DM Nick's-Ferelden "The Calm Before the Storm" (Inactive)

Game Master HarbinNick

Prologue:
It has been a year since the last blight. Alistair sits on the throne as King of Ferelden. The City of Orzammar has been in chaos, as always, with the elevation of Baelin Aiducan to the throne. The Daelish have returned to their woods. The conflict between mages and Chantry continues as always. Some say the mages redeemed themselves in the fight against the blight. Others say that the corruption released that night in the Tower still haunts the Circle.
The Gray Wardens of Ferelden rebuild their order slowly, seeking to make up for the loss suffered in the past. Darkspawn, though still seen, are nowhere near as numerous as in the years before the blight. In fact, after the years of war with Orlais, and then the Blight, it would appear Ferelden is to embark on a much needed time of peace and prosperity.
The Gray Warden and Hero of Ferelden has left, disappeared, and nobody knows where. Some say he is searching for the Witch, seen by his side at the last battle. Still others say he has returned to the Daelish. What happens to him is not important, for there are new tales, to be told, New Heroes to be born in the flames of conflicts, to legends to be made…

Chapter 1:
“And in those days did King Alistair decree that those cities and settlements damaged by the blight should be rebuilt…”
So, poor Ostagar, so hard hit in the blight, was now a place of activity. Templars and Chanters poured in to bring much needed succor to the community. Some, less idealistic, rogues and thieves saw the chaos as a chance to escape the law and make a new mark for themselves, far from the thieves’ guild of Denerim and Carta of Orzammar. In such a lawless place near the wilds there was need for fighting men of every skill and type. Arches, hunters, scouts, and even some Qunari offered their services for money. Even some Mages of the Circle were sent to help in the reconstruction, and take new mages under their care back to the tower.
Much of Ostagar was a tent city, a place where the refugees had returned to find nothing had survived the blight. All gone, all destroyed, the refugees would have to start from scratch. Much of the work would be done by those city elves, who were paid by the king to rebuild the town. Conflicts ran high as always when “knife ears” and Humans live side by side. The Daelish stayed in the shadows and sneered at their “lost brethren.” The city elves saw this town as far far better than the lives they had known in the Denerim.
Into this town you have assembled. You are unknown to each other, but events will soon force you to come to each other’s aid…events you could not imagine...

Dotting

Qunari do not get excited: They may be inside, but they do not show it 8)

Bump us, and may i suggest opening an OOC thread before anything else?

I just wanted to make my presence be known. Malefacar beware! For in the name of Andraste, I will smite thee evil beings!

I would reeeeeeeeeeeally like to begin this game

I would reeeeeeeeeeeally like to begin this game

Hold your horses. DM said the recruitment would close Sunday at noon. Not quite there yet.

Please introduce and describe your character in the game thread. Describe appearance,clothes,weapons, demeanor etc. For what it is worth,you are ALL looking at the Chanter's Board in Ostagar. Once you have all described yourself and check in so to speak I will add the first post.
-It was a rainy morning in late fall. The leaves had changed and would soon fall from the trees. The refuges were worried, for there had not been a harvest that year, and already rumors of famine were on everyone's lips...As always the Chantry was the refuge and a small crowd had gathered near the Chanter's Board. A priest and two Templars were telling the folks not to worry, that food aid would be sent from other areas of Ferelden, but voices and tempers were raised, and accusations were being made.
You can make diplomacy checks to try to calm, or rouse up the crowd, should you wish

Dargail wasn't exactly assigned to the regiment of Templars in Ostagar as he was simply just a free lancing witch hunter. His primary task given to him by the head mother at the chantry in red cliff was simply hunting apostates that may be lurking in the now chaotic Ostagar. This gave him the distinct ability to move about as he pleased. Though this was the case, it didn't stop him from assisting any of the other Templars of sisters with their duties.

As Dargail approaches the Chanter's board, people who look upon him will be shocked to see a dwarf in Templar armor. He is a tall aged dwarf with a bleach blonde braided beard and long braided hair. The only articles that he wore that did not look Templar were the horned helmet with the blue jewel in the forehead, and the dwarven waraxe he carried on his back. His beedy eyes seem ever watchful as if he is looking passed all the noise and fluff and the deeper substances within. He bares the appearance of a man on a mission and doesn't look like one for patience with funny business.

Dargail approaches the crowd near the Chanters boards. He barks out in a gruff voice. "What's all the commotion about?" When someone explains what is going on Dargail snorts and steps up to speak to the crowd. "Now listen here you bunch of ingrates. We are here on behalf of the Maker and his beloved Andraste. And by the Maker you shall be fed and cared for. This rucus you are all causing isn't going to make things better. Patience and hard work are the keys to success in all places. Even now. Show some faith in the Maker, and a little grit for yourselves and we'll get through this."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Regardless of weather or not his speech had helped at all, Dargail will step down and let someone else have a shot at the ingrates. He will then stroll over to the board. He notices a rather unusal lineup. Three elves and a qunari. "By the beards of my ancestors. What are you lot doin crowdin around the chanter's board? Don't tell me your actually thinking of doin some work for the Maker, that'd be the day." Dargail suddenly clears his throat. "My apologies. I should not shun those who wish to do the Maker's work. Bless you all." Despite the words he speaks, neither his tone of voice or his expression seemed any different than when he scoffed at you. "I am Knight-Lieutenant Dargail Bogan at your service." Again, no change in tone or expression.

A girl with slim physique and long brown hair is trying to avoid being overwhelmed by the crowd. She reaches a point where she can move more easily while looking around as she is searching for someone. Her features betray her elven nature.
She wears a reinforced leather jacket on top of lightweight travel clothing. Different blades are hung from her back and hips and the girl's hands don't leave the hilts.

Seeing a dwarf clad in templar armor approaching one of her kind Kalyn makes haste toward the commotion, shrugging off the rain from her clothes from time to time.

"Weird to see a dwarf following the church of Andraste, but it is even more odd viewing him approach some refugees whose only crime seems to be in the middle of a restless crowd.Luckily for me there are some of my kind here"

"I hope there are no problems KnightSomethingdwarf"

She smiles while introducing herself.

"I'm Kalyn from Denerim, sorry for that but things are difficult in time like these"

Simple, sad, people. If they stoped their wailing and focused their energy productively, they'd be better off.

Maraas is easy to spot in the crowd at the chanter's board. At 7 feet tall, he usually stands head and shoulders over the tallest human. His skin a brownish-grey color, and his short hair is a dull white. Unlike most Qunari, Maraas doesn't have horns. He wears simple pants with boots up to his knee. He wears no shirt: only a thick harness of Bronto hide. He has a curious tattoo in red ink on the side of his neck.

If you're character is familiar with Qunari, you recognize Marass as Tal-Voshoth: one who does not follow the Qun.

Marass carries a worn longsword and two axes at his belt. across his back is a 6 foot long greatsword.

"I work for whomever I chose little templar. I am no slave to the Chantry, the Qun or any other power. My life is far better than yours."

I am modeling pretty heavily off Sten from the first game. So if Marass seems like an ass, well, he's just very blunt...

Dargail listens to the elf girl and then smiles....barely but genuinely. It is good that your kind is able to get away from the descimination of Denerim. I have been to the Alienages a couple of times. Honestly I wasn't pleased with the idea of dust town in my homeland and seeing a close resemblance in human territories makes me sick. I am not fond of belittling other for appearances or birth. I look at ability and integrity. That is what makes someone worth their salt in this soding world built of status. I like that you and yours are willing to lend a hand and I'd be a fool to turn it down simply because your an elf. After all, we are all equal in the Maker's eyes. People would do well to remember that more often."

At the Qunari's comment Dargail laughs. "Haha! Excellent! I can tell you and I will get along nicely. I gotta say if there is one thing I like about Qunari it is their straightforward honesty. Won't find folks like those anywhere. Say what do they call you big fella?"

I forgot to mention that Dargail is big on multi-culturalism. He does not discriminate against race or personalities until they interfere with his duty to the Maker

"I am Tal-Voshoth. However, Fereldens call me Maraas. I have not seen a dwarf of the Chantry before. Are you special to your race in some way?"

Kaylin relaxes shoulders and back, dropping on the ground part of the burden that she brings in a backpack while listening to the dwarf.

"Is a pleasant surprise to meet someone like you, but you are right. Life in the alienage of Denerim was difficult, but coming here was not my choice. I was captured and sent to Ostagar along with others in the same condition. The battle against the horde of darkspawn was next, and probably my role here would have been  to act as a toy for night games ..... you know, to relax the soldiers. But you just need to know that i'ld have never accepted this, and as far as skill goes, i'm more than capable of handling myself."

Dargail nods at Maraas. "Well met Maraas. It is rather unprecedented for anything other than humans to get picked as a Templar. This is, they have never had someone as skilled, and as downright persistent as I. I really had to work to get to where I am. Because of my race, the Chantry has me out on mission most of the time. Fine by me as the work I tend to do is quite fulfilling. It also helps that I have a nack for it. You could almost say that it was what I was meant to be. How bout you my large friend. You say your not a slave, so what purpose have you found?"

----

Dargail looks at the elven maiden and nods sympathetically. Or rather the best he can manage with that grim expression seemingly plastered on him face. "It is a hard life for your lot. Hopefully you are managing well on your own. However, if you ever find yourself in need of a friend, I would be happy to stand by you."

Just waiting on the two other players to show up

"My purpose is whatever I choose it to be. I make my living selling my sword arm as protection or as bounty hunter. Your sarabass are a persistent bunch. Dangerous too."

"As for me, i'm selling my services too, and i'm speaking of scouting or swordplay."

Dargail's words sooth the crowd. When a Dwarf dressed as a Templar says "Everything will be ok" people listen.
You succeed in calming the crowd. DC15
A young woman, dressed in Chantry robes says to Dargail
Merci saer, saer Dwarf? What do I call you? I've never seen a Dwarf Templar before. You are a Templar, pardon,oui?
the accent is from Orlais
To all of you at the Chanter's Board she adds
If anyone of you would like to aid these poor souls, and earn some money at the same time,the Chantry has a task for you. A group of darkspawn stragglers has been seen about a demi-days journey west of Ostigar. They are too many for a single man to deal with, but a group of you should have no problem. They are the...short ones...not the big ones. I do not know how they are called

We should really wait the others now

Aldo's eyes are glued to the chantry board even as the clanking dwarf makes his speech and talks to those around him. Aldo's grey hooded cloak concealed his elven heritage and covered his ornately embroidered over shirt. It was a gift from a senior enchanter, and he wore it with pride. It was his prerogative to win the attention of his former instructors through sheer magical aptitude since he had arrived at the Circle. He was good at what he did, and he was made aware of it from an early age. In his travels to Ostigar however he had been faced with an alarming amount of hardships and outright racism. The experience has left him paranoid, and his cloak was drawn tighter as the commotion picked up.

As the young chantry woman speaks however, Aldo sees his opportunity and steps to the forefront of the group, pulling the hood back to reveal a hard elven face with short brown hair and a leather patch across his left eye."My services are yours m'lady." he states politely, but with a surprisingly strong voice. Glancing over his shoulder now at the Qunari and the elves, his eyes linger along the soft lines of Kaylyn's elven features for a moment and he almost smiles, but his eyes move downward to the Templar dwarf and he turns back to the young woman dressed in chantry robes so that Dargail does not see his lean face turn sour." I am eager to test my abilities versus the Stragglers, as I'm sure the rest of this motley crew is, perhaps we should discuss payment so that we can be on our way, my lady."

Wow guys i'm really sorry, i'm not sure how i missed this one for so long. All due apologies though, we'll have a dot now so i'm ready to get this ball rolling. Thanks so much again for the opportunity DM.

Good to see you made it
Where are you Keldar Soulvan?
I'll wait another day and move the story forward if nobody replies

Just to know, what knowledge skill handles darkspawn ? Local, Arcane, Nature or something else?

Kalyn gives a large smile to the newcomer clad in mage robe,seeing one of her own.
"Darkspawn ? Never actually faced any, but a job is a job.I'm willing to help"

Just to know, what knowledge skill handles darkspawn ? Local, Arcane, Nature or something else?

2 actually...Knowledge History for their creation, society, role of blights and political and cultural effects, Knowledge Dungeonering for their in game stats. Profession:Gray Warden would help...

Kalyn brings his attention to the fact that he too had never actually faced any of the Dreaded Darkspawn that he had read so much about.
Aldo searches his memory for anything that might prove useful.
Knowledge (History)1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Dear players please see OOC thread
Here

The priest continues I do not think you will be in grave danger, but you seem far more capable of fighting than the villagers. We'd have rasied a militia but so much remains to be done. Food is scarce, and the farmers can not be spared.
any elf sense motive

"Is there pay for destroying these darkspawn stragglers?"

Failed miserably at the Sense Motive roll, the dicebot's always mean to me

"I cannot take strong foes one on one without some backup, but that won't be a problem *smile toward Dargail and Maraas* with all of these muscles around to protect me"

"Would it not be better to learn to protect yourself? I will not share riches and glory with an elfling who cannot pull her own weight. come along at least, you might learn something."

Maraas speaks his words with a level, matter-of-fact tone.

"Well then, you can have all the meanest and thoughest around, all for yourself big guy.One less trouble for this little girl"

Sorry for the absence. Came down with a nasty flu, was bedridden for two days.

Dargail chuckles at the Qunari's words and simply says. "Ma boy, you and I are gonna get along just fine."

-----

When the chantry lady from Orlais mentions that Dargail is a templar he chuckles. "Eh I get that a lot. I got some gifts the maker gave me and the mother couldn't passem up. So now I hunt mages. Templar isn't just a human's job anymore."

Being from Orzamar, I would presume I know a little about darkspawn. Not so much their history but rather obvious details.

"Little ones huh? Genlocks? Ah they ain't nothing but darkspawn fodder. Easy to mop up on the best of days. Still, darkspawn blood is the same no matter which beast it comes from. Should get together a good team of hearty folk all the same."

----

At noticing the elven mage in the group Dargail looks Aldo up and down. "So. A mage hmm? What's your name boy?"

Ferelden sarabass do not wear collars? No wonder you are plagued by them; you don't even know who and where they are.

Ferelden sarabass do not wear collars? No wonder you are plagued by them; you don't even know who and where they are.

"If we did, I'd be out of a job."

"Is there pay for destroying these darkspawn stragglers?"

The priest add Oh yes, Qunari, we know your type fights for money, and we have it. I do not accept that you'd work out of the goodness of your heart. We can offer 10 gold coins to each man or woman who does a day's work for us. The hireling is worthy of his wage...as they say.

"Just so." Maraas says with a curt nod.

"Now, which direction were the beasts spotted?"

Sense Motive1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

At noticing the elven mage in the group Dargail looks Aldo up and down. "So. A mage hmm? What's your name boy?"

The elven mage bows mockingly low to the dwarven Templar."Aldo Alessi is the name Templar. Address me as such, if it's not too much trouble, boy." He states dryly before standing back up to his full height of six feet. The Templars that were around when Aldo was in training had always been especially suspicious of him. His magical aptitude frightened them, he was sure.

Ferelden sarabass do not wear collars? No wonder you are plagued by them; you don't even know who and where they are.

Turning now to the Qunari, he tilted his head sideways for a moment before righting it." Not all shackles are so obvious Qunari. Ask your dwarven friend. His Maker gave them the authority to keep my kind in check. Although I'd certainly be more in protest If I suffered the fate of the Sarebass. Thank the lucky stars for my Elven Blood." He says with an arrogant smirk, turning to offer the chantry priest a wink as he mentions his heritage.

The priest looks around at all of you nervously, she seems to find the atmosphere a little tense. She gives the elf mage a shy smile but continues...
Please, Ostagar needs your help, and there is enough work for all of us, where ever we are from, to be kept busy. The Darkspawn were seen at a dairy farm about half a day's journey to the west of here. The farmer is named Eric and he lives with his wife and 3 daughters. His oldest daughter, Marina is in Ostagar buying supplies and told us what she had seen. You can find her at the market stalls, should you wish to question her.
Remember that the obvious features of darkspawn, evil creatures that come from the underground, blights, and so on are pretty much common knowledge. You need knowledge rolls only for advanced knowledge such as abilities, spells, practices, recent events. Darkspawn have been plaguing this land for ages. A dwarf would know what an ogre was on sight. He'd have no idea what its AC is

I'd hope even mabari would know what an ogre is if it saw one.

Dargail snorts. "Beh! You mages are all the same. Probably why the others fear you so much. To me it makes understanding my enemies easier. However, we are not enemies, not yet at any rate, so there is no reason to be at each others thoats. Also, I am Knight Lieutenant Dargail Bogan, not Templar. Though I will allow you to address me as simply Dargail. Now that were friends I will let you know I will be watching you. If I even smell anything......demony.....It's a word, then I will spring into action faster than you could say hocus pocus."

"Please mr Dargail, it was you that just said not to be at each other's throat.Let's just do this job nicely and quickly shall we? And, Aldo, i'm Kalyn from the alienage of Denerim....one of your cleverness surely already got that on its own. It will be my pleasure to travel with another elf, so please just let these walking mountains of muscles and aggresiveness talk to each other of killing things for no other reason except being what they are"

Aldo merely rolls his eyes. He was use to the threats, he had heard them often, and he suspected this wouldn't be the last time." Fear not Dargail, you won't be smelling any demons on me."

Turning now to Kalyn a warm smile returns." Of course fair Kalyn, I would expect just that from these companions, But Ultimately I trust their steel will be invaluable in this excursion and I'm glad to have both of you along." He decides digression is the better part of valor and offers a plaintive nod to the Dwarf and Qunari.

" I believe we should question Marina in the market stalls, Social skills aren't my forte, but we should try to find out what we can about the farmland and outlying area. These stragglers are likely leaderless, and savage, incapable of launching organized attacks.I imagine the Darkspawn will likely number fewer than 10, living in caves or deep woods near the property, I can only hope the Daughter could shed some more light on specifics."

To the Market Stalls shall we?

"Yes, seems to be the most obvious course.Also i like asking people around"

Kalyn also thinks by herself, without giving out any particular expression

"I also like to search their purses and money bags, but better keeping this for myself"

-The four of you, Dwarf, Qunari, and two elves, venture over to the market stalls. The selection is poor, as you'd expect. Strangely there is man buying 2nd hand weapons from returned soldiers and conscripts.
Maraas perception check
At a table selling homemade cheeses and smoked chickens, you find Marina. She is a girl of about 16. She is just starting to close up her stand, and loading some of her wares into an ox cart. She notices you, stares at each of you wide-eyed, and says
I'd asked for help at the Chantry, but I didn't think they'd work so fast. I'm Marina Ericsdother, and I live at the dairy farm a half days west of here. We saw some little runt darkspawn and they were shooting at the cows, so we had to keeep the herd near the house. They killed a cow, and my father is worried they will be back.
She seems honest enough, if a little young to be going around by herself.
Kalyn are you looking for a mark? This isn't a market, just 5 or six tables set up with vegetables and local game. There is one general trader, but he's got a locked cash box on the table. The locals look pretty poor.

No don't worry, took in account that there are no good target here.Kalyn's more like Robin Hood, steal from riches to give to....well herself, but riches nontheless

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

"Aren't you a bit too young to go to a place like this all alone? Darkspawn shooting at cows? Come on, don't you think we could need some more info?"

Marina continues
But they did. They shot and killed Spot. Don't know why, they didn't take her away or anything. Just shot her, and left her little claf mooing all by herself. It was terrible! But they ran off when I screamed and my father and the dogs came. Father has 2 Mabarri. He was a hound master back in the blight. The dogs keep us safe, most of the time. Poor Spot.
A tear slides down her face.
She's helpful just a little naive and a little dense. You can read her like a book;traumatized teen-age girl carrying too many family burdens, as she is the oldest daughter.

To Aldo and Dargail

"She seems honest,why darkspawn would ever attack cows remains to be seen. Then? Off we go?"

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Dargail simply listens to the conversation. He was never very good with kids. He was always making circle mage children cry for no other reason than he simply looked mean and scary.

When Kalyn finished and converses with them Dargail shrugs. "Possible it isn't darkspawn you know. Did she say she actually saw it? Can she confirm beyond the shadow of a doubt that it was a darkspawn? Does the family have any rivals? Maybe should talk to the father once we're done here."