Dragon Age: Life Begins With Death (Fan Fic)

[Tawmis]

Dragon Age: Life Begins With Death.

Written by yours truly. I do it as a creative dump. I have no idea where I am going with it. So as I add to it the story develops then and there. And sometimes, like with Andrea's comments; his comments become a part of the story (as you will see in the addition I am adding now).

[AndreaDraco]

Read it. I liked it. Only two very minor points:

Or perhaps because 90% of the blood in your body was watering the grass of the bloodstained battle field," Morrigan countered.

This may well only be a matter of personal taste, but the use of percentage seems a bit off to me, sort of anachronistic.

“Move even just an inch, and I run my blade through you, Blood Mage,” William assured the Blood Mage. “I saw you. The look in your eyes. You were euphoric. Just like every Blood Mage I have ever seen. You can't be trusted. You were no doubt about to use your magic on me.”

This may be motivated by William's background, but - being a Grey Warden - shouldn't he be less naive about Blood Magic? Grey Wardens know well Maleficars and Apostates, and I'm sure he would have understood that Quinn wasn't about to use blood control over him. But, as I said, maybe there is something in William's background that makes him so weary of blood mages. Otherwise, I'll probably rephrase the dialogue to make him sound less naive.

Another point: if Quinn isn't lying about it, it seems to me that Templars would have more easily killed him right away than agreed to let him help them. But maybe there's a reason for that too

Aside from these quibbles, I like the story and I really liked the twist of William being on the battlefield and not in the Tower of Ishal. On the other hand, Quinn is already my favorite

[AndreaDraco]

A good point. Tried to get into Morrigan's head and write like her dialogue... Perhaps stating that most of his blood was left on the battlefield?

I like the expression "watering the blood-stained battlefield". It's just the 90% that seems off to me.

Well it wasn't the Templars that were in Ostgar - where Wynne was, for example. It was the Circle of Magi. So I was indicating that he had been captured by the Circle of Magi, and was being taken back to the Tower to be "put on trial" for his actions as a Blood Mage.

If you remember, there were Templars guarding the Magi's encampment at Ostagar, and they would prevent anyone from going in. I guess it's possible that they were already dead when Quinn was found, but a Templar, as I'm sure you well know, would have killed a maleficar on sight.

As for William, I hope it's clear that he's rescued before the actual players of the game are. So he's rescued before the folks in the tower, so that the story can go on separately. I thought it was a fun idea, because as a player in the game, when you talk to Morrigan (if you follow the right branch), she says, almost with some annoyance, "I don't know who this Tyren Loghain is."

This is the twist I was reffering to. I really like it. When I started reading, I thought: "OK, Tawmis is writing about his Warden and Alistair will be outside with Flemeth". So I was pleasantly surprised when I found out who William was!

[Tawmis]

By all means, you know you can bring up these points in the fanfic thread itself too! I don't mind addressing them there!

[Tawmis]

Read it. I liked it. Only two very minor points:

Or perhaps because 90% of the blood in your body was watering the grass of the bloodstained battle field," Morrigan countered.

This may well only be a matter of personal taste, but the use of percentage seems a bit off to me, sort of anachronistic.

A good point. Tried to get into Morrigan's head and write like her dialogue... Perhaps stating that most of his blood was left on the battlefield?

“Move even just an inch, and I run my blade through you, Blood Mage,” William assured the Blood Mage. “I saw you. The look in your eyes. You were euphoric. Just like every Blood Mage I have ever seen. You can't be trusted. You were no doubt about to use your magic on me.”

This may be motivated by William's background, but - being a Grey Warden - shouldn't he be less naive about Blood Magic? Grey Wardens know well Maleficars and Apostates, and I'm sure he would have understood that Quinn wasn't about to use blood control over him. But, as I said, maybe there is something in William's background that makes him so weary of blood mages. Otherwise, I'll probably rephrase the dialogue to make him sound less naive.

See, the Grey Wardens know of and have used the Blood Mages before (according to the Wiki and the novels) - but that doesn't mean they're exactly trusted - especially off the battle field. Just like in the game, Blood Mages who were not in the service to assist the Grey Wardens would always attack first and bury you later.

So since Quinn was encountered off the battlefield - William would assume that the mage was up to no good - especially creeping around in the fog. You usually can't trust anyone creeping around in the fog.

Another point: if Quinn isn't lying about it, it seems to me that Templars would have more easily killed him right away than agreed to let him help them. But maybe there's a reason for that too

Aside from these quibbles, I like the story and I really liked the twist of William being on the battlefield and not in the Tower of Ishal. On the other hand, Quinn is already my favorite

Well it wasn't the Templars that were in Ostgar - where Wynne was, for example. It was the Circle of Magi. So I was indicating that he had been captured by the Circle of Magi, and was being taken back to the Tower to be "put on trial" for his actions as a Blood Mage.

As for William, I hope it's clear that he's rescued before the actual players of the game are. So he's rescued before the folks in the tower, so that the story can go on separately. I thought it was a fun idea, because as a player in the game, when you talk to Morrigan (if you follow the right branch), she says, almost with some annoyance, "I don't know who this Tyren Loghain is." (Sort of like perhaps it's the second time she's heard this guy's name mentioned to her - first time being William, second time, the story that follows the game).

[Tawmis]

Added the next brain dump. I have no idea where I am going with it. So as I add to it the story develops then and there. And sometimes, like with Andrea's comments; his comments become a part of the story (as you will see in the addition I just added; addressing some of his points and concerns to make the story flow more and answer some of the points he brought up! Had no plans on it - just writing whatever comes to my head and Andrea's questions made me expand on some stuff on the spot! Was quite fun!).

[AndreaDraco]

Read it and commented over at the social site. As I said there, the scenes around a campfire, when different companions can relax and share stories, are a favorite of mine - no wonder that the party camp was, in my opinion, a wondrous addition to the world of Dragon Age.

I like Quinn. And his story is interesting. It will also be interesting to know why Riordan pushed him toward blood magic: just for the sheer power of it or for some more arcane reasons (à la Avernus)?

A side question: Tawm, have you read The Stolen Throne and The Calling?

[Tawmis]

Read it and commented over at the social site. As I said there, the scenes around a campfire, when different companions can relax and share stories, are a favorite of mine - no wonder that the party camp was, in my opinion, a wondrous addition to the world of Dragon Age.

I like Quinn. And his story is interesting. It will also be interesting to know why Riordan pushed him toward blood magic: just for the sheer power of it or for some more arcane reasons (à la Avernus)?

Do you recognize the name Riordan?
As well as the names of the two humans who escaped William in Denerim, that had been roughing up the Elves?

As for Quinn and such - I have no idea where I am going with the story - just enjoying the ability to freely write creatively again. Was at a road block and these brain dumps as I call them, often remove the writer's block that I am experiencing since there's no pressure behind writing Brain Dump stories. They're just spur of the moment things, so it gets the gears working again!

I am greatly enjoying writing it so far... and hope to keep doing it.

A side question: Tawm, have you read The Stolen Throne and The Calling?

I have read neither - but own both. I am currently reading Dragonlance - Dragons of an Hour Glass Mage. I only read when I go to bed (as a method to try and relax my brain and allow me to sleep). So my reading speed is pretty slow. Most of my waking time is spent writing (or gaming). Usually use reading as a way to relax at night!

However, both Dragon Age books are next on the reading list.

[Tawmis]

More brain dumping.

[AndreaDraco]

Do you recognize the name Riordan?
As well as the names of the two humans who escaped William in Denerim, that had been roughing up the Elves?

Of course I recognize Riordan [that idjit! What was he doing jumping on the Archdemon! AGH!], but I'm afraid I don't recognize the other two. Don't worry, I'll research them!

However, both Dragon Age books are next on the reading list.

I've read about a hundred page of The Calling, but so far is really good. The Stolen Throne is a bit slow at the beginning but the middle section is pretty good too, and the finale heart-wrenching.

More brain dumping.

This will have to wait until tomorrow. ME2 drained me and now it's time for me to go to bed

[Tawmis]

Do you recognize the name Riordan?
As well as the names of the two humans who escaped William in Denerim, that had been roughing up the Elves?

Of course I recognize Riordan [that idjit! What was he doing jumping on the Archdemon! AGH!], but I'm afraid I don't recognize the other two. Don't worry, I'll research them!

When you research them that segment of the story will make much more sense.

However, both Dragon Age books are next on the reading list.

I've read about a hundred page of The Calling, but so far is really good. The Stolen Throne is a bit slow at the beginning but the middle section is pretty good too, and the finale heart-wrenching.

I want to read them just to get more on the lore. It's also why I want to buy the Dragon Age RPG. Just to get more info. I am a freak like that when I find something I really enjoy.

And now that I have beat the game, I am more inclined to look at Dragon Age Wiki's and such. (Although on X360, playing my Mage again - but just barely finished meeting Morrigan and Flemith, so I am not too far there) - and still playing my Rogue from time to time on my PC.

More brain dumping.

This will have to wait until tomorrow. ME2 drained me and now it's time for me to go to bed

No worries at all! There's no obligation to even read it!

[AndreaDraco]

When you research them that segment of the story will make much more sense.

How could I forget about Veras and Saritor? Good hint, Tawmis, really good hint!

I am a freak like that when I find something I really enjoy.

I totally understand you, Tawmis! I'm the same way!

No worries at all! There's no obligation to even read it!

No obligations at all, but I like it and I like reading it

I really like the direction the story is taking. Visiting Lothering through the eyes of Quinn and William would be fine, and I can't wait for them to meet other characters, like the still captured Sten and Leliana (if Alistair and the Warden are still behind them), and then see what lies ahead on their road to Denerim.

PS: Another thing. Since in-game Riordan wasn't at Ostagar, and in your fiction he was, I can't help but wonder: what about Duncan? Was he there? Intriguing

[Tawmis]

I really like the direction the story is taking. Visiting Lothering through the eyes of Quinn and William would be fine, and I can't wait for them to meet other characters, like the still captured Sten and Leliana (if Alistair and the Warden are still behind them), and then see what lies ahead on their road to Denerim.

Definitely enjoying the casualness of writing this... No pressure, just dump whatever comes to me at that moment and time...

PS: Another thing. Since in-game Riordan wasn't at Ostagar, and in your fiction he was, I can't help but wonder: what about Duncan? Was he there? Intriguing

Mabari poop! You're right! I will need to fix that!

[Tawmis]

PS: Another thing. Since in-game Riordan wasn't at Ostagar, and in your fiction he was, I can't help but wonder: what about Duncan? Was he there? Intriguing

Mabari poop! You're right! I will need to fix that!

Corrected. Also corrected the other things you mentioned!

[Tawmis]

Latest Brain Dump. - They arrive at Lothering.