faderift | [OPEN] Smoke and Mirrors: Perendale

The Inquisition forces have eked out a camp beyond the rocky hills that overlook the city of Perendale, a Nevarran city that has been under siege by Venatori forces for several days prior to the Inquisition's arrival. The city's great Orlesian gate depicting the Lions slaying of the Dragon have been closed tight against the siege engine currently lodged against it, and scattered around it is evidence that the Venatori are here in earnest; to carry this metaphor forward toward its inevitable conclusion, it seems the Dragon is well on its way to winning, this time.

However, the Inquisition's arrival may have tipped off the Venatori that the balance of power in this particular engagement has just shifted. The bulk of the Venatori's forces have retreated enough to indicate that they're regrouping, though enough troops remain to guard the siege engine to make sabotaging it overnight implausible. The fighting will have to happen in the morning.

For tonight, you have time to prepare yourself for the fight to come by whatever means you prefer.

[OOC: This thread is primarily an opportunity for establishing and developing CR; any tactics for the assault to come have already been hashed out.]

Edited 2017-11-02 15:03 (UTC)

Whatever tactics were determined the previous day are laid to waste as the Inquisition troops wake to the smell of fire and the sound of fighting below the hills: the Venatori have engaged the Perendale city guard, and whatever forces the Nevarran capitol could spare, in a fierce skirmish. The reason no alarm was sounded is determined quickly by the bodies of dead Inquisition scouts beyond the camp periphery. No time to squabble or pass the blame around now--it's time to act.

The Venatori's siege engine has managed to penetrate the iconic gate leading into the front of the city, but this is also where the combat is concentrated most thickly, creating a bottle-neck that prevents the Venatori from flooding into the city in earnest. However,
they have begun to roll another siege massive engine up towards a different gate, with the intention of providing another entrance into Perendale.

The Inquisition's troops must enter the city, but it is imperative that the additional siege engine be destroyed before it can create another weakness in Perendale's defenses.

[OOC: There are opportunities to kick Venatori butt at both gates, and on the battlefield that stands between the soldiers and the siege engines. There are lots of Venatori zealots as well as enchanters on the field, in addition to Inquisition forces from Skyhold as well as Kirkwall, and the Perendale city guard--this is a major battle.]

Edited 2017-11-02 15:03 (UTC)

Whether the siege engines have been destroyed or not, some Inquisition soldiers have managed to fight their way through the skirmish transpiring outside the main gates. What they discover is a city, once beautiful and historic, aflame and on the cusp of ruin. The streets are filled with pedestrians desperate to find shelter in the section of the city still under the control of the Perendale city guard, their flagging ranks now bolstered by Inquisition and Nevarran soldiers.

A bloodied young Inquisition captain is giving directions to the wounded and able-bodied alike, and it is she who informs the newest arrivals that the Venatori were able to smuggle a number of their forces into the city by nightfall. The Inquisition's arrival has made them wild and desperate--clearly, the added opposition was not expected--but that desperation has made them formidable, too. The Venatori are led by a magister commander who has set up his base of operations within Perendale inside the city archives, well on the other side of a field of urban combat. Kill or capture him, the captain says, and their numbers will fall apart from disorganization.

There is also the Perendale governor's offices to consider, though the bulk of the city's defensive forces are concentrated around that building to prevent the officials from being captured or killed. Nevertheless, there is doubtless an effort being put forth by the Venatori to break their ranks; another potential place for you to exert your strength and lay waste to Corypheus' minions.

[OOC: The primary objective here is to fight your way through the city to the Perendale Archives. At certain stages, there will be DM tags indicating obstacles ahead of you that will need to be overcome.]

You have successfully cut a swath through the Venatori forces within the city of Perendale, and have managed to enter the Perendale City Archives, a beautiful building replete with cultural and municipal memory that is now the stage of a major fight to wrest control of the city out of Corypheus' reaching grasp. The archives' interior is beautiful, full of wood paneling and marble statues, arching doorways and cavernous corridors; it is easy to imagine it full of researchers, on another day.

You don't have much of an opportunity to enjoy the view, however, as you are immediately set upon by Venatori zealots and mages intent on preventing you from reaching the commander.

[OOC: This section should be contained to ONE THREAD and will involve light DMing! Once the opponents in the entrance have been dealt with, another tag will be provided with guidance as to how to proceed next. This will continue through confronting and capturing (or killing) the Venatori commander.]

Edited 2017-11-09 21:12 (UTC)

In the aftermath of the most intense parts of the battle, it is the responsibility of the Inquisition and Perendale city guard to chase out the last remaining vestiges of the Venatori, either capturing or killing them as is most efficient. There are also many fires (literal and figurative) burning throughout the city; helping the civilians caught in the midst of this traumatic event would do much to ingratiate the citizenry with the Inquisition.

Perendale's governor at last comes out to address all the soldiers who fought to protect his city from the Venatori, heaping praise and thanks upon all who fought and shed blood,
and lost their lives, in the fighting. He invites the Inquisition to accept what little hospitality Perendale is able to offer in the aftermath of the fighting, suggesting that whatever inns and public houses are still functioning might do well with receiving a bit of business.

[OOC: The threads under this header are effectively the denouement of the Perendale leg of the plot, and you're free to have your characters pursue whatever interests them here. Find some Venatori stragglers? Smite them! Find a tavern accepting patrons? Get drunk and hook up (or don't)! Rescue a little lost dog from a burning home?
Gain a new pet! Etc.]

Having left a note on her door explaining what's happening and having asked Loghain to look after Boots, Teren assumes her bases are covered and no one back home in the Wardens will make any assumptions about defecting (or abandoning). Those who know her well know how protective Teren is of Nevarra, how enraged she would become to find out that anyone, Orlais or Tevinter, has overrun it yet again.
So she's here, sharpening her knives outside her tent and being her usual glowery, taciturn self. Rather than take control of organizing the camp, she's very much keeping herself to herself and letting the others do as she please. She'll sneak in and assassinate every last Vint if she has to.
She makes a formidable impression, particularly with her newly-procured eyepatch that covers all but a line of scarring above her brow and on her cheek.

Edited 2017-11-02 17:46 (UTC)

Now, this is more like it. Skadi came for action and it seems she's finally going to see more of it. The Avvar woman is eager and restless at camp, checking and rechecking her supplies to see that all is accounted for and in peak condition. Either that, or she's often seen pacing and going through combat drills, keeping her muscles active and her wits sharp. This is also where her Spirit Warrior abilities can be witnessed, for those who haven't before. Around her well-muscled form is a cloak of arcane energy, the mark of one in touch with the Fade.

Once she's gotten that out of her system, Skadi will join those by the fire and settle down, offering a bottle to the nearest person. "Care for a swig? I've plenty to spare, thanks to Satinalia."

Inessa is typically quiet as she lingers at the firepit near her tent, polishing her gear and making some potions and tonics while there's downtime. Maker knows they won't have any of that before long, so she'll take advantage of that now. While she's busy, Garahel is plopped down by her side but will instantly perk up whenever someone approaches, tail wagging. Before Inessa can stop him, he'll grab a twig and drop it down at their feet, looking up hopefully.

"I hope you don't mind being recruited for a game of fetch? My hands are occupied, at the moment."

James is also walking around - but that is mostly to check in with most people he knows and make sure the troops - his own people and the Inquisition soldiers - are feeling confident and are ready for the battle on the morrow.

He turns only because he hears some 'ooohs' and 'aaaaahs', and he shifts through the crowd to see what the soldiers are staring at. A smirk passed his face, before he quietly shifted through the crowd and pulled his sword, silently saluting the spirit warrior with it. Then he arched an eyebrow, asking her silently if she wanted to spar, or was she content with having everyone gape at her.

Either way, he'll hang around afterwards to get a swig of wine.

"Only if he doesn't mind a little competition."

James drawled, as he and Interceptor walked over. Interceptor ran up to Garahel, happily sniffing his friend and hopping over to Inessa to give her a 'Hello friend!' lick, then turned around to bounce at James as he picked up the stick.

He eyed the both of them, lifting one finger. "No fighting. Whoever gets there first gets to carry it back."

Eying the distance, and open space, he tossed it off into the darkened field, glancing over at Inessa. "I have done that myself at least five times in the past few hours. I do not think my sword has ever been so sharp or my greaves so well oiled in a long time."

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."

That arched eyebrow is met with a sharp grin. "Bring it on, lowlander. Show me how you fight." She's not fought a templar before, though she's seen them in action on the training fields. Finding out one-on-one is more fun, though. At least her top half isn't relying on war paint alone this time, so hopefully distraction will be kept to a minimum. She readies her ice blade and stance, nodding.

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."

He grins fiercely in turn, before taking his stance with his sword and shield. Sword poised above his head, he started to circle her, tapping his rings on his sword and shield. Frost slid over both, adding another edge and another layer of protection.

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.

She flashes a smile at that, approving. "You surprise already, lowlander." Her own blade already counts as a frost weapon and though she doesn't have a shield, the Avvar warrior has studied blocking moves with it. Physical protection is light, but one thing she does have on her side is speed, so she'll be ready for him. Usually she's one for offense, but at the moment Skadi's curious to see his own technique.

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?"

"Well that is what us lowlanders are going for. Surprise, and a little bit of awe." He nodded his head, as he continued to circle her, looking for an opening. He waits until she swings wide, and moves forward, slamming at her exposed side with his shield, to draw her off balance. His grip on his blade has shifted, so he is using the flat side.

They aren't here to damage one another, after all. Just test one another's skills.

Kostos is being his usual glowery, taciturn self, too, albeit in more mobile form, walking around the camp in a path that circles so wide perhaps no one will recognize it as pacing. The staff in his hand has a blade at one end that could do with sharpening, but it hasn't occurred to him to try to keep himself busy that way. He's a worrier. And a prayer. His lips are moving soundlessly—you have grieved as I have; you, who made worlds out of nothing—but they stop mid-syllable when he nearly walks straight over Teren and her knives.

Whatever words Teren has deigned to speak on the journey here, they were enough for him to combine her accent and her look and hazard (key word) a guess as to her origins, with sufficient confidence to slip into his well-educated dialect of Nevarran and say, "This is not how I wanted to come back."

The stumble does indeed yield a snap of surprise and impatience, watch where you're going you fool, and so forth-- but when the mage turns and speaks to her in Nevarran, educated Nevarran, Teren's expression changes. It's not friendly, per se; not that she ever really looks friendly, but even among her own countrymen, there are, well... cautions.
She consdiers a moment, then nods in curt agreement, temporarily keeping her Nevarran to herself.

Kostos nods back.

And stands there for a moment, almost physically wobbling as he's pulled in different directions by the desires to say something more, for the sake of camaraderie and social acceptability, and to never say anything else to anyone again for the rest of his life.

And nods again, and turns to continue walking and worrying.

They're both very good at this.

There was something there, and Teren doesn't know what it is. On the surface, she's always felt self-conscious speaking the native tongue with people from other parts of Nevarra, since her own dialect bears the risk of coming off classless and foolish. Below the surface, he could be anyone, from anywhere in Nevarra, and know any number of things about her that she doesn't want people knowing.
And he hesitated near her, which means, on some level, they connected. Or he did to her. This doesn't bode well.

Watching him walk away, Teren narrows her eyes. She won't let her guard down around this one.

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."

That shield slam is somewhat effective; Skadi has to readjust her stance and grip before she can do anything else. After that, though, she counters with an energetic swipe of her blade, likewise using the flat side. He showed her what his shield could do, now she wants to show him the power of a two-handed weapon in turn.

"I thought it was conversion. I've already gotten approached about that." Given her smirk, it's not difficult to guess how that went for those involved.

James pulled back a little, throwing up his shield just in time to block a serious slam from the broadsword. He can feel that shudder up through his teeth, and he lets out a grunt of approval. Flat of the blade as well -- they are just showing off for the troops, after all.

"You know, in the lowlands? We typically use words first before swords ..." He smirked as he countered her blade with his own longsword, batting it to the side so he could try slamming her with the shield again. "But we aren't adverse to it."

[OPEN] Smoke and Mirrors: Perendale

Outside Perendale; the Inquisition's camp

The initial assault; entering the city

Reaching the Venatori commander; inside Perendale

Capturing the commander; the Perendale Archives

The aftermath; putting the city to rights

Teren

Skadi

Inessa (Open)

Re: Skadi

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