[OPEN] Smoke and Mirrors: Perendale

[minrathousian]

WHO: OPEN!
WHAT: The Inquisition's forces fight against the Venatori to prevent Corypheus from seizing power in Perendale.
WHEN: Early November.
WHERE: Perendale, Nevarra
NOTES: Violence.

On the edges of Corypheus' territory, Perendale is the site of a major Venatori offensive--a push by Corypheus' forces to take control of the city and push his influence further across Thedas. The Inquisition's forces have rallied to answer the Nevarran governor's desperate plea for support. The battle for Perendale will decide the fate of hundreds within the city's walls.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

Inessa pauses just long enough to pet Interceptor before James sets the terms and sends them rushing off to claim it first. Garahel is fast, but so is Interceptor, so it's a toss-up as to who will win. Whether or not he does, though, Inessa's certain Garahel is happy for the company now.

"It helps to keep the hands busy, one way or another. I'm certain whatever I cannot carry will see use with others. Take as many healing potions as you like; since I have the spell, I'm much less worried for myself."

[judgemewhole]

Interceptor goes charging after the stick, barking happily as he goes into a straight speed to get that stick before Garahel. James watches the dogs prancing around the stick.

"I shall gladly partake of your generosity. I would prefer to go with tonics and potions than lyrium, if I have to." He plucked some of the better bottles. "Have you picked a battle group to go in with yet? If not, I would offer you myself and Interceptor."

[circleprodigy]

Finishing off another potion, Inessa perks up at the offer and nods. They've fought alongside each other previously, which helps since she doesn't have to worry about how well they'll mesh. Plus, extra mabari. "I haven't, but that is a very tempting idea. I accept. Garahel will be glad to fight alongside his friend, and we can alternate dispelling the Venatori's enchantments." There's an eager glint in her eyes, as she's very much looking forward to that part. The Venatori are more than deserving of some payback.

And Interceptor gets it first. Garahel is a good sport and doesn't whine, just races back with him so that the game can begin again.

[judgemewhole]

James took a moment to praise his pup - he really was coming along with speed - before taking his arm back to throw it again for the dogs to chase after. "Good, I was thinking the same about Interceptor - and of course our abilities have always meshed well together."

He arches an eyebrow back at her, smirking slightly. "I take it you are perfectly fine with being at the fore of the attack?"

[circleprodigy]

Garahel happy rushes off again, all the more determined to fetch it this time. Watching him go, Inessa then turns her attention to James and nods. "I've been a Grey Warden long enough to adjust as need be. With a Barrier spell in place and Haste to boost us, I believe that's sufficient staying power."

She hesitates for a moment, but then comes clean. "I have also been studying necromancy, under a visiting Mortalitasi. My knowledge is so far limited to a Horror spell, but if that troubles you, I can refrain. I have more than enough other spells at my disposal, as it is."

[judgemewhole]

Interceptor is fast, but Garahel is able to move like a freight train through people while Interceptor still has to dart around. Looks like he'll make it to the stick first this time.

James glanced over at her, surprised, before he makes a faint face. Then he sighs. "As long as you do not direct it towards me ... I shall be fine." He sighs, "Besides, I will be using Templar abilities, so it seems only fair."

[circleprodigy]

Garahel's is decidedly smug as he trots back with the stick in his mouth, pleased that his effort paid off. Inessa pats him as he pauses by her before going to James, nodding stoically at James' reaction. She knows that area of magic has a reputation, even if it's not on the same level as blood magic. Still, there's no apology from her; as a Grey Warden, she's used to taking less reputable means to combat darkspawn.

"Likewise, I would prefer spell purging not directed at me, but I trust you to manage that." The Venatori will be doing their damnedest to strip her spells away as it is, they don't need the help. And just to be clear-- "My studies are centered on the spirits drawn to death, not reanimation. That particular area is a Nevarran aspect, one which I have no interest in obtaining. As it is, though, my rift and ice magic is far more likely to see use."

[judgemewhole]

James chuckles, stroking his hand across Garhael's head and making sure that he was feeling good and praised for what he had done. Then he took the stick and tossed it again to the more wooded area, to give them both a fair chance at tracking it down.

He nods his head in agreement, "I shall, so ... trust on both ends." A faint twist of the lips, before he looked over at her. "Considering what we are against - we need every advantage but we cannot fight on their level. If we do, they will overwhelm us."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa watches the dogs streak off again, but she's more pensive as her gaze turns back to James. "The shardbearers will require the brunt of our defensive efforts. We cannot allow anyone to become prisoners and experiments for the Venatori. Not again." She's heard and seen enough for that horrifying possibility to make her blood run cold.

[judgemewhole]

He leans back on one leg, looking to where the dogs were running of to. He paused, for a long moment, watching the dogs happily race one another, dancing around the both of them.

"You are absolutely right." He stated quietly, and with a touch of pensive horror in his own mind. "Whatever we have to do to save them ... we must."

[circleprodigy]

"At least they are just as unsubtle to us as they are to the Venatori. All we must do is remain watchful for that green light." Maybe saying that will make it so. She can only hope, right?

And then she tilts her head...and chuckles. Garahel grabs the stick when Interceptor does this time, and a playful tug of war emerges. "Time for a wrestling intermission. That will tired them out enough to rest well, at least. How do you manage the night before battle? I never seem to know what to do with myself." Aside from keep the hands busy, but she's running out of vials and supplies. Sooner or later, there will be nothing to do. Frightening thought.

[judgemewhole]

"True enough ... and how much would I give to have them only flash that green light to those of faith? But of course it cannot be. It cannot be a battle for the world if you do not have good and evil in equal measure." James stated quietly, before his smile returned at the two dogs played tug of war.

"Usually?... I pray." He looked over at Inessa, his mouth twisting sideways. "Kneel before my statue of Andraste, and pray in vigil until my heart and mind and clear."

[circleprodigy]

If she's right, it won't be long before the stick is forgotten and general wrestling commences. Good, that will keep them busy. She nods, at his response, thoughtful and nonjudgmental. However he manages, it's a good thing. "Clearing the mind -if one can manage it- is a sound choice and at least worthy of the attempt. Sometimes Circle meditation techniques give me enough focus toward that end and Garahel is strangely of assistance there. If I can center myself in the midst of a mabari's snoring, I can focus under any circumstances."

[judgemewhole]

He looks over at the two dogs play wrestling, and his lips curve into a faint smile. Amusement, his eyes flashing as they played and nipped at one another. Then his gaze moves over to her again, going more thoughtful.

"Would you like to meditate with me while I pray? We might both find enough calm to rest our minds for a few hours, get some sleep."

[circleprodigy]

Considering that, Inessa nods. Why not? "I'm certainly willing, once our duo has worn themselves out for the night. If anything, I always found it a little easier to focus in the chapel than anywhere else. Either the quiet or the prayer was comforting, it didn't matter which was present."

She glances to the boys and raises her voice a little. "Garahel, remember you're bigger than him. Play nice." Not that he isn't a good boy, but it's easy for Garahel to forget his own strength and bulk.

[judgemewhole]

James looked towards them, and shook his head, "Interceptor, no nipping at his heels. I know you're faster but that's just mean."

He shook his head again, lips curved up at the corners. "They are good friends, those two. Thank you, for letting them bond so."

[circleprodigy]

"Of course. I'm grateful, as well. Garahel deserves all the love and attention I can give him, but he does need canine companionship as well. I'm hardly a good wrestling partner, after all." Inessa smirks, then starts placing the potions and tonics in travel bags, sorting them out according to type.