Okay, anyone know how to deal with the bug where Avernus goes through all the dialogue leading up to getting rid of the demons but never actually does it?
EDIT: By pure luck, accidentally triggering a conversation with Morrigan just as he was about to freeze up again fixed it.
Okay, anyone know how to deal with the bug where Avernus goes through all the dialogue leading up to getting rid of the demons but never actually does it?
If you're wondering why there was a couple of days gap between me playing through and posting this, Legacy of the Void happened.
Time for me to do Warden's Keep since I'm a sucker for always putting unique items in the storage container rather than selling them, but first, time to talk to a few people around camp.
Bodahn: Ah! It's good to see you, my timely rescuer! Bodahn Feddic at your service once again. I saw your camp and remembered the kind offer you made the last time we met, and is there anywhere safer for a poor merchant and his son to sleep? I think not. I'm perfectly willing to offer you a fine discount for the inconvenience of our presence. How does that sound? Good? Yes?
Duran: You're free to stay. Just mind yourselves.
Bodahn: Wonderful! Thank the gentleman won't you, boy?
Sandal: Thank you, ser.
Bodahn: We won't be a bother to you and your companions, I assure you. If you should need enchantments, simply talk to my boy. Otherwise, come speak to me.
Bodahn is a liar, he offers no discount, his prices are the same as any other merchant's unlike Gorim who does give a really good discount to dwarf nobles.
Before I buy anything, I probe him for rumours.
Duran: Have you heard any rumours?
Bodahn: I hear news from Denerim that Teyrn Loghain has been declared the new regent. Makes sense, his daughter being the queen.
Bodahn: Some folks aren't happy about Teyrn Loghain being named regent. There are rumours he had something to do with the king's death. Isn't that the most ridiculous thing you ever heard? The darkspawn killed him, sure enough. If Teyrn Loghain couldn't save the king from that end, then nobody could.
Bodahn: There's not just darkspawn in the horde, you know that? There are people with them... folks who are sick with the Blight, and their minds are all twisted and mad. I heard tell of a man meeting his own brother on the field. Yet when he called out to him, his brother didn't even recognise him and just attacked.
Bodahn: I hear tell they held the funeral in Denerim for King Cailan. The grand cleric called for a full day of mourning, and there was a procession a mile long passing by the brazier. Too bad they don't have a body to properly burn. What happened to him, at the hands of those creatures--it's unthinkable.
Bodahn: I heard from some travelers that something bad might have happened in Redcliffe. Overrun by darkspawn, maybe? There's no word from the village at all. Merchant friend of mine said he encountered someone fleeing the place, said there was nothing waiting for him there but death. He wisely turned around and came right back.
Bodahn: There's knights from Redcliffe spread all over Ferelden on some kind of mission, but I hear that they're starting to become rare to find. Maybe they all went back to Redcliffe. More likely they got tired of searching for something that can't be found and abandoned their search. I wonder what Arl Eamon is going to do without any knights?
Bodahn: I hear the dwarven king has passed on. Old as he was, he was probably poisoned or assassinated... That's how the dwarves normally go out, isn't it?
And here's our first demonstration of how the game can't quite decide what it wants Redcliffe to be, it bounces between being just a village like Lothering and being a potential rival for Denerim according to various descriptions.
Anyways, I buy another codex entry giving item, the Bard's Dancing Shoes.
Bard's Dancing Shoes said:
The rules of the Grand Game are clear: Anything goes. If a noble cannot obtain the heights of prestige in the court by purchase, alliance, or deed, he can always obtain it by removing his rivals.
In this, bards have always been invaluable. Orlesians cannot do without music and dancing. Even when they know that half the musicians in their ballroom are spies in the employ of their enemies, they welcome the scoundrels with open arms. In fact, that makes music and musicians so much more popular, for it makes the Game more exciting.
Ah, the Game, Orlesian courtly intrigue and backstabbing accepted and embraced to the point where it got it's own name rather than quashed when possible.
Now for Sandal's deal.
Sandal: Hello.
Bodahn: The boy's a bit simple, but he's rather good with enchantments. One of those Tranquil fellows actually called him a... what was it, now? A savant? I had no idea such a thing existed.
Duran: What enchantments does he do?
Bodahn: He can fold lyrium into almost any weapon or piece of armour, though naturally some of the more extravagant materials will take more lyrium than others. It's a process that some of the master smiths back in Orzammar will perform, but my boy here is just as adept at it. Isn't that right, boy?
He kind of dodged the question there and just answered with a summary of what enchantment is, but still, that's Sandal's deal, he's mentally handicapped but he's a savant when it comes to enchanting things. Oh, and he can become a murder machine when he needs to.
And here's Levi Dryden, DLC guy. From what I've heard if you don't have his DLC he still appears but if you want to answer his request positively you've got to click the literal buy DLC dialogue option.
Levi: You're a hard man to find! Where are my manners? The name is Levi, Levi Dryden. Did Duncan ever mention me? Levi of the Coins? Levi the Trader?
Duran: I'm Duran. I've never heard of you.
Levi: Really? He never told you of old Levi? We've known each other for years. But here I am carrying on while you have Blight to stop. Don't want to waste your time. But, you see, Duncan promised that together we'd look into something important for the Wardens. And for me. But poor Duncan's... well, no more. A tragedy it is, at that. But I know he would want his work carried on. His pledge fulfilled.
Duran: What promise did Duncan make with you?
Levi: My family... well, our past is a bit checkered, you see? Nobles look at us with disdain. My great-great-grandmother, Sophia Dryden, was the last Warden-Commander of Ferelden, back when the Wardens were known as freeloaders. So King Arland banished the Wardens and he took House Dryden's land and titles.
Duran: What happened next?
Levi: Hard to say. After King Arland died, there was a civil war, loads worse than this one. And our family was on the run, hunted by enemies--with nary a friend in the world. But Drydens are tough. We rebuilt, became merchants. And we never lost our pride.
Duran: I'm surprised you kept your name.
Levi: Our family's only crime was guarding the kingdom against the Blight. We're not ashamed of that.
Duran: So what favour did you ask of Duncan?
Levi: I asked for the truth. My family reveres Sophia Dryden. We know she died at the old Grey Warden base, Soldier's Peak. We want evidence to clear her name. It won't restore our land or our titles, but it'll restore our honour.
Duran: Couldn't you just go there by yourself?
Levi: Well, no one's been to Soldier's Peak since Arland's days. At least none that's come back. I spent years mapping the maze of tunnels to the peak. And I found the way a few years back. So I went to Duncan, I did, and I said that he could reclaim the old base and my family could have it's honour.
Duran: How will reclaiming the Peak help the Wardens?
Levi: Soldier's Peak has strategic and symbolic importance. Duncan said that would be worth it right there. He also hoped to recover lost Warden history and perhaps a few old relics. No one knows what's up there now.
Duran: Why didn't Duncan help you?
Levi: Darkspawn surfaced in southern Ferelden. And Duncan got plenty busy recruiting new Wardens and meeting with good King Cailan. Duncan said he would help after the battle of Ostagar. Said there might be useful things at the Peak. But he never had the chance.
Duran: Your family's faith will be rewarded. I will help you.
Levi: A thousand blessings upon you, Warden. I'll mark down the location on your map. When you arrive, we'll pick our way through the tunnels together!
Unfortunately, the only thing this fortress provides is a potential tier 8 sword and a party storage chest and nothing related to the actual fortress, I suppose it's DLC and they couldn't have it change anything noteworthy.
In the years following the siege of Soldier's Peak, all those who carried the Dryden name were hunted by King Arland's forces. Our noble Dryden name was smeared, and all lands and holdings belonging to the Drydens were seized by the crown. The king feared that the rebellion started by Sophia would be kept alive by her loyal friends and family, and anyone with connections to the Drydens suffered greatly. It is little wonder, then, that the few remaining Drydens found themselves with no allies and nowhere to turn.
Toben Dryden, Sophia's brother and guardian of her young son, had no choice but to flee Ferelden. Toben bought passage to Antiva on a merchant vessel and traveled under the name Derocher. Once in Antiva, Toben set about building a new, quiet life for himself and his nephew. He started a small business and eventually made a name for himself as a trader.
The Derocher merchant family prospered, and the name Dryden was almost forgotten. However, in 8:15 Blessed, Silvie Derocher uncovered old documents belonging to Toben and pieced together the family's history. In her pride, and perhaps in her naivete, Silvie reclaimed the name Dryden and returned to Ferelden.
King Arland lies dead, and the Dryden name lives on. Our family has survived--even thrived--since the death of Sophia Dryden. The nobles of Ferelden may still spit on the Dryden name, but we Drydens know that Sophia Dryden was greater than them, almost a queen, and a hero of the people of Ferelden.
--From the personal files of Levi Dryden, merchant.
The Drydens have a very rosy picture of their ancestor, let's see how long that lasts.
Before I head out, I have a few chats with companions (better to space these out than to do them all in one go).
Sten: Why are we stopping?
Duran: Let's just get a few things straight.
Sten: There are darkspawn to be fought. Is this delay needful?
Duran: Are you all right? You were in that cage for weeks.
Sten: You are concerned? No need. I am fit enough to fight.
Duran: You said you were in the army.
Sten: I am.
Duran: What made you decide to become a soldier?
Sten: Decide? I am a Sten of the Beresaad. I did not choose to be who I am any more than you did.
Duran: Why would the Qunari send soldiers here?
Sten: The antaam are the eyes, hands, and mouth of the Qunari. We are how my people know the world.
Duran: Doesn't that make your view of things a little skewed?
Sten: Compared to what?
Duran: You only learn about people you conquer?
Sten: What does anyone truly know of the world? The world changes. We change. The antaam observe what we can, just as you do. There is no point to this. We are keeping the darkspawn waiting.
Interesting that he doesn't mention the Ben-hassrath, their spy network, as a source of information. I suppose they probably weren't invented yet much like how the dwarven merchant's guild didn't exist when this was released. Or maybe Sten just doesn't know about their existence.
Now for Alistair.
Alistair: What do you need?
Duran: Do you want to talk about Duncan?
Alistair: You don't have to do that. I know you didn't know him as long as I did.
Duran: He was like a father to you. I understand.
Alistair: I... should have handled it better. Duncan warned me right from the beginning that this could happen. Any of us could die in battle. I shouldn't have lost it, not when so much is riding on us, not with the Blight and... and everything. I'm sorry.
Duran: No harm done, Alistair.
Alistair: I'd... like to have a funeral for him. Maybe once this is all done, if we're still alive. I don't think he had any family to speak of.
Duran: That's an excellent idea.
Alistair: I think he came from Highever, or so he said. Maybe I'll go up out there sometime, see about putting up something in his honour. I don't know. Dwarves don't practice cremation, do they? How do your people honour your dead?
Duran: We entomb our dead within the stone beneath our thaigs.
Alistair: I... heard about that, now that I think about it. Their spirits return to the rock, strengthening the foundation of the thaig? It sounds so strange.
Duran: No stranger than burning your honoured dead to ashes.
Alistair: I suppose you're right. Thank you. Really, I mean it. It was good to talk about it, at least a little.
Duran: Maybe I'll go to Highever with you, when I go.
I'm still not seeing why people consider Alistair to be whiny for being sad after losing almost of all of his friends and Duncan who he seems to have thought of as a father figure.
Also, what breakdown is he apologising for? He was a bit mopey and quiet on the walk to Lothering, but that's it, hardly something worth apologising for.
Morrigan: What do you wish of me?
Duran: I'd like to ask you something.
Morrigan: If you must.
Duran: How did you become a shapechanger?
Morrigan: I was not born such. 'Tis a skill of Flemeth's, taught over many years in the Wilds. The Chasind have tales of we witches, saying that we assume the forms of creatures to watch them from hiding. When a child is alone and separate from his tribe, that is when we strike, dragging the young boy kicking and screaming to our lair to be devoured. A most amusing legend.
Duran: Your mother has been doing this for a long time, then?
Morrigan: Changing her form, certainly. Devouring lost children, I cannot say. She has not done it in my experience, though in truth my lifespan is but a fraction of her own. Why do you ask? Is there something specific you wish to know?
Duran: I've never heard of magic like that before.
Morrigan: No? 'Tis not unheard of, in the remote corners of the world. There are traditions of magic outside of the Circle of Magi, despite what those mages would have you believe. Some of these traditions are old, indeed, passed down as carefully-guarded lore from one generation to the next. The zealots of the Chantry would uproot all such practitioners if they could, but as luck would have it some still exist. My mother is such a one.
Duran: That's good. Such traditions need to be preserved.
Morrigan: I am surprised you think so. Still, 'tis a pleasant thing to hear.
Duran: Can you change into other human forms, as well?
Morrigan: The form of an animal is different from my own. One may study the creature, learn to move as it does, think as it does. In time, this allows one to become as it is. I gain nothing by studying another human. I already am the same as they are, I learn nothing. So the answer is no, my human form is the only one I possess.
Duran: Can anyone become a shapechanger?
Morrigan: Anyone with sufficient will. But the act of transformation is a magical one. 'Tis a spell, and thus requires a mage's talents. If you had a notion to learn such a skill for yourself, sadly you must remain disappointed.
Duran: Do you spend a lot of time as an animal?
Morrigan: There were nights when the Wilds called to me, 'tis true. You look upon the world around you and you think you know it well. I have smelled it as a wolf, listened as a cat, prowled shadows that you never dreamed existed. But my life is as a human. I am under no illusions to the contrary.
Duran: And what do other animals think of you when you're changed?
Morrigan: They do not shy away from me. To their senses, I believe I seem like any other of their species. As to what they think, I truly cannot say. Just as I am still human, no matter my form, they are still animals. Thus they cannot speak, even if I were to ask.
Duran: That's all I wanted to ask.
Morrigan: Indeed? Have you an opinion on my abilities, then? Am I an unnatural abomination to be put to the torch?
Duran: I think your abilities sound quite useful.
Morrigan: Oh? You're simply full of surprises, little man, aren't you? But enough of such talk. Let us proceed, lest the dust gather on us.
What can I say, being pro-tradition and not biased against mages felt right for a dwarf.
Now for the final talk with Leliana.
Leliana: Yes?
Duran: I'd like to talk.
Leliana: Well, here I am.
Duran: What would someone like you be doing in Lothering's chantry?
Leliana: What is meant by "someone like me?"
Duran: You know, a beautiful charming woman like yourself.
Leliana: And there are no beautiful, charming women in the cloisters, you think? Oh, you would be wrong. There were many lovely young initiates in the Lothering cloister--all of them chaste and virtuous. Ah, it added to their mystique. Because then... then they were forbidden, and forbidden fruit is the sweeter, no?
Duran: That's what they say.
Leliana: I did not take the vows those initiates took, Vows of poverty, chastity... among others. The Chantry provides succor and safe harbour to all who seek it. I chose to stay and become affirmed.
Duran: So your previous skills were learned before your time in the Chantry?
Leliana: I was a traveling minstrel, in Orlais. Tales and songs were my life. I performed, and they rewarded me with applause and coin. And my skill in battle... well, you pick up different skills when you travel, yes? Yes, of course. Er... let's move on.
I really shouldn't have done that and gone half-hearted, I should have avoided the topic until I was sure who I want to romance this playthrough (if anyone at all).
Now to actually get on with Soldier's Peak.
It's old but it is still quite intact.
Levi: And... here we are. Soldier's Peak. Maker's breath, look at the size of her. What a fortress. I told you the map would get us through the tunnels.
Duran (curse the lack of non-religious options here): Andraste's blood, how did you find that path on your own.
Levi: You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Duran: Just tell me.
Levi: It came to me in my dreams. When I was a lad, I tried going through the tunnel by myself. Got horribly lost. But every now and again since, I've dreamt of it.
Duran: Why didn't you mention this before?
Levi: I didn't want you to think I was some moon-addled simpleton. I've my wits about me. But enough of that. I'll follow you. From a distance. This place has the stench of death. I expect there's trouble up ahead.
Anyways, here we see the main enemy of the DLC, the undead and demons infesting Soldier's Peak.
And I really like this detail, the undead Wardens have their own uniforms and weapons to contrast with the undead that served Arland.
The History of Soldier's Peak: Chapter 1 said:
The Grey Warden base at Soldier's Peak was built in the middle of the Glory Age, several decades after the second Blight was ended. Before then, Grey Wardens in Ferelden would take up residence in castles and forts that belonged to generous nobles. Warden-Commander Gaspar Asturian desired a fortified headquarters where his forces could train and live. He planned that Soldier's Peak would be a city unto itself. The defeat of the archdemon Zazikel was fresh in the minds of the Fereldan people, and many were willing to donate gold to build Commander Asturian's fortress.
Soldier's Peak was fully completed within 10 years, and dedicated to the Maker in 2:34 Glory.
--From The History of Grey Wardens in Ferelden, by Brother Genitivi, Chantry scholar.
Soldier's Peak is older than Ferelden as a united country.
Once I head inside, another flashback.
Sophia up the front and Avernus in the back, both looking a lot better than they do in the present.
Avernus: The men's morale is low. My spells are of no use in this matter, Commander.
Sophia: There is more to leading men than sorcery, Avernus. I will remind them that they're Wardens.
Men, I won't lie to you. The situation is grim. Our forces outnumbered. Our bellies empty. And our hearts are sagging. But we are Wardens. Darkspawn flee when they hear our horns. Archdemons die when they taste our blades.
So are we to bend knee to a mere human despot? No! I, for one, will never give up. I, for one, will never surrender just to dance on Arland's gallows. So I propose here and now, in these hallowed halls where generations of our brethren stood vigil against darkspawn and evil...
That we send a message to that fat bastard. In this sacred place, proud men, strong me, stood defiant. And would rather die than submit to tyranny!
*flashback ends*
Levi: So brave, even when starving. And my great-great-grandmother stood with them.
Duran: King Arland was a tyrant?
Levi: Not much is known of King Arland. The war of succession that followed his death, now that was a piece of work. Lasted nearly a decade, and almost burned Denerim and the palace to the ground. Loads of history was lost. But maybe there're answers to that inside. But I've gabbed enough. Lead on, my friend.
This poster reads: "On these grounds, virtuous men stood against a tyrant. They stood defiant and stood for freedom. And they died."
It is signed by the Grey Warden defenders who were besieged by King Arland's forces.
Captain Melo, The Black Ferret, Chair-Thrower Lopez, Ser Derek of Orlais, and Jason the Longbow.
Allan the Quibbler, Cartography Martyr, David the Silent, Dustin the Colour-Blind, Ebenger of the Bovine Brethren, Farrell the Feral, Sir Graham the Untiring, and Jason sans les Argonauts.
Langley the Nefarious, Lucky Lacuna, Mad Dog Smeadows, Matthias the Bloody, McGuirk the Vile Priest, Melissa the Magical Malefactor, Om the Stretched, and Packrat Derksen.
Sergeant "Red" Morrison, Santos the Silent Scimitar, Vitriolic Eric, Weak Eye Santos, and Welburn the Exhaustive Fire.
So many silly names mixed in with the reasonable ones...
While fighting through the place I get a few codexes about monsters and one about a letter from a Bann.
Arcane Horror said:
"Upon ascending to the second floor of the tower, we were greeted by a gruesome sight: a ragged collection of bones wearing the robes of one of the senior enchanters. I had known her for years, watched her raise countless apprentices, and now she was a mere puppet for some demon."
--Transcribed from a tale told by a templar in Antiva City, 7:13 Storm
Demons, of course, have no form in our world. When they enter, either where the Veil is particularly thin or through blood magic summoning, they must take possession of a body.
When a pride demon takes control of the corpse of a mage, an arcane horror is born. Although they appear to be little more than bones, these are fierce creatures, possessing not only all the spellcasting abilities of a living mage, but also the capacity to heal and even command other animated corpses.
I think this encounter started the trend of Arcane Horrors being fodder since the only other encounter with one in the game is when it's a boss while this one is just a yellow enemy.
Skeleton said:
The demons of the Fade are jealous of the world they sense from across the Veil. They constantly push against the boundaries of the Fade, and when they finally cross over, they attempt to possess the first living creature they see. They are unable, however, to distinguish that which was once living from that which still is... in fact, a corpse provides an even more tempting target to a weaker demon as it has no will with which to resist the possession. The demon cannot rationalize why this is so; it only sees a target and grasps at the opportunity.
A skeleton is exactly that: a corpse animated by a possessing demon. Upon finding itself trapped within a body that cannot sustain it, the demon is driven insane... it seeks to destroy any life that it encounters, attacking without thought to its own welfare.
The exact names given to skeletons of this type vary according to the nature of the demons that possesses it. A "fanged skeleton" is a skeleton possessed by a hunger demon. These skeletons devour whatever life they encounter and often possess the ability to drain life energy and mana from their victims. A "shambling skeleton" is a slower-moving skeleton possessed by a sloth demon, able to bring entropic powers against its opponents, slowing them and even putting them to sleep. More powerful demons have been known to command skeletons, but at that level they are known by other names: revenants and arcane horrors, to name two.
"To anyone who doubts the wickedness of blood magic, I say: With your own hands, strike down the corpses of your own brothers who have fallen in battle to a maleficar, then we may discuss morality."
--Knight-Commander Benedictus, in a letter to the Divine, 5:46 Exalted.
The walking dead are not, as superstition would lead you to believe, the living come back for revenge. They are, rather, corpses possessed by demons.
The shambling corpse, controlled by a demon of sloth, causes its enemies to become weak and fatigued. Corpses possessed by rage demons go berserk and simply wade into their opponents mindlessly. Devouring corpses are held by hunger demons and feed upon the living. The more powerful demons rarely deign to possess a dead host.
I'm surprised that these two were considered separate since the only difference is whether the corpses have flesh attached or not.
A Letter from Bann Mathuin Wulff said:
Sophia,
Arl Ruahn and his entire family have been slaughtered, even the children. The Ruahn line is no more and the arling belongs to the crown, for now. Arland believed Ruahn was plotting against him. Ruahn criticized the king's spending on Wintersend--that is all. It was an idle word, spoken out of turn. The king goes too far. His brain is filled with madness and he clings to the crown like a drowning man clutches at a straw.
Sophia, I beg you, help us. If nothing is done, more will suffer.
Arland really was a tyrant, going after an Arl and wiping him out for one word out of turn causing paranoia.
A Plea From Commander Althar said:
Soldier's Peak is more than we bargained for. There is sinister magic at work here. The men are seeing things and cannot tell nightmares from reality. The fallen return to life to attack again and again, and we are assaulted by dark creatures the likes of which I have never seen. Whoever is responsible is intent on destroying us all--the king's army and the Grey Wardens both.
The hole in the veil and resulting demons took a while to kill everyone but Avernus.
And yet another codex before the book that triggers another flashback.
The History of Soldier's Peak: Chapter 2 said:
As he approached his 60th year, rumors swirled that the corruption in Warden-Commander Asturian's blood was beginning to take its toll. According to reports from that time, the commander experienced terrifying waking dreams and heard his name whispered from the dark corners of Soldier's Peak. It is said that Asturian would spend hours locked up alone in the Great Hall of the base, muttering to himself, though no one was ever able to make out what he was saying. Many also believed that Asturian began, in secret, to draw up plans to expand his fortress, adding to it hidden passages and alcoves, all to protect himself from the shadows that pursued him.
No one knows whether Asturian was able to complete his project, for his deterioration had become obvious to anyone who spent any amount of time with him. He was quickly replaced by Warden-Commander Frida Halwic. Asturian was taken to Orzammar, where he submitted to the Calling, the last rite of the Grey Wardens, and went to his death with honor.
--From The History of Grey Wardens in Ferelden, by Brother Genitivi, Chantry scholar.
And this is the boss for the area, a rage abomination backed up by four healers (and four more that spawn when the first four are dead), you're wasting your time taking out the demon until you've taken out the healbots.
Winter's Breath: The core of this staff contains enchanted ice that never melts. It's said that is what fuels this powerful magical tool.
The Grey Wardens were originally a Tevinter organisation so it's not surprising that they've never banned blood magic.
And the way to the tower is blocked, probably by Avernus to let him sleep and experiment in peace.
Now for the third chapter.
The History of Soldier's Peak: Chapter 3 said:
After Asturian's death, the rumors and theories became increasingly outlandish. One of the more ridiculous rumors told of Asturian's infatuation with an elven princess of lore, whom he was trying to resurrect in a secret ritual chamber through the use of blood magic and the princess's favorite food, raspberry jam.
Warden-Commander Frida Halwic launched a thorough investigation into Asturian's "secret plans" but was unable to uncover any evidence that anything in Soldier's Peak had been changed. Commander Halwic declared that the rumors about Asturian were a slight on his memory and that anyone found repeating them would be harshly punished. The stories were thus silenced.
--From The History of Grey Wardens in Ferelden, by Brother Genitivi, Chantry scholar.
Paranoid commander gets really weird legends told about him posthumously.
Now to meet one of the two helpable npcs.
Sophia: Step no further, Warden. This one would speak with you.
Duran: Why should I speak with you?
Sophia: Because this Peak is mine. This one is the Dryden. Commander. Sophia. All these things.
Levi: G-grandmother?
Sophia: You have slain many of the demon ilk to get here. This one would propose a deal.
Duran: Levi, I'm afraid your great-great-grandmother is possessed.
Levi: That, or she's really let herself go. My great-great-grandmother is dead. I don't know what that is.
Duran: Tell me about this 'deal.'
Leliana: You can't be serious. There's nothing left of Commander Dryden. She's possessed.
Sophia: Your fledgling should mind its place. Meek, subservient, quiet. This one will answer your question. The Soldier's Peak traps me. This one sees so many tantalising places in the Dryden's memories--this one would see the world herself. For me to be free, into the old mage tower you go and destroy. In return, this one seals the Veil.
Duran: What am I destroying?
Sophia: The magics, all moving things, the very stone if you have the power. Something inside keeps my kind locked away.
I have to wonder just how big a problem Soldier's Peak would be if Avernus hadn't been here contesting with the demons for centuries. They'd be spewing out seemingly from nowhere and have an army's worth of corpses to work with.
Once she's dead, I give her armour to Duran.
The Warden Commander armour looks good, it's a pity it's not a higher tier by default, I'll have to stick it in the storage chest to level it up as I play.
21 Eluviesta: It is done. The nobles have thrown their lot in with Arland--Arland the snot-nosed man-child, Arland who did not walk till he was in his fifth year, Arland who had to be pried off his nursemaid's breast not two years ago. Or so it is whispered. The teyrns and the arls believe him to be a simpleton, and easily led, but I have seen something in the boy's eye and it terrifies me.
10 Moriolis: I have watched the Summerday processions from a room high in Fort Drakon. The regent has me for treason, when my only guilt is being true to my country and my heart. My guard's tongue was easily loosened with a gift of a ruby ring, and I am told that the banns are fighting against my sentence. I shall pray but not hope that it will be anything but the gallows for me.
2 Ferventis: The draught was like a bitter fire, but I survived. Weep for me, for I have survived. Would that they had made a clean end for me. I should have died a lady, the greatest of the Drydens, not lived to become this nothing--this monstrous nothing!
19 Matrinalis: Enough. I shall waste no more time with wretched, womanish lamentation. Death would have been easy, but fate saw fit to spare me and I will seize upon this chance. The Grey Wardens are an army, and the old commander is weak--a wisp of a man. I will inspire the Wardens and Arland will rue the day he spared my life.
Looks like she had more than one motivation for her rebellion. And it's impressive that the Grey Wardens were counted as an army despite numbering around a hundred or so at the time of their expulsion.
Anyways, once I've crossed a bridge with four traps and a few skeletons on it, I enter the tower and find out what Avernus has been doing with his time for a few centuries.
It's another giant pile of disorganised books.
Does anyone in this game understand the concept of organising books?
(This appears to be the old research of the mage Avernus. They detail a series of experiments in terse, clinical handwriting.)
Avernus: Day 32: The subject is not responding to the stimuli. Testing the pain threshold has uncovered nothing. Only three subjects are left.
Day 82: If only I could produce last night's extraordinary success. Electricity is only a catalyst. The blood is the key.
Day 97: Energy and blood. Repeated applications have duplicated the results. I conjecture that success can be induced alchemically. But there are no more subjects left. If only I had one more, or a dozen. The things I could do.
The taint allows us to sense the darkspawn. The longer we survive with the taint in our blood, the more potent it becomes. Unfortunately, this corruption will eventually overwhelm the Warden; over time, it devours both mind and body, leaving nothing. But what if the spread of the corruption could be stopped, or contained in some way? What if the Warden could become more powerful, without having that power kill him? How great would that power be? Would it be enough to stop the demons?
The Joining ritual is crude. We take into ourself the blood of the darkspawn in the most obvious way. Most die from the corruption immediately; it is, after all, poison. There must be some way to refine the Joining. Isolate the true power that is found in darkspawn blood, and leave behind the evil that kills us.
I can feel the corruption starting to take its toll on my body. I must not succumb. There is too much work to be done. Through my magic I've been able to slow its inevitable spread, but not stop it completely. I am starting to hear things, even while awake: A voice--more beautiful than any other--that calls to me from the depths. In my dreams, I see the Black City, and I am drawn towards it. There is something there, an answer to what this taint is, this taint that we share with the darkspawn...
But he knows more about the taint and how to work with it than pretty much anybody in the setting, if he wasn't killable in DLC he'd be hugely relevant (and I suppose they'll just bring in someone else who followed in his footsteps if they ever want to pick up his plot hooks again, he did leave a bunch of note for that purpose after all).
Now to meet the man himself.
He doesn't look so bad, but those marks on his face suggest that he either hasn't gotten a good night's sleep in decades (possible but unlikely considering the wards) or he's beginning to show the physical symptoms of the taint.
Avernus: I hear you... Don't disrupt my concentration. Even now the demons seek to replenish their numbers. Are you to thank for this welcomed but temporary imbalance?
Duran: The old Warden mage? You're still alive?
Avernus: Only just. I have only a short time left.
Leliana: Careful. This... man has dabbled in matters forbidden by the Maker. He may look frail, but don't trust him.
Avernus: So the Maker told you that, did he? Short-sighted men have forbidden my research, not any god. Enough. Why are you here? What is your intent?
Duran: Soldier's Peak must be rid of its plague of demons.
Avernus: Agreed. This must be the first priority. The only priority.
Duran: I've seen your experiments.
Avernus: They were necessary. Any tool, any iota of information that could defeat the fell demons was justified. As a Warden, you should know that.
Alistair: Necessary? Having to relieve yourself after an eight-hour ride is necessary. But there's no excuse for summoning demons.
Avernus: Charming.
Duran: How do you know I'm a Warden?
Avernus: A combination of my research and blood magic. But even without that, who else would brave Soldier's Peak?
Duran: I want some answers.
Avernus: To what questions, I wonder? Ask.
Duran: How have you survived these many years?
Avernus: The Chantry foolishly forbids blood magic--but there are so many secrets to uncover. As my body decayed, I found ways to extend it. But that can only go so far.
Duran: What was the purpose of your experiments?
Avernus: To stop the demonic tide. To correct the miscalculations of the past. Blood magic comes from demons. They could counter every bit of lore I knew. But the darkspawn taint. That is alien to them. And it has power.
Duran: What power?
Avernus: The Wardens use it merely to sense darkspawn. A triviality. My research has discovered so much more--hinted at even greater heights. This knowledge could not only save Soldier's Peak--with it, the Wardens could grow even more powerful!
Duran: Can you teach me what you've learned?
Avernus: You've already read my research (he can't have learned much if a few sentences from early on can sum up all he knows). But in time, with the proper materials, I could learn so much more.
Duran: (persuade) This is wrong. You're no better than the demons.
Avernus: I have done what I must. But...
Let me undo my greatest of mistakes. Let me cleanse this place. Then...
Then, I will accept whatever justice you feel I merit.
Duran: I want to ask about something else.
Avernus: Yes?
Duran: Tell me about what happened here.
Avernus: What use would storytelling serve? The tyrant Arland is long dead. As is all our noble co-conspirators and the grand rebellion. Sophia's corpse may walk and talk. But she, too, is no more.
Duran: How was Arland a tyrant?
Avernus: He ruled with fear and poison. His treachery pit noble against noble in terrible battle. We thought him a monster. We gathered allies to rebel. But the toll of years has erased our failure, hasn't it? It seemed so pressing then, but the kingdom lives on.
Duran: What happened to the rebellion?
Avernus: Too many mouths to quiet. Even sorcery can only go so far. So we met with Teyrn Cousland. With him on our side, we had a chance of victory. Instead, the king's guard ambushed us. Commander Dryden and I barely escaped.
Duran: You practiced blood magic on the nobles?
Avernus: Of course. To nudge people, to keep our secret safe. Sophia should've let me nudge harder. Her scruples were her undoing.
Duran: Why did you leave the Wardens to die?
Avernus: I had considered the possibility of failure. But so many demons breaking free was... more catastrophic than I had postulated. But my course was clear. I had to get to safety to contain the demonic threat. I took only those who would not impede my goal.
Duran: I want to ask about something else.
Avernus: Yes?
Duran: Sophia's great-grandson brought me here, Levi, go ahead.
Levi: Master mage, uh, ser. My family name has been worth less than dirt for over a century. Do you have any proof that Sophia was a hero?
Avernus: The boy who braved the mists. So you heeded my call. (laughs) And you are a Dryden? The cosmos has a sense of humour.
Duran: Your call?
Avernus: He was but a boy when he entered the tunnels below the Peak. His heart pure. His character certain. In dreams I gave him the keys he would need. He would be my deliverance.
Duran: Just answer Levi's question.
Avernus: Your great-great-grandmother was the best of us. Brave, charismatic, fiery. Utterly devoted to the fight. But still we lost. We fought against a tyrant, you know? So full of vigor, then. So blind to consequence. But proof? There's none to be had.
Duran: I'm sorry, Levi.
Levi: I... I had hoped. But thank you, Warden.
Duran: The time for questions is over.
Avernus: So be it. My only request: If justice or vengeance drive you, stay your hand until the demons are dealt with.
Duran: Until the demons are dead, we are allies.
Avernus: That will do for now. We must go to the great hall. There I will repair the damage I caused so long ago. There will be peril. The demons will fight us every step of the way. Come.
Okay, that's very interesting, first off, demons consider the taint to be utterly alien despite the similar appearances of demonic corruption and darkspawn corruption (they're even commented on by Morrigan), second, it is entirely possible for mages to extend their lifespans for centuries without any blood sacrifices whatsoever, I wonder how often that's used in Tevinter.
What the fuck was this experiment for?
The History of Soldier's Peak: Chapter 4 said:
There was one mystery, however, that persisted, and this mystery perplexed even Commander Halwic herself. When Commander Asturian went to his Calling in the Deep Roads, he did not have in his hand his sword, Asturian's Might, forged for him by dwarven smiths and presented to him upon the completion of Soldier's Peak. Nor did he pass the sword on to his successor, or to any other Grey Warden.
While some maintained that Asturian had simply destroyed the sword in his dotage, others believed he had stashed it away somewhere in Soldier's Peak. One young Warden claimed that Asturian had once grabbed him by the shoulders, fixed him with an unwavering gaze and said, "The sword will remind you what it is to be a Warden. Speak your oath to me, when the shadows come. You must speak the words."
What this was supposed to mean was never made clear.
--From The History of Grey Wardens in Ferelden, by Brother Genitivi, Chantry scholar.
And that's the final chapter, just speak an oath to his portrait and you get a sword.
Bioware got lazy decorating his tower, two globs for the lower towers and the willpower booster for the top of the tower.
Avernus: We must act quickly. The demons are clawing on the gates. The Veil must be closed.
Duran: What do I do?
Avernus: I will unravel the summoning circles I drew so long ago. Waves of spirits and demons may come through. Dispatch them. I will begin. First, I must summon the magical energies. I feel them. They're coming!
And here's where the glitch happened. Thankfully talking to Morrigan just as he was about to stop fixed it (and then I had to immediately end the conversation since the demons were spawning in as I talked).
Once the waves of demons are dead, I talk to Avernus again.
Avernus: I said I'd submit to judgement, and so I shall. Can I be left to experiment in peace?
Duran: You must atone. Research ways to help the Wardens. Ethically.
Avernus: With what time I have left, I will do this. It may take months or years for my research to reach fruition. When it does, I will send for you. Thank you for this, Warden.
*walks back to his lab*
Levi: You've done it, Warden. Soldier's Peak is safe again. That old geezer Avernus deserves the gallows, if you ask me, but... people will do queer things to survive. But if he does proper research--without the sacrifices and blood magic and all--maybe he'll turn up something good. But there was no proof to redeem my family.
Duran: Your grandmother, I'm not sure about. But you're a good man.
Levi: Well, I, er... Thanks, Warden. For so long, I was focused on the past. On answers. But I think I would've been better off had I stayed at home. Enough of that, though. I find myself at a loss. You've got a whole fortress now. I suppose I should start plying my trade again.
Duran: Where will you go?
Levi: I might use the Peak as a base of operations. So many bandits about, but none would dare come here. Nice place to store goods. You, of course, will get a sizable discount!
Alistair: Looks like we're done here. A demonic invasion thwarted, a Warden base safely rescued. We do good work.
And that's it, I have a party storage chest and Avernus is free to look into the dangling plot hook of the taint (I'm still waiting to hear what he found out about back in Act I of DAII, it's more than 12 years later in-universe ffs, I should be hearing general rumblings about him making progress).
With all that done, I claim the sword from beneath the painting and spot a surprise in the item descriptions.
Sureshot Bolt: These arrows were designed to pierce through thick darkspawn hides.
...Wait a minute, hold up, there's a goddamn specific crossbow bolt designed around piercing darkspawn hides? Don't crossbow bolts go through pretty much any armour they're used on? Those bastards must be hideously tough even without taking into account them having armour and regeneration too. No wonder the dwarves rely on maces and enchanted swords to do the job if piercing darkspawn skin is so difficult.
Anyways, this was supposed to be merely part of the update where I start on the Circle but it's instead the entirety of the update since I forgot just how much dialogue there is in this DLC.
Next time, the Warden trivialises abominations in the minds of the fanbase by annihilating a circle's worth of them without support.
Interesting that he doesn't mention the Ben-hassrath, their spy network, as a source of information. I suppose they probably weren't invented yet much like how the dwarven merchant's guild didn't exist when this was released. Or maybe Sten just doesn't know about their existence.
second, it is entirely possible for mages to extend their lifespans for centuries without any blood sacrifices whatsoever, I wonder how often that's used in Tevinter.
Bodahn is a liar, he offers no discount, his prices are the same as any other merchant's unlike Gorim who does give a really good discount to dwarf nobles.
Bodahn is a liar, he offers no discount, his prices are the same as any other merchant's unlike Gorim who does give a really good discount to dwarf nobles.
Ah, the Game, Orlesian courtly intrigue and backstabbing accepted and embraced to the point where it got it's own name rather than quashed when possible.
He kind of dodged the question there and just answered with a summary of what enchantment is, but still, that's Sandal's deal, he's mentally handicapped but he's a savant when it comes to enchanting things
And they wonder why they get more revolts as a resort. Rule of thumb, when you go after one of the highest nobles for a off the cuff statement like that, you tend to make the other ones twitchy.
Considering how he mocked the Chantry for banning blood magic right before he explained why he'd lived for so long, I figured that it was blood magic keeping him going.
The fact that he spent centuries trying to stop the demons with his research rather than buggering off to a more peaceful location says that he's definitely not happy with the whole demons running rampant situation even if it did wipe out Arland's attacking army.
Also, another thing I forgot to mention above, how the hell has Avernus been feeding himself for two centuries? Did his blood magic shenanigans let him go without food too? Is he just conjuring up food for himself (possible considering insect swarms can be conjured up just fine)?
Also, another thing I forgot to mention above, how the hell has Avernus been feeding himself for two centuries? Did his blood magic shenanigans let him go without food too? Is he just conjuring up food for himself (possible considering insect swarms can be conjured up just fine)?
Isn't it canon that Darkspawn don't need food or water because the taint sustains them? I remember something to that effect being mentioned somewhere...
Isn't it canon that Darkspawn don't need food or water because the taint sustains them? I remember something to that effect being mentioned somewhere...
Isn't it canon that Darkspawn don't need food or water because the taint sustains them? I remember something to that effect being mentioned somewhere...
Isn't it canon that Darkspawn don't need food or water because the taint sustains them? I remember something to that effect being mentioned somewhere...
Yes, Gaider explained it, when the darkspawn eat they aren't doing it for nutritional reasons, if Avernus is tapping into the taint to get around needing to eat and drink it would explain a lot.
Darkspawn don't require food for sustenance. The corruption within them keeps them alive. They can eat... but if they do so they do it for reasons other than dietary.
To start this off I head to Lake Calenhad Docks after dropping off unique items at Soldier's Peak's chest (I have a problem with just giving them up to merchants) but on the way they're I'm attacked by wolves in a trap filled arena (sadly, the traps intended for the wolves cannot harm them). Sten goes down after a double overwhelm (he got overwhelmed after I'd burned my stun getting him out of the first one).
If you're wondering about the extra skills, I duped some tomes to show them off, it's not like I can use them without swapping weapons entirely so it won't break the game for this playthrough like a dozen free spells would for a mage.
Once I arrive, Leliana and Morrigan have stuff to say about the tower.
Leliana: Do you see the tower? The view from the top must be spectacular!
Morrigan: How very fitting that they would build a prison for mages in the middle of a giant lake and make it look like a giant phallus.
First thing's first, I talk to the npc that I've forgotten the purpose of.
Kester: Why, bless my soul, what's an established personage like yourself doing here?
Duran: Are you a mage?
Kester: A mage? me? That'll be the day, I tell you. That will be the day. I'm the ferryman, leastwise I used to be. Poor old Kester, out of a job.
Duran: Why?
Kester: I don't got a clue. They wouldn't tell me. Greagoir just came down and said "Don't you worry, Kester. We got it all under control, we do." Didn't say nothing else. And then he puts Carroll in charge of my boat, Lissie! Named for my grandmum, she was.
Duran: Is there something wrong up there at the tower?
Kester: I told you. They didn't tell me nothing. And if I know them mages, I'm better off keeping out of their business. If I had to guess, I'd guess it had to do with magic. But the tower's always got something to do with magic.
Duran: But I have to get there, I'm on official business.
Kester: Don't look at me. I told you, I'm not the ferryman no more. Greagoir's told me to stay here till it blows over. But I'm telling you, some storms don't blow over easy.
Duran: Well, thank you for the help.
Kester: You're too kind. Your type don't usually give my type the time of day.
Not the right dialogue to demonstrate it, but IIRC these guys aren't deserters so much as they are soldiers loyal to Raelnor.
Meet Carroll, or as I call him, the cookie templar.
Carroll: You! You're not looking to get across to the tower, are you? Because I have strict orders not to let anyone pass!
Duran: I am a Grey Warden and I seek the assistance of the mages.
Carroll: Oh, you're a Grey Warden, are you? Prove it.
Duran: I have these documents here...
Carroll: Yes, oh, a Grey Warden seal. A-ha. So you're claiming to be one of those. You know, I have some documents, too. They say I'm the queen of Antiva. What do you think of that?
Duran: Aren't queens female?
Carroll: Don't question royalty. Anyway, it was nice chatting with you. Now on your way. Right now. Go.
Duran: (Persuade) Your superior won't like that you've given me trouble.
Carroll: Oh, really? You think Greagoir would be upset with me for not letting you in? Wait... actually, he would. Good point.
Duran: Yes, he'll be very mad if you don't let me in.
Carroll: He's the big guy around here... I bet he could deal with one Grey Warden. Alleged Grey Warden. Well, you want me to take you there now?
It is only later that I realised both the chance to have Sten bribe Carroll with cookies he stole from a child and the Mage's Collective guy.
Greagoir: ...and I want two men stationed within sight of the doors at all times. Do not open the doors without my express consent. Is that clear?
Templar: Yes, ser.
Greagoir: Now we wait, and pray.
Duran: What's going on here?
Greagoir: We are dealing with a very delicate situation. You must leave, for your own safety.
Duran: But I seek the mages' help to defeat the darkspawn.
Greagoir: I am weary of the Grey Warden's ceaseless need for men to fight the darkspawn, but it is their right. You'll find no allies here. The templars can spare no men, and the mages are... indisposed. I shall speak plainly: The tower is no longer under our control. Abominations and demons stalk the tower's halls.
Sten: This is why we cut the tongues from mages, in Par Vollen.
Greagoir: I admit to agreeing with your companion. Maker knows the qunari would not have gotten themselves into this position.
Duran: You said something about abominations?
Greagoir: Creatures of the Fade can use mages to enter our world. A mage in such a spirit's clutches is changed, his flesh twisted, his mind shattered.
Duran: Have all the mages become abominations?
Greagoir: They may as well have. What does it matter? They took us by surprise. We were prepared for one or two abominations--not the horde that fell upon us.
Duran: Why don't you rally your men and kill them all?
Greagoir: I would destroy the tower, raze it to the ground, but I cannot risk more of my men. The doors remain shut and they will protect us.
Duran: You shut everyone in there? Including innocent mages?
Greagoir: Not just mages, but my templars also. I had no choice. The abominations must be contained at all costs. We do not mean for the doors to stay closed forever. Everything in the tower must be eliminated. I have sent word to Denerim, calling for reinforcements and the Right of Annulment.
Duran: The Right of Annulment?
Greagoir: The Right of Annulment gives templars the authority to neutralise the mage Circle. Completely. This situation is dire. There is no alternative--everything in the tower must me destroyed so it can be made safe again.
Duran: Why wait? I could go clean the tower out now.
Greagoir: I assure you, an abomination is a force to be reckoned with, and you will face more than one.
Duran: I have confidence in my abilities.
Greagoir: If you succeed, I would owe you much, enough to pledge my templars to your cause. Without word from Denerim, I must determine our course. Surely destroying darkspawn is a worthy goal.
Duran: We have an agreement, then.
Greagoir: A word of caution... once you cross that threshold, there is no turning back. The great doors must remain barred. I will open them for no one until I have proof that it is safe. I will only believe it is over if the first enchanter stands before me and tells me it is so. If Irving has fallen... then the Circle is lost, and must be destroyed. May Andraste lend you her courage, whatever you decide.
And here's the situation, the majority of the circle is either dead or they've been turned into abominations. Of course, the player character is basically death incarnate in these games so they can charge right in and trivially slaughter an entire circle's worth of abominations.
As far as this guy's concerned, Duran just committed suicide. He even shakes his head at the idea.
Barely in the door and the carnage is obvious, I wonder how many died to get the doors shut since there's signs of battle out there too.
Of course, there are no abominations early on, just corpses and notes.
I'm telling you guys, it's a test like the summoning. Why else would lessons be canceled? And that outburst in the library with Uldred? An older tome fell to a page on "The Reaching." I copied what could before they pushed us out.
Ritual Note:
A sword lowered, to strike through and ground.
You can't tell me I wasn't supposed to see that. It's too convenient. I'm looking for more, and you'd be smart to help. --Gant
*****
No, no, no and stop asking! I'm not getting in trouble because of you again. I don't care what's in the basement, and neither do the senior magi. Everything is about Uldred and the upper floors. I don't know what you're digging up, but those tomes are way older than our lesson texts. An apprentice shouldn't touch them!
Ritual note: The threads burned before a Giant, spear raised. He stands alone, so whispers are known false. --Nolan
(scribbled in corner)
Don't need him. Owain knew "Reaching."
And here's our first look at just how different Qunari society is.
*Wynne freezes rage demon*
Wynne: It's you! No... come no further. Grey Warden or no, I will strike you down where you stand!
Duran: I'm not here to fight.
Wynne: I will accept that, for now. But what are you doing here, then?
Duran: I came here seeking the aid of the mages.
Wynne: And you were told that the Circle was in no shape to help you, I suppose. So why did the templars let you in? Do they plan to attack the tower now?
Duran: Don't worry, the Right of Annulment has not arrived.
Wynne: They sent for it, then. I feared they might have. What else could they do? So Greagoir thinks the Circle is beyond hope. He probably assumes we are all dead. They abandoned us to our fate, but even trapped as we are, we have survived. If they invoke the Right, however, we will not be able to stand against them.
Duran: What happened here?
Wynne: Let it suffice to say that we had something of a revolt on our hands, led by a mage named Uldred. When he returned from the battle at Ostagar, he tried to take over the Circle. As you can see, it didn't work out as he had planned. I don't know what became of Uldred, but I am certain all this is his doing. I will not lose the Circle to one man's pride and stupidity.
Duran: So what do you intend?
Wynne: I erected a barrier over the door leading to the rest of the tower, so nothing from inside could attack the children. You will not be able to enter the tower as long as the barrier holds, but I will dispel it if you join with me to save this Circle.
Duran: We must try to avoid needless slaughter.
Wynne: Yes. Even if we cannot eliminate all the demons and abominations, together, we could lead the survivors out. Once Greagoir sees that we have made the tower safe, I trust he will tell his men to back down. He is not unreasonable.
Duran: Greagoir will only accept it if the first enchanter says so.
Wynne: Then our path is laid out before us. We must save Irving.
Duran: Will the children be safe here?
Wynne: Petra and Kinnon will watch them. If we slay all the fiends we encounter on the way, none will get by to threaten the children.
Duran: Very well--if you think that is best.
*Morrigan interrupt*
Morrigan: You want us to assist this preachy schoolmistress? To rescue these pathetic excuses for mages? They allow themselves to be corralled like cattle, mindless. Now their masters have chosen death for them and I say let them have it.
Duran: Why do you treat the Circle with such scorn?
Morrigan: Look at how they live, servants of the Chantry. They lack respect for themselves and their own power. Why should I respect them?
Duran: Everyone deserves respect. Even cruel people like you.
Morrigan: (scoffs) Have it your way.
Wynne: Petra, Kinnon... look after the others. I will be back soon.
Petra: Wynne... are you sure you're all right? You were hurt so badly earlier. Maybe I should come along.
Wynne: The others need your protection more. I will be all right. Stay here with them... keep them safe and calm.
Duran: Have faith. We will not fail.
Wynne: Your confidence is refreshing, though you should make sure it does not blind you to your weaknesses. If you are ready, let us go end this.
I find it funny that Morrigan gives Alistair flack for his ideals when she just went against practicality to advocate killing all the mages as well for the sake of her own ideals.
Also, there are three mages besides Wynne and two kids in the safe zone. Where are the rest of the mages seen in the army gathering cinematic? We only rescue 4 in the top level.
Still, onward to the barrier and now I realise that I forgot to talk to Petra and Kinnon, I must have just been trying to get this quest over with.
Get used to this effect, it appears whenever there's a cutscene barrier.
Wynne: Here we are. I am somewhat amazed at myself for having kept it in place for so long.
Duran: Did it tire you out?
Wynne: It made me weary at times, but I had to stay strong, to keep us safe. Be prepared for anything. I do not know what manner of beasts lurk beyond this barrier. Are you ready?
Question, if she's been holding up an anti-demon barrier for ages, why exactly did her intro cutscene show her killing a rage demon?
And here's the friendly neighbourhood abomination. They're quite easy to kill despite all the hype (you can oneshot groups of them if you have Mana Clash as well), one of the weakest enemy types in the game. This combined with killing a veritable army of them in this mission is probably what trivialises them in the minds of the fanbase. They also do minor fire damage when they explode upon death.
While in the library I find a summoning exercise to goof off with as well.
Apprentices are allowed and expected to willfully direct a minor spirit, provided it is within the protective confines of the library. Placement of the shelves allows for passive immobilization and the emergency purging of any rogue entity.
Take care! This exercise is not to be enacted during maintenance or other disruption of library structure! The danger presented by an incorrect summoning, particularly Exercise Three, is extreme.
(This book has been torn in half')
(The second half of a torn book.)
The summoning sigil will ignite upon ritual initiation. If the order is incorrect, the ritual will reset.
Exercise One
-Address the summoning font.
-Select the second passage from the Tome of Spirit Personages, second shelf.
-Pass open hands through the first summoning flames (select first flames).
Exercise Two
-Address the summoning font.
-Recite the Rodercoms Uncommon Calling, first column support shelves.
-Place one silver coin at the feet of the statue of Magus Gorvish.
-Pass open hands through the seconds summoning flames.
Exercise Three
-Alert senior magi of lesson commencement.
-Address the summoning font.
-Recite the second passage of Elvorn's Grande Bestiary, sealed texts, third area.
-Trace the chosen sigil on the first area common table.
-Place a lock of hair between the pages of the Spiritorum Etherialis, right of the sealed texts.
-Perform Callum's Gesture (two fingers) at the statue of Magus Gorvish.
-Breath on the dried hemlock in the Novice Phylactery, second column support shelves.
-Pass open hands through the third summoning flames.
Spirit Hog
The equivalent of a Fade bottom-feeder, the gullet of the Spirit Hog can contain minor gems, presumably coalesced from ethereal elements in the Fade. Such creatures cannot survive in the mortal realm without summoner intervention.
Trickster Whim
An amoral entity that delights in observing corporeal and emotional discomfort. A dangerous preference given that such creatures have little understanding or interest in the fragility of mortal flesh.
Fade Rifter
The Rifter is an assembled consciousness given form in the moment of the ritual. Its appearance is intended to frighten the summoning apprentice, ensuring they respect the Fade. While essentially a construct, the beast is nonetheless very real and possessed of a fearsome will to be free.
None of these sound like any other spirits or demons encountered in the series. I'll skip the hidden fourth one since I don't have a rogue to pickpocket Arl Foreshadow's notes (I had to leave Leliana behind to fit Sten and Morrigan in with the mandatory Wynne).
Next, I head up to the Senior Mage's Quarters on the second floor and meet Owain who is trying to clean up the currently wrecked stockroom.
Owain: Please, refrain from going into the stockroom. It is a mess and I have not been able to get it into a state fit to be seen.
Duran: What are you doing here?
Owain: I was trying to tidy up, but there was little I could do.
Duran: Why are you cleaning at a time like this?
Owain: The stockroom is my responsibility. I must keep it clean. I tried to leave, when things got quiet. That was when I encountered the barrier. Finding no other way out, I returned to work.
Wynne: Owain, you should have said something! I would have opened the door for you.
Owain: The stockroom is familiar. I prefer to be here.
Duran: Haven't you come across abominations?
Owain: No. I suppose I should count myself lucky. I would prefer not to die. I would prefer that the tower returned to the way it was. Perhaps Niall will succeed and save us all.
Duran: What's this Niall trying to do?
Owain: I do not know, but he came here with several others, and took the Litany of Adralla.
Wynne: But that protects from mind domination. Is blood magic at work here?
Owain: I do not know.
Wynne: Niall was in the meeting. He would know. Blood magic... I was afraid of this.
Duran: What am I supposed to do now?
We should find Niall. The Litany will give us a fighting chance against any blood mages we encounter.
Owain: I wish you luck. Perhaps this will be over soon and things will return to the way they were.
I have to wonder why Wynne wasn't at the meeting since she's a senior enchanter her coming in and saying that Loghain is a traitor right as Uldred was trying to convince the Circle to back Loghain is what set things off.
Anyways, right after this is said I have my first encounter with blood mages and they don't use mind control. They all go down but one of them survives.
Blood Mage: Please, please don't kill me.
Duran: The people you killed didn't want to die either.
Blood Mage: I know I have no right to ask for mercy, but I didn't mean for this death and destruction. We were just trying to free ourselves. Uldred told us that the Circle would support Loghain and Loghain would help us be free of the Chantry. You don't know what it was like. The templars are watching, always watching...
Duran: But why turn to forbidden magic?
Blood Mage: The magic was a means to an end. It gave us... it gave me the power to fight for what I believed.
Wynne: Fighting for what you believe is commendable, but the ends do not always justify the means.
Blood Mage: You don't really believe that do you Wynne? Change rarely comes peacefully. Andraste waged war on the Imperium; she didn't write them a strongly worded letter. She reshaped civilisation, freed the slaves and gave us the Chantry. But people died for it... We thought... someone always has to take the first step... force a change, no matter the cost.
Wynne: Nothing is worth what you've done to this place.
Blood Mage: And now Uldred's gone mad, and we are scattered, doomed to die at the hands of those who seek to right our wrongs...
Duran: And all you do is wallow in self-pity. Pathetic.
Blood Mage: What else can I do? I'm trapped here.
Duran: I will spare you, but I will not help you escape.
Blood Mage: Thank you. The Maker will surely turn His eyes on you for your mercy!
Kind of wonder if I should have killed her but she'll probably die in the sweep of the ranks for blood mages after this.
First Enchanter Dorval fell suddenly to a disease of the lungs. This unfortunate disruption in the direct line of descent from tower founding should be treated as opportunity. The Circle will reform practices to better address the times. Many rituals remain valuable, but some-The Two Bells, Garnold's Lament, Watchguard of the Reaching, Benford Da-have little or no meaning in our texts.
We will move forward, as Dorval would have wished, and commit these and other ceremonies tot the age we have left. With no plan of estate, his belongings have been transferred into the common library for the benefit of all.
--Excerpt: Circle of Magi Declaration, Kinloch Hold Transitional, 5:90 Exalted
(Scribbled in corner)
"Reaching" again! And old! They don't know! Idiots! Wards Weaken!
*****
Today we passed even further, far beyond any reach of man. The inverted glow of the Black City was always on the horizon of perception, but a path eludes, as always. Untraveled in memory, living or otherwise, there is a pull, and whispers abound. Something great is there. And away from this, always in peripheral, another mind, untethered. Tomorrow I will reach out with my full attention, and try to rescue him from his listing. Can someone else have come this far? The wonders we will share.
Ritual note:
The vessel in hand, words from another time drip literal power.
Documents of the Reaching, estimated second century, Ancient First enchanter appointed Watchguard of the Reaching, to be held in secret
(Scribbled in corner)
"Reaching!" Before the Circle! Someone else in the Fade? I want this!
Okay, not sure what it means at this point, there's a creature sealed in the tower.
I also find a scroll of Banastor.
To align with the power of the Fade is but the first of many steps. Further is to align the mind to the Fade's rules and find the ties between the realm of the dream and the realm of the flesh. This is the true power of blood magic: the flesh and the mind are inseparable, and therein lies the power to influence and control minds.
(Below the text are indecipherable runes and stains of blood and ink)
Why the Circle has these lying around I do not know.
Going further in, I try to loot a closet only to find it occupied.
(this closet seems to be trembling slightly. You hear soft whispers coming from inside it.)
Duran: It's all right. You can come out now.
???: Are the demons gone? Is it safe? I don't want to d-die.
Duran: I've dealt with them. Trust me.
??? If... you're sure it's safe, I could take a peek outside.
*climbs out of the closet*
???: Ooh. Ow. Ah... yes.
Duran: What's wrong?
???: I have a crick in my back and my bum's gone numb. Oh, holy Maker... look at this. Those demons didn't know what hit them, did they? Godwin, mage of the Circle of Ferelden, at your service.
First one to make a good Nazi joke about his name gets a funny.
Duran: I am pleased to meet you.
Godwin: Not as pleased as I am that you came along when you did. There were demons everywhere, blocking my exit. I decided that the best thing to do in that situation was to hide and be very, very quiet. I really want to be somewhere safe. I think I might stay here for now. Maybe go back into my closet for a little while.
Duran: I've killed most of the demons. You could escape.
Godwin: And go where? The templars have locked the door. I'm just going to stay here and see what happens.
Duran: Very well. Take care.
Godwin: Thank you again, for saving me. May we meet again, in happier, less life-threatening times.
A nice guy for a lyrium dealer (as we later find out).
Along the way I see another batch of blood mages but these ones get ambushed by a demon trying to eat them (I don't know why, it already had a host) and I find another Watchguard of the Reaching note.
His silver cord transmuted black. Black! There is no wonder his form shattered. What returned was not of the mortal, nor native Fade. Does an afterthought prove the gods when direct action is long missing? There is no purpose to this beast. Let the strength of the tower wither it and memory pass. The only legacy to be taught: Stay focused with the Fade. Whims escape to their own action.
Ritual note:
A sword raised, to sever connection.
Documents of the Reaching, estimated second century, Ancient First enchanter appointed Watchguard of the Reaching, to be held in secret
(Scribbled in corner)
Cord? Peasant magic! Must know. Can almost see. Whispers want!
He is going mad. And a creature not of the Fade or mortal? Presumably an abomination but then why would they seal it rather than killing it?
I'm just going to assume that the majority of the Circle have barred themselves behind that door since otherwise there are a maximum of eleven surviving mages and three tranquil.
After killing some undead, I find a phylactery.
(A statue of Andraste lies defiled. There is a small glass phylactery in the base, somehow sealed within the otherwise solid stone carving.)
(The area is unnaturally cold. Dark shapes swirl around a slip of paper within the vial.)
I wonder how many people just die when confronted with this surprise bonus boss fight intended for mid-high level players?
Anyways, several health poultices for the tanks later and the Revenant dies, leaving only two codex entries.
The Black Vials said:
Binding the First Corpse Walker Let the dead no longer serve your whim.
Bound by your true name, no mortal hand shall reach you.
Cale Viazagat, revenant and perversion of an only son.
Death beyond death is no longer your stepping stone through the veil.
Andraste hold you, demon, and bind your rage for eternity.
(Six thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text.)
Huh, binding by true name is a thing, but is it the host's true name, the demon's, or both?
An entire unit of men, all slain by one creature. I didn't believe it at first, your Perfection, but it appears that this is so. We have a survivor, and while at first I thought his rantings pure exaggeration... it appears to be no simple skeleton. The descriptions of the creature's abilities were eerily similar to those our brothers at Marnas Pell encountered almost a century ago: men pulled through the air to skewer themselves on the creature's blade, and attacks so quick that it was able to assault multiple opponents at once. No, your Perfection, what we have here is indeed a revenant and nothing less.
—From a letter to Divine Amara III, 5:71 Exalted.
A revenant is a corpse possessed by a demon of pride or of desire... making it amongst the most powerful possessed opponents that one can face. Many possess spells, but most are armed and armored and prefer the use of their martial talents. They are weak against physical attacks but regenerate quickly, and commonly use telekinesis to pull opponents into melee range should they try to flee. Revenants also have the ability to strike multiple opponents surrounding them. Stay at range if possible and strike quickly—that is the only way to take such a creature down.
And this is why Revenants are all bosses (except for the one in Redcliffe), they're all possessed by major league demons.
Next, I find Irving's office and loot a small painted box and Flemeth's grimoire along with three codex entries.
Circles within Circles said:
Arguments between the various fraternities have become more frequent and heated. I have alerted the College of Magi in Cumberland that this needs to be addressed in coming debates, but I fear relations with the Chantry may distract them. I am confident that I can appease the Aequitarians and Loyalists, but the Libertarians are proving divisive. Are the Isolationists even interested in speaking?
The threat of Blight has actually served some good in unifying us under a common cause, but it does not bode well that any given table in the Great Hall is likely to be ideologically weighted against its neighbor. We can be such a moody bunch staring over our tea.
--Excerpt from First Enchanter Irving's notes on unity
Things are getting tense in the Circles even though they're 10 years or so away from a proper revolt.
The Fraternity of Enchanters said:
Another aspect of Circle life is the fraternity. When a mage becomes an enchanter, he may ally himself with a fraternity. These are cliques that cross Circle boundaries, mages of common interests and goals who band together to ensure that their voice is heard within the College of Magi in Cumberland. The largest fraternities currently are:
- the Loyalists, who advocate loyalty and obedience to the Chantry.
- the Aequitarians, who advocate temperance and follow a distinct code of conduct which they believe all mages should hold themselves to.
- the Libertarians, a growing fraternity, publicly maintaining greater power for the Circles but secretly advocating a complete split from the Chantry-a dangerous opinion, naturally.
- the Isolationists, a small group that advocates withdrawing to remote territories in order to avoid conflicts with the general populace.
- the Lucrosians, who maintain that the Circle must do what is profitable first and foremost. They prioritize the accumulation of wealth, with the gaining of political influence a close second.
So far, an alliance between the Loyalists and Aequitarians has prevented the Libertarians from gaining much headway, but there are signs that the Aequitarians may throw their support in with the Libertarians. If that happens, many mages predict it will come to civil war among the Circles.
—From The Circle of the Magi: A History, by First Enchanter Josephus.
If I were a Circle mage, I'd probably be a Lucrosian since being rich is great or maybe an Aequitarian since they're the sane ones.
I followed another apprentice through supposed secret maneuvers today, and exposed her tendency towards blood magic. The environment of the tower is such that certain modes of thought are encouraged, both for good and ill. The students think we toy with them. The truth is far more intricate and directed. Deviant traits must be exposed early, or the whole of the Circle suffers.
Uldred has been very helpful in identifying the markers to look for. His skills at misdirection are admirable. I daresay that the apprentices would be shocked at his ability to manipulate them. I must organize a retreat such that the other enchanters can benefit from his skills.
--Excerpt from the journal of First Enchanter Irving
He trusted Uldred too much and didn't recognise that he was being manipulated the same as the apprentices.
Next up in the Great Hall floor, I find another Scroll of Banastor.
Others may speak of the sanctity of the mind. To those who know the true power of the blood, this is foolishness. The mind is no more sacred than the knee, the small toe, or the ear. It is man's organ of reasoning, nothing more. And true reasoning requires connection to the rhythm of the blood, the tireless pounding of life. Interrupt this, and even the mind is yours to attack.
(Below the text is a diagram of a blood magic ritual in progress, with no notation or description)
It's a pity that guys like him got studies of anatomy banned by the Chantry.
Next I find the final Watchguard of the Reaching note.
(Hastily scribbled) Whispers say Great Hall? Hidden above us the whole time!
-The vessel in hand, words from another time drip literal power. (Put on a bowl!)
-A sword raised, to sever connection. (Cord out!)
-A sword lowered, to strike though and ground. (Bile!)
-The threads placed before a warrior, spear raised. Shielded from each side, so whispers are known false.
(Where is this? It whispered order, but not where! It's in my head!)
Probably for the best that he died before he could make his attempt, he was going mad as he did his research.
As I go up the tower, the demonic corruption gets worse.
Next I find a bunch of codexes confirming that even mages get caught by conmen despite their ability to kill them on the spot and limited access to people outside the Circle.
Five Pages Four Mages said:
Tome Deus vi Eternus
In malefectorum, dragos te' ventim. Solariat ven deos mentoris, pluratic ven contrivarian.
Spake he the words, and brought life. Speak you the words... ascension.
Answers lie in... (text illegible)
(Notes on the page below) Here I begin my study, knowing full well it will change the Circle forever. Let history mark the date that this work began, 9:29 Dragon, so that when new calendars are put to paper, the date Fonst 0.0 is known with certainty. From the mouths of gods, finally to the people. Through me.
--Enchanter Fonst
****
Tome Deus vi Eternus
In malefectorum, dragos te' ventim. Solariat ven deos mentoris, pluratic ven contrivarian.
Spake he the words, and brought life. Speak you the words... ascension.
Answers lie in... (text illegible)
(Notes on the page below)
479 sovereigns, plus favors.
Immortality worth every coin.
Words of creation, proof of Maker.
No one must know until translations are complete! I will have First Enchanter...the ear of kings...I will own kings!
Glory everlasting!
--Enchanter Modalt
****
Tome Deus vi Eternus
In malefectorum, dragos te' ventim. Solariat ven deos mentoris, pluratic ven contrivarian.
Spake he the words, and brought life. Speak you the words... ascension.
Answers lie in... (text illegible)
(Notes on the page below)
Notes on a wondrous discovery:
A strange script. Uniform, by steady hand. Yes, one would expect an agent of the Maker to be steady. In fact, it follows all my expectations of the words the Maker would bestow. It is perfect, and once translated, I will have such fun lording this over the Chantry. Worth every bit.
--Enchanter Gaius
****
Tome Deus vi Eternus
In malefectorum, dragos te' ventim. Solariat ven deos mentoris, pluratic ven contrivarian.
Spake he the words, and brought life. Speak you the words... ascension.
Answers lie in... (text illegible)
(Notes on the page below)
Maker take the vendor, a copy! A fake!
Why didn't I see? It was obvious! Spake?!
Laughing stock!
No one muxt know!
Beyha Joam--I find him; I'll kill him!
****
Tome Deus vi Eternus
In malefectorum, dragos te' ventim. Solariat ven deos mentoris, pluratic ven contrivarian.
Spake he the words, and brought life. Speak you the words... ascension.
Answers lie in... (text illegible)
(Notes on the page below)
The words elude me, but I will defy their obstinateness. Worked by the Old Gods or the Maker himself, I will wring their secrets into my hands. I need the essence of the powerful. And the pure. And so begins a bloody road, but at the end, godhood, the keys to the Black City.
Fuck me mages are loaded, 479 sovereigns on a book (albeit a book that promises godhood). Why can't I loot this gold from Beyha Joam?
Interesting, they're turning the Tranquil into more abominations.
With the boss Abomination dead, I read the Templar's Quarters on the top floor (you'd think they'd put the Apprentice Quarters on the 4th floor and the Templar Quarters on the bottom floor to impede escape attempts (good luck sneaking your way through most of the Circle Tower) and the corruption is even worse.
Morrigan also has two interesting comments that she didn't say this time around.
Tis strange that we have not encountered more resistance. Where are all the mages? All dead?
Tis most intriguing. Corruption not unlike the darkspawn's, perhaps they are related?
First off, where are all the hundreds of mages? Second, why do demons give areas infested with them a similar corruption to the darkspawn?
And one more codex about extracurricular activities.
I have the utmost sympathy for what happened to your charge, but it is beyond the Circle's ability to anticipate every obscure demise that an apprentice might face, especially involving methods outside the already extensive realm of magical study. We simply don't have the room for additional training facilities, and there are concerns about becoming too inclusive that I will not elaborate on. Your request is denied.
--First Enchanter Sinclair
If space is your excuse, I will surrender my quarters. If it is about money, I will hire the appropriate people. I will not graduate another student ignorant of weapons that any ditch-digger can shove into his ribs. We teach them to append ridiculous glamours on parade arms, but they don't know simple steel. That is criminal.
--Enchanter Bergin
Notice herewith that the exercise area on the fourth floor shall serve as permanent berthing for the templar garrison stationed at the tower. Since facilities that accommodate their particular training requirements are already on hand, they will be assuming an even closer watch over Circle affairs. Enchanter Bergin's optional weapons training is canceled until further notice. Enchanter Bergin has additionally stepped down from his teaching duties.
As the Templars tightened their grip, they weakened the mages and removed their freedoms.
Now I meet one of the Circle's moral dilemmas, a templar bewitched by a desire demon.
Demon: Everything is just as you wanted. Our love and our family is more than you hoped for.
Duran: I command you to stop what you are doing to this man!
Templar: Do you hear something, love?
Demon: It is nothing, my darling. Just the door. I will get it. The children have finished supper. Tuck them into bed while I see who it is.
Templar: Don't be too long, the children will want to kiss you good night.
Demon: I will be but a moment, my pet.
You are intruding upon a loving, intimate moment and I dislike interruptions.
Duran: You have this templar ensorcelled, don't you?
Demon: Happiness is bewitching. There is a certain power in all things mortals delight in. I have given him what he always wanted. Where is the harm in that?
Duran: You're deceiving him. I would consider that harmful.
Demon: All emotion is intangible. You cannot see it, cannot grasp it.
Wynne: But it is normally caused by something real--real events, real people. What you have done to him is...is abhorrent.
Demon: I saw his loneliness and longing for a family that loved him.
Morrigan: Apparently you can get your desire and still suffer horribly. 'Tis truly a lesson for all who consider marriage.
Wynne: How long will you keep him in this stupor? Will he know it when his body fails and death claims him?
Demon: A short, blissful existence is preferable to an interminable one of misery.
Duran: He deserves to be free of you, to find his own happiness.
Sten: Freedom cannot be given. The templar must choose it for himself.
Duran: He's not going to find it with her hanging over him.
Sten: If you help this man, what does he learn? Nothing.
Duran: I'm sorry, but I can't leave him like this.
Demon: Our thoughts and spirits are melded. If one perishes, so does the other. Though much of my strength is spent maintaining this link, I am his wife, and his children; he will defend me to the death if need be. I want nothing from you. I have what I need. All I ask is that you leave us alone.
Duran: I must free him, even though it may mean his death.
Demon: Then you leave me no choice...
Help! There are bandits at the door! They are going to murder the children!
And so I break up the happy couple, they wouldn't have lasted long anyway, the tower is surrounded by Templars and there's only one exit.
Notice of Censure
Templar Drass, your remarks in front of the recruits are only the latest in a series of troubling events. I am beginning to suspect that you may not be suited to the devotional requirements of training. Perhaps it is time for a personal evaluation of your career path within the templars. I will schedule some time after the current deployment to discuss options elsewhere in the organization.
--Attendant Cerand, assistant to Knight-Commander Greagoir
(A note is scribbled in the corner.) "Attendant who? Options? Code for dead-end duty on a hedge-mage hunt in the Bannorn."
No wonder he was so happy to embrace a dream, he was screwed in reality.
There's one final stop in this update.
The Sloth Demon and the dead Niall with the camera focused on him to worry those who remember him from the mage origin.
Sloth: Oh, look. Visitors. I'd entertain you but... too much effort involved.
Duran: Killing demons is enough entertainment for me, thanks.
Sloth: But why? Aren't you tired of all the violence in the world? I know I am. Wouldn't you like to just lay down and... forget about all this? Leave it all behind?
Morrigan: This is ridiculous. You cannot expect me to rest on a floor sticky with blood...
Sten: We must stand... and fight...
Wynne: Resist. You must resist, else we are all lost...
Sloth: Why do you fight? You deserve more... You deserve a rest. The world will go on without you.
Next time, I fight my way through the Fade sequence and the rest of the tower and maybe gripe about how impersonal the tower trip is for a mage, you don't even get to be vaguely upset about pretty much everyone you know being dead or tortured or a monster that you have to kill (giving some of the abominations names for mages would be a nice touch as well but probably too much work).
Unlike some, I don't mind the Fade sequence (presumably because I don't get lost or bother with backtracking for attributes). Also, a skip content patch would be kind of missing the point of a completionist playthrough.
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.
Get ready, everyone, we're going to Namekthe Fade.
Seriously, though, the whole Fade sequence is one of my favourite in the game, what with it's gimmick and what's going on with all the companions, but even with my nostalgia, I'll admit that it goes on for ages.
