Companion Consultation
The next day dawns with the news of Ranger's return. He, and the Couslands, staggered into Ostagar with Teyrn Loghaine and Sir Cauthrien. While you were not overly involved in seeing to their care, the king having returned to take command of the fortress, you do keep an ear on their progress.
The Teyrn is wounded, quite heavily. His leg has been snapped clean in two, and he has suffered several deep wounds from darkspawn blades. Sir Cauthrien is much the same, only with exhaustion on top, Between the mages and the regular healers both should recover soon, but it tells a harrowing tale.
Merrill's return near noon prompts you to do something that you had been idly considering for a while now. Maeglin and Morrigan had been a great help to you during the battle, and Morrigan in particular deserves some thanks.
With the return of Ranger and Merrill you can double up to have a chance to go over what happened while you were all apart. Fortunately your party has its own little section of the camp and the odds of everyone either being there already or heading there soon is high.
Sure enough, you find Maeglin and Morrigan speaking outside of the latter's tent.
"How exactly did the darkspawn do that?" Maeglin asks. "I am no mage, so the mechanics mystify me."
Morrigan rolls her eyes. "Well then, you're hardly going to understand the explanation, but I will indulge you. In the simplest possible terms, they used all the magic faster than we could."
"I was under the impression that mages had an internal well of magic on which they could call." Maeglin replies, demonstrating an admirable control of himself in the face of Morrigan's scorn.
"My understanding is that it pulls on the nature of magic itself." You insert yourself into the conversation. "Too much change makes the changes unpredictable, limiting the effectiveness of magic."
Maeglin turns to look at Morrigan.
"Well, for a complete novice attempt at an explanation, it could have been worse." Morrigan drawls. "It's almost better than nothing even."
"Maedhros." Maeglin says, clearly changing the subject. "What can I do for you."
"I wished to thank you, first for your aid in the battle, but more specifically for being ready to aid with Solas." You inform him.
"Think nothing of it." The moriquendi replies. "It is the duty of all to watch for the spies of the enemy. What was the matter with him?"
"He did not sleep well." You answer.
"Strange, I would not have thought that to be his first battle." Maeglin frowns.
"It seems poor manners is not solely your domain Maethros." Morrigan interjects.
There are a number of potential responses you have ready, but in this case you refrain. There is something you need to do that will not be served by banter or cruel words.
"Ah, my apologies Morrigan." You reply. "I am reminded that I did have something to tell you."
"Oh? What might that be?" Morrigan asks challengingly.
You bow slightly from the waist. "I wished to offer my thanks for your assistance during the battle."
Morrigan is visibly taken aback by your words, but she still is quick with a comeback. "Well, you didn't choose to include me in your little post battle celebration so I can't help but find it a little hollow."
"If I had pulled everyone who helped or deserved thanks up on the wall I would not have ever stopped." You reply. "As such, I limited myself to the commanders. If you recall, I also stressed that everyone was equally important in our victory."
"Perhaps, but I am hardly as easy to please as the sheep." Morrigan states primly.
There is definitely a riposte there about her being impossible to please, but since this is an attempt at being gracious you will not bring it up.
"Now who is being rude." Maeglin sneers.
Before the two can undo all your hard work by devolving into an argument, Merrill finally swoops in.
"Nelyafinwë!" She exclaims. "Finally, I have so much to tell you. The Wardens and I think we have a lure that should, theoretically, work on the Archdemon. They'll probably bring it up at a later date, but I was there for the early tests and…"
You hold up a hand to stop the rush of words from the young elf. "That sounds very interesting; however, I had hoped to speak to Ranger today. Shall we all go and find him, then you can tell us all about what you saw."
Merrill nods. "Of course. Oh, do you know what happened to Loghaine? Everyone's talking about him, but no one really knows what happened."
You shrug. "That is why I wished to speak to Ranger, he was one of the people who found him."
Finding Ranger is not particularly challenging, and his tale is relayed without too much delay. It is, well, the unfortunate truth is that while sad it is hardly the worst news you have ever heard. Frankly, you are more horrified by your own lack of reaction than you are by the news.
To hear of the deaths of those you know has clearly become your new normal. Does it make you a monster that it has stopped affecting you, or were you simply not close enough to the fallen?
Forcing your thoughts away from such maudlin introspection, you begin to plan what to do with your companions. Given the available options, you think that it is best to reflect on events just past and how they could have been improved.
When a natural break in the conversation arises, you propose just that.
"Looking for an excuse to criticise others, are we?" Morrigan asks snidely. "Or perhaps you enjoy having others insult you?"
"Hardly." You respond, biting back a comment about the question revealing her own preferences. "While it is always possible for self-reflection to be of assistance, often having outside perspectives on an event can give a fuller picture of how one might improve."
"I think it sounds like a good idea." Merrill chirps.
Maeglin and Ranger both shrug. Morrigan rolls her eyes but does not stalk away or in any other way take steps to avoid what is about to happen. You choose to take that as agreement.
"Very well, since this was my idea, I suppose I shall take the lead." You state.
"By and large, my performance during the battle was largely acceptable." You begin. "While there is a debate to be had over holding the walls, that is not something with an obvious answer. I would say that I definitely should have inspected the defences earlier. We lost too much in that initial assault."
"You could also have made better use of the mages." Morrigan points out. "While preserving our magic was sensible, we probably should have tried to counter the darkspawn earlier."
"Perhaps some improved delegation." You note. "If Wynne had felt more empowered to act on initiative maybe that could have been done without orders."
"Communication was a bit of a problem too." Maeglin points out. "The two of us could probably have set up a relay."
"Perhaps." You agree. "We might need to look into that in future."
Matters continue in that vein for a while. Eventually you move over to the other groups.
"I'm thinkin' we probably should've set out that night." Ranger muses. "If the darkspawn do avoid the day, we might have actually caught them preparing."
"Working at night is dangerous." Maeglin points out. "You can get caught and ambushed."
"You could have gone with them." You point out.
Maeglin shakes his head. "I wanted to look at the defences."
"True, it would have been a valuable addition to planning those." You agree. "We should be careful about overlearning the lessons of last night."
There is much to discuss from that point forward. Merrill and Morrigan had relatively successful outings, though Merrill could stand to plan ahead more and Morrigan could perhaps get along better with people.
Speaking of which. "You need to work with humans."
Maeglin raises an eyebrow. "I did."
"No." You reply. "You ignored them where possible, insulted them when they were in the way and led them only in the most technical sense of the term. I do not begrudge your feelings, but you need to put them aside if you are in a position of leadership."
"That is easy for you to say." Maeglin grumbles.
"Ulfang." You retort.
"Bór." He ripostes.
You take a long breath to calm yourself. "Either learn to command humans or learn to take orders from them. Those are your options, I do not care which you choose."
Maeglin grimaces.
"Well, this seems like a healthy discussion." Morrigan contributes sarcastically.
"I get the feelin' we're missin' about half of that conversation." Ranger grumbles.
The Third Council of Ostagar
That evening the king calls a council. While you acknowledge the urgency, given that the darkspawn have vanished and you know little of their movements, it does seem cruel to force Teyrn Loghaine to come to council while recovering. Still, there is an argument to be made, so you make no protest.
The command tent is fast becoming familiar to you, the map table and chairs, that one bit of the floor that is always wet. Someone really needs to have words with whoever is in charge of pitching these things.
When you enter, the king is already present. He is speaking with Bann Donar of the Storm Coast. One of those who were in the king's party from memory, both politically and in the battle just passed. He turns to see you when you enter but does not speak to you.
Let it not be said that you cannot take a hint. It is clear that you are very much no longer enjoying whatever royal favour you have in the past. Reasonable enough from a certain point of view, if short sighted. Still, you use the time you have as others arrive to plan your response to the inevitable accusations.
Those who fought with the king are first to arrive, a couple are injured but most are fine. The Couslands arrive next, with what remains of their direct vassals. Many had stayed behind and fallen in defence of the tower. Bann Franderal is there, as is Bann Argon.
So few, and in one of the larger Terynins. It does raise the question of how many of Ferelden's nobility have died in this battle and how many were never here in the first place. At this point you count maybe two dozen, when from memory there were near fifty[1] at the first meeting.
Bann Evlynne arrives and briefly speaks to you about the possibility of a counterattack. You believe it too risky and inform her so, to her displeasure. Bann Offrey nods to you before taking his place. The Bann from the eastern wall, Ignominius was his name you think, puffs himself up and tries to give you advice.
Finally, Teyrn Loghaine limps in. The man's leg is splinted and wrapped in bandages. He leans heavily on a decorated cane that feels inadequate to the task of supporting his whole weight. Sir Cauthrien is hovering nervously behind him, though you are ninety percent sure you heard she was on mandatory bed rest.
He glances at you but takes a seat without saying anything.
For a time, there is the usual clamour of having so many in so small a space. Eventually though, the king stands and speaks.
"Greetings my lords." He says with a smile. "Though we are not all yet assembled, it seems we must begin without the laggards."
He seems to be expecting laughter, but he does not get any. The room is silent, sombre. Even the others in the king's party seem to know why the room is so empty and think the joke not funny.
"We're all here." Bann Evlynne says suddenly. "Everyone else is dead."
The king's face falls, and the room somehow grows even grimmer. Teyrn Loghaine's knuckles are white upon his cane and his face is screwed up in rage.
"Oh, I had not realised." The king recovers somewhat admirably. "Let us take a moment to offer up a prayer for the souls of our comrades."
You tune out the recital of some chant you do not know. Soon, it ends and the king begins to speak again.
"Now, I think we can all agree that the previous strategy was a failure." He states, though not to universal agreement. "We were ambushed, and lost many lives needlessly."
There is a pause, which to your secret relief does not see a chorus of agreement. Many of those who fought with you are frowning in displeasure, and Teyrn Loghaine is not even looking at you.
"Lord Russandol?" The king prompts. "Have you anything to say in defence of your plan?"
"My plan?" You ask. "Well, I would say it worked surprisingly well considering the circumstances."
"Care to say that again?" Teyrn Loghaine growls.
"While I acknowledge that the ambushes upon the assault parties were unexpected and devastating, the fact remains that the main force fell upon the fortress and the fortress held." You reply. "Luring the main body to assault the fortress was always the plan, that it happened so unexpectedly was a problem but, in the end, we prevailed, proving the theory sound."
"And yet, we are down more than half of our nobles. How do you answer for that?" Presses the king.
"This fortress was not built on rock." You reply with a shrug. "Had I the time, I would have prepared to counter an undermining campaign, but your forces had barely left sight when the first tunnel breached. Frankly, I think the better question is how they knew to attack then."
"Further." The king continues as though you had not answered. "As I predicted[2] the assault parties were vulnerable. We lost over a thousand good men for no reason."
"Perhaps they should have waited until the scouting was finished before sallying then." You reply. "Or perhaps the enemy has some means of spying our movements. My plan did not account for an ambush being laid outside our walls, but I am uncertain if that could have been accounted for."
"Stop trying to dodge the blame for this. The whole mess was your fault!" King Cailan yells.
As though spurred by the sudden increase in volume the rest of the tent erupts into noise. Most people, Teyrn Loghaine excepted surprisingly, are arguing fiercely, whether for you or against you.
"My fault?" Your cold voice cuts through the noise. "It was not I who brought us here."
"It was your plan…" The king begins.
"My plan." You interrupt him. "Was to call every man, elf and dwarf in Thedas to oppose the Blight. My plan called for an extended series of probing attacks from positions of strength. I do not have the authority to negotiate with foreign powers, nor order ever castle in Ferelden fortified. There is only one who does."
You stand from your chair, looming over the entire room. "I have said, from the very beginning, that the Blight is too strong to be fought through conventional means. I have cried that we do not have enough warriors. I have been ignored, every time I have spoken."
No one speaks.
"My strategy since arriving here had flaws, flaws the enemy exploited to our detriment." You acknowledge. "But it was not by my design that we were brough here outnumbered ten to one in a crumbling fortress with near a mile of tunnelable earth beneath it."
When you sit once more, no one speaks for a long time.
"Lord… Nelya fin way, has a point." Teyrn Loghaine speaks at last. "Many hands played a part in our losses, failures on our end and successes on the darkspawn's. Do not forget that war has two sides, and the enemy has something to do with every defeat. Recriminations serve us nothing, let us focus on what we are doing next."
It says a great deal about the respect the Teyrn commands that there is only some small amount of arguing before conversation turns in that direction. You would have thought his power much diminished with the loss of so many supporters. Perhaps the Couslands' actions bolstered him in some way.
Still, you must think of what you will propose to do going forward, or at least what to support should someone else suggest it.
"Before anything else, we should intensify our scouting." You state. "The darkspawn have retreated for now, but we do not know if they are massing anew or if they intend to attack some other target."
The Teyrn nods at your contribution. "I agree, we need to scout. Probably in force, to prevent any ambushes."
"We should bring that Ranger fellow along." Teyrn Cousland suggests. "He was pretty useful. Everyone should bring Mabari too, he had one and it saved our skins more than once."
"Know the enemy is one of the first rules of warfare." The king nods. "It will be so. Loghaine, will you organise, say three scouting parties? I leave the composition to your discretion."
Now that is an interesting decision. Does he think this is some kind of insult or is he trying to give his father in law a chance to regain some reputation. It is difficult to tell, primarily because you are not wholly familiar with where everyone stands or the culture of Ferelden.
The Teyrn will do a solid job though, so you choose to take it as a victory.
Whatever Teyrn Loghaine's feelings on his assignment, he gives no sign. He merely nods.
"Now I believe it is time to speak about reinforcements." The king says. "Do we know how many survived Loghaine's ambush."
"Not as yet." Bann Loak, who you set to mind the gate, reports. "Could be nobody, could be stragglers. I wouldn't pin my hopes on more than a few dozen."
"I see, which leaves us with…" King Cailan says leadingly.
"With the five hundred out at the supply station, plus the seven fifty you brought back, we stand at roughly six thousand swords." You reply promptly. "That does not count healers, mages, Templars and other support staff. They might double our numbers, supply wise."
The king seems a little surprised by the speed of your reply. Teyrn Loghaine is grimacing at the numbers, and the more experienced banns all look concerned. Even Teyrn Cousland can understand that those numbers are not good. Four thousand swords lost in a single action.
You have experienced far worse, but every time it has ended those forces going forward.
"How many darkspawn did you kill again?" The king asks.
"Hard to be certain." You reply. "Many of them fell off the walls, around sixty thousand I would guess."
"Pretty typical for a siege." Teyrn Loghaine grunts. "Still, impressive to do it in one night."
"We estimate around a hundred thousand darkspawn." You continue. "The nature of this position prevented them from all attacking at once and thus they took significant casualties. I propose that the Grey Wardens, along with any volunteers, should attempt to find and stop as much darkspawn production as possible."
"That is a dangerous proposition." Teyrn Cousland says. "The Deep Roads are not a place to tread lightly."
"Hence why I wish for the Wardens to be involved." You reply. "They have the greatest experience with darkspawn and have already successfully assaulted the Deep Roads once."
"The Wardens have access to a number of treaties that compel others to combat the Blight." King Cailan objects. "They cannot be spared."
"You hardly need the whole compliment to send an envoy." Teyrn Loghaine observes. "Send one or two off and have the rest fight to reduce the Blight."
"It seems too much of a risk." Teyrn Cousland observes. "What happens if we lost all of the Grey Wardens."
"We cannot." You point out. "Having some out as envoys ensures they will never be wholly destroyed."
"The risk would be worth it anyway." Teyrn Loghaine adds. "We need time to regenerate our forces, train new troops, find out where the hell Eamon is. The Blight will be doing the same thing. Slowing them down buys us time."
Teyrn Cousland looks uncertain, so you press one last time. "Look at it this way, we do not command the Grey Wardens. Simply asking if it is possible would be sufficient, and they can object then."
The Teyrn sighs, but nods. "I'll ask them. Fiona's been getting on pretty well with the blonde one… Allison?"
"Alistair." You supply.
"It is agreed then?" The king asks. "Excellent. I have been thinking about who we could send envoys to ourselves."
You can already see Teyrn Loghaine gearing up for an objection, so you pre-empt him.
"I suggest Orzamar." You state. "They have experience with the phenomenon, and if my understanding of the Deep Roads is correct, they will likely be able to use the Blight as a chance to reclaim land."
Teyrn Cousland frowns. "The Wardens have a treaty with them already. Why would we send our own envoys?"
You shrug. "In my experience dwarves are a stubborn folk who take to being told what to do about as well as my brothers do. Asking before demanding may or may not work, but it is worth a try."
"If it's as obviously in their benefit as you claim it is, why would they need us to say anything?" Teyrn Loghaine asks.
"A lack of information, a desire to wait until the end, or even just the hope they could get something else out of it." You explain. "Diplomacy can be like that sometimes. A lot of 'this is good for both of us but if I hold out it might be better for me'. It can be annoying but necessary."
"From what Lady Aeducan tells me, there is currently no king in Orzamar." King Cailan supplies. "As such negotiations will be difficult."
You shrug. "But not impossible, besides, knowing who is likely to ascend to the throne is its own benefit, even if the choice cannot be swayed."
The Teyrns both nod. "It can hardly hurt."
The king also nods. "Very well, you have convinced me, we will send envoys to Ostagar, and Orlais."
You rest your head on your hands as the familiar argument starts to play out once more. There are far fewer Banns on Teyrn Loghaine's side this time, though not none. The king too is missing some of his own support.
"Would you all stop shouting at each other!" You yell over them.
There are far fewer banns to drown out, and it is far easier to make yourself heard. Plus, a large number of them actually listen to you immediately, making this a much more manageable task than previously.
"We have heard all the counterarguments and arguments at this point." You state with no small amount of irritation. "I tire of standing by and watching grown men squabble like children. We are not proposing surrendering sovereignty to Orlais, we are not even proposing allowing their soldiers through your lands. All we want to do is speak with them and see if they can help."
"Orlesians lie as easily as they breathe, any 'help' they offer will be a ruse." Teyrn Loghaine growls.
"Then you will need to choose your representatives with extreme care." You reply shortly. "I am certain that your rebellion was not without its spies, surely they have not all died or retired."
"The moment they come within our borders they will immediately seize a fort and being their conquest anew." Teyrn Loghaine roars.
Dismissing the obvious answers you lean forward and speak softly. "Why?"
"What?" They Teyrn asks. "What do you mean why?"
"Why would they take Ferelden by force?" You ask. "To my mind, it seems much easier to wait until you all die facing the Blight and just walk in."
The Teyrn seems to not have an answer to that comment.
"If there are no further objections…" King Cailan says. "I will take nominations for our envoys."
For a moment you are tempted to volunteer yourself, but you decide not to. It would look too much like a power grab, besides, something about the darkspawn's movements trouble you.
[1] Based on some quick counting on the map, Ferelden has somewhere between 70-90 Bannorns and Arlings. Redcliffe has four and I think it's reasonable to assume that some of the Banns sworn directly to the king don't come. Plus the north eastern banns and maybe even the Arl of Edgehall are focused on Orlais. So call it about seventy total and say around 20 can't make it. Then fudge by saying some sent troops but didn't come and I think the numbers work out even with how fuzzy it all is. That means that Ferelden has around 3-5k professional troops it hasn't calledmilitia and levies. Feel free to check my maths.
[2] I'm too tired to check if he actually predicted this, so if he didn't he's just taking credit for other's work/misremembering. Typical noble amirite?