Apologies if I am breaking a forum rule in posting this, this is my first topic. Also, it is a bit long.
(Written from the POV of an anonymous Fereldan lord)
The Breach has been sealed, the threat of Corypheus is, if not completely erased, then safely locked away for the time being. As we turn our eyes to the remainder of the Age we find that Ferelden has, although thankfully not directly in the path of the Demonic Incursion, suffered unfairly during the course of the war. Order has been restored, and the path of our good King Alistair/Queen Anora has never seemed brighter.
Although there is the matter of Ferelden's most opportunistic neighbour.
Whether Emperor Gaspard openly plots to unleash the dreaded chevaliers on our western borders, or Empress Celene remains alive to spin her webs of intrigue, it is clear that regardless of the oft-mentioned "Golden Age," neither the Hero of Ferelden nor the reigning monarchs have done enough to transform Ferelden from the unhappily third-rate nation it is currently into the Ferelden that every citizen can be proud of. Mabari may be adorable, but the Antivans have better spies and agents, the Nevarrans have a more stable monarchy and a state-sponsored magical program, the Tevinter have even greater mages and an inpenetrable city as their capital, and the Orlesians have the land, money, and for the most part intact bureaucracy to wage war. A most unhappy outcome for Orlais' neighbours.
So what I ask is this:
Consider the position of the Ferelden patriot. Whether you are a Teyrn, Arl, Bann, or simply an influential enough freeholder to have the ear of the Crown, what would you suggest be Ferelden's first move in securing her borders?
Consider these points...
Any National Alliances? (I think it shameful that Ferelden has not even considered an alliance with a fellow neighbour of Orlais... the Bannorn is the nation's breadbasket and the Orlesians want it, so why not trade some of it for some friends?)
Does the army need to be built up? How about a real Ferelden Navy? (The Orlesians invaded by sea the last time) How does Ferelden make as much as coin as possible to fund the defense works?
Mages - the Inquisition made a bold move on that matter. Magical assistance proved to be absolutely marvellous during the Fifth Blight - any chance the Crown can begin moving mages into the Army? Which leads to...
The Chantry Question - although no-one is doubting the Chantry's position in the lives of the common Fereldan, it is unquestionably an Orlesian institution at its core. During the reign of the usurper Meghren, Chantry officials (barring the odd good egg like Mother Ailis) often played spy and informer against the rebel movement. Grand Cleric Bronach herself only supported Maric, the rightful King, when his army was literally outside Denerim. Can we avoid another Bronach, or like-minded supporters from sowing dissent in the homeland?
Templars - the Inquisition made a bold move on that matter. Although there is no united army of mages roaming Ferelden (thank the Maker), there is an armed force that has been trained to deal with them. Templar assistance would be welcome. How soon can negotiations begin with Orzammar? (Templars need what comes out of Orzammar)
Just food for thought.
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