everybody loves the HINTERLANDS!

[byblow]

WHO: Anyone
WHAT: A brief detour through Ferelden prior to the Kirkwall move
WHEN: Late Drakonis/early Cloudreach
WHERE: The Hinterlands & Redcliffe
NOTES: A lot of people were interested in stopping by the Hinterlands, so that's what this is! Everyone who might be assigned or would volunteer to go work here is welcome. Treat it like an open plot log. Just without a plot. (Also please note that the dragon mentioned here can't actually be found or hunted.)

They say that no one can take Ferelden without first taking Redcliffe, whose eponymous castle guards the mouth of the largest pass through the Frostbacks to Orlais. Maybe that's why the Inquisition is still here, well over a year after the last skirmish between rebel mages and renegade Templars. Making sure it doesn't fall again. (Or that if it does fall, more skeptical locals whisper, to make sure it falls to them.)

Whatever the cause, the green, hilly country around the village remains dotted with manned Inquisition camps, and there's plenty of work to justify a trip down out of the Frostbacks. The Hinterlands are overflowing with elfroot and other useful herbs, which is good, since the healers never seem to have enough. Hunting spring game serves the dual purpose of feeding the locals and supplying the Inquisition with leather for armor and weapons. For a different kind of hunting, there are still bandits and highwaymen taking advantage of travelers on the King's Road and in need of periodic reminders that the rule of law has been restored, sort of, mostly. And for all the progress that's been made toward rebuilding homes and replanting fields, there are still some locals struggling to regain why the war took from them—which isn't at all helped by a dragon that's taken up residence nearby, stealing livestock and scorching fields.

Not glamorous work, any of it. But on the upside, it's an opportunity to thaw out. The flowers are in bloom. The skies are clear. The water flowing through the rivers and creeks into Lake Calenhad is brisk, not too icy, and when the sun is out it's warm enough to swim. And the village sports a tavern and a number of merchants—many of whom are just there to sell fish, but not all of them. Not only fish.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

"The Wounded Coast...such a charming name." Inessa shakes her head as Garahel grumbles at mention of bandits. "What do you know of the mountain areas? I know some who are less than pleased with the thought of moving to such an urban area. A mountain retreat could prove vital."

While Inessa herself prefers the comforts of civilization, knowing that Kain or other friends so inclined have options would ease her mind.

[lyriumcarved]

"I didn't spend a lot of time there, but only because the Vimmark Mountains are frequently overrun with all manner of creatures, whether animals or... more unpleasant things, such as darkspawn or wyverns. Still, I'm sure one could find a peaceful spot if they look. There are Warden structures out there as well. You may find that of interest." It's not really anything he cares about much, but he at least respects that it's one of her areas of expertise. "Have you heard much about Sundermount?"

[circleprodigy]

Her lips curve in a slight smile as she reaches for her tea. "I read Varric's book, so I have that perspective. Flemeth and the Dalish...though neither are present there now, right? I hope that means it will be a little less eventful." She would rather keep her distance from both the Witch of the Wilds and elves who would call her flat-ear.

[lyriumcarved]

"Good, then you're aware enough of what happened there." Without him having to go through the whole story, anyway. Flemeth's appearance, Merrill's clan, Merrill being unspeakably foolish, all of it. "I don't know what to expect there now, but I wouldn't count on things settling down completely. There's always some new threat, eager to move in when others are gone."