[Closed] The Order's Obligations

[lifeofendurance]

WHO: Aleron Darton, Malcolm Reed, Inessa, Bruce Not-Banner, Cade Harimann, Ingrid Kief, Jeannot Mercier, Sadira, Bethany Hawke, npc templars.
WHAT: Templars have been asked to clear out suspicious mages squatting in the old Circle Tower. The group is sniffing out the truth.
WHEN: August 15-20 (Backdated a smidge)
WHERE: Perendale, Nevarra
NOTES: More information about the plot may be found here. A link is available on that page for the original war table wiki page. Feel free to inject any local npcs you like. IC signups are over here.

The road to Perendale proves less than interesting. Dusty and bare rock, with the odd silver mine to break up the monotony of the road. A peculiar strain of goats are native to the area and they do not seem to care for strangers on the road. They express their displeasure by rushing the Inquisition's horses and butting them in the legs. Annoying, but thank the Maker, not so aggressive and violent to put an end to the travel days.

The road itself begins moving north through Orlais then turns west. There is something small of interest, however. Perhaps. If one is knowledgeable enough and paying attention. The houses en route have a markedly Orlesian style to them. The odd lion battles a dragon in statuary along the way. Clearly the territory used to belong to Nevarra's southern neighbor, lost in an ongoing squabble between the two.

Perendale itself manifests its Orlesian heritage all over the city. The main gates boast lions rampant, entrenched in battle against dragons. Residences and shops are painted in the same lively colors that one would expect to see in any number of Orlais' towns. Thus ends the similarity. There are no gilded masks anywhere to be seen on the occupants, however, the mode of dress is not outlandish. The accents rippling through the air are not of the lilting elision one hears in Val Royeaux, but far closer to matching that of Seeker Pentaghast. Even the smells wafting out of the local taverns are different, rich and spicy; not a whiff of some overblown perfume to be had. The streets are cobbled and moderately clean, at least in the better quarters of the city.

And off in the distance, just outside the city walls, stands the abandoned Circle Tower, with faint infrequent lights flickering in the windows.

Comments

[sunshinethroughgrey]

She nodded her head, one corner of her mouth lifting. "I always prefer perspective over half-truths, honestly, so thank you for sharing your own." Her lips press together with worry that she upset her fellow Warden, "Forgiveness ... it's not something that comes easy. Just remember that he was trying to do something. He failed, miserably, but his fate ... it could not have been a kind one."

[circleprodigy]

"He didn't just fail, he showed everyone the very worst of what mages had to offer and dragged down others with him. The Templars were nervous for a long time after that. I don't think the Veil in Kinloch Hold ever really recovered, either." And it had been thin to begin with. Inessa sighs, shaking her head. "Whatever he endured, his methods were vile and unjustifiable. Blood-magic, demon-summoning...that has never lead to anywhere but disaster."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany exhaled slowly -- she did not get to hear the story from someone who was actually there, outside of Anders. Anders himself had been, at the time, either locked away ... or in fact on the run again. "Well, coming from Kirkwall ... yes, I cannot help but agree. There has to be a better balance for all of us, so such things are not necessary."

[circleprodigy]

Ah, Kirkwall. Inessa's expression grows sympathetic as she listens. "I've never been to Kirkwall, though from what I've heard from other mages about the Gallows, I'm quite grateful for that. How it must have been even a few years ago...I shudder to think. That is not at all what I advocate in reference to Circle life, nor would I ever."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"It was ... terrifying. I escaped the Circle myself by simply joining the Wardens. And when I say join, I nearly died from the Blight." She gave a wry little smile, before looking thoughtful. "I've learned a lot, about what it means to be a mage in different directions."

[circleprodigy]

The thought of almost succumbing to that gruesome fate has Inessa wincing slightly. "I can see why you would envy choice, then. To be thus infected isn't a fate I would wish upon anyone. Was it difficult, adjusting to the Wardens because of that?" If the choice had been taken away from her, if she'd had no other option, perhaps she would have resented them...but it would take a lot to override her gratitude for what they did in her tower.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"... It was, I cannot deny it." She sighed softly, looking up the path with a faint sigh. "I am still looking for a way to, ah, cure the taint. Or at least prolong my own life, so I can ... well. Retire." One corner of her mouth twisted.

[circleprodigy]

That gets her attention and she turns to stare, genuinely caught off-guard. "This would be the first time I have ever heard of that possibility. When I underwent the Joining, I was told it was for life. Is there truly a hint of subverting this?" Not that it sounds like Bethany has much to go on, yet, but still. Now Inessa's curious.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Rumors, mostly ... and Fiona." The Grand Enchanter, the former Warden, who seemed to be the only Warden in recorded history to be able to step away from the Blight in their blood. "There has to to be a way -- I just have to find it."

She will, though. It's in the set of her jaw, her golden-brown eyes.

[circleprodigy]

Fiona. Yes, of course that name is familiar. Inessa's brow furrows, wondering what she knows that might be of any help. Though undoubtedly, everyone's asked that of her already. She nods solemnly, not about to dissuade her. "If I can help, I will. It would benefit us all to have such knowledge. I'm a proud Warden, but I can hope for the future as well."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

A grateful look touches Bethany's face, before she dips her head down into a slight bow. "Whatever help I can get? I shall take. Thank you ... for taking the time. I know many will prefer to serve, but not me. I have ... paid my debts to one and all."