Chapter 1: Minrathous; 9:53:4:26
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A dwarf identifying himself as “Varric Tethras” approached me; he said he is connected with Kirkwall's champion & the Inquisition. Do we have agents around either of those? He asked me to join him in a small team which is trying to stop someone he referred to as “Solas” or “the Dread Wolf”, whom he identified as an old elvish deity & a friend. That seems weird, but he claims that his so-called friend is attempting to destroy the world by taking down the Veil. I told him I needed some time to consider it, given my obligations to the Shadow Dragons; he said that he needs an answer soon as the fate of the world is at stake.
Nothing new has happened with the Shadow Dragons.
Handler's notes: Instructed agent to accept the offer. Confirmed that there is a “Varric Tethras” who fits the description given & is also connected with the Merchant's Guild in Kirkwall & the Inquisition. Informed regarding a mage associated with the Inquisition called “Solas” & his associated spies. Did not share any suspicions regarding Solas's identity as the elvish god Fen'harel. Also did not inform agent about the status of any agents around Kirkwall's Champion or the Inquisition.
Chapter 2: Minrathous; 9:53:5:15
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Tethras's mission so far has included meeting one “Scout Lace Harding” who is supposedly an Inquisition agent. We are to meet up with another Shadow Dragon by the name of Neve Gallus, a mage who reportedly has a lead on where Solas is. We are to meet her in a bar; this seems like a poor plan if we're trying to not be noticed, however I did not share this concern with Varric. This should not take long, I will drop another update.
Varric has also given me a nickname: Rook, after the chess piece. I think this indicates that my persona is working.
Solas is apparently a liar & very adept at convincing himself that he's in the right.
Handler's Note: Next-day deaddrop was missed. Other agents reported chaos in Minrathous; this is the suspected cause of the delay but it is unknown if the agent survived.
Handler's Note: Next scheduled deaddrop was missed.
Chapter 3: Minrathous; 8:53:7:1
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Tethras's mission did not go to plan. The ritual was started early, which caused chaos of which you are no doubt already aware. Holes were ripped in the Veil, demons came through & attacked the city, & the Archon's palace used its cannon to attack the largest of them. We fought through demons & Venatori, who apparently considered the chaos as a prime time to continue their hostilities towards us instead of stopping the demons. What priorities! We found a device called an “Eluvian”, which is apparently an ancient elvish portal that connects two distant points. This one put us in Arlathan Forest, where we fought more demons before arriving at the ritual site. Varric insisted upon trying to talk Solas down from his ritual; after this seemed to be failing I suggested we intervene. The plan we came up with was to knock over one of the giant statues which was being held up by scaffolding. This succeeded but only proved to be a brief distraction to Solas, so Varric grabbed him. In the scuffle Solas stabbed Varric with a dagger. After Varric fell, two figures appeared behind Solas. One looked to be a massive & nearly eight feet tall, the other taller, possibly with horns, four arms, & numerous tentacles. I was thrown back by a magical blast & remember little of how we escaped.
What happened next makes me glad I am not a sarabas & thus not susceptible to possession. As I was unconscious, Solas spoke to me in the Fade. He claimed that the two figures I had seen were Elgar'nan & Ghilan'nain escaping his prison as he was drawn into it, apparently unable to escape himself. Those two are apparently ancient elvish mage-kings who wanted to be worshipped as deities. As fit Varric's description, Solas blamed me for this & claimed he was attempting to move the two from the first prison, which was reportedly crumbling, into another. Not attempting to take down the Veil. He also described himself as being the old elvish god of lies, betrayal, & rebellion depending on the account.
When I awoke I found myself in a building in the Fade, which Solas called “the Lighthouse”; Varric was injured & his crossbow broken but healing slowly & Neve, who'd accompanied me to knock over the statue, had gashes & bruising on her face. Harding was fine, just shaken up. We talked about what happened, & they said that Solas could talk to or even kill people in their sleep. Is this true?
I explored the area a bit; there seemed to be one main building & five others arranged around a rectangular courtyard. Two of the buildings are inaccessible at present; Harding seems to have set up in one & Neve in another & wisps seem to congregate around Neve. A few other buildings float farther out, but no other solid things are visible. After consulting with the other three, we went back through the Eluvian in the basement of the main building, finding ourselves again in Arlathan Forest.
It may be useful for me to have a deaddrop in Arthlathan Forest, though that may be difficult as the place is in some chaos & the camps only recently established. It looks like I may be active in that area in future.
I'm not at all certain about using the Lighthouse as a base of operations. Might there be a greater threat of demons even if it seems peaceful? There's no possibility of a deaddrop given the inaccessibility & small area.
Sorry for the digression; Arlathan forest was in chaos as excess magic is, according to Strife & Irelin, activating artifacts left over from the elvish empire. It seems surprising that any would be left at all after all this time, but we encountered a number, including a number of animated suits of armor, devices of many rings which generated barriers, beams & “energy crystals” which could activate other devices to open doors or form bridges, & a spirit archivist which we retrieved. We also fought darkspawn in the area & found significant amounts of Blight growing. Apparently it is unusual in that it seemed alive, as opposed to its usual dead aspect. We also made contact with an purported expert on these artifacts, Bellara Lutera, who has joined us. There were also a great many very realistic statues of elves which appear to also be trees; not like carved out of wood, but somehow got a tree to grow like that.
Whilst there we also investigated the village of D'meta's Crossing, with which the Veiljumpers had lost contact. The village was almost entirely overtaken by the “living Blight”, with all within, including two Veiljumpers, dead or blighted & under mind control. We found the mayor wrapped up in Blight tendrils & being menaced by a dragon.
I cannot tell you how awesome it was to witness such a terrifying & majestic creature.
A voice called it away before anything could happen. We questioned the mayor & found out that he'd sold out the village for gold.
We reported all this to Strife, the leader of the Veiljumpers, & we were joined by a mage by the name of Lady Morrigan, who is apparently connected to the Hero of Fereldan, the Inquisition, & the Orlesian Court, & is a “witch of the wilds”, so perhaps something like a Rivaini seer.
Handler's note: Confirmed that Elgar'nan & Ghilan'nain are the names of elvish deities. Their identity as powerful mages might help in converting Dalish if the source were credible. Confirmed the identity of Strife, Irelin, Bellara Lutera, & Morrigan, giving what relevant information we have on them. Created files on Elgar'nan & Ghilan'nain; updated files on others. Included the information about D'metas Crossing with that an Arlathan forest in general, & the Lighthouse about the Fade. Will look into a deaddrop with the Veiljumpers. Encouraged agent to continue initiative; could possibly use specific training on dealing with spirits. Uncertain of how to advise agent about the base in the Fade, aside from advising caution. Time does not run the same in the Fade, might cause problems. Did not mention that saarabas are not the only ones susceptible to possession. Will look into dream communication & killing.
Chapter 4: Minrathous; 9:53:8:13
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We had determined that we needed to retrieve Solas's dagger. Returned to the ritual site; tensions were high. Discovered that a darkspawn had found the dagger & attempted to flee. Eventually caught it, retrieving the dagger.
Something strange happened with Harding. She touched the dagger first; as she handed it to me her veins glowed blue. Then the ground gave way & she fell, only for a slab of earth to rise with a powerful voice speaking. Part of the rock burst open to reveal Harding glowing. Two darkspawn charged us & she turned them to stone. She also raised a bunch of stones in the ensuing battle with darkspawn. This seems like a sort of magic, but dwarves don't have magic. Also she said she could “hear the stone”, referring to dwarven “stonesense”
Later we went to Arlathan to practice her newfound abilities; she apparently needs to focus on protecting others to access it.
Intercepted a smuggler trying to sell a red lyrium artifact to Venatori in Minrathous, we were stopped before we could arrest Albin Bataris, a magister's son, who's a member of the cult. A templar by the name of Rana Savas is an ally of Neve's; Knight-Commander Lenos is corrupt.
Handler's note:No data on dwarven magic, & all information possessed on “stonesense” indicates that it's nonmagical; informed agent of this. Updated relevant files with these speculative notes. Lenos' corruption is known; Albin Bataris is now listed as a member of the Venatori & his father a potential member. File on Rana Savas created, noted as a Templar & ally of Neve.
Chapter 5: Minrathous; 9:53:9:12
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Found some of Solas' memories in the Crossroads. First we found was invading Ghilan'nain's laboratory; experiments on darkspawn & Blight. Also discovered some doors which are Blight-sealed but can be opened with the essence of champions of the elvish deities, gained by killing them. Also there are bigger champions called “revenants” which can open other doors? Also finding many notes with dates from ages past. I can share these if it's of interest.
Finding wolf & evanuris statues around; in Fade, Minrathous, Treviso, Arlathan. Also encountered a strange sigil & a disembodied voice spoke to me, something about interrupting as expected. Would not identify itself.
Crossroads has distinct building styles & environment types in different areas. Also there's a keeper spirit which seems friendly. Sun never sets here; glad the interior rooms don't have windows otherwise sleep would be difficult.
Handler notes: Sounds like Fade/dream logic. Why wouldn't it just be keys? Also reports are irregular; uncertain if this is owing to change of location or Fade time. May also be the reason for notes surviving from past ages, if they're authentic. Told agent to make copies & pass along, maybe one per drop with notes as to where they were found. Of interest to tamassarins. Advised on deaddrops in Treviso. No progress on establishing one in Arlathan; location may be too small for discrete drop-offs. Noted sigil & disembodied voice; may just be a demon.
Chapter 6: Treviso; 9:53:9:23
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Went to retrieve the “Demon of Virantium”, a Crow assassin specializing in mages, who was imprisoned in a structure build by the ancient elvish empire & repurposed by Venatori. Structure was underwater; assumed by design. Water is leaking into structure. Demon's name is Lucanis; is abomination. Demon forced into him; non-mages can be possessed, am concerned. Returned to Treviso to discover Crows had been attack & Catarina, Crow leader, missing presumed dead.
Handler: Updated files on Lucanis & Crows; attack on Crows was known from other agents. Added underwater structure to notes on Treviso, noting apparent damage. Sent information to agent about rarity of non-mage possession.
Chapter 7: Minrathous; 9:53:10:12
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Discovered a second memory of Solas in Crossroads: Assaulting Elgar-nan's fortress & freeing captive elves. Went to Arlathan to help Harding practice her new abilities & Bellara to retrieve an artifact “Nadas dirthalen”; an “archive spirit”. The eighth apparently. On way saw trees with many legs & a few arms coming out of them, mostly the underside, all wood.
In Minrathous, met with former magister Maevinis Tilani, who's involved in the Shadow Dragons. Went to Cobbled Swan & met the First Warden Jowin Glastrum, who blamed me for Blight recurrence, didn't believe my report, & would've arrested me if not for intervention by magister Dorian Pavus, who blackmailed him & is involved in the Shadow Dragons.
Activity in Treviso worrying; would like guidance on how to deal with Antaam. Reportedly there's a Qamek master working with them. Lucanis' cousin, Ilario, acting suspicious.
Handler note: Files on Solas, Maevinis Tilani, Jowin Glastrum, & Dorian Pavus updated; files on Ilario & Nadas dirthalen/eighth archive spirit created. Uncertain if files should be created for first seven archive spirits as they'd only contain a note “Existence implied by existence of eighth archive spirit”. Agent instructed to keep us informed regarding the artifact. Advised agent that Antaam has left Qun: tal vashoth, so actions against them are fine. Noted reported presence of Qamek master in Treviso tal vashoth.
Chapter 8: Minrathous; 9:53:11:21
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Set spirit to rest in Arlathan by dealing with physical remains; seems weird. Also helped a spirit of compassion in Minrathous. Noted a number of qunari in Minrathous; seems odd given war, sentiments, & identifiability.
Traveled to Anderfels to find Davrin; Grey Warden & monster hunter. Apparently he's tasked with guarding last dozen griffons still alive. Arrived in time for most of the griffons to be abducted by monster Davrin called the “Gloom Howler.” Failed to retrieve griffons; Davrin & Assan, the remaining griffon, joined us.
Varric is still assuring me that I'm good in this leadership role.
Upon return to Crossroads heard of simultaneous attacks on Treviso & Minrathous by dragons. Decided to go to Treviso in the interests of weakening Tevinter. Managed to fight dragon in Treviso to a standstill; it retreated.
Handler notes:File on Davrin created; file on griffons updated & moved from 'mythology' section to 'beastiary', though a dozen griffons might not represent a viable population. Confusion regarding Varric: reports indicated he perished 9:53:5:16. No deaddrop in Lavendel. Reports of agent's activity in Treviso corroborated by other surviving agents in the city.
Chapter 9: Minrathous; 9:54:1:16
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Traveled to Grand Necropolis to recruit fade expert Emmrich Volkarin; also member of the Mourn Watch. Navarra is even more obsessed with corpses than other places. Also magical excess includes use of spirit-possessed skeletons for mundane tasks, like excavation. Stopped venatori incursions into Necropolis, also encountered spirits awoken by the gods; must travel elsewhere to defeat other versions of one spirit.
Traveled to coast of Rivian to recruit dragon hunter. Found Evataash, member of the Lords of Fortune; a young vashoth. Drugged a dragon so we could investigate its lair, uncovered local Antaam plot to kill the dragon. Evataash can breathe fire, apparently a rare ability among qunari.
Assan seems highly intelligent.
Handler notes: Updated file on Emmrich Volkarin, & griffons. Created file on Evataash. Uncertain of what to tell agent about fire-breathers. Advised on deadrop in Lords of Fortune Base.
Chapter 10: Treviso 9:54:1:28
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Met with Inquisitor at Cobbled Swan; learned that the south is in chaos owing to darkspawn attacks there. Went to Hoss Wetlands to help with research on the Blight.
While in Dock town to hunt spirits, also cleared out darkspawn in catacombs. Investigated a man named Atticus's for his wife Sabina; he was sacrificed to save a boy's life. A spirit wanted the names of some people who died; once it had them it change from compassion to eulogy.
Feel guilty about the state of Minrathous & Dock Town. Venatori took over after the chaos & killed many of my fellow Shadow Dragons. People I've known for years are dead or suffering because of my decision.
Handler's note: Inquisitor's movements were not marked by our spies in the south; it is noted in their file. Darkspawn attacks in the south were known. No file created regarding Atticus or Sabina; sound like unremarkable people. Expressed interest in results of Blight research, also assured agent the choice between the cities was difficult & people would have suffered either way. Include note to inform agent about successes in war against Tevinter, at least as far as it continues given much of the Antaam becoming tal-vashoth.
Chapter 11: Lord of Fortune Base, 9:54:2:29
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Spent a bunch of time exploring Solas's memories. Elgar'nan was seeking power, Mythal sided with him, ostensibly to counter his worst impulses. Solas felt betrayed. Another was Solas telling Mythal that the other Evanuris were using the Blight. A third was Solas banishing the Evanuris & thereby creating the Veil. The Golden/Black city was a prison for the Evanuris, created by the Evanuris. By my understanding this draws a lot of Andrastian mythology into question. A fourth had Solas starting as a spirit of wisdom called to “live as humans do” by Mythal. Implies that humans existed before the elves. Also Elves, at least the ancient ones, were spirits taking physical form. A fifth said that the Blight was creating by severing Titans of dwarven mythology from their dreams, which twisted in pain into the Blight. This may have been to end a war. Some talk of restoring the dreams to the Titans after it's healed, but I doubt we know how to do that. Uncertain of how trustworthy these account are, as they are from Solas's perspective.
Went to the beach near the Lords of Fortune base for Taash to practice her fire-breathing. According to her mother, one is born every few generations. Does Ben-Hassrath want to acquire her? Encountered her mother at the end, who said she acts more like a man than a woman; do they not have the concept of aqun-athlok in all corners of the Qun?
Handler's note: If Solas is a spirit given form, could he possess agent given the connection they have? Has this sort of incarnation happened before or since? Feel like there was some mention, but can't remember exactly. “Memories” recorded in relevant files with notes about dubiousness of source.
Chapter 12: Treviso 9:54:3:6
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Accompanied Emmrich to a ritual, very strange obsession with the dead. Explored Necropolis a little; discovered a strange sigil & heard a disembodied voice. It seemed happy to see me, but wouldn't identify itself “yet”.
Investigated antaam purposedly stealing art; discovered that they were working with Venatori to make gaatlock more explosive. Destroyed all experimental stockpiles & killed everyone in the area. Will also destroy any regular stockpiles I find; am concerned about the secret of its creation spreading.
Handler's note: Antaam & Venatori collaboration noted in files & passed on to superiors. Sent approval to agent about destroying any stockpiles of gaatlok. Considering asking agent about them reportedly hating boxes & suffering a lot of splinters. Noted sigil; perhaps it is connected to the previous one.
Chapter 13: Minrathous 9:54:3:28
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Went to Hoss Wetlands to fight demons, met First Warden again. Did not listen again when his own Blight experts, Evka & Antion, told him it's changed. Why have experts if you ignore them?
Returned to the Necropolis & fought the “Formless” spirit, which projected into other places where we'd already defeated it. It possessed a dead dragon; still awesome even in death.
Visited Kalshirok dwarves with Harding. Included notes as to location. Architecture was grand & blocky, had a statue called the Oracle which spoke with a booming female voice & glowed blue in places. Got no answers, Harding was angry. How did touching Solas's lyrium dagger awaken her magic? Would it have done the same to any dwarf? What is the relationship of the titans to the dwarfs?
Talked to Solas again. He said that they bound great dragons & tied their immortality to them so they become vulnerable if you kill the archdemon. Five archdemons have already died, what happened to their Evanuris? Also said something about there having been spirits of the feeling of approaching home, a feeling which no longer exists because Elgar'nan killed it. Is that even possible? Said that, as Ghilan'nain makes monsters, her archdemon will be monstrous. Elgar'nan will have the most powerful dragon. Archdemons apparently were a conduit through which the Evanuris spoke to the high priests of Tevinter before Andrastianism. If there were still priests of the remaining ones, could they still hear them? Said that his lyrium dagger would be the only thing which could kill the Evanuris.
Found another of Solas' memories; he tricked spirits into a suicide charge to retrieve a 'vital relic'.
Solas's final memory of regret was taking Mythal's power. She tells him the elves of today don't want to see their world destroyed, & he replied that he must fix what he broke & reimprison the Evanuris. This was recent. He will turn on me. He was a spirit, can he possess someone? Me? Feels weird having his memories depicted on the walls of the Lighthouse; feels a bit like a Chantry, only dedicated to Solas's regrets.
Meet Morrigan in the Crossroads. Somehow knows about Solas's memories. Mythal was a spirit; her body died but reincarnated, gathering her power. Morrigan has Mythal's memories. A version of Mythal from just after she was struck down by the Evanuris was housed or trapped here by Solas. Mythal is “benevolence” or retribution? Solas's memories might not be accurate, just what he wants them to be. Morrigan offered advice on how to gain Mythal's help without fighting her. Proved useful; was able to avoid fighting her & she promised help later.
Talked with Harding; ancient elves took Titan blood to make bodies, cut off their dreams when they protested. She's wondering how she should feel? It was long ago & made the world as she knows it, but it's all she knows & perhaps it could have been better without the ancient injustice.
Handler's note: Updated files on First Warden, created documents within Grey Wardens file for Evka & Antion. Updated file on Kal'shirok. Updated files on Solas, each of the Evanuris, archdemons, & the religious history of Tevinter. Uncertain if the files on Morrigan & Mythal should be combined or not; added notes to both. All notes have appropriate language regarding questionable sources. Agent could definitely use more training on dealing with spirits, but am doubtful if that can be accomplished.
Chapter 14: Treviso 9:54:3:20
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Arrived in Weisshaupt to find attack already underway. Talked Wardens into ignoring the First Warden. Initially drew archdemon into massive griffon-shaped trap. Fought it, injured First Warden reappeared to kill the archdemon but instead Ghilan'nain grabbed him & extracted his blood. A Grey Warden has to die for some reason when killing the archdemon. Killed archdemon after Ghilan'nain resurrected it several times; Davrin got final blow but didn't die. Lucanis attempted to stab Ghilan'nain but only succeeded in cutting her cheek. Fortress is effectively destroyed.
Returned to Lighthouse to debrief; team blaming each other & is distracted when fighting. Uncertain of how anything could be more important; perhaps it is that the Qun provides clarity. Bellara spoke of how the elves are fighting their own gods. Feels guilty about the fact that it's their gods. Not sure why; modern descriptions are little like how they are. Lucanis blames himself for not being able to kill a god, which would seem like a tall order under the best of circumstances. Davrin somehow upset that he didn't die when he killed the archdemon, also upset at the loss of his comrades. Neve upset about Minrathous; might be starting a romance with Lucanis. Taash questioning whether she is a man, woman, or neither. Is aqun-athlok strictly between man & woman?
Taash says Harding found a cave-lair of a blighted dragon; also still performed Qun rituals.
Spoke with Solas after Weisshaupt. Already knew the results; felt it through the Fade. Predicting that just after disrupting their plans, they'll find us. Said fighting another day against such powerful beings is victory.
Bellara wants to find her friends who've gone missing in Arlathan, Lucanis wants to hunt Venatori in Treviso.
Returned to Hoss Wetlands; Wardens apparently blame themselves for failing to protect Weisshaupt. Have they never been defeated? Attempted to prove themselves & failing. Helped a local healer to recover teacher's recipes, found teacher dead. Taash's dragon lair turned out to be dragon blighted by the Antaam for the Evanuris. She apparently feels she isn't a good Qunari, Rivaini, daughter, or even a woman. Suggested reconnecting with her roots might help her, arguing that Qun might be in her blood, also asked if the Qun had any concept of women who are men without mentioning Qunlaat term. She said they did but was dismissive of it.
Went to Arlathan & archive ruins to find Bellara's friends. Archive was apparently created by “Forgotten Ones” who opposed the Evanuris. Encountered Bellara's brother, Cyrian, who was working with Anaris, who's purportedly a “Forgotten One”. He had turned Bellara's friends into demons, & talked about saving/delivering/strengthening the elves; mixed up our/your when referring to elves as “people”. Cyrian was wearing a mask, which according to Irlen & Strife is an “Evanuris bond mask” which allows the wearer to experience the emotions of the bonded being.
Am back in Treviso to find Zara with Lucanis.
Handler's note: Updated file on Weisshaupt; helped clear up rumors heard by other agents. Updated file on Wardens. Created files on “Anaris”, “Cyrian”, & “Evanuris bond mask”. Uncertain if these “Forgotten Ones” represent a new threat. Advised agent that individualism of Andrastianism might be reason for distraction.
Chapter 15: Lords of Fortune Base 9:54:4:13
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Went with Lucanis to Treviso to track down Zara who imprisoned him. Ilario appeared during mission, trying to join. Lucanis sent him home as apparently he's a charmer & there's no one to charm on this. I added to that the idea that different people had different strengths, & his were not well suited to this mission. He left. Venatori were in a chantry; fighting there is blasphemy. Found Zara bathing in blood; how'd she get so much? After defeating her she offered to say who betrayed Lucanis, who among the Crows is compromised, about Venatori. Ilario appeared just before she could tell & killed her. Spite got angry, took over, Ilario did something to incapacitate him, & effectively banished Lucanis as a danger to the family.
Back at Lighthouse, Lucanis opined that Ilario used blood magic to control Spite.
Davrin has a lead on the Gloom Howler at a place in the Hoss Wetlands called the Cauldron.
Handler's note: Files on Zara, Lucanis, Ilario/Spite, Crows, & Hoss Wetlands updated.
Chapter 16: Minrathous 9:54:4:17
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Had dinner with Evataash & Shathann, her mother. Mother is scholar, had a tablet from first attempt by qunari to colonize Thedas 1,000 years before current attempt. This predates Qun; would they still be qunari?
Spite attempted to take Lucanis's body out to do something while he slept.
Handler's note: Advised agent to express some interest in tablet, but take care with Shathann; risk of discovery. Files on Evataash, Shathann, & Lucanis updated.
Chapter 17: Treviso 9:54:4:26
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An odd elvish tree sculpture in the crossroads boat hub apparently allows us to sometimes hear the talk between Elgar'nan & Ghilan'nain. Will report if anything important is said.
Met with the Threads at the Cobbled Swan in Minrathous; their leader, Makel Damas was abducted in broad daylight by Aelia, an old adversary of Neve. Aelia was controlling Damas through blood magic; freed him & advised Threads to take down Albin Bataris.
Venatori in Minrathous attempting to sacrifice people, particularly Shadow Dragons; rescued the Viper, who's blighted.
Disrupted a treasure hunt set up by a demon of desperation, which trapped people. Defeated the demon under Minrathous.
Sought & found missing buskars; they were under a bar where they had access to waterways.
Was invited to secret market called “the Black Emporium”. Apparently it can move; have included current location in Minrathous.
Thinking about how much this new information would shake up people's beliefs. The Blight is no longer just a disease, but the cut-off dreams of the Titans driven mad by separation & imprisonment. For the dwarves, they know they are the children of the Titans who were horribly treated by the ancient elves. For the elves & Tevinters, the “Old Gods” are actually the whispers of the Evanuris through their dragon agents. For the elves, two of their gods are back & this is a bad thing.
Handler's note:Updated files on Crossroads, Makel Damas, Aelia, the Viper, Minrathous, the Black Emporium, & Albin Bataris; will keep an eye on other sources to confirm his death. Uncertain of what to make of the trees, buskars, or the theological considerations.
Chapter 18: Minrathous 9:54:5:30
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Apologies for delayed report; have been away from deaddrops.
Liason between Venatori & Crows turned out to be love affair; told the Crow Chance of it. Pair got involved in Crow-Venatori confrontation & male lover accidentally killed female.
Venatori assisting antaam to augment gatlock, stockpiles around Treviso. Destroyed those we found.
Took care of some hauntings in the Necropolis & the Crossroads. Killed the last revenant, which was a dragon. Mythal appeared as a dragon to help. Found a strange sigil nearby & heard a disembodied voice. It seemed familiar, though surprised to see me there & would reveal itself “soon”.
Harding has apparently started dreaming, & finds the experience disturbing. Dwarves don't dream at all? Why does she? Was it that the dagger which originally cut off the Titan's dreams can restore that ability? Considering trying to test it on other dwarves, though that is not my mission. Says she doesn't want to sleep, & Lucanis tries not to sleep either. Is not sleeping healthy?
Emmrich used corpse-whispering to get an answer as to how venatori got into the Necropolis, as the “Hand of Glory” had to be given to them by a necromancer. Seems like a misnomer; no glory involved. Went to “Blackthorne Manor” as Hand led there. Weird obsession with corpses. Unsettling dead hand. Manor is partially in the Fade owing to decadence & overuse of magic. One “Johanna Hezenkoss” was the cause of the issues. Censured for defiling a tomb. Using a “Spirit Lantern” draining spirits of their essence, also forbidden magic & blood magic. Is somehow partially undead, & plans to conquer Nevarra. Hand was hers & returned to her.
Harding went to practice with the Lords of Fortune in Rivain, afterwards felt like something's after her friends in Kalshirok, so we'll go to investigate.
Went to the “Cauldron” in Hoss Wetlands. Old artifacts stored there for “safety” as they themselves are dangerous. Found an ossuary for griffons, which may have been blighted. Also contains archdemon skeleton which somehow still contains blighted blood. Gloomhowler planning on blighting the griffons.
Harding & Taash seem to bond over stone/fire ability, romance potentially developing. Davrin's carving wooden figurines & making a display for them. Talked with Spite, who “wants out”. Harding & Emmrich going on a camping trip in Fereldan. Can local agents look out for them? Emmrich is vegetarian, so Harding's “famous” ham-&-jam slam is instead a yam-&-jam slam.
Heard voices at the listening sculpture in Crossroads; Ghilan'nain upset over loss of her champions, Elgar'nan assuring her they'd find better subjects, her suggesting combining all of my team into one new creation. Disturbing.
Wardens reported the dragon which attacked Traviso is resting near the Cauldron; went to attack it. Probably missing some details. Taash has a dragon call. Both Treviso & Minrathous dragons were there; Crows arrived with poison ballista bolts. Took down both dragons, wounded Ghilan'nain with ballista as she attempted to reanimate the dragons. Elgar'nan froze time & rescued her. Talked with Varric afterwards, suggested helping the team.
Taash wants to hunt a dragon in Arlathan. Emmrich wants to visit the memorial gardens in the necropolis. Harding has reports of missing Kal-shirok dwarves. Bellara is concerned about her brother, calls him a monster, worries that she'd fall for the same; I assured her she wouldn't. Neve reports Threads have a lead on Aelia.
Handler's note:Admonished agent about lack of regular reports. Created file on “Hand of Glory”, Johanna Hezenkoss. Updated file on the Cauldron, Gloomhowler, Emmrich, the two dragons, Ghilan'nain, Elgar'nan. Will inform Fereldan agents of activities, if they can spare time amid the darkspawn attacks. Curious about “ham-&-jam” slam as it sounds awful; also Taash's “dragon call”. Uncertain what to do about 'talking with Varric' as all other reports list him as dead. Noted sigil, will ask agent to send detailed description or depiction of it.
Chapter 19: Minrathous 9:54:6:7
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Met Damas in Docktown with Neve; he wants Aelia dead. Then got supper in Dock Town after she pursues a few leads.
Traveled to Khal-shirok to find missing dwarves with Harding. Including location of Deep Roads entrance, in considerable disrepair. Found people encased in rock veined with red lyrium; Harding can release them. Red lyrium apparently isn't blighted, just angry according to Harding. Might make sense; if driven mad by pain, imprisonment, & isolation the blighted variety would also be angry. We were in Titan? Giant bones, a crystal, beating heart. Harding fighting an angry version of herself made out of red lyrium. Sounds like dwarves are broken up titans? What she fought was her own misplaced rage at the fate of the titans? I was confused. Why her anger in particular over anyone else's, & why there?
Bellara seems to be writing a serial.
Emmrich used the blood on a scrap of cloth that Assan tore off the Gloomhowler; apparently it was a potentially-blighted elf who became a Grey Warden.
Emmrich apparently wants to become a “Lich”, which is apparently when they trap a soul in the body & it animates it. This is reportedly a high honor & they protect this world & the Fade. Thinks he must achieve “peace of mind” by stopping Hezenkoss, who attempted the ritual on her own, failed, & is now a half-lich & can't learn new magic. This seems highly unnatural to me; I don't know if I can or need to hide this. Emmrich believes even dangerous demons can be reasoned with by attempting to understand them & be kind to them. He asked me to introduce myself to a shrine to his parents.
Harding apparently acts nice so that people will like her, for instance lying about enjoying coffee, which may be addictive.
Noticed some of our allies using the Crossroads to get from place to place; perhaps the qunari can do this too; . Suggest it might be valuable for the qunari to use if they can.
Handler's note: Added speculative notes to files on Harding, Titan, & Gloomhowler. Updated Emmrich, Harding, & Hezenkoss files. Were already aware of allies use of Crossroads & Eluvians from agents within some of their ranks.
Chapter 20: Lords of Fortune base; 9:54:6:16
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Had dinner in Docktown with Neve. Looked for “good” rocks, apparently in this case for skipping. She suggested that I shouldn't get involved in her issues, as if I wasn't already. Had a revelation that Aelia was at the relic deal owing to what she said, return to site to consult with spirits. Aelia was possessing the smuggler, & controlling people through blood magic. Also using vina vitalis which is a technique to strengthen blood magic.
Stopped mercenaries who were abducting people from Docktown & selling them to the Venatori. Seems odd, as the Venatori already control the city & shouldn't need outside help for abductions.
Went to Hoss Wetlands with Davrin, spoke with Valya, who had trained to be a Grey Warden & found the griffon eggs. Thought Grey Wardens recruited/conscripted from the already skilled. Gloomhowler's name is “Isseya”, & she blighted the griffons on orders from the First Warden back during the 4th Blight. Used Blood Magic to make the griffons fight harder, causing them to become rabid & turn on the Wardens. First Warden ordered them slaughtered. Isseya heard the Calling, hid the last eggs with a spell, Valya followed the clues to find them. Do eggs last that long? Could the spell have preserved them?
Darkspawn horde attacked Lavendel; we helped defend it. Antione said he heard a “strange calling in the Blight”, different, somewhere in the wetlands, & pleased. Grey Wardens decorated battlements with dead darkspawn; a fear tactic, but do darkspawn experience fear? Would this not risk spreading the blight, or spirits possessing the corpses?
Killed or drove off mercenaries who were looting during the chaos & attacking the Grey Wardens.
Went with Taash to Arlathan to take care of “Fangscorcher” dragon which had been attacking villages. Described it as first “real” dragon fight, as other were “attack dogs” & this was a wolf on her own territory. Apparently “Dragon King” is directing the antaam to capture & blight dragons for the Evanuris. Fangscorcher attacks were a ploy to capture Taash specifically. Dragonfire is like oil, keeps on burning & will stick to you. Taash fears the antaam turning her into a fire-breathing berzerker. Can I get more information on this “Dragon King”?
Bellara suggested a lot of “traps” in ancient Elven ruins are really misfiring utility magic for things like cleaning boots, or weaken the Veil so demons come through; just owing to their age. Regarding the battle with two dragons, she said Elgar'nan tore a hole in the Veil.
Emmrich made Zara's corpse talk for Lucanis; she called Ilario “amatus”, said he wants to be First Talon, planned to kill Lucanis. Zara decided to use him.
Brought Shathaan to Lighthouse for dinner; Taash told her they're non-binary. Shathann mentioned aqun-athlok, so apparently she knows about them. This prompted a verbal spat. Shathann left before dinner, having also complained about there being insufficient ginger, despite it seeming fine.
Assan flies around the Lighthouse.
Handler's note: Updated files on Aelia, Docktown, Gloomhowler/Isseya, Griffons, Grey Wardens, Lavendel, the Dragon King, ancient Elven constructions, Zara, & Ilario. File created on Valya. Uncertain what, if any, information we should share regarding the Dragon King.
Chapter 21: Minrathous 9:54:6:25
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Went to Rivain with Taash to retrieve treasure of Kataranda the Stormrider, a lightning-breathing dragon. Lured it with its own stolen treasure. Apparently vinsomer are more sensitive to poisons than other dragons, also carry some of their hoard around in their scales.
Traveled with Davrin to Arlathan to meet Eldrin, someone from his past. Checked on the health of the halla. Stoneroot berries have a similar scent to halla mating. Vaner berries attract them but cause hallucinations & cramps in people, hollow ironbranch can be used as a horn to mimic their call. Assan brought a sick halla some food.
Investigated Venatori in Arlathan; they'd abducted some local Dalish & moved them to a crater for a sacrifice.
Bellara asking archive questions trying to understand why Cyrian is with Anaris. Decision made to meet with Cyrian
Harding has a huge amount of plan growth in her building, including a massive flower hanging from the ceiling. It takes up the entire ceiling. Must be 12 paces across.
Viago & Teia want to meet Lucanis outside of Treviso regarding Ilario; looks like suspicions probably confirmed. Will likely take care of this while investigating something Neve has in Docktown regarding Aelia.
Met with Veil Jumpers to discuss plan to rescue Dalish.
Handler's notes: Updated file on Taash, Kataranda, Davrin, Arlathan. Much of this already known or irrelevant.
Chapter 22: Lords of Fortune Base, 9:54:7:8
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On the way to Minrathous, heard voices at the Crossroads; Evanuris apparently have disturbing dreams.
Lucanis & I met with Viago & Teia. Catarina is still alive in Villa Delamorte. Spite wanted me to convince Lucanis; I was taken into a Fade version of the Ossuary in Lucanis's head; he's apparently still imprisoned there & Spite can't get to him. Various spirits stood in my way; one of his grandmother whom he thinks he disappointed, one of Harding who thinks he's an abomination & not himself, Neve who represents his fear of the danger he presents to everyone, Ilario who is what his fear of what fighting Ilario will cost his family, which apparently consists of Lucanis, Ilario, & Catarina. Seems like family is just an entanglement. Finally confront Lucanis & convince him to face the difficult battle of healing. In real world we just stood there for a few minutes, awkward to explain.
Met Neve at the Minrathous Wall of Lights, which are memorial Lights lit by mages or those who can afford to pay them. Viper was there with a memorial for the fallen Shadow Dragons; I cried true tears.
Rana has lead on Aelia: the Sanctum Lusacan, a lost temple connected with Elgar'nan.
Bellara & I met with Cyrian in Arlathan; Anaris apparently wants to “restore the world” & “free the elves”, sounds like Solas's goals.
Had picnic with Davrin & Assan in Arlathan; discovered that tea from gingerwort truffles causes hallucinations.
Then we went to rescue the Dalish. Tried to blend with the Venatori, worried about Neve's identifiable peg leg. Disguises on disguises. Witnessed them being pointlessly cruel to a halla. One had a strange obsession with me, what I smell like, & if they could turn me & ride with me to lead Tevinter's armies. Cultists making their servants act as chairs for them. I've included all the names I overheard; Neve also has them.
At one point I heard Elgar'nan's voice in my head. He tried to tempt me, I think he knows what I am. He had us almost under his sway, but Bellara & Neve were able to break his hold, though they said he detected it. After fighting a way towards the Dalish, Elgar'nan trapped us in the Fade. Solas was able to come to our aid as Elgar'nan had weakened the Veil. Solas distracted him, allowing us to escape & free the Dalish. Did not mention Solas's help in the rescue to the Veiljumpers & the Dalish; was uncertain if I should or not.
Surprising that Venatori change their allegiance from their Old Gods to Elgar'nan so quickly; they were fanatical for their empire as it was, then just accept that the gods of their empire were merely the agents of the deities of their slaves, speaking with the voice of the deities of their slaves.
Affection between Harding & Taash is increasing. Bellara still worries about her brother. Neve & Emmrich spoke to a long-dead Shadow Dragon to solve a murder. Varanis is son to Asarial. Lucanis is trying to charm Neve with food. Darvin wants to check on the Wardens.
Talked with Solas; he expressed concern about the Dalish despite not respecting them. Described Elgar'nan as the worst of the Evanuris. Described his own position as the one who told Elgar'nan that he could be wrong, & that I do the same for Solas. Admitted to using me as a tool but no longer does. Can I trust that? He mentioned missing people from the Inquisition: Cole who apparently knew who he was. Who is Cole? Josphine, who was very kind. Cassandra who was an exemplar as the best of Andrastianism. Said Elgar'nan & Ghilan'nain will perform their ritual during the next eclipse, using a red lyrium dagger.
Antaam moving enough supplies out of Treviso to feed their navy, suggesting where the ritual will happen.
Gloaming Lantern steals & concentrates life. Hezenkoss will be in Blackthorne manor; plan is to infiltrate a party she's hosting.
Shathann wants to discuss the qunari tablet.
Went to Lavendel to speak with a Warden who returned from the Calling. Followed the lead, finding a “Warden Sanctuary” of blighted Wardens who follow Isseya & fight alongside darkspawn, hearing the old gods. Were building a Weisshaupt in the Deep Roads; location included. Found First Warden semi-alive; asked for release which Davrin gave him. Find it curious that there were enough Wardens for Isseya to use as an army, though she could've been assembling them for a while. Had battle plans for all of Thedas. Isseya worshipping Ghilan'nain; wondering why more elves aren't embracing them though glad they aren't. Convinced her to give up by sentimentality.
Afterwards brought the griffons to Arlathan, decided to have them stay there as defenders of the forest. Are there enough for them to survive? It seems there are very few, & soon they will have no choice but to mate with cousins if they are not already siblings.
Went to Hoss Wetlands; Antoine & Evka suspect that the Blight changed more than anticipated, answering to something other than the gods, something in the Wetlands. Used alchemical fire to destroy the blight eruption, causing general retreat of the Blight. What will the Grey Wardens do if they kill the last archdemon, what will become of the Darkspawn? What will become of the Grey Wardens? If the Blight is answering to something else, what then? The Titans?
Went to Arlathan with Bellara to stop Anaris's ritual with Bellara. Cyrian ultimately betraying Anaris, we killed or banished Anaris. Cyrian died in the process. Bellara wondering whether to keep the Archive, advised her to.
Handler's note: Updated files on Catarina, Anaris, gingerroot truffles, Elgar'nan, Solas, Varanis, Asarial, the First Warden, Isseya/GloomHowler, the eighth archive, & griffons. Could not find any records of a “Cole” connected with the Inquisition.
Chapter 23: Treviso 9:54:7:11
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Went to meet Shathaan at her home with Taash; discovered her gone with signs of violence. A Lord of Fortune called “Cutter” apparently abducted her, was coordinating with the Dragon King. Also have the tablet with them, which is reportedly about fire-breathers & the Dragon King thinks it's the secret to making more of them. Dragon King reportedly drinks dragon blood, trying to become one. Has a base in a dormant volcano, which didn't seem so dormant. Location included. Lords helped us in the assault; Taash using her nose to track them. Can all qunari do this? I find it somewhat disturbing, along with her ability to melt metal & crystal. Dragon King still calling himself antaam. It was a trap; Shathann sacrificed herself to release us from it. Killed another dragon; as many times as I've done it I'm still amazed by them. Apparently tablet's message can only be revealed through her fire breath. Dragon King is dead.
Taash wanted advice on gift to give to Harding; I suggested cheese.
Handler's note: Updated files on Dragon King & Shathaan. Noted location of base. Did not share information on qunari nasal abilities; reiterated interest in contents of the tablet.
Chapter 24: Minrathous 9:54: 7:15
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There apparently will be a Crow meeting; we plan to infiltrate. Sanctum Lusican, where Aelia is based, is somewhere under Minrathous. Completed the looting of the Sharkmaw cavern; I've included the histories we retrieved. The locking mechanisms were frustratingly convoluted. While on the coast a spirit of adventure lead us on a pointlessly long trail to find treasure, claiming the journey was the real treasure. Spirits make no sense.
Infiltrated Johanna's party; wondered why she was allowed to have one. There were skeletal butlers; magical excess. Killing everyone or just blowing the place up would be more expedient. Johanna had animated a giant skeleton; the skull was nearly as tall as two qunari. Where'd she get such a thing? Could it be a titan? Colossus killed all the partygoers, for some reason spared us. Manfred sacrificed it/hisself. Emmrich wants to bring Manfred back, but wasn't it a wisp, & don't spirits just cease to exist when destroyed? The liches who control who becomes one says he can either have Manfred back or become one of them; trying to teach him a lesson about needing to accept other's passing in order to avoid his own. Strange lesson. Emmrich wanted my advice; I deferred, personally finding both options distasteful. Emmrich is keeping Johanna's head & attached spirit until penance in the Necropolis can be arranged. Personally seems like she should just be destroyed. Emmrich decided to “face his mortality” & become a lich; accompanied him to the ritual but fortunately was left outside. Still felt awkward.
Lucanis & Davrin were having a contest about who'd had the worst jobs, with highlights including a ball of nugs created by blood magic & a hill-sized mass of tentacles. I shared a few stories of my missions from the Shadow Dragons.
Witnessed Taash giving Harding a whole wheel of Fereldan cheese; apparently she'd accidentally gotten one called “Revered Mother's Knickers” because they smell like that. There was some suggestive comments about eating knickers before I bowed out. Seems odd that enough people would know how that smells to name it that, though perhaps it just smelled like used knickers & was created under the direction of a Revered Mother?
Will be attending Cyrian's funeral in Arlathan.
Handler's Note: Added notes about Crow meeting, Sanctum Lusican; updated Sharkmaw, Grey Warden, Emmrich, Manfred, Johanna, Lucanis, Davrin, Taash, & Harding files. Made tentative notes about nugs in blood magic file, uncertain of where to put information about hill-sized mass of tentacles. Will look into giant skeletons; am uncertain if cheese is significant.
Chapter 25: Lords of Fortune Base, 9:54:7: 22
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Went with Bellara for Cyrian's funeral: Would've brought everyone but only one companion allowed for some reason; arranged a campfire afterwards for everyone. Varric didn't feel well enough to come. Better than the Necropolis; mostly just lit braziers. Bellara wondered if the Evanuris ever left Thedas; what else is there? I know the qunari came from across the sea, but where?
Checked on Eldrin's training of the griffons with Davrin. They are too smart & know when something is fake. Had me don antaam equipment & act as a moving pell. It felt comforting to put on qunari equipment again, if acting as a pell was more terrifying with griffons attacking me than other qunari.
Going to meet with a qunari translator later.
Handler's note: Made notes about Dalish funerary practices. Still uncertain about continued mentions of Varric. Uncertain of what, if anything, to tell agent of qunari history. Updated file on griffons & Eldrin.
Chapter 26: Lords of Fortune Base; 9:54:8:1
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Met with qunari translator with Taash, being careful with how I speak to not sound too familiar with Qunlat. Karash talking about how air is thought to be nothing, but it can feel like a heavy blanket on a hot day, or like it's running with the coming of a storm, or the weather can be felt in old aches. Also talked about returning to the Qun; I cautiously asked if he wants to. Translator said text was sacred & cannot be translated or at least not written down. I've included the translator's name so they can be found. It apparently speaks of “the Devouring Storm”, “the adversary”, & mixing their blood with that of dragons. Taash didn't see the meaning, but talked about reforming the Qun & bringing the antaam back to the Qun. Latter sounds good, former I'm uncertain.
Returned to Issan Nagat with Harding & Taash; wondering where her journey is taking her. Ancient elves were apparently spirits which used lyrium, which is titan blood, to give themselves bodies. Dwarves were apparently born of the Titan's destruction, & spent millennia selling Titan blood, or maybe it's their ancestor's blood, to Tevinter & other mages. I do not know if saarabas use lyrium; perhaps they shouldn't.
Handler's note: Updated file on Evataash & the artifact; passed translator's name on to superiors. Updated notes on Issan Nagat, Harding, Titans, elvish history, lyrium, & dwarves. Made sure superiors were aware of lyrium update.
Chapter 27: Treviso 9:54:8:5
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Drank with Isabela, Taash, & Bellara. Isabela mentioned learning family in Kirkwall, also “pulling a Bharv” which means to do push-ups when you mess up instead of apologizing, specifically for using the wrong pronouns with Taash. No indication that Taash wanted this, & seems like a bigger deal than it needs to be.
Handler's note: uncertain if any of this is important enough to note. Admonished agent to only use drop-offs for important information.
Chapter 28: Minrathous 9:54:8:10
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Went to Treviso to meet with informant; governor was unhelpful. Informant was apparently the leader called “the Butcher”. Still seemed to carry the Qun in his heart; respecting those who stick to their roles & hating traitors. He gave in to the gods to reveal their meeting place, dying as he told me it was Tearstone island. Governor Ivenci is the traitor, & became the antaam's new leader.
Handler's note: Updated files on “the Butcher”, Tearstone, Governor Ivenci, & the tal vashoth army. Concerned about agent's apparent respect for the tal vashoth leader.
Chapter 29: Treviso 9:54:8:12
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Secretly met with Threads in Minrathous; their leader Damas is dead but they will continue with last orders until new leader arises. Rana offers help, apparently having lost her position with Tevinter Templars. Aelia was in the catacombs; had people controlled by blood magic on display, spraying blood. Aelia was killed by the threads.
Also fought a spirit in Minrathous which possessed a bellhop; dangers of casual magic.
Will be disrupting planned party by Ilario at house Dellamorte.
Handler's note: Updated files on Threads, Damas, Rana, Aelia & Ilario.
Chapter 30: Minrathous 9:54:8: 18
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Ilario had Catarina imprisoned, planned to take over the Crows. We stopped that; Catarina made Lucanis leader of the Crows. I counseled killing Ilario but Lucanis spared him.
Bellara is writing a story inspired by my team & me; asked me why I do what I do. Briefly considered telling truth, but decided it was too much of a risk.
Handler's note: Updated files on Catarina, Ilario, Lucanis, & Crows. Concerned about agent even considering blowing their cover.
Chapter 31: Treviso 9:54:8:20
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Threads are rebuilding as a “legitimate” business: scamming Venatori.
Handler's note: This was already reported by our agents in the Threads, but confirmation is good.
Chapter 32: Minrathous 9:54:8:24
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Ivenci planned to release qumak on populace; was exposed to it during fight & hallucinated. Is this the intended effect? Will there be any lasting effects?
Talked to Solas; he claims he wasn't trying to tear down the Veil, just transfer the gods to a new prison. Uncertain if I believe him.
Handler's note: Updated file on Ivenci & Solas; will consult about long-term effects of low-level qumak exposure.
Chapter 33: Minrathous 9:54:8:24
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Quick note: met with Inquisitor at Cobbled Swan; they were interest in my team & perspectives on Solas; strange as they knew him longer. Then met with Morrigan, only for eclipse to happen suddenly. Advancing plans for going to Tearstone Island.
Handler's note: Was dropped the same time as previous note; updated files on Inquisitor & Morrigan. Clear that mission was successful from other sources.
Chapter 34: Minrathous 9:54:9:1
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Talked with Varric before going to Tearstone Island. On island, sent Davrin with rest of team as distraction. Antaam was hiring mercenaries. Elgar'nan was talking in my head; pulled Bellara through an eluvian after she opened a ward. Ghilan'nain temporarily bound my companions; Davrin was heavily wounded distracting her & disappeared afterwards. Fell into a Blighted hole, with no traces of him or Assan, who dove after him. Lucanis succeeded in killing Ghilan'nain with the lyrium dagger; had to remove it from her body lest it tear a hole in the Veil.
I was taken into the Fade, taking Solas's place in a 'prison of regret'. Apparently only certain kinds of people could be trapped there; strange concept. Perhaps it is like the thought traps those who can't accept the Qun find themselves in. I was confronted by those I'd lost: Bellara, Davrin, & Varric.
I'm uncertain of what to make of Varric's death. How many people knew but said nothing? Did you know? Did everyone think I was insane? How could my mind not have handled his death? I've lost others I was closer to. Some of my team commented about how I didn't know, or couldn't acknowledge that he was dead. Did my superiors consider taking me off this assignment, but didn't as I am too embedded?
We created a fake lyrium dagger, uncertain if we'd use it.
We spent an evening honoring those who fell, though truly we don't know if they're dead.
I've included the battle plans for assaulting Minrathous, though I'm sure the other agents have already reported on it. We confronted Solas: he promised that the Veil would not come down by his hand. At a certain point he separated, claiming that he attracted the Blight too much for us to continue together. He gave me the lyrium dagger & transformed into a terrible wolf with too many eyes. Bellara was being used to control the Blight; we freed her, but she was still heavily Blighted. We learned from Bellara that if Elgar'nan died, the Veil would collapse, so another trick by Solas. We spent a moment honoring the dead, while unwise given the vital work we had to do, but it did allow us time to catch our breaths & focus, which I think was of immense help. Final, or potentially final, conversation are weird.
We climbed the Blight; I was worried about catching it, but had no real time to consider it. Surprising we haven't caught it, given how much we deal with it. We saw much of the fight between Solas (in giant wolf form) against the archdemon; considered trying to help, but what could we realistically do? Magisters were being used to control the Blight. Elgar'nan claimed to be the creator, or “Maker” of the world, so perhaps he is also behind the Andrastian chantry? As much as there is no true faith, & only the Qun is a good guide, it seems weird that all human religion would trace back to the ancient elves. Bellara sat upon Elgar'nan's throne & was cocooned by the Blight, taking control of it to help. At the last minute switched the real dagger for the fake one; uncertain if Solas bought my act of attempting to stop him. Solas claimed I was bested by wits alone, but in the end he admitted defeat. “Fool who has met his match”. Ironic for the god of lies & betrayal to fall to lies & betrayal. He is now bound to the Veil, so as long as he lives, the Veil will remain, though perhaps having someone who wants to remove it tied to it is not the best long-term solution.
Bellara emerged from the Blight-cocoon free of the Blight; I thought you could never be free of the Blight once you had it.
I am staying in Minrathous, resuming a position with the Shadow Dragons, to help restore the city.
Handler's note: Updated files on agent's team, Tearstone, Ghilan'nain, Solas, the Veil, & Elgar'nan. Uncertain of what to tell agent about Varric; will consult superiors about future assignment though they will likely confirm resuming position with Shadow Dragons.

jazzypurrg on Chapter 34 Sun 14 Sep 2025 04:16AM UTC
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OliverDeVienne on Chapter 34 Sun 14 Sep 2025 05:12AM UTC
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