There is a g-girl over there under a big exclamation mark.
Allison: Hello... uhh, stranger. I d-don't suppose you know anyone that can make traps?
Bro: What do you need traps for?
Allison: Old Man Barlin said the d-darkspawn may be coming soon. He's got traps on his farm. I figured I'd put a few on my lands.
Allison: But Barlin wants to p-p-poison this traps. I just want normal traps.
Bro: Why don't you just buy some?
Allison: None to be had. Barlin has all the traps in the village in his fields.
Bro: Sorry, I can't make traps.
Allison: I didn't mean to bother you. Sorry!
Since we have nobody with a trap-making skill this quest is skipped.
Oh noes, another emo trigger.
IT'S A BITCHING TIME.
Alistair: So tell me something, Morrigan. Did you live there in that forest your entire life?
Morrigan: I left it on occasion, but I always returned. Why? Is that so strange? It was my home.
Alistair: But it was just you and your mother there? No one else?
Morrigan: Mother occasionally had... company.
Alistair: What? Company? Do I even want to ask?
Morrigan: No. You really don't.
Another lame fetch quest awaits us.
Elder Miriam: You got a bed for the night? You taken care of? (Coughs)
Bro: W-what?
Elder Miriam: Lothering's full up with refugees. Might be space in Allison's barn.
Elder Miriam: Speak up.
Bro: Actually, I was more hoping I could help you.
Elder Miriam: Don't need blades right now. We need beds, food, and and end to all these sad sots.
Elder Miriam: I don't suppose you know anything of tonic, medicines, or herbs?
Bro: I don't, but my friend does.
Elder Miriam: Then you may be able to do us a lot of good.
Elder Miriam: All manner of travelers come through, many injured or sick. We do our best, but we're out of supplies.
Elder Miriam: There's medicinal herbs in the woods to the north. If you make a few poultices, I'll scrape some sort of payment.
Elder Miriam: I'll write all you need to know in this note here.
Oh, look, a prisoner in a cage.
Sten: You are not one of my captors.
Sten: I have nothing to say that would amuse a dwarf. Leave me in peace.
Bro: What are you?
Sten: A prisoner.
Sten: I'm in a cage, am I not? I've been placed here by the Chantry.
Leliana: The revered mother said he slaughtered an entire family. Even the children.
My man.
Sten: It is as she says.
Sten: I am Sten of the Beresaad--the vanguard--of the qunari peoples.
Bro: Qunari?
Sten: If you haven't heard of us, that is your own shortcoming.
Sten: Though it matters little, now. I will die soon enough.
Morrigan: This is a proud and powerful creature, trapped as prey for the darkspawn. If you cannot see a use for him, I suggest releasing him for mercy's sake.
Alistair: Mercy? I wouldn't have expected that from you.
Morrigan: I would also suggest that Alistair take his place in the cage.
Alistair: Yes, that's what I would have expected.
Sten: I suggest you leave me to my fate.
Bro: I could end it for you now, if you prefer.
Sten: My preference is death in battle. Failing that, I will wait for the darkspawn.
Bro: I find myself in need of skilled help.
Sten: No doubt. What help do you seek?
Bro: That's none of your concern.
Sten: You want me to help you, but it's not my concern? Your logic is impeccable.
Bro: Would the revered mother let you free?
Sten: I would not were I her.
Bro: Then stay in there, for all I care.
Sten: I shall.
Leliana: To be left here to starve, or to be taken by the darkspawn... no one deserves that, not even a murderer.
Another party member. At least this one doesn't whine as much.
Crossing the bridge on a way back to the Chantry we run into antoher emo trigger.
IT'S A BITCHING TIME.
Leliana: They say your mother is Flemeth, a witch of the Korcari Wilds.
Morrigan: They also say that washing your feet in winter makes you catch cold in the head, but we all know that is not true. But sometimes they are right and they are right in this.
Leliana: You know the stories about--
Morrigan: Of course. You think me mother would let me go without telling me all the stories of her youth?
Leliana: My mother told me stories too. She was the one who kindled my love of the old tales and legends.
Morrigan: Hmph. my mother's stories curtled my blood and haunted my dreams. No little girl wants to hear about the Wilder men her mother took to her bed, using them till they were spent, then killing them. No little girl wants to be told that this is also expected of her, once she comes of age.
Leliana: I... uh... I see.
Morrigan: No, you don't. You really don't.
And here sits the revered mother.
Revered Mother: Good day, Sister Leliana. I'm surprised to see you're still in Lothering.
Leliana: It is good to see you as well, your Reverence.
Revered Mother: I do not recognize your companion. Greetings. Will you be making a donation to the chantry? Our need has never been greater.
Bro: Tithe? To the chantry? Are you joking?
Revered Mother: A great number of people could be fed and clothed for a fraction of your finery. But you must do as your heart wills.
Revered Mother: What can I do for you, then?
Bro: I want to talk about Sten, the qunari you imprisoned.
Revered Mother: It might have been kinder to execute him, but I leave his fate to the Maker. Why does he interest you?
Bro: I want him freed. I might have a use for him.
Revered Mother: Then his next victims might count you and me as their murderers.
Bro: (Intimidate) I think you should consider that stance. Now.
Morrigan: Now we threaten priests? How fun!
Alistair: Whoa! Whoa! Let's not get out of hand, here!
Revered Mother: What is the meaning of this! You would threaten me with violence?!
Alistair: Your Reverence, please... we are on an important mission. Let us take the qunari off your hands, I beg you!
Revered Mother: I see. And if I not, I am to be assaulted? I sthis what we have come to?
Alistair: No, your Reverence. I will not allow that to happen.
Revered Mother: I have more important matters to concern me. Here... take the key to the creature's cage and begone! Do not return.
Morrigan approves(+4).
Alistair disapproves(-13).
It seems that butthurt Alistair has a soft spot for the old sluts.
Stealing shit is very easy in DA. No repercussions for a failed attempt.
Emo bridge.
IT"S A BITCHING TIME.
Alistair: So... let me get this straight. You were a cloistered sister?
Leliana: You must have been a brother before you became a templar, no?
Alistair: I never actually became a templar. I was recruited into the Grey Wardens before I took my final vows.
Leliana: Do you ever regret leaving the Chantry?
Alistair: No, never. Do you?
Leliana: Yes. You may not believe it, but I found peace there. The kind of peace I've never known.
Alistair: It used to get so quiet at the monastery that I would start screaming until one of the brothers came running. I would tell them that I was just checking. You never know, right?
Leliana: I... no, I never did anything like that. I enjoyed the quiet.
Alistair: Suit yourself. The look on their face was always priceless.
Back to the cage.
Sten: So I am released, am I?
Bro: Why don't you come with me?
Sten: What use is that?
Bro: Anything has to be better than that cage.
Sten: Outside this cage, there is only a bigger cage.
Bro: I'm a Grey Warden. I can use your help.
Sten: Truly! Even my people have heard of your kith. They are legends. But I suppose not all legends are true.
Sten: (Sigh) Very well.
Sten: May we proceed? I am eager to be elsewhere.
He joins the party.
First bandit group Bro was tasked to eliminate.
We gathered enough elfroots to make more health poultices.
Getting the reward.
Elder Miriam: Have any luck finding these herbs in the woods?
Bro: I found them. You could've warned me about the danger.
Elder Miriam: I could've mentionted to wipe your arse after you squat, too. Figured you'd piece that together on your own, though. (Chuckles).
Elder Miriam: This will help many people. You're a good sort, you know?
Bioware, why no option of slitting her throat?
Second group of bandits. Bro charges head on.
And goes down pretty fast
Still, other party members dispose of them.
The landmark tree is nearby. What purpose does it serve?
Let's summon a Dawg and let him piss on it.
It gives him a combat bonus. Yeah, no kidding. Yay for innovation!
Turning camera reveals the last group of bandits.
Mabari, well, dominated them.
Time to collect the reward at chantry board and get new quests.
Chanter Devons: Let Him take notice and shine upon thee, for thou hast done His work this day.
SUDDENLY wolves and bears appear.
Although, they'll disappear soon enough.
Here's the mommy's body.
Bears are pretty weak.
Oh, spiders. We need to get toxin extracts from their dead bodies.
Now Leliana is able to make the requested poison.
Reporting back to the Chantry and Barlin.
Chanter Devons: Let Him take notice and shine upon thee, for thou hast done His work this day.
Chanter Devons: And the stars stood still, the winds did quiet, and all animals of earth and air held their breath.
Chanter Devons: All was silent in prayer and thanks.
Chantry errands were worth the hassle because completing them grants you a decent Oathkeeper sword.
Here's that Barlin dude.
Barlin: Any luck with that posion? Or you here to see my stock?
Bro: I have what you asked for.
Barlin: Splendid! If those beasties come on my land, I hope it teaches them a lesson.
Barlin: Here's enough gold to cover any of your expenses and then some. (Laughs)
Ah, I forgot about Blackstone chest. MOAR glorious letter delivery.
Emo bridge, again.
IT'S A BITCHING TIME.
Leliana: You are such a handsome dog. I think that every time I look at you.
Dog: (Happy bark!)
Leliana: Lady Cecilie--I lived with her after my mother died--had a dog. A small one, bred to fit under the arm and in the lap.
Leliana: What did she name it... oh, yes. Bon-Bon. Oh, Bon-Bon was a terror. He would hide, you know, when he saw you coming...
Leliana:And then he would attack your ankles. Razor-sharp teeth in the ankles... very painful.
Leliana: He attacked me once. Latched onto my leg. I thought it was a diseased rat and kicked. Bon-Bon flew across the room and over the banister.
Leliana: He survived, but he never came near me after that.
The dude you need to conscript spawns at the Chantry.
Patter Gritch: Yes? What can I do for you?
Bro: I have a letter for you from the Blackstone Irregulars.
Patter Gritch: I knew this time would come. I should have listened to my sister. "Sure, sign the paper", she said. "You'll enjoy some coin now, but they'll be back."
Patter Gritch: I guess I'll see you on the front lines.
Did I mention the emo bridge?
IT'S A BITCHING TIME.
Morrigan: You ate my entire bag of herbs, you foolish dog. Do not think I am unaware of where it went.
Dog: (Unhappy whine).
Morrigan: 'Tis your own fault for being so entirely gluttonous. Several of those herbs were posionous. You should be pleased they did not kill you.
Dog: (Coversantional barking)
Morrigan: Do not be ridiculous. I am certainly not going to give you more, even if I did have more to give.
Dog: (Whine!)
Morrigan: You have some nerve, creature. And your breath leaves much to be desired. Off you go.
Dog: (Whine!)
Morrigan: We shall see. I promise nothing.
On a way to the exit from the area you get ambushed by a band of rabble.
Refugee: We done heard what was said. You're a Warden.
Refugee: I don't know if you killed King Cailan, and Maker forgive me, I don't care.
Refugee: But that bounty on your head could feed a lot of hungry bellies.
Refugee: Attack!
Whatever, more dog food.
Near the very exit darkspawn harass a dwarven merchant.
We'll see how grateful he is.
Bodahn Feddic: Mighty timely arrival there, ny friend. I'm much obliged.
Bro: Just how obliged, exactly?
Bodahn Feddic: You want a reward, huh? I suppose that's an entirely reasonable request.
Bodahn Feddic: How does a hundred silvers sound? I was going to use that to fix up the cart, but quite frankly I'll be grateful enough that my son and I come out of this with our heads!
Bro: (Persuade) Yet you have a whole cart full of goods.
Bodahn Feddic: Unsodl goods, I'll point out, though you've a fair point. Here's... two hundred silver. But it's all I have.
Bodahn Feddic: The name's Bodahn Feddic, merchant and entrepreneur. This here is my son, Sandal. Say hello, my boy.
Sandal: Hello.
Bodahn Feddic: Road's beeen mighty dangerous these days. Mind if I ask what brings you out here? Perhaps we're going the same way.
Bro: King's business, I'm afraid.
Bodahn Feddic: Fair enough. Allow me to say thank you again, and bid you farewell. Say goodbye, my boy.
Sandal: Goodbye.
Bodahn Feddic: Now, then. Let's get this mess cleaned up, shall we?
Bro did it!
AT THE CAMP
Moar dragonz, it seems.
Bro awakes from a nightmare.
Alistair: Bad dreams, huh?
Bro: Why are you bothering me? I'm fine.
Alistair: It's just that you were shouting in your sleep. Loud. And not in a good, this-is-private way, either.
Alistair: You see, part of being a Grey Warden is being able to hear the darkspawn. That's what your dream was. Hearing them.
Alistair: The archdemon, it... "talks" to the horde, and we feel it just as they do. That's why we know this is really a Blight.
Bro: Why didn't Duncan just tell everyone that?
Alistair: He did. He said he felt the archdemon's presence. Everyone just assumed he was guessing.
Alistair: It takes a bit, but eventually you can block the dreams out. Some of the older Grey Wardens say they can understand the archdemon a bit, but I sure can't.
Alistair: Anyhow, when I heard you thrashing around, I thought I should tell you. It was scary at first for me, too.
Bro: I'm not frightened.
Alistair: I screamed like a little girl. Duncan said he thought I had someone in my room. Not embarassing at all.
Alistair: Anyhow, you're up now, right? Let's pull up camp and get a move on.
Alistair disapproves(-5).
Need to talk with merchant to finish "Enchantment" quest.
Bodahn Feddic: Ah! It's good to see you, my timely rescuer! Bodahn Feddic at your service once again.
Bodahn Feddic: Now, before you say anything, I do recall that your business is private... but I saw your camp and couldn't help but stop. Is there anywhere safer to sleep? I think not.
Bodahn Feddic: I'm perfectly willing to offer you a fine discount for the inconvenience of our presence. How does that sound? Good? Yes?
Bro: You're free to stay. Just mind yourselves.
Bodahn Feddic: Wonderful! Thank the gentleman won't you, boy?
Sandal: Thank you ser.
Bodahn Feddic: We won't be a bother to you and your companions, I assure you. If you should need enchantments, simply talk to my boy. Otherwise, come speak with me.
Now let's see how exactly the boy if useful.
Sandal: Hello.
Bodahn Feddic: The boy's a bit simple, but he's rather good with enchantments. One of those Tranquil fellows actually called him a... what was it, now? A savant? I had no idea such a thing existed.
Bro: I want some enchanting done.
Sandal: Enchantment!
Not too many options, for sure, but at least it's free.
And a bit of trade with daddy.
Bodahn Feddic: If there's anything I can do for you, please, please tell me.
Bro: Let me see your wares, Bodahn.
Bodahn Feddic: I'm sure you'll be pleased with the goods my boy and I have collected. And with you discount.
Mr DLC (of course a jew) stands nearby.
Levi Dryden: You're a hard man to find!
Levi Dryden: Where are my manners? The name is Levi, Levi Dryden.
Levi Dryden: Did Duncan ever mention me? Levi of the Coins? Levi the Trader?
Bro: Duncan never mentioned you.
Levi Dryden: Really? He never told you of old Levi? We've known each other for years.
Levi Dryden: But here I am carrying on while you have a Blight to stop. Don't want to waste your time.
Levi Dryden: But, you see, Duncan promised that together we'd look into something important for the Wardens. And for me.
Levi Dryden: But poor Duncan... well, no more. A tragedy it is, at that. But I know he would want his work carried on. His pledge fulfilled.
Bro: What promise did Duncan make to you?
Levi Dryden: My family... well, our past is a bit checkered, you see? Nobles look at us with disdain.
Levi Dryden: My great-great-grandmother, Sophia Dryden, was the last Warden-Commander of Ferelden, back when the Wardens were known as freeloaders.
Levi Dryden: So King Arland banished the Wardens and he took House Dryden's land and titles.
Bro: Just tell me what I need to know.
Levi Dryden: Duncan wanted to reclaim the old Grey Warden base, Soldier's Peak. And perhaps we'll uncover evidence to restore my family's honor along the way.
Levi Dryden: Nobody's been to Soldier's Peak since the Grey Wardens were banished. But I found a way.
Levi Dryden: They say it's haunted, and it's certainly dangerous. Will you help me?
Bro: How will reclaiming the Peak help the Wardens?
Levi Dryden: Soldier's Peak has strategic and symbolic importance. Duncan said that would be worth it right there.
Levi Dryden: He also hoped to recover lost Warden history and perhaps a few old relics. No one knows what's up there now.
Bro: Let's go to Soldier's Peak.
Levi Dryden: A thousand blessings upon you, Warden.
Levi Dryden: I'll mark down the location on your map. When you arrive, we'll pick our way through the tunnels together!
To free some inventory space Bro decided to make a few presents: Small Carved Statuette to Alistair, jewellery to Morrigan and a Bronze Symbol of Andraste to Leliana.
For the reference, approval stats were following:
Morrigan +20, Leliana +10, Alistair -18, Sten 0.
======================================================
At last, the boring tutorial part is finished and the world map is available. So I ask almighty Codex: where Bro goes next and why?