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

Bro : Call me Bro.

Yeah.

Horrible game

How long is the game, in hours? Because it looks so boring it looks like it was eternal tediousness.

brazilian rainforest has elves? wtf?

Werewolf ruins - upper level.



Yeah, that's how "secret" doors look like. They probably need to add a big caption on the wall to make it even more streamlined and accessible.



However there is nothing valuable behind it except for teh monstarz and crappy loot.





Oh, and "secret" areas are shown on the minimap.



Spiders.



Walking down the stairs we heard a roar.



It's a dragon - small one.



You see shitton of gold here? It's all lies. You can pick up only several gems, poultices, a longbow and 19 or so gold coins.



This level is really small unlike the next one.



Lower Ruins.

Ghostly Boy: Mamae? Mamae na mara san...

Bro: Can you hear me? What are you doing here?

Ghostly Boy: Mamae? Mamae! Mamae!

Bro: Oh, just shut up! This is pointless.

- I see dumb people.
- In your dreams?
- No
- While you're awake?
- Yes
- Dumb people like, in graves? In coffins?
- Walking around like regular people. They don't see each other. They only see what they want to see. They don't know they're dumb.
- How often do you see them?
- All the time. They're everywhere.

Little pointy-eared fucker runs away while awakening a horde of skeletons.



There is an ancient tablet in the sarcophagus detailing some sort of elven burial ritual. Performing it is the only way to get access to the final piece of Juggernaut armor.



Let's do it.



Never forget to check the instructions.

The water in the pool appears cool and clean. It is refreshed from some internal source, perhaps magically. Submerged in the water is what appears to be small, earthen jug.

Bro: Examine and test the water carefully.

The water appears normal and, dipping your hand into it, is cool to the touch. It is definitely circulated by some unknown force.

Bro: Drink some of the water.

The water is surprisingly refreshing, but otherwise has no special effects.

Bro: Take the earthen jug.

You take the jug out of the pool. It is made of clay and appears to be none the worse for its long submersion.

Bro: Fill the earthen jug with water.

You dip the jug into the water until it fills up completely.

Bro: Leave the pool alone.

Part two.



The altar is plain and covered in a thin layer of dust. Numerous carvings cover its surface, but most are eroded beyond legibility.

Bro: Place the filled earthen jug on top of the altar.

The filled jug is now on top of the altar.

Bro: Kneel before altar and pray.

You kneel before the altar and pray, touching your forehead to the ground as depicted on the tablet. You feel a sense of rightness and approval around you.

Bro: Examine the earthen jug on the altar.

The earthen jug sits on the altar and is currently filled with water.

Bro: Take a single sip from the water in the jug.

You carefully take a sip from the water in the jug and replace it on the altar.

Bro: Take the earthen jug.

You take the earthen jug. Nothing is on the altar, now.

Bro: Leave the altar alone.

And the final part.

The water in the pool appears cool and clean. It is refreshed from some internal source, perhaps magically.

Bro: Dump the water in the jug back into the pool.

Slowly, you spill the water out of the jug back into the pool. As soon as the jug is empty, it suddenly shatters, the pieces falling into the pool.

The door leading to a big tomb is opened. Bioware knows zombies and spirits are banalshitboring necessary requirement of any videogame necropolis.

Shade: Viran se lan'aan? Ir annala for ros...

Bro: Begone, creature. You have no place here.

Shade: Ir emah'la shal! Ir emah'la shal!



So, Juggernaut armor set is complete. We are heading south.




Bro stumbles upon a strange phylactery.



This elaborate artifact has a gem-like structure that contains what appears to be blood, fresh and liquid even after all this time. The gem is vibrating slightly.

Bro: (Show the artifact to other party members.)

Morrigan: A device meant to hold a spirit, perhaps. Such would be my guess. Though what might be left of any spirit within after such a long time trapped?

Zevran: It looks elven, all right. Considering that what I know of my ancestors you could fit into a gem half that size, that's all I could really tell you.

Alistair: Is that blood in there? Whose, I wonder? You'd think it would be all dried up after so long. There must be magic involved.

What would you like to do?

Bro: Try to open the gem.

There does not appear to be any way to open the gem. There is no crack along its length, no hinges or lock mechanism that you can see.

The blood inside the gem moves slowly, as if viscous. How it was placed inside the gem, however, is impossible to tell.

Bro: Touch the gem.

The gem is warm to the touch, and your mind immediately begins swimming with visions, images and memories from a life not your own.

The Presence in the gem is at first alarmed when it senses your touch. It recoils in fear, and the images that rush your mind are ones of imprisonment and loneliness.

Bro: Is this some kind of trapped spirit?

The Presence thinks quickly, bewildered. Finally, it decides that you are indeed real and not a product of its fevered imagination.

More images flash through your mind. Time that the Presence has spent trapped within the Life Gem. Time where the Presence has slept, gone mad, and then slept again.

The presence has no name it can remember. You get the sense of an elf, a mage in glittering silver armor. But this was long ago, remembered as if through a fog.

Bro: What useful information can you offer me?

The Presence can remember little. You see images of an order of elven mages who channel their spells into their strength, fighting as Arcane Warriors to defend their charges.

The Presence could give you what knowledge remains within it of how to become an Arcane Warrior. You are no mage, yourself, but you could teach such knowledge to those who are.

This is all the Presence has left to offer any longer: the last of its memories. In return, the Presence asks only one thing from you: oblivion.

Oblivion! What? Do you enjoy shitty games, spirit? No mercy for you, consoletard.

Bro: Is there nothing else you can offer me?

The Presence has nothing else to offer. It possesses nothing, and remembers little of a life from so long ago.

Bro: You could teach me to become an Arcane Warrior?

The images that the Presence sends are desperate. It will give you what memories it has. Whoever follows the Arcane Warrior's path will be the last of its order.

Bro: Yes, I will try to help you.

The images become tinged with desperation. The Presence cannot remember where the altar is, but it knows the Life Gem must be placed on it.

Bro: Approach the stone altar with the gem.

As the Life Gem nears the altar, the Presence becomes overcome with emotion. Could its endless nightmare finally be over?

The images that are sent to your mind depict a clear question: Do you still wish to learn the skills of the Arcane Warrior? The Presence is ready to teach you now.

Bro: Yes, give me your memories.

The memories flood into your mind. They are hazy and incomplete, but enough for any mage to gather a few of the talents that the Arcane Warriors once possessed.

Now the Presence asks that you keep your promise. Release it from its eternal prison.

Bro: Nah. (Toss the artifact aside.)

The shock and despair of the Presence turn into a wail of despair. The images become a flash of light, and then are silent. The gem vibrates no more.

Specialization unlocked - Arcane Warrior.

More bones to shatter.



And another phylactery.



This one summons "doesn't scale to your level", ass-kicking Revenant.



The next room contains a shitton of traps activated by stepping on specific floor tiles and several archers. Step on bad tile and your ass is going to burn.



The tactics are simple - shoot fuckers from a distance - their attacks are not coordinated.



Remaining can be dealt with manly way.



Big hall with descending stairway. Arbitrary portion of filler critters.



Mini-boss Arcane Horror on the floor. He teleports if engaged in close combat and from time to time floor bursts with electrical damage. Arrows make a short work of him without taking any risk.



Last wave of skeletons




And the exit from the level - some sort of magic pool.

God damn it, this game just seems to be getting increasingly banal with its endless series of road-bump fights. Is the combat system fun at least? I mean, you seem to get a fair amount of sub-classes and they come with their own abilities, does it make character building and the resulting fights with that character a more fleshed-out experience?

This is DA ... love it or hate it :wink:

For approximately 90% of the encounters you can use the same strategy(or none at all). At first it was okay, but it became pretty tedious after a short while.

Bullshit FFS

I appreciate your work, but I have to admit I'm getting bored with the game.

The endless battles in this section of the game had bored me to tears. This and the battles in the Deep Roads.

Great LP, though. I played through this as a goody two shoes Mage.

Erebus said:

I appreciate your work, but I have to admit I'm getting bored with the game.

Click to expand...

Imagined how bored you would be if you were the one playing it.

And it gets worse...

Deep Roads inc

What's the deal with these secret doors?

What's the deal with these secret doors?

Click to expand...

Secret stuff is supposed to be *secret*, not in-your-face obvious.


Lair of the Werewolves.



No shit, there are only werewolves here. No dragons, no skeletons, no ghosts or whatever.



Shadow wolves have roguelike combat stealth abilities and are somewhat tougher than the rest.





Rejoice, bothers, for kkkombat part is finally over. Prepare for a wall of text (and some tits ).

Furries are finally ready to talk, after I've wasted hundreds of them.

Gatekeeper: Stop! Brothers and sisters, be at ease!

Gatekeeper: We do not wish any more of our people hurt. I ask you this now, outsider: are you willing to parley?

Bro: Like you parleyed with the Dalish?

Gatekeeper: Hrrr, that was different. The Lady believes that the Dalish have not told you everything, so she has asked that you be brought to her.

Gatekeeper: She means you no harm, provided your willingness to parley in peace is an honest one.

Bro: And how do I know I won't be walking into another ambush?

Gatekeeper: What would be the point? You have already proven your strength. We have no wish to anger you further.

Bro: Then take me to this Lady.

Gatekeeper: Follow me. But I warn you, if you break your promise and harm her, I will come back from the Fade itself to see you pay.

Doggies are over-excited.




But magic power of green tits puts 'em in their place.

Lady of the Forest: I bid you welcome, mortal. I am the Lady of the Forest.

Bro: Really? You seem more like the Lady of the Ruin to me.

Swiftrunner: You will not speak to the Lady in this manner!

Lady of the Forest: Hush, Swiftrunner. Your urge for battle has only seen the death of the very ones you have been trying to save. Is that what you want?

Swiftrunner: No, my lady. Anything but that.

Lady of the Forest: Then the time has come to speak with this outsider, to set our rage aside. I apologize on Swiftrunner's behalf. He struggles with his nature.

Bro: Rabid dogs usually need to be put down.

Lady of the Forest: To be rabid is to be diseased without hope of a cure. Swiftrunner's curse was forced upon him, and there is a cure.

Lady of the Forest: No doubt you have questions, mortal. There are things that Zathrian has not told you.

Bro: Is that so? Such as?

Lady of the Forest: It was Zathrian who created the curse that these creatures suffer, the same curse that Zathrian's own people now suffer.

Lady of the Forest: Centuries ago, when the Dalish first came to this land, a tribe of humans lived close to this forest. They sought to drive the Dalish away.

Lady of the Forest: Zathrian was a young man then. He had a son and daughter he loved greatly, and while out hunting the human tribe captured them both.

Swiftrunner: Hrrrr. The humans... tortured the boy, killed him. The girl they raped and left for dead. The Dalish found her, but she learned later she was... with child. She... killed yourself.

Bro: And? What does this have to do with anything?

Lady of the Forest: You answer shall come. Continue, Swiftrunner.

Swiftrunner: Zathrian came to this ruin and summoned a terrible spirit, binding it to the body of a great wold. So Witherfang came to be.

Swiftrunner: Witherfang hunted the humans of the tribe. Many were killed, but others were cursed by his blood, becoming twisted and savage creatures...

Lady of the Forest: Twisted and savage just as Witherfang himself is.

Lady of the Forest: They were driven into the forest. When the human tribe finally left for good, their cursed brethren remained, pitiful and mindless animals.

Swiftrunner: Until I found you, my lady. You gave me peace.

Lady of the Forest: I showed Swiftrunner that there was another side of his bestial nature. I soothed his rage, and his humanity emerged. And he brought others to me.

Bro: Why should I care about any of this?

Lady of the Forest: We seek to end the curse. The crimes committed against Zathrian's children were grave, but they were committed centuries ago by those who are long dead.

Lady of the Forest: Word was sent to Zathrian every time the landships passed this way, asking him to come, but he has always ignored us. We will no longer be denied.

Swiftrunner: Hrrr! We spread the curse to his people! So he must end the curse to save them!

Lady of the Forest: Please, mortal... you must go to him. Bring him here. If he sees these creatures, hears their plight... surely he will agree to end the curse!

Bro: (Persuade) I have another plan. Kill the elves. Kill Zathrian.

Swiftrunner: I like this plan. Hrrr.

Morrigan: So do I! I am truly impressed.

Lady of the Forest: And you would... help us in this? You would attack the Dalish?

Bro: The Grey Wardens need allies. I'll take you over the elves.

Swiftrunner: Then we attack! They are weak with the curse... let us leave him no choice but to break it! Break it or die!

Zevran: Are you truly going to do this? Slaughter the Dalish?

Bro: Yes, and you are going to help.

Zevran: My mother was Dalish. Or so I'm told. I hold no allegiance for them, but this... does not sit well with me. Do not do this thing, I beg you.

Bro: (Persuade) This is the best way. Trust me.

Zevran: Perhaps you are right. I should not have mentioned it.

Lady of the Forest: So be it. Come... gather the others. Tonight we go into battle.

Lady of the Forest: Zathrian will be our greatest foe. Leave him to me.

Swiftunner: Then we attack! Brothers and sisters! Tonight we have vengeance!

Morrigan approves +4
Zevran disapproves -5

Later, at Dalish Camp.
Some furries are too impatient.



And they pay for it.



The main force appears led by Bro and big bad white wolf.




mexican Brecilian standoff




The wolf turns into tree-lady.

Zathrian: So it has come to this. The Grey Warden betrays us after all.

Bro: So? This way sounds like more fun.

Zathrian: Then you are twice the fool I thought. You think you gain anything by siding with rabid, uncontrollable beasts?

Lady of the Forest: You began this, Zathrian, not they. You summoned me and placed me in the body of the dread wolf. This is your doing.

Zathrian: And they deserved their fate, spirit. They still do!

Lady of the Forest: The humans that caused you grief are centuries dead, Zathrian. You bring suffering to innocents, as well as to your own people.

Zathrian: My people will be cured when we rip the heart from your chest! As for these... these beasts, they will continue to suffer for what they did! They and all their descendants!

Swiftrunner: Hrrrr! You will end this curse! End it or you will all die!

Zathrian: Never! Never!! You shall suffer as I suffer!

And so the fight begins. Bro and and his new pets are focused to bring Zathrian down.




No loser will escape our wrath. Soon all elves in the camp will find eternal rest.



It's a celebration time.

Lady of the Forest: And so it is done. You have had your revenge, good Swiftrunner.

Swiftrunner: Hrrr. We shall never be free of the curse, my lady. I am sorry.

Lady of the Forest: Perhaps not. But perhaps we can try to find a place for ourselves outside of the forest, now.

Swiftrunner: But... we will never be accepted...

Lady of the Forest: We shall see. Thank you, mortal, for the part you played in this. What would you ask of us in return?

Bro: I need you to form an army under my command.

Swiftrunner kneels

Swiftrunner: Hrrr. Then I offer you my oath. The werewolves shall do battle, at your command and yours alone, this I swear.

Lady of the Forest: And I, as well. I can leave my forest for a time and join Swifturnner's people in battle, if I am needed.

Lady of the Forest: It will take some time for us to gather. The elven hunters will begin to turn, and they will need to be brought into our fold.

Lady of the Forest: But you will have your army, mortal.

A lone, sick survivor. Even royal dick has some compassion for poor guy.





The elf is pale and sweating, writhing in a fitful and disturbed sleep. His body is showing evidence of some form of slow transformation.

Bro: Put the elf out of his misery.



Notice - Alistair closes his eyes, and Morrigan turns her head away. What a delicate nature.

Anyway, we got everything we came here for. Time to move on.

A journey wouldn't be complete without some party bitching.

Morrigan: So I take it you did not enjoy your templar training?

Alistair: That's directed at me, I take it?

Morrigan: Do you see any others about who have failed at their religious instruction?

Alistair: I didn't fail. I was recruited into the Grey Wardens.

Morrigan: And if you had not been recruited? What would have happened, instead?

Alistair: I would have turned into a drooling lunatic, slaughtered the grand cleric and run through the streets of Denerim in my small clothes, I guess.

Morrigan: Your self-awareness does you credit.

Alistair: I thought you'd like that.



At the party camp.

Morrigan: I have been studying Mother's grimoire. Do you wish to hear what I have found?

Bro: If you must.

Morrigan: 'Tis... not what I expected. I had hoped for a collection of her spells, a map of her power that she commands. But this is not it.

Bro: So it was for nothing?

Morrigan: No, not for nothing. There is much of interest here in her writings, and one thing in particular I find fascinating.

Morrigan: Here, in great detail, Flemeth explains the means by which she has survived for centuries.

Bro: Let me guess. She drink blood? Eats children?

Morrigan: That is closer to the truth that you might think.

Morrigan: Flemeth has raised many daughters over her long lifetime. There are stories of these many Witches of the Wilds throughout Chasind legend, yet I have never seen a one and always wondered why not.

Morrigan: And now I know. They are all Flemeth. When her body becomes old and wizened, she raises a daughter. And when the time is right, she takes her daughter's body for her own.

Bro: So why would she risk sending you with me?

Morrigan: I do not know. Perhaps 'tis as she said: the darkspawn threaten her as much as they threaten anyone else. Or perhaps she believes that this journey will make me more powerful.

Morrigan: According to the tome, if the... host... is already powerful and trained in magic, it takes far less time for Flemeth to... settle in.

Bro: So what do you intent to do about it?

Morrigan: There is only one possible response to this: Flemeth needs to die.

Morrigan: I will not sit about like an empty sack waiting to be filled. Flemeth must be slain and I need your help to do it.

Bro: Kill Flemeth? Isn't that a little extreme?

Morrigan: It may seem so, if you think of Flemeth as a mother. Think of her, instead, as an ancient abomination that intends to use her own flesh and blood to extend her life beyond all natural limits.

Morrigan: She did not wish anyone to get ahold of this information, least of all me. Now I have. If I do not act on what I know, then more the fool am I.

Bro: Very well. I'll help you, if I can.

Morrigan: Then what needs to be done is for you to go back to Flemeth's hut in the Korcari Wilds... without me.

Morrigan: If I am present when she is slain, I cannot be certain that she will not be able to possess my body right then. So I must remain at the camp.

Morrigan: Confront her and slay her quickly. I doubt she will truly be dead even then, but it will take her years to find a new host and recover her power... if that is even possible.

Morrigan: The thing I must have is her true grimoire. With it I can defend against her power in the future. Everything else in her hut is yours.

Bro: It sounds like you just want someone to do your dirty work.

Morrigan: You think I take pleasure in this? I do not. I will, however, fight for my survival just as Flemeth would.

Bro: Do I have time limit on this?

Morrigan: Not really. But the sooner the better, no?

Bro: I'll see what I can do.

Morrigan: I am grateful. The sooner this can be done, the sooner it will set my mind at ease.

Morrigan disapproves -1



Bro is in a generous mood. He presents many gifts to others (fuck inventory limits), including leather fetishist Zevran.

Zevran: Gloves? You're giving me gloves? What for?

Bro: If you don't want it, give it back.

Zevran: I did not mean to sound ungrateful, it is just...

Zevran: Wait... these are Dalish, are they not? My mother was Dalish and had a pair very similar to these.

Zevran: The leather was less thick, and it had more embroidery... but these are very close. And quite handsome.

Bro: It was not cheap.

Zevran: No, I... imagine not.

Zevran: Still, I appreciate the fact that you even thought of me. No one has simply... given me a gift before. Thank you.

Zevran approves +8

Approval stats for reference:

Alistair: -39
Zevran: +74
Morrigan +100
Sten +38
Shale +8

For a complete jerk, Bro is surprisingly popular !

The talking and the green boobs were a welcome rest from all the fighting.

Elves can be arrogant assholes, but these elves go way beyond their brethren in other games. I'm not saying the werewolves are much better, but they're werewolves : you can't expect them to be peace-loving and patient.

I believe I've read it's possible to try to make peace between the elves and the werewolves... but that your attempt will fail horribly and result in a massive battle between the two. If it's indeed the case, it's a nice touch : too often are PCs able to make peace between rabid enemies with merely a few words.

How can Morrigan be at 100 if you just -1'd her? Or didya give her a gift?

Wonder how Bro'll handle the bitch's mom.

Interesting take on the werewolf stuff, very being a dick-ish. Another dick path I kind of liked and my own evil character took was to help Zathrian kills the werewolves and lady, and then when you find out his apprentice can do the healing, fight and kill him. Hard fights, but lots of fun.

Eh? You are able to. But you must lure Zhevran into the Lair instead. Then beat him there. As he lay dying, u can persuade him to end the curse and his own life as well.

This is Bioware. FFS.

I think that elf was too butthurt to live. "EVERYONE IS EVIL!!! WE MUST MAKE SUFFER THE SONS OF THE SONS OF THE SONS OF THE SONS THAT KILLED MY OWN ONES!!!"

Interesting bastard path with the werewolves. Much more exciting than the drawn out good guy path.

Erebus said:

I believe I've read it's possible to try to make peace between the elves and the werewolves... but that your attempt will fail horribly and result in a massive battle between the two. If it's indeed the case, it's a nice touch : too often are PCs able to make peace between rabid enemies with merely a few words.

Click to expand...

RK47 said:

Eh? You are able to. But you must lure Zhevran into the Lair instead. Then beat him there. As he lay dying, u can persuade him to end the curse and his own life as well.

This is Bioware. FFS.

Click to expand...

That's what happened to me. I agreed to bring Zathrian in and negotiate a way to lift the curse and make him redeem himself at the same time. It eventually broke down into a fight when Zathrian refused to release the curse until I beat some sense into him. Once that was done, a small interlude plays out in which he finally sees the "error of his ways" and relents to undoing it.

Odd that I couldn't spread the word of what really happened to anyone else, especially his protege, in the camp when you return, though.

I read that one other alternative is to lift the curse and when the werewolves revert back to humans, you can betray and slaughter them without worry.

I think the main issue here is no matter what, there's gotta be bloodshed. As if there's not enough combat leading to another combat to lead to another combat and ...finally. BIG FIGHT! CHOOSE WHICH SIDE TO FIGHT FOR!

The formula of Dragon Age main quest hubs.

You forgot to mention that in most cases you only get the illusion of choosing which side to fight for, as there's a third option where everyone lives happily ever after at the end.

It's funny that the only hub that avoids this is Orzammar where there really is no right or wrong choice... but right after making the choice you're dumped into Derp Roads and just give up playing in disgust.

Or didya give her a gift?

Click to expand...

I gave bitch a bone. Ox bone.

We are going to liberate Warden's Keep.

Levi Dryden: And... here we are. Soldier's Peak.

Levi Dryden: Maker's breath, look at the size of her. What a fortress.

Levi Dryden: I told you the map would get us through the tunnels.

Bro: Just admit it. You were lost a couple times.

Levi Dryden: I wasn't lost -- it's just that the map got soggy.

Levi Dryden: Bah, we're here.

Levi Dryden: So... I'll follow you about. From a distance.

Levi Dryden: This place has the stench of death. I expect there's trouble up ahead.

Moving up the stairs.



Visions of the past. At least they bothered to deliver the backstory not only through diaries no one bothers to read.

Lord: Fall back. Fall back, already.

Knight: Taking the Peak will not be easy, m'lord.

Lord: I gave the Wardens one chance to die with honor. Instead, they hole up like cowards. We follow the king's advice, then. Starve them out.

Knight: But the Peak has months of supplies.

Lord: Then we wait. When they are too weak to lift their weapons, we will send them to their final judgement.

A vision disappears.

Levi Dryden: Wh-what was that? I felt a bit woozy there.

Levi Dryden: I'm not mad, am I? You saw it, too?

Bro: Pull yourself together. Let's go.

Levi Dryden: Yes, Warden.

Oh, here they are. Skeletons coming from a fog.





After beating them I accidentally clicked on Morrigan...

Morrigan: I notice that you are foolishly spending a great deal of time with that... assassin.

Bro: It's not what you think.

Morrigan: No? You believe me a fool, then? 'Tis exactly what I think.

Morrigan: The elf is attractive enough, in his way. I can see why you would find another man such as him desirable.

Morrigan: My point is that you and I have shared a bed together. It seems hardly fitting to have you doting upon another at the very same time, does it?

Bro: Why not? Perhaps he could join us.

Morrigan: I have no doubt that he could, and that you would be interested in such. I am not.

Morrigan: The crux of the matter is this: I do not share. You may do as you wish, but if you pursue another you may not also dally with me.

Morrigan: I will not be where I am not valued. I simply wish to know where I stand.

Bro: You're being awfully presumptious.

Morrigan: I do not believe I am.

Morrigan: I do not wish to lay claim to you simply because we have been intimate. It was what it was, and if that is to end then so be it.

Morrigan: I will not, however, be dallied with while you openly attend to another man. Make your choice and let us be done with it.

Bro: You aren't going to force me to choose, I hope.

Morrigan: I am, in fact. The elf or I, it cannot be that difficult.

Now that's true C&C. Alas, you can't appreciate diversity forever.

Bro: I want you. No question.

Morrigan: Then I trust you will make that clear to Zevran, agreed?

Morrigan: Ah. And before I forget my original thought, I have something for you.

Bro: Is it bigger than a bread box?

Morrigan: 'Tis a ring. Now, before you get any foolish notions, let me explain.

Morrigan: Flemeth once gave me the ring because it allowed her to find me no matter where I went, in case I was ever captured by hunters.

Morrigan: I disabled its power as soon as we left the Wilds. Recently, however, I thought to change it. Now, I will be able to find whoever wears it instead.

Bro: So you would always know where I am?

Morrigan: 'Tis not to track you, you understand. I believe you are too important to risk. If you were to get captured, however, it would be far easier to find you with this.

Bro: Does it do anything else?

Morrigan: Flemeth used to say that 'twas a link between us, one that I presumed worked both ways.

Morrigan: I never tested it, but I doubt she would have lied over such a thing. So it would mean I am linked to you as much as you to I.

Bro: So I could find you, if need be?

Morrigan: I... do not know. As I said, I never tested it. Perhaps.

Bro: Fine, hand it over.

Morrigan: Then here, take it. And let us not speak of it further.

Okay, the entrance is cleared.



Warden's Keep - First Floor. Another vision.

Avernus: The men's morale is low. My spells are of no use in this matter, Commander.

Sophia Dryden: There is more to leading than men that sorcery, Avernus. I will remind them that they're Wardens.

Sophia Dryden: Men, I won't lie to you. The situation is grim.

Sophia Dryden: Our forces outnumbered. Our bellies empty. And our hearts are sagging.

Sophia Dryden: But we are Wardens. Darkspawn flee when they hear our horns. Archdemons die when they taste our blades.

Sophia Dryden: So are we to bend knee to a mere human despot? No!

Sophia Dryden: I, for one, will never give uo, I, for one, will never surrender just to dance on Arland's gallows.

Sophia Dryden: So I propose here and now, in these hallowed halls where generations of our brethren stood vigil against darkspawn and evil...

Sophia Dryden: That we send a message to that fat bastard. In this sacred place, proud men, strong men, stood defiant.

Sophia Dryden: And would rather die than submit to tyranny!

Cheers start and but the vision fades away.

Levi Dryden: So brave, even when starving. And my great-great-grandmother stood with them.

Bro: King Arland was a tyrant?

Levi Dryden: Not much is known of King Arland. The war of succession that followed his death, now that was a piece of work.

Levi Dryden: Lasted nearly a decade, and almost burned Denerim and the palace to the ground. Loads of history was lost. But maybe there're answers to that inside.

Levi Dryden: But I've gabbed enough. Lead on, my friend.

Something clickable on the wall. Let's examine.



This poster reads: "On these grounds, virtuous men stood against a tyrant. They stood defiant and stood for freedom. And they died."

It is signed by the Grey Warden defenders who were besieged by King Arland's forces.

Bro: Read the names of the fallen.

Captain Melo, The Black Ferret, Chair-Thrower Lopez, Ser Derek of Orlais, and Jason the Longbow

Allan the Quibler, Cartography Martyr, David the Silent, Dusten the Colour-Blind, Ebenger of the Bovine Brethren, Farrell the Feral, Sir Graham the Untiring, and Jason sans les Argonauts.

Langley the Nefarious, Lucky Lacuna, Mad Dog Smeadows, Matthias the Bloody, McGuirk the Vile Priest, Mellisa the Magical Malefactor, Om the Strectched, and Packrat Derksen.

Sergeant "Red" Morrison, Santos the Silent Scimitar, Vitriolic Eric, Weak Eye Santos, and Welburn the Exhaustive Fire.

Blatant eastereggotry :spits:

Guess what - there will be demons involved.





After slaying possessed Archivist you can have access to his writings and summon yet another vision.



Archivist's Book: (This book is badly burned. You can make a word out here and there, and that is all.)

Scribe: The door won't hold, archivist.

Archivist: Almost done... The truth must be told.

Scribe: What does it matter? We're dead.

Archivist: Our grand rebellion... so close... And to die here a stillbirth.

Scribe: We never should've done it. Wardens aren't supposed to oppose kings and princes.

Archivist: Should we stand idly by while --

Teh end.

Levi Dryden: Another one... Rebellion? What's this about a rebellion?

Levi Dryden: If only the book weren't burned.

Bro: There are more pressing matters to attend to.

Levi Dryden: Lead on, Warden.

The floor is clear. To the next one.




Zomg, more moviez from the Fade - wardens being outnumbered and fighting for their lives.

Sophia: Make them pay for every inch, men!

Sophia: Hold the flank!

Sophia: Avernus, we need you.

Avernus: Nelatep obresooth sythan net bekon!

Wardens summoned demons back at the day. OMG THEY WERE DARKANDGRITTY PPL BIO OPENED MY EYES.

Knight: Andraste's blood! Wh-what?

Sophia: More, Avernus -- whatever it takes!

Fact: Great-great-grandmother was EXTREME woman.

Avernus: Kaelee ai benfotus victus!

Sophia: Press them, press them now.

Neversawitzcoming - demons rape both parties without giving a fuck about orders.

Avernus: No! I command you, fight the king's men!

Demon: Fool. So much death, suffering, and, oh yes... blood.

Demon: The Veil is torn now. Your soul is mine, Avernus.

Avernus: Acolytes... Retreat now. The battle is lost.

Sophia: Avernus!

Avernus runs away in a hurry and the vision ends.

Levi Dryden: What just happen -- Oh no, more fighting!

More fightan indeed - this time with leet rage demon.

Levi Dryden: The Wardens summoned demons.

Levi Dryden: I can't believe it. And my grandmother...

Levi Dryden: She knew.

Bro: I'm here for my own reasons, not for your soul-searching.

Levi Dryden: Of course. I'll stop my nattering, then.



Wow, great-great-gandmomma is still alive or...

Sophia: Step no further, Warden. This one would speak with you.

Bro: Why should I speak with you?

Sophia: Because this Peak is mine.

Sophia: This one is the Dryden. Commander. Sophia. All these things.

Levi Dryden: G-grandmother?

Sophia: You have slain many of the demon ilk to get here.

Sophia: This one would propose a deal.

Bro: Tell me about this "deal".

Sten: The Qun is quite clear in matters of demons. Destroy them quickly, efficiently. Enough talk.

Sophia: Deal with me now, warrior, and you will thwart many of my kind. This one will explain.

Sophia: The Soldier's Peak traps me. This one sees so many tantalizing places in the Dryden's memories -- this one would see the world herself.

Sophia: For me to be free, into the old mage tower you go and destroy. In return, this one seals the Veil.

Sophia: No more demons, no more enemies. Your peak would be safe. Just let this one go into the world.

Bro: What am I destroying?

Sophia: The magics, all moving things, the very stone if you have the power.

Sophia: Something inside keeps my kind locked away.

Bro: And what exactly will you do if I free you?

Sophia: This one will roam, this one will see, this one will feed.

Sophia: But without me the Veil will grow weaker -- more demons, more misery.

Sophia: You choose just one of my kind or many.

Bro: Before I make a deal...

Sophia: Yes?

Bro: (Persuade)(Lie) First seal the Veil, then I'll do my part. I promise.

Sophia: This one smells the sweet stench of lies upon you.

Sophia: You seek to betray this one.

Bro: (Persuade) Fine. I'll do your errand. But you go first.

Sophia: Gah! Your offer is accepted.

Sophia: Come, follow this one.

Sophia: Gossamer strands only stand betwwen this world and home. Feel it?

Sophia: So deliciously weak here. So frail. The entire world should be as such.

Sophia: But this one will feed the Veil. Make it strong.

Sophia: My brethren will not make it easy. Are you ready?

Bro: I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Sophia: Then we begin.

The task is simple - hold off several waves of enemies while possessed Sophia is performing the ritual.

Rage demons



Shades



Ash Wraiths



And finally - Desire Demon.

Sophia: And it is done. Your Veil is strong.

Sophia: Now you go, and do this one's bidding.

Bro: I'll head to the tower, then.

Sophia: Yes, go!

The demon sensed betrayal and still performed the ritual correctly. Maker's ass, (s)he's dumb.

To the tower, then.



Narrow bridge with skeletons and lots of traps.



Not too challenging obstacle



More walking corpses inside the tower.



Avernus's journal detailing his evil experiments on human subjects.



Ability Notes: (This appears to be old research of the mage Avernus. They detail a series of experiments in terse, clinical handwriting.)

Avernus: Day 32. The subject is not respnding to the stimuli. Testing the pain threshold has uncovered nothing. Only three subjects are left.

Avernus: Day 82. If only I could reproduce last night's extraordinary success. Electricity is only a catalyst. The blood is the key.

Avernus: Day 97. Energy and blood. Repeated applications have duplicated the results. I conjecture that success can be induced alchemically.

Avernus: But there are no more subjects left. If only I had one more, or a dozen. The things I could do.

Now here is the result of his research.



This noxious potion appears to be the culmination of Avernus's horrific research.

It promises to unlock the hidden potential of the tainted blood you drank during the Joining.

Bro: Drink the vial's contents.

Pain wrecks your body. But there is power in this pain... and a hint of understanding.

This will unlock two new talents depending on your class.

Time to talk with the man himself.

Avernus: Ah, I was expecting someone. Or something. Please, come in.

Avernus: It has been so long since I could focus, you see.

Avernus: But the rip in the Veil has been mended.

Bro: How do I know you're not possessed?

Avernus: You've met dear old Sophia, have you? (Chuckles)

Avernus: My body is sustained from a similar source, but my mind and my volition are intact.

Avernus: Why are you here? What is your intent?

Bro: I'm here to recover the Grey Wardens' base.

Avernus: I see nothing that could stop you now. Certainly not myself.

Bro: I've seen your experiments.

Avernus: They were necessary. Any tool, any iota of information that could defeat the fell demons was justified.

Avernus: As a Warden, you should know that.

Morrigan: He has a point there. If a single spell could win the battle, I would not question its source.

Avernus: Your charming companion is quite correct. You'd do well to heed her advice.

Bro: How do you know I'm a Warden?

Avernus: A combination of my research and blood magic.

Avernus: But even without that, who else would brave Soldier's Peak?

Bro: I'm debating whether I should let you live.

Avernus: And here I thought you would rescue me.

Avernus: Since the fall of Soldier's Keep, my every breath was dedicated to keeping the Veil from being torn completely open.

Avernus: And this is the gratitude I get?

Bro: How do you propose I deal with you?

Avernus: Charitably, I hope.

Avernus: With the Veil mended, I would seek to continue my experiments in peace.

Avernus: Perhaps I could advance the Wardens' knowledge one last time before age claims me.

Bro: Experiment away. If it bears any fruit, I want to know.

Avernus: I feel I am close to a breakthrough. And now I can dedicate all of my time to research.

Avernus: I will share anything I learn with the Wardens and with you.

Returning back to the demon gate.

Sophia: This one rages. The tower still stands.

Sophia: The Avernus lives. This one is betrayed!

Bro: (Attack) You evil is at an end.

Sophia: Never!



Bye-bye, dumbass.

Levi Dryden: You've done it, Warden. Soldier's Peak is safe again.

Levi Dryden: That old geezer Avernus deserves the gallows, if you ask me, but... people will do queer things to survive.

Levi Dryden: I would... stay away from his lab. I think he needs more Wardens for research. Ghastly, that.

Levi Dryden: But there was no proof to redeem my family.

Bro: The past won't offer redemption. Try the future instead.

Levi Dryden: For so long, I was focused on the past. On answers.

Levi Dryden: But I think I would've been better off had I stayed at home.

Levi Dryden: Enough of that, though. I find myself at a loss.

Levi Dryden: You've got a whole fortress now. I suppose I should start plying my trade again.

Bro: Any chance I could convince you to stay on?

Levi Dryden: You know I'm no good in a fight. But I'm a fair trader, if I do say so myself.

Levi Dryden: My cousins have been looking for a safe place to store trade goods. And the Peak will do nicely.

Levi Dryden: Whatever the Drydens have to offer are yours, for a sizable discount.

Morrigan: The barrier between this world and the next will hold. And in time the land's scars will heal. 'Tis done.

Since Sten was the one who landed the final blow, Warden's Commander armor from demon's body is presented to him.



There is a hidden chest here activated by dabbling with the painting



You've found an old painting -- one dating back to Commander Asturian's times. Perhaps Asturian's history points to this.

Bro: Recite the Grey Warden oath.

It contains good one-handed sword Asturian Might among other things.



Warden's Keep is finished.

I love that ring, it's such a corny hook for a sequel/expansion.

Also she still managed to trace me through it even though I gave it to Oghren for shits and giggles.

I gave bitch a bone. Ox bone.

Click to expand...

Heh. I always love doing that too. Never saw the point of the dog-specific gifts, isn't he always at 100% liking anyway?

Levi Dryden: I would... stay away from his lab. I think he needs more Wardens for research. Ghastly, that.

Click to expand...

Any actual meaning to this?

Any actual meaning to this?

Click to expand...

No idea.

After visiting party camp Bro is going to check Warden's Keep again.



All the Dryden family is here. Time to reap promised reward.

Mikhael Dryden: You? You're the Warden? My family owes you.

Mikhael Dryden: Any weapons I make, I will sell you for a discount.

Bro: In my travels, I found this strange metal in a crater.

Mikhael Dryden: This... This is star metal.

Mikhael Dryden: If you give this to me, I will craft for you a thing of legend.

Bro: A star-metal longsword. That sounds perfect.

Mikhael Dryden: I must rest after my exertions. Warden.

This sword, Starfang, is probably the strongest in the game. I wonder why it's tied to the DLC...



Also, why the storage chest is located here, instead of party camp where it makes more sense?

Levi Dryden: Welcome back, Warden.

Levi Dryden: As you can see, we've been busy. Cleaned the place up a bit. Even my brother, Mikhael, came out of hiding. Never will you find a finer smith.

Levi Dryden: Also got some goods stroed here that might interest you. But them now before my cousins move it all someplace else!

Bro: I'd like to see your wares.

Levi Dryden: Certainly.

Whatever, I'm going to stock up with potions and ingedients. Wish me luck, brothers, for I am going to brave the Derp Roads. Bro takes Shale with him for more drama potential.



No so fast, though. We've yet to get access to Orzammar itself.



Loghain's hired goons try to stop us. Shale proves herself to be a worthy companion thanks to a multitude of AoE abilities.



Never forget to deliver a letter - that's the task worthy of a real Warden!

Tornas the Deserter: You have some kind of problem?

Bro: I'm here on behalf of the Blackstone Irregulars.

Tornas the Deserter: Oh? What is this about?

Bro: I'm here to bring you in for desertion.

Tornas the Deserter: I worried this might happen. I hoped it wouldn't be you who came for me.

Tornas the Deserter: I have no choice. Forgive me, Warden, but I cannot go back with you.

Bad choice.



And another letter.

Starrick the Apprentice: What can I do for you?

Bro: I have a note here from your master.

Starrick the Apprentice: This ought to be interesting.

Starrick the Apprentice: Such diction. This man is a true scholar and rhetorician!

Starrick the Apprentice: I am honoured to be fired by one such as he! Good day!

Now - to the gates, where bunch of humies are desperately trying to get a pass.

Orzammar Guard: Veata! This land is held in trust for the sovereign dwarven kings. I cannot allow entry at this time.

Imrek: King Loghain demands the allegiance of the deshyr or lords or whatever you call them in your assembly! I am his appointed messenger.

Orzammar Guard: I don't care if you're the king's wiper, Orzammar will have none but its own until our throne is settled.

Bro: I was born in Orzammar. Let me pass.

Orzammar Guard: Any dwarf who chooses to walk topside chooses to be excluded.

Orzammar Guard: Wait, look at me. You're the exile. This begins with you. Sorrow finished what your kinslaying started. Your father is dead.

Imrek: Kinslayer? Oh, you're not getting in.

Bro: Call me that again and we'll see more slayings.

Orzammar Guard: Threatening a sovereign guardsman only shows how far from House Aeducan you've fallen.

Bro: How did my father die?

Imrek: Losing two sons, one to murder and one to exile? Who can blame him for seeking peace among the ancestors?

Orzammar Guard: The Assembly has gone through a dozen votes without agreeing on a successor. If it is not settled soon, we risk a civil war.

Bro: I am a Grey Warden. This treaty obliges Orzammar to aid me.

Imrek: The Wardens killed King Cailan and nearly doomed Ferelden! They're sworn enemies of King Loghain!

Orzammar Guard: Will, that is the royal seal. That means only the Assembly is authorized to address it. Grey Warden, you may pass.

Imrek: What! He's a traitor! And a kinslayer! You said it yourself.

Imrek: In the name of King Loghain I demand that you execute this... stain on the honor of Ferelden!

Bro: (Intimidate) Run to your false king. The dwarves will not hear him today.

Imrek: You.... you'll hear of this. King Loghain will see you quartered!

Orzammar Guard: You are free to enter Orzammar, Grey Warden, though I don't know what help you will find.

Home, sweet home.



As it often happens, Bro stepped into emo trigger near the entrance to the Commons Quarter.

Shale: So here is a question for the painted elf...

Zevran: Painted elf? Oh, that's me! I do like that.

Shale: Am I to understand correctly that the painted elf is a "crow"?

Zevran: Not literally, but... yes. I am a Crow.

Shale: As in a bird.

Zevran: Is there another sort?

Shale: So the painted elf assaults helpless statuary with its feces?

Zevran: If given sufficient cause, why not?

Shale: That is outrageous! The painted elf will stay away from me. Or else.

Zevran: (Sighs) I get a lot of that.

Commons Quarter. Harrowmont is arguing with Bhelen and his crew.

Lord Harrowmont: It is the Assembly who makes a king, and a king who nominates his successor. None of it is carried in the blood.

Bhelen: Or, as now, when someone tries using the Assembly to pull a coup.

Bhelen: Who's to say what my father said in his final hours when the usurper Harrowmont was the only one by his side?

Lord Harrowmont: I'll have you thrown in prison!

Bhelen: You've bitten off more than you can chew.

Harrowmont supporter: Handlers! Separate these deshyrs in the Diamond Quarter! I will not have Bhelen incite a riot!

Bhelen supporter: You'll not speak that way about the man who should be king!

Ouch! Harrowmont's lapdog is owned major way.

Harrowmont with his escort run away in a hurry.


It seems that Borezammar suffered a major decline without my presence. Anyway, who's this? Someone familar or not?

Nerav: Who are... by the ancestors! You were exiled into the Deep Roads. How can you be standing here?

Bro: Nerav? Nerav Helmi? Is that you?

Nerav: I should hope so! I'd be quiet hurt if you didn't recognize me.

Nerav: After all, under different circumstances, we might have been married.

Nerav: But you were supposed to be dead. How is it you live?

Bro: The Grey Wardens rescued and recruited me.

Nerav: Then I hope your return is a good omen.

Nerav: Since your father died, many have begun to wonder if it was Bhelen's hand behind Trian's death, not yours.

Nerav: Even your father believed that. It's why he appointed Lord Harrowmont as his heir.

Nerav: But enough deshyrs support Bhelen to keep the Assembly in a deadlock. You can see how bad things have gotten.

Bro: How did my father die?

Nerav: In the sleep, though many whisper those are only sweet words to hide the smell of poison.

Nerav: May the ancestors accept the king among their blessed number.

Bro: How much support does Bhelen have?

Nerav: Exactly half the Assembly. But as you know, that means his numbers are dropping.

Bro: Once, the Assembly wished me to rule...

Nerav: And I'm sure some curse their decision to exile you. But House Aeducan stands behind Bhelen still, and they have stricken your name.

Bro: That's enough. I must go deal with this now.

Nerav: I'm glad to see you're safe.

Nerav: If you seek Lord Harrowmont's support, talk to Dulin Forender.

Nerav: You'll find him in Harrowmont's estate. Tell him who you are and I'm sure he can get you an audience.

Nerav: I should return home, until the streets become safe again.

It seems that everyone wants my attention this day.

Dagna: Oh, I actually was talking to your companions... or are you from the surface, too?

Bro: Yes, you could say that.

Dagna: Oh, wonderful!

Dagna: I've been trying forever to find someone who really knows the surface world.

Dagna: I-I don't suppose you've heard of something called "The Circle"?

Bro: Why is dwarf interested in the Circle?

Dagna: I've been trying to reach someone there for years; I've sent missives with every caravan, but I never get a reply.

Dagna: I want to know if they would accept me for study.

Bro: You're crazy. Dwarves can't do magic.

Dagna: I don't want to do magic. No dwarf can cast spells, but I don't see why I shouldn't study it.

Dagna: It would be a valuable exchange. Orzammar would learn of one of the great natural forces of the surface.

Dagna: And the Circle gains direct access to our knowledge of lyrium smithing.

Hey, game, I'm not a delivery boy. Stop throwing that shit at me.

Bro: Ridiculous. Stay in you place and leave the mages alone.

Dagna: Then I'll wait for the next caravan. I'm not giving up!

Dagna: Someday, they will take me. I refuse to accept anything less!

Bro's heading to the Diamond Quarter trying to meet with someone important.



Oh, look, a living memory of good ol' days.

Mardy: M-my lord! You're back. They told me you were dead!

Bro: I remember you. Looking for another night with your prince?

Mardy: "Prince," you say. Then why were you exiled and stripped of caste not two days after you planted your son in me?

Mardy: With you as his father, he's casteless now. His birth wasn't even recorded by the shapers! You've destroyed us!

Bro: Did you say "son"?

Mardy: I've had to care for him myself, nurse him, clothe him.

Mardy: I can't work. No one wants to lie with a woman who's used up her fertility on some casteless brat. How could you do this to us?

Bro: Well, I didn't exactly plan to get exiled!

Mardy: Then help us!

Mardy: Convince your family to take you back. Or at least declare you honorably dead and acknowledge your son!

Mardy: Please. Think about what his life will be otherwise.

Bro: I'll try. In the meantime, here's some money to live on.

Mardy: Thank you... I haven't had a solid meal in a week.

Bro: (Give her one sovereign.)

Mardy: Oh. One sovereign. Great. Very generous. It was nice knowing you.

Harrowmont's Estate is our first goal.

Dulin: I'm surprised to see you back, exile. Lord Harrowmont asked me to find out why you're here.

Bro: I would speak with Lord Harrowmont.

Dulin: After what you did, why would he trust you? You and Bhelen worked together to kill a rival before.

Dulin: We've already caught more than one of Bhelen's spies trying to get close to his lordship.

Dulin: So, I'm afraid I won't be able to take your word. If you want to speak to Harrowmont, you will need to prove he can trust you.

Bro: Stop playing games! This treaty compels you to help!

Dulin: You're asking the king of Orzammar to send armies to the surface, but Orzammar has no king and we have no army.

Dulin: Right now, the men who should be fighting darkspawn are brawling in the street. If this situation is not resolved, we face civil war!

Dulin: If you want Lord Harrowmont's time now, you'll have to prove you have no intention of turning against him later.

Bro: So, you would make the whole world wait?

Dulin: If you wish to show you have no loyalty to Bhelen, then work against him in Harrowmont's name.

Dulin: Bhelen is hosting a Proving today, supposedly to honor his father's memory.

Dulin: The deshyrs take it very seriously. And unfortunately, Bhelen found some way to blackmail or intimidate House Harrowmont's best fighters into stepping down.

Bro: So, you'd like me to enter the Proving in Harrowmont's name?

Dulin: It would certainly make your loyalties lound and clear.

Zevran: (Chuckle) And this is to be your king? One who cannot keep his own men from running like frightened children?

Dulin: Lord Harrowmont does not use threats or intimidation to motivate his men. He leads by example.

Zevran: Ah, I see. So it's his example they follow as they cower from this Prince Bhelen?

Dulin: How dare you slander Lord Harrowmont!

Zevran: Why should we ally ourselves with someone too scared even to grant us a audience?

Bro: (Persuade) You'd be nervous if someone was out to get you.

Zevran: I suppose not everyone can face death as undaunted as an Antivan, it's true.

Dulin: Then you agree to fight in Harrowmont's name?

Dulin: Bhelen would never work with anyone who humiliated him in that way. Harrowmont would have no fear of meeting with you then.

Bro: I don't want to start picking sides.

Dulin: Then I'm afraid your only choice is to wait until there's a winner. Lord Harrowmont cannot risk his life working with someone of unproven loyalties.

Dulin: If you change your mind, let me know. The Proving is this afternoon and Lord Harrowmont could certainly use you on his side.

I must say bi-elf has the point. Next stop - Royal Palace.



We take a corridor to the right only to encounter hidden thieves.




Another Revenant to put down - in the kitchen, no less.



Glass Phylactery: Many of King Endrin's belongings have been rushed into storage, including trophies of his long reign. Among the boxes is a small glass phylactery.

The area is unnaturally cold. Dark shapes swirl around a slip of paper within the vial.

Bro: Take the vial.

Glass Phylactery: The glass fractures at your touch.



Now Bro'll show you a secret.

Place your companions on a pressure plates shown here...




...and touch the throne.



This will summon a dragon. He drops two-handed sword called "Ageless" with bloodymess perk, and a hefty sum of gold.



Thieves. Revenants. Dragons. Massive of Bro's very own palace . Bro leaves it with sadness and anger in his heart. Maybe the Assembly will offer help?

Deshyr 1: Your mind has gone to dust if you think we would pass such a writ. Half our houses would go broke without the surface trade.

Deshyr 2: The proposal is only effective until we have a king to ensure we are respected by the surfacers!

Deshyr 1: Leaving you conveniently positioned to take over all contracts. I'll see your head o a pike, first!

Assembly Steward Bandelor: Deshyrs, lords, and ladies of the Assembly: I've already doubled the guard to prevent violence. Must I summon more?

Deshyr 1: Steward Bandelor, Bhelen's sympathizers are tying our hands with trivialities! They may as well open us to the sky!

Deshyr 3: I suggest we put the matter to a vote.

Deshyr 2: And I suggest you have a taste of my family's mace --

Assembly Steward Bandelor: Enough! The Assembly is in recess until the members can regain control of their emotions!

The doors are closed.


Democracy in action - all talk, no walk. Ah, if Bro was the king, he'd shown those fuckers the meaning of subordination.

There's Bhelen's representative hanging out nearby. We'll drop a message for "beloved" brother.

Vartag: I head you had returned to us, exile. What insult do you men by coming here?

Bro: Only to tell Bhelen that the next time we meet, he dies.

Vartag: I won't be passing that message on, exile. Your brother will be king soon. He's the one who decides who lives and who dies.

It seems that Bro has no choice but to accept Dulin's offer.

Dulin: Do you see how thing lie, Warden? Lord Harrowmont cannot trust you unproven, but he welcomes a good faith gesture.

Bro: What did you ask me to do again?

Dulin: Bhelen is hosting a Proving tournament to honor his father's memory, but he somehow scared off most of Lord Harrowmont's figthers.

Dulin: If you can enter as Harrowmont's champion, you would prove your dedication well.

Bro: I'll enter the Proving, and see why the others withdrew.

Dulin: Excellent. The arena is located off the Commons. Talk to the proving master and tell him you're entering Lord Harrowmont's roster.

Dulin: The key fighters we lost were Gwiddon and Baizyl.

Dulin: You can look for them in the fighters' preparation chambers, behind the ring. And be sure it's before the fights begin. After the first hout, no one may change the roster.

Dulin: If you need to find me again, I will wait in the Tapsters Tavern, off the Commons. There is no better place to hear gossip. Perhaps even word of your victory.

The last place worth visiting here - Shaperate.

Shaper Assistant Milldrate: Warden! I'm outraged. A thief in the Shaperate. What have we been reduced to?

Bro: Did you get a good look at him?

Shaper Assistant Milldrate: I did. He was bald, with the most garish brand across his head. Almost like he took pride in being castleless! Imagine!

Shaper Assistant Milldrate: Ah... he's probably in the slums somewhere. As if he'd find a buyer for a stolen tome in Dust Town. They couldn't know the value.

Orta: Oh, um, pardon me. Were you looking for a particular volume?

Orta: Not that I could really help. I, um, don't know the libraries very well. I'm just doing some research...

Bro: What kind of research?

Orta: I was looking for something about he Ortan Thaig. It was lost during the last Blight, and there aren't many records left.

Orta: They were a noble house once, descended from the Paragon Ortan, who composed the grand epic of the Seven Brothers and the Ortanic Symphony.

Orta: My mother's family believes they were descended from Kelana Ortan, who was training in Orzammar when the thaig fell. I'm even named for the house -- Orta.

Orta: Unfortunately, any records would be buried in the thaig's ruins, somewhere in the Deep Roads.

Bro: I could look... in return for some of that Ortan wealth.

Orta: You can't go into the Deep Roads and find some lost thaig by yourself.

Orta: There aren't even any expeditions planned until they settle this election.

Orta: Otherwise, you need special permission from the Assembly or some great lord.

Bro: Do you want my help or not?

Orta: I hear Prince Bhelen and Lord Harrowmont have both been sending out small teams these days.

Orta: Yes. If you can find the thaig, and any records, that could do it. That could prove I'm a noble!

Orta: If you could... Maybe, now that you're looking... It's almost too much to hope.

Bro enriches his experience by reading books lying on the floor and leaves the library.



Nothing else to do in the Diamond Quarter for now. Back to the Commons.

Much more tolerable than the earlier countless fights !

Is it actually possible to side with Bhelen ? Not that I'd be in favor of it : he fucked Bro over and there can be only one consequence to such a crime. But if the hero wasn't a dwarven noble, there'd be no reason why he'd have to choose this Harrowmont over Bhelen.

Yes, there is one: BIOWARE!!!!

Also, is there an explanation why the hell there's a fucking dragon on the palace other than for the lulz? Why even to get a secret treasure you must fight in this game?

PS: Wasn't somewhere a dwarf companion? I heard that if you don't obtain him before Shale due a bug he becomes unobtainable or something.