"Nice to see a new face around here, new to Harper's Ford? Name's Harold by the way." Harold asked.
"First time in Thedas actually." You replied sipping your tankard of ale.
"Ah, you two are from Skyrim I take it, mistook you for a Ferelden. You don't look like a Nord, err no offense." Harold apologized.
"Non taken, our parents were from Ferelden, but they moved to Skyrim when we were still young." you replied.
"Really now, welcome to the motherland I suppose, I can't believe it's already been fifteen years since our two continents discovered each other. So, what bring you here to our shores, if you don't mind me asking."
"Not at all, I'm here to here to lend my aid in stopping the Blight, my sister on the other hand wants to explore the magic here in Thedas."
"I hear that the Mages of Thedas draw on a realm known as the fade, I wish to compare it with how the Mages of Tamriel draw on Aetherius." Bethany elaborated.
"Seeing as we're new here is there anything we should know about Ferelden?" You asked.
"Well, I'll start with the basics, Ferelden is ruled by King Cailan Theirin and its territories can generally be divided into two provinces North and South, well three if you count the Circle. The South is lead by Teyrnir Loghain Mac Tir, and then where we are, the North, lead by Teyrnir Bryce Cousland. The area in and around Lake Calenhad are under the Jurisdiction of the Chantry and its Templars." He said, then he turned to Bethany.
"Magic is heavily regulated in Thedas, magic is feared here, the Mages here run the danger of being possessed by a demon and is turned into an abomination. The Mages here are kept isolated in the Circle of Magi and away from the rest of us and are they are under the constant and careful watch of the Chantry's military arm, the Templars. The Templars capture any apostate, that's our word for rogue mage by the way, and bring them the the Circle or execute them if they resist."
"Wait, are you telling me I can be arrested or killed for being a Mage!?" Bethany asked alarmed.
"They'll have to go through me first!" You growled placing a comforting hand on your sister's shoulder.
"I wouldn't be so hasty, I can't speak for the South but here in the North we have much more freedom when it comes to magic. We have the closest ties to Skyrim, so we're no strangers to Tamrielic Mages on our shores. As a result the Teyrnir placed a blanket protection for all mages in the North, the Templars aren't legally allowed force a mage into the Circle or kill them, but you see a lot of them patrolling the streets. So as long as go shooting your magic at people or our dogs you'd be fine." Harold palciated.
"What can you tell me about Harper's Ford? Any specific people or groups I should keep an eye out for?" You asked.
"Well, we're no Denerim but, I can say we're a modestly large and proud city." He brings out a map using his finger to indicate where.
"We're currently in north section of the city, the entire North is reserved for the docks, you can find an office of the East Empire Trading Company here if you need any shipped. The south-east is where the residential buildings are at." His finger then moved to the portion of the map marked religious centers.
"To the East is the Chantry's Church, you can find the Templars main quarters there as well as as Revered Mother Veloria who tend to those faithful to the Maker. On the opposite end of the city, the west, you can find a Temple of the Nine Divines headed by High Priest Thyrdon." He then pointed over to the south-west.
"Over here, you can find Guild offices, there are various guilds the main ones are the Merchant's Guild lead by Carter Goldsmith, Fighter's Guild and the Mages Guild don't know about the leader of those guilds sorry." He apologized and moved over to the center.
"Here is the Market place, you can expect a large variety of goods to sold here especially goods that come from Skyrim, and last but not least to the south is Castle Cousland, home to the the North's Teynir."
"Thanks for the information, Howard. Are there any rumors or bounties I should be aware about?" You asked
"There aren't any bounties to be had, we've had minor bandit raids but they are minor nuisance easily scared off by the guards. As for rumors, well, it's not much of a rumor but an open secret. Remember what I said about the Templars not legally allowed force Mages in the Circle while in the North? Everyone knows they still do it, it just a matter proving it. While your legally safe, I suggest you be weary around Templars." He said.
Well that's concerning.
Before anything else can be said, the delicious aroma of your meals were served in front of you.
"I'll leave you two to your meal. Enjoy your stay in Ferelden."
After that distressing news about the Templars you changed the subject to more familiar territory.
"So Bethany, how are your studies in the College doing?" You asked.
"To be honest, I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm the Archmage so everyone expects me to be so knowledgeable nevermind the fact that I've only been studying magic for two years. Oblivion, I haven't even Mastered a single school! Savos made a mistake in naming me Archmage." Bethany sighed.
"From what I heard it was you who discovered the Eye of Magnus, it was you who uncovered the secrets of the Labyrinth, it was you who recovered the Staff of Magnus, and it was you who save all of Winterhold from the Thalmor." You cheered lifting your sister's mood.
"Thanks Carver, I needed that."
"And besides, while you may not have mastered a school you are proficient in all of them. If it really bother you that much why not put your other studies on hold and focus on one School like…
What School should Bethany focus on?
(Choose one)
[] Alteration
[] Conjuration
[] Destruction
[] Illusion
[] Restoration
"I think I might just do that." Bethany smiled.
"So, how much did the High King give you for your quest?" She asked
"He allotted me a hundred Sovereigns enough to pay for small expedition for six months, plus my own saving so, I got roughly 102 Sovereigns right now.
"A hundred sovereigns? Not that I'm complaining, but isn't that a bit overkill? I mean the College only gave me a grant of 10 Sovereigns and I'm the Archmage!" She gasped.
"I think it's more political than anything. The King wants to show Ferelden, Skyrim's wealth and power that's probably the reason why I was sent. Mind you I would have gone anyway but now I'm official." You explained
"Say Bethany, want to check out the Marketplace? We still got some time before meeting the Couslands afterall." You proposed as the both of you finish your meals.
"Sure, I hoping to buy some books on Thedian magic anyways." She replied.
The marketplace was huge and packed with shoppers and merchants hawking their wares, the smell of freshly caught fixed, and raw meat mixed with baked pies and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Where shall you browse first?
(Choose one)
[] Weapons Emporium
[] Armor Forge
[] Skyrim Spells
[] Brooke's Books
[] Write in?
Did anything happen while you where at the marketplace?
[] No
[] Write in?
//
Hey there Dudeman400 here hope your enjoying the quest please propose whatever plot threads or side quests or encounters you can think of. I'm not very good at thinking about these things.