Let's Play Dragon Age: Origins! (Spoilers and large images: Update 15)

[Arbitrarity]

Not having Awakening, but on my 4'th playthrough, I was considering what might make Dragon age more fun. Having read quite a few Let's Plays in this forum (Chiasaur) I decided it might be fun to try one myself. I think I have the attention span to finish a DA:O LP, though I'll probably summarize most of the interactions.
Spoilers ahead, obviously.

By popular demand, we are playing as Carrot Ironfoundresson! A human raised among dwarfs, who is, culturally, a dwarf. A good cop, a likable fellow, and in no way at all devious.

Introducing Carrot Cousland Aeducan Ironfoundersson! Thinner than the real thing, not much I can do about that, tragically.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419211419524.jpg

Chapters currently up:
1: Intrigue and Dueling (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8335120#post8335120)
2-3: A Mission, a Betrayal, an Escape, Ostagar and the Joining (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8340372#post8340372)
4: Resolving a Cliffhanger, Climbing a Tower, and another Cliffhanger (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8348179#post8348179)
5: Awakening and Lothering (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8353485#post8353485)
6: Lothering, Leliana, and Sten (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8359598#post8359598)
7: Meet the Team, Denerim (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8368468#post8368468)
8: Arriving at the Circle. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8368468#post8368468)
9: The Fade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8393744#post8393744)
10: A Detour (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8398572#post8398572)
11-13: Getting on Track, Elves Elves Elves, Awakening and Elves (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8404959#post8404959)
14: Sten, Flemeth, and Orzammar
15: Jarvia and the Deep Roads (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8404959#post8507190)
16: The Anvil of the Void (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8516032#8516032)
17: Loose Ends (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8523987#8523987)
18: Redcliffe Village (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8523987#8523987)
19: Redcliffe Castle (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8536133#8536133)
20: Haven and the Urn of Sacred Ashes (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8536133#8536133)
21: Denerim and Howe's Estate (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8547343#8547343)
22: The Alienage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8562728#8562728)
23: The Landsmeet (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8576151#8576151)
24: Redcliffe and the Truth (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8578481#8578481)
25: Endgame (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8579195#8579195)

Annoyingly, the thread title no longer allows me to announce updates that way. So check regularly.

[chiasaur11]

Play as Carrot Ironfoundson.

[The Rose Dragon]

Female dwarven noble rogue.

Refuse to accept Leliana to your party in the inn so you can get the "Oooh, pretty colors" line from Steve Valentine.

Go with Harrowmont in Orzammar. Save the Circle of Magi. The rest I leave up to you.

[Cogwheel]

Play as Carrot Ironfoundson.

This. A thousand times this.

I have never played or seen Dragon Age, so I have no idea what to expect, but this is a great idea regardless :smallbiggrin:

[Dienekes]

Play as Carrot Ironfoundson.

This is actually possible with the "adopted" mod

[Flickerdart]

Carrot would be the best Dragon Age character ever. Would Zevran be the Nobby Nobbs, I wonder?

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Play as Carrot Ironfoundson.

I second the motion.

[Gralamin]

Play as Carrot Ironfoundson.

This. Just this.

With Mods use the Dwarven Noble or Dwarven Commoner background. With out Mods, we can settle for the Human Noble.

[Avilan the Grey]

Carrot on the side...

I find the female dwarves in this game remarkably cute - yet - spunky.

Female dwarf, noble rogue?

("Carrotina"? :smallwink:)

[Zenos]

I Nth Carrot Ironfoundson.

[Arbitrarity]

By overwhelming demand, Carrot it is. I'll be looking for that adopted mod.

I wonder if I should go genderswapped or not.
Anyways, I'll take Rogue, because most people don't appear to care too much about class, and hopefully the transcription will be odd. I'll pass it off as luck and an overwhelming series of odd coincidences.

It does however, look like I need to actually read some Diskworld books. I KNOW. QUIET. Research time!
(also, Spell resistance... Agh, last time that was hard enough... 30(spellward)+4(ancient elven gloves)+6(robes of the gifted)+4(antivan leather boots)+48?(dweomer runes)+4(key to the city) = 96 Arrrrgh. If only I could be visually a human)

[Cogwheel]

It does however, look like I need to actually read some Diskworld books.

You'll thank us later :smallbiggrin:

[SolkaTruesilver]

By overwhelming demand, Carrot it is. I'll be looking for that adopted mod.

I wonder if I should go genderswapped or not.
Anyways, I'll take Rogue, because most people don't appear to care too much about class, and hopefully the transcription will be odd. I'll pass it off as luck and an overwhelming series of odd coincidences.


What kind o rogue?

Archery? Dual-Weilding?

Hmm.. how about a dirty fighter who tries to pass of as a mighty warrior, and he use low-tactics? The pragmatic fighter all the way (a little like my own current char. But that one is a Dwarven Noble Reaver/Barbarian, with a single point in Poison Use to be able to throw poison capsules when sourrounded by ennemies. The combination is awesome)

You might go for Duellist/Assassin combo, except if someone here has something else to propose.

Who to you want to hump? Zhevran, Morrigan or Leliana? :smallbiggrin:

[Arbitrarity]

Dual wielding duelist assassin male human rogue dwarf noble origin, abusing any tricks necessary that I have the patience for. Same build I just soloed insanity with, I suppose. Romance is mostly out due to embarrassment (on Carrot's part), but I'll give nice gifts to everyone and see what they say, and see how things develop. ("Dear diary: Leliana really seems to like me. She even invited me to her tent, but alas, subtlety is lost on me")

I think I'll arrive at Orzammar as if I was just sent there as a guard assignment. Makes the relationships rather odd, I suppose I'll fluff that.

I imagine I'll actually play like Alistar, because he is basically Carrot. Straightforward, simple, noble, kinda innocent.

[xp194]

The thing with Carrot is that he appears to be all innocent, but it's very strongly hinted that there's this very savvy undercurrent that he hides from people until it suits him. Like, in the Fifth Elephant, he returns to the Watch to find Fred Colon having made a horrendous mess and goes all Drill Sargeant on Fred and Nobby, in order to get them to shape up. It's remarked that he uses nastiness like a claw. When he doesn't need it, there's no trace it was ever there.

Also, there are his 'roundabout' threats that he simply must know what those people he is talking to are thinking.

You should... uh... probably bear that part of his character in mind :smallsmile:

[Calemyr]

If you're really going to play a Carrot-style character, here are a few tips:

1) Always play the friendly, idealistic, and honorable everyman role. Even when he's being devious, Carrot still seems to be nothing but absolutely honest, to the point that even those closest to him are left wondering if he even realises that his open and honest statements could be interpreted in other ways (such as threats).

2) Backstabs are not his style. Despite his mentor and superior officer doing everything he can to teach Carrot the art (and it is an art) of dirty fighting, Carrot is still driven by something core to his being to approach combat from an honorable (and in Sam Vimes' perspective suicidally stupid) mindset. That said, he's only lost one fight and has otherwise proven an unstoppable fighter (including clearing out an entire bar full of big, drunken adventurers very early on in his career). Being an assassin is probably not the best for that characterisation, though a bard could work very well (Carrot is nothing if not inspirational).

3) Carrot doesn't particularly want to be king, preferring instead to work as a city guard and getting on with an honest day's work. When in a pinch, however, he always rises to the occassion and will at times use his rumored lineage as added leverage to get what he wants (though, again, nobody is exactly sure if he is doing it intentionally or not).

4) Carrot is loyal to his friends, without a shadow of a doubt, as well as his city. It's hinted (again, it's not explicitly stated) that he's been manuevering his superior officer up the political food chain against his will, for the officer's benefit as well as the city's. This may have an influence on his actions regarding Alistair.

5) Although Carrot is over 6 feet tall, he still considers himself a dwarf in every way apart from genetics (even then, it's a slow acceptance of this fact). He is not a human raised in a dwarf mine, in his own mind he's a dwarf with a human body.

In short (too late), Carrot is the unrivalled master of the Alternate Character Interpretation. He's either the nicest, friendliest, most honorably man alive, living in a city of cynical thieving bastards, or he's a talented chessmaster who manipulates people into doing the right thing without ever letting on that he's manipulating anything. Either way he's a good man thriving in a setting that chews up good men and spits them out.

[Domochevsky]

Ok, i can tell this LP is only going to be for those who have already played it and read the discworld books. :smallcool:

[Calemyr]

That's just one of the risks of trying to model a character after such a distinctive personality without having read the material. But you're right, I'm sorry and I'll shut up.

[Arbitrarity]

Indeed. I just read the Fifth Elephant (of course, this is where he loses a fight. Badly), as the only related Diskworld book in my library, and I'm inclined to agree with your points, Calamyr. I shall do my best to make things accessible, so literal interpretations of the situations, rather than Chia's rather liberal interpretations.

So, rules: Always be forthright, honest, idealistic. Fighter it is. Champion/Templar, which solves the spell resistance problem. Appear entirely honest.

[SolkaTruesilver]

By the way, when you try to save the Mage Circle, does Wrynn always automatically attacks when you have Morrigan with you?

Because she did in my game, and I had to contend myself with my mistress rather than with 2 spellcasters :smallfrown:

[Smiling Knight]

Carrot! Carrot! Woohoo!

[Kish]

By the way, when you try to save the Mage Circle, does Wrynn always automatically attacks when you have Morrigan with you?

Because she did in my game, and I had to contend myself with my mistress rather than with 2 spellcasters :smallfrown:
Wynne attacks if you say you agree with Morrigan that the magi deserve to die, and don't intend to help them.

Because...um...yeah. If you say you disagree with Morrigan, Wynne won't attack you. Morrigan is likely to disapprove, but hopefully you were expecting that when you decided to bring the Circle-hating apostate to the Circle tower.

[Flickerdart]

By the way, when you try to save the Mage Circle, does Wrynn always automatically attacks when you have Morrigan with you?

Because she did in my game, and I had to contend myself with my mistress rather than with 2 spellcasters :smallfrown:
I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I had Morrigan and Alistair with me, in addition to her, and she didn't seem to mind. Then again, I was a Mage, so maybe her familiarity counts for something.

[SolkaTruesilver]

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure I had Morrigan and Alistair with me, in addition to her, and she didn't seem to mind. Then again, I was a Mage, so maybe her familiarity counts for something.

I was trying to take a neutral side, and not contradict Morrigan too much. But then, Wrynn said: "You friend is an apostate?! She must die!!!" and.. things got out of hand...

[Kish]

I would venture that you should have considered the implications of "not contradicting" "You're not really going to help this preachy schoolmistress and these pathetic sheep, are you? They all deserve to die," a little more. :smalltongue:

Also, Wynne. Not Wrynn.

[SolkaTruesilver]

I would venture that you should have considered the implications of "not contradicting" "You're not really going to help this preachy schoolmistress and these pathetic sheep, are you? They all deserve to die," a little more. :smalltongue:

Also, Wynne. Not Wrynn.

But...

....

But she got boobies, and shows them. Therefore, she must be right..:smalleek:

[xp194]

But...

....

But she got boobies, and shows them. Therefore, she must be right..:smalleek:

Personally, I'd trust the woman wearing proper clothes. She obviously wants you to actually listen to her instead of spending all conversation staring at her rack... :-p

[Arbitrarity]

Episode the First: Intrigue and Dueling

An unusual assignment. Vetinari sent me off to a foreign country, this "Ferelden". I've been asked to set up a diplomatic embassy with the dwarves (not dwarfs; very strange) to help establish order in the country, something about uniting the dwarves and humans to stop a Blight. Supposedly a favor for the human king. These dwarves are quite odd, they keep speaking as though I was directly related to them. Must be a cultural thing.
Anyways, I've arrived at my quarters with Constable Gorim. A good dwarf, he can be a bit overenthusiastic.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419211759677.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419211838456.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419211942520.jpg
A feast, you say? And a tournament? I might as well sign up, might help me gain some respect here.

Who's this lady by Bhelen's room?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419212133259.jpg
A good friend of the local lord? Alrightmovingon

Walking through the streets. A lot of merchants, my. Everything seems to be in order here.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419212530351.jpg


What's this? Are you threatening this scholar, sir? Cease and desist.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419212437702.jpg


I wonder who these people are.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419212746691.jpg
Alrightmovingon


Encountering the local sons of King Endrin, Trian and Bhelen. Trian seems rather hostile.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419212617718.jpg
Ugh. Moving on to the Provings.


http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419212939313.jpg
I can walk through the streets myself. I know I'm an ambassador, but I really don't need armed guards.

The "Provings" are citywide trials by combat, to decide the favor of the ancestors. A strange custom, but I figure anything that gets me more authority or respect here is good.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419213050380.jpg


Sir, I'd like to warn you that I'm fairly dangerous. If you'd like to surrender...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419213422971.jpg
I suppose not.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419213524406.jpg
Sir, please reconsider opposing me....
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419213543832.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419213756625.jpg


Now we're returning to the palace for this feast.
What's this? You'd like me to speak up on behalf of surface dwarves? Of course I'll do that!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214023012.jpg


Meeting with Duncan, a visiting "Grey Warden". They appear to have the same mission as I do, dealing with this "Blight". I look forward to working with him.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214101392.jpg

I'm presented to the king, and given an honorary commission. Doesn't look like it will conflict with my duties as an officer of the law.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214243375.jpg

Apparently my first job as a commander is to locate his sons. Important work. After finding them, I send Trian off. Bhelen seems to have something to say to me.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214645845.jpg


http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214715501.jpg
What? An assassination plot against me? Why?

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214724238.jpg
Look, I won't act without more substantial proof. I'm a policeman, I'll give Trian a chance to explain what's going on.



Still too large screenshots? I think I'll pare them down to 960*600 next time.
Any feedback is appreciated, as I have no clue exactly how this is supposed to work. Images loading for people? Character not too out?

[Flickerdart]

Photobucket will automatically resize them. I find the 800x600 setting to be sufficient for my needs.

[Arbitrarity]

Photobucket will automatically resize them. I find the 800x600 setting to be sufficient for my needs.

Definitely not happening. I'll have to figure out how to do that, I just uploaded all of those now. Also, I have 1680*1050 res, which isn't equivalent in ratio to 800*600. 960*600 will probably be used in future.

[Flickerdart]

It's set in the options. Click "more options" right under the big blue upload button.

[Arbitrarity]

Bah. They're all 4:3, while I'm using a 16:10 screen. Looks like I'm left manually resizing in GIMP, or else I get fuzzy interp and/or stretching.

Oh well. I'll post next update (finishing off origin) later tonight, hopefully.

In retrospect, I'm stupid. It's already rescaled them, I just had to look at the resolution. :smallsigh:

[Flickerdart]

It preserves aspect ratio when scaling. It works fine, don't worry.

[Arbitrarity]

Update the Second: A Mission, a Betrayal, an Escape

Carrot here again. After a good night's sleep wherein, I wasn't assasinated I've been sent, on a mission! Retrieving a shield from these "darkspawn" the cause, of this Blight apparently. Sort of a symbolic blow.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419214857090.jpg


Sirs I am placing, you under arrest!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419215017790.jpg


Are you resisting arrest?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419215037541.jpg


Good to meet you, sir. I designate you an Acting Constable. Please assist me in restraining these lawbreakers.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419215119163.jpg


Hello sir. You're an Acting Constable as well. Please provide fire support if necessary.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419215337420.jpg


Interesting, it appears someone has already arrived here to retrieve the shield. Since we're the only designated operation in the area it appears, we have an illegal retrieval operation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419220407670.jpg

Sirs put down, your weapons. You're all under arrest for attempted theft of royal property.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419220527567.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419220537883.jpg

Unsurprisingly they resist, arrest. I need to start teaching the importance of deferring to authority.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419220725912.jpg

Interesting. They had Trian's signet ring. This seems to implicate him in an illegal, attempt to retrieve the shield. I shall report this to Endrin as soon as I return.
The shield is guarded by a fiendish puzzle. Thankfully, I've been instructed on how to operate this convoluted device. Pressure plates in the floor... clever.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221018806.jpg


Sucess. We return outside and are greeted, by even more darkspawn. Unavoidable hostilities commence.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221155219.jpg


What is this? It appears Trian has been murdered! Axe wounds... this was the work of a dwarf.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221421764.jpg

No sirs, I'm innocent. Don't worry I'll help, you find the murderer.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221557980.jpg

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221615103.jpg

It appears that I have picked my Acting Constables... poorly. Plants I suppose.

Gorim speaks up in my defence, of course, but is overruled due to bias. What is going on...
Aha. The pieces come together. This was Bhelen's work. A play for the sucession. I suppose I should comply with the officers of the law I'll deal, with Bhelen when I have the chance. Murder one is pretty obvious here.

Day 3: Prison is remarkably boring. I can understand why people don't like being here. I wonder what's going on.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221706732.jpg


Constable Gorim! Report!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221754943.jpg

Not precisely what I hoped for. Execution isn't how I expected to end my first diplomatic commission.
Wait so I'm being released in the tunnels, near Duncan and the Grey Wardens? Excellent. All the chance I need. Good luck on the surface Constable I, hope to see you again.

Time to go into the Deep Roads.
A sword? Thank you very much Lord, Harrowmont.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419221857034.jpg

SPIDERS. I HATE SPIDERS.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419222141033.jpg

OW. WHY IS EVERYTHING IN THIS COUNTRY HOSTILE.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419222941496.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419222333589.jpg

Ah, here we go. Duncan! Good to see you. If you have any ideas for fighting this Blight I'd love, to hear them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419223100355.jpg

Travel with you to a battle? Certainly. Be inducted as a Grey Warden? I'd be honored.


Next update: http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Origin%20Story/Screenshot20100419223132477.jpg


Anyways, feedback, anyone? Am I speaking to empty internet? Do I need to refine my narrative style? I admit I am having difficulties translating Carrot to a rather foreign situation, so any further advice there would be useful.
By Chiasaur's request, comma mangling. It hurts to do that :smallfrown:

[chiasaur11]

Needs more wanton cruelty to the common comma.

[Arbitrarity]

Chapter the Third: Ostagar and the Joining

Having arrived at the human fortress, of Ostagar where it appears the human army is preparing a major action, against the darkspawn. The mountains are large here.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100419223506101.jpg

Oh hello, your Majesty!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100419223219138.jpg

King Cailain seems very optimistic, about his chances against the darkspawn. I'm not sure if he's correct, or not.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100419223227952.jpg

Duncan, disagrees. He thinks we haven't seen some "archdemon" that, is very dangerous.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100419223244707.jpg

Anyways he wants to start, a ritual to make me a, Grey Warden called "The Joining". Apparently it has some risks, associated but if it's necessary I'll certainly do it.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100419223316031.jpg

First, I have to find his other candidates for Grey Wardens. I'm sure they'll be happy to help enforce the law.

I designate you Acting, Constable Alistair. I'm not entirely sure I understand you, were raised by dogs?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420151002558.jpg

Hello Commander Loghain. Captain Carrot reporting. Your assessment of the situation?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420152534392.jpg

Loghain is rather pessimistic. He believe Cailain is a fool for trusting so much to the Wardens. Treason? No disputing, is necessary in a command structure.

I designate you Acting, Constable Jory. I'm sure we'll get along well.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153112273.jpg

Sir, that dog... my, GOD GASPODE! What are you doing here!?
Ill? What can I do to help?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153000159.jpg

Retrieve a flower? As soon as possible my, friend.

A prisoner. He seems to be kept under, inhumane conditions. Food and water? I'll get some, for you.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153128331.jpg

The man is going to die! Final requests are protected by, the law sir.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153142642.jpg

Here you go.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153150321.jpg

I designate you Acting, Constable Daveth. Don't break any laws and, we'll be fine.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420152732587.jpg

Hello, ma'am. How will the mages be assisting us?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153304869.jpg

Interesting. According to, Wynne the mage the darkspawn, are the result of mages trying to go somewhere in the "Fade". What a strange conception, of the world.

I've found my Constables now what, Duncan?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153348906.jpg

Ah retrieving the blood, of our enemies. Not a particularly civilized, concept. Also you want some treaties recovered? Certainly.

Wolves. They don't attack, people they don't attack people... they're attacking. This country is far, too hostile.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153551460.jpg

An injured soldier his group, wiped out by darkspawn. Poor man we'll help him, back.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153701630.jpg

Acting Constable Jory is concerned by the darkspawn. Take heart they, aren't too dangerous.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420153710876.jpg

See? They're dangerous but, survivable. Ah, found the flower!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420154332799.jpg

Poor dead, missionary.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420154824764.jpg

I later retrieve his strongbox to bring to his wife in Redcliffe. I'm not sure, where Redcliffe is but, I'll bring it.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420155002866.jpg

Darkspawn have MAGES? NOT GOOD.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420155211536.jpg

Hm let's sprinkle some, ash on these rocks... supposedly it summons a genie who grants us three wishes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420155547273.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420155558750.jpg

NOT A GENIE

We finally cut our way through the last of the darkspawn and get to the tower where the treaties are kept. Unsurpisingly they're, not, there.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420155823134.jpg

This woman wearing very few clothes is here.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160010031.jpg

Her name is Morrigan and she claims her mother Flemeth, took the scrolls. We go with her to recover them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160129982.jpg

Apparently this Blight is unusually hazardous. Ok ma'am.

We return to camp. Gaspode? GASPODE? Oh you're alive. Here's this flower.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160215093.jpg

Yaay we can get this ritual going.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160558133.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160704340.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160708421.jpg

Well there goes, Acting Constable Daveth. Suddenly this Joining seems like not such a good idea. Jory agrees, and is summarily killed by Duncan.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160742488.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160745543.jpg

Ouch. I suppose I don't have much choice then. Here goes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160819982.jpg

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
It feels awkward posting closely in sucession.

[Calemyr]

Don't worry about that. Making the dog into Gaspode is funny. Not exactly "right", but I honestly didn't expect you to try playing a "Discworld" Carrot in the first place. I figured you'd play a "Fereldan" Carrot - adopted by the Aeducans, good man in a very dirty world style of thing. I was at first worried that this approach would be too awkward to maintain, but you seem to have found an angle that works quite well. Nice job.

[Flickerdart]

If I may make a suggestion, including more dialogue might help those who haven't played the game to keep up. You can even take liberties with it, to make it a more Carroty one. Comparisons/references to Ankh-Morpork or characters that Carrot knows might help establish the feel, too.

I like the acting Constable thing, and the dog name, though.

[Arbitrarity]

Thank you, I'll start with that. Probably means I'll be ripping dialogue from the wiki or something, but I can certainly try. Liberties are difficult because making anyone from Diskworld ingame is already awkward. Dog is about as far as I can plausibly stretch. Similarly, references, except for talking about background, are quite odd. Comparisons work though, and I can probably make up some dialogue from memory. Framing it will be interesting.
Meh, I took it and ran with it literally. It's actually pretty hard to maintain, because no one fits the world quite right, and the situations given seem out of his normal range. But presumably, I'll eventually forgo most of the major references, because most people going through the events of DA:O would probably be changed quite a bit.

[Calemyr]

Well, you could portray Morrigan as a substitute for Angua. Just make her use wolf as her primary form.

[Arbitrarity]

Alright, then I need to retcon her intro, and... well, get her trained in wolf shapeshifting (eewww). Also, that means she's a romance option, which is weird for poor Carrot. I think I'll compare, but avoid, since that sort of magic isn't exactly Angua, and I'm not lugging around a wolf-form Morrigan all the time :smallyuk:

Anyways, the brief update 4: Resolving a Cliffhanger, Climbing a Tower, and another Cliffhanger
Well I'm, still alive. Won't deny that was painful and, a mite scary but, I'm a Grey Warden now. http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160826086.jpg

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420160845334.jpg
Carrot: I can't believe you killed Sir Jory!
Duncan: Jory made his decision. When he drew his blade, he left me no choice.
Carrot: It wasn't necessary. You're better than that.
Duncan: Maybe. Are you willing to do what needs to be done?
Carrot: What needs to be done.

Duncan gives me some time to recover before we go, to the strategy meeting for the battle.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420161158687.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420161318642.jpg

Loghain feels Cailain's plan is foolish. Cailain in, turn recommends that we wait for the "Orlesian" wardens. Loghain adamantly opposes this something, about Orlesians, once enslaving Fereldan. They hash out a plan where, Loghain flanks the darkspawn horde while Cailain draws their attention. The signal will be a fire lit, in the Tower of Ishal. Apparently our mission is to go, light that torch. Alistair seems to feel, this is an excellent idea (unless it's that human sarcasm...)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420161427480.jpg

Duncan sends us off. We get a nice view of the battle down below. Looks good so far...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420161807645.jpg

Tower is overrun by darkspawn? Looks like this is going to be more interesting than expected. I designate you Special Constables Mace, and Stick since, you don't actually have names of your own. Good luck don't wear, too much red.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420170420985.jpg

Darkspawn outside the tower...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420170815979.jpg

Darkspawn inside the tower...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420171445835.jpg

Alistair notes the unexpected presence of darkspawn after some time. Yes, Alistair, there are darkspawn. I thought you were complaining about being bored.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420171625994.jpg

Apparently dogs, here are rather brutal combatants. Ouch.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420172256251.jpg

Well we're at, the top of the tower.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420172741115.jpg

Crap.
Some punching of ogre later...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420173222912.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420173238710.jpg

Lance-Corporal Alistair you've earned, a promotion. Good work.

Meanwhile, outside...

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420173318122.jpg
Loghain pulls out of his flank without engaging, leaving the rest of the army to die.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420173428728.jpg
Cailain's dead.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420173452199.jpg
Duncan acts like a badass, but dies shortly after.

Agh, more darkspawn
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Ostagar/Screenshot20100420173542099.jpg
....




Whew. Four updates, 3ish days. Of course, ingame, I'm in the mage tower now, about... 3-4 updates ahead of where I am here. :smallsigh: Need to catch up...

[Woot Spitum]

This is pretty good, but I think it would be even better if you showed Carrot's account of things in the form of letters written to his parents (Dearest Mume and Dad). I think his atrocious use of commas and double exclamation points will make a little more sense that way, as opposed to simply making him sound like William Shatner.

[Gralamin]

Really like where you are going with this. Will be reading.

[Arbitrarity]

Update 5: Awakening and Lothering
Editing narrative style again. Hmm.
Report 5: Date unknown
I woke up in a bed a, rather confusing place to be after being shot, by darkspawn.
The first thing to greet me was this... woman. :smallredface:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420173634930.jpg

Morrigan: I see your eyes are finally open. Mother will be pleased.
Carrot: I remember you, Morrigan.
M: Indeed. How does the rest of your memory fare? Do you remember mother's rescue?
C: Wait, what happened the the army? To the king?
M: Your other commander withdrew his troops. Those who remained were massacred. Your friend... is not taking it well.
C: You mean Alistair? Where is he?
M: He's outside, by the fire.
C: Thank you for your help, Morrigan.
M: Thank you :smallredface:; but Mother did most of the work.

Outside by the fire I, find Lance-Corporal Alistair.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420173724588.jpg

A: Duncan's dead. The Grey Wardens, even the king... they're all dead. This doesn't seem real. If it weren't for Morrigan's mother, we'd be dead on top of that tower.
Flemeth: Do not talk about me as if I wasn't present, lad. (YIKES!! Where did she come from?!)
C: Thank you for your help. Is there any way we can repay you?
F: Certainly. Do your duty as Wardens. It has always been the Grey Wardens' duty to unite the lands against the Blight. Or did that change when I wasn't looking?
C: No it hasn't.
A: But we were fighting the darkspawn! The king had nearly defeated them! Why would Loghain do this?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420173731849.jpg

F: Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it is the true threat.
A: The Archdemon.
F: Indeed.
C: What is this Archdemon?
A: One of the Tevinter Old Gods, sealed underground by the Maker. When the darkspawn come across one, they corrupt it, and it becomes their leader, and raises them in a blight.
C: Sounds like we have to kill it.
A: Essentially. But no one's done that without the armies of at least half-a-dozen nations... of course!! The treaties!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420173858063.jpg
C: Convenient. So we raise an army. What do we do about Loghain?
A: If Arl Eamon knew what happened, he wouldn't stand for it. There would be civil war!!
C: So, where is he?
A: At Redcliffe. So, are we doing this? Going to the elves, mages, dwarves, and Eamon, raising an army, and cleaning up this Blight?
C: Sounds like a plan.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420173814432.jpg
F: So you are ready to be Grey Wardens then?
C: Indeed. Thank you for your help Flemeth.
F: Before you go, I have one more thing to offer you.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420173915319.jpg

M: The stew is bubbling, Mother dear. Shall we have two guests for the eve or none?
F: The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly, girl. And you will be joining them.
M: Such a shame-- What?
C: Are you sure about this, Flemeth?
F: You need her. She has potent magic, and knows how to get out of these wilds, past the Darkspawn.
A: Not to... look a gift horse in the mouth, but won't this add to our problems? Out of the Wilds, she's an apostate.
F: If you do not wish help from us illegal mages, young man, perhaps I should have left you on that tower.
A: Point.
M: Mother... this is not how I wanted this. I am not even ready--
F: They need you, Morrigan. Without you, they will surely fail, and all will perish under the Blight. Even I.
M: I... understand.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420174008742.jpg

And we, have a shapeshifting mage join our new force. Lance Constable Morrigan, welcome.

We travel along the road out of the wilds and, encounter... GASPODE!! Who's a good doggy!! Who's... oh, nice darkspawn. Thanks Gaspode.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420184105061.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420184234697.jpg

After some combat, we arrive at Lothering, the nearby town. A lot of refugees here, looks like a good job for the Law.

Our first meeting is with some bandits outside. Ok, you're all under arrest. Put down your weapon and come quietly...

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420185414669.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420185443542.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420185628443.jpg

:smallsigh:




And this is why I TL:DR dialogue. Oh my god. I even cut out a good chunk of it. Well, that's all the exposition you hopefully need. Any readers who haven't played, you can follow, correct?

Already used 2% of my bandwidth. I'll have to keep that in mind. After I hit around 50%, create a new account, or what?

AHAHAHA after finishing circle tower, everyone automatically acts like I'm in a relationship with Morrigan, and I haven't even gotten the "cold bedroll" dialogue. Hilarious.

[Arbitrarity]

Update 6: Lothering, Leliana, and Sten
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420185710090.jpg
Entry 6: Date: 9:30 Dragon Age, August 29

Ah, Lothering. Finally a town, to improve and render safe for the people.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190005866.jpg

What... the Wardens didn't betray Cailain!! This must be Loghain's work!!

Sir what can we do, to help? We did remove those bandits on the road.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190023690.jpg

Ah a, templar. Warriors of the Chantry designated, to hunt down illegal mages. Ironic he doesn't notice Morrigan.

Sir, what seems to be the problem here?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190111214.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190118847.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190157614.jpg

Honestly sir you'd still make a fine profit, at lower prices. Help the people, here it's the right thing to do.

Sir please, stop this commotion.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190547268.jpg

What's really bothering, you sir? You can tell me.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190611904.jpg

I'm sorry for your, loss but scaring these people won't help you. Move along.

We enter the local Chantry (Church), and talk with the Templar-Commander. Hello sir. I'm a Grey Warden and, I helped deal with your bandits. What else can I do here?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190827527.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420190849815.jpg

More bandits in the field outside? I'll deal with them.

Child what are you, doing here?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191021606.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191036111.jpg

Your mother, is probably not alive. I'm sorry. Get to the Chantry.

You poor people what, happened to you?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191110200.jpg

Those bandits robbed you? Your possessions may still be up there, go get them.

Entering the local tavern we, immediately encounter some of Loghain's men. Why am I unsurprised.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191207018.jpg

A short fight later...
Take a message to Loghain. We know what really happened.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191308919.jpg

Leliana, a sister of the chantry, wishes to join our group. She's extremely insistent claiming she, had a religious vision saying she had to follow me. Ok...
Well I'm not one, to turn away help. Welcome, Lance-Constable Leliana.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191308919.jpg

Who is this man in the cage?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO
%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191901568.jpg

Huh. His name is Sten of the Qunari, people. Sten isn't really, a name it's a rank but, it will do, for now. Morrigan seems to think he'd be a useful addition to our Watch. First, however, we have to free him.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420191913742.jpg

Apparently the Revered Mother of the Chantry has the key. We visit and make, a charitable donation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420193353504.jpg

And learn of Sten's crime. He murdered an entire family on a farm. Well nothing, like that will happen on my watch. Perhaps we can give him a chance to redeem himself.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420193429062.jpg

All right. Lance-Constable, Sten, we're watching you. Make us proud. Beat down some darkspawn.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420193703021.jpg

SPIDERS
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420193935232.jpg

We slay the local bandits preying on the town.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194206507.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194358351.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194654352.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194825281.jpg

Ok really. Really?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194513386.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194517461.jpg

Sorry attacking, an officer of the law means I am allowed to defend myself.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420194607023.jpg

Recover a keepsake...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420195714162.jpg

Wipe out some darkspawn...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420195945063.jpg

And meet Bodahn and Sandal. Sandal seems, nice if a bit... odd. "ENCHANTMENT?!". Bodhan seems reasonable, except his prices are absolutely ridiculous.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Lothering/Screenshot20100420200057715.jpg

And we're out, of Lothering. Time to make camp before, we go to Denerim to restore order. A good time to get to know our companions.

[FoE]

Recruiting Sten is always the last thing I do before heading out of Lothering to the bridge. Well, that and killing those refugees. (It's not what you think! They attacked me first!)

[Arbitrarity]

Update 7: Meet the Team, Denerim
AAAAAAAAHHH
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420200257763.jpg

Archdemon again. Alistair says the nightmares are common. Doesn't make them fun.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420200333706.jpg

Anyways, we're camping on our way to Lothering. As good a time as any to talk with the others.

Sandal and Bodahn Feddic. Sandal is adopted, he's not too bright, but he's polite, and can enchant weapons with lyrium (magical metal) runes. Bodahn's a scavenger. He searches ruins and abandoned locations for lost treasures. He was exiled from Orzammar after he found some noble's bracers, and it was claimed he killed the man.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420200416320.jpg

Alistair is a bastard of an unknown father, raised by Arl Eamon (of Redcliffe). He was sent to the Chantry at a young age (which he hated) and was trained as a Templar. Since then, he was recruited as a Warden by Duncan, whose loss has hit him hard. Alistair tends to deflect most questions, with humor making it difficult to interpret his answers (He might be raised by giant slobbering dogs... he mentioned that at some point). He is generally kind and law abiding a solid, if occasionally, slow companion.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420201842276.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420202107142.jpg

Morrigan is a shapeshifting mage. She can turn into various, forms including a spider (:smallannoyed:) and wolf. She's a fundamentally good person, with some flaws. She espouses a "survival of the fittest" philosophy is often unkind, to others ("And now we have a dog. And Alistair is still the stupidest member of the party.") and doesn't care about the law except isofar, as she can manipulate it. She's rather like Angua if Angua let her, instincts run wild and was generally harsher. Probably due to her mother. Hopefully I can help her show her caring side a bit, more through example.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420202621440.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420203620482.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420203649771.jpg

Leliana is a sister of the Chantry, and an Orlesian bard. I've heard such bards are often spies which, implies something interesting about her background. However, she evaded such questions handily. Her vision from the Maker seems genuine on her part though, strange. It appears Orlais is the cultural hub of the area, having many luxuries and nice shoes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420203123318.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420203342789.jpg

Sten is very reserved. He tends to respond to questioning with short, responses which could be interpreted as humor. I'm uncertain what to do with him. Want to talk, Sten?
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z277/Taranial/stennocopy.jpg


Enough time at camp. Onwards to the capital of Ferelden, Denerim.

Captain Kylon, I'm Captain Carrot. Are you in need of assistance?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420203944599.jpg

Trouble at the local seamstresses? I'll do what I can.

Who is this...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420204030981.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420204050013.jpg

This knight demands a duel. I suppose I have to indulge him, though he seems too eager.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420204350867.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420204446908.jpg

I suppose some people can't leave well enough alone.

Interesting, a meeting of Wardens at the seamstresses?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420204326171.jpg

Dwarven crafts, fine dwarven...
Constable Gorim!!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420204125438.jpg
Yaaaaaay!! Gorim is here!! Tragically injured, so he can't help me directly. However, he's willing to purchase any gear I find at DOUBLE the price of any other merchant, which I immediately take advantage of, to lighten my backpack.

Apparently this city has gang problems in the back alleys. We go out to arrest them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420211914749.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212116931.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420211515592.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420211812198.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420211641820.jpg

This city has problems with lethal force everywhere. I need to teach these people to behave.

This man is a deserter from a mercenary company, who stole supplies. I'm here to recover them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212215841.jpg

Of course, he attacks me. Why am I not surprised?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212259429.jpg

Ah, the seamstress'.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212416433.jpg

Troublemakers, the "white falcons", a group of soldiers. By order of the guard, vacate the premises!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212459860.jpg

Of course, they also attack me. Thankfully, they know when they've lost a fight, and leave peacefully.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212541606.jpg

I talk to the head seamstress.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212602834.jpg

Alrightmovingon

Captain Kylon again. This time he's been followed.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212707587.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420212719882.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420213020571.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420213026688.jpg

Indeed. I don't understand why people attack me either. Another group of mercenaries at a local bar? I'll deal with it.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420213747843.jpg

With the law upheld and reinforced in Denerim, it's time to start collecting allies from our various treaties. First, we go to the Circle of Mages.

Of course, as we set out, we immediately run into an "abomination" a, mage twisted by a demon into a terrifying creature that thankfully tends not to cast spells.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20camp%20Denerim/Screenshot20100420215229783.jpg

Oh, and after you kill them, they explode. Argh.

[Arbitrarity]

Apologies for the delay in updating. I've had some unusual circumstances at home that made access to my computer with screenshots difficult.

Anyways. Update 8: Arriving at the Circle.

On our way to the Circle, Tower we were ambushed.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421191959039.jpg

It was not a significant threat.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421192251680.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421192303973.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421192335047.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421192343538.jpg

It appears someone from Lance-Constable Leliana's past is threatening her. We'll deal with the problem on our next trip back to Denerim.

We arrive at the docks near the Tower.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194119926.jpg

Another deserter. He also attacks unsurprisingly.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421192457132.jpg

Sir, we need to get accross the lake to the Tower.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421193821374.jpg

Ummm... can we consider a diplomatic exchange? I really need to get across, as a Warden.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194025769.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194032593.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194049947.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194059538.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194106787.jpg

Morrigan is scary :smalleek:

As we arrive at the Tower, we find Knight-Commander Gregoir, holding the main doors.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194225703.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194241857.jpg

Apparently the Circle was overrun by abominations, "blood mages" and demons. I volunteer to assist by clearing the tower of such threats. Gregoir grudgingly agrees but, will not allow me back out until the tower is free of all hostiles.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194619620.jpg

Wynne!! Hello again!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194634292.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194713824.jpg
Wynne informs us that the abominations likely are to do with one, mage Uldred. He's likely a very powerful abomination. Anyways no change, to the game plan. Go up the tower clear, everything, in the way and free any mages we can.

Abominations abound. Luckily weaker than the one we encountered before.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194909188.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421194937457.jpg
ARGH EXPLODING ON DEATH IS UNCOOL

We accidentally summon up a giant spikey bear from the fade. Oops.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421195347122.jpg

After slaying, it we proceed up the tower to find Owain.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421195719530.jpg

Owain is a "tranquil". They are mages who had their connection to the Fade (realm of dreams) severed and, so they have no emotions. At all. Talking to Owain is somewhat unnerving.

We find a group of "blood mages". Blood mages use blood to power their spells (duh), and so may be involved in, sacrifice or cut themselves. However they also are, the only mages to have mind control powers. Not good, not cool. Apparently there's an item in the, tower the "Litany of Andralla" that counteracts this mind control.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421195929341.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200017660.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200041111.jpg

Poor mage. You can go free. The only reason you do anything wrong is because of the Chantry's oppression. Everyone deserves another chance if, we can give it to them.

Cutting through undead, abominations, and demons. Ladeedaaah.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200154825.jpg

Found a mage in a closet. He seems to think he's safe there so he can stay.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200329509.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200345824.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200353716.jpg

Found a black glass vial. Let's see that... Ooops.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421200630438.jpg
agh giant undead possessed by a demon
Cutting down the Revenant, we cut through undead mages, more demons, and... mind controlled templars!!?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421202103822.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421202409890.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100421202659009.jpg

A demon appears to be manipulating this templar. Desist and release this man immediately!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422162759685.jpg

Semantics was never my strong point. You will follow the law. Release him from your control.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422162811489.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422162816487.jpg

In the, end the demon was uncooperative, and we slew her. She induced the templar to attack us, and we were unable to save him :smallfrown:

Now, what's this? Demon begone!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163543190.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163546552.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163549402.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163625739.jpg
What...tired...zzzzzzzzzzz

[FoE]

This is ridiculous. You cannot expect me to fall asleep on a floor sticky with blood...

I never spare that Desire Demon either. Why should I? Because she's given that templar false happiness while she's slowly killing him? How is that so different than what every other demon does when they possess someone?

[Flickerdart]

The demon could have made a cushion for you out of your own organs. You had only to ask.

[Arbitrarity]

Yeah, the various responses to the Sloth demon are amusing. Tragically, I missed them in screencap, but meh.

Update 9: The Fade


Whaaa...
Where am I?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163637368.jpg

Duncan!! But... you're dead. Aren't you?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163653213.jpg

Something's not right here...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163715391.jpg

Well, I killed Duncan. I don't think that was really Duncan though.

Aha a, gate. Now, where does this go...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163831110.jpg

Huh. So we're trapped in "the fade", the realm of dreams, demons, and other problems. Perfect. I suppose I'll escape the same way I beat everything in this country. With Great Justice.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422163927864.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422164052143.jpg
Now I can transform into a mouse. FEAR ME.

Cutting through illusory opponents...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422165431321.jpg

Yay, I can become a flaming man.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422165614086.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422165744415.jpg

Now I can become a golem!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422170557841.jpg

Beating down the demon's lieutenants. With all of these dispatched I, can get to the demon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422174007671.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422174914825.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422175540629.jpg

Constable Wynne!! Snap out of it. This is the realm of dreams. Those aren't real dead people.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180031703.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180049047.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180129531.jpg

Creepy. Well after, the necessary "symbolic battle with nightmare" Wynne disappeared.

Lance-Constable Leliana!! Snap out of it. Realm of dreams. You aren't really at the Chantry.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180303055.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180333981.jpg

Yes, she was a demon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180424283.jpg

And poof, another magical disappearance. Argh. All my constables are leaving me.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180433277.jpg

Alistair!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180510199.jpg

Wait you, have a sister? Huh. She's a demon you, realize?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180625534.jpg

Yeah I, predicted that one.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180633988.jpg

DAMMIT STOP DISAPPEARING.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180721082.jpg

Alright, let's do this.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422180746897.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181017482.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181039195.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181104168.jpg

I win. Let's get out of here.

Back in the real world, in the Tower, we woke up, recovered the Litany of Andralla, and have almost reached the top of the tower.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181651123.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181751283.jpg

Poor templar. He seems to have been driven crazy by the blood mages. Well, we're here to secure the, tower not kill everyone. Let's go.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181850423.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181857223.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422181929277.jpg

Well this, is Uldred. He makes the normal silly, offer UNLIMITED POWER.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422182151356.jpg

Time to, die Uldred.

WHAT IS THIS
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090811154429/dragonage/images/5/5c/UldredAbomination2.jpg
Too many transforming opponents. Uldred falls like everyone else after a lot of sword hits.

Yaaay, sucess.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422182508355.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422182546064.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422182621017.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Mage%20Tower/Screenshot20100422182627176.jpg

Mages can help us now and, Corporal Wynne has been recruited. Excellent. Back to Denerim to deal with Leliana's past then, to the Brecilian Forest to recruit the elves.

[FoE]

I remember pausing for a moment of silence after coming out of the Fade while standing over Niall's body.

If nothing else, following your LP has been worth it for the close-up of the Pride Demon/Uldred. I never noticed all those little eyes before.

[Arbitrarity]

True. I had some issues where screencaps failed if I hadn't performed some action in windows like looking at my screenshot directory. Made no sense, but I lost quite a few shots. I cut more, of course, but it still annoys me.
Oh my god, every time anyone sees this page, it loads so many images. Ouch. I'm glad photobucket gives so much bandwidth.

Update 10: A Detour

Back at camp after cleaning up the tower. Immediately I, was ambushed by Sten. In Sten's words; unexpected.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422182711831.jpg

Pretty simple. Kill the Archdemon. Why were you in that cage, Sten?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422183653295.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422183705178.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422183715859.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422183719211.jpg

Apparently Sten was part of a group, of Qunari fell against darkspawn lost, his sword and slaughtered, the farmers who found him thinking, they stole it. :smallsigh: We'll go to find that sword. By Lake Calenhad?

I found this book in the tower Morrigan. Seems to be related to your mother.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422182804938.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422184228986.jpg
Umm... :smalleek: get a thicker blanket?

Alistair continues mourning Duncan.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422182907031.jpg

And then asks for juicy gossip.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422182943477.jpg

Fundamentally Alistair, all of our constables are decent people. Some of them are, strange some may not do what, you expect but none of them are evil.

I chat a bit with Wynne.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422183117207.jpg

She's a circle mage who believes strongly in the importance of duty and doing the right thing. We'll get along. She tends to ask a lot of abstract questions about responsibility but, approves of my responses.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422183258937.jpg

Travelling to Denerim, Wynne collapses.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422184830712.jpg

She later explains this is because she's dead and reanimated by a spirit of Faith. Not precisely what I expected.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422193419819.jpg

Comes in handy when we get attacked by Darkspawn.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422193807600.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422194059980.jpg

At Denerim, Gaspode finds a child. I'm... not sure exactly why.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192225219.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192233578.jpg

We find Marjolaine the woman, from Leliana's past. Guards attacked us without warning.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422185019866.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422185050004.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422185100088.jpg

She leaves. Later at camp Leliana, has a crisis of conscience.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422191834749.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422191907662.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422191912770.jpg

I reassure her that she's a good person. Not too difficult.

Morrigan seems to have found something interesting in the book I gave her.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422191740329.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422191753733.jpg

Right... adding killing Flemeth to my list of things to do.

Travelling to the forest, we encounter a group of refugees.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192442714.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422184425327.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192522440.jpg

Or not. Assassination attempts as well? Agh.
We wake the assassin for questioning.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192724472.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192738877.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422192749911.jpg

He proves cooperative, and seems to want to join us. I'll accept that he has no further intent to kill me. Welcome, Lance-Constable Zevran.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422193049463.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422193056190.jpg

Later on in our trip, we come across a merchant.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422193344822.jpg

He tells of a golem in a village to the south. I can imagine having a warrior of living stone would be useful, so we're making a detour to pick it up.

[Giggling Ghast]

Morrigan's sexy dialogue always gives me a laugh. For an evil seductress, she really needs to work on her seduction techniques.

Granted, it's not as bad as "Heavy risk, but the PRIIIIZE ..."

[Arbitrarity]

Honneleath is KEY. Harvest Festival Ring and Helm are so important to early game stat boosting.
Update 11: Getting on Track


Arrived at Honneleath the, village where the golem should be.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422194239239.jpg

Lots of darkspawn here. After dispatching around 20 of them I, find the golem in the middle of the town.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422194646074.jpg

Of course the rod, doesn't work. Well where, are the villagers? Probably hiding from more darkspawn. Looks like its up to me to save the day.

After a bit of travel... Aha.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195036466.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195041892.jpg

Apparently the golem is named "Shale" and it killed its last master. Interesting but, what's the activation phrase?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195111432.jpg

Oh, no more fetch quests. Argh. Fine.
I find the man's daughter. She appears to be playing with a kitten.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195248406.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195256355.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195301814.jpg

That... is not a kitten. Apparently its a trapped demon. I inform the demon that it will leave the girl alone and allow her to come with me. Predictable response? Check.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195642667.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422195646386.jpg

That... was an odd choice of phrase. I dispatch the desire demon as easily as you've probably come to expect. Willhelm is overjoyed to be reunited with his daughter, and I get the slightly different activation phrase.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422200038882.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422200123697.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Detour%20to%20Honneleath/Screenshot20100422200207891.jpg

Welcome Constable, Shale. Your job is to carry heavy objects and crush, the heads of darkspawn.


And that's the end of my gameplay buffer. Argh.

[Arbitrarity]

Update 12: Elves, Elves, Elves

The trip back from Honneleath allowed a few quick conversations. I found Shale appears to be vaguely dwarfish but, has some strange obsessions and little, memory of its past. Mostly it hates, pidgeons loves crushing, heads and seems, to like the shiny crystals in its skin.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422200504660.jpg

Looking for Sten's sword, I found this scavenger near the place where Sten fell. He points me to the Frostback Mountains near, Orzammar. I suppose that will be my destination after I recruit the elves.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422202345633.jpg

Aha. Found the Dalish. They seem unfriendly.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422202757671.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422202831480.jpg

It seems they've been attacked by werewolves. :smallsigh:
More fetching of objects. This time its the heart of a savage wolf. I'm sure there's another, option but this "Keeper" Zathrian seems to be very aggressive about this point.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422202903971.jpg

This poor elf has lost his wife. Don't worry Sir. I'll find her in the woods and bring her back if possible.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422203020519.jpg

Apparently, a great healer Anerim was seen in these woods. Wynne seems to recognize him as possibly being one of her old students.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422203613121.jpg

Walking through the woods we find some werewolves. They seem intelligent albeit, relatively uncontrolled. I wish Angua were here. :smallsigh: She knows how to deal with werewolves better.
I attempt negotiations.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204036804.jpg

They go into aggressive negotiations. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204133542.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204142708.jpg

I find a pretty flower. Leliana likes it claiming, it reminds her of her mother.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204236692.jpg

Feral wolves.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204258007.jpg

An injured Dalish hunter. We return him to camp.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204402060.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422204428123.jpg

Now, what's this campsite?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205004136.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205018836.jpg
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http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205105685.jpg

So... comfortable....

[Arbitrarity]

AGH lost my post TWICE

Right, I hate internet explorer. Officially.

Update 13: Awakening and Elves

Ahhh... good night's rest.
Right guys?
Guys?
Why are there all these skeletOH GOD SHADES AGAIN
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205144856.jpg

Right, bad place to rest.

This tree has lost his acorn. Yessir, we'll retrieve it. I tree to treet the differently alive equally.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205227625.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205250426.jpg

Found Danyala the lost, wife of a hunter in camp.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205606091.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100422205638887.jpg
Ma'am, hold on a moment, we can heal you...
:smallfrown:
Dammit. Have to deliver the news.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430160503996.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430160510322.jpg

That hunter we returned to camp is doing well.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430160523849.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430160530406.jpg

Cutting through bears, ogres, another Revenant, and a few blood mages. This forest is full of foes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430160718700.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430160834042.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430161204522.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430172812900.jpg

Found Wynne's old, apprentice Anerim.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430161333959.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430161342396.jpg
Yaay, happy reunion. He gives us a token which seems to strengthen Wynne`s connection to her Spirit of Faith (Wynne now gets up from being downed in combat spontaneously, and her Vessel of the Spirit power doubles in effectiveness)

This mad hermit stole the Oak`s acorn. Since he`s mad, but we don`t have facilities to treat him, I leave him (he seems harmless) after acquiring the acorn.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430161439582.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430161525777.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430161947033.jpg

Your acorn, sir.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430165339369.jpg

He gives us a branch, allowing passage through the fogs of the forest.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170115103.jpg

Alright. We encounter the wolves again, who remain hostile. Argh.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170134865.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170143619.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170438115.jpg

And we enter the great ruined temple.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170530451.jpg

WHY IS IT ALWAYS SPIDERS
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170646888.jpg

Slay a dragon loot, the hoard...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170839511.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430170916140.jpg

Encounter ghostly child and, mother who summon hordes of undead and shades...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430185445254.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430185910527.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430185927736.jpg

Slay another Revenant...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430190536034.jpg

Finally, the wolves are willing to negotiate.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192055083.jpg

Shale disapproves.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192107296.jpg

The "Lady of the forest" presents a much different tale. This bears investigation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192217800.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192233689.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192300320.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192311791.jpg

We find Zathrian conveniently hanging around the ruins. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192751039.jpg

We confront him. He seems unreasonable.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192831280.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192906988.jpg

Eventually we coerce, him into negotiations.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430192926885.jpg

He's not diplomatic, either...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193010877.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193031512.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193106030.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193122146.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193127681.jpg

A short fight later...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193724020.jpg

Zathrian breaks the curse dying, in the process and, the wolves are returned to their normal forms. Sucess.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193826764.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193840967.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430193852187.jpg

I return to camp. The new keeper seems more able to help so looks, like the elves are now ready to march on the darkspawn. Excellent.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430194029117.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430194055649.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Dalish/Screenshot20100430194101161.jpg


Next up: Another trip to Denerim, then to Orzammar. Again.

[Arbitrarity]

Update 14: Sten, Flemeth, and Orzammar


Camp yields some awkward moments.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430204400850.jpg

Morrigan appears to think I'm dumping her for Leliana. Comments about "Marital Bliss" abound. Rather far from the truth.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430212250813.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430212250813.jpg

Leliana takes this surprisingly well.

Morrigan is unhappy so, I had better finish her request. I travel to Flemeth's hut.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430212832331.jpg

Flemeth turns into a dragon. :smallannoyed:

Luckily, Sten shows us the art of dragonslaying.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430213623738.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430213637518.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430213703739.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430213712729.jpg

I recover the grimoire and return it. Yaaay :smallbiggrin:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430213858873.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430213911354.jpg

The Frostback Mountains are guarding the door to Orzammar. Mercenaries are were waiting for us.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215157874.jpg

Another deserter from the Blackstone Irregulars. He doesn't cooperate.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215311531.jpg

Sten wants his sword.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215419044.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215428217.jpg

The guards don't want to let me past. Luckily as a, warden I have, the right to speak with their king according, to these treaties.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215544339.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215550712.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215606854.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215618369.jpg

...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215720596.jpg

We return to Orzammar, Dwarvish (?!) capital.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430215838240.jpg

Immediately, I get snark from the guards. :smallsigh:
Sir, I will do my best to aid you and the people of Orzammar.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430225912892.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430225921698.jpg

Surpringly the, people don't give me many insults for being a so-called kinslayer. Respect for the Wardens is great in Orzammar.

Specifically, I offer to find this woman's child
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430225950668.jpg

Help this merchant take this box to the Circle of Magi
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230140992.jpg

Find this homeless woman, and confront her father over her status
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230338274.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230539430.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230543616.jpg

Encounter a madman babbling over some "Unbound" myth.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230605048.jpg

Buy Morrigan a pretty mirror. It makes up for any bad feelings between us.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230753820.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230758366.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230804384.jpg

Offer to help this dwarvish girl study at the Circle of Magi. Dwarves can't use, magic but study? Sure.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230926902.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430230946916.jpg

Find some thieves in the Royal Palace. They attack me.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231207321.jpg

Wipe out a Revenant, and a Dragon in the Palace. Orzammar's palace seems hazardous.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231255411.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231443758.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231516329.jpg

Find the dwarvish assembly. It appears to be in chaos, since King Endrin died.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231652678.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231707803.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231713045.jpg

I suppose I should help Lord Harrowmont. He isn't a criminal like, Bhelen and he aided me before.
Entering the Provings again? No problem.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231745177.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231757928.jpg

I find a witness to a theft, and offer to track down the criminal.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231825895.jpg

This woman is looking for some records in the Deep Roads. If I go that way I'll retrieve, them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430231844754.jpg

I witness an extortion in progress, and drive off the criminals. It appears that the Carta, a group of criminals will, be something I should break up. And they don't have a legal quota.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232302225.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232343577.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232350286.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232416926.jpg

This dwarf isn't competing, because he is being blackmailed. I deal with the problem.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232557773.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232615615.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232656525.jpg

This dwarf has been convinced Lord Harrowmont is conceding the throne. I convince him he has been fooled and, he is righteously upset.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232841166.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430232855512.jpg

Found the thief. He sold the book to someone in the Proving Grounds, who I track down.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430233107134.jpg

BUSTED. I retrieve the book for the Shaperate.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430234230634.jpg

I enter the Provings in Harrowmont's name.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430233746270.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430233835620.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430233858059.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430233824767.jpg

After a few fights my, opponents begin to get the picture.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430234031581.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430234159658.jpg
Victory. My loyalty proven, I go see Harrowmont.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430234845523.jpg

He, of course wants me to wipe out the Carta. It will be my pleasure, to help you stop those criminals, m'lord.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430235113181.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/DAO%20Orzammar/Screenshot20100430235123613.jpg

[FoE]

What was that awkward conversation with Morrigan about?

What about the dwarves walking about the commons or in the Proving? Do they give you any guff?

And did you take that dwarf's offer to buy that book from the Shaperate?

[Arbitrarity]

Excellent points. I'll be revising a bit. Currently being annoyed at losing post a couple of times. Need to start writing in text files, and using proper sentences.

[FoE]

Another question: how did you get both Morrigan and Leliana interested in you?

[Arbitrarity]

Accident, I swear. Just gave Leliana appropriate gifts (chantry related things, shoes), treated her respectfully. Morrigan, gave her gifts as well (jewellery, which is omnipresent), and she seems to assume I'm hers. Both of them are now at +100 approval, of course.:smallamused:
Interestingly, Leliana won't do her "confession" thing till after you ditch Morrigan, if you're romancing her. Additionally (from last playthrough) if you take up Morrigan on her "cold bedroll" offer, Leliana will confront you next time you talk with her, and ask if she means anything to you. You then have to either dump Morrigan, or dump Leliana.

Best part about giving both of them gifts is the following conversations:
Morrigan: I am not fond of sharing. You should know this.
Leliana: I haven't asked to borrow anything of yours.
Morrigan: Nor would I lend it if asked. You would be best to desist and find your own.
Leliana: Find my own what?
Morrigan: (sigh) This facade of yours is unconvincing. If 'tis a competition you wish, a competition you shall have.
Leliana: You wild folk are very odd. And possessive.

Morrigan: I see you yet continue to be where you are not welcomed.
Leliana: Are you jealous? Is that what this is about? Because I don't think it's for you to decide what I should or should not do.
Morrigan: Oh, you may continue on as you have. I am merely informing you that you will suffer the consequences.
Leliana: You forget, Morrigan. I am not without my own pointy ends, as well. Do not make promises you cannot keep.
Morrigan: I always keep my promises.
Leliana: Talk is cheap.
Morrigan: And this from a bard?

Morrigan: You can't possibly think, he would prefer you?
Leliana: Funnily, I was about, to say the same thing, to you.
Morrigan: Oh, and what exactly is it, you believe, you have to offer?
Leliana: I don't know, but if we are together, it will be because, he wants me and he loves me, these things are real.
Morrigan: And yet love, grows rotten on the vine, so quickly. A sour fruit, that offers only a memory of sweetness, what is it worth, truly?
Leliana: Everything, only a dried up shell of a person would not know that.
Morrigan: We shall see.

(and if you bed one of them, you may get these)
Morrigan: The way you look at him so intently, so hungrily... one would think you have never seen a man before.
Leliana: Where I look is not your concern.
Morrigan: True enough. There is no way I can deny you this... but why would he choose you, when he could have me?
Leliana: You're confident, for a woman raised in a swamp, far from anything remotely resembling civilization.
Morrigan: And maybe that is my appeal? A woman like you, why, he could find in any city in Thedas. You think you are cultured? Worldly?
Morrigan: Powdered, perfumed, you ooze elegance, but what man wants a woman who lies limp beneath him, frozen in place by the thought that she might ruin her hair?
Leliana: So you're saying you're wild and uninhibited? I suppose he must like your shrieking, you sound like a genlock being murdered--a sweet, sweet sound to a Grey Warden.
Leliana: You should try a little harder next time he takes you. I don't think they heard you in the Anderfels.
Morrigan: Tsk, tsk, Leliana. Watch your jealousy, or you'll give yourself wrinkles.
Leliana: Get away from me, or I shall have to take drastic measures.
Morrigan: Resorting to violence. And here I thought you were civilized.

Morrigan: So he has chosen you. You think this is a triumph? Look at him... look at him and know that you will never truly have him.
Leliana: Jealousy, Morrigan. Tsk, tsk... it is not becoming--
Morrigan: You mock me, but when he is in your arms, in your bed, telling you he loves you, know that there will be moments when he is thinking of me.
Leliana: Andraste forgive me, but you, Morrigan, are a bitch. A cruel, cruel bitch, and you will get your comeuppance.
Morrigan: Perhaps. But even so, you know in you heart that I am right.

And, the more friendly dialogue!

Leliana: You are very beautiful Morrigan.
Morrigan: Tell me something I do not know.
Leliana: But you always dress in such rags. It suits you I suppose. A little tear here, a little rip there to show some skin. I understand.
Morrigan: You understand I lived in a forest, I hope?
Leliana: Maybe we could get you in a nice dress one day. Silk. No, maybe velvet. Velvet is heavier, better to guard against the cold in Ferelden. Dark red velvet, yes. With gold embroidery. It should be cut low in the front of course, we don't want to hide your features.
Morrigan: Stop looking at my breasts like that. Tis most disturbing!
Leliana: You don't think so? And if it's cut low in the front we must put your hair up to show off that lovely neck.
Morrigan: You are insane. I would sooner let Alistair dress me.
Leliana: It'll be fun, I promise! We'll get some shoes too! Ah, shoes! We could go shopping together!

[FoE]

Wow. I had no idea their conversations together grew so ... acidic. O_O

The only interest Morrigan expressed in me was when she told me she considered me a friend.

Morrigan: Tell me … could there ever be anything more between us? Have you ... ever considered it?
Me: Maybe. Under the right circumstances.
Morrigan: And yet there is another. I understand completely.

Zevran, on the other hand, was hitting on me after just a little approval. I had to practically beat him off.

...

WITH A STICK! WITH A STICK!

[Arbitrarity]

Morrigan's soo easy to get in bed, actually. If you try, you can get the bedroll dialogue right out of Lothering. Just buy as many shinies as you can, give them to her. You should have quite a few in Lothering, and Bodahn's stock.
If her approval goes over 50, she'll do the bedroll dialogue. Otherwise, flirty dialogue will start romance, which gives you great options like "Paying a compliment" with "I am brilliant and amazing"

Anyways, that's where I am ingame at the moment. I plan on wiping out the carta, taking a shopping trip to Denerim and the Circle to sell gear and finish a few quests, then going after Branka. I'll try posting my gear and stats sometime.
I'm not entirely sure how to properly increase audience participation, because most of the options seem clear to me, given that I'm playing a distinct, lawful awesome character.

[FoE]

Most of your choices have been my choices, so ...

*Shrugs*


Anyways, that's where I am ingame at the moment. I plan on wiping out the carta, taking a shopping trip to Denerim and the Circle to sell gear and finish a few quests, then going after Branka. I'll try posting my gear and stats sometime.

All the way to Denerim? But ... Bhelen is forcing a vote within a couple of days!

[Arbitrarity]

Obviously, I teleport. Or, make use of Take Your Time (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TakeYourTime)

Alternatively, I wait until later, and put my loot in my Bag of Holding, since selling it in Orzammar is inefficient.

[FoE]

Morrigan's soo easy to get in bed, actually.

I am shocked … SHOCKED! … to hear that Morrigan is quick to hop into bed with you. She dresses so conservatively, I would have thought her a nun. :smalltongue:

[Arbitrarity]

Sorry I haven't been posting for the last week. School's been busy, and I just haven't found the time to play and post. I expect the next week will remain sporadic, but after that posting should be easier.

Update 15: Jarvia and the Deep Roads

Found a source for information on the carta hideout. :smallcool:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150036380.jpg

Apparently Nadezda here used to run with the carta. She knows how, to get into their base. But I need a key. :smallyuk:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150047512.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150051908.jpg

Conveniently the carta, sends out a hit squad. :smallbiggrin:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150116228.jpg

They don't do so well. I send them into custody after I get the key.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150147539.jpg

Finally someone sees reason and, doesn't fight to the death. Sheesh. :smallannoyed:
Anyways we enter the carta hideout.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150220992.jpg

Of couse, we don't know the password. Looks like getting in will be violent. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150331428.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150750913.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512150953819.jpg

Leliana proves useful at removing traps.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512151458194.jpg

We find an imprisoned dwarf. He seems sane so, we release him since the carta's ideas of justice seem counter to mine. :smallwink:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512151552216.jpg

Assassins. Again don't, work so well.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512151651192.jpg

AAAAGH :smallfurious:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512152744801.jpg

EAT, STEEL VERMIN!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512152811782.jpg

Finally we, reach Jarvia.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512153413533.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512153421165.jpg

She doesn't accept the offer to surrender. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512153905921.jpg

Harrowmont seems pleased.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512154445574.jpg

However, Bhelen is focing a vote in the next few days so, we have to get support quickly, from a Paragon. Paragons are the exemplars of dwarven society those, who contribute meaningfully. Branka is the only recent Paragon and, she disappeared into the Deep Roads years ago.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512154457820.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512154503211.jpg

To the Deep Roads then. A dwarf smelling strongly, of booze assails, us with his odor. :smallmad:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512155327440.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512155340347.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512155352344.jpg

Apparently this is Oghren and, he wants to help. He's Branka's husband. Welcome, Acting Constable. Follow my orders and the law and we'll, be fine.

Into the Deep Roads then. First stop Caridin's, Cross.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512163522667.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512163529542.jpg

Of course Bhelen, hired mercenaries. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512163631244.jpg

Leliana and Wynne have an interesting conversation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512163734570.jpg
Leliana: It must be a wonderful thing, to be able to weave spells.
Wynne: Wonderful? To you, perhaps. Most do not feel the same way
Leliana: Oh, what do they know? They are just jealous. The Maker gives you magic; you must use it.
Leliana: You do it so effortlessly. It's like breathing for you. I wish I had such talent.
Wynne: Oh, but you do. You have your music, your dancing. You are more graceful than anyone I've ever met.
Wynne: I think that perhaps the Maker gives us all magic... but of different sorts.
Leliana: Even Oghren?
Wynne: Oghren is a dwarf. He doesn't really come from the Maker.
Leliana: Oh, yes. That explains it.
:smallbiggrin:

Darkspawn everywhere of course.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512163827344.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512163952554.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512164117093.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512164435920.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512165020956.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512165045593.jpg

And the occasional vermin. Deepstalkers are nasty.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512165443149.jpg

More Revenants. Of course. :smallannoyed:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512165631851.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512165657031.jpg

With a bit of searching we locate, a treasure cache. Shinies!! :smalltongue:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512170518275.jpg

We get to the abandoned Ortan Thaig. We have records to retrieve, and a Paragon to find.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512172732111.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512172736116.jpg

AND IT IS OVERRUN WITH SPIDERS. :smallfurious:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512172850559.jpg

DIE!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173110242.jpg

This spider seems to be standing here peacefully. I try to kill it just, to make sure. It seems to be immune to conventional weapons. :smallconfused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173556514.jpg

We have what looks like an insane scavenger.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173726915.jpg

Apparently he drank darkspawn blood. Unwise for those who aren't Wardens.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173736890.jpg

OF COURSE HE CALLS SPIDERS ON US :smallmad:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173745237.jpg

We follow him to what looks like Branka's old campsite.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173922435.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173931883.jpg

No we aren't, stealing your shinies. It turns out this is, Ruck the lost son we were looking for. He stashed the Ortan clan records in a nearby chest, which we take.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512173931883.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174032150.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174038714.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174104895.jpg

Poor soul. :smallfrown: We leave him to continue searching.

I'm trying to work on sympathy for the differently alive, but it is hard when they shoot me with crossbows. :smallyuk:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174226786.jpg

Hm. We've been finding body parts in bags. This alter looks related to that...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174406912.jpg

Hey presto a, demon!! :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174413220.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174443124.jpg

PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPONS AND SURRENDER... this is not working here. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512174642154.jpg

After the ghosts... MORE SPIDERS ARGH :smallmad:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512175015409.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512175346533.jpg

SO ANNOYING
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512175401326.jpg

We finally charge the nastiest spider, yet the Corrupted Spider Queen. Spammable, stacking poison spit dealing 100 damage each use, webs the entire party at once while calling down more spiders, and jumps on your face a lot.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512175453108.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512175500741.jpg

YEAH THAT'S RIGHT. :smallcool: No more spiders!! :smallamused:

Also, Branka's Journal. Looks like she moved on to the Dead Trenches.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512175604240.jpg

Some travel later... there are darkspawn in these "dead" trenches. :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180004985.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180011399.jpg

OSH- :smalleek::smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180015677.jpg

Close call.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180039268.jpg

Looks like a division of the Legion of the Dead is here. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180114084.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180413391.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180435681.jpg

Well, if you won't go I, will.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180222721.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180334741.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180623440.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180639690.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180759494.jpg

What do you think of that? :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512180854055.jpg

Yeah. We keep going past the doors, encountering quite a few darkspawn and some relatively wimpy spiders on the way.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512181055005.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512181528208.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512182114147.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512182336934.jpg

There're some odd growths here... :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512182535858.jpg

And a chant.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183150062.jpg

The chant is from Hespith, a dwarf tainted by the darkspawn.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183404993.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183413321.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183428738.jpg

Apparently this is the result of darkspawn... and Branka allowing something. What, though? :smallconfused:

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183454323.jpg

Ogre slaying is fun!! :smallwink:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183528430.jpg

Oghren acquires a set of Legion of the Dead massive plate. It looks nice on him. :smallcool:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183648104.jpg

Hespith keeps telling us something.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183759232.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183824287.jpg

Darkspawn corrupt the women... and what happens? :smallconfused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183842663.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183851922.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512183907950.jpg
:smalleek:
OH GOD MY EYES I CAN'T UNSEE IT

I have to cut its throat twice but, it eventually dies.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512184349425.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512184355834.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512184419696.jpg

Now that I know more about darkspawn reproduction than I EVER NEEDED OHGOD
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512184430530.jpg

Branka's fault. :smallannoyed: She'll answer for her crimes when, we get to the Anvil's location.

[FoE]

You ... told Ruck that you wouldn't lie for him?

I know Carrot is extremely lawful, but telling her the truth can only cause her more pain.

[Giggling Ghast]

On a related note, how do you know Ruck calls spiders on you? I know that they appear when he runs away, but correlation does not necessarily mean causation. In fact, he suggests that you could tell his mother he died in a spider's web.

[Arbitrarity]

You ... told Ruck that you wouldn't lie for him?

I know Carrot is extremely lawful, but telling her the truth can only cause her more pain.

Yeah, that was hard. My initial playthrough I didn't do that, but I'm not lying to Filda, nor am I killing Ruck. Actually, I was careful never to lie for the entire playthrough, even things like "what did the Paragon say?"

And those spiders are probably correlation = causation fallacy, but it seems convenient they show up just as he runs away. Additionally, I have a semi-irrational hatred of spiders (obviously), which is responsible for some leaps of logic. Stupid whites with huge DOT poison, 8 second stacking stuns which aren't easy to resist, and overwhelm. Worse than wolves, and almost as bad as the scattershot spam in Howe's estate (Hurr hurr, auto hit aoe damage and stun. At least the stuns stack poorly.).

I feel like I'm losing Carrot's narrative voice and devolving into a generic one. I'm going to have to explore how the entire "no one surrenders, kill people and loot their stuff" affects him, I guess, because it doesn't really have a parallel in normal police work. Also, the ending is bugging me, but I suppose I'll justify my choice. It makes sense to me, but contradicts another aspect of his personality...

[Arbitrarity]

Update 16: The Anvil of the Void


http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190010592.jpg

Well we've, found Branka. :smallsigh:

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190032916.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190037145.jpg

She isn't very sociable or, understanding. Indeed she, seems obsessed.
She's looking for the Anvil of the Void, an ancient artifact allowing one to forge golems.

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190116777.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190119312.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190128079.jpg


Anyways traps, are blocking her from the anvil, so we've been trapped to get to it. Darkspawn... :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190128079.jpg

Golems.... :smallannoyed:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512190806241.jpg'
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191056310.jpg

And a very strange rotating series of faces. :smallmad:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191641367.jpg

We soon make it through to a LOT of golems. :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191641367.jpg

This is Caridin. Longer ago than he cares to think, he was a Paragon for the dwarves of Orzammar. :smallwink:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191641367.jpg

He also forged Shale. (who is a woman?! :smalleek: Who knew?)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191822030.jpg

It appears that the Anvil is more than it seems. It eats souls to forge golems. :smallyuk: Who are summarily enslaved with a control, rod like Shale was. This is a bad artifact. :smallmad:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191849597.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191901284.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191901284.jpg

Branka disagrees of, course. But she's obsessed her, judgement can't be trusted.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191943779.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191946882.jpg

We're siding with Caridin.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191953613.jpg

Shale approves. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191958988.jpg

Oghren does not. I'm sorry but, artifacts that enslave souls shouldn't be given to the obsessed. :smallyuk:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512191958988.jpg

Branka whips out a control rod. Argh.:smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192029243.jpg

Fight lasts a while but, ultimately the same result as always. No surrender. :smallmad: Justice hasn't really been served for the murder of her entire, house but such is life here. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192510790.jpg

I couldn't agree more, Caridin. :smallfrown:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192549068.jpg

Caridin is thankful, and offers a boon. I give it to Oghren. :smallbiggrin:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192608209.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192614117.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192617794.jpg

His demand is a bit odd, and ultimately he instead opts for creating a crown for Orzammar.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192617794.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192710519.jpg

I shatter the anvil.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192739335.jpg

Caridin is released from his task of destroying the anvil (it couldn't be touched by golems), and goes gladly to death. :smallfrown:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192803968.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192803968.jpg

We find a list of dwarves who volunteered to be made into golems. Shale finds this quite interesting, it seems to prompt her?? memory. :smallconfused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512192847378.jpg

With the crown, we return to the Assembly.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512193003805.jpg

Looks like the vote is being forced.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512193003805.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512193020770.jpg

Oghren speaks up explaining, my quest.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512193405409.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512193408832.jpg

Bhelen is typically derisive but, his role here is about to end. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512193412303.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194018801.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194022112.jpg

What did Caridin say? He said I would decide. And I'm not choosing a murderer. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194022112.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194053984.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194100208.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194117183.jpg

Bhelen. You are under arrest for murder of your brother Trian, blackmail, and various other indictable offenses!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194117183.jpg

Of course his, guards attack the new King Harrowmont. Well that, adds to his crimes. He's killed during the ensuing fight. :smallsigh:

I am getting my dwarven army, though. :smallsmile:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194309170.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194319133.jpg

And the Legion of the Dead will help. Huzzah! :smallbiggrin:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194407816.jpg

We return to the city with the recovered book, records of Ortan Thaig, the records of golem volunteers, and news of Ruck.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194524442.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194524442.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194650220.jpg

I'm sorry ma'am. I couldn't convince your son to return with me. May you find peace. :smallfrown:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512195546344.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512195600221.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512194600863.jpg

And with that, we leave. Oghren is finally exposed to the sky. With all our treaties fulfilled, we travel about randomly for some time then, head to Redcliffe to speak with Arl Eamon!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512195750016.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512195750016.jpg

[Giggling Ghast]

You know, I'm starting to think Branka was a little mentally unbalanced.

[Arbitrarity]

Maybe. Anyways, this is essentially filler, finishing a bunch of sidequests, getting better equipment, and a few other things.
Update 17: Loose Ends


A trip back to Denerim to sell some darkspawn gear ended up with us finding going to a "Brother Genitivi"'s house to see if he knew anything about the Urn of Sacred Ashes. Instead, we found Weylon, his assistant.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144103763.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144109813.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144137533.jpg

Lake Calenhad? Down near the Circle, I was going there anyways. Perfect.

On the road, we chat with Shale in camp. She seems to recall her ancestral home, Cadash Thaig, so we'll travel there.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512201117375.jpg

Morrigan realizes the true value of friendship. See, developing friends pays off!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512214441460.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512214447609.jpg

Oghren asks us to look up a girlfriend of his at the Spoiled Princess, the inn at Lake Calenhad.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213657322.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213705049.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213722640.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213727905.jpg

Wynne thanks me for finding Anerim back in the Brecilian forest.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213546442.jpg

And Leliana seems to have reaquired her belief in her essential goodness.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213624194.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213627456.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512213630494.jpg

The innkeeper at the Spoiled Princess seems on edge. I suspect he's not telling me the truth...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144310442.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144318451.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144325044.jpg

Ah, threatened? We'll get the the bottom of this...

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144442303.jpg

Suicidal cultists. Couldn't ask them any questions, but I suspect Weylon just tried to kill me.

We return to the inn with Oghren, and he spots his ex.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513212912896.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513212923138.jpg

He moves in...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213054202.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213059593.jpg

Get rejected. We start to leave...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213102881.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213102881.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213112446.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213117890.jpg

What... what just happened?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513213139608.jpg

I feel dirty.

In the tower, we deliver the lyrium.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144808175.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144838773.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144843874.jpg

Only to learn that we just unknowingly smuggled it out of Orzammar, and Godwin is selling it to the Templars. Argh. We report this to Gregoir.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144853621.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512144857427.jpg

We inform Irving of Dagna's wish to become a mage. He allows it, though she cannot cast spells, as a dwarf.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512145035400.jpg

Dagna is overjoyed to hear the good news.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512145650891.jpg

And we go to Cadash Thaig. Brightly lit place, considering it's underground...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513125654437.jpg

Kill some darkspawn, an ogre, and we reach a huge statue.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513130744458.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513130841866.jpg

Shale has an awesome moment of self-discovery.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513130844547.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513130846787.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100513130852454.jpg

We head back to Denerim and confront Weylon. He immediately attacks us.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512160107281.jpg

Turns out it wasn't Weylon. This imposter killed Weylon, stashed his body, and Genitivi's research, in the back room. We recover it. It seems to point to a village called Haven. Hmmm...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512160155563.jpg

If you're wondering what the Urn might be useful for, there are rumors that Arl Eamon at Redcliffe might be ill. Then again, those might just be rumors, so we should see him first.

We wipe out a warehouse of Blood Mages who've been terrorizing a district of Denerim...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512204205752.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512210310914.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Orzammar%202/Screenshot20100512210408953.jpg

And set off for Redcliffe.

[Arbitrarity]

Update 18: Redcliffe Village

Well here, we are. Redcliffe. We just have to talk to Arl Eamon and, we can unite the humans to help against the Blight.

First though Alistair, has something to tell us.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213353660.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213410161.jpg

Seriously? Alistair is apparently the son of Maric the old, human king. Which makes him next in line for the throne. :smalleek:
Why didn't you tell us this sooner?!!

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213444049.jpg

I suppose I can understand. It's not like I would want that sort of responsibility either. I'm just a policeman. :smallcool: On the other hand we, certainly need some sort of leader now, and Alistair isn't a bad choice... :smallsigh:
Anyways. Along with this revelation, Alistair wants to see his half-sister in Denerim. Couldn't have brought that up sooner like, when we were there? :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213528944.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213541239.jpg

It seems Redcliffe is in trouble. Additionally Eamon, appears to be, disabled since the monsters are coming from his castle. Time to save the day again. :smallwink:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213605685.jpg

This is Bann Teagan, brother of Arl Eamon. He seems relieved to see us, but concerned.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213653681.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213702554.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213723800.jpg

While we're here we deliver the strongbox, we've been carrying around for the last few weeks to the widow Jetta.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213908597.jpg

We find this girl Kaitlyn concerned about her younger brother. Don't, worry ma'am, we'll find him. :smallsmile:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513213927075.jpg

We talk with Murdock, the mayor of Redcliffe and, offer some encourangement. Be not afraid, good sir.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214013579.jpg

He asks us to get, Owen the blacksmith to help repair equipment, and to get, Dwyn a dwarf, merchant to help with the fighting. Dwyn... waitaminute, he has Sten's sword. Remember to get Sten here. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214023390.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214034551.jpg

We go to Owen's smithy, which is locked tight. I persuade him to let us in.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214055744.jpg

Eugh. The man's been drinking. :smallyuk:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214113142.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214146089.jpg

Anyways. He asks us to help find his daughter Valena, in the castle. Certainly, sir. I will do my best.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214158328.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214213478.jpg

Yessir, I promise I will find her. Thank you for your help.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214223084.jpg

Leliana is a bit shocked by Alistair's revelation, and they have a conversation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214326894.jpg
Leliana: There are many great tales of lost kings who return to their lands to reign in glory...
Alistair: I am not lost. Nor, for that matter, a king. And there is nothing glorious about me.
Leliana: You are Maric's son; you are the rightful king of Ferelden.
Alistair: I am the son of a star-struck maid and an indiscreet man who just happened to be king. Look, I can't be king. Some days I have trouble figuring out which boot goes on which foot.
Leliana: Complete fools are made leaders of kingdoms all the time, and you're not a complete fool.
Alistair: What an utter relief.
Leliana: And don't worry about the boots. Kings don't need to dress themselves. that's what advisors are for, isn't it?
Alistair: And star-struck maids, apparently.

I then pick up Sten, to visit Dwyn. I attempt to ask Dwyn to let us in, but with no response, Sten kicks down the door. We're technically not breaking and entering, since Dwyn is interfering with an officer of the law. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214449447.jpg

Dwyn is very cooperative. Might be Sten.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214511336.jpg

I also offer to put in a good word for him with Eamon, if he helps in the fighting.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214535869.jpg

Excellent. Sten is quite pleased. :smallbiggrin:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214604911.jpg

Of course, as we leave the house, Leliana starts teasing Sten.

Leliana: I saw what you were doing back there.
Sten: Oh?
Leliana: Don't play innocent with me.
Sten: What are you talking about?
Leliana: Outside, you were picking flowers!
Sten: ...No, I wasn't.
Leliana: You were!
Sten: ...They were medicinal.
Leliana: You're a big softie!
Sten: We will never speak of this again.
Leliana: Softie!
Sten: Stop that.
Leliana: (Giggles) Stop what?
Sten: That. Looking at me and giggling.
Leliana: I can't help it! You are so big and stoic! Who would have thought you'd be a big softie?
Sten: Stop saying that. I am a soldier of the Beresaad. I am not a "softie."
Leliana: (Giggles) Softie.
Sten: ...I hate humans.

After this revelation of Sten as a giant softie he, returns to camp in shame. :smallannoyed: We then go and find Bevin, Kaitlyn's brother. He's not lost, but hiding in his house. Wynne gets him out effectively. :smalltongue:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214701965.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214706826.jpg

We reassure him, and send him back to the Chantry.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214747156.jpg

We chat with Murdock, and do our best to reassure him things will go well.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513214848953.jpg

We find this suspicious elf in the local bar.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513215141985.jpg

Leliana proves useful again, with her nose for subterfuge.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513215155264.jpg

Turns out this elf was hired by Teryn Howe, a close advisor of Loghain. We get his orders, and send him to help the militia. :smallcool:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513215215011.jpg

We quickly check on Kaitlyn, to make sure Bevin made it back.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513230721446.jpg

And prepare for nightfall.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513231215290.jpg

We fight the incoming horde. Not particularly impressive skeletons, they fall to the fire trap we set up. I spent a bit too much time in that trap, but that's ok.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513231502317.jpg
(sorry, forgot to screencap during this fight :smallfrown:)

The militia holds up quite well, and suffers minimal casualties. The next day dawns with, no deaths on our side.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513231901120.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513231908057.jpg

Now, to get into the castle and find Eamon. Teagan has a suggestion...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232134054.jpg

[FoE]

1) Ensuring there's no casualties during the night is hard effing work, but so worth it. :smallbiggrin:

2) Stop complaining about Alistair! It's not his fault! You should have gone to Redcliffe first!

3) Also, Felsi is easily the hottest dwarven girl I've ever seen. Grr-rowr. Why Oghren was so obsessed with finding Branka when he had a hot piece of tail like Felsi on the side, I'll never know.

4) Can you actually report the lyrium smuggling ring to Greagoir? When I tried to talk to him, there was no dialogue option available to do so. So instead I blackmailed the mage and killed his partner in Orzammar.

[Arbitrarity]

No, you can't actually report the lyrium smuggling, annoyingly. Should've been implemented, but I'm left saying "I'm going to report you" without the option to do so.

Update 19: Redcliffe Castle

As we're planning, a woman from the castle runs down, looking distressed.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232227576.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232259735.jpg

I believe it would be hazardous for you to venture into the castle, Teagan.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232311781.jpg

If you think it will help. I'll get all of you out of this alive.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232326696.jpg

Entering via the cellar, we first enter the dungeons, to find an imprisoned mage.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232454880.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232503749.jpg

It seems this Jowan, a blood mage, poisoned Arl Eamon. He seems repentant, but I think it best he remain imprisoned for his crimes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232518618.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232527891.jpg

Entering the main castle, it seems overrun with undead.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513232718517.jpg

We sucessfully find Valena, and get her out of the castle.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233221112.jpg

Another revenant. This one was easier to kill than the others.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233501652.jpg

Entering the main hall of Redcliffe Castle, we are greeted with an odd sight.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233718919.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233728843.jpg

Ummm... Teagan? What are you doing?

Oh, that's not good. SCARY VOICE.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233741469.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233756401.jpg

Fear not, Lady Isolde. I don't plan on killing anyone, if possible.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233811262.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233816065.jpg

Ok, Teagan has gone crazy.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233857840.jpg

And we get attacked by mind-controlled guards. We subdue them as best we can.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513233907560.jpg

Teagan seems to have recovered from his insanity by being hit a few times.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234016118.jpg

I'm guessing Connor has been posessed by one of the stronger demonic varieties. Looks like we'll have to remove it, somehow.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234045917.jpg

The imprisoned mage Jowan seems to have an idea.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234057752.jpg

His plan, however, is untenable. I'm not killing the mother to save the child.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234109174.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234129196.jpg

Better solution is to just ask the Circle of Magi. The trip will take a few days, but leaving most of the party in the castle should be enough to subdue Connor if he becomes a threat.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234148944.jpg

Clearing the undead out of the castle, I find an amulet, which has great sentimental value for Alistair.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234508909.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234518136.jpg

A few days of forced march later...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234756216.jpg

And back...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234917219.jpg

Looks like we're ok. Morrigan enters the Fade, since she's the best-equipped mage, offensively.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513234938621.jpg

In the Fade, Morrigan encounters a spirit of Arl Eamon. It seems paralyzed, unable to act.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235735531.jpg

Morrigan also seems to find Connor. She's not particularly diplomatic.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235811640.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235819440.jpg

NOT CONNOR
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235827729.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235833989.jpg

Morrigan beats down the resulting demon in roughly 2 seconds, with a Cone of Cold.

Finds another Connor...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235929621.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100513235935058.jpg

Same result. No particular difficulty in this fight, either.

Finally, Morrigan reaches the "abode" of the Desire Demon. (Images censored to some extent to follow Photobucket rules)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100514000110799.jpg

Again, easy enough. Surprisingly weak, for a demon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100514000205085.jpg

Afterwards, out of the fade, we burn the corpses of the undead.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100514000327221.jpg

Teagan and Isolde are greatful, but Eamon is still incapacitated.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100514000415371.jpg

Jowan's fate isn't really ours to decide. He seems repentant, but I feel he should remain in the dungeon, to be judged by the Circle of Magi.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100514000424896.jpg

Looks like it's time to go after the Urn of Sacred Ashes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe/Screenshot20100514000437363.jpg

[Arbitrarity]

Update 20: Haven and the Urn of Sacred Ashes

Of course, first we have to get some sleep in camp!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514001435890.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514001440450.jpg

NOT GOOD SLEEP!!
Alistair wakes me up.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514001504162.jpg

And we get attacked by some rather pathetic Shrieks. No one really has any difficulty with this fight.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514001552185.jpg

Indeed, I think the Archdemon knows we're coming. And it is scared.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514001715826.jpg

Yes, Alistair. I'm glad we can enforce, law and order as well.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514003744146.jpg

Anyways, we quickly head to Denerim to meet Alistair's sister and sell some gear. The usual.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514003903164.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514003913595.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514003920361.jpg

Of course Alistair's sister chews, him out. Ouch some family, spirit.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514003933089.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514004002401.jpg

I ask her to show some consideration and they both sort of make, up.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514004009873.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514004013089.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514004023345.jpg

Alistair is rather, shocked outside. I explain to him that most people are out for themselves, despressing as it may be. He takes some time to consider this.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514004040996.jpg

Back in camp Sten and I, have a happy bonding moment.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010458074.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010504132.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010510164.jpg

Oghren gets really drunk.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010634007.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010649363.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010656574.jpg

We also share a happy bonding moment.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514010745965.jpg

Moving on we travel, to Haven. The guard seems quite hostile and Wynne's Rock Armor, makes her look like she has some terrible disease.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514170815416.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514170903853.jpg

The shopkeeper is hiding something. No obstructing investigations!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171213606.jpg

Oh, look they've been killing, the Redcliffe knights.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171236512.jpg

And they all go hostile on me. I fight my way up to their Chantry where, the Revered Father (unusual. Normally the heads of the Chantry are Revered Mothers) is preaching.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171344071.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171652315.jpg

He's a fanatic. And protecting something.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171702922.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171718338.jpg

And attacks me. We find a medallion on his body.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171721370.jpg

We rescue Genitivi. He's hurt but he knows, how to get to the ashes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514171859777.jpg

Using the medallion on the Father's body he opens, the door to the temple. Clever.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514172031712.jpg

The temple is, beautiful in an old, broken way. Genitivi stays behind to look at carvings, as we travel inward.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514172044406.jpg

Oghren beats down more cultists. There are a lot of them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514172813209.jpg

Wraiths, interesting.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514173222256.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514174108464.jpg

Wait, dragons?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514174255432.jpg

That is a lot of dragon eggs. Looks like a cult devoted to a dragon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175329119.jpg

We find the cult leader. He refuses to surrender.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175708715.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175719720.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175801993.jpg

We recover a horn on his body. It may come in handy.

We walk out of the temple...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175905072.jpg

WHOA
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175910186.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514175914756.jpg

High Dragons are bad news. They terrorize the countryside, and are remarkably hard to kill.
We can do, it though. Oghren runs out into the middle of the plain, and blows the horn.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514180213234.jpg

Hooks onto the dragon...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181012339.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181040836.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181048434.jpg

Nicely done. For some reason, the dragon is carrying a LOT of treasure.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181121416.jpg

Finally we reach the Guardian, of the Ashes. First we have to pass through "The Gauntlet" a, series of tests to determine if we are worthy.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181333024.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181341144.jpg

He begins to ask questions about our pasts. I really wish that I could have subdued more of my opponents, but they refuse to surrender. Does this make me a murderer?
Also, this "looting corpses" bit. I need equipment for my quest but it seems, almost like I'm a murderous hobo.
Justice is being ill-served by this, but I honestly can't do much better.
I CONFESS!! I've abused forcefield to beat some bosses. I've abused Potent Lyrium potion sales to equip my party with the best.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181407696.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181416758.jpg

Wait you, only care about Trian? I couldn't really have anticipated that one.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181437723.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181509549.jpg

He accuses Leliana of making up her vision. She denies it maybe, too vehemently.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181525221.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181529391.jpg

Oghren cuts to the point.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181614054.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181618550.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181636685.jpg

We go past the Guardian to a hall of riddles. Not especially difficult.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181827952.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181840818.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181921590.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181923684.jpg

With the various riddles solved we find ghost, Trian. He seems friendly enough.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181933288.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181943807.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514181959352.jpg

Slay ghostly duplicates....
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182059713.jpg

Pass through "teamwork" bridge puzzle...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182442444.jpg

And purify ourselves in the flame.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182502489.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182512108.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182523051.jpg

Finally we've reached, the Urn.

Leliana and Wynne are both impressed.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182610177.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182632345.jpg

Oghren senses something strange...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182622183.jpg

Anyways. We get a pinch...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182640386.jpg

And go back to Genitivi.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182938469.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514182952734.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Urn%20of%20Sacred%20Ashes/Screenshot20100514183003516.jpg

Back to Redcliffe with the, Ashes then.

[FoE]

Ah, Oghren's response is so depressing. :smallfrown:

[Morty]

So that's what's behind Oghren's "I'm drunk and I don't care" attitude. Of course, most players will do Urn of the Sacred Ashes before Orzammar, so seeing Oghren answer the Guardian is rare.

[FoE]

So that's what's behind Oghren's "I'm drunk and I don't care" attitude. Of course, most players will do Urn of the Sacred Ashes before Orzammar, so seeing Oghren answer the Guardian is rare.

It also presents an interesting alternative explanation as to why the Gauntlet works and how the Sacred Ashes acts as a curative. It might not be "The Maker Did It!" as much as it could be "The Lyrium Did It!"

[Arbitrarity]

Update 21: Denerim and Howe's Estate


In camp, Wynne and Zevran are having a fascinating conversation. :smallwink:

Wynne: You must know that murder is wrong, I assume.
Zevran: I'm sorry... are you speaking to me?
Wynne: That is why you wish to leave your Crows. A crisis of conscience.
Zevran: Yes, that is exactly it.
Wynne: Joke if you wish, but I have the feeling that deep down you regret the life you have lived.
Zevran: It's true. I regret it all.
Wynne: Must you be such a child? Are you incapable of a single, serious conversation?
Zevran: I know. I am terrible and it makes me sad. May I rest my head in your bosom? I wish to cry.
Wynne: You can cry well away from my bosom, I'm certain
Zevran: Did I tell you I was an orphan? I never knew my mother.
Wynne: Egad. I give up.
─────────
Wynne: Have you changed your mind yet? Are you willing to speak seriously?
Zevran: Of your bosom? As you wish.
Wynne: (exasperated) No, I do not wish to speak of my bosom.
Zevran: But it is a marvelous bosom. I have seen women half your age who have not held up half so well. Perhaps it is a magical bosom?
Wynne: Stop... talking about my bosom.
Zevran: But I thought you wished to speak seriously?
Wynne: I do. I thought, however foolishly, that you might be willing to speak of your past.
Zevran: We could do that. There have been many bosoms in my past, though only few as fine as yours.
Wynne: Enough. I am ending this conversation.


I interrupt it to check on Zevran.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183459903.jpg

Wait...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183453789.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183508332.jpg

WHAT IS THIS. :smalleek: I walk away rapidly.
(Zevran disapproves -19)

He resumes his conversation with Wynne.

Zevran: You have not asked my about my conscience for some time, my darling Wynne.
Wynne: That is correct. And I am not your "darling."
Zevran: (Sigh) So once again I am rejected, just as I am by the cruel, cruel fates. They are harsh mistresses to the elves.
Wynne: Zevran, I am old enough to be your grandmother.
Zevran: You say that like it's a bad thing.
Wynne: And what would you do with me if you had me, hmm? This is a game you play, nothing more.
Zevran: Ha, you are a cynical woman, Wynne.
Zevran: Cynical and powerful. It drives me mad with desire.
Wynne: ...
Wynne: I am going to walk away now.



Sten confesses his love for certain confections. :smallbiggrin:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183712504.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183709099.jpg

And then talks to Gaspode about his sword. :smallconfused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514184016808.jpg

And Alistair is still considering what I told him.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183822197.jpg

Leliana is telling a story about a soldier and a noblewoman. :smallsmile:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514183853471.jpg

The next morning, we go to Redcliffe to revive Arl Eamon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515152911022.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515152954527.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153005470.jpg

He recovers quite quickly, and is soon making decisions again.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153134582.jpg

He immediately proposes Alistair as out best option as a candidate for the throne.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153209734.jpg

Alistair is not happy, unsurprisingly. I wouldn't be either. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153212515.jpg

Eamon also passes judgement on Jowan. I note that he's been very cooperative but that, isn't quite enough for Eamon who sentences, Jowan to death. Jowan takes this well.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153246225.jpg

At least it is justice by a legal authority.

We travel to Denerim, once again, to call the Landsmeet, a meeting of ALL nobles in Fereldan.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153409774.jpg

Loghain is there to greet us. :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153514545.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153533674.jpg

Ouch. Eamon is unsure why Loghain is acting like this, as am I.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153545970.jpg

We travel around Denerim for a bit. Handing over some ancient scrolls from the temple...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514184655092.jpg

Going by Genitivi's house... :smallsmile:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514184638684.jpg

And dropping off some dragon scales with the armorer Wade. The man has, skills I must admit.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515150802549.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515150809272.jpg

And checking out this strange house which, various sources and scrolls have pointed at as being the source of a great evil.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514185040145.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514185118653.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514185143043.jpg

SON OF A :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514185154508.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100514185230997.jpg

Well, that was unusual. We go back to talk with Eamon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153941858.jpg

It appears Anora Loghai,n's daughter and the Queen, of Fereldan has been locke,d up by Arl Howe. Her maid proposes an alliance, so we set out to rescue Anora.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153941858.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515153949219.jpg

On our way to Howe's estate, Zevran and Wynne keep talking.
Zevran: So let us pretend that I do, indeed, believe that murder is wrong.
Wynne: (coldly) We are not having this conversation.
Zevran: Were I to believe such a thing, what would I do with it? Feeling guilt about things one can no longer change seems to very time-consuming with little hope for actual gain.
Wynne: But you could change what you do in the future.
Zevran: (Sigh) What would that require, exactly? It seems to me that feeling guilty would take up a great deal of my time as it is.
Wynne: Perhaps you could save a life, instead? One for every life you have taken.
Zevran: That is a great many lives to save and feel guilty as well. Perhaps I could do one or the other?
Wynne: It is not a game, Zevran. You either know right from wrong or you do not.
Zevran: I... I am so confused. I think I may cry. May I lay my head in your bosom?
Wynne: (Cry of frustration) No! No! You may not!
Zevran: You are so very cruel. How is it that you do not feel guilty?
Wynne: I feel guilty for having ever spoken to you.


And we run into a group of Crow assassins. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515161025673.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515161035537.jpg

Zevran opts to stay though, he's as safe leaving, with the Crow assassins dead.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515161257391.jpg

At Howe's esta,te we sneak around to a back door.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515161639392.jpg

Anora's maid distracts the guards and we put on disguises, to slip in.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515161916790.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515162155138.jpg

However Anora seems, to be locked away, magically. We go to the dungeons to remove the mage sealing her up. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515162359285.jpg

In the dungeons a guard, notices us... but is taken down by the prisoner in the cell behind him.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515162751226.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515162801143.jpg

That prisoner is Riordan, a fellow Grey Warden. :smalleek:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515162815350.jpg

He leaves, however being weakened, by his time in prison.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515162825759.jpg

Bah. The guards figured out that we weren't part of their group. Wholesale slaughter, commences frustratingly. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515163542860.jpg

We rescue the son of an Arl who goes to tell, of Howe's crimes.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515163608896.jpg

A war vetern of Ostagar seems to be too, traumatized to leave but we release him anyways.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515163808260.jpg

A random elf from the city is also allowed freedom. It seems he's been there for months.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515163907830.jpg

A traumatized Templar is also let go but he, instead asks us to bring a ring to his sister.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515164246087.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515164302403.jpg

Finally someone claiming, to be the Arl of Denerim.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515164315736.jpg

He seems exceedingly hostile and is mostly, responsible for the uprising of elves in the Alienage. Elven ghettoes are not cool, neither is putting them down when "they start to think they're people" :smallmad:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515164844898.jpg

We find Howe with his mages. He tries to play the moral high card but that's undermined, by the torture and imprisonment here. :smallannoyed:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515164010443.jpg

He lasts about 30 seconds.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515164208694.jpg

With the door unlocked we return, upstairs. The guards have no sense of self-preservation. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515165014545.jpg

Anora seems a little short for a stormtrooper guard :smallwink:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515165549237.jpg

Finally on our way out Ser Cauthrian, tries to arrest us.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515165617840.jpg

I was going to stand down but remembered, that my mission is more important. I need to account for my crimes but, Fereldan can't afford it right now. Ultimately necessity, is my defense. :smallfrown:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515165634383.jpg

That army of archers proves a pain (Scattershot spam!!). We have to use the hallway behind us for cover and then Ser Cauthrian, chases us to her death.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515170539894.jpg

We deliver the Templar's ring.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515170936789.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515170944897.jpg

And drum up support against Loghain.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515170923489.jpg

Zevran is finally willing to relate the details of his mission before he went after me. :smallfrown:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515171152300.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515171235486.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515171235486.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515171301104.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515171321143.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515171347507.jpg

Ouch. I... don't have much I can add to that. (Zevran approves +8. Acquired skill: Massive Deterity)

Upstairs Anora, is having a discussion about the sucession.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515174057416.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515174118138.jpg

Riordan is quite informative about the Wardens as a whole, and I give him some papers I found in Howe's estate.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Howe/Screenshot20100515174334699.jpg

[FoE]

You'd subject Alistair to marrying Anora, would you? What's he ever done to you?

[Terry576]

That was twisted. I don't think Carrot would subject his friend to marrying someone he hates. That's just not Carrot.

[Arbitrarity]

Ok, so here are my options, then. I can let Anora rule alone, which means either Alistair leaves and becomes homeless, is executed, or goes after the archdemon with me, meaning one of us dies. Frankly, I don't think leaving Anora as sole monarch is a good idea, possibly due to latent sexism.
I can let Alistair rule alone, which means Anora backstabs me (since I cannot lie), and is probably the worse fate for him.
Or, I can do what I did. I feel that their strengths and weaknesses as rulers synergize nicely, letting Anora handle administration, while Alistair makes a great leader.
I suppose I could let Anora rule, but that means Alistair or I must die, both of which are problematic in their own way. I suppose I could just sacrifice myself, but that seems... odd.
Oh, and anyone who sees what I'm doing with hardened Alistair marrying Anora that doesn't involve dying, hush. Two updates before that happens.
Too late now though, unless I retcon like crazy. That's what I picked, and it's odd.

For the lulz, I am now replaying to see what happens if I go with another option at Landsmeet.

[Kish]

Why on earth would ruling without also being forced to marry Anora be worse for Alistair than ruling and being forced to marry Anora?

Also, huh?

Ok, so here are my options, then. I can let Anora rule alone, which means either Alistair leaves and becomes homeless, is executed, or goes after the archdemon with me, meaning one of us dies.

One of you dies unless you do Morrigan's ritual. Alistair being king is irrelevant to that. Unless...oh wow. I get it. You're going to spare Loghain.

Well, it's certainly a much more negative interpretation of Carrot than I would have chosen to play, but it's your game, and "won't kill anyone if he has a choice" is a way to play Carrot. Going to let the Tevinter slaver live?

[Arbitrarity]

Actually no. But that's because slavery is illegal in Fereldan. And because his first move is to offer to kill a bunch of elves.

Anyways, this discussion is obviously massive spoilers. Then again, so is this thread.
Hm. I appear to have caused massive disapproval. -20.
Originally when planning, I considered the heroic death, with Anora on the throne. However, I was concerned about reinserting into continuity, which in retrospect was silly. Furthermore, I don't like Anora solely on the throne. I just don't.
The main thing was Loghain. Sparing Loghain is for the same reason as the achievement name. Redeemer. Giving him a chance to do the right thing, because like everyone, he should get another shot. This was one of my major goals, because it fits the "everyone is good inside" concept. However, the only ways to accomplish it involve making Alistair disappear forever, or marrying him.
Of course, this is seriously metagame, because I'm pretty sure I have no way, IC, of knowing this. Nor should I know that Alistair eventually is ok with the result.

[Kish]

Actually no. But that's because slavery is illegal in Fereldan.

Treason and Loghain's other crimes--including slavery, actually--are legal in Ferelden now? :smalltongue:
Nor should I know that Alistair eventually is ok with the result.
Erm. I hope you don't think you know that OOC, either. Alistair will be very, very hurt and betrayed by what you're doing, and he'll probably never forgive you. I've never done it, of course, but I've looked at his lines and the stage direction for them in the toolset. Don't expect him to be anything but cold to you at the end.

[Arbitrarity]

I did do it. He's actually ok at endgame ("But I'm not angry, no"), though not so much prior to archdemon slaying. This may depend on if I get Loghain killed or not, didn't try it.

Now, there's some hypocrisy indeed. I only submit that I don't have dialog options in most cases for redemption, and that Loghain... I dunno. I feel like he has a lot of evil companions, who certainly don't help his portrayal. Howe is especially bad here, arranging for a "solution". Also, letting Caladrius live is just silly, really. It's about as far from reasonable policing as you can get. You can't arrest him, or do anything but let him go free, or kill him. Comparatively, Loghain you can redeem.

[FoE]

Not only are you subjecting Alistair to a loveless marriage, but a loveless marriage with a hateful, backstabbing cow.

But if you wish to spare Loghain, it's the only way to keep him from getting executed or turning into a penniless drunk.

[Morty]

Alistair will indeed forgive you if you let Loghain live but send him to kill the archdemon without the ritual.

[Kish]

I did do it. He's actually ok at endgame ("But I'm not angry, no"),

Stage direction on that line in the toolset: Cold, distant. He doesn't choose to fight with the Hero of Ferelden, at least not yet; that doesn't mean he doesn't hate your guts.

[Terry576]

What Carrot probably would've done:

Ask if Alistair wants to be king, and if he does, allow him to "Choose what he wants to do." (Like Carrot did himself)

Kill Loghain because he broke really important laws.

[Arbitrarity]

I concede, I concede!

Luckily for me, I still have a way out, based on a duel. It wraps those changes up nicely, though I still have the rather illogical ending of prior update.
I suppose retconning is silly, so we'll leave that.

[Tome]

I concede, I concede!

Luckily for me, I still have a way out, based on a duel. It wraps those changes up nicely, though I still have the rather illogical ending of prior update.
I suppose retconning is silly, so we'll leave that.

In this case, retcon away.

[Arbitrarity]

I do so wish people posting didn't have to load 400 pictures into spoilers for previous posts.
Anyways. Update 22: The Alienage (aka Elven Ghetto)

It seems there is unrest in the elven Alienage. I'm not sure what sort of lawbreaking is going on, but we'd best get over there. Particularly since Loghain may be behind it.

We run off elves harassing this man.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515180824266.jpg

And offer some coins to this poor war vetern.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515180835906.jpg

This Templar senses some great evil, so we begin searching.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181117304.jpg

Ma'am, are you all right? Ma'am?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181230999.jpg

Apparently the Orphanage is part of the problem. We enter with our nearly-blind templar friend.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181339373.jpg


Ok... crazy ghosts. I still don't like undead.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181546517.jpg


It seems our problems are being caused by demons.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181646350.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181701055.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181710203.jpg

After dealing with the demon, our problems aren't over.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181809148.jpg

Over in the next building is another demon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182128655.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182131475.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182224038.jpg

Ouch.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182406027.jpg


We sucessfully drive out the demon, despite our loss, and have calmed the deranged woman.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182630996.jpg

We are accosted by beggars again.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182525696.jpg

This "orphan" seems suspicious. I get the feeling these elves are shaking me down.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182536237.jpg

In the end, I decline to offer them additional coin, as it seems they are taking advantage of me.

More important, however, is this line outside of a hospice.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515180924216.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515180927531.jpg

It seems that these Tevinter mages have been quarantining elves with a plague. No one has ever seen them again.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515181003042.jpg

I decide to enter the quarantine to investigate.
Police here. Allow me to enter this quarantine to investigate.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182703003.jpg

They refuse me access. I request again.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515182738928.jpg

I believe you are obstructing an investigation. Get out of my way, or I will be forced to arrest you.
We eventually get in.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515183014888.jpg

Uh huh. Bring 8 males? Sounds like... slavers. We release the caged elves.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515183041866.jpg

Sounds like more elves are trapped in a warehouse. We start to travel that way, and encounter guards in the alley.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515183405509.jpg

It seems my reputation is increasing. If only people would surrender.

Slavers!! You are under arrest for human trafficking!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515183920494.jpg

Agh. We finally find the trapped elves, along with a mage who seems to be running the operation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515184254426.jpg

Interestingly, he's also heard of me. It seems Loghain is behind this operation.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515184306996.jpg

He tries to bribe me. Not the best way to deal with the law.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515184328100.jpg

Sir, you are under arrest. If you come quietly, I cannot promise leniency, but you won't be harmed until legal judgement is passed.

Or, you could attack me. Unwise.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515184359401.jpg

He is shortly surrendering. However, his first offer, is, to murder all the elves to augment my health.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515185834507.jpg

I decline. He asks if I will let him leave. No, you're under arrest. Why won't you come quietly?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515185923836.jpg

Stupid lack of respect for the law. We free the remaining elves, and report back to Eamon.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515190013815.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Alienage/Screenshot20100515190616846.jpg


And now I need to replay the rest of the game to take new screencaps. Oh well, it's only about an hour's work.

[Terry576]

That alienage part with the crazy Elf Mage was totally Carrot.

Good job. :smalltongue:

[Arbitrarity]

Update 23: The Landsmeet

Alistair seems less than enthusiastic about the prospect of Anora becoming Queen. He's also unsure if he wants to be king, but doesn't exactly fear the prospect.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100525214610966.jpg

With directions from Riordan, we come across a Warden cache in Denerim. It has a shield that I immediately give to Alistair. He is very thankful for something to physically remember Duncan by.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526203109677.jpg

With that, we head to the Landsmeet.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204232947.jpg
(Alistair is wearing Executioner's helm, gloves of Diligence, Knight-Commander's Plate, Fade Wall, Topsider's Honor, Ring of Ages, Runic Worry Token, Magister's Shield, and Boots of the Juggernaut (I wasn't looking for good boots, and I lack DLC armor sets))

Eamon is giving a rousing speech as we enter.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204245482.jpg

Loghain immediately goes on the social offensive. He seems strangely obsessed with Orlais. :smallannoyed:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204255814.jpg

Loghain!! You are charged with Slavery poiso,ning two counts, of attempted assassination public, mischief torture, regicide jaywalking, treason harboring a ,maleficar, aiding and, abetting a demon illegal imprisonment, of a monarch, and vandalism!! Surrender and submit to this trial!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204328985.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204348079.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204402160.jpg

Your daughter? I freed her from YOUR illegal imprisonment. We're discussing YOUR crimes here. :smallannoyed:

Anora wanders in to give testimony.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204412766.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204426190.jpg

Jury!! What is your profession decision!?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204429084.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204431412.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204434457.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204440034.jpg

Who is this guy, and why is he wearing a silly outfit?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204444634.jpg

Loghain!! The jury has found you guilty. Do you have anything to say?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204457551.jpg

Well, he does.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204501282.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204520782.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204531922.jpg

We do not judge. The law judges, and finds you guilty. If you wish, you may duel me or a champion to dispute my claim, because the laws in this country have strange loopholes. :smallconfused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204552624.jpg

Fine, fine. Alistair, if you'd care to take this?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204559084.jpg

Alistair is quite enthusiastic about this opportunity. I pass him some magical equipment to prepare him (Spellward, Key to the City, Lifegiver, Keening Blade) :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204611857.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526204632158.jpg

Alistair doesn't exactly handily win, but he nonetheless succeeds.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205132299.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205216801.jpg

Loghain, you are hereby found guilty of the stated charges. Your punishment, as determined by our new monarch, is execution.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205223333.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205236940.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205243728.jpg

Alistair, you are now the king of Fereldan.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205251099.jpg

Anora is immediately dismayed and locked away, as a threat to the kingdom's stability. We can't afford civil war right now.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205300522.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205323219.jpg

Alistair gives an inspiring speech.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205334096.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205431873.jpg

Afterwards, in Eamon's estate he confronts, me. He seems ok with the entire "king" concept, actually.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205458624.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Landsmeet/Screenshot20100526205522551.jpg

Anyways, now we need to march for Redcliffe. It seems the horde is attacking there. :smalleek:


Egh, formatting issues. Refresh if you just started reading, and are finding redundant images.

[FoE]

Now if you want to help out Alistair's love life, get him to sleep with Morrigan. :smalltongue:

[Arbitrarity]

LALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU
2 updates left after this.
Update 24: Redcliffe and the Truth
It appears Darkspawn have hit Redcliffe.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526212307152.jpg

More opportunity to trim the horde. :smallamused:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526212410772.jpg

We get to Castle Redcliffe to defend, and the main gate is held easily.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526212816053.jpg

Apart from the Ogre. Owwww.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526212926881.jpg

The King shows us how it is done.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526212958353.jpg

We leave the relieved guards outside to defend against any leftovers.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213029255.jpg

Riordan greets us inside. Alistair is mildy discomfited.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213123776.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213128278.jpg

Anyway, looks like the actual horde is hitting Denerim. How we didn't notice this, when we walked straight from Denerim to here, I don't know.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213134432.jpg

And the Archdemon has been seen. Yaaay.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213144690.jpg

Well, no time to waste then. What's this, sleep? Bah. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213214896.jpg

Team overview: Last time we see everyone. Mostly mechanics and gear.

Carrot (Champion/Templar)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213938000.jpg

Wielding the Keening Blade and Veshaille, with various Grandmaster and Master Elemental runes. Evon the Great's mail, Wade's Superior Dragonscale Boots and Gloves. Spellward, Lifegiver, Key to the City, Anduril's Blessing, and of course, Helm of Honneleath.

Alistair: Approval 100 (Friendly) (Templar/Champion)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213945203.jpg

Wielding Fade Wall and Topsider's Honor, with Executioner's Helm, Knight-Commander's Plate, Gloves of Diligence, Juggernaut boots, Runic Worry Token, Ring of Ages, and Creationist's Cord.

Wynne: Approval 100 (Friendly) (Spirit Healer/Shennanigans)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213949281.jpg

Wielding Staff of the Magister Lords, Destructionist's Belt, Anerim's Token, Surveyor, Dreamsever, Magus War boots, Black Hand Gauntlets, Reaper's Vestments.

Leliana: Approval 100 (Friendly) (Bard/Ranger)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526213955853.jpg

Wielding Marjolaine's Recurve, Magister's Cinch, Felon's Coat, Gloves of Guile, Bard's Dancing Shoes, Harvest Festival Ring, Dusk Ring, Seeker's Circlet.

Zevran: Approval 97 (Friendly) (Assassin/Duelist)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214001335.jpg

Wielding The Edge, Dragonbone Crow Dagger, Red Jenny Seekers, Cadash Stompers, Shadow of the Empire, Mixed Metal Rounds, Silverleaf, Athras' Pendant.

Morrigan: Approval 95 (Friendly) (Lost 5 for bringing her to Caladrius, not taking bargain. Silly loss, couldn't find an extra gift) (Shapeshifter/Spirit Healer)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214006687.jpg

Wielding Wintersbreath, Robes of Posession, Apprentice's Cowl, Wildstone Clasp, Imperial Weavers, Ashen Gloves, Frostshear, Belt of the Magister Lords

Oghren: Approval 100 (Friendly) (Berserker/Champion)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214010093.jpg

Wielding Chasind Great Maul, Helmet, Armor, Gloves, and Boots of the Legion, One for the Ditch, Blood-Gorged Amulet, Ring of the Warrior

Shale: Approval 100 (Friendly)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214014516.jpg

Currently wielding small Brilliant Fire crystal and Large Brilliant Spirit Crystal.

Gaspode!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214017688.jpg

Currently wearing Pure Bitch Braid and Kaddis of the Lady of the Skies.

Finally, Sten. Approval 98 (Friendly) (Berserker)
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214021061.jpg

Wielding Asala, Duty, Effort's boots, gloves, and armor.

YEAH PARTY!! WE CAN DO THIS!


Going up to Riordan's room, he has a serious discussion for me and Alistair.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214120200.jpg

Apparently when the Archdemon is killed, its soul migrates to the nearest darkspawn, and posesses it. If the archdemon is killed by a Grey warden, its soul migrates to the Warden...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214202080.jpg

Alistair grasps the obvious.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214205361.jpg

:smallsigh:
Dammit. If Riordan can't take that blow, its mine. I have a duty to the kingdom, the world. I can't let Alistair take it.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214219925.jpg

Back in my room, Morrigan has arrived. What are you doing here?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214246034.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214316396.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214332896.jpg

Wait, what sort of ritual are we talking about?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214405900.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214409074.jpg

*Blushes up to ears*
ALRIGHTMOVINGON

YES. YES I WOULD.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214451273.jpg


Morrigan is extremely angry, and leaves because of this. :smallsigh:
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214741156.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214755584.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214810767.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Redcliffe%20Attack/Screenshot20100526214815058.jpg

Well, with one party member gone, and a high probability of death tommorrow...
I get some sleep.

[Kish]

That really does strike me as what Carrot would do, sadly.

[Arbitrarity]

Suddenly quick update pace: I had a lot of free time today, and finished the game, so I just cut screenshots, and wrote a bit.

Update 25: Endgame


Well, we have our armies. We'll have to move fast.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526214905869.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526214912809.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526214923402.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526214934247.jpg

Alistair gives a proper inspiring speech. A good reason for him to be king.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526214955734.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526214959456.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215006994.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215017236.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215030415.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215041665.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215043794.jpg

The onrushing human army routs the darkspawn outside of Denerim effectively.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215104998.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215148432.jpg

We pursue the stragglers into the city gates, and mop up.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215200295.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215204952.jpg

Riordan has some advice for me about chasing down the archdemon. We're going to enter the main city, and get as high as we can. That means Fort Drakon.
There also are going to be darkspawn "generals" in the city we should take down, to minimize damage, and because they'll also go after us when the archdemon calls them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215646621.jpg

I select my group. Alistair, Wynne, Leliana. Let's go, team.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215712785.jpg

Everyone else guards the gates. Sten leads them.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215723504.jpg

And it is time for goodbyes.
Wynne. Thank you for saving my life repeatedly with healing.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181248589.jpg

Oghren. It's been an honor working with you.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215746328.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215748899.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215752496.jpg

Shale, I know you care. Be safe.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215806375.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215814102.jpg

Goodbye Gaspode. I probably won't be able to get you any more chicken. Be good.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215822712.jpg

Thank you for your help, Sten.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215832986.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215835675.jpg

I've enjoyed working with you, Leliana. Thank you for your friendship, support, and inspiration.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215842312.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215844906.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215847110.jpg

Thank you for your help, Zevran.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100526215855018.jpg

I am not going to let you die, Alistair. Thank you for being my friend.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181123290.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181138783.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181141944.jpg

LET'S DO THIS!!
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181248589.jpg

We head over to the market district to clear out a general over there.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181528591.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527181606674.jpg

The Alienage also has a general in it. We clear out the civilians to minimize casualties.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527183447264.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527183553313.jpg

The archdemon attacks us as we leave the Alienage. Close call.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527183801246.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527183803137.jpg

As we head on to Fort Drakon, I recieve a report of an assault on the gates. It claimed Sten, Shale, Oghren, and Zevran appeared to be counting their kills, and waiting for the darkspawn impatiently.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527183950363.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184105843.jpg

That's when I saw Riordan, on top of a tall tower.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184239525.jpg

The man has guts.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184244518.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184248418.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184255337.jpg

Alas, they aren't enough. He ends up on a wing.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184313833.jpg

And while he cripples the Archdemon...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184324997.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184328579.jpg

Dammit. Well, looks like it's up to me. Death? You there?
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184343913.jpg

We walk through hordes of darkspawn. Nothing too difficult.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527184843251.jpg

Whoa, well fortified position. After a few minutes of cutting up darkspawn, they eventually stop pouring out of the fort.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527190107599.jpg

We enter. Time to get to the roof.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527190330714.jpg

Shades and a NASTY genlock mage. He's wiped out quickly by Alistair and I alternating Holy Smites, War Cries with Superiority (huge AOE knockdown), and generally keeping him down.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527190539950.jpg

That is a lot of dead darkspawn, and I didn't have to kill them...
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527191057574.jpg

What.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527191104283.jpg
WHAAAT.

Whoa, a lot of archers. If they were actually dangerous, I might be in trouble.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527191647859.jpg

We finally make it out onto the roof.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192125702.jpg

The archdemon appears to be snacking on Redcliffe soldiers. DAMMIT I WORKED HARD TO GET THOSE TROOPS.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192138004.jpg

Ouch.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192146915.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192149304.jpg

Right. Let's go.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192201573.jpg

We hack away at the archdemon. Fire arrows at it from across a chasm. Throw Magic Missiles at it. We don't seem to be having any effect.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192452969.jpg

Finally, however, Alistair cripples it.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192528454.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192608276.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192619514.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192630405.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192658049.jpg

Beautiful. I pull Yusaris, the Dragon Slayer, (because it's been in my inventory for most of the game) out of my pack.

Alistair tries to stop me.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192722649.jpg

Alistair, you can be a king. You have the drive, the ability, and more than capable advisors. I... I have to go. I'm not letting you sacrifice the leadership of this land for me.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192734037.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192738723.jpg

I'm sorry. I have to do this.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192750671.jpg

Death? I guess I'm ready.
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192804385.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192811809.jpg
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http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192847505.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Endgame/Screenshot20100527192849463.jpg


Epilogue will be sometime tommorrow. Probably 24ish hours from now.

[FoE]

THERE IS NO JUSTICE. THERE IS JUST US. :smallfrown:

[Terry576]

This LP was... was... Simply beautiful.

Arbitrarity, you just won the internet.

[Arbitrarity]

Update 26: Epilogue


http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Epilogue/Screenshot20100527192930655.jpg
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http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Epilogue/Screenshot20100527193431794.jpg
http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx337/Arbitrarity/Epilogue/Screenshot20100527193459849.jpg



Roll credits. Pull down curtain.


I'd like to thank everyone who was reading for their comments, for caring enough to point out when I was doing it wrong, and for putting up with the ridiculous delay at one point.

I'd like to thank Chiasaur11 especially, for introducing me to the concept of the Let's Play, and giving me an interesting schtick to make this LP on. Even if I occasionally failed to mess up commas.

I'd like to thank Bioware for making awesome games, the Playground for being my internet home, and Terry Pratchett, for making a memorable and hilarious series of book.

Thanks for reading, though I probably won't be doing this again any time soon.

[Person_Man]

Very quick slightly off topic mechanics question:

I just bought the Ultimate Edition, which includes Origins and Awakenings and all the DLC.

If I play through Awakenings and open up all of the Specializations, can I start a new game in Origins and use the Awakenings Specialization in it? For example, if I open up Battlemage and Keeper, can I start a new game as a Mage and take the Keeper Specialization at level 7?

[Kish]

Replied to in Dragon Age current discussion thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10667682&postcount=76).