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

[tar_minyatur]

He snorts.

"You barely had time to rule. I remember my history. How exactly are you expected to do any ruling while suspended by a hand from a cliff?"

[castintoflames]

His smile falters and he cannot meet Elros's gaze.

"That was...a grave mistake. I blame my hubris." and apparently he hadn't learned much from the experience, "I have always believed myself far more capable than I am."

[tar_minyatur]

Elros rolls his eyes.

"You were young and stupid. Like I am now. Don't leave again."

[castintoflames]

He flushes and glances at him.

"You are young, Elros, but not stupid."

Sorry, darling, he is not going to let you put yourself down.

[tar_minyatur]

"You are here to tell me if I am, no?"

[castintoflames]

...foiled.

"For the time being, yes." because he cannot deny him anything.

[tar_minyatur]

Mwahahaha.

"I will hold you to that!"

[castintoflames]

"I am yours to command." he grins faintly, "And I will consider it a blessing."

[tar_minyatur]

"I am glad you think so! I will endeavour not to issue too many stupid orders."

[castintoflames]

He arches a brow. "I grew up around six brothers. Your orders will not frighten me."

[tar_minyatur]

"You say that now!"

He says cheerfully, good humor restored.

"We will have to see."

[castintoflames]

"Then you are not above challenges! That is good too." he kisses Elros's cheek, "Do your best or your worst."

[tar_minyatur]

Elros grins, leaning happily into the affection.

"I always do! You know that."

[castintoflames]

"I would expect no less from my Elros." he murmurs lovingly, "Do you want to relive old times and spar? I am in much better shape for it."

[tar_minyatur]

He grins and pulls back, an eager light in his eyes.

"I thought you'd never ask! I've learnt some new tricks too, you know."

[castintoflames]

"Show me." he chuckles and unsheathes his sword, giving a few experimental swings at a nearby target, "We should not waste an opportunity to catch up!"

[tar_minyatur]

Elros doesn't wait, launching himself forwards with a whoop, blade cutting swiftly though the air. They had never beaten him individually, as children. But that was long ago, now, as Men count time.

[castintoflames]

Maedhros beams and moves gracefully to counter, his eyes shining. He makes no move to attack, wanting to see what Elros can do. His strength has increased and he is pleased!

"You have kept yourself fit!"

[tar_minyatur]

ELros presses the attack, looking for a way past Maedhros' formidable defences, light on his feet despite the weight of the blade.

"I've been fighting too, you know! And Cirdan let me help build the ships."

[castintoflames]

He begins to parry the blows, nearly mirroring Elros's style. Can his foster son take what he gives? He expects so!

"I hope you know peace." he ducks, using a training dummy as a shield momentarily, "Cirdan is very particular about who he instructs. I would take full advantage of those lessons."

[tar_minyatur]

Elros damn well thinks he can!

"We will, now that Morgoth is gone!" He chases him around the dummy.

"For a while, at any rate. It's been quite for a few years now, and most of us are building the ships."

[castintoflames]

Pride - handled with wisdom and care - suits just about anyone. Especially in battle. You can't risk doubting yourself when your life is on the line - or, worse yet, the lives of others are on the line.

"A joyous change!" he has his own hatred of Morgoth - having faced him personally - but he won't pretend he is somehow alone in detesting the Valar. A Morgoth in chains is the dawn of a better future for everyone.

"I would keep an eye on his servant." he spins and clashes their blades together, smiling into Elros's eyes, "But you will not Sail."

[tar_minyatur]

"Not to where you are." He agrees, locking blades and testing his strength against Maedhros'.

"But the Valar have given us an Island in the Western Sea - once the boats are ready, we're going to sail there. I've already decided to name it Elenna."

[castintoflames]

Maedhros gives a little, testing Elros's control now. Can he restrain himself from harming his opponent? It is not always a skill that is useful - except in practice. But sometimes - rarely - mercy is necessary.

"I will not be there." he nods, wonder-filled, "Your Elenna will be a place of hope and peace. I wish I could see it."

[tar_minyatur]

Elros hisses in triumph as he feels Maedhros give, but he's still careful - he's fought enough battles now to be wary, and he presses his advantage only briefly before backing to a safer distance.

"You could always hurry up and be reborn, you know. I mean, technically you can't come back to Middle-earth, but Elenna won't technically be part of Middle-earth." He reasons, lunging forwards again.

His blows hit hard - he'll never equal Maedhros' strength, but he's got a fair bit of frustration to work out, and he has adult muscles now.