Test Drive Meme!

[faderifting]

New Year...

...Same Old Hinterlands

Maybe the Inquisition sent you, maybe you came seeking the Inquisition. Maybe you fell out of a rift into this world last week and are still just trying to find your feet. However it happened, the first days of the new year find you in the Hinterlands. Tucked between Ferelden's massive Lake Calenhad and the icy Frostback Mountains, the Hinterlands are a hilly region covered in patchy forests and small farms trying to eke out a living between the boulders. Though somewhat remote, the area is rich with game and minerals and home to Redcliffe, a bustling town on a busy trade route.

Lately the Hinterlands have also been full of mages and templars and rifts, all threatening to turn once-peaceful countryside into a dangerous warzone. The Inquisition has set up several camps and sent personnel to try to restore order to the region, unwilling to let it slip into chaos. There's a lot to be done, some of it straightforward killing bad things, some of it weird and nebulous morale-building.

STILL WITH ADDED SNOW.

1. SHOULD OLD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT

You have turned the wrong corner in the snow, forded the wrong stream in the snow, crested the wrong hill in the snow, entered the wrong cave in the snow. Maybe you are far from camp, in the snow. Maybe you are in camp, which is also snowy. Whatever has happened, wherever you are: you are being chased through the snow by bears. Did you throw a snowball at the bears? Are they huge and snow-dusted? Babies burrowing through the snow drifts and coming for your ankles? Fade-touched in addition to snow-touched? Controlled by cold mages who are hiding in the snow? Popping up out of the snow like a game of whack-a-mole? What are they chasing you away from in all of this snow? What are they chasing you into, other than more snow? What warm things do you plan to make out of their hide if you kill them in the snow? What do you think they'll craft out of your hide if they kill you in the snow? P.S. It's still snowy.

2. WE TWO HAVE RUN ABOUT THE SLOPES

Farmers have been forced to abandon their homes after a series of vicious attacks by wolves. Packs of them are roaming the foothills and stalking paddocks and even roads seemingly without the usual wariness of humans. Inquisition agents and local volunteers guard travelers through the affected region, hunt the wolves through snowy woods, and track them back to their cavernous lair in the edge of a canyon. Only eliminating the demons that lurk there will free the wolves from their influence and allow the area to return to normal.

3. AND PICKED THE DAISIES FINE

Winter snows freeze and bury the ground, but the need for healing herbs is as great as ever. Stockpiles are thin after the chaos of the last year, and Corporal Vale is desperate enough to send people out to search caves and hollows and cliffsides and beneath overhangs for any plants still clinging to life. The weather is brutal, the search tedious, the footing often treacherous, but that last patch of Crystal Grace could be a key find. Getting it requires clambering up a slippery hillside and stretching up to a ledge and hoping whatever creature lives in that foxhole beside the plant isn't at home, but it's worth it, right?

4. WE TWO HAVE PADDLED IN THE STREAM

With many roads through the hills and ravines blocked by deep snow, some crazy, desperate few have begun traveling by river. The ice is thick and jagged along the shores but in the center the water rushes, just deep enough for a shallow draft boat lightly laden. Supplies are carried down from the passes toward Redcliffe this way, a white-knuckle process that you, for some reason, have become involved in. Maybe you were hired to help fend off the bandits that haunt the calm shallows and try to demand tolls for passage, maybe you're paying your way downstream by helping port both boat and cargo around the steep falls, the mist so thick and cold it coats whatever it touches in a thin sheen of ice. Maybe riding a glorified canoe through rocky rapids and narrow gorges just sounded like a good time. Don't rock the boat!

5. WE'LL TAKE A CUP OF KINDNESS YET

It is still snowing, and the tavern in Redcliffe is still the closest and warmest place to duck into to wait it out, and not only is it packed to the gills but it seems that the First Day celebrations have continued within long past the dawn of the second day. The Gull & Lantern is so packed with thawing visitors that it's hard to walk from one side to the other, the owner has given up on telling these Fereldans they can't bring their dogs inside, every few minutes the group in the corner breaks into a traditional First Day song that will be stuck in your head for weeks, and that lady in the corner is almost definitely someone you've tried to kill before, or vice versa. But there's a fire going, and the bartender seems to think that giving everyone half-price drinks might prevent a brawl instead of causing one, and there aren't any demons indoors, so it could be a lot worse.

6. WILDCARD

Hunt game in the snow, kill demons in the snow, dig under the snow for herbs, track bandits through the snow, deal with someone charging extortionist coat prices now that it's snowing, fall off a deceptively tall rock into the snow, get lost circling the same hill ten times trying to find a way up to the weird glowing skull on a stick you can see is up there in the snow, climb trees or abandoned towers covered in snow, rummage around in empty homes to get out of the snow, run from a dragon in the snow, cry over how cute that fennec fox you just shot in the snow was, set up camp and chat around the fire because it's snowy and cold, knock yourself out (figuratively, or even literally if that's more your speed)-- the Hinterlands are your Frostback Mountain oyster, topped with snow.

Comments

[amygdalae]

[Bruce bites down an exasperated sigh; he doesn't know what Stark's problem is, but Bruce isn't really in a position to say much. As somebody who had to work to keep him alive he'd rather prefer if the man stay that way.]

As long as you don't cause an actual fire.

[harthad_uluithiad]

Sam slowly looks up, his eyes widening in sudden realization.

"You!" he says, and gets to his feet, his face darkening with anger. He steps forward, hands balled into fists at his side. The fact that the golem is easily three times his height and he has to crane his neck just to look it in the eye doesn't slow him down at all. "It was you, wasn't it? You killed all those birds. You crushed them and murdered them, and - and you don't even care! How could anyone do such a thing?" Fresh tears spring to his eyes, and he blinks them away.

[ferrushomimus]

See, now you're just being insulting. I wouldn't cause a fire unless I actually wanted one.

[He melted more snow, and then tucked the device back on his wagon.] There you go, herbs a plenty.

[A pause, and a pointed - ] You're Welcome.

[amygdalae]

Somehow I'm not inclined to believe that.

[His tone is dry, but once the snow is properly cleared Bruce bends down to pick the herbs, only taking the ones that are mature and leaving the growing ones alone.]

But thank you, nonetheless. [Even though he really didn't have to do that at all.]

[pinprick]

"Well, that was your first mistake. You shouldn't be blond. Nothing to be done about that now, I guess. But you're not doing any mages any favors by being there, Anders. When they catch you, every mage in Skyhold will be suspected in your harboring."

[ferrushomimus]

And it's nice to see you too, Bruce.

[He gave him a bright smile, as he tucked the device away and took the bottle back off his wagon.]

And you're welcome. [He took a swig, leaning against the wagon.] You need a ride?

[justice_is_blond]

There's another shake of his head, though this time it's paired with a grimace.

"No. There's... It was a Templar who asked me to come. One who actually believes that mages should be free and equal, which means I don't want to use his asking against him, but it was no mage who suggested my arrival in Skyhold." Not even Varric knew that piece of information. "If they come after the mages for my presence, it'll be proof they weren't complicit. And as he had no cause to know who I am, they can't possibly suspect a Templar would knowingly bring me to assist the mages."

It might be the one thing he's done right in this. The alias isn't a good one, there's nearly no disguise at all, but at least it won't come back on the mages.

"Can we get back to your life being in danger, again?"

[pinprick]

"It doesn't matter what's true or not. Maybe the Inquisition won't blame the other mages, but the public will. They're afraid and you already showed them there's something to be afraid of."

Oh for--

"Warden-Commander Clarel is hunting loose ends, and I'm one. Moving along."

[make_my_mark]

"I'm here with the Inquisition," Lara explained with a breath (saying it was still something she was getting used to). "They heard about the wolves, and the demons, and they're trying to stabilize the region."

Among other things.

"Are you going to be alright?" she asked, Beth's obvious talent aside.

[justice_is_blond]

"The public. You mean the people who were fine ignoring that we were dying and worse because at least we were doing it far away from them?" Anders snorts. "And we're not moving along."

There are a few ways this could go. He could press, and if he presses, it likely won't go well. There's the option of ignoring it, but he can't take that. Which leaves trying to make a joke as he pries.

"Do you mean to tell me in the time I've been gone from the Wardens you've become loose? Imagine what Oghren would say." Spirits, he misses the foul Dwarf sometimes. He misses them all sometimes, but there's never a good time to contact people you once knew when you'd left them behind. "I might even be jealous."

[pinprick]

"Yes, those people. The ones who'll make a mob and overwhelm all the mages that are now free and defenseless."

A snort. "Stop, Anders. You hear it, too. We all hear it. It's driven Clarel to ally with a Tevinter magister, who's convinced her we can all march into the Deep Roads with an army of demons and destroy all the Old Gods so there are no future Blights. I took issue with her methods."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"The Inquisition?" Bethany suddenly brightens at that, "Well, you're just the organization I was looking for. I've come to join."

... and find her fellow wardens, but that's besides the point.

"Once I've got my energy back up." She stated, smiling a little wearily, "Fighting demons and wolves isn't something that I usually do."

[justice_is_blond]

Mobs might happen. If they do, they should be set on fire. He has no sympathy for those who would oppress others, and especially those who would attempt mob justice to do it. Anders chooses to focus on the other, faint smile on his lips for the briefest of moments when Nate snorts.

"With an army of demons?" That's worse than the rumors he's heard. Then again, not a lot of Grey Wardens would talk openly about Warden business, and he's kept his distance.

"How can she even... She's not convinced. Something's happened to her." He had no true love for Clarel. She's the reason his cat is gone, the reason Rolan had been allowed to harass him constantly. But surely she wouldn't willingly consort with demons. "Blood magic, maybe. Or the sound's driving her mad."

Certainly no more Blights is a good goal, but using demons to achieve anything will only make that attempt backfire.

"Whatever the case, I'm glad you took issue."

guh sorry had a busy couple of days

[twelvelabours]

"I'm never going to turn down a hug," Herc replies with a quiet laugh. "Just don't tell anyone. Hate to mar my rugged reputation." So very conspiratorial, of course, and he is so very in danger of accepting hugs being what will ruin him. Not the song of the Calling, which he has felt on the edge of for so long, and not beautiful women stealing his knives and his coin, no, but hugs.

Hercules' gaze follows her nod, expression sobering a little. Not knowing where family was, that could be about the worse thing. One is his hands grasps Bethany's shoulder, heavy, as if reassurance or solidarity could be offered through contact. "We can travel there together."

Totally understandable!

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Oh, of course not. Your deadly secret weakness to hugs shall die with me." She crossed her heart, before she made a face, "And I really hope that doesn't become literal any time soon." Because she would rather much not die, thank you.

She looks back at him, as his hand comes down on her shoulder. She smiles, covering his hand with her own, squeezing tightly, "Thank you, Herc. I admit, I feel better when we travel together."

[twelvelabours]

It's enough to get a grin from him, even in these grim circumstances, and he's about to say thank you when Max interrupts with a loud, cheery bark and a whine at Bethany's joke - those Mabari and their understanding things. "We haven't forgotten about you, mate," Herc says with a roll of his eyes, shaking his head at Bethany because, really, he can't take this bloody dog anywhere. And then, to Bethany: "Don't worry, I'll out my secret if I must."
What better way to keep someone safe than talk about hugs, eh?

"Then we're agreed." Max runs around them, barking happily, and Herc gives Bethany's hand a final squeeze before drawing away. "I went by Redcliffe, earlier today. Do you need to gather anything, there, or push on?"

He did not, admittedly, think to stock up on lyrium potions or anything of the sort.

[sunshinethroughgrey]

Bethany looked down at Max, a smile appearing on her face as she ran her hand over his soft, bristled fur. "Absolutely haven't forgotten about you. Who is going to protect me from all the wolves out here? I know I can only count on you, Max." She dimpled, then looked back up at Herc, "Oh good. Nothing to be ashamed of in a hug. Especially since I give such uncommonly good ones."

She shook her head, hefting her own bag. "I already have. They had more than plenty, what with all the mages already traveling to the Inquisition."

A look around. "And we'd best get going - the sun will fade soon and we'll have to find shelter out of the cold for the night."

[amygdalae]

[Bruce is quick to shake his head, kindly turning down the offer.]

I'm alright, thanks. [There's still herbs to pick and all. Not to mention that Bruce doesn't want to hold Stark up to wherever he wants to go.]

[ferrushomimus]

[Tony arches one eyebrow at him, before he snorts softly and looks around.]

... and the rest of your people are, where? Listen, you're a mage and I've got no doubts you can handle yourself. That you survived makes that clear. But if you don't tell me that you've got some sort of camp, with armed people around? I'm gonna assume I am going to need to get you someplace safe. Like Redcliffe. Me, I'm heading north to the Inquisition, so I'll take you as far as you want to go. Least I can do for the guy who saved my life.

[unharrowed]

Again, her eyes flick toward the insignia on his clothing.

"It was a Seeker who started the Inquisition, wasn't it?" There's a question hidden behind the question, there: the Templars are not so organized as they once were, mages even less so. Where do the Seekers stand?

[unharrowed]

Vasran's smile turns into a thin, pressed line as her gaze follows his. A couple of wolves had been manageable, especially with the high ground she'd been able to establish. She knows she is not limitless, and yet... now, she's also not alone.

"I can hit them with lightning, fire." Her specialties. Healing and defensive spells... not so much. She glances him up and down. "How's your barriers?"

[make_my_mark]

"Really?" Lara's eyebrows went up. Given how she herself had sought out the Inquisition, it wasn't unusual, but still a little surprising.

She paused a moment, looking at Beth again, then she turned and pointed, "Their closest camp is in that direction, by the lake. I think they're going to be here for a while."

[pinprick]

Nathaniel looks grim. "If I wasn't, there would be no reason for Clarel to be going out of her mind."

[pinprick]

"I wouldn't be surprised by blood magic. And since Jonas and...our most dubious ally are likely sitting in a cave sipping tea together instead of solving problems, there's no one to stop her."

Anders is right. He needs the Inquisition. Nathaniel releases a sigh.

"The Inquisition it is, then. They may be able to stop this nonsense."

Also, Anders needs looking after and protecting. Desperately.

[tactical_alert]

"The Divine allowed for its creation, may the Maker guide her spirit. Yes, it was a Seeker who began it this time." To the unasked question, he can't say. The majority seem to be following in Lord Lambert's footsteps, and Lord Lucius his. There seem to be fewer and fewer who remain loyal to the Chantry and to their duties. That his brothers and sisters should stray in such numbers is...troubling. "There are those who still fight for what is right, to fight for peace. Of that, have no doubts."