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A Gaming Afterlife - Chapter 6 - HebisamaChapter 6: Dragon Age WhispersNotes:

AN: Just to remind, if anything is not clear lore-wise, either consult google or ask me. Also, I hope everyone is doing well health-wise, have to say that in my country it kinda sucks now... But hey, hopefully a new chapter will raise everyone's spirits at least a smidgen.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

How did Nora from RWBY out it? Ah. I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the…

Ugh, no singing please

'Hey! I got the [Singing] at level fifty! I'm as awesome singer by now. And it's internal singing, can't be held accountable for that!'

I do

'Whatever' I sigh, 'Bring back the notification I dismissed before. Please.'

Were too busy being queen of the castle?

'Funny. But please'

Quest COMPLETE!

You cleansed Ostagar and claimed it as your own

Award: 100 000 exp, 100 credits, 1 gacha

Perk [Surprise Boost] activated!

+1 STR

Beautiful, simply beautiful. That's one of my major goals accomplished. Funnily enough, the next step is Denerim along with the rest of the country. Aside that, the rewards are welcome, especially the gacha. And the Perk I got for passing 100 in LCK, thank you Sky-Chosen, is also proving its worth. Still, the biggest reward is the fortress itself.

Ostagar is much bigger than I expected. Sure, I saw it though the eyes of my bird summons, but I still got my expectations warped by playing Origins. In the game it was one single map but in reality it is absolutely massive. And it has been also absolutely teeming with darkspawn, so much so that it took three days for us to get them all. Three days! And now that we killed them all, there is still the need to cleanse this whole place. My warriors can take care of the bodies but I'll have to be the one to burn the Blight out of this place. That will take another day at least.

But still. I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle!

Ehm. There are also the funeral arrangements to be made. This has been the biggest battle yet and the death count reflects it. I have been very very careful but I still lost quite a lot of warriors. Our advance has been slow and methodical, making a lot of use of my various wards. Not only I set up safe spaces and barriers, we used them as traps for the darkspawn. It worked really well but losses were inevitable just the same.

Good thing that I have already planned to slow down and secure the area around Ostagar rather than push for more conquest. Oh, we will take the east towards Brecilian, but no further. We need more supplies, rest and some more cohesion between my Avvar and the newcomers. Also this being my main staging area, I will encourage a hold to be built. Starting a true community, the stepping stone to a true nation. The civilian population will also be safe here – we will need to move them from West Hill Arling.

I will also have to secure the borders now that we are soon to be established and stationary. Definitely a topic to raise at the next officers' meeting.

It would also be nice doing some big troop training, mold my warriors into a cohesive army. Also…

"Still contemplating the flag issue?" Margit startles me. Being up on the highest tower, one with a destroyed stairwell, I did not expect anybody to sneak up on me. Then again, both my Servants have flight, courtesy of my Engineer Class. Perhaps I could truly equip a squad? Well, once Margit has that special forces of hers set up. Flying invisible ninjas would be handy to have.

"My lady?" Margit shakes me from my reverie again, this time her voice full of concern.

"Sorry" I turn to smile at her, "Just making plans and adding things to my checklist. And yes, the flag issue is one of the items on that list. Seriously this time."

"You have something in mind?"

"Maybe, but I want our people to raise the issue. Not me"

Margit arched an eyebrow "Don't tell me you won't raise the issue in a few people's minds with your magic and then just wait to weigh in."

"Maaaaybe" I smirk, that was precisely my plan, "Similarly it would be nice to have a nice collective name. Just the Avvar does not suit anymore."

"Do you have a specific name in mind?"

I hum "Actually yes, I think something that pays the homage to the Alamarri would be good. I'm not picky about the rest."

"Fitting" Margit nods, "Pity the Avvar and the Chasind are the only people that used to be Alamarri left."

"True, we could use more barbarians" I grin, not considering that an insult in the least – I like my barbarians.

"And the name will also evoke Andraste, since she was one back in the day" Margit's eyes widen in realization.

"They already produced one prophet, why not another" I grin, "And the common people will like that we have a connection to their favorite lady. It could also be implied that the Chantry failed, like the Tevinter Empire did then, and that our crusade is just. Andraste stood against slavery most of all, and now the Chantry chains mages, templars as well, not to mention the deplorable conditions city elves live in that the Chantry condones."

Margit sighs and rubs the bridge of her nose "I better train an anti-assassin squad, they will come in droves."

I laugh "That they will, but let Haku do it. Same as the Divine has a right and left Hand, you and Haku have similar roles."

"Any chance you can summon another loyal servant?" the red-head cocked her head to the side.

"Maybe" I shrug, "I have another gacha, there is a chance for a Companion Gem. But I think we can work with who we have. Plus I will be going on a recruitment drive."

"I'll go tell Haku right away then, so he can start planning the training and how to pick recruits"

"Alright" I shrug and return my gaze to the activity below, "I'll just finish up some of my magic stuff and I'll go back to the clean-up. There is a lot to do."

"Yes, my lady. Also Rila suggested a meeting before dinner?"

"I'll meet my officers in my tent" I nod.

"Yes, my lady" Margit bows to me and with a short hop she begins floating down the tower.

Keeping my word I call for System, I already checked everything in my Status page and there was only one thing left to do. 'Could you spin the gacha please?'

Sure thing

Item acquired

Dagger of Time (Prince of Persia)

allows to manipulate time* (three charges*)

"…"

Are you feeling well?

'I think I feel faint'

Not with [Gamer's Body] you aren't

'I just got a legendary-tiered item, I definitely feel faint'

Buck up

'Gee, thanks' I roll my eyes and turn to intently reading the entire description. There was quite a lot to read actually, nice of the Game to make the main description so compact.

Ok, so. I take a deep breath. This dagger is just awesome. And it might help me against the titans such as Flemeth. Definitely a hidden ace in my sleeve.

Just like in the games, the Dagger of Time can do quite a lot to time, but the most precious ability is the classic 'rewind'. I will have to test the duration, how far in the past I can go, but I imagine a fair share. With my speed, even a minute is a god-send. My fights against the bigs won't probably last nowhere that long – it all depends on the first strike. With this I can try something and if it doesn't work, return to the beginning. Awesome.

Like In Prince of Persia, the Dagger has charges, but unlike the game this one charges not by killing sand beast or whatever, but it has a simple cooldown time. It has three charges and promises to charge one every 72 hours. Which is perfectly reasonable, I was afraid it would be almost impossible to get the sand charge. All in all, brilliant. Well and truly brilliant. I will have to test all the capabilities but this is definitely the best gacha pull to date.

Not that the rest have been shabby!

It 's all LCK based. You got good pulls even in the beginning thanks to the Perk you rolled in character creation. There are shitty rewards

Great. And yeah, all my pulls were useful. Objectively. But I don't think I ever used Hei's Mask for example, it boosts lightening damage but I don't use lightening much.

Anyways, I have much to look forward to – I still have some levels in Sky-Chosen to go and those give a full point in Luck. And I have 115 unallocated Stat Points too. But while some of those might go to LCK, I'm kinda keeping them for a rainy day. I might need them in INT. I'm still far away from Flemeth in the area, she is my magical benchmark now.

As I will go around recruiting, and shopping for my soon-to-be nice fortress, I should also go some Stat Thieving. But INT will be a little harder to find, maybe scholars? Or mages? Observe will tell me I guess, I should be getting their most prominent Stat. I can also level up the Skill, [Stat Thief], already I get two points instead of the initial one, but it should scale up some more.

But that is thoughts for the future. Very close future this time, but still future. Right now I have a lot to do here. All the traces of the Blight must be cleansed from here, wards put up, reinforcing the structure, what little repairing I can do with my Skills, growing a garden… In short, making Ostagar not only livable, but a jewel of a fortress. And a jewel of a city once we get going.

With a deep intake of breath I too head down from the tower, no time like the present to start the rebuilding efforts.

Shortly entering [Stealth], and activating my invisibility device just in case, I hide myself from view and make four clones. I don'tuse the Skill I stole form Ectoplasm back in BokuHero much, but it will be useful now. The clones are really fragile but they do have some nice MP and access to all my Skills. They can help me cut down on all the work. They will be staying invisible though, I want to keep my cloning Skill a secret. Another ace. Or for a case in which I need an alibi.

Or just to fuck with people. That might be fun too.

I always liked when games gave you a place of your own that you can customize however you like. A house, an estate, or even a whole city! I always hunted every collectible, constructed all expansions, always completed each and every such place. It's fun, a nice complement to all the fighting in the games.

And now I have Ostagar to play with, do all the customizations I held off at Skyhold. That fortress will have its turn once Ferelden is mine, but right now, Ostagar is the name of the game. And best of all, this will be a long-term project. As of right now I can safely say that the fortress is clean, warded and structurally sound. But that's it.

Well, one could say that the mokuton reinforcements are artistic… I got a lot of vines keeping the stones together, even though I used my earth element to repair the walls. The climbing plant is nice and green and will have flowers too, so yeah, I might've done some decorating already.

I have a lot of plans but I involved my people as well. Mostly to plan out the space around the fortress – Rila insists on an elaborate training yard, a thane argues in favor of big stables, and so on. Even Haku argues in favor of a big garden for medicinal plants. Margit wanted barracks but that idea was nixed, the tribes wanted to live with their families as they have always been. Me myself I want a nice bedroom, an office and a workshop. And a smithy and armory. We also need quite a bit of storage space. Maybe even a place for more siege engines than we captured at Hargrave Keep. The shamans also want a space for themselves, a space for worship of the spirits. A grove for it too.

Long-term project indeed. Right now settling my people is the most important but my officers have that well in hand. And not only them – they advise me in military matters but many other prominent figures rose when decisions about the people as a whole came up. I gladly leave hold-planning to them, I'll do my own stuff. Soon I'll send a contingent further east, teleport to them if they need me against the darkspawn, but aside that, I can go wild on the fortress.

Well, if stealing furniture is going wild that is…

I remembered that in Inquisition you bought furniture for Skyhold in one shop at the Summer Bazaar in Val Royeux. As good a place to start as any.

"How about this one, Fia-sama?" Haku asks and points at a gianormous bed.

I glance at it, frowning "Too ostentatious. I chose the Avvar for a reason, their aesthetic is part of it."

"They have a large selection of furs in the back" the ninja shrugs.

"Oh, now that is handy" I grin.

Skipping away from the display and into the back of the shop, taking great care of not stepping on the poor sod that guarded the place in life, I go inspect said furs. Some are clearly just decoration but some are stylish and warm. Quite functional. I'll take them all.

"Drapes?" Haku asks.

I hum "I don't know. I mean, we can use the fabric, but I'm not sure about our color scheme yet."

"The idea of a flag is already circulating" the Mist nin chuckles, "White and gray is quite prominent, as are animal motifs."

"I'm not decorating Winterfell" I sigh, "But sure, do they have anything in those colors?"

Haku has to rummage quite a bit to find the answer "Not really. But we can try this shop's warehouse after we're done here."

"Definitely. Now, how about that bed…"

"Won't the authorities wonder just how all this furniture got transported out of the shop without anyone seeing anything?" Haku cocks his head to the side.

"Sure they will" I laugh, "Might be fun to stick around to hear what absurd theory they come up with."

"That is not very kind, Fia-sama"

"Eh" I shrug. I'm not even sure if that was meant to be a joke or not. Haku is really hard to read and I'm not all that keen on using [Telepathy] on my Servants after the initial meet and greet. "Oh, this desk is very nice!"

"Also very expensive"

"Good thing I'm not paying, huh?"

"Indeed, Fia-sama"

I smile as the desk disappears into my Inventory. It already holds the furs, several chairs of the same type – I had Haku write down the type so can look at the warehouse for some more, a large desk for maps and meetings, a cabinet, several bookcases and some simpler beds for the guest rooms. Not a huge bounty but still a start.

"Stuffed animal heads?" Haku turned his gaze on the displayed trophies.

"Pass"

"Piano?"

"Yes, why not"

"Their ledger says they will receive a big shipment of benches tomorrow"

"Shucks, those would've come in handy. I will definitely want some for the feast hall. We need simple tables too"

"I believe this shop is too exclusive for such simple items. Maybe the warehouse will have simpler pieces" Haku hums.

"That is probably true. Anything else catch your fancy or do we move to the warehouse?"

"The suit of armor in the corner?"

"It's shitty metal, just a bad decoration"

Haku nods, once more looking over the ledger that held the shops inventory "I think we looked at everything. But if you don't mind me asking, why haven't you just taken the lot? It would find a use."

I shrug "It probably would but then it's not shopping."

"It's hardly shopping if we don't pay"

"Details. Let's move on! I have a clear idea of how I want my feast hall to look like!"

"As you wish Fia-sama"

X

"I see the 'shopping' notion does not apply to the armory" Haku remarks dryly.

"It's weapons and armor. Good weapons and armor" I shrug.

"I have noticed, this is the third place in as many countries we have looted"

"I have a big army"

"Might I suggest we 'shop' for pure ore as well? Visit some mines perhaps, we could use the metal"

"Excellent idea Haku, I applaud your initiative. We can do that tomorrow, right now we can visit place number four – Loghain doesn't really need equipment, now does he"

X

"Perhaps we could bring Margit-san along?"

"I will not be defeated by a fucking horse!"

"Teleporting is a jarring experience"

"I'll just make them sleep it through, no need for extra man-power"

"I treasure our nightly shopping trips"

"Aren't we bonding?"

"Yes, Fia-sama"

X

"It's almost dawn, Haku"

"Just one more, Fia-sama!"

"Didn't know you would be so passionate when stealing from alchemists"

"There is much to learn here"

"I can just take it all and we can sort it back at Ostagar"

"No, there is a system!"

"If you say so. Just one more, ok? I'm sleepy"

"Well, I hear Wycome has several alchemists of renown"

"Where have you even heard that?"

X

"Is there even enough space in Ostagar for all these books?"

"There is never enough books, Haku! And I fixed up one of the bigger rooms just for these"

"That what you obsessing over doing the roof right was about?"

"Books, Haku, books!"

The wood varnish I stole is just amazing, I can't get enough of the smell. It almost distracts me from the map I have gently laid on my new desk in my newly renovated office. It was the only room that could be considered done inside the fortress. Not that my people were eager to occupy the other ones, they had the start of their hold or the camp outside. I liked being inside though, makes me feel like the conqueror that I am.

I already sent a contingent east, I want to hold the south, except the coast and Gwaren, before winter sets in. Rila's second will take care of that. Rila will stay here to run the drills and command the reserve should the darkspawn approach again or if the vanguard I sent into the Wilds need reinforcements. Of course I took great care to explain which part of the Wilds is off limits – Flemeth wasn't kidding, her territory was easily understandable to me.

Since I was splitting my forces I took great care that each commander could easily contact me. I have some plans for the same via Enchanter and Engineer, but right now I make do with Summoner. I formed a whole new Skill and took my time to level it to max. If my people need a heavy-hitter to save the day, I want to know immediately so I can teleport there. Besides, the three commanders having a big eagle following them around was another boost to my Sky-Chosen status. I'll still need to figure out a way around the constant mana drain but it will serve for now.

With everything in motion, I can do some globe-trotting. My fist destination is clear – Denerim. I have plenty of things I want to see in the capital of Ferelden.

"Margit!" I raise my voice to call my first Servant. By our bond I know she is just outside my office, presumably standing guard.

"My lady?" the red-head enters without knocking.

"I'm leaving. I'll be back in the evening, probably. If anything interesting happens, just call for me through the bond"

Margit bows "Yes, my lady."

With a hum I enter my Inventory and swap around some of my gear. [Leader's Paint] for example would be far too conspicuous, better to put on the [Thief's Cowl]. And my slim black armor, looks enough like leather.

"You look like a thief" Margit comments.

I cock my head to the side open my new cabinet to look myself in the mirror. I let the cowl fall on my shoulders, leaving my head bare "You're right, but that is common enough for Denerim. I won't raise any attention."

"Not even the guards?"

"If I walk like I own the streets rather than scurry around, no"

"Humph" the red-head huff in clear disapproval.

I shrug "Well, the previous Arl, or at least his son, is a horrible individual. The current Arl, Howe, is even worse. I guess they like their corrupt guards."

"Humph"

"I happen to agree. But it works for me, the more people suffer under their rule, the more amenable they will be to a change of leadership"

"I think you overestimate people's hate of change"

I chuckle "I'm not walking into the palace and declaring myself queen. I know it will take time. And effort. And most of all, getting rid of the Chantry influence."

"I eagerly await a plan on how to deal with that"

"No need for sarcasm" I roll my eyes, "Right now I'm just dealing with a person at a time. Bigger groups come later. And I know enough of Chantry's dirty secrets, I can stir up a scandal if I want."

"Even then it will be really hard"

"I know. But that is not the purpose of my visit to Denerim right now. We can talk about this later"

"Safe travels" Margit bows once more.

"Thanks. See you later" I wave at my Servant and teleport just outside of Denerim.

The sudden displacement is always a little bit jarring but my Gamer passives take care of that in moments. What they do not take care of is the stench that permeates the air – just as my summons saw, there was a large refugee camp hugging the walls of the city. So many people in one place with no sanitation… yeah, you get the gist. Makes me wonder just how much worse King's Landing from Game of Thrones would be.

Still, refugees that are barred from entering the city is good for me and my budding kingdom. Or whatever it's going to end up as. People here are afraid, hungry and all around desperate.

I change my features with Shapeshift a little, not that anyone would recognize me here but I don't want to be someone memorable. I think I'll play a refugee apostate that can heal some people on the down low. And has news, and rumors, about the rest of the country.

Walking around the long line of both people and wagons, I eye the closest refugees to me. From the state they're in, one could guess how long they have been here. And some clearly have been for a long time now.

"Hail there stranger!" one tired-looking man calls to me.

I quickly scan him with [Telepathy]. Oh, he wants in my pants, how trite. "Yes?"

The man straightens up, obviously pleased I stopped to talk to him "The guards don't let any refugee through. Mostly just merchants or nobles get in."

My gaze went to the wagons "It certainly does seem that way."

"If you have money you can try your luck with the guards" the man sneered, "But normal folk got no chance. We make do though, and they can't ignore us forever. I can show you around the camp."

"I can find my own way" I shake my head, I already know a lot thanks to him and his thoughts. Well, if you get past the smut. Like now I know there are some injured people taken care of an old man versed in healing. He and a lot of people around him come from the same village – they might prove useful.

"Hey now" the man blocks my path, "Don't be like that. Being here ain't easy and…"

As soon as his hand lands on my wrist, I break his. With a delightful shout he goes down, cradling his hand. Bystanders look at us and then away, nobody interested in what is going on. I have lost all interest as well and I leave him there, heading towards the healer.

Most of the people in camp look… well, just how you'd expect refugees to look like. Haggard, hungry, bitter, angry, desperate – there is a lot of adjectives to choose from. Still, the people in this part of camp look also sickly. It was only a matter of time that disease would spread, I'm honestly surprised it hasn't already. And it's not even winter yet, if nothing is done about the camp, I anticipate a lot of deaths. Winters in Fereleden are not merciful.

Taking a peek in several minds, I note that a lot of hope is placed on that one healer. Even though his supplies are virtually gone and he's working only with what people gather around the city.

This whole camp is a powder keg waiting to explode, I wonder what Howe and Loghain plan to do about it. Knowing Howe's character though, it is entirely possible he'll just wait until the refugees inevitably turn into a mob and then just kill them all.

"Hey there stranger" another voice echoes what the last refugee said to me. This time not a man but a teen, "Do you have any herbs that you could share? We have no gold to pay you but medicinal herbs are highly valued here. We can offer some food and shelter for the night in return."

I actually do have some stuff in my Inventory but I'm not giving out my own supplies. Especially since I can offer something else that should ingratiate me with the refugees and allow me to talk to them. I eye the teen and shake my head "I don't. Was it for an injury or for disease?"

The boy eyes me speculatively "Disease, but we have injured also."

"How come?" I ask despite already knowing the answer to my question. And that is not all I know, after all, I want no immediate tattle-tales.

"The guards" the boy replied with an angry growl, "We tried to enter the city, get supplies."

That they did. Also when the guards refused to let them in, they loudly protested and pointed out the bribes. Naturally, the guards beat them up. Guess my new friends are foolish hot-heads. Or simply that desperate. Not a bad deal for me I guess, if they were Chantry sheep just taking everything lying down, I would move along to a different group. These have fight in them, good.

"I have some training, I might help them" I say with a deliberate caginess.

The teen grins and motions me to follow him. Apostates are far more common than the Circle, the Templars and the Chantry like to advertise. A lot of 'healers' in the more remote parts of Ferelden have magic. It was risky business, especially since it only takes one devout moron to snitch, but if they aren't trouble, many villages let them be. And if they were sick, the villagers would just 'take a stroll through the woods' and returned healed. If the healer was useful enough, the villagers often even told them when Templars were spotted on the road.

Naturally things aren't idyllic. It only takes a visible spark or something and people go to the Chantry. Small children also have trouble controlling their magic, so those are shipped out almost immediately. The situation varies from place to place, but discreet apostate healers and alchemists are a thing.

"Grandfather" the teen calls out to an older man as soon as we entered a small area with four open tents concealing it from view, "I got somebody that might help heal Duncan and Chett, maybe even Roth."

"Really?" the supposed grandfather looks up from his patient with a hopeful look, "We could sure a helper around here."

The teen nods "I'll bring Chett around. He can still walk so he's with Nia and the kids."

As he leaves the area, the elder smiles "He's grown so much, good head on his shoulders too. Anyway, if you can help traveler, we would be most grateful."

"I could do with a small breakfast" I say my price, "Which one is this Duncan then?"

"Duncan is that fellow over there" the man pointed, "Me and Marge here will discuss her cold outside. And fetch you that meal."

"Much appreciated" I nod. Smart of them to make themselves scarce, that way they can deny they saw any magic. There are two more people on the bedrolls on the ground but one is clearly asleep while the other one is half-delirious from fever. Really, smart man this healer.

Duncan himself isn't out of it but in a lot of pain instead. From the state of his stomach and ribs I'd say the guards focused on that, and maybe had metal plated boots. A few [Heal]s though and he is right as rain.

I am just putting my patient to sleep, to cover my tracks so to speak, when the boy from before comes in with another fellow trailing behind him. I almost whistle at the man's appearance – the guards really went to town on him, his face so swollen that you could barely identify any of his features. He should be glad my healing is game-based, because I don't think any normal healer could return his face. Sure, they could heal him, but he would be an ugly Quasimodo forever.

"You're done with Dunc already?" the teen asks in awed gratitude.

I nod "He just needs to sleep it off. I take it this is my next patient?"

"Yeah" the boy trailed out, looking up at the disfigured man who was staring plaintively at me with the one visible eye.

"Sit" I motion to Chett while the boy gets a shooing motion. The man obligingly sits while the boy simply turns around and starts fiddling with a small chest next to the fever-stricken patient.

Chett I put to sleep as well and then let my Mana and Skill fix his face. It's pretty easy but I try to make it seem harder than it is. Once the man is healed, his broken clavicle too, as well as the lingering discomfort of a freshly fixed dislocated shoulder. I have to note that the Quasimodo thing remained, not because I failed to heal the damage but simply because Chett was already ugly to begin with. Oh well, sucks to be you man.

"You did it!" the boy, ok I'm gonna Observe him so I can get an actual name. Cat? Really? Whatever. Cat rushes to me, completely destroying that plausible deniability. Boy has some growing up to do in the brains area. Not that I care, though if I were a real apostate I probably would.

"Keep your voice down, boy" I sigh, "I don't want the templars to come running."

Cat scoffs "As if any Chantry folk would deign to mingle with us riff-raff refugees."

"Wouldn't that be part of their faith?"

"It would" the boy sneers, "Not that they care. That said, a few came in the beginning but once the Arl put a stop to the food delivery, they stopped coming."

"That would be the new Arl, Howe, right?"

"Dunno"

I make a show of cocking my head to the side "Are you religious?"

Cat eyes me warily and then shrugs "Guess the charity when it comes is nice, but I'm not going to join up any time soon."

"You know, if the situation here gets really bad…"

Another scoff and an angry look towards Chett's now healed face.

"…there might be another place for you to go." I finish.

"What? Where?" Cat frowns deeply, his whole posture shifting to suspicious.

I hum, pretending not to notice "A few of my… friends, who prefer to be out of the Chantry's reach, went south."

"That's where the darkspawn come from!"

Nodding, I continue "Yes, the journey would be dangerous alright, both darkspawn and bandits are on all the roads, but I hear from a reliable source that the Chasind have reclaimed Ostagar."

Cat frown shifted to confused "That's where the king's army fell, right?"

"Indeed. My guess is that the darkspawn pushed them out of the Wilds so they fell back to a defensible position" I explain. His face is quite confused, I probably should've told the elder healer instead. Oh well. "They banded together and took the fortress of Ostagar. I hear they keep it safe by magic."

"Really, magic can do that?" Cat's eyes widen.

"Powerful magic, yes. Not that I'm an expert" I wink.

"And is this really true?"

I hum "I believe it. I'm going there once I finish my business in Denerim."

"You don't think the Chasind will chase you out?"

"In these times they take people in" I shrug, "And I hear it was the Avvar too that took the fortress with an alliance with the Chasind. So it's already a merged group. Though they won't take free-loaders or anyone loud about the Chantry."

"Right, they don't believe in the Maker" Cat nods in recognition.

I spend some time explaining the Avvar and Chasind beliefs, making them more real rather than mere 'barbarians'. And that is discounting my Mind Mage Skills. He will be a good rumor-spreader.

The elder finally returns and with a look towards my two patients he hands me a wooden plate with some slop. Possibly oatmeal. "I can't thank you enough" he smiles tiredly, "And sorry about the meager meal, we don't have many supplies."

"Understatement" Cat mumbles, eyeing me thoughtfully. Guess he's thinking about how to get round to go to the south thing.

"I just told your boy about something I heard that might help" I shrug, spooning most of the food in one go, "He can explain. You told me there was a third patient? After I heal him, I'll try to bribe my way into the city."

The elder looks at me in surprise and then arches an eyebrow towards Cat. As the boy nods, he looks back to answer my question "Roth. Come with me, I keep him separate."

I finish the oatmeal and then follow the man, already planning my next move. Probably shifting to a different face and spread some more rumors about the possible salvation in the south. If they convince some more fighter-type people to go, they might even make it.

"Here" the healer disrupts my thoughts, "His leg needs to be amputated but I don't have any pain medicine left. Nor really any means to do it safely. If you can't help him I'll have to do it anyway. But I don't have any herbs that would help for after, when his stump is burned shut. I have some for the infection, that is all."

I wonder why he didn't just chop the damn thing off already, but whatever. Yeah, I can do it no trouble. I motion for the two to leave and then I do the same as before. He's already out of it but I put him to sleep anyway, then use my Skills to amputate and finally heal. Good job me. The wound looks weeks old, if not months. Magic for the win.

After waiting for a while, just for show, I return to the elder and the boy. Clearly the boy finished explaining my Avvar suggestion and the elder was well and truly skeptical. It matters not, I didn't expect them to pack everything and go right now. No, I planted the seeds, will water them with Mind Mage a bit, and then Loghain and Howe will do the rest. I have no desire to hold their hand, they will come or not. Though I will come over here a few times to give them an invisible nudge. And maybe a little protection should they decided for the journey.

"Were you able to help?" the healer asks me, much less warmly than before.

"Yes, he's sleeping. Still, he will need some of those herbs against the infection to clear it from his system"

"Thank you, you have done us a great service" the elder inclines his head in thanks. But he is far from done "My boy tells me you think there is sanctuary to be found in the south."

"So I have heard" I confirm, "And I will be going south. You should consider it as well, it is clear Denerim will not help. Not the Chantry, not Loghain, and certainly not the Arl. All too busy scheming now the king is dead. They care little for normal people like us."

"But south… it sounds like madness" the elder probes, his eyes sharp.

"I believe my friend. And I have had dealings with the so-called barbarians before" I shake my head, "The real problem is the journey."

"Even if your tale is true, we have no supplies to make the journey, not to mention the perils we would undoubtedly encounter"

"I understand, I just mentioned it because it seemed like the right thing to do" I smile a rueful smile.

It gets me a smile in return "Thank you. I will keep it in mind should things get really desperate."

The boy makes a disgusted sound and shakes his head. It is clear he thinks the situation is already dire enough. I would agree on that but hey, they are simpleminded peasants.

Despite my thoughts, I nod "Thank you for the meal, I'll be on my way."

"Once again I thank you for your service" the elder crosses his arms before him and bows, the boy following suit.

"I wish you the best of luck" I say in parting and with a small wave I leave.

The smile I have on my lips is probably quite rare around these parts, being starving refugees is no joke, but I happen to be in a good mood. The boy, Cat will spread the word. Now I only have to do this... twice more? Maybe three, the camp is massive.

Putting my hood up and subtly changing my face, I adopt another persona and set about to spread the rumors of a possible sanctuary south. And Mind-Maging some unrest as well as dissatisfaction towards the Chantry. Nothing against Loghain though, I don't want a revolt at Denerim gates. Howe would just purge them without much thought. No, thoughts against Loghain need to be stirred in the upper echelons - nobles and wealthy merchants.

X

Rendon Howe and both wars, the brewing civil one and the Blight one, haven't done Denerim any good. The capital of Ferelden was always a little shabby but at least the people seemed mostly content. Now the prevalent emotions are fear and desperation, greed and eager opportunism. Guess that isn't really an emotion but I can sense it well. Like Bealish from Game of Thrones said, chaos is a ladder, and now chaos has descended. That said, there is a lot of pride, awe and confidence in the Hero of the River Dane. That Loghain will once again pull though and gift Ferelden peace.

We'll see about that, won't we?

I almost giggle in anticipation.

As soon as I teleport into Denerim I head back to the gates, nudge the guards to be rougher and more aggressive towards the refugees. Give them incentive to leave. Next I head towards the Alienage, all the while using Mind Mage to get the mood of the populace.

My destination changes when I note one of the local Chantries is nearby. I make my way there with a leisurely pace. A crucial part on my long-term plans is to weaken the hold of the Chantry of the people, making them less resistant to be under my heathen rule. And where better to start than Denerim. I'm taking Ferelden first so I need Fereldans to lose their faith in the Chantry. I'm not targeting belief, it is the religion I'm after. Belief can be shaped and a lot of the Chant of Light isn't against my goals. It was mostly Emperor Drakon oh so many years ago that made the doctrines. It is those that I need gone.

Still, it will probably take a generation or two to get my people completely with me once I rule them. But no matter, as long as they don't cause me any problems. Let them worship whoever in the privacy of their own homes. Regardless, they will fight for me, even against the Chantry to secure their independence. Fereldans are fierce people, ones that hate Orlais quite viscerally.

Anyway, back to the beginning. Denerim is the hub, let the rumors spread from here. So, what little scandal can I cook up? Murder? Torture? Slavery? Sex scandal? Hmmm, it must make people care, those things are fairly mundane and it will not have the shock value I seek.

What to do, what to do.

As I ponder, I notice quite a lot of children running around the chantry. I quick peek tells me they are orphans, mostly freshly orphaned by the darkspawn. And Loghain's retreat. How nice, I can definitely make use of those. Not for my scandal, that would be a waste. For manpower. They are still young enough to adapt to my new empire and should I cultivate hate towards the evils of the world, warrior recruits. Or hunters, or support staff - I'm not a monster. I won't let them join up my army before they're sixteen or something. Hmm, I'll consult the Avvar, how they do it. What age is deemed appropriate in this world.

Kidnapping has precedence over the scandal. Or maybe I can make it seem the Chantry sisters ate them? That would be amusing. And there is a food shortage.

Anyway, let's interrogate the matron. A [Deep Scan] and then I can make them forget it I was ever here. I need to know something about my littlest recruits. Their numbers would be a good place to start.

Turns out there are nine orphans in this Chantry's care and I don't think there will be too much trouble with them with one exception. The orphans are scared and hungry, if I solve these two problems for them, they will be accommodating. That last one though, he is well and truly pious, not even the loss of his parents shook that faith. Guess he alone needs some personal Mind Mage touch.

I'll take them tonight. Just a few quick teleports and I can drop them in the care of someone. I know that we have some kind of orphan care in the Avvar.

The Chantry sisters though, I will need to do something about them. Maybe a [Suggestion] to speak vaguely, evasively, when someone asks. And maybe let them think they are still here, just out of sight. That would add to their suspicious behavior concerning the children. Yes. No matter what scandal I decide on, some suspicions about what they have done with the children might help. Well, if anyone even notices.

Alright, moving on, I'll be returning here tonight anyway. I head back towards the Alienage but once more my attention is redirected. The Wonders of Thedas is a shop I remember from Origins, mostly because it has that Tranquil manning it. Which brings me to something I completely forgot about.

[Quest Alert!]

Tranquil No More!

Objective: Reverse the rite of Tranquility

Award: 500 000 exp, 500 credits, ?

Yep. That. After all, most Tranquil were made forcibly and as a punishment for defying the Chantry and the Templars. If I can make their mind to come back, they will fight their jailers with much gusto. More recruits, and these would be pretty much combat ready. This quest is definitely a priority, I need more info.

Maybe I could make a little skip to Kirkwall and grab a Tranquil from there, they have plenty. Maybe [Observe] will give me a cue. Otherwise I remember there being something about spirits reversing it and that the Seekers know the method. Or well, the Lord Seeker alone, and there was a book too.

Looks like I have a plan for tomorrow too.

I enter the shop, equally interested in the wares and the man behind the counter. A simple Observe reveals nothing and I'm reluctant in prodding his mind too much. I'll keep that for my guest from Kirkwall. As for the merchandize, a few of the books interest me so I wait until the tranquil is suitably distracted by another customer and then stuff them into my Inventory. Easy peasy.

Nothing else strikes my fancy, they are trinkets and curiosities. Some of things might be fun to put on a shelf in my office because of the sheer bizarreness of them, but nah, thanks.

Back to the Alienage, this time for real.

No, I will not be distracted by the market. I can always peruse later after I'm done with the elves and… is that liquorice? And tea! Oh my! NO! Bad Sofia, bad. Elves are being sold to slavery and whatnot, you can wait a little.

Through sheer will I resist the temptation of my two favorite treats and power through to the gates of the Alienage. Which are of course closed. After asking the guards their only response is 'quarantine' which means the Origins plot is well under way. A semi-fake illness and a few Tevinters.

Out of sight I hop onto a roof that allows me to peer over the walled section. I select a desirable shadow in the Alienage and port there. Next I enter [Stealth] and do some recon. I want to find what the Tevinters have done already but mainly I want to find Shianni. In the game it was clear that the elder has little pull and that Shianni is the elf to go to. Besides, she will be far easier to convince – she has guts and a fierce desire to protect her people. The elder is a weak pacifist in comparison, powerless and beaten by life.

The spunky red-head is easy to find, hollering at two teenage elves who look very chastened indeed. I'll wait until she's done, and somewhere more out of sight.

There are about two hundred elves in the Alienage, less now that Howe sold them out. I have to wonder why the elves weren't shipped out en masse already but if they want to take it slow, who am I to argue.

Hmm.

'Haku'

'Yes, Fia-sama'

'I need you to track some slavers out of Denerim. I want any and all slaves you encounter recruited and brought to Ostagar. Keep it under a hundred to start with though'

'It shall be done, Fia-sama'

I smirk, I do so love my teleporting minions. And some info on Tevinter slaving operations is nice too. Right now I'll take Fereldans, but when I have more territory and the Blight is over, the Imperium will be a good place to get people from.

Shianni is on the move but keeping far too visible for my purposes. Maybe a nudge for her to take a shortcut?

As soon as the elf enters a deserted alley, I greet her "Hello, young lady."

"Who're you?" is the snappish reply, "One of those healers that came to deal with the plague? I don't even have a cough."

I smirk "Neither had the rest since the illness is mostly a pretense."

Shianni takes a quick step back and one hand falls on a knife "What do you mean?"

"Not a pretense of mine, you needn't worry. But I understand your apprehension" I casually lean against a barrel, "You see, with Loghain's pressing need for coin to replenish the forces lost at Ostagar, he let the new Arl of Denerim do as he wishes so long as he gets the gold."

"What's to do with us?" the elf is coiled, really to spring into an attack. Feisty red-head.

"A lot actually. You see, these 'healers' you mentioned, are from Tevinter" my smirk widens, "But you needn't take my word for it. I can show you."

"Vints?" Shianni's frown deepens, "No, nobles might be pieces of shit but no way they let Vints into the capital."

"Arl Howe did. The rest either doesn't know or doesn't care" I shrug, "But as I said, I can show you."

Shainni snorts "Go with the hooded stranger that approached me in a deserted alley, that does sound really smart."

I lower my hood, letting the [Unrecognizable] status fall with it. A planned gesture of good faith. And I even have my own face on, mostly because I like her character from Origins and I want her to work for me directly. I give the elf a wink and a little wave of my hand.

Shianni raises one unimpressed eyebrow.

"Though when we go to see the slavers I'm putting it back" I smirk.

"Why are you so insistent, what do you get out of it?"

"Have you heard the rumors about the Avvar, together with the Chasind, that they have reclaimed Ostagar? And quite a bit of territory too?" I ask smugly.

"What? No" the red-head's eyes widened in confusion.

"It's no mere rumor" I smirk, "And we, yes we, are looking to expand. That means Loghain needs to go if our expansion is to continue. His position is tenuous right now, something we are taking advantage of. He must be denied assets at every turn. And selling slaves gets him money. It's a scandal as well but I fear he would withstand it."

Shianni growls but then rapidly calms down. Oh yeah, I want her in my new empire. "So, what do you want to do? Say you show me proof that Loghain is as far from a hero as we can go, what then?"

"You help me take him down. Him and Howe"

"How?"

I shrug "That depends. Certainly we are putting a stop to the trafficking, killing the Tevinters so the money dries up. They won't send anybody else if they all get systematically killed."

"I can get behind that"

I smile approvingly and continue "But that won't please your new Arl, I would even guess he would stage an 'elven uprising', have you all subdued by force and then shipped out to Tevinter en masse. In this situation it would be best to leave."

"Leave" Shianni raised both eyebrows, to my surprise withholding judgment. Really, smart girl.

"Leave" I nod, "Come to Ostagar with me, you and your people. It is safe from darkspawn and the Avvar and Chasind army is almost ready to take Loghain head on, even if that isn't the plan until spring. There will be a new nation, one not under the Chantry doctrine, one with far more equality. Elves are just as welcome as anyone. You'd be free to live, work and fight at your leisure. We need population for our growing territory."

Shianni's jaw dropped "You're mad! That'll never work! The nobles won't take this laying down, the Chantry won't take this laying down. Barbarians conquering Ferelden? That's an Exalted March ready to happen."

"We count on it"

"This is madness"

I temp down the urge to shout the iconic Sparta shout, it's really hard though. Instead I have to be serious "Madness would be staying and getting sold as slaves or get killed in a fake uprising or a fake plague."

The elf shakes her head "How would we even go, highjack a slave ship?"

"Better" I smirk, "How do you feel about magic?"

"You have magic travel" Shianni deadpans, "For real?"

"For real. There is a lot magic can do when not stomped down by templars or preachy matrons in ugly robes" my smirk persists, "That is also why we are pretty confident in founding that new nations. We have magic Thedas has barely even seen. And even after all that stress of the darkspawn incursion, of Avvar holds destroyed in the initial attacks, we have had not one possession. When you are taught by your teacher how to control your magic, rather than fear it or be ashamed of it, you are far more stable than any average Circle mage."

"Exalted March for sure"

"We know. The Chantry will come with Orlais in tow, what do you think Fereldans will do then?"

"Fight with you" Shiannni's eyes widened, "If Orlais will come to 'liberate' us, the veterans will know what they really mean - a new Orlesian occupation they fought so hard against. They will rather join your barbarians if that will mean independence."

"Indeed"

"You intend to spark a war"

"There is always one happening somewhere" I shrug, "And we are going north, the Blight decimated Fereldan forces, the civil war will too. To combat the darkspawn you need an army. We have one. And we are really good at not only killing the Blighters but keeping them away too."

"Let me guess, magic" Shianni says with mild distaste. Chantry teachings have really seeped into Thedas' subconscious. That needs correcting.

I chuckle "Show me a Circle mage that can do that."

"Wouldn't know, we only see templars"

"I'll tell you then, they can't. Or they don't care to try. Or they are forbidden to even try" I reiterate, "I can show you Ostagar and bring you back, no one the wiser. You could see for yourself, that we have a chance and that our endeavor isn't madness after all."

Shianni falls silent after that, still skeptical but I have given her a lot to consider. Finally she continues, changing the subject unexpectedly "And why have you approached me? Why not our elder?"

I scowl "He did nothing when his people were threatened. Nothing. He was scared and merely hoped everything will blow over eventually. You are more determined, and a deal more charismatic. People will follow you."

"You know about the wedding thing" Shianni's face went wooden and her tone changed as well.

"I know about the wedding thing" I confirm gently but trying not to evoke pity.

Shianni is clenching and unclenching her fists, mind in turmoil. Then she focuses back on me "My cousin died that day, my would-be husband too. Some of my friends died as well, not to mention what happened before."

"I heard. If you wish, I could take you to Vaughn"

The elf's face is still eerily blank, and [Telepathy] isn't helping all too much. Shianni is bouncing from though to thought, feeling to feeling. "What happened to him? I just heard we got a new Arl, the old one dying at Ostagar. His son didn't take his place, Howe is Arl instead" she asks, her voice weak and she was hating herself for it.

"Howe usurped his position" I shrug, "Probably a reward from Loghain, as if Highever isn't enough."

"Where is he then?"

"Howe's dungeon." And he is there, I checked. "Nothing cushy. I don't actually know why he's still alive but nonetheless he is in a cell. I say it's pretty fitting, the spoiled noble brat treated like a common criminal, but I can take you to him. We can take him with us for punishment or just kill him in the cell and take his body away. Howe would think he escaped somehow."

"I…" Shianni starts but her voice fails her, then she growls at herself more than anything and continues, "I want to bash that bastard's head in. But if Howe is as you say he is, won't he just dump that shit-stain's body here and then arrest us all?"

I bow my head slightly in admiration, I haven't expected her to think so clearly when her rapist was involved. Yeah, I'm definitely getting her to come with me, a smart advisor that can keep her head on straight.

"I wanna see the proof about the Vints" the elf changes the subject, "I'll think about the rest once I know you aren't lying out of your ass."

"Let's go then, I have a method to enter undetected," I say but can't help commenting further, "And of course I'm not lying out of my ass, that wouldn't get me anything."

"I'll be making us invisible and undetectable by magic but we'll have to be careful since they could still hear us. They shouldn't notice any normal sounds but you can't speak or anything loud. Do you understand?"

"Yeah"

I frown at her nonchalance "I mean it, even if we see anything going on right then and there, we can't interfere. Well, unless you are ready to pack up the entire Alienage and go with me to Ostagar that is."

Shianni's mouth tightens but she nods.

"Alright" I nod as well, "Let's go see the doctor then."

X

I resist the urge to whistle happily as I walk through the halls of the Denerim's royal palace - it's ugly and my Ostagar will soon outshine it. Still, I found a nice painting which I promptly stole, it will look good on my bedroom wall. Someone is going to get fired over it I guess but what can you do. If I find them on the streets once winter comes, I'll take them to Ostagar. I still need people, even though the elves look promising.

Shianni is convinced, I took her to see the 'healers', she saw the documents and she heard them speak. Now it was only a matter of convincing her fellow elves and keep them safe from the slavers. I give them no more than a week, something will happen then – they either come with me or Howe and his Tevinters do something bad. No way Shianni lets her people go to the doctor now that she knows it means getting shipped to places unknown as a slave.

Those that were already shipped have only one chance now – I sent Haku after the slavers so we'll see how that goes. Shutting them down and taking their current batch will be a boon.

After the city elves get settled in my territory, I refuse to believe that I won't get them, I might take a trip to other Alienages. If I remember correctly, the one in Kirkwall is pretty shitty too, and the one in Val Royeux was set on fire. Hm, maybe not Val Royeux, I don't need to be on Shiala's radar just yet.

Anyway, the elves are done for now and I'll deal with the orphans once night comes, the only thing left to do on today's checklist is the royal entourage. Do some snooping around Loghain, Howe, Anora and whoever strikes my fancy. Maybe that woman with the cool sword that is loyal to Loghain? What was her name… Ok, I'm drawing up a blank but it's the one that arrests the Warden and chucks them into Fort Drakon.

Aside general information for my campaign against Loghain, and making him even more paranoid, I want anything that might help me sway the nobles from the regent. My stroll through Howe's dungeon already revealed the brother of Bann Alfastanna and the son of Bann Sighard that fought at Ostagar that spoke about Loghain's betrayal.

The nobles were the only ones there, similarly to what Origins had shown. I'm guessing the 'normal' prisoners, those that Howe can directly profit from, are kept in Fort Drakon. I'll be going there too and once I deal with Vaughn, Shianni will decide how as a signing bonus, I'm taking them all out. They will help me immensely. Alfastanna is a smart woman, doesn't like Loghain already and she is one of the nobles that others follow. The others will help the rumor campaign, on how Loghain betrayed his king and the wardens to crown himself.

My thoughts are interrupted when I see a duo of servants carrying food. Not only is does smell surprisingly delicious, they also mention the queen. Since I don't have the minimap, I might as well follow them. Judging from the food the queen has visitors. Or she has decided to let herself go…

"Do you think Arl Howe is going to be there?" the female servant asks quietly her colleague after ascertaining that they were alone. Naturally, I don't count being invisible and all.

The man sighs "I don't know, but he won't try anything with the queen around. Don't worry. Just keep your head down."

"He's a creep"

"Eri!" the man hushes hr vehemently, "You can't say things like that, what if anyone hears!"

"I know, I know"

"That said, I agree. But he won't try anything where the queen can see"

"Only because he wants to marry her to get a hold of the throne. And I know you like queen Anora but she won't protect us. Not against her father, and not against his closest ally"

The man shakes his head "We're servants, be glad we have a paying job. Don't risk it by being nosy."

"I'm not nosy, I just call it like I see it" the woman huffs.

"Well, don't. You know damn well just how many servants were let go after the Teyrn assumed regency, I don't want to be thrown on the streets"

"That's the better option, I heard that Natalie, that young woman Rickon liked, got taken by Arl H…"

"Stop gossiping!" the man almost wailed. Which is impressive since he is still trying to maintain a whisper-low volume.

"Alright, aright. But only because we're almost there"

"Thank the Maker!"

The duo fell silent, to my slight disappointment. That was good info that. Still, the woman is right as two corners later a good half dozen of soldiers are guarding a door. The servants are let it without too much trouble and I sneak right behind them.

Contrary to what the female servant believed, Howe isn't here. Only the queen and her father. Still, a telepathic peek later I see that we actually only just missed Howe. He only left after Loghain came in. And yes, even Anora thinks he's a creep. And she too knows just how dangerous he is. That is good.

The servants leave and the little family eats is silence. I don't mind since the matter of Howe and Anora is very interesting indeed, especially from the good queen's point of view.

It turns out that nowadays Anora is quite unsettled, even afraid. Last time I was here she was mostly frustrated but full of confidence in her father. Now though Loghain has taken to confine her to quarters, for 'her own good and protection', and has taken a lot of her duties with him. Anora is an excellent administrator and she has been running Ferelden pretty much on her own all throughout her marriage. Now Loghain has taken that away. Some duties were even passed onto Howe. Who, as the servant from before guessed correctly, seemed quite keen on getting together with the young widow.

So, Howe is getting creepier and creepier while Loghain is getting more and more unstable. Not a picnic being in the middle of those men. Hm, maybe Howe is actually slipping something to Loghain, there are medicines and herbs that can make someone descent into madness. If Loghain got psychotic enough and Howe had the queen under her thumb, well, another coup would be even welcomed.

For me the situation is actually quite good. I even tentatively changed my mind about killing Anora. Yes, I think I'll rescue her instead. Be the knight in shining armor who defends her against a madman of a father and the cruel and interested advisor. She is a good administrator, one that already can run a kingdom… Heh, she'd be a great boon for my soon-to-be-named nation.

Let's get to work then, on both Loghain and Anora. The regent I want ignoring my Avvar for now and concentrate on what he thinks is the true enemy, Orlais. Anora I need to make a little more afraid, little by little. I don't want her to do anything stupid and drastic, I just want her prepared for my arrival.

I sigh, looks like I will need to keep a closer eye on Denerim than I anticipated. At least for a while. The elves, the royals, the Chantry… And that is only the obvious ones. A foothold in the underbelly of Denerim would be good to have too. And I need to contact the opposing nobles starting from Alfastanna and Sighard. And…

You know what? I definitely need to learn to delegate. The nobles and royals are definitely mine, who else can do that. But the rest? Haku can definitely help. And I definitely can subvert some crimelord or somebody. The whisper campaign can also be managed by someone else. Hm, maybe once I have Shianni she could point me in a good direction too, the Fereldans know their country best.

Yes, having an army is all well and good, but seems like I need to accelerate the spy network a little. I asked Haku to keep an eye out for anyone suitable, looks like the time has come to see the results.

Loghain speaks up, making me refocus on him. He doesn't say anything of real interest but at least he has shaken me from my reverie. I have a job to do here, a fun one too, so the rest can wait until I return to Ostagar.

Ok, so dear Loghain, let's see what is in that mad mind of yours…

My forays into Ferelden proper yielded some nice results, and this time I'm not talking about a few displaced orphans and teens. Well, I am, but in a different way this time. Since the Sky-Chosen Class also levels with belief, those kidnapped and persuaded Fereldans gave me a bit of a boost. Enough to finally prop me over that 100 threshold and max the Class.

Surprisingly before I could pick another, I get another notification.

Achievement Unlocked!

The Messiah: You have maxed a messatic Class; Achievement Reward: 50 Credits, unlocked level 2 of the messiatic Class