Dragon Age: Origins #13 - Final Preparations

[andraste]

Having assembled in Denerim to deal with the Landsmeet (because apparently nobody in a thousand mile radius can make up their minds who should be in charge without Wulfric telling them) they gang went out and cleared up a few more loose ends. They got a bad tip from Slim Couldry, but he did promise to square things with them later. Wulfric decided to believe THAT when he saw it. He also wrapped up things with the well-connected bar tender by siding with K. (That guy has Gorim, Sister Theohild AND the Tranquil behind the counter in The Wonders of Thedas on his side. How can you side with D. when K. has all the best NPCs in the market on his side???)

While the were out and about around town, Taliesin finally caught up with them. The encounter was brief and decisive, and while Wulfric briefly thought about sending Zevran away for his own safety, he quickly decided that he'd rather have him by his side, whatever the Landsmeet brought them.

After that, it was time to rescue the queen. While Wulfric was sure it would be a trap, he didn't see that he had much choice but to go along. For some reason, Zevran wasn't happy when he let Vaughan go in exchange for his vote. (Look, Wulfric did not know anything about the Alienage riots and was not inclined to learn more.) On the bright side, though, they got rid of Howe once and for all and got to loot all his treasure!

Wulfic was instantly smitten with Anora - in a political sense rather than a sexual one, but he still would have married her in a second if that were possible. (It's a real shame an Aeducan can't marry Ferelden's ruler. They're more royal than any of the other options! And it's not like they'd actually be worse at producing an heir than any of the other hopeless cases involved.) He didn't give her away to Cauthrien when the exit turned out to be a trap - although he didn't surrender peacefully, either.

Fortunately, he knew when he woke up that Zevran would come and get him, and he couldn't imagine Urtok leaving him behind, either. His assassin and his dog got in and out with no trouble at all, thanks to their excellent bluffing skills. (Maker, I do love that mission. It's hilarious whatever way you choose to play it.)

After that, it was time to investigate the Alienage. After a brief digression involving a friendly Templar and some unfriendly demons, Wulfric managed to stumble onto the Tevinter slaving operation without even checking the 'quarantine' warehouse first, which I guess is what happens when you're a rogue who pokes into every corner in search of things to steal. Or return. Finally found that sextant!

Anyway, he beat the tar out of Caladrius and freed some elf slaves. Then it was time to return to Arl Eamon, finally in possession of enough evidence and enough support to take Loghain on directly ...