Dragon Age: The Dragonborn
Chapter: 1
Thanks for reading this story. Just letting you readers know this story will be updated very slowly because my job, and I want to make sure everything is good. If I make any mistakes let me know and I'll fix it best I can.
I will be changing how the blight begins and how long its been going on in Origins so I can work the Elder Scrolls world in so please run with it.
Also I have changed some parts of the story several times an example of this is names, locations, even the Dragonborns race. So I might have missed a few things, let me know if I did.
Female Cousland Warden, and Female Dark Elf Dragonborn.
There is no romance between Dragon Age and Elder Scroll characters.
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In a small camp was sitting a lone figure by a fire holding two books in their hand they choice one placing the other on the ground, opening the book and began to read.
The Second Great War.
The Second War between the Empire and the Dominion broke out several years after the defeat of Albuin and Ulfric Stormcloak's rebellion. The Empire now under the leadership of Selvia Mede the bastard daughter of the late Emperor Titus Mede II.
Selvia with the exception of the Khajiit, and Bosmer was able to unite Tamriel in such a way it nearly rivaled the Great General Talos.
Selvia along with the Nords, Reguards, Bretons, Orsimer, Dunmer and Argonians allied together to defeat the Dominion and their allies the Khajiit, and Bosmer although the two factions were blackmailed and threatened into helping the Dominion.
After a long bloody campaign lasting three years the Empire was able to push the Dominion back into Summerset Isles Capital city Alinor at this point the Dominions allies deserted them joining Selvia and together they laid siege on the city. The Dominion held strong but eventually Alinors food stores were beginning to empty and their soldiers starting to starve. After nearly two months the Dominion surrendered, their leaders captured then executed, the White-Gold Concordat treaty torn to pieces, and Selvia Mede crowned Empresses.
This has started the era of the Mede Empire. But this doesn't mean peace, today there is a civil war in the Summerset Isles between the Empire and what's left of the Dominion.
The Discovery of Thedas.
A Imperial explorer fleet discovered Thedas from the Sundered Sea south of Orlais, A small Legion army entered inland and encountered a Orlesian outpost at the Western Approach. The Orlesians thinking they were being invaded attacked the Legion soldiers.
This started "The Twenty Weeks War" which like it says lasted Twenty weeks.
The Orlesian outpost only held a few hundred Orlais troops, the Empire was the victor in this small Skirmish but lost nearly half of their own. The Empire in retaliation for the Orlesains attack sent several armies each having ten to twenty thousand soldiers of all races.
The Orlesian Military when compared to the Empire was mixed. The Empire had the advantages with the many races in their armies and superior armor. But the Orlesians had the advantage with superior cavalry, and artillery weaponry.
The Orlesians lost the small town Velun, and the city Val Firmin, and were being pushed back before making a stand at Val Foret which was the only city stopping the Empire from reaching the Capital Val Royeaux.
The Orlesian Empress Celene I in desperation called on the Chantry for help.
The Chantry seeing the threat of these new foreigners "and Orlais being the home of the White Divine" called an Exalted March. Only a few joined, they were Antivan, most of the Free March City States, Nevarra and to the shock to the Chanty, The Tevinter Imperium "who only joined hoping to capture and make slaves of Khajiit, and Argonian soldiers."
Orlais with their allies were able to push the Empire back retaking their lost cities.
The Empire fell back to the Sundered Sea beaches and made a valiant last stand but were defeated in the end. Orlias celebrated their victory until they look out at the Sundered Sea and saw the Empires Imperial Navy. The Empire only sent a fraction of their true strength to both test and soften the Orlesians.
The Empire also hired the Stormguard a mercenary order lead by the Last Dragonborn Liselle this turned the tide giving the victory to the Empire once again, but this didn't last long do to the Empire fight several different fronts, and the Orlesians, and Chantry adapting to the Empires tactics, and the long times it took for the Empire to receive reinforcements and supplies from Tamriel.
The war was double sided sometimes victory went to the Empire sometimes to Orlais and the Chantry.
The Empire were about to capture the cities of Montsimmard, Verchiel, Lydes, Halamshiral and Val Firmin which split Orlais in half, North was controlled by Orlais and their allies, the south the Empire.
The Empire tried many times to break the balance at the Walking Sea bridge until it was destroyed by Circle mages when the Empire tried to cross it.
With the Walking Sea bridge destroyed the Empire sent the Stormguard to try and take Velun to break the balance there but they were held to a stalemate by the Chantries Templars, and Circle Mages this cause the war to be fought entirely in the Heartland Rivers.
During the final week of the war a Darkspawn horde appeared attacking both Chantry and Empire armies this cause the Chantry to request a truce with the Empire who agreed on the condition that all capture Legion soldiers including any capture and sold by the Tevinter Imperium be found and returned.
With the war over those who joined the March returned to their homeland mostly do to their armies being depleted, or in the Imperiums case angry at the lose of their freshly captured slaves.
All conditions were met and the Empire returned all capture cities back to Orlais and agreed to help with the Darkspawn as long as the Empire is granted land which the Chantry agreed giving them the island north-east of Fereldan, Brandel's Reach a Pirate staging area. The Empire easily destroyed the local pirates and claimed Brandel for their own
So far the Empire has build a trading port, and a Motte and Bailey.
The Empire is well hated by most of Thedas with the exception of Fereldan, and the Qunari.
Fereldan and the Empire are great allies do to the Empire boosting Fereldans economy through trade, as well as helping Fereldan with the blight.
The Qunari respect the Empire after a failed attack on Brandel's Reach when a fleet of Qunari Dreadnoughts was defeated by the defending Redguard Yokuda Navy, and a failed land invasion of the Reach, the reason for the Qunari attack was as the Qunari say "to bring enlightenment to the Empire in the ways of the Qun."
There are civilians from Tamriel in Fereldan mostly merchants, explorers, scholars and mercenaries. Do to all people from Tamriel have some connection to magic the Empire made a treaty with the Chantry to protect Tamriel civilians from the Templars, but if any civilian from Tamriel breaks any of the terms of the treaty they are sent back to Tamriel.
Today Fereldan, and the Empire were about to push the Horde back to the southern borders of Fereldan and are using the Fortress of Ostager as a defense point and held strong for a year but with every victory the Darkspawn army only seem to be getting stronger...
The Figure closed the book then grabbed the other.
The Stormguard Order.
The Stormguard Order is mercenary group formed by the Dragonborn Liselle four years after the defeat of Alduin.
Anyone may join the Stormguard as long as their fit, healthy, and between the age of sixteen and fifty.
The training is said to be incredibility brutal that it will literally break down the recruits mind and body but if their able to pass the tests they're turn into strong warriors if not the training ends with the recruit quitting or their death. After their training the recruits have a choice of two paths nothing is know about these paths or what they do to the recruits.
These paths the recruits take is the most well guarded secret of the order.
On completion of their training the recruit is given the Stormguard armor which is either depending on the recruit, light or heavy armor which is covered by a silver, and black cloaks as well as given the amulet of the Stormguard, the amulet is a crest with a sword, bow, and staff crossed over each other in front of a black dragon.
What is very well know about the Stormguard is a group of heavy cavalry within the Order called "The Kendov Wultriin" or Kendov for short. Although they have a different name they are still part of the Stormguard.
Kendov Wultriin meaning "Warrior Criminals" are like their names says criminals ranging from bandits, murderers, rapists, slavers, traitors and deserters who wish to redeem their names or continue to fight by willing going into battles they know they're going to die in. They were created by request of the High Queen of Skyrim do to the high number of criminals from Skyrims Civil war.
What makes them stand out is the armor they wear. They wear Daedric armor which is modified when put on it may never come off making it more of a prison then protective armor. Their weapons are whatever they want but they all carry a lance when charging their enemies.
The battle tactics of the Kendov are to be the Vanguard of an army charging in to the lines of an enemy. They proved themselves in Twenty Weeks War when the Stormguard first arrived in Thedas. The Kendov first entered battle against a army of Chevaliers twice their size.
Chevaliers were the greatest cavalry known in Thedas.
When the Kendov faced a Chevalier army twice their size the Kendov lost, but the Kendov did not run they charged and fought so hard, so ferociously they killed thousands before they fell, this battle caused every Orlesian and Chantry soldier to shiver in fear when they heard the battle horns of the Kendov Wultriin.
When asked how the Kendov killed so many in this battle their Commander while locked in their cell answered,
"People say the most dangerous person is one that have nothing to lose... they're wrong, it's the ones that simply don't care."
When not in battle they are lock in their cells until they are needed, becoming a Kendov is not freedom the men and women of this group are committed until death because of this few join the group and the few that do join are mostly Nords, and Orcs. When Kendov are killed in battle their names are cleared of all crimes and their bodies if recovered are buried with honor.
Today there is near four hundred Kendov Wultriin all of which are in Fereldan.
The StormGuard has a standing army of nearly fifteen thousand soldiers "Not counting The Kendov" from all races.
The High Queen of Skyrim out of respect and gratitude for the Dragonborn Liselle for the defeat of Alduin, gave the StormGuard the rebuild city of Helegan today it is one of the most well fortified and protected cities of Skyrim some have even debate it may be the most protected city in all of Tamriel.
There are only ten ranks in the Stormguard. The order of these ranks are Recruit, Corporal, Sergeant Lieutenant, Commander, Captain, Dragon Guard, The hands, The Second, and Grandmaster.
The first six ranks are self explanatory but the next three are different.
The Dragon Guard are the elite of the Stormguard only seen in times of total war, or someone who can afford them and when they are seen they are a sight to behold wearing full dragon bone armor painted black covered with a dark gray cloak, wielding both Halberds, and Akaviri blades.
The Hands of the Stormguards handle what jobs the Stormguard take, how many soldiers go on these jobs, and how much it will cost the client. Only the oldest of the Stormguard who can no longer fight but wish to remain with the Order become Hands.
There is only one Second of the Stormguard, the second is the personal bodyguard of the Grandmaster. The current Second is a Khajiit named H'gar.
For the Kendov Wultriin there are two ranks Kendov, and Kendov Commander there is only ever one Commander.
The Grandmaster of the Order is a Dark Elf named Liselle.
Liselle was give the name "The White Dragon of the North" by the Nords mostly as am insult do to her being a Dark Elf instead of a Nord but after defeating Adluin, it became a name the Nord sang with pride and respect.
She is two hundred and forty nine, and is well know and loved by most in Tamriel even though she never entered the Second War for Tamriel.
Liselle was missing for most of the war, when asked where she was and why she didn't join the war when she reappeared she answered.
"I was hunting, and it was not my destiny to fight in your war."
She was orphaned at a young age and was raised by a Nordic village because of this she follows the Nordic way of life. Most people of Skyrim say she is a Nord trapped within the body of a Dark Elf.
Liselle is a master of the sword both one, and two handed, and being a Dark Elf is a master in Destruction spells.
Her main weapon is a Akaviri blade with many different enchantments such as Fire, Frost, Shock, and poison the sword is unbreakable and the blade never dulls. Liselle named this sword Ulfvindr meaning Wolf Striker in the nordic language, it is unknown how she came in possession of this powerful weapon.
Liselle is hated by the Chantry for many reasons the main reasons is allowing Mages to join her Order even Circle mages, and apostates from Thedas though none of these mages have gone through the Stormguard training. They're simply recruits in waiting and are under the protection of the Stormguards this has cause tension between the Templars and the Stormguard.
Liselle has three children, two of which are in the Stormguard the other in training. Their names are Ariela the eldest child who is fighting along side her mother in Fereldan. Her second daughter is Bryaa a blind battlemage, and scholar who is still in Skyrim but will soon be traveling to Fereldan. And her youngest child Nilheim a son who still in his training but very near completion...
Duncan stopped reading and closed the book then place it in his pack and stood from the log he was sitting on and kick dirt on to the fire putting it out then turned and walked toward his newest recruit Elissa Cousland who was sleeping in her bedroll, she wore castle made leather armor and longbow along with two daggers laying next to her.
Duncan placed his hand on Elissa shoulder and gave a firm shake waking the young woman who look up at Duncan with tired eyes.
"We must go." Was all that Duncan said as he turned and walked away not waiting for Elissa.
Elissa stood and quickly packed her belonging and followed after Duncan. The two were walked for several hours when Elissa spoke.
"How much farther until we reach Ostager?" She asked.
"Only a few more miles left." Duncan answered.
"Why Ostager?"
"With the help of the Mede Empire, Fereldan has been able to push the Darkspawn horde back to the south of the Korcari Wilds." Duncan answered.
"There only a few Wardens in Fereldan all of which are here. We must stop this Blight here and now if we fail Fereldan will fall."
"What can you tell me of the Mede Empire, and Stormguard?" Elissa asked.
"Both have been a great help in combating the darkspawn, The Empire sent the Seventeenth Legion under the command of Commander Vitallion, and the Stormguard commanded by Grandmaster Liselle." Duncan answered.
The two continued in silence until they saw the ruins of Ostager as they entered they both saw King Cailan flanked by two royal guards.
"Ho there Duncan." Cailan said in excitement, he held out his hand which Duncan took.
"King Cailan I had not expec..." Duncan began but was interrupted.
"A Royal welcome, I was beginning to thing you would miss out on all the fun." Cailan said cheerfully.
"Not if I can help it your Majesty."
"Then I will have the might Duncan in battle after all... glorious." Cailan said as he turn motioning Duncan to do the same as if to pose for a painting.
"I hear from the rest of the Grey Wardens that you found a recruit... I take it this is she." He said looking at Elissa.
"Allow me to..." Cailan interrupted Duncan again.
"No need Duncan, we have met before... Elissa correct. Bryce's youngest?" Elissa nodded.
"Yes and I'm guessing you don't know my family is dead." She growled, Cailan eyes widened.
"Wh... what? Duncan is this true?"
"Bryce Cousland and his wife are dead your Majesty at Arl Howe's hand." Duncan answered.
"How... why would Howe do this... Elissa I promise you when the Darkspawn are defeated here I will turn my army north and bring Howe to justices."
"As long as Howe's head is on a pike I'm happy your Majesty." Cailan simple nodded and Duncan spoke changing the subject.
"Your uncle sends his greeting and reminds you that Redcliff forces will arrive in less then a week."
"Ha. With the help of the Empire, and the Stormguard we won't need him. Eammon just wants in on the glory. We've won every battle against these monsters and the next will be no different."
"Things have been going that well?" Elissa asked, Cailan nodded.
"I'm not even sure this is a true Blight. There are plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas we've seen no sign of an Archdemon." Cailan answered.
"Disappointed, your Majesty?" Duncan asked.
"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales. A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted god. But I suppose this will have to do." Cailan said shrugging his shoulder.
"I sorry to cut this short but I need to get back before Loghain and Vitallion send out a search party. Farewell, Grey Wardens" Both Duncan, and Elissa bowed as Cailan turned and walked away.
"What the king said is true. They've won every battle against the darkspawn here."
"Yet you thing something is wrong." Duncan nodded and motioned Elissa to follow him.
"Despite the victories so far, the darkspawn horde grows larger with each passing day. By now even with the help of the Empire and the Stormguard they look to outnumbers us in the coming battle." Duncan said as he stopped near the bridge leading to the main camp.
"I know there is an Archdemon behind this. But I cannot ask the king to act solely on my feelings."
"What would you have him do?" Elissa asked.
"Wait for reinforcements. We sent a call out west to the Grey Wardens of Orlais, but it will be many weeks before they can join us." Duncan answered.
"To that end, we should proceed with the Joining Ritual without delay."
"What do need me to do?" Elissa asked.
"For the time being feel free to explore the camp all I ask is don't leave it." Elissa nodded and Duncan continued.
"There is another Grey Warden in the camp by the name of Alistair. When you are ready, seek him out and tell him it's time to summon the other recruits."
"Until then, I have business I must attend to. You may find me at the Grey Warden tent in the middle of the camp, should you need to." Elissa only nodded and made her way into the camp.
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Hope you liked it.