The Inquisition Reborn [llama]

[llama]

I look at the chaos around me, the close call after close call for the prominent and the death for the common man. How fitting.
With my sword in one hand, I jab it into the Achilles' Heel of the beast, if it even has one. As I'm doing this I lift my other hand, the 'special' one, at the rift, closing it the same way I had done before.

[Benzo]

Lifting your palm up as you struck the demon's heel, you feel an odd surging sensation wash over you, the familiar humming not filling the air as it had before. Blade sunk to the hilt, the demon lets out a deep roar of protest before kicking you back several feet

Oddly enough, as your 'ritual' was interrupted, a loud explosion emanates from your fist, soon followed by a green wave of static. Watching it pass over scrambling soldiers to no affect, only the Pride Demon seems to feel it as it stumbled forward, as if pushed  off balance by a massive hand.

[llama]

I grin as I jab it in, twisting and pushing the sword further in. Upon its kicking of me back, I land on my back and fairly nearly avoiding hitting my head. With this I scramble back up and see the effects. Now, sword-less, I look to my hand and I push it forward aggressively towards the demon, so as to try and attempt to do whatever I did again.

[Benzo]

Attempting to recreate the affect to no avail, you notice Solas casting you a look of... astonishment? With the Pride Demon supporting itself upon one knee, Cassandra and two other bold soldiers take the opportunity to grab hold of its horns, hoisting themselves onto its face to begin slashing violently.

Grabbing one of the soldiers and dashing her upon the ground with a roar, the Pride Demon visibly struggles to lift it's arm a second time. With a shout, nearly drowned out by the creature's death wails, Cassandra and the other axe-wielding soldier jump off just before it lands upon the ground with a thud. Able to reclaim your blade, you watch the creature very slowly begin to dissipate into green mist, which in turn seemed to trail off back through the Rift.

"Hurry, before more come through!" You hear the Mage shout to you.

[New CODEX Entries!]
1) Creature: Pride Demon

[llama]

Feeling more like a bystander than anything while watching the soldiers and Cassandra fight. Then again, I could have done something that would have had a significant impact on the fight, possibly saving the life of that soldier. I won't be begrudged for it. Hopefully. As for the astonished look, I'm sure Solas will give me an earful about it later.
Raising my hand yet again, I do what I think would close the rift.

>Check the Pride Demon codex.

[Benzo]

(Once I mention that, it's been added [or about to be if you're reading instantly after, haha] to the Codex in my original post. The category mentioned is where you'll find it; So far, it's been only creatures, but that'll expand into places, history, ect. If you'd like, I can include full entries in new posts as well as putting them into the main Codex. Simply say the word, mate.)
(Also, probably should explain this now since... You'll see. What you did was a Rift Disruption, which works on larger demons of the Fade. You basically temporarily disconnected its bond to tge Rift, making it more physically in Thedas, and thus becoming more vulnerable if not confused as holy hell.)


Raising your hand, you watch the scar begin to illuminate brightly as the air began to fill with a loud humming. As with the Rift before, the humming continues growing louder as the tear decreased in size, finishing with a loud explosion. With it, a green bolt of energy darts upward into the massive hole that is the Breach, brightly lighting up with a second explosion.

With the second boom, everyone began to cheer as the green lightning and spire of smoke began to fade away, as if swept by a shockwave. Watching the scene, you suddenly find your eyelids pulling down like bars of lead; The ground rushing up to greet your face.

* * * * * * * * *

Awaking later after an unknown amount of time, you find yourself lying on a comfortable bed staring upwards at a wooden ceiling. Looking around, you can see your clothes nearby- No. Similar, but the robe was slightly darker, and the tunic in much better condition. New apparel meant for you?

Hearing the sound of a door being opened, you sit up to see a slender, light skinned Elven maid walk in the room, a silver platter of apples and various berries clutched in her hands. Seeing you, she lets out a shriek and drops the food, looking surprised for a moment before dropping into a kneeling position.

"I'm so sorry M'Lord! I had no idea you were awake!" she said quickly.

[llama]

(oh, alright! guess i didn't see it in the original post.
thanks for the clarification. )

This power surging through my hand as I close it.. I really do have more influence in this whole ordeal than everyone is letting on. I'll definitely be able to turn around and decree a new set of commandments on how to treat me. The only way I could forget this is if I suddenly fell unconscious.
Oh wait...


A bed? This was the first one I have ever slept in; none in early childhood, streets as I was growing up, and hay bales and forest grounds as I was travelling. That really does bring light to the ridiculousness of this situation; a man that never felt the comfort of a bed is, upon being completely vulnerable, brought to one for kings.. unless there was somehow a better bed for kings.
I curiously look up at the woman, straightening myself in bed, not caring to check if I'm currently clothed. My eyes widen a bit at this title. "Ha," a humorless chuckle, "A mistake. I won't be too quick to forgive the next time." My face turns stern, trying to quickly take up the role of a master over servant.

(he's going to quickly become a dick due to this new status.)

[Benzo]

"I beg your blessing and forgiveness, Herald of Andraste!" the maid was quick to squeal, hardly looking up from the floor as she groveled before you.

(Yeahhh, you got a wee bit of a bigger promotion than just lordship. You're kind of like Jesus, except the Maker is actually a dick and gave up on mortals long ago; Thus 'Andraste's Herald, haha. [Andraste formed the Chantry, spread the Chant of Light, got burned by Trevinter, is called the Maker's Bride.])


Looking up for only a brief moment as she began scooping up the fruits, she added "Lady Cassandra demanded your presence once you awake, M'Lord... At once." Slowly standing, she carefully backed for the door with another "At once!" added before she scurried away like a frightened Nug. (Hare. Rabbit. Whatever.)

[llama]

I look sternly at her as she apologize, not exactly accepting it. I don't reply as she passes the demands, brow furrowed to make her even more upset. After she leaves, I laugh genuinely, finding this whole thing an awful lot of fun. Standing up, I see that I'm nude and I blush a tad, having been extremely condescending and whatnot while in this vulnerable lack of clothing. I laugh even more at this, my glee echoing out of the door and into the halls.. exceptional.
Taking up the robes and donning them, I begin heading out to the area that I was decreed to go.

(alright, cool. interesting stuff.)

[Benzo]

After dressing and exiting what seemed to be a personal lodging, you find yourself back in the snowy estate-town of Haven. In the distance you could see the main keep you had first departed from, now decorated in a number of Chantry images. Between you and there, however, it seemed everyone was outside lined up alongside the street, hands held in a praying position.

[llama]

I look at all of them awkwardly, standing in the doorway. I had never truly found religion throughout my life, due to me not exactly having the opportunity to do so. Walking along and stopping directly in front of one of them, I peer down to them , seeing if they falter in their prayers.

[Benzo]

As you stopped in front of what seemed to be an alchemist of sorts judging by apparel, he continued quietly uttering prayers of Andraste before being nudged by the older, similarly dressed male beside him. With a blink, he first looks over at his mentor, then at you with a blink.

"Oh! Herald..." He yelped, nodding at you respectfully. "I uhh, I believe Seeker Pentaghast wanted your presence upon waking up."

Kicking at the dirt nervously, he glances back at the Breach, or what was. As you follow his gaze, you can see a large empty gap in the clouds where the Breach had been, still glowing green with energy though without the constant whirlwind affect in the clouds. No comets or lightning, it finally seemed calm. Almost beautiful, now that it wasn't spitting death all over the place.

"The sky has been quiet since your involvement; It's all anyone has talked about for three days. We owe you our lives... May Andraste forever bless you."

"I thought he was supposed to close it..." you hear someone nearby mutter under their breath.

"More than anyone else could do. Even that Apostate obsessed with demons was hopeless until the Herald was sent to save us." someone else was quick to scold.

[llama]

I look back at it, marveling at the thing. I'm sure there are painters from all over coming to get a piece of this marvel; no doubt they'll sell for much later.. bah, wait, painters?!? This whole high class society thing is getting to me too quickly.
"Well, I am the best there is." As for the retort, the mutter, I turn to look who said it with a curious look, not indifferent about the fact of embarrassing them or pummeling them to the ground. "As for the Apostate, he didn't wield my greatness.. even if he did I doubt him or anything else could have the willpower and determination to do it as I did." I say this with a wink to the crowd, groveling in this celebrity status.

[Benzo]

(Lmao, these people are gonna remember this. Hope it doesn't come back to bite ya in the ass!)
(Annnnd I ran out of Data right as I was ready to post, days ago... My bad on that, finally reset though. Bloody apparently, installing something is the same as downloading it. [No it isn't. Regardless, I 'installed' NV on my Xbone and later realized that counted as 10 gigs used. Fun fun.])

Reveling in the praise for a moment, you find yourself walking towards the Chantry above, almost as if pulled in the direction. Oddly enough, for not having any Chantry support, there were a good number of Andrastian Mothers gathered around and within the building. As you pass, many take quick bows and utter short prayers in your name.

Proceeding into the makeshift Chantry, you find yourself in a long, decorative hall with a set of smaller oak doors facing you from the opposite end. Approaching, you notice sounds of angry shouting emanating from the other side, the voices all too recognizable.

"This is absolute madness! He should be taken to Val Royeaux to face the next elected Divine's judgement." Chancellor Roderick yelled.

"I do not believe he is guilty." You hear Cassandra say. "He stabilized the Breach."

"Tried and failed! The hole remains in our sky."

"It is no longer spitting demons and comets at us like a burst dam, and has not done so for three days. He helped us."

"For all you know, he planned this! It is not your place to say if he is innocent, you are to follow Chantry hierarchy."

"Our place is to follow the ideals on which the Chantry was formed, Chancellor, as is your's." You hear Liliana add in.

[llama]

(lmao, i hope so. this guy needs to get put down a few notches.
that sucks, man. it's all good tho)

"Gentlemen.. ladies," I say the first sternly, and then the second with a slight bow and another wink in the direction of all in the room, "I possess no evil plot to overthrow all of you. How could a street rat," This was a sting to my pride, but it felt appropriate to bring it up at this moment, "one never formally educated, come up with this master of a plot? And then, if I were to, why would I stop it? And if I were to not be the one doing it and rather some other worldly influence, why would they pick someone of my oh so lowly stature?" I said this with a tinge of irony in my voice, everyone damned well knowing that is now not the case.

[Benzo]

Wrinkling his nose at you as you entered with your speech, the Chancellor points an accusing finger at you, turning his attention to the pair of Templars standing beside the doorway. "Chain and prepare him for transportation to Val Royeaux."

"Ignore that, and leave us." Cassandra ordered, bringing a salute from the pair before the left through the doorway.

"You walk a dangerous line, Seeker." Roderick said venomously.

"The Breach is still a threat, even stabilized, and I will not ignore it while those who caused it remain unknown."

"The cause is standing right before you!" he protested loudly while motioning towards you.

Shaking her head, Liliana looked over at you for a moment before responding. "After events at the Temple, Chancellor, he is the only one with proof of evidence; We all saw what happened. As it stands, those who caused the Breach may very well of died in the explosion," She explains, slowly turning her expression into a snarl as she addressed Roderick. "And perhaps they have allies that yet live."

"I am a suspect?"

"You, and many others."

"And not the prisoner? Surviving the blast, that mark on his hand... All just coincidence?"

"No, not coincidence." Cassandra answered, looking at you with a nod of approval. "Providence. The Maker sent him here in our darkest hour, the blessing of Andraste clear on his hand."

[llama]

I veer back a tad at his aquisatory demand and general attitude, raising my eyebrows and giving him a half smile. "It seems awfully strange that you harbor these doubts about me then you've brought me to a perfect place to wipe out important people. Hell, bringing me to the capital would be even more useful; the remnants of nobility would be right at my all powerful and destructive fingertips!" I say this all with a mocking and sarcastic tone but certainly the message would get across; if I was this demon, why wouldn't I strike now?

As for the reassurance by Cassandra I grin in her direction, and then play onto her last claim, "Moving me does seem like an awful thing to do. Would put us at terrible risk.. only a traitor would suggest it." I was going to try and milk the luxury of this place for all it's got.

[Benzo]

"You sniveling little mutt..." the Grand Chancellor growled at you.

As he seemed to struggle with a response, Cassandra strode across the room to grab a large, leather-bound tome which she then slammed heavily onto the center table. Lacking any apparent title, the cover was emblazoned with a strange golden crest. Oddly enough, it looked like a combined image of the Maker's Eye, used by the Andrastian Chantry, and the Flaming Sword of their Templar Order.

"You know what this is, Chancellor. It is a final writ of action by the Divine, giving us the right to act." she declared, turning her finger onto him accusingly.

"As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn! We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order with or without your approval!" She barked, slowly pushing him towards the door, which he soon rushed out of with a scowl.

"This is the Divine's directive: Relive the Inquisition of old. Seek out the agents of chaos, and bring sanity to a time of madness." Liliana quoted as she looked at the large book. "We have no leader, no army, and now, no Chantry support. We are not ready."

"But we have no choice." Cassandra replied with a sigh. "We must act now, with you at our side." She then added, turning to face you.

[llama]

I laugh a bit at the chancellor, grinning yet again at his insult. I'm untouchable!
I then look inquisitively to the talk of the declaration by Cassandra, looking back and forth to the two of them. I look to Cassandra with her looking for my support and it seemed to be the only way not to leave this place in chains. "Yeah, we should do that. Stop this.. uh.. badness."

(sorry for shitty reply)

[Benzo]

With a polite nod, Nightingale Liliana slung her arms behind her back and strode slowly for the door. "I have contacts with some of the most brilliant minds in Thedas," she announced, pausing in the doorway. "Within a week, we will have our Inquisition. For now, I ready the ravens."

Following her, Cassandra looked back at you and beckoned as she held the door. "I guess that means I have a week to train some instructors... You're likely still weak from stabilizing the Breach; Take the time to relax, become familiarised with the faces around Haven; I believe your role in this movement's birth will be instrumental."

(From this point on, any time you are in Haven, you can explore the small refuge town and delve into much deeper conversation with key characters of the Inquisition. This includes combat companions, who won't be lingering at your side while in town, and other noncombatants, such as Liliana. Doing this is where most of your Codex entries and understanding of the world will come from.)

(Also, not everyone is there yet, as mentioned. You can begin walking around the town, and time skip a week whenever you'd like.)



[New CODEX entry! Groups: The First Inquisition]

[llama]

I nod with a smile and look around at the faces in the hall; do any of them seem to be dying to meet me, preferably someone who would actually want to talk to me. Maybe someone pretty? That'd be nice.

[Benzo]

(Haha, suppose I worded that poorly, since it also can include nonmembers of the Inquisition. If you would like a full list of every 'VIP' currently in Haven and where they tend to hang out;
Master Harrit, Blacksmith outside main gate.
Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, Training yard outside main gate.
Varric Tethras, center of town near the tavern, ofc.
Adan, Herbalist, far side of town.
Solas, generally near the Herbalist's
Nightingale Liliana, makeshift camp near the main hall/Chantry.
Quartermaster Threnn, right next to Liliana, but I personally find it asanine that the Herald has to be the one upgrading the military... That said, I'm gonna adjust how the whole requisition system works. Should you do them, I'll make sure it actually makes sense and makes a visual or otherwise notable difference.)

(The Inquisition will grow, of course, but what kind of people end up joining you depends upon your actions after this next week. I can keep updating the list if you'd like, or otherwise just let you find them as you wander about.)



Seeming as though everyone in the makeshift Chantry was wrapped in their own business, you continue to the main doorway and are once again greeted by the blast of crisp mountain air filling your lungs. Scanning the small town from the vantage the Chantry's hilltop view offered, you could see that the rest of Haven reflected the Hall's interior, people rushing about left and right.

Through all the clamor, you could hear the ringing of steel on steel as survivors of the assault and new volunteers trained outside.

[llama]

(you don't have to keep updating it )

I look to the soldiers practicing and give a shrug that somehow manages to give off the attitude of malevolence. These soldiers can train to fight; I need to go get a drink.
I head out of the training area towards the inner reaches of the town where I can surely find a place selling something to drink.

[Benzo]

(Sorry, been busy with the birthday and SS writing... Turning out to be longer than I thought, /gulp)

Venturing further into Haven's main interior complex, you need but follow your nose to the smells of stewing halla (deer, basically.) and nug (fatass rabbits) meat to what appeared to be a tavern. Circling around the street to the front entrance, you spot Varric entering the facility, apparently named "The Herald's Rest" judging by the lacquered sign above the doorway. Spotting you as he stood on the front porch-like area, the ginger-haired dwarf hailed you over with a wave.

"Yer awake! Come, have a drink; On me."


(Also, if you ever want or need a photo and/or Codex entry for anything specifically, feel free to request as such.)

[llama]

I close my eyes as I'm walking to breath in and appreciate the aroma of cooking food; it has been awhile since I've had something to eat or a good drink, and after all this was the reason I headed down in this direction.
With a smile I nod and head on over to Varric, ready to be treated to a beer.