Let's press the button of awesome - Stolen memos found

[Volourn]

"her mary sueness is painful to watch."

I doubt you even know what a mary sue actually is because Merill is many things but a 'mary sue isn't one of them.

 

[Cassidy]

If Bioware literally released a DVD case filled with shit, Volourn would still defend it.

 

[Esquilax]

If Bioware literally released a DVD case filled with shit, Volourn would still defend it.

In the Princess' defense, Merill is not a Mary Sue. She's just a poorly-written character.

 

[Volourn]

"If Bioware literally released a DVD case filled with shit, Volourn would still defend it."

It's really cute how conviently people ignore my anti BIO posts. You know, those posts where I call KOTOR overrated, S:RPG shit, MDK2/SS as useless, and BG1 as passe. LMFAO

Keep up the good work!

 

[Brother None]

It's really how cute how Volourn seems to think his selected token BioWare critiques would fool people into believing he doesn't have a massive pro-BioWare bias.

Keep up the good work!

I doubt you even know what a mary sue actually is because Merill is many things but a 'mary sue isn't one of them.

Oh I dunno. You don't think a frail, shy lolli is wish fulfilment for David Gaider? I think it might be.

 

[Volourn]

"You don't think a frail, shy lolli is wish fulfilment for David Gaider?"

Maybe it is, but still doesn't make Merrill a mary sue unless youa r eusing some weird defintion of the phrase that I'm not familiar with.


"It's really how cute how Volourn seems to think his selected token BioWare critiques would fool people into believing he doesn't have a massive pro-BioWare bias."

I never claimed not to have a 'pro BIO bias'. But, having a 'pro BIO bias' is vastly different than 'being such a BIO defender that they could release a literal DVD case filled with shit and defend'.

You can't see the difference, no?

 

[Brother None]

Maybe it is, but still doesn't make Merrill a mary sue unless youa r eusing some weird defintion of the phrase that I'm not familiar with.

Wish fulfillment is usually part of Mary Sueness. Just not in this sense.

I never claimed not to have a 'pro BIO bias'. But, having a 'pro BIO bias' is vastly different than 'being such a BIO defender that they could release a literal DVD case filled with shit and defend'.

Yeah I know. Doesn't make you any easier to take seriously though. I kinda like how you're around to kick at the Codex' stubborn viewpoints, but antagonism is the primary motivation here, which means your actual being right is more incidental.

Whatever. It is what it is.

 

[korenzel]

Is there a companion you *can't* romance in this game ? Dog perhaps ?

 

[Brother None]

Is there a companion you *can't* romance in this game ? Dog perhaps ?

Mods will fix it.

 

[RK47]

You can't romance Avelline for some strange reason, despite her being somewhat the most capable character of the lot. The rest are just trying too damn hard and failing at it.

 

[Pegultagol]

Perhaps they ran out of time, she does have a romantic interest, could have been a beginning of an 'uh, oh, a love triangle!'

 

[Twinkle]

PART 8 - EMOTIONAL ELF

Only two companion quest remain to be completed in this act. This one doesn't show itself in the journal. In order to get it, you must have Fenris in the party, something that most non-mage players will likely avoid. But before, Hawke'll gift Isabela with something awesome in his pockets.

I have something for you.

Ooh, what's this? Oh, isn't that just the cutest thing?

You can't see it, but below deck there's a perfect replica of you with a dozen sailors in attendance.

You tease. I'm sure there isn't. It is a worthy goal to work towards, however.

Thank you, Hawke. This was a thoughtful gesture.
Isabela friendship +10.

Merrill is kicked out, Fenris joins.

He got almost a dozen spare talent points.

We need to travel somewhere to trigger the encounter.

Done.

Hunters.

Stop right there!

You are in possession of stolen property. Back away from the slave now and you'll be spared.

You should have attacked while you had the chance!

We deal with this gang quickly.

There is only one survivor - a mage who failed to feign his death.

Where is he?

Fenris slams his head against the sand repeatedly

Please don't kill me!

Tell me!

I don't know! I don't know, I swear!

Hadriana brought us! She's at the holding caves north of the city! I can show you the way!

No need. I know which ones you speak of.

Then let me go, I beg you! I swear I won't--

You chose the wrong master.

He snaps dude's neck.

Hadriana.

I was a fool to think I was free. They'll never let me be!

Looks like we have some hunting to do.

The holding caves held slaves in the old times, but apparently they are no longer abandoned.

We must go quickly, before Handriana has a chance to prepare... or flee.
Fenris friendship +5.

Well, OK.

The entrance to the said caves is heavily guarded.

We must be careful.

There were many such holdings once, especially in the mountains, where individual slavers kept private pens.

They were designed to protect against raids by fellow slavers. No doubt it's why Handriana chose this place.

A few protections won't stop us.

Let's hope this isn't a waste of time.

We see a victim of the recent blood magic ritual.

See for yourself. The legacy of the magisters.

Blood magic.

In a society where mages rule, they find many ways to justify their need for power.

All of this quickly devolves into another corridor crawl.

The only difference is that some monsters are spawn on top of trap buttons, thus they must be plinked from afar to avoid damage.

Oh, my. Not everyone here is hostile.

We have a helpless elven slave here. She's unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but she's a good reason to send our rebellious elf into major butthurt territory.

Are you hurt? Did they touch you?

They've been killing everyone! They cut papa, bled him...

Why? Why would they do this?

It's a demon at work. By this point, there's nothing human left inside.

In this case, Anders, you've missed the mark.

The magister... she said she needed power, that someone was coming to kill her.

We tried to be good! We did everything we were told! She loved papa's soup. I don't understand...

You're just a slave to them -- property to be used.

Everything was fine until today!

It wasn't. You just didn't know any better.

Are you my master now?

No.

But... I can cook. I can clean! What else will I do?

If you go to Kirkwall, I can help you.

Yes? Oh, praise the Maker! Thank you!

I didn't realize you were in the market for a slave.

I don't see why that's any of your business.

Evidently not.

Perhaps you missed the part where I was once a slave. Do you really think I will stand by and watch you become that girl's new master?

Oh, I'm sorry. I missed the part where I do everything you command.

Vishante kaffas! Spits

Keep your slave, then. Enjoy her.

Let's find Hadriana and be done with this place.
Fenris rivalry +15.



A gift for Anders.

Several indentical room populated with slavers.

And here's that mage bitch Fenris wanted to see toe-to-toe.

After the death of her bodyguards, she starts summoning demons. Doesn't help much.

She lies defeated. Fenris readies his weapon to strike the fatal blow.

Stop! You do not want me dead.

There is only one person I want dead more.

I have information, elf, and I will trade it in return for my life.

The location of Danarius? What good will that do me? I'd rather he lose his pet pupil.

You have a sister. She is alive.

You wish to reclaim your life? Let me go, and I will tell you where she is.

We'll find his sister, and then we'll let you go. Not before.

Ha! You think I'm a fool?

You picked a fight with an elf who can rip the heart out of your chest, lady. If the boot fits...

The woman is in the Imperium. I will not stay captive the entire time it would take for you to find her!

You want to know who you were, Fenris? Then let me go.

How do we know you're even telling the truth?

You don't.

But I know Fenris, and I know what he's searching for. If he wants me to betray Danarius, he'll have to pay for it.

Forget it. You're not going anywhere.

No!

So I have your word? I tell you, and you let me go?

Yes. You have my word.

Her name is Varania. She is in Qarinus serving a magister by the name of Ahriman.

A servant. Not a slave.

She's not a slave.

I believe you.

He starts glowing blue. You know what this means for her.

What a rip-off.

We are done here.

You beat me to it.

Oh, you think that was a good idea?

This could be a trap! Danarius could have sent Hadriana here to tell me about this "sister."

Even if he didn't, trying to find her would still be suicide! Danarius has to know about her and has to know that Hadriana knows.

But all that matters is I finally got to crush this bitch's heart. May she rot and all the other mages with her.

And here I thought you were unreasonable...

Maybe we should leave...

Come to daddy.

No. I don't want you comforting me.

You saw what was done here. There's always going to be some reason, some excuse why mages need to do this.

Even if I found my sister, who knows what the magisters have done to her. What has magic touched that it doesn't spoil?

I... need to go.
Fenris rivalry +15.

Oh. Suit yourself, I have another buddy.

I found something. You're more likely to make use of it than me.

You got me a gift? I hardly think I've done anything to deserve that.

It is a... that's a Tevinter Chantry amulet! Do you want me to get executed?

It's a sacrilege to wear those in any land under the Divine.

The Divine condemned their chantry because it freed mages from the Circle.

I thought you might sympathize.

I like it. Maybe not on the outside of my clothes -- I'm not that eager to face the hangman's noose -- but I appreciate the thought.

I've never really thought about what life would be like in the Tevinter Chantry.

In the Circle, they make it sound like the Void itself. The Black Divine, stalking Thedas, making it unsafe for kittens and virgins.

Mages have been free in Tevinter forever. It hasn't fallen yet.

Well, they did invade the Black City in their hubris and unleash darkspawn on us all, right?

That's kind of the Circle's whole rationale. But I think that has more to do with being a magister than a mage.

I appreciate the gift. Perhaps one day I can return one as meaningful.
Anders friendship +10.

It's official: he's my best buddy now. Now matter what I do his approval meter is locked at max.

Why a mirror?

I don't understand the question.

If your people were going to make a magical whatever for talking to each other, why choose a mirror?

Do elves spend a lot of time talking to their own reflections.

I suppose the ancient elves would have felt silly talking to a wardrobe or an urn.

Fenris is waiting for Hawke in the mansion to engage in a private conversation.

I've been thinking about what happened with Hadriana.

You and I don't always see eye to eye, but that doesn't mean you deserved my anger. I owe you an apology.

I had no idea where you went, I was concerned.

I needed to be alone.

When I was still a slave, Hadriana was a torment. She would ridicule me, deny my meals, hound my sleep.

Because of her status, I was powerless to respond and she knew it.

The thought of her slipping out of my grasp now... I couldn't let her go. I wanted to, but I couldn't.

You clearly weren't thinking about finding your family when you did it.

And what would you have me do?

Hadriana came after me! I have never had the option to simply walk away.

Am I supposed to forgive, no matter how many times they hunt me down? Am I supposed to forget all the things they've done to me?

If you're wondering why you can't move on, this is it.

Yes, this is it! Why can I not grasp something so simple?

It's a sickness, this hate. This dark growth inside me that I can't ever get rid of, and they put it there!

Sighs This... isn't why I came here.

Just think about what I've said.

As you wish.
Fenris rivalry +5.

No rad bromance this time, sorry. Wiki states you can get him laid only if you ignore all the other love interests. Not worth an effort.

End of line.

 

[lightbane]

I suppose that killing the slave child would be too extreme for this game, so you cannot kill it to piss off the emo elf, right?

 

[laclongquan]

Kill a child to piss off an emo elf?

What kind of gay are you?

 

[Twinkle]

PART 9 - ATTACK OF THE FANBOYS

After completing companion stuff, Hawke is back on the main railway. Next mission: investigate the fate of the missing Qunari delegates. The only lead takes us to the Hanged Man pub where drunk guards celebrate their sudden fortune.

Since we are going to deal with the city guard, I replace Merrill with Aveline.

A lot of coin for this place.

That's right, pal. Tonight I'm paid and blessed. And all I had to do was turn my head.

To all my friends!

Hey, step back. I know important people. We're going to show this city what to do with heathen oxmen.

Guard-Captain, would you like to have a word with your man?

Guard-Captain?

Who?

What?

Who!

Collar-grab!

Who what? I don't...

Who bought you! Who bought the honor of a proud guard of Kirkwall and made him a drunken mabari bitch!

I don't... I don't know.

He was a templar! I swear! He... he had the seal of the grand cleric and everything!

It's true!

The penalty for abandoning your post is ten days on the wall. I expect you to report in the morning.

Whimpers

There's your answer. A templar.

With the grand cleric's seal, no less. Well done.
Aveline friendship +10.

Thinking about it, this is the only instance of extreme collar-grabbing in the whole game. And it's not even performed by Hawke himself. Just one of the many reasons why DA will always play a second fiddle compared to Mass Effect's awesomeness despite all that streamlining.

The next step of investigation leads us literally to the upper circles.

So, you're taking the captain of the guard to accuse the grand cleric of funding zealots?

I want answers about the missing Qunari.

Some days, Hawke...

Hawke addresses the only Chantry sister nearby.

The grand cleric, please. Tell her...

Just tell her to get out here.

But instead of the grand cleric we get...

Serah Hawke.

Sister Petrice?

Mother Petrice. Time has changed us both.

Grand Cleric Elthina cannot grant an audience to just anyone. What do you want?

A Qunari delegate has disappeared. She may have ordered it.

That is quite an accusation. Ridiculous, of course. She leads a great many people, but not as a commander.

A templar used her seal to convince others the act was righteous.

...

A pause that says you knew. But does Her Grace?

The grand cleric trusts her stewards to enact the wishes of the Maker.

I doubt she would approve, and she will hear of it.

Stubborn... All right, Serah Hawke, if you won't abandon this. Let me offer you something.

The templar you seek is a radical who has grown... unreliable. Confronting him may do us all a favor.

And you know this how?

He is my former bodyguard, Ser Varnell. Assume what you wish, but I offer him to you as... reconciliation.

Meet me at this location. I invite you, Serah Hawke. Come see the unrest these Qunari have inspired.

That bitch arranged the whole set-up with Saarebas. The game didn't allow Hawke to harm her any way. The only option now is to fall into an obvious trap.

Need I say I am sceptical?

It's her game, for the moment.

Blondie, Sunshine, Daisy, Rivaini... what am I?

Beg your pardon?

You don't call anyone by name except for me. Where's my nickname?

That's not true. There's Hawke. And Bianca.

"Hawke" is a family name and Bianca is a crossbow. Don't change the subject.

Haven't thought of a good one yet. What do you think of "Red"?

Too common.

Well, when you think of one, let me know.

Nice place for a rally. Good choice, Varnell.

Petrice is here somewhere.

Wonderful.

So what do we have here? A crowd of cheering retards and a reckless zealot gleeing over the chained Qunari.

Like any beast, remove the fangs and it is lost.

They are weak before the faithful of the Maker. The only certainty in their precious Qun is death before the righteous.

Slaps Qunari in the face.

Ser Varnell!

Take a knee, faithful. The Chantry blesses us.

You claim a blessing when you have used the authority of the grand cleric so openly?

You have brought wrath down upon you. You remember Serah Hawke?

The Qunari have friends, templar. How will you answer their allegations?

Guise, guise! We have a choice here! Ww either battle the horde of fanboys or, in the case of lending them our support, have to beat the Qunari who SUDDENLY shake their chains off! Kill this or that? Which is better and why? It took me a few hours of deep thinking to decide!

You want a fight! Face someone whose weapons are not bound!

Templars are cowards. They only pick on those whose lives they already hold in their hands.

Whoah! He slits their throats in cold blood.

Righteous!

Destroy them!
Aveline friesndship +5.

Now a brief interruption. If you think this game is boring the problem lies in YOU. You are just a worthless consumer whore with zero imagination. Start using your lazy brainbox and something awesome will happen!

I'll help you this time.

Ser Varnell is

The retards are

The Qunari are just stragglers from

And weaseling mother Petrice whom you can't get to kill is

It all makes sense. Now we are really determined for

When you think the supply of moles has run out... a new wave appears.

Durr, we can do it too.

The Champion of Shit is alone. Normal attacks barely chip off his HP bar and he carries seemingly endless supply of potions. Will the righteous fury be enough to endure 10 minutes of hardcore gameplay?

The only answer is YES! See, the combat is TACTICAL. You have to run around and click on him at regular intervals. Sooner or later such persistence will be rewarded with an awesome cutscene where you unconscious party members stand up A-OK.

All right. Time to bring this mess to the viscount's attention.

Madness. Madness!

Madness? THIS IS THE NEW SHIT!

It certainly is.

Chantry involvement... even if they are fringe elements. It could not be worse.

The Chantry has seen the abuses the templars get away with. Why would they not think to do the same?

You killed them. All of them?

A mother serving the grand cleric allowed this to happen.

Are you quite sure? She held a blade with them? Told them to fight you?

No, I cannot say that.

Of course not. A blasted mother...

You have no idea the storm these allegations would cause. It would destroy what support I do have.

I have had trouble with her before. She is... slippery.

I understand.

I will make my inquiries. Gently. And you should be careful in your associations. For now, we have other problems.

We have the delegate but... I can't return the bodies to the Qunari in this state.

Serah Hawke, you know the Arishok. What should I do?

Hiding this would only make it worse.

It would, wouldn't it? I am losing my sense of how to balance this nightmare.

I appreciate your help in this matter. As bad as this is, it could have been much worse without you.

Kirkwall owes you. I owe you.
Aveline friendship +10.

Before leaving the location Hawke grabs a shield suitable as a gift.

I have something for you.

Do you now?

A shield. Oh, and, "Borne by the one true Ser Aveline." Lovely.

Thank you.

She drops it on the floor.

Is this an Orlesian thing? Because it's a bit insulting.

I had a shield. It belonged to Wesley. It was difficult to let it go, but I did so.

Utility over sentiment, right? We sold it, didn't we?

What are you going on about?

If you didn't think this would upset me, what was your intent?

How about you give me a reason for this little tiff.

You want me to give up on the last bits of my old life. Maybe I'm not willing to do that.

Oh, just let him rest.

It's not about Wesley.

You've got me doing a lot of things. Some I don't agree with. Some, I'm surprised I do.

I'm not sure where I'm going as it is. Replacing what I was with this... I mean, who is Ser Aveline to me?

If you're going to wallow in regrets, pick the one with better equipment.

No.

It's not a debate.

Then we agree. You have my sword, but out of loyalty, not service.

Keep the shield. It's not fit for a member of the guard.
Aveline rivalry +15.

Fuck you, even if Bio made you unfuckable! But whatever, I don't need her in the party anyway.

End of line. The next update will take a break from the epic conflict and wrap up Hawke's family issues.

 

[Twinkle]

PART 10 - AND YOUR MOTHER TOO!

Urgent news: mom has been abducted!

Enchantment!

No, Leandra! Lee. Ann. Drah!

What's all the yelling about?

Where's your mother? Is she feeling all right?

How should I know? I just got home.

Your mother didn't show up for our weekly visit. Is she ill? She is here, isn't she?

No, Gamlen. We haven't seen her all day.

Where could she be?

With her suitor, perhaps?

Suitor? Leandra never mentioned a suitor.

Well, those lilies arrived for her this morning.

White lilies. I know something about that.

Don't just leave me waiting. What is it?

There's a killer in Kirkwall who sends his victims white lilies before he takes them. He's murdered several women already.

No. You're wrong. Leandra is fine.

Ignoring the facts doesn't change them.

You don't know for sure that she's in trouble.

Maybe... maybe Leandra took another path to my house. I could've just missed her. I'm going back to Lowtown.

You should help Gamlen look for your mother. You might be able to track her more easily once night falls and the streets empty out.

All right. The boy and I will stay here in case she returns.

Since Hawke whacked Gascard DuPuis, following this lead is our only option.

We see Gamlen trying to get the answers from the street urchin.

I told you already. I saw her!

Did you see where she went?

What do I get for telling you?

You don't get your ears boxed.

Instead of being menacing his gesture expresses certain pedo vibe.

All right, all right! I'll tell you!

That lady was here. She looked like she was going to take the bridge to Hightown.

But then a man came up to her. He stumbled and fell over, right at her feet, like he was dead.

His hands were all bloody, like he'd been in a fight. The lady shook him, and I think he said, "Help."

She got him to his feet, and he was wobbly -- it was funny. Anyway, they left, and... that's all I saw.

I'll destroy anyone who touches one hair on her head.

Yes. You... you go do that. You're good at that sort of thing.

The man left some blood... where he fell over. You could follow it.

Why don't you do what the boy says? I'm going to go home in case Leandra shows up.
Varric rivalry +5.

Hawke examines the nearest puddle of blood.

This blood is fresh.

There are lingering traces of... something. I think this was used for blood magic.

If we hurry, there might be a trail we can follow.

We follow the blood trail to the foundry while Hawke makes Captain Obvious-style remarks.

This place feels strange. Wrong.

I wonder if we'll find more than just a sack of bones this time.

Mother must be here somewhere. We need to look around.

We managed to find a trap door that leads to a secret underground lair.

Looks like someone forgot to conceal the door to his hideout.

This wasn't here before.

Mother must be down there. With him.

Of course spirits guard the entrance.

Hawke notices a woman lying on a table nearby.

Mother!

Alessa.

Some random unlucky soul.

Uuugh, I don't want to know.

Duh, this guy is a sick fetishist.

Hawke discovers something on the ground.

It's Mother's locket. She wouldn't willingly part with it.

We are forced to deal with the second wave of monsters.

Oh yeah, this weirdo has built a shrine dedicated to a woman.

What... is this?

Ooh, that's a pretty little shrine.

The woman in the painting... she almost looks like Mother.

A shrine dedicated to a wife? A sister?

I need to find her. Now.

There are papers and books scattered on the floor.

This is quite a collection of books. Blood magic, necromancy... where did he get all these?

Why would he have these? What's he planning?

Ha, it seems the killer had the full support from a high-ranked member of the local Circle. Who's this O.?

Another part of Hawke's current armor set.

And here you are, asshole. No one steals our chicks and lives.

I was wondering when you'd show up. Leandra was so sure you'd come for her.

You bastard! I'm going to kill you!

I was afraid you might say that.

You will never understand my purpose. Your mother was chosen because she was special, and now she is part of something... greater.

Spare me the demented rambling. Where is she?

She's here. She's waiting for you.

I have done the impossible. I have touched the face of the Maker and lived.

Do you know what the strongest force in the universe is?

Love.

NO JUST NO!

I pieced her together from memory. I found her eyes, her skin, her delicate fingers...

And at last, her face... oh, this beautiful face.

I've searched far and wide to find you again, beloved, and no force on this earth will part us.

No time to mourn, geth and husks are everywhere!

Hawle cuts sonofabitch in half.

And finish off the remaining zombies in a cutscene.

And yet it moves?!

Mother!

There's nothing I can do. His magic was keeping her alive.

I knew you would come.

I tried to find you.

Shh. Don't fret, darling.

That man would have kept me trapped in here. But now... I'm free.

I get to see Carver again... and your father. But you'll be here alone.

I should have watched over you more closely, I should have...

My little boy has become so strong.

I love you. You've always made me so proud.

OK, the whole Frankenstein stuff managed to impress me purely on shock value, but, FFS, why add cheesy family values shit after that?

Hawke sits in front of the fireplace reflecting on the events of this horrible night.

Did you find her?

She's dead. Murdered.

You were right about the flowers and everything. I... I can't believe she's gone.

I know it hurts, but Mother wouldn't want us to dwell on it.

I'm not you. I can't just shove my grief into a corner and never look at it again.

Sobs Why her? Why Leandra?

The killer used Mother to magically reconstruct his dead wife.

They had the same... face.

What sort of nightmarish magic is that? Oh, Maker...

Maybe the templars are right. Lock the mages up! Throw away the key!

Mages have always been trouble. They will always be trouble.

Magic's always run in this family. It's a curse. Now even your mother's fallen victim to it.

I wish you'd never told me what that twisted son of a bitch did to her. I wish I hadn't asked.

I hope you killed him.

Hawke nods

Good. I hope it hurt.

Bethany needs to be told. I'll send a message. Hopefully it will reach her, wherever she is.

Take care, my boy.

And here comes a consolation.

I... uh, I feel I should say... something.

I know you're not good at... emotional stuff.

At least your mother loved you. Not everyone can say that.

So this is what it's like to be an orphan.

Family's not just the people you're related to by blood. There are other people who care about you.

Like... Aveline.

Disappointment after disappointment. End of line.

 

[lightbane]

Wow, a quest that for once was not shit and actually was somewhat creepy, surprising. Still,

Blatant recycling is blatant.

 

[Serious_Business]

Why is your shepperd such a little bitch? Why not make him a cyber negro? You are not worthy

 

[Erebus]

Looks like a cartoon fight !

 

[Brother None]

Wooh, missed an update, two updates for the price of one!

Wait, why didn't the piratebitch sex-comfort Hawke? Did I miss something here?

Not a terribad quest, but the whole "heaping family shit on Hawke" thing is a a bit comical by this point.

 

[lightbane]

So Twinkle, are you able to continue this lp, or are you too busy fapping playing with Twitcher 2?

 

[Twinkle]

PART 11 - CONVERSION FAILURE

I'd bet it's another problem with his horn-loving scion.

Hawke.

I don't care about what else is going on. We haven't spoken about Leandra. How are you?

Keep your sympathy for the next person you let die.

What was that for?

Your job is protecting the city. If you were any good, my mother would be alive.

I see.

Well?

Well what?

So you agree that you should have stopped this?

Would have? Certainly. Could have? Some people are broken.

I don't have an answer that can satisfy you. The guards never do. Cast your blame if you want, but this isn't about me.

I'm sorry for your loss.
Aveline rivalry +10.

Don't play innocence, you do an extremely shitty job considering the astounding crime rate.

Now to the real business.

It is apparently not enough that the Qunari define my political life. They must also infect what I hold personal.

It is my son, Saemus.

The life you saved, he would now squander by converting to the Qun. He has left for the Qunari Compound.

Please, Serah Hawke. Convince Saemus to come home.

Dragging your boy out of the compound won't help matters.

I cannot leave him there. I hope... you can convince the Arishok that this will only inflame the situation.

He hasn't been quick to see reason to this point.

It is a hope. I am still allowed that, at least.

We are ambushed by a mysterious group of mercenaries.

Now I have almost full set.

So who hired that lot? Anti-Qunari, anti-viscount, or Saemus himself not wanting to be rescued?

Saemus isn't the type. Let's go.

Hey, Anders, if you're a fag it doesn't mean that everyone else is.

Serah Hawke.

I'm here about the viscount's son.

Are you?

In four years I have made no threat, and fanatics have lined up to hate us simply because we exist.

But despite lies and fear, bas still beg me to let them come to the Qun. They hunger for purpose.

The son has made a choice. You will not deny him that.

You're biased; you need to replace your dwindling troops.

Only a fool arms a captive. Viddathari make a free and educated choice.

Join or die.

Lives are short compared to "eternity." Death would be the obvious choice if there were any truth to your beliefs.

It doesn't matter. He chose the Qun in a time fo peace. His life was not at risk. He is no prisoner.

He is not even here.

He went to his father. Ask the viscount why he would send you and a letter both.

That doesn't make sense.

They are meeting at the chantry. A last, pointless appeal, I assume.

The viscount would involve the Chantry?

No. But we know who would. Mother Petrice.

A suspect in many things.

If she has threatened someone under my command again, there is only one response.

I've had about enough of Petrice. Several times over.

A threat against viddathari can have only one answer. I will suffer only one outcome.

I will be waiting, Hawke. The demand of the Qun is clear.

Dragon Age trivia: if you are sent to the chantry, prepare for another massacre.

The boy sits there kneeling.

Hawke touches him... shit, he's dead!

You traitorous zealot bitch, I should have killed you in the first act. Why didn't they let me?

Ah, I see.

Serah Hawke, look at what you have done.

To pounce upon the viscount's son, a repenant convert, in the chantry itself? A crime with no excuse.

Your Qunari masters will finally answer.

Are you mad? Your plans have fallen to outright murder?

The faithful know this has been building for a long time. Where Varnell incited, I reminded, in sermon and prayer.

When people learn of this attack, they will rise. Not zealots or the unknowing, but the true majority.

You won't get the Qunari ousted, you'll get a slaughter. On both sides.

To die untested would be the real crime. People meed the opportunity to defend faith. Starting with you.

Earn your reward in this life and next! These heretics must die!

Nah, I control the stairs, you won't touch me here.

The Grand Cleric herself descends, totally calm and oblivious.

Do you see, Your Grace? Traitors attacking the very core of the Chantry! They defile with every step!

There is death in every corner, young mother. It is as you predicted. All too well.

The young mother arranged all of it.

Don't spout your Qunari filth. This is a hand of the Divine.

I have ears, Mother Petrice. The Maker would have me use them.

Serah Hawke, is it?

Viscount Dumar's son is dead, killed here in your name.

I'm sure my name won't like that. Petrice?

Saemus Dumar was a Qunari convert! He came here to repent and was murdered!

You killed him so no one would follow his free choice, right or wrong.

It could not be allowed! How many would be tempted?

As many as would want to go, I suppose.

They deny the Maker!

And you diminish Him, even as you claim His side. Andraste did not volunteer for the flame.

Serah Hawke, you act on behalf of the viscount?

Hawke nods

The young mother has erred in her judgement. A court will decide her fate. The Chantry respects the law, and so must she.

Grand Cleric?

Grand Cleric!

I wanted to do it myself.

We protect those of the Qun. We do not abandon our own.

Please, send for Viscount Dumar.

No shit, grand cleric, how about some protection measures?

My son.

Murdered in the heart of the chantry, by those who held a sacred trust.

What hope for this city, when we fail our own so completely?

This is not over, Excellency. The city needs a leader.

It does. And I am no longer that person.

Please, Hawke. Leave me.

And so we leave poor viscount to his mourning.

An end of sorts, but the Qunari in the chantry and the viscount's dead son won't simply fade from memory.

Nobody came out of that looking good. What now?

The Arishok is the one to worry about. We wait for his reaction.

I need to rest.

But there is no rest for the wicked...

This is important. Don't interrupt you with your selfish prattle.

Get off your high horse. I have problems, too.

Scoffs "What drink should I order" and "Who's the father?"

Oh, you little...

Please, please a catfight now!

Everyone, shut up!

Hawke -- the Arishok is sheltering two fugitives who have "converted" to the Qun. He must be convinced to release them.

He's already feared because of Petrice. If people start to think he can ignore the law... I need your help so this doesn't get out of hand.

I'm going to die!

There. Got your attention. Real problem.

Make some sense, both of you!

Remember the relic? The one Castillon is going to kill me over? A man called Wall-Eyed Sam has it.

If you help me get it, Castillon won't kill me. Please.

I'm trying to keep the entire city from rioting against the Qunari!

Well, maybe it's connected.

What?

I'm just saying maybe it will help. It's important to someone, right?

Now you start being responsible? Shit.

You can either help her or skip the quest.

The relic issue has to be resolved before we take on the Qunari.

You trust her this much?

Probably not. I wouldn't.

They won't wait at the compound forever, Hawke. I really do hope this helps, because if it doesn't...

You think I like having this thing on my mind?

Come on. The exchange is happening tonight in a Lowtown foundry.

Are you sure about this? The Champion was asked to go the Qunari?

I suppose you think he planned the entire thing?

Considering what it led to...

Come on, Seeker. I'm not going to sell Hawke short, but nobody could have foreseen the way that would go down.

Or do you think I'm lying to protect my friend?

There are elements of your story that... make sense. And you couldn't have known about them otherwise.

Well, that's a relief.

But that doesn't mean you're telling me everything.

I want this story to be told. You're not the first to get it all wrong.

I think I owe Hawke that much.

End of line.

 

[Brother None]

*tears of joy*

And events are moving forward! On rails!

 

[lightbane]

"You killed him so no one would follow his free choice, right or wrong."
"It could not be allowed! How many would be tempted? "

That dialogue is very hilarious considering DA2's utter lack of any choices and consequences. Also, it's pretty amusing when the freaking Qunari are probably the most civilized party of this game while everyone else seems to be a heartless murderer. OH, and this lp is alive again!!! Too bad I don't know if I should consider it or

 

[Twinkle]

the freaking Qunari are probably the most civilized party of this game

Ha! You have unrealistic expectations.

PART 12 - SLIPPERY SLUT

Hawke decided to answer the plea of his promiscuous friend.

Of course, the new breed of bandits - Dog Lords - tried to impede his progress. Unsuccessfully.

A small group of the Qunari stopped us near the designated location.

Hold! You will surrender the relic!

I don't have your stupid relic!

The bas has no honor. Kill it!

What is this? Why do the Qunari want this relic?

Er... yes. About that. The relic belongs to the Qunari, and there's a small chance they want it back.

You kept this from me!

I didn't want to bore you with the messy details, that's all!

The relic is a Qunari text handwritten by that philosopher of theirs -- Keslan, Cousland... whatever his name is.

I stole it from them, they followed me here to reclaim it, and it's why they're still in Kirkwall.

They can't leave the Free Marches without it.

All this is your fault. I should've handed you over to the Qunari years ago.

And what would that have accomplished? They don't want me, they want the relic!

Look, the book's right in this building, and I'm not letting it slip away again.

It's the only thing that'll get Castillon off my back. Please tell me you'll give the relic to me.

The artifact belongs to the Qunari, and you'll let them leave with it.

Don't you understand? The relic is the only thing that will keep Castillon from feeding me to the sharks!

I can't believe you're... ugh!

Sighs Fine, you're right. Ill return the relic. It'll go straight to the Qunari once we get it.

Come on. We've no time to waste.

But the Qunari aren't the only relic hunters. Here we see a dude trying to sell it to a bunch of Tevinter mages.

Where is the relic?

I.. er... I have it.

The Tome of Koslun will not fall into Tevinter hands!

Blood and spite!

Ataash Qunari!

He's getting away!

The dude runs away with the relic. Isabela engages in pursuit, abandoning Hawke to the fight.

Isabela!
Isabela rivalry +15.

The encounter itself is somewhat refreshing. The opposing parties hate each other more than Hawke and his crew. Nevertheless, killing the leaders of both groups is mandatory, else the door, hurr durr, won't open.

Back to the fresh night air. The former owner of the sacred tome lies dead with a letter somewhere in his pockets.

She's gone then? Can't say I blame her.

Come on. Aveline will be waiting at the Qunari Compound. We still have to deal with that mess.

. She was useless in combat anyway, so no biggie.

The act is close to its bloody conclusion, but for now...

End of line.