TEST DRIVE MEME!

[faderifting]

TEST DRIVE MEME

Maybe you’ve been around for a while, or maybe you’re new to the Inquisition. Maybe you’re new to Thedas, having recently fallen from a tear in reality and been collected by uniformed rescuers. Whoever you are, you’ve been sent to Kirkwall, to an outpost where many of the Inquisition’s members and allies work on some of the biggest mysteries and problems the organization must solve if it’d like to keep the world from ending, where “ending” means “falling under the power of an ancient powerful corrupted being who wants everyone to bow to him as a god.”

And just to be clear, it would like that. It would like that a lot.

I. THE GALLOWS: The Gallows is an island fortress in Kirkwall’s harbor. It’s been home to, in order: Tevinter slaves, a Circle of Magi, a lot of creepy red lyrium, and now the Inquisition, which has occupied the fortress with the provisional Viscount’s blessing. There are walls that still need rebuilding and corners that still need dusting, but for the most part the Inquisition has gotten down to business. There’s space in the stone-floored courtyards to train or spar; or, if your skills don’t lie in the realm of hitting things, there’s a large library and several offices supporting the Inquisition’s areas of research and diplomatic efforts. If you don’t know what to do with yourself, then by all means, ask; someone will definitely be able to put you to work.

II. KIRKWALL: A quick row across the harbor will take you to Kirkwall proper. The city is built into the cliffs, from exclusive and wealthy Hightown at the top to impoverished Darktown in the abandoned mining tunnels below. In the middle is Lowtown, home to taverns, merchants, and plenty of trouble to keep anyone looking for it happy. You’re welcome to spend your free time and your money here—but try not to annoy the locals too much, please, in case their welcome runs out. It’d be a shame to have to pack again so soon after arriving.

III. QUESTING: Barely had time to make yourself at home, did you, before you were sent away from Kirkwall again—but this time on a mission. There’s a rift outside of Markham, pouring demons into the fields, and the Inquisition has been asked to lend a hand. Maybe literally. If you have an anchor embedded in your palm, you’re needed to close the damn thing. If not, maybe you’re here to fight demons or guard against bandits on the road, or to gather samples and take notes on the rift’s location once its closed, or to speak to Markham’s nobility afterwards to make sure that they fully appreciate the Inquisition’s efforts. Regardless, it’s a long trip, so we hope you like campfire cooking and sharing a tent.

IV. SENDING CRYSTAL: Joining the Inquisition gets you access to the very latest in barely-understood magical communication devices—namely, a crystal, small enough to wear around your neck, that will allow you to communicate verbally with anyone else who has one. Or everyone else who has one. Say hello.

V. WILDCARD: The whole of Thedas is yours to explore, from coast to uncharted wilderness. Choose your own adventure!

Comments

[theexile]

"It was well earned then." She didn't even need the story, even if she would have loved to hear it. There was no way it was anything but well deserved. Avvar did not simply give out legend-marks. They had to be well and truly earned by people.

"I honestly am not sure how I manage it either. This place often feels...stifling." That was the best way to put it honestly. Kattrin sighed and looked at the walls around them. "You are welcome to call on me when you need time away from those here."

[iceblade]

Skadi grins at the compliment, as she sets about to making sure her elk friend has plenty to eat as well. She's not going to leave him wanting for anything, not after keeping his composure across the sea and in the city for as long as he did.

"I'll tell you the tale sometime, preferably with drinks and a view from the mountains." That sigh earns a sympathetic nod from her, not imagining it's been easy on Kattrin. "Lady, if you only knew how much I'll take you up on that, you might not be so quick to offer. I came here to get this-" Glancing down at her shard-hand with a frown. "-out of me, but if I'm right, that's not to happen any time soon. Mountain retreats might be the only thing to keep me sane. If you know about what to expect out there, all the better."

[theexile]

"I confess that I have missed being around the Avvar myself. Having you visit me often would be a comfort." Kattrin offered her a warm smile then looked at the hand. It was unfortunate that this shard should be the thing to bring this woman here. It was like it was stealing a choice from her. Still, at least here it seemed there could be some relief to know that the matter was being looked into at the very least.

"It will be no mountains that we draw comfort from but I will welcome the companionship." She gave a soft laugh. "Besides, if you visit too often I could just put you to work and gain an extra set of hands."

[iceblade]

The glance at her hand is tolerated; Skadi's not going to flinch every time someone notices the faint green glow, and if anyone's going to figure out what to do with it, it'll probably be a mage. "If you need them, we'll provide, of course. We didn't come all this way to sit on our arses, did we?" She pats Kodlak lightly upon saying that.

"How do the lowlanders treat you, as a mage? I heard there was a war, but not much else. Are they still going on about 'apostates', as though that means anything to us?" She frowns a little, concerned both for Kattrin's sake and her sister's if Freya ever gets it in her head to follow her. She'd better not, though, not before releasing her teacher.

[theexile]

"Some accept my aid. Most spread rumor and look in me with caution. It is taking effort to gain trust and plenty still will not allow my magic to touch them. Even among the Inquisition."

Between being Avvar and an apostate, there wasn't much in her favor. She was lucky that she was skilled with herbs as well to offer non-magical healing too. Even then it was hard for her here and only her knowledge that she felt guided here kept her in this place.

"It is not easy but I do what I can."

[iceblade]

Not expecting much to begin with, Skadi shakes her head at most of Kattrin's response to her question. "That's all you can do. If they don't come to see that you don't need the Chantry's blessing to assist around here, then that's on them and them alone. If their Templars give you any trouble, I want to hear of it. I'll not see them harass you because you weren't part of their circles. Besides, my fighting style has me tapping into the Fade. I'm not a mage, but I bet they won't know the difference."

Lowlanders can be so weird and backward about magic, and she doesn't envy any mage having to deal with that.

[theexile]

She frowned at that. To be able to touch the land of dreams to access power was an honor. But it didn't mean one was a mage. It want good or bad really either way. It was simply a gift and...

No. She couldn't just get upset about this now. It wouldn't help and animals were sensitive to such emotions. The elk didn't need that.

"I would welcome that. I am no fighter and have always been more healer. It is the path my teacher guided me towards. So I have always been welcome to any I can support as they fight." Sure she could fight if she had to but she knew better than to enter fights she had no chance of winning. "So far I have been left alone though."

[iceblade]

The frown is met with an understanding nod. Skadi won't pretend to have the breadth of knowledge or affinity that Kattrin does by virtue of being born with a tie to the land of dreams itself. What she has is but an echo of that, something she had to forge herself. She's proud of what has been accomplished, but she won't pretend to be something she isn't, or have others mistake her for such.

"That's good to hear. I've heard conflicting tales, many of them painting a grim picture, so I've been wary. Still am, but as long as they let us be, then maybe we can focus on what matters."

[theexile]

"That is how I have dealt with the situation. At least it seems they do not show signs of wanting to stop my work as a healer."

Which was something she knew she could never stop doing. It was too much a part of her nature. Whether it be with herb or magic, she had an itch to help people that way. She wasn't sure what her life would be like if that was taken from her.

"Are you ready?" She wasn't about to take her from the animal before the animal was ready to be alone, of course. Hence why she was checking.

[iceblade]

"They'd be deft to block you from doing what benefits their cause. At least they're not that far gone, whatever else can be said." Skadi glances around the stall one last time before patting Kodlak.

"Aye. Lady knows he'll want some time to rest after all that traveling. Lead on, then"

[theexile]

She bowed her head to the elk then led the way out of the stables towards the docks. Specifically where they would be able to sit and enjoy the view of the water. It was one she'd come to value here when she couldn't get out to go wander through the natural world. Just a little reminder that not everything was this...city.

"Do you know where you will stay while you are here? If you will join the Inquisition?"

[iceblade]

Skadi shrugs, not having thought that far ahead.

"No idea. What are my options? Anywhere with a decent view? I don't expect it to be a home, but I'd like that much." The higher up, the better. Perhaps then maybe all these tall buildings don't feel so stifling to her.

[theexile]

"I think if you were to purchase a location then there may be. I have only stayed at the location they provide at the docks." Which didn't really have a view. Kattrin would have preferred higher though. Closer to the sky, more like the mountains...

"It is perhaps written somewhere if you know the written language." She didn't so she wasn't able to check herself.

[iceblade]

"I know some, but it's not my strong point." Skadi shrugs, knowing she doesn't have to explain about how Avvar view anything that brings them closer to the lowlanders. "And I can't say I have a lot of coin on me, either, so that will have to wait." She shakes her head. "I'm not here to make a home, but a little familiarity will go a long way, even if it's just a tent in the mountains."

[theexile]

"You are likely to need to stay in Inquisition housing then. Not so pleasant but at least a bed is provided. And you will have someone to visit when times are too trying." She gave her a smile then turned down a path that would lead them where they were going faster. And away from a lot of the people. They could both deal with people frowning upon them being Avvar but it could get irritating or tiring at times. Best to just enjoy company without that.