The Otherworlder 2: The Heist

*The Otherworlder’s companions: Silverio carrying the Otherworlder, Barden, and Halani.* *Artwork by Kemvee.*

Takes place immediately after the events of The Otherworlder 1: Arrival in Thedas.

You and your companions accompany Silverio on his mission, where you meet and ally with the ruler of Orlais and the Divine. Yet, events take an unexpected turn when you realise Solas is right on your heels.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

Part 1

You stretch, yawning, and for a moment forget where you are before opening your eyes and seeing the ship’s cabin ceiling.

‘Ah, the beauty from the Otherworld awakens.’

You look around. It’s only you and Silverio in the cabin at the moment.

‘You know it’s okay to show sadness sometimes, Silverio. It doesn’t make you any less of a person, and you certainly don’t have to hide your emotions from me.’

Silverio takes a few moments as you sit up. ‘You can’t say things like that to a man like me, I might get the wrong idea,’ he says, trying to sound flirtatious.

‘You, get an idea?’ The two of you share a chuckle. ‘You know, in my world, friends do cry in front of others. Doesn’t mean we don’t get embarrassed about it, but we do let our friends see even when we feel weak.’

‘Thanks…’ Silverio smirks and suddenly hefts you over his shoulder. You yelp, startled, and he chuckles. ‘You’re a good friend.’ You feel a smooch on your cheek – your ass cheek.

You scowl in disbelief. ‘Did you just…kiss my ass?’

‘Of course.’

You sigh. ‘Now I’ll never be able to tell you to kiss my ass as an insult.’

‘Why would such a thing be an insult?!’ gasps Silverio. ‘It is an honour to be—’

‘All right, all right, just put me down, man!’

Silverio chuckles, carrying you over to a chair before setting you back down. Then he bounces onto the bed, one leg already crossed over the other and hands behind his head before he’s even hit the mattress…with a boing.

You click your tongue at him as you grab your bag. ‘You’re unbelievable.’ He shrugs as though he hasn’t a clue what you’re on about. ‘Where are Halani and Barden anyway?’

Silverio shrugs again. ‘Red Jenny stuff.’

‘With Barden?’

‘What do I know?’

You chuckle, placing your bag on the bed as you begin rummaging through the items you’ve collected so far. When you place the Summoning Stone on the bed, the stone that brought you to Thedas, the stone that is linked to your life and body, Silverio sobers.

With a longing that’s heartbreaking to witness, Silverio takes the stone and holds it close to his heart – you can only watch, remembering whose soul is contained within it. He strokes it gently looking at it fondly, and it feels like he is caressing the top of your head. He wraps it closer to his bosom and hugs it.

‘Are you going to kiss it?’ you ask with a silly smile, hoping it’ll make him feel better.

He grins at you, eyes twinkling with gratitude. ‘Would you like me to?’

You both chuckle and he gently places the stone into the palm of your hand, purpose burning in his eyes. ‘I meant what I said. I will reiterate it as many times as it needs declaring. Antonina’s sacrifice meant that I got to meet you. She would have wanted me to protect you.’

You return his determined gaze. ‘You know, you joke a lot, but I also like this more serious side of you. You’re a man with conviction.’

‘I am a Crow, I must have convictions.’

‘You know what I mean, Silverio. It’s ok to be vulnerable sometimes, and I’m honoured that you would show this side of yourself to me. I am honoured to have your trust.’

‘As I am to have yours, Otherworlder.’ He wraps his hands around yours as you both hold the stone. ‘My sister and I were very close.’ He smiles fondly. ‘All our lives we competed as thieves, and later, as assassins. We did jobs together. This…I took a hiatus. This will be the first job I do without her.’

‘It’s not,’ you say gently, caring in your voice. ‘Antonina is right here with you, through this stone, through me.’

Silverio blinks and a tear runs down his cheek. He whispers your name. ‘I may have failed to protect her, but I will always protect you.’ The two of you share a warm smile before Silverio pulls away, his eyes never leaving yours.

Halani’s and Barden’s laughter draws near as they enter the cabin and set some items down. Silverio discreetly wipes the tear from his face and resumes a stoic expression.

‘Good, you’re awake.’ Barden grins at you, then he and Halani look expectantly at Silverio. ‘We can start planning.’

‘We’ll be arriving at Val Chevin shortly, yes?’ asks Halani. Silverio nods.

‘All right, what’s the plan, my good man?’ Barden prompts Silverio, whose face and tone become all business.

‘The best way to acquire the ring is to go in as guests attending the masked ball,’ explains Silverio. He unrolls a map, which looks like a blueprint – a Thedosian version of one anyway. He points at various sectors. ‘This is the way in, this is the way out, this is the way to the servant’s quarters. We being in disguises is the only way to steal the ring encased inside that Hart’s bust.’

You can’t help but smirk, and you chuckle. ‘This is the way,’ you assert.

‘I’m pleased you think so,’ says Silverio. ‘I will pose as an Orlesian Chevalier.’

‘I’m best posing as Tall Boy’s merchant of goods, then,’ says Barden. ‘I have enough connections, I can think of something to bring as an offered gift.’

‘Very good thinking, my friend.’

‘I guess I should be your servant,’ sighs Halani.

‘Are you sure you’re okay with that?’ you ask her.

‘I’m an elf, and we’re in Orlais. I’ll be able to get into the Servant’s Quarters, hear the gossip, learn things. And I’m Red Jenny. I can gain their help.’

‘As long as you’re certain,’ Silverio says gently.

‘As long as someone isn’t too demanding,’ Halani replies, a smile tugging on the side of her mouth.

‘I have a feeling things would go very wrong for me if I were.’ Silverio and Halani share a laugh before he turns to you. ‘That leaves you, Otherworlder. You can either pose as my Tranquil, you could be my Squire, or…’

Silverio grins at you in a way he never has before, and your stomach flutters – you’re unsure whether from fear or excitement.

‘You can be…my lover.’ He smiles enticingly. You gape at him. Your friends stare at you expectantly. ‘So what will it be?’ asks Silverio.

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. Your skills have carried over.
Diplomacy: 2
Strength: 1
Cunning: 2

Part 2

‘Excellent choice, my friend,’ says Silverio. He bends forward with a smirk, arms clasped behind his back, ‘or should I call you, ‘mon amour,’ he adds in a perfect Orlesian accent.

You realise that during this exchange, Barden is whispering to Halani, who brings a hand to her mouth, laughing into it. Her face is almost as red as her hair.

Barden is barely able to contain his own laughter as he says, ‘Are you two going to practise?’

Halani laughs harder into her hand.

‘Let’s strategise!’ you exclaim before anyone else can get any more quips in.

It takes a few minutes for Halani to calm her laughter, with only a sporadic giggle here and there as Silverio clears his throat and looks over the map of the estate once more.

Together, you form a plan and begin to think of backstories for your characters. Before you know it, the sun has begun to set.

‘We still have a few nights before we reach Val Chevin, and this is the ideal time for me to skulk in the shadows and eavesdrop on the crew.’

‘You can be so creepy sometimes, you know that?’ Barden chides him.

‘Then come drink with me. I’ll teach you how to skulk like a real Crow.’

The two begin towards the cabin door. ‘You recruiting me now or something?’ Barden chuckles.

Silverio pauses. ‘You two want to join?’

Halani dismisses them with a wave of her hand. You point a thumb in her direction. ‘I’ll stay with Halani.’

‘Suit yourselves.’

Halani sits in her usual spot on the desk. You study her for a moment. ‘What?’ she asks you.

‘Are you really okay posing as a servant?’

‘Yes.’ She smiles mildly. ‘Growing up as a city elf, I did everything I could to become the servant of some noble.’

‘I guess the cards didn’t quite stack up that way, eh?’

‘At first they did. Caius wasn’t always the way he was at the end of it all. He was once a fairer master; he paid me, gave me a lot of free time – hell, we even played cards together. He was…so different.’

‘Wow,’ you disdain, thinking of the mage you met, ‘I can’t imagine him any other way than…’

‘I know, it was night and day.’

‘What changed him?’

Halani’s face contorts in contempt. ‘The Venatori.’ She shakes her head. ‘He became obsessed – he wanted to earn Corypheus’s favour. After the Elder One’s defeat, he was even more determined.’

Helani plays with the fabric of her armour. ‘He stopped letting me out, I became a prisoner in his mansion, he stopped paying me, stopped talking to me other than to bark orders at me.’ She hesitates. ‘He started mistreating me, verbally abusing me, threatening violence as punishment.’ She looks up at you, eyes filled with sadness and anger. ‘He became someone I no longer recognised.’ Your heart breaks at the emotions on her face. ‘When I killed him, it was partly to set us both free.’

A strong emotion surges through you. ‘How can you say that? He enslaved you!’

‘Yes, but I knew him before then too,’ Halani argues. ‘He deserved his death. In spite of that, I wept for him for real this time, because the real Caius died long ago. Killing him now, it was more freeing in many more ways than I would have imagined.’ Her eyes glint with tears. ‘There was a time when he would go out at night to meet with others of his faction. I would sneak out and put out feelers. One day, the Red Jennies got wind of these feelers and came to rescue me.’

You sigh. ‘I guess no matter how good your intentions might be, power corrupts.’

Halani smiles suddenly, jumping up, and walks over to you. ‘Which is why I’m going to make sure things don’t go to your head, Otherworlder.’ She flicks your temple with her finger.

‘Hey,’ you chide playfully, batting her hand away.

Instinctively, you hug her, wanting to convey to her all the words that fail you at that moment. She wraps her arms around you, tightening the embrace before pulling away, smiling genuinely. And you recognise the mischief in her eyes as she flicks you again.

‘Oh, that’s how you want it?’ You flick her back.

The two of you go on trying to flick each other, giggling like children the whole time.

‘Someone’s having fun,’ Barden remarks as the cabin door opens and he and Silverio enter. The two shut the door behind them.

With a flourish of his hand, the other at his back, Silverio presents to you a ring.

‘Whoa! I said I’d act as your lover, and you’re already proposing?’

Silverio chuckles. ‘We found it lying at the bottom of a drawer.’

‘Charming,’ remarks Halani.

The ring is intricate, with silver engravings on it.

‘It’s a magical runic ring, dwarven craft,’ says Barden.

‘The best dwarven crafts,’ you both say.

‘Hey, how did you know?’

You shake your head dismissively as the two men explain how the ring should create a momentary shield around you using elemental magic. You purse your lips, accepting the gift, and present your hand to Silverio who slips the ring onto your left middle finger.

You look down at the ring and stroke it. Doing your best imitation, you say,

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Diplomacy: 2
Strength: 1
Cunning: 2

Part 3

‘That’s actually quite wise,’ voices Barden.

You can’t help but chuckle, unable to take full credit. ‘It’s from a book,’ you admit, ‘about a ring of power.’ You show off the ring they just gave you, admiring it.

‘And we’re off to steal another ring of power,’ adds Silverio. ‘The Ring of Entropy.’

‘That’s its name?’ You shake your head. ‘Why do they all have to have such ominous names?’ Silverio shrugs.

‘And that quote exactly…?’ begins Halani.

You tell them the story about the One Ring as you all settle for sleep.

The next days go by quickly as you continue to prepare. Then finally, the ship docks at Val Chevin.

The four of you disembark and head towards an inn Silverio reports is close to many shops and within walking distance from the grand estate where the masquerade is to take place. You settle into a room and begin preparing for the heist.

‘All right, time to shop for disguises.’ Silverio looks expectantly at Halani. ‘We are in Val Chevin now, we need to act in accordance with our roles, which means…’ His grin widens, and then he scoops Halani up and slings her over his shoulder. She wails in surprise, half laughing, half protesting.

You nudge Barden with your elbow. ‘At least this time it’s not me.’

Halani gives you a death stare that’s masked with laughter, and a chuckling Silverio carries her out into the city.

Barden shakes his head. He sets to work on sharpening his axe and grows quiet. You watch him for a while before you decide to sharpen your sword the way he showed you, and the two of you work in silence for a while.

You look over at Barden, and, for the first time since you’ve met him, he looks tormented.

‘Everything okay?’ you ask.

He studies you for a moment before sighing. He leans his elbows on his knees. ‘It’s my fault they’re all dead, you know, every last one of them.’

You move to sit down next to him. ‘Why do you say that?’

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts. ‘When the Carta kicked me out, I was desperate for work. I settled in a village on the outskirts of Wycome. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, everyone always helping everyone else. It was a community.’ His eyes grow distant for a moment. ‘Families, elderly folk, humans, elves, dwarves – heck, there was even a family of Vashoth living there.’

‘You seem to have cared about them greatly,’ you remark.

Barden pauses, then continues after clearing his throat. ‘I was desperate for work, yes? When I heard a Tevinter mage was paying good coin to whoever could provide him with dwarven runes and lyrium, I jumped on the opportunity.’ He points at your satchel. ‘That box was an extra.’

Barden’s expression grows harsh. ‘I remember waking up to the smell of smoke and immediately going into a coughing fit. I was surrounded by fire. Thinking fast, I grabbed my gear and jumped out the window.’

He works his jaw for a moment. ‘That’s when I saw it wasn’t just my house. It was the whole sodding village on fire. And right there, in the centre of it all, Caius, holding that thing’ – he points towards your satchel on the floor where the stone is visible – ‘waving his staff about. And I could see their souls and their blood being taken from them and seeping into it as they screamed their agony.’

Barden closes his eyes, looking pained. ‘Some nights, I can still hear their cries.’ He opens his eyes again, they seem glazed over. ‘Only a handful of us escaped, all of us dwarves. I suspect it has to do with our lyrium immunity – Caius was so infused with it, he nearly glowed blue.’ He shakes his head. ‘Had I known, had I just known what he’d do. Fuck!’

You gently place a hand on his shoulder. ‘Barden, it’s not your fault they’re dead.’

Barden bolts up, shouting. ‘It sodding hell is my fault!’ He balls his hands into fists, letting his axe fall to the floor.

‘But you didn’t kill them!’ you shout back.

‘I fucking might as well!’ Barden takes several steps away from you before turning around to face you. ‘I’m sorry, you don’t deserve my ire.’

‘Venting can help,’ you offer.

Barden smiles meagerly and meets your gaze. ‘When I said I had nothing better to do, it’s…I’m looking for my purpose.’

You give Barden a warm smile. ‘Then let me be your purpose.’

Barden blinks at you before spinning around and bringing a hand to his eyes. ‘Sodding hell, I’ve got something in my eye.’

You suppress a chuckle. You stand and walk over to him and hug him from behind. You whisper in his ear. ‘I promise I won’t tell.’

Barden pats your hand a few times before you pull away just in time for Silverio and Halani to enter.

‘Ta-daaaa!’ Halani sings. They lay your costumes out on the bed before you all.

‘Behold, our fancy garb,’ declares Silverio.

You all don your costumes. Silverio looks dapper in the Chevalier gear that conceals his usual attire and tattoo. Halani looks like the best-looking elf servant in all of Orlais, with some additional frills that actually make her armour look like simple clothes. Barden looks smart and sharp, bearing the crest of Orlais and a tunic over his armour. Looking yourself over in the mirror, you find you look quite appealing, if you do say so yourself. All of you wear masks.

Silverio offers you his arm. ‘My, my, don’t you look dashing.’ His smile is not his usual grin but one of admiration and you feel your cheeks flush.

The four of you step out into the city and walk together along a road that leads to the high-end districts of Val Chevin.

Before you can reach the entrance of the fenced-off estate grounds, two Harlequins appear – a woman and a man – their faces painted, elaborate hats over their heads, and clad in lozenge-patterned tight leathers.

‘Our master wishes to speak with you regarding the job you were hired to do,’ the woman says.

‘I am surprised your master wants to speak to me in person after taking great pains to hire me through a messenger and much secrecy, but I suppose we could make a detour to meet. It would be a great honour,’ Silverio declares with a regal bow.

‘It is an important job – our master wants to be certain you understand all the details it entails,’ the man answers, Orlesian accent just as thick as his counterpart’s.

‘Wait, who is their master?’ you ask. ‘Who hired you?’

‘Why, the ruler of Orlais!’ declares Silverio. ‘None other than…’

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Diplomacy: 3
Strength: 1
Cunning: 2

Part 4

You gape at Silverio. ‘Empress Celene Valmont hired you!?’

‘While I do appreciate you opening your mouth wide for me, my dear, it’s probably best you swallowed your saliva.’

You stare at him, unimpressed as he cheekily chuckles. Beside you, Halani and Barden snort, suppressing laughs.

‘This way to her tent,’ the Harlequins state as they begin to lead the way.

You stare at their backs, low-key wanting to pounce-surprise them but think better of it.

They lead you to a large red tent where a Chevalier stands guard. He opens the flap of the tent and lets you in.

Standing with her back to you, hands laced together in front of her, is none other than Empress Celene Valmont, clad in her extravagant blue dress. She turns to face you and locks eyes with you for a brief moment before turning to Silverio. Your stomach whoops nervously.

It feels surreal to be in the presence of Celene.

‘Thank you for meeting with me.’ Her hands move with grace, maintaining the poised position at her abdomen. ‘I wanted to speak with he who is to obtain the Ring of Entropy for me. I, after all, merely sent a messenger to hire you, master thief and assassin, Silverio of House Balazar.’

‘While I am in Orlais,’ Sylverio begins, switching to an Orlesian accent, ‘I am Sylvain DesSerres, Chevalier.’

‘Je m’excuse,’ replies Celene. A smirk quirks on the corner of her mouth. ‘My, your Orlesian accent is astonishing.’

‘Merci!’ With a flourish, Silverio bows low.

‘And what of your companions?’ asks the Empress.

‘My merchant of goods: Ivor,’ Sylverio replies, pointing at Barden, who nods politely. ‘My servant: Colette, ma coquette.’

‘Your what!?’ Halani shrieks. She sighs loudly. ‘You owe me big time.’ She turns to the Empress and gives a formal bow.

Sylverio merely nods before presenting you. ‘And my love: Lior.”

The Empress’s eyes narrow and her smile becomes predatory. ‘But I know from the reports of my spies that the great Silverio of House Balazar travels with an ex-Carta dwarf named Barden, a Friend of Red Jenny and former city elf named Halani, and one who is rumoured to have been summoned by the late defeated Caius of the Venatori,’ her eyes land on you, ‘the one from the Otherworld.’

‘Shit,’ you breathe. ‘News travels fast.’

‘As the ruler of Orlais, it is my duty to learn who travels my lands and who assists those I have employed for their service.’

You nod several times and bow as regally as you can, unsure if you feel awed or intimidated. When you rise, Celene’s eyes are still on you.

She takes several steps closer to you. Celene gently lifts your chin with a gloved finger, appraising you kindly, concern in her eyes, before stepping back.

‘But if word has reached me, who else knows of your existence, I wonder?’

You exchange a glance with your companions, knowing full well that Qunari and Solas himself were after you, though you are uncertain if or what the Qunari know about you. You also remember Caius admitting to the desperation of the Venatori and their plans for you, and the sinister ancient magic they sense growing that could be several possibilities you know of.

You shift where you stand, uncertain of what to answer.

‘Tell me what you know that might help Orlais, and you will have Orlais’s protection. I give you my word as the Empress and a woman of faith.’

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais in this World State.
Diplomacy: 4
Strength: 1
Cunning: 2

Part 5

You take a breath and explain once more as best you can for someone who knows nothing about your world and its technologies. You recount how you came to be in Thedas, what Dragon Age is to you, and what you know about possible threats, not only to Orlais but to all of Thedas. The Empress listens intently to every word that you utter.

When you are done, you take another long breath and the Empress nods.

‘I thank you.’ Celene clasps your hand in hers and you shake hands.

You were too stunned the first time she placed her hands on you, but your heart races as she touches you once more. Inside, you’re freaking out but telling yourself to hold it together.

‘Call on me when you need my aid and strong allies, and you will have Orlais’s army at your disposal.’ Celene glances at your companions who acknowledge the offer.

‘That is very generous of you,’ Barden says. ‘Thank you.’

‘Of course.’ The Empress’s eyes land on you once more. ‘You are dismissed.’ Celene steps back and turns to Silverio. ‘I expect to be in possession of the ring by your earliest convenience tomorrow, Silverio.’

‘Uhm,’ you hesitate, knowing Silverio didn’t divulge that much about the ring itself. ‘What does the Ring of Entropy actually do?’

You glance at everyone. It is Celene who answers. ‘Aim it at your opponent’s heart, and you drain their life force, thus weakening them. Aim it at their abdomen, and they are tormented with crippling fear. Aim it at their head, and they enter a deep and tormented slumber.’ She pauses. ‘Aim it at yourself after doing one such thing, and you gain their life energy, control over them, or the knowledge they possess.’

‘You understand why it is a dangerous and powerful ring, si? In the wrong hands…’ Silverio doesn’t need to elaborate, you get the gist.

With a final farewell and a few additional formalities, the Empress sees you off, and the four of you make your way to the estate.

It is a lavish mansion with many stories. Silverio makes brief introductions as you enter. Barden pushes his cart of goods and wares, wherein hide his axe, Halani’s bow, and your dagger-sword and bow.

Your group presents your ‘gift’ for the host – a golden figurine of Andraste adorned in gems – and you are ushered through the vestibule and through lavish double doors.

‘Now,’ begins Silverio as the four of you walk into the ballroom, ‘I am grateful you accepted to pose as my lover, though if I had it my way, I’d make all three of you my lovers.’

‘Silverio! I swear to God!’ you exclaim.

‘Which one?’ he asks.

You slap your forehead with the palm of your hand and shake your head. ‘Whichever one you want.’

‘Ah, in that case, I’ll swear to Rilla, the Avvar goddess of procreation.’ He flashes you a wolfish grin, and your other palm joins this one on your forehead.

Halani takes this as her cue to disappear – you barely have time to register her sneaking off. Silverio takes out a fresh leaf of mint and begins to chew casually as he takes a quick look around.

Barden instals himself near the bottom of the stairs – a good place for a merchant…and to see everyone walking in and out of the vestibule.

Silverio leans towards you, pinning your back gently against the wall, as many other Orlesian lovers are doing nearby. He brings his mouth to your ear, whispering his initial observations. The whisper tickles you, but you focus on his words, wrapping your arms around him, and whisper back as you prepare the details of your upcoming task.

When enough time has elapsed, Silverio slowly begins to pull away, his gaze boring into you from behind his mask. His lips are so close, you can smell the sweet minty scent on his breath, and your breath catches in your throat.

He grins, bringing the mint leaf to his teeth. ‘Would you like it?’ You know by his tone he doesn’t mean the leaf. Flustered, you roll your eyes. Silverio chuckles softly, placing a hand on your face. ‘Come, mi amor, let’s play.’

‘You mean the Game, right?’ you whisper back, clocking how even with his fake Orlesian accent he used Antivan words. Silverio merely grins back at you.

He takes your hand and leads you to the dance floor. He twirls you and places a hand on the small of your back as you place your other hand on his shoulder. As you dance, you overhear some gossip that isn’t of much importance, but Silverio points out the Hart bust to you. He whispers in your ear, his lips close.

‘Above us – I must dangle from that curtain. I can conceal myself within it, spin, and grab the Hart bust.’

‘You think Barden’s distraction will work?’ you ask.

‘It must. Then Halani can lead us to a room where we can take the ring and leave the bust – it’s far too cumbersome to take with us.’

You think about all the heist movies you’ve seen. ‘And you have everything to open it?’

Silverio snickers and gives you one of his looks. Right, he is a master thief.

Silverio dips you again with a flourish before the two of you make your way to Barden. Halani returns and gives the okay to move forward with the plan.

You walk to your position upstairs near the railing overseeing the ballroom, now carrying a few of Barden’s caltrops. You wait for the right time. Barden ‘accidentally’ trips a noble who immediately begins to argue and insult him. Barden makes a show of causing a scene. Many of the attendees turn, their attention now drawn to the scene.

Pulling your arm back hard, you throw the first caltrop right into the chandelier, and the flames flicker and go out, creating several sparks of fireworks. You toss the second caltrop, and smoke rises from where it lands on the ballroom floor. You roll the third, and smoke engulfs the entire side and its corridors.

Everyone scrambles to move into the vestibule.

As you make your way towards the escalier, you barely make out a swinging curtain in the darkened room. By the time you’ve reached the appointed meeting spot, Halani and Barden have already joined you on the second floor. You hear movement and see a figure flipping above you from a catwalk, and he drops, gracefully cushioning his fall with a barrel roll, making barely a sound even with Chevalier gear.

Silverio grins, holding up the Hart bust. Servants rush about, adding to the commotion downstairs as you bound up the stairs to the third floor. Halani leads you into a private chambre and locks the door behind you once you’ve all filed in. Barden swiftly uncovers his cart, retrieving his axe. Halani takes her bow and you take yours and your dagger-sword as well.

‘We have to hurry and bust this thing open before anyone notices we and it are gone,’ Barden says.

Sitting on the bed, Silverio works on the lock at the back of the bust with stiletto knives. ‘You are working with a professional, my friend.’ There is a click. ‘Ah, fantastico!’

Silverio flings the little trap door within the bust open, only for his face to twist into a scowl, brows furrowed.

‘What is it?’ asks Halani.

You gather around Silverio to discover the bust empty and devoid of any rings, except there is a note where the ring should be.

You snort and begin to laugh mirthlessly. ‘Of course! How typical.’

Silverio takes the note, nearly crumpling it. He lets out a guttural sigh. Then he reads the note aloud. ‘“Come meet me at this location.” An address is given. “Answer my questions and the artefact is yours.” Mierda!’

You take the note from Silverio, wanting to read it for yourself. Your jaw drops when you read who it’s from.

‘This note is from Divine Victoria!’ you gasp. ‘It’s from…’

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais in this World State. A Strength choice has allocated you Orlais’s army for the future.
Diplomacy: 4
Strength: 2
Cunning: 2

Part 6

Silverio throws the bust onto the bed, cursing in Antivan, his expletives becoming lengthier the more he swears under his breath.

‘Does she know you were hired to steal this?’ you ask him.

‘Do I look like I know!?’ Silverio throws his hands up in the air in defeat. ‘I have never failed a job before.’

Barden moves to the door as you and Halani follow a pacing Silverio.

‘This job hasn’t failed,’ Halani chimes in. ‘It just means we have another stop to make. Look, I’m a Red Jenny, I’m sure we can negotiate with the Inquisition. I mean Divine Victoria is, after all, a spymaster who works for the Inquisitor and fought with the Hero of Ferelden and helped the Champion of Kirkwall.’

‘Yes,’ you agree. ‘I’m sure I can use my knowledge to gain us that ring for Celene.’

‘We have to move,’ Barden pipes up, standing close to the door. ‘We’re about to have company.’

None too soon has Barden voiced his warning does a contingent of Chevaliers push past the door, eyeing you all suspiciously.

‘Those are a lot of Chevaliers,’ Barden mutters under his breath.

Silverio moves with grace and speed towards them, his mouth wide open, showing them the bust.

‘Thieves!’ he shrieks. ‘Can you believe!’ His Orlesian accent is so spot on, you nearly forget he’s Antivan as he rants on. ‘Mon amour and I were in search of an intimate moment. Our friends came to warn us of the commotion. A figure clad in outrageous leathers scurried out of this room. Can you believe the disgrace? I, a Chevalier, could not catch them, and I found this on the bed with weapons strewn about.’ Silverio dramatically places the back of his hand on his forehead. ‘Oh, là là! And all I wanted was to be the romantic Chevalier to my lover.’

But the Chevaliers don’t entirely look convinced.

‘This only means that the thief is that good, mon amour,’ you respond in the most diplomatic tone you can muster, with as much authority as you heard the Empress speak. ‘They are good because sadly they eluded us.’

Some guards still eye you suspiciously, swords still raised, though others begin to relax. You just need a bit more to convince them.

You look at the lead Chevalier, eyes pleading, and motion towards the bust. ‘Please, take it, make this right. Help my darling Sylvain regain his honour. I can only offer this gold in return for your kindness.’

You present a sac of gold coins to the Chevaliers. You hear Barden exhale gutturally, slowly. You know that whether they believe you or not, a bribe can’t hurt to convince them to turn a blind eye.

The Chevalier lifts a brow. You hold your breath.

He sighs. ‘Ah, yes,’ he says in a way that suggests he sees through your ruse but is playing along. He takes the sac of gold from you. ‘Carry on, then.’ He turns to his comrades. ‘Lads, to the tavern, lest we be caught in the middle of whatever this is.’

You let out the breath you’ve been holding. Silverio nods and salutes the lead Chevalier in the typical manner of the Orlesian guard – and the Chevaliers leave. You watch as they head towards the stairs and disappear down into the vestibule.

‘We need to be out of here before anyone else finds out about us,’ Halani panics.

‘It bought us some time, though, and avoided us an unnecessary fight.’ You smile.

Barden rolls his eyes, but a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. ‘I suppose knowing it kept you safe made parting with that gold worth it.’

‘We need to discard our disguises and head to the roof,’ declares Silverio.

You all oblige, happy to no longer be encumbered by disguises. You begin to make your way through a darkened corridor that gives a full view of the ballroom several floors down, and up more stairs, when doors everywhere open and guards rush out towards you.

‘Shit!’ you curse.

There are Chevaliers among them too, but their feathers are different. Instead of being the typical yellow of Orlais, they are red, some of them black.

You duck out of the way of a charging guard and bring your arm up to block another’s sword with your dagger.

Barden swings his axe at the guard attacking him, slicing him in two. He kicks another who falls over the railing and onto the ballroom floor below.

Halani shoots her bow at the archers afar, taking down one at a time in quick succession.

A Chevalier comes barrelling towards you, swinging his broadsword. You depress the gem on your ring and a wall of magical energy surrounds you instantly – it shimmers green and cyan, whispering frosty ancient words as it flickers green tendrils towards you. You feel your stamina replenish and realise this not only protects you but heals you as well.

The Chevalier hacks at your shield several times to no avail. Silverio bounds towards him, slashing high with his daggers and plunging them into the back of the Chevalier’s neck. The Orlesian man gurgles before crumpling to the ground.

You barely have time to take a breath before—

‘Behind you!’ shouts Silverio. ‘Duck!’

You duck as a dart whizzes above your head towards the Chevalier. One hits home but the Chevalier keeps running towards you. You spin around and aim your amulet – its levin crackles to life and snakes out towards the Chevalier and the two guards a few paces behind him. They stop, stunned, trembling as the lightning engulfs them in pain. They fall, defeated and moaning, still alive but out of the fight.

Silverio takes your hand, leading you towards a long and low-hanging curtain that drapes all the way down to the ballroom floor.

You turn when you hear footsteps and find a guard grinning, his sword high.

‘I’ve got you now!’

You point your dagger at his chest, missing him by mere inches. Thinking quickly, you press onto the gem on its hilt and it extends into a sword, impaling the guard, whose sword is dropped and forgotten before he falls dead.

Halani keeps shooting arrows towards the climbing guards and archers below. She ducks and kneels, sending two arrows this time – you hear them whizz by and both of them hit their targets. An enemy arrow flies her way. Halani gracefully leaps up and somersaults backwards, avoiding the arrow, before resuming her focused onslaught, advancing gradually with each arrow that strikes true.

Silverio grabs a hold of the drape, swinging wide towards the other balcony railing and kicking a guard down, giving Halani the opening she needs to shoot him down. Sliding down the curtain, Silverio shoots out darts before swinging his daggers at the cluster of guards on the second floor as he passes them. By the time he’s reached the ballroom floor, many guards are down.

Halani urges you to go next. You grab hold of the drapes and let yourself slide down, friction burning your hands. Halani follows you down, landing lightly behind you, and Barden comes last, dropping with a bit more of a thump.

Barden pulls out a small axe from his boot and hurls it at a shadow that suddenly appears behind you. The guard takes the axe in the throat, eyes wide in shock before an empty gaze fills them, and he crumples to the floor.

‘Thanks,’ you breathe.

‘Anything for you,’ replies Barden, already running again.

As you round the corner, you hear a bellow, ‘Halt!’

Running ahead of everyone, you remain in the shadows. Your companions stop to shoot arrows, darts and caltrops at your pursuer.

A quick glance behind you confirms that there stands a noble at the far and illuminated end of the corridor, clad in regal attire that marks him as the owner of the estate and host of the masquerade.

Hearing your companions’ footsteps behind you, you continue to run before you hear a scream that stills your heart.

You spin around to find Barden caught in a magical prison as a mage wields a staff towards him, and the Orlesian host of the manor points his rapier at his throat.

Halani shrieks Barden’s name as Silverio declares something in Antivan.

‘Tell me who hired you,’ the Orlesian sneers, ‘and your friend lives.’

You stand in stark shock, mouth agape, still hidden in the shadows. Swallowing hard, you…

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais in this World State. A Strength choice has allocated you Orlais’s army for the future.
A Diplomacy advantage allowed you to bribe the Chevaliers. Having lowest points in Strength resulted in Barden being apprehended.
Diplomacy: 4
Strength: 2
Cunning: 3

Part 7

Heart hammering in your chest, you take a step forward into the light. ‘A woman of great resources hired us, but it does not matter anymore, for she was not the only one, it seems, to have been after the Ring of Entropy, for when we opened the bust, it was empty.’

A woman dressed regally walks up to the nobleman and whispers in his ear.

‘Ah, the Lady of the Manor,’ mutters Silverio, ‘and co-host of the ball.’

The woman scrutinises you. ‘You expect us to believe you?’ Her voice is high-pitched, her Orlaisian accent thick.

You spread your arms wide. ‘Search us if you want, you will not find the ring.’ You tilt your head to the side. ‘Do you not think we would have already used it by now to free our friend?’

The man sneers and nods to his mage as he steps away from Barden. Lightning surges from the mage’s staff and hits Barden. The dwarf stumbles forward, grunting in pain as his body crackles. Another spell hits him almost immediately, and this time, steam rises from his back as he collapses onto his hands and knees.

You and your friends rush to his side. You take his hand. ‘Barden, are you all right?’

He locks eyes with you, hard determination gleaming within them. ‘I will endure any pain or torture for you.’ His declaration tugs at your heart.

‘Go then!’ The nobleman waves his hand dismissively, as though he hasn’t a care in the world. ‘If you can escape my guards,’ he adds, a smirk forming on his lips.

The mage prepares another spell, staff held high.

‘Barden!’ cries Silverio, sprinting towards him. In one swift motion, he scoops him up and hauls him over his shoulder.

Guards spill from everywhere. The nobles laugh hysterically, calling after you as you break into a run.

‘If you escape,’ the woman shrieks, ‘we will find you still.’

‘We know who you are,’ the man sneers loudly, ‘Otherworlder! We will catch you, je te promets, even if it means allying with the Venatori!’

Barden releases a handful of caltrops towards the oncoming guards. A colourful explosion blinds them as the lot of you veer around the corner.

You arrive at a large stained glass window. Silverio kicks it hard and it shatters. He leaps out the window, you and Halani at his heels, and you all land atop some topiaries. You continue your race away from the manor.

The clash of swords within the estate and shouts of alarm indicate the reason guards have halted their pursuit. You do not stop to wonder what is happening, you all just hurry towards the address given on the note the Divine left behind in lieu of the ring.

After some time, you slow to a trot.

‘You know, Silverio,’ begins Barden, ‘the view of your ass from here is just…mmmm.’ Silverio chuckles.

Halani gapes and shrills, ‘You actually enjoy this?’

‘What’s not to enjoy!’ replies Barden. Silverio sets him down and the dwarf sighs an obvious ‘aw’ of disappointment.

It isn’t long before you arrive at a decrepit place. It looks old and rundown.

Silverio passes a hand in front of him. ‘Disguise illusion. There is a mage with her.’

You approach the building and the door swings open, revealing guards clad in the garb of the Chantry’s royal servants, many more surround you. Among them stand several mages clad in Circles robes.

An escort leads you to a room, where awaits Divine Victoria, garbed in her regal robes and headdress, leaning against the edge of a desk where she stands, legs and arms crossed. She lifts her head and her eyes widen.

Silverio takes a step forward, his voice menacing. ‘We want to know how you knew of my job, where the Ring of Entropy is, and what you want to know that is so important you had to steal’ – he points at himself – ‘my target in order to get my attention.’

Leliana’s jaw drops even lower and you get the distinct feeling that she is genuinely surprised. ‘You were not the target of my lure,’ she admits.

‘What!?’ you all exclaim.

‘Then who?’ Barden growls.

‘Who else?’ you say. ‘Was it Solas?’

A smile tugs on the corner of Leliana’s mouth. ‘You know our world well, Otherworlder.’ She lifts a hand in sign to wait. ‘And before you ask, of course I know who you are.’ She laughs into her fist. ‘Well, this complicates matters. I was expecting Solas and a confrontation.’

Silverio instinctively places his hands over his shoulders on the hilts of his daggers, but does not unsheathe them. The divine guards place their hands on their weapons as well. ‘If it is a confrontation you seek, Signora, I can give it to you. That ring is still my target and I am no simple thief, for I am Silverio of House Balazar, master thief and assassin.’ He pointedly emphasises ‘assassin.’

Leliana motions to her guards and hums, amused. ‘Honestly. Do you truly believe you can take on all my guards and me?’ She points at Silverio. ‘Perhaps alone you could, but not while you have friends to tend to and protect.’

‘I would never let anything untoward happen to any of them!’ Silverio glares daggers at her as she blinks back casually.

Barden steps forward. ‘Don’t underestimate the dwarf! These people are under my protection.’

‘Oh.’ Leliana raises her eyebrows.

Halani steps forward as well. ‘I’m a Friend of Red Jenny. If you hurt them, then you become an enemy, and I will not let harm come to any of them.’

You step in front of them, spreading your arms out wide. ‘What my friends mean to say is that we’ve been through quite the ordeal together and we wish to negotiate an agreement of sorts. We need that ring for the one who hired Silverio. Confidentiality obliges us not to disclose who that is, but I believe it would be safe in their hands and might also benefit the Inquisition, and you, if you let them have it.’

‘You certainly have a way with words.’ She smiles at you and puts a hand on your shoulder. ‘But I already know who hired your friend.’ Her smile widens and you can see it is genuine.

‘You have no idea how surreal this is for me,’ you let slip.

She laughs and steps back. ‘I like you.’ She takes a beat. ‘You can have your ring. It would have been nice to finally catch Solas at his own game, but I suppose you will do.’

‘What do you mean, “catch Solas at his own game?”’ you ask in suspicion.

‘Haven’t you caught on? I’m the one who spread the word about this ring to get him interested in it – he’s been after every artefact and special item. I set this trap.’ She casts an appraising glance at Silverio. ‘You are good if you obtained it before Solas did.’

Your stomach tightens. ‘Was he at that masquerade?’

‘Most possibly.’ Leliana inclines her head. ‘He did not foresee that you would also be after this item.’

‘We’ll have to be careful, then.’

‘All right, here is what I propose: tell me what you think will help me and the Inquisition, answer some questions I have for you, and the ring is yours.’ She says this looking directly at you. The success of this job now rests in your hands.

You tell her what you know…

(Note: Diplomacy Stat points have maxed out.)

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais in this World State. A Strength choice has allocated you Orlais’s army for the future.
A Diplomacy advantage allowed you to bribe the Chevaliers. Having lowest points in Strength resulted in Barden being apprehended and wounded.
Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.)
Strength: 2
Cunning: 3

Part 8

Leliana smiles warmly. ‘Thank you. As promised…’ She reaches into an inner pocket of her robes and holds out the Ring of Entropy in the palm of her hand. It has a strange sickly yellowish glow about it and you can barely make out magical whispers. She presents it to Silverio, who takes it and stuffs it securely in his belt pouch.

‘Many thanks, Signora.’

‘Again, I must apologise for the mix-up, but I am grateful we had a chance to meet and speak. If you need aid from me, the Chantry, or the Inquisition in the future, I will be more than happy to share the knowledge that I learn that may help you.’

‘That’s very kind of you,’ you express. You all thank her again and say your farewells.

‘Give Celene my best, it has been a while since we last spoke. And Otherworlder? Be careful out there. Many hunt you, do not let them find you.’

Your friends declare in unison they will not let anyone lay a hand on you.

You leave to return the ring to the Empress who awaits in her tent and thanks you again for your service. She pays Silverio profusely, who immediately divides the gold into equal shares to distribute among you.

‘I could not have done this without your help,’ says Silverio.

‘You probably could have,’ Halani muses, her head tilted to one side, ‘but this was much funner with us, wasn’t it?’ Silverio’s grin reveals his answer.

‘Well, at least this compensates for that sac of coin this one here decided to offer those Chevaliers.’ Suppressing a laugh, Barden nudges you with his elbow.

‘Can we talk about that coquette thing,’ Halani demands pointedly of Silverio.

‘My apologies, Empress, these are personal conversations. We will leave you.’ Silverio bows and heads out of the tent without answering Halani.

She calls after him. ‘If anyone’s coquette, it’s you!’

‘I can be coquette too,’ Barden chimes in, defensively.

The four of you burst into laughter. As you make your way back towards the inn, for a while, you walk in comfortable silence.

Silverio pauses, hesitating. The rest of you stop and turn to him. When he speaks, his voice reflects concern. ‘With everything we’ve experienced, seen, and learnt, knowing Solas was at the estate and continues to be after you, I fear it might be best to split the items up, to better protect you.’ His eyes land on you.

You ponder his words, unsure of what he means. ‘I don’t understand.’

‘It would be dangerous for you to keep on your person all the items that bind you to this realm,’ Silverio explains.

‘I kind of have to agree,’ says Halani. Barden echoes her sentiments.

Silverio motions towards your satchel. ‘That stone…Antonina lives within it. You know I will care for it and protect it with my life. Let me keep the stone safe for you.’

‘I’ve got the key to your box,’ Barden points out, thumbing his pendant. ‘And our enemies will have to pry it from my dead body to take it. My purpose is you, and to protect you.’

‘I can carry the box,’ Halani offers. ‘This way, since you’re kind of one item yourself, everything is not all on the same person. I’d be honoured to contribute to your safety in this manner.’

‘How ‘bout it?’ asks Barden.

Your friends look at you expectantly. Silverio has a hand outstretched, Barden holds his pendant, and Halani pats her satchel.

You choose to…

Summary: You safekeep the Summoning Stone and the spell box.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais in this World State. A Strength choice has allocated you Orlais’s army for the future.
A Diplomacy advantage allowed you to bribe the Chevaliers. Having lowest points in Strength resulted in Barden being apprehended and wounded.
Leliana is the Divine in the Otherworlder’s World State. A Cunning choice has allocated you information from Inquisition and Chantry spies for the future.
Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.)
Strength: 2
Cunning: 4

Part 9

Heartened, you pass the items to your friends, feeling safe and protected. ‘I trust you and your judgement.’

‘You have our word,’ they all echo.

Barden wraps his hand around his key pendant, a smile so genuine upon his face, your heart swells with appreciation. He permeates a sense of purpose that you can’t help but return the smile, so grateful are you to share this moment.

Halani takes the box as you pass it to her and she secures it to the inside of her satchel in such a way that it cannot be taken without the satchel too. Her lips curl into a lopsided smile, leaving you feeling warmth in your heart.

Silverio gently and carefully takes the stone from you – he holds it with such tender care and reverence, you feel as though his hands are on you. It is a comfort you realise you’ve come to expect from him. He hides it securely where it cannot be seen, and his eyes twinkle in the way that they do every time he looks at you.

Barden, Halani, and Silverio take a step closer towards you. You feel their warmth, feeling good about your decision, and you share a group hug. Silverio lifts you all, as he did once before, and you all chuckle before resuming along the path.

One of the Harlequins you encountered previously appears before you with a puff of purple smoke. He is alone, and something about his stance seems different.

‘I was not expecting to see you here,’ Silverio expresses.

The Harlequin approaches and you tense, immediately recognising his swagger.

‘Wait,’ you whisper in warning. You place a hand on Silverio’s arm to stop him from advancing.

‘What is it, mi luz?’

‘This isn’t the Harlequin,’ you state, taking a step forward. The Harlequin lifts his head to look at you more carefully. Behind his mask, his blue-purple eyes narrow. ‘Aren’t you…Solas.’

Your friends take their weapons in hand the instant you speak his name, and everyone stiffens as the air grows thick with tension. Halani has her bow trained on Solas, an arrow already nocked, Barden holds his axe out in front of him, and Silverio wields his daggers tightly, knees bent and looking ready to lunge forward.

The man before you reacts, his eyes beginning to coruscate with magic.

‘It’s me you want, not them!’ you declare, taking another step forward – the protectiveness you feel towards your friends only fills you with grim determination.

‘What are you doing?!’ all three of them shout at the same time as Solas replies, ‘Very well.’

Suddenly a wall of indigo flames sears the ground behind you, separating you from your friends, and surrounds them completely before any of them can react. You spin around to stare at their gaping faces.

‘No!’ shouts Halani. She shoots the arrow which immediately disintegrates in the magical flames.

‘I will not let him take you!’ Barden heaves his axe, rushing forward, only to cry out and fall to his knees, gritting his teeth in pain, as soon as the flames touch him.

Silverio merely stares at you, wide-eyed and jaw-clenched, despair and dismay upon his face. His eyes, seemingly glowing behind the flames, tell of a whirlwind of emotions. He locks eyes with you, and whispers, ‘Amor—’ his voice cracks.

Your heart hammers in your chest as you see the devastation written across all of their faces. Something inexplicable tugs at your heart, a feeling you don’t want to admit that you’re feeling, but one so powerful you are unable to quell.

Solas grabs your arm, wrenching you away from their gazes. ‘Come with me, then, lest I kill them.’

You reluctantly turn away from your friends, their faces haunting your thoughts as Solas forcibly leads you away from them and through an Eluvian.

Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
Companions: Halani, Silverio, and Barden.
Gear: You have acquired the Ring of Elemental Protection. / Amulet of Lashing Pride, basic gear, dagger-sword, short bow with a quiver of infinite arrows.
You previously met Caius, the Venatori mage who summoned you, and learnt of your bound soul to the Summoning Stone. A Diplomacy and a Cunning advantage allowed you to learn Venatori secrets. Halani saved your life and killed Caius.
You have chosen to pose as Silverio’s lover for your disguise.
Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais in this World State. A Strength choice has allocated you Orlais’s army for the future.
A Diplomacy advantage allowed you to bribe the Chevaliers. Having lowest points in Strength resulted in Barden being apprehended and wounded.
Leliana is the Divine in this World State. A Cunning choice has allocated you information from Inquisition and Chantry spies for the future.
You chose to trust your friends and allow them to carry the magical items that bind you to Thedas for you.
You have been captured by Solas.
Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.)
Strength: 2
Cunning: 4

Thank you for shaping the story of The Otherworlder 2: The Heist.
Stay tuned for the sequel (The Otherworlder 3: Entrapment). Your equipment, gear, companions, and acquired Diplomacy / Strength / Cunning points will carry over. Your current stats have LOCKED. New stats will open in the next story.

The Otherworlder Series:

“The Otherworlder 2: The Heist” is written by Celinka Serre (2023).

Disclaimer: This story is derivative and consistent of Fan-Fiction since it borrows the franchise world of Dragon Age. Certain jargon and places, or concepts mentioned, along with the Dragon Age universe belong to BioWare and EA. This fan-fiction story falls under Fair Use.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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