AN: Just to remind, if anything is not clear lore-wise, either consult google or ask me. Also, I hope everyone is doing well health-wise, have to say that in my country it kinda sucks now... But hey, hopefully a new chapter will raise everyone's spirits at least a smidgen.

Chapter 6: Dragon Age Whispers

How did Nora from RWBY out it? Ah. I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the…

Ugh, no singing please

'Hey! I got the [Singing] at level fifty! I'm as awesome singer by now. And it's internal singing, can't be held accountable for that!'

I do

'Whatever' I sigh, 'Bring back the notification I dismissed before. Please.'

Were too busy being queen of the castle?

'Funny. But please'

Quest COMPLETE!

You cleansed Ostagar and claimed it as your own

Award: 100 000 exp, 100 credits, 1 gacha

Perk [Surprise Boost] activated!

+1 STR

Beautiful, simply beautiful. That's one of my major goals accomplished. Funnily enough, the next step is Denerim along with the rest of the country. Aside that, the rewards are welcome, especially the gacha. And the Perk I got for passing 100 in LCK, thank you Sky-Chosen, is also proving its worth. Still, the biggest reward is the fortress itself.

Ostagar is much bigger than I expected. Sure, I saw it though the eyes of my bird summons, but I still got my expectations warped by playing Origins. In the game it was one single map but in reality it is absolutely massive. And it has been also absolutely teeming with darkspawn, so much so that it took three days for us to get them all. Three days! And now that we killed them all, there is still the need to cleanse this whole place. My warriors can take care of the bodies but I'll have to be the one to burn the Blight out of this place. That will take another day at least.

But still. I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle!

Ehm. There are also the funeral arrangements to be made. This has been the biggest battle yet and the death count reflects it. I have been very very careful but I still lost quite a lot of warriors. Our advance has been slow and methodical, making a lot of use of my various wards. Not only I set up safe spaces and barriers, we used them as traps for the darkspawn. It worked really well but losses were inevitable just the same.

Good thing that I have already planned to slow down and secure the area around Ostagar rather than push for more conquest. Oh, we will take the east towards Brecilian, but no further. We need more supplies, rest and some more cohesion between my Avvar and the newcomers. Also this being my main staging area, I will encourage a hold to be built. Starting a true community, the stepping stone to a true nation. The civilian population will also be safe here – we will need to move them from West Hill Arling.

I will also have to secure the borders now that we are soon to be established and stationary. Definitely a topic to raise at the next officers' meeting.

It would also be nice doing some big troop training, mold my warriors into a cohesive army. Also…

"Still contemplating the flag issue?" Margit startles me. Being up on the highest tower, one with a destroyed stairwell, I did not expect anybody to sneak up on me. Then again, both my Servants have flight, courtesy of my Engineer Class. Perhaps I could truly equip a squad? Well, once Margit has that special forces of hers set up. Flying invisible ninjas would be handy to have.

"My lady?" Margit shakes me from my reverie again, this time her voice full of concern.

"Sorry" I turn to smile at her, "Just making plans and adding things to my checklist. And yes, the flag issue is one of the items on that list. Seriously this time."

"You have something in mind?"

"Maybe, but I want our people to raise the issue. Not me"

Margit arched an eyebrow "Don't tell me you won't raise the issue in a few people's minds with your magic and then just wait to weigh in."

"Maaaaybe" I smirk, that was precisely my plan, "Similarly it would be nice to have a nice collective name. Just the Avvar does not suit anymore."

"Do you have a specific name in mind?"

I hum "Actually yes, I think something that pays the homage to the Alamarri would be good. I'm not picky about the rest."

"Fitting" Margit nods, "Pity the Avvar and the Chasind are the only people that used to be Alamarri left."

"True, we could use more barbarians" I grin, not considering that an insult in the least – I like my barbarians.

"And the name will also evoke Andraste, since she was one back in the day" Margit's eyes widen in realization.

"They already produced one prophet, why not another" I grin, "And the common people will like that we have a connection to their favorite lady. It could also be implied that the Chantry failed, like the Tevinter Empire did then, and that our crusade is just. Andraste stood against slavery most of all, and now the Chantry chains mages, templars as well, not to mention the deplorable conditions city elves live in that the Chantry condones."

Margit sighs and rubs the bridge of her nose "I better train an anti-assassin squad, they will come in droves."

I laugh "That they will, but let Haku do it. Same as the Divine has a right and left Hand, you and Haku have similar roles."

"Any chance you can summon another loyal servant?" the red-head cocked her head to the side.

"Maybe" I shrug, "I have another gacha, there is a chance for a Companion Gem. But I think we can work with who we have. Plus I will be going on a recruitment drive."

"I'll go tell Haku right away then, so he can start planning the training and how to pick recruits"

"Alright" I shrug and return my gaze to the activity below, "I'll just finish up some of my magic stuff and I'll go back to the clean-up. There is a lot to do."

"Yes, my lady. Also Rila suggested a meeting before dinner?"

"I'll meet my officers in my tent" I nod.

"Yes, my lady" Margit bows to me and with a short hop she begins floating down the tower.

Keeping my word I call for System, I already checked everything in my Status page and there was only one thing left to do. 'Could you spin the gacha please?'

Sure thing

Item acquired

Dagger of Time (Prince of Persia)

allows to manipulate time* (three charges*)

"…"

Are you feeling well?

'I think I feel faint'

Not with [Gamer's Body] you aren't

'I just got a legendary-tiered item, I definitely feel faint'

Buck up

'Gee, thanks' I roll my eyes and turn to intently reading the entire description. There was quite a lot to read actually, nice of the Game to make the main description so compact.

Ok, so. I take a deep breath. This dagger is just awesome. And it might help me against the titans such as Flemeth. Definitely a hidden ace in my sleeve.

Just like in the games, the Dagger of Time can do quite a lot to time, but the most precious ability is the classic 'rewind'. I will have to test the duration, how far in the past I can go, but I imagine a fair share. With my speed, even a minute is a god-send. My fights against the bigs won't probably last nowhere that long – it all depends on the first strike. With this I can try something and if it doesn't work, return to the beginning. Awesome.

Like In Prince of Persia, the Dagger has charges, but unlike the game this one charges not by killing sand beast or whatever, but it has a simple cooldown time. It has three charges and promises to charge one every 72 hours. Which is perfectly reasonable, I was afraid it would be almost impossible to get the sand charge. All in all, brilliant. Well and truly brilliant. I will have to test all the capabilities but this is definitely the best gacha pull to date.

Not that the rest have been shabby!

It's all LCK based. You got good pulls even in the beginning thanks to the Perk you rolled in character creation. There are shitty rewards

Great. And yeah, all my pulls were useful. Objectively. But I don't think I ever used Hei's Mask for example, it boosts lightening damage but I don't use lightening much.

Anyways, I have much to look forward to – I still have some levels in Sky-Chosen to go and those give a full point in Luck. And I have 115 unallocated Stat Points too. But while some of those might go to LCK, I'm kinda keeping them for a rainy day. I might need them in INT. I'm still far away from Flemeth in the area, she is my magical benchmark now.

As I will go around recruiting, and shopping for my soon-to-be nice fortress, I should also go some Stat Thieving. But INT will be a little harder to find, maybe scholars? Or mages? Observe will tell me I guess, I should be getting their most prominent Stat. I can also level up the Skill, [Stat Thief], already I get two points instead of the initial one, but it should scale up some more.

But that is thoughts for the future. Very close future this time, but still future. Right now I have a lot to do here. All the traces of the Blight must be cleansed from here, wards put up, reinforcing the structure, what little repairing I can do with my Skills, growing a garden… In short, making Ostagar not only livable, but a jewel of a fortress. And a jewel of a city once we get going.

With a deep intake of breath I too head down from the tower, no time like the present to start the rebuilding efforts.

Shortly entering [Stealth], and activating my invisibility device just in case, I hide myself from view and make four clones. I don'tuse the Skill I stole form Ectoplasm back in BokuHero much, but it will be useful now. The clones are really fragile but they do have some nice MP and access to all my Skills. They can help me cut down on all the work. They will be staying invisible though, I want to keep my cloning Skill a secret. Another ace. Or for a case in which I need an alibi.

Or just to fuck with people. That might be fun too.

I always liked when games gave you a place of your own that you can customize however you like. A house, an estate, or even a whole city! I always hunted every collectible, constructed all expansions, always completed each and every such place. It's fun, a nice complement to all the fighting in the games.

And now I have Ostagar to play with, do all the customizations I held off at Skyhold. That fortress will have its turn once Ferelden is mine, but right now, Ostagar is the name of the game. And best of all, this will be a long-term project. As of right now I can safely say that the fortress is clean, warded and structurally sound. But that's it.

Well, one could say that the mokuton reinforcements are artistic… I got a lot of vines keeping the stones together, even though I used my earth element to repair the walls. The climbing plant is nice and green and will have flowers too, so yeah, I might've done some decorating already.

I have a lot of plans but I involved my people as well. Mostly to plan out the space around the fortress – Rila insists on an elaborate training yard, a thane argues in favor of big stables, and so on. Even Haku argues in favor of a big garden for medicinal plants. Margit wanted barracks but that idea was nixed, the tribes wanted to live with their families as they have always been. Me myself I want a nice bedroom, an office and a workshop. And a smithy and armory. We also need quite a bit of storage space. Maybe even a place for more siege engines than we captured at Hargrave Keep. The shamans also want a space for themselves, a space for worship of the spirits. A grove for it too.

Long-term project indeed. Right now settling my people is the most important but my officers have that well in hand. And not only them – they advise me in military matters but many other prominent figures rose when decisions about the people as a whole came up. I gladly leave hold-planning to them, I'll do my own stuff. Soon I'll send a contingent further east, teleport to them if they need me against the darkspawn, but aside that, I can go wild on the fortress.

Well, if stealing furniture is going wild that is…

I remembered that in Inquisition you bought furniture for Skyhold in one shop at the Summer Bazaar in Val Royeux. As good a place to start as any.

"How about this one, Fia-sama?" Haku asks and points at a gianormous bed.

I glance at it, frowning "Too ostentatious. I chose the Avvar for a reason, their aesthetic is part of it."

"They have a large selection of furs in the back" the ninja shrugs.

"Oh, now that is handy" I grin.

Skipping away from the display and into the back of the shop, taking great care of not stepping on the poor sod that guarded the place in life, I go inspect said furs. Some are clearly just decoration but some are stylish and warm. Quite functional. I'll take them all.

"Drapes?" Haku asks.

I hum "I don't know. I mean, we can use the fabric, but I'm not sure about our color scheme yet."

"The idea of a flag is already circulating" the Mist nin chuckles, "White and gray is quite prominent, as are animal motifs."

"I'm not decorating Winterfell" I sigh, "But sure, do they have anything in those colors?"

Haku has to rummage quite a bit to find the answer "Not really. But we can try this shop's warehouse after we're done here."

"Definitely. Now, how about that bed…"

"Won't the authorities wonder just how all this furniture got transported out of the shop without anyone seeing anything?" Haku cocks his head to the side.

"Sure they will" I laugh, "Might be fun to stick around to hear what absurd theory they come up with."

"That is not very kind, Fia-sama"

"Eh" I shrug. I'm not even sure if that was meant to be a joke or not. Haku is really hard to read and I'm not all that keen on using [Telepathy] on my Servants after the initial meet and greet. "Oh, this desk is very nice!"

"Also very expensive"

"Good thing I'm not paying, huh?"

"Indeed, Fia-sama"

I smile as the desk disappears into my Inventory. It already holds the furs, several chairs of the same type – I had Haku write down the type so can look at the warehouse for some more, a large desk for maps and meetings, a cabinet, several bookcases and some simpler beds for the guest rooms. Not a huge bounty but still a start.

"Stuffed animal heads?" Haku turned his gaze on the displayed trophies.

"Pass"

"Piano?"

"Yes, why not"

"Their ledger says they will receive a big shipment of benches tomorrow"

"Shucks, those would've come in handy. I will definitely want some for the feast hall. We need simple tables too"

"I believe this shop is too exclusive for such simple items. Maybe the warehouse will have simpler pieces" Haku hums.

"That is probably true. Anything else catch your fancy or do we move to the warehouse?"

"The suit of armor in the corner?"

"It's shitty metal, just a bad decoration"

Haku nods, once more looking over the ledger that held the shops inventory "I think we looked at everything. But if you don't mind me asking, why haven't you just taken the lot? It would find a use."

I shrug "It probably would but then it's not shopping."

"It's hardly shopping if we don't pay"

"Details. Let's move on! I have a clear idea of how I want my feast hall to look like!"

"As you wish Fia-sama"

X

"I see the 'shopping' notion does not apply to the armory" Haku remarks dryly.

"It's weapons and armor. Good weapons and armor" I shrug.

"I have noticed, this is the third place in as many countries we have looted"

"I have a big army"

"Might I suggest we 'shop' for pure ore as well? Visit some mines perhaps, we could use the metal"

"Excellent idea Haku, I applaud your initiative. We can do that tomorrow, right now we can visit place number four – Loghain doesn't really need equipment, now does he"

X

"Perhaps we could bring Margit-san along?"

"I will not be defeated by a fucking horse!"

"Teleporting is a jarring experience"

"I'll just make them sleep it through, no need for extra man-power"

"I treasure our nightly shopping trips"

"Aren't we bonding?"

"Yes, Fia-sama"

X

"It's almost dawn, Haku"

"Just one more, Fia-sama!"

"Didn't know you would be so passionate when stealing from alchemists"

"There is much to learn here"

"I can just take it all and we can sort it back at Ostagar"

"No, there is a system!"

"If you say so. Just one more, ok? I'm sleepy"

"Well, I hear Wycome has several alchemists of renown"

"Where have you even heard that?"

X

"Is there even enough space in Ostagar for all these books?"

"There is never enough books, Haku! And I fixed up one of the bigger rooms just for these"

"That what you obsessing over doing the roof right was about?"

"Books, Haku, books!"

The wood varnish I stole is just amazing, I can't get enough of the smell. It almost distracts me from the map I have gently laid on my new desk in my newly renovated office. It was the only room that could be considered done inside the fortress. Not that my people were eager to occupy the other ones, they had the start of their hold or the camp outside. I liked being inside though, makes me feel like the conqueror that I am.

I already sent a contingent east, I want to hold the south, except the coast and Gwaren, before winter sets in. Rila's second will take care of that. Rila will stay here to run the drills and command the reserve should the darkspawn approach again or if the vanguard I sent into the Wilds need reinforcements. Of course I took great care to explain which part of the Wilds is off limits – Flemeth wasn't kidding, her territory was easily understandable to me.

Since I was splitting my forces I took great care that each commander could easily contact me. I have some plans for the same via Enchanter and Engineer, but right now I make do with Summoner. I formed a whole new Skill and took my time to level it to max. If my people need a heavy-hitter to save the day, I want to know immediately so I can teleport there. Besides, the three commanders having a big eagle following them around was another boost to my Sky-Chosen status. I'll still need to figure out a way around the constant mana drain but it will serve for now.

With everything in motion, I can do some globe-trotting. My fist destination is clear – Denerim. I have plenty of things I want to see in the capital of Ferelden.

"Margit!" I raise my voice to call my first Servant. By our bond I know she is just outside my office, presumably standing guard.

"My lady?" the red-head enters without knocking.

"I'm leaving. I'll be back in the evening, probably. If anything interesting happens, just call for me through the bond"

Margit bows "Yes, my lady."

With a hum I enter my Inventory and swap around some of my gear. [Leader's Paint] for example would be far too conspicuous, better to put on the [Thief's Cowl]. And my slim black armor, looks enough like leather.

"You look like a thief" Margit comments.

I cock my head to the side open my new cabinet to look myself in the mirror. I let the cowl fall on my shoulders, leaving my head bare "You're right, but that is common enough for Denerim. I won't raise any attention."

"Not even the guards?"

"If I walk like I own the streets rather than scurry around, no"

"Humph" the red-head huff in clear disapproval.

I shrug "Well, the previous Arl, or at least his son, is a horrible individual. The current Arl, Howe, is even worse. I guess they like their corrupt guards."

"Humph"

"I happen to agree. But it works for me, the more people suffer under their rule, the more amenable they will be to a change of leadership"

"I think you overestimate people's hate of change"

I chuckle "I'm not walking into the palace and declaring myself queen. I know it will take time. And effort. And most of all, getting rid of the Chantry influence."

"I eagerly await a plan on how to deal with that"

"No need for sarcasm" I roll my eyes, "Right now I'm just dealing with a person at a time. Bigger groups come later. And I know enough of Chantry's dirty secrets, I can stir up a scandal if I want."

"Even then it will be really hard"

"I know. But that is not the purpose of my visit to Denerim right now. We can talk about this later"

"Safe travels" Margit bows once more.

"Thanks. See you later" I wave at my Servant and teleport just outside of Denerim.

The sudden displacement is always a little bit jarring but my Gamer passives take care of that in moments. What they do not take care of is the stench that permeates the air – just as my summons saw, there was a large refugee camp hugging the walls of the city. So many people in one place with no sanitation… yeah, you get the gist. Makes me wonder just how much worse King's Landing from Game of Thrones would be.

Still, refugees that are barred from entering the city is good for me and my budding kingdom. Or whatever it's going to end up as. People here are afraid, hungry and all around desperate.

I change my features with Shapeshift a little, not that anyone would recognize me here but I don't want to be someone memorable. I think I'll play a refugee apostate that can heal some people on the down low. And has news, and rumors, about the rest of the country.

Walking around the long line of both people and wagons, I eye the closest refugees to me. From the state they're in, one could guess how long they have been here. And some clearly have been for a long time now.

"Hail there stranger!" one tired-looking man calls to me.

I quickly scan him with [Telepathy]. Oh, he wants in my pants, how trite. "Yes?"

The man straightens up, obviously pleased I stopped to talk to him "The guards don't let any refugee through. Mostly just merchants or nobles get in."

My gaze went to the wagons "It certainly does seem that way."

"If you have money you can try your luck with the guards" the man sneered, "But normal folk got no chance. We make do though, and they can't ignore us forever. I can show you around the camp."

"I can find my own way" I shake my head, I already know a lot thanks to him and his thoughts. Well, if you get past the smut. Like now I know there are some injured people taken care of an old man versed in healing. He and a lot of people around him come from the same village – they might prove useful.

"Hey now" the man blocks my path, "Don't be like that. Being here ain't easy and…"

As soon as his hand lands on my wrist, I break his. With a delightful shout he goes down, cradling his hand. Bystanders look at us and then away, nobody interested in what is going on. I have lost all interest as well and I leave him there, heading towards the healer.

Most of the people in camp look… well, just how you'd expect refugees to look like. Haggard, hungry, bitter, angry, desperate – there is a lot of adjectives to choose from. Still, the people in this part of camp look also sickly. It was only a matter of time that disease would spread, I'm honestly surprised it hasn't already. And it's not even winter yet, if nothing is done about the camp, I anticipate a lot of deaths. Winters in Fereleden are not merciful.

Taking a peek in several minds, I note that a lot of hope is placed on that one healer. Even though his supplies are virtually gone and he's working only with what people gather around the city.
This whole camp is a powder keg waiting to explode, I wonder what Howe and Loghain plan to do about it. Knowing Howe's character though, it is entirely possible he'll just wait until the refugees inevitably turn into a mob and then just kill them all.

"Hey there stranger" another voice echoes what the last refugee said to me. This time not a man but a teen, "Do you have any herbs that you could share? We have no gold to pay you but medicinal herbs are highly valued here. We can offer some food and shelter for the night in return."

I actually do have some stuff in my Inventory but I'm not giving out my own supplies. Especially since I can offer something else that should ingratiate me with the refugees and allow me to talk to them. I eye the teen and shake my head "I don't. Was it for an injury or for disease?"

The boy eyes me speculatively "Disease, but we have injured also."

"How come?" I ask despite already knowing the answer to my question. And that is not all I know, after all, I want no immediate tattle-tales.

"The guards" the boy replied with an angry growl, "We tried to enter the city, get supplies."

That they did. Also when the guards refused to let them in, they loudly protested and pointed out the bribes. Naturally, the guards beat them up. Guess my new friends are foolish hot-heads. Or simply that desperate. Not a bad deal for me I guess, if they were Chantry sheep just taking everything lying down, I would move along to a different group. These have fight in them, good.

"I have some training, I might help them" I say with a deliberate caginess.

The teen grins and motions me to follow him. Apostates are far more common than the Circle, the Templars and the Chantry like to advertise. A lot of 'healers' in the more remote parts of Ferelden have magic. It was risky business, especially since it only takes one devout moron to snitch, but if they aren't trouble, many villages let them be. And if they were sick, the villagers would just 'take a stroll through the woods' and returned healed. If the healer was useful enough, the villagers often even told them when Templars were spotted on the road.

Naturally things aren't idyllic. It only takes a visible spark or something and people go to the Chantry. Small children also have trouble controlling their magic, so those are shipped out almost immediately. The situation varies from place to place, but discreet apostate healers and alchemists are a thing.

"Grandfather" the teen calls out to an older man as soon as we entered a small area with four open tents concealing it from view, "I got somebody that might help heal Duncan and Chett, maybe even Roth."

"Really?" the supposed grandfather looks up from his patient with a hopeful look, "We could sure a helper around here."

The teen nods "I'll bring Chett around. He can still walk so he's with Nia and the kids."

As he leaves the area, the elder smiles "He's grown so much, good head on his shoulders too. Anyway, if you can help traveler, we would be most grateful."

"I could do with a small breakfast" I say my price, "Which one is this Duncan then?"

"Duncan is that fellow over there" the man pointed, "Me and Marge here will discuss her cold outside. And fetch you that meal."

"Much appreciated" I nod. Smart of them to make themselves scarce, that way they can deny they saw any magic. There are two more people on the bedrolls on the ground but one is clearly asleep while the other one is half-delirious from fever. Really, smart man this healer.

Duncan himself isn't out of it but in a lot of pain instead. From the state of his stomach and ribs I'd say the guards focused on that, and maybe had metal plated boots. A few [Heal]s though and he is right as rain.

I am just putting my patient to sleep, to cover my tracks so to speak, when the boy from before comes in with another fellow trailing behind him. I almost whistle at the man's appearance – the guards really went to town on him, his face so swollen that you could barely identify any of his features. He should be glad my healing is game-based, because I don't think any normal healer could return his face. Sure, they could heal him, but he would be an ugly Quasimodo forever.

"You're done with Dunc already?" the teen asks in awed gratitude.

I nod "He just needs to sleep it off. I take it this is my next patient?"

"Yeah" the boy trailed out, looking up at the disfigured man who was staring plaintively at me with the one visible eye.

"Sit" I motion to Chett while the boy gets a shooing motion. The man obligingly sits while the boy simply turns around and starts fiddling with a small chest next to the fever-stricken patient.

Chett I put to sleep as well and then let my Mana and Skill fix his face. It's pretty easy but I try to make it seem harder than it is. Once the man is healed, his broken clavicle too, as well as the lingering discomfort of a freshly fixed dislocated shoulder. I have to note that the Quasimodo thing remained, not because I failed to heal the damage but simply because Chett was already ugly to begin with. Oh well, sucks to be you man.

"You did it!" the boy, ok I'm gonna Observe him so I can get an actual name. Cat? Really? Whatever. Cat rushes to me, completely destroying that plausible deniability. Boy has some growing up to do in the brains area. Not that I care, though if I were a real apostate I probably would.

"Keep your voice down, boy" I sigh, "I don't want the templars to come running."

Cat scoffs "As if any Chantry folk would deign to mingle with us riff-raff refugees."

"Wouldn't that be part of their faith?"

"It would" the boy sneers, "Not that they care. That said, a few came in the beginning but once the Arl put a stop to the food delivery, they stopped coming."

"That would be the new Arl, Howe, right?"

"Dunno"

I make a show of cocking my head to the side "Are you religious?"

Cat eyes me warily and then shrugs "Guess the charity when it comes is nice, but I'm not going to join up any time soon."

"You know, if the situation here gets really bad…"

Another scoff and an angry look towards Chett's now healed face.

"…there might be another place for you to go." I finish.

"What? Where?" Cat frowns deeply, his whole posture shifting to suspicious.

I hum, pretending not to notice "A few of my… friends, who prefer to be out of the Chantry's reach, went south."

"That's where the darkspawn come from!"

Nodding, I continue "Yes, the journey would be dangerous alright, both darkspawn and bandits are on all the roads, but I hear from a reliable source that the Chasind have reclaimed Ostagar."

Cat frown shifted to confused "That's where the king's army fell, right?"

"Indeed. My guess is that the darkspawn pushed them out of the Wilds so they fell back to a defensible position" I explain. His face is quite confused, I probably should've told the elder healer instead. Oh well. "They banded together and took the fortress of Ostagar. I hear they keep it safe by magic."

"Really, magic can do that?" Cat's eyes widen.

"Powerful magic, yes. Not that I'm an expert" I wink.

"And is this really true?"

I hum "I believe it. I'm going there once I finish my business in Denerim."

"You don't think the Chasind will chase you out?"

"In these times they take people in" I shrug, "And I hear it was the Avvar too that took the fortress with an alliance with the Chasind. So it's already a merged group. Though they won't take free-loaders or anyone loud about the Chantry."

"Right, they don't believe in the Maker" Cat nods in recognition.

I spend some time explaining the Avvar and Chasind beliefs, making them more real rather than mere 'barbarians'. And that is discounting my Mind Mage Skills. He will be a good rumor-spreader.

The elder finally returns and with a look towards my two patients he hands me a wooden plate with some slop. Possibly oatmeal. "I can't thank you enough" he smiles tiredly, "And sorry about the meager meal, we don't have many supplies."

"Understatement" Cat mumbles, eyeing me thoughtfully. Guess he's thinking about how to get round to go to the south thing.

"I just told your boy about something I heard that might help" I shrug, spooning most of the food in one go, "He can explain. You told me there was a third patient? After I heal him, I'll try to bribe my way into the city."

The elder looks at me in surprise and then arches an eyebrow towards Cat. As the boy nods, he looks back to answer my question "Roth. Come with me, I keep him separate."

I finish the oatmeal and then follow the man, already planning my next move. Probably shifting to a different face and spread some more rumors about the possible salvation in the south. If they convince some more fighter-type people to go, they might even make it.

"Here" the healer disrupts my thoughts, "His leg needs to be amputated but I don't have any pain medicine left. Nor really any means to do it safely. If you can't help him I'll have to do it anyway. But I don't have any herbs that would help for after, when his stump is burned shut. I have some for the infection, that is all."

I wonder why he didn't just chop the damn thing off already, but whatever. Yeah, I can do it no trouble. I motion for the two to leave and then I do the same as before. He's already out of it but I put him to sleep anyway, then use my Skills to amputate and finally heal. Good job me. The wound looks weeks old, if not months. Magic for the win.

After waiting for a while, just for show, I return to the elder and the boy. Clearly the boy finished explaining my Avvar suggestion and the elder was well and truly skeptical. It matters not, I didn't expect them to pack everything and go right now. No, I planted the seeds, will water them with Mind Mage a bit, and then Loghain and Howe will do the rest. I have no desire to hold their hand, they will come or not. Though I will come over here a few times to give them an invisible nudge. And maybe a little protection should they decided for the journey.

"Were you able to help?" the healer asks me, much less warmly than before.

"Yes, he's sleeping. Still, he will need some of those herbs against the infection to clear it from his system"

"Thank you, you have done us a great service" the elder inclines his head in thanks. But he is far from done "My boy tells me you think there is sanctuary to be found in the south."

"So I have heard" I confirm, "And I will be going south. You should consider it as well, it is clear Denerim will not help. Not the Chantry, not Loghain, and certainly not the Arl. All too busy scheming now the king is dead. They care little for normal people like us."

"But south… it sounds like madness" the elder probes, his eyes sharp.

"I believe my friend. And I have had dealings with the so-called barbarians before" I shake my head, "The real problem is the journey."

"Even if your tale is true, we have no supplies to make the journey, not to mention the perils we would undoubtedly encounter"

"I understand, I just mentioned it because it seemed like the right thing to do" I smile a rueful smile.

It gets me a smile in return "Thank you. I will keep it in mind should things get really desperate."

The boy makes a disgusted sound and shakes his head. It is clear he thinks the situation is already dire enough. I would agree on that but hey, they are simpleminded peasants.

Despite my thoughts, I nod "Thank you for the meal, I'll be on my way."

"Once again I thank you for your service" the elder crosses his arms before him and bows, the boy following suit.

"I wish you the best of luck" I say in parting and with a small wave I leave.

The smile I have on my lips is probably quite rare around these parts, being starving refugees is no joke, but I happen to be in a good mood. The boy, Cat will spread the word. Now I only have to do this... twice more? Maybe three, the camp is massive.

Putting my hood up and subtly changing my face, I adopt another persona and set about to spread the rumors of a possible sanctuary south. And Mind-Maging some unrest as well as dissatisfaction towards the Chantry. Nothing against Loghain though, I don't want a revolt at Denerim gates. Howe would just purge them without much thought. No, thoughts against Loghain need to be stirred in the upper echelons - nobles and wealthy merchants.

X

Rendon Howe and both wars, the brewing civil one and the Blight one, haven't done Denerim any good. The capital of Ferelden was always a little shabby but at least the people seemed mostly content. Now the prevalent emotions are fear and desperation, greed and eager opportunism. Guess that isn't really an emotion but I can sense it well. Like Bealish from Game of Thrones said, chaos is a ladder, and now chaos has descended. That said, there is a lot of pride, awe and confidence in the Hero of the River Dane. That Loghain will once again pull though and gift Ferelden peace.

We'll see about that, won't we?

I almost giggle in anticipation.

As soon as I teleport into Denerim I head back to the gates, nudge the guards to be rougher and more aggressive towards the refugees. Give them incentive to leave. Next I head towards the Alienage, all the while using Mind Mage to get the mood of the populace.

My destination changes when I note one of the local Chantries is nearby. I make my way there with a leisurely pace. A crucial part on my long-term plans is to weaken the hold of the Chantry of the people, making them less resistant to be under my heathen rule. And where better to start than Denerim. I'm taking Ferelden first so I need Fereldans to lose their faith in the Chantry. I'm not targeting belief, it is the religion I'm after. Belief can be shaped and a lot of the Chant of Light isn't against my goals. It was mostly Emperor Drakon oh so many years ago that made the doctrines. It is those that I need gone.

Still, it will probably take a generation or two to get my people completely with me once I rule them. But no matter, as long as they don't cause me any problems. Let them worship whoever in the privacy of their own homes. Regardless, they will fight for me, even against the Chantry to secure their independence. Fereldans are fierce people, ones that hate Orlais quite viscerally.

Anyway, back to the beginning. Denerim is the hub, let the rumors spread from here. So, what little scandal can I cook up? Murder? Torture? Slavery? Sex scandal? Hmmm, it must make people care, those things are fairly mundane and it will not have the shock value I seek.

What to do, what to do.

As I ponder, I notice quite a lot of children running around the chantry. I quick peek tells me they are orphans, mostly freshly orphaned by the darkspawn. And Loghain's retreat. How nice, I can definitely make use of those. Not for my scandal, that would be a waste. For manpower. They are still young enough to adapt to my new empire and should I cultivate hate towards the evils of the world, warrior recruits. Or hunters, or support staff - I'm not a monster. I won't let them join up my army before they're sixteen or something. Hmm, I'll consult the Avvar, how they do it. What age is deemed appropriate in this world.

Kidnapping has precedence over the scandal. Or maybe I can make it seem the Chantry sisters ate them? That would be amusing. And there is a food shortage.

Anyway, let's interrogate the matron. A [Deep Scan] and then I can make them forget it I was ever here. I need to know something about my littlest recruits. Their numbers would be a good place to start.

Turns out there are nine orphans in this Chantry's care and I don't think there will be too much trouble with them with one exception. The orphans are scared and hungry, if I solve these two problems for them, they will be accommodating. That last one though, he is well and truly pious, not even the loss of his parents shook that faith. Guess he alone needs some personal Mind Mage touch.

I'll take them tonight. Just a few quick teleports and I can drop them in the care of someone. I know that we have some kind of orphan care in the Avvar.

The Chantry sisters though, I will need to do something about them. Maybe a [Suggestion] to speak vaguely, evasively, when someone asks. And maybe let them think they are still here, just out of sight. That would add to their suspicious behavior concerning the children. Yes. No matter what scandal I decide on, some suspicions about what they have done with the children might help. Well, if anyone even notices.

Alright, moving on, I'll be returning here tonight anyway. I head back towards the Alienage but once more my attention is redirected. The Wonders of Thedas is a shop I remember from Origins, mostly because it has that Tranquil manning it. Which brings me to something I completely forgot about.

[Quest Alert!]

Tranquil No More!

Objective: Reverse the rite of Tranquility

Award: 500 000 exp, 500 credits, ?

Yep. That. After all, most Tranquil were made forcibly and as a punishment for defying the Chantry and the Templars. If I can make their mind to come back, they will fight their jailers with much gusto. More recruits, and these would be pretty much combat ready. This quest is definitely a priority, I need more info.

Maybe I could make a little skip to Kirkwall and grab a Tranquil from there, they have plenty. Maybe [Observe] will give me a cue. Otherwise I remember there being something about spirits reversing it and that the Seekers know the method. Or well, the Lord Seeker alone, and there was a book too.

Looks like I have a plan for tomorrow too.

I enter the shop, equally interested in the wares and the man behind the counter. A simple Observe reveals nothing and I'm reluctant in prodding his mind too much. I'll keep that for my guest from Kirkwall. As for the merchandize, a few of the books interest me so I wait until the tranquil is suitably distracted by another customer and then stuff them into my Inventory. Easy peasy.

Nothing else strikes my fancy, they are trinkets and curiosities. Some of things might be fun to put on a shelf in my office because of the sheer bizarreness of them, but nah, thanks.

Back to the Alienage, this time for real.

No, I will not be distracted by the market. I can always peruse later after I'm done with the elves and… is that liquorice? And tea! Oh my! NO! Bad Sofia, bad. Elves are being sold to slavery and whatnot, you can wait a little.

Through sheer will I resist the temptation of my two favorite treats and power through to the gates of the Alienage. Which are of course closed. After asking the guards their only response is 'quarantine' which means the Origins plot is well under way. A semi-fake illness and a few Tevinters.

Out of sight I hop onto a roof that allows me to peer over the walled section. I select a desirable shadow in the Alienage and port there. Next I enter [Stealth] and do some recon. I want to find what the Tevinters have done already but mainly I want to find Shianni. In the game it was clear that the elder has little pull and that Shianni is the elf to go to. Besides, she will be far easier to convince – she has guts and a fierce desire to protect her people. The elder is a weak pacifist in comparison, powerless and beaten by life.

The spunky red-head is easy to find, hollering at two teenage elves who look very chastened indeed. I'll wait until she's done, and somewhere more out of sight.

There are about two hundred elves in the Alienage, less now that Howe sold them out. I have to wonder why the elves weren't shipped out en masse already but if they want to take it slow, who am I to argue.

Hmm.

'Haku'

'Yes, Fia-sama'

'I need you to track some slavers out of Denerim. I want any and all slaves you encounter recruited and brought to Ostagar. Keep it under a hundred to start with though'

'It shall be done, Fia-sama'

I smirk, I do so love my teleporting minions. And some info on Tevinter slaving operations is nice too. Right now I'll take Fereldans, but when I have more territory and the Blight is over, the Imperium will be a good place to get people from.

Shianni is on the move but keeping far too visible for my purposes. Maybe a nudge for her to take a shortcut?

As soon as the elf enters a deserted alley, I greet her "Hello, young lady."

"Who're you?" is the snappish reply, "One of those healers that came to deal with the plague? I don't even have a cough."

I smirk "Neither had the rest since the illness is mostly a pretense."

Shianni takes a quick step back and one hand falls on a knife "What do you mean?"

"Not a pretense of mine, you needn't worry. But I understand your apprehension" I casually lean against a barrel, "You see, with Loghain's pressing need for coin to replenish the forces lost at Ostagar, he let the new Arl of Denerim do as he wishes so long as he gets the gold."

"What's to do with us?" the elf is coiled, really to spring into an attack. Feisty red-head.

"A lot actually. You see, these 'healers' you mentioned, are from Tevinter" my smirk widens, "But you needn't take my word for it. I can show you."

"Vints?" Shianni's frown deepens, "No, nobles might be pieces of shit but no way they let Vints into the capital."

"Arl Howe did. The rest either doesn't know or doesn't care" I shrug, "But as I said, I can show you."

Shainni snorts "Go with the hooded stranger that approached me in a deserted alley, that does sound really smart."

I lower my hood, letting the [Unrecognizable] status fall with it. A planned gesture of good faith. And I even have my own face on, mostly because I like her character from Origins and I want her to work for me directly. I give the elf a wink and a little wave of my hand.

Shianni raises one unimpressed eyebrow.

"Though when we go to see the slavers I'm putting it back" I smirk.

"Why are you so insistent, what do you get out of it?"

"Have you heard the rumors about the Avvar, together with the Chasind, that they have reclaimed Ostagar? And quite a bit of territory too?" I ask smugly.

"What? No" the red-head's eyes widened in confusion.

"It's no mere rumor" I smirk, "And we, yes we, are looking to expand. That means Loghain needs to go if our expansion is to continue. His position is tenuous right now, something we are taking advantage of. He must be denied assets at every turn. And selling slaves gets him money. It's a scandal as well but I fear he would withstand it."

Shianni growls but then rapidly calms down. Oh yeah, I want her in my new empire. "So, what do you want to do? Say you show me proof that Loghain is as far from a hero as we can go, what then?"

"You help me take him down. Him and Howe"

"How?"

I shrug "That depends. Certainly we are putting a stop to the trafficking, killing the Tevinters so the money dries up. They won't send anybody else if they all get systematically killed."

"I can get behind that"

I smile approvingly and continue "But that won't please your new Arl, I would even guess he would stage an 'elven uprising', have you all subdued by force and then shipped out to Tevinter en masse. In this situation it would be best to leave."

"Leave" Shianni raised both eyebrows, to my surprise withholding judgment. Really, smart girl.

"Leave" I nod, "Come to Ostagar with me, you and your people. It is safe from darkspawn and the Avvar and Chasind army is almost ready to take Loghain head on, even if that isn't the plan until spring. There will be a new nation, one not under the Chantry doctrine, one with far more equality. Elves are just as welcome as anyone. You'd be free to live, work and fight at your leisure. We need population for our growing territory."

Shianni's jaw dropped "You're mad! That'll never work! The nobles won't take this laying down, the Chantry won't take this laying down. Barbarians conquering Ferelden? That's an Exalted March ready to happen."

"We count on it"

"This is madness"

I temp down the urge to shout the iconic Sparta shout, it's really hard though. Instead I have to be serious "Madness would be staying and getting sold as slaves or get killed in a fake uprising or a fake plague."

The elf shakes her head "How would we even go, highjack a slave ship?"

"Better" I smirk, "How do you feel about magic?"

"You have magic travel" Shianni deadpans, "For real?"

"For real. There is a lot magic can do when not stomped down by templars or preachy matrons in ugly robes" my smirk persists, "That is also why we are pretty confident in founding that new nations. We have magic Thedas has barely even seen. And even after all that stress of the darkspawn incursion, of Avvar holds destroyed in the initial attacks, we have had not one possession. When you are taught by your teacher how to control your magic, rather than fear it or be ashamed of it, you are far more stable than any average Circle mage."

"Exalted March for sure"

"We know. The Chantry will come with Orlais in tow, what do you think Fereldans will do then?"

"Fight with you" Shiannni's eyes widened, "If Orlais will come to 'liberate' us, the veterans will know what they really mean - a new Orlesian occupation they fought so hard against. They will rather join your barbarians if that will mean independence."

"Indeed"

"You intend to spark a war"

"There is always one happening somewhere" I shrug, "And we are going north, the Blight decimated Fereldan forces, the civil war will too. To combat the darkspawn you need an army. We have one. And we are really good at not only killing the Blighters but keeping them away too."

"Let me guess, magic" Shianni says with mild distaste. Chantry teachings have really seeped into Thedas' subconscious. That needs correcting.

I chuckle "Show me a Circle mage that can do that."

"Wouldn't know, we only see templars"

"I'll tell you then, they can't. Or they don't care to try. Or they are forbidden to even try" I reiterate, "I can show you Ostagar and bring you back, no one the wiser. You could see for yourself, that we have a chance and that our endeavor isn't madness after all."

Shianni falls silent after that, still skeptical but I have given her a lot to consider. Finally she continues, changing the subject unexpectedly "And why have you approached me? Why not our elder?"

I scowl "He did nothing when his people were threatened. Nothing. He was scared and merely hoped everything will blow over eventually. You are more determined, and a deal more charismatic. People will follow you."

"You know about the wedding thing" Shianni's face went wooden and her tone changed as well.

"I know about the wedding thing" I confirm gently but trying not to evoke pity.

Shianni is clenching and unclenching her fists, mind in turmoil. Then she focuses back on me "My cousin died that day, my would-be husband too. Some of my friends died as well, not to mention what happened before."

"I heard. If you wish, I could take you to Vaughn"

The elf's face is still eerily blank, and [Telepathy] isn't helping all too much. Shianni is bouncing from though to thought, feeling to feeling. "What happened to him? I just heard we got a new Arl, the old one dying at Ostagar. His son didn't take his place, Howe is Arl instead" she asks, her voice weak and she was hating herself for it.

"Howe usurped his position" I shrug, "Probably a reward from Loghain, as if Highever isn't enough."

"Where is he then?"

"Howe's dungeon." And he is there, I checked. "Nothing cushy. I don't actually know why he's still alive but nonetheless he is in a cell. I say it's pretty fitting, the spoiled noble brat treated like a common criminal, but I can take you to him. We can take him with us for punishment or just kill him in the cell and take his body away. Howe would think he escaped somehow."

"I…" Shianni starts but her voice fails her, then she growls at herself more than anything and continues, "I want to bash that bastard's head in. But if Howe is as you say he is, won't he just dump that shit-stain's body here and then arrest us all?"

I bow my head slightly in admiration, I haven't expected her to think so clearly when her rapist was involved. Yeah, I'm definitely getting her to come with me, a smart advisor that can keep her head on straight.

"I wanna see the proof about the Vints" the elf changes the subject, "I'll think about the rest once I know you aren't lying out of your ass."

"Let's go then, I have a method to enter undetected," I say but can't help commenting further, "And of course I'm not lying out of my ass, that wouldn't get me anything."

"I'll be making us invisible and undetectable by magic but we'll have to be careful since they could still hear us. They shouldn't notice any normal sounds but you can't speak or anything loud. Do you understand?"

"Yeah"

I frown at her nonchalance "I mean it, even if we see anything going on right then and there, we can't interfere. Well, unless you are ready to pack up the entire Alienage and go with me to Ostagar that is."

Shianni's mouth tightens but she nods.

"Alright" I nod as well, "Let's go see the doctor then."

X

I resist the urge to whistle happily as I walk through the halls of the Denerim's royal palace - it's ugly and my Ostagar will soon outshine it. Still, I found a nice painting which I promptly stole, it will look good on my bedroom wall. Someone is going to get fired over it I guess but what can you do. If I find them on the streets once winter comes, I'll take them to Ostagar. I still need people, even though the elves look promising.

Shianni is convinced, I took her to see the 'healers', she saw the documents and she heard them speak. Now it was only a matter of convincing her fellow elves and keep them safe from the slavers. I give them no more than a week, something will happen then – they either come with me or Howe and his Tevinters do something bad. No way Shianni lets her people go to the doctor now that she knows it means getting shipped to places unknown as a slave.

Those that were already shipped have only one chance now – I sent Haku after the slavers so we'll see how that goes. Shutting them down and taking their current batch will be a boon.

After the city elves get settled in my territory, I refuse to believe that I won't get them, I might take a trip to other Alienages. If I remember correctly, the one in Kirkwall is pretty shitty too, and the one in Val Royeux was set on fire. Hm, maybe not Val Royeux, I don't need to be on Shiala's radar just yet.

Anyway, the elves are done for now and I'll deal with the orphans once night comes, the only thing left to do on today's checklist is the royal entourage. Do some snooping around Loghain, Howe, Anora and whoever strikes my fancy. Maybe that woman with the cool sword that is loyal to Loghain? What was her name… Ok, I'm drawing up a blank but it's the one that arrests the Warden and chucks them into Fort Drakon.

Aside general information for my campaign against Loghain, and making him even more paranoid, I want anything that might help me sway the nobles from the regent. My stroll through Howe's dungeon already revealed the brother of Bann Alfastanna and the son of Bann Sighard that fought at Ostagar that spoke about Loghain's betrayal.

The nobles were the only ones there, similarly to what Origins had shown. I'm guessing the 'normal' prisoners, those that Howe can directly profit from, are kept in Fort Drakon. I'll be going there too and once I deal with Vaughn, Shianni will decide how as a signing bonus, I'm taking them all out. They will help me immensely. Alfastanna is a smart woman, doesn't like Loghain already and she is one of the nobles that others follow. The others will help the rumor campaign, on how Loghain betrayed his king and the wardens to crown himself.

My thoughts are interrupted when I see a duo of servants carrying food. Not only is does smell surprisingly delicious, they also mention the queen. Since I don't have the minimap, I might as well follow them. Judging from the food the queen has visitors. Or she has decided to let herself go…

"Do you think Arl Howe is going to be there?" the female servant asks quietly her colleague after ascertaining that they were alone. Naturally, I don't count being invisible and all.

The man sighs "I don't know, but he won't try anything with the queen around. Don't worry. Just keep your head down."

"He's a creep"

"Eri!" the man hushes hr vehemently, "You can't say things like that, what if anyone hears!"

"I know, I know"

"That said, I agree. But he won't try anything where the queen can see"

"Only because he wants to marry her to get a hold of the throne. And I know you like queen Anora but she won't protect us. Not against her father, and not against his closest ally"

The man shakes his head "We're servants, be glad we have a paying job. Don't risk it by being nosy."

"I'm not nosy, I just call it like I see it" the woman huffs.

"Well, don't. You know damn well just how many servants were let go after the Teyrn assumed regency, I don't want to be thrown on the streets"

"That's the better option, I heard that Natalie, that young woman Rickon liked, got taken by Arl H…"

"Stop gossiping!" the man almost wailed. Which is impressive since he is still trying to maintain a whisper-low volume.

"Alright, aright. But only because we're almost there"

"Thank the Maker!"

The duo fell silent, to my slight disappointment. That was good info that. Still, the woman is right as two corners later a good half dozen of soldiers are guarding a door. The servants are let it without too much trouble and I sneak right behind them.

Contrary to what the female servant believed, Howe isn't here. Only the queen and her father. Still, a telepathic peek later I see that we actually only just missed Howe. He only left after Loghain came in. And yes, even Anora thinks he's a creep. And she too knows just how dangerous he is. That is good.

The servants leave and the little family eats is silence. I don't mind since the matter of Howe and Anora is very interesting indeed, especially from the good queen's point of view.

It turns out that nowadays Anora is quite unsettled, even afraid. Last time I was here she was mostly frustrated but full of confidence in her father. Now though Loghain has taken to confine her to quarters, for 'her own good and protection', and has taken a lot of her duties with him. Anora is an excellent administrator and she has been running Ferelden pretty much on her own all throughout her marriage. Now Loghain has taken that away. Some duties were even passed onto Howe. Who, as the servant from before guessed correctly, seemed quite keen on getting together with the young widow.

So, Howe is getting creepier and creepier while Loghain is getting more and more unstable. Not a picnic being in the middle of those men. Hm, maybe Howe is actually slipping something to Loghain, there are medicines and herbs that can make someone descent into madness. If Loghain got psychotic enough and Howe had the queen under her thumb, well, another coup would be even welcomed.

For me the situation is actually quite good. I even tentatively changed my mind about killing Anora. Yes, I think I'll rescue her instead. Be the knight in shining armor who defends her against a madman of a father and the cruel and interested advisor. She is a good administrator, one that already can run a kingdom… Heh, she'd be a great boon for my soon-to-be-named nation.

Let's get to work then, on both Loghain and Anora. The regent I want ignoring my Avvar for now and concentrate on what he thinks is the true enemy, Orlais. Anora I need to make a little more afraid, little by little. I don't want her to do anything stupid and drastic, I just want her prepared for my arrival.

I sigh, looks like I will need to keep a closer eye on Denerim than I anticipated. At least for a while. The elves, the royals, the Chantry… And that is only the obvious ones. A foothold in the underbelly of Denerim would be good to have too. And I need to contact the opposing nobles starting from Alfastanna and Sighard. And…

You know what? I definitely need to learn to delegate. The nobles and royals are definitely mine, who else can do that. But the rest? Haku can definitely help. And I definitely can subvert some crimelord or somebody. The whisper campaign can also be managed by someone else. Hm, maybe once I have Shianni she could point me in a good direction too, the Fereldans know their country best.

Yes, having an army is all well and good, but seems like I need to accelerate the spy network a little. I asked Haku to keep an eye out for anyone suitable, looks like the time has come to see the results.

Loghain speaks up, making me refocus on him. He doesn't say anything of real interest but at least he has shaken me from my reverie. I have a job to do here, a fun one too, so the rest can wait until I return to Ostagar.

Ok, so dear Loghain, let's see what is in that mad mind of yours…

My forays into Ferelden proper yielded some nice results, and this time I'm not talking about a few displaced orphans and teens. Well, I am, but in a different way this time. Since the Sky-Chosen Class also levels with belief, those kidnapped and persuaded Fereldans gave me a bit of a boost. Enough to finally prop me over that 100 threshold and max the Class.

Surprisingly before I could pick another, I get another notification.

Achievement Unlocked!

The Messiah: You have maxed a messatic Class; Achievement Reward: 50 Credits, unlocked level 2 of the messiatic Class

I like Achievements, really really do. It's practically a free gift since I can't really aim at them in advance. I just happen to fulfill a condition and voila, a reward. And fifty Credits is always welcome. Still, it is that second part of the reward that draws my eye.

After dismissing the notification I get the usual screen for Class choices and indeed in the Mage tab there is yet another Sky-Chosen, specifically [Sky-Chosen II]. Interesting.

'System?'

Yes?

'How high a mark 2 class goes? Does it go from zero again or does it pick up where it left off?'

Take it and you'll see

'Come on, pretty please?'

Can't tell you, sorry

'Oh' I wilt. But soon I regain my spark, Sky-Chosen is an awesome Class Stat-wise and it grows with belief, something that I'm actively working on. Still, the Class will keep, I can always choose it later. Right now the plan is Blacksmith. I was looking forward to choosing another production class and I see no real reason to delay it again. Plus I have a hunch that the messiatic Class will go from a hundred to two. Ergo it will take a buttload of time. I want my vibranium armor. I want to be able to forge epic weapons I can beat Ferelden and Orlais with. Sky-Chosen is a good pick but I'm going for the Blacksmith!

That's the spirit

I nod resolutely and quickly choose the production Class. No need to dally or agonize over the decision. I have time to do both, and right now the Blacksmith is better. It also has a +1 INT along a point in STR and VIT so I will not be lagging behind training my most useful Stat.

Class selected. Class equipped.

New Skills Acquired!

Smelting I (Passive)[Level 1] – Allows to work level 1 materials*

Forging I (Passive)[Level 1] – Allows to work level 1 materials*

Blueprint Acquired!

[Dagger] [Arrowhead]

Alright, a lot of new stuff to cover.

[Smelting] and [Forging] were pretty much expected, so was their passive nature, it's the same as Engineer. The 'level 1 materials' is new though. With System being neat as usual, it only takes a little click on the asterisk near the description to get the whole thing. And this time it even comes with a picture, awesome! So the Blacksmith tree…

I study it for a while but it seems fairly straightforward, at least for what I can see. Level one is obviously at the bottom and it has copper, tin, lead and iron. From there is a branch that shots to the left which reads 'silver'. I guess that one I have to unlock and level separately despite it being level 1 as well. Huh. From the level 1 shoots upwards another branch to, predictably, level 2. That one has steel and a bunch on question marks. Guess I will have to Observe a lot of Thedas ore to get the idea of what goes where because from level 2 shoot more branches and those have question marks again. The only readable bit is level 3. And 4. And 5, which seems to be the max. A lot of question marks everywhere though.

Going to Inventory for a bit I scroll my tabs until I can see the vibranium ingot I got from gacha. Now when I click on it, it says 'level 4 material'. Fun. But a long long way to go. Well, it's something to aim for.

Out of curiosity I go back to the Blacksmith tree and indeed I find vibranium replacing one of the question marks in the level 4 tier. Neat.

Well, it looks like I have a lot of work to do, even to get to at least steel. Moving on. Blueprints! I definitely need to get some more, thankfully [Observe] and Engineer's [Structural Analysis] can help there. This will be far easier that the Engineer had been, shields and swords are more readily available than anything for the modern Class. I'm definitely doing more than daggers over and over again, this isn't Skyrim.

Well, might as well get to it.

"Margit!"

My faithful Hound appears next to me in a rush of displaced air "Yes, my lady?"

"How are we on the smithy here at Ostagar?"

"It's set up" the red-head reports, "Yours and Haku's 'shopping trips' have it well-stocked and two Avvar and a Chasind blacksmiths are already there, mostly crafting arrows and mending weapons and armor. Though neither people really use metal all that much."

I nod, remembering the warhammer made mostly from bone I received after getting my fist Chasind tribe. Hm, we definitely need better equipment if we are to stand against knights in full plate. Ferelden has only some but Orlais has their chevaliers. Well, I'm definitely leveling my Blacksmith Class and Skills so I'll probably craft a lot. Hopefully the three smiths will follow suit. Maybe take up some apprentices too. Some of my Fereldan citizens could know a thing or two about smithing as well.

"I'll head there then" I grin, already feeling the excitement only a brand new Class can bring.

"Your new Class then?" Margit asks.

"Yep"

"Will you be building a personal smithy?"

I hum "Maybe. I was thinking more like a versatile workshop. I'll see after I level stuff a bit, right now I barely know what tools to use. Once I get onto some more exotic things, I'll revisit stocking up the workshop."

Margit nods and I can practically see her making a mental note of that. She really is a wonderful personal assistant.

"If anyone needs me, I'll be at the smithy" I continue, "I think that today I will most likely just shadow one of the smiths. My very first perk buffs my learning from books and lessons so I should get a good head start."

"Don't forget, you have a war council meeting before dinner" the red-head reminds me, "A progress report on our efforts here at Ostagar, the integration of the Fereldans and the report from the army going east."

"Looking forward to it" I grin. It's very true, especially since I saw the noticeable bump in exp in my Status page, enough to get me a level up. Somebody under my command fought a battle and my money is on the eastern legion encountering darkspawn. Nice of them to be able to handle it without me.

As I slowly walk towards the smithy, quite a way away from the building I designated as main, I have to admire all the work that went into Ostagar. Sure, the Tevinter builders were good, but I meant the clean-up and reconstruction. Ok, mostly clean-up. Ostagar is well and truly massive, at least the size of a good town, yet it's all nice and neat now. No darkspawn corpses, no unattended rubble. Instead we have tents and some wood structures, lots of men and women going around with a sense of purpose.

I'm damn proud of us.

And I'm also damn proud of me – as I go I get respectful nods left and right, people genuinely happy to see me. It's really empowering.

Since we are just starting out functionality has precedence over form but I couldn't resist to pretty up a place a bit anyway. After all, only a small application of Mokuton gave me beautiful sakura trees to flank several roads, and I planted some near Haku's medicinal garden too. The beginnings of a park.

Oh yes, I just need real masons and Ostagar will be a beauty. It already looks better than the majority of Denerim but I guess the absence of trash and beggars will have that effect.

"You're smiling Margit" I comment with a smile of my own.

"I'm wearing a mask"

"I can feel that smile"

Margit sighs "I really like the trees, I always like that about Japan. They make everything look… peaceful."

I grin "I agree, I love them too. I think I'll be planting more once the Blight is over."

"Shouldn't we be helping with that?"

"Nah, the wardens have it covered for now. We'll join the big battle against the archdemon"

"Any thoughts on when?"

I shrug as I enter the smithy, a startling heat combating the cold from outside "Sometime in spring. But don't take my word for it, the warden party should be stopping by soon."

Margit's mask inclined to the side in surprise "When?"

"Depends. All I know they finished their business with the Dalish and the werewolves and are en route. I guess they want to stop by Flemeth and then off to the mountains to search for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. I already informed my people to let the warden party through" I hum.

"I hope the wardens indentify themselves otherwise that it'll be awkward"

I scratch my neck "Worse comes to worst I get some wardens from Orlais or somewhere, that archdemon gotta go. But it should be ok, I did tell the commanders what the warden group looks like."

"If may I be so bold as to make a suggestion…"

"Margit, you are bold"

"…then perhaps you could keep an eye on them though your summons. Just in case. And not get lost in a new project" the red-head continued and gestured to the furnace and the confused-looking Chasind next to it.

I shrug "I can't keep an eye on them all the time, Morrigan is a shapeshifter, she can spot when an animal is behaving strangely. But alright, I'll keep them in mind. But right now I have a meeting with a man about some metal and hammers."

"Have fun" Margit half-bows and leaves me to it. I turn around to beam at the Chasind whose eyebrows shoot up in confusion.

So much fun.

When the hammer falls
And it sounds through the halls
When the hammer falls

[Singing]'s level has increased by one!

Freeing treasures from the walls
When the hammer strikes
And the kingdom comes to life
When the hammer pounds
Like the thunder underground
When the hammer falls

This is actually not bad. Not bad at all

When the hammer falls

I finish there because I sense Margit rapidly approaching. Might as well reply to System. 'Thanks. I remembered the song, from before. By Clamavi de Profundis, I think.'

Nice

Nodding resolutely, because I totally agree, I start cleaning up my little corner of the smithy – after all, I will be having guests soon. Not that there is anything exciting to clean up, right now I'm still leveling. Despite my earlier words of 'not-Skyrim-ing it', I am indeed Skyrim-ing it.

Forge dagger. Melt dagger. Forge dagger. Melt dagger. Surprise! Forge a bunch of arrowheads for a change. Forge dagger… You get it.

But hey, Blacksmith and its Skills are doing nicely. Give me a few more levels and I'll stop melting my creations and put them in the armory instead. Still not the best quality, but they'll be solid. I just really hope we need a shitload of daggers – turns out when you both consider the time they take to make and the exp I get from it, they really are the best choice for speedy levels. Arrowheads give far less for example and while a sword gives quite a bit more, it takes a good long while to craft. Hence daggers.

Maybe I could try a shortsword?

"My lady?" Margit interrupts my clean-up, "They are on approach."

"What do you know?" I hum idly.

"Patrol caught them and let them through as per your orders" the red-head reports, spine rigid in a perfect military posture, "They mentioned you'd like to meet. The mage warden accepted an escort for the group and they will be here shortly. The scout says they are apparently hoping to get support for their cause here but also quite suspicious."

"Of course they are, they aren't stupid. Anything else in the report?"

Margit took off her mask to show me her heavily disapproving face "Apparently the red-head and the Chasind mage one are incredibly hot."

My snort turns into uncontrollable laughter. That makes Margit frown deeper any my laugh even harder. Gods, her face, her tone! Hilarious.

"Are you done?" my nominal bodyguard huffs, "You wanted a dramatic greeting moment. Which I still have no idea what it means."

I'm still laughing as I motion her to follow me. Once outside I take flight heading for the half-ruined Tower of Ishal. Margit is right behind me, no doubt rolling her eyes. So what, I have a sense of drama. Pity though we don't have that flag yet, we really need a move on with this whole naming thing.

Reaching into Inventory I take two pairs of binoculars, my own make, and peer into the distance. I could warg into a summon but I'm not feeling it. Also this enables my faithful Hound to see as well.

Speaking of, I peer to the side "So, what do you think?"

Margit huffs "Alright, I shall admit that they are attractive."

I laugh again, though this time much more restrained than before "Noted. That wasn't what I meant but I'll take it."

"Didn't you say you wanted that Leliana, Morrigan and Zevran working for you?"

"I did say that"

"So my comment was on point"

I chuckle "That it was. We'll see how it goes. They say never meet your heroes, so let's see if I like them as people and not just characters. That said I could really use Leliana - she's an excellent spy, an even better spymaster and has insight into the Chantry."

Margit is still looking though the binoculars but she appeared to have zoomed even more in "But she's part of said Chantry, and the woman who saved her life is in a high position. You said she'll become Divine."

"Might not happen" I shrug, "Justinia, well Dorothea right now, is a pacifist and I don't think that a Chantry-defying barbarian nation springing up in their territory is conductive to said pacifism. Then again, Dorothea is a politician first and foremost, she might spin it."

"Hm"

"Morrigan might be both easier and harder to get" I continue, "She's a true free spirit but she could use protection from her mother."

"Can we offer that?" Margit questioned.

"Not right now but then again, Flemeth has a larger plan, she won't be going after Morrigan anytime soon" I shrug.

"Can we lie to a witch?"

"I won't be lying" I shake my head and put the binoculars back into Inventory, the warden party already visible without them, "I'm sure we can figure something out with her."

"And that Zevran fellow, the assassin?" Margit asks again, voice heavy with disapproval.

"Something against assassins?"

"Yes"

Short, sweet, simple. Gotta respect that. I shrug "He'd be just the bonus, I can use a freelance assassin that really wants to travel."

"As you say"

A smirk comes onto my lips as I see Leliana look upwards and notice me. Her eyes narrow slightly even as her expression is still set in friendly neutral. Sharp girl. Really, the eyes of an archer and spy with a great mind to boot. I want her.

Margit beside me lets out a put out sigh. Yep, she definitely noticed where my thoughts went. I know she doesn't mind sharing since in the erogame she (ultimately) didn't mind Yamato getting it on with her entire squad. Those were her friends though, and someone she trusted with her life. Heh, I'll definitely work on bringing Leliana to that level, Margit doesn't need to worry.

Oh, Zevran noticed Leliana's gaze and he quickly followed her. Another sharp one. I'm honestly surprised Morrigan did not notice me but then again she is more likely to do that when I'm using magic around her or influencing animals.

Alistair, Wynne and our dear warden, Amell, are more focused on Ostagar proper more than anything. All three having been here before and saw it under darkspawn siege. Well, the dog too, though I'm not all that sure just how smart mabari really are. Hm, maybe I should collect a soul sample – I have normal dog but a smart wardog is probably better.

The last member of the warden party is Sten. His gaze is sharp too but I never liked him. I'll let him be for now, but a lot of things can happen during a Blight. While I know that it won't prevent the qunari spying on me, I think I won't let him go home to report. Yep, like I said, I never liked him and he's a murderer anyway, I'm killing him. And yes, I know I'm a hypocrite. Don't care.

"What do plan for your big entrance?" Margit asks, a faint tinge of disapproval marring her tone. She isn't a fan of showing off, preferring to keep as many aces up her sleeves as she can. But I think a show of force is needed. Besides, being a Gamer I get loads of aces for my sleeves and getting more every day.

I don't reply to her, merely step off the tower and let [Flight] carry me.

In a moment I had their full attention. I glide down but keep to my new city, let the wardens come to me. This was enough of a show of my personal power, now it is time to show another kind. As I wait Margit once more reaches my side and joins me in watching the troops train. Rila, my foremost general, was really whipping our people into shape despite their ingrained belief of being fighters as opposed to soldiers. The matron is all about discipline though and judging from several bloody noses, isn't afraid to make herself be obeyed.

"I'll go collect your pet projects" Margit half stated, half offered.

"Thanks"

As my Hound saunters away I continue watching the drills until I feel the presence of my second Servant.

"I am back, Fia-sama"

"Welcome back, Haku" I greet the invisible ninja that promptly drops his Engineered invisibility, "How was the Imperium?"

"Rather warm" Haku replied mildly, "I have quite a lot to report about the slaving operation. I also have retrieved some of the captured elves from Denerim as per your orders."

I hum "Good. I'll have to deal with that later though, I'll be having guests shortly."

"I'll see to them in the interim then" the ice-user bows, "My report is ready for you whenever you wish."

"Thanks" I tear my eyes from Rila shouting at one particular grouping and smile at Haku, "Good job. The freed slaves will make my case for Shianni more compelling. She is already preparing her people for the move but this should cinch it."

"Shall I share this with the appropriate officers?"

"I already had some arrangements made, but yes. Appreciate it"

"Hai, Fia-sama"

"Find me once the wardens leave"

"Hai, Fia-sama" Haku once more faded into invisibility, he did really like my gadget.

Which reminds me I have to craft that better mask for Margit now that I'm a Blacksmith. Even if it is only a practice one, I'm still stuck on iron. But soon I will be able to go a tier up to steel. Or… I could make that mask silver. Nah, I'll do a steel one eventually and then look into the other materials Thedas has to offer. DA Inquisition had plenty of crafting options, we'll find something that will suit.

And there she comes, my beautiful Hound and the warden party behind her. Well, mostly behind her, Amell is trying to talk to her, aka squeeze some info, but the red-head is very tight-lipped as always. The questions only cease once they spot me, Amell shifting her focus.

I have chosen a neutral expression for my fist impression, along with a very neutral tone but…

"You can fly?!" Alistair exclaims even before any greeting could be issued.

"Why, afraid I will swoop upon you?" I reply, clamping down forcefully the smirk that threatens to ruin that neutrality.

"Yes… swooping is bad" the bastard prince replies slowly, exchanging a confused look with his fellow warden. Morrigan's eyes sharpen even further than normal as her gaze bores into mine – she too recognized the exchange, the same lines as during the prologue of the game. Sue me, I couldn't help it, Alistair just made it so easy. Well, I did want to rattle them a bit anyway.

Amell retakes the reigns "Greetings, I'm warden Amell. I like what you have done with this place."

That makes me smile "We try. So what brings you back here?"

"We need to make a little stop in the Wilds not far from here" the mage replies freely, "We're off towards the mountains next. We'd be grateful to get that safe passage your people offered."

I nod "You have it, wardens are always welcome, especially in the middle of the Blight."

"Well, you have done well so far" Amell hums, making a show of looking around, "Your scout said you keep the darkspawn away with magic?"

"Yes"

"And what magic is that I wonder" Morrigan speaks up for the first time. God I love her voice. Sounds even better in person.

I wink "My magic. But perhaps we can discuss it one day when the Archdemon is done."

Wynne didn't seem to appreciate it as Morrigan did, her brow set in a deep frown "Magic of this magnitude has to be ritualistic in origin. You either refreshed one from old times, with blood, or you made a pact of your own. You put all your people at risk either way."

"You Circle sheep know nothing about magic, that's why you turn to demons" I scoff, "You can't do the thinking yourselves so you beg for help. Do not confuse me with amateurs like yourselves."

"Well said" Morrigan downright smiles at me. It's sharp and wicked and I think I'm melting. So. hot.

Amell clears her throat and her left hand clamps hard on Wynne's shoulder "Moving on. As you may or may not know, me and Alistair here are the last wardens in Ferelden right now. But to end the Blight we need an army, the Archdemon will be coming. We have already secured the aid of the Circle and of what Dalish elven tribes that have not fled the country. We will be meeting with the dwarves soon, and we have a provisional agreement with Redcliffe Arling. If we could add your people's help we are sure to defeat the darkspawn."

"You can count on our support" I nod.

The warden is visibly surprised "Just like that?"

"Just like that"

"Oh" the woman blinks, "Alright. Eh, thanks. Thank you, I mean."

"Damn" Alistair sighs, "I hope the dwarves will be this easy too. I don't want to fight anymore werewolves."

I smirk "I would imagine. And of course we will defend our land. We are here to stay so we will gladly help. That said, I would warn you against putting us squarely on the front lines as the Fereldan lords would no doubt advise. Wardens are meant to be apolitical, not doing the dirty work for nobility. Make no doubt, southern Ferelden is ours and we will fight with all we have to keep it that way."

Alistair arches his eyebrows "Southern Ferelden is just that, Ferelden."

"It's Avvar land now, we will come with a better name in time" I shrug.

"No way the Landsmeet won't denounce this" the ex-templar looks at Amell.

"Not to mention the Chantry" Morrigan smirks.

I shrug again "Won't change a thing."

"You'd drag your people into war" Wynne says with her patent disapproval.

"The Avvar don't work the way you lowlanders do, I might lead them but this conquest is a consensus of all that you see here. The fighters, the chiefs, the shamans, the healers, the hunters… all people."

High above us an eagle let out a pitched sound. Not my doing either, oftentimes I wonder of the veracity of my Sky-Chosen status.

"And the Lady of the Skies agrees as well" I nod upwards.

To my surprise Morrigan doesn't scoff, she simply rolls her eyes but keeps silent. Wynne does scoff as well as something softer but close from Alistair. I ignore Sten and telepathically peer into Zevran and Leliana. Both are surprisingly open-minded.

"Anyway" I hum and casually reach into Inventory to retrieve the Joining Chalice that was left here after the darkspawn attack, "I believe this belongs to you, judging from the griffon insignia and its former content."

"The Chalice!" Alistair exclaims and rushes forward, taking the cup from my hands, "It's ours alright. Where have you found it?"

"Here at Ostagar" I reply with the obvious answer. Alistair has the decency to blush at that.

"You know the contents?" Amell focuses on a different part on what I said like I mildly hoped.

"I do"

"How come?"

I shrug "I have taken an interest, the Blight and all. I know you wardens like your secrets but don't worry, I won't pass them on."

Both Alistair and Amell look at each other, having a private and utterly silent conversation. The rest of the party looks on in interest but luckily for me just as Wynne was about to speak, Amell beat her to the punch "May we discuss something in private? About those warden secrets."

"Margit, take the wardens' party to one of the camps, maybe they would like some refreshments" I instruct my Hound with a flick of the wrist.

"Yes, my lady" Margit bows and ushers the curious group away from us.

"I could've done with something to eat myself" Alistair grumbles, getting an armored elbow to the gut for it.

"I'll be perfectly honest with you" the mage starts, "We're rookies, Alistair has been a warden for a year and something while I joined right before the battle here. Needless to say that we don't know much of those warden secrets."

"Yeah, Duncan, the warden commander" Alistair chimed in, "Was more focused on the practical side. Things like what the hell goes into that chalice aside darkspawn blood were for the higher-ups."

"I see" I nod despite already knowing all that from the game.

"And," Amell took a deep breath, "we aren't exactly sure how to kill and Archdemon. We know it has to be us but we don't know how."

"Or why" Alistair nods.

"Can you help?" the mage shots me a very nice approximation of a puppy-dog eyes look.

"I can" I nod. And I should, with me fucking with Howe's dungeon soon, I might mess up the Orlesian warden thing when they would 'officially' learn all this. And they really need to know. Plus it gets me nice brownie points, I already cast [Influence] upon most of them but every little bit helps. I didn't use the Skill on Sten and Wynne since they would find it suspicious, [Influence] is subtle but those who dislike me severely might notice the slight change.

"Thank the Maker!" Alistair exhales loudly.

I chuckle and sit down on the grass, gesturing for the two wardens to join me. "Well, the joining ritual will be better explained by your fellow wardens, so I suggest ask them once the Blight ends. That said, you'll need to collect all the blood of the Archdemon you can once it's slain. It's one of the main ingredients along with lyrium. Blood magic at its finest."

Alistair looked distinctly uncomfortable but nodded "Yeah, I guessed that. But not the Archdemon blood. How will we even store it?"

That hadn't occurred to me. I hum "Glass containers should work just fine, probably nothing enchanted to be safe though. I'll look into it."

"We'll be grateful" Amell half-bows.

"Now, for the Archdemon himself" I sigh, this part kinda sucks, "There is no easy way to say this but one of you needs to die."

"Wait, what?" Alistar gaped, Amell looking alarmed as well.

"An Archdemon can only be killed permanently by a Grey Warden" I start with the common knowledge, "If killed by a non-warden, the Archdemon's soul will escape to the nearest darkspawn, who are soulless beings that can be transformed into a new Archdemon. This is what makes the Bight so horrifying, it is unending and the Archdemon effectively immortal. However, if a Grey Warden strikes the killing blow, the Archdemon's soul will be drawn into the Grey Warden's body through that Warden's taint. A warden though is not a soulless being, the process will not form another Archdemon but rather destroy both souls, Archdemon and warden."

Amell gulps and closes her eyes "In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice. That's what they meant."

"But, but that can't be" Alistair shakes his head, "Duncan would… he would've…"

"It is a secret for a reason" I say gently.

"It would definitely stem recruitment" Amell pursed her lips, her tone bitter, "Here I thought after the failed joining nothing would surprise me about the order."

"And you're sure about this" Alistair asks, face pale under his blond fuzz. He really needs a good shave.

I nod "Quite sure, yes. At least, that is the way the Grey Wardens have always done it. The wardens have always experimented a lot, trying to find new and better way against the darkspawn, but in this they never figured out an alternative. At least to my knowledge."

"Brilliant, just brilliant" Alistair growled, petulantly striking his armored knee.

With an insensitive shrug I continue "If it makes you feel any better, it is usually the oldest warden or the highest ranked that is selected for that last blow. Rookies like you would've been kept away, battling the rank and file darkspawn while the oldest ones dealt with the Archdemon."

Amell's eyes widened in realization "That might be why Duncan put us on signal duty during the battle at Ostagar."

"Oh" Alistair said softly but his countenance turned pained "But wouldn't that also mean that Duncan would be the one to die? He never said anything, not even goodbye."

"We can talk about that later" the mage warden awkwardly patted his arm and then turned back to me, "Anything else we need to know about the wardens?"

"Nothing you don't already know" I hum, "You do know about your shortened lifespan, yes?"

"Yes" two dejected voices chorused.

"That's it then"

"Thank you" Amell bowed to me again, "It wasn't what we wanted to hear…"

"Understatement" Alistair grumbled.

"…but at least now we know. And it's something we can do, no special warden archdemon-killing ritual or anything, just snuff them out in person."

"Technically the special warden archdemon-killing ritual is the Joining itself" I couldn't help but point out.

It gets me an eyeroll from the mage and a soft chuckle from the templar.

I climb back to my feet as the duo fell silent for quite a while. The wardens follow suit but Amell saw fit to ask "How come you even know this? You said it was a secret."

"I have my ways. You'd find that I know a lot of things that I shouldn't" I smirk, "Like a little tidbit about your colleague here."

"Oh?" Alistair asked neutrally, but his face betrayed his sudden bout of nervousness.

"Yes" I nod, now completely serious, "I said before that wardens are welcome here, if you come by with a different title to your name, you'll be greeted much less cordially. I suggest you keep that in mind once Loghain is deposed." Not that I will let his ascend to the throne, nu-uh, that thing is mine. He should stay a warden, this way I won't have to kill him, that would be a shame.

"No worries on that" the blond prince shook his head, a small bitter tug on his lips, "I have no title other than warden, and no ambition for that to change."

"Good!" I grin, the over-the-top kind that is also quite threatening.

Amell eyes me for a while and then her eyes flit to Alistair. With a minute shrug she turns back to me and asks "Can we get back to our companions? We have some journey ahead of us still and I'd prefer not to wander around the Wilds in the dark."

"Smart" I hum – it was smart and a nice dismissal of sorts.

With my servant bond I can clearly feel Margit's location so I lead the two Fereldan wardens towards her. The soldier took them to the closest eating area so it only takes a few minutes to reach them. All the non-warden characters were busy eating a late lunch with varying degrees of gusto. Zevran was clearly on seconds for example. Not that I could blame him, we have some excellent cooks and fresh ingredients, nothing remotely comparable to travelling rations consisting of dried… everything.

Leliana's eyes are once again the first to find us, she smiles unsurely at both wardens, sensing their turmoil. Yeah, sorry, I pulled out a Dumbledore and told them they have to die to win. But hey, I don't know any other method and Morrigan can still pull through. Not sure which ending I'm hoping for but Alistair touching Morrigan kinda makes me jealous. I really want her on my team. And you know, maybe something further. A cheese-obsessed former templar touching what I feel should be mine is beyond irking me. Buuut, an elder god's soul just laying around in a baby is too good to pass up… I'll let fate decide, I have some standards. Maybe. We'll see.

"Got everything you wanted?" Leliana asks once we approached close enough.

"Wanted, HA!" Alistair scoffs.

Amell puts a calming hand on his forearm "We got what we needed, yes."

This time Leliana's eyes find mine and I shrug apologetically in response. Said eyes narrowed minutely and went back to search for clues on her friend's faces.

"I sincerely hope you will approach any information given about warden secrets with caution and thought" Wynne just couldn't help but prod.

I freely roll my eyes. This discount McGonagall clearly mistakes age for wisdom. She's just old, it doesn't give her any brain boost. Or the right to lecture me.

"Perhaps we don't need to antagonize our hosts, do we my dear Wynne" Zevran said in his charming/smarmy (it kinda depends) voice.

"humph"

Eloquent. Really, have a stroke already.

Margit isn't amused either, glowering at the elder mage even from behind her mask. I send a wave of calm though our bond. Wynne is going to croak once the warden party doesn't need a healer. She and Sten are just trouble.

Morrigan comes to my defiance as well, though probably only because she despises the other mage "Cease your prattle woman, you needn't show your ignorance, we are already well-informed about it."

Before any of the involved parties could add some more, Amell takes control of her group "Enough! You all just had what looks like a great lunch, you can't be unhappy. Take a leaf from Sten's book and don't argue."

"Sarebaas are too chatty" Sten frowned and shook his head.

I raise an eyebrow "All mages would feel chatty for you since your people rip their mage's tongues out and sew their lips together."

The qunari nods in satisfaction, something that made the warden group gape even more. Well, Morrigan did not gape, she just got more… pointy? Spiky? I know it doesn't make sense but that's precisely how it felt, like an animal puffing up before striking. Still, she obviously knew of the practice before hand but it wasn't enough to keep her reaction to herself.

"Truly?"Leliana is the first to ask despite Sten making his position clear.

"Yes"

Morrigan sneers at the bard "This you find barbaric? The qunari keep their mages like cattle but your precious chantry is different? Are Circles anything more than slave pens, is the loftily-named Rite of Tranquility anything else than death merely less bloody. Your hypocrisy disgusts me."

"I said enough!" Amell raised her voice, glaring at Alistair, Leliana and Wynne who clearly wanted their turn to speak on the matter. The warden mage bowed towards me "Perhaps it is time we left. We thank you for your hospitality and your willingness to lend your army against the Blight. And for… you know what. Truly, the wardens are in your debt."

I bowed minutely back, rather impressed at her ability to keep her people in line with just a glare "Think nothing of it Warden-Commander."

The title takes Amell aback a little but she seems to accept it, sitting even straighter. Then she stands up "Alright, let's go people. We need to reach a cranky witch."

As all her warriors follow, Morrigan stays seated "I told you that I can't be present, might as well stay here and rejoin you after. I'll find you in raven form."

"Yes, and what is that reason you can't come, you were awfully reticent on that" Alistair asked almost sweetly, eyes full of distrust.

"I told your boss, you needn't concern yourself with it" the witch of the wilds replies in disinterest.

"About that…" Amell shuffles her feet awkwardly, nothing like the leader before, "I was thinking we might tell everybody. After all, this is a rather dangerous favor and…"

"Do as you will" Morrigan huffs, crossing her arms.

The younger warden scratches the back of her head sheepishly and then finally nods, leaving the witch be. She gathers the rest and soon they follow Margit out of Ostagar, heading to the Wilds.

I hum even as the one-short warden party leaves, I have a nice chance to work on Morrigan today, so that is great. On the other hand I have not interacted with Leliana much at all. I will need to meet them at one point, even before the big battle. Which of course might go a little bit differently now that I'm in the picture. Will it even be Denerim again?

Anyways, Leliana-wise, I only [Influence]d her a bit and nudged forward her interest about Avvar religion and our way of life. But yeah, I need some more. Maybe I should invite her back here after the Blight – if I remember correctly, she went back to Haven to the site of the Holy Ashes before her Chantry friend called her to service.

And…

"So it seems we will have time for that talk about your magic after all" Morrigan downright smirked.

Oh boy, the game really didn't give her justice. That smirk is wicked. Though I would kinda love to see her smile for real…

Quest Alert!

Oh, shush you.

"So it seems indeed" I smile at the witch, quite glad that not only I can perform all that magic System gave me, I can actually explain it.

Let's nerd out!

I was really sad to see Morrigan leave even though she effectively spent only an afternoon and evening here. She really knows her stuff and she even gave me some really nice ideas mage-wise. Plus, since I shared my 'secret' wards, she offered me knowledge about shape-shifting in return. Mighty nice of her. Though to my chagrin it just unlocked another Class so I have to wait to get it – I kinda hoped it would be a Skill, or perhaps a reachable Perk, but alas.

Magic aside, I got to increase my Rep with her which is beyond excellent since I want her more than ever. I also not-too-subtly offered her shelter from her mother, but since the warden party was 'killing' her she didn't give it that much thought. Still, she did hint we could talk magic some more at a later date, so that's that. I can wait, no doubt the situation will be different once she gets hold of Flemeth's grimoire and thus more information. Plus, as with Leliana, I plan to meet her again.

One thing that occurred me only later was that there was somebody missing from the warden party – the two dwarves with the cart. I mean, it makes sense the two merchants weren't lugging behind the wardens at all times, in real life they would probably stay in Denerim or even Redcliffe, only the game they were a necessary mechanic, a shop and an enchanter. It was a bit of a pity actually, I wanted to start establishing trade, get some feelers out in the dwarven community. Also Sandal's enchantments would be interesting to study.

Anyway, with the wardens dispatching Flemeth to the south of me, and her other shard somewhere around Kirkwall, I flew to the hut to see if there was anything to scavenge. Surely Morrigan did that already, but just to be on the safe side. Predictably I haven't found anything of use. Still, I also grew a new type of tree there – well, not a new tree per se, just one that has ward-given function – proximity alarm. If anyone comes close to the hut, I get an alert and can check it out. I planned to add this feature to the boundary trees but I would go mad with alerts as people would come and go – I would need to make it more specific, like 'templars' or 'Orlesian soldiers'. That is something I haven't figured out yet, but it's on my list.

On the topic of wards, I have made a breakthrough, and I have found out that smithing, working with my hands and repeating the motions, really calms me and allows me to think. During one of my dagger-runs I had an awesome idea, one that if I'm honest should've occurred to me sooner. That's a lie, it did occur to me but I was thinking enchantment rather than ward and that wasn't working. Yet, that one is on the list too. Anyway, the idea is a compulsion ward, it should influence people in a radius around the tree and subtly make them think a certain way according to its programming. Like a remote Mind Mage. I already grew a tree at a village near Redcliffe to test it out and so far so good. If all goes well I'll be planting the trees all over Ferelden. So far I'm only testing one command but I'm sure I can add more – stuff like 'Avvar are safety', 'the Chantry is unwilling to help', 'Loghain killed the king', 'Fia Sky-Chosen is chosen by the gods' and 'don't chop this tree'. This would make my conquest markedly easier – still, it's only subtle, if one has strong conviction in something that opposes the compulsion, it won't work. It might soften, but that would require testing and constant monitoring.

Compulsion trees are still a work in progress but that is not to say that I didn't have any mokuton to apply. My troops officially conquered the vast majority of Stenhold Arling so I was needed to pout a more permanent boundary in play. Stenhold is a smaller Arling, like West Hill was and similarly it had been pretty devastated by darkspawn. Still, it had two major fortifications but one had been reduced to rubble by the blighters and the second I helped take out. All in all it was only a matter of time before-

Quest COMPLETE!

Conquered Stenhold Arling

Award: 300 000 exp, 100 credits, gacha

Perk [Surprise Boost] activated!

+1 WIS

Nice! My troops are really efficient indeed. But now the harder part starts, keeping the population from rebelling against us. Stenhold has more inhabitants than West Hill or Fallowmire so it's a harder job. Especially since I won't do a true occupation, I don't want the resentment, I want us to be seen as saviors. Let people tolerate us when the Blight is on, we will be harder to dislodge after. Especially if those compulsion trees pull through.

On that front I decided to give it a little push – Luck. It's always an agonizing decision to spend points but here it seems appropriate.

'Status'

Name: Sofia Vetinari
Level: 29 (18%)
Title: Slayer
Class: Blacksmith (Lvl 16)
Secondary Class: Conqueror (MAX)

STATS
HP – 8M (11M)
MP – 32M (34M)
STR – 244 (274)
VIT – 358 (413)
DEX – 312 (347)
INT – 751 (766)
WIS – 430 (445)
CHA – 402 (412)
LCK – 160 (190)

Available Stat Points – 117

Yeah, I'll put forty points into Luck, it will still leave me a good chunk for emergencies. And luck can by itself deal with an emergency or two. Plus at 200 I get a Perk. The next threshold is 500 so I probably won't feed points here unless I get another Class that levels Luck and I'll need to round up the numbers. After all, I definitely anticipate retaking Sky-Chosen so that's one way to beef up the Stat.

There done.

Perk Received!

Gambler: Grants a free gacha at every Level-Up

That's not bad at all, not at all. With my Luck and the first ever Perk I got, my pulls are quite good. Well, at least not useless and sometimes really awesome. Dagger of Time looking at you. Still, getting something extra at every level is awesome but I'm not leveling all that fast. With Conqueror on that gets me exp from my soldiers fighting the rate has sped up considerably but I'm still only almost level 30. Almost thirty, phe. But I guess it makes the monsters around level 100 truly stand out. Or maybe it's accurate in the hardest world the game can go? Guess level 30 in Marvel or DC could amount to me…

Ah well, no need to ponder, it's not like it changes anything for me. Except maybe make me visit dungeons again. Those are really boring though, it's more profitable to stay at home and practice Blacksmithing or cajole some hermit apostate to join my nation. Ok, I only have one hermit but for my defense they are really hard to find! Hermit, duh.

I'm really looking forward to that level 30 so I may get a new dungeon. Presuming the pattern holds.

Anyway, 'System, could you pull the gacha for me?'

Item Acquired!

Dungeon Key [Pirate Cove]

That's what I'm talking about, Luck! I was just whining about boring dungeons and bam!, I get a new one. Love you Luck!

I feel underappreciated

'You spun it marvelously'

Very funny

'Come now, you know I love you'

Humph

'Wow, my System is a tsundere!'

…

…

'Silent treatment? Really? '

…

'Alright, suit yourself' I sigh, 'I'm going to check out the new dungeon. Which I'm sure is absolutely amazing and I have you to thank for it. '

…and don't you forget it.

I shake my head, really, a tsundere. Anyway, this is the perfect time for dungeoning since I'm putting on hold the conquest for a little while – now it is time to consolidate, secure the borders, prepare for any possible Loghain or darkspawn shenanigans and start working on better assimilating my new population. And level the Blacksmith while things are calm. And needle Haku, see what I did there, about some sabotaging of the Chantry's reputation. He's really an excellent spy and has good ideas too.

Speaking of Haku, I would love to have him along in this clearly water dungeon but he's in Tevinter right now, scouting things out. I'll take Margit then, we were scheduled to make a raid on an Orlesian mine so she has time – the ore and the slave-adjacent workers will have to wait. Sorry.

'Margit' I call through our bond.

'Yes, my lady? It is time?'

'Yup. Change of plans though, we're going to a dungeon, I'll tell you when you arrive'

'Understood. On my way'

Gotta love Margit's efficiency. And her swiftness – she arrives almost immediately. I catch her up with the dungeon thing and off we go.

Only…

Warning – level lower than recommended for certain parts of this dungeon

That's what I'm talking about, a challenge! Really an awesome gacha pull.

I acknowledge the warning and a moment later Margit and I are standing on the deck of an empty ship docked at a small sandy island.

An unbidden smile comes to my lips and I look upwards to better feel the sun rays. Truly, what a change from the dreary and rainy Ferelden. The island we are docked by is small but with near white sand, a few palms and some wooden shacks that appear to be empty at first glance.

"I'm not much of a sailor but I believe I'll enjoy this dungeon" Margit speaks up from beside me, her usual mask at her belt.

I hum and tear my eyes form the island to inspect the ship instead "While this looks really fun I think we could take a good look at this dungeon from the air."

"Agreed. I recommend exploring the island first though"

"Agreed" I nod, "You do that, I'll take a look at the ship."

I leave Margit surreptitiously marvel at the fine and warm sand and go down below to see what we're working with. The ship appears sturdy and well-made but I'm hardly an expert. [Observe] just tells me the ship's called The Delver which I find mildly amusing and that the ship has its own HP. Seems I will have to be careful with it.

'Hey, System?'

…yes?

Good, we're talking again. 'How does this dungeon respawn? Always back here at the island with the ship or…?'

The dungeon entrance is on the deck of the ship. If you park it somewhere other than this island, you go there

'Thanks, that's really useful information'

Hmph

Okeeeey. Anyway, below deck is surprisingly spacious and clear, lots or possible storage spaces – for loot! – empty barrels and crates. A hammock or two, tables and chairs. Nothing worth of too much interest until I get to what I assume is the captain's quarters. Right there on the big table to the side is a map. It's a little sparse for now but I have a feeling that it will get more detailed when we go around the dungeon a little more. Right now it has a few islands, some naval routes for merchant ships? and two big differently-colored areas. Given that the game issued a warning about higher level parts of the dungeon, I wager those are it.

I'm going to take a peek anyway. Just to know what I'm up against.

Seeing that we're going to be flying today I lean more towards the map to better memorize it. The moment I touch it though I get a notification that the map has been added to my Inventory. Handy. Really handy as the big map is still here on the table but I got a smaller version in my hands. Cool.

I make my way up on the deck again, curious about what Margit found.

Not finding her up there I decide to take a gander around the island too. Or maybe just camp out on the sand for a while. Really, it's the nicest dungeon ever, one might even come here for a vacation. Well, if nothing attacks us here. But that is what scouting is for.

"My lady" Margit announces her presence.

I refuse to open my eyes, relaxing on the beach "Yes? What have you found?"

"Some weapons and clothes. I don't think they are of any quality but best Observe them. A few pistols and some swords, all straight form a pirate movie. The clothes too"

"Was there a nice hat?"

"…there were hats"

I open my eyes, eager for my very own captain hat. Margit trails behind me telling me what she found where. I [Observe] everything but nothing gives any boost or anything. I do get my hat though, because why not. It doesn't really go with the rest of my ensemble and as we're going to be flying it's not very practical either so I chuck it into Inventory for later. I ignore the rest of the clothes. The pirate theme is nice but I have actual armor. And thankfully I don't sweat or feel that heated under all that metal and fur thanks to [Gamer Body]. As a Servant, Margit appears to be in the same boat. Hehe. I know, that was bad.

"Onwards then!" I exclaim when we're done with the island.

"Up, up and away" Margit murmurs to my absolute delight. I didn't know she was a Supergirl fan. I'll make sure to tease her later.

We take to the clear blue sky, letting the air currents and my new map guide our way. I could clearly still see my ship and the island when I spot the first dungeon creatures. Ok, that was harsh if accurate – it's a simple ship, about the size of my own, with the jolly roger flag flying in the wind.

"I thought pirates hoisted that flag only right before attacking" Margit muses.

I chuckle "But that it real history, this is a dungeon. And it clearly stated it has pirates."

And yes, it has pirates. We're too far to see things with [Observe] but for now my goggles, namely the telescopic function, work pretty well. I can see a very movie-looking pirate, peg-leg and all, ordering his men around. I can see over twenty people on the deck with some indubitably down below.

"Your plan, my lady?"

I shrug and withdraw the Sword of the Creator from my Inventory "We drop on them, I want to see how many exp I get apiece. You hold back for this one."

"No magic?" Margit inclined her head to the side.

"Not for this one" I grin, "I want to see things up close. And do a little swashbuckling."

"As you wish"

With another, wider, grin I accelerate and head straight for the ship. It takes quite a while but the crew ultimately notices my arrival and calls to arms. I'm already loving this.

To my surprise a cannon fires in my direction. I evade with ease and a smirk but then the shockwave hits and it manages to veer me off course a little. A fucking cannon, and it actually works against me?! Ok, works a little and with my DEX I can compensate easily, but a cannon?

Another projectile approaches me, and another and another. I speed up my flight and dance forwards, avoiding them all. In my displeasure, and rapid deceleration, I crash through the mast. The deafening creak makes the pirates pause.

I take that moment of hesitation to fire up my [Observe] to check them out. And suddenly I'm a little disappointed - they're good, but not nowhere good enough to give me a challenge. The 'Pirate Captain' and the 'First Mate' are markedly better than the rest of the men but still very much out of their leagues with me. Ah well, the ship fighting is still novel. And there are those high-level zones.

The moment of hesitation is brief and soon I'm attacked by the crew. It's mostly cutlasses and knives but some aim their flintlocks at me.

I have my usual buffs on, not to mention my armor, but as with all new things I'm careful at first. Especially after that cannonball surprise. But I needn't have bothered, pirate after pirate fall before my sword and I haven't even unfurled its whip form. As they die by my sword-strikes I take note of the exp, 2000. That's… okay. More men came at me and by my count this crew is about thirty-strong. Not a bad harvest especially when taking into account that the captain and his second-on-command will probably give me more.

Catching sight of an elaborate feathered hat, I quickly pivot and go about to check my hypothesis. I almost get skewered by the man's saber because I froze in astonished hilarity after noticing the pirate has an actual parrot on his shoulder.

Hm, would the parrot give exp?

+500 exp

Oh, alright. That's kinda funny. Poor birdy.

I can feel Margit's reproachful look at the back of my neck. Ok, the bird might've not been necessary. To my defense though, he will respawn. Besides, I fully plan to sink this ship and I don't think this type of parrot can actually fly very far… Then again, game logic.

Ah, here's the first mate, at least he should be considered an acceptable target by my paramour.

I take one look at the man, his rotting teeth in particular, and I take him down hard and in one strike. Revolting. I guess that is one downside about fighting pirates, the hygiene.

"That's all of them, my lady" Margit announced, "I checked down below. And the water, one pirate either got knocked out of the ship or he was thinking of being clever."

I chuckle and nod "Thank you. Have you found anything of interest? Booty?"

"I have not looked, pardon me"

"Let's go do that then, pirates must have treasure" I sheathe my sword into Inventory, "There is a distinct lack of treasure at Ostagar."

Margit gives me a truly flat look "You keep all your hoard in your Inventory. And Ostagar doesn't even have a treasury."

"Yet. It can be added. A mountain of golden coins and precious stones would be a nice prop"

"We don't have a true guard yet, we don't need to waste men on catching idiots and carry out executions" the red-head rolls her eyes.

I sigh "Alright, alright. No dragon-sized pile of goodies."

Margit nods approvingly "And it looks like you won't be tempted, seems the pirates were broke at the moment."

"Tossers"

"They do have maps though"

That immediately piques my interest. Indeed they did have maps. Better maps than I have.

Dungeon map has been updated

I grin, not anymore they don't. Handy. Thanks.

"My lady!"

At the urgency in Margit's voice I pivot on my heel, ready to fry any danger. Instead of a danger though a worn and oddly-sticky journal is shoved into my hands with my Servant tapping a particular passage.

I can feel my grin involuntarily forming on my lips and slowly spread to huge proportions. Seems I will have that treasure after all.

'System, you have truly outdone yourself'

I know

"Do you think it's real?" Margit asks me, eyes wide.

I nod "The journal wouldn't be here otherwise – you have to keep in mind that this is a dungeon, it runs on game logic. And if this thing speaks about a golden city deep underwater filled with half-fish-men, then we will probably be meeting fucking Ariel soon."

"She has the best hair" Margit nods absently, taking the journal back, studying it intently.

I leave her to it. Indeed if this is true, then maybe the high-level area is underwater. Oh, it did say parts, areas, so maybe it was all of it? Because sure as hell the pirates were easy enough. Whatever it turns out to be true, looks like I severely underestimate dungeons – this is pretty epic. And if each area has a boss… Exp! Riches! Gacha!

Ehm, can't get too excited. One step at a time. Besides, to explore underwater I'll need to craft some new equipment. Engineer will take care of it easily enough but I do have to wonder what another Gamer would do. Guess they would have to postpone diving until they found a solution.

"What next, my lady?" Margit makes me refocus on the present.

I blink "I'll destroy this ship and then we fly around this dungeon some more to see what's what."

The red-head doesn't object and we both make our way back on the deck. No other ship has sailed close and there was no hint of any land so there was little else to go. We take flight again and I lob a fireball over my shoulder. The ship is already pretty smashed up so this will finish the job in a jiffy.

It doesn't take long.

You have sunk the 'Busty Wench'

+ 50 000 exp

So I get exp for the ship too, that is very good to know. Will the size of the ship matter? Are there even other-sized ships with more or different crew? Can't wait to find out.

The deed done, I pick a direction and we continue onwards, searching for either a ship or an island. I'm eager for more testing.

Being it a dungeon and all, it doesn't take long at all to find another ship. This one too bears the mark of pirates so the exp figures will be the same, ship's size appears about the same too – that means I can get this one in one big shot, find out if that nets me the same amount.

Choosing a nice big fire spell I let it fly, rather enjoying the panicked pirates running around, catching fire. Some jump overboard but that should give me the exp for killing them too, I mean I am the cause of their death.

System is waiting with me, only when the ship falls apart and the wind blows some ash towards us, I get the notification.

You defeated a small ship and its crew

+ 160 000 exp

Small ship, that's good, it implies bigger ones out there. More exp. So let's go find the…

A strange sound reverberates through the air, a fog horn perhaps? Margit looks at me briefly and then immediately away, eyes searching for anything wrong. I do the same, my goggles on. Not that there are needed as we soon spot a sudden fog/cloud/storm thing approaching us.

Warning! The Flying Dutchman has been summoned as it sensed the use of magic!

RUN!

Wait, what? Run? And that's taking the Flying Dutchman' name way to literal!

"My lady?"

"Did you see the warning too?"

"I did, my lady"

"I want to check it with [Observe], hit it with a spell to see how we do. If it goes bad, we take that recommendation" I lay out the plan, intently waiting for the ship to be seen.

"Understood" Margit said in a tight voice. She clearly disagrees with my decision but obeying just the same.

Still, I prepare to flee, I just need a moment to take a good look.

Finally the Flying Dutchman comes into view, emerging from the fog and heading straight for us. The ship looks… dead. Rotten, wet, slimy and dark.

Hm, will my [Slayer] Title work on this? It is clearly undead…

I choke a little bit when Observe does it's work – a hundred million HP! That's definitely the highest amount on an enemy to date. But it's… actually doable. [Fool's Fire] would get a nice chunk and its damage over time. With my deep Mana pool I could hit it with a near-continuous barrage of spells to help it along. Yeah, a long long process, but doable… But one I'll try without Margit around. For one she would nag, for two she's melee type.

Let's try that [Fool's Fire].

It hits. And it starts doing damage – at level 14 the spell does 13.500 damage every second which is really good despite the ludicrous amount of Mana it costs, and that is discounting the bonus it gets from my [Pyromaniac Perk]. Problem is… that fucking ship regenerates! And bloody fast!

Too much bloody fast.

"Margit, we're booking it!" I announce but I don't really wait for her to acknowledge that, I grab her by the waist and fly out at maximum speed. My [Flight] is quite a bit faster than the device I built for her - I'm not sure how fast the Dutchman goes but to get out of the dungeon I can't have 'enemies nearby'. I tested how far in the Moonlit Forest dungeon and here it should be the same, now it just depends on the speed of the ship.

The Flying Dutchman is swift but not that swift. It clearly has it in for us but I yank both of us out of the dungeon and back into my room at Ostagar.

After a moment of silence I exhale "Well, that was a thing."

"Indeed"

"Maybe less magic next time"

"Indeed"

"Well, until I figure out how to get that ship down" I smirk.

Margit rolls her eyes "If you think it prudent."

I shrug "Hey, I bet bombs will work on it. And I'll look into something that can block regen. And in the meantime we have the rest of the dungeon to explore. And I still need to check if the Flying Dutchman respawns immediately or it will wait until I overuse magic again."

"We can go check right now" the red-head proposed.

"I will, you stay here" I stop smiling to make sure she gets I'm serious, "I'm faster alone. I'll just pop in and out."

"That seems like the wisest course of action" Margit nods.

I wink at her and return to the dungeon.

Just as System said, I'm back at the ship, still docked at the same island as before. I strain my hearing but no fog horn sounds, no notification, no mist. Still, I take to the air again - I'll fly around some more, looking for the legendary ship. As things stand though, I'm sure it will only show up when I overmagic again. Flying doesn't set it off and I also used that one fireball on the first ship. No Dutchman then. It was only after the big spell that took the entire ship that it showed up.

Guess I'll have to test that too. Which means Margit will use that 'I'm disappointed in you' look. Great. That probably means I'm not getting laid tonight.

I really hope Morrigan joins us sooner or later.

It's official, I've got elves. Sounds like a disease, right? Well, I guess some Orlesians would agree but for me it just means a nice boost in population, one that can be controlled much better than the human Fereldan peasants. Especially since this lot already owes their freedom to me, something that Shianni will remind them on a regular basis. I fully expect some Dalish to approach me as well should their clan fall apart due to winter or darkspawn, but so far I have city elves and those have an arguably better mindset. Not high and mighty about a glory long past that they know only fragments of.

Still, for all the good the elves will bring me, I'd rather be exploring the pirate dungeon or work in the forge than deal with the secret relocation of a good chunk of people and deal with its repercussions. For one, Howe will soon find out that one of his prized prisoners vanished without a trace. Shianni decided she wanted revenge after all so being the kind ruler I am I gave her that rapist fuck to do with him as she wished. Predictably she gelded him and after getting a few nice strikes in to work out her fury, she killed him.

Another thing that will surprise and worry Howe is the Alienage which will soon be empty. Sure, some elves wanted to remain but peer pressure and Mind Mage got them to move. I wonder if I should pin the disappearance on the Tevinters, they were cleared to take people after all. It will also be amusing to see if Howe even reports this to Loghain. The regent has no reason to ask about them so Howe might try keeping him in the dark. Or will he say it is an Orlesian conspiracy? That would be hilarious and make Loghain spiral hard. I could use that actually – a thing to consider.

The almost-slaves will be a boon, either eager to fight their oppressors or docile enough to follow orders given. And all that for the cheap price of getting them a place to call their own, the promise of safety, some treatment and above all, some hot food. Pretty sure the majority would follow me just for some soup. Not that the Alienage was always that bad, it just got considerably worse after that botched wedding and Howe taking charge.

So, I have four distinct populations now – the Avvar, the Chasind, the Fereldans and the elves. The first two are melding nicely, the integration of the Fereldans though is slow. Still, even only the Avvar and the Chasind should finish up that world quest, so what's the fucking delay?

Guess I'll just have to come up with that fucking flag myself.

You don't usually swear so much

'Things are moving slower than I want them to' I huff. Ok, I petulantly huff, I can be self-aware.

Still faster than they would normally

'Yeah, yeah'

You just want to play in your new dungeon

'Violence helps me think'

…

'Hey, it's the [Battle lust]'s fault!'

…

'You're judging me'

Yep

AN: First encounter with my faves DA characters! Can't wait to properly take them under Sofia's wing!