The Dalish Curse: A Dragon Age Adventure

[Hawke]

Jason​

Eyes narrowing on the body Jason pushed the door open further slipping inside the room once he was certain the crack was wide enough for his frame. Scanning the room for anything dangerous Jason picked up the knitting needles just in case, he wasn't interested in fighting a, possibly blighted, woman with knitting needles; before making his way to the chest at the far side of the room. The half a second he considered it trapped was easily done in by logic, it was technically just a chest of quilts. Jason eased the chest open throwing the quilts out before lifting the false bottom with a smug grin.

"Elves and our ears"

Taking the papers, letters more like, from the chest to read at a later time Jason turned finally putting his focus into searching the rest of the room.

 

[spacepanda]

Night Falls ​

About an hour had passed; the group, finally completing their search of the farmhouse, made their way back outside. Kata had managed to find some food- a couple of fruits and a fresh loaf of bread from the pantry. Upstairs, Jason had privately stolen a large bundle of letters which he, unbeknownst to the others, had traveled to the farm in the first place to collect. The elf had also managed to procure a quill and a vat of ink, and tracing over the chalk he had marked on his map earlier was able to make a rendering of the strange elvish script in blood the group had found when they first entered the home. Sithig, upon exiting the home, had tracked the footmarks of the assailants and noted that after they left the farmhouse they circled the barn and then returned back into the forest.

Outside night had settled, and save for some lights in the forest, all was dark. The rain had ceased its downpour and for the most part, the farm was still. Crows were once more pecking at the bodies of the victims, and the lone pig seemed to make a snack of some of the fallen as well. No other scavengers could be seen from where the trio stood outside the farmhouse entrance, but there was no telling how long that would last...

WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?​ Your party has three suggested choices. Do you...​ Continue to search Fuldor Farm? Cease the search and continue onwards to Vintiver? Or split the Party - Some will go to Vintiver, some will stay?

 

[spacepanda]

The Barn ​

After some discussion, it was agreed among the trio (although with some reluctance on Sithig's part) that the barn should be investigated as well, and the trio made their way over.

The barn door was already halfway opened when the group arrived, tracks on the ground indicating that the assailants, whoever they were, had stopped at the door and peered in. Inside, a couple of chickens free of their coop pecked about. Five, full grown, cows stood, still awake and now curious about the newcomers. Piles and bales of hay lay stacked on the wooden floorboard, and above, a loft for more storage holding more hay bales and some unused tools. More tools lay against the side of the door, and for the most part the animals seemed unaware of the carnage outside their home.

ROLL FOR PERCEPTION /r 3d6+PER+Focus #**SEEING/HEARING**

 

[Jaye]

Kata walks inside the barn, looking around and up to the rafters. Noticing the knocked ladder to the loft, ve looks for a stray farm tool and throws it up into the loft, hoping to catching any one or thing up their by surprise and make them give themselves away.

 

[Hawke]

Jason​

Jason took a careful step inside, watching Kata throw up the farm tool Jason set up the latter; holding his hand up for them to wait as he climbed up to the loft. Crouching, Jason pulled out his bow, more for his nerves than thinking he was in danger, but something was definitely wrong. A Soft moan made him freeze eyes focusing on the bay pile as it moved.

"Kata, Sithig" Jason hisses trying not to be too loud but hoping to catch their attention "Get ready"

He pushed the top of the pile over...

 

[spacepanda]

Injured Elf

Unconscious - 0/34 HP

Her hiding place revealed, the elf underneath let a feeble squeak of surprise. The woman was injured greatly; long, inflamed, slashes on her side and back spoke of a battle that she had barely survived from. Her clothes and armor were torn and covered in a mixture of blood and dirt. Stuck to her hair and matting some of her wounds were bits of hay and straw. Not bothering to look behind her she attempted a slow crawl away, her breathing heavy.

Sensing her inability to get away she clawed at her thigh, producing a small dagger as if still ready to defend herself if need be. With a shuddering breath, she finally turned around to witness her assailant and her eyes widened in surprise. Her hands shaking, she dropped her dagger. "Run..." she spoke softly, with great strain. "Ma... melana nadas sahlin..."

Having used the last of her energy she collapsed.

 

[Hawke]

Jason​

"Hey, hey" Jason breathed immediately relaxing his bow; floundering at what to do as she attempted to escape, his entire body frozen from the sight of her.

“I am not going to…” she wasn’t listening to him.

Jason fell to his knees by her side as she dropped her dagger frustrated with not knowing what she said. Carefully rolling her back on to her front to look at her wounds, hoping his shock had deceived him from the damage, it hadn't.

“I hope” His hands shook as he pulled out the healer’s kit “you can explain later”

Only his hands continued to shake, suddenly he couldn’t wrap his head around how to do this. He was worried the hay could infect her wounds or whatever got her. Worried that he wouldn’t be able to help her.

“Useless come on, come on,” Jason berated himself trying once again to make his hands stop shaking, to actually do something and help.

Do you see what you did Jason?

Jason sucked in a breath, Stop.

If you had done what I said, she would have been left alone.

Jason squeezed his eyes shut trying to focus and forget, focus and forget. He hadn’t realized that even years after he couldn’t handle the sight of lacerations; no matter how different. He would have to get over that, sooner rather than later, today wasn’t it.

“Kata!” Jason called out carefully collecting her into his arms and himself into something functional he turned his eyes to the edge of the loft.

“I need you to take her, so we can find a real healer”

 

[Jaye]

Kata watches the loft as Jason climbs, hearing the not quite a scuffle but... Something moves up there. Just a moment later, the elf calls for vir. Kata came closer, heading partway up the ladder to help move the injured woman down to ground level. With her at ground level, ve inspects the elf virself. Herbalism is not vir strong suit, though, and vir fingertips twitch to simple seal the troubles shut.

There's a level of fear in Kata's eyes as ve looks up between the other two. Vir eyes settle on Jason - because he seems most invested, because he's an elf too, something - as ve asks:

"Will they make it that far?"

Perhaps Sithig can carry her as they continue to the town. Perhaps ve will help her and run once more. But she has answers about this place and Kata craves answers.

At Jason's negative answer to vir query Kata reaches for the healing kit in his hands, gently taking it and kneeling by the unconscious elf. Ve tries to not be too distracted by the paint on her face - some kind of elvish vitaar, it looks like, though much thinner and more graceful than Kata's own. Ve concentrates on searching for wounds and going through the steps that they'd been shown: care for the head for without the head the body is just a cage, care for the neck for the spine is our control, and on and on.

It takes a bit of time, but Kata presses herbs into wounds and wraps them tight and eventually...

"She'll make it." ve says with a disapproving scowl at odds to vir success. If people would just let vem heal properly...

 

[Hawke]

Jason​

Jason wonders just how ashen he looks looking at Kata full of fear and voices in his head. How has this situation never happened before? This was why he took people down, instead of saving them.

“No," Jason breathed trying not to make his anxiousness so obvious “I do not think they will make it, not with how she is now but I…”

Jason didn’t finish the sentence, not sure what he was willing to say, shaking the healer’s kit instead. “Could you,” do what I couldn’t?

But he wasn't sure if that was even true or something he remembered being fatal. They could consider these wounds so much worse and just like before he couldn't help. Watching someone close to him waste away; if he could just help them, three steps away. Not flinching was a near thing as Kata took the kit from him looking carefully over the Dalish survivor. Watching Kata work was calming in a way, a reminder of all the work that he has had to do on himself. This wasn't the same scenario and his circumstances were well beyond what they were before, now he had a chance.

“Good work” he spoke finally calmed enough to think forward.

"Sithig if you could carry her we can get somewhere safe, I know you wanted to follow the footprints, but this is more important," Jason scanned the outside of the barn before opening the doors; "Assuming the caravan has left, we need to as well, news of what happened will spread and we do not want to be caught here; it will be a late night but the best plan"

 

[spacepanda]

Lanterns
​

Under the care of Kata, the elf's muscles relaxed in her unconscious state. Although she had not yet awoken, her body seemed to cool slightly, whereas before it had been burning; she likely was still feeling quite feverish, however. After a short grumble, Sithig took the elf into his arms and the trio exited the barn, once more passing the carnage strewn across the farmlands.

Upon leaving Fuldor Farm, the group noted the way towards Vintiver had been lit with lanterns attached to the long-limbed trees lining the pathway. This was good for several reasons, one of which being that the party had spent a couple of hours at the farm, and although it had stopped raining, it was quite dark now. Along they walked for an hour in the woods with no interruption when ahead, about fifty feet ahead of them, a small fire could be seen.

"Halt!" Came a deep voice, echoing. "Come no further!"

Although dark, the source of the light could be determined to come from a torch held by the owner of the voice, and it was now coming closer.

DISCUSS AS A PARTY - WHAT DO YOU DO?​ Suggested Actions:​ ​ Obey the command and do not move. Yell back, attempting communication before the figure comes too close. Press forward Attack!

 

[Jaye]

Kata stops but huddles near the group, unsheathing her morningstar. Ve falls back as if into formation, clearly experienced with being questioned in dark, hostile roads.

To the others ve whispers; "Flank them? Or..?"

Ve looks to the other two for guidance.

 

[Hawke]

Jason​

Jason froze shaking his head at Kata and gesturing at Sithig in an action he hoped they would understand to stop moving as well "We do not mean to cause alarm, just making our way through."

"Hide her face" Jason breathed quietly "Use her hair, anything not obvious."

This is such a bad idea. "There is darkspawn in these parts; they have already hurt one of our members, perhaps we can agree that we are not a threat to one another," Jason spoke loudly hoping the pause didn't take too long.

There was a chance that Jason should not talk to people that could not be seen, but he was gambling. A very serious gamble but if they were planning to attack hopefully, they would have done so a bit more quietly, or immediately. Also, there was actually darkspawn somewhere around here and the last thing they needed was for them to come due to their yelling or, worst case, a fight.

 

[Jaye]

Kata gives an openly confused look, but steps in front of Sithig to brush hair over the elf's face.

"Why?" They quietly ask the group, but not exactly looking like be expects an answer.

Ve holds vir weapon at the ready, still, but whispers; "He looks like little threat. He may even add to our protection."

 

[spacepanda]

Armored Man
​

"What?" The voice called back, incredulously, "Did you say 'Darkspawn?'"

The person grew ever closer, their torchlight forming a bright halo around their body. They could now clearly be seen to be a young human man, likely in his early twenties. Although he wore heavy armor, his weapons remained stealthed. He held his torch in his left hand, and in his right a piece of parchment. He was only about thirty-five feet away when he stopped.

"I was going to let you know that the town of Vintiver is under duress and we are currently unable to host any guests, but..." He sighed heavily, concern clear in his deep voice. "I can hardly leave you out here in the woods to fend for yourselves in good conscience."

Drawing closer the man squinted his eyes, staring at the parchment in his hand. "You lot seem to fit the description of three we're expecting in town. Tell me, would you happen to be Sidwig, Kate, and... Jasmin?" He looked up again having read the names, a look of confusion on his face.

 

[Jaye]

Kata relaxes somewhat at the man's words, realising that they've come to their destination and aren't being set upon by bandits or marauders. Vir face turns into a deep frown at the mispronunciation, though. In a harsh, sharp tone in a timbre clasic to the towering Qunari, ve snaps:

"Sithig. Kata. Ja-" ve falters only here, the unconcious elf woman in the corner of vir vision, "Jasmin. Jason." vir last two words in a marginally softer tone.

Kata looks down on the man. Ve has little patience for muddled information. No Qun would stand for it and any Tal-Vashoth could die from it. Kata couldn't let it pass now.

 

[spacepanda]

"Ah, forgive me. My uncle's handwriting is quite deplorable." The man crumbles the parchment and finds himself directly in front of the group now. "But I was told to expect three people, not four, and I recognize none of you from Fuldor Farm. Care to explain yourselves?"

Sithig moves forward then, for whatever reason- perhaps wishing to quell the man's suspicions- but a root in front of his right foot causes him to fall over dramatically, spraining his ankle as he tumbles to the ground. The young Dalish woman he is carrying also falls to the ground and groans lightly; her face, once covered by her hair, is now clearly visible. The man, startled by this action tosses the crumbled parchment in his hand and instead rests it on the hilt of his weapon, a large greatsword.

"Don't. Move."

 

[Hawke]

Jason​

Jason shoots Kata a grimacing look, they had been thinking the same thing, but Jason had no idea how he would play off his presence without being himself. Each idea that had run through his head only seemed like a death sentence; once this man knew what happened to the farm, that is. This didn’t excuse his lack of forethought as Sithig moved. Knowing anything about Sithig, and Kata’s own reaction; the mispronunciation of their names really should have driven Jason to act. Instead, he’s frozen, half a step towards their unconscious companion and the words asking if Sithig was alright, caught in his throat.

“We were attacked by Darkspawn” Jason says as if exasperated that he has to explain, even though it was more at life in general. “The only harm we hold is seemingly to ourselves” life was a nightmare. Jason relaxed his posture lifting his hands in an almost surrendering position, “I would appreciate if you would allow Kata to check on the others? I will stay put if that makes you feel any better.”

 

[Jaye]

Kata's hand seems to mimic the man's, coming to rest on top of vir stowed morningstar, brow lowered as the threat is reasserted. Ve starts to move towards Sithig and the fallen woman, but aborts the movement before ve can move at Jason's words. Reasonable, Kata supposes, and asking for permission makes it less likely that the man will literally stab someone in the back.

 

[spacepanda]

The man's eyes flickers towards Jason, who moves ever slightly, and then Kata who also moves and rests a hand back on vir morningstar. The human reacts instantly, dropping his torch and drawing his weapon. "No. I said don't move. Your friends can wait."

He sighs heavily as though annoyed by the situation he has found himself in and mumbles softly to himself before speaking. "Look, this wasn't meant to be a bloody interrogation. I'm looking for three people that were on my uncle's caravan. Your identities will be easy enough to verify once we make it to town, but talk of Darkspawn and whoever that is just complicates things."

It is then the man's eyes finally fully rests on the elven woman on the ground. His eyes widen, his weapon lowering slightly out of surprise. "That's... a Dalish elf," and then a light gasp, "I know this one..." His gaze snaps back towards Jason, who seems to be doing most of the talking. "Where did you find her? Was she at the farm?"

 

[Jaye]

With him looking at Jason, Kata perhaps surprises the man.

"What human claims friend to a Dale elf?" Ve asks, the tone suspicious if not a tad dark.

Kata may be tal-vashoth now, but ve was qun'ari once and there are lots of elf qun'ari. Some 'rehabilitated' from clans, some 'rehabilitated' from Tevinter. Even the ones who hate the Qun hate humans more. Kata had seen maybe one scout from one clan before (neither Fereldan) but even that gave the impression that these painted elves only gave the Hisserari time because they were tal-vashoth.

They won't die for the painted elf, but they won't let a human walk over either of them.

 

[spacepanda]

At the sound of Kata's voice the young man's focus of attention changes yet again. "The same could be said of you. You lot aren't from around here. I've not ever once seen any of you."

The man stands his guard now, prepared for any attack that may come. "You don't want to follow me on to Vintiver or give any answers, fine. Turn back around and leave then, but Eshara stays with me."

 

[Hawke]

Jason​

“Hey, hey," Jason breaths trying to calm this entire situation “I am answering your questions, Eshara, right? She was attacked by darkspawn just like we were. If you want to check, we have used a healer’s kit to keep her stable, we are going to Vintiver to get help.”

Slowly Jason moved his hand to point to the tips of his ears “If you could not tell I have a vested interest in helping Elves, no matter where they are from. If you wish to walk us into town, that would be great but I cannot, in good conscience, leave her behind until I know she is alright”

They are not in any shape to take on a heavily armored man; not with trying to take care of both Eshara and Sithig. Not to mention after the darkspawn attack Jason wasn’t too keen to do anything but he really couldn’t just hand her over, not without her consent, which would prove difficult.

"We are just trying to save a life and get some sleep"

 

[GumGumChomp]

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[div class="characterImage"] [div class="characterName humanName"] SITHIG [/div] [div class="characterTitle humanTitle"] AVVAR MERCENARY [/div] [div class="tagsContainer" style="display: none;"]

Health: 25/34

[/div] [div class="tagsContainer" style="display: none;"] Status: Sprained Ankle [/div] [/div]​

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He grunted at the suggestion of searching other rooms, deciding to track the people instead. "You can do what you want." he muttered, far too focused to pay any mind to politeness. After a quick look around, he decided that looking inside was pointless, so he headed outside. He closely scanned the ground, trying to find any footprints. Soon enough, he found them. The tracks originated from the forest, went into the farm, into the house, circled around into the barn, and then left the farm back into the forest, then... they stop. Nothing. Well, it's something to go off, at least.

"What do you mean go into the barn? There are tracks! We can just find them!" he protested, gesturing over to the section of forest where the tracks disappear. After a quick conversation, he begrudgingly agreed. "Fine, but we're going to follow the tracks after." he said, following the nonhuman duo from behind, somewhat paranoid about an attack while their attention was elseward. People that would attack those that are defenseless would do something honorless like a sneak attack.

When they entered the barn, Sithig noticed movement in the loft. A rat, maybe? Possibly a dog? No, how could a dog have gotten up there? With a fallen ladder, no less? Well, they're about to find out, given that Jason was setting up the ladder. He rested his hand on the bastard sword he kept rested on his hip, prepared to slash a blighted or feral beast. Instead, they were greeted by the squeak of a small, bloodied woman and a knife pointed at them. Lovely.

He was about to produce the finishing blow for her threat at them when she attempted to warn them. Run? Run from what? Why should they? After the other two talked about a healer and going to town, a groan came out of Sithig. Goddammit. Looks like his request to track the assailants wasn't going to be followed. As Kata dressed up the wounds and pressed leaves against them, Sithig leaned against the wall. When ve finally finished, the hulking man lifting her onto his shoulder, climbing down the ladder with one arm.

Oh great. What now? Were they really getting stopped by bandits? This was not what he wanted to deal with. Albeit light, carrying an elf for an extended period of time takes a toll on a man. And why was the Qun messing with her hair? And why did he say their names wrong? Trying to clear all this up, he stepped forward. "I am Sithig ar Et-" Ow. Ow. Ow. As it turns out, there was a root blocking his path, one he very much so did not expect. It hurts. It hurts a lot. Not to mention he dropped the elf, possibly onto a rock if his luck continues its trend.

He stayed on the ground, although he did move his foot. "I am in fact, not from around here. I hail from the Snowhold clan. In the Frostbacks." he said, in answer to his statement about not seeing them before. "And yeah, what he said." Sithig pointed to Jason as he slowly tried to stand. No luck. In fact, he landed his solar plexus on the root, knocking the wind out of him for a few seconds. Ow. He was not going to try that again, not without assistance.
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[spacepanda]

"The people of Vintiver won't help her," the man answered with a sigh, "I don't know if she's going to be alright; all I can do is try." Stowing away his weapon he picked up his torch from where he had dropped it, satisfied that it had not set anything aflame.

"You want a place to rest? That is literally what I have been sent here to offer you, but if anyone hears about her, they'll want her torn apart." With his free hand, he pointed to Kata, "You, help you friend walk," he then motioned to Sithig. "And you," he spoke to Jason, offering his torch, "Take this. You will lead us to Vintiver. Follow the lanterns. When we reach town head straight to the Arbor Inn, they're expecting you. As for me, I will take Eshara to the jailhouse. Like it or not, it's the safest place for her right now."

 

[Jaye]

Kata leans down to Sithig, helping get him up. To Jason, ve tries to placate: "She'll make it there." And silently promises to make sure she gets more healing later, legal or not. Ve's relatively sure that Jason will want to speak to her again later anyway.

With Sithig at vir side, Kata nods forward to Jason, indicating that he should lead them on to Arbor Inn.