PLAYER PLOT: The Least of His Children

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WHO: Nathaniel Howe, Felix Alexius, Anders, James Norrington, Kaisa Daesun, Fenris, Araceli, Inessa.
WHAT: A quest to rescue a slave.
WHEN: August 26
WHERE: Tevinter
NOTES: Will update. Plotting post is here.

The Mastermind: Nathaniel Howe
The Game: Green Goods
The Grifter: Felix Alexius
The Mark: Magister Leo Valerius is an ailing old man, but his mind is sharp. His main concern of late has been to leave his sons a good inheritance, though he isn't exactly straight-up greedy.
The Prize: Alavda Endris is a slave to Valerius. The bad news is that she almost never leaves his side. The good news is that that makes her easy to find.

The Plan: One team is sent in, with Felix dressed as a minor lordling and his entourage trying to climb the social ladder by schmoozing an old magister. Felix claims to be staying as a guest of a nearby lord (technically true) and only visiting for the day. Valerius must believe this boy is an upstart with no political value and too much money.

Another team performs a heist and gains the money Valerius keeps at this estate by pretending to be contractors hired to work on the floorboards in the room with the vault door (an appointment Valerius set up months ago and our team hijacked). Planting bees in the floorboards will clear the room of guards. Felix pretends to fall in love with Alavda and asks to borrow her from Valerius. If Valerius hesitates, Felix offers him more and more money until he consents. He has loaned Alavda to other lords before, and Felix's show of being petulant and stupid should help wear away any suspicion that this is a set-up. In that way, it's a basic hustle. Once Valerius consents, Felix then sends an attendant outside to fetch that amount from the money stolen from Valerius' vault. The entourage departs, claiming to be returning to the local lord's house. They leave with Alavda and return to Skyhold.

MAJOR OBSTACLES:

Alavda is wearing an enchanted collar which allows Valerius to locate her. If it is cut away or in most any other way removed, it sends a massive and lethal shock through her system. The team will need to find a way to remove the collar without killing Alavda.

If/when the collar is removed, Valerius will send people to find her.

Valerius has about twenty guards on his property.

The vault door operates on reacting to a specific keystone which cannot be found, but aside from the magical lock, the mechanism is still a mechanism. A good thief can crack it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is vital that the members of this team keep their involvement and mission details secret before and after the mission. It must not get out that Inquisition members and affiliates were involved in hustling a magister.

Comments

The Journey There

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Make food, mingle, practice your upcoming role.

OTA

[circleprodigy]

An elf voluntarily traveling to Tevinter is not likely a common sight, and yet Inessa is doing just that. She remains close to the party as they make their way to the Imperium, growing quieter and more observant the further they travel from familiar lands. Perhaps there will be nothing to worry about and all will go as planned, but Inessa has survived by anticipating less favorable outcomes. Whatever tension lies within her, she doesn't seem to want to discuss it though. Any questions are usually met with subject changes, wanting to focus on the mission at hand. Garahel is a comfort at least, the large mabari taking point at times and scouting around for any sign of trouble. When he's sure there aren't any, he'll return for a treat and some petting.

Whenever they stop to make camp, Inessa is ready to assist, by now used to a much less comfortable life than the Circle in which she was raised. She's not much of a cook, but if anyone wants tea, there she shines. As much as they travel in a day, Garahel doesn't really need playtime to wind down now but that doesn't prevent her from playing fetch with him or letting him take the ball to someone else in hopes of the same.

While she makes a point to speak with everyone at some point or another, Inessa's curiosity about Tevinter will make Fenris and Felix a priority. When she's sure Garahel won't be attention-needy due to napping or playing with another, she'll seek them out with a polite smile and her usual soft-spoken tone. "Might I have a moment of your time?"

[foxsays]

Tevinter isn't a place Araceli had researched much beyond the history needed to fill in the gaps, not until before volunteering to come along but she once again finds herself uniquely grateful for First Day. Chance meetings at parties with Tevinter priests are uncommonly rare, and so she does have that, tempered with everything else to fall back on. Lux sticks close to her heels, not exactly made for tracking like a mabari but she knows what he's useful for.

A lookout that's lighter on their feet than anyone with two legs could ever wish to be? Lux all over.

Still, as someone that actually despairs about how terrible (translation: bland) the majority of the food seems to be for the trip, Araceli is more than happy to volunteer for the majority of cooking duties. Which is why she waves a hand in Inessa's direction, holding out a spoon to her.

"Can you come taste this? I don't want to burn your tongues off."

Open

[justice_is_blond]

A part of him has wanted to go to Tevinter since he was twelve, see the land where mages are ostensibly free, where there weren't cages for his people... but age and knowledge has dulled that desire somewhat. He no longer has protection from the mind control abilities of blood magic, and slavery is rampant there. It's not something he can accept anymore.

But still. Walking around with a staff on his back, in robes, knowing that no one is looking at him and wishing he was locked away simply for his magic, will be nice. He'd even be relaxed if it wasn't for the mission itself and one particular member of their party. Fenris' presence he understands, but he doesn't have to like it. He can't like it. The elf could choose to sell them out if he feels like it and Anders doesn't trust him, which is partly revealed in the way he glances over at the elf out of the corner of his eye from time to time.

The cause is important, though. And he's backing up Nathaniel, which is where he should be, so he'll deal.

Most of his time is spent in Nathaniel's relative vicinity, whether it's riding or they're camping, but he's not closed off to anyone approaching him. All of his time, though, is spent near Purrelden, whether she's on his shoulder or prowling for bugs or on his head or sitting nervously in her little box that he's strapped on to the saddle in front of him. It's time she gets used to running operations.

[solutus]

Late afternoon and the day's trek has been particularly uneventful. Hours on end with nothing to interrupt the tedium but the crunch of the road, the air particularly stagnant. These aren't things Fenris would typically be bothered by in the slightest but he's been progressively edgy since they crossed the Minanter, and it's the prickling sensation of certain furtive eyes on him yet again that finally fractures his self-imposed resolution to ignore Anders entirely for the totality of the enterprise.

"If you've got something to say, come out with it before you wear a hole through my back," he snaps flatly, rounding on Anders with a pointed glare.

[unbrokenoath]

Anders isn't the only one who brought an animal with him. And that he did is very interesting to Puppy, who keeps trying to sniff out and meet the cat that he knows is there. He doesn't bark, but gives a wuff, enough to alert Kaisa, who wanders over to lightly tap his head, enough to remind the dog to behave himself.

"If the cat bites your nose, I'm not helping." She tells him primly, and turns to Anders. "I'll keep an eye on him, but feel free to grab me if he's a butthead. The worst he'd do to the cat is try to give her a bath, but the cat may not appreciate that. Man, can you believe we're going to Tevinter? I made fun of the others for going to Orlais, and look at my dumb ass now." Despite her flippant banter, there's a tension that started as soon as they left, and only gets worse the closer they get to their destination. "Walking right up to schmooze with a magister. A magister."

open

[solutus]

They walk along for seemingly endless ages, the landscape sliding by, becoming progressively warmer, more tropical, as it shifts from the sprawling swarths of Nevarran countryside to the lusher, greener spans of the Imperium's outskirts.

Fenris' temperament on the journey thus far has been mild, congenial quiet for the most part but happy to engage lightly with his traveling companions as he flanks the outside of the caravan, eyes cast outward to the horizon or down at his feet, content enough to feel the road under his feet and the breeze on his face.

As the terrain changes though, so does Fenris’ mood. Tevinter begins to loom to the North like a weight on his chest and tension appears in the set of Fenris’ shoulders and in the tightness of his downturned lips, the set of his jaw rigid. His typically amicable silence turns to dour churlishness and he grows increasingly anxious, constantly casting disquieted glances out into the trees like he’s perpetually awaiting an ambush.

At night he’s posted by the fire, burnishing his blade or just sitting, legs pulled up as he stares saturnine into the flames, set apart from the group a little further with each camp.

[circleprodigy]

While Fenris still seems relatively social, Inessa will approach him after camp is set. Garahel gets their first, though, the mabari wagging his tail at the other elf, dropping his ball in front of him in hopes that he'll want to play. Yes, despite a day of traveling, the war hound somehow still has energy to run around some more. Maybe it's all these new friends that's giving him an extra boost?

Pausing a few paces away, Inessa takes a moment to observe. She's read Varric's book of course -who hasn't, really- so he isn't completely unknown to her. More than that, she's hoping he'll be able to fill her in on what she ought to know. "If he's a pest or you get tired of him, let me know. He means well, but not everyone takes to his level of enthusiasm."

[foxsays]

Araceli is here because she's a good thief, not because she's a bard (but maybe because she's a bard too, since she can tell a lie as easy as breathing so no one will know where she's been) but thieves notice plenty if they don't want to end up locked in a cell or dead. Lux is a constant shadow at her heels when she sits not quite opposite Fenris, not wishing to block his view as she slips her own blades free to settle on her lap before she removes a necklace that on closer inspection is a series of lockpicks.

The light of the fire is just enough for her to inspect them, making sure they weren't damaged at all in Dairsmuid, that nothing is in need of replacing as her fox pricks up his ears.

"Señor?" More used to the night noises of a city or a dock, she tips her head in Fenris' direction, keeping her voice low and soft. "Is there something out there?"

[unbrokenoath]

The polite thing to do might be to recognize Fenris distancing himself from the others at camp is due to his own problems, and give him the distance that he wants. But Kaisa has never been accused of politeness, and she doesn't see any reason to start now. So one camp, when he looks particularly glum and by himself and like what he definitely needs is someone to bother him, she strolls over, dog at her heels, and plops near him. The dog plops on her, proving that large dogs can be lapdogs if they try hard and believe in themselves.

"I like your sword. It's pretty big." She starts off, grinning shamelessly. "But I think mine is bigger. Want to compare?" That's not an innuendo, you're an innuendo. Her sword, for the record, seems to consist of nothing but a gaudy, colorful hilt. But there's probably a reason she's carrying a sword hilt around, right?

OTA

[blightedson]

Felix is helpful when needed. He carries things for the group, helps set up camp when they rest, and in general tries to make the trip easier and faster. He does this because it's natural for him to want to be helpful, but also because he desperately wants a distraction to the fact that he is returning home.

There has always been complicated feelings about Tevinter, and what it means to be from there, but it's strange to be faced with the idea of returning. He has such a mix of emotions that when there isn't something to do he tends to pull a bit from the group.

Returning reminds him how very different than he is from the other Wardens. Still, if someone comes up to him he doesn't seem annoyed at the company.

[circleprodigy]

Inessa's seen the other Warden around, both at camp and at the library. There's usually been some reason not to disturb him, but now that they're on the road as part of a team, more opportunities arise. Taking advantage of one while Garahel is napping, she sits down by the fire and looks over with a small smile.

"So, you're the newest Warden among us? I admit, I hadn't thought there would be anyone to rival my lack of seniority."

[justice_is_blond]

"You're quiet." He's helping set up tents for camp, and glancing over at Felix. "Not that you're normally a very talkative sort, that I've noticed, but you seem... more quiet."

He'd been excited to see the Anderfels again, but it hadn't been so long for Felix. That, and Anders had been dragged from the Anderfels. He's of the impression, though it might be mistaken, that Felix had left of his own volition.

Arrival at the Base

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Valerius is not the only magister with a vacation home at the seaside. Felix's contacts have offered him use of a manor belonging to a lord who lives in Minrathous. That makes the cover story easier, certainly.

The manor is, as was promised, entirely empty. The cellar and larder are stocked, but there is no staff. If anything is broken, the bill will be sent, but otherwise there is free reign of the place, and a beautiful view of the ocean.

OTA

[circleprodigy]

Upon reaching the manor, Inessa wants to explore, so she promptly does just that with Garahel at her heels. He's well-behaved, but she nonetheless lectures him on the necessity of not making a mess. This is only on loan, and they can't just do whatever they please. There's a soft huff in response, but he complies. Expect him to exploit that later, because hasn't he been a good boy and don't you want to give him treats or belly rubs?

She'll keep him away from the larder, much more interested the presence of a study/library. Whatever books are located within these walls are likely to be very different from those approved by the southern Chantry, so she has to take advantage of the moment. Curling up in the nearest chair, Inessa could easily lose herself in a tome until she's needed.

The Grey Warden mage can also be found on the beach, watching Garahel chase the waves and taking in the sight of the unfamiliar sea. Without further company, she'll take her time and linger until her mabari tires. Company is welcome, however, and she will smile and pause for anyone approaching.

Everyone Helping Norrington Practice Keeping a Straight Face

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Because this is important.

I heart you also Norrington owns line-face.

[judgemewhole]

Norrington was not a great con-artist, nor was he a thief. However, he was something of an ace in the hole - magisters had little to no experience with real templars. If things when horribly south, he was there to bring down the wrath of the Maker.

Until then however, he had to practice being just another bored guard. So in that case, that meant on the trip there, he spent a long time standing still and staring off into the desert, looking blank-faced and bored. He had to learn how to ... well, swagger, not something that his upright upbringing had really allowed him before.

He also couldn't wear his armor, so at the manor he made sure to buy some second rate stuff - the usual guardman's swag, and banging the hell out of it or rolling it around in the dirt.

If you're looking for him to practice that straight face impression? You'll find him practicing it already, or wearing in his second rate gear to make it look like he's had it for years.

Team Grifter: Meeting with Valerius

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Valerius' estate is one of many magister residences along the northern coast. Most are vacation homes of a sort, but Valerius' is his home proper, his estate in Minrathous occupied and run by his sons while he comes to his twilight.

He greets Felix and his entourage in his parlor, where he reclines on a chaise, dressed in a silk caftan, propped up with many pillows, and draped in shimmering blankets of bold colors. On his feet are slippers of soft fur. His face is pale, his lips nearly bloodless, but his eyes are keen. He may look a frail old man, but he is a Tevinter magister still. He has had people killed off-hand without even looking up from his tea. A cup of tea is cradled in his hands now.

"Forgive me for not rising to greet you," he says graciously. "Old age has no kindness. I greet you anyway, young man. Tell me what your name is, again?"

[justice_is_blond]

He's dressed in more simple robes than usual - clean, black, with just a touch of silver at the hems. There's no feathers, no other ornamentation; he's supposed to seem like he's a servant, a healer in Felix's employ.

That doesn't keep him from calmly noticing every detail he can. The man's watching them closely, but old. Ill. The words are no lie. Power is still present, but this man isn't going to lead any pursuit. He'll have to hand it off to others. And with no coin, that would be even harder. It's good news for if they slip up thoug Anders still hopes they don't.

Team Thief: The Heist

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The word from a servant of a magister friendly with Valerius is that the entry to his on-site underground treasure vault is in the library and quite well hidden. The library contains guards anyway, as Valerius openly keeps a number of valuable artifacts on display for his guests. The servant did not see the door himself, but remembers seeing light and "hearing magic" when it was being opened out of his sight. So the library is guarded and the vault door is hidden and magically sealed within.



Piece of cake, right?

There is a wine cellar next to the vault, but it has no entry into the vault.

[pinprick]

The guard who leads them in looks bored, which is a good sign. Not only does boredom mean his guard is down, it also means the group isn't setting off red flags in his head. The only thing he's worried about is how quickly he can get away from someone with a profession even duller than his own.

Placing the bees had been a delicate task done very early this morning. Nathaniel had gone through the wine cellar to do it, and was very nearly caught. Now, the task is even trickier. In their bags, each thief has a netted bee-proof smock borrowed from an apiary. The proper board is loosened and the bees come pouring out.

Once the guards clear out in a panic, Nathaniel dashes out to assure them that the team has dealt with this before and will hopefully have everything in check shortly. Of course, once they have what they want, he will return to them and say the infestation is too out of control and Valerius needs to contact a bee-keeper.

When he returns to the library, he puts on his smock. The bees are, fortunately, sticking mostly to the corner of the room they were planted in. Nathaniel looks grim.

"All right. We're looking for a hidden vault door. Start looking behind books."

Rendezvous

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The rendezvous point is not the mansion they used as a base, but a spot along the coast, where a boat waits to sail them to the river and down it. Here, we will address how to get the collar off Alavda.

Will update this when the plot gets here.

The Journey Back

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Closed to Kallian, Anders, and NPC: The Reunion

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[justice_is_blond]

He's nervous, after. Since they reunited months ago, he's treated Kallian like a daughter, come to care for her as one, but now she has one of her actual parents. She might not need him anymore. Might not want him anymore, and that's a feeling he's felt before. Not only that, even in captivity her mother has probably heard his name. What if she doesn't want Kalli to be around him?

What's to come is entirely unknown, and as they head in to the Warden camp to find Kalli, Anders is tense and worried and trying to hide it.