Let's play - Dragon Age: Origins (finished)

[SCO]

All roads end up towards the grey warden. As if the Right of Conscription has some sord of 'Magic' to bind you to Duncan's service.

That's the thing that has turned me off this game. Why the fuck can't I just say no? Choosing which factions to join and cooperate with were always some of my favourite RPG questlines.

Do you think this is Geneforge boy?

 

[Brother None]

All roads end up towards the grey warden. As if the Right of Conscription has some sord of 'Magic' to bind you to Duncan's service.

Not much wrong with all roads ending at Grey Wardens. Yes, it does cut out the whole "faction-based gameplay" for a good bit of the game, but it's just the nature of the beast.

The whole "you're being conscripted!" thing is...somewhat weak, but I don't know of a lot of superior alternatives, do you? They could have tried mixing it up a bit with specific situations per origin, but in the end you kind of have to give the player 0 choice to advance the nice linear plot.

 

[Twinkle]

Orzammar Prison.
Looks like we have a visitor.

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

Bro: My plans are in ruins. How do you think I am?

Gorim: I understand. It's going to get worse, though.

Gorim: Bhelen has taken Trian's place in the Assembly. He introduced a motion to condemn you immediately, and it easily passed.

OMG NEVER SAW IT COMING I PROMISE HONEST :shock:

Gorim: He... had fully half the Assembly ready to vote on something against tradition and justice!

Gorim: He must have been making deals and alliances for months, if not years.

Bro: I'm going to kill him.

Gorim: I don't know that you'll get that chance.

Gorim: The Assembly has already sentenced both of us.

Bro: There must be a way to fight this.

Gorim: If so, I can't imagine what it is.

Gorim: My knighthood will be stripped, my name torn from my family records... but I will be allowed to attempt some sort of life on the surface.

Gorim: Lord Harrowmont moved for a similar exile for you, but Bhelen's supporters overwhelmed him.

Gorim: You're to be sealed in the Deep Roads to fight darkspawn until you are overwhelmed and killed.

Bro: The cowards weren't strong enough to kill me themselves.

Gorim: That may have been Bhelen's first mistake.

Gorim: Lord Harrowmont gave me access to see you so I could tell you this:

Gorim: Duncan and the Grey Wardens are still in the Deep Roads, in tunnels connected to those you are to be left in.

Gorim: If you survive long enough to find the Grey Wardens, you may be able to escape with Duncan.

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

Gorim: The Grey Wardens don't care about a person's past. They recruit for daring, intelligence, and martial power.

Gorim: If you can find them, I'm sure you can join them and escape the Deep Roads.

Bro: Only darkspawn between me and freedom?

Gorim: Bhelen underestimated you. Much as we underestimated him.

Gorim: I begged up to go with you and fight at your side, but Bhelen's pet nobles wouldn't hear of it.

Bro: I wish you were going to be at my side, as well.

Yeah, I could always find a use for a warm body in these cold, damp caverns

Gorim: I'm going to try to go to Denerim, the human capital. If you make it out, find me.

Bro: Count on it.

Gorim: Our time is up. May the Paragons guide your sword and the Stone hold you up.

Bro: The same to you, my friend.

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

Guard: They are ready for you now.

Exile

Guard: Here is the prisoner, Lord Harrowmont.

Lord Harrowmont: Having been found guilty of fratricide by the Assembly of Orzammar, you are hereby sentenced to exile and death.

Lord Harrowmont: Your name is, from this point forward, stripped form the records. You are no longer a person, nor a memory.

Lord Harrowmont: You are to be cast into the Deep Roads with only sword and shield, there to redeem your life by fighting the enemies of Orzammar until your death.

Lord Harrowmont: Do you have anything to say before the sentence is carried out.

Bro: I will have my revenge.

Lord Harrowmont: I understand your anger. Yuo should have been allowed to defend yourself. Had I the power to stop this, I would have.

Lord Harrowmont: Look me in the eye and tell me you didn't this. For your father's sake.

Bro: I did it and I enjoyed it.

Lord Harrowmont: Then your father was wrong about you. You are a villain and I suspect your younger brother is just as bad.

Lord Harrowmont: Soldier, hand the accused your sword and shield.

Lord Harrowmont: Open the doors and let the condemned walk through.

Lord Harrowmont: May the Stone accept you when you fall.

And the gates were closed.

The spider was the first to greet Lord Bro.

Suprisingly, the darkspawn were very few in numbers.

But traps... Bawww, that hurts!

At least Bro looted a decent armor as an compersation.

He turned to the easternmost tunnels to find more gear. Stalkers tried to ambush him with a predictable result.

Behind them there were boots. Fuck yeah.

Some time after Bro reached the road and encountered Grey Wardens.

Grey Warden: By the Maker, it's a dwarf!
Captain Obvious approves.

Duncan: Lord Aeducan!

Duncan: What are you doing here alone? Where are your troops?

Bro: I am Lord Aeducan no longer.

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

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

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

Bro: I was betrayed by my brother.

Duncan: Lord Trian?

Bro: No, Bhelen. Trian is dead.

Duncan: I see. The brutal intrigue of the dwarven court continues, then. Your father intimated as much.

Duncan: I will not ask what happened. You are the child of my old friend, and do not deserve to die in this pit.

Duncan: You have already proved yourself both resourceful and skilled, and I would expect nothing less from an Aeducan.

Duncan: I have been searching for those with your level of ability. Your exploits in the Deep Roads set you apart.

Duncan: As leader of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden, I would like to formally invite you to join our order.

Bro: Well, I can't see as I have much choice.

Duncan: Then welcome.

Duncan: We leave immediately for Ostagar to join with the human forces facing the darkspawn hordes, led by King Cailan.

Duncan: Stay close. There are still darkspawn around every corner...

To Ostagar!

King Cailan: Ho there, Duncan!

Ho there, dumbfuck!

Duncan: King Cailan? I didn't expect---

King Cailan: A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun!

Duncan: Not if I could help it, your Majesty.

King Cailan: Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious! The other Wardens told me you've found a promising recruit. I take this is he?

Duncan: Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty.

King Cailan: No need to be so formal, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together, after all. Ho there, friend! Might I know your name?

Bro: I'm no friend of yours, human lord.

King Cailan: (Chuckles) You've got yourself a lively one, Duncan. And I was beginning to think the Wardens were all stodgy priests.

King Cailan: It's good to see one of the honorable stout folk outside Orzammar.

Bro: Leaving Orzammar wasn't my idea, really.

King Cailan: Sounds like there's story behind that. You must regale me with it sometime.

Bro: Don't you have a battle to fight, first?

King Cailan: I meant after we defeat the Blight, of course. I doubt Loghain will give me a moment's rest until then.

King Cailan: I've been to Orzammar. King Endrin invited my father to a Grand Proving, long ago. How does Endrin fare these days?

Bro: I'm his son... and he was fine when I saw him last.

King Cailan: Well... it seems your story may be even more interesting that I suspected.

King Cailan: Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Ostagar. The Wardens will benefit greatly with you in their ranks.

Bro: Your welcome means nothing to me, human lord.

I mock him right in the front of his people yet he does nothing. What a pathetic excuse of a king (s)he is.

Duncan: I remind you that you speak to the king of Ferelden!

King Cailan: Don't worry, Duncan. You must both be eager to reach your tents. Have you any news before I go?

Duncan: Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that Redcliffe forces could be here in less that a week.

King Cailan: Ha! Eamon just wants in on the glory. We've won three battles against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different.

Bro: You sound very confident of that.

King Cailan: Overconfident, some would say. Right, Duncan? (Laughs)

Duncan: Your Majesty, I'm not certain the Blight can be ended quite as... quickly as you might wish.

King Cailan: I'm not even sure this is a true Blight. There are plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas, we've seen no sign of an archdemon.

Duncan: Disappointed, your Majesty?

King Cailan: I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens aginst a tainted god! But I suppose this will have to do.

/facepalm

King Cailan: I must go before Loghain sends out a search party. Farewell, Grey Wardens!

Cailan leaves.

Duncan: What the king said is true. They've won several battles against the darkspawn here.

Bro: He didn't seem to take the darkspawn very seriously.

Duncan: True.

Duncan: I know there is an archdemon behind this. But I cannot ask the king to act solely on my feeling.

Bro: You could if he were not such a fool.

Duncan: You must not speak of the king so. He is... over-eager, perhaps, but he is also one of the few Grey Warden allies.

Duncan: Our numbers in Ferelden are too few. We must do what we can and look to Teyrn Loghain to make up the difference.

Duncan: To that end, we should proceed with the Joining ritual without delay.

Bro: A hot meal might be nice, first.

Duncan: (Chuckles) I agree! We have until nightfall to begin the ritual.

Duncan: Every recruit must go through a secret ritual we call the Joining in order to become a Grey Warden.

Duncan: The ritual is brief, but some preparation is required. We must begin soon.

Bro: Why is this ritual so secret?

Duncan: The Joining is dangerous. I cannot speak more of it except to say that you will learn all in good time. Until then, you must trust what is done is necessary.

Bro: Wonderful. Let's get this over with, then.

Duncan: Feel free to explore the camp here as you wish. All I ask is that you do not leave it for the time being.

Duncan: There is another Grey Warden in the camp by the name of Alistair. When you are ready, seek him out and tell him it's time to summon the other recruits.

Duncan: Until then, I have business I must attend to. You may find me at the Grey Warden tent on the other side of this bridge, should you need to.

Blahblahblah and the origin story are over.

 

[J1M]

I'm so tired of these LP threads that don't grasp the basic concept.

You are supposed to make the game more entertaining with witty commentary about what is happening. If you aren't going to do that, just upload a FRAPS video of you playing the game and save yourself all the copypasta.

 

[Volourn]

"Grey Warden: By the Maker, it's a dwarf!
Captain Obvious approves."

L0LZ

I see even thoguh youa re playing a bad guy, you still couldn't got rhough with being an insult to Gorim. Heh.



"I'm so tired of these LP threads that don't grasp the basic concept.

You are supposed to make the game more entertaining with witty commentary about what is happening. If you aren't going to do that, just upload a FRAPS video of you playing the game and save yourself all the copypasta."

STFU! He's doing awesome. I went through this origin as a 'good guy' so I want to see how things vary now. Plus, i've alreadys een one thing i've missed my first play through so that's kewl.

OIn conclusion, STFU.

Good job, Twinkle. :idea:

 

[Radisshu]

All roads end up towards the grey warden. As if the Right of Conscription has some sord of 'Magic' to bind you to Duncan's service.

That's the thing that has turned me off this game. Why the fuck can't I just say no? Choosing which factions to join and cooperate with were always some of my favourite RPG questlines.

Do you think this is Geneforge boy?

PS: T, Fallout 1 and 2, BG2, MotB, and even NWN2 all had faction-choosing plot hooks.

 

[Radisshu]

I'm so tired of these LP threads that don't grasp the basic concept.

You are supposed to make the game more entertaining with witty commentary about what is happening. If you aren't going to do that, just upload a FRAPS video of you playing the game and save yourself all the copypasta.

I always prefer screenshot LPs over video LPs, no matter the game, and I'm not alone.

 

[Brother None]

I'm so tired of these LP threads that don't grasp the basic concept.

You are supposed to make the game more entertaining with witty commentary about what is happening. If you aren't going to do that, just upload a FRAPS video of you playing the game and save yourself all the copypasta.

V principe da. But it's not like these fairly commentary-free LPs don't work as well, especially if you've got a strong angle, like being a dick.

 

[janjetina]

This one definitely works.
Good choice of a character portrait.It reminds me of an acquaintance of mine, which, in combination with the evil approach, makes reading this LP a hilarious experience for me.

 

[Twinkle]

Guard that had been obviously imported from Tamriel offered his quest compass services.

Soldier: This place hasn't seen such bustle in centuries, I'll wager. Need a hand getting somewhere?

Bro: I'm looking for a Grey Warden named Alistair.

Soldier: Try heading north. I think he was sent with a message to the mages.

Bro: I'll be on my way.

Soldier: Good luck to you then.

The Chantry, well, chants.

Here Alistair tried hard at trolling mage dude.

Mage: What is it now? Haven't Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle?

Alistair: I simply came to deliver a message form the revered mother, ser mage. She desires your presence.

Mage: What her Reverence "desires" is of no concern to me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens--by the king's orders, I might add!

Alistair: Should I have asked her to write a note?

Mage: Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!

Alistair: Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message.

Mage: Your glibness does you no credit.

Alistair: Here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even going to name one one of my children after you... the grumpy one.

Mage: Enough. I will speak to the woman if I must! Get out of my way, fool!

(Mage leaves.)

Alistair: You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together.

Bro: You are a very strange human.

Alistair: You're not the first to tell me that.

Alistair: Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?

Bro: How can a dwarf be a mage?

Alistair: You never know. These mage sneak up on you.

Alistair: Wait, I do know who you are. You're Duncan's new recruit, from Orzammar.

Alistair: I should have recognized you right away. I apologize.

Bro: And you must be Alistair.

Alistair: Did Duncan mention me? Nothing bad, I hope.

Alistair: As the junior memeber of the order, I'll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining.

Bro: I can't prepare on my own?

Alistair: I know. I felt the same way when I did this. Unfortunately, they don't give us much choice.

Alistair: Hmm. There haven't been any dwarven Grey Wardens in some time. You must know a lot about darkspawn.

Bro: Nobody knows much about them. You kill them.

Alistair: That's a sound policy, to be sure. But the Grey Wardens have always believed it's important to know your enemy. To know them is to know how to destroy them.

Alistair: Anyhow, whenever you're ready let's head back to Duncan. I imagine he's eager to get things started.

Bro: You don't have to accompany me, do you?

Alistair: Don't worry; I'll try not to embarass you.

Bro: Let's go.

Alistair: If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise, lead on!

Near quartermaster's tent Bro met another talkative dude who happened to be GW recruit.

Daveth: Well, you're not what I thought you'd be.

Bro: What's that supposed to mean?

Daveth: Oh, me and ser knight were just betting on what's the third recruit would be.

Daveth: Not a dwarf. Yet there you are.

Daveth: The name's Daveth. It's about bloody time you came along. I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up just for our benefit.

Bro: Isn't that a little paranoid?

Daveth: Ha! That depends on what kind of life you've led. Me, I'm perfectly willing to accept that this Joining is some kind of punishment.

Daveth: I happened to be sneaking around camp last night, see, and I heard a couple of Grey Wardens talking. So I listen in for a bit.

Daveth: I'm thinking they plan to send us into the Wilds.

Bro: So what? That wouldn't frighten me.

Daveth: Cannibals, beasts, witches, and now darkspawn? What isn't to be scared of?

Daveth: It's all too secretive for me. Makes my nose twitch.

Daveth: I guess we'll have to wait and see. Like we have a choice.

Bro: I'll watch your back if you watch mine.

Daveth: I suppose I could do that.

Daveth: Anyway, I expect it's time to get back to Duncan. That's where I'll be, if you need me for anything.

Quartermaster: Have you seen an elf running about? Young woman, red hair? Carrying a suit of chain?

Bro: Can't say I have, no.

Quartermaster: Blast it, where duid she go? That suit better be patches up when she gets back, or by the Maker, Ill--

Quartermaster: Ah, pardon my manners. My troubles are no concerns of yours, I'm sure. I'm the quartermaster... Did you come for supplies?

Bro: Do you need help tracking this girl down?

Quartermaster: I'm sure you have better things to do than run errands for me. I can find her myself.

The game wants us to believe that there won't be any stupid errand quests.

Bro: Let me see what you have.

Quartermaster: Let me know what you'd like.

We dropped some junk here

There was a prisoner in a cage to the west.

Prisoner: Heh.. someone finally comes and talks to the lone prisoner? I don't suppose you've come to sentence me.

Bro: And if I have?

Prisoner: I doubt I'm that lucky.

Prisoner: I don't suppose you have a bit of kindness in you? All I want is food and water. They haven't fed me since I was locke dup, and I'm starving.

Bro: Why would I want to help you?

Prisoner: Because you might want something I don't need. Them Circle wizards got a chest they keep things in, magical things... and I stole the key.

Prisoner: That's why I'm here. I got one of them drunk, took his key, and to tried to sneak to the chest. They assumed I was deserting.

Prisoner: I can't use it from here, but I'd trade you for some food and water.

Bro: They didn't find the key when you were arrested?

Prisoner: I swallowed it. But it's... uhhhh... come back into my possession since then so to speak.

Bro: That's disgusting!

Alistair: And an excellent party trick, I'll bet.

Wow, that's what I call pushing boundaries on dark and mature front...

Prisoner: Yeah, well, do you want the key or not?

Bro: I'll take that. (Kill him and take the key.) :twisted:

Prisoner: What?! But... you can't do that?! Aaah! Guard!!

Alistair: I did not see that coming.

Alistair disapproves(-5)

Guard: What?! What in Andraste's name did you do that for?

Guard: Just because yer a Grey Warden doesn't give you the right to go and kill anyone you please! Explain yerself!

FACT: It does. :wink:

Bro: I don't have to explain myself to you.

Guard: You'll have to explain yerself to someone.

Guard: Well, no skin off my teeth. When they ask me why he's dead, that's what I'll tell them.

Shithole key is useless right now.

At the center of the map.

Kennel Master: Hmmm. This isn't good. I'd hate to waste such a promising memeber of the breed.

Kennel Master: Are you the new Warden? I could use some help.

Bro: Why would I help you?

Kennel Master: This beast is in the king's service, just like you and I.

Kennel Master: This is a mabari. Smart breed, and strong. His owner died in the last battle, and the poor hound swallowed darkspawn blood.

Kennel Master: I have medicine that might help, but I need him muzzled first.

Bro: Maybe you can help him, Alistair.

Alistair: Nope. Dogs and I don't get along. You do it, if you're so eager. Leave me out of it.

Bro: Why do you think I could muzzle him?

Kennel Master: You're a Grey Warden, or soon will be. All Wardens are immune tot the darkspawn taint.

Kennel Master: The most you have to worry about is some tooth marks.

Cowards.

Bro: Just how smart is this dog?

Kennel Master: Centuries ago, a mage bred them to be smart and understand what they're told. They can remember and carry out complex orders.

Kennel Master: Most valuable dogs in the world. Trouble is they generally imprint to one master; re-imprinting them is very difficult.

Kennel Master: But without the medicine re-imprinting won't be and issue. Will you help?

Bro: Could he be imprinted to me?

Kennel Master: We can try. But first we need to muzzle and medicate him.

Bro: I'll give it a shot.

Kennel Master: Go in the pen and let him smell you. We'll know right away if he'll respond.

Kennel Master: Let's hope this works. I would really hate to have to put him down.

Sick Mabari: (The dog looks up at you respectfully, back down from his aggressive stance. You can see intelligence in his eyes, as well as a great deal of pain. This animal is very ill.)

Bro: (Put the muzzle on the dog.)

Sick Mabari: (The mabari growls weakly, but does not challenge you. After you are done, he whimpers plaintively.)

Kennel Master: Well done! How I can treat the dog properly--poor fellow.

Kennel Master: Come to think of it, are you heading into the Wirlds any time soon?

Bro: I'm here for the battle. Nothing else.

Kennel Master: Aren't we all? Still, you'll get closer to the Wilds than I will, I suspect.

Kennel Master: There's a particular herb I could use to improve the dog's chances. It's a flower that grows in the swamps here, if I remember.

Kennel Master: If you happen across it, I could use it. It's very distinctive: all white with a blood-red center.

Bro: Do you think I have nothing better to do?

Kennel Master: We're all busy. As it is, if we can get this hound better, we can re-imprint him on someone. Even you, if you like.

Bro: Will the dog be all right without it?

Kennel Master: If he doesn't get it, chnces are he'll need to be put down.

Bro: I'll see if I can find one.

Kennel Master: Good. In the meantime, I'll begin treating our poor friend.

Back to Duncan

Duncan: You found Alistair, did you? Good. I'll assume you are ready to begin preparations.

Duncan: Assuming, of course, that you're quite finished riling up mages, Alistair.

Alistair: What can I say? The revered mother ambushed me. The way she wields guilt they should stick her in the army.

Duncan: She forced you to sass the mage, did she? We cannot afford to antagonize anyone, Alistair. We don't need to give more ammunition against us.

Alistair: I apologize, Duncan. I'll go collect who we're missing.

Alistair: This is Ser Jory, a knight from Redcliffe.

Jory: How do you do?

Alistair: And this of course is the recruit that Duncan said he was bringing.

Bro: Can we get on with this?

Duncan: Yes, let us begin.

Duncan: You four will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to perform two tasks. The first is to obtain three vials of darkspawn blood, one for each recruit.

Bro: Surely you could've acquired some blood before now.

Duncan: Of course. You must work together to collect the components, however. It is as much a part of the Joining as what comer after.

Bro: Finally! Some action!

Duncan: (Laughs) Without a doubt. Darkspawn aren't renowned for their willingness to offer up their blood.

Duncan: There was once a Grey Warden archive in the Wilds, abandoned long ago when we could no longer afford to maintain such remote outposts.

Duncan: It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them. Alistair, I want you to retrieve these scrolls if you can.

Bro: Find the archive and three vials of blood. Understood.

Duncan: The scrolls contain treaties promising support. Treaties that may prove valuable in the days to come.

Duncan: Watch over your charges, Alistair. Return quickly, and safely.

Alistair: We will.

Duncan: Then may the Maker watch over your path. I will see you when you return.

We overheard a dialogue with a messenger by the name Pick.

Elven Messenger: Hello? I'm sorry is there something you needed?

Bro: What do you mean?

Elven Messenger: I deliver messages around the camp. You have a message for me?

Bro: (Lie) Yes, I do.

Dialogue checks start getting useful.

Elven Messenger: Then what is--? Oh, wait! Are you the one I'm supposed to give Ser Garlen's sword to? Because I think the smith's done with it.

Bro: (Persuade) Yes, you're supposed to give sword to me.

Elven Messenger: Oh, that's such a relief! You really saved me form the switch, for sure!

Elven Messenger: I'd best get back to my duties again before I get in more trouble.

Finally, the gates.

Soldier: Hail!

Soldier: I'm told you all have business in the Wilds. The gate's open for you... just be careful out there. Even a Grey Warden won't be safe in the forest tonight.

So, we have an incompetent king, cowardly kennel masters, dumb messengers and lazy guards. No wonder that the darkspawn are going to rape 'em hard.

 

[Volourn]

I somehow missed the elf messenger thing. Did you get the sword, and how good is it for that part of the game?

 

[Azira]

In other words, nice LP!

Damnit! You're making me want to experience this first-hand..
What kind of unholy brain-voodoo are you working on me? :shock:

 

[Twinkle]

Sword's properties:

Korcari Wilds is a pure combat area.

Bro has dual weapons, Alistair is proficient with sword and shield, Jory - with two-handers and Daveth is a rogue, sadly without lockpicking skills.

The first fight with a pack of wolves

Missionary's body lies nearby with a letter on it

]

Recon squad was almost wiped out... almost

Dying Soldier: Who... is that? Grey... Wardens...?

Alistair: Well, he's not half as dead as he look, is he?

That can easily be fixed

Dying Soldier: My scouting band was attacked by darkspawn.

Dying Soldier: They came out of the ground... Please help me! I've got to... return to camp...

Bro: We don't have time for this. Let's go.

Alistair: "We don't have time?" What, you have an urgent meeting somewhere?

Bro: He's already dead. See? (Kill the soldier). :twisted:

Alistair: Does the word "insane" mean anything to you?

Bro: I prefer the term "ruthless", myself.

Alistair: Remind me not to get injured anywhere near you.

Alistair disapproves (-3)

*Shrugs*. They'll all die soon, anyway.

And here's a magic flower for our dog.

First bunch of darkspawn to the south

Moving further south there is a camp full of darkspawn

Nasty fuckers, especially archers with fire arrows. Anyway, we've collected enough blood.

There is a chest in the camp, which contains papers mentioning another missionary.

Chasind trail signs is another "find a hidden cache" quest.

I will not go on detail on this one because location of a next sign is always pointed on the map.
Near other sign we run into rogue ambush. So much for a darkspawn sense ability.

Moving further there is an another chest with cache and a bunch of wolves guarding it

Naughty boy, what are you trying to do?

Here is the cache.

A sign of warning for the intruders.

Hurlock emissary on the bridge. Runs away after the first hit...

to lead you into a pretty nasty ambush full of traps...

but nothing can stand in Bro's way.

On the body of one the dead soldiers there are a pinch of ashes and journal, which trigger another mini-quest.

Described location is very close.

Pile of Stones: (You see a pile of stones covered in a fine layer of dust and ash.)
Bro: (Sprinkle more ash on the pile of stones.)

That summons demon, who is a pathetic weakling despite his elite ranking.

We are close to our quest target. The only obstacle are darkspawn.

The cache is in a shitty state.

"Surprise" encounter.

Morrigan: Well, well, what have we here?

Morrigan: Are you a vulture, I wonder? A scavenger poking amidst a corpse whose bones was long since cleaned?

Morrigan: Or merely an intruder, come into the darkspawn-filled Wilds of mine in search of easy prey?

Morrigan: What say you, hmm? Scavenger or intruder?

Bro: Intruder? And just how are these your Wilds?

Morrigan: (Chuckles) Because I know them as only one who owns them could. Can you claim the same?

Morrigan: I have watched your progress for some time. "Where do they go", I wondered, "why are they here?"

Alistair: Don't answer her. She looks Chasind, and that means others may be nearby.

Morrigan: You fear barbarians will swoop down upon you?

Alistair: Yes, swooping is bad.

Daveth: She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is! She'll turn us into toads!

Morrigan: Witch of the Wilds? Such idle fancies, those legends. Have you no minds of your own?

Morrigan: You there, dwarf. You have nothing to fear from any witch. Tell me your name and I shall tell you mine. Let us be civilized.

Bro: Forget it! You first.

Morrigan: Very well, preserve your mystery if you desire. You may call me Morrigan.

Morrigan: Shall I guess your purpose? You sought something in that chest, something that is here no longer?

Alistair: "Here no longer?" You stole them, didn't you? You're... some kind of... sneaky... witch-thief!

Morrigan: How very eloquent. How does one steal from dead men?

Alistair: Quite easily, it seems. Those documents are Grey Warden property, and I suggest you return them.

Morrigan: I will not, for 'twas nit I who removed them. Invoke a name that means nothing here any longer if you wish; I am not threatened.

Bro: Tell us at once, or face the consequences.

Morrigan: 'Twas my mother, in fact.

Bro: Is this a joke?

Morrigan: If so, it seems the truthful rather than funny sort, no?

Alistair: Great! She's a thieving, weird-talking, funny sort of witch.

Morrigan: Not all in the Wilds are monsters. Flowers grow, as well as toads.

Morrigan: If you wish, I will take you to my mother. 'Tis not far from here, and you may ask her for your papers, if you like.

Alistair: We should get those treaties, but I dislike this... Morrigan's sudden appearance. It's too convenient.

Bro wanted to clear the level before moving forward.

Bro: I say we look around more.

Morrigan: As you wish. And I shall watch. Should you change your mind, I can take you to her later.

A welcome sight: wolves fighting darkspawn

We need only to beat down the remnants.

Here lies another body which starts another "find a hidden cache" quest.

Here is the Chasind cache which becomes accessible only after seeing all signs.

Back to Morrigan.

Morrigan: Your treaties yet remain with my mother. When you wish to go, I will take you to her.

Alistair: Here's a thought: Why don't we wait here, and you go and fetch them?

Morrigan: I do not "fetch". If you wish to ask about your precious treaties, then come. Otherwise, stay.

Bro: I say we go with her.

Daveth: She'll put us all in the pot, she will. Just you watch.

Jory: If the pot's warmer that this forest, it'd be a nice change.

Morrigan: Follow me, then, if it pleases you.

Near Flemeth's hut

Morrigan: Greetings, Mother. I bring before you four Grey Wardens who--

Flemeth: I see them, girl. Mmm. Much as I expected.

Alistair: Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?

Flemeth: You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut one's eyes tight or open one's arms wide... either way, one's fool!

Daveth: She's a witch, I tell you! We shouldn't be talking to her!

Jory: Quiet, Daveth! If she's really a witch, do you want to make her mad?

Flemeth: There is a smart lad. Sadly irrelevant to the larger scheme of things, but it is not I who decides. Believe what your will.

Flemeth: And what of you? Does your dwarven mind give you a different viewpoint? What do you believe?

Bro: I believe you're crazy and possibly dangerous.

Flemeth: Is that all! Surely your mind stretches farther than these surroundings!

Flemeth: So much about you is uncertain... and yet I believe. Do I? Why, it seems I do!

Alistair: So this is a dreaded Witch of the Wilds.

Flemeth: Witch of the Wilds, eh? Morrigan must have told you that. She fancies such tales, though she would never admit it! Oh, how she dances under the moon! (Laughs)

Morrigan: They did not come to listen to your wild tales, Mother.

Flemeth: True, thay came for their treaties, yes? And before you begin barking, your precious seal wore off long ago. I have protected these.

Alistair: You... oh. You protected them?

Flemeth: And why not? Take them to your Grey Wardens and tell them this Blight's threat is greater that they realize!

She hands over treaties.

Bro: I'm sure they'll be eager to act on your advice.

Flemeth: Well, I cannot be responsible for their doubts. I would go mad! Or am I already? (Laughs)

Flemeth: Oh, do not mind me. You have what you came for?

Morrigan: Time for you to go, then.

Flemeth: Do not be ridiculous, girl. These are your guests.

Morrigan: Oh, very well. I will show you out of the woods. Follow me.

Ostagar. Oh, wait I forgot about one of the "Find a hidden cache" quests.
At the darkspawn camp.

Hidden Cache: (You rummage around in the rubble and find Rigby's secret cache. Inside is an iron lockbox sealed with wax.)

Bro: (Open the lockbox and keep the contents.)

Hidden Cache: (You open the lockbox. Inside is an amulet and note from Rigby.)

Now it's truly over.

 

[Twinkle]

Horny helm from the Wilds:

Let’s finish quests before proceeding to the Joining ritual.
First, we’ll heal our dog.

Kennel Master: The mabari is stable for now, but not improving. Unless I get that herb I told you about, there's not much hope.

Bro: Is this the flower you're looking for?

Kennel Master: Let me see... yes, that's exactly it, wonderful! Give me a moment and I'll make this into an ointment.

Cut

Kennel Master: He looks better already. I'm sure he'd thank you himself, if he could.

Bro: I'd prefer thanks in the form of payment.

Kennel Master: Payment? Isn't it worth something to save a valiant hound's life?

Bro: If the hound's life is worth anything, then pay up. Now.

Kennel Master: I see. I have... fifty silver? That's my own purse, and I've nothing more. I hope it will suffice.

You won’t need money soon, dumb NPC.

Kennel Master: Now, I must get onto the task of taking care of the poor fellow. It will take a day or two for him to recover, I think. Thank you.


Then we’ll open chest with a prisoner’s key.

Finally, we’ll buy some new backpack space.

Time to talk to Duncan

Duncan: So you return from the Wilds. Have you been successful?

Bro: We have.

Duncan: Good. I've had the Circle mages preparing. With the blood you've retrieved, we can begin the Joining immediately.

Bro: And what if we have second thoughts?

Duncan: Let me be very clear on that point. You are not volunteers. Whether you were conscripted or recruited, you were chosen because you are needed.

Duncan: There is no turning back now. You must gather your courage for what comes next.

Daveth: Courage? How much danger are we in?

Duncan: I will not lie; we Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to become what we are. Fate may decree that you pay your price now rather than later.

Bro: You're saying this ritual can kill us?

Duncan: As could any darkspawn you might face in battle. You would not have been chosen, however, if I did not think you had a chance to survive.

Daveth: Let's go, then. I'm anxious to see this Joining now.

Jory: I agree. Let's have it done.

Duncan: Then let us begin. Alistair, take them to the old temple.


Here’s “sekkrit” place anyone can see.

Jory: The more I hear about this Joining, the less I like it.

Daveth: Are you blubbering again?

Jory: Why all these damned tests? Have I not earned my place?

Daveth: Maybe it's tradition. Maybe they're just trying to annoy you.

Bro: Are all humans such cowards?

Jory: I only know that my wife is in Highever with a child on the way. If they had warned me... it just doesn't seem fair.

Daveth: Would you have come if they'd warned you? Maybe that's why they don't. The Wardens do what they must, right?

Jory: Including sacrificing us?

Daveth: I'd sacrifice a lot more if I knew it would end the Blight.

Bro: Will you both shut up?

Daveth: Yeah, ser knight, try not to wet your trousers until the ritual starts.

Jory: I've just never faced a foe I could not engage with my blade.

Duncan appears

Duncan: At last we come to the Joining.

Duncan: The Grey Wardens were founded during the first Blight, when humanity stood on the verge of annihilation.

Duncan: So it was that the first Grey Wardens drank of darkspawn blood and mastered their taint.

Jory: We're... going to drink the blood of those... those creatures?

Duncan: As the first Grey Wardens did before us, as we did before you. This is the source of our power and our victory.

Duncan: Those who survive the Joining become immune to the taint. We can sense it in the darkspawn and use it to slay the archdemon.

Bro: Those who survive?

Duncan: Not all who drink the blood will survive and those who do are forever changed. This is why the Joining is a secret. It is the price we pay.

Duncan: We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would?

Alistair: Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand, vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn.

Alistair: And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day we shall join you.

Duncan: Daveth, step forward.

Jory: Maker's breath!

Duncan: I'm sorry, Daveth.


FAIL.

Duncan: Step forward, Jory.


Ser knight loses his shit.

Jory: But... I have a wife. A child! Had I known...

Duncan: There is no turning back.

Jory: No! You ask too much! There is no glory in this!

Duncan: I'm sorry.

Duncan shows exxtreme edge of his personality. Even almighty Bro freaks out.

Duncan: But the Joining is not yet complete.

Duncan: You are called upon to submit yourself to the taint for the greater good.

Duncan: From this moment forth, you are a Grey Warden.

I see dragonz!

Duncan: It is finished. Welcome.

Alistair: Two more deaths. In my Joining, only one of us died, but it was... horrible. I'm glad at least one of you made it through.

Duncan: How do you feel?

Bro: Nothing you said prepared me for that.

Duncan: Such is what it takes to be a Grey Warden.

Alistair: Did you have dreams? I had terrible dreams after my Joining.

Duncan: Such dreams come when you begin to sense the darkspawn, as we all do. That and many other things can be explained in the months to come.

Alistair: Before I forget, there is one last part to your Joining.

Alistair: We take some of that blood and put it in a pendant. Something to remind us... to those who didn't make it this far.

He hands it over to Bro.

Duncan: Take some time. When you are ready, I'd like you to accompany me to a meeting with the king.

Bro: Very well.

Duncan: The meeting is to the west, down the stairs. Please attend as soon as you are able.

Ritual grants you levelup and a bonus talent point.

FACT: Drinking strange liquids until you fall on the floor will make you more experienced and talented. Don’t try that at home.

Meeting point is just a few steps away.

King Cailan: Loghain, my decision is final. I will stand by the Grey Wardens in this assault.

Loghain: You risk too much, Cailan! The darkspawn horde is too dangerous for you to be playing hero on the front lines.

King Cailan: If that's the case, perhaps we should wait for the Orlesian forces to join us, after all.

Loghain: I must repeat my protest to you fool notion that we need Orlesians to defend ourselves!

King Cailan: It's not a "fool notion". Our arguments with the Orlesians are a thing of the past... and you will remember who is the king.

Loghain: How fortunate Maric didn’t live to see his son ready to hand Ferelden over to those who enslaved us for a century!

King Cailan: Then our current forces will have to suffice, won't they? Duncan, are your men ready for battle?

Duncan: They are, your Majesty.

King Cailan: And this is the recruit I met earlier on the road? I understand congratulations are in order.

Bro: I didn't have a choice, really.

King Cailan: I suppose none of us do. But every Grey Warden is needed.

Loghain: Your fascination with glory and legends will be your undoing, Cailan. We must attend to reality.

King Cailan: Fine. Speak your strategy. The Grey Wardens and I draw the darkspawn into charging our lines and then...?

Loghain: You will alert the tower to light the beacon, signaling my men to charge from cover.

King Cailan: To flank the darkspawn, I remember. This is the Tower of Ishal in the ruins, yes? Who shall light this beacon?

Loghain: I have a few men stationed there. It's not a dangerous task, but it is vital.

King Cailan: Then we should our best. Send Alistair and the new Grey Warden to make sure it's done.

Bro: I refuse to be sent on errand.

Duncan: We need the beacon. Without it, Loghain's men won't know when to charge.

King Cailan: You see? Glory for everyone!

Loghain: You rely on these Grey Wardens too much. Is that truly wise?

King Cailan: Enough of your conspiracy theories, Loghain. Grey Wardens battle the Blight, no matter where they're from.

Duncan: Your Majesty, you should consider the possibility of the archdemon appearing.

Loghain: There have been no signs of any dragons in the Wilds.

[

King Cailan: Isn't that what your men are here for, Duncan?

Duncan: I... yes, your Majesty.

Mage: Your Majesty, the Tower and its beacon are unnecessary. The Circle of Magi--

Dumb Chantry Bitch: We will not trust our lives to your spells, mage! Save them for the darkspawn!

Loghain: Enough! This plan will suffice. The Grey Wardens will light the beacon.

King Cailan: Thanks you, Loghain. I cannot wait for that glorious moment! The Grey Wardens battle beside the king of Ferelden to stem the tide of evil!

Loghain: Yes, Cailan. A glorious moment for us all.


Back in the camp

Duncan: You heard the plan. You and Alistair will go the Tower of Ishal and ensure the beacon is lit.

Alistair: What? I won't be in the battle?

Duncan: This is by the king's personal request, Alistair. If the beacon is not lit, Teyrn Loghian's men won't know when to charge.

Alistair: So he needs two Grey Wardens standing up there holding the torch. Just in case, right?

Bro: The last time I got sidelined like this, I ended up exiled.

Duncan: Ah, but we are far from the politics of Orzammar here, and you have no brothers to interfere this time.

Duncan: We must do whatever it makes to destroy the darkspawn... exciting or no.

Alistair: I get it. I get it. Just so you know, If the king ever asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold, I'm drawing the line. Darkspawn or no.

Bro: I don't know. That could be a great distraction.

Alistair: Me shimmying down the darkspawn line? Sure, we could kill them while they roll around laughing.

Duncan: (Sigh)

Duncan: The tower is on the other side of the gorge and head through the gate and up to the tower entrance. From the top, you'll overlook the entire valley.

Bro: Sounds easy enough.

Duncan: We will signal you when the time is right. Alistair will know what to look for.

Bro: I know what I have to do.

Duncan: Then I must join the others. From here, you two are on your own. Remember, you are both Grey Wardens. I expect you to be worthy of that title.

Alistair: Duncan... may the Maker watch over you.

Duncan: May He watch over us all.

This is a last time you see Duncan. He’s pretty dumb too: even Alistair can sense an obvious set-up, but Duncan dismissed it.

Bro and Alistair head to the Tower of Ishal only to be interrupted by a pre-rendered cutscene.

Duncan: The plan will work, you Majesty.

King Cailan: Of course it will. The Blight ends here.

NO WAI, LOL

King Cailan: Archers!

King Cailan: Hounds!

King Cailan: For Ferelden!

Ostagarwasaninsidejob.

We'll leave our poor king LARPing battle at the Helm's Deep.

Cutscene off

 

[Brother None]

That battle is still one of the dumbest fukcing things I've ever seen. Only one volley from the archers, and then you send in the hounds? You've got fortifications, yet you HAVE YOUR MEN JUST FUCKING STAND THERE? What is this, the Princess Bride? Oh, and then have a bunch of guys stand on the battlemen firing arrows into the melee? Holy shit.

And the big solution to all this is to have part of the forces flank the enemy? Man, read one too many George Lucas scripts or something? Just like "You have lost, I have the high ground" doesn't make sense, you don't actually win by default when you flank your enemy, especially not one that's too disorganized to have any flanks anyway.

Whole thing kind of made me LOL, which ruins the whole DRAMATIC PORTENT.

Ah well.

Good stuff, keepercomin'

 

[lightbane]

ROFL



The whole scene sounds SO forced and cliche and trying too hard to be epic that surpasses being a lotr ripoff, it's actually an Eragon ripoff (the even more horrible film, that was a ripoff of both Star wars and lotr, so DA it's a ripoff of a ripoff of a ripoff). And flanking doesn't eman shit when the enemy is a copy-pasted version of barbarians/orks/insert generic brute fantasy cliche. And that last image explains it all. I understand what it has of "special" Bioware...

 

[Twinkle]

BAM!

We meet a guard and a mage on the other side of the bridge:

Tower Guard: You.. you're Grey Wardens, aren't you? The tower... it's been taken!

Alistair: What are you talking about, man? Taken how?

Tower Guard: The darkspawn came up through the lower chambers! They're everywhere! Most of our men are dead!

Alistair: The we have to get to the beacon and light it ourselves!

Huh, it takes a fully armed squad to light a fucking beacon. We turn on flaming weapons mode.
Monsters stand in our way to the tower.

Here's the interior part.

It is supposed to be challeging thanks to a combination of enemy archers, mage and traps. But all of these can easily be overcomed, just don't forget about using health poultices in time.

More darkspawn in the back rooms. Easily dispatched with basic crowd control.

Exit from the level

Second flloor

Alistair: Maker's breath! What are these darkpawn doing ahead of the rest of the horde? There wasn't supposed to be any resistance here!

Bro: You could try telling them they're in the wrong place.

Alistair: Right. Because clearly this is just a misunderstanding. We'll laugh about this later.

Alistair: At any rate, we need to hurry! We need to get up to the top of the tower and light the signal fire in time! Teyrn Loghain will be waiting for the signal!

Instead of rushing forward we took a turn to the left

to test how powerful were ballistas in the game

The result was rather disappointing.

Anyway, this floor was cleared of enemies.

Third floor

Lots of enemies in the next room.

Here are cages with mabari dogs. Pulling this lever makes clearing this area an easy task.

Here's the exit to the top floor.

Top floor

Oh.
At least he's not immune to paralyze.

Ogre's pissed off. Now you'll understand what does Circle Mage mean.

Big guy got bored of running in circles and switched his attention to Alistair.

But it's too late.

Bro loots his body.

At last, the tower part is over.

Cutscene

Loghain: Sound the retreat.

Ser Cauthrien: But... what about the king? Should we not--

Loghain: Do as I command.

Ser Cauthrien: Pull out! All of you, let's move!

Darkspawn are winning the battle
Ogre wants to hug our king

Uh oh too much luv for one time

FACT: Duncan has instakill ogre ability but no health regen.

Bye bye, Duncan.

OMG BLOOM IS HEAVAN

Bro himself falls and sees the the bloom.

Game over? Of course no, bitches.
Flemeth's Hut

Morrigan: Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased.

Bro: Err... yes. Where am I?

Morrigan: Back in the Wilds, or course. I am Morrigan, lest you have forgotten, and I have just bandaged your wounds.

Morrigan: You are welcome, by the way.

Morrigan: How does your memory fare? Do you remember Mother's rescue?

Bro: I remember being overwhelmed by darkspawn...

Morrigan: Mother managed to save you and your friend, though 'twas a close call. What is important is that you both live.

Morrigan: The man who was to respond to your signal quit the field. The darkspawn won your battle.

Morrigan: Those he abandoned were massacred. Your friend... he is not taking it well.

Bro: I need to get out of here.

Morrigan: As you like. Mother is outside with your friend... She wished to see you when you awoke.

Bro: Were my injuries severe?

Morrigan: Yes, but I expect you shall be fine. The darkspawn did nothing Mother could not heal.

Bro: I will go, then.

Morrigan: I will stay and make something to eat.

Bro equps himself in a moment (literally) and goes outside

Flemeth: See? Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much, young man.

Alistair: You... you're alive! I thought you were dead for sure.

Bro: It takes more than a few darkspawn to kill me.

Alistair: Duncan's dead. The Grey Wardens, even the king... They're all dead.

Alistair: 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 am not present, lad.

Alistair: I didn't mean... but what do we call you? You never told us your name.

Flemeth: Names are pretty, but useless. The Chasind folk call me Flemeth. I suppose it will do.

Alistair: The Flemeth from the legends? Daveth was right---you're the Witch of the Wilds, aren't you?

Flemeth: And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic, and it has served you both well, has it not?

Bro: So why did you save us?

Flemeth: Well, we cannot have all the Grey Wardens dying at once, can we? Someone has to deal with these darkspawn.

Flemeth: It has always been the Grey Wardens' duty to unite the lands against the Blight. Or did that change when I wasn't looking?

Bro: The Grey Wardens are no more. Let someone else do it.

Flemeth: Of course. Someone else will realize what needs to be done and act in time and with sufficient sense to solve the problem. No need of you.

Alistair: But we were fighting the darkspawn! The king had nearly defeated them! Why would Loghain do this?

Flemeth: Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature.

Flemeth: Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does bot see that the evil behind it is the true threat.

Alistair: The archdemon.

Bro: What could the teyrn hope to gain by betraying the king?

Alistair: The throne? He's the queen's father. Still, I can't see how he'll get away with murder.

Flemeth: You speak as if he would be the first king to gain his throne that way. Grow up, boy!

Alistair: If Arl Eamon knew what he did, he would never stand for it! The Landsmeet would never stand for it! There would be civil war!

Bro: You think the arl would believe us over the teyrn?

Alistair: I suppose... Arl Eamon wasn't at Ostagar; he still has all his men. And he was Cailan's uncle.

Alistair: I knew him. He's a good man, respected in the Landsmeet. Of course! We could go to Redcliffe and appeal to him for help!

Bro: And say he doesn't help us? What then?

Flemeth: You have more at your disposal than merely old friends.

Alistair: Of course! The treaties! Grey Wardens can demand aids from dwarves, elves, mages, and other places! They're obligated to help us during a Blight!

Flemeth: I may be old, but dwarves, elves, mages, this Arl Eamon, and who knows what else... this sounds like an army to me.

Alistair: So can we do this? Go to Redcliffe and these other places and... build an army?

Bro: As long as there's some profit in it.

Flemeth: If there is better motivation for doing what is right, I have yet to see it!

Alistair: It's always been the Grey Wardens' duty to stand against a Blight. And right now, we're the Grey Wardens.

Flemeth: So you are set, then? Ready to be Grey Wardens?

Bro: We're going, old woman. Don't push us.

Flemeth: Such a tone to take with your rescuer! What short memories!

Flemeth: Now... before you go, there is yet one more thing I can offer you.

Morrigan appears.

Morrigan: The stew is bubbling, Mother dear. Shall we have two guests for the eve or none?

Flemeth: The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly, girl. And you will be joining them.

Morrigan: Such a shame-- What?

Flemeth: You heard me, girl. The last time I looked, you had ears! (Laughs)

Bro: What makes you think we want her?

Heh, like her outstanding tits personality?

Flemeth: Her magic will be useful. Even better, she knows the Wilds and how to get past the horde.

Morrigan: Have I no say in this?

Flemeth: You have been itching to get out of the Wilds for years. Here is your chance. As for you, Wardens, consider this replayment for your lives.

Bro: She had better be as useful as you say.

Flemeth: Oh, she is. You could use some magic, and my Morrigan's as cunning as a root lizard.

Alistair: 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.

Flemeth: If you do not wish help from us illegal mages, young man, perhaps I should have left you on that tower.

Alistair: Point taken.

Morrigan: Mother... this is not how I wanted this. I am not even ready--

Flemeth: You must be ready. Alone, those two must unite Ferelden against the darkspawn.

Flemeth: They need you, Morrigan. Without you, they will surely fail, and all will perish under the Blight. Even I.

Morrigan: I... understand.

Flemeth: And you, Wardens? Do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world. I do this because you must succeed.

Bro: We don't need her help.

Flemeth: Let her guide you out of the Wilds. If you truly do not desire her help after that, simply tell her so.

Alistair: She could just as easily lead us into darkspawn, you know.

Flemeth: I could just as easily have left you to them. Morrigan will not fail you.

Morrigan: Allow me to get my things, if you please.

Cut

Morrigan: A am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. I suggest a village north of the Wilds as our first destination. 'Tis not far and you will find much you need there.

Morrigan: Or, if you prefer, I shall simply be your silent guide. The choice is yours.

Bro: I think we should just get underway.

Morrigan: Farewell, Mother. Do not forget the stew on the fire. I would hate to return to a burned-down hut.

Flemeth: Bah. 'Tis far more likely you will return to see this entire area, along with my hut, swallowed up by the Blight.

Morrigan: I... all I meant was...

Flemeth: Yes, I know. Do try to have fun, dear.

Alistair approves(+4).
Morrigan disapproves(-5).



To the world map

 

[Erebus]

Wow, man, that betrayal totally came out of nowhere ! I need some time to recover from the shock !

I realize that genuinely surprising the player would have been difficult, since we can easily guess that the Great Evil Plaguing The Land is not going to be destroyed so early and that we're going to spend most of the game hero-ing alone. But, at least, could the traitor be a little less FUCKING OBVIOUS ?!?!

 

[dragonfk]

I luv Morrigan...

 

[Angthoron]

The dwarf betrayal, though predictable, was handled far better. There's even the "Silly lighthearted blonde king-boy" and the "Brooding sinister dark-hair man" dichotomy.

 

[lightbane]

That stupid king is Maric's descendant no? That explains everything. And died he did

Also, for being a supposed order that would do anything in its power to stop the Darkspawn they seem to have few numbers and/or desperate emergence plans when the shit happens...

 

[Azael]

So far I've tried out the City Elf, Mage, Human Noble and Dwarf Noble origin stories and Dwarf Noble is clearly the best out of them. I like the little touches such as Gorim saying that he can't find your knife at the beginning and that's the knife found at the scene in case you didn't say you wanted to kill Trian (in that case Trian is already dead when you get there, the rest of the scene plays out the same). Too bad that there's no real acknowledgment of revenge when you strike Bhelen down after siding with Harrowmont later in the game.

 

[Brother None]

Bam-chicki-wow-wow?

Also, first time I played, I honestly LOL'd a little when the king got killed. It's just...so trite and overdone.

I also kicked Morrigan out of the party the moment I hit Lothering. I can't stand the bitch, from her bitchy non-personality to the retarded way she's dressed. I was glad to see the game allows me to just boot her, even though for some reason party members that never met her would keep mentioning her in banter.

 

[Volourn]

Morrigan = best video game character EVAR.

Period.

 

[Brother None]

Morrigan = best video game character EVAR.

Period.

Roofles. Why do you lie?