Dragon Age: Never Ending Dusk ((Dark Fantasy Epic, open for all))

[Dunnuck]

Ok, people, so this is a dark fantasy RP based off the universe of the game Dragon Age. There are three races: Elf, Dwarf, and Human. For whatever race you choose, please refer a bit to http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Age_Wiki for information. It is an easily navigable site that offers oodles of information. Make your character either in here or on the OOC thread :D

**Game and Expansion Spoilers**
After the blight, the Darkspawn retreated back to their underground homes. Without an Archdemon to rally and organize them, they were almost a force that could fade out of existence until the next Archdemon would arise. That was before the Architect, an intelligent Darkspawn, discovered that Grey Warden blood was the key to a Darkspawn version of the Joining. By drinking the blood of a Grey Warden, the Darkspawn could claim independence from the drive to awaken the Archdemon. They could formulate their own thoughts, views, and even talk. The Hero of Ferelden fell the Darkspawn Mother, sacrificing the city of Amaranthine to protect Vigil's Keep. The decision was an impossible one, but proved to be necessary as Vigil's Keep was key in battling the Darkspawn Mother.
The Hero of Ferelden, who at the time was Commander of the Grey, chose to trust the Architect, choosing to believe that, with free minds, the Darkspawn would not choose to cause another Blight. It was controversial and some claimed that the Commander of the Grey was an enemy of Ferelden, however Darkspawn attacks and Darkspawn presence in the Deep Roads seemed to dwindle. Whether this was the cause of the deal made with the Architect we may never know.
**End Spoilers**
Our tale begins in Nevarra, west of the Free marches. It was conquered long ago by Orlais, but claimed their independence sometimes after. As a result, there are those of Orlesian decent here. It is 9:39 Dragon, and a new terror, not of the Darkspawn, begins to arise. On the tongues of all from Ferelden to Anderfels, rumors surge. That there is a new evil, sweeping from Frozen Seas. They say it passed through Ferelden with terror. Dangerous weather conditions, villages disappearing completely, mysterious deaths, and Grey Wardens suddenly leaving the Order, without so much as a reason. King Allistair claims that nothing is amidst, but friends of the Grey Warden that fought at the Battle of Denerim reportedly claim otherwise.
As this presence passes through Ferelden and into the Free Marches, the people of Nevarra begin to grow fearful. Most pack their bags and make for Orlais, which is not an easy journey within itself. There is civil unrest, crime running crazy, religious naysayers, doomsayers, and the increased emergence of apostates that have fled the Tower in fear. People of Ferelden and the Free Marches have already begun to flee to Orlais, and some even as far as the ravaged lands of Anderfels. Others gather arms and prepare to defend their land, and some gather food and supplies to hold out in their homes when the time comes.
Fear of the unknown is the worst kind. It drives people mad, families apart.

Korbin, one of the Grey Wardens stationed in the City of Neverra, was in the midst of a heated argument with a young boy, not even of age yet. "But my mother needs the poultice! Please, Ser Warden, make him give it to me!" He pleaded with teary eyes. The boy was dressed in multicolored rags, his poverty clear. "I'm sorry, young man, but I can't make a merchant give up his goods for free. Everyone has to make a living, you know." He said with regret in his voice. "Could you buy it for me? Please, Ser, my mother is really sick! I don't think she will make it through the night." He cried. Korbin thought for a moment and leaned into the boy, popping a Sovereign into his hand. "Get your mother some medicine. And get your family some food, boy. Hurry and be off, otherwise everyone else will be milking me for money." Korbin whispered. The boy looked at it in amazement and with bright eyes, rushing off to the store.

[Hunter Phoenix]

OOC: Okie then, I'll be a Human Mage specialising in the Arcane Warrior and Shapeshifter specializations like you can in the game if thats cool

Hunter walked along the road in Nevarra, seeking out his friend and fellow Grey Warden Korbin. Noticing a small boy running along to the quatermaster in the town, he assumed that it was the work of Korbin, who usually did he best to help out everyone and anyone he could, no matter how trivial the matter. Striding along the rest of the road to the small outpost where the guard was stationed, he spotted Korbin looking quite bored.

"Hey Korbin, it's been a while, how are things? No sign of Darkspawn I hope"

Hunter had joined the Grey Wardens from the Circle of Magi after the last Blight had ended, when the Grey Warden sought to push their numbers back up. He had been hesitant at first, thinking he would not be a fit Mage to become one of the Great Wardens who defended Fereldan in their hour of need, but he had mastered the taint and was now a full fledged Warden, even if he did still have the terrible nightmares he had been warned about, but with all things, they would pass once he had gotten used to sensing the Darkspawn in the world.

"I was looking to catch up with you while I was here, I cannot stay long for I am been sent out with one of the caravans as a guard because as we both know, there are still Darkspawn around as well as other creatures, even with the Blight ended and a new future in sight, tradesmen are not safe on their own"

[elfguy]

A young girl named Pamine approached the gates of Nevarra. Looking at the guards at the front entrance, she sighed, knowing what was to come. As an elf, especially a city elf, she was used to the cruelty of humans. She fled Denerim after her family had been killed by a drunk noble, and traveled the lands. When the Blight had come, she fled, not foolish enough to stand in its way. But Pamine was no coward. She learned to survive, to defend herself against thugs and scrupulous guards, and become a strong ranger.

She walked up to the gate, and one of the human guard stopped her. "Halt! Who are you and what are you doing here, pointy ears?" Pamine looked at him in disdain, and replied in a cold tone. "Where I go is my business. Do you challenge that right?" The guard was obviously taken aback, not used to such defiance from an elf. "Uh... Are you like, an escaped slave? Or, one of the wild elves, coming to steal our children?!" Pamine shook her head. "No. I'm a ranger. Do you want me to show you?" She put a hand on the hilt of her sword. The guard gulped. "No... That'll be fine... Go on in."

Pamine walked inside of Nevarra, a slight smile on her face.

[Hunter Phoenix]

Hunter stopped talking to Korbin for a moment and looked at the Elvish Ranger that had just been admitted through the gate by the pushover guard, if that was all it took to gain entry into Nevarra, everyone would be taking up arms and claiming to be something if it meant they could escape the threat of the Darkspawn. He walked over to her

"Good Lady, I need to talk to you first before you are allowed into Nevarra properly, for it is not a mere refuge for anyone who seeks it, first they have to prove themselves and have to be able to help out around here, otherwise they are to be turned away from this place"

The elf didn't look too pleased about been addressed like this, but Hunter pressed on talking all the same

"I am Hunter Phoenix, a Mage of the Order of the Grey Wardens, I am escorting a caravan shortly all the way to Cumberland, since this is your first time here, I need you to accompany me, to prove your worth, I hope you understand, normally there would be something less dangerous for you to do, but since you seemed keen to scare the guard with your blade, you can come on this little journey with me, do not worry, we will be back before you know it"

Hunter stood and waited for the elf to say something, holding onto his staff incase he needed to crack her on the head for been rude and discourtious like she had been to the guard at the gate when he had only been doing his job.

[elfguy]

Pamine gave the mage the same look of disdain she had given to the guard. "How typical. All humans are the same. You've never met me yet you talk to me like I'm your servant, ordering me around. I should abandon everything I'm doing just to serve your needs. Should I clean your boots as well? Your clothes? Will you abuse of my body next?" She shook her head, obviously displeased with him.

Pamine was indeed here to find some adventure to go on, but she was not about to allow someone to order her around like they used to back in Denerim, especially not a human.

[Hunter Phoenix]

Hunter shook his head in frustration

"It is not an order, you are free to go, this is merely a test to see if you can withstand the Darkspawn that remain in the world, if you will not accept this test by coming with me, then you must leave the camp, that is the way it is, yes it is harsh and unfair but that is the world we live in, all we are trying to do is survive and bring this world out of the darkness, if you want to be part of that, then there are options open to you, you can accept this test and then come back with me and become a full Grey Warden, or you can deny this test and wander from city to city until you meet your end, what do you say?"

Hunter had been known to persuade just about anyone into helping him, but this elf was stubborn, she would make a fine Grey Warden, if she accepted and passed the test and then overcame the final test that ensured she would be a Grey Warden till her death.

[elfguy]

Talk of the Grey Wardens did nothing to ease her mood. "I heard about the Grey Wardens. Some say you helped the Dark Spawn come into our worlds. Others say that you vanquished them in Denerim but then forgot about all the little villages, and the other races still fighting them." It wasn't surprising that all sorts of rumors were still circulating in places far from the capital.

Still, if she was denied entry here, she didn't really know where else she would go. She looked around at the people, and decided to accept his offer. "If you say you folks fight the Dark Spawn evil, then I will give you the benefit of the doubt. I will go with you to Redcliffe, but I promise nothing after that."

[Hunter Phoenix]

Hunter nodded

"There is indeed a lot of speculation about the Grey Wardens, I myself once believed many such tales, but many of them are not so, we are all over the land, helping the other races fight Darkspawn incursions, repelling the darkness wherever it rears its ugly head, I am glad you have accepted to come with me, like I said, it will not take long, whether you come with me afterwards or not is up to you...by the way, I never got your name, I am High Mage Hunter Phoenix, it is a pleasure to meet you"

Hunter then led the elf ranger to the site where the traders were preparing their carts and caravans for the trip

"Are you almost ready for departure? Time is off the essence, we need to make good speed before nightfall"

Hunter leaned his staff against one of the caravans and then helped out with some of the remaining boxes and crates that were proving troublesome to move, it was rare for a mage to take part in manual labour unless it involved spellwork, but Hunter was an exception and helped out with all manner of chores around Nevarra.

[elfguy]

Pamine stood there, standing firm, looking like quite a capable ranger with her fit, strong body, and her armor and weapons on her back. She simply said "Pamine." as answer to his question. Then, as he set off to work around camp, she looked at him go, surprised that a human mage would do such tasks.

She went next to a tent pole and leaned her back, crossing her arms. "And I'm always ready." she added, with a proud smile. Whether she was in a town, an outpost or in the middle of the forest, she was always prepared for combat.

[Hunter Phoenix]

Hunter looked over at the Ranger standing against the tent pole and he smiled, she was obviously surprised that he helped in manual tasks, which he kind of expected, he was also smiling at how she said she was always ready for combat.

"Have you ever been in combat against a group of warriors that are backed up by archers and even their own mage?"

Hunter flicked a little fireball towards Pamine, knowing it may catch her off guard, showing she wasn't always ready for an attack.

"We will always be on the lookout, our ears and eyes sharp, listening for the slightest snap of a twig, the slightest glimmer of a shadow against a backdrop of trees within forests, are you prepared for that? If so, then that is good, if you need equipment, there is a quatermaster over there...."

Hunter pointed off to his right

".....tell him Hunter advised you see him and he will set you up with any equipment you need, if you do go, would you be able to bring me back several lirium potions, I may have need of them while we are on our travels, let me know when you are ready, then we shall set off"

Hunter then got back to helping the traders load the last of their wares and then he stood with them waiting for Pamine to be ready.

[elfguy]

Pamine was surprised at the incoming fireball, but managed to duck in time and it went right over her head. She stood back up, looking upset. "Hey! What was that about?!"

When he kept talking to her in a condescending manner, she crossed her arms and leaned back against the pole. "As a matter of fact, mage, yes I have faced many challenges. I fought many times through many lands. What about you? I thought mages were locked away in a tower." She commented, snickering. This human was as condescending and rude are all the others. Was she doomed to always being near these people? She at least hoped that he wouldn't spend his time trying to sermonize her throughout the trip.

Pamine already had her equipment. It was not the best, far from it, but it fit an elf well. Her longbow and her best weapon, followed by her short sword. She needed nothing else. Also, she had no money, so couldn't really afford anything else even if she wanted to.

She stood there, still ready, waiting for him to get done. "Are we to go alone, just us two?"

[Hunter Phoenix]

Hunter laughed at the mention of the Tower

"Indeed I was raised up in the Circle Tower when I first showed signs of magical potential and spent many years living there as I was taught in the ways of magic, but once the Grey Wardens came looking for new recruits to help in the fight that ended the Blight, I offered my assistance even though it displeased the Chantry who claimed that my rightful place was in the Tower where they could keep an eye on me and make sure I did not turn to Blood Magic. Indeed I have faced challenges, I was part of the frontal defences when the Darkspawn charged at the final battle, it was brutal and many people passed onto the Maker, but here I stand today. No we shall not be alone in defending the caravans, several guards are coming with us, but I thought I would recruit you for the job, Rangers are always good with a bow and you look to be no exception"

Hunter nodded to the traders and then jumped up onto one of the caravans

"Lets get going then, the guards are meeting us at the gate and then we are heading straight out, no stops till nightfall which is a good few hours away yet so we can get a good way before we have to stop"

[Dunnuck]

OOC: Holy ass I turn around and there is 11 posts...lemme catch up lol

[Hunter Phoenix]

OOC: No probs dude lol sorry, I'm kind of a Dragon Age fan, sorry if some of it is wrong in my posts, i havent been playing the game long but I am quite far along in it and am playing a Human Mage :P

[Dunnuck]

OOC: I am a hardcore fan of Dragon Age. but there are a few things severely wrong lol. Nevarra is not a city, it is a place like Ferelden. Look on the wiki site I provided, it is incredibly far away from Redcliffe. Like really, really, really far. Nevarra is past Orlais which is where the french accented people come from :p

[Hunter Phoenix]

OOC: Ah damn lol my bad, I was going to use the Wiki but then somehow forgot about it :( sorry dude, kinda ruined your rp there

[Dunnuck]

OOC: No, no, dude it is fine. Lol. Just replace the word "RedCliffe" with your own made up place :p ya didn't ruin anything. The blight is over, but you know the DA universe, people are always scared shittless. So fearing the blight and darkspawn is still valid, people just dont know its mostly over yet. Your doin good ^_^

[Hunter Phoenix]

OOC: Thanks man, this is the first RP i have done in a long time and is certainly the first DA one i have done lol will make alterations now :)
Have changed it so that the caravans are going to Cumberland instead, which, when i looked at the wiki, is actually a place near Nevarra City :)

[Hunter Phoenix]

Hunter pulled up with the rest of the caravans at the gate, where four burly and sour faced looking guards stood, their weapons sheathed.

"Guards, we are now setting off, choose a caravan to guard and hop aboard, we need to set off right away, the Ranger with us is called Pamine, you listen to either her or myself on this journey and no one else"

Hunter looked over to the gate and saw Korbin still stood there, still looking bored and in need of action, so Hunter called over to him

"Is there any way I can persuade you to come with us at all Korbin? The more the merrier"

[AithinTheElf]

(Playing an elf character if that's okay.  Tell me if anything's wrong with the post)

Aithin strode toward the gates of Nevarra, gliding silently over the stone in a very elfish way.  He pushed a stray lock of long, elbow length golden hair behind his pointed ear.  The willowy elven Prince had a face as fair as that of the most beautiful young maiden, and as delicate too.  In fact, it was almost impossible to tell that he was male, with his beautiful face and thin figure.  Only his own kin would do a double take before they knew his name.

"What business brings you to this city?" the guard questioned, staring hard into the elf's greyish blue eyes.

"I wish to find an inn, if you have one."

"We do."

"Splendid, think you."

A time passed with a dreadful awkwardness.

"Um, excuse me Sir."

"Mm.  Yes." the guard replied, allowing the young elf inside the walls of Nevarra.  Before the being could leave his sight, he stuck an arm out to tap his shoulder.

"My lady, your eyes are no less beautiful than that of a goddess.  Pardon me for my interruption."

The elf's eyes went dark, and his cheeks rosy.  "I'm sorry Sir, but I am no lady, but a Prince of the Wood."  He glared, cursing his blushing face, and whipped around to head for the inn.  The poor guard, just as surprised, arranged himself at his post with a look of humiliation.

"Men...I hate men...I really hate them..no manners..no intelligence...greedy.." the teenage elf grumbled to himself, once again allowing himself to hate vigorously on a non-elven race.  He was easily distraught, and had had nothing but negative experiances with the human race.