[OPEN] a fieldtrip for the Wardens and friends

[mactears]

WHO: Loghain, Teren, any other Grey Wardens who feel like participating + anyone else who would have some excuse to be down in the Deep Roads (or at least can come up with a reason to join)
WHAT: Wardens & co. respond to reports of darkspawn activity in the Deep Roads beneath the Vimmarks, and encounter another surprise.
WHEN: Early May.
WHERE: The Deep Roads beneath the Vimmark mountains, close-ish to Corypheus' tomb.
NOTES: There may be a spot of violence. For prompts 1 and 2, feel free to thread with each other rather than just Loghain. For prompt 3, please keep all replies to one thread. Also, while this log is really of interest to Wardens and those who care about them, literally anyone is welcome to join. Honestly, just make up an excuse for your character and hop in.

I.  Traveling


What the Deep Roads lack in visual variety they make up for in the variety of different ways the environment can kill you. Death by ancient dwarven trap or consuming the wrong type of mushroom is as real a danger down here as getting murdered by darkspawn, which is likely responsible for Loghain's frequent refrain of, "Mind where you step."

When navigating through the roads, he seems inclined to keep to himself, either leading the way through the dark or bringing up the rear. Yet he isn't adverse to company, should someone choose to join him and strike up a conversation.



II. Fighting darkspawn!


The first sign of trouble comes in the form of a genlock scout who escapes into the darkness of a narrow cave crevice before he can be killed or apprehended. This is enough of a portent of things to come for Loghain to quickly issue some marching orders; any non-combatants in the group in the middle, kept guarded by those with combat experience who haven't undertaken the Joining. The Wardens, of course, will be the first line of defence against the oncoming assault.

It's a short-lived skirmish, with enough genlock and hurlock opponents to keep the Wardens busy, and perhaps a few to sneak past the line and engage the other armed combatants. Any injuries will need to be tended to quickly, however, because no sooner does the group have a chance to catch its collective breath...



III. Fighting... other Wardens?!


...then the sound of armoured feet clinking against the stone ground signals the approach of someone new. Several someones. When they come into view, it is clear immediately that they are Grey Wardens, given they sport armour identical to Loghain's and any other Wardens in the party. (There are six of them in total, if anyone is inclined to count:  three warriors including one sporting a great sword; an archer and a mage, and a dual-wielding rogue who looks like she used to slit throats for funsies before her conscription.)

It's unclear precisely how this encounter might have gone had Loghain not been in the party--but as it is, one of the newly arrived Wardens points right at him, shouts something in Anders, and then the fighting begins again in earnest.

"Someone take out that mage!" Loghain has time to shout, before he's otherwise occupied parrying a heavy blow from the largest warrior's greatsword.
 

Comments

SIX.

[swordproof]

I.

Travel is not something new to Six; she had been camping and hunting for herself since she was barely old enough to hold a weapon and had been truly, completely independent from the age of fifteen. This is familiar territory now, trekking through places and settling down in the evenings, pausing to take watch, to breathe, to enjoy company that you would not have even considered before. Even now, with people that she thinks may well be like-minded, she feels on edge and uncertain, constantly reaching for the amulet that lies around her neck, constantly wishing that her prayers would be answered.

They never are.

Much like their leader, Six does not go out of her way to make conversation with anyone. She keeps her greatsword strapped to her back unless it's needed, she keeps her head high and her hair out of her face and she only seems to pause when they really do stop to rest at any point in time. When she can she kneels and prays to a God that cannot hear her, but is always quick to offer to help, to do something, to aid anyone who might need it, careful and gentle in her movements. Anyone speaking to her is also given a reply, but it's clear that she's not entirely used to being spoken to by anyone, especially not here.

II.

The order to stay back is one that Six seems to take with great frustration - she knows her skills are good, that she can stand up for herself and fight where necessary, but she's also well aware that the others have something that she does not. Without her powers, without her gifts, she is weaker than she has ever been and it is a good job to give her, defending those who cannot care for themselves.

She is stalwart in her defence of anyone who cannot care for themselves, greatsword drawn and eyes alert. Anything that comes near her - foul rather than friend, of course - is taken care of with quick, heavy strikes of her blade, either tearing through whatever limb she can reach to disable them or cutting through their spines and necks for a quick, painless kill. Torture, even killing those that are a risk, is not something that Six can abide.

When the fight is over she hands over the scarce supplies she has for healing and, while everyone else is being taken care of, spends a little time cleaning off her blade and tending to it before she turns to have a closer look at the Darkspawn. They're nothing like the fiends she'd seen at home and yet... She thinks if she still had her powers she would be able to sense the same energy from them.

"I have seen nothing like this before."

II

[circleprodigy]

After the brief battle, Inessa is checking in with everyone, particularly the non-Wardens of their group. Garahel accompanies her, the mabari uninjured. He wags his tail at Six as Inessa pauses nearby and follows Six's gaze.

"Now you see what we fight against, why the order persists even between the Blights. Darkspawn are our eternal enemy and if their numbers are left unchecked, this world will suffer for it."

[swordproof]

There's a quiet that makes her settle as she stares out over the battlefield, drinking in the sight of the dead bodies. She has never seen anything akin to them, and her eyes are wide and unsure, thoughtful as she tries to commit the sight of them to memory. They're deadly, dangerous things, she can tell that already, and to think...

"Only Wardens may fight them?" It seems so strange, to have one small army to fight something so deadly and dangerous. "Are there no more who can help?"

[circleprodigy]

"Oh, some help." Inessa's pats Garahel's head; the mabari looks rather pleased with himself. "But they have to take precautions not to let darkspawn blood into their body; only Grey Wardens are immune. All others risk a painful death or ghouldom, fates which I wouldn't wish upon anyone." Her mabari concurs with a soft whine.

[swordproof]

"Masks, or other such things?" Six is curious - and, clearly, interested. Her eyes flick down to the dog, large and clearly wiser than anyone might credit it for in her world, before she speaks again. "Are any capable of becoming a Grey Warden? Or only those specially chosen?"

[circleprodigy]

"Any can apply, or become conscripted; the order has recruited from gallows and prisons as often as it has from tournaments or court. One's social or criminal status is not a factor in becoming a Warden." She then pauses, choosing her words carefully. "There is much I'm not at liberty to share, but the Joining is not something lightly undertaken. It changes you forever, binding you to the order in a way that is immutable. I'm sorry I can't say more, but our only true goal is to stop darkspawn and the Blights. To that end, we do what we must to keep them from consuming the world."

[swordproof]

"The chances of success in your application is small, then." It's clear that she's considering it, and there's a moment where she stares out at the bodies of the Darkspawn, at the few Wardens littering the area. To think, there are people here akin to Paladins, different but similar all the same. Her hesitance is clear, but her eyes skip back over to look at Inessa. "Your goal is to protect people. To keep as many people safe as you can."

[circleprodigy]

"Yes, ultimately." But that consideration needs to be addressed, much as Inessa wants to encourage. "However, I ought to point out that this is an inopportune time. The order is fractured, and we are at odds with those who have taken over the Anderfels and sided with Corypheus. Anyone joining would inherit that burden, and it will be one even if Corypheus falls.

We also have a very poor reputation internationally, thanks to the actions of said brethren. They have participated in blood sacrifice, demon-summoning...such things are not going to be forgiven. And the fact that some of us refused to participate won't matter to some; we are tainted by association."

[swordproof]

It's something to consider. Six knows that she would gladly volunteer for this cause - she would gladly offer herself, without hesitation, if it meant protecting people - but there is no place for her yet. It's understandable, given the internal conflict, but also frustrating that the one aspect of Thedas she can relate to and feel as though she could be a part of is too distant for her to reach.

"Then I shall help you, as best I can." That she can do, at least. "I may not be one of you, I may not be a Warden, but I was a Paladin once. I have fought the evils of my own world and I will continue to fight the evils of this one, given the opportunity."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa responds to that affirmation with a small but genuine smile. "Thank you. We're so flooded with allies that we can afford to take any assistance for granted, and skilled assistance at that." Non-combatants would be of no help, but this woman has a weapon and seems to know how to use it. "Can you tell me about being a paladin? Is that an order of its own?"

[swordproof]

"I will do what I can for as long as I am here." Six doesn't intend to be in place here forever - she feels trapped and chained, but being allowed to go on trips like this gives her some of the confidence to think that, perhaps, she might be able to last here after all.

The question, however, brings a soft smile to her face.

"A Paladin is one who has made an Oath to a God and is granted power as a result. I devoted myself to Sarenrae in the search of justice and honour, to protect those that cannot protect themselves."

[circleprodigy]

"A noble goal, to be sure. It's strange to think of a god who grants power and attention, when the Maker -or the Creators, to accommodate the Dalish- has turned his back on the world. There are warriors with otherworldly power -spirit warriors- but that's granted by forging a connection to the Fade rather than a god.

...how do you know they are gods, and not powerful spirits?" Not trying to provoke, her expression is honesty curious. She's still trying to wrap her mind around the notion of a god so heavily involved in mortal lives.

[swordproof]

"A Paladin seems most like those spirit warriors from what I have seen," and it's very little that she's actually seen. Six hasn't had a chance to interact with a huge amount of Thedas natives, mostly keeping to her own ilk, but she has no room to complain when she is being able to bear witness to new and exciting things.

Frowning at the question, she considers.

"Spirits cannot do the things the Gods of my world can do. I am certain of that. Spirits have power, certainly, but can they match a God?"

I

[justice_is_blond]

He watches her kneel and clearly pray several times. Faith is... not the easiest thing for him to put stock in, but there's a little bit of jealousy and curiosity about people who can. It's after she stands up from one such session that he approaches, hands in the pockets of his warm black robes and staff strapped to his back.

"Who do you pray to?" Other worlds, other gods. Does that shake anyone's belief? Or does it make them feel stronger in it?

[swordproof]

Faith is easier when the one you pray to responds and embraces you; before she had become entangled with Adrain she'd had very little time for the Gods of her world, no matter how important they were. Having felt Sarenrae, however, and having known her touch and her kindness... There is no way for Six to deny her. She cannot, not when the woman's symbol hangs around her neck, when her Oath binds her.

Lifting her head, she blinks a little, surprised at the question. There's a gentle, almost careful softness about her, like the calm before the storm.

"Sarenrae. I have been told she cannot hear me here, but I hope all the same."

[justice_is_blond]

"Sarenrae. I've not heard of that one before," he says, matching her care with his tone. "I've no idea who can say if deities can or can't hear you here, I've no idea how one would figure that out."

Maybe he'd be able to say if he had any faith left himself. If he'd ever seen the Maker do something or give a care. His people had suffered for so long because of the religions here and that's made it particularly difficult for him to think any higher power worried about their 'children' here.

"Does yours, does Sarenrae, do anything to show her presence? Or did she? Or favor, or... sorry. I'm not that religious, simply curious."

[swordproof]

"She is not of this world and I do not think there are many who worship her here. I've met some people from my world, but none that have taken the same path I have." No Paladins. Magic users, yes, and a Bard, but no Paladin or Cleric to share in her belief in her God.

The impression she is getting of this world is that their Gods - the Maker, these Creators - are not as involved as the ones she knows are. They take an interest, they speak to their chosen, at times, you can pray for their aid. The Maker has turned from Thedas and he should be shamed for it, not worshipped all the more.

"She is the one who blessed me with my divine powers, when I had them. I wear her symbol in honour of her." Six lifts a hand, touching the necklace around her neck. "Sometimes, when I prayed, she would speak to me in my most dire moments."

[justice_is_blond]

"As in, actually speak with you?" He leans forward, interested in her words but also in catching a look at the symbol. The Chantry has its burning sun all over the place, including branded on the foreheads of those stripped of who they were.

"A conversation, as opposed to some sort of feeling? That would be... Well. It's rather hard to conceive considering our Maker doesn't give a fuck." There's a short pause before he frowns. "Sorry. I'm a mage. I have a lot of reason for heresy, but I don't have a problem with the faithful from other worlds." He's even is okay with some of the faithful from Thedas... but it's not a lot of them. They've imprisoned and held down his people for far too long.

[swordproof]

"Yes. She uses her words." The idea that she wouldn't is foreign to Six - because she is used to a world where some communication from the Gods is familiar. It isn't as though she and Sarenrae converse every single day, but she sends her prayers and she can still recall the sharp, painful moment when she had lost Adrian and given her Oath. Sarenrae had spoken to her then and had given Six the strength and the hope to continue.

"It is not a daily event, nor do I expect it. I am not the only person to worship here and she is a God; her attention must be divided appropriately." She waves her hand, dismissing his apologies. "All those with power and strength can name a God they might draw it from, magical or otherwise. It is common in my world."

[justice_is_blond]

What would that be like, to hear a deity talk to you? To know that one cares? And to have someone more powerful in your corner? He feels a bit of wistful jealousy, but it's not overwhelming - she's possibly separated from her god here and must be feeling the lack. Is it better to know a god's care and be parted or never know it? He can't answer that.

"Common. So there are a lot of gods? Or do each have a large following? If you don't mind the questions. You can ask any you'd like in return, there must be things you'd like to know about Thedas that you don't have answered yet. And I'm Anders."

[swordproof]

It has left her a little desperate and sad - she can still recall the horror of realising that nothing she could do would be enough to make Sarenrae hers again, nothing she could do would bring her God back to her side. She's fought with that knowledge for long enough that it's a familiar discomfort more than the weight it had been once. Thankfully, there are now other things to occupy her time and her mind and that is what she clings to.

Fighting Darkspawn, for instance. Talking to people. Forging connections. Adrian would be proud.

"I do not know what you would consider a 'lot'. Some have more followers than others and some are almost lost to the world. That is the way of things; faith comes and goes and it not always strong." She smiles, reaching out to offer a hand. "I am Six. Thank you for your offer."

[justice_is_blond]

"A pleasure to meet you, Six."

He shakes her hand with a returned smile. While it might not last, it's nice to be treated like just another person and Rifters tend to do that. His past is not a personal insult to them the way it is to many natives.

"By a lot, I mean in comparison to people here. Andrastians follow the Maker, more or less, often less, the Dalish have... a dozen? A dozen or so deities, possibly fewer. The Dwarves tend to place their faith in the Stone, I believe, and I don't know what the qunari follow besides oppressive rules. In context I'd say twenty or more would comparatively be a lot."

[swordproof]

"Perhaps there are that many. I am not an expert in the history of all religions." She shakes her head, leaning back to consider. "I know of eight great Gods that people of my world worship, but there are those with names that makes the number closer to seventeen. I worship Sarenrae because she came to me in a time of need. She is a healer beyond all else."

The questions make her think back - she never had formal training in religion or history, but she knows that her connection with Sarenrae had been enough to help her, in her own world.

"It must seem to you, then, that we have a far greater number than people of this world could imagine."

[justice_is_blond]

A healer god. Who apparently reaches out to help people even if they're not following her. Anders is hit by a wave of jealousy... and sadness, too, because Maker, could this world use gods that actually cared.

"It's not so much the amount of people you have as I don't know how seventeen could keep up with even a city the size of Kirkwall. There's easily over a million people there. Keeping up with a seventeenth of that... I'm not going to do the math. But I suppose that's why they're gods and not lords or on-the-ground healers."

He can see fifty patients on a good day. That's listening to them, healing them, and talking about ways to have a better life so they're not back in the Clinic or Infirmary in a week's time. Maybe if there's an urgent need or a rush he could handle a few more, but he'd also be dead on his feet after and it's not something he can do too many days in a row. But gods don't need to sleep, or eat, or recharge. They're... gods.

"I wish you could hear her here. I... I wish I could hear her. I'd be interested in a healing god, and not simply because I'm a healer."

[swordproof]

Six isn't as devout as a Cleric might be, perhaps, but she still carries a great deal of faith inside her for the God that had reached for her in her darkest moment and brought her up and out towards the light. She adores Sarenrae because she reached for her and Six had just enough strength to reach back.

"I'm not sure how far the strength or sight of a God can reach," it's easy enough to admit. She's not a God. She has never been close to that kind of divine power. They have a reach and sight and touch that I cannot begin to imagine. I was given the strength to protect, but not to do as they do. I would never claim anything like it."

Six misses so much about her gift. Being able to help, to heal, to sense, to guide... She's desperate to regain that power, to find the strength and power inside herself to return it to her, to find the well of hope and belief that Sarenrae had inspired not so many months before now. The loss is hurting her, even if she cannot admit it.

"I would help you, if I could." Bowing her head, she reaches and touches her symbol. "She does not always respond, but I am certain that she hears me. I felt her with me, always."