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gallowglassvt · 1 month ago

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Proposal for a Dragon Age Origins adaptation part 12.

Well, we've reached the end, gang. Final part of the adaptation proposal series. Get ready for the final battle, its aftermath and a few surprises along the way.

Fighting At Redcliffe: The party arrives at Redcliffe. Unlike in the game, the village hasn't been sacked on arrival, but the party do witness the evacuation with Kaitlyn and Bevin telling Warden about the approaching darkspawn warband, headed by an Emissary and an Ogre Alpha. The party retreat back to the castle, rallying in the courtyard. They're joined by Anora, Cauthrien, and her honour guard who insist on fighting next to them. The Ogre tears the castle gates open and the fighting commences. Morrigan faces down the Emissary in a magical dual before turning into a bear and mauling it to death. Meanwhile, Warden faces down the Ogre Alpha and manages to defeat it alongside Cauthrien. Similarly, Alistair and Anora fight back to back with Zevran and Oghren making wry remarks about their chemistry together. With the darkspawn defeated, they enter the castle.

Planning the March to Denerim: Inside, the party hears from Eamon and Riordan that the bulk of the horde is headed for Denerim with the archdemon at its head. Anora has faith in the garrison in Denerim alongside the elven militia and Kylon's hiring, but nonetheless, they need to begin a forced march. Warden and Alistair ask the status of the army: Eamon, Teagan and Elissa have brought 3000 combined troops, Lanya, Mahariel and the other Dalish clans have brought 1000, the Circle under Irving and Gregoir have brought 50 mages and 200 templars rallied from the Chantry and the dwarves under Bhelen have brought 3000 warrior caste soldiers, 300 casteless volunteers under Natia and 2 Legion companies (roughly 1000). Combined with a Daylen's 50 or so volunteers from the Mages Collective and Anora's 200 household guard, the army numbers a little under 9000. Alistair gives the order to have them ready by daybreak. Riordan then summons Warden, Alistair, Mahariel, Elissa, Kallian, Duran, Daylen, Natia and Neria to a meeting.

Riordan's Revelations and Making New Wardens: Wardens and prospective Wardens gathered, Riordan tells them why Grey Wardens are needed to kill an Archdemon. He offers to be the one to do it as the eldest, but should he fail, it will fall to them to kill the dragon. With that done, the prospective Wardens are offered a place in the organisation. Warden tells Elissa that by all rights, she should have become a Warden rather than him, but says she's under no obligation to do it now. Elissa says that she'll never forget what Duncan did for her, but she has new duties to those who rallied to her cause and to Highever, as Fergus is presumed dead. Kallian also refuses, citing her duty to the Alienage. This leaves Duran, Natia, Daylen and Neria who all agree for their own reasons. The Joining occurs and miraculously, all of them survive. With that done, they all retire for the night.

Morrigan's Proposal/Alistair and Anora: Warden returns to his room to find Morrigan there. She proposes the ritual that will save the Wardens and preserve the Old God soul in baby Keiran. Warden demands to know why she's really doing this, beyond excuses of power or her usual bravado. She finally breaks and says that she won't let him die. Warden admits that he doesn't want to die either and agrees. Scene switches to Alistair's room, where Anora enters unannounced and says that in the event of Alistair dying, she needs to conceive an heir. Alistair, awkwardly at first, then firmly tells her to stop until she starts to weep. He tells her that he would never try and replace Cailan, but says that he has no intention of being a bad husband to her, even they might never come to love each other, and that he fully intends to return from the upcoming battle. He then says that he doesn't particularly want to be alone tonight either, so she's free to share his bed if she wants, though not in that way. She hugs him in response, and he returns it. Meanwhile, Warden and Morrigan do the do, and in the aftermath, she leaves him, believing him to be asleep, only to be confronted by Leliana at the door, who says she was listening in. Morrigan is at first defensive, but when Leliana asks if the ritual will work, she affirms, to which Leliana says that she's grateful and knows that Morrigan truly loved Warden. Morrigan then departs, and Leliana goes to Warden's side, where he tearfully apologises and admits he's afraid. Leliana does her best to assure him, singing him to sleep as the camera pans around the other party members; Alistair and Anora cuddling platonically, Sten and Shale meditating, Zevran and Oghren sharing a bottle, Elissa and Kallian post-coital cuddling, and Morrigan staring forlornly out a window.

Armouring up: Morning arrives, and the army begins to rally. Each character dons a unique armour alongside a weapon set: Warden in a heavy mail version of a Warden Commander's armour alongside Yusaris as his main weapon with Duncan's sword and Topsider's Honour as side arms, Alistair in royal armour with Maric's sword, Duncan's shield and Duncan's dagger, Leliana in a more defensive version of her Sacred Ashes getup alongside Marjolaine's bow and numerous in-game daggers, Morrigan in a Chasind inspired battlemage outfit, her Magister staff and an enchanted dagger, Zevran in modified Crow armour with two Thorns of the Dead Gods, a Dar'misaan, an Antivan style sword and a mini-crossbow, Oghren in dwarven mail with a Barbarian Axe, Vanguard and Branka's shield, Sten with Asala and Qunari style armour, Shale with combined elemental crystals, Wynne, Daylen and Neria in Circle battlemage garments and their respective staves, Fen with special mabari armour similar to what we see in Inquisition, Elissa in plate with her family sword and a Highever shield, Kallian in dark leathers with Fang, Gift of the Grey, Howe's Biteback Axe and a shortbow, Mahariel in old elven armour with a Dar'misaan, two Dar'misus and a Dalish longbow, Duran in dwarven plate and a maul, Natia in Carta style leathers with dual axes and throwing knives, and lastly, Anora in Loghain's reforged armour alongside a sword and shield. With that done, the army departs Redcliffe.

Fight at the breach in Denerim/farewells to friends: On the outskirts of Denerim, Alistair, Warden, Riordan, and Anora with Cauthrien lead a cavalry force. Alistair gives his canonical speech, and they charge, breaking the fight at the wall as the archdemon flies overhead. Inside the breach, the party reunites and faces the incoming darkspawn. Riordan then gives everyone the lowdown, telling them of the darkspawn generals and that they need to get to the top of Fort Drakon to fight the darkspawn. Warden then gives everyone their orders: he, Alistair, Leliana, Morrigan, Sten, Wynne, Shale, and Fen will lead a combined detachment to the Palace District with Duran, Kardol and Natia to follow on with their dwarven troops, Elissa, Daylen, Anora and Cauthrien will lead a human and Circle detachment to the Market Square to back up Kylon, Kallian, Neria, Zevran, Oghren, and Mahariel will lead a Dalish detachment to reinforce the elven militia in the Alienage. With this done, everyone says their farewells and wishes everyone luck as they enter the city.

Market Square fight: Elissa's group enters the Market Square to fight alongside Kylon's troops, mercenaries, and rogues. As in the game, there are a lot of ogres here being led by a hurlock general, and the forces are starting to waver until Anora rallies them. The party is able to overcome the darkspawn, but Kylon is killed fighting the general, who's then defeated by Elissa.

Alienage fight: At the Alienage, the group is greeted by the militia led by Shianni, Soris, Valendrian, and Cyrion. As the darkspawn start to break through, the Dalish rally their city elf cousins with tales of the Dales while Oghren and Zevran have a cheeky riff on Legolas and Gimli's bit from ROTK. The fight begins and Oghren, Zevran and Shianni manage to kill an ogre while Neria faces off with the emissary general who overcomes her, killing her. Kallian and Mahariel avenge her by killing the general.

Royal Palace fight: The combined detachment reach the Palace District just as Riordan tries and fails to kill the archdemon. Joined by Duran, Kardol and Natia's dwarven detachment, the usual happens until they reach the gate and Duran is mortally wounded by a Shriek Alpha who's then killed by Natia. With his dying words, Duran wishes them all luck before passing. The dwarves honour their fallen prince while Warden gives orders for Sten, Wynne, Daylen and Fen to make sure no darkspawn follow him. Fen doesn't want to leave Warden, but Warden tells him he'll see him soon while asking Sten to look out for him. Sten promise he will while calling Warden kadan. They then part ways as the Wardens, Leliana and Morrigan head into the Fort.

Fort Drakon and a hero's redemption: The four make their way up the fort until they encounter the remaining garrison facing down a genlock emissary. They fight it and its summoned demons, and Alistair is almost killed by the emissary, but is saved by the helmeted commander Warden placed in charge before Leliana and Morrigan kill the emissary. Before he dies, he reveals himself as Loghain who Warden switched with another condemned man. When Alistair presses him on why, Warden can't give a satisfying answer, saying it was a gut feeling. Loghain chimes in, saying that he wanted to make right what he could, even if it meant dying, and that he owed it to Maric to defend his son/Cailan for letting him die. Loghain doesn't ask Alistair's forgiveness, but does ask him to keep Anora safe. Alistair, despite his reluctance, agrees and Loghain dies with a smile on his face. With the remaining garrison, the party head up to fight the archdemon.

Urthemiel fight: The fight begins and the archdemon summons the surrounding darkspawn to it. The garrison doesn't fair well as the archdemon and its darkspawn guards slaughter most of them, but nonetheless, utilising the ballistae, the party are able to ground Urthemiel who attempts to reach out to Warden via the Taint and his Reaver powers, but he is able to shake it off. With Yusaris in hand, Warden charges Urthemiel and succeeds in killing them with the canonical blast of light knocking him and the others out while the darkspawn flee. Morrigan is the first to wake and goes to confirm that Warden is alive. Through bleary eyes, he sees her lay a kiss on his brow then shape-shift into a bird and fly off while he passes out.

Aftermath and burying the dead: In the aftermath of the battle, the bodies of Riordan, Neria, Kylon and Loghain are cremated publicly while the dwarves take Duran with them to bury him in Orzammar. Later on, Warden awakens back at the Palace with Leliana at his side. They embrace, thankful that it's all finally over.

Alistair and Anora's coronation/promises made and kept: Alistair is crowned Alistair I of Ferelden with Anora as his queen (the two at this point are genuinely starting to like one another) and Alistair proclaims Warden as the Hero of Ferelden. The boon Warden asks for is that the sacrifices of the Wardens not be forgotten and also that those who worked to make this happen be rewarded too. Alistair ascents and makes the following proclamations: The arling of Amaranthine will go to the Wardens while Elissa is declared the new Teyrn of Gwaren with Fergus having returned from the Wilds at last, Kallian is declared the new Bann of the Alienage with the implication that this will become true of all Alienages, the Hinterlands and Ostagar are granted to the Ferelden Dalish, Ferelden mages are granted new freedoms, something that surprises everyone given Alistair's templar background, and further military aid is promised to Orzammar in fighting the darkspawn. Eamon, now the royal chancellor and arl of Denerim, passes Redcliffe to Teagan. Kaitlyn and Bevin join Elissa's household with Bevin being made a squire. The companions all go their separate ways, barring Leliana who elects to stay by Wardens side as he rebuilds the order: Zevran decides to head to Llomeryn with Isabela, Sten decides to return to his people, Oghren announces his intention to marry Felsi while working as an officer in the Ferelden army, Wynne accepts a position at court, but also intends to travel to Tevinter to aid Shale in her quest to become mortal again and Fen has shacked up with Elissa's mabari (who I definitely didn't forget existed until now) with pups on the way.

Epilogue: Cuts to three years later, presumably after the events of Awakening, to Warden finding Morrigan within the abandoned elven temple from Witch Hunt. They're casual with each other with Warden telling her that Leliana has gone to Val Royeaux on secret business while Alistair and Anora have children. Morrigan then tells Warden of their son, whom she's named Kieran, and asks if he would like to meet him. Warden declines though not unkindly and instead gives Morrigan his mother's ring to give to Kieran. Before he departs, Morrigan warns him of the changes coming to Thedas and tells him to be prepared before she disappears into the eluvian. Warden stays behind, pondering what she could mean as he looks upon an ancient elven mural... depicting Fen'harel.

And with that, it's done. Thank you all for indulging me in this little project. I dunno if I'll ever do the same for 2 or Inquisition, but if I do it'll probably be a cliffnotes version. Until then, Dareth'shiral, atrast dinal tunsha and may the Maker watch over you all.

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gallowglassvt · 1 month ago

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gallowglassvt · 1 month ago

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Proposal for a Dragon Age Origins Adaptation Part 11.

We're approaching the endgame now, loves. Probably only one more part after this one, and it'll be done. We'll be covering the aftermath of Howe's death and Fort Drakon, dealing with the slave traders in the Alienage, a final confrontation with Cauthrien, and finally, the Landmeet proper/its aftermath.

Forging an alliance: Warden and Alistair make it back to Eamon's estate and find themselves confronted by Bann Sighard and Bann Alfstanna, who Eamon has summoned. Oswyn, Irmninric and Rexel are revealed, much to the joy of Sighard and Alfstanna with the latter offering to take in Rexel in hopes of helping him. When they ask why they went to all this trouble, Anora reveals herself and openly condemns both Howe and her father. All this helps bring Sighard and Alfstanna on side with them both promising to bring their own allies on side. Anora then goes on to give her condolences/congratulations to Elissa for avenging her family before she proposes that they back her claim to the throne while suggesting that Warden inbestigate the Alienage. When they have the room, the group, joined by Riordan, consider their options. Warden is the first to propose, specifically to him, that Alistair marry Anora. Alistair isn't in love with the idea, but is willing to give it a go if it means winning before taking himself off to get a drink (or several). Eamon can see the merits, but points out that Anora's marriage to Cailan produced no children, citing rumours of her being sterile. Elissa claps back that it's just as likely that Cailan was sterile, to which Eamon concedes. With this in mind, Warden decides to bring the proposal to Anora. Anora is herself hesitant, understandably, but can also recognise the broader political implications, so she agrees. She also does her best to convince Warden to spare Loghain, but Warden is evasive on the issue. With Anora on side, Warden heads to the Alienage with Sten, Zevran, Leliana, Kallian and Wynne. Meanwhile, Alistair and Anora attempt a conversation. While it's initially awkward, they manage to find some common ground with them both talking about their relationship with Cailan and Anora is surprised by Alistair's willingness to learn the art of ruling.

The Alienage: The party enter the Alienage and Kallian heads straight to her family home where she reunites with Soris and Valora who have a baby now. Soris tells Kallian about the aftermath of Howe's purge, the arrival of the plague and the Tevinter healers. Wynne is quick to point out how unusual it is for foreign mages to be running a healing station, especially Tevinters doing it for elves. Kallian asks after Cyrion who says that both he and Valendrian are missing. He tells them to look for Shianni. She and Kallian have a tearful reunion outside of the mages' base. She tells them of other disappearances besides their family, prompting Warden to try and gain entry. The healers point out that he has the Blight, but when Warden says it's different, they realise who he is and attack. With the mages and their guards dead, the group, now accompanied by an armed Shianni (it's implied she's learned to defend herself since the incident with Vaughn), enter the hospice, freeing those captives who confirm that Cyrion and Valendrian among others were taken elsewhere. The documents on site confirm that the Tevinters are slavers. The group make their way to the warehouse where the captives are kept being kept with Kallian losing two daggers in her fight with that one elf serving the Tevinters whose name escapes me (she falls out a window with Kallian's dagger in her). The group finally reach Caladrius who tries to bribe them with information on Loghain, but Kallian says they'll happily take it off his corpse. A fight ensues with Wynne using magic to help Kallian strike the killing blow. Kallian reunites with Cyrion and Valendrian, and after taking the documents proving Loghain's complicity, they return to the Alienage where the people are happy to have their relatives and hahren back, but are panicky about facing the darkspawn should they come. Kallian and Shianni rally them, telling them to take the Tevinters weapons and armour from them with Warden further saying that Alistair and Anora will support the fortification of the Alienage/organisation of an elven militia. Zevran wryly remarks that this will have consequences beyond the Blight, but isn't against. Cyrion and Valendrian say how proud they are of Kallian with her receiving Fang and Gift of the Grey from them. With that, they return to the estate. Eamon is appalled by slavery being found in Ferelden, but says that this will likely be the nail in the coffin for the regency. With that, both Team Warden, CAATS Gang and Eamon's retinue head to the Landsmeet.

Confronting Cauthrien: Warden and Alistair are confronted by Cauthrien who refuses to give them entry to the meeting. However, it's clear that she no longer has the same faith she once did in Loghain with Warden convincing her to serve her king/queen and country over loyalty to a man who no longer values her. She does so, while still begging for Loghain's life.

The Landsmeet/showdown with Loghain: The party enter with Loghain playing on his paranoia towards Orlais while Warden counters that the Blight is the only threat that matters. This brings Arl Wulf on side and Warden goes for the jugular, citing Loghain's involvement with the Tevinters, Howe's actions and the Circle coup before finally revealing Cailan's correspondence with Selene, citing it as the reason Loghain betrayed Cailan. Loghain is adamant that he would have done anything in his power to save Cailan, but that the Wardens made it impossible to do so. Warden says he might have believe him if they didn't know the truth. Anora then reveals herself and takes the side of the Wardens Loghain goes into his patriotic speech which sees cheers from his supporters, prompting Warden to counter with their own speech: he reveals his half Dalish origins, as well as his mother's service in the war with Orlais, with Loghain conceding that he knew them both, and says that for a long time, he hated the Wardens for taking his father from him, but after meeting Duncan and seeing the darkspawn threat for what it was, it made him realise that when true evil threatens, nothing else matters. He then recites the Joining Words, joined by Alistair and his other companions (cheesy? Sure. Do I care? No). The voting starts. Barring that one baldy teyrn who always supports Loghain, the Landsmeet is unanimously in favour of the Warden with Elissa speaking for Highever in Fergus' absence and even Howe's eldest son, Thomas, speaking for Amaranthine and Denerim. Loghain does his usual "traitors!" bit before Warden suggests they dual. The two fight with them being pretty much evenly matched before Warden finally gets the upper hand, cutting Loghain's cheek and him submitting, saying that he is truly a warrior worth respecting, even going so far as to say he does his family proud. Warden thanks him, but reminds him that he has to die. This prompts Riordan to step in and propose the Joining, citing their low numbers and the other unspoken reason. Alistair is entirely against it while Anora tries to intercede on her father's behalf, only for Loghain to gently silence her. Warden also cites that they have potential volunteers for the Joining in their ranks, then, with the Landsmeet's permission, sentences Loghain to death at sunrise. Eamon proclaims Alistair and Anora as the new monarchs with Warden taking Loghain's place as high commander. Alistair, far more confident in this adaptation, addresses the Landsmeet, saying that he will do all he can to live up to Maric's legacy with Anora affirming her support.

Loghain's fate: Warden visits Loghain in his cell. Loghaib is initially sarcastic towards Warden before requesting that his armour be melted down and given to Anora. Warden agrees then asks why he did all that he did. Loghain cites what happened to his mother during the Orlesian occupation, giving the impression that he suffers from PTSD (understandably) and that he should have just gone back to farming after the war rather than joining Maric's government. Loghain then begs Warden to defend Ferelden, Anora and the Theirin bloodline where he failed. Warden agrees, and at dawn, a hooded Loghain is executed by beheading with Anora and Cauthrien, now captain of her personal guard, watching from a window.

The Wardens' Denerim vault/revelations about Alistair's mother: Warden and Riordan enter the Wardens' compound near the palace to anything vital, including the archdemon blood needed for the Joining. While in there, Warden recovers Duncan's old shield and a letter from an unknown Grey Warden (Fiona) to Alistair, addressing him as her son. Riordan later reveals what happened in the events of The Calling, though he refrains from saying Fiona's name, saying only that she was an elf. Warden passes both items onto Alistair who, tearfully, is beyond thankful, asking him to stand by him to which Warden affirms. The two are interrupted by a guard who says that Goldanna has come calling, along with her five children, saying she's the king's sister. Alistair, in a sassy manner, gives her a pouch of gold, then says that it's all she'll have from him, remarking as he walks away that thankfully, they aren't related.

At a war meeting that includes Anora, Valendrian, Cauthrien, the newly prompted Captain Kylon, Isabela and others, Warden plans out the defence of Denerim. Despite some objections, he confirms the mobilising and fortification of the Alienage under Shianni's eyes, much to Valendrian's amusement, while Kylon confirms that he's managed to secure the loyalty of several mercenary companies (familiar names such as the Blackstone Irregulars, Crimson Oars and White Falcons among others) and numerous gangs to fight in return for promise of pay/promotion while Isabela has curried favours with other corsairs to help get civilians away from the city in the event of an attack. Warden gives command of Fort Drakon to a previous unknown, Ser Galban, who keeps his helmet on at all times due to disfiguring wounds. The fact that he's leading soldiers formally loyal to Loghain isn't even brought up. Anora announces that she'll be joining the Warden's procession down to Redcliffe alongside Cauthrien, wishing them all the best before they depart for Redcliffe.

Only one more to go after this. Expect a fair deal more chonk in the next installment, Maker help us all, but hopefully, it'll be a good one. See y'all soon.

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gallowglassvt · 1 month ago

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Proposal for a Dragon Age Origins adaptation part 10.

Getting into the endgame now with the start of the Landsmeet. Here, we'll be covering Anora's rescue, Elissa's fight with Howe, Zevran confronting Taliesin, freeing Riordan and Warden and Alistair getting captured.

Back at Redcliffe: The party returns from Ostagar to find the collective forces of the Dalish led by Lanaya and Mahariel with a newly valieslin'd Berwick and Cammen in tow, the Circle led by Irving and a few templars as security, the dwarves led by Bhelen with Natia and her casteless volunteers as well as Kardol, Gorim and their Legion company and troops from both Eamon's vassals and Elissa's anti-Loghain rebels. A reunion occurs between Duran and Gorim before Duran confronts Bhelen. Bhelen is unapologetic for his actions, but is still remorseful. Duran tells him that while he'll never forgive him, Bhelen can do his penance by protecting Mardy and Baby Endrin. Irving reunites with Daylen and Solona, apologising to the former for what led to them becoming an apostate, to which Daylen jokingly replies that it runs in the (extended) family. Warden gives Eamon the documents they retrieved from Cailan's chest. Eamon was completely unaware of Cailan's intent to divorce Anora for Selene and is shocked upon learning it. Moreover, he thinks that Loghain might have learned of this and it could have potentially pushed him over the edge. He then goes on to say that the Landsmeet has been called and that with the army rallied, they should be safe to go. The party heads to Denerim with Elissa and Kallian accompanying them.

Eamon's Denerim Estate: Loghain, Howe and Cauthrien visit Eamon's Denerim Estate and the usual exchange happens, though Alistair is far more assertive, surprising Loghain. When Loghain leaves, Eamon suggests they gather intel on the nobles that aren't aligned with them. Heading to the Gnawed Noble Tavern, the party learns about Arl Wulf losing his family and hold to the darkspawn, Bann Sighard's son going missing and Bann Alfstanna's brother also being missing. Meanwhile, Oghren meets Felsi (see my post on companion quests for how that goes down) and the group get a message from Eamon to return to the estate. There, they find Erlina, who delivers the request of an alliance with Anora if they can get her out of Howe's estate. Elissa opts to go with them. Eamon is at first against the idea, as Elissa is potentially the last of the Couslands and must speak for Highever in her brother's absence. Kallian promises to watch her back so they head out with Warden, Alistair, Zevran and Leliana.

Fighting Taliesin: En route to the estate, the party is waylaid by Taliesin and his Crow cell. He tries to convince Zevran to turn on the Warden, but he rebukes him, citing both his preference for freedom and his never having forgiven Taliesin for his role in Rinna's death. The two groups clash with Zevran killing Taliesin and reclaiming Rinna's dagger from him. Zevran is about to leave the party for good, but they persuade him to stay on for the rewards a hero of the Blight is liable to receive. Zevran concurs and they move onto Howe's estate.

Arl of Denerim's Estate: The party don disguises and head into Howe's estate. There, they find Anora locked up in her room and head down to the dungeon to kill the mage who sealed her in. On the way, they encounter Riordan, who frees himself with their aid and announces he'll be breaking into the Denerim compound before taking up Alistair's offer of hospitality at Eamon's estate. The party fight past Howe's guards before entering the torture chamber. There, they find Oswyn, Irminric and Rexel chained to the walls along with other prisoners. After killing their tormentors, Oswyn spills the beans on why he's here while Rexel babbles incoherently, and Irminric suffers through his lyrium withdrawal. Warden tells Zevran to get them back to Eamon. The party finally reaches Howe and he gives his usual villainous bit before recognising Elissa and gives a "kill them all!" order. Elissa succeeds in killing Howe, finally avenging her family, while Kallian takes his Bitesback Axe. The party head back up to escort Anora out, but are then confronted by Cauthrien and her guards. Warden tells the rest of them to run away while he holds them off, in spite of Leliana's objections, but Alistair opts to stay behind and the two are knocked out before being taken to Fort Drakon. Anora makes it back to the estate and announces that the Warden and Alistair have been captured, and they quickly set about planning their escape

Escaping Fort Drakon: The pair awaken inside the fort's cell. Tricking the guard, they manage to recover their guard disguises from earlier and do the usual song and dance about having to convince the quartermaster to give them and their new guard friends regulation swords so they can pass inspection. The four pass the test and make their way out of the fortress. On the way out, they encounter Leliana and Morrigan disguised as Chantry sisters trying to get in. They surreptitiously tell them that all is well and to return home before leaving themselves. When they make it into a side street, the two knock out the other guards and head back to the estate.

I know this one wasn't very meaty, but I promise that the next one will make up for it. See y'all soon!

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gallowglassvt · 2 months ago

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Proposal for a Dragon Age Origins adaptation part 9.

So, we're onto the last piece of DLC, covering Jowan's sentencing, the army rallying to Redcliffe and Return to Ostagar, featuring not only Cailan's burial, but also Duncan's and the recovery of both their arms.

Jowan's sentencing/Alistair deciding to become king: The day after Eamon has been healed, he convenes a council. The rest of CAAT gang has arrived during the interim with their half of the forces loyal to Elissa. Eamon thanks Warden and co for their aid and declares them all Champions of Redcliffe and offers to knight Warden to which Warden politely declines, citing his preexisting oaths. The conversation moves to Jowan; Jowan says that he expects no mercy for what he's done. Both Warden and Daylen pipe in to say that this is Circle business to which Eamon assents. Before Jowan is taken away, he, Daylen and Neria have a moment with them both forgiving Jowan. The meeting then moves onto Loghain and the darkspawn. Eamon congratulates Warden and co on using the treaties to put together an army along with the efforts of CAAT Gang in rallying the anti-Loghain factions in Ferelden, but says that they ultimately need to unite the country under a new monarch, namely Alistair. When prompted on it, Alistair still doesn't sound pleased with the prospect, but nonetheless, he says that he'll do it. At this point, Teagan brings in Elric, one of Cailan's honour guard who survived Ostagar, who reveals that he hid Maric's sword, along with a number of important documents. Eamon tasks the group with recovering the items in question while also requesting that, if possible, they give Cailan's body a proper burial. With that, Warden and Alistair set off with Leliana, Wynne and Fen.

Return to Ostagar: Upon arriving, Alistair and Wynne have their canon back and forth dialogue while Warden finds the Joining Chalice he drank from. He tells Leliana about the events of the Joining and says that he didn't know at the time if it was good or bad luck that he survived. Leliana understandably says that it was the Maker watching over him, but Warden wonders why he didn't do the same for Daveth or Jory. The party come upon the chest holding Maric's sword and the documents. Alongside the canon correspondence between Cailan and Celene, they also find a document signed by Maric and Queen Rowan stating that should Cailan die without an heir, Alistair is to be considered the legitimate heir to the Theirin throne. Everyone is surprised to see that Rowan not only knew about Alistair, but also agreed to make Alistair heir in the event of extenuating circumstances. Alistair then brings up the fact that he met Rowan once at Redcliffe, saying that she knew who he was, but wasn't unkind to him, saying that if anything, she was sympathetic to him. Wynne mentions the rumours that Rowan had a lover before marrying Maric (Loghain) so perhaps she felt that, under the right circumstances, Alistair could have been hers. Leliana is intrigued by the implications of the overtures made by Cailan towards Celene, knowing both about her rumoured orientation and about the fact that it would effectively regain Ferelden for the empire if it went through. The group press on, encountering the Darkspawn Necromancer who summons minions before fleeing to the Tower of Ishal. In this adaptation, Cailan's body is on the battlefield rather than nailed to a cross.

Fighting the Darkspawn necromancer/burying the dead: After exiting the Tower's catacombs onto the battlefield, the party confront the Necromancer who raises the ogre that Duncan killed. Both Warden and Alistair notice his sword and dagger lodged in it and set to fighting it. Leliana, Wynne and Fen fight the Necromancer and his fellow darkspawn with Wynne overcoming his defences with magic before Leliana puts an arrow his eye. Meanwhile, Warden and Alistair bring down the ogre and retrieve Duncan's weapons with Warden offering them to Alistair, but Alistair gives them to Warden, saying that Duncan would want them to go to the next leader of the Wardens in Ferelden, a role he thinks Warden is well suited to. With Fen's help, the group find not only Cailan's bones, but also Duncan's with Alistair having an emotional moment over both, prompting Warden to recite the maxim of the Wardens. The group raise a pyre for the two before finally leaving for Redcliffe.

Last bit of DLC done. Next up is the first part of the Landsmeet, featuring rescuing Anora, the confrontation between Zevran and Taliesin, meeting Riordan, Elissa confronting Arl Howe and Warden and Alistair's imprisonment/escape from Fort Drakon.

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gallowglassvt · 2 months ago

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Proposal for a Dragon Age Origins adaptation part 8.

Time for the Sacred Ashes bit with a surprise appearance from Dagna because I totally didn't forget about her in the Orzammar section *sweats profusely*. Also, I realised that I kept misspelling Eamon's name last post so apologies for that as well.

Denerim/The Pearl: Warden and Co arrive in Denerim at The Pearl. There, Zevran encounters Isabela and the two rope Warden and Leliana into a certain semi-canon event. Meanwhile, Alistair ends up in bed with an elven girl (apparently, he inherited an interest in elves from his father). In the aftermath of the event, Warden has a heart to heart with Zevran who tells Warden about what happened with Rinna and why he took the Warden job. Warden affirms that whatever else happens next, he knows that Zevran is a better man than he thinks himself to be, even if he spends the rest of his life making up for his sins. In the morning, the group say their farewells to Isabela and the Pearl workers and make their way to Genetivi.

Denerim/Genetivi's House: The group encounter fake Weylon who does his usual spin, but gets tripped up by Leliana and goes full Disciple on them. After he's dispatched, the group search the house, find the body of the real Weylon and a diary from the fake one indicating that Genetivi is being held captive in Haven.

Haven: On the road to Haven, the party realise they're being followed. They quickly learn that it's Dagna who states her case about wanting to study at the Circle. Warden is about to send her off when she assures him that she can handle herself, showing off her lyrium infused crossbow (not quite Varric's, but pretty close). Dagna joins the party as they make their way to Haven. Things are typically Wicker Man there with the guard showing them the way to the Chantry. Here, the party encounters Eirik and his entourage, and a fight ensues before they find Genitivi. Wynne helps to heal him and using Eirik's medallion, they make their way up the mountain, with Dagna and Genitivi having a mutual nerd-off. On the way up, Leliana expresses her trepidation about using Andraste as a curative, to which Warden affirms that even though he's not as devout as her, he has his own trepidations about it. Morrigan meanwhile wonders at the significance of the Ashe's power and if there might be a non-religious answer to its power.

Temple of Sacred Ashes: The group reach the Temple and Genitivi gives them some advice before they depart. The group instructs Dagna to stay with him as a guard/scholarly aid (she's happier about being the latter than the former). Fen is also left to guard, much to his displeasure until surprisingly, Morrigan bribes him with some jerky, even throwing in a "good boy" and pets. The party is equal parts amused and astounded. The party fights its way through the cultists and later dragonlings and drakes before meeting Kolgrim. He gives his usual schpeel about Andraste being reborn as a dragon, and when the party, particularly Leliana and Wynne, call him out on it, a fight ensues. With Kolgrim dead, Morrigan remarks that even though the dragon isn't Andraste,

Dragon Fight: The party cautiously make their way to the sanctum of the Urn, but before they can enter, the High Dragon attacks them, aided by her harem of drakes. The party is initially shaken until Warden rallies them. Shale manages to break one of the dragon's wings as Sten, Morrigan, Wynne and Oghren hold off the drakes while Zevran and Leliana slash at its hind legs, giving Warden and Alistair the opening they need. Alistair rams his sword into the dragon's chest while Warden is able to get a leaping hit with Yusaris, stabbing into its head, blood spurting into his mouth as he does. With the fight over, Sten offers up a eulogy to the dragon, explaining the significance they have to his people. Morrigan is also oddly mournful over the dragon's death, explaining that dragons are a necessary and magically significant species. The party isn't given long to ponder either as the remaining drakes are joined by dragonlings and a few subadult dragons, ready to swarm them. However, Warden surprises them all by uttering a dragon-like roar. He continues to until the dragons all bow to him before leaving. Morrigan asks if he ingested any of the dragon's blood. When he confirms, she says that it's strengthened his powers as a Reaver, but that the dragon-talk is likely the result of his Reaver abilities comingling with the super blood he drank at Redcliffe, making him a conduit for ancient power. Warden ponders over what this means and how it might relate to the Archdemon/potentially kill it.

The Gauntlet: The group enters the Gauntlet and is met by the Guardian who explains who he is, what made the Disciples lose their way and what they have to do to reach the Urn. He refrains from asking them anything like he does in the game. The tests in this version of the Gauntlet are far more existential in this adaptation with the party being accosted by shades of themselves as well as shades of their past (Alistair by Duncan, Leliana by Marjolaine, Morrigan by Flemeth, Sten by his fellow antaam, Oghren by Branka, Zevran by Renna, Wynne by Aneirin, Shale by a crowd of dead dwarves and Warden by his parents). Each overcomes their shades in different ways, running through the Gauntlet as they go. When they reach the end, they're met by more benevolent shades, some being different from the previous and others being identical (Warden, Alistair, Sten, Wynne and Zevran all meet identical figures, while Shale is greeted by a grateful dwarven family, Leliana by her mother and Morrigan by Warden). With their worth proved, the party reaches the Urn and they take a pouch of it.

Leaving the Temple/curing the Arl: The party returns to Genitivi, Dagna and Fen. Genitivi and Dagna have gathered together some documents, both ancient and recent, from the Temple's archives as proof for the Chantry. Morrigan expresses her skepticism about the Chantry's intentions for the Urn, prompting Genitivi to assure them that he'll be careful with how he moves forward. Morrigan remains unconvinced, but let's it pass. At camp later, Warden sends Dagna with Genitivi with the promise to get her to the Circle. Both thank Warden for their aid and Warden notices Morrigan staring off into the distance. He assures her that Genitivi will be cautious with his findings, but she cuts him off with her "tis a curious thing" line. She then affirms her friendship with Warden while asking if there was ever a possibility they could be more. Warden admits that he respects and cares for Morrigan and she guesses the rest, mentioning Leliana. She likewise affirms her friendship with him then asks him who he saw in the Gauntlet. He answers truthfully and when he asks her, she simply says "a friend."

The party returns to Redcliffe and administer the cure to Eamon. He awakens to find Isolde, Connor and Teagan at his side. He them sees Alistair and beckons him over. Alistair apologises for rejecting him after he went to the Chantry. Eamon assures him that he has nothing to apologise for and Alistair weeps joyfully. Warden looks on from the doorway, smiling.

Next up, we'll be looking at Jowan's sentencing, Alistair deciding to take up the mantle of king and the party returning to Ostagar while the army rallies and Eamon calls for the Landsmeet.

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gallowglassvt · 2 months ago

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Folk music in Britain, Ireland and former British colonies can be summed up under the following titles:

1. My Spouse Is Now A Ghost.

2. Talking Animals.

3. Beware The Fae.

4. Men Are The Worst.

5. The English Are The Worst

6. I Just Unalived My Children.

7. Sex.

8. Beer Is Good.

9. Whiskey Is Good.

10. Just The Sea

Anymore labels, chuck em' in the comments.

#folk music #irish folk music #scottish folk music #english folk music #welsh folk music #appalachian music #dark folk #fae #murder ballads #drinking songs #sea shanties #murder folk

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gallowglassvt · 2 months ago

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now that we have even more confirmation than we ever needed of r*wling's dangerous bigotry, here's a non-exhaustive list of media similar to the shitty wizard franchise that DOESN'T platform transphobia:

discworld

little witch academia

percy jackson & the olympians + heroes of olympus

witch hat atelier

the books of earthsea

artemis fowl

skullduggery pleasant

witch hat atelier

legendborn

the cinder series

witch hat atelier

please read witch hat atelier

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gallowglassvt · 2 months ago

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miss my little group of freaks 💔

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gallowglassvt · 2 months ago

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Proposal for a Dragon Age Origins adaptation part 7.

So I was gonna combine the Redcliffe section with the Urn of Sacred Ashes one, but that would be a VERY long post and I don't feel like torturing y'all or myself more than necessary. Anyway, this section will cover the first half of Arl of Redcliffe, featuring Alistair revealing his true lineage, an appearance by Neria Surana, the party fighting for Redcliffe Village, Sten regaining his sword, Neria and Daylen reuniting with Jowan and Connor's exorcism.

A note on the aftermath of Paragon Of Her Kind: There was some stuff I missed out on last post, so here's the quickfire. Before leaving Orzammar, Natia opts to stay behind to lead a unit of casteless rogues that Bhelen intends to use as the first steps in reintegrating the casteless into Orzammar. Kardol and Gorim congratulate Warden on helping them settle the succession crisis, promising the Legion's aid on the surface as thanks with Gorim asking Warden to tell Duran that he's sorry he couldn't keep his oath. The group encounter Ruck's mother before leaving who asks if the party had seen any sign of him in the Deep Roads. Warden says that they met Ruck and that he died fighting darkspawn. As they leave, Oghren has his canon moment of seeing the sky for the first time, while also feeling a combination of emotions about leaving Orzammar for good. Warden offers encouragement and the party leaves.

Entering Redcliffe: The party arrive at Redcliffe, alongside Elissa, Kallian, Duran and Daylen. Oghren and Duran have a somewhat awkward conversation about Bhelen now being king. Duran responds that he's just happy Mardy and his son are okay, but Oghren senses there's more he's not saying. Alistair reveals that his father was King Maric to Warden. Warden tries to downplay it with the "so you're not just a bastard, but a ROYAL bastard" quip, but Alistair can tell he's not saying everything. Warden does mention that this means Alistair has a claim to the throne, something that Loghain is likely aware of, but Alistair says he has no intention of claiming the throne. The group encounter Tomas who brings them up to speed on the situation in Redcliffe and takes them to Teagan who further explains. He mentions that they might be dead already if not for the presence of Neria, who reunites with Daylen, explaining that after Daylen took the fall for their helping Jowan escape, she was sent away on Circle business before arriving at Redcliffe. Teagan asks for their aid in defending the village and Warden agrees. He later notes that Morrigan didn't object to the idea of wasting time on ordinary people, to which she sarcastically remarks that Warden is rubbing off on her.

Preparing for the siege/finding Sten's sword/getting information from Berwick: the party quickly set about helping the villagers to reinforce the defences under Murdock and Perth's direction. Warden enquires about Dwyn who Murdoch points him towards, mentions Owen's refusal to do repairs and that some of the militia are throwing a strop about being charged for ale by Lloyd at the tavern. Kaitlyn approaches them and mentions that Bevin has gone missing. The group divide their efforts: Warden and Sten head to Dwyn's house, reclaiming Asala and convincing Dwyn and his men to fight for the village as mercs (including Dwyn, there's 7 in total for this adaptation), Alistair and Morrigan manage to convince Owen to reopen the forge on the promise that they'll rescue Valena with Morrigan teasing Alistair about him being royalty, Wynne aids Neria in healing, Zevran finds some oil to use against the undead, Elissa finds Bevin and convinces him to return home, receiving the Green Blade to help defend the village in thanks, Oghren "convinces" Lloyd to not only give the militia free ale, but fight with the militia and Leliana and Kallian encounter Berwick. They learn that he's an agent of Howe and bring him to Warden and Teagan for questioning. He reveals he was meant to watch the castle for any changes, but couldn't get any word out when the attacks started. Despite Oghren's calls to kill him, Warden tells Berwick to fight in return for his life.

The siege: The siege begins with Warden, Alistair, Leliana, Fen, Elissa, Sten, Daylen and Morrigan holding the pass towards the castle alongside Ser Perth, the knights, Dwyn and his thugs while Oghren, Duran, Kallian, Zevran, Wynne, Shale and Neria hold the village square alongside Murdoch, Berwick, Lloyd, Owen and Tomas. The fighting is hard with a few undead able to break through a window into the Chantry, but are stopped by Teagan, Caitlyn and Bevin.

Castle Redcliffe: With the dawn, the town is relieved with there being zero casualties. Elissa returns the Green Blade to Caitlyn and Bevin, telling them that if they need somewhere to stay, she'd be happy to offer them employment and even teach Bevin how to fight. Dwyn seems to have regained his Warrior Caste spirit and says that he'd happily fight alongside Oghren and Duran. Lloyd enjoys new respect from the militia and mentions that he might very well sign on to fight the Blight, saying that Bella can handle the tavern on her own. Berwick can now leave, but knows that Howe will likely kill him, so Warden tells him to seek out the Dalish and to tell Mahariel that he sent him. Morrigan receives some flowers from a little girl and is initially taken aback, but awkwardly thanks her all the same. Alistair has a brief talk with Warden and Teagan about the likelihood of Eamonn still being alive and the possibility of him becoming king. Both of them do their best to boost his confidence, reminding him that even those raised for the job struggle with it, citing Cailan and how Anora and Loghain have been the real power behind the throne (for better or worse). Alistair retorts that he's likely to end up in the same situation and that wouldn't be good for the kingdom. The conversation returns to Eamonn and the group are interrupted by the arrival of Isolde who gives the usual vague story about what's happening in the castle. Teagan goes with her, giving Warden the ring to unlock the secret passage. Warden, Alistair, Leliana, Morrigan, Daylen and Neria enter the castle dungeon where they encounter Jowan. Daylen and Neria tell the group that Jowan is a blood mage and responsible for Daylen being forced into apostasy. Jowan doesn't deny this, and admits to poisoning Eamonn under the direction of Loghain and Howe, but that it's Connor who's responsible for the undead. Jowan insists that he wants to make things right, but the group is divided. Warden decides to leave Jowan in the dungeon until further notice, with him once again apologising to Daylen and Neria.

The group make their way through the castle, eventually encountering Valena and a few other servants, including the chamberlain, in a storage room. The latter gives Warden the key to the main castle hall before making their escape. The group enter the hall and meet the possessed Connor who's enthralled Teagan and the guards. The group manage to subdue them while Connor runs off. They then decide what best to do; the easiest option is to kill Connor, but both Morrigan, Daylen and Neria say that a mage can confront the demon in the Fade with aid from others and enough lyrium. While the Chantry carries lyrium for its templars, they'd need a fifth mage to either aid in the ritual or go into the Fade. This means that Jowan is necessary. The group is reluctant to allow him to help, despite his earnest desire, but Morrigan offers a solution: using a conduit with enough magical power, she could project another person into the Fade to fight the demon and keep an eye on Jowan. This would usually require blood magic, but she points out that Alistair possesses something that can do the job: the vial of super blood they got from Avernus. With this in mind, Warden resolves to drink the blood so he can act as a conduit. This grants him the abilities of a Reaver, since the infusion was apparently made with dragon blood. With Wynne as the fourth mage and the lyrium arriving after some prep, Jowan and Warden are projected into the Fade.

Connor's exorcism: Warden and Jowan enter the Fade, seeing Eamonn's spirit wandering about in a fugue state. Jowan says that this is likely the work of a desire demon, similar to the one that first taught him blood magic. The group chase the demon through a number of illusions before finally reaching the desire demon. They find she has Connor's spirit trapped in a comatose state amidst chains. She attempts to seduce Warden, but he refuses, even as his newly acquired blood Reaver powers whisper temptations to him. She moves onto Jowan who almost seems to break, but fights back, saying he wants to make things right. He and Warden manage to overcome the demon and free Connor who awakens. Warden goes to his side, but Jowan stays away. Connor thanks Warden before passing out. Warden and Jowan awaken and tell the group they succeeded.

Later in in Redcliffe, a funeral is held for all those who died. Valena can be seen with Owen, Connor looks on mournfully while Isolde and Teagan try to comfor him. Back in the dungeon, Daylen approaches Jowan. He says that he can't forgive him for what he did, even if Neria has, but if nothing else, Jowan is proof that people can come back from evil deeds. Jowan says he expects no mercy and isn't likely to receive any, but Daylen assures him that even if he's executed, he intends to tell the truth of what happened at Redcliffe. Jowan thanks him.

Back at the castle, Eamonn remains comatose, but both Teagan and Isolde believe that the Urn of Sacred Ashes is a viable option for a cure, saying that Brother Genitivi has the information they require. The party decides to head to Denerim to seek him out. Warden, while picking through Eamonn's library, finds the amulet that once belonged to Alistair's mother and gives it to him. He affirms that no matter what Alistair might think of himself, he knows him to be a good man with a good heart, something that all Wardens and kings need. This sets Alistair on the path to realising that he might actually be a good fit for the throne.

Another one done. Next up is Sacred Ashes, including a surprise cameo by Isabela and Dagna. Keep an eye out for it!

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