open Dragon Age: Shadows of The Deep Roads

[Literally Snails 2,307]

Still listening to the others as she walks behind them, Ninarya rolls her eyes and scowls as she overhears their talk.  "You Shemlen are barbaric," she mutters under her breath before turning her gaze towards the way ahead of them and looking past her companions.  Her grip tightens on her staff as she walks before raising her voice enough to be heard.

 

"Should someone not scout ahead?  Or do we plan to all walk into an ambush to die together?"  As though to emphasize her question, the Dalish elf started to lean forward as she walked before walking on all fours and quickly taking on her canine form.  The large wolf lifts her head to sniff at the air, her ears scanning around for sounds that may have gone missed otherwise.

@,@,@, @@Umbreon,

 

 

"All grey Wardens can sense darkspawn. They cannot ambush us as long as I'm around." Rica said confidently. "In fact, I'm surprised that we haven't encountered any darkspawn already. This forest deals of their taint."

 

They continued walking for a long period of silence without anything happening until they came upon a clearing in the thick trees. The clearing opened up into a small dirt road that was clearly man made. She signaled for the group to stop moving and she ducked behind a bush that overlooked the road. She signaled for the others to do the same.

 

Down the road, they could hear what sounded like faint footsteps several yards away.

[HigurSan 195]

@,

At some point during their journey Vk'tir had vanished from sight. It wasn't like he specifically dodged into a nearby bush or dashed behind a tree. He simply slowed down enough that he was obscured from the others' sight. Afterwards he sped up again and travelled alongside them, albeit unseen. (Well, -hopefully- nothing could spot him. It would be both an inconvenience and a blow to his pride otherwise.) Thus when a halt was called he was a few meters behind the last member of the group, up in a tree. Some thought that dwarves were too stocky or clumsy to do anything like acrobatics. Vk'tir had to admit that it was true to an extent, but it had more to do with wearing bulky metal armor than physical inability. While he wasn't exact silent in jumping from one perch to the next, it was certainly no more conspicous than any sound made by a woodland creature. (Squirrels would be a good example.) From his position he had a little better vantage on the road, though some of the view was blocked by trees. It occured to him that some form of ranged weapon would be handy at the present time. However, he'd always prefered to make sure kills. It was a lot easier to kill with one movement at a close range after all.

[Literally Snails 2,307]

@,

At some point during their journey Vk'tir had vanished from sight. It wasn't like he specifically dodged into a nearby bush or dashed behind a tree. He simply slowed down enough that he was obscured from the others' sight. Afterwards he sped up again and travelled alongside them, albeit unseen. (Well, -hopefully- nothing could spot him. It would be both an inconvenience and a blow to his pride otherwise.) Thus when a halt was called he was a few meters behind the last member of the group, up in a tree. Some thought that dwarves were too stocky or clumsy to do anything like acrobatics. Vk'tir had to admit that it was true to an extent, but it had more to do with wearing bulky metal armor than physical inability. While he wasn't exact silent in jumping from one perch to the next, it was certainly no more conspicous than any sound made by a woodland creature. (Squirrels would be a good example.) From his position he had a little better vantage on the road, though some of the view was blocked by trees. It occured to him that some form of ranged weapon would be handy at the present time. However, he'd always prefered to make sure kills. It was a lot easier to kill with one movement at a close range after all.

The foot steps became louder as if they were comeing closer. Down the distant right of the road, a human male with short brown hair came into view. He was wearing a full chantry robe and sandles, making him run much slower than he could have.mhe was in full sprint, running as fast as he could in his current attire.

 

Behind him, only a few yards away were two Genlocks (check the OOC if you don't know what genlocks look like). One genlock was a regular foot soldier with a darkspawn shortsword and shield. The other genlock was a genlock alfa with heavier armor and a shortsword in each hand.

[Anon In Equestria 57]

Connor growled at the chantry priest, or what ever he was, connor drew his sword and was about to attack the chantry member when he spotted the genlocks, realizing there was a bigger threat he then moved to intercept the alfa with his sword at the ready.

 

"For the blood!!!"

[Literally Snails 2,307]

Connor growled at the chantry priest, or what ever he was, connor drew his sword and was about to attack the chantry member when he spotted the genlocks, realizing there was a bigger threat he then moved to intercept the alfa with his sword at the ready.

 

"For the blood!!!"

@,@,@, @@Umbreon,

 

"Connor!" Rica shouted at Connor when he moved to give away their position, but it was too late.

 

The Genlock grunt readied his shield in front of him and made a clumsy but vicious swing at Connor's lower body.

 

The Priest and the alfa both ran past him, but the Alfa stopped when he saw Rica and the other recruits in the bushes (Though he couldn't see Vk'tir) He readied his two daggers and popped his neck, signaling that he was ready to fight them.

[Umbreon 569]

@, 

 

Ninarya gave a low growl, switching back out of her canine form and back into the Dalish elf.  She had no plans on getting close enough to the Darkspawn to have to bite it.  The mage's hand begins to glow slightly as she pushes it against the dirt, and in the ground between them and the Alpha a Glyph of Paralysis forms.  

 

"Get it to step on that if you can..."  She mutters to no one in particular as she stands up and takes a few steps back.  "Those of you wearing armour, feel free to go first.  I'll do what I can to assist."  The elf's grip on her staff tightens as she brings it closer to herself, starting to store up the energy for another spell should it be necessary.  She didn't expect it to be, though...  They were only two Darkspawn, after all.

[Literally Snails 2,307]

@, 

 

Ninarya gave a low growl, switching back out of her canine form and back into the Dalish elf.  She had no plans on getting close enough to the Darkspawn to have to bite it.  The mage's hand begins to glow slightly as she pushes it against the dirt, and in the ground between them and the Alpha a Glyph of Paralysis forms.  

 

"Get it to step on that if you can..."  She mutters to no one in particular as she stands up and takes a few steps back.  "Those of you wearing armour, feel free to go first.  I'll do what I can to assist."  The elf's grip on her staff tightens as she brings it closer to herself, starting to store up the energy for another spell should it be necessary.  She didn't expect it to be, though...  They were only two Darkspawn, after all.

Ser Thomas nodded softly and stepped on the other side of the Glyph. He used his sword to bang on his shield, a gesture that all hardened warriors understand.

 

The alfa went into full sprint to charge at Ser Thomas, but he was immediately stopped in his tracks when he stepped into the Glyph, frozen like a statue.

[Anon In Equestria 57]

Connors eyes widen as the darkspawn genlock swings his sword, aiming for his legs, connor deflects the swing with his sword and in turn brings his head forward with force to meet the genlock, intent on head butting it.

 

"Come at me I'll drink your blood to wash down my next meal weakling"

[Chivalry Knight 161]

 

Tessa followed after Connor, she knew he wouldn't be able to beat that thing alone. The armored monster swung its weapon aT Connor, but he deflects it with his blade. Tessa runs behind Connor "I've got your back!" She says to him. Tessa releases an 'Enchanted Weapons' spell which enchanted both Connors and Tessas weapon.

 

(Connor ninja'd me)

Edited April 30, 2014 by Prince Blackquill

[Literally Snails 2,307]

Connors eyes widen as the darkspawn genlock swings his sword, aiming for his legs, connor deflects the swing with his sword and in turn brings his head forward with force to meet the genlock, intent on head butting it.

 

"Come at me I'll drink your blood to wash down my next meal weakling"

The genlock was struck in the skull and fell backwards just before Tessa arrived to help. It landed on its back and its sword flew from its grasp. The genlock quickly rolled over on its belly and began to crawl desperately toward the discarded blade.

 

The genlock alfa was still trapped in the paralysis glyph, but was slowly regaining movement.

[Scrambled_Egghead 16]

(Sorry for the late reply)

 

Civ readied her massive blade at the paralyzed darkspawn and swung at its neck, being sure to strike at the point where its armor was weakest. The blade cut into its neck half-way, deep enough to kill it instantly. She pulled her greatsword back and the genlock alfa fell to the ground.

[Chivalry Knight 161]

Tessa saw the glenlock crawl towards its weapon. "Heh, Oh no you don't!" Tessa places her index finger on her forehead. "Why dont you hold still, with a 'Mindblast' spell!" The spell shoots towards the glenlock. 'If this hits. Then this will give Connor a chance to strike.' Tessa thinks to.herself.

[HigurSan 195]

There are several interesting dynamics that take place when one jumps from a tree. First is the momentary feeling of weightlessness as the force of the jump (for a miniscule amount of time) resists the force of gravity. Then there is the gut wrenching initial descent where gravity gets tired of waiting and reasserts itself. As well, there were many different ways that one could jump in the first place. Coming from a high position only multiplied the possibilities. It was said in hushed tones that there were those who could defy gravity itself and jump vast distances to land directly on the heads of their enemies. As it happened, this was now partly true for Vk'tir. He generally had a good eye for placing landing spots and was assisted by his acrobatic tendencies. Thus it was no large surprise (though very satisfying) when he landed right on target (that is, just off the smaller darkspawn). His spear blades wraked across the grenlock's shoulders as he rolled and carried past, severing tendons and making its arms useless. This progress took him straight across the road and back into the bushes, whereupon he promptly vanished right back into the undergrowth, spying for an attack of opportunity on the Alpha.

[Literally Snails 2,307]

@,@@Umbreon,  

 

There are several interesting dynamics that take place when one jumps from a tree. First is the momentary feeling of weightlessness as the force of the jump (for a miniscule amount of time) resists the force of gravity. Then there is the gut wrenching initial descent where gravity gets tired of waiting and reasserts itself. As well, there were many different ways that one could jump in the first place. Coming from a high position only multiplied the possibilities. It was said in hushed tones that there were those who could defy gravity itself and jump vast distances to land directly on the heads of their enemies. As it happened, this was now partly true for Vk'tir. He generally had a good eye for placing landing spots and was assisted by his acrobatic tendencies. Thus it was no large surprise (though very satisfying) when he landed right on target (that is, just off the smaller darkspawn). His spear blades wraked across the grenlock's shoulders as he rolled and carried past, severing tendons and making its arms useless. This progress took him straight across the road and back into the bushes, whereupon he promptly vanished right back into the undergrowth, spying for an attack of opportunity on the Alpha.

(The Alfa's dead. Sorry.)

 

Tessa saw the glenlock crawl towards its weapon. "Heh, Oh no you don't!" Tessa places her index finger on her forehead. "Why dont you hold still, with a 'Mindblast' spell!" The spell shoots towards the glenlock. 'If this hits. Then this will give Connor a chance to strike.' Tessa thinks to.herself.

(Mind blast is an area of effect spell. It always hits, but some enemies are resistant to it.)

 

Ser Thomas approached the genlock. Tessa had cast a spell on it, Vk'tir had sliced its tendons, and Connor had knocked it to the ground. All of this seemed unnecessarily excessive to him. He drew his sword and stuck it into the genlock's back, killing it. "For Andraste's sake, it was just a genlock!" He said. "All you have to do is kill it with a strong blow. Haven't you ever heard of over-kill?"

The priest had stopped running. Rica stepped out into the road and extended her hand to the priest to calm him. "We are Grey Wardens," She said, though she was technically lying since she was the only true Warden in the group. "Can you tell us where you came from? Are you from a village?"

The priest spoke frantically and through battered breath. "On blacken'd wings does deceit take flight, the first of My children, lost to night." He said, reciting a verse from the Chant of Light.

 

"What?" Rica questioned. "Just answer my question!"

 

"He can't say anything useful, he's a chanter." Ser Thomas said. "He cannot speak unless it is the Chant of Light."

 

The Chanter added, "Let all repeat the Chant of Light. Only the Word dispels the darkness upon us."

 

(You have a couple options here: Give up and move on without any information; Intimidate/persuade him to break his vow and speak normally; or use Ser Thomas to communicate with him.)

Edited May 1, 2014 by Snails

[Anon In Equestria 57]

(Intimidate a chantry priest, yes please.)

 

Connor turned to face the chantry monk, and started to walk towards him, a growl coming from inside his helmet.

 

"I'd suggest you drop the vow and tell us where you came from, or I'll cut out your tounge so you can't spread your lies anymore"

[Literally Snails 2,307]

@@Umbreon, @, @, @@Scrambled_Egghead,@,

 

"And now we threaten priests?" Ser Thomas questioned. "Andraste's blood, how I question my companions!"

 

(Ser Thomas disapproves  (- 10) )

 

The priest stepped back while Connor stepped forward and nervously recited a verse from Trials. "Maker, my enemies are abundant. Many are those who rise up against me. But my faith sustains me; I shall not fear the legion, Should they set themselves against me."

 

"I'd do what he says." Rica advised. "Connor's a strong man, I doubt I could stop him from hurting you."

 

The Chanter looked at Connor, then to the rest of the Wardens. He looked up to the sky and cried out. "Maker, forgive your child! I have broken my vow to you and to Andraste!" He looked back down to the Wardens with a sullen look on his face.

 

"I suppose my vow may be broken if it will help you save the village. Please, do be kinder to the villagers than you were to me!" He said, specifically directing it at Connor. "I'm from a village a short walk east down the road. We've had encounters with darkspawn before, but the guard was always able to handle it; but this morning, a lot of them came. Too many for him to handle. One of them was massive, like a building!" He started to tear up in his eyes. "Maker forgive me! I ran! But I know there were survivors! Revered mother Mara and a young lad named Daveth were holed up in the chantry cellar! You have to save them!"

 

(That's right, Daveth as a young child is in this.)

[Anon In Equestria 57]

Connor smiled under his helmet, then tapped the handle of his sword.

 

"See that wasn't so hard now was it, now run along before I decide to rip you limb from limb for spreading your filth"

 

Connor then turns around to face ser thomas.

 

"Yes we do threaten useless priests that have decided to spread the chantry's lies, and I'll also spill the blood of the next templar I see"

 

Connor said unknowing of ser thomas previous history.

[Umbreon 569]

Ninarya scowls at Connor, walking past to lean down and examine the slain Genlock Alpha and muttering under her breath.  "You Shemlen truly are barbaric.  Violence is your answer to everything."  Not that Ninarya particularly liked the Chantry either, but all the talk of unnecessary bloodshed was just idiotic to her.  As if he could hope to fight off the entire Chantry...  She was an apostate, and if he was going to be drawing attention to himself by going after the Chantry, she wasn't about to be close to the fool when he did it.

 

Instead she prodded at the slain Darkspawn with her staff for a moment, as though to make sure it was truly dead, looking over it briefly for anything that may have been of use to them.  She considered bringing up the fact that they could probably drain the blood from the two corpses and be done with their little mission, but kept her mouth shut.  There would probably be plenty more corpses if they were going to go and rescue the others in the village...  Which something told her they probably were going to.

 

"I'm going to scout ahead, my nose is better than most of yours...  And I make less noise than your steel suits."  After speaking the Dalish elf dropped to all fours, changing into a wolf and slipping ahead into the underbrush.  Really she just wanted an excuse to put distance between herself and Connor...  Elves had a bad history with violent humans, and she really didn't like the feeling that he gave her.

[Literally Snails 2,307]

@, @, @,

 

 

Ser Thomas stepped up closer to Connor after hoisting his shield on his back. "You want to know why the Chantry is so strict do you?" He asked. "You want to know why mages have to be locked in the circle tower, and why Templars have to enforce harsh doctrines? It's because of people like you who view the lives of others as disposable waist and the act of killing as a sport!"

 

"That's enough from both of you!" Rica barked.

 

Ninarya scowls at Connor, walking past to lean down and examine the slain Genlock Alpha and muttering under her breath.  "You Shemlen truly are barbaric.  Violence is your answer to everything."  Not that Ninarya particularly liked the Chantry either, but all the talk of unnecessary bloodshed was just idiotic to her.  As if he could hope to fight off the entire Chantry...  She was an apostate, and if he was going to be drawing attention to himself by going after the Chantry, she wasn't about to be close to the fool when he did it.

 

Instead she prodded at the slain Darkspawn with her staff for a moment, as though to make sure it was truly dead, looking over it briefly for anything that may have been of use to them.  She considered bringing up the fact that they could probably drain the blood from the two corpses and be done with their little mission, but kept her mouth shut.  There would probably be plenty more corpses if they were going to go and rescue the others in the village...  Which something told her they probably were going to.

 

"I'm going to scout ahead, my nose is better than most of yours...  And I make less noise than your steel suits."  After speaking the Dalish elf dropped to all fours, changing into a wolf and slipping ahead into the underbrush.  Really she just wanted an excuse to put distance between herself and Connor...  Elves had a bad history with violent humans, and she really didn't like the feeling that he gave her.

Rica normally would have stopped Ninarya since the recruits were meant to stay together. Instead, she just ordered. "Come back as soon as you see what's in there, and for Andraste's sake don't do anything stupid!" Rica then turned back to the other recruits. "We'll wait here for her to return. I have to collect the blood from these darkspawn anyway."

She knelt down next to the genlock grunt and pulled out a small, glass vial from her leather pack.

 

 

 

The village was just a brisk walk's distance down the road. It was a quaint village with three shanty homes, one tavern, a stone well and a large Chantry in its center. Two hurlocks were standing next to the well knelt over a dead woman and examining her for valuables. A hurlock alfa was near the back of the village with two unarmed genlocks. The alfa seemed to be disciplining the two genlocks, as he had out his massive blade and was using it to cut off the tips of their ears. One genlock and one hurlock were pushing and shoving at each other as the both attempted to grab useful bits of meat from a dead mabari hound. Finally, a massive Ogre was knelt over beside the Chantry eating something red and pasty.

[HigurSan 195]

Vk'tir had not gone after the downed grenlock just for the sake of killing it. Darkspawn blood was their objective and he was more than willing to produce a large supply of it. Though he wasn't quite sure it would be used for, he did have a preference to collect some of his own on the side. Thus his blades had also sought out main arteries (or at least the general area of such). Now coated with blood, the sight of them caused Vk'tir to grimace, as they looked filthy. A small flask was produced from his pouches and the excess fluid was poured into it, then sealed with a thick cork. If the mission had been over he'd be feverishly cleaning his weapons, but for now he left them sullied while there was more to be done. He'd been watching the other recruits closely throughout the trip. Connor's antics seemed to justify that caution for the time being. If any of them proved to be a danger to them, he'd be all too willing to ditch their sorry hides (or kill them if necessary).

Edited May 2, 2014 by Higurashi

[Anon In Equestria 57]

Connor balled up his fist, ready to smack thomas in the face, Connor cared for people, but if that person happened to be spread lies and filth, well then they deserved to crawl into a ditch and bleed to death.

 

"He was a chantry monk, he isn't human that's for sure, lies and filth, that's all the chantry do, oh and enslave mages, who might I add have the ability to help people, if the chantry didn't drive them to commit crimes by not allowing them to be members of society, not animals"

[Scrambled_Egghead 16]

Connor balled up his fist, ready to smack thomas in the face, Connor cared for people, but if that person happened to be spread lies and filth, well then they deserved to crawl into a ditch and bleed to death.

 

"He was a chantry monk, he isn't human that's for sure, lies and filth, that's all the chantry do, oh and enslave mages, who might I add have the ability to help people, if the chantry didn't drive them to commit crimes by not allowing them to be members of society, not animals"

Civ extended an open palm and used it to cover Connor's fist. "I will not have you acting like this, Connor!" She said sternly. "You are obsessive! This is not good for you! Do you not even realize what is happening? Lives are at stake and you're more willing to fight priests than darkspawn!"

[Umbreon 569]

@, 

 

Ninarya suppressed a quiet growl as she looks out from underneath a bush towards the town, the fur on the back of her neck standing on end.  She eyed the Ogre for a long while before making it a point to count the other darkspawn in sight, quietly slinking backwards before she could be noticed.  She flinches as she hears one of her paws step on a twig, the wolf's eyes darting from one darkspawn to the next, but luckily it seemed as though they hadn't heard being as distracted as they were with their own tasks.

 

((Totally rolled a d20 to decide if she was heard or not.))

 

Racing back towards the others, Ninarya changes back into her elf form as they come back into view and leaning on her staff to catch her breath.  "Four tall ones, three short ones like the ones we dealt with here, and one massive one.  It had large horns and was nearly the size of a house."  She knew they were all darkspawn, but she was a Dalish elf, not a Warden.  She didn't know the technical names for any of them.  "Those were just what I saw, there may have been more out of sight...  I couldn't tell anything by smell, the entire area stinks of Darkspawn."

Edited May 2, 2014 by Umbreon

[Anon In Equestria 57]

Connor looks over at civ and calms down a little, he takes a deep breath, then unclenches his fist.

 

"I'm not saying that, I'm saying that I'm more than willing to cripple a few chantry priests if they get in our way, if I see a darkspawn I'll kill it, not just for the quest, but to protect the group, I'd take a blade for anyone of you, excluding ser thom-arse"

[Literally Snails 2,307]

@, 

 

Ninarya suppressed a quiet growl as she looks out from underneath a bush towards the town, the fur on the back of her neck standing on end.  She eyed the Ogre for a long while before making it a point to count the other darkspawn in sight, quietly slinking backwards before she could be noticed.  She flinches as she hears one of her paws step on a twig, the wolf's eyes darting from one darkspawn to the next, but luckily it seemed as though they hadn't heard being as distracted as they were with their own tasks.

 

((Totally rolled a d20 to decide if she was heard or not.))

 

Racing back towards the others, Ninarya changes back into her elf form as they come back into view and leaning on her staff to catch her breath.  "Four tall ones, three short ones like the ones we dealt with here, and one massive one.  It had large horns and was nearly the size of a house."  She knew they were all darkspawn, but she was a Dalish elf, not a Warden.  She didn't know the technical names for any of them.  "Those were just what I saw, there may have been more out of sight...  I couldn't tell anything by smell, the entire area stinks of Darkspawn."

@,@@Scrambled_Egghead, @, @,

 

Rica nodded as she put two full vials of darkspawn blood into her pack. She repeated what Ninarya had said for clarity, "Three Genlocks, four Hurlocks, and one Ogre. I assume one of those hurlocks must be their commander, but the Ogre will be the biggest problem by far."

 

"That doesn't sound too bad. We're hardly even outnumbered!" Ser Thomas said confidently.

 

"Yes, and I will be helping you with the fight as well." Rica said. "Normally I would simply act as a guide, but there are lives at stake here."

 

"Do you think Daveth and Mother Mara could even still be alive?" Ser Thomas asked. "What chance do a boy and a priestess have against darkspawn?"