prodigal-roots-war-table

The spirit of Temperance... remains at the Rampant Oak, continuing to project a disruptive magical aura in the surrounding area. Apostate mages can now find safe haven from templars in the village of Whitebreach. returns to the Fade, dispelling the aura which had protected the apostate mages. is consumed by the pride demon, dispelling the aura which had protected the apostate mages.

The Rampant Oak Staff... is removed from the Rampant Oak and claimed by the Inquisitor. is removed from the Rampant Oak and given to Valora. is left in the Rampant Oak.

The apostate mages Caspar and Lowen... flee safely from Whitebreach. are killed by templars. are brought to Skyhold to await the Inquisitor's judgement The Inquisitor decides... that Caspar and Lowen are to be made Tranquil. that Caspar and Lowen are free to leave. that Caspar and Lowen will be recruitied as agents of the Inquisition.

The Pride Demon... is killed by the Inquisitor, showing the might of the Inquisition. is killed by Valora, offering her closure for her father's corruption. is consumed by the spirit of Temperance. lives and escapes the encounter. He returns to the Clan Telnuvyn camp and kills the clan's Keeper.

Valora's father's remains... are left at the Rampant Oak by the Inquisitor. are reburied at the Rampant Oak by the Inquisitor. are collected and given to Valora. are collected and given to Clan Telnuvyn's Keeper. are brought to Skyhold to await the Inquisitor's judgement The Inquisitor decides... that the ashes will be used for research points at Skyhold. that a forced, post-humous conversion to Andrastianism is warranted. The ashes are blessed by a Chantry Mother in a public ceremony, and then scattered. (Clan Telnuvyn and Valora are outraged.)

war-table: ./audio/war-table.mp3

{ (track: 'war-table', 'loop', true) (track: 'war-table', 'playwhenpossible') } <img src="images/war-table-banner.jpg"> Prodigal Roots is a Twine-based game simulating the //Dragon Age: Inquisition //war table missions that highlighted the expansive reach and growing influence of the Inquisitor’s forces. This is a fan-made mission, written by Ellie Kirkner. (text-color:#111111)[[Begin Mission->2.0]] (text-color:#CDCDCD)[[About]] (text-color:#CDCDCD)[[Copyright Disclaimer]]

Inquisitor, I write to you of an elven curse that has befallen our village. For nearly a decade, the Rampant Oak has been considered little more than a local curiosity here in Whitebreach. This massive tree, which grows on the side of our main road leading to the village, was first noticed when it sprouted up overnight 10 years ago. In that time, it has been a topic of intrigue for our village. A wooden staff grows from the heart of the tree, and our villagers spread the claim that the staff will grant a boon to whomever can pull it from the tree. Over the years, I have hosted many lesser banns and lords at my holding, each arriving with the express intent of pulling the staff from the Rampant Oak. Just recently, worrying discoveries have been made about the Rampant Oak. Templars have reported that their abilities begin to weaken within a five mile radius of the tree. Furthermore, any phylactery now carried across this barrier shatters and is rendered useless. I am certain I do not need to explain to you, Inquisitor, why this cannot be allowed to continue. News of this curiosity has spread quickly. Newcomers have arrived in my village by the dozens. Some claim to be scholars, while others claim to be tourists; all are here to sate their curiosity at Whitebreach’s impending ruin. I can say with certainty that apostate mages will be among their number, using this curse to hide with impunity. My men have tried to fell the tree, but to no avail. Silverite blades glance off of its surface, and the tree continues to grow each time it is struck. The townspeople have been forbidden to approach it for their own protection, and a rotation of guards has been stationed at the tree permanently. There is the belief spread by the people that an elven mage from the neighboring Clan Telnuvyn can remove the staff from the heart of the tree and dispel the evil magic here. I do not usually indulge in such fanciful notions, nor do I wish to engage with elven apostates, but considering the circumstances, I would not ignore what may be our only known path forward. As the stewardess of these lands, I ask for your assistance. Your humble servant, Bann Ola Caryn of Whitebreach --- <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_josephine copy.png"> (text-color:#DaA520)[[I know a certain University of Orlais scholar who may be able to offer insight into how to break the curse. Let us write to him.->3.0]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_leliana copy.png"> (text-color:#9370DB)[[What of this elven clan? My scouts can search for more intel on their whereabouts.->4.0]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_cullen copy.png"> (text-color:#A52A2A)[[The legends sound like nonsense, but we can provide the templar forces needed to find these apostates.->5.0]]

Our contact, Professor Elroy Beaumont, seems to have vanished from his estate without a trace. I find it truly shocking that no one at the university knows his whereabouts. From all accounts, it seems that he is no longer in Orlais. Josephine --- <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_leliana copy.png"> (text-color:#9370DB)[[Surely someone with his background won't be able to travel unnoticed. He won't be in hiding for long.->3.1]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_cullen copy.png"> (text-color:#A52A2A)[[Beaumont has friends in the Circle Tower at Redcliffe. Let's send word to the templars there to ask what they know.->3.2]]

Nightingale, We found the Dalish camp and made contact with Clan Telnuvyn. Their Keeper claims to know the source of the curse and how it can be dispelled. However, the elves here have been harassed by a local templar, Elkin Hambis, who has been a thorn in the side of the clan. They want him removed before they will parley. Bennet --- <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_josephine copy.png"> (text-color:#DaA520)[[His cousin Galen Hambis is a connection who owes us a favor. Let's have the troublesome knight summoned home on urgent business.->4.1]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_leliana copy.png"> (text-color:#9370DB)[[It would be easy enough to arrange an accident on the road.->4.2]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_cullen copy.png"> (text-color:#A52A2A)[[The Knight-Lieutenant can be transferred to a settlement closer to Skyhold, where we can keep an eye on him.->4.3]]

Commander, The presence of additional templars has been well-received by Bann Caryn and the villagers of Whitebreach. However, despite our best efforts, we have not been able to locate any apostates among the villagers. As the early reports noted, the templar curse at Whitebreach has left many of our number weakened and unable to travel at the usual marching pace. We have run low on rations and will need to restock our supplies if we are to remain here. Knight-Commander Kevan Harrier --- <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_josephine copy.png"> (text-color:#DaA520)[[We are there on the Bann’s request. Let us send a letter to her to ask for additional provisions.->5.1]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_leliana copy.png"> (text-color:#9370DB)[[My agents have a supply cache hidden not far from there. They can take what they need, if they can locate it.->5.2]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_cullen copy.png"> (text-color:#A52A2A)[[We do not need to owe favors to the Bann. Our troops can hunt in the neighboring woods.->5.3]]

Our scouts heard reports of an elegantly dressed surface dwarf trying to pass through Redcliffe unnoticed. Surely, this is too odd for coincidence. After reaching several dead ends, we have finally recovered an address for his last known location. Leliana --- <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_josephine copy.png"> (text-color:#DaA520)[[This is silly, let us simply knock on his door and announce ourselves.->3.1.1]] <img src="images/dai_character_tarot_leliana copy.png"> (text-color:#9370DB)[[Let's wait for him to reveal himself. We will have agents in position.->3.1.2]]

Commander Cullen, Had we received this letter a mere day ago, we could have brought this chase of yours to an end. This Elroy Beaumont that you spoke of was here only yesterday, poring over tomes on Dalish magic in the library here at the Circle. When I overheard him speaking with the First Enchanter, he kept bumbling on about how he was heading to the village of Whitebreach on urgent business. He said he was responding to a summons from Bann Caryn. Knight-Captain Hadley --- //There is a note below, added by Cullen.// Maker have mercy, we are running around in circles. It all leads back to Whitebreach. --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area: Whitebreach Keep->The Keep]]

Lady Montilyet, When we arrived at the house in Redcliffe, we were met by members of the house staff. As soon as we showed the Inquisition’s seal, Beaumont’s servants readily gave away his location. Elroy Beaumont is in Whitebreach, responding to a summons from Bann Ola Caryn. Bonifacia --- //There is a note below, added by Josephine.// Clearly, we were right to pursue the professor for this. Perhaps it is time to join them in Whitebreach? --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area Unlocked: Whitebreach Keep->The Keep]]

Nightingale, Fletcher tailed the scullery girl while she was out on errands. When cornered, she gave away the professor’s location without hesitation. Would it surprise you to learn he’s in Whitebreach? Bristle --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area: Whitebreach Keep->The Keep]]

#New Area Unlocked! The Inquisitor will begin their exploration from the keep at Whitebreach. Upon their arrival, they will meet with the Bann of Whitebreach, Ola Caryn. During this conversation, the Bann makes it clear that destroying the tree and lifting the curse would offer attractive political benefits to the Inquisition.

Knight-Lieutenant Elkin Hambis was thrown from his horse and trampled during a routine training exercise. Knight-Lieutenant Kevan Harrier will be leading command of the templars at Whitebreach until the commander can determine a more permanent arrangement. //Scribbled hastily on the bottom edge of the note:// The elves have agreed to speak, but only with the Inquisitor. An entourage awaits you at their camp. --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area: Clan Telnuvyn Camp->The Camp]]

Consider it done. Knight-Lieutenant Hambis was transferred to oversee scavenging efforts at the ruins of Haven. Knight-Lieutenant Kevan Harrier has been assigned to his former command. With the thorn in Clan Telnuvyn’s side now removed, they are ready to speak with us freely. They have asked for the Inquisitor specifically. --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area: Clan Telnuvyn Camp->The Camp]]

To the fairest Montilyet, On behalf of my entire family, you have our deepest apologies for any trouble that was caused by Elkin. We were able to ensnare him with the promise of an advantageous marriage arrangement with a daughter of one of the Antivan merchant princes. All of it, Elkin learned too late, was a farce to spirit him away from Whitebreach. His impropriety will be dealt with, once the servants have washed the smell of ale and horses off him. Galen --- //A note from Josephine is attached below:// It is done, then. Let us inform the elves and see what they have to say. --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area: Clan Telnuvyn Camp->The Camp]]

#New Area Unlocked! The Inquisitor will begin their exploration from the Dalish camp outside of Whitebreach. Upon their arrival, they will meet with the Dalish woman Valora Telnuvyn. During this conversation, it is revealed that the clan’s Keeper had not been genuine in his claim of knowing how to break the curse at the Rampant Oak. However, it is hinted by Valora that spirits or demons may be to blame for the curse. When starting in this area, the Inquisitor will learn more information about the significance of Dalish clan customs such as burial rites, which will be central elements at the end of the larger quest.

Lady Montilyet, Your request for additional provisions has been granted. We are certain the Inquisition will remember the generosity of Whitebreach as your influence continues to grow. I would like to extend an invitation to Whitebreach to the Inquisitor personally. The presence of the Inquisitor would be a welcome sight during this harrowing time. Regards, Bann Ola Caryn of Whitebreach --- [[New Area: Whitebreach Keep->The Keep]]

A field report from outside Whitebreach, delivered to Commander Cullen: On the commander’s order, we dispatched soldiers into the hills to search for the supply cache. Our party was ambushed by two rogue mages while we were moving through the woods. Both apostates were killed in the ensuing conflict, although one of our men was also killed. We have sent a missive to his family in Redcliffe to deliver the news. False rumors have been spread in the village since the skirmish, and the villagers have rallied to protest the deaths of the two rogue mages. The Bann has directed our forces to make camp outside of Whitebreach and not to reenter the village under any circumstances. The chantry mother slipped me this message to be sent to you directly. Knight-Captain Briony --- (text-color:#111111)[[A Letter from a Chantry Mother->5.1.1]]

A field report from outside Whitebreach, delivered to Commander Cullen: On the commander’s order, we dispatched soldiers into the hills to search for food. Our party was ambushed by two rogue mages while we were moving through the woods. Both apostates were killed in the ensuing conflict, although one of our men was also killed. We have sent a missive to his family in Redcliffe to deliver the news. False rumors have been spread in the village since the skirmish, and the villagers have rallied to protest the deaths of the two rogue mages. The Bann has directed our forces to make camp outside of Whitebreach and not to reenter the village under any circumstances. The chantry mother slipped me this message to be sent to you directly. Knight-Captain Briony --- (text-color:#111111)[[A Letter from a Chantry Mother->5.1.1]]

#New Area Unlocked! The Inquisitor will begin their exploration of Whitebreach from the village’s chantry. Upon their arrival, they will meet with the chantry matriarch, Mother Felicia. During this conversation, it is hinted that dispelling the magic interference at the Rampant Oak would offer consequences to the common people, but would garner approval from the templars.

My Lord/Lady/Liege Inquisitor, I understand you have received word from Bann Caryn to assist in the removal of the Rampant Oak. Despite her best intentions, I believe these actions may have unforeseen consequences for the people here. The Rampant Oak offers refuge to those we have abandoned, pariahs who I believe the Maker still smiles on in love. Please understand, Inquisitor. This matter is complex, and worthy of consideration before acting rashly. I would like to invite you to meet with me at the Chantry in Whitebreach to discuss the matter further, face to face. I can feel the invisible hand of the Maker in this. I pray that you may feel it as well. Maker guide you, Mother Felicia --- (text-color:#111111)[[New Area: Whitebreach Village Chantry->The Chantry]]

I do not own //Dragon Age//, or any of the related characters. The// Dragon Age //series is owned by //Bioware// and //Electronic Arts//. All rights of the original // Dragon Age// world belong to //Bioware// and //Electronic Arts//. This war table mission is a work of fanfiction. As the author of this fanfiction, I earn no compensation in any form from its publication.

Written in the world of Bioware’s Dragon Age: Inquisition, this original mission showcases the branching paths of the three Inquisition advisors and their agents. New characters and locations are introduced through mission reports, culminating in a new open-world area for the player to explore.