Welcome to Lothering, Ferelden's quiet country backwater village. Lothering may be a farming village on paper, but the city has always thrived from travelers wandering through, as it sits on the Imperial Highway, at the edge of the Hinterlands, north of Ostagar and south of the Bannorn. It is part of the Arling of South Reach. From the high vantage point of the bridge, those of you who haven never been to Lothering can see that the village appears relatively lower class. For those of you who have been to Lothering, you know it is relatively lower class. The fields are sparse, and homes are shoddy though in good standing, and the town seems solemn. Thankfully, there's not a darkspawn in sight. Unfortunately, as you continue down the bridge, you note three men in shabby armor loitering around. Around them are crates and sacks. As you approach, the apparent leader mosies over to you.
Leader: "Wake up gentlemen! More travelers to attend to! An odd assortment of folk, too."
Dumb One: "Err... They don't look much like them others, you know. Uh... maybe we should just let these ones pass..."
Leader: "Nonsense! Greeting, travelers!"
Alistair (mutters): "Highwaymen. Preying on those fleeing north..."
Leader: "Now is that any way to speak of someone? Tsk, tsk tsk. A simple 10 silvers to pay the toll, and you're free to move on." "Indeed! For the upkeep of the Imperial Highway! Bit of a mess, isn't it!" "Ah! How do we solve this predicament?"
LOW INTIM/CHA to HIGH INTIM/CHA
"Not much gets past you, I see." RI
"This is going nowhere." RI
Dumb one: "It's not really a toll. We're just robbing you, see?"
Leader: "Do shut up! Even a genlock would have understood that." "Well, i can't say i'm not pleased to hear you're not paying. We have rules, you know."
Dumb One: "Right. We get to ransack your corpse, then. Those are the rules." RI
"Did they say Grey Warden? Them ones killed the king!"
Leader: "Trators to Ferelden, I hear. Teryn Loghain put quite a bounty on any who are found."
Dumb One: "But..aren't them Grey Wardens good? I mean, really good? Good enough to kill a king?"
Leader: "You have a point. Let's forget about the toll. We'll just leave you to your darkspawn-fighting, king killing ways." "Well, yes. Twenty silvers? That's all we've... collected today." "Guess we'll have to make you see reason then!" RI
Dumb One: "Err... They don't look much like them others, you know. Uh... maybe we should just let these ones pass..."
Leader: "Nonsense! Greeting, travelers!"
Alistair (mutters): "Highwaymen. Preying on those fleeing north..."
Leader: "Now is that any way to speak of someone? Tsk, tsk tsk. A simple 10 silvers to pay the toll, and you're free to move on." "Indeed! For the upkeep of the Imperial Highway! Bit of a mess, isn't it!" "Ah! How do we solve this predicament?"
LOW INTIM/CHA to HIGH INTIM/CHA
"Not much gets past you, I see." RI
"This is going nowhere." RI
Dumb one: "It's not really a toll. We're just robbing you, see?"
Leader: "Do shut up! Even a genlock would have understood that." "Well, i can't say i'm not pleased to hear you're not paying. We have rules, you know."
Dumb One: "Right. We get to ransack your corpse, then. Those are the rules." RI
"Did they say Grey Warden? Them ones killed the king!"
Leader: "Trators to Ferelden, I hear. Teryn Loghain put quite a bounty on any who are found."
Dumb One: "But..aren't them Grey Wardens good? I mean, really good? Good enough to kill a king?"
Leader: "You have a point. Let's forget about the toll. We'll just leave you to your darkspawn-fighting, king killing ways." "Well, yes. Twenty silvers? That's all we've... collected today." "Guess we'll have to make you see reason then!" RI
Roll initiative
Silent & Dumb Bandit: AC 12 (leather), HP 20
Bandit Leader: AC 15 (studded leather), HP 50
Silent & Dumb Bandit: AC 12 (leather), HP 20
- Str 11 (+0), Dex 12 (+1), Con 12 (+1), Int 10 (+0), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 12 (+1)
- Speed 30ft, Darkvision 30ft, Passive Perception 12
- (Dumb) Longsword: +4 to hit, 1d6+1 slashing damage
- (Silent) Crossbow: +3 to hit, range 80ft; 1d8 piercing damage
Bandit Leader: AC 15 (studded leather), HP 50
- Str 15 (+2), Dex 16 (+3), Con 14 (+2), Int 14 (+2), Wis 11 (+0), Cha 14 (+@)
- Speed 30ft, Darkvision 30ft, Passive Perception 14
- Save Throws: Str +4, Dex, +5, Wis +2
- Athletics +4, Deception +4
- Reaction: Parry- captain adds +2 to its AC against the first melee attack that would hit
- Multiattack: makes two attacks
- Longsword: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 slashing damage
- Dagger: +5 to hit, 1d4+3 piercing damage
Leader: "Enough, enough! The coins we collected are right here. Just over 100 silvers! (offers a pouch)" or "All right! we surrender.=! we we were just trying to get by, before the darks ger us all."
Yyes! were criminals, i admit it, i apologize."
"You're joking, right? I could never be a soldier!" "I'm not going down without a fight!"
Yyes! were criminals, i admit it, i apologize."
"You're joking, right? I could never be a soldier!" "I'm not going down without a fight!"
After the fight, if the group attempts to look through and loot the surrounding crates/sacks, the bandits will again attack. If the bandits are killed or allowed to flee, the crates and sacks are mostly full of clothes, personal belongings, and homegoods. Not much of use. You do find worth taking:
[trap making stuff, some money, three daggers]
WELCOME TO LOTHERING
Now that you're at the top of the bridge overlooking Lothering, you can note the layout of the town. The center of town is where the majority of the homes are nestled alongside the inn and the chantry. To the right, in a lower muddy area are a group of rough tents and cots. The assumption can safely be made that these must be refugees. As they walk through the village, it's even more apparent, as the villagers look clean, while the refugees are dirty with clothes torn and a haggard look to them. To the left opens into small fields and gardens, the crops for the town. The left side of Lothering is hugged by the high stone walls of the Imperial Highway as well as a thin river that runs under the highway.
Alistair: "Ah, here it is. Lothering. Pretty as a picture." *sarcasm*
Now that the group can explore Lothering, here are some mandatory** and optional things that should happen:
GAME PLAN
At any convenient point during your time in Lothering, or when brought up by another player, Alistair should lead a game plan sit down.
[trap making stuff, some money, three daggers]
WELCOME TO LOTHERING
Now that you're at the top of the bridge overlooking Lothering, you can note the layout of the town. The center of town is where the majority of the homes are nestled alongside the inn and the chantry. To the right, in a lower muddy area are a group of rough tents and cots. The assumption can safely be made that these must be refugees. As they walk through the village, it's even more apparent, as the villagers look clean, while the refugees are dirty with clothes torn and a haggard look to them. To the left opens into small fields and gardens, the crops for the town. The left side of Lothering is hugged by the high stone walls of the Imperial Highway as well as a thin river that runs under the highway.
Alistair: "Ah, here it is. Lothering. Pretty as a picture." *sarcasm*
Now that the group can explore Lothering, here are some mandatory** and optional things that should happen:
- **Alistair must have the "Where are we going next?" conversation. Can happen at any point.
- **Unscrupulous Merchant
- Bandits, Bandits, Everywhere! Chantry Board reward
- The Terrified Chasind
- The Little Boy Without a Mummy
- Allison Wants Traps, Too
- Rid the Tavern of Soldiers
GAME PLAN
At any convenient point during your time in Lothering, or when brought up by another player, Alistair should lead a game plan sit down.
Alistair: "I thought we should talk about where we intend to go first. I think what Flemeth suggested is the best idea. These Grey Warden treaties... have you looked at them?" "There are three main groups that we have treaties for: the Dalish elves, the dwarves of Orzammar, and the Circle of Magi. I also still think that Arl Eamon is our best bet for help. We might even want to go to him first."
"We need an army to fight off these Darkspawn; to give us enought time for the Archdemon to make itself known so that we may defeat it and end this Blight once and for all!"
*sarcastic* "Yes, Loghain certainly wouldn't see that coming! And its not like he has the advantage of an army."
"Short of leaving Ferelden to seek them out, the only place to send word to would be Weisshaupt Fortress, and that's thousands of miles away."
"I can give you directions to any of these places."
"The Arl will be at Castle Redcliffe, in the western part of Ferelden, next to the mountain passes. If he isn't there, someone will be able to tell us where he is."
"Hopefully the Dalish will still be wandering the Brecilian area."
"The Circle Tower is on Lake Calenhad to the north. We'll need to speak to the First Enchanter. Whoever that is now..."
"The dwarves live deep in the Orzammar mountains to the west."
"You're a Grey Warden now. You're on Grey Warden business. The dwarves/elves will just have to see reason."
"Loghain... If he isn't out in the field with his army, he's probably back hiding away in the palace at Denerim. We can go to Denerim, but somehow I suspect that they're not going to just let us walk around. That is, if this bounty is true."
"We're a team. I'm not your leader. We're all equals in the Wardens."
"We need an army to fight off these Darkspawn; to give us enought time for the Archdemon to make itself known so that we may defeat it and end this Blight once and for all!"
*sarcastic* "Yes, Loghain certainly wouldn't see that coming! And its not like he has the advantage of an army."
"Short of leaving Ferelden to seek them out, the only place to send word to would be Weisshaupt Fortress, and that's thousands of miles away."
"I can give you directions to any of these places."
"The Arl will be at Castle Redcliffe, in the western part of Ferelden, next to the mountain passes. If he isn't there, someone will be able to tell us where he is."
"Hopefully the Dalish will still be wandering the Brecilian area."
"The Circle Tower is on Lake Calenhad to the north. We'll need to speak to the First Enchanter. Whoever that is now..."
"The dwarves live deep in the Orzammar mountains to the west."
"You're a Grey Warden now. You're on Grey Warden business. The dwarves/elves will just have to see reason."
"Loghain... If he isn't out in the field with his army, he's probably back hiding away in the palace at Denerim. We can go to Denerim, but somehow I suspect that they're not going to just let us walk around. That is, if this bounty is true."
"We're a team. I'm not your leader. We're all equals in the Wardens."
Unscrupulous Merchant
Along the path through the middle of the village, to the right is a little commotion around a wooden merchant's cart. A small crowd of three villagers are watching wearily around a Chantry sister and the apparent merchant. Merchant: "Back off! I have the right to charge what I wish!" Chantry Sister: "You profit from their misfortune! I should have the templars give away everything in your cart!" Merchant: "You wouldn't dare! Any of you step too close to my goods, and I'll..." [he spots your group, nicely armed and whatnot] "Ho! You there! You look able! Would you care to make a tiny profit helping a beleaguered businessman?" "You could say I'm ruffling some feathers, yes." Sister: "He is charging outlandish prices for things people desperately need! Their blood is filling his pockets!" Merchant: "I have limited supplies. The people decide what those supplies are worth to them." Sister: "You bought most of your wares from these very people last week! Now they flee for their lives, and you want to talk business?" Merchant: "Look. Strangers. I've a hundred silvers if you drive this rabble off, starting with that priest. I'm an honest merchant, nothing more." "Would it help these folks if they could buy no goods at all?" Sister: "They spend their very last coin because they are desperate. And this man preys upon them as surely as the bandits outside the city!" Merchant: "Bah! I'm not arguing anymore! Drive off this woman and get yer hundred silvers. Otherwise, I'm taking my wagon and leaving." "Ugh... Perhaps. If the woman agrees I'm allowed to charge something." Sister: "Do what you must. So long as the prices do not beggar the needy." Merchant: "Fine, fine. And since you don't look too needy, it's normal prices for you." Sister: "Thank you for your assistance. Maker watch over you." MERCHANT: Flasks, 10 silver Health Poultice (x2), 50 silver Deathroot, 1 silver Deep Mushrooms, 1 silver Axe, 20 silver dagger, 15 silver longsword, 45 silver maul, 65 silver bolts, 40 silver enchanter's staff, 5 gold crossbow, 30 silver splintmail armor, (37 h, 25 g, 30 b, 90 a) silver large wooden shield, 20 silver |
Random villager quotes
Refugees: "We were lucky. We had the coin to pay the 'toll' to those bandits. Many didn't." "I don't like this place. Why did we come here?" "Please, we came here to get away from the fighting!" "Mother says we have to run before the bad men get here." Elf Father: "Greetings, good sers. Might you spare some bread? ...We thought it'd be safer in Lothering, that the teyrn would bring his soldiers here. But bandits attacked us and took everything we brought. Our food, our clothes, my daughter's pet lamb... Nobody cares about a few elves. Can you help us?" "You...killed them? That's wonderful! Perhaps our belongings are still there! I can't thank you enough, friends. Even if we don't get everything back, it's good to know others will be safe." Little Boy: "Have you seen my mother? ... She's really tall, and she has red hair. We live on a big farm, all of us. Some mean men with swords came, and mother told me to run to the village as fast as I could, so I did! She said she'd be right behind me, but I've been waiting and waiting and I can't see her! ... My father went with William to the neighbor's yesterday, but he didn't come back. ... Mother said I wasn't to go with anyone. I'm supposed to wait for her here in the village. ... Why not? Why would she leave me here? ... But she must be coming? ... Maybe I should go home and look for her? ... No, I'm big enough to go by myself! The mean men must be gone by now! [or] No! I'm staying right here until mother gets here!" Villagers: Farmer: "We don't see many dwarves in these parts. Have you come here to trade? You working with the fellow by the chantry?" "A merchant dwarf. gouging folks by charging a fortune for the basics. They shouldn't have come here with nothing, I guess." "Can't promise I'll answer your questions." "As to who's in charge, you could talk to the elder. She's got her hands full, though, getting everyone on their way. For now, most folk go to see Ser Bryant. He's head of the chantry's templars." "Were? You mean they're gone? ... Well, goody for you. Those bandits were driving off the bloody refugees. I'm sure Ser Bryant'll be glad, though. He's been talking of offering a reward for anyone who'd run them out." "We got Chasind barbarians and every farmholder south of Calenhad running from the darkspawn. Not that they'll be any safer here with the army gone." "Don't let me stop you." "If you're looking for shelter, I'll warn you, there's none to be found." "We found someone sleeping in our fields. In the hay!" "What will happen to us, now that the king is dead?" |
THE CHANTRY
Past the merchant, the path dead ends at the Chantry. The courtyard is surrounded by a high stone wall with an open iron gate inviting refugees and villagers alike to find sanctuary within its walls.
For insight on the Chantry, players may ask a human or surface dwarf/city elf of faith, who will then roll INT. The higher the roll, the more info can be given.
The Chantry is the dominant religious organization in Thedas. It is based on the Chant of Light, a series of teachings written by Andraste, the prophet of the Maker, and was founded by Kordillus Drakon, the first emperor of Orlais. The Chantry's followers are known as Andrastians. The Chantry's goal is to spread the Chant of Light to all four corners of the world and to all races. The view of the Chantry on non-humans is that they need saving—they have turned even further from the Maker's grace than humanity has—a view that has lead to much of humanity to look down on them. The Chantry's faith is rooted in four core principles:
1. Magic is a corrupting influence in the world.
2. Humankind's sin of pride destroyed the Golden City and created the darkspawn, terrible embodiment of that sin.
3. Andraste was the bride of the Maker, a prophet and martyr whose ultimate sacrifice must be remembered and honored.
4. Humankind has sinned and must seek penance to earn the Maker's forgiveness. When all people unite to praise the Maker, he will return to the world and make it a paradise.
Until the Maker's return, the faithful believe that the Maker watches, a patient observer rather than an absent god. They do not believe the Maker will perform miracles on their behalf, but he will shed a tear for the suffering of those who do not deserve it.
1. Magic is a corrupting influence in the world.
2. Humankind's sin of pride destroyed the Golden City and created the darkspawn, terrible embodiment of that sin.
3. Andraste was the bride of the Maker, a prophet and martyr whose ultimate sacrifice must be remembered and honored.
4. Humankind has sinned and must seek penance to earn the Maker's forgiveness. When all people unite to praise the Maker, he will return to the world and make it a paradise.
Until the Maker's return, the faithful believe that the Maker watches, a patient observer rather than an absent god. They do not believe the Maker will perform miracles on their behalf, but he will shed a tear for the suffering of those who do not deserve it.
Bandits, Bandits, Everywhere! Chantry Board
Before you enter the courtyard, you'll note a man in chantry robes standing by a posting board. His humility is apparent, as he smiles calmly at you and lowers his eyes as to not appear rude by staring. If the players attempt to say anything to him, he will not speak. He will instead continue smiling serenely and motion to the board to his left.
Tacked to the board is a single posting. Scribbled at this very top in frantic, large writing is: Bandits! Bandits Everywhere! Below that is calmer, more professional font; the post reads:
Before you enter the courtyard, you'll note a man in chantry robes standing by a posting board. His humility is apparent, as he smiles calmly at you and lowers his eyes as to not appear rude by staring. If the players attempt to say anything to him, he will not speak. He will instead continue smiling serenely and motion to the board to his left.
Tacked to the board is a single posting. Scribbled at this very top in frantic, large writing is: Bandits! Bandits Everywhere! Below that is calmer, more professional font; the post reads:
As transcribed on behalf of Ser Bryant, templar and defender of the faith:
"Know that all those who prey upon refugees do so under pain of death. The Maker spurns bandits and their kind. The templars offer a sizable reward for the apprehension or execution of the bandit leaders plying their trade on the bridge blocking our road. Beware the bandits are numerous and of considerable skill. Only a well-trained and well-armed party should brave the conflict.
"Know that all those who prey upon refugees do so under pain of death. The Maker spurns bandits and their kind. The templars offer a sizable reward for the apprehension or execution of the bandit leaders plying their trade on the bridge blocking our road. Beware the bandits are numerous and of considerable skill. Only a well-trained and well-armed party should brave the conflict.
The group must go defeat or drive away the bandits from the bridge. If they have already done so, they must speak to Ser Bryant within the Chantry. Once they have done so, he will have them return to Chanter Devons for their reward of 3 gold. Chanter Devons will bless them before handing over the gold, saying:
"Blessed are the peacekeepers, Champions of the Just."
Terrified Chasind
The courtyard is a relatively unadorned, stone-paved area. To the right are a wagon loaded down with sacks that appear to be food-stuffs, grain and the like. To the right is a small and empty tent. If anyone inhabits it, they are not here now. As you walk into the courtyard, muffles quickly become panicked shouts that turn heads of everyone in the area.
"Your king is dead!! There is no hope!!"
To the left side of the courtyard is a small (but growing) crowd of villagers and templars alike gathered around a man in slightly different-looking armor. An intelligence of 15+ will recognize his piece-meal and very rustic-looking armor as Chasind. He is obviously one of the Chasind Barbarians who fled the southern borders of of Ferelden when the darkspawn appeared. He appears young, perhaps 25, with tanned skin and red unkempt hair. He has an axe strapped to his back that has probably been used for decades. His panicked shouts now fill the courtyard as he paces around the crowd, as if trying to warn a congregation.
Chasind: "The legions of evil are on your doorstep! They will feast upon our hearts! There is nowhere to run! This evil will cover the world, like a plague of locusts!"
Villager: "Please! You're scaring the children!"
Chasind: "Better to slit their throats now then let them suffer at darkspawn hands! *notices the Wardens* There! One of their minions is already amongst us! These... people! They bear their evil stench! Can you not see the vile blackness that fills them?"
Villager: "P-please, stop! Someone shut his mouth!"
VIllager: "But isn't he right? The bann left us to flee! We're going to die!"
Chasind: "*pointing at Wardens* These minions are but the first of those who will destroy us! I have seen them! You cannot run! You cannot fight!" "*calming down* Some of us fled here, but we cannot escape the darkspawn." "No! I won't listen to the words of a man/elf/dwarf/monster tainted by the darkspawn!" "I...ran, hearing my wife's screams as they dragged her off." "Are you..calling me a coward?!" "I... I have shamed my ancestors. But the blackness will come...*runs off out of the village*"
Villager: "He was right, wasn't he? There's no hope for us..." "You're right. We can't give up!"
Villager: "But..we can't fight! What are we supposed to do?"
Villager: "We can't lie down and die, either. We must go north, to Denerim!"
Villager: "Please! You're scaring the children!"
Chasind: "Better to slit their throats now then let them suffer at darkspawn hands! *notices the Wardens* There! One of their minions is already amongst us! These... people! They bear their evil stench! Can you not see the vile blackness that fills them?"
Villager: "P-please, stop! Someone shut his mouth!"
VIllager: "But isn't he right? The bann left us to flee! We're going to die!"
Chasind: "*pointing at Wardens* These minions are but the first of those who will destroy us! I have seen them! You cannot run! You cannot fight!" "*calming down* Some of us fled here, but we cannot escape the darkspawn." "No! I won't listen to the words of a man/elf/dwarf/monster tainted by the darkspawn!" "I...ran, hearing my wife's screams as they dragged her off." "Are you..calling me a coward?!" "I... I have shamed my ancestors. But the blackness will come...*runs off out of the village*"
Villager: "He was right, wasn't he? There's no hope for us..." "You're right. We can't give up!"
Villager: "But..we can't fight! What are we supposed to do?"
Villager: "We can't lie down and die, either. We must go north, to Denerim!"
With the uneasy crowd dispersing, the group is free to make their way into the Chantry. Two templars (one of which had been drawn in by the Chasind and is now returning) guard the wooden front doors. The Templar to the right stops you at your advance.
"If you seek refuge in the chantry, there's simply no room left. We turn no refugee aside, but we simply don't have room for anyone to sleep. I know it's not something dwarves/elves/qunari do, but if you wish to offer devotion to the Maker, you may enter." "The revered mother runs the chantry itself, and Ser Bryant heads the templars stationed here." "We haven't seen any darkspawn here. The only action Lothering has seen is when Teyrn Loghain passed by with his army. It's a shame about the King, but with the darkspawn coming, few can think of anything else." "You drove off the bandits? Ser Bryant will appreciate that!" "Maker watch over you."
Inside the Chantry
Inside the chantry, the feeling of warmth and comfort normally provided is is dwarfed (no pun intended) by the panic and restlessness of the people inhabiting it. Pews have been pushed to the side to make room for people to sleep on the floor and mill about, while prayer candles have been left open to the left and right of the room. A long red rug runs the length of the room, covering the stone floor. The tall ceilings are lit by wooden chandeliers, and arched shallow alcoves are lit by candelabras. At the end of the red rug is a raised pulpit, upon which a Brother stands. He seems to be preaching, but you cannot make out what he says from the entrance of the Chantry. To the left and halfway down the red rug are three Templars talking is normal voices, though it seems loud amongst the hushed whispers of the refugees. Though two are helmeted, a third you can see is tanned with long black hair partially braided back out of his face. He appears to be in his mid to late thirties, and addresses the other two men. |
Chantry Refugee Quotes "What will happen now that the King is dead?" "I brought my family to Lothering. I thought it would be safe." "And when the Maker spoke, the Chant of Light scattered in the darkness. The Word dispelled fear and ignorance. Let those who cry out from the shadow be comforted. Let those who seek redemption be delivered. Let those who have sinned be forgiven. And when the Chant spreads across all four corners of the world, let it rise at last to the ears of the Maker. |
Ser Bryant: "There's word of darkspawn stragglers, but no sign of the main horde. We are the only hope of protection this village has now, and I will not abandon them." "Yes? Who might you be?" "I am Ser Bryant, commander of Lothering's remaining templars. You don't seem like the other refugees. Are you some of Arl Eamon's knights? We've seen a couple of your fellow soldiers here in recent days." "You have not heard? So you must not be who I thought. Arl Eamon has fallen ill, and his knights are on a quest for the sacred urn filled with Andraste's ashes, said to cure any malady. He must be very ill, if they chase miracles as the only cure. One of the arl's knights, Ser Donall is here searching for fantasies, while... nevermind. Ask him if you care about this foolishness."
"If the matter is important, I'll answer what I can, certainly."
"The revered mother leads this flock; I merely command her templars. Normally, our role is to protect the Chantry and seek out unsanctioned magic. For now, it is all we can do to protect the innocent." "*sigh* I have no time to even think about hunting mages right now. My concern is protecting these people. I see nothing threatening them other than the darkspawn."
"The revered mother is in her study, no doubt, preparing what she will take when we eventually evacuate."
"Our Bann was summoned by Teyrn Loghain, and he took his soldiers north with him. Lothering has been abandoned." "Nothing is good. Teyrn Loghain is set to declare himself king, I hear. Disaster piles on disaster. Curse the Maker, King Cailin had no heir. At least, none that we know of. Teyrn Loghain has no legitimate claim on the throne. He may be famous, and his daughter may be Queen- Maker save her soul-, but he is a commoner and the King's corpse is barely cold. If Arl Eamon was able to intervene, perhaps it would not have gone this far." "I do not care who takes the throne. Only fools fight over who owns a cottage while it is burning down around them."
"Now, unless there is something else you need..?"
"
Ser Bryant on Chanter Devons:
Oh, he can't answer you. He's Chanter Devons. He has taken of vow of partial silence, and he will only speak the Chant of Light. He's in charge of the Chantry Board, where deeds to be done are posted. All town's Chantry's have a Chanter.
"Travel safely, and may the Maker watch over you."
"If the matter is important, I'll answer what I can, certainly."
"The revered mother leads this flock; I merely command her templars. Normally, our role is to protect the Chantry and seek out unsanctioned magic. For now, it is all we can do to protect the innocent." "*sigh* I have no time to even think about hunting mages right now. My concern is protecting these people. I see nothing threatening them other than the darkspawn."
"The revered mother is in her study, no doubt, preparing what she will take when we eventually evacuate."
"Our Bann was summoned by Teyrn Loghain, and he took his soldiers north with him. Lothering has been abandoned." "Nothing is good. Teyrn Loghain is set to declare himself king, I hear. Disaster piles on disaster. Curse the Maker, King Cailin had no heir. At least, none that we know of. Teyrn Loghain has no legitimate claim on the throne. He may be famous, and his daughter may be Queen- Maker save her soul-, but he is a commoner and the King's corpse is barely cold. If Arl Eamon was able to intervene, perhaps it would not have gone this far." "I do not care who takes the throne. Only fools fight over who owns a cottage while it is burning down around them."
"Now, unless there is something else you need..?"
"
Ser Bryant on Chanter Devons:
Oh, he can't answer you. He's Chanter Devons. He has taken of vow of partial silence, and he will only speak the Chant of Light. He's in charge of the Chantry Board, where deeds to be done are posted. All town's Chantry's have a Chanter.
"Travel safely, and may the Maker watch over you."
Intro to the Urn
To the right of the hall, a little past Ser Bryant, you notice an armored man standing by a prayer candle. His helmet in his hands, he appears to be in prayer.
To the right of the hall, a little past Ser Bryant, you notice an armored man standing by a prayer candle. His helmet in his hands, he appears to be in prayer.
Ser Donall: "Who..? I beg your pardon. I did not see your approach. *recognizes Alistair* Alistair? By the maker, how are you? I... I was certain you were dead! All of us at Redcliffe heard about what happened at Ostagar. How Loghain... If Arl Eamon were well, he'd set Loghain straight soon enough."
Alistair: "So you're here looking for the Urn of Sacred Ashes, then?"
Ser Donall: "I am, indeed. Andraste's ashes are said to cure any illness. But I fear we are chasing a fable. Each day, my hope dims." "I expected to take advantage of this chantry's library, in fact, but my skills are better suited to battle than chasing down tales." "Supposedly, the Urn contains the ashes of the prophetess Andraste. Surely you know all this?/I suppose dwarves/elves/qun-folk don't know much about our religion." "If you're interested, that are books here containing a great deal of lore. Nothing I have found leads me to believe that this was anything more than a quest of desperation. My only shot is a scholar that resides in Denerim, but with Ferelden in the state it is... I need to return to Redcliffe. Perhaps later I will seek out the scholar. But I must go."
"Why do you need Arl Eamon?" "I see. The arl is a popular man, it's true. Teyrn Loghain, however, is a hero throughout Ferelden. Whatever the teyrn has done or not done, the arl remains ill, or worse. That is my primary concern. I hope his luck has changed in the days I have been gone. I am certain you would be welcome at Castle Redcliffe. The arlessa is there, and she could tell you more than I could."
Alistair: "So you're here looking for the Urn of Sacred Ashes, then?"
Ser Donall: "I am, indeed. Andraste's ashes are said to cure any illness. But I fear we are chasing a fable. Each day, my hope dims." "I expected to take advantage of this chantry's library, in fact, but my skills are better suited to battle than chasing down tales." "Supposedly, the Urn contains the ashes of the prophetess Andraste. Surely you know all this?/I suppose dwarves/elves/qun-folk don't know much about our religion." "If you're interested, that are books here containing a great deal of lore. Nothing I have found leads me to believe that this was anything more than a quest of desperation. My only shot is a scholar that resides in Denerim, but with Ferelden in the state it is... I need to return to Redcliffe. Perhaps later I will seek out the scholar. But I must go."
"Why do you need Arl Eamon?" "I see. The arl is a popular man, it's true. Teyrn Loghain, however, is a hero throughout Ferelden. Whatever the teyrn has done or not done, the arl remains ill, or worse. That is my primary concern. I hope his luck has changed in the days I have been gone. I am certain you would be welcome at Castle Redcliffe. The arlessa is there, and she could tell you more than I could."
Before the pulpit is a dark-haired Sister in Chantry robes. She looks quite fretful.
Sister: "It's terrible. So many come to Lothering seeking refuge, only to find that we can offer little more than prayers. Does the Maker see our plight. Is He moved by this destruction? I apologize. The Maker's plan is too grand for me to fathom. Especially at times like this." "The Chant is our devotion to the Maker, our first commandment as followers of his prophet Andraste. The entire Chant takes weeks to sing, and is only done straight through at the Grand Cathedral in Val Royeaux." "When the prophet Andraste was burned by the magisters, the Maker turned away from His creations. We gain his forgiveness by spreading Andraste's teachings. The Maker will return when the Chant is sung from the four corners of the world." "Would you see someone's soul denied the Maker's light just for the misfortune of having been brn outside the Chantry's influence? Everyone deserves redemption, my friend."
"The revered mother presides over the Chantry, and good Ser Bryant leads the few templars guarding us."
"May the Maker watch over you."
"The revered mother presides over the Chantry, and good Ser Bryant leads the few templars guarding us."
"May the Maker watch over you."
Now that you're standing at the pulpit, a single Brother stands atop, ministering seemingly to no one in particular, yet everyone at the same time. To the left is a small statue of Andraste, and next to that is a small brazier being tended to by a Chantry Brother.
Brother: "I'm sorry I cannot talk to you. I must feed the holy brazier, to ensure the flame never dies." "It represents the flames that burned Andraste herself. Do you know the tale? The prophet was burned in the ancient Tevinter city of Minrathous before the ancient mages she had fought. Instead of dying in pain as the mages wanted, she was purified by the fire and taken by the Maker into the heavens to stand forever at His side. We are all sinners. The fire symbolizes our hope that forgiveness is possible. Thus, we all serve by feeding its flames." "Don't be ridiculous. It is a symbol. It's not meant to be taken literally! Now go, and leave me to my task." "Of course. The dwarves have offered us coal and special rocks. Even the Circle of Magi volunteered to provide magical flames. If that isn't irony, I don't know what is. The flame is meaningless without the act of remembering and atoning for our sins."
"I wish you well."
"I wish you well."
To the left of the pulpit is a classroom of sorts. Tall bookshelves divide the round room into sections, likely for different classes to be held at once. Now, they serve to divide up boxed and bagged goods, likely food and other goods needed for the refugees. A sister stands guard over a few children, who are sitting around an open book.
To the right of the pulpit is another round room that mirrors the classroom. This is the revered mother's room. There are wooden chests of drawers, armoires, a desk, and other such furniture. All are made of fine wood and craftsmanship, but the room is bare. A small potted plant on a shelf is the only personal item noted. The mother, gray haired, thin and strict, sits upon a single wooden chair, a prayer book in her lap. She looks wearily up at the group when they enter, her mouth is drawn tight with stress.
Mother: "Will you be making a donation to the chantry, my friends? You look like you have salvaged more of value than most who make it here." "Might I suggest 30 silver?" "Your kindness is undeniable. The Maker will reward you." "One out of one is a more generous gift than ten out of thousands." "-"
"What can I do for you, then?" "Grey Wardens... here? Oh dear. You put me in a difficult position. You must know that Teyrn Loghain declared the Grey Wardens to be outlaws." "You have not heard? The teyrn claims that the Grey Wardens are responsible for the king's death. There is a price on your head. Lay low, and I promise to keep your presence a secret. That is the best I can do to help you." "Now...if there is nothing else?
"I cannot help you without risking the safety of this village and chantry. The best I an do is keep your secret. I am sorry."
"May the Maker guard you, Grey Wardens."
"What can I do for you, then?" "Grey Wardens... here? Oh dear. You put me in a difficult position. You must know that Teyrn Loghain declared the Grey Wardens to be outlaws." "You have not heard? The teyrn claims that the Grey Wardens are responsible for the king's death. There is a price on your head. Lay low, and I promise to keep your presence a secret. That is the best I can do to help you." "Now...if there is nothing else?
"I cannot help you without risking the safety of this village and chantry. The best I an do is keep your secret. I am sorry."
"May the Maker guard you, Grey Wardens."
RANDOMLY OUT IN THE VILLAGE.
TRAPS LADY.
Allison: "Hello... uh, stranger. D-Do you know anyone that can make traps?" "Barlin said that d-darkspawn may be coming soon. He's got traps on his farm. I figured I'd put a few on my lands. But Barlin wants to p-p-poison his traps. I just want normal traps." "None to be bought. Barlin has all the traps in his fields." "Barlin can be a bit...eccentric." "I-I didn't mean to bother you! Sorry!"
RANDOMLY OUTSIDE TAVERN
Two gossips to the right of the entrance, young refugee man to the right of the entrance, who notices you approaching the entrance.
Refugee: "You might not want to go in. Tavern's full, and those soldiers are being a nuisance." "Same reason the chantry's full. Packed with people who fled their homes. The tavern keeper's letting folks sleep on the floors, but he can only fit so many. And those soldiers are getting restless." "SOLDIERS"
"Is there any reason to be happy? With the king dead, them darkspawn will overrun Lothering before anyone can organize. You'd think those soldiers could at least run off the bandits. I hear someone gave them what they deserved. Wasn't you, was it?" "It was? You drove out those thieving bastards! More will come, but it's good to know some justice is left here. Thank you."
"Is there any reason to be happy? With the king dead, them darkspawn will overrun Lothering before anyone can organize. You'd think those soldiers could at least run off the bandits. I hear someone gave them what they deserved. Wasn't you, was it?" "It was? You drove out those thieving bastards! More will come, but it's good to know some justice is left here. Thank you."
INSIDE TAVERN DESCRIBE TAVERN
Soldier A: "Well. Look what we have here, men. I think we've just been blessed."
Alistair: "Uh oh. Loghain's men. This can't be good."
Soldier B: "Didn't we spend all morning asking about a group by this very description? And everyone said they hadn't seen 'em!"
Soldier A: "It seems we were lied to."
Alistair: "Uh oh. Loghain's men. This can't be good."
Soldier B: "Didn't we spend all morning asking about a group by this very description? And everyone said they hadn't seen 'em!"
Soldier A: "It seems we were lied to."
A sister in chantry robe walks carefully over from where she'd been standing by the fireplace. Though she is breathtakingly stunning, her red chin-length hair and ice blue eyes striking, her accent cuts across the room. She is not from Ferelden; she is Orlesian.
Leliana: "Gentlemen, surely there is no need for trouble. These are no doubt simply more poor souls seeking refuge."
Soldier A: "They are more than that. Now stay out of our way, Sister. You protect these traitors, you'll get the same as them."
Soldier B: "Teyrn Loghain claims the Grey Wardens betrayed the king, or haven't you heard?"
Soldier A: "Enough talk. Take the Wardens into custody. Kill the sister and anyone else that gets in your way."
Soldier B: "Right. Let's make this quick."
Soldier A: "They are more than that. Now stay out of our way, Sister. You protect these traitors, you'll get the same as them."
Soldier B: "Teyrn Loghain claims the Grey Wardens betrayed the king, or haven't you heard?"
Soldier A: "Enough talk. Take the Wardens into custody. Kill the sister and anyone else that gets in your way."
Soldier B: "Right. Let's make this quick."
Soldier B unsheathes his sword, but keeps it lowered at his side as he walks over to you. But, the Chantry sister is quicker. From a fold in her robes, she pulls out a knife. Wielding it like a trained mercenary, she slashes at the soldier. Roll Initiative.
BATTLE
BATTLE
Leliana: "Good. They've learned their lesson, and we can all stop fighting now."
Soldier A: "No! You're traitors! I was there! The teyrn pulled us out of a trap! The Wardens led the King to his death! The teyrn could do nothing!"
Alistair: "How about you deliver a message for us?"
Soldier A: "W-what do you want us to tell him?" "I'll tell him. Right away. Now. Thank you!" *runs out the front*
Leliana: "I apologize for interfereing, but I couldn't just sit by and not help.
Soldier A: "No! You're traitors! I was there! The teyrn pulled us out of a trap! The Wardens led the King to his death! The teyrn could do nothing!"
Alistair: "How about you deliver a message for us?"
Soldier A: "W-what do you want us to tell him?" "I'll tell him. Right away. Now. Thank you!" *runs out the front*
Leliana: "I apologize for interfereing, but I couldn't just sit by and not help.
CRAP DIDN'T FILM INNKEEPER
HEARD YOU WERE MESSING WITH THAT BLEEDING RUNT IN FRONT OF THE CHANTRY. I HAVE OTHER GEAR TO SELL (merchant in inn)
BARLIN SELLS POISON TRAPS
at camp roll con, lowest has archdemon dream
Alistair: "We should see what is happening in Redcliffe ourselves. I believe that now more than ever."
HEARD YOU WERE MESSING WITH THAT BLEEDING RUNT IN FRONT OF THE CHANTRY. I HAVE OTHER GEAR TO SELL (merchant in inn)
BARLIN SELLS POISON TRAPS
at camp roll con, lowest has archdemon dream
Alistair: "We should see what is happening in Redcliffe ourselves. I believe that now more than ever."