Chapter 3: Changing Society

Four years had passed in the blink of an eye since Faren joined me. In that time, I had worked with Purpose every night in my dreams to study magic. Now I was capable of casting Rock Armor, Fade Shield, Heal, Walking Bomb, Winter's Grasp, and Lightning. Purpose would help me hunt wisps and lesser spirits in the Fade so that I could gain experience with my magic. Eventually, however, I would need a staff and a very particular gemstone.

Rica had become a capable merchant in her own right even at ten years old. She learned from only the best from the merchant class. My father had taken a hit in popularity and influence when Branka was named a Paragon in the same year that I was born. However, I was able to help him regain some of what he'd lost by allowing Rica to sell what Branka had come up with; a smokeless coal that could be burned without ventilation. It only took me a few moments to realize she had simply made coke, which was essentially just charcoal that had been cooked till all that was left was the carbon. This made Rica a popular contact in the merchant circles, and made House Aeducan a more enviable House. Branka's legend took a significant hit after her discovery was repeated so soon, and Rica's reputation soared for being the only one selling the product en masse.

As a result of Branka's reputation not being as revered as it had been in the games, she and Oghren didn't grow so distant as they had in the game. To balance this out, and to help Faren become the warrior I knew he could be, I had Father issue an invitation to Ohgren; he would serve as my bodyguard until he thought Faren was good enough to take up the position. You meet Ohgren as a drunken sod in the game, but that was because he and Branka had fallen out with each other, and she had left him for his cousin before taking their entire House into the Deep Roads in search of the Anvil of the Void.

Ohgren's reputation prior to his trouble with Branka was that of Orgrammar's rising star. He was considered among the most elite warriors in the entire city. Because Branka wasn't as admired as she would have been in the game, he had kept that reputation. He took the position as the Princess' bodyguard so that he and Branka would hold more equal positions.

Faren took to the lessons with the vigor of youth. Now he was eight years old and many whispered that he was Paragon Aeducan reborn. He was scraped and bruised almost every day, but Ohgren could only sing his praises. It wouldn't be too long before Ohgren wouldn't be needed and Faren could take up his place as my personal guard.

For her part, Kalah was true to her word. She cared for me as if I were her own child. She kept close to me at all times, ensured I was never late to my lessons, and kept my family well informed on my progress and about when I needed things like new clothes. She was very kind and never mentioned elevating her position, or my promise to raise them up to the rank of noble. One of the best things she did was promote meetings that I desired. Whenever I wanted to meet with a member of another noble House, she was like a tick; latching on to the request and draining the patience of the noble with requests until they gave in.

Not everything was lessons and meetings, though. I was also trained as a warrior by Trian, and as a smith by Branka. Trian wanted to make sure that I was capable of defending myself in combat, as was proper for an Aeducan, whose House was raised to nobility by the acts of the greatest warrior in Dwarven history. He took those training sessions to question me about my magic and to test how well I was coming along with it. We still hadn't told anyone that I was mage.

Branka had agreed to teach me smithing when I approached her one day when she had come to the palace with Ohgren. There really wasn't much she could really teach me since I had been forging in my first life longer than Branka had been alive in this one. However, I revealed my skills as her lessons progressed, making her feel like an excellent teacher and that she was creating a prodigy in me. Trian didn't think I should lower myself to the forging, but I convinced him that anything made by an actual Aeducan would sell for a king's ransom and would likely become an heirloom to other Dwarven families.

I was also able to make new friends. Among them were Orta of the Warrior caste, and Dagna and Ruck of the Smith caste. I looked for them specifically because of their quests in the game.

Orta was a sweet girl who was turning into a fine warrior, but her parents insisted that they came from House Ortan, whose founding paragon was Caridin Ortan; the dwarf who created the Anvil of the Void and used it to create golems. Eventually, we would prove her and her parents right by reclaiming Ortan Thaig.

Dagna was a dwarf obsessed with magic and learning about it. I always adored her in the game and decided that when I was able to reveal that I was a mage, she would not only become super devoted to me, but together we could research magic in the hopes of making more dwarves capable of becoming mages.

Ruck's story was always so tragic that I wanted to keep him safe. I asked Branka if she would bring him with her during my 'lessons' so I could have someone closer to my age to learn with. Eventually, I would ask him to remain with House Aeducan to be one of our smiths.

For my fifth birthday, I asked Father and Mother to bid the guests bring no gifts. Instead, I wished to speak to the Assembly on my birthday about a matter that I believed could enrich the lives of everyone in Orzammar. Apparently, those who normally attended my birthday parties were disappointed, and insisted on at least celebrating with a dinner after I spoke with the Deshyrs. Father agreed. I wasn't so sure things would be as celebratory once they'd all heard what I had said to the Assembly.

My birthday came but not without presents. Rica and Faren had used some of the funds Rica had raised selling coke and some of my early blacksmithing works to pay Branka for a suit of armor. Branka and Oghren had arrived just as I woke up to bring the armor to me. It was amazing; as black as night and polished to a mirror shine. It was meant to be worn over a garnet and gold gambeson that served as a battle coat that went down to my ankles. It was a style I fell in love with and would work diligently to reproduce in the future.

Trian gifted me with a 'walking staff' that held a blade in it. He assured me that it was for more than just swinging and tossed me a wink when he said it. Apparently he had it commissioned from 'some expert craftsman' that lived on Lake Calenhad. I was so happy that I embarrassed him by jumping up and giving him a hug while I was adorned in my new armor.

Mother had heard about the armor Branka was making for me and had been the one to commission the garnet and gold gambeson. She wanted me to have something to wear that looked respectable, even when not worn with the armor.

Father's gift was, of course, pulling enough strings so that I could speak to the assembly. It was no secret that some of the Deshyrs thought it ridiculous that a child, no matter how intelligent or talented, would be able to address them on any subject worthy of their time. But I was still granted the time and I was going to use it to make Orzammmar the most prosperous it had been since the fall of the Dwarven empire.

In the afternoon I was escorted to the Chamber of the Assembly. I was escorted by Trian, Ohgren, and Faren. I could hear the arguments and shouting of the Deshyrs from behind the stone doors that led to the Assembly Chamber. For the first time in a long time, I felt nervous. What I had done for a living did require that I speak to groups regularly, but never one so large or about something so controversial. I found myself hesitating when the Assembly doors opened and Steward Bandelor called for us to enter.

Faren gave me a reassuring expression, Trian clapped my shoulder, and Ohgren just grinned and said 'Knock 'em dead, Princess! We're right beside you!'

I swallowed my nervousness away, put on an air of dignity and confidence, and marched into the Chamber of the Assembly. Making my way down the stairs to the center of the chamber, I was reminded how small I still was. The center of the chamber was the lowest point in the circular room. Rows of seats were placed at high and higher levels of the chamber, with the most prominent members being seated at the bottom, and the least influential at the top. Father, of course, was seated directly across from the stairs I descended, smiling confidently at me.

All was quiet as I stopped.

Steward Bandelor smiled and bowed to me, "Lady Aeducan, it is with no doubt in my mind that I, on behalf of all the Deshyrs assembled today, gladly welcome you the Assembly Chamber."

He was sincere in his welcome, but I knew that he was lying when he included everyone else in the Assembly. Still, I smiled back at, "Thank you for allowing me to speak."

"Of course, Princess," the Steward said. "Whenever you wish to begin, you may."

I nodded and motioned to Faren who was holding a large stack of parchments, "Before I begin, I would like to hand one of these pamphlets to everyone present. In fact, they are labeled for which Deshyr should receive which pamphlet"

"Guards!" Father called out. "See those passed out quickly."

The chamber guards obeyed and took the pamphlets from Faren.

"I ask that no one open the pamphlets until after I say so," I spoke to the Assembly. "What I have come to speak on today will be explained in finer detail as it pertains to your House in your personalized pamphlet."

"I would have this request enforced," Steward Bandelor said. "If our Princess has gone to the trouble to create so many personalized items, we should honor that effort by hearing her out first. Do I have a second?"

I knew that Father couldn't vote on the request, but I didn't need him to.

"Aye, I will second that motion," Branka called out from only a few seats down from my father. "Who will join me?"

More and more agreement came from the chamber, quickly following the lead Branka. After all, who didn't wish to curry favor with the first living Paragon in four generations?

"So be it," Steward Brandelor said. "All Deshyrs will place their pamphlets on the stone at your feet until the Princess bids you read them."

There was a loud murmur and the shuffling of papers the pamphlets were placed down.

Steward Brandelor bowed his head to me, "It done as you wished, Princess. If you are ready, you may begin."

I nodded and took a breath, trying my best not to let my nervousness show, "Lords and ladies of the Assembly, I am Princess Merida Aeducan. I have come to you today to speak of the so-called Surface Caste."

I was cut off by a hail of derisive shouts and a few slurs. Trian and Ohgren both drew their blades shouting for anyone who would slander me again to speak. I'd never seen either of them so infuriated. Those threats quickly silenced the Assembly. I waited for a few moments before continuing.

"The Dwarven Empire was once a continent spanning a series of roads and thaigs, larger than any surface kingdom or empire, or all of them combined!" I put some passion into my voice to stir the pride of the nobles. "Since the first Blight and the efforts of my ancestor, the Paragon Aeducan, we have slowly lost our empire and our Thaigs to the darkspawn menace. With the loss of our territory came the loss of great swaths of minerals and material goods, including farmable land and underground rivers we used for fishing, drinking, and smithing. Now, only two cities remain, with only a limited number of routes which are barely safe enough to travel connecting them."

I turned, trying to make eye contact with each Deshyr as I spoke. There were eighty of them, so I had enough time in my speech to give each one ample time with my gaze.

"Since then, we have seen more and more Dwarves leaving for the surface, becoming the Orzammar's lifeline for materials and food, while also being stripped of their castes and heritage."

"As well they should be!" Someone shouted and others began to shout the agreement.

"Be silent!" I shouted right back, allowing just a hint of mana into myself to magnify my voice to a surprising degree. It overwhelmed the Deshyrs and they were cowed back into silence. Trian would likely understand what I did and scold me later, but rocked the Assembly to have a child literally shout them down.

"The surface dwarves have somewhat kept to our traditions, creating Kalna's where they adhere to the hierarchical traditions of the dwarves," I continued. "In doing so, they have accrued vast amounts of wealth and prosperity that would make most of you in the Assembly here today blush with envy! The profit from the surface races as well as their open people who actively scorn them. What do we do? Argue back and forth on whether they should keep their caste or not for financial or personal gain, never considering how Orzammar could benefit from them, never consider how the Dwarven Empire could benefit from them!"

I pointed an accusatory finger up at the Assembly and turned, to make sure they were all included in the blame, "You only think about yourselves and your Houses. You've forgotten where we came from, what our people used to be. You've forgotten our combined ancestry in favor of your personal ancestry! You've put your Houses before Orzammar! You've put personal gain over the gain of your people!"

Now I lowered my voice so that everyone would have to lean in to hear me. It was a bit theatrical, but it would get their attention, "I am a child, and even I can see how small we are compared to what we used to be." And now I shouted, juxtaposing the lament with exaltation, "Every Deshyr in this room represents a House in this city which once ruled a Thaig of its own, answering to none but the Royal House itself! And still, you would eschew the resources for regaining our lost Thaigs so that you can scheme among yourselves in the Diamond Quarter!"

I stepped forward, locking my gaze with my father, "Answer me, all of you! Do you lament the loss of our Empire?"

A unifying cry of 'YES!' followed the question.

"Do you wish to regain as many of the lost Thaigs as we can by the end of your days?"

Another unifying cry of 'YES!'

"Then I tell you now that the Surface Caste is the key! But not in ways that have been proposed before…" I stepped back to the center and placed my hands behind my back, moving to a professional parade rest. "Lords and Ladies of the Assembly, I propose we create an official Surface Caste, one whose sole purpose is to bring in the materials we need to retake the Deep Roads and lost Thaigs. However, because some will see this as a way to gain personally, I propose we institute the following requirements for Dwarves to become part of the officially recognized Surface Caste."

I held up a hand with a finger for each requirement as I proposed them, "The official recognition of all Surface Caste members will be held two years hence. This will give any who wish to become Surface Caste time to prepare. First, in order to be recognized as Surface Caste, a Dwarf must open a business dedicated to bringing in materials, goods, or wares that Orzammar requires not only for daily life, but also those needed for the aggressive push of retaking the lost Thaigs."

"Second, each business must have a stone building carved into the side of the mountain path that leads up to Orzammar's gates. This will ensure that each business is dedicated and prepared to function in perpetuity for the good of Orzammar and the return of the Dwarven Empire."

"Third, prospective Surface Caste members must show a reliable, and constant ability to provide the materials, goods, or wares, they have dedicated themselves to procuring over a period of at least ten months from the establishment of the Surface Caste. This will show the business' ability to reliably provide what it has dedicated to providing."

"Fourth, each business must provide a list of twenty other prospective businesses that they would recommend for admission into the Surface Caste, even if they themselves are not admitted. This will require the businesses to work together and create ties within the Surface Caste community, promoting an air of cooperation and promotion."

"Finally, the Fifth requirement. Every head of each business will agree to renounce any familial ties they have to any noble House, or lesser family they have in Orzammar, and agree to have the Assembly choose another dwarf from another business to be married to. Also, anyone working for that business will be integrated into the family that is created this way. This will allow the Assembly to create larger businesses from the ones already established and help integrate the new Surface Caste families together, condensing their influence, and dwindling the population of Dust Town, which will open room for more prosperous dwarves of lower castes to expand their shops and workhouses."

I looked around the Chamber and found, to my surprise, most of the Deshyr's with looks of genuine consideration. I waited for the conditions to sink in before taking a deep breath and continuing, "I think this proposal will remove any thoughts of inherited debts, financial gain, or creating a new Caste that is too large to control. Now, I will ask that you each open your pamphlets."

A rush of parchments was all that could be heard for several moments, "Inside you find that I have listed every member of your Houses or branching family, servants, or associated families from other Castes that have gone to the surface. I have ensured the reliability of this list through conversations with you or someone from your family, as well as with the Shaperate."

"I have also included all possible debts owed to you, or by you,through those on the surface should you wish to take this proposal in a different route. Also included are what you will gain if you agree to through with this proposal. Each House will be required to help retake the lost Thaigs, and to do so their Warriors and other support personnel will need the best materials the surface can provide. This means that your houses will receive a percentage of all materials the Surface Caste provides, as well as a percentage of the taxes brought in by the Surface Caste in order to pay your Smiths, Artisans, Servants, Warriors, and some to keep to bolster your own coffers."

I looked around the chamber and saw a mixture of emotions, but none so often as awe. They were surprised at the thoroughness of the proposal and the information in their pamphlets.

I finished in a thankful tone, to suggest that it was the Assembly that did me the favor of proposing something that would bring them riches and entire cities to rule over, "With that, my Lords and Ladies, I conclude my proposal. It is my hope that you will consider what I have said, and vote to agree to the implementation of the Surface Caste."

It took Steward Brandelor several moments to come to his senses as he was still in the middle of looking over his own pamphlet. He cleared his throat, "Lords and Ladies of the Assembly, our Princess has finished her proposal and awaits your decision. This is a matter of monumental effort and importance, so I ask you all; does anyone wish to question the Princess for details?"

Deafening silence followed the question. The Steward was about to ask for a vote before one of the Deshyrs asked, "How do we know that House Aeducan doesn't plan to gain more than anyone else from this?"

"You swine!" Ohgren growled and drew his blade once more. "How dare you suggest that-"

I held my hand out to stop the warrior from trying to cut the Deshyr down. I recognized the speaker, "Lady Credash, my Father can read our pamphlet to you if you wish. House Aeducan will receive a smaller share of goods and taxes than any other House."

"Why would you do that?" Lady Credash asked quickly. "How does House Aeducan gain from taking a smaller share?"

It was my turn to growl, "Have you not heard a word I've said? My concern is not for House Aeducan, it's for regaining our lost empire! But to answer your question, my Lady, House Aeducan will take a smaller share because the ruling family already gains more in taxes and tithe from the surface than any other House. We need less, so we get less. And if you doubt my sincerity then I will have Steward Brandelor read our pamphlet out loud to you."

With the threat of an angry Ohgren, and no other voices joining in to voice doubt or concern, Lady Credash sat back down in silence.

"If there are no other questions for Princess Aeducan," Steward Brandelor called out, "then I ask the Assembly to ready their voices. The question that stands before us is as follows; should the Assembly agree to creation of a new Surface Caste two years from now under the conditions set forth by Princess Aeducan. All those in favor of this proposal, say 'aye'."

A resounding cry of 'Aye!' echoed through the halls of the Assembly.

"And all those opposed?" the Steward asked.

"Nay!" shouted Lady Credash.

No sooner had the word left her mouth than several of the Deshyrs around her set upon her with their weapons. They cut her down and left her lying at her seat in a pool of her own blood. I was shocked by the sudden explosion of violence, but didn't dare protest the behavior.

Steward Brandelor cleared his throat and ignored the occurrence entirely, "There are no dissenting votes. Princess Aeducan's proposal passes. The announcement will be made in the morning in each quarter, and we will-"

"Wait!" my father called out and stood, approaching the Steward.

Steward Brandelor knelt before him, "My King. We will gladly hear what you have to say."

Father stepped toward me and looked at me as if seeing me in a new light, "Lords and Ladies of the Assembly. I ask that we charge my daughter with the responsibility of making this announcement to every quarter, as well as to those gathered in their stalls outside the city gates. If she wishes to see this done, then the first step of this journey should be hers to take. What say you all?"

This suggestion came as much of a surprise to me as it did the Assembly. This would mean putting me in harm's way by going to Dust Town, and possibly making me Casteless if the creation of the Surface Caste doesn't actually happen by sending me to the surface. To me, this suggested that he had faith that the proposal would succeed, and give me even more reason to help push the efforts forward.

The Assembly mumbled in shock but ultimately agreed to my father's suggestion.

"You should have seen her!" Father bellowed with laughter as the dinner guests, some of whom had been in the Assembly, listened intently. "As fierce as an ogre's roar she barked them all down be a 'Be silent!'" He laughed uproariously, "And they did! No one made so much of a peep until the Steward gave them permission! The whole of the Assembly was brought to heel by a five year old girl!"

"She showed the true fierceness that the Aeducans are known for," Trian said with no small amount of pride.

Mother was busy fussing over me and telling me how proud she was of me and how she hoped my venture would be a success. As soft spoken as she was, she truly was the heart of our family. Train strove to maintain order and the good name of the Aeducans, Father rules upheld the traditions of our family, and I was reshaping Dwarven society with every step. Mother, however, was the glue that held such powerful and influential personalities together.

The evening dragged on, and for the first time in almost a year, I started to nod off in exhaustion. As funny as it is to say, it was well past my bedtime. I excused myself and was escorted to my room by Kalah, Faren, and Ohgren. My armor and matching gambeson were placed on a form nearby and would be cleaned before I wore them again the next day.

I spoke with Faren for a few minutes, discussing how everything he'd helped me plan for the proposal had gone. Together we had gone over all of the possible things that the Deshyrs might rail against and found solutions for them. Appealing to their national pride was paramount, but appealing to their personal greed with promises of more revenue and goods was also needed. In the end, we had been successful, and the next day would be crucial in rallying the support of all the other castes, especially the casteless.

As I slept, I spoke with Purpose in the Fade. It was pleased that all my planning had come to success and assured me that it would be there for me through this next venture. Purpose was always there for me, helping learn magic and giving me encouragement and reassurance as I worked toward each of my goals. For the next two years, Purpose would be doing me a world

The next day I put my gambeson coat and armor back on. I took my staff and left the palace with Trian, Ohgren, Jaren, Kalah, Rica, and Branka in tow. With us were one hundred of House Aeducan's finest warriors. The first stop was the Shaperate where all the nobles instructed to be gathered. I announced my plan but it was likely no surprise to any of them seeing as their House Deshyr or a friend of the family had already told them what was happening. There were mixed reviews, but I expected as much. The noble had the least to gain in the short term from this, after all.

Next came the market level where the majority of Orzammar's population lived. I gave a similar speech that I had given to the Deshyrs. This time, however, I not only appealed to the dwarf's national pride, but also to the opportunities the smiths, artisans, and merchants would have with so many extra materials and goods that would come flowing into the city. That's what really appealed to them. Some questioned where this new caste would rank among the others, and I told them that the Assembly would be considering that over the next two years, but in all likelihood the Surface Caste would rank equally with the Merchant Class (which meant, they weren't nobles, servants, or castless so they were basically equal to everyone else).

Then came the most dangerous part of the day; Dust Town. I have to say, seeing the reality of Dust Town and the people assembled there was so stark compared to the game. The people were gaunt and sickly, with more fear in their eyes than anything else. I catered the speech to emphasize the opportunity that the Surface Caste would represent. Even Casteless could become Surface Caste members even if they couldn't start a business; all they had to do was work for a business and they would become members of the family that the business is turned into. I left Dust Town seeing terry eyed faces full of hope. In fact, many of those gathered simply walked with us to the gates of Orzammar; eager to offer their labor for the chance at a better life.

As we reached the gates to the surface, I felt a great sense of trepidation. It had been five years since I'd seen the sky and for some reason I felt nervous about stepping through the gates into the wider world. Still, the gates were opened and I couldn't show any hesitation. I shielded my eyes as the first rays of sunlight that I'd seen in five years nearly blinded brightness surprised me, but what surprised me more was the cold. I knew the gates to Orzammar were high in the Frostback Mountains, but I had been living in the mountain that was heated by lava flows and well maintained fires.

I'd hated the cold in my former life and it wasn't any more welcome now than it had been back then. Luckily, my gambeson kept me warm enough to stop my teeth from chattering.

The guards suggested I make my proclamation from the stairs in front of the gate, but there were too many Aeducan guards and citizens from Dust Town vying for room for that to be practical. Also, I wanted to be able to say that I was out on the surface, and not just on the gate steps, which is what allowed the gate guards to keep their caste. So I moved to the large dias that was in the center of the ring of merchant stalls in front of the gate. The family guards surrounded it to keep me safe and I announced the plans for the Surface Caste, and explained how I was putting my caste and position on the line just standing there telling them the news.

The joy that this news brought to most of the dwarves gathered around me was palpable. They were even in awe that I would risk my position as their Princess to make this happen for them. There were chants of 'all hail Princess Aeducan!' and 'Princess Aeducan is a Paragon!' I admit that it was rather overwhelming. I stayed there for nearly an hour, answering questions, offering reassurances, and reiterating all the conditions for anyone to be named Surface Caste.

By the time Trian insisted that we leave, the area was abuzz with plans for businesses and a good number of merchants organizing casteless dwarves into creating camps and preparing to dig into the mountainside.

The day was nothing less than a triumph. However, we left one of our numbers behind. Rica had planned to stay on the surface to begin importing lumber and making coke on a massive scale. We had designed an entire building where she could produce tons of it weekly with the right source to bring the lumber. We'd even found a few families from the Smith, Artisan, and Warrior Castes to help her set up her business. Those families did in the hopes of joining a prominent Surface Caste family with close ties to the Aeducans. Even as I was giving my speech in the Diamond District earlier that morning, those families had already set up a large camp just outside of Orzammar's entrance and had begun digging into the mountainside.

Father and Mother both expressed how proud they were of me and their hopes for the future. We had a good dinner and everyone was discussing the next steps to ensure the success of the venture. Faren and I celebrated back in my quarters by talking about how we could support Rica over the next two years. As I slept, Purpose took great pleasure in my success with the announcements.

It had been a busy day all in all. And for the next two years, this was going to be my everything.