. A marvelous feature.
"I think that was last of them" Varhel said pleased as Vel stumbled on his feet. He had to bit his lip and just nod. Vel´s mouth had almost spoke before his mind was able to stop it, once again.

The slaves, cargo of the ship, human and elves. Men and women, stared at the with fragile hope in their eyes. Maybe these elves were here to free them after all?

"Hear this! Elvhen will once again claim their ancestral lands back. Death to the Imperium! Enasalin!", Varhel shouted to the would be slaves raising his bow in the air. His dalish accent was perfect. He was truly convincing as a freedom fighter Vel thought watching the elf posture for the slaves. He had broad shoulders and long raven black hair. A handsome and brave elf possessing all the leadership qualities. And he could have been, if he wasn´t such a rotten bastard who was only interested in his own gain and gold. Such is life, Vel thought.*

Spoiler

Figures cloaked in rags scurried away from Vel, hiding behind boxes, moving away from the light of the stairwell. A good performance, Davion thought. Sitting to the side of the staircase, he shifted, watching from behind the post. One in the hold, one still on the stairs, more above. Patience.

That armor... elven make. Dalish? The one on the stairs was most-definitely an elf, but the other one had their face covered. Clever.

Spoiler

*Varhel gazed upon the slaves, "ar lasa mala revas, you are free now. Remember this moment, remember the elvhen". His trained eye could see them gaze at each other on the sly and at him, little details. They were too nervous. It was not just their appearance, dalish look with vallaslin on their faces which caused this. It was something else, something was not right.

"Falon ir abelas. Ne na harel. In banal'ras, Din'an. Na melana sahlin" someone spoke from among the slaves. A elderly dalish woman stood up from among them, her eyes were calm but full of sorrow.

Varhel raised his hand just barely giving Vel a imperceptible sign. He whistled three times, two short one long. "We need to search this place. Go get the others, and bring torches".
He gazed at the old dalish woman bowing slightly, "Ma serannas hahren, revas will be yours. You will be with the elvhenan". Her smile was plaintive. "Da'assan, ar sulahn'nehn for you" she whispered.

Vel turned to walk up the stairs, his heart started beating faster. Casually he touched his belt grabbing something and squeezed his hand in a fist.*

Spoiler

So be it. Davion grabbed the shoulder of a man sitting next to him, receiving a nod in turn. In one smooth motion, he tore the cloak off of his body, grasping the ragged cloth in his right hand. He surged with mana, bending the Veil into an incorporeal tunnel. Davion surged forward as a ball of lightning, appearing before Vel on the staircase. Stinging arcs crackled from Davion's body, shortsword now drawn. His comrade in turn bolted across the Veil, coming to stand behind Davion and ready to face whatever threats approached from above.

Golden light permeated the hold, as spectral blades sprang to life.

Spoiler

*Everything happened in a flash.

The moment Vel´s eye caught movement by the stairs he bolted running crushing the vial in his hand. Quicksilver effect spread through his body like a lightning shooting him through the cargo hold. "Good thing boss is never stingy with the supplies" he thought.

The translucent flare flickering and moving before him was a obvious sign.
"Mages, should have known" Vel thought flying forward. The first man appeared before him crackling with energy holding a short sword in his hand. Vel charged towards him in a fake attack changing his direction right before the man. With a massive leap he took a side step bouncing from the water barrels by the men throwing a flask of powerful concentrated magebane and dwarven explosive at them.

Varhel stood by the stairs and was barely able to see what happened as the two men appeared before him. At the same heart beat Vel transformed into a silvery light moving with a incredible speed. And then Varhel saw the grenades flying in the air. He bounced instinctively forward flipping over the men as the explosion broke the stairs from below him.

Vel bounced high in the air reaching for the hatch. He got a hold of the edge pulling himself up in one frantic flash of movement.

Varhel landed on his feet rolling down the walkway. He bounced on his feet shooting runed arrows in a rapid pace at the two men with his enchanted bow, and at the others lurking in the shadows while walking backwards towards the slaves. Their spectral blades made them excellent targets in the dark. He could see how few of them fell down as the runed arrows pierced their barriers. Varhel's nickname dead shot was well earned, each arrow found its target.

"This is not going well" he thought. "Maybe I can release these slaves, it might help me to get out of here".
Suddenly he tripped falling on his back, human slaves had wrapped their chains around his ankle.
"We will help you master!" one of the slaves shouted as they bounced on Varhel striking at him hoping to win some favors.

He struggled surprised against the men. "Fenedhis! I am trying to help y... arg!" Varhel´s angry shout was cut short as one of the men had grabbed his dagger thrusting it through his throat. The old dalish woman cried out grabbing him by the arm and pulling him away from the men.

Varhel gurgled blood. It gushed out of his mouth, nostrils and the gaping wound in his throat. He took the old woman´s arm whispering "ma..ghilana.. mir din'an".

She pulled Varhel in her arms. Rocking him silently she started singing the dalish eulogy. Varhel stared at her, his eyes slowly glazing.
She closed his eyes, yet another son of The People had died in a futile struggle against the Imperium. She turned to stare at the imperial men fire in her eyes slipping one of Varhel´s dagger´s in her sleeve.

Kara, Varhel´s right hand and lover had witnessed this through the hatch along with couple of their men. She screamed of rage and sorrow at the sight of what went down, "ar tu na'din!".
Kara started shooting runed arrows tears in her eyes at the slaves and the men down in the cargo with her men, while Vel stumbled on his feet in the deck.
Above her, above the ships deck the air started to ripple when a massive energy concentration started to twirl slowly heating up.*

Spoiler

Davion yanked the malleus off the side of the staircase. The Dwarven bomb exploded, the shockwave meeting their barriers and throwing them onto the ground of the hold. Davion sprang up, observing the present situation. The elf was bleeding out, cradled in the arms of the Dalish biddy who tipped them off.

"Kill them both" he announced, making a quick gesture with his hand. The old woman began to reach for something in her sleeve as a spirit blade was plunged into her back, cutting through her body and emerging from Varhel's breast.

Arrows rained down from the hatch; the mallei moved away from the field of vision it offered. "You three, to the bow" Davion pointed to the men, who made their way to the section of the ship beneath the forecastle. The rest stood at the ready. "We take the deck. Now!"

The grate of the hatch was torn away by a wave of force, sending Kara stumbling backward. A small ball of light emerged from the opening, drifting skyward. A wisp from the Fade. It pulsed, radiating a blinding, dazzling light. Kara instinctively shielded her eyes, but something cold and metallic gripped her hand, wrenching it away from her face. It struck her beneath the jaw, sending her sprawling onto the floor of the deck as her legs gave way and her vision went black.

...

White-red light flared above the ship; multiple figures could be seen on the main deck. "There it is. Let's go." Severus patted the man in front of him on the shoulder, who summarily called out the order to embark.

Spoiler

*Vel saw how the hatch and grate was torn by the force from below. "Everyone run, it is the imperial special forces!" he shouted and bolted running again.

His accelerated form shot him over the railing and dived like a arrow into the black river. At that very moment he understood the mistake he had made. His speed had sunk him deep into the water in full gear. Vel struggled towards the surface but his reinforced leather armor and weapons kept pulling him deeper.

"Blasted this dalish gear" he thought struggling with the straps. There was no air, no surface. He felt like his lungs were about to explode, he had lost his direction in panic. Nothing but the pitch black and cold river all around him. His futile struggle became slower and slower. The weight of his armor and weapons pulled him deeper.

"Never thought it would end like this" he thought, "that new tavern girl with the lovely big bosom is going to miss me, I promised to to come back to her". A faint smug smile lingered on his lips, "all my women are going to... miss... me...".

His body sunk deeper into the black fast streaming river.

Gilles De Mont, a bastard son of a Orlesian noble and a self proclaimed sword master of the mercenary group stood few feet away when Kara was attacked. He watched with scorn how Vel stormed away, "bloody void, run coward". He tore off his half mask drawing his sword and dagger charging the imperial agent.

Like a dancer he flew around the agent dodging his spirit blade attacks. He made a feint attack at the agent´s face, and with a smooth swirl avoiding the agents swing Gilles slide to his side sinking his own runed blade through the barrier into the agents armpit.
Right between the armor plates piercing his lung. "There you go tevinter, you just were not good enough" he smiled at the surprised man. With a quick move he pulled his blade off and kicked the man down the hatch.

There was no time to loose, more men appeared on the deck, battle broke out among the agents and mercenaries. Gilles ran to Kara pulling her on her feet. "Snap out of it woman!" he shouted slapping her face. Kara opened her eyes with a confused look. Gilles drew his dagger cutting her armor straps and sword belt. He took a firm grip of her shirt and tossed her over the railing, "get out of here!".

He didn´t like that woman, not at all. Never had, she was controlling and possessive. But Varhel did like her. And Gilles was fond of him. That handsome and charismatic elf had recruited Gilles years ago. He had been secretly in love with Varhel, though he new he would never return his affection. Being close to him had been enough for Gilles. And now Varhel was dead. He was going to make these tevinter agents pay, then leave.

A man with a short sword appeared on deck, he had the look of a man in charge on him. Gilles made a battlefield salute to Davion, "en garde!". And charged him.

At that moment the Firestorm spell Publius was casting on the shore ignited on the ship lighting up the dark night.

"Vel!" he shouted, he had seen him plunge off the ship but didn´t see him surface anywhere.

"We have to leave now, more of them are coming!" one of their lookouts rode to the shore in haste. Publius grinded his teeth gazing at the river and boat in the firestorm hesitating for a moment. He then turned and jumped on the saddle, with a frenzy he whipped his horse and rode away with the two men accompanying him.*

Spoiler

Davion steadied himself as the boat heaved from the force of the blast. "Put those fires out! Secure t-"

He sprung backwards, his commands interrupted by the hiss of a blade cutting the air before his face. He had only a fraction of a second to regard this new opponent, who promptly lunged forward with a second thrust. A calculated offense, meant to keep Davion off balance and control his movement. He jumped backwards once more to avoid the strike, and felt the heat from the flames at his back. The stakes were clear: he would either regain control now, or hold court with the Maker.

Fluid, the man turned his blade over, guiding its momentum into an upward cut. Davion saw his chance, knocking the strike aside with the curvature of his vambrace. A glint of light as the man's other hand came about; the steel of a dagger reflecting the radiance of the fire. Davion would be unable to counter it with his own shortsword, as it was grasped by the hand used to deflect the initial attack. Thinking quickly, he rushed forward, slamming into the swordsman with his opposite shoulder. Good, now he had space.

"A fine parry" the man smirked, reestablishing his guard. His accent was undoubtedly Orlesian. Davion repositioned, granting himself the length of the deck to move upon. He elected to keep his shortsword in his left hand; the presence of the dagger rendered it awkward, but he found it preferable to keep his guard in line with the longer opposing weapon. Hopefully, the Orlesian would find the setting awkward as well.

They set about to test each other. Davion parried another blow from the longsword, but a threatening movement of the dagger warded off retaliation. He jostled the angle of his grip, punctuated here and there with a threatening flick. The Orlesian was ever-guarded, but unmoved; he knew the advantage of his reach well, and he would not be baited by the impotent flailing of the elf's shortsword. The Orlesian moved to check Davion with a low slash, a swift cut toward the shin followed by a swift retreat from the shortsword's reach. The elf pivoted backward just beyond the tip of his longsword, then gripped the pommel of his shortsword with his free hand. It was the movement of a thrust; a riposte that could never reach its intended target.

It happened before his eyes, unfolding as if in slow motion, and yet to quickly for him to react. The steel of the shortsword alighted with a spark, then a golden radiance as an ethereal blade constructed itself in an instant, taking form over the original weapon. His eyes followed its length as it rushed forward, finally embedding itself within the armor on his forearm. A sharp, warm pain, as he stumbled backward and released the dagger. Davion strode forward, kicking it aside.

Davion held the spirit blade at length, forcing the Orlesian to cede more and more ground. The mallei moved about, clearing space for the combatants as they went about their work aboard the ship, yet always watching from the corner of their eyes. Davion finally planted his feet, telegraphing one final strike to end the fight. He bolted forward, the spectral blade closing in upon the Orlesian's breast. The Orlesian lunged in turn; he would redirect the force of the thrust, and get in close where the elf's weapon would be of no use.

There was no clatter of metal, no familiar weight of clashing steel. The spirit blade disappeared in a fulmination of dazzling sparks, and his own sword was left sailing through vacant air. Davion had seen it: the sudden expression of shock, the Orlesian squinting in the assault of blinding light. He moved lithely, trapping the Orlesian's sword arm, and then wrenching it behind his back. He called mana through his fingertips, releasing a torrent of electricity through the Orlesian's arm and shoulder. The man roared in pain as his muscles seized.

Davion stemmed the flow of magic, buckling with the sudden weight as the Orlesian collapsed. He lowered his adversary onto the deck, keeping his arm trapped. The longsword had fallen onto the wood, and Davion traced his eyes upon the runes lining its blade.

A cool sensation graced his cheek as a malleus channeled a gout of frost, quenching the flames that engulfed the ship. Davion once again regarded the defeated Orlesian, and his runed blade. The blade crafted to deliver death to his comrades. He began to share is magic once more, unrelenting as smoke began to rise from the man's body.

"Take care not to bite your tongue."

[...]

"Is he alive?"

"He is."

Blotches of orange and amorphous shapes gave way to human figures and the light of a torch. Vel could feel the movement of the river, the undulation of the water nearly lulling him back to unconsciousness. Lucidity returned to him as a gloved hand struck him across the face. He was lying on his back, with the night sky, obscured by boughs, arranged above him. And then, a face.

Sunken eyes, lost in shadow. His lips, a mess of scars. Vel tried to move away, as if he could sink through the floor of the boat. A startled gasp, accosted by water in his throat, instead emerged as a fit of coughs. A hand gripped him by the jaw, forcing his head to the side and pressing his cheek against the scratchy wood. In the upper corner of his vision, he could see boots at rest.

"Human, but in Dalish armament."

He was pulled back to the night sky, and the face. It looked upward, nodding at someone he could not see. A black curtain reached downward; fabric brushed over his face and neck, stymieing his breath and pulling him away from the waking world.

[vertigomez]

Dorian rocking Tevinter robes, via hoskky:

[raging_monkey]

Funny I have Dorian in a similar colour

[Uccio]

Spoiler

*Silent tapping echoed in the room. Publius stared at the finger tapping the desk, he tried to swallow unnoticed resisting the urge to lick his lips. Those cold eyes kept staring at him and silence lingered. "There was nothing I could have done master" he said with a more weaker voice than he wanted to. "We were betrayed, they were expecting us. There were too many combat mages on the ship and more were coming when I left".

Tapping stopped. Caius stood up and walked to the window looking out to the yard, "and Varhel?".

"I don´t know, it could be possible he got away. I saw some of the mercenaries jumping ship. But I doubt it". He cleared his throat, "Vel was left behind too. He might have drowned".

Caius folded his arms behind his back. "Varhel is the only one who has any meaning. He had the details of our arrangement in his head. Rest of the men were expendable". Publius took a deep breath, "even Vel?".

"Even Vel" Caius responded. "Learn this lesson my apprentice, don´t get too attached. It will cloud your judgement and can be your downfall".

"Yes master" Publius said, he is right. he thought. I was too concerned about him, my... friend. It is just good that things went the way they did.

"You can go now. Send Livia in as you go". Publius bowed and left the room relieved.

Livia nodded to him as she passed Publius at the door. She closed the door behind her and sat down before the desk, "now what?".

"Caius turned around and walked to the desk annoyed. "Send a message to the agents, their position has been compromised. That information was a trap". Livia nodded.*

Spoiler

*Lone cloud sailed through the clear sky. Sun shined over the waste Valarian fields outside Minrathous. Smoke and dust covers the ground starting to give away for the persistent wind blowing from the sea. Tears in the smoke clouds reveal slowly a massive battlefield. Thousands upon thousands dead bodies, imperial soldiers and qunari warriors litter the ground. Broken catapults and dead war elephants lay among them. Crows croak of excitement as they fly among the dead. There is no shortage of food for them now. Here and there someone moves, under the scotching sun there is no shadow for the wounded.

A torn Tevinter Imperium war flag flies in the hot wind along with Vaellanius Coat of Arms on a small hill in the battlefield. Caius stands before them holding his hand high, a bloody severed head hangs from it.

Caius hangs the head of the Arishok from it´s hair presenting the troops with his trophy while blood drips from the freshly cut neck.

A thundering roar echoes in the field as thousands of soldiers raise their weapons cheering over the victory. Tired, wounded and so few men. But still victorious.

"Caius, Caius, Caius!" booms across the army. "They are your men now" Gallus Nepos says from his side. The old veteran kneels before Caius proud look on his face. His right eye is gone and massive scar covers the right side of his face. His right arm is also missing, the shield he carries is tied to the stub above his wrist. "The Imperium will now bow before you".

Caius turns to gaze at the sun, from the corner of his eye it seems like a gigantic dragonic figure glides through the air high above the Valaria fields.


He opens his eyes and stares at the stone ceiling of the chamber. For a moment he has to remember where he is. This is not Valarian fields thought he can still taste the dust and blood in his mouth, and feel the heat. Even his face seems to glow from the heat of the scorching sun. Slowly Caius stands up. The stone table is easier to use each time, and each time it seems to make his own power more fluent. Those visions are more clear too, but this dream had something new. That dragon...

Caius stood up contemplating, why did it appear? He had a feeling of unlimited power, a god like power. A Old God? Could it be? He stared at the stone table. This required more studying. He walked out of the chamber in his thoughts closing the door behind him.*

[The Baconer]

Oi,

 

http://blog.bioware....015/06/02/8316/

[raging_monkey]

Pretty good

[Uccio]

The Dungeon

courtesy of The Baconer and Uccio

 

Spoiler

Light stung Vel's eyes as the sack was removed from his head. How long? Two, maybe three days, he figured. He saw the elf first, grasping the sack and backing away. Behind the elf, the scarred man, sitting on a stool. The Imperator.

 

The room, constructed of stone, was completely bare, save for a diminutive window directly above him. Not that he could look outside, as he was chained to the wall. He could detect the smell of the sea, his only clue. Vel heard a groan on his left, turning to find Gilles. The Orlesian's arm was terribly burned, the skin turning brownish-green or peeling back to reveal a glossy pink.

 

"This one I've seen before, at the Magister's estate. I never caught his name."

 

"Vel Barrius. Soporoti."

 

"Mm. And the other?"

 

"I am not... A sellsword would be my guess."

 

"An Orlesian at that." Severus turned to Vel, regarding him with the cold scrutiny of an archivist. "Your employer continues to impress with his choice of company."

 

Spoiler

*Vel blinked his eyes at the light after the sack´s darkness. He gazed around the room trying to turn in his place. His eyes stopped at the chains. 

"I like what you have done with this place, it is so cozy". A wide sunny smile appeared on his face. "I would stand up and shake your hand your highness for saving me, but you know how it is", he raised his chained arms.

 

"I am a little disappointed with the service here thought", he said regretfully. "Nothing to drink or eat? Don´t get me wrong, I had plenty of that river water but after for a while it gets dull".

 

He rolled his eyes exaggerating. He then gazed at Severus with a innocent look, "but what was that you said my lord? My employer? My good sir, I was just simply fishing in that lovely river when a gigantic salmon pulled me under. You should have seen it, true story".

 

Gilles stared at him. He snorted at Vel and turned to the Imperator. "My lord, my name is Gilles De Mont. If you are looking for ransom my father, Alain De Mont, Baron of the Val Foret might pay for me", his accent was thick of the pain.*

 

Spoiler

Severus cleared his throat, ignoring Vel for the moment. "He 'might' pay? For a son caught raiding slave ships in Tevinter, dressed like an elf?" He furrowed his brow, "Would I be correct in assuming your relation to Alain De Mont is illegitimate?"

 

Before Gilles could respond, he stood up and whispered something into Davion's ear. The elf nodded, and silently stepped out of the room. Severus sat back down upon the stool, awaiting Gille's response.

 

Spoiler

*Gilles stared at Severus for a while, "Yes, I am his bastard son. And our relationship is not that good". He shrugged, "but I am his blood".

 

Vel raised his pawn pointing at Gilles behind it with the other hand forming silent words, he is.*

 

Spoiler

"Well. I can tell you that, without healing, infection will take you before we ever establish correspondence. As I understand it, one of my men died in service to the Imperium, by your hand. As such I can't say I'm very interested in haggling with your father." Severus turned away from Gilles, gazing at Vel in silence.

 

Spoiler

*Gilles snorted at Severus, "no honor then. What can you expect from a tevinter? Your man had his change, he just wasn´t up to the task. You would also be one elf short if he would not have his magic. I am better swordsman than he is". Gilles smile was cocksure.

 

Vel gazed at his arm nodding, "that is a nasty burn".*

 

Spoiler

Severus did not look away from Vel, even as Davion re-entered the room a moment later. "What do you think, Vel Brassius? Is this man important enough to be a survivor?"

 

Spoiler

*"Well, if you ask me, I go by the motto live and let live". He smiled, "that way everyone will be happy. Why can´t we all just get along?". Vel gazed at Gilles, "he looks honest enough. I would let him live. Just have him shave that ridiculous mustache, that is the real offence here".*

 

Spoiler

"Hm." Severus nodded. Then, uncomfortable silence.

 

Finally, he seemed to notice Davion's presence in the room, and looked to Gilles. "Very well. Gilles de Mont, you owe your life to the intervention of this fine fellow. The terms of recompense will be discussed after your arm is treated."

 

Spoiler

*Gilles nodded weary, "thank you my lord".

 

"Excellent!", Vel smirked. He gazed at the window in his thoughts tapping his chin, "I think I am going to compose a song from this. My miraculous return from beyond. Hmm... what would rhyme with drowning..?".

 

Then he seemed to notice Severus, "that is, if I am getting out of here, right? Don´t get me wrong. This is a nice place and all but there are several women who need to know I am back from the dead". He winked suggestively.*

 

Spoiler

Davion opened the door and motioned to someone outside. Two men clad in plate entered the room, approaching Gilles. Beneath their armor, they wore a red-and-gold variant of the traditional Imperium heraldry. The chains binding Gilles to the wall dropped to the floor, sinking into the dirt. The manacles on his wrists remained. Quietly, they lifted the man to his feet and led him out of the cell, Davion leaving with them. Severus paused, as if listening to their trailing footsteps.

 

"I have no use for his father's coin, but workers capable of weaving Lyrium will always be useful."

 

Spoiler

*"Ouch!", Vel whistled. "Well, it beats being dead anyway. Not much thought". He scratched his groins indifferent, "I think I need a bath".

 

Spoiler

"Uh huh. Now, let's speak frankly for a moment. I could simply brand you as well, but I believe a lack of emotional perspective would be... inconvenient in sating my curiosity. Of course, depending on your responses, you could always change my mind. Once again, your choice." Severus brushed off the side of his boot.

 

Spoiler

*Vel gave his most charming smile, "so, what do you want to talk about my lord?".*

 

Spoiler

"What do you think of this, uh, conflict we have here? What is your commitment, beyond a nice helping of House Vaellanius' wealth?"

 

Spoiler

*Vel thought for a moment, "I wasn´t aware of any conflict actually. People in high places keep poking at each other for position and power all the time. In the mean time it is the little people who get stomped on in the process". He stared at Severus, "does it really matter from the ground point of view what happens up there?".

 

He leaned back against the wall shrugging, "besides, too much thinking can be unhealthy".

 

A faint smile lingered on Vel´s lips for a while, "my involvement... I could tell you a sob story about a son of a poor shoe maker. He grew up in the slums where his parents scraped their meager living any way they could. Then his father got killed by a local mob for not coughing up enough protection money. Guards did not look into it".

 

He turned to gaze at the window, "the boy didn´t want to follow his fathers footsteps, and he didn´t want his mother to sell herself. So he decided to do something. He found out he had fast feet and nimble fingers. No lock could resist his touch. In years to come he became better and better, and found out that noble women couldn´t resist a handsome scoundrel either". A smug smile appeared on his face.

 

He sighted turning back to Severus, "then one night he broke into this tower. He had heard the stories and knew of the danger, but the master of the house had wealth and beautiful daughters. One of which he had already talked with, accidentally. So he decided to take his change. By a odd change he came face to face with this lord in the dead of night. He was given a option, which he took".

 

He paused for a while thinking, then continued. "the boys mother, she got sick of the wasting. He thought she was done for. Then one day when he was out a messenger brought a potion. This medicine was powerful and expensive, he could not have come up enough gold for it if he had worked day and night for years, but there it was. Free of charge. He found out that someone appreciated him. And now she lives in a better part of the town because he can provide for it".

 

He flashed out yet another charming smile, "but those sob stories, they would not change how things are. I sit here in chains and yet another lord sits before me stomping on the little people in process".*

 

Spoiler

Severus rose from the stool, starting to pace in a circle. "Yes, just a high-and-mighty lord. Dancing the dance, 'stomping on the little people'." He came back around, squatting before Vel and grasping him by the back of his neck.

 

"You forget what you are, Vel Brassius, what you were sent to that ship to do. We both know it wasn't to rescue slaves." For a brief moment, his face contorted in a flash of disgust. The first sign he possessed any emotion at all.

 

"Now, why don't I tell you where this grievance began. Some time ago I had moved to take remaining Venatori collaborators into custody, ones who had operated within positions of some authority." He squinted, looking beyond Vel, "These were people who intended to place our country in the hands of a Darkspawn. People who killed Imperial legionnaires across our southern border. Now, the execution of bag men, laborers, foot-soldiers, enslaved or otherwise, nobody cares. They're faceless, expendable..."

 

"But the men and women I captured, many of them were high-born lords and ladies. Magisters' children, or magisters themselves; born of storied pedigree and heirs to their great houses." His grip tightened, "They thought themselves above the law, above justice... that they could play it off as one big lark. I took them, against the wishes of the magisterium by which they would no doubt be coddled, because the price of treason knows no class or status of birth."

 

Severus relinquished his grip, briskly standing upward, "But I was waylaid. A new movement came about, pressuring the Archon to back away from the adjudication of these traitors. Put it to a vote, they said, reserve the sentencing to the fair hand and good sense of the Magisterium. The architect of this scheme? None other than the esteemed Magister Caius of House Vaellanius. At first, I wondered if he could be a conspirator as well, trying to save his allies. Yet the true reason was... so much more mundane, something all too familiar here in Tevinter."

 

Severus leaned down, hands on his knees, "You know what he told me, later? That he needed support from one of the traitors' father. For a 'small endeavor' of his." 

 

He extended a finger, reaching out to prod Vel's shoulder in mockery, "And there it is. The old song and dance; the constant jostling for power. Who am I to inconvenience them in their little game?"

 

Spoiler

*Vel reached up to rub his neck as best as he could looking uncomfortable, the chains restricted his reach. "I never said I was righteous. Do pawns on the board really have that luxury?".

 

He leaned forward gazing at the Imperator his eyes gleaming, "are you righteous my lord? From the slums you are no different than the Magisters in the Magisterium. Sure there are a lot of grand talk about the glory of the Imperium, about reforms and taking care of your fellow man. You can catch more or less that same inspiring speech each day in the sermon in the Chantry´s grand cathedral. But does anything actually change? People in power swap seats and everything keeps rolling down the same path as before. Poor people die of hunger, sickness and random violence. You get shanked in the alley for a few copper and the corrupt guards do nothing about it despite all this posturing".

 

He leaned back against the wall, "I´ve learned a long time ago that there is a illusion some like to talk about, and then there is the real world. And in the real world no one looks after you but yourself".

 

A amused expression appeared on his face, "besides, has anyone ever told you my lord that you and Magister Vaellanius are much alike? You both seem to have vision of future and what it should be, and damned of anyone else getting in the way of that. You seem to play the game as much as anyone else".*

 

Spoiler

Severus' mouth opened immediately, only to freeze slightly agape. He finally sighed, abandoning his initial response,  "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. We both spent time... years, in Seheron. We've seen firsthand what Tevinter faces. What all of Thedas faces. It changes you. But... I'm afraid it may have warped Caius' mind for the worse. He loses sight of what he should be, what our country needs to do."

 

He lowered himself back down onto the stool, "You wish to speak of the real world. Well, off the coast of Par Vollen, at this very moment, the Qunari are amassing a fleet of dreadnoughts in numbers we haven't seen since the first invasion. That is world I am concerned with. Now, those gems you had believed were on that ship... they are weapons. Or, rather, parts of them. Meant to be placed overlooking the ports of each city that lay before the Nocen. In fact, I was just recently notified that the first device is now being constructed as we speak in Minrathous. After the gem was delivered via convoy, of course."

 

He tilted his head to the side, "That is what you were sent to steal. But why? Bruised ego? An unyielding desire to have the last word? Tell me, young Brassius, what is so important, as to deprive the Imperium this new defense against the encroaching invaders?"

 

Spoiler

*Vel raised his eyebrows, "I wasn´t aware of such. But I believe that bo.. lord Vaellanius is aware of the coming attack. Now, I don´t claim to know his thoughts but I would guess he wants to beat you to it. I would not be surprised if there are already his own defensive weapons being built. You did step on his toes with the Venatori issue, he is the kind of guy to hold a grudge. I would not cross him".

 

He adjusted his position on the stone floor, "the bo.. lord Vaellanius hates the oxmen with passion. It is rather funny considering his..". Vel closed his mouth and cleared his throat, "never mind that. But anyway, I would guess he prepares everything for the moment he needs to step forward. I think he wants to be the hero. Why, I have no idea. Maybe he has a long-term plan. Me, I just want to stay alive".

 

Vel gazed at Severus intrigued, "my lord, you do know he has been moving troops out of his province? I am sure that has not gone unnoticed". He smiled amused, "and to my complete surprise he also started to give out free food to the refugees and poor people in his own name. Maybe he want´s to recruit them.*

 

Spoiler

"Ego, then. It's not about doing what's right, but making sure everyone knows his name. One grand icon build atop the bones of his countrymen, as we have seen. That very well could have been your fate, you know, all for a grand spat over nothing. Of course, you would have served your purpose in his courtly game... nothing more than the cost of doing business."

 

Severus paused for a moment, rubbing his forefinger against his thumb, "But, instead, you'll have the chance to be more than that. I would also like you to give Caius a message for me: from henceforth, he will stay out of Ordo Silentia's affairs... far, far away. No more spies, no more conniving. This isn't the first time I've given him terms, as you know. I went to him with the intent to start anew, to discard this pointless hostility... to come clean in his corruption of my agents with blood magic. Well, he lied to my face, and here we are."

 

He leaned closer, scooting the stool forward. "It was more than he deserved at the time, and more than he deserves now. I have more than enough to present to the Archon and the Magisterium, and bury House Vaellanius forever. But it would be a bloody end, costing us men and women we will need in the war that is coming. Convince me not to. If your as concerned with the 'real world' and the common folk as you want me to believe, I expect you'll take this enlightening conversation we've had into consideration."

 

Severus stopped, listening. Footsteps beyond the door. He stood up once more, clearing his throat. "You know what's at risk. I hope you will urge your employer to rearrange his priorities, and quickly."

 

Spoiler

*"So you are letting me go, in one piece?" Vel asked surprised, "not to look a gift horse in the mouth mind you".

 

Vel rotated his chafing wrist chains, "to be honest my lord, I might disappoint you though. Magister Vaellanius is not the kind of man to take my word for it. Besides, I am pretty sure my involvement in this has been somehow refuted. I am sure there is a parchment where you can find my signature of my resignation from service few weeks ago with several liable witnesses testifying for it". He smiled shortly.

 

"I also believe he has equal amount of evidence about your involvement in something sinister. Imperator is not hereditary title isn´t it? Magister Vaellanius is very good at collecting information, true or not. And he has been mustering a lot of extra support lately. Just saying, but I am sure you already know this" Vel nodded.

 

"My biased advice would be a soft approach, a friendly gesture without strings attached. He is not used of such".

 

He sighted, "Magister Vaellanius is not some Venatori conspirator my lord. The man has his own army, even now there are legions he has brought from his province outside Minrathous, and a lot of troops inside the city. Not to mention his large political support. Too many people in power are attached to him, he has been making deals left and right. Going against him would most likely cost you a civil war, you are not very popular man in the Senate these days. That much even I know. And in the worst case, you know what awaits there. Not that you would be afraid of such end, I´m sure". Vel looked at Imperator sincere. 

 

"This said with all due respect my lord. You seem like an honest man".*

 

Spoiler

"My previous offering of a truce was the friendly gesture, he has no one to blame but himself. Should he not heed the advice you will surely give him, then so be it. We have his blood magic, the bard, this scheme with the gems... Ah." He folded his arms behind his back, "And, of course, his clandestine marriage to a Qunari mistress. How curious that his wife by law would pass away, so soon afterward? Then a sudden spat with her father... The Magisterium does love hearing of such peculiar coincidences."

 

The door creaked open as Davion entered the room, moving to stand at attention. Severus glanced over at him, and then looked back to Vel. "Well, if nothing else, do it for his sake. You seem like the glib sort. I'm sure he'll find you very convincing, if you choose to be."

 

Spoiler

*"Alright then" Vel flashed his most charming smile, "that is what we will do then".

 

He leaned forward whispering like a conspirator, "that mistress thing, it is really a juicy gossip. Just be careful with it my lord, it is one of the things boss does not play around with. It seems to be a sore spot for him".

 

Vel tried to stretch himself, "if that was all then I am ready to leave. The boss will most likely grill me too for everything we talked about.". He smirked to Imperator, "In my opinion, you two should go out for a drink. It would a epic song worthy event. If the tavern would survive it".*

 

Spoiler

"I'm sure." Severus motioned at Davion, who pounded the door twice. The two armored men returned, with one grasping a bag in his hand. The Imperator turned back to Vel, holding out his hand, "Make your country proud."

 

A wave of torpor washed over Vel. His eyes, suddenly heavy, began to tear up as he fought to keep them open. His back slid against the wall as he slumped over onto the floor, face in the dirt. The soil was surprisingly damp and cool, generating a deep breath from Vel as he yielded his struggle and fell to slumber.

 

From the sounds of the city, Vel could tell he had been brought back to Minrathous, and the smell tipped him off long before that. The fabric of the bag, stained with sweat, irritated the skin of his face and stung his eyes. Dried blood caked his wrists, and the sharp pain of blisters lining the manacles. Eventually, it became quieter, and he suddenly found the ground beneath his feet moving upwards. The hill then, old Minrathous. The hands grasping his arms finally forced him to stop, then spun him around.

 

The curtain of fabric lifted, and the light bouncing off the stone walkways blinded him. Some distance behind him, someone uttered "What is the meaning of this?"

 

Vel's vision adjusted, and he found himself facing Davion. The elf peered into his eyes, and then nodded to one of the soldiers accompanying him. They spun him around again, to view the black iron gate of Vaellanius manor. Two men of the Order stood in front of him, and beyond, two house guards approached, hands grasping their sheathes at the ready.

 

"I say again, explain yourself!" one of them demanded. The second stopped in his tracks, staring in awe at Vel. Without saying a word, the soldiers parted. Vel felt a sudden tension about his wrists, and then release as the manacles were unlocked. A hard shove to his back sent him stumbling forward, and a guard jumped forward to catch him.

 

They watched as the soldiers, clothed in red and gold, silently made their way back down the hill. Davion, lingering for a few moments longer, finally turned to follow them.

[raging_monkey]

act 2 hope ya'll enjoy

Spoiler

The trip to Minrathous was agonizing sitting in a carriage always caused monkai to be ill it didn't help that the Templar leader loved fish chews that smell like bronto dung that sat in the sun for a week.

By the time they got to the the city and exited the carriage monkai could not hold it in anymore and vomited over the Templar leader. His armor was a pristine silverite make definitely expensive but now it was a brown mess "Ugh disgusting why not the ground" he shouted

"Apologies Grom but I was aiming for that cat over there haha honest" monkai sarcastically retorted following the the other guard to the magitorium "I'll be sure tell the Senate the good you've done haha.

It had been months since he was here it was beautiful if you didn't notice the snakes around every corner, his only hope is that zara and ukki got the message of his tribunal, ukki was a patient if odd man but this was infuriating due monkai's last minute information and maker preserve him if zara is mad...

There were three judges odd for a tribunal monkai thought sizing up the opposition, the one in the middle was judge Tenvrae at fat gluttonous man that could be bought with urine if offered. The one on the left was judge Darkon a friend well sort of he knew zara and had tea with her daily so there was hope wars pulled some strings, and the last was judge Carasi a hanging judge both figuratively and literally the woman was power-mad she had more executions than Qunari if the reports are to be believed.

"This court is here to discuss first enchanter Ragin Monkai 's crimes against the imperium and corrupting the youth of tevinter how do you plead " judge carasi spoke in a monotonous voice that was so cold that he could feel the air freeze.

"Not guilty and I demand my arbiter " monkai said scratching his rear.

"TRAITORS DON'T GET A SAY!" Tenvrae said with the rolls on his throat wobbling like a gelatinous mass

"sadly he does and by law he gets one judge Tenvrae best remember that we will reconvene in two days until then you will be sent to Serentine the made prison" judge darkon said with a sharp tone that probably shaved few hairs off carasi 's head

monkai was then escorted to his cell pondering what was going on being on tribunal was one thing... but to have carasi something was off and smelt like mother's cooking.