TEST DRIVE MEME!

[faderifting]

What if there is no tomorrow?

Only more 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 AND NOW ALSO ADDED KINDNESS TO ANIMALS (MOSTLY).

1. IF I GET SCARED, YOU'RE ALWAYS AROUND

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. THEY SAY WE'RE YOUNG AND WE DON'T KNOW

The Inquisition has, possibly, been a little too good at dealing with the Hinterlands' bear problem, and a group of concerned citizens--including young burgeoning naturalists, farmers concerned about the effect an unchecked population of rams may have on their crops come spring, and at least one woman who claims to be directly descended from bears--has taken issue. Maybe they're blocking your character's attempt to enter a bear-infested area. Maybe they've doused your character in bear blood. Maybe the bears they have been working so hard to save have cornered them in the wilderness and they're changing their tunes.

3. WITH YOU I CAN'T GO WRONG

The Inquisition's (cough Leliana's) habit of communicating by raven works out fine, usually, but this particular raven has gone a little rogue. It's not the raven's fault! She's young, she's trying. But she has very important information tied to her leg, and instead of delivering it, she's joined a flock of identical wild ravens to hunt for food in the snow. Recover her, somehow, without hurting her and making any spymistresses angry.

4. BEFORE IT'S EARNED, OUR MONEY'S ALL BEEN SPENT

The tavern at Redcliffe remains as busy as ever, filled with locals, travelers, and Inquisition members. But this month in addition to the usual free-flowing ale and rowdy conversation there is also a contest going on. Bakers have come from across the Hinterlands bearing their very best in an effort to win a coveted ribbon and the title of Best Cake. They pack the tavern and spill out into the surrounding courtyard when the weather allows, cakes sold off tables, out of packs, small chunks given away to whoever is passing and not paying enough attention to refuse. The votes are carefully guarded by several serious looking fellows in the back corner of the tavern. In addition to traffic issues, the cake madness has also caused an infestation of large local rodents, who have appeared out of their holes to devour the many crumbs. Legend has it that if they can be humanely eradicated from the tavern before the final vote is cast, spring will come early. No one in living memory has succeeded, but you are strongly encouraged to try anyway.

5. AIN'T NO HILL OR MOUNTAIN WE CAN'T CLIMB

Hunt game so you can rescue it before other hunters get there, kill demons or maybe just try to hug it out?, dig under the snow for herbs or plant some of your own to replace what others have taken, track bandits through the snow and see if they need a hand, deal with someone charging extortionist coat prices now that it's snowing and convince them to do the right thing, fall off a deceptively tall rock into the snow and admit it was your own fault, 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 so that you can give it a decent burial, climb trees or abandoned towers covered in snow and be careful not to knock them down, rummage around in empty homes to get out of the snow but leave a nice apology note, run from a dragon in the snow and promise not to trespass on its territory again, definitely don't kill any fennec foxes, set up camp and chat around the fire about your feelings because it's snowy and cold, give yourself a pat on the back (figuratively, or even literally if that's more your speed)-- the Hinterlands are your playground.

Comments

[lifeofendurance]

"Pardon?" It sounded for a moment like the man suggested he could take them both up that cliff. Something here does not compute. Mages don't run about in heavy armor, but the only way he sees that is 'direct' would involve some sort of magic. "How would you manage that?"

[madame_de_fer]

[Ah but Vivienne spots the shard and recognizes it immediately for what it is. Which will not prevent her from offering an introduction, but it does make her wary of the young lady in question. The shards are useful for addressing rifts, but she questions the safety of anyone who's come spilling out of the Fade.]

I am Vivienne, Enchanter to the Imperial Court of Orlais. You may call me Enchanter Vivienne or Madame de Fer.

And what of yourself, my dear? From whence do you hail?

[lonewarden]

Thank the Maker. Blackwall is about ready to just turn around and run off. No thank you. He's had it with everything. Except then the woman has to go and play nice. He's a sucker for the nice ones in some ways.

"Think I'll need to wash the entire thing to get the blood out of the leather," he tells her, though his face softens a little at her efforts. She's sweet. Thedas is sorely lacking in that these days.

"Nor I, but you did well." Better than he had by far. "Maybe now they'll think twice about doing something like that to some other sorry bastard." Ugh. Maker's ear, this stinks. Literally.

He shifts uncomfortably on his feet. "I don't wish to take up more of your time than I already have."

[lonewarden]

In Blackwall's defense, he's been intentionally out of touch recently. So hearing about all of this? Yeah, it's big news but it's new news to him. But that makes him think. Maybe it's time he came out of hiding.

His expression softens, hard to do with someone like him. Part of him thinks that maybe, just maybe, now would be a good time to find Skyhold.

"You wouldn't be looking for recruits, would you? Got a limited number you're letting in?"

[lonewarden]

"We are," Blackwall agrees slowly, trying not to sound as suspicious as he is. "I took up a position of relative isolation there. With the end of the Blight, I thought I could do more good there."

Awkward answer to an awkward question. His life is crazy and makes no sense to an actual Warden.

"What about you? I would think it less likely that an Orlesian Warden would be here accidentally."

[lonewarden]

[ at this point, blackwall is just trying to survive himself and keep his act intact. if aleron isn't going to be a complete dick about this, there's no reason for him to be. ]

Warden Blackwall. [ pause. pause. ] If you truly are planning to investigate this, I'll see what I can do to help out here.

[ because fuck if he's going to get so involved that they find out his real identity. n o p e. ]

[bookish_lioness]

She doesn't know what to make of the claims of spirits and demons, since those things mean something very different for her than it does most of the rest of the people in Thedas. As inquisitive as she might be, though, she knows you can't get blood from a stone, and so interrogating him for answers to her questions really isn't going to help anyone.

"I'll have to speak to one of those people, then, if you'll be good enough to make a proper introduction. Thank you for what you were able to answer."

[gatheringstorm]

'Templar' and 'duties' are never a combination Korrin wants to hear, and she crosses her arms. Her gaze is steady, not overtly confrontational, but certainly not apologetic. "The Templars have nothing to do with the Council; they don't have authority over us, though the Council at large is willing to cooperate with them on an as-needed basis. As equals. They've only just started reorganizing themselves, anyway. Fortunately, the one taking command seems far more interested in demons and Corypheus than starting another damned war we don't need."

[gatheringstorm]

Those questions bring back a smile to her face. She's always fond of those who volunteer to help stop the overall threat. More people need to be like him, looking beyond their own immediate concerns. Those concerns will mean nothing if Corypheus succeeds, after all. "Limited? Hell, no. We need everyone we can get, to be honest. And considering what we're dealing with, I'm sure your expertise will needed."

[doneisdone]

"A mage outside the Circle," Teren corrected, "and there are as many views as there are apostates. But of late, many have gone against Templars, and the fighting has been bloody." She uncorked her waterskin and took a pensive sip from it. "...can't say I entirely blame them, though they can be dangerous to meet these days."

[doneisdone]

"A fair assumption," Teren agrees, resting her chin on one skinny gloved hand. "It is no accident I'm here. I've heard things, both within my mind and without, and it all seems amiss. I hear tell there are answers with the Inquisition."

[bookish_lioness]

Frowning deeply as she parsed it all out, Hermione remarked, "Well... all things considered, I suppose I could be thought of as an apostate, insofar as I'm a magic user without a Circle. But if there's fighting going on, it's a good thing that you came across me rather than anyone who would think ill of me for that. Thank you, then."

Realizing that she hasn't made proper introductions, she offered, "I'm Hermione Granger."

[sunshinethroughgrey]

"Oh no doubt of that. At least they won't be sticking to that fine beard of yours." She gave him a smile, before she tutted softly. "Oh - no one does well when surrounded. You did well for someone with his back to the wall."

A shake of her head, "It is no trouble to be kind, Ser. Besides my time is my own, so if I want to spend it cleaning out blood? So be it."

Her dimples flashed. "If you are truly feeling guilty? You may buy me a drink."

[doneisdone]

Teren took her hand and gripped it firmly. "Teren von Skraedder," she replied, "of the Grey Wardens."

[and we can probably leave it there since we're in now? :O may we meet again]

[iknowlove]

[ He... aims for being controlled? The stare Terra is giving him at that revelation must be bordering on almost comical because she can't believe anyone would willingly allow themselves to be used for their abilities. She had had no chance of escape on her own, would probably still be stuck there if it hadn't been for this rebellion.

But her questions shrivel up when she's suddenly enveloped in warmth. She gasps instead, her eyes widening at his display, and she gathers the shroud around her shoulders, practically burrowing into it. ]

This is... amazing.

[ There are... similar skills, sure; mages can put up barriers for protection, for example. But she's never seen anyone conjure something so warm out of nothing. ]

[nockpoint]

[ he sees her expression, but the nuances and... well, politics of fighting in the grail war are complicated, and not easily explained, and its not like he has no free will of his own in it — his master just has an absolute way of controlling him if they wish it. the rest of the time, he benefits from the contract just as much as she benefits from having him fight. usually. ]

It is part of the Holy Shroud of a saint. [ technically its a conceptual weapon, but whatever! ] Where are you headed? I need to be nearby for it to remain materialized, but I can accompany you.

[letterandspirit]

Yeah.

[ But that gets a glance aside from Kane, a touch of amusement in the raise of his eyebrow, the subtle upturn at the corner of his mouth through black-and-grey bristle.

He glances back at his own horse, steam funneling out through flaring nostrils. ]

After you take care of the horses.

[bookish_lioness]

Managing a small smile as she shook her hand, Hermione replied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. von Skraedder." She might not know what the Grey Wardens are, but she's going to assume that could be a conversation for another time.

[Yes, definitely! Hermione's going to have all the questions! :D]

[nonsibi]

[Despite himself, he huffs something that's almost a laugh. Breath a cloud, before it dissipates, quickly.]

Yeah, sorry. Not a chance.

DON'T WORRY HE KNOWS WHAT HE'S DOING!!

[dragoon_pride]

"Allow me to show you." Kain walks over toward him and makes a "hmm" under his breath. Sure, jumping with another armored man isn't exactly an easy task, though it's do-able. Dragoons need to be able to possibly haul others with them after all, and once he's airborne it'll be easier, it's mostly the beginning that's the hard part.

So he grabs hold of the other, tightly, and then leaps, kicking off from the ground, shouting, "HANG ON!" as they soar upward. It's not as high as normal, but that's ok, since that's not the goal here anyway. Kain aims for the general area near that skull... and down they travel for a solid landing.

[arlathvhen]

"Ugh, I keep thinking that she was thinking we'd be here for a month and come crawling back. Or that--" She pauses, something on her mind. She's thought about it a great deal, but she's terrified of actually voicing it out loud. She hasn't even written to Sorrel about it, because of the risk that it could be intercepted by the Keeper. She couldn't deal with that.

She gives him a thin smile, returning the hug, and the once-over. For all that she looked more filled out, he looked leaner. He hadn't been eating enough, even more than usual. Once again she wonders what could have happened to Sorrel. But she had to talk to him about this, she had so many things that she wanted to talk to him about. With anyone else she would have not bothered, or waited until a more opportune moment. But Sorrel was her one confidant that she shared everything with, and didn't worry.

"Sorrel, it's--I mean. I've been thinking about, and I'm worried just how many of us will be going back. What if this is what she wanted? What if she got all the unnecessary baggage out of the clan in one move, while making it look like she was helping the Inquisition? I mean, Gavin, Merrick, Cyril...they're. Themselves. Gavin never seemed happy here anyway, Merrick is going to get himself murdered one of these days, and Cyril along with him, probably, the way they mess around with humans. Ellana was a liability, and even with Pel gone, she's never been really trained on how to be a Keeper, so it's not like she can just be Second now. And Pel--I mean. Pel's the smartest woman I know, a fine mage, but with her gone, her own child is the First. And you've always been better with people." There's a small pause.

"And then there's me. Who is two-faced and constantly nervous and has meltdowns regularly, and I know that she was never satisfied with anything I did. I was just The Embarrassment."

She throws it all out there in a hushed voice, spilling out of her like a dam burst. She can feel the burn of tears threatening as she continues. Things that she would never tell another soul--Maybe because Sorrel's soul wasn't quite separate from Beleth's own. "I keep thinking that maybe she just found a way to get rid of the people she never wanted anyway."

thranduil oropherion || the tolkiens

[rowancrowned]

1. It was disconcerting, to feel the cold at a greater degree than he ever had before. His cloak was warm enough to protect him, the white fox fur of his collar shielding his cheeks from the worst of the winds. His hair, secured under the hood, did not whip about in the wind. The circlet of his office, silver and set with some white, shining gem, was cold against his forehead.

Was this what a mortal felt, then? Was this why they could not hear the song of the earth, nor educate themselves, or think beyond their own needs? It was certainly an excellent theory as to why Men were as they were.

Even his lips were chilled. He wanted the warmth of some hot drink—he wanted a chance to step inside, but the armored Man had told him to stay here, and he had full intention to pull an explanation out of someone as to where he was, for this was like no Mannish city he had ever seen.

A sharp, elegant, utterly careless gesture—well practiced, one might summarize—called the attention of one person walking by. “Hail. Might you tell me where there is mulled wine to be found?”


3. [ she is shy, and the weight on her leg confusing, stymieing her flight. worse yet, she does not speak the language of her sisters in arda, and thranduil has no other avenue than trying out words, slow and careful, until she does understand.

but she is clever, of course, she is a raven, and his praises as to the color of her plumage and the curve of her beak were not untrue.

thranduil stands below her, arm out in the traditional falconcer's stance, forearm offered as a new perch, a better perch. she caws, once or twice, shifts- and he thinks he has her, only for the door to the barn to slam shut, and she to flee to a higher rafter in fright.

thranduil turns on his heel, sharp and quick, addressing the intruder with little sympathy in his tone, and less measure of patience. ]

Your carelessness has cost me the work of half an hour.

[ never mind that he's had-- literally hundreds of thousands of those, and an uncountable number remaining. ]


wildcard.

make ur own or pm for a specific prompt.

[lonewarden]

Blackwall nods, attempting to look less nervous about the idea than he feels. "Then I think I'd like to try helping. This is something all of Thedas needs to fight against. Even the Wardens."

That's as much of a 'take me to your leader' request as he will get right now.

[lonewarden]

Blackwall makes a quick note that Wardens, or at least this one, have been hearing things in their minds about... well the state of Thedas. Good to know. "I haven't decided if I'm going to join them or not. They seem like a decent bunch. Only ones trying to sort out this fucking mess."

[lonewarden]

Maker's balls, this would be easier if she weren't so nice. Blackwall shifts on his feet, bringing his hands up to twine his fingers together in a slightly nervous habit. It isn't too noticeable, but it's become more pronounced the longer he's been alone in the Hinterlands.

His expression softens, as does his voice. "You're a good woman. It takes courage to show kindness to a stranger."

She is far, far too sweet. He admires that about her already. That and she complimented his beard. He has priorities, clearly.

But the idea of a drink? That he can get behind. "If you can spare me the time to change out of this before it begins to smell worse than it does, I will. Meet you in Redcliffe?"