Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I do not own StarCraft or Dragon Age
As we enter the main Tower, we are confronted by Knight-Commander Gregior and First Enchanter Irving accompanied by a pair of Templar and Warden Duncan. After a short discussion, Jowan reveals his Blood Mage abilities and escapes. In the aftermath of Jowan's escape, Lily is willingly reassigned to a Mage Prison while a little showmanship from me gets Neria assigned to the Grey Wardens as a recruit. Not that I expect anything else after Gregior is overwhelmed against a trio of Stealth Raptor Swarmlings. Our first stop on the way to the main gathering of Wardens is Redcliffe where the three of us discuss our future.
"Are you meant to be a Ranger or a Summoner, Chris? Either one would be a great help to the Wardens in our fight against the dark spawn and a likely Blight." Duncan comments when I state my intention to follow Neria.
"I think you mean Rouge or Mage. With my skill set, I can act as either and still hit with the force of a warrior while taking hits with the best. Among my kind, I'm actually the equivalent of royalty and can establish a new population center within an hour of finding a good location." I reply before suggesting Duncan and Neria get some sleep for tomorrow's journey to Lothring. As we enter Lothring late the next day, we learn that bandits and extortionists have already moved in to cause trouble for refugees fleeing the dark spawn incursions to the south. On top of this, the local wildlife has become more agitated and started attacking people.
"We need to get to Ostagar. Unfortunately, we don't have time to give these people the help they need." Duncan says as we walk past the local Chantry.
"Looks to me like they need defenses for their food supply and a secure living area. We don't have any food to supplement their supplies, but I can provide guards to deal with bandits and wildlife." I comment as I summon three dozen Raptor Swarmlings. The local Templar immediately approach in attack position. "Stand down Templar. These Swarmlings are a gift to aid you in protecting this town against the dark spawn as well as bandits and the more aggressive local wildlife," I state as I throw a bolt of Psionic Lightning between the Templar and their targets.
After discussing the exact duties and distribution of the Swarmlings, Duncan, Neria and I get a room at the local inn to spend the night. Before going to sleep, Duncan asks why he has never seen me sleep. "One of the perks to being a member of the Swarm is that you don't ever need sleep. On top of this, our bodies are so efficient, we can do anything you can at only a quarter of the food cost. Some of the energy gained from food is often used to enhance strength though with the effect of making us at least twice as strong for our size as any other creature." I reply with a grin as I think about my largest meal since becoming the Lord of Blades.
In the morning, the three of us start the final leg of our journey to Ostagar. On arrival we are met by King Cailan who boasts of an impending final victory over the dark spawn hoards. While I keep quiet on my opinion, Neria expresses doubt that the King is taking the enemy seriously. Duncan states that he has his own concerns but none of the proof required to show we are facing a Blight. After meeting the other recruits, we are to find Warden Alistair and bring him to a meeting with Duncan to discuss preparations for our Joining ritual. One way or another, each of the seven other recruits is facing death if they do not join the Wardens.
Sereda would have died in the Deep Roads as punishment for fratricide. Natia would have been executed for humiliating the warrior caste of Orzammar. Elissa would have been killed to cement a usurper's control of her family's land since she is the last of her line. Kallian would have been executed for killing a noble rapist just because she is an elf. Lyna is dying from exposure to dark spawn. Jory and Daveth face execution for their own small crimes.
After hearing Kallian's story, I spawn 24 Stealth Raptor Swarmlings and send six of them north to hunt down Arl Howe who is the father of the dead rapist. The remaining 18 I send into the Korcari Wilds to harass the dark spawn and collect blood that will probably be needed for the Joining. Soon enough, we find Alistair in an argument with a Mage about something or other. After a short conversation during which I get the impression Alistair has a screw loose, we find Duncan at one of the larger fires.
"Good, we can get started now. Alistair will take the eight of you into the Korcari Wilds to collect dark spawn blood. There are also some old treaties that need to be recovered from an old Grey Warden outpost abandoned long ago when we could no longer afford to maintain it." Duncan tells us after a brief discussion with Alistair about antagonizing Mages.
"Do we all need to enter the Wilds? I sent 18 Swarmlings over the walls earlier and they've collected a vial each of dark spawn blood. As well, the larger our group collecting the treaties, the more likely we will attract excessive attention from the dark spawn." I comment as I mentally check on the status of both Swarmling groups. Duncan shakes his head in amusement before we discuss which recruits will meet with the Swarmlings and which will retrieve the treaties.
"Uhh… I have no clue what to ask first." Alistair comments as he, Neria, Kallian and I enter the Korcari Wilds while he is the only one wearing anything other than a weapon or two.
"My Swarmlings are drawing all the surviving dark spawn in the area to their location using hit and run tactics. I would still estimate the odds at greater than 300 to 1 against them and getting worse. Those who can afford to tend to imitate my choice of wardrobe even without my racial traits. Both Rogues and Mages normally wear light armor or loose clothing to aid in evasion and staying light on their feet while I actually have natural armor that serves the same purpose." I reply after scanning Alistair's mind for the questions he wants to ask.
AN: Thanks for reading. Please review.