Adventurers of the Inquisition: A Dragon Age RP (started)

[DarkRawen]

"At least you've met you mother."

Ash winced as she said that, had he said something wrong?


"Well most of my stories involve fightin', fuckin' or drinkin'...sometimes all three; anyways you're not that much of a 'Momma's boy'. I mean you held your own pretty good against that drake, and that thing you did in the village...I've met plenty of people that would've bitched out in that instance. If nothing else, the Inquisition seems to have good grub...anyways...like I said before, at least you've met one of your parents, that puts you one up on most Qunari."

He rubbed his neck, not sure if she was trying to tell him to knock it off with mentioning his mother, or if she just meant it like that.

I think this means that her father isn't a Tal-Vashoth.

Or even a Qunari. Probably best not to pry, then. Ash nodded, swallowing the mouthful of food before talking, as he had started eating the second it was brought out. He only took sips of the drink, though.

"Yeah, I didn't mean to sound like I was complaining or bragging or anything. And thanks, I try not to be a coward, like, really hard," he joked, enjoying the food inbetween sentences. Mostly that, at least. Everything was warm, and nice, and there was a buzzing from the people around them that tinged with excitement and anticipation, likely because of the Breach.


"Also, I wouldn't mind your stories, I like fucking and drinking, and the occasional fight. Me and my friend, Sol, we---"

For the briefest moment, there was a pained expression on his face. Then he smiled, it wasn't necessary to force himself to either, he was still in somewhat high spirits. He wasn't about to get upset either, it had just stung for a short moment, like a prick or a tiny shock of electricity. Still, Sol was the only person he hoped he hadn't met twice, even if the time they had spent together eight years ago was the happiest he'd ever been.

Noticing that he had gone quiet at a bad spot, he continued, speaking as if he had gotten lost in memories. Good memories, only that, no reason to make Kari think he was being moody.

"Let's just say we used to have a lot of fun including all three. As I said, I like that kinda stuff, so I'd love to hear your stories. Unless, of course, you're in a bad mood still and would rather I stopped talking... then that's fine too."

Ash stuffed his mouth with more food -he would have to ask for a refill soon- and examined the inn a bit more, curious to see what kind of people he would be working with from now on. His eyes went from person to person, looking at the inn and the people inside like a child might look at magic before they were taught that it was dangerous.

 

[Athol]

?Eh, not really in a bad mood; more annoyed than anything.? Kari said eventually. ?One does expect to get paid after a job like that?? Petering off again, she tucked into her meal before letting out a satisfied sigh as she slumped in her seat. ?Nothing like freezing your ass off and eating trail food to make you appreciate the little things.?

She sat in silence, taking in the sounds of the inn before grinning at Ash. ?So you want to hear a story? Alright the. It was a year or so before the Blight hit, and I?d signed on with a company based out of Starkhaven. It was a not bad gig, but kinda low paying; mostly guarding merchie caravans going between the city and some of the little farming towns. Easy but dull?anyways, we were back in the city blowing off some steam between jobs, drinking plenty and generally spending our coin like an Orlesian chasing the latest fashion. We?re all sitting around at our usual dive, telling bullshit stories and getting drunk when some shit-face Rivaini asshole starts trying to start shit with me. I?d gotten up to order another round for the crew and this ass deliberately bumps me, then blames me for his spilled beer.?

?Anyways, we start yelling at each other, and his friends and the Company all start to gather around, and they start yelling. Pretty soon, those not involved are clearing out and the innkeeper is trying calm things down when a voice come thundering down from the upper level. ?WHOSE DICK DO I HAVE TO SUCK TO GET SOME BLOODY PEACE AND QUIET AROUND HERE?? It boomed. We all fell silent and looked towards the railing, and there was the Company?s Captain, Doras, the shortest elf I?d ever met, stark naked. He?d taken a woman up top a while ago, and we?d kinda forgotten he was there. As he?s standing there glaring at all of us, the woman he?d been with appears, trying to drag him back into the room?and here?s the kicker. She was the Rivaini asshole?s sister. The asshole yelled something about slitting Doras? throat, Doras pegged him with a thrown bottle from where he was still standing, and the inn exploded. The next thing I clearly remember, the Company, were sprinting away from the inn laughing our asses off. According to a few of the guys, at one point I grabbed a Dwarf from the Rivaini?s crew, by the ankles and was using the poor bastard as a bludgeon.?

 

[IFS]

"Any chance you want another pair of hands? At least for a bit?"

The smith grunted and motioned with his head for her to join the others at the forge, he didn't say much but seemed perfectly willing to hand Nola work; and there was plenty of work to be had. The Inquisition might still be a young organization but it was already fielding a veritable army of soldiers and spies, and needed proper armor and blades for every man. There were even enough bits of armor sized for dwarves that for a moment Nola could feel as if she had drifted back to her smithy in Orzammar, crafting blades for some Deshyr.

"Names of your Templars and best tailor?"

"Eh? What d'you care about what Templars we have?" one of the soldiers answered, seeming confused and suspicious "I couldn't tell you that anyways. If you want tailoring done you could try the quartermaster. She's up on the hill outside the chantry most days, whinging about how we need another logging stand."

Shrugging the soldier turned back away from Jarrett and continued sparring, though even among the sparring soldiers their attention seemed distracted by the Breach. The group was in haven for some time and through it all the Breach seemed to be wavering. It was hard to say how long they had been in the camp when at last, with a brilliant flash of light the hole in the sky was closed. Cheers erupted throughout the camp, some even began to cry tears of joy, the Inquisition had done it, the Herald had done it. Surely now the world would see what good the Inquisition meant to do. Festivities quickly sprang up, people began dancing and singing, drinking and playing music, reveling and laughing in their triumph. While this was a welcome distraction it did mean further delays for the group's paycheck, but at least they had entertainment now while they waited.

The joy was not to last however, night had scarcely settled over the town of Haven when bells tolled out in alarm. A force was approaching, an army of men clad in steel and covered in jagged crystals that bathed the mountainside in a dark red glow. Only a strangely attired messenger arrived with a warning, calling them the 'Red Templars', and at the armies head appeared a monstrous figure, a twisted mockery of man. Few could hear the messengers words though, the only thing that was widely known were the orders Commander Cullen shouted as the army drew nearer.

"Soldiers gather the villagers, fortify and watch for advance forces," Cullen shouted, sword drawn "Inquisition, with the Herald! For your lives! For all of us!"

In moments the front of the horde would hit the walls, which were far from adequate to withstand a continued assault, but some men including the Herald took to the front standing to meet the oncoming tide. The choice was with the various members of the group what to do, there was panic in haven and fortifications to be shored up, but there was also the advancing army to be fought. Already dozens of red templar soldiers began making their way to the walls, clashing swords with the defenders, already some of those defenders were being driven back towards the walls, fighting desperately against a relentless foe. Inside the walls was better, but people were still stumbling and tripping over each other trying to flee into the chantry, some even too terrified by the sudden attack to move, instead cowering where they stood.

 

[DarkRawen]

Ash had spent most of his time after that eating and resting, not falling asleep, but curling up on his chair and allowing himself some rest. Nothing to think about, or worry about, or anything like that, just staring into the fire, listening to Kari when she spoke, though his mood was a calm one. Waiting. He couldn't help but feel a bit anxious himself, even if the hole in the sky never had been his main concern -oddly enough- and even if he knew it wouldn't help him.

When the breach was closed, he could feel it, and a breath of relief quickly became something more, as he decided not to worry about the drinking for once, and allow himself to have some fun. It was a long time since he had done anything remotely close to partying, and he was still feeling rather good.

For once. I mean, this herald of theirs just saved the world, and that doesn't happen every day.

Hours later, he had some young guy in his lap, another mage, as he sat outside to look at the sky. Between discussing the looks and bodies of others in the area -both women and men- and making suggestive comments towards each other with the occasional peck on the cheek, they got along well. Ash could feel the alcohol getting to his head, but he wasn't feeling that bad, and his new friend was getting him drinks whenever his cup ran empty, and he didn't have the heart to refuse. Not when his friend -had they even introduced themselves?- looked at him with big brown eyes and a freckled smile that looked like it might vanish at the first hint of rejection.

He had emptied another cup, and the mage had already gotten up to get yet another, when they could hear the bells. He could see the lights arrive over the mountains, enemy troops, and quickly got up, ready to act. He watched as the doors were opened, and someone in an odd attire entered, though he couldn't hear the warning. A blonde, good-looking man with feathered, puffy shoulders then shouted.

"Soldiers gather the villagers, fortify and watch for advance forces. Inquisition, with the Herald! For your lives! For all of us!"

Right... I'm a part of the inquisition now, am I not?

The change of pace got Ash startled, though he quickly ran ahead, keeping his distance, but starting to shoot lightning-bolts at the attackers.

I think I've had far too much to drink, though.

He thought to himself, as he looked at the attackers. There was something sticking out of them, red spikes, almost. A kind of lyrium? It certainly didn't look like it, and he figured it was just the hallucinations getting affected by the drinks.

Because that's not what Templars are supposed to look like.

 

[Athol]

After parting company with Ash, Kari wandered Haven for a bit before getting dragged into a game of Wicked Grace with a few of the other mercenaries the Inquisition had hired. By the time the cheering started, and somebody burst into the inn shouting that The Herald had sealed the Breach, Kari was up a considerable amount; one more good hand and she?d own a full set of ?Bulls Chargers? armour, dwarf sized.

From there, it went from gambling to pass the time, to drinking to celebrate the victory. So long as they remember to sodding well pay me! One drink turned into two, two into four, and so on. By the time the parties started to die down, she was very drunk, even by her standards; now tired and wanting to crash out, she stumbled through the doors of the Chantry and collapsed into a darkened corner.

It felt like she?d barely fallen asleep on the floor, when the bells began to sound. ?By the Maker I am going to hang that bell ringer by his balls!? She snarled as the clamour woke her. There were people streaming through the doors of the Chantry, the sounds of terrified voices were enough for Kari, even in her state, to realize something was wrong. Pushing through the crowd, she shouldered outside to see a torch lit force spilling over the hills towards Haven. ?Fuck me?? Gripping her sword, that she hadn?t realized she?d even been carrying, she began to run towards the palisades.

"Soldiers gather the villagers, fortify and watch for advance forces," Cullen shouted, sword drawn "Inquisition, with the Herald! For your lives! For all of us!"

Her cry joined those of the Inquisition troop, and she charged with them, crashing head long into the attackers. Using the pain of her throbbing headaches to fuel her anger, Kari cut a swath of destruction though an early wave of troops; during a brief lull, she actually looked at who she was fighting, and was stunned to see Templar crests on the armour of those not twisted into horrendous monstrosities by the red crystals that seemed to jut from their flesh. ?By the Dread Wolf! What are these things??

 

[Protocol95]

Having spent most of his time getting scouting Haven and getting the tear he made in his clothes fixed, Jarrett was disappointed that he'd yet to reunite with his friend. One that would have to have to wait a little longer it seemed as bells as the voice of the Inquisition's commander signalled Jarrett that battle was fast approaching.

Catching up to Ash, Jarrett saw a look of what seemed to be surprise or confusion and it didn't take long to figure out why. The Templars attacking looked deformed at best, their corrupted bodies reminding Jarrett of abominations. Speaking at Ash, "They're as in need of death as abominations. They needn't suffer much longer." Unsheathing his daggers, Jarrett leapt past the other defenders, rushing into the thick of battle already knocking down a few of the attackers.

 

[StormShaun]

Quietly praying, Von could feel the people flow around him. The feeling in the air was not just one of occupation, but one of panic. Feeling the edge of tension in the air, the Templar opened his eyes and separated his hands. Once getting to his feet, he saw, people were flowing in like waves of ants. They were yelling, gasping, and sweating all over the place. Von even saw someone who had a gash, whose blood was flowing on the floors of the Chantry.

"Soldiers gather the villagers, fortify and watch for advance forces,"

Hearing the voice of his Commander, Von wanted to go, but looking at the villagers and chantry sisters working for survival. "I will." Von said, his commitment now aimed at the survivors. Walking outside the Chantry, Von pulled out his blade with grace, and raised his sword in the air, beckoning to whatever power now lingered in the sky. "Everyone, rally to me. Man, woman, and child, come here, embrace the safety that is here!"

Taking a breath, he could see some of the shaken villagers get up and run. Smirking, he raised his sword in a determined posture. "Friends, soldiers, fellow Templars, fight for the people, fight for yourself, and fight FOR VICTORY!" Von shouted, forcing his voice to bellow across the battlefield, so that even Cullen could hear him.

Gathering the rest by force and making them go to the Chantry, Von came down like a force of Heaven, as he rushed to the front-lines. Before arriving at the gates of Haven, he slew a Red Templar. His sword plunging into its body, allowing unnatural blood to flow out onto his blade. Looking down at the corpse, he knew it was a Templar, and what was worse, he knew the red that surrounded it. "Red Lyrium ... I've heard of the rumors, but this is ... " Von's voice cut off, as he had to suddenly counter another Red Templar.

With a quick flick, Von's empty hand had already equipped his dagger and gashed the throat of the enemy.
Coming to his friends, new comrades, and familiar superior. Von rushed into the battle, jumping off a rock and plunging both of his blades into a unlucky enemy. "FOR THE INQUISITION!" He yelled.

 

[sage42]

By the time Berund arrived at the smithy, he could see Nola had already taken it upon herself to begin working. "Makin' yerself right at home, I see," he said, setting his gear down on a nearby table. "How long has it been since ye last set foot near a forge? I'd guess far too long, given the way ye hurried off," he added with a chuckle.

Nola hummed as her hammer stuck the hot metal, a smile never leaving her face. She stood by the anvil in her under shirt, her armor in a neat pile by her pack just outside the forge by the fence. She lifted the red hot blade in her tongs, inspecting the blade before nodding and sliding the blade into the barrel beside her, hissing as it sunk. She reached out to the hot coals and took another long hunk of metal. She began to swing again, her arm moving in a steady rhythm, never wasting a swing. Her head cocked as she heard Berund speak, her gaze not leaving the anvil as she spoke. "Too long." She agreed quickly, her smile growing wider. The blade was already taking shape. She kept quiet as she finished the the hot blade, pounding it into it's final shape before it too slid into the barrel of liquid next to her. She grabbed a rag, waved over a replacement before she left.

She wiped her brow of sweat, her face red from the heat. "Yeah far too long, haven't had a real one since Orzammar, haven't had one period since before the Rebellion. It feels good to be back, even if it's not mine." She said leaning back against the table with her elbows up.

"Well, I was thinkin' I could pester a friend about makin' a few repairs," Berund started, swiftly rapping his knuckles against rather noticeable dent in the breastplate of his armor. "After all, who else would know a dwarf's steel better than one of Orzammar's very own smiths?" He looked over his gear once more before shifting his gaze back to Nola. "Although with so much time away from a proper smithy, I'm havin' second thoughts," Berund added in jest with a sly grin.

Nola put on a face of mock hurt. "You wound me good sir!" She said before chuckling. "Trust me, my smithing is fine. It's in my blood. I may be a decent warrior, but working with a hammer? Whole nother level." She said with a wave of her hand. She leaned on the table, a smile on her face as she looked out over the mountain. "Ya know, despite it's flaws I still miss Orzammar. The heat, the solid roof, my own forge is probably the biggest thing I miss." She sighed. "Don't get me wrong, the surface ain't so bad. People who appreciate fine work, better drinks, far better views, current situation not withstanding." She jerked a thumb at where there used to be a glowing green tare. "But I don't think I'll ever stop missing our old hole in the ground." She said, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice.

Berund scratched at his bearded chin, wondering how he make an upturn of his companion's crestfallen comportment. "Perhaps ye'll take comfort in this fact," he began, giving Nola a friendly pat on the back, "when it comes to holes in the ground like ours, ye can be sure they'll stay right where they are for a good long while. Certainly long enough to take time for a visit. No one should keep from home for such a stretch." He smiled with this last statement, but behind it was a stinging pain. He'd spent a great deal of time from Orzammar himself. Possibly too much.

Nola shook her had. "Would that I could. Orzammar generally doesn't let exiles back in." She said sadly looking down at her hands. "Not a day goes by I don't regret that either. Guess I'll have to try and come to terms with that." She sighed looking up. She pushed away from the table. "But enough with my sad history. I need a drink. And Kari owes me." She said as she began to strap her armor on. She slung her pack over her shoulder. "C'mon, I'll buy yours." She said jerking her head. AS thy made their way towards the small inn, they heard the sounds of battle and the cries of civilians. "Ancestors tits, can't a girl get a drink in peace?" She called angrily as she pulled her ax from her belt and her shield off her back. "Let's go Berund, that drink will have to wait."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Let's go Berund, that drink will have to wait."

"So it shall," muttered the former Legionnaire. He began to strap into his plate armor and motioned for Nola to move on. "Go, I'll be right behind you." It seemed his repairs would have to wait. With any luck, there'd be opportunity when whatever it was that threatened Haven was dealt with. He was just about prepared, save for one buckle in particular that simply wasn't fastening. "Blasted...belt," Berund cursed.

A refitting wouldn't be remiss, thought the dwarf as he finally managed to secure the steel plating to his waist. Or a few helpings less...

Berund wasted no time after gearing up, dashing for the wall. There was chaos in Haven's streets, fear and screaming overtaking the atmosphere. Those that didn't flee only stood, completely petrified. "Move yer feet!" Berund shouted, hoping to at least shout enough sense into the townsfolk to take action. "Head for shelter, into the chantry if you value your lives!" His words were harsh, and his voice was stern, but they would have to take heed or risk harm through their inaction.

 

[IFS]

The group soon found each other on the battlefield, a familiar face was a welcome sight under such conditions after all, and their various efforts cut a swathe through the attacking troops, driving them away in places and staining the snow red with their blood. Other groups of soldiers also found themselves drawn to the group, seeking a rock in a sea of whirling blades and falling arrows. Still they came, looking out across the mountains there seemed to be no end to them. The pockets of Inquisition troops were badly outnumbered, and as ever more twisted monstrosities came crawling from the ranks of the Red Templars they found themselves steadily driven back. In places, such as around the group, some pockets held, but most were pressed back to the walls of Haven.

A fireball launched from a trebuchet arced through the air, striking the side of a mountain and bring down its cold weight on the enemies head. A cheer erupted as many of the hostile lights in the distance winked out, but the morale boost was short lived as what looked to all to be an Archdemon swooped from the sky and destroyed the offending siege engine. For those who had experienced the terror of the fifth Blight it sent a chill through their hearts, it was too soon for it to be another Blight wasn't it? They were centuries apart usually, but such thoughts had little time to develop on the battlefield and so the terror held.

As the corrupted dragon's fire scoured the towns defenses the call for retreat came out, every man was to fall back while a plan was formulated. But even as such a call went out a great behemoth emerged from the enemy ranks to confront the group, it was hard to tell that it had ever been a man, save for some lingering scraps of armor, so engulfed it was by the crystals that had overgrown it. It should not have been able to move and yet it did, striking the ground with one massive arm and producing a wall of crystal spikes behind the ground, cutting off them and several other soldiers from retreat while it lived.

 

[StormShaun]

The battlefield, it was an experience that Von had never felt. Full of blood, sparks, and heads from both sides. Horrifying, terrifying, these were feeling that were leaked into every individual. Yet even then, roars of determination, blood-lust, and hatred rang throughout the thick field of bodies. Even the bright hope was completely destroyed, as the large, flying creature rained even more death.

Von was concentrating, his bloods flew like the dragon, striking, tearing, and drawing buckets full of blood. By the time he had reunited with his comrades, a thin layer of blood had covered him. Examining his companions, he giggled to himself. Naturally, he was happy and more hopeful with his comrades.

"That isn't a challenge to go for ... I'm looking at you Kari!" Von bellowed his verbal jab, following with a literal jab to a red Templar's eye-socket. Forcing his blade sideways, the bloody blade took half the brain, revealing the rest that still resided in the now dead, former-human. Kicking the corpse away into the ever-growing pile, Von saw a lumbering giant approaching the group.

The lyrium covered beast looked more monster than human. "Much better ... At least we can save the dragon for later." Von said to the group, allowing a charming smirk to spread on his face. Giving his own roar, Von charged, cutting at a singular leg, barely avoiding the hammer-like arm of the beast.

 

[DarkRawen]

Ash kept fighting through the enemies, taking small breaks to get a lyrium potion, and casting drain life whenever he got hurt. Judging by what the others said, and their reaction, they really saw what he saw. Red crystals poking out of people, templars, then a dragon. Everything seemed off, like, blight off, and he wasn't the only one who noticed. There even was a big dragon that looked like an Archdemon. They were ordered to retreat, to plan for something else, but they were cut off by a giant being that no longer looked human.

"That isn't a challenge to go for ... I'm looking at you Kari!"

It was odd, hearing Von chuckle. He sounded a lot happier, was it the situation? Wasn't these other templars? Although, what could Ash say, he couldn't really feel scared at something as seemingly horrible at this. As a matter of fact, the mage was getting tired of casting lightning-bolts. Ash looked at the other soldiers with them.

I wonder if they would mind me using blood magic... I don't think this is a situation where anyone would care.

"Much better ... At least we can save the dragon for later."

"I'm just happy you all see what I see," Ash replied back, loudly, as he cut his arm and a blood mist gathered around him. Allowing some of it to resupply his mana, he then used blood boil on their enemies, hoping that the crystals didn't take up every single space in their insides, or that they lacked blood for whatever reason, because he was fairly sure they weren't demons.

"Blood, deformed people, and other things clearly out of the fade. Welcome to my world, and I hope you enjoy your stay."

 

[sage42]

Nola scowled as her ax sunk into the hip of one of the red Templars. He fell with a scream of pain that was cut off by her ax, once more rising and then coming back down to sheer through his helmet and embed in his skull. She didn't care much for Templars anymore, Von being the sole exception so far. Whatever these Templars were though, they weren't human. Nola grunted as she jerked her ax from the Templars head.

She was glad to have the group around her though. It certainly made the enemies disappear faster, especially if Kari got going and Ash busted out that magic of his.

She looked up at the roar, her hand wrapped tightly around her ax. Her eyes went wide and she almost dropped it at the sight of the Dragon. The pictures from the shaperate, her mothers stories, warnings from returning warriors. It all came flooding back. "Berund! Please tell me we didn't just see what I think we saw. Please tell me a sodding archdemon didn't jut fly over us." She asked a hint of panic creeping into her voice. This wasn't something they could fight and win. This wasn't something even the height of dwarven engineering could stop.

She turned to fall back, meaning to happily follow the call to retreat. If it weren't for the monstrosity blocking the way between them and the gate she would have. She fought the panic that tried to raise in her chest. They needed to work fast and get out of here. "Kari , Von, Ash! Same plan as the drake! Berund, Jerrett, flank this thing and bring it down! We need to get out of here!" She called as she turned back to face the Behemoth. Ancestors preserve me, We need the strength of the Stone and a miracle to get out of this. She thought as she brought her shield up again and closed in on the giant, her ax clashing against her shield."

 

[Athol]

Carving her way through the enemy, Kari was glad to see the others; she didn?t know them well, but any friendly faces were welcome in a time like this. Holding her ground against the on rushing hordes, her voice joined the cheer as whomever fired the trebuchet dropped the side of the mountain on the main host of the attacking army; and like many she faltered a bit when the dragon shattered the offending siege weapon. ?Fuck me running.? She said, every ounce of common sense telling her to run fast and run far, fortunately the retreat was being sounded.

When the latest horror cut off their retreat, she steadied herself and faced the massive thing; if there was to be no flight, she?d give them a hell of a fight. Already Von was charging the behemoth, with a madman?s grin on his face.

"Kari , Von, Ash! Same plan as the drake! Berund, Jerrett, flank this thing and bring it down! We need to get out of here!"

?ON IT SHORT STACK!? She replied, joining Von in his mad rush. Several of the Inquisition soldiers that had gotten trapped with them joined her charge, their voices merging into one baying howl. Dodging its sledgehammer blows, she attacked its knees, trying to hobble it when she misjudged a backhanded blow and was knocked back against the red crystal wall that was keeping them there. Slamming into the wall she collapsed gasping like a fish out of water while a few of the soldiers, who didn?t join Kari and Von, helped her up. Catching her breath, she spat blood on to the snow. ?I-if you?re not?gonna fight,? She gasped. ?Se-see if you can knock a hole.? Once she was sure she had her feet under her, she resumed her attack.

 

[Protocol95]

In the middle of the battle, Jarrett was glad too see the group's efforts against the Templars. When things looked to be in their favour with the trebuchet burying a large number of the attackers, Jarrett grew confident that if nothing else they'd cripple the enemy. The tide of battle change once more when a dragon unlike anything Jarrett had heard of fly overhead, tearing their forces apart. Turning to one the Templars he'd killed he looked at the deformations it had. "This isn't what a darkspawn is supposed to look like, right?"

He had to dismiss any theories as a colossal monster cut off their retreat. Turning to other soldiers trapped by monster in front of them. "Stand back and wait for my signal!"

"Kari , Von, Ash! Same plan as the drake! Berund, Jerrett, flank this thing and bring it down! We need to get out of here!"

"On it!" Dashing to the side, Jarrett flanked the monster in an unforgiving chain, hoping to chip away at the crystals. With a merciless strike he'd used the last of his momentum, Jarrett eyes grew wide in sudden surprise as the monster punched away. Landing face down in snow, he weakly pushed himself up and yelled, "Berund, men... NOW!"

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

In the fray, Berund whirled his maul, battering and breaking all in its path. The Red Templars were resilient, but not so much to survive the dwarf's strikes for long. He carved a path for Inquisition soldiers to fill in and push through. Berund found himself joining up with his companions shortly after successfully enclosing a group of Templars that were promptly cut down.

Berund didn't bother asking where the Red Lyrium soldiers came from, or what their purpose was here. Those were questions for any Red Templar left alive after they were through. Crystal shards exploded beneath the force of the dwarf's steel, breaking with the bones beneath the blunt of his weapon. He fought without relent. Then he heard the roar. He saw the great wings in the sky. He felt the heat of the fire, even from where he stood. The flame's light poured into the slit in his helm and if one was looking closely, they would see that, for the first time in a very long time, they were wide with real fear.

"Blood, deformed people, and other things clearly out of the fade. Welcome to my world, and I hope you enjoy your stay."

"Berund! Please tell me we didn't just see what I think we saw. Please tell me a sodding archdemon..."

The voices of the others faded to little more than muffled cries. The darkness of the night grew and it was almost as if Berund was in the Deep Roads once more. His head felt heavy as it turned to look around him. The soldiers of the Inquisition appeared to be suddenly clad in Legionnaire armor and it wasn't Red Templars they clashed swords with, but all manner of darkspawn. The monster of a man that blocked their way was not a Lyrium beast but an ogre.

"...NOW!"

It was Jarrett's voice that rang in his ears, though Berund's eyes saw his commander shouting for him to retreat. Run for the tunnel.

"No," Berund growled. His hands wrung the grip of his maul tightly. His fear quickly turned into fury. He wouldn't retreat. He was not about to see his allies cut down for the second time. "Not again," he barked even louder. He slung his maul on his back and withdrew his axes. He charged as he roared loudly. "Not today!!"

Berund leapt onto the creature's back, the spikes of his axes acting like picks as he scaled the crystalline surface. With one of the points planted firmly into the shoulder of the monstrosity, Berund used the blade of his free ax to hack away at the back of the thing's neck, furiously spitting expletives the whole while.

 

[IFS]

The swarming Templar soldiers fell in groups to Ash's magic, even as twisted as their bodies were they seemed to hold enough blood that his magic could harm them. If the Inquisition soldiers noticed the arts of a Maleficar in use they didn't comment, but then again their attention was occupied by the great Behemoth before them. Still Ash's power created space for the others to fight, depriving the Behemoth of the support of its army.

Between the damage to its legs from Kari, Von, and Jarret's attacks and Berund chipped away at the thing's head the Behemoth looked ready to topple. Yet Nola's taunting continued to draw its attention and it staggered forward after the dwarf, managing two, three steps before it finally collapsed barely missing Nola who was quick enough to avoid it and crashing through its own wall of crystals, now rendered brittle with its demise. There was no time for cheering though, the Red Templars continued to swarm forwards and even in their diminished ranks the group could sight more behemoths lurching towards them. No doubt Haven's walls would not stand up to such creatures for long, but attempting to attack them would be suicide as the Red Templars had begun to close ranks and rain arrows and shards of red crystal down on the defenders.

"Quickly!" one of the soldiers said "through the gate!"

Eager to escape and follow the retreat command other soldiers were pushing through the gate, but the Red Templars were thick there as well. If they couldn't be pushed back in time then the wooden gate would not be able to close. Already Red Templars were inside the walls, and buildings were burning, and unless the gate were closed there would not even be a temporary respite from the assault.

 

[sage42]

Nola was scared. She wouldn't admit it if people asked but she was. As they made it through the gates her mind flashed back to the battle nearly two months gone now. She saw Freya, one of the companies more dexterous members, fall again as she took a bolt of lightning to the chest. The Lions only had just her and Ilyn now, even they were on their last legs. Ilyn called something she could hear before she shook her head, coming back to reality. Now was not the time!

She brought her shield up against a few arrows and a shard that came raining from behind them. Thee arrows bounced off but the shard sank through the metal, slightly jutting out on the other side. That would need to be reinforced. She clashed her ax on her shield again. "C'mon you bastards. You really gonna let someone who comes up to your waist kill you?" She called, drawing as many of the Templars to her as she could. Hopefully if they focus on one area the would fall faster.

 

[Athol]

Kari screaming in triumph as the monstrosity fell; wheeling about, she turned to face the next challenger and her heart sank. ?Maker?s Breath, there?s no end?? She muttered as she saw more of the giant freaks and warped Templars surging forwards.

"Quickly! Through the gate!"

Her head snapped up, as she looked towards the soldier and the walls of Haven. Those won?t hold for long?but better than nothing. Taking shelter against the corpse of the dead thing, she surged towards the gate after the hail of crystalline sharps stopped, a few of those striking glancing blows against her armour. ?DEFEND THE CHANTRY!? She cried, hacking down a Templar that tried to get between her and the outer wall. ?PROTECT THE CIVILIANS!?

"C'mon you bastards. You really gonna let someone who comes up to your waist kill you?"

As she passed Nola, Kari grabbed the dwarf by her shoulder. ?The field is lost, don?t fight them of their terms!?

 

[DarkRawen]

Taking out the giant crystal-man went, though Ash found himself struggling to avoid the falling bits of crystals. Running towards the gate, he followed the others.

"Quickly! Through the gate!"

"Yes, I---" before he could finish the sentence, Kari shouted, at the top of her lungs, judging from how loudly it was.

"DEFEND THE CHANTRY! PROTECT THE CIVILIANS!"

Ash winced, was it really necessary to shout? Didn't they all get that? Or was it just Kari trying to compose herself in the middle of the fighting? He just sighed, and rubbed his ears. If nothing else, he wished he had been further away when she had decided to shout. Of course, perhaps the others were losing their cool -he wasn't sure, but that could be it- but to him this was an odd situation, to say the least. Odd, but not scary, not even with what looked like an archdemon flying around.

I don't want to die, here, though.

Of course, that was the first thing he needed to worry about. That and protecting the civilians, apparently, though he supposed that came with the job he had taken not long ago. Without hesitation, he raised his arms, calling down lighting that would surround them, spark as it hurt the enemies, though it was a somewhat weakened form of the spell, the larger the area, the more power he would have to sacrifice.

Let's see...

He started casting the spell, stepping a bit away from the fighting, but keeping a close distance to the others. That was a benefit he had, at least, his attacks were ranged, thus he had no reason to stand close to these strange templars.