Characters: Jowan, Owain, Eadric, Torrin, Niall, Sweeney, Keili, Lily, Cullen, Duncan, Greagoir, Irving
Jowan: Are you all right? Say something, please…
Surana: Jowan?
Jowan: I’m glad you’re alright. They carried you in this morning. I didn’t even realise you’d been gone all night. I’ve heard about apprentices who never come back from their Harrowings. Is it really that dangerous? What was it like?
Surana: It was a test of ability– that’s all.
Jowan: There must be something more, or they would tell the apprentices what’s involved. I know I’m not supposed to know… but we’re friends. Just a little hint, and I’ll stop asking, I promise!
Surana: I had to enter the Fade.
Jowan: Really? That’s it?
Surana: No. I had to defend myself from demons.
Jowan: That… makes sense. They want to see if you can resist a demon and stop yourself from becoming an abomination. And now you get to move to the nice mage’s quarters upstairs. I’m stuck here and I don’t know when they’ll call me for my Harrowing.
Surana: Any day now, probably.
Jowan: I’ve been here longer than you have… Sometimes I think they just don’t want to test me.
Surana: What’s the right of Tranquility?
Jowan: You’ve seen Tranquil around the tower. Like Owain, who runs the stockroom. He’s so cold. No, not even cold. There’s just… nothing in him. It’s like he’s dead, but still walking. His voice, his eyes are lifeless…
Surana: What did they do to him?
Jowan: He’s been made Tranquil. I don’t know how they do it exactly, but you’re cut off from the Fade. It takes away your magic abilities, along with your dreams… and emotions.
Surana: No emotions? How’s that possible?
Jowan: The Fade is the dream realm. Maybe it’s a side effect of being cut off from the Fade. No dreams, no emotions? Apprentices can ask to be made tranquil if they fear the Harrowing. But the Circle also forces Tranquility on those they feel are weak. And sometimes they force it on apprentices they think might be too… dangerous as mages. I shouldn’t waste your time with this. I was supposed to tell you to see Irving as soon as you woke up.
Surana: What for?
Jowan: He didn’t tell me. About the Harrowing, I guess, but you never know with Irving. You’d better not keep him waiting. We can speak later.
Apprentice 1: Did you hear?
Apprentice 2: Hear what?
Apprentice 1: I heard they suspect someone of dabbling in blood magic.
Apprentice 2: Why would anyone do something so stupid? That’s a death sentence.
Apprentice 1: Because blood magic is powerful? You can bend others to your will… and… and… force demons into your service. That’s what I hear anyway.
Practicing fire magic the library:
Surana: …you must control the fire with your will. Keep the flame steady. We don’t want it sputtering and leaping about–that’s what causes most of the injuries…
Apprentice: Injuries? B-b-but–
fire flares up
Surana: Steady! It reacts to your emotions. If you panic, it will–no! No, no! Breathe!
fire flares up more and sets apprentice on fire
Apprentice: (screams)
mage puts fire out with cold spell
Surana: (sigh) You know, in my experience, flint and tinder works just as well… maybe we should start with that?
Enchanter: Do any of you remember what the Chantry says about magic?
Kid 1: “Magic exists to serve man and never to rule over him.”
Enchanter: Very good! And what do you think that means? Can anyone tell me?
Kid 2: Only boys can do magic!
Kid 3: Hey!
Enchanter: No, that’s not what it means.
Kid 1: It means that magic should be used to help people, but we can’t use our magic to… to force people to do what we want.
Enchanter: That’s right. We should not abuse the gift the Maker has given us.
Surana: Concentrate! Hold your shield!
Apprentice: (squeaks) gets fireballed
Surana: Pathetic! If I had put all my power behind that spell, you would have been obliterated. I am not your enemy. Fear is your enemy. It is a weakness that can be exploited. Should you face a demon with your will wavering so, it would consume you. Is that what you want?
Apprentice: N-no?
Surana: Then stand firm and know that you can resist whatever I can throw at you. Again!
Random NPC: I’m terrible at spells. You’re lucky you’re so talented.
Random NPC: I perfected my ice spells yesterday.
Random NPC: Did you hear the rumour about someone being a blood mage?
Surana: What is the stockroom for?
Owain: The stockroom stores components used in magical and alchemical expiriments. Do you require something?
Surana: Are you really a tranquil mage?
Owain: I voluntarily submitted to the Rite of Tranquility. I was unwilling to undergo the Harrowing. I find this state agreeable.
Surana: What is it like not having emotions?
Owain: I see the world with clarity. I remember the days when my mind was filled with inconvenient and seething emotions. Now things are simple.
Surana: And now you are no longer a person.
Owain: My body is similar in form to yours, possessing an equal number of limbs, appendages, and internal organs. I perform the same physical functions. My mind is capable of higher thought processes. Am I to be denied personhood because I do not feel as you do?
Surana: A person is more than a collection of parts.
Owain: I have thoughts and memories. I remember my past, my childhood in the tower, and my apprenticeship. These experiences defined me. My lack of emotion simply adds to what is already there.
Surana: You might as well be an artfully made construct.
Owain: People feel things to different degrees. One individual may be more empathetic than the next. Some are quick to anger, while others are not. Yet you would not single one out and accuse him of not being a person.
Owain: My capacity to feel differs from yours, but you also differ from all other beings. You are no more a person than others, and I am no less a person than you are.
Surana: But emotions are essential.
Owain: I propose we agree to disagree.
Surana: Perhaps you are right.
Owain: Personhood is not measurable. Therefore, we should let this rest.
Surana: What was becoming Tranquil like?
Owain: It is difficult to describe. I would perhaps compare it to being plunged into a pool of ice-cold water.
Surana: What happened during the Rite of Tranquiility?
Owain: I was ordered never to speak of it. I cannot go against the Circle’s wishes.
Tranquil: Good day to you.
Tranquil: Today I shall be making more potions to send to the mages at Ostagar.
Tranquil: Your mentors must be happy for you. You passed the Harrowing.
Mage: Oh, excuse me! I didn’t hear you come in. I’m sorry, I’m terribly busy right now. I have to prepare the room before the Grey warden is done at his meeting with Irving.
Surana: There’s a Grey Warden here?
Mage: Yes. Duncan, his name is. He must be here to talk to Irving about something important. You know, I almost became a Grey warden once.
Surana: I thought you said you were busy.
Mage: Ah, yes, I am. I just get carried away sometimes. I apologize and wish you a good day.
NPC: Ah, there you are. The tranquil will move your belongings this afternoon. Make yourself comfortable.
NPC: Everyone’s so happy for you.
NPC: Hmph. I never thought you’d survive the Harrowing. You got lucky, didn’t you?
NPC: I should have been sent with the King’s army. I dislike staying here while something big is happening.
Eadric: Do you need something? If not, step back; you’re in my light.
Surana: I’ll stand where I please.
Eadric: I’m trying to study. Have some consideration for a fellow mage.
Surana: I’m just happy to see another elf.
Eadric: Are you surprised? We are probably more attunde to magic than humans are… or at least our ancestors must have been.
Eadric: With most of our history lost, I suppose I’ll never really know. Maybe the Dalish elves would, but I’ve never met one.
Surana: Dalish elf?
Eadric: They live in the wilderness, traveling where they will. I’ve heard they keep the old beliefs alive.
Surana: I wouldn’t want to be a Dalish elf.
Eadric: Neither would I. It must be a hard life.
Eadric: Are you from an alienage? I’m from a farm outside Highever. My mother worked as the cook’s assistant there.
Surana: I lived in Lothering.
Eadric: I suppose it doesn’t matter where we’re from, does it? We’re in the Circle now.
Surana: I suppose that makes us luckier than other elves.
Eadric: I am satisfied knowing the humans who looked down upon me will fear me instead. But I should get back to my books.
Surana: Thank you for talking with me.
Eadric: Good day.
Senior Enchanter Torrin: That’s not likely, the Chantry would do something before it came to that.
Niall: Will they? They haven’t done anything and I’ve heard that the Aequitarians are starting to soften a little on the Libertarian position.
Senior Enchanter Torrin: Sympathy for a position isn’t the same as support. Yet. As far as I know most Aequitarians prefer to remain allied with the Loyalists. You can see why, don’t you? Just think of what the Chantry would do If suddenly the Circles were petitioning for more independence, or even a split.
Niall: Won’t be pretty.
Senior Enchanter Torrin: Ah, those short-sighted Libertarians. They’ll get their way and take us all down with them.
Surana: What are you talking to that other mage about?
Niall: Oh, the Fraternities. Groups of mages with a common agenda.
Niall: (sigh) I think we should all be Isolationists. Stay in some remote mountain town far away from the mundanes who hate us.
Surana: I agree.
Niall: I’d go hide alone in the wilds if I could. But you know they’d just brand me an apostate and hunt me down. There is no leaving the Circle. It’s till death do us part. Romantic, isn’t it?
Surana: Who are you?
Niall: I’m Niall, a mage, just like you. I’ve seen you around, haven’t I? I must have.
Senior Enchanter Torrin: Hello. Congratulations on your Harrowing last night. Good work.
Surana: What were you talking about earlier?
Senior Enchanter Torrin: Ah, the Fraternities of the Enchanters. You probably haven’t heard of them. It’s best not to get tangled up in Circle politics. More trouble than it’s worth really. (sigh)
Surana: Tell me about the Fraternities.
Torrin: Uh…oh! They’re found in all Circles throughout Thedas, groups of enchanters who hold similar viewpoints who band together to make their voices heard. The most influential Fraternity are the Aequitarians. They’re moderates, and believe in a code of conduct that all mages should adhere to. Then there are the Chantry apologists, the Loyalists. The Chantry says something and they follow it to the letter. The Lucrosians just want to make money, and the Isolationists would like us all to be hermits and live on an island. Then, of course, there are the Libertarians. They want more power for the Circle, more autonomy.
Surana: Isn’t that a good thing?
Torrin: That’s what they would say.
(sigh) Mages have enough opposition from the outside without tearing our Circles apart with in-fighting. But what can you do?
Surana: Giving up doesn’t help anyone.
Torrin: An idealist, I see. Well, if you’re going to change the world, you should get started immediately. Lot’s of world to cover.
Surana: Which do you belong to?
Torrin: Ha! If I had to, I’d say I was an Aequitarian. But I ducked out of the fray a long time ago. Most of the senior enchanters are Aequitarians: Irving, Wynne, Sweeney. Uldred’s a Libertarian, and a loud one at that.
(sigh) Mages have enough opposition from the outside without tearing our Circles apart with in-fighting. But what can you do?
Senior Enchanter Sweeney: I’m sorry. There are so many of you, and I get confused. Not to mention these old eyes are starting to go…
Surana: Maybe someone could help you fix them.
Senior Enchanter Sweeney: You’re too kind. I’m old and about to fall apart. Nothing in the world can fix that.
Surana: Magic could.
Senior Enchanter Sweeney: Not any magic I’d be caught doing. Anyway… did you need something?
Random NPC: I hear Irving’s very proud of you.
Random NPC: I’d avoid Leorah if I were you. I’m not going to ask her why she’s irritable. Women hate those kind of questions.
Lily: I heard about your Harrowing. Congratulations. Andraste must have smiled upon you.
Keili: Blessed art thou who exists in the sight of the Maker (etc) Oh. I didn’t see you there. I recite the Maker’s blessings every day. It brings me peace in troubled times.
Surana: Just speaking words brings you peace?
Keili: It gives me hope that one day, the Maker will hear us. That maybe I’ll be forgiven, and my curse will be lifted.
Surana: I don’t think the Maker really cares.
Keili: Then why would our transgressions hurt him so? If He didn’t care, He would not have left.
Keili: I fear my magic will remain a constant reminder of how mankin has failed the Maker.
Surana: You don’t like having this power?
Keili: Magic causes such misery. It’s dangerous and vile and wicked. The Chantry must protect the world from us. Being born with something so terrible must be a punishment. I wish I could be rid of it.
Surana: I hope you succeed in turning the Maker’s gaze on you.
Keili: Perhaps this is just something I will have to suffer through. I should go. My mentor only allows a few minutes each day for religious contemplation.
Templar: Nothing to see here.
Random NPC: Did you see that Grey Warden? I hear he’s trying to recruit a mage for his order.
Cullen: Oh, um, h-hello, I… uh, am glad to see your Harrowing went smoothly.
Surana: Hello, Cullen.
Cullen: Th-they picked me as the templar to strike the killing blow if… if you became an abomination. I-It’s nothing personal; I swear!
Surana: What do you care?
Cullen: I…uh, I’m just glad you’re all right. You know.
Surana: I thought all templars liked killing mages.
Cullen: Maybe some, but not me. It’s my duty to hunt down apostate mages, but… I do so with a heavy heart.
Surana: Would you really have struck me down?
Cullen: (not stammering now) I would have felt terrible about it… But… but I serve the Chantry and the Maker, and I will do as I am commanded.
Surana: I shouldn’t distract you from your duties.
Cullen: Oh, you’re not distracting. I mean, you are, but… well you’re not. I mean, you can talk to me anytime you want. Uh…uh, yes. Maybe we can talk another time.
Apparently male!PC gets some different lines (other than him being less nervous)
Cullen: Greetings. I’m glad your Harrowing went well.
m!Surana: Thanks. That’s reassuring. Who are you?
Cullen: I am Cullen. I was to strike the killing blow if you had… become an abomination. I am glad you didn’t.
Surana: But you would have if it was called for.
Cullen: (Sighs) it is my duty.
Cullen: Some templars I know discuss such things with glee. I don’t share their enthusiasm. I try to serve the Maker first and foremost. As long as I am guided by His commandments, I cannot go wrong. Honestly, I’ve never seen an abomination… or been called on to slay one.
Cullen: So you could have made a mistake? Greagoir would have guided me. Something must… happen.
Surana: You don’t know what an abomination looks like?
Cullen: As I said, I’ve never seen one. But what if it’s not obvious? Could abominations be walking among us right now?
Surana: I’m sure there are no abominations here.
Cullen: This is still new to me. Maybe one day I’ll be as dedicated and driven as Knight Commander Graegoir.
Surana: He is a very dedicated man, yes.
Greagoir:… many have already gone to Ostagar–Wynne, Uldred, and most of the senior mages! We’ve committed enough of our own to this war effort–
Irving: Your own? Since when have you felt such kinship with the mages, Graegoir? Or are you afraid to let the mages out from under Chantry supervision, where they can actually use their Maker-given powers?
Greagoir: How dare you suggest–
Duncan: Gentlemen, please. Irving, someone is here to see you.
Surana: You sent for me?
Irving: Ah, if it isn’t our new sister in the Circle. Come, child.
Duncan: This is…?
Irving: Yes, this is she.
Greagoir: Well, Irving, you’re obviously busy. We will discuss this later.
Irving: Of course. Well, then… where was I? Oh, yes. This is Duncan, of the Grey Wardens.
Surana: Pleased to meet you.
Irving: You’ve heard about the war brewing to the south, I expect? Duncan is recruiting mages to join the king’s army at Ostagar.
Surana: Who are we fighting?
Duncan: The darkspawn threat grows in the south. We need all the help we can get.
Surana: What do you mean?
Duncan: The power you mages wield is an asset to any army. Your spells are very effective against large groups of mindless darkspawn. I fear if we don’t drive them back, we may see another Blight.
Irving: Duncan, you worry the poor girl with talk of Blights and darkspawn. This is a happy day for her. We should seize moments of levity, especially in troubled times. The Harrowing is behind you. Your phylactery was sent to Denerim. You are officially a mage within the Circle of Magi.
Surana: My phylactery?
Irving: You may not remember, but blood was taken from you when you first came to us. This blood is preserved within a phylactery.
Duncan: So they can be hunted if they turn apostate.
Irving: We have few choices. The gift of magic is looked upon with suspicion and fear. We must prove we are strong enough to handle our power responsibly. You have done this. I present you with your robes, your staff, and a ring bearing the Circle’s insignia. Wear them proudly, for you have earned them.
Surana: Thank you.
Irving: It goes without saying that you shall not discuss the Harrowing with those who have not undergone the rite. Now, then… take your time to rest, or study in the library. The day is yours.
Surana: I will do that.
Irving: Would you be so kind as to escort Duncan back to his room, child?
Surana: It would be my pleasure.
Irving: The guest quarters are on the east side of this floor, close to the library. Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I have matters to discuss with Greagoir.
Duncan: Thank you for walking with me. I am glad for the company.
Surana: I didn’t have much choice.
Duncan: Well, let us continue on. I would hate to prolong your agony.
Surana: What do Grey Wardens do?
Duncan: Our duty is to battle darkspawn wherever they appear. We are elves, humans, and dwarves united by this common purpose.
Surana: Elves?
Duncan: Some of our most honored Wardens have been elves. The hero Garahel, the last Warden to slay an archdemon, was one such. The darkspawn threaten everyone. They do not distinquish between the races, and neither should we.
Duncan: Has being an elf in the Circle been difficult?
Surana: Yes. All the time.
Duncan: It is hard to change perceptions. I have tried to reason with many, and failed. If one has always seen elves as less than human, it’s hard to imagine them as something else.
Surana: I don’t care what others think of me.
Duncan: A good attitude, though be careful not to take it too far.
Surana: Have there been many darkspawn attacks?
Duncan: A horde has formed within the Korcari Wilds in the south. If they are not stopped they will strike north into the valley. We Grey Wardens believe an archdemon is leading the horde.
Surana: Archdemon?
Duncan: Darkspawn do attack the surface in ragtag bands, but archdemons are capable of rallying the darkspawn, turning them into an unstoppable force. A horde of darkspawn… a veritable army. It is dire news indeed. I fear this is what we will have to face.
Surana: I thought the darkspawn had been driven away.
Duncan: We can’t seem to eradicate them completely. Somehow, they always come back.
Surana: And the king is mustering an army to beat back this threat?
Duncan: Yes. Perhaps it will be enough… if we play our cards right.
Surana: Why were Irving and Greagoir arguing about the war?
Duncan: It is not my place to comment.
Surana: (persuade) Please, I’d like to know.
Duncan: Greagoir serves the Chantry, and the relationship between the Chantry and mages has always been strained. You’ve realised by now that the Chantry merely tolerates magic? They watch only because they feel they must.
Surana: Is that all they were arguing about?
Duncan: Any mages who join the king’s army can unleash their full power on the darkspawn. In fact, I’m counting on it. Greagoir may be afraid of what will happen. What if the mages decide they no longer want to be governed by the Chantry?
Surana: What are your opinions on the matter?
Duncan: I believe we must defeat the darkspawn, one way or another. My opinions end there.
Surana: I suppose all we can do is hope.
Duncan: Hope, and pray, friend. Come, let us be on our way.
Thank you: dragon age let’s play on sufficientvelocity dot com.