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 filled with bears. Choose your own adventure!

Comments

II

[circleprodigy]

Inessa paused at a vendor stall, purchasing some treats and toys for Garahel, who wags his tail in anticipation. Unlike some, there's no effort on her part to hide what she is, as her staff rests on her back. Though having Grey Warden armor and a large dog might just go a long way towards feeling comfortable. She pats her canine companion's head, trying to get him to be patient as the vendor bags her merchandise, but the mabari perks up as they're approached and sniffs at the new guy.

Looking over, the slight elven woman politely nods. "I'm not exactly new, but some areas I'm less familiar with. Still, I'll try. Where are you trying to go?"

[foundmyselfagain]

Huh. He'd heard that there were Grey Wardens in Kirkwall now, thanks to the Inquisition. But it's one thing to hear rumors, and another to see them just. There. Browsing stalls like normal people. Normal people with armor and a giant dog.

But this is good. A Grey Warden in Kirkwall is a pretty safe bet to be affiliated with the Inquisition, which means that he can ask her about the organization without having to worry about getting guff for it. The rumors have also mentioned that the Inquisition is on Kirkwall's shitlist at the moment, and years of necessary paranoia has made Gareth prone to avoiding publicly associating himself with anything that could paint a target on his back. But this little elf should be safe.

"The docks. The ones that'll get you to the Gallows." He gives her a lopsided grin. "You're with the Inquisition, right? I suppose that means we're gonna be coworkers."

[circleprodigy]

"Indeed. I am Warden Serra, head of the Rifts and the Veil project, and my companion is Garahel." The mabari barks by way of greeting, wagging his tail. He knows better than to jump on someone new, thankfully. Once Inessa receives her bag of goodies, she gestures for him to follow.

"I'm returning to the Gallows, actually. You're welcome to join us." It's easier to show than just give directions, anyway, and though Inessa had entertained a brief thought of visiting the vhenadahl, she decides it can wait. There's paperwork to be done, anyhow.

[foundmyselfagain]

"It's my pleasure, Warden Serra. Garahel." He nods respectfully to both woman and dog. "I'm Gareth. And I'd be glad to walk with you. It'll make sure that I don't get the directions messed up and end up in Hightown, or wherever." And give him more opportunity to look around and try to memorize routes on his own.

He doesn't ask what the Rifts and Veil project is, exactly, but it sounds important. And there's a mage leading it. That's...probably a good sign--not that he would think the subject would affect anyone who wasn't a mage.

"So, what do you think of the Inquisition, Warden Serra?" Is what he chooses instead, once again smiling cheerily. "I'm not sure what to expect, really. I've heard all sorts of things, but that's all been hearsay at best."

[circleprodigy]

"I imagine there are some wild tales. Rumors always have a way of taking on a life of their own, don't they? But I'll do my best to correct any misperceptions." Inessa gestures for Garahel to take point, since it's easier for a big dog than a tiny elf to part a crowd.

"My perception is overall a positive one. The Inquisition's goal is to stop Corypheus, and they have been pragmatic about it, accepting help from all corners. Mages, Dalish, Tal-Vashoth, rifters...all have a place and opportunity to contribute. And despite whatever you might have heard about those from beyond, they are not demons. They are people who are stranded here and making the best of an awkward situation, with no guarantee of return." She darts a small smile his way. "I have several in my project, and I feel rather protective of them.

[foundmyselfagain]

Gareth is content to follow with Inessa in Garahel's wake, patiently listening as she explains her views. Wardens and Rifters and Dalish, oh my. He thinks to himself, with a wry smile. Inessa is eager to defend the rifters, but from what Gareth has heard, it's one of the current main points of contention. It makes sense she'd want to nip any misconceptions in the bud.

Not that he's sure what to think of them, really. His opinion will have to wait until he's actually met one.

"I see," He says neutrally. "And everybody is treated as equals? All on the same page?" Fascinating, if true.

[circleprodigy]

"We have a Dalish woman as head of Scouting, and two rifters as heads of Diplomacy and Research, respectively. I think that's a fair indication of the Inquisition's treatment overall...though that is not to say it's always been smooth sailing. Tensions have flared at various times, within and without. There may be a chilly reception among some Kirkwallers; they've noted our leadership, and not all approve. But as long as said leadership continues to remain competent and helpful, I hope that in time, those tensions will subside."

[foundmyselfagain]

Gareth nods along as she speaks. At length. And he begins to feel at bit like he really is a tourist here, being given the official spiel by a guide. It sounds nice, but just how true is it? No way for him to know definitively until he sees it for himself.

Not like he really has a choice in the matter.

"Thank you, for telling me. I'm glad to hear that there's progress being made." He pauses, as a thought occurs to him. "You said you were in charge of the rifts and veils project? Does that mean that you're in charge of researching the anchor shards?" It'd be nice to know who's the most likely one to fix this damn thing, after all.

[circleprodigy]

"It does, yes." Inessa keeps an eye on Garahel, who's behaving so far but loves attention from passerby. "I've been leading the project for a relatively short among of time, but I remain persistent. The well-being of rifters and several of our natives depends on it." It's a lot to shoulder, but she doesn't care. What matters is finding answers, and she'll keep going until more are uncovered.