Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate edition

Night_stalker · Oct 19, 2015

The Curious Fan said:
The bit about braving the Deep Roads makes me wonder, is there any reason why he can't have recruited both the Commoner and the Noble dwarf origins? He was around for the events of both of them.

Doesn't want to risk the Dwarfs going after one another?

Reveen · Oct 19, 2015

Presumably if you choose commoner Aeducan is quietly murdered by Bhelen or eaten by Darkspawn and if you're noble Brosca gets an axe to the face in the proving.

Pariah · Oct 19, 2015

It's mentioned in the Dwarven Noble origin that the events of Brosca impersonating a Warrior Caste member occurred a week earlier and the Casteless Dwarf ends up starving to death in the Carta's prison as he does not manage to escape.

shenron · Oct 19, 2015

Reveen said:
Presumably if you choose commoner Aeducan is quietly murdered by Bhelen or eaten by Darkspawn and if you're noble Brosca gets an axe to the face in the proving.

Brosca stops eating in his/her cell in the Carta base and dies of starvation. Leske tells the Warden about it if you free him as one of the other Origins.

The Curious Fan · Oct 19, 2015

Pariah said:
It's mentioned in the Dwarven Noble origin that the events of Brosca impersonating a Warrior Caste member occurred a week earlier and the Casteless Dwarf ends up starving to death in the Carta's prison as he does not manage to escape.

Except he does escape at least once, Beraht's dead no matter what origin you pick.

It feels like a handwave to me but eh, hardly the worst one in Dragon Age.

The Curious Fan · Oct 20, 2015

*looks at 1820 pictures for the Dwarf Noble update*

Either I'm gonna need to split this one in two as well or I was taking five screenshots for every line said.

The Curious Fan · Oct 25, 2015

And now for the final origin, next I'll be able to move on to the less text-heavy Ostagar section along with deciding which character will be the main one.

Finally I get to have a character with a beard.

Duncan: Deep beneath the Frostback Mountains sits Orzammar, the larger of the two known remaining dwarven cities in the world. Orzammar was once the seat of a major empire connected by tunnels, called Deep Roads, which stretched thousands of miles. The city now stands alone, cut off from the rest of the dwarven ancestral lands by the darkspawn incursion. Secure in Orzammar's impregnable construction, the dwarven noble houses continue their centuries-old power struggles. Assassination and blackmail are commonplace, but the appearance of honour is paramount. You are the second child of King Endrin of House Aeducan--the ninth Aeducan ruler elected by the Noble Assembly. You grew up in a world rife with political intrigue and have struggled against brothers and cousins for honour and prestige. Today, a feast celebrates your first military commission, the opening move towards real power in the ever-changing game of dwarven politics.

The interesting thing to note here is that there have only been nine Aeducan kings in about a thousand years since the Paragon Aeducan took control of Orzammar.

And here's Gorim, Duran's loyal second and Steve Blum's second role in this.

Gorim: Greetings, my lord. You are dressed and ready. Excellent. I couldn't find the armour's matching dagger, but I scrounged up a rather fancy longsword. Do you wish to wear your shield to the noble's feast?

Duran: Yes. Let them see me as a warrior.

Gorim: Of course, if every other noble has a shield and three swords, you'll feel awfully underdressed.

Duran: You, my friend, are ridiculous.

Gorim: One can't take all this marching about and speech-making too seriously. Moving on to the business at hand...

The king expects you to make an appearance at the feast, but there's no rush. The noble family heads will spend hours boring your father with petitions and petty grievances.

Duran: What sort of grievances?

Gorim: The usual. "This lord had my cousin killed," "This lord seduced my wife," "This lord did the exact thing I'd planned to do to him, but he did it first." They pose and bluster and each pretends he is the honourable man in a den of thieves and assassins. Bah. The rest is worth seeing, though. As part of the celebrations, permits have been auctioned off to members of the Merchant Caste who wished to sell wares in the Diamond Quarter. Lord Harrowmont has also opened up the Provings for young warriors to test their mettle before tomorrow's battle. Perhaps we should go show them what single combat is really all about. And by we, I mean you. Heh, I'll practice my cheering.

Duran: Why don't you want to fight in the Provings, Gorim?

Gorim: You remember last year's open Proving? It took your father's smith six hours to remove my helmet! I'm not meant for single combat. I fight as my lord's second and shield. That's enough for me.

Duran: Let's go see the merchants.

Gorim: Right behind you, my lord. The day is ours until the feast.

I have no idea how this happened, pretty much as soon as I've got control I got equipped with an ill-fitting set of bits of gear including the Battledress of the Provocateur that I don't have the stats to equip without ever opening up the menu, is there an auto-equip gear button I forgot about?

Orzammar Politics said:
As dangerous as it is to mistake a dwarf's caste, it is far more deadly to mistake his alliances among the noble houses of Orzammar. Everyone in the city is allied with someone, whether by blood or by word. The nobles do not engage directly in commerce themselves, as that is the domain of the Merchant Caste, but they do serve as patrons. They invest in shops or in artisans' work, and in turn reap a share of the profits as well as a measure of the credit. Merchants and warriors alike benefit from the service of a prestigious patron.

The relative power of each house is ever-changing. It is usually safe to assume that whichever noble house holds the throne is at the top of the heap, but below that, things grow into a tangled mess. Houses ally with one another by marriage. They earn rank and prestige when combatants loyal to them, or from their own bloodlines, win Provings. They earn it when artisans they patronize become sought-after or well regarded, or when the merchants they invest in become successful. The degrees of power that these achievements confer is so murky, even to the dwarves, that it isn't unusual for nobles to challenge each another to Provings over whose smith forges better belt buckles, or whose servants have the best manners. Nor is it out of the ordinary to find two merchants arguing over whose noble patron has won the most acclaim, for the rank of the patron is the rank of the client.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Assembly, where the deshyrs, representatives of each noble house, meet. Although the king technically rules Orzammar, kings are elected by the Assembly, and so each king must work constantly to maintain the support of the deshyrs. Kings who prove unpopular find their heirs deemed unacceptable to inherit the throne. Power then passes to another house.

--From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of A Chantry Scholar, by Brother Genitivi

Orzammar politics are an utter mess.

"Denial of the traditions of our people does not qualify as a political technicality."

Endrin of House Aeducan traces his ancestry back to the Paragon Aeducan, the greatest warrior of Orzammar's history, who beat back the darkspawn hordes in the First Blight. The second son of King Ansgar Aeducan, he became heir after his elder brother died in a Proving.

The most respected king in four generations, he restored contact with Kal-Sharok, the only other remaining city of the once-vast Dwarven Empire, which had been lost during the first Blight.

Now to chat up ~~Steve Blum~~ Gorim.

Gorim: My lord?

Duran: Tell me about your family, Gorim.

Gorim: Not much that you don't already know. My father's father was a great hero of the Dead Roads excursions and raised the family to the top of the Warrior Caste. He was even nominated to join the Assembly and found a noble house, but the honour was in the nomination, he wasn't afforded a single vote. My father served your father for many years, and now I serve you.

Duran: Are you excited about the battle tomorrow?

Gorim: Yes. I yearn to face the darkspawn and prove my worth as your second.

Duran: You'll do fine.

Gorim: May the Stone support us, and the ancestors look down with pride.

Duran: We should get going.

Gorim: As you will.

And that's his surprisingly treachery-free backstory revealed.

The palace has lyrium pieces up on display. Personally I'd prefer to decorate with something that doesn't have a chance of randomly exploding but then I'm not the king of Orzammar.

Orzammar History: Chapter One said:
The Memories tell us that our kingdom once reached far beneath the mountains, and that the thaigs were almost beyond counting. Kal-Sharok was the capital then, home to all the noble houses, and Orzammar was simply the home of the Miner and Smith castes.

It was with the Tevinter Imperium that things changed. Paragon Garal moved the seat of power to Orzammar to more closely oversee the trade that began with the surface. It seemed that our people were entering a new age of prosperity.

The Memories hold no explanations for the coming of the darkspawn, only questions. At first, they were rumors, noises in the Deep Roads, a lost traveler here and there. The Warrior Caste sent men to patrol the road, and thought the matter settled. We did not know that while we searched for them, they were engaged in a search of their own.

Sleeping deep in the Stone itself was the archdemon. They found him, and awakened him, and the Blight began.

The darkspawn poured out of the Deep Roads like smoke, then, and the Warrior Caste struggled to hold them back. Countless thaigs were lost in that first Blight. But, as ever, in the worst moments of our need, a Paragon arose. Paragon Aeducan led the defenses of Orzammar, and the dark horde was beaten back.

The cost of victory, however, was great. Much of the Deep Roads were sealed to hold back the darkspawn, cutting off thaigs and even whole cities forever.

--"Orzammar as a Kingdom," as told by Shaper Czibor

Ah, so the dwarves were attacked at the same time as Tevinter, the Blights codex made it sound like the darkspawn rampaged until they found Dumat and then ignored the dwarves in favour of wiping out everything on the surface.

Now for a surprise encounter.

*walks out of Bhelen's room*

Rica: My Lord Bhelen?

*runs back in*

Rica: Oh! Oh, I'm sorry... I am so sorry, your Highness.

As it turns out, Bhelen was the noble Rica is seeing.

Rica: I... I'm sorry. I thought you were Prince Bhelen coming down the hall. I... forgive me.

Duran: Who are you?

Gorim: She's... er... it seems she's one of your brother Bhelen's newest... um, companions. Prince Bhelen is attending the feast being held in Lord Aeducan's honour.

Rica: Yes, of... of course. It was presumptuous of me to think that he would return to--I am sorry. I will show myself out, with your leave, my lord.

Duran: Yes. You may go.

Rica: Thank you. I will go now.

Worse than being treacherous, Bhelen is messy when it comes to organising his books.

A letter from Rica said:
My dearest Prince Bhelen,

You are too kind to me. I am a small and insignificant thing and I do not deserve your attention, but your willingness to tolerate my presence shows you to be a prince among men! I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful necklace you presented to me. I will cherish it always and I promise I will wear it at our next meeting. I know my gratitude means nothing to you but I must say again: Thank you. I will always be your humble and devoted servant.

--Yours truly, R.

House Aeducan: Shield of Orzammar said:
The Assembly has never named a Paragon with so little disagreement as there was for Paragon Aeducan. No naysayers, only a single abstention. His worthiness was unquestionable, his favor with the Ancestors clear.

But family rumor says that the man himself was deeply troubled. Prone to fits of melancholy and self-doubt, never satisfied with his great achievement in protecting Orzammar, he died cursing that he had not managed to save the outlying thaigs.

Before he rose to Paragon, he was of little note. The Memories tell us that he never entered a single Proving, never sought to elevate his place among the Warrior Caste. He spent most of his years prior to the first Blight fighting skirmishes in the Deep Roads, keeping them free from surface bandits, content to live quietly with his wife and daughters.

When the Blight began, it caught Orzammar in the midst of a vicious inter-house war. Most of the Warrior Caste was caught up in the feuding, for as word of attacks poured in, each great house demanded that the army be sent to defend their thaig, and no house would agree to sacrifice their own holdings for the safety of any others. The Assembly was so utterly tied up with the infighting that the darkspawn spread, unchecked, to the gates of Orzammar herself.

In the chaos, Aeducan grudgingly took command of the armies. He enlisted the aid of the Mining Caste to collapse overrun passages, called upon the Smith Caste to supply them with arms, and bypassed the Assembly and the nobles entirely. With his leadership, Orzammar was saved from annihilation. For his insubordination, he was made Paragon.

Yet he always considered it a defeat.

--From A History of Aeducan: Paragon, King, Peacemaker, by Scholar Gertek

Life in Orzammar said:
The dwarves of Orzammar are quite unlike those found in most human cities. Although Orzammar derives its vast wealth from trade with human kingdoms, all dwarves who come to the surface to trade are stripped of their position in society. Dwarven merchants are so ubiquitous in human cities that many people labor under the impression that all dwarves are merchants, or that their whole race worships coin and trade. But these surface dwarves are atypical creatures, the ones willing to give up all ties to their kin and sacrifice their rank in order to conduct business.

Below ground, the dwarves are a people obsessed with honor--their own, and that of their family. Most nobles incorporate chainmail even into formal gowns, because slights and insults often turn deadly.

They are a people who revere excellence and strive to achieve it in all things. Even members of the Servant Caste have been elevated to Paragons, usually posthumously, in recognition of remarkable service.

--From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of A Chantry Scholar, by Brother Genitivi

I don't want to trigger the main plot event just yet so I head outside.

Scholar Gertek: I'm sure we can work this out reasonably...

It's in the records. There's nothing I can do!

Please, Master Vollney, my work is accredited by the shaper!

Bruntin Vollney: These books are lies written by the enemies of House Vollney.

Gertek: I write only what I find in the ancient records! Lord Aeducan! You can vouch for my work, can't you? Your father loved my 'History of Aeducan: Paragon, King, Peacemaker!"

Duran: Ah, I greatly enjoyed that book as well.

Bruntin: This... worm has written a book that slanders my house!

Duran: What does it say?

Bruntin: It doesn't matter! It's all lies!

Duran: What exactly has he written, Bruntin?

Bruntin: He says that Vollney--the Paragon who founded my house, known throughout the world as the greatest of men--was a fraud!

Gertek: N-not precisely. When the Assembly names a Paragon, that man or woman is then, by definition, everything one can aspire to be in the world. They form their own noble houses, and are revered as living ancestors. But Paragons start off as men.

Bruntin: Vollney was more than a man!

Duran: What was Aeducan like before he was a Paragon?

Gertek: Aeducan was much loved, but he was still a man. He was plagued by melancholy, and his fervor regarding Orzammar's safety bordered on obsession. When Aeducan was proposed as a Paragon, only one lord in the Assembly objected. The others savagely hacked him to death. Aeducan's motion passed without a single dissenting vote.

Bruntin: Unlike Vollney! Is that what you mean, old man?

Gertek: Vollney became a Paragon by the narrowest margin in history--one vote. A vote mired in rumours of intimidation, intrigue and outright bribery. The records of that vote are kept in the Shaperate and are a matter of fact. Not liking history doesn't make it any less true!

Duran: The scholar is right.

Bruntin: You're taking his side? What if he published a book like this about your Paragon Aeducan?

Duran: The truth is more important than your pride.

Bruntin: You would not say so if it was your house, but I shall respect your wishes. For now. Excuse me, your Highness.

Gorim: That fool has no idea how weak his house is or how low he sits in it. Shall I have him killed, my lord?

Duran: What do you think, scholar?

Gertek: Well... historically it has been prudent to eliminate a small threat before it becomes larger...

Duran: I'm not that prudent. Let the poor fool live.

Gorim: As you say.

Gertek: You've shown House Aeducan a friend to research, history, and the glory of our people.

Duran: Carry on with your work, scholar.

Gertek: Of course. I have much to document and organise. Good day, your Highness, and thank you.

Geez, go along with the majority vote or get ripped to shreds. And since Bhelen had this guy's book in his room I guess he's a fan of it as well.

There's some ambient chatter going on in the background as well.

Noble: Fifty silvers for such a small bolt of cloth? That's outrageous! You certainly have some gall, merchant!

Merchant: But my lord, these are surface silks, dyed with the finest saffron and indigo and embroidered by skilled elven tradesmen! I've seen Prince Bhelen Aeducan himself wearing a robe made of something quite similar!

Noble: So I pay your exorbitant price only to end up looking like a poor imitation of Prince Bhelen? Hah! You'll get no coin from me.

Merchant: But that was not what I meant, my lord! My lord...!

Two things to get from this, the Dwarves don't seem to share the human prejudice against Elves and in fact value certain things made by them and we get some idea of how much a sovereign is worth if a small bolt of top-quality cloth is worth half a sovereign.

Noble 1: Ah, my friend. Enjoying the festivities so far?

Noble 2: Quite, quite...

Noble 1: Have you heard about tomorrow's assault on the darkspawn burrows?

Noble 2: Who hasn't?

Noble 1: They say they're going to strike a blow at the horde, but rumour has it they are actually searching for Branka.

Noble 2: The Paragon? Why search? The ancestors have risen her up to join them.

Noble 1: You don't think she's still out there?

Noble 2: Impossible...

With how they're saying that it's impossible for Branka to be alive, I have to wonder how many people actually thought she was dead before they returned to Orzammar.

Bhelen and Trian, also known as a backstabber and his future victim.

Bhelen: Atrast Vala, big brother! How surprising to run into you out among the common folk.

Trian: Especially since duty requires that you attend our king father at the feast today. Have you so little respect for him to disregard his wishes on a day set aside for you?

Gorim: Lord Harrowmont told me we wouldn't be needed for hours at least--

Trian: Silence! If I want the opinion of my sibling's second, I will ask for it.

Gorim: Yes, your Highness.

Duran: Bhelen, help me out here.

Bhelen: You're on your own. I've been dealing with him all afternoon.

Trian: What exactly is that supposed to mean, little brother?

Bhelen: Nothing, Trian. I've been having a great time. The speech you gave to the legless boy about hard work and making something of yourself was fantastic...

Trian: As heir to the throne, it is my duty to impart wisdom and judgement upon those who need it. Now then, you, get to the feast!

Duran: I'll go when I'm ready.

Trian: Stubborn, aren't you? When I'm king, I will help you get over that. Come, Bhelen.

*walks off*

Gorim: That was fun. Nothing like being talked down to by the next king.

Duran: He means well.

Gorim: You always defend him. I wish I had your understanding...

And here's a quick look at their characters, Trian is the dickish and strict but well meaning older brother while Bhelen is the more casual younger brother (or at least that's the front he puts up when around them).

Walk far enough down the road and I run into two noble-hunters. Teli is the one on the right and Mardy the one on the left. I talk to them since I vaguely recall a quest later on that pops up after sleeping with one of them (can't remember which).

Teli: What have we here? Two handsome, strapping noble lords! You both look so grand.

Mandy: And isn't this the man of the hour? The king's son?

Teli: Who's your friend, my lord? Another noble from the honored House Aeducan?

Duran: This is Ser Gorim, of the Warrior Caste.

Teli: Oh, then not a noble?

Mardy: No, Teli, not a noble. Stone, you're thick sometimes.

Duran: Why do you care if Gorim is noble?

Gorim: They're noble-hunters, my lord. A man takes his caste from his father, and these women hope to bear a noble lord's son. If one is successful, she's raised up to concubine in the noble house to care for her child. It provides new sword arms for the house, and many nobles look favourably on such women.

*I'm skipping the rest since I don't really want to type this particular conversation out, I accepted the offer and went with both since I couldn't remember which gets pregnant*

With that awkward bit of Orzammar dealt with, I talk to a merchant.

Merchant: Greetings, My Lord Aeducan. I am... so honoured to have you visit my booth. I have a... proposition, but I dared not approach.

Gorim: Yet you dare now?

Duran: It's all right. I'll hear him out.

Gorim: Very well, then. Speak.

Merchant: Um, yes, just so. Here is the thing. What I mean to say is...

Duran: It's all right.

Merchant: Sorry. So nervous. I had a dagger made. For you. As a gift for your first command. I, uh, sent a messenger to deliver the dagger to you. Prince Trian had him thrown out. I don't know what offence he cause, but I had him beaten severely.

Duran: I'm sure Trian had his reasons.

Merchant: Won't you at least look at the dagger?

Duran: I'll take a look, but no promises.

Merchant: Of course! A thousand thanks to you. Here... here it is, your Highness.

Gorim: That's an amazing piece, merchant.

Merchant: You do me much honour, ser. The blade has been crafted over a period of two years by masters of every art. I wish to bless the Lord's first command, and hope that someday, when he rules, he will wear it.

Gorim: Trian is heir. He will rule when King Endrin returns to the Stone.

Merchant: If the Assembly wills it. Forgive me, ser, but whispers say the second child of Endrin will be chosen. Whispers, indeed. It's a princely gift. If Trian recognises it, though, it may send the wrong message. Or the right one, depending on your view.

Duran: I'll take the dagger.

Merchant: Thank you! You bring uncountable honor to me.

Duran: What he means is that you'll bring uncountable gold to him if you wear that piece in public.

So much for that line of bullshit from the merchant. And I wish this origin had just given the player top-tier items to match the fact that they're equipped with the best stuff the dwarves can make, I mean, it's not like they let the players keep it, they lose everything except for their gold and DLC items once they get kicked out of Orzammar.

With that, I head to the guards who will escort me to the Proving Arena.

Royal Escort: My lord. Are you heading to the Proving Arena?

Duran: Yes. I intend to watch the Provings.

Escort: We have been charged with the task of escorting you to the Proving grounds.

Gorim: I clean forgot about that. Forgive me, I should have informed you sooner. The king decided you are not to travel through the commons unguarded.

Duran: What? Why?

Gorim: I did mention the merchants that won permits to show their goods in the Diamond Quarter? There were only so many permits auctioned off, and quite a few were turned away. Your father fears you will be harassed on the way to the Proving.

Duran: This is silly, but I will comply.

Escort: Will we be leaving then?

Duran: Yes.

Escort: We are at your command.

It's hard to show here, but she slices his throat twice before slicing his guts open, how is this an appropriate finisher for a non-lethal Proving? Was it a duel to the death outside of the current Proving tournament?

There are two ways this Proving can go, you can watch it (I don't see anything and spend my time talking to Proving Trainer while Frandlin Ivo wins) or you can participate and win the Proving.

First off, spectator mode.

Proving Master: Your Highness, it is an honour to have you here. Have you come to watch these brave warriors do battle in your honour?

Duran: Wouldn't miss it.

Proving Master: Your Presence encourages these fighters to greater feats.

Duran: I'll go take my place, then.

Proving Master: I'll call the first fighters in a moment.

I can either talk to him again and end the scene or I can talk to Proving Trainer.

Orzammar has a lot of redheads.

Trainer: Greetings, Lord Aeducan. Are you enjoying the Proving so far?

Duran: I always enjoy watching a good fight.

Trainer: Your presence will inspire these fighters to even greater effort.

Gorim: This is the lead trainer of the Provings, my lord. He teaches nobles from lower houses without their own trainers and the best young men from the Warrior Caste.

Duran: Did he teach you, Gorim?

Gorim: (Ahem) No. My father thought it was a waste to study duel-style combat, as I was pledged to be your second.

Trainer: However, Ser Gorim has helped teach many classes on small-scale tactics, especially shield work. Did the two of you hear about the scandal here last week?

Gorim: We have been preparing for tomorrow's battle, and have had little time for gossip.

Duran: I'm curious. What scandal?

Trainer: The Grey Wardens are in Orzammar searching for recruits, so the Warrior Caste arranged a Proving. The goal was for the Grey Wardens to recruit the winner, bringing him honour and a chance for glory.

Duran: What happened?

Trainer: Ser Everd, fresh from fighting darkspawn, got dead drunk before the Proving.Then some casteless bruiser took Ser Everd's armour, wore it, and won the Proving.

Duran: What happened?

Trainer: They took the imposter to jail, I assume to be thrown into the Deep Roads as meat for the darkspawn. The Warrior Caste is in uproar. An incident like this raises many questions.

Duran: What kind of questions?

Trainer: Well, how the brand got in here to begin with.

Gorim: Or how a casteless learned to fight like that. They aren't even allowed to possess weapons.

Trainer: I've heard they fight in the slums with the old cast-offs. I'm almost curious to see.

Gorim: I doubt King Endrin would approve of that.

Trainer: Ha! I suppose not. All right, I have to go check on the fighters. It was an honour to speak with you, your Highness.

Duran: A pleasure, ser.

Trainer: My thanks. Ser Gorim, I'll see you later. Good luck tomorrow, the both of you.

Wait, it says a week ago here rather than saying that the noble feast will happen in a day or so in the Dwarf Commoner origin, someone fucked up their continuity.

Proving Master: I'm glad to see you up and around. Would you like to congratulate today's winner?

Duran: Of course.

Proving Master: Then I shall call him. Frandlin!

Frandlin: I am here.

Proving Master: Will you receive honour from Lord Aeducan?

Frandlin: Of course. I am honoured by your presence.

Duran: Rise, Frandlin Ivo. You did well.

Frandlin: Thank you, your Highness.

Proving Master: It was a night of honour that will be spoken of for years to come. Be well, all of you.

Now to join the Proving.

Proving Master: Your Highness, it is an honour to have you here. Have you come to watch these brave warriors do battle in your honour?

Duran: No, I've come to fight.

Proving Master: Your Highness, this Proving is in your honour...

Gorim: Then honour him by doing as he says. My lord Aeducan will fight in the Proving.

Duran: I will honour today's warriors by testing their skills.

Proving Master: Of course. It is well within your rights. Men and women of Orzammar, we have a late entry to these Provings, held on the eve of battle for the honour of House Aeducan. I give you... the Lord Aeducan, himself!

Are you ready for your first match?

Duran: Of course.

Proving Master: Then let us begin!

This is a glory Proving, fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of House Aeducan. Lord Aeducan will fight Aller Bemot, youngest son of Lord Bemot!

Aller Bemot. Nothing to say about him except that I like the mustache.

Aller: You honour me with this match.

Duran: The honour is mine.

Proving Master: First warrior to fall is vanquished. Fight!

Don't ask me why there's that lighting effect there. And that's a knockdown ability, shield bash in this case, useful for those times you want to wail on a helpless enemy for a few seconds.

Proving Master: The winner is Lord Aeducan!

That was quite a fight. Aller Bemot is no slouch with that hammer. Are you ready for your next opponent?

Duran: Who is my next opponent?

Proving Master: Adal Helmi. A... a woman, your Highness. She's a tenacious fighter.

Duran: I'll fight anyone. (I'll note that one of the other options is getting offended that a woman was allowed into his Proving, looks like Orzammar has problems with sexism)

Proving Master: Excellent! Let us go. This is a glory Proving, fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of House Aeducan. Lord Aeducan will fight Adal Helmi, eldest daughter of Lady Helmi!

Adal: Honour and glory to your house, your Highness.

Duran: And to yours.

Proving Master: First warrior to fall is vanquished. Fight!

Adal Helmi, another redhead.

Proving Master: The winner is Lord Aeducan!

That was a crowd-pleaser. Many were waiting to see that woman put in her place. Ser Blackstone is your next opponent. Are you ready to face him?

Duran: What can you tell me about Ser Blackstone?

Proving Master: One of the best of the Warrior Caste. He achieved glory in close combat assaults in the Deep Roads.

Duran: I'm ready to fight.

Proving Master: Then, let us begin!

This is a glory Proving, fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of House Aeducan. Lord Aeducan will fight Ser Blackstone, Deep Roads squad leader of the Warrior Caste!

Blackstone: This is your education, child. Try to learn as you bleed.

Duran: I will.

Proving Master: First warrior to fall is vanquished. Fight!

Ser Blackstone, he's an old guy by the looks of it.

Proving Master: The winner is Lord Aeducan!

Well done. You have proven that even the best of the Warrior Caste cannot match a noble Aeducan. Frandlin Ivo is your final opponent. He too has had many victories today. Are you ready to face him, or will you rest first?

Duran: What can you tell me about Frandlin Ivo?

Proving Master: He is a decorated fighter who prefers unusual weapons and rarely fights with the same techniques twice. House Ivo is relatively inconsequential, but Frandlin Ivo may change that. He's expected to take a full command of his own soon.

Duran: Well, let me fight this Frandlin Ivo.

Proving Master: Very good.

This is a glory Proving, fought under the watchful eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar for the honour of House Aeducan. It is down to just two warriors. With backbones of stone and wills of iron, they have defeated all others this day! Lord Aeducan will fight Frandlin Ivo, second son of Lord Ivo!

Frandlin: You fight well. I wish you glory today and glory tomorrow.

Duran: May you be as stone.

Proving Master: First warrior to fall is vanquished; the victor is champion! Fight!

*fighting happens*

Proving Master: The winner is Lord Aeducan!

Proving Master: Congratulations. Frandlin Ivo is as fierce a competitor as I've ever seen. You've vanquished every warrior of note in today's Proving. The ceremonial helm commissioned by your father for today's winner is yours.

Duran: Send it to Frandlin Ivo. He fought bravely.

Proving Master: The people will remember your honour and generosity for all time.

This isn't the last we'll see of Frandlin Ivo, and IIRC his weapons are actually randomised so that he can live up to his description. This time he uses a saw sword and a shield. I can't help but wonder if his family's low station is related to him helping Bhelen's scheme to take out Trian and Duran.

Anyways, I'll cut this off here, my fingers are beginning to get sore. I'm kind of amazed at just how many dick move options there are in the Dwarf Noble origin.

Xkeizer · Oct 25, 2015

The Curious Fan said:
And here's Gorim, Duran's loyal second and Steve Blum's second role in this.

And owner of a certain line that will engrave itself in your mind.

Science · Oct 25, 2015

Xkeizer said:
And owner of a certain line that will engrave itself in your mind.

And in your computer.

Night_stalker · Oct 25, 2015

You know, it's weird, but I kinda like Bhelen.

The Curious Fan · Oct 25, 2015

Night_stalker said:
You know, it's weird, but I kinda like Bhelen.

A lot of people do, his unfucking of parts of dwarven politics won him a lot of fans.

Night_stalker · Oct 25, 2015

The Curious Fan said:
A lot of people do, his unfucking of parts of dwarven politics won him a lot of fans.

Plus, better then the altern

No, I won't say why.

The Curious Fan · Oct 25, 2015

Night_stalker said:
Plus, better then the altern

No, I won't say why.

I know what happens when Harrowmont gets put in power.

Night_stalker · Oct 25, 2015

The Curious Fan said:
I know what happens when Harrowmont gets put in power.

Oh.

Well, so much for me being nice and not saying anything.

The Curious Fan · Oct 25, 2015

Night_stalker said:
Oh.

Well, so much for me being nice and not saying anything.

Eh, at least you weren't one of those people who post unmarked spoilers in a LP thread without checking if the LPer already knows these things or not. Your caution was well-intentioned.

EDIT: I'm vaguely recalling a quote in Orzammar about how the Grey Wardens are the only ones who go into the Deep Roads with less than a platoon, anyone remember where to find it?

horngeek · Oct 25, 2015

I suspect the 'vanquished' line is more him just making a figure of speech. Or something.

The Curious Fan · Nov 2, 2015

Time to pick off where I left off in the hall here.

We were losing the war against the darkspawn. Slowly. A few men at a time, but losing all the same. The Warrior Caste was dwindling with each generation as more able-bodied men perished in their prime without fathering sons. With each generation, more of the Deep Roads had to be sealed, more thaigs lost forever. The kings of Orzammar watched, and wondered how long it would be until nothing remained of our people but the Memories.

And then Paragon Caridin arose from the Smith Caste with a new weapon: Golems. Giant soldiers of living stone and metal, each one was an army. With the Paragon's golems, we began to retake the lands we had lost. For a while, there was hope that victory, final victory, was coming.

But at the height of the war, Paragon Caridin disappeared, and with him, the means to make golems. Several forays were made into the Deep Roads to search for the Paragon, but nothing was ever found. Over time, the golems we had were damaged beyond repair, and we began our slide, once again, toward extinction.

--"Orzammar as a Kingdom," as told by Shaper Czibor

Once again, without Golems, Orzammar is doomed.

Now to start talking to nobles at the meeting with King Endrin.

This is Lord Ronus Dace, the first of several Daces in the game. He has a proposition to make.

Ronus: Many thanks for your willingness to hear me out, my lord. I wish to speak to you of a matter most urgent.

Duran: Of course, Lord Dace.

Ronus: There is a vote coming before the Assembly next week, and a word from you could go a long way towards helping our cause.

Duran: What cause?

Ronus: The vote concerns the status of the so-called surface caste. Lost to the Stone, air-touched and so forth. Centuries ago, narrow-minded men declared that any dwarf who left to live on the surface forfeited his caste, and his house if noble. That he was, in essence, no longer a dwarf. I seek only to remedy an injustice, to retie the bonds of anyone who can trace himself to one of the noble houses, wherever he may live. Please, agree to speak for this noble cause.

Duran: Why so interested in this particular cause?

Ronus: Those on the surface are our lifeline. They facilitate trade with the surface. They're honourable and... um...

(sigh) Let's be honest. I don't care a whit for those who have wandered from the Stone. My wife, however, is a gem of a different colour. She has a cousin, a useless sort, but she is quite fond of him. He joined a speculative venture to the surface, hoping to make his fortune, and went bust. Now he wishes to come home, but he cannot, for he has no house and would be casteless. For my wife's sake, I take up this cause. Will you lend me your voice?

Duran: What do you need me to do?

Ronus: When your father presents you to the noble houses, I will ask for your opinion on the matter. You have merely to say that you feel our surface brothers should be returned their noble rights. What could be more simple?

He does a good job of sounding noble, how could I refuse him? Especially since if I'd asked he would have given me a letter to cash in for 100 sovereigns (I'd have to sell it to a merchant for 25 if I wanted to get anything out of it but that's not the point).

Lady Helmi has a different opinion on this whole affair.

Lady Helmi: Your mother would melt the Stone if she knew what you just did.

Duran: Excuse me?

Helmi: Lord Dace is playing you false. Go ahead, be his puppet. Your first command will be marked by every major noble house turning their back on you.

Duran: If you have something to say, do so.

Helmi: If you are to play the games of the Assembly, make sure you know the motivations of the players. Last spring, a guild from the Merchant caste invested heavily in an expedition with a guild from the surface. Lord Dace backed that merchant guild, pouring a great deal of money into the venture. The expedition was a disaster.

Duran: So this is Lord Dace's play to recover his losses?

Helmi: Clever child. Lord Dace lost a great deal of money and prestige. The surface guild has no way to repay the investment. But it does have several leading members who are descended from noble houses. House Helmi, Bemot... Aeducan.

Duran: If all the surface dwellers returned to their noble houses...

Helmi: You begin to see the whole picture. Your house and mine would be forced to pay the surfacers kin debts. It would be a great victory for Lord Dace.

Duran: Standing up for the surfacers is the right thing to do.

Helmi: The surface caste gave up their noble titles willingly, generations ago. Will you humiliate your house and your father, for them?

Duran: Yes.

Helmi: Do what you will, then. It's your honour that hangs in the balance.

Even if it means getting manipulated more than once in the same origin, getting the surfacers more rights in Orzammar can only be a good thing. I have to wonder whether my support will help or hurt his efforts considering what's coming up. And interestingly according to the wiki if you go back and confront Dace and cut off your conversation with Helmi before she could tell you Dace's plan, he'll tell you about her being pissed at him for uncovering her own plan to use orphan children as forced labour for her house, I wonder if that's true.

Now for the standard chat with Duncan.

One of the only shots of the other Grey Wardens in Ferelden that you'll get.

Duncan: Greetings, my Lord Aeducan. It is an honour to meet you at last.

Duran: The honour is mine, Warden.

Duncan: I have had the opportunity to recently meet with your father. He speaks highly of you. He says you may be the most skilled warrior in all of House Aeducan.

Duran: My father does me great honour.

Duncan: I have no doubt it is deserved. We need more Grey Wardens like you. And quickly. Even as the darkspawn weaken here in Orzammar, they are stirring on the surface. A Blight has begun. Soon the fight must go beyond the Deep Roads, lest the darkspawn threaten all the world.

Duran: I wonder if Father would allow me to join you.

Duncan: (chuckles) Alas, I do not think he would take kindly to that suggestion. As the child of the king and the heir after Lord Trian, your place is here.

Duran: I wish I could join you.

Duncan: Truly? Then I will speak to your father after tomorrow's battle. I have my doubts he will relent, but there is always hope. Until then, good luck to you. Show the darkspawn what your people are made of.

Could have poked him for more Grey Warden stuff but it's all generic. I'll see if I get an answer about why he's poking around in the Deep Roads later.

This is King Endrin Aeducan, the dwarf noble's father.

Lord Meino/Bemot (can't remember which): My king, please reconsider. The trade contracts alone could bring great prosperity to our houses...

Will we really turn our back on our brothers and a potential fortune in cheap labour because of a political technicality?

Endrin: Denial of the traditions of our people does not qualify as a political technicality!

There is more to life than monetary gains, my lords Bemot and Meino. The Assembly of Kal Sharok will respect the rule of Orzammar, or they will rot and die alone, surrounded by enemies.

Meino/Bemot: Yes, my King.

Endrin: But look, we have company to spare us further wrangling. Atrast vala, my son. How fine you look in your great grandfather's armour. I heard you were declared champion of the Provings! (chuckles) I suppose you were never one to sit by when something exciting was going on. Are you ready to be presented to the heads of the noble houses?

Duran: Of course, father.

Endrin: So dutiful... Very well, let us begin. Lords, ladies. Grant me a moment of your time. We are here today so I may present to you my second eldest child. Blessed by the Stone and born of the blood that ran in the veins of the Paragon Aeducan. Who would pose a question to the prospective commander? Who seeks to know the prospect better?

Ronus: I have a question. I seek to know the prospect better.

Endrin: Lord Dace, head of House Dace, speak.

Ronus: Lords, ladies, my question concerns the plight of our wayward kin, the so-called surface caste. What does the commander prospect think is the proper place for these lost souls?

Duran: They are as we are and should have their rights returned.

Ronus: Thank you, my lord. I am satisfied.

Endrin: Then if there are no other challenges...

I give you Orzammar's next commander!

Tomorrow, our newest commander will lead part of a mission to strike a great blow to the darkspawn. Not only does this recover access to some of our most important mines, but it also allows our honoured guest Duncan, head of Ferelden's Grey Wardens, to strike far into the Deep Roads.

Duncan: Thank you, King Endrin. While the darkspawn seem to withdraw, it is only because they are massing on the surface. This could mean a Blight, and my men and I will discover the truth.

Endrin: We are honoured to have you with us, my friend.

Now, feast, drink, and celebrate, for the morning brings battle!

As for you, my new commander, find your brother Trian and send him to me. He may be watching the Provings, or getting some rest in his rooms.

Duran: Of course, Father.

Endrin: Walk well, Commander.

I can't say I agree with his utter refusal to work with Kal Sharok if they won't bow to him.

Ronus: That was well spoken.

Duran: Am I going to regret helping you?

Ronus: I sincerely hope not. After all, you were only standing up for what you thought was right. Now I must be off to prepare for tomorrow. Do excuse me.

And I didn't even get anything since I neglected to ask for a reward.

Now to go rifle through Trian's diary before talking to him.

21 Ferventis: Noticed Gorim running around trying to get pieces of my sibling's ceremonial armor ready for the feast. Stopped him and asked him how preparations were going. He mentioned that one of the bracers had a spot of tarnish on it. Was quite impressed at his dedication. He is most loyal to our family.

3 Ferventis: Was on my way to discuss the treaty with Father when came across a messenger waiting in the hall. On being asked why he was loitering about the royal palace, he mumbled something about having a gift for the "new commander" and asked me (begged, almost) to pass along some object or other to my sibling. Me! The heir to the throne of Orzammar does not run errands for a messenger! Must have been new on the job. Had him thrown out; however, still reeling from the gall of it.

Learned later that Bhelen had told messenger that the quickest way to get things to our sibling was through me and had made him wait until I came by. So unseemly for a prince of Orzammar to play such tricks. He needs to grow up and understand that, as royalty, he has responsibilities.

4 Ferventis: Found Bhelen's little... playmate (again!) lurking about the corridors outside his bedroom this morning. Must have been trying to steal something, or already had. Bosom seemed fuller than most decent ladies. Some jewels hidden in the bodice? Anyway, pretended not to see her. Would have been awkward otherwise. Wish Bhelen would keep her confined to his room, if he must have her around. Little brother is too concerned with fun and pleasure and not serious enough about his duties as prince. Must talk to him about discipline when have time. Unfortunately, much too busy with the many tasks Father has laid upon my shoulders.

6 Ferventis: Remember to send small token of gratitude to Jaylia Helmi. Alliance between Helmi and Aeducan must be kept strong. Lady Jaylia will of course accept proposal of marriage since will be king sooner or later, but never hurts to be polite and keep the lady happy. Hear that there are some surfacers selling silks. Maybe will send second out for something nice. Jaylia's favorite color: Turquoise.

8 Ferventis: Heard about there being Provings held in our sibling's honor. They did not have Provings for me at my first commission, and I am the heir! What is going on? Must go watch these Provings, make presence felt. Orzammar must not forget that I am to be her next king.

-- From the journal of Trian Aeducan.

He doesn't sound so bad in this, a bit rude but certainly not evil.

A better shot of the two brothers, Trian is on the left and Bhelen on the right.

Trian: So, you are a commander now. In name at least. Shouldn't you be attending our king father?

Duran: Father wants to see you, Trian.

Trian: Of course he does. We must discuss strategy before tomorrow's battle. Bhelen, stay here and stroke the new commander's conceit if you like, but then get to bed.

Bhelen: I honestly don't know how you put up with him.

Duran: He's not that bad.

Bhelen: There was a time I would have agreed with you, but I've recently had to rethink my views on our brother.

Duran: What are you talking about?

Bhelen: Trian has begun to move against you. I never thought his much-proclaimed honour would allow him to actually act on his jealousy. Big brother, Trian is going to try to kill you.

Duran: What?

Bhelen: I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't overheard him giving orders to his men. Trian's decided you're a threat to his taking the throne. Maybe he's right.

Duran: How am I a threat to Trian?

Bhelen: He fears what you are becoming, in the eyes of the people and the Assembly. Trian is the named prince, but only the Assembly can proclaim a king. It would be unusual for the Assembly to ignore the king's choice, but it does happen.

Gorim: The founder of House Bemot became a Paragon and king in one move from the Assembly, and he was a commoner.

Bhelen: That would be an extraordinary case. But at least a half-dozen times, the Assembly named a lesser family member--or even someone from another house--as king. Usually it's the popular younger brother of an undesirable prince.

Duran: So Trian thinks the Assembly would prefer me?

Bhelen: Look at it from his perspective. You're more personable then he's ever been. You entered the Provings held in your own honour just for glory and to please the crowds. If you win glory against the darkspawn tomorrow, it will only strengthen the case for you as the next heir. Trian fears Father will replace him on the spot. If not, the Assembly will surely turn against him when Father dies. You know his pride will never allow him to step aside.

Duran: What's your angle in this?

Bhelen: It seems Trian has shown that brothers can't always be trusted. I am next in line. If Trian succeeds in his plot against you, how long do you think I'll live?

Duran: Gorim, what do you say?

Gorim: Permission to speak freely?

Duran: Of course, my friend.

Gorim: Trian would be a terrible king, but no one wants to say it. He has just enough backing in the Assembly to make it ugly when your father dies, but not enough to become king. Killing him now makes your house stronger now and saves a great deal of bloodshed later.

Duran: We'll wait. See what Trian does.

Bhelen: Very well. I'll keep my eyes open. I don't want to lose the brother I actually like.

Duran: I am glad for your concern, Bhelen. Thank you.

Bhelen: You're welcome. I'm taking your place as Father's second, so I'll be at hand tomorrow. For now, try to get some sleep.

Gorim: Let's go. You don't want to keep those lovely ladies waiting.

Bhelen really is doing a good job of manipulating the dwarf noble at this point and Gorim is playing right along.

Now one thing, if non-Aeducan kings are rare to the point of being only part of a half-dozen or so cases and there have been 9 Aeducan kings according to the origin opening, that means that there's only been a dozen or so dwarf kings in a thousand years (and I doubt that they all died of old age considering how they go into battle and how assassination-happy dwarven politics are), do Dwarves also live longer than humans?

*next morning*

This is Lord Pyral Harrowmont on the left, King Endrin's aide and a good and noble man if you're another noble, if you're casteless or not a dwarf however you can go get fucked.

Endrin: Trian and his men will clear the way for the Grey Wardens to descend into the easternmost caverns. Those caverns are still infested by the worst of the darkspawn. We cannot risk our own troops in there.

Duncan: Understood, Lord Harrowmont. We should be able to sense the darkspawn and avoid them once the way is open.

Endrin: May the Paragons favour you, and the Stone catch you if you fall. Come, men, glory awaits!

Harrowmont: Bhelen, you and your men will second the king, clearing the main road.

Bhelen: Don't you think it looks a little... cowardly to allow these humans to take our place where the fighting is thickest?

Harrowmont: Are you questioning the battle plan?

Bhelen: Of course not. I'm sure your caution is for the glory of us all.

Endrin: Enough, Bhelen. Take your men and get ready. Harrowmont and I need to have words with your sibling.

Bhelen: Good luck, my brother.

Harrowmont: Your father has a special mission for you.

Endrin: In the eastern Deep Roads, there is a secret door carved into the stone.

Harrowmont: The door leads to a thaig abandoned long ago by your ancestors. The darkspawn have made it impossible to reach.

Endrin: My father believed that the shield of the Paragon Aeducan remains in that thaig, under the stones of the central room. Reclaim the shield, and glory will be yours!

Duran: What else is in the thaig?

Endrin: My father's writings speak only of the shield. There may be countless other treasures, but only the shield matters.

Harrowmont: We've sent to scouts ahead to make sure the tunnels are cleared, but be careful. One of the scouts will meet you at the first crossroads you come to; the second will be further in. When you get to the door, use your signet ring to open it. Questions?

Duran: Where do we go from there?

Harrowmont: The crossroads where you meet the first scout will be the rendezvous point. There, you can present the shield to the lords and demonstrate the strength of Aeducan!

Endrin: May the ancestors watch over you, my child.

Not what I figured a commander would be doing but then I suppose this is his first day.

After some darkspawn slaying I meet the first scout, Frandlin Ivo.

Ivo: You made it, Commander. Did you run afoul of any darkspawn?

Duran: A few. They weren't organised.

Ivo: Still, that was more than we expected. Once I finished scouting the tunnels, I hid here to avoid the darkspawn. Most tunnels are dead ends. The one we want is swarming with those fiends. It's going to be a fight.

Duran: Weren't you at the Proving yesterday?

Ivo: I was, indeed. Your gift of the helm was amazingly generous. I will treasure it always. May today's battles bring us even more glory. I'll take rear guard. Shall we move?

Now for the second scout.

He's nothing special, he doesn't even have a name.

Scout: You're here! I thought the darkspawn had got you for sure.

Duran: I'm not that easy to kill.

Scout: Then I'll make sure I'm behind you if we're swarmed. We want the tunnel ahead, but there are darkspawn tracks all over it. Be careful.

Duran: I thought these tunnels were mostly abandoned.

Scout: Well, abandoned isn't vacant, apparently. Still, two months ago, we couldn't get within a mile of this place. I'll follow your lead, Commander.

The one on the left is a Genlock Alpha, they can be told apart by their more impressive armour (that actually covers their entire chest) and by their yellow names.

Once I get to the door, I find that it's not as abandoned as previously thought.

Someone got here first.

Scout: Looks like someone beat us to the door. This darkspawn body is still fresh. Whoever opened the door is most likely still in there.

Duran: They had to have an Aeducan signet ring to get in.

Frandlin Ivo: It could have been stolen, recently or generations back.

Scout: Or it could be an ambitious cousin out for his own glory.

Duran: Let's not do anything rash.

Gorim: Understood. Let's move, men.

They're doing a decent job of not being obviously bought by Bhelen and just letting the previous paranoia set in by Bhelen do it's work.

Don't ask me how air in the Deep Roads is breathable, I don't know.

Once I get across the bridge, I see the mercenary leader.

Mercenary leader: So glad you could finally join us. We feared you'd gotten eaten by darkspawn. Turns out the shield isn't quite as easy to retrieve as I was led to believe. I wager you know where it is, though. So maybe you tell me where it is, and I won't mutilate your body so bad your father doesn't recognise you.

Duran: The shield's a metaphor. It's in all of us.

Mercenary: A funny nobleman. Just what the world needs. Now kill these idiots.

I couldn't resist the funny option, even if IIRC the questioning option would have led to them admitting that they work for Trian. Once I loot their leader's corpse I get a conversation about the signet ring.

Gorim: Is that an Aeducan signet ring? I guess that's how they got in here...

Duran: It's Trian's.

Gorim: The ring is Trian's? That means he...

Duran: It must have been stolen from him.

Gorim: (ahem) Yes. Exactly what I was going to say.

Scout: Blind as a rock, this one is.

Gorim: I suggest you shut your mouth and do your job. Let's not waste time. Carry on, men!

Where do you get off sassing me, Scout? You don't even have a name.

And I suppose this conversation is for those who didn't pick the option to say that a signet ring was needed at the door.

How the mercenaries didn't figure out this puzzle bemuses me. You've just got to stand on the three odd looking stones.

(There is an indentation here that seems to match the Aeducan signet ring perfectly.)

Duran: (Press your signet ring against the indentation.)

(The lid of the sarcophagus slides away, revealing a small hollow that contains the shield of Aeducan.

Aeducan Shield: The shield has been pitted and scarred by the claws of countless darkspawn, but the ancient seal of House Aeducan can still be clearly seen.

And that's the shield obtained, funnily enough it has the exact same description as the shield that Gorim gives dwarf noble players later in the game.

Gorim: That's it. We've got it!

Scout: It doesn't look like much.

Frandlin: The skill of our crafters has come far since then. But still... the Shield of Aeducan.

Duran: The strength of Aeducan is in this shield.

Gorim: I can feel it. It's inspirational.

Scout: If you say so. It's just a shield.

Duran: We should get moving.

Scout: We need to get to the other rendezvous point. Back in the direction we came from, at the crossroads.

Gorim: To the crossroads!

This is pretty much only notable for the confirmation that the dwarves have gotten a lot better at making things since the Darkspawn first appeared (I've seen people argue that Thedas is utterly stagnant armour-wise since Bioware reused models for the Warden's Keep DLC and because ancient armours don't get unique models).

After some more darkspawn slaughtering I trigger another conversation about Trian.

Gorim: If Trian were really scheming against us, this would be the perfect place for an ambush. We've got the shield, and we're all alone out here.

Duran: Keep your wits about you, then.

Gorim: Of course.

*Scout barges in*

Scout: What's that you're muttering about?

Duran: Keep your mind on the mission.

Scout: Right you are, Commander.

Of course, since I didn't make it clear that I was willing to kill Trian like a good puppet, Bhelen had it done for me.

Gorim: By the Stone, it's Trian!

Scout: It must have been a darkspawn attack.

Frandlin: This doesn't look like darkspawn. No bites, no scratches, no mutilation...

Duran: We need to warn my father.

Gorim: Someone's coming!

*Bhelen, Endrin, Harrowmont and heir guards walk up*

Bhelen: Hurry, Father! Before it's too...

*Endrin runs up to Trian's corpse*

Endrin: By all the ancestors, what has happened here?

Guard: It seems we weren't fast enough. Bhelen was right.

Endrin: My son. Tell me this isn't what it looks like.

Duran: It's not, I assure you.

Bhelen: He killed Trian! Just as Trian said he would!

Gorim: My lord is innocent!

Harrowmont: Ser Gorim, your loyalty makes you a useless witness. It falls to others to tell the story. You, scout, what happened here?

Scout: Trian and his men were here early. It seems they'd done battle with the darkspawn. Lord Aeducan came up to them, all friendly-like, but when we got close, he ordered us to attack!

Duran: That's a lie!

Harrowmont: Then we shall discover the truth. Frandlin Ivo, you are a good and noble man. Did the scout speak the truth?

Frandlin: He... he did, my lord. It was... terrible. Prince Trian didn't stand a chance. Afterward, my lord stripped his signet ring.

Gorim: You treacherous bastard!

Harrowmont: Silence, Gorim.

Endrin: Do you have anything else to say, my son?

Duran: It's Bhelen. He's behind all of this.

Bhelen: The Assembly will see through you. Everyone knows I was Trian's faithful second.

Harrowmont: Bind him. He will be judged before the assembly. To Orzammar!

And that's everyone completely outplayed by Bhelen, quite the effective scene for him.

Next scene, I'm in prison and getting visited by Gorim.

Guard: You've got ten minutes, ser. Orders and all. You understand.

Gorim: Of course. Leave us alone, will you please?

I... I would have come sooner had they allowed it. How are you?

Duran: I am fine, Gorim. You?

Gorim: I could be better. I have bad news, though. The Assembly isn't going to call for you. Bhelen has taken Trian's place in the Assembly. He introduced a motion to condemn you immediately, and it easily passed. He... he had fully half the Assembly ready to vote on something completely against tradition and justice! He must have been making deals and alliances for months, if not years.

Duran: So now Bhelen will be king when my father dies.

Gorim: I'm afraid so. Some of the lords, especially Harrowmont, are suspicious of Bhelen's instant rise to power. They are rallying, but far too slowly. The Assembly has already sentenced both of us.

Duran: What's going to happen to you?

Gorim: My knighthood will be stripped, my name torn from the family records... but I will be allowed to attempt some sort of life on the surface. Lord Harrowmont moved for a similar exile for you, but Bhelen's supporters overwhelmed him. You're to be sealed in the Deep Roads to fight darkspawn until you are overwhelmed and killed.

Duran: What does my father say about this?

Gorim: Lord Harrowmont says the king has taken ill. He couldn't bear losing two of his children at once. Lord Harrowmont gave me access to see you so I could tell you this: Duncan and the Grey Wardens are still in the Deep Roads, in tunnels connected to those you are to be left in. If you survive long enough to find the Grey Wardens, you may be able to escape with Duncan.

Duran: The Grey Wardens would take an exile, a murderer?

Gorim: The Grey Wardens don't care about a person's past. They recruit for daring, intelligence, and martial power. If you can find them, I'm sure you can join them and escape the Deep Roads.

Duran: How do I find the Grey Wardens?

Gorim: They're down there somewhere. It's just a matter of surviving long enough to track them. I begged to go with you and fight at your side, but Bhelen's pet nobles wouldn't hear of it.

Duran: You're safer going to the surface.

Gorim: I would give up all the safety in the world to go down this dark path with you. Our time is up. May the Paragons guide your sword and the Stone hold you up.

Duran: The same to you, my friend.

Gorim: I will always be your man, my Lord Aeducan.

I love Gorim for his utter loyalty and humour.

Guard: They are ready for you now.

Here is the prisoner, Lord Harrowmont.

Harrowmont: Having been found guilty of fratricide by the Assembly of Orzammar, you are hereby sentenced to exile and death. Your name is, from this point forward, stripped from the records. You are no longer a person, nor a memory. You are to be cast into the Deep Roads with only sword and shield, there to redeem your life by fighting the enemies of Orzammar until your death. Do you have anything to say before the sentence is carried out?

Duran: Bhelen will destroy you, just as he did me.

Harrowmont: I understand your anger. You should have been allowed to defend yourself. Had I the power to stop this, I would have. Look me in the eye and tell me you didn't do this. For your father's sake.

Duran: I didn't kill Trian.

Harrowmont: I believe you. That means Bhelen planned this from the start. Believe me, I will spend the rest of my days making sure Bhelen does not profit by his deeds. Your father asked me to give these to you. This sword and shield are of fine dwarven make. Strike a blow at our enemies.

Duran: How is my father?

Harrowmont: He is old and this tragedy has hit him hard. He will rest better now, though, knowing the truth.

Duran: Tell my father I went to a warrior's death.

Harrowmont: I will. Open the doors and let the condemned walk through. May the Stone accept you when you fall.

And this is why Harrowmont is liked by some, he really is a very nice and honourable person when it comes to other nobles and even saves the PC's life.

The helmet and armour feel oddly appropriate for this.

After some more walking through the Deep Roads, I catch up with the four Grey Wardens.

Warden 1: By the Maker, it's a dwarf!

Duncan: Lord Aeducan! What are you doing out here alone? Where are your troops?

Duran: I am Lord Aeducan no longer.

Duncan: Ah. You have been made to walk the Deep Roads, then.

Warden 1: You mean you were exiled? What happened?

Duncan: I do not think matters of dwarven honour are any business of ours. You need not answer, friend.

Duran: I was betrayed by my brother.

Duncan: Lord Trian?

Duran: No, Bhelen. Trian is dead.

Duncan: I see. The brutal intrigue of the dwarven court continues, then. Your father intimated as much. There is no reason for you to walk these Deep Roads and die for something you did not do. You have already proven yourself both resourceful and skilled, and I would expect nothing less from an Aeducan. I have been searching for those with your level of ability. Your exploits in the Deep Roads set you apart. As leader of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, I would like to formally invite you to join our order.

Duran: I would be honoured.

Duncan: Then welcome. We leave immediately for Ostagar to join with the human forces facing the darkspawn hordes, led by King Cailan. Stay close. There are still darkspawn around every corner...

I think this makes the dwarf noble the only origin to interact (offscreen) with the other Grey Wardens rather than just Duncan before Ostagar.

I quite like the Dwarf Noble origin simply because of just how much freedom it has to be an utter bastard (and freedom in general) more than any other origin, the Dwarf Noble can establish themselves as an utter prick.

Anyways, that's all of the origins done. Now is the time to choose which of the origins I go with as my main character (I'll still probably be running at least 2 other ones on the side to see origin-specific stuff and to get all the dialogue for characters like Sten that require you to take them everywhere, but you won't see much of them unless there's enough unique stuff to do an update with them) and to see what it's like to play an utterly evil character in Origins again, I want to do a complete list of the atrocities ingame.

[ ] Human Noble
[ ] Human Mage
[ ] City Elf
[ ] Dalish Elf
[ ] Dwarf Commoner (evil option)
[ ] Dwarf Noble

horngeek · Nov 2, 2015

[x] Dwarf Noble

shenron · Nov 2, 2015

[x] Dwarf Noble

SoaringHawk218 · Nov 2, 2015

[X] Human Mage

Night_stalker · Nov 2, 2015

[x] Dwarf Noble

The Curious Fan said:
do Dwarves also live longer than humans?

Considering their love of politics and backstabbery, not that much.

The Curious Fan said:
if you're casteless or not a dwarf however you can go get fucked.

And not in the fun way. Incidentally, I never got how these guys have lasted this long with an enemy at the gates, them wasting huge population amounts by banishing them to the surface, wasting even more by keeping them underfoot as cutthroats at best, and serious infighting between the high ranking houses.

The Curious Fan said:
Not what I figured a commander would be doing but then I suppose this is his first day.

Eh, gotta ease the new commander into an easy mission. Though why they're risking so many lives for ONE shield....

The Curious Fan said:
How the mercenaries didn't figure out this puzzle bemuses me.

If they were smart, they wouldn't have become mercs.

The Curious Fan · Nov 2, 2015

Night_stalker said:
Considering their love of politics and backstabbery, not that much.

Without politics-related causes of death do dwarves live longer than humans in this considering how long their kings seem to live?

Night_stalker said:
And not in the fun way. Incidentally, I never got how these guys have lasted this long with an enemy at the gates, them wasting huge population amounts by banishing them to the surface, wasting even more by keeping them underfoot as cutthroats at best, and serious infighting between the high ranking houses.

They are bloody good at what they do and thanks to their lyrium supply all of their gear is enchanted. It helps that the enemy isn't exactly focused on them either, they used to be a lot more than just Orzammar as well, it's only recently that they've lost Ortan Thaig and Bownammar for example.

Night_stalker said:
Eh, gotta ease the new commander into an easy mission. Though why they're risking so many lives for ONE shield....

They're risking four lives on it, the dwarf noble, Gorim, Frandlin Ivo and the nameless Scout. The rest of them are off reclaiming some of Orzammar's most important mines and letting Duncan confirm whether this is a Blight.

Night_stalker · Nov 2, 2015

The Curious Fan said:
Without politics-related causes of death do dwarves live longer than humans in this considering how long their kings seem to live?

No idea, decently long by all accounts. Though dying from non politics deaths are suspicious, I think.

The Curious Fan said:
They are bloody good at what they do and thanks to their lyrium supply all of their gear is enchanted. It helps that the enemy isn't exactly focused on them either, they used to be a lot more than just Orzammar as well, it's only recently that they've lost Ortan Thaig and Bownammar for example.

True, but still, that is a LOT of troops they're wasting.

The Curious Fan said:
They're risking four lives on it, the dwarf noble, Gorim, Frandlin Ivo and the nameless Scout. The rest of them are off reclaiming some of Orzammar's most important mines and letting Duncan confirm whether this is a Blight.

Oh, thought this was like a platoon or company sized expedition, given the title of commander roughly corresponding to Lt. Colonel...

Silvrose · Nov 2, 2015

[x] Dwarf Noble

The Curious Fan · Nov 2, 2015

Night_stalker said:
No idea, decently long by all accounts. Though dying from non politics deaths are suspicious, I think.

It's still kind of surprising, they went through about as many monarchs in more than 1000 years as British have had in around 300 years.

Night_stalker said:
True, but still, that is a LOT of troops they're wasting.

And that would be why Bhelen making use of the casteless does so much to help, they aren't wasting so much after that.

Night_stalker said:
Oh, thought this was like a platoon or company sized expedition, given the title of commander roughly corresponding to Lt. Colonel...

That's probably the size of the whole expedition, not just the bits that the player gets to control.

Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate edition

Slava Ukraini!

Castro-Trudeauist

Marengo crossing the Alps

Perpetually sleep deprived

Perpetually sleep deprived

Perpetually sleep deprived

If you're reading this, omae wa mo shindeiru.

Slava Ukraini!

Perpetually sleep deprived

Slava Ukraini!

Perpetually sleep deprived

Slava Ukraini!

Perpetually sleep deprived

Australian Dragon

Perpetually sleep deprived

Australian Dragon

Marengo crossing the Alps

Slava Ukraini!

Perpetually sleep deprived

Slava Ukraini!

Connoisseur of Cuteness

Perpetually sleep deprived