Chapter Text
The Pavus family compound is always well-guarded. Patrols happen regularly at all hours of the day and night. Dogs are alert and as highly trained as their handlers. Warding spells are refreshed daily.
It makes no difference to the trespasser who lingers in the shadows.
Tonight it is even darker than usual. A storm is coming; it will strike within the hour. Even now, thunder rumbles and masks small sounds. A guard is knocked unconscious. A ward is dispelled. A window opens.
The study is lit by a single candle, an enchanted flame that produces light and heat but does nothing to melt the wax under it. Though the room is dim, one can still observe the many bookshelves that line the walls. Each book is worth a small fortune, their titles proclaiming knowledge of ancient magic and Tevinter’s long history with it.
The trespasser does not spare them a glance. They focus instead upon the desk cluttered with stacks of paper. Each paper is read thoroughly, the words committed to memory. Anything that is moved is replaced precisely where it was.
When the trespasser finishes, they will leave this place just as they found it. They will re-seal the wards around the window. A loose stone from the wall will be placed next to the unconscious guard. The storm will break and wash away any lingering scent. It will be as if they were never here.
But for now, the trespasser reads the dossiers on Dorian Pavus’ desk. For now, you read them as well. And you must make a choice. Who will be the target?
Background
1.) Canon-ish
Elissa Cousland became the Hero of Ferelden and later, its Queen. She and King Alistair were heroes of the Fifth Blight who slew the Archdemon without dying themselves. It is whispered that the Queen made a bargain with a demon to save the Warden’s lives, and indeed she has been called a shrewd manipulator and strategist.
Garret Hawke, a mage from Lothering, rose from obscurity to become the Champion of Kirkwall. Though his sister died before reaching the Free Marches, his brother Carver joined the Templars there. A witty man, Hawke tended to befriend everyone he met, including the pirate Isabella, who he fell in love with and saved from the Qunari. A mage himself, Hawke sympathized with the Kirkwall Circle during the Uprising, his friends and brother fighting at his side. Has physically gone through the fade and survived.
Ellana Lavellan thought she would be her clan’s Keeper one day, until fate intervened. As the Herald of Andraste, she saved the mages and made them partners of the Inquisition. She made alliances and recruited where she could, including with the Grey Wardens. She also reunited Empress Celene and her lover Briala, ending the Orlesian Civil War. She is said to have acquired knowledge from the ancient elves with the aid of one of her companions, Solas. It is rumored that they were lovers, which makes the Inquisitor’s recent hunt for him all the more intriguing, especially without the might of the Inquisition behind her.
2.) Everyone is a Dick
No one’s denying the elves have been through a lot, but Theron Tabris was a kleptomaniac and a jerk. Most of his companions either died or left in disgust, which is pretty big when there’s a Blight on. Shame the Archdemon didn’t kill him or Loghain, but Tabris’ witch girlfriend might have had something to do with that.
Don’t get me started on Gary Hawke, either. That piece of work got his brother killed on his way to Kirkwall, his sister killed in the Deep Roads, gave one friend to the Qunari and another to a Tevinter magister. Of course, when his boyfriend blew up the Chantry, he killed him, too. And they named him Viscount for that. But there’s some justice in the world I guess, because some giant demon killed him in the Fade.
Finally, there’s Malika Cadash. That woman would do anything for either a bit of power or a bit of gold. What’s left of the Templars and Grey Wardens are under her command now, and her alliance with Emperor Gaspard is worrying. Of course, her lover’s a murderer who lied about being a Grey Warden, so at least she’s got someone equally corrupt. Refuses to let go of her power, keeping the Inquisition as the Divine’s personal force. She probably needs it too, Victoria being a mage and all. Now Cadash is hunting down an old ally, no matter the cost. That won’t end well, mark my words.
3.) In Death, Sacrifice
Sereda Aeducan was one of a kind, they say. The Hero of Ferelden sacrificed herself to kill the Archdemon, leaving her elven lover behind to mourn her. Her fellow Warden, Alistair, seemed a broken man after her death; looked to her for everything. But her brother Bhelen honored her as a Paragon, perhaps especially because she gave him his throne.
Marian Hawke could never quite forgive herself for getting her sister killed. When her mother died too, it broke her. She used to be a funny, sarcastic woman, but grew much more reserved as the years passed. It was a bright spot when her lover Fenris returned her feelings, and when she was able to save her brother’s life by recruiting him for the Wardens. Maybe because of her own loss, she couldn’t stand someone else being hurt. No surprise she stood up for the mages. She would have stayed in the Fade too, to save others, but the Warden Alistair wouldn’t let her.
People underestimate Kaaras Adaar, think he’s a “qunari brute”. More fool they. Not only did he ally with the mages, he kicked the Wardens out of southern Thedas and made an elf the shadow ruler of Orlais. Then there’s his magister lover; confuses most people and worries the rest who know how much it adds to his reach and connections. He even made a former bard the new Divine, and though he’s since disbanded the Inquisition, only an idiot would count him out.
Protagonist Choices
1.)The Human Mage (Renatus Umbratum)
"To find the truth, you have to ask the right questions."
A Laetan, or low-ranking mage of the Imperium, first in his family to be born with magic in generations. Will have the most success in Tevinter, some difficulty in other lands, and a very difficult time with Qunari.
2.)The Elven Thief (Lyra Valis)
"There's always two truths to things. The one told by the powerful, and the one told by those down below."
Though no longer a slave herself, her family has served in the Imperium since the time of Arlathan. Can go undetected in most lands but is more likely to be challenged or suspected when things go wrong.
3.)The Qunari Slave (Kosmima "Kos" Katari)
"Words lie. Truth is in actions."
Taken from Seheron at a young age, he serves as his mistress’ pet and bodyguard, his horns cut off and made mute by magic. Successful with other Qunari but viewed with distrust and even hatred in all other lands.
4.)The Dwarven Ambassador (Senka Teral)
"The truth is what you believe it to be."
Her family has served in the Ambassadoria since the time of Archon Darinius. She is one of the few who goes aboveground on her family’s behalf. Has no particular problems with any race, but no particular benefits with any, either.
Personality Type
1.)Diplomatic
Tries to take the peaceful route, avoids conflict and offence when possible.
2.)Sarcastic
Can’t resist making a snide or humorous comment, even if it might make the situation worse.
3.)Aggressive
Kill first, ask questions later. Will resort to violence the most often and death if possible.
ONLY ONE BACKGROUND, PROTAGONIST, AND PERSONALITY CAN BE CHOSEN. CHOOSE WISELY.