#venatori

People talk about the Shadow Dragons hanging on the streets.

So young. So many dreams. (Softly weeps) Oh, Tess. Why did you get involved with those rebels? You should've kept your head down. We had a good life. You didn't need to... (Sighs deeply) What now? How do I tell Mother? Saw the whole thing. Gruesome business. Just marched them up here in chains. Killed them one by one. Left them hanging as an example. But you hear stories about the Shadow Dragons. How dangerous they are. Didn't they fight back? That was the strange thing. Meek as lambs, they were. Eyes staring. Seeing nothing. I'm no mage, but if you ask me, it was blood magic. People do say the Venatori use blood magic. Always have. Those risen gods have probably taught them some new tricks. I can't stand to look at it. People taken to the gallows almost daily. Why won't the guards do something? Why won't the templars? They're afraid. Or they support it. The announcements say they're just getting rid of the rot in the city. Then things will be back to normal. (Scoffs) Of course. But they'll run out of people to execute. They'll just find more. They'll make up a reason they deserve to die. The woman who lives across from me... they took her brother. Fraternizing with the enemy. (Gasps) Was he one of those Shadow Dragons? He ran a food stall. A few Qunari dock hands were regulars. The Venatori called him a traitor. That's all it takes?

Banter from various characters about the Venatori and the situation in the city because of them.

Magisters. Archon. They're supposed to care about us. Lies. No one's doing anything. Archon doesn't say a word. Templars don't help. Highbloods going about their business like nothing's changed. They don't care. We're on our own. We're no one. That's good. Venatori don't care about us. Bastards. They think they've got Minrathous in their grip. Don't they? I heard they control the palace now. The Magisterium. And the thousands down here in the city? They don't control us. If I say something, maybe someone else will find the guts to do the same. Then, maybe... Maybe you both get killed. I just don't want you to get in trouble. Could get there through drink tomorrow, but I'd rather speak against the cowards and their tyrant god. Aren't you afraid Venatori will hear you talk? They'll accuse anyone of anything. I limp from the war, and my back hurts from life on the docks. One foot on the pyre already, and the rest is getting close. Which means shutting up doesn't help, eh? The market stalls are so much emptier. Everything costs so much. If there's no work, there's no food. Everyone seems miserable and hungry. At the end of the day, the Cobbled Swan gives out food they haven't sold. The Venatori get first pick and take what they want. That's what I heard. Rest of us get the scraps. Have to get there early. Round the back. Oh, thank Dumat. I'll try this evening. Just get through this day. Just one day. The Venatori say they're trying to do what's best for Tevinter. How is this what's best? Don't be fooled. The Venatori only care about what's best for the Venatori. I don't know how Minrathous will survive this. One day at a time. The way we survive everything else. Executions in the streets. What's become of Dock Town? Venatori are everywhere. Have to be careful. They see everything. Dragging people from their homes. Awful. Just awful. Don't stick out. Don't say anything bad. They'll leave you alone. I just wish things would go back to normal. My children have nightmares about the dragon. And now the executions. They know I'm scared, and that frightens them. I think we're all scared. I don't know what to tell my little ones to put their minds at ease. They worry the Venatori will come for them. I'm sorry. Is it true the Venatori are offering rewards for turning in traitors? Like those Shadow Dragons? I... I think my neighbor had dealings with them. Should I report it? If they find out you knew and didn't tell the authorities, they might come for you. Or your children. My mother wants us to join the Venatori. She thinks that will keep us safe. Does that work? We aren't mages, but she thinks we can get on their good side by serving them. They say the Archon's dead. As long as the next one keeps the coin moving through Minrathous, I'm happy. So much talk of change lately. Things have always worked the way they are. Changing things just causes trouble. I can't stand zealots like the Venatori. Their ideas aren't bad, but their methods are extreme. Sure, the Shadow Dragons are a problem, but what's happening doesn't make Minrathous any safer. Those damned fanatics. Public executions? They have a strange idea of Tevinter glory.

Someone warns Rook depending on the race.

Be safe. The Venatori are on the rise again. I remember the first time they emerged, about ten years ago. If Rook is a Qunari: Be careful around here. People see Qunari and think invader. I'm just looking out for you.

These may be comments if you complete the Shadow Dragons quests.

There seem to be fewer Venatori around. I heard they were killed by a dragon. Good. Good thing someone stopped that Venatori nonsense. Risen gods? Dragons? How does that bring back Tevinter glory?

Two citizens discuss the dragon attack.

Did you see the dragon? No, I was hiding. The temple let people take shelter in the cellars. It won't come back, will it? They say there's more dragons out there. Better find a place to hide, in case there's another attack.

Banter about mabari.

You see more strays around. Since the dragon. There's an alternative version either before the dragon attack, or if Minrathous is saved: You see more dogs around now. They weren't as popular as pets when I was a kid. Doesn't hurt to have a guard around. Or a friend. Yeah. If I got a puppy... but I don't know how to train them. I could help you out.

Women discuss a couple in a tavern who are hesitant to confess their feelings to each other.

Before the dragon attack: She comes by in the morning, and gets her usual fried bread and tea with milk. He never accepts payment for the tea. Then they stare at each other for minutes! Sometimes, they manage to talk about the weather. They're adults! Why is it so hard? It's so frustrating. They clearly like each other, but neither says anything. It's been weeks! After: He still sets aside her usual, fried bread, tea with milk. But she hasn't come by in days. He's been asking around if anyone's seen her. But he didn't even know her name... (Sighs) Now he's stopped setting aside her usual order. It can't end this way... I know it's none of my business, but it's so hard not to care... Life's so unfair. Her home was wrecked by the dragon. They talked about it yesterday. Real talking. I will let you know if anything happens! She just told him! She said everything that's happened pushed her to pursue what she wants. He almost fell over. Ah, love. I'm glad it worked out. I'm happy for them.

Bonus banter from the guard you were bothering, kinda funny.

P.S.: Since the first time I've heard that dialogue, awwww, this idea was scratching my mind :3 I adore prompt with brainwashed character! *_* (Hi, Abel!))) 💜)