Round #1 — Match 56 of 104

Donnic Hendyr

“the “over me- ABOVE me. in rank.” moment is permanently etched into my brain. sir you are a grown man in uniform and you just got flustered in front of the champion of kirkwall. that’s cinema.”

“i love that he’s not written as a joke boyfriend, he’s just a decent guy who cares about doing the work, respects aveline, and still manages to be charming without trying too hard. i’m always going to root for the steady, normal-ish person who survives kirkwall with his integrity intact”

vs. Keeper Marethari Talas

“marethari is one of those characters i argue with every time and still can’t forget. she loves merrill. she’s also watching merrill walk toward something that has already hurt their clan, and she responds like a leader who’s running out of fear and time: isolate the problem, push it away, keep the rest safe. and it backfires, because dragon age loves a tragedy where good intentions curdle. the act 3 fallout makes her hit harder because it’s not just “keeper vs reckless first,” it’s a whole clan getting dragged into the consequences of one obsession and one attempt to stop it.”

Fenris -Never Walk in Another's Shadow

Rating: M

Pairing: Fenris/F Hawke

TW: Ptsd, nightmares, blood

I had told Hawke, adamantly, I wouldn’t be comfortable with journeying to the Fade. Yet she wanted to help that young naïve dreamer, Feyn-something. When he was one of the more dangerous mages--- dreamers could execute and prey on anyone in the slumbering world. Most cannot resist the Fade’s varying temptations, I scoffed. She should have called the blood-witch Merrill instead of me. Right now the petite elf was jealous- arguing with the keeper in dalish. Justice/Anders would join Hawke for this.

Hawke told me, “It’s your choice Fenris. I don’t mind if you sit this one out.” Her eyes glinted with fierce determination. I opened my mouth to persuade her to reconsider, but recalled how much grief she had, of her deceased brother who was this boy’s age.

The keeper woman was tracing runes on the floor, Abomination and Hawke sat inside the big circle. She handed them each a bowl and said, “Once you drink this, your body remains here but your spirit and mind will be over there. Be cautious with anything you see and hear. But this one (she glanced at Anders) with Justice will be fine, follow his lead.” They both lay down and fell into a trance. Merrill crossed her arms, frowning and stalked out past me. I was too worried to sit down. The woman stared expectantly at me.

I snapped, “What? I don’t desire to leap into that danger!” But I made sure to keep my voice down, didn’t want the spell to be disrupted. “Will—will they really be safe? Especially Marian.” I clenched my fists, my head was light.

Keeper had a serene wise tone of voice. “The Justice knows his way inside and who not to trust. It isn’t possible to predict if any entity can be entirely safe. And I can feel you have a Strong spirit, warrior.” I blinked in surprise at her frank comment, not a flatter. And she did not call me da’len, a term most older Dalish would use for a young one.

I sighed and sat beside the glowing pink runes of Anders and Marian. With the sip of the most gruesome bitter concoction, I blacked out and the next, I was sitting up in a hazy green world.

Running footsteps. “Fen, you came after all! Why?” She shouted excitedly.

I smiled and accepted her hug, and looking down at my arms, I was in my wraith blue form. The apostate’s aura was outlined with blue fire, his face had cracks of mana leaking through. “Because I—was worried.” I faced her.

“Ah it is good to be back here!” He boomed in that superior voice. I growled for him to hurry and lead us to where the boy was. The way he strided confidently in front with his staff, he said, “Come, I sense his mind is straining,” Venhedis, I could already tell this was not going to be pleasant.

There was a thick white mist, and suddenly a demon was talking in my head. I tried to resist, block it out, but the strong voice was incessant- I can help you, Fenris. With unimaginable power over those who left their marks on your mind and body, you can challenge them, not let them chain you. Don’t you want to truly be free? My head pounded… how can this be, we are in the Fade! It’s not real, I tried to say it, to force the conviction verbally, but I felt sluggish and my mouth did not obey. I cracked open my eyes, shaking off the discomfort but could not see Hawke or Justice. Instead there was a blurry scene of the dreamer-boy, in the centre of a circle of elves. Could not hear what they were saying, then illusion dispersed and I saw the keeper-mimic growing  to its full imposing height—its long curved goat horns, staring at us with its multiple insect eyes. Pride demon, my heart pounded!

With a whoosh most of the white mist cleared, revealing my companions Hawke crossing her swords defensively and Justice glowering, brandishing his lit staff.

This conversation will trigger right after previous conversation with Fenarel

Keeper Marethari: I see you are awake, da’len. It is fortunate Duncan found you when he did… I know not what dark power held you, but it nearly bled the life from you. It was difficult even for my magic to keep you alive.

Dialogue Options:

Duncan? Is that the one who brought me back? [go to 1]

I kept telling Tamlen that we should have come back! [go to 2]

What happened to us? [go to 3]

Then Tamlen could be sick as well? [go to 4]

1: PC: Duncan? Is that the one who brought me back? Keeper Marethari: Yes, he introduced himself as a Grey Warden [go to 5]

2: PC: I kept telling Tamlen that we should have come back! Keeper Marethari: Do not worry, da’len. Even I might have been intrigued enough by such a cave to explore it further [go to 5]

3: PC: What happened to us? Keeper Marethari: I know only that the Grey Warden found you in front of a strange cave, sick and alone. [go to 5]

4: PC: Then Tamlen could be sick as well? Keeper Marethari: If he encountered the same thing you did, yes. The Grey Warden said he found you alone outside a cave, already stricken. [go to 5]

5: Scene Continues Keeper Marethari: Duncan thought there may have been darkspawn creatures inside the cave. Is that true?

Dialogue Options:

Why listen to anything a shemlen says? [go to 6]

I’m not sure. What does a darkspawn look like? [go to 7]

Did he not go inside the cave himself and see? [go to 8 ]

There were walking corpses and other strange monsters. [go to 9]

All I remember was the mirror… [go to 13]

6: PC: Why listen to anything a shemlen says? Keeper Marethari: The Grey Wardens are an old and honorable order, da’len, and we Dalish have enough enemies. Was he correct? Dialogue Options:

I’m not sure. What does a darkspawn look like?[go to 7]

Did he not go inside the cave himself and see? [go to 8]

There were walking corpses and other strange monsters. [go to 9]

7: PC: I’m not sure. What does a darkspawn look like? Keeper Marethari: Like a man, but dark and tainted with evil. Perhaps you fought one in the cave and it wounded you.

Dialogue Options:

There were many monsters, and dead mean that walked [go to 8]

The creatures inside were nothing like that. [go to 9]

No, it was the mirror. [go to 10]

8: PC: Did he not go inside the cave himself and see? Keeper Marethari: He was more concerned about helping you. He thought there were darkspawn, I don’t know. But Grey Wardens know more about them than anyone.

Dialogue Options:

I’m not sure. What does a darkspawn look like? [go to 7]

There were walking corpses and other strange monsters. [go to 9]

9: PC: There were walking corpses and other strange monsters. Keeper Marethari: Walking corpses? Dark magic, but not darkspawn. I know not what the other creatures might have been. [go to 13]

10: PC: There were many monsters, and dead mean that walked. Keeper Marethari: Walking corpses? Dark magic, but not darkspawn. I know not what the other creatures might have been. [go to 13]

11: PC: The creatures inside were nothing like that. Keeper Marethari: None of them were darkspawn? Duncan was so certain… [go to 13]

12: PC: No, it was the mirror. [go to 14]

13: Scene Continues:

Keeper Marethari: What else did you find? What is the last thing you remember? Dialogue Options:

A mirror. Tamlen touched it.

Did Duncan mention a mirror? [both go to 14]

14: Scene Continues

Keeper Marethari: A mirror? And it caused all this? I have never heard of such a thing in all the lore we have collected. sighs I was hoping for answers when you woke, but there are only more questions. And Tamlen remains missing. He is more important than any lore in these ruins. If he is a sick as you were, his condition is grave. Duncan returned to the cave to search for darkspawn, but we cannot rely on him to look for Tamlen as well. We must go ourselves, and quickly.

14a: Dialogue Options:

I am up to it keeper. I feel fine. [go to 15]

I don’t know. Is my sickness gone? [Go to 18]

Could I simply describe the way to someone? [go to 19]

15: PC I am up to it keeper. I feel fine. [go to 17]

16: PC: Then I am ready to go [go to 17]

17: Scene Continues:

Keeper Marethari: I am relieved to hear it. I am ordering the clan to pack the camp so we can go north. Take Merrill with you to the cave. Find Tamlen if you can, but do it swiftly. 17a) Dialogue Options:

The clan is leaving? [go to 21]

Are you not interested in the ruins and the mirror? [go to 32 ]

Why do you want me to take Merrill? [go to 33]

Take Merrill to the cave and find Tamlen. I understand. [go to 35]

18: PC: I don’t know. Is my sickness gone? Keeper Marethari: Your fever broke, and the signs of whatever illness snared you are gone… but truthfully, I don’t know if you are free from it or not. I wish I new more. Dialogue Options:

Then I am ready to go [go to 16]

Could I simply describe the way to someone? [go to 19]

Tamlen may already be dead [go to 20 ]

19: PC: Could I simply describe the way to someone? Keeper Marethari: Few know these forests as well as you and Tamlen, and time is of the essence. Remember he has already been out there for two days without the magical aid you received.

Then I am ready to go [go to 16]

Tamlen may already be dead [go to 20]

20: PC: Tamlen may already be dead Keeper Marethari: Yes, he may very well be. We can only search and pray, da’len. You are his last remaining hope. [Back to 14a]

21: PC: The clan is leaving? Keeper Marethari: If there is any truth to what Duncan said, then darkspawn may show up in these parts soon. We must get away from that horde. But that is not our only concern. Did you encounter any other humans out in the forest? Dialogue options:

Three of them. We drove them off (Conditional, all three humans survived beginning encounter) [go to 22]

Three of them. We killed one as an example. (Conditional, one human was killed in the beginning encounter) [go to 23]

Three of them, but we killed them all. (Conditional, all humans died in the beginning encounter) [go to 24 ]

Yes, actually is it important? [go to 25 ]

None that I can recall. (Lie) [go to 26]

22: PC: Three of them. We drove them off [go to 27]

23: PC: Three of them. We killed one as an example. [go to 28 ] 24: PC: Three of them, but we killed them all. [go to 28] 25: Yes, Actually is it important? [If all humans survived, go to 27 ] [If any humans died, go to 28]

26: None that I can recall. (Lie) Keeper Marethari: I see. Well, a nearby village has taken exception to our presence. I fear they will try to drive us out. [go to 30 ]

27: Scene Continues:

Keeper Marethari: All though you hurt no one, these humans roused their nearby village against us. [go to 30]

28: Scene Continues:

Keeper Marethari: So I feared. You have stirred up a hornet’s nest, da’len. Their village blames us for your actions. [go to 30]

30: Scene Continues:

Keeper Marethari: As everywhere, our people are not welcome here. We have stayed too long and we must move on—quickly.

Dialogue Options:

You are going to let those shemlen drive us off? [go to 31 ] Or [back to 17a]

31: PC: You are going to let those shemlen drive us off? Keeper Marethari: Our clan could slaughter their entire village if we cared too… but at the cost of bringing their king’s rage down on our head. These people are simple and have simple fears. This is their land, so we will go peacefully. [back to 17a ]

32: PC: Are you not interested in the ruins and the mirror? Keeper Marethari: I would be lying if I said I was not. But whatever knowledge lies in the cave is not worth our children. I send you back with hopes of finding Tamlen, and that is all. [back to 17a ]

33: PC: Why do you want me to take Merrill? Keeper Marethari: Merrill knows a degree of my magic. Tamlen’s chances of surviving the journey back are greater with her help. I also wish for Merrill to see this cave and mirror. She has a sense for these things, and could shed light on the nature of this illness.

Dialogue Options:

But doesn’t Merrill risk getting ill as well? [go to 34] OR [Back to 17a]

34: PC But doesn’t Merrill risk getting ill as well? Keeper Marethari: You recovered, and Merrill will too. Still, be careful… should you come upon this strange mirror again, do not touch it. [Back to 17a ]

35: PC: Take Merrill to the cave and find Tamlen. I understand. Keeper Marethari: Go quickly, for Tamlen’s life hangs in the balance.

35a: Dialogue Options:

I have questions about this Grey Warden [Go to 36]

I am curious about these darkspawn you mentioned. [go to 47]

I need more equipment before I go [go to 54]

Pray for me Keeper [Ends Dialogue. Note other dialogue choices can still be accessed by interacting with the keeper after this conversation ends.]

36: PC I have questions about this Grey Warden Keeper Marethari: When Tamlen’s life is at stake? Oh, very well.

36a: Dialogue Options:

I thought the Grey Wardens had disappeared? [go to 37]

Why did you believe anything this shemlen said? [go to 40]

How did he know where to bring me? [go to 41]

Are these wardens great warriors? [go to 45]

I have no more questions about the Grey Warden, Keeper. [go to 46]

37: I thought the Grey Wardens had disappeared? Keeper Marethari: Not quite, da’len. After they defeated the darkspawn long ago, the Grey Warden’s number diminished greatly over the centuries. It seems the humans have little use for them if darkspawn aren’t actively razing their lands. I suppose the thought of darkspawn returning one day did not occur to them. Dialogue Option:

and have they returned? [go to 38] Or [Back to 36a ]

38: PC And have they returned? Keeper Marethari: The Grey Warden thinks so. A war may be in the offing. If so, we must get as far away from it as possible. Dialogue Option:

Could we not help in the battle? [go to 39] Or [Back to 36a]

39: PC: Could we not help in the battle? Keeper Marethari: Let the humans fight their battles, as we must fight our own. [Back to 36a]

40: PC: Why did you believe anything this shemlen said? Keeper Marethari: He seemed honorable and his care for you speaks well of him. I trust my judgment. [back to 36a]

41: PC: How did he know where to bring me? Keeper Marethari: He said he had been looking for our clan and had a hint of our whereabouts. As I said, you were fortunate. It is possible he sought a volunteer to join their order. Dialogue Options:

Dalish have joined these Grey Wardens before?[go to 42] Or [Back to 36a]

42: PC: Dalish have joined these Grey Wardens before? Keeper Marethari: Indeed. The Grey Wardens once consisted of the best from all races. I know of no Dalish joining them since the days of the darkspawn wars, however. Dialogue Option

What if he asks for one now? [If previous Dialogue choices indicate the player character is a wanderer go to 43] [All other temperaments go to 44] Or [back to 36a]

43: Keeper Marethari: Always eager to wander, hmm? Joining the Grey Wardens would be a great honor. But he has not asked. [back to 36a ]

44: Keeper Marethari: It would be a great honor, though I don’t know why any Dalish would choose such a life. Regardless, he has not asked. [back to 36a]

45: PC: Are these wardens great warriors? Keeper Marethari: They are the best and most noble of all races, da’len. Few can achieve their standards. [Back to 36a]

46: PC: I have no more questions about the Grey Warden, Keeper. Keeper Marethari: Then do not tarry. Find Tamlen quickly. [Back to 35a]

47: PC: I am curious about these darkspawn you mentioned. Keeper Marethari: Remember that Tamlen needs your help.

47a: Dialogue Options:

Didn’t the Grey Wardens destroy the darkspawn long ago? [go to 48]

You think this cave was a darkspawn lair? [go to 49]

Why did the Grey Warden think I had met a darkspawn? [go to 50]

What is a darkspawn, exactly? I’ve never seen one before. [go to 51]

Could that bear-like monster have been a darkspawn? [go to 52]

I have no more questions about the darkspawn keeper. [go to 53]

48: PC: Didn’t the Grey Wardens destroy the darkspawn long ago? Keeper Marethari: They destroyed the last horde of darkspawn to threaten the surface, centuries ago. It doesn’t mean they extinguished them all. [back to 47a]

49: PC: You think this cave was a darkspawn lair? Keeper Marethari: Darkspawn are savage, uncultured creatures. More akin to locusts, than men. They may have befouled the cave, but they did not built what is there. From the Warden’s description, it may have been a temple devoted to an old god. Should we return, I may see it for myself. [back to 47a ]

50: PC: Why did the Grey Warden think I had met a darkspawn? Keeper Marethari: Darkspawn are filthy, diseased beasts that taint the very air around them. The Grey Warden seemed to think your illness came from this taint. Since you did not meet any darkspawn, I don’t see how that could be. No doubt he was mistaken. [back to 47a ]

51: PC: What is a darkspawn, exactly? I’ve never seen one before. Keeper Marethari: They are mostly boogeymen, used to frighten human children. In modern times, they are rarely seen on surface lands. But rumor holds that great numbers dwell in the ancient tunnels of the durgen’len— the dwarves. They obliterate all that is in their path. Like a plague of locusts, they spread disease, and misery when they come to the surface. An event to be feared, without doubt. [back to 47a ]

52: PC: Could that bear-like monster have been a darkspawn? Keeper Marethari: Hmm. The Old tomes say darkspawn come in as many varieties as surface creatures. They also say that many darkspawn are seen only during what the humans call a “Blight.” Perhaps your bear monster was one of those. [back to 47a]

53: PC I have no more questions about the darkspawn keeper. Keeper Marethari: Then do not tarry. Find Tamlen quickly. [Back to 35a]

54: PC I need more equipment before I go Keeper Marethari: Master Ilen can help you go to him and ask to see his stock. [Back to 35a]

_____________________________________________________

If Player Character comes back to speak to Keeper Marathari and has indicated they are willing to bring Fenarel with them to the cave— but has not left with Merrill yet.

Keeper Marethari: I see you have not left with Merril Yet. Is there something you need.

Dialogue Options:

I want to bring Fenarel with us to the Cave [go to 55]

I have questions about this Grey Warden. [go to 36]

I am curious about these darkspawn you mentioned. [go to 47]

I need more equipment before I go [go to 54]

No I should go [go to 56]

55: PC: I want to bring Fenarel with us to the Cave.

Keeper Marethari: Fenarel, are you certain? I am already putting Merril at ris; I don’t want to lose you too.

Fenarel: I want to help, Keeper. If we can find Tamlen, It’s worth the risk. Keeper Marethari: Very well, then. You have my permission. And I thank you for asking for it.

[End Dialogue]

56: PC: No, I should go.

I'm not even sure who is the most to blame here - the Dalish clan or Duncan. I am, however, certain that they are all to blame for Tamlen's fate.

double checked and indeed the protective barrier on the demon's cave is gone in Act 2. and there's no other reason that we know of why a varterral, canonically a guardian for elven people, would attack a clan of Dalish elves otherwise.