Although if we're going to be honest, the words 'moral dilemma' and 'demon' don't exactly go together. I know the guy was basically screwed even if this whole thing didn't happen, but being a demon slave isn't exactly any better.
That and I'm pretty sure he'd notice those missing. The demons probably would have left some sort or proof and he and Greagoir have enough courtesy and decency between themselves that he'd at least tell Irving.
The other missing valuables in the tower probably wouldn't help.
Normally I'd agree with them...... but the demon is the right there. It's here and you know the moment it's done with him, it's going to move onto some other poor sap until it decides to let loose.
Normally I'd agree with them...... but the demon is the right there. It's here and you know the moment it's done with him, it's going to move onto some other poor sap until it decides to let loose.
That and I'm pretty sure he'd notice those missing. The demons probably would have left some sort or proof and he and Greagoir have enough courtesy and decency between themselves that he'd at least tell Irving.
He doesn't notice mage wardens sneaking a staff bigger than they are out of the repository until he's told, I'm sure he won't notice Duran carrying a few bookshelves out.
He doesn't notice mage wardens sneaking a staff bigger than they are out of the repository until he's told, I'm sure he won't notice Duran carrying a few bookshelves out.
At least the Fade doesn't have much dialogue, this shouldn't take too long to type up.
First shot of how close the Black City is.
Once I head in, I see an old friend.
*
They didn't want to make a unique dream for every origin so they just put in Duncan and hoped that you're not too annoyed with a generic dream.
Duncan: Ah, there you are. I'm not disturbing you, am I?
Duran: Wait... you should be dead.
Duncan: Dead? Me? Hah! I have been close many times, but never quite all the way. I just wanted to make sure you were happy here, in Weisshaupt. These grand halls were built by the first Grey Wardens. Isn't it breathtaking?
Duran: I don't know. Something doesn't seem right.
Duncan: Everything is as it should be. We have eradicated the darkspawn, and the world is at peace.
Duran: That's not right. The world is never utterly at peace.
Duncan: But now it is, for the first time in history. And you played a part in the making of that history. Do you not remember?
Duran: No, I thought the darkspawn would always be a threat.
Duncan: It was a triumph for all of us, bringing down the archdemon and setting the underground lairs ablaze.
Duran: If the darkspawn are gone, then we are no longer needed.
Duncan: The Grey Wardens shall be keepers of history. We shall tell tales and sing songs of a more tumultuous time, that others may rejoice in knowing that that time is past.
Duran: No, that is not what the Grey Wardens are.
Duncan: And I suppose you know the Grey Wardens better than I do? Foolish child. I have given you so much and you cast it back in my face. Can you not be content with the peace I offer?
Duran: The darkspawn are not gone, to ignore them is irresponsible.
Duncan: It seems only war and death will satisfy you. So be it! Have your war and your darkspawn! May they be your doom!
Demon Duncan has two friends but he goes down a lot easier than the real Duncan would, leaving me free to explore the Fade.
The Fade navigation system, find an altar and use it to select an area that you want to go to. The areas with symbols are ones that you've finished and the one in the center is the sloth demon's lair.
I go to the Raw Fade since it's the only way to go.
And this is Niall for those who have forgotten, he got himself trapped by the sloth demon as well.
Niall: Who are you? Where did you come from? Are you a demon? No... I see that you're not. You're like me. Congratulations on getting out of the trap.
Duran: Trap?
Niall: The demon traps everything that comes here in a dream it thinks they can't--or won't--try to leave. I thought I'd escaped, too, but I've been wandering these empty, grey spaces for a lifetime.
Duran: Who are you?
Niall: My name is Niall. I was trying to save the Circle when I encountered the sloth demon. I expect our experiences were similar.
Duran: Niall? Owain mentioned you.
Niall: Owain helped me greatly. I suppose I'll never be able to repay him. The Litany was our weapon against the blood mages' domination. But it's too late. Everyone's dead...
Duran: Why are there so many blood mages here?
Niall: I don't know. They must have been practicing in secret, even teaching others. I knew these people, trusted them...
The Litany was our only hope of saving the Circle. But now...
This place drains you of everything... hope, feeling, life...
Duran: We'll find a way out.
Niall: No, there is no way out of here. You think there might be, but you'd be wrong. You see that pedestal there? I've studied the runes on it--runes that signify different islands in the sloth demon's domain. The sloth demon itself is on the center island, but you can't get there. The five islands around the center somehow form a protective ward. I thought I was getting somewhere when I figured that out, and I went to each island in turn only to have my hopes dashed. There's always an obstacle. You'll see the path but be unable to get to it, and it taunts you and drives you mad.
Duran: You mentioned obstacles before?
Niall: Yes... obstacles and mad dream things--a river of flame before a portal, or a door that shows you freedom through a keyhole which no key will fit...
I once found a passageway smaller than my hand with a mouse traveling to and fro through it. Silly thing fled before I could question it.
Duran: Why would you talk to a mouse?
Niall: Each dreamer may know things another may not. The mouse could have told me what lay beyond that tiny passage, or how to get there. Even how I might make myself small like him, and crawl through myself. And if one could become small enough to take one path, perhaps there are similar things for others.
As he just explained, this is an extended shapeshifting puzzle.
"And I looked at the creature and it had become me. A veritable copy of my form, of my very mind, stared back at me as if from within a mirror. I thought surely that this was a trick, an illusion meant to put me off guard... but as I engaged the thing with my sword it fought me with maneuvers that I recognized. It parried as I parried; it swung as I swung. It spoke to me and said things that only I could know. I... I think this demon of sloth has no form or identity of its own. It is envy as much as sloth, I believe, and mine was not the first shape it stole that day."
—An excerpt from a transcribed deposition of Tyrenus, templar-commander of Cumberland, 3:90 Towers.
The most difficult assumption for some who study demons to overcome is the notion that a sloth demon is, in and of itself, slothful. If that were so, it seems highly unlikely that any such demons would cross the Veil into our own world, or once here would fight to possess any creature with a will of its own—and we know both these things to not be the case. Certainly, some demons are lazy and complacent, but who knows? Perhaps these creatures even cultivate such a reputation.
The truth is that demons of sloth are named so because this is the portion of the human psyche that they feed upon. Doubt. Apathy. Entropy. They seek to spread these things. The sloth demon hides in its forms, a master of shapes and disguises, always in the last place you look... and from its hiding place it spreads its influence. A community afflicted by a demon of sloth could soon become a dilapidated pit where injustices are allowed to pass without comment, and none of the residents could be aware that such a change has even taken place. The sloth demon weakens, tires, tears at the edges of consciousness and would much rather render its victim helpless than engage in a true conflict. Such creatures are best faced only with a great deal of will, and only with an eye to piercing their many disguises.
Niall's tiredness seems to be expressed by constant use of ...
I start with the Burning Tower.
As expected, everything is on fire.
Especially the enemies.
After going around some flames I come across a templar dreamer and beat him up a bit, triggering his cutscene.
I apparently killed him too fast since the demons that usually help him were forced to die mid-cutscene (otherwise they'd probably attack the two people talking and make it impossible to take seriously).
Templar: The anger... fading... I am free. Take Rhagos' power, and use it to BURN him... burn them all. He guards sloth, he bars the way. You must... destroy the door... Other dreamers, other powers... only way...
With his power I become a flaming zombie. Cool. I can now hurl fireballs and am utterly immune to fire damage but weak to cold spells.
I detest this notion that the Veil is some manner of invisible "curtain" that separates the world of the living from the world of the spirits (whether it be called the Fade or the Beyond is a matter of racial politics I refuse to indulge in at the moment). There is no "this side" and "that side" when it comes to the Veil. One cannot think of it as a physical thing or a barrier or even a "shimmering wall of holy light" (thank you very much for that image, Your Perfection).
Think of the Veil, instead, as opening one's eyes.
Before you opened them, you saw our world as you see it now: static, solid, unchanging. Now that they are open, you see our world as the spirits see it: chaotic, ever-changing, a realm where the imagined and the remembered have as much substance as that which is real—more, in fact. A spirit sees everything as defined by will and memory, and this is why they are so very lost when they cross the Veil. In our world, imagination has no substance. Objects exist independently of how we remember them or what emotions we associate with them. Mages alone possess the power to change the world with their minds, and perhaps this forms the nature of a demon's attraction to them—who can say?
Regardless, the act of passing through the Veil is much more about changing one's perceptions than a physical transition. The Veil is an idea, it is the act of transition itself, and it is only the fact that both living beings and spirits find the transition difficult that gives the Veil any credence as a physical barrier at all.
—From A Dissertation on the Fade as a Physical Manifestation, by Mareno, Senior Enchanter of the Minrathous Circle of Magi, 6:55 Steel
A summary of how the Veil works from an in-universe pov.
Anyways, next up for me is The Mages Asunder since I can't progress any further without the golem form. The main enemies of this level are demons pretending to be crazy mages.
Mage 1: Hurting people is what we do. We're mages.
Mage 2: Yes! Our magic gives us power over others! (laughs) Use your gift today!
Mage 3: Let us play a game! The one who causes the most pain wins!
Once they're all dead I find the third dreamer getting beaten up by golems and priests.
Golems are tough bastards and the former main defence of the dwarven empire.
Once a crucial part of Orzammar's defenses, golems have all but vanished as the secret to their manufacture was lost over a thousand years ago. What few golems remain are guarded closely by the Shaperate, brought out when the battle with the darkspawn grows desperate enough to risk their loss. No one now would sell a golem for any price, but in ancient times, dwarves sold many golems to the magister lords of Tevinter.
They are devastating weapons in war, living siege engines, capable of hurling boulders like a catapult or plowing through enemy lines like an earthquake.
Mage dreamer: Thank you. It is time for this dream to come to an end. I will give you my strength. It will be of little use against the demon that rules here but perhaps it will help you in other realms. Find a way to kill all the demon lords to open the way to Sloth. Free us all from this nightmare!
Of little use my arse, the only obstacles between me and the boss are doors that the golem form can break.
Slavren, the first demon lord slain, he looks like an abomination for some reason.
Then I finish off Rhagos as well.
He's just a rage demon.
With him dead as well, I head into the Darkspawn Invasion dream which is just more of the circle environment except filled with demons pretending to be darkspawn (or less likely, darkspawn spirits).
Okay, that is a very odd way to refer to a supposedly soulless creature or a demon pretending to be a darkspawn.
Dreamer: They're gone. You... you did it. You killed them. But not all, their leaders are behind the unbreakable door. I give you my wisdom, it will let you see. And now I wake...
Spirit form is turning into an Arcane Horror and getting two very good spells. Crushing Prison makes a great opener against the area bosses.
Another Ogre to slay, this one isn't anywhere near as tough as the last one though.
Okay what the fuck, it wasn't a demon pretending to be a darkspawn? It was an Ogre Emissary in the Fade for some reason?
Moving on to a less baffling topic, I finally get the Right of Annulment codex.
In the 83rd year of the Glory Age, one of the mages of the Nevarran Circle was found practicing forbidden magic. The templars executed him swiftly, but this brewed discontent among the Nevarra Circle. The mages mounted several magical attacks against the templars, vengeance for the executed mage, but the knight-commander was unable to track down which were responsible.
Three months later, the mages summoned a demon and turned it loose against their templar watchers. Demons, however, are not easily controlled. After killing the first wave of templars who tried to contain it, the demon took possession of one of its summoners. The resulting abomination slaughtered templars and mages both before escaping into the countryside.
The Grand Cleric sent a legion of templars to hunt the fugitive. They killed the abomination a year later, but by that time it had slain 70 people.
Divine Galatea, responding to the catastrophe in Nevarra and hoping to prevent further incidents, granted all the grand clerics of the Chantry the power to purge a Circle entirely if they rule it irredeemable. This Right of Annulment has been performed 17 times in the last 700 years.
—From Of Fires, Circles, and Templars: A History of Magic in the Chantry, by Sister Petrine, Chantry scholar
And that's how the Templars got the right to kill everybody in a Circle, the mages fucked up in their attacks on the Templars. Still, quite a low death count for an abomination.
Now for the Templar's Nightmare, where nothing is properly connected and there is no roof.
And where the environment will sometimes set itself on fire.
Once I catch up to the area boss, it runs away.
Even in mouse form it's head is on fire.
It dies like the others and the journal says it's a pride demon rather than being a desire demon despite having the desire demon model (I guess they had planned to use that model at some point but then changed it when they realised it would be silly to have the area boss be a fodder enemy with more health).
Now that four of the areas are cleared, I'm able to start freeing my companions.
Wynne first, she's surrounded by demons pretending to be the corpses of apprentices.
Wynne: Maker forgive me. I failed them all. They died and I did not stop it.
Duran: They're not dead yet. The Circle can still be saved.
Wynne: What about all this? How can you say that when faced with this? Death. Can you not see it? It's all around us.
Duran: You're in the Fade. This is a dream.
Wynne: Why was I spared if not to help them? What use is my life now that I have failed in the task that was given me? Leave me to my grief. I shall bury the bones, scatter the ashes to the four winds, and mourn their passing until I too am dead.
Duran: I'm finding it hard to feel sympathy for demons.
Wynne: Your blatant disregard for the souls of the dead strikes me as being utterly inappropriate.
Duran: To fall apart so easily just does not seem like you.
Wynne: You do not know me. You have no right to make such judgements.
Duran: Can't you tell this is the Fade? Aren't you a mage?
Wynne: The Fade? I... have not considered that. I have always had an affinity for the Fade, and I would assume I would be able to recognise it. It is... difficult... to focus. It feels as though something is... stopping me from concentrating. I have never had so much trouble...
Perhaps some time away from this place will help me think clearly.
Duran: That sounds like a good idea.
Demon: Don't leave us, Wynne. We don't want to be alone.
Wynne: Holy maker! Stay away, foul creature!
Duran: More demons to kill, it seems.
Demon: Stay, Wynne. Sleep soundly in the comforting embrace of the earth. Do not fight it. You belong here, with us.
Wynne: N-no. Not yet. My task is not yet done... it is not time yet.
Demon: Come... come away to your rest...
*3 dead demons later*
Wynne: Is it over? Thank the Maker for you. Wait... what's happening? Where are you going?
Morrigan on the other hand knows exactly what she's dealing with and was a few seconds from bailing herself out when I arrived. Out of all the companions she does the best at dealing with Sloth's trap.
Now back to Niall for one more chat before confronting Sloth.
Niall: What did you do? I felt something, like the earth was shifting--except it probably wasn't the earth...
Duran: I killed one of the demons on the islands.
Niall: You did? You managed to get to it? I... I didn't think it was possible. Killing that demon must have opened something. Perhaps... perhaps the pieces are falling into place now.
Duran: So are the blood mages responsible for all this trouble?
Niall: Uldred is the mastermind behind it all. At Uldred's suggestion the Circle was about to ally itself with Loghain, when the teyrn's treachery was revealed. Uldred made excuses but we were having none of it. He panicked then, tried to leave... Irving wouldn't let him.
Duran: What did Irving plan to do?
Niall: I don't know. I don't believe we ever got to that part. I was barely paying attention. Such meetings are boring; the course of action usually decided before we even congregate.
Duran: When did the blood mages show up?
Niall: Uldred let loose a bolt of energy that flung us all against a wall. That woke me up. it might have been a signal. That was when a whole group of mages poured into the chamber. And that was when I saw real blood magic in action, for the first time in my life. It was like they brought the wrath of the Maker Himself down on our heads.
Duran: But the abominations, where did they come from?
Niall: I was just getting to that. Uldred must have dabbled in demonology. When the fighting started he tried to summon something... or some things. They overwhelmed him, and when the screaming stopped. Uldred was... gone.
Duran: What do you mean gone?
Niall: I'm sure he wishes he were dead. Uldred became an abomination. And when I saw it, I ran for my life.
Duran: You ran? But I thought you were trying to save the Circle.
Niall: I was in a panic. Once I calmed down, I thought about what would happen if... that thing... got out. I gathered some of my fellows and we obtained the Litany from the stockroom. I thought if we disabled the others, we could throw everything we had at Uldred. But... I saw my friends fall, one by one... and now it's my turn.
Duran: I'm not going to die here. There must be a way out.
Niall: I don't want it to end like this. Do you feel it? It's getting so cold...
How on earth was Wynne not at the meeting to see all of this? Still, I finish the final demon and confront Sloth.
He's ugly, but then again I've yet to see a pretty non-desire demon (and even they have the flaming heads) so I suppose it's to be expected.
Sloth: What do we have here? A rebellious minion? An escaped slave? (laughs) My, my... but you do have some gall. But playtime is over. You all have to go back now.
*Wynne, Sten and Morrigan appear*
Morrigan: You made a dangerous enemy, demon, by toying with my mind.
Sten: I am here, And it is time to finish this. I have had enough of cages.
Wynne: You will not hold us, demon. We found each other in this place and you cannot stand against us.
Sloth: If you go back quietly, I'll do better this time. I'll make you much happier.
Duran: I'll make my own happiness, thank you.
Sloth: Can't you think about someone other than yourself? I'm hurt, so very, very hurt.
Duran: Sorry, but I'd rather just be rid of your evil right now.
Sloth: You wish to battle me? So be it... you will learn to bow to your betters, mortal!
He then turns into an ogre, a rage demon, an abomination, a shade and then back into his original form before dying, he's nothing special as a boss. With him dead though, all that's left is one conversation in the Fade.
Niall: You defeated the demon, I never thought... I never expected you to free yourself, to free us both. When you return... take the Litany of Adralla from my... body. It will protect you from the worst of the blood magic.
Duran: Your body?
Niall: I cannot go with you. I have been here far too long. For you it will have been an afternoon's nap. Your body won't have wasted away in the real world while your spirit lay in the hands of a demon.
Duran: You think you're going to die?
Niall: Every minute I was here, the sloth demon was feeding off of me, using my life to fuel the nightmares of this realm. There is so little of me left...
I was never meant to save the Circle, or... survive its troubles. I am dying. It is as simple as that.
Duran: There must be something I can do.
Niall: Thank you, but it is too late for me. I do not fear of what may come. They say we return to the Maker in death, and that isn't such a terrible thing. My only regret is that I could not save the Circle. But you... you can. Take the Litany of my... my body, when you return. It is important!
Duran: I will do this.
Niall: I'm not... a hero. Perhaps trying to be one was foolish.
Duran: Ordinary people can do great things when they have to.
Niall: Dark times, greater acts of heroism, eh? You may be right. Before I was taken to the Circle, my mother said I was meant for greatness, that I would be more than my ancestors could have ever dreamed. I hope I haven't disappointed her.
Duran: You didn't, Niall.
Niall: It is time for both of us to be on our way. Remember the Litany of Adralla. The Circle is all that matters now. Thank you and goodbye... friend.
That bit of him spending his last moments hoping that he didn't disappoint his mother always makes me sad.
Adralla of Vyrantium dedicated her life to the study of blood magic—the academic study, rather than the practice. A deeply pious mage, she was renowned in her day for having found a counter to every form of mind control, a defense against dream walkers, and even counter-spells to demonic summons.
Her efforts went unappreciated in her native Tevinter, however. After three different magisters attempted to have her killed, she fled the country, choosing to take refuge in the land of Blessed Andraste's birth. She spent the remainder of her days with the Circle in Ferelden.
The Litany of Adralla disrupts the casting of mind control spells. Use the Litany whenever a creature tries to dominate another with magic, and it will interrupt the casting. Once the spell is in effect and a character is under a blood mage's power, it is too late.
As you've guessed from the name, the Litany of Adralla is a chant, I honestly don't know why all Circle mages and templars aren't required to know it off by heart.
Oh what the hell are dragonlings doing in the templar quarters? You're as out of place as the darkspawn spirits.
Eventually, I make it to the door and find the sole surviving templar prisoner, Cullen.
He isn't doing so well these days.
Cullen: This trick again? I know what you are. It won't work. I will stay strong...
Duran: What won't work?
Wynne: The boy is exhausted. And this cage... I've never seen anything like it. Rest easy... help is here.
Cullen: Enough visions. If anything in you is human... kill me now and stop this game. You broke the others, but I will stay strong, for my sake... for theirs...
Filthy blood mages... getting in my head... I will not break... I'd rather die.
Duran: Where are the other survivors?
Cullen: What others? What are you talking about?
Wynne: Irving and the other mages who fought Uldred. Where are they?
Cullen: They are in the Harrowing Chamber. The sounds coming out from there... oh, Maker...
Wynne: We must hurry. They are in grave danger, I am sure of it.
Cullen: You can't save them. You don't know what they've become.
Duran: And you do?
Cullen: They've been surrounded by blood mages whose wicked thoughts snake into your head and corrupt your thoughts. You have to end it, now, before it's too late.
Duran: What do you propose we do?
Cullen: To ensure this horror is ended... to guarantee that no abomination or blood mages live, you must kill everyone up there.
Duran: I cannot decide on that before seeing what's going on.
Cullen: That is your choice to make, but I beg you to consider what I have to say. You cannot tell a maleficarum by sight. Just one could influence the mind of a king, of a grand cleric.
Duran: It isn't as bad as you make it out to be.
Cullen: I am just willing to see the painful truth, which you are content to ignore. But what can I do?
Sten: What he says makes sense. Do not discard it out of hand... these mages are out of control.
Duran: You support his opinion?
Sten: I do. This infection must be cleansed before it spreads.
Duran: (persuade) It isn't that simple, Sten.
Sten: Perhaps.
Cullen: As you can see, I am in no position to directly influence your actions, though I would love to deal with the mages myself.
Duran: We will deal with you once Uldred lies dead.
Cullen: My cage is Uldred's doing... or one of his mages. Once they're dead, I will be free.
Duran: And then I will also decide what to do with the others.
Cullen: No one ever listens, not until it's far too late. Maker turn his gaze upon you. I hope that your compassion hasn't doomed us all.
And here's the man of the hour, Uldred the abomination.
Uldred: Ah... look what we have here. An intruder. I bid you welcome. Care to join in our... revels?
Duran: I take it you're Uldred.
Uldred: Oh. Very observant. I'm quite impressed you're still alive. Unfortunately, that must mean you killed my servants. Ah, well, they were probably better off dying in the service of their betters than living with the terrible responsibility of independence.
Duran: I'm sorry. Are you upset I killed your lackeys?
Uldred: We needn't fixate on who killed whom. That doesn't help our relationship.
Duran: What are you trying to accomplish by torturing these people?
Uldred: A mage is but the larval form of something greater. Your Chantry vilifies us, calls us abominations, when we have truly reached our full potential!
Look at them. The Chantry has them convinced. They deny themselves the pleasure of becoming something glorious.
Wynne: You're mad! There's nothing glorious about what you've become, Uldred!
Uldred: Uldred? He is gone. I am Uldred and yet not Uldred. I am more than he was. I could give you this gift, Wynne. You and all mages. It would be so much easier if you just accepted it. But some people can be so stubborn.
Duran: I'm glad so many stood up to you.
Uldred: And what good did that do? I still won. I even have the first enchanter on my side, don't I... Irving?
Wynne: What have you done to him?!
Irving: Stop him... he... is building an army. He will... destroy the templars and--
Uldred: You're a sly little fox, Irving, telling on me like that. And here I thought you were starting to turn.
Irving: N-never.
Uldred: That's enough out of you, Irving. He'll serve me, eventually. As will you...
Duran: No, I won't. I'd rather die.
Uldred: Killing you would be a waste. Your raw potential, with the strength of a demon behind it, would be unstoppable. I can do that--give you power, and a new life.
Duran: I'm sorry, I can't let you do that.
Uldred: I don't think your opinion matters. That is what I've decided, and that is what will be done. Fight, if you must. It will just make my victory all the sweeter.
Wynne: Don't forget the Litany. It will thwart Uldred's attempts to control the mages and win this fight for us.
Sorry, this is the best Uldred image I've got, I didn't think to take screenshots mid-battle. He dies from having a sword swung up his arse in a massive swing.
"Let me explain what it is to face a pride demon, my friends.
You may scoff and say that our talents exist only to face mages, but you will encounter demons often. They will be summoned by a maleficar and bound to do his bidding, and while at times they will be forced into the possession of a host, they will also face you in their true form... a powerful opponent indeed. Do not underestimate it.
Pride is powerful, and intelligent. When we have encountered one in its true form, its most common attacks are bolts of fire and ice. Fire they will use to burn an opponent, and the magical flame will combust anything you wear regardless of make. Ice they will use to freeze an opponent in place—be cautious, for they enjoy employing this against warriors in particular. More than one group of templars has made the mistake of attempting to overwhelm a pride demon and suffered the consequences, believe me. And if you think that having the aid of other mages will assist you, you are wrong. Pride demons can render themselves immune to magic for short times, and are adept at dispelling magic that is cast upon you... as much as we templars are able to disrupt spells.
Think on that for a moment, my friends. Be wary of how prideful you become, lest you find too much in common with such a fiend."
--Transcript of a lecture given by Vheren, templar-commander of Tantervale, 6:86 Steel
Since he's an early boss Uldred doesn't do any of these things to me and is basically a reskinned Ogre fight. Once I win, all the mages that Uldred tries to turn into abominations mid-fight drop dead for some reason.
Irving: Maker. I'm too old for this.
Wynne: Irving! Are you all right?
Irving: I've... ngh... been better. But I am thankful to be alive. I suppose that is your doing, isn't it, Wynne?
Wynne: I wasn't alone. I had help.
Irving: The Circle owes you both a debt we will never be able to repay. Come, the templars await. We shall let them know the tower is once again ours.
Duran: Very well, lead on.
Irving: I'll need you to guide me down the stairs... Ah, curse whoever insisted the Circle be housed in a tower.
And curse the idiots who insisted on putting the apprentices on the bottom floor.
Greagoir: Irving? Maker's breath, I did not expect to see you alive.
Irving: It is over, Greagoir. Uldred... is dead.
Cullen: Uldred tortured these mages, hoping to break their wills and turn them into abominations. We don't know how many of them have turned.
Irving: What? Don't be ridiculous!
Cullen: Of course he'll say that! He might be a blood mage! Don't you know what they did? I won't let this happen again!
Greagoir: I am the knight-commander here, not you.
Duran: I believe order has been restored to the Circle.
Irving: We will rebuild. The Circle will go on, and we will learn from this tragedy, and be strengthened by it.
Greagoir: We have won back the tower. I will accept Irving's reassurance that all is well.
Cullen: But they may have demons within them, lying dormant... lying in wait!
Greagoir: Enough! I have already made my decision.
Thank you. You have proven yourself a friend of both the Circle and the templars.
Duran: It had to be done.
Greagoir: I promised you aid, but with the Circle restored, my duty is to watch the mages. They are free to help you, however. Speak to them.
Duran: You mean the first enchanter?
Greagoir: Yes, Irving. For now, I will oversee a sweep of the tower. They may be some survivors and we should do our best to tend to them. Please, excuse me. And Irving... it is good to have you back.
Irving: Ah, I'm sure we'll be at each other's throats again in no time.
And here's where Cullen stops being reasonable, he's just straight up making things up to try and get the mages killed. Also, I'm not sure what's stopping the templars from chipping in other than Bioware not wanting to give goody-two shoes players both armies, I mean, the remainder of the Circle is going to war and to keep an eye on the mages the templars will need to accompany them into battle.
Irving: Here we are, the tower in disarray, the Circle nearly annihilated... though it could have been much worse. I am glad you arrived when you did (probably would have been better to arrive just after Uldred went nuts rather than after most of the Circle was wiped out but Bioware never lets protags get somewhere before shit hits the fan). It's almost as though the Maker himself sent you.
Duran: The Blight drove me here to seek aid.
Irving: The least we can do is help you against the darkspawn. I would hate to survive this only to be overcome by the Blight.
Duran: But there are so few mages left.
Irving: Do not underestimate us. Even one mage will be a great help to you. You have my word, as first enchanter. The Circle will join the Grey Wardens in the fight.
Wynne: Irving, I have a request. I seek leave to follow the Grey Warden.
Irving: Wynne... we need you here. The Circle needs you.
Wynne: I appreciate the sentiment, Irving, but the Circle will do fine without me. The Circle has you. This man is brave and good, and capable of doing great things. If he will accept my help, I will help him accomplish his goals.
Duran: I would be honoured to have you join me, Wynne.
Irving: You were never one to stay in the tower when there was adventure to be had elsewhere.
Wynne: Why stay when I can be of service elsewhere?
Irving: Then I give you leave to follow the Grey Warden, but know you always have a place here. There is much to be done here, and I must go. You must forgive me for not being a proper host.
Duran: I understand. Till we meet again.
Irving: When the time comes, we will stand beside you.
Now to finish up the Watchguard of the Reaching quest.
Shah Wyrd said:
A collection of powerful but undirected thoughts coalesced in the Fade. Such a being is in direct opposition to singular focus and drive. Distraction made flesh. The mind or minds that loosed this within the Fade must have been powerful and ancient indeed.
The thing sealed below was a spirit of idle thoughts, "pure, literal distraction" as Wynne called it. It drops Yusaris, my first tier 6 sword.
"In the company of monsters he went,
Down the empty wolf-roads after the dragon
To the lands where the ice is like steel,
And the air grows thin as a beggar,
And every rocky path is strewn with the bones
Of the lonely dead. There Dane dwelled,
And fifty swords were worn to rusted ruin
Before at last they found the cave of Fenshal,
Ancient keeper of the mountains, bane of wolves.
Dane sought a way in which the dragon might be felled,
Fiend of fire and talon, its scales
Brighter than any warrior's mail, teeth greater than men,
And all around the slumbering wyrm were bones:
Wolves, men, beasts beyond counting.
The fume of death frightened even the wolf pack,
And Dane, desperate, crept into the cavern
To seek the monster's death alone.
There, shining among the dead like a star
His hand found a sword. Yusaris:
Forged by the dwarf smiths for an Alamarri lord long ago,
Waiting age after age to be taken to battle once more.
And this Dane freed from the earth and struck
At the eye of the dragon, still sleeping,
With a swift, terrible blow.
And Fenshal woke, wroth, only to die."
-From Dane and the Werewolf.
The legend of the blade Yusaris predates Andraste. The sword that Dane found in the dragon's treasure hoard, which he used to slay both Fenshal and the werewolf, was passed on to his son Hafter.
Dane may have been fiction, but Hafter was fact. In 1:40 Divine, he led the Alamarri tribes against darkspawn that flooded into the Ferelden valley from the dwarven lands. He not only drove back the horde, he also then defeated the combined forces of the Avvars and Chasind who hoped in take advantage of the chaos. His victories earned him such respect from the tribes, he was named the first teyrn.
After years of ruling the valley in peace, it is said that Hafter left Ferelden, sailing into the unknown east of the Amaranthine Ocean with the blade still in hand, never to be seen again.
It's a priceless, legendary artifact and it just happens to be in the hands of a random spirit. This certainly won't be the last priceless treasure that only sells for a few sovereigns either.
And that's it, that's the first of the major mission chains done. Next up is probably Orzammar so that I can pick up Oghren early too (after collecting Shale and Zevran of course). The sections after the Fade had more talking than I remembered.
Yeah, never really understood why either of those things were where they are. The darkspawn could just be a bored demon deciding to amuse itself, the dragonlings and the drake require an explanation.
As you've guessed from the name, the Litany of Adralla is a chant, I honestly don't know why all Circle mages and templars aren't required to know it off by heart.
It might have something to do with the paper it's written on, it probably has to be present for it to work. Adralla was a mage after all, the item might be magic in it self. Of course, that doesn't answer the question of why the templars aren't having more of them made and distributed.
It wasn't even a proper revolt, it was a series of revenge killings that went wrong. And in response the Chantry gave the templars the right to purge the Circle and they have used that right every 40 years or so on average since they got it.
It might have something to do with the paper it's written on, it probably has to be present for it to work. Adralla was a mage after all, the item might be magic in it self. Of course, that doesn't answer the question of why the templars aren't having more of them made and distributed.
Unfortunately for this idea, the book Asunder shows that it is just the litany that does the trick, not the paper it's written on (of course, it could be that the writers intended for it to be just an item in Origins).
And in response the Chantry gave the templars the right to purge the Circle and they have used that right every 40 years or so on average since they got it.
Who knows, we know the Templars can do their job right with the right people in charge and in the right places, but they're still people, so there's always the chance that someone crazy or corrupt to wind up in the wrong position.
Still, I doubt they'd commence a purge without hard evidence. Hopefully.
Who knows, we know the Templars can do their job right with the right people in charge and in the right places, but they're still people, so there's always the chance that someone crazy or corrupt to wind up in the wrong position.
Yeah, never really understood why either of those things were where they are. The darkspawn could just be a bored demon deciding to amuse itself, the dragonlings and the drake require an explanation.
To pick up where I left off thanks to Starcraft II and Dark Souls II, this update is picking up Zevran and Shale.
Howe: I bring word, sire. There are demands from the Bannorn that you step down from the regency. They are said to be gathering their forces. As are your allies. It appears it will be civil war after all, despite the darkspawn. Pity. I also have an interesting report. There seem to be Grey Wardens who survived Ostagar. How I don't know, but they will act against you. I have arranged for a... solution, with your leave.
Now we see the beginning of Loghain's downward spiral as he starts taking increasingly more terrible measures to "save Ferelden" (and the start of his seeming drinking problem).
But before I deal with Zevran, I have to fight the man who conned the Circle.
Beyha Joam: Ah, a fellow traveler of the fair lands. Are you a seeker, perchance? My packs are light, but I have a tome of strange origin: The Deus vi Eternus! Rumored to be the last message to a sinful world from the Maker Himself.
Duran: Not so strange. I have five copies.
Joam: Ah, will the wonders of this all-too-small a land never cease. Well, they will for you! Get them!
Cameo Cowl: Every so often, a bolt of inspiration hits an inventor that subsequently propels a society forward into a new era. This was not one of those inventions. A small, enchanted medallion set into the front of this headwear was supposed to bear an image of the person dearest to the wearer's heart. However, at some point, likely in a domestic disagreement sparked by some idle fancy, the cameo was damaged, leaving the cowl forever displaying the image of a stern-looking woman of elven descent who stares out from the wearer's head. Still, other enchantments redeem the hood's utility, and a note tucked into an interior seam suggests a further upgrade made by the last owner: "Fixed! Much better without the stutter!"
Anyone have an idea of who this is a reference to?
Unfortunately, I cannot loot Joam's cart filled with thousands of sovereigns and am forced to leave it untouched for someone less restricted by game mechanics to loot.
Now to talk to Felix and get a control rod.
Felix: Er... you'll have to forgive me if I seem a bit nervous. Not many people traveling in this part of Ferelden. Of course that's part of my problem, isn't it? Mule got spooked by a wisp and ran off into the woods. Now what do I do?
Duran: Are you asking me to find your mule?
Felix: Oh! No, no, I sent the elf to do that. I wouldn't dream of asking a stranger to do it...
Allow me to introduce myself. Felix de Grosbois, merchant and entrepreneur, at your service.
Duran: I am Duran. Pleased to meet you.
Felix: I don't normally take this route, but with the war I was hoping for a bit of luck and good weather in the mountains. Sadly, I've had neither. This trip has been one miserable disaster after another. I don't suppose you'd... consider helping a fellow out?
Duran: What do you need?
Felix: Of all the other things that went wrong, the worst is this artifact I brought in Jader. It's a 'control rod,' I'm told. For a golem. No point in me keeping it, however, as I'll never get to use it... but maybe you could?
Duran: What does a control rod do?
Felix: The dwarf I bought it from said it activates and controls a golem. So long as you have it in your hand, the golem does what you say. Might be useful, no? You look like the sort who could use one, yes?
Duran: How much do you want for it?
Felix: Nothing. I just don't want to have to lug around something that might be taken for a gemstone by some bandit. To be honest, I don't even know if it'll be useful to you. I paid too much to simply throw it away.
Duran: What's the catch?
Felix: The catch? Yes, I... suppose it is a catch, isn't it? The catch is that the golem didn't come with the rod. It's supposed to be down in a village down south, waiting to be activated. Even if I could get down there, which I can't, I understand the place has been overrun by darkspawn. That's not such an issue for adventurous types like yourself, surely. Or I'm hoping that's so, at least.
Duran: Yes, I think I could use it.
Felix: Just as well. As I mentioned before, you'll find the golem down south, in a town called Honnleath. I'll mark it here on your map. Just hold up the rod and say 'dulef gar,' That will wake the golem up, so I'm told. I hope it works.
Duran: A personal golem? Sounds good.
Felix: Best of luck to you, then! Now, I guess it's up to me to find that mule myself...
That is some seriously good luck for Shale, otherwise she'd be stuck living as a statue forever. And sadly I won't be able to use the control rod on other uncontrolled hostile golems later on.
Now I talk to Sten since I returned to camp to check Bodahn's rumours (nothing of note, just people going missing because of the darkspawn).
Sten: The Blight--How will you end it?
Duran: We have to fight the archdemon.
Sten: Is that all? It is surrounded by an ocean of darkspawn. How will you reach it? If you reach it, how will you slay it? You say you are a Grey Warden. I have heard stories of this order.
Duran: What have you heard?
Sten: Great strategists and peerless warriors. That is what we hear of the Wardens. So far I am not impressed.
Duran: I'm not here to impress you.
Sten: Evidently not. It remains only to see what you are here for.
Sten does not approve of of rookies trying to improvise.
Now for Zevran's obvious trap.
Leliana, what are you doing among the ambushers and the ambushees?
He even brought a mage, it's a pity that he didn't stick her in the back rows to keep her safe.
After dishing out a vicious beating that should by all rights have killed him, I wake Zevran up for information.
Zevran: Mmm... what? I... oh.
I rather thought I would wake up dead. Or not wake up at all, as the case may be. But I see you haven't killed me yet.
Duran: I have some questions.
Zevran: Ah! So I am to be interrogated? Let me save you some time. My name is Zevran, Zev to my friends. I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for the sole purpose of slaying any surviving Grey Wardens. Which I have failed at, sadly.
Duran: I'm rather happy you failed.
Zevran: So would I be, in your shoes. For me, however, it sets a rather poor precedent, doesn't it? Getting captured by the target seems a tad detrimental to one's budding assassin career.
Duran: Too bad for you, then.
Zevran: Yes, it's true. Too bad for me.
Duran: What's an Antivan Crow?
Leliana: I can tell you that. They are an order of assassins out of Antiva. Very powerful, and renowned for always getting the job done, so to speak. Someone went to great expense to hire this man.
Zevran: Quite right. I'm surprised you haven't heard much of the Crows out here. Back where I come from, we're rather infamous.
Duran: Not for being good assassins, I see.
Zevran: Oh, fine. Is that what you Fereldans do? Mock your prisoners? Such cruelty.
Duran: You came all the way from Antiva?
Zevran: Not precisely. I was in the neighborhood when the offer came. The Crows get around, you see.
Duran: Who hired you to kill me?
Zevran: A rather taciturn fellow in the capital, Loghain, I think his name was? Yes, that's it.
Duran: Does that mean you're loyal to Loghain?
Zevran: I have no idea what his issues are with you. The usual, I imagine. You threaten his power, yes? Beyond that, no, I'm not loyal to him. I was contracted to perform a service.
Duran: And now that you've failed that service?
Zevran: Well, that's between Loghain and the Crows. And between the Crows and myself.
Duran: And between you and me?
Zevran: Isn't that what we're establishing now?
Duran: When were you to see him next?
Zevran: I wasn't. If I had succeeded, I would have returned home and the Crows would have informed your Loghain of the results... if he didn't know already. If I had failed, I would be dead. Or should be, as far as the Crows are concerned. No need to see Loghain then.
Duran: If you had failed?
Zevran: What can I say? I am an eternal optimist. Although my chances of succeeding at this point seem a bit slim, don't they? Ha, ha. No, I don't suppose you'd find that funny, would you?
Duran: How much were you paid?
Zevran: I wasn't paid anything. The Crows, however, were paid quite handsomely. Or so I understand. Which does make me about as poor as a chantry mouse, come to think of it. Being an Antivan Crow isn't for the ambitious, to be perfectly honest.
Duran: Then why are you one?
Zevran: Well, aside from a distinct lack of ambition I suppose it's because I wasn't given much of a choice. The Crows bought me young. I was a bargain, too, or so I'm led to believe. But don't let my sad story influence you. The Crows aren't so bad. They keep one well supplied: Wine, women, men. Whatever you happen to fancy. Though the whole severance package is garbage, let me tell you. If you were considering joining, I'd really think twice about it.
Duran: Thanks. I'll take that under advisement.
Zevran: You seem like a bright lad. I'm sure you've got other options.
Duran: Why are you telling me all this?
Zevran: Why not? I wasn't paid for silence. Not that I offered it for sale, precisely.
Duran: Aren't you at least loyal to your employers?
Zevran: Loyalty is an interesting concept. If you wish, and you're done interrupting me, we can discuss it further.
Duran: I'm listening. Make it quick.
Zevran: Well, here's the thing. I failed to kill you, so my life is forfeit. That's how it works, if you don't kill me, the Crows will. Thing is, I like living. And you are obviously the sort to give the Crows pause. So let me serve you, instead.
Duran: And what's to stop you from finishing the job later?
Zevran: To be completely honest, I was never given much of a choice regarding joining the Crows. They bought me on the slave market when I was a child. I think I've paid back my worth to them, plus tenfold. The only way out, however, is to sign up with someone they can't touch. Even if I did kill you now, they might kill me just on principle for failing the first time. Honestly, I'd rather take my chances with you.
Duran: Won't they come after you?
Zevran: Possibly. I happen to know their wily ways, however. I can protect myself, as well as you. Not that you seem to need much help. And if not... well, it's not as if I had many alternatives to start with, is it?
Duran: What do you want in return?
Zevran: Well... let's see. Being allowed to live would be nice, and would make me marginally more useful to you. And somewhere down the line if you should decide you no longer have need of me, then I go on my way. Until then, I am yours. Is that fair?
Duran: Can I expect the same amount of loyalty from you?
Zevran: I happen to be a very loyal person. Up until the point where someone expects me to die for failing. That's not a fault, really, is it? I mean, unless you're the sort who would do the same thing. In which case I... don't come very well recommended, I suppose.
Duran: Very well, I accept your offer.
Morrigan: A fine plan. But I would examine your food and drink far more closely from now on, were I you.
Zevran: That's excellent advice for anyone.
Leliana: Welcome, Zevran. Having an Antivan Crow join us sounds like a fine plan.
Zevran: Oh? You are another companion-to-be, then? I wasn't aware such loveliness existed amongst adventurers, surely.
Leliana: Or maybe not.
Zevran: I hereby pledge my oath of loyalty to you, until such a time as you choose to release me from it. I am your man, without reservation... this I swear.
I can't help but note that Zevran's of hiding behind the Grey Wardens in the hopes that they won't mess with them has just one tiny problem, this whole encounter only happened because the Antivan Crows are more than willing to pick fights with the Grey Wardens over money, let alone harbouring a traitor to their cause.
And I think this is the best showing the Antivan Crows get in the games, it's all downhill from here for them.
Between the Tevinter Imperium, Rivain, and the Free Marches sits the nation of Antiva. Although it possesses few resources of its own, Antiva's location makes it a center for trade in the north, and the capital, Antiva City, is the wealthiest in the world. Antiva has virtually no army--the monarchy is too weak to support one. Most Antivans would be hard-pressed even to name the current king--as the true power lies in the hands of a dozen merchant princes, each with a personal army, and each locked in a constant struggle for power against all the others.
Anyone would think, then, that Antiva would be a ripe target for invasion by one of her neighbors, but even the Qunari leave Antiva alone for one very good reason: the House of Crows.
The most efficient, most feared, and most expensive guild of assassins in the world calls Antiva their home, and their reputation alone defends the borders.
Zevran was the Crow contracted by Loghain to assassinate Alistair and The Warden. One failed attempt later, however, he found himself at the mercy of his would-be victims.
They showed him unexpected mercy, and in return he swore to aid the Wardens on their quest to end the Blight.
The task was never promised to be easy. You said you could enter the Circle Tower, and you were believed. Find the small painted box in First Enchanter Irving's office and deliver it to the door marked in Denerim as agreed, or be prepared to find yourself hunted across Ferelden.
--Friends of Red Jenny
(There is a sketched map of several doors. It requires the box to be placed on it to block out false leads.)
The mysterious friends of Red Jenny, they're a lot nastier than they are in Inquisition.
The first change on the map, Lothering is now gone.
Finally, I get to visit Honnleath.
The Darkspawn have been hanging people in between burning things down.
The mage's tower has been destroyed as well.
Shale's current state, not the most dignified of poses, since the activation code doesn't work we go looking for a survivor to explain why that is.
There's also a note about Shale nearby.
A note from the Honnleath Village Council said:
Mistress Matilda,
The council has unanimously agreed to put you in charge of the decorations for Honnleath's upcoming harvest festival. We all adored what you did with the village for the winter solstice. As usual, the statue must be adorned with items that capture the essence of the season. Iris kindly offered the use of her wide-brimmed straw hat with the berries and daisies and would love to see it on the statue. Farmer Goodman will also donate some of his baby pumpkins. We think a garland of small pumpkins and ribbons draped about the statue's shoulders would be lovely.
Whatever you decide will be splendid, I'm sure, and we are all looking forward to it.
Eventually I go far enough into the cellar that I find survivors hiding behind a barrier.
Matthias, the guy who held off the darkspawn with his dad's barrier.
Civilian: By the Maker! We're saved!
Matthias: You... weren't sent by the bann, were you? To save us?
Duran: I doubt anyone thought you were still alive.
Matthias: I suppose I should be grateful that someone came at all, then. Thank you. But if you weren't sent by someone, why are you here? If you don't mind my asking.
Duran: I'm looking for whoever owned that statue outside.
Matthias: The statue outside? Why would-- oh, I think I see. You bought the control rod, didn't you? You came here looking for Shale.
*dissolves the barrier, letting the other civilians flee the area*
That damnable golem brought us nothing but trouble. My mother sold the rod years ago, after it killed my father, and good riddance.
Duran: Killed your father? What do you mean?
Matthias: My father's name is Wilhelm, mage to the arls of Redcliffe and a hero in the war against Orlais. And what did he get? One day my mother found him outside the tower, with so many broken bones she could barely recognise him, and Shale standing over him just like it is now. My father deserved better than that. But if you really want to wake Shale up... well, it's yours now.
Duran: I'm curious about this place, actually. Where are we?
Matthias: This was my father's laboratory, beneath his tower... or it was, anyhow. Look, I know you probably have more important things on your mind, but... I really need your help. I know you already saved my life, and I'm grateful, but my daughter is inside the laboratory! She was afraid, and ran too far in before I could stop her. I don't know how she made it past my father's defences. One of the men tried to go after her. He was killed. But... you could find her, couldn't you?
Duran: What killed this man who went after her?
Matthias: There are defences my father put down here to keep strangers out. I knew about the barrier, I had the key for that, but the rest of it? We never came down here. Ever.
Duran: How do you even know she's still alive?
Matthias: I... don't, it's true. I'm terrified that something's happened to her, and she's lying in there injured! I can't leave here until I know for certain. Surely you understand that?
Duran: I'll see if I can find her.
Matthias: You will? Thank the Maker! My father's laboratory is just past the next area, I think. She has to be there!
This charming creature is an Ash/Dust Wraith, otherwise known as Bioware getting some mileage out of a model that's only supposed to appear in the Temple of Sacred Ashes.
I also find a letter and a journal.
A decades old letter said:
Madam,
I can assure you that the Circle of Magi is not a sacrilegious institution and that, indeed, we operate under the supervision of the Chantry. It would make our investigation of your husband's death much easier if you would simply co-operate with us. I am disappointed to hear that you sold the golem's activation rod--I understand both it and your husband were of invaluable aid to King Maric during the war against Orlais. Without the rod, we cannot discern whether Wilhelm's golem was responsible for his murder. The golem will simply have to remain where it is unless the villagers can find a means to destroy it. Our condolences to you and your son for your loss. I imagine it is of little consolation to you, but your husband is much admired here and will be missed.
The Circle isn't happy about her selling the control rod and even the wives of mages don't like the Circle.
The Journal of Enchanter Wilhelm said:
13 Pluitanis: The interrogation of the demon is going well, and is rather fascinating--provided that what it is saying is true. I have sent all my research so far to First Enchanter Arden, and while he is concerned about my safety he does not think there is a reason to stop just yet. All I hope is that the templars do not discover what I am doing. How will we ever find another way to deal with demonic possession if the Chantry does not let us research it?
20 Eluviesta: Young Matthias nearly wandered down here again today, and this time I forgot to leave the barrier up. I believe I will key the defenses to ignore anyone of my blood. I would rather have the boy stumble into the laboratory than have him killed by my forgetfulness. Poor lad, all he wants is to know why his father spends so much time beneath the tower. I will spend more time with him soon, I swear it.
28 Eluviesta: Shale is acting strangely. I wonder if I should discontinue my experiments upon it? I am so near a breakthrough, I am certain! Ahhh, perhaps it is best if I focus on the demon.
2 Matrinalis: The demon almost managed to get away again. Tricky. I shall have to be more careful. Young Eamon sent a letter asking me to return to Redcliffe. I shall have to consider it. Soon.
11 Matrinalis: Could it be? What an intriguing discovery, especially considering that the demon was attempting to keep me from it at all costs. Or did it lead me to that information by seeming to deny it from me? I must discover the truth.
19 Umbralia: I think it is time to dismiss this demon. It is too dangerous for me to continue holding it, and I cannot discount the possibility that it is having some influence over the golem. Or is it my experiments? I will try to deactivate Shale for the time being and then deal with the demon once and for all. Let it end here.
(There are no further entries.)
--From the journal of Enchanter Wilhelm Sulzbacher.
He seems like a nice enough guy, and one of the few mages careful enough that his experiments with demons didn't blow up in his face (if only he had the same care with his golem experiments).
Once the hacking and slashing through shades is done, I find Amalia and the demon Wilhelm trapped.
Amalia: Oh, look! Someone's come to play! You have come to play, haven't you? We're playing a guessing game. It's better with more people.
Duran: We? Wo is "we?"
Amalia: Kitty and me, of course! You don't see anyone else here, do you? Anyway, you should go if you're not going to play. Kitty finds you distracting.
Kitty: Nothing you say will convince Amalia to go with you. She loves only me now. I am her friend, while you are just a stranger.
Duran: What have you done to her?
Kitty: I have done nothing. I am all but powerless. The mage made sure of that, didn't he? I cannot leave this chamber. No, Amalia found me. After decades of isolation, her company is... welcome.
Amalia: *happy, contented sigh*
Kitty: It seems we are at an impasse, so let me propose a... compromise of sorts. Release me, mortal, and let me have the girl. Let us return to her father and leave this place forever.
Duran: Let you have the girl? You mean possess her?
Kitty: That's such a crude way of putting it. I do not wish to harm Amalia. I merely want to see the world through her eyes. Is that so wrong?
Duran: (persuade)(lie) I'll free you, and you can have the girl.
Kitty: Thank you. You are very gracious. The mage's wards hold me within this chamber, and only a mortal may approach them. There is a trick to disarming the wards, but I do not know it. Perhaps you will succeed where the girl failed.
Amalia: Oh, this is so exciting! Kitty is going to be free!
First off, bullshit that the demon has done nothing to Amalia, she just sat back and sighed while people discussed her getting possessed right in front of her. Second, this demon sucks at puzzles, all she had to do was get Amalia to arrange the blocks so that a set of arrows eventually leads to the opposite corner of the set of blocks. Third, why aren't Sten, Morrigan and Leliana at least commenting on my lie to the demon?
Pretty simple in all honesty, of course the energy lines can do minor amounts of fire damage if you stand in their way.
Kitty: Yes... I can feel the magic fading. Oh... I had forgotten how it feels not to be caged!
Amalia: Kitty? What's happening?
Kitty: A wonderful thing, my dear, for both of us.
Duran: Keep your hands off the girl, demon!
Kitty: Betrayal! You will not take the girl! She is mine!
Amalia: Kitty, you're scaring me! I won't let you inside me! I won't!
If you do this without the persuasive backstab, Kitty just skips straight to possession without the angry line to spook Amalia into refusing her.
Now back to the grateful father.
Matthias: You did it! You freed her! Thank you so much!
Amalia: I'm sorry I ran away, Daddy! I was so scared!
Matthias: It's all right, butterfly. You're safe, now. All the bad creatures are gone. You'll need a phrase to activate Shale. It's 'dulen harn.' I wouldn't want the thing, but it's obvious you can handle yourselves just fine. Now we should go, and quickly. Thank you again. We owe you our lives.
Shale the lovable golem, possibly my favourite of the warrior party members. She was supposed to be bigger but she couldn't fit through doors so the devs cut her down to size and redesigned her.
Duran: Dulen harn.
Shale: (sigh) I knew that the day would come when someone would find the control rod. And not even a mage, this time. Probably stumbled across the rod by accident, I suppose. Typical.
Duran: And how do you know I'm not a mage?
Shale: It thinks these crystals are simply for show, I see. (snorts)
I stood here in this spot and watched the wretched little villagers scurry around me for, oh, I have no idea how long. Many, many years.
Leliana: Oh, you poor dear! That would be... really, really boring.
Morrigan: Then one wonders that you wouldn't be grateful to the one who allowed you to stretch your legs, golem.
Shale: Hmm. Another mage, I see. Charming. I was just beginning to get used to the quiet, too. Tell me, are all the villagers dead?
Duran: Not all of them, no.
Shale: Some got away, then? How unfortunate.
Duran: Do you have a name?
Shale: Perhaps. I may have forgotten after all the years of being called 'golem.' 'Golem, fetch me that chair.' 'Do be a good golem and squash that insipid bandit.' And let's not forget 'Golem, pick me up. I tire of walking.' It... does have the control rod, doesn't it? I am awake, so it... must...
Duran: Is something wrong?
Shale: I see the control rod, yet I feel...
Go on. Order me to do something.
Duran: All right. Walk over there.
Shale: And... nothing? I feel nothing. I feel no compulsion to carry out its command. I suppose this means the rod is... broken?
Duran: Shouldn't you be happy about that?
Shale: Hmm. I suppose if I can't be commanded, this means... I have free will, yes? It is simply... what should I do? I have no memories, beyond watching this village for so long. I have no purpose.. I find myself at a bit of a loss. What about it? It awoke me for some reason, no? What did it intend to do with me?
Duran: I hadn't given it much thought.
Shale: I see. Wonderful.
I suppose I have two options, do I not? Go with it or... go elsewhere? I... do not even know what lies beyond this village.
Duran: What do you want to do?
Shale: I watched this village for so long, unable to move or act. My memories of anything before are... vague at best. So I have no idea what I want to do. I am glad to be mobile, is that not enough?
Duran: Are you going to keep calling me "it"?
Shale: Yes. Very likely.
Duran: You're welcome to come with me.
Shale: I will follow it about then... for now. I am called Shale, by the way.
Okay, that's very interesting, Wilhelm invented a crystal that could be used to let a golem detect a mage instantly, I feel like this should be a lot more important than it is.
On the way out of the village, Shale encounters an enemy.
It does not last long against her mighty feet.
Next time, part 1 out of probably 3 or 4 Orzammar updates because Orzammar and it's side quests are bloody long.
I can't help but note that Zevran's of hiding behind the Grey Wardens in the hopes that they won't mess with them has just one tiny problem, this whole encounter only happened because the Antivan Crows are more than willing to pick fights with the Grey Wardens over money, let alone harbouring a traitor to their cause.
And I think this is the best showing the Antivan Crows get in the games, it's all downhill from here for them.
Yeah, when you think about it, Zevran's plan isn't really all that smart, as 2 showed us, if the crows want you dead they won't stop, no matter how many of their best you go through. But it's not like there was anyone left to go back and say they needed more men, and even the Blight probably would have been over and Loghain either dead or having called it off.
