The Otherworlder 4: The Otherworld

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

Takes place immediately after the events of The Otherworlder 3: Entrapment

You and your companions have been thrust into the Otherworld, your world, where purple rifts and magic now affect it. At the same time, the Summoning Stone begins to malfunction, threatening your life. It is up to you to save both your world and Thedas…and yourself.

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

Part 1

You hold your head, reliving the past minutes in your head: The night you shared with your companions – with your lovers. Solas casting a new spell at you. The purple lightning engulfing you. The Pain. The Summoning Stone malfunctioning. And the four of you here, in your world.

The rift itself appears closed, yet it shimmers and coruscates in opalescent hues of purple.

You begin towards the woods near the highway for cover, rambling as you go.

‘People don’t carry weapons like we possess, we’ll have to leave them at my place. There are no elves here, Halani, you’ll need a beanie or something. Sorry. You’ll all need a change of clothes. We need to figure out what happened to the stone.’

You spin around, walking backwards. Your friends gape at you. You spread out your arms.

‘It’s not that I’m not happy to be back here. But how did Solas send us all here? How do we get back? Maybe I was getting used to living in Thedas. Maybe you don’t want to be here.’

‘As long as we’re with you,’ voices Halani.

You stop and sigh, slumping your shoulders. ‘This is just so messed up. I mean, me waking up in Thedas was messed up to begin with!’

‘We’ll figure it out,’ Barden asserts. He points behind him. ‘By the way, was that giant box on wheels a horseless chariot?’

‘A truck.’

Silverio steps to you and wraps his arms around you. You forget your worries for a moment as he brushes his fingers on your face.

‘Mi amor, we will find our way back to Thedas. We will understand what happened. Let us just take a moment and let’s not panic.’

‘Who’s panicking?!’ you, Halani and Barden all shout. Silverio chuckles.

You roll your eyes at him, a playful smile tugging on the side of your mouth. Despite your predicament, your heart is still soaring from earlier.

‘I guess you got your wish in the end, Silverio.’ You wink at him. ‘Making all of us your lovers.’

Silverio grins. ‘Sí.’ He glances at each of you. ‘We have such a unique bond, the four of us.’ He brushes his fingers along Halani’s cheek, she leans into his touch. ‘It would have broken my heart to have to choose.’ 

He reaches for Barden, gently grazing the dwarf’s stubble. Barden moves his face to align his lips and brushes a kiss to Silverio’s hand. Silverio’s eyes land on you. 

‘Whether you all reciprocate with the same intensity, the same…passion, doesn’t matter to me. I love you, I am in love with you – Halani, Barden, and you.’ He tilts your chin up with his fingers. ‘I am the master thief, but the truth is, I have been bested by three formidable allies.’

‘Here comes the sodding cheesy bit,’ mutters Barden, grinning the whole time.

‘Let him say it. I want to hear him say it,’ Halani voices.

‘Bested by those who have stolen my heart.’

‘Awww,’ you let out, allowing yourself to laugh with the others. ‘You’re not wrong, though, we do have a special bond. I was unable to choose because I realised whatever this that I feel is, I feel it for all of you.’

‘I’m just glad we can express how we feel with words and touch.’ Halani hugs you from behind, resting her head on your back. 

You take her hands in yours. ‘Me too.’ Feeling heartened, you beckon your companions to follow you home.

‘There is something I need to tell you about where I live,’ you begin, nervous to tell them, but knowing you must.

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 2
  • History: 3
  • Secrets: 1

Part 2

Silverio lets out a low whistle. ‘Well, this complicates things. I hope your lover is amenable to sharing…or being shared.’

Halani scowls. ‘If you live with your lover, then we can’t hide ourselves. And I would hate to hide who we are to you or what you mean to us from this person.’

‘We’ll respect whatever you decide. We accept that there is another who also has your love.’ Barden offers you a warm smile.

‘That means a lot to me, truly. I will be honest about what we lived and shared as soon as we get home.’

Feeling glad to have expressed what you needed, you begin towards home. The walk through the woods is lengthy but pleasant, and the sun begins to rise.

Cosplayers approach your group. ‘Oh, you going to the Medieval Festival too? I am just loving that armour!’

You grin to hide your grimace of uncertainty. Barden shows off his armour as the fellow admires it.

A young woman squeals in delight. ‘Where did you get your ears? They are so perfect. I have to get some just like them.’

Halani blushes. ‘Well, I was…born with them.’

‘Hah, in character. Love it!’

They begin walking alongside you and chatting away. Next thing you know, you find yourselves at the Medieval Festival, where revellers are dancing, sparring, or jousting.

You pull your friends aside, ‘Okay, so we took a detour. Now listen, no one here has authentic armour.’

You clock Barden eyeing the sparring ring. ‘No real weapons, it’s all foam.’

Silverio stretches, wrapping his arms around you, and produces a cloak you assume he just stole. He wraps Barden’s massive axe in it. You’re grateful the thief thought fast.

Someone walks up to your group. ‘You there. Care to spar?’ He hands Barden a foam sword.

Barden gapes at it, bouncing it in his hands. ‘You want me to fight with this lightweight junk?’

The entertainer turns and grabs a foam axe. ‘Perhaps an axe for a warrior with such magnificent armour.’

Barden takes the axe, staring at it as though it were insulting him. Silverio snorts a laugh in his throat.

‘There are prizes.’

‘Point me to my opponent, good sir!’ Barden puffs out his chest.

‘Oh, but there is archery!’ Halani tugs at Barden’s sleeve, pointing in the direction of the shooting range. ‘And I bet there are prizes there too.’

‘I’m more interested in that tent over there.’ You follow Silverio’s line of sight to a purple tent with a sign that has a crystal ball painted on it.

An elder woman with a piercing gaze walks up to you. ‘Perhaps you best let me reveal what the stars and cards have to say about your future. After all, three of you are not of this world, are you?’ She drops her voice to a mere whisper. ‘And I might be able to help you learn how to repair your stone.’

You gape after her as she shuffles to her tent.

‘How did she guess?’ asks Barden.

‘She’s a fortune teller. She must be the real deal.’ You look at each of your friends. ‘Okay, where should we focus our attention?’

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 2
  • History: 3
  • Secrets: 1

Part 3

You walk over to the tent, and lift the flap as you all enter. Its interior is dimly lit with candles, a crystal ball and lava lamps adorn some tables, and the scent of frankincense rises gently to your nostrils.

The woman beckons you. ‘Come in, my child. Yes, yes, you are quite unique.’ 

You tentatively approach. You hesitate, so Silverio sits facing the teller.

‘Born of this world, tied to another, with companions of the other, tied to you.’ 

The woman grins, showing decaying teeth and a few missing ones, but her smile is warm and welcoming, and you relax as her soothing voice coos on.

She shuffles a deck of tarot cards and begins to flip four of them: The Fool, The Magician, The Tower, and The World.

‘Lost in a new realm, unlocking new abilities, magical ones. Hmm, the portal from which you arrived is unstable, there will be much upheaval. Howbeit, if you master the magic from the rift, you may be able to manipulate and control it.’

‘You mean like reopening it or closing it?’ you ask.

‘Verily, indeed.’

‘The stone is malfunctioning,’ Silverio pipes up. He smoothly places a hand over the older woman’s. ‘Please, my dear dame, tell us how we may harness the magic.’

‘Your friend possesses magical items, yes?’ 

You glance down at your amulet and at your ring.

‘Use them with the stone. It need only charge them with its magic, malfunctioning or not.’

‘As easy as that?’ Your tone betrays your scepticism. The woman merely chuckles and shoos you away.

‘Do we go back to the main events now? Or…’ begins Halani.

‘No,’ you assert. ‘We go home, assess the information, rest, and then figure out our next steps.’

Finally, you and your companions head home.

The place is empty. There is a note on the kitchen table from your partner that reads, Not sure where you disappeared to, but in case you come home while I’m out, I went to stay with some relatives. Back in a few days. Love you. Jesse.

You let out the breath you realise you were holding. You decide to set your thoughts aside, you’ll cross the Jesse bridge when you get to it.

You reflexively power on your computer. It hums softly. Your companions stare in wonder.

‘This is a computer. It is like a magical box, and I can find information that exists anywhere in the world through a magical network called the Internet.’

Halani installs herself at the keyboard, tentatively typing away. The expression she wears is too akin to those of hackers in spy movies.

Barden has already moved to the kitchen, putzing around. Silverio saunters into to the bathroom and you notice him observing the toilet, marvelling at its cleanliness.

Internally, you thank Jesse for having thought to do a bout of cleaning before leaving and you were warped back from Thedas.

After having quickly changed and explained the basics of modern living to your companions, you decide to go shop for alternate outfits for each of them.

‘Can I trust the three of you to keep the place tidy while I go find you some modern clothes?’ 

They all reply with a suspicious ‘Mmhmm.’ Chuckling to yourself, you head out.

When you return, a couple of hours later, the smell of burnt toast wafts to your nostrils. ‘Well, at least the fire alarm hasn’t gone off,’ you mutter to yourself. 

Halani sits at the computer, scrolling and looking like she was born for it, wearing one of your beanies. Barden stands in the kitchen, he alternates between opening and closing the fridge and freezer doors while he eats very carbonated toast. 

You find Silverio in the bathroom, combing through his long wet hair, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. You smile. ‘Yeah, I could use a shower too.’

Silverio strides over to you, pressing you against the doorframe. ‘I could use another. Your facilities are rather…’ He trails off, his eyes darting to your lips. Your body aches and you’re exhausted, but you don’t protest. You let Silverio clean you and take care of you. Even if it leads to nothing more, his gestures are seductive. He is always seductive, you realise.

When you emerge, you have Silverio dress in what you bought for him. Barden is already sporting the stylish v-neck top ensemble you got for him. It’s a bit tighter than you anticipated and accentuates all of his muscles. You can’t help but admire the dwarf’s physique. He struts around, showing off.

‘Do I look like I belong?’ he asks.

‘You look like I want to rip it off you, that’s how good you look in it.’

Barden chuckles. ‘Wouldn’t want to ruin this new armour.’

You stifle a laugh. You wouldn’t exactly call it armour, but the way Barden has arranged himself, he looks ready for battle all the same.

Halani dances about in her new outfit, which is similar to what she had but modern. Her physique is nicely curved out by the leggings and t-shirt dress you got her, and her hair cascades beneath the beanie. She lets herself fall onto the couch, lounging like an Orlesian noble.

She puts out her hand, and adopts an Orlesian accent. ‘Barden, chérie, will you bring me grapes and more of that cooked bread.’

Everyone laughs.

‘We call it toast.’

Halani’s eyes widen. ‘The slices are already cut.’

You hold back on the teases as Halani prances to you, taking your hand. You give her a twirl, allowing your hand to glide along her curves. She smiles knowingly before leading you to the computer.

‘There’s an internetical missive that mentioned something rather grave.’

‘Oh, yeah, they tend to do that,’ you respond dismissively. ‘It’s called clickbait.’

‘Well this clickbait has a rift.’

‘A what?’ You all gather around the computer screen.

You take over the mouse and scroll through the article, which indeed has an image of what appears to be a rift, similar to the one you came from: purple with lightning crackling from it.

‘There is a whole list of clickbaits with similar images,’ says Halani.

‘That can’t be good.’

Your eyes are immediately drawn to the article titled…

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 3
  • History: 3
  • Secrets: 1

Part 4

As you read the article, it becomes clear that whatever Solas did to send you back to your world caused a catastrophic ripple effect, ripping open the fabrics of space and time. The article mentions demons pouring through one such rift, while another rift sucked up an entire farm, devastating its pastures.

You can’t help but wonder how this has affected Thedas.

***

Leliana, Empress Celene, Dorian and Fenris stand together.

‘And you are certain of it?’ Leliana asks.

‘I know what I heard,’ Fenris replies.

‘I know what I saw,’ says Dorian. ‘Solas cast a spell that created a rift, purple in colour, and the Otherworlder and companions were gone. Then it disappeared.’

‘You were lucky the Dread Wolf did not petrify you,’ states Celene.

‘Your army and the Antaam were closing in on our location,’ answers Dorian.

‘That was the first of these rifts,’ Fenris says gravely.

‘I am unable to determine whether Solas is purposely creating more or if it is a mere side effect of his magic,’ explains Dorian.

‘Regardless,’ says Leliana, ‘there are new rifts appearing all over Thedas, dangerous magic harming anyone who gets too close, but they are the gateway to wherever Solas sent our ally.’ She pauses. ‘Are we agreed these rifts might lead into the Otherworld?’ The others confirm.

‘My armies shall guard the passageways. We will ensure nothing leaves Thedas, and capture anything entering Thedas through them.’

‘Thank you, Empress.’ Leliana clasps her hands behind her back. ‘Meanwhile, the Inquisition and Chantry forces will work on finding a way through without getting harmed.’

‘You mean us,’ states Dorian. ‘Just say it.’

‘I may have a few ideas,’ Fenris offers.

‘Then let’s begin. Let us not waste another moment speculating. We must find our allies and a way to close these rifts.’

***

As you mull over what you’ve read, Silverio pipes up. ‘How about Barden and I go find a tavern to sit in and eavesdrop on what the locals are saying about these rifts?’

‘If that sitting and eavesdropping includes a pint of ale,’ says Barden, ‘I’m in.’

‘Good idea,’ you declare. ‘Halani and I will work on translating that elven tome Solas gave me.’

Excited by their plan, the two men depart, leaving you alone with Halani.

With a side smile, Halani wraps her lithe arms around your neck. Her kiss is soft, and you can’t help but smile.

‘It seems we have the place all to ourselves, not to state the obvious.’

You let out a soft laugh and put your arms around Halani’s waist. ‘Then we mustn’t let this moment go to waste.’

You have barely spoken the words, Halani is already gliding her hands over your body and claiming your lips anew. Leaning forward, you press Halani against the wall, cupping her cheek, and groan excitedly.

Grinning at each other, all while exchanging fiery kisses, the two of you share a tender moment.

You’ve dressed and are relaxing in each other’s arms on the sofa, elven tome in hand in an attempt to decode some of the footnotes, when Silverio and Barden return.

Barden growls to Silverio. ‘The long and short of it?’

Silverio chuckles. ‘It was funny.’

‘What’s this now?’ you ask.

Barden heaves a sigh. ‘The patron we were speaking with, who had much to share, concluded that the long and short of it…’ He looks disgruntled.

Silverio chuckles. He mutters, ‘He obviously never saw what’s in your pan–’

‘Concluded!’ Barden speaks louder. Barden points at Silverio. ‘He didn’t have to be so obvious about it.’

‘No, he didn’t,’ Silverio admits.

‘But I do appreciate the innuendos you followed up with.’ Barden and Silverio share a growl-chuckle.

Halani shifts straighter. ‘Will the two of you tell us what you learnt? I’m on tenterhooks.’

‘Okay. A few things,’ says Barden. ‘Apparently there is a ritual site deep in the forest not far from where we emerged into this realm.’

‘In the Grand Library, there is said to be an ancient manuscript that details hidden lore and history.’ Silverio flourishes his hand. ‘The World’s Occult Truths.’

‘Yeah, we can probably find a free e-book copy of that online somewhere,’ you say, nodding.

‘There also seems to be a network of spies investigating rift areas, gathering intelligence, which could prove useful to us,’ explains Silverio.

‘The spies or the information?’ Halani asks.

‘Both.’ Barden shrugs. ‘They had a name that was a series of letters.’ He furrows his brows in thought. ‘C…G…F? R?’

‘FBI? CIA? RCMP?’ you ask. ‘CSI?’

‘ISPAC!’ exclaims Barden. He and Silverio recall the full name. ‘Investigation of…Supernatural and Paranormal…Activities…Corp.’

‘Okay, so where do we want to put our time and attention?’ you ask.

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 4
  • History: 3
  • Secrets: 1

Part 5

‘All right.’ You clap your hands together. ‘It’s a little late for scouring. How about we tackle that tomorrow?’

Your companions agree. Together you head to bed, the four of you squeezing in, and fall fast asleep.

You wake up in Barden’s warm embrace as he holds you from behind. You realise it’s just the two of you. The sun peeks in through the cracks in your drapes and you breathe in deeply.

Barden presses a soft kiss to the back of your shoulder. You turn to face him and he smiles at you. 

‘I was hoping we would have a moment alone,’ he says softly. ‘The other two have already woken and had breakfast.’

‘Were you waiting up for me?’ 

‘I told you I wanted some time alone with you.’ Barden presses a tender kiss to your lips deepening the kiss.

You nibble his lower lip, chuckling. ‘Then I’m glad we get to have this time together.’ 

Barden claims your lips anew. ‘My Purpose.’ His whisper is filled with want.

Feeling his warmth, feeling it bloom inside of you, the two of you share an intimate moment that leaves you elated and satiated.

When the four of you are ready to leave, you notice a discomforting tingling in your fingers. It slithers up your arm and then jolts you. You cry out.

At the same time, there is crackling coming from the Stone. 

Your friends wrap their arms around you as you curl in on yourself. A few heartbeats later, the sensation has subsided.

‘Should we postpone our plans?’ Halani asks.

Much as you’d love some TLC, the world around is becoming chaotic and it’s because you existed in Thedas, because of Solas, because of Caius.

‘No, we need to get this done.’

‘Mi amor,’ Silverio objects, ‘let us take care of you.’

Barden gives Halani and Silverio a pointed look as he speaks. ‘Maybe we can wait this out a bit and discuss the stone?’

‘I promise you, I’m fine now. It was just a passing surge.’ Determined to find answers, you usher your friends to the door and head out.

You arrive at the hidden ritual site. The place is taped away and an officer stands guard, a hand resting on the taser by her hip. 

‘Someone must’ve tried to investigate this place before us,’ you conclude.

‘Or it’s too close to the rift,’ says Barden.

The area is deep in the woods and in close proximity to the rift from which you emerged. Your amulet and ring vibrate with the energy emanating from the place. Occult symbols are carved into the trees and a large fire pit is shaped like a rune.

‘Sun Torch,’ says Barden. Puzzled, you turn your head to Barden. ‘The fire pit forms two runes. Sun and Torch.’

‘Fire magic,’ whispers Halani.

The four of you ease your way a little closer, crouching in the underbrush. Your ornaments crackle slightly. You look down at them.

‘I think my ring and amulet are responding to the magic that is hidden here.’

‘If we can get close enough, maybe you can harness the magic that is here to enhance your own.’ Halani points at the amulet around your neck. You understand her meaning. You are not magical, yet you possess items that allow you to exude magic.

‘That officer seems pretty alert, though,’ you sigh.

‘Pretty, yes,’ Silverio agrees.

‘We need a way to get past her.’

Before the rest of you can protest, Silverio saunters over to the officer, passing a hand through his long hair and grinning at her flirtatiously.

‘Why hello, there, gorgeous lady.’

Barden sighs gutturally and mutters, ‘Subtle.’

Silverio positions himself so the officer has her back to you all. You mouth and mime your instructions to him.

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • You have decided to visit the Hidden Ritual Site.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • History: 3
  • Secrets: 1

Part 6

With a silvery voice, Silverio begins his explanation, tracing a finger along the officer’s arm, and you can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. The way Barden and Halani shift, you can tell they too are ill at ease with the situation.

The officer doesn’t move from her defensive stance but doesn’t protest or stop Silverio either. Even, you notice her mouth quirk into a smirk of amusement as she arches an eyebrow when she turns her head to the side, pondering.

‘You see, my friends and I, well… What if I told you we came from one of those rifts from the other realm and seek a way to return?’

‘I’d say that’s some pretty strong stuff you’re smoking.’ The officer puts a hand on her hip and doesn’t budge.

‘And if we had proof?’ The offer comes from Halani who steps forward, removing her beanie.

‘Nice fakes.’

Halani hesitates. You can see this is a struggle for her, but she tilts her head forward. ‘You can touch them.’

You notice that Barden and Silverio look as uncomfortable as you feel, but Halani stands straighter. 

‘They’re real. Feel them.’

The officer reaches out to touch Halani’s ears. She explores them as though giving the elf an ear massage.

Taking a step back, she furrows her brows. ‘Who’s your plastic surgeon?’

You sigh. ‘Okay, maybe this’ll convince you.’ You level your ring and activate it with a press of its gem. The magical barrier comes to life around you, shimmering with coruscating hues of translucent blue and green. 

Startled, the officer reaches out only to be met by the barrier with a sizzling sting. ‘Shit, that sound, it’s just like those rifts.’ She shifts her weight. ‘Okay, say I’m starting to believe you, what are you doing here?’

‘We need to find a way to get close to those rifts and minimise the damage they’re doing to this realm, and return to Thedas.’ You hope your explanation is good enough.

‘All right. I suppose I can investigate suspicious activity nearby…and I never saw you sneak past me.’ She begins away from the site.

Stepping past, you approach the fire pit. Large chunks of wooden charcoal lie in its centre. Barden gestures the runes in the air. He produces a caltrop and ignites a fire in the pit.

As though you know what you must do, you activate your ring and step into the fire. Immediately your amulet surges with electricity and tendrils of purple magic snake out in all directions. The symbols carved in the trees alight.

Magic lifts you off the ground as your friends watch in awe and wonderment. The lightning touches each symbol. You close your hands, and when you open them again, flames dance in your palms. 

The fire in the pit suddenly extinguishes and you land back on the ground, steady on your feet. You take a moment to regain your bearings. The amulet, the ring, and your hands vibrate as though static electricity will shock you. You know you’ve been boosted with a form of magic you never knew existed in your realm.

‘I think,’ you begin, ‘I will be able to use this magic against the rifts. I’m not entirely sure how yet, but I can feel it. We can do something with this that might have a ripple effect on all other rifts if we focus on the one we came from.’

As you leave, you feel your connection to the stone and the magic Solas unleashed upon you reverberate within you. You pause and take a breath, shutting your eyes closed. It’s as though you can see Solas in your mind’s eye as he attempts to reach out with his magic towards a rift in Thedas.

Somehow, you know he’s trying to reach out to you. Therefore, you…

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • You have visited the Hidden Ritual Site and gained Fire magic.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • History: 4
  • Secrets: 1

Part 7

With your thoughts, you will Solas to speak to you.

***

Solas reaches out both hands against a rift, purple crackling from them. His eyes flare up white and the rift is enveloped with green and purple magic combined.

‘Otherworlder,’ Solas calls out. ‘If you can hear me, please, you must know…’

Solas pauses just long enough. Through the rift, the magic he used on you crackles about, white lightning adding to the green and purple levin. He sees you through the rift, your connection to the Stone allowing the connection.

‘Caius must have imbibed the Summoning Stone with ancient Venatori magic which I did not account for.’ Solas strains. ‘This has caused multiple rifts of a new kind to appear across Thedas and I suspect in your realm as well.’ Solas forces against the magic pulsing against his own. ‘At this stage, I understand that attempting to remove you from Thedas was a poor decision.’ 

The crackling flares before subsiding enough to hear Solas again. ‘…causing a disruption, and puts my plans in jeopardy. There are dangers if the prison falters.’

The crackling grows louder, Solas’s voice becoming drowned out by it.

‘We must…coordinate…our efforts…realm…Other…’

***

The connection is lost and you lose your strength. Your friends catch you. Panting, you take a few moments and explain what Solas revealed. After catching your breath, you’re good to continue on your way.

Back home, you recap what you concluded you can do to close the rifts and jot down some notes, your mind preoccupied by Solas’s revelation, though you are pleased he admitted his fault and wishes for you to work together. You are uncertain how to make that happen, but with your new information, you have a few ideas.

You and your companions get ready for bed after the eventful day. You’ve just entered your bedroom when Halani motions behind her to the living room.

‘If the two of you don’t mind, Barden and I would like to spend some time together.’

‘By all means.’ 

Halani shuts the door to your room, leaving you alone with and Silverio. The two of you plop down onto the bed.

Grinning Silverio props himself up on his elbows, looming over you and admiring your body. ‘I was hoping we would have some time alone. Much as I enjoy my time with the others and much as I enjoy our foursome, I was longing for you all day.’

You recall the pang you felt when Silverio flirted with the officer. ‘I feel the same way, Silverio.’

He nibbles your lower lip, gently gliding his fingers along your cheek and down your arm, stroking to your hips. His lips claim yours, fiery and fierce, and you feel like you’re about to melt beneath his embrace. You let out a soft moan as Silverio tantalises you. He groans in his throat, letting you know his need, and you squeeze him, letting him know yours.

The two of you share a night of passion, exploring each other and enjoying driving the other crazy.

The following morning, you sleep in after Silverio gets up. You grab some breakfast before jumping in the shower, relishing in the comforts of the 21st Century. 

As you dress, you hear raised voices. You enter the living room, where your friends – your lovers – arguing.

‘We need to tell—’

They stop and gape at you.

‘Tell me what?’

Halani sighs. ‘You deserve to know.’

Your heart sinks. Barden takes your hand and guides you to sit with them.

Silverio passes a hand through his long hair. He sighs, looking nervous. ‘You know how Dorian helped us find your location through the stone?’

‘Yes, your sister appeared before you, you said.’

‘Correct. Antonina…revealed to us…’ Silverio closes his eyes, looking pained. ‘We’re going to need to find a way to…’ He turns his face away.

‘Find a way to…?’ you prompt.

The silence is heavy, and your heart leaps to your throat as fear grips you.

‘We need to destroy the stone,’ Barden says gently. ‘We’re sorry we didn’t tell you sooner.’

‘We don’t know how without hurting you, but we’d be willing to stay here with you in your world,’ Halani says softly.

You digest the information and the declaration. Destroying the stone and the danger to you that offers is a hard pill to swallow, though you are heartened by your lovers’ devotion to you and their willingness to remain here with you.

‘If we can’t find a way to keep me alive and destroy the stone, you begin, can we repair it?’ You’re hoping against all odds the answer is a definitive yes.

‘With everything we found so far, perhaps there could be a way to do that,’ says Silverio.

‘Maybe Solas can help?’ Halani offers. You nod carefully.

‘I doubt keeping the stone as-is will do any good,’ Barden says. ‘That thing keeps hurting you every time it malfunctions.’

‘So what comes next? We need to think this through thorough—’

The sound of keys in the door has your heart thumping and your attention drawn away from your concerns with the stone. A moment later, your partner walks in, expression unreadable. 

‘Jesse!’ You stand and walk to your partner, already trying to find the words to explain everything you’ve lived and seen in recent months.

‘I see you’re back.’ Jesse looks past you. ‘With…friends.’ Jesse whirls on you. ‘Where the hell have you been! I’ve been worried sick!’

You wince internally at the look of pure hurt on Jesse’s face.

‘You leave with no note, no text or phone call. I thought at least if you wanted to break up with me you wouldn’t ghost me. And now you’re back, without telling me, and…’ Jesse points at the others. ‘Who the hell are they?’

Silverio opens his mouth to respond, but Barden shushes him.

Your heart tugs at the tears welling in Jesse’s eyes. You take Jesse’s hand in yours. ‘I’m not breaking up with you. I’m so sorry. It’s…complicated.’

Jesse searches your face, brows furrowed, then glances at your companions. Jesse breathes out a soft, ‘Fuck.’ Jesse meets your eyes. ‘Just tell me the truth.’

‘The truth is a bit hard to believe.’ You lead Jesse to the couch where you sit down together. The others discreetly leave the two of you alone. ‘I was…summoned away, and…I met Silverio, Halani, and Barden who helped me, and…’ Your voice falters a bit.

‘Oh god, I knew it. I know that look you make.’ Jesse’s voice cracks.

‘I…have feelings for them.’

Jesse blinks. ‘All three of them?’

You nod. ‘But I love you too. I…am sorry I didn’t speak to you before things…’ You stop and start over. ‘Jesse, I’d like to be with all of you, you included. If…you’ll forgive me for…’ You pause.

Your heart pounds in your chest and you are uncertain how Jesse will react. You wait.

‘Where were you?’ Jesse’s demand is filled with worry.

‘You know those rifts?’ Jesse nods. ‘I was where they lead.’

Jesse’s eyes widen. ‘They said on the news that demons and shit were attacking folks. Are you okay?’

‘You believe me?’

‘Well, I’ve seen one of those things up close. I could almost see through to the other side of it. Yes, I believe you.’

‘Jesse,’ you exhale, relieved. ‘It’s been rough. Some mage summoned me and bound me to some magical stone. I didn’t ask to be poofed into that realm. But along the line…’ You sigh. ‘I’m sorry. I should have talked to you first. We never discussed polyamory.’

Jesse studies your face, then interlaces your hands. The sensation brings you warmth and tingles, further confirmation of your feelings for your partner. ‘It’s a lot to take in, but I’m open to the idea. If you’re safe…I want you to be happy. I’m hurt but…’ Jesse pauses. ‘They seem interesting…and they’re pretty.’ Jesse offers you a small smile. 

Again, you sigh in relief. ‘Thank you for understanding.’

‘I’m still pissed. But…I get it. If what you say is true, then…there was no way for you to contact me.’

You and Jesse talk things through a bit more before holding each other. Jesse weeps in your arms, but pulls away with a determined expression. ‘I accept to explore this. But I want proper introductions and the full rundown of what’s happened to you.’

After explaining the entire situation and properly introducing your companions, Jesse places a hand on yours.

‘If you need my help for anything, just let me know, okay?’ 

The offer tugs at you. You can tell Jesse is still hurt, despite claiming otherwise. But you appreciate your partner’s willingness, even if you worry about unspoken anger towards you.

Jesse touches the amulet that hangs around your neck. ‘Intricate necklace. One of them give it to you?’

You nod. You realise that Jesse studied linguistics and is fluent in a few languages. You wonder if Jesse would truly be willing to help or if you should refrain from asking too much for now.

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • You have visited the Hidden Ritual Site and gained Fire magic.
  • Jesse has returned home and knows the truth.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • History: 4
  • Secrets: 2

Part 8

‘Solas gave me an elven tome and I think it might help with the rifts, going back to Thedas, perhaps even with the issues with the stone.’

‘I’ll do my best to decode if that’ll help keep you safe.’

‘Thank you.’ The two of you sit cuddled on the sofa where Jesse gets to work.

That night, after long hours poring through Solas’s tome, you spend more time with Jesse, holding each other as you comfort your partner who is still processing everything you revealed.

Later, you go over what you learnt in your mind.

***

‘So if we destroy the stone, we can use the magic I now possess to communicate with the spirits within for them to lend me their life essence, or whatever remains of it, temporarily so I can survive.’

‘It’s risky, though,’ voices Halani. ‘You could become an abomination.’

‘Well if Wynne, Anders, and Flemeth can carry a spirit inside them, I don’t see why I wouldn’t be able to.’

‘That wouldn’t be a risk if we repair the stone,’ says Silverio. He sighs, his expression grim. He folds his arms. ‘I would rather not destroy the only remnant I have of my sister, or risk your life, mi amor.’

‘I thought your sister said you’d have to let go of her,’ Barden reminds him.

Silverio shakes his head. ‘No, I refuse to even consider the risk. This is what I keep insisting on. With the magic here,’ he points at the tome, ‘we can fix this.’

‘Or we keep everything as is,’ says Halani. ‘But we don’t know what will happen to you if we do that.’

‘If we destroy the stone, we free the souls trapped in there by Caius.’ You think of the possibilities. ‘If we do nothing, the stone might die on its own – I still need help surviving that – but the souls remain trapped. And if we repair it, the souls remain trapped, but any risks to me are minimised.’ You shut your eyes. ‘So it’s my life or theirs.’

‘No!’ all three of them exclaim. 

‘Not your life or theirs,’ Silverio insists.

‘We will save you either way, no matter what we do with the stone,’ declares Barden.

‘We won’t let anything happen to you, we’ll take all the necessary precautions.’ Halani’s eyes are hopeful.

Silent up until now, Jesse rises from the couch. ‘Whatever you decide, I’m with you. I’ll trade my life for yours if I have to. I’m not risking losing you. I’ll be there with you when you go to the rift.’

***

You march to the rift from which you came – you, Silverio, Halani and Barden are clad in your Thedosian gear; Jesse, who walks at your side, is equipped to help. 

Jesse asks, ‘Have you decided what to do about the stone?’

You stop, turning towards everyone, and answer honestly. ‘I’m still thinking about that.’

‘I urge you to consider repairing the stone.’ Silverio’s voice is a plea as he brings his hands together. ‘Mi amor, we don’t know what destroying the stone will do to you, even if a spirit does protect you.’ His brows furrow in sorrow. ‘I would not be able to live with myself if I lost you and I let death happen to you.’

Silverio’s sincerity tugs at your heart.

‘No!’ Halani protests. ‘We have to destroy it and free all the souls trapped inside of it. Whether they were slaves or free, inside that stone, they’re all slaves to the magic Caius bound them to.’

‘Whether I destroy it or repair it, I will have to draw blood – my blood.’ You glance at your hand. ‘Maybe if I let things be…’

‘And you think doing nothing won’t wound you? Doing nothing is the worst thing you can do,’ Barden growls. ‘We don’t know what consequences that will have. At least if you repair or destroy the stone, what happens remains in your control.’

‘Repairing it would allow Antonina to live on in some form,’ Silverio says quietly.

Halani whirls on Silverio. ‘You think the rest of us don’t have someone we wish we could see again or were still alive?’ She points at your satchel that holds the stone. ‘My best friend, Adahlen, is in that stone.’ Her chagrin is strong, you feel it in your gut. ‘He was a half-elf. His mother was Venatori. When she made him her slave, he refused to answer to his Tevinter name and took on his father’s name.’

‘All those villagers…’ Barden passes a hand over his face. ‘I cared for all of them, they were my friends.’ He lets out a soft chuckle. ‘One in particular, she was a formidable warrior, better than me, and the most striking Qunari I had ever set my eyes upon. Kaaras was Tal-Vashoth. We never had the chance to determine our relationship, but we shared passion several nights.’

Barden straightens and the conviction in his voice has you determined to see this through, whatever your decision. ‘If you do nothing, then Caius continues to have power, even in death. Take that power from him. Be the one to choose.’

‘I will take into consideration all you have expressed, but Barden is right, the choice is mine to make, whether I destroy, repair, or do nothing to the stone.’

‘And I will support that choice, whichever one it is,’ declares Jesse.

The conversation concluded for now, you resume towards the rift, already hearing its soft hum as its violescence comes into view.

Magical energy crackles around you as the rift recognises your power. As the Fortune Teller had advised, you take the stone and use it to charge your ring and amulet of its power. Magic swirls around you, gusts of wind making you and your companions’ hair bellow.

Jesse grabs your arm before you can take a step towards the rift. ‘Let me test that it is safe for you.’

‘But you could be harmed!’ you protest. 

Jesse smirks, lifting up a clear pendulum. ‘Those translations said if I wore protection, I could help channel your magic. This is pure quartz. Let me do this.’

You nod. Jesse steps forward, holding up the pendulum as you activate the fire magic that tingles in the palm of your hand.

The quartz is touched by purple levin as the rift opens up, and its magic engulfs the quartz. Jesse wavers, yet is protected even as spirals of magic surround the quartz, turning it violet.

‘You did it, Jesse!’

Jesse turns to you. ‘Over to you.’

You activate your ring and amulet, and press them and your fiery palm to the stone. An explosion of magic is propelled from you outwards. It’s as though the magic you activated touches every rift – you can feel it inside of you.

You can also feel the pain from the malfunctioning stone as it draws its power from your life essence. Yet, thanks to the combined magic acting as a conductor and missive, something protects you from being drained completely.

The rift expands, now thundering with power.

‘Otherworlder!’ You hear Solas’s voice. ‘Let me steady the magic of the rift.’

Solas mutters in Elvhen and the rift calms. Now it feels like a hot breeze is on your face, as a barrier around you protects you, glowing green with purple, your fire has turned purple as well, and the lightning from your amulet crackles gently. You feel calm, at peace.

Beyond the rift, you see familiar faces peering through the rift. ‘Haha! Good to see you Otherworlder. We have things under control on our end.’

‘Dorian!’

The mage waves about his staff, sending a demon bounding away from the rift, on the Thedosian side.

Fenris and his broadsword come into view as his lyrium veins glow brightly against the dimming rift.

‘Do what you must, Otherworlder. But you must act quickly,’ Solas cautions.

You know the time has come to decide your fate, the fate of the stone, and that of the souls within it.

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • You have visited the Hidden Ritual Site and gained Fire magic.
  • Jesse has returned and knows the truth. You enlisted Jesse’s help directly.
  • A History advantage allowed Jesse to use a quartz to minimise the damage done to you. 
  • A Magic advantage allowed Solas to calm the rift and for your Thedosian allies to better control its power in Thedas.
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • History: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • Secrets: 2

Part 9

Your lovers watch with bated breath as you take out your dagger-sword, keeping it at its shortest length. You brace yourself for the pain as you strike a gash across the palm of your hand – the stone lights up from within as you slash yourself. You cry out but immediately press your bloody palm to the Summoning Stone.

As magic continues to swirl around you and engulf you, the stone vibrates with energy, your blood seeping into its every pore. 

Three spirits emerge and wrap their arms around you. One is a tall and gorgeous woman, whose long flowing black hair and warm smile gives her away as Silverio’s sister. Another is a striking Qunari who looks as formidable as she does beautiful. The third is a handsome man whose ears are a little pointier than a typical human’s.

Pain begins to affect you as the stone continues to malfunction.

Your friends gape in awe as they voice the names of their loved ones. ‘Antonina.’ ‘Adehlen.’ ‘Kaaras.’ And the spirits in turn respond, ‘Brother.’ ‘My friend.’ ‘Kadan.’

‘There is little time left,’ says Antonina.

‘You must decide quickly,’ says Kaaras.

‘We will sustain your life so you are not harmed,’ Adehlen confirms.

‘I choose to return to Thedas,’ you strain, ‘and to repair the stone.’

Halani protests, ‘What? No! You’re damning all the souls!’

The three spirits helping you nod in unison, and begin to glow more prominently. They merge with you and you can feel them within you, sustaining you. 

As you continue to press all your items together and to the stone, the magic stretches farther, and in your mind’s eye, you can see its purple levin reaching all the other rifts.

The magic begins to whistle, wind blows harder. Something surges through you, hitting you in the chest. You gasp, your breath taken from you, your companions scream in alarm, and then…everything goes black.

***

Watching from the underbrush a fair distance away, Jasper narrows his eyes.

‘So that is what my tenants have been up to.’

The middle-aged professor-turned-landlord’s eyes grow wide as everyone is sucked up into the air and propelled towards the stone. Then they all disappear, and the stone, flashing sporadically, falls to the ground.

The large rift begins to implode. Jasper hurries to the stone and takes it in his hands. Someone on the other side of the shutting rift extends a hand towards Jasper who, without worrying about the consequences, steps through the rift before it closes.

***

Gasping in a lungful of air, as though you’ve just surfaced from water, you open your eyes. Looking around you, you realise you are in a dim area that looks like the Fade, hazy and rocky.

You push yourself to your feet. You are alone. Your hand continues to spill your blood. You take a piece of cloth you had brought in anticipation of the required blood magic and wrap it around your hand, hoping it will stop the bleeding.

You call out for your lovers. ‘Jesse! Silverio! Halani! Barden!!’

Panic hits you. You don’t know what’s happened. You fear you have died.

Then, the three spirits from earlier appear before you, floating and looking more tangible.

‘Where did everyone go?’ your concern for them grips your heart.

‘They are scattered,’ says Kaaras.

‘We must find them,’ says Adehlen.

‘Where am I?’ you ask tentatively.

Antonina shares a glance with the other two spirits. ‘It is the final barrier Caius put in place before you or anyone can be free of the stone and its bonds.’

Heart thudding, you ask again, your voice more demanding than before. ‘Where…am I?’

Antonina replies gently. ‘You are within the stone.’

To be concluded in Dragon Age The Otherworlder 5: The Blood Stone.

  • Summary: Your friends safekeep the Summoning Stone, spell box and key.
  • Gear: 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. Halani saved your life and killed Caius. 
  • Empress Celene Valmont rules Orlais, and Leliana is the Divine in this World State. 
  • You were captured by Solas. You told him you want to find a better way. Solas viewed you as his ward. He granted you an Ancient Elven Tome.
  • Dorian and Fenris helped your friends.
  • You have entered a polyamorous relationship with all three of your companions.
  • Solas has sent you and your companions back to the Otherworld, your world.
  • The Otherworlder lives with a romantic partner. This has unlocked Jesse as a lover.
  • You visited the Fortune Teller. She revealed combining the Stone’s power with your magical items would allow you to harness the rift’s magic.
  • You have visited the Hidden Ritual Site and gained Fire magic.
  • Jesse has returned and knows the truth. You enlisted Jesse’s help directly.
  • A History advantage allowed Jesse to use a quartz to minimise the damage done to you. 
  • A Magic advantage allowed Solas to calm the rift and for your Thedosian allies to better control its power in Thedas.
  • You have chosen to return to Thedas and to repair the stone. The rifts have closed.
  • Jasper followed you and holds the stone and has stepped into Thedas.
  • You now find yourself within the stone. 
  • Diplomacy: 5 (Maxed out.) / Strength: 2 / Cunning: 4
  • Magic: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • History: 5 (Maxed out.)
  • Secrets: 2

Thank you for shaping the story I write with your votes.

The consequences of your actions will affect how spirits and characters interact with you.

Stats will carry over to Story 5. Former low stats will open up anew. A new Blood Magic series of choices with limited resources will also open up. Choose wisely.

The Otherworlder Series:

“The Otherworlder 4: The Otherworld” is written by Celinka Serre/Eidahs (2024).

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.

You might also enjoy the Protectors of the Force series Star Wars Old Republic Fan-Fiction, or other SWTOR fanfics, and Mass Effect Fan-Fiction.

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