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ms-katonic-of-tamriel · 3 years

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DAI Playthrough idea

Inquisitor Lucien Flavius Trevelyan. Ex-Circle mage, mostly content with life in the Ostwick Circle, likes the learning and academic side, does miss his parents, but no inclination to rebel until it was actually happening, at which point he ran off with the rebels because all his friends were doing it. Not religious, no real belief in Andraste whatsoever but kept quiet about it in the Circle. Since leaving, he’s become a lot more open about his views, and found to his surprise more people than he thought shared them, and there’s enough anger at the Chantry for him to acquire a coterie of fans and fellow freethinkers. He’s at the Conclave hoping to try and talk some sense into the Templars but it doesn’t go well.

Decisions!

Broadly pro-mage, not very pro-Chantry. Not anti exactly, but very much not pro either and really doesn’t like the Herald of Andraste title. Not up to speed on elven issues but the more he learns the angrier he gets at the Chantry, and he does find the culture fascinating.

Goes to Redcliffe to talk to the mages, finds out about the bargain with Tevinter, goes ‘what the actual hell have you done’ and ends up sorting that mess out. Templars can very much sort themselves out in his mind. He wasn’t harmed at the Circle but he saw things happen to others. Gives the mages an alliance. They were his friends after all.

As Inquisitor he wants to stand for order and justice rather than the faith or revenge and does his best to pick merciful, rational choices where possible. After Adamant, he keeps the Wardens as Inquisition allies, and at Val Royeaux, there’s a good chance of him getting all three parties to work together. Failing that, he’ll keep Celene as Empress, with or without Briala at her side. At the Well of Sorrows, Morrigan is getting the power - Lucien hears the words binding geas and goes nope, not for me kthnx.

Romances:

Awkward demisexual who preferred books and studying to anything else, Lucien’s got no romance experience but might consider it for the right person.

Cassandra: too intimidating by far! Also twice his age. Even if he was into intimidating older women, Cassandra has expectations of a romantic hero who will sweep her off her feet. Lucien has no idea where to even start so... doesn’t. Also she will not shut up about the Maker, and Lucien has spent the past two years becoming a fervent atheist and loving not having priests around any more. He can’t pretend to be Andrastian for her sake.

Iron Bull: Bull’s stories about his sexploits make Lucien’s eyes pop out and his hair stand on end. As far as romance goes, Lucien is fleeing in the opposite direction from this one. They get on well enough, and Lucien’s curious about the Qun... but not curious about anything else, thank you very much. Still, he cares enough to save Bull from the Qun.

Dorian: a possibility, and Dorian would definitely be interested, but it’s more likely these two will end up as besties rather than boyfriends. Never say never though. Lucien's really not OK with the way Dorian's family treated him and completely sides with him over it. If Lucien was accidentally flirting with him previously, Dorian might well choose that moment to confess his feelings. Not known how Lucien would respond.

Josephine: most likely out of all of them. Pretty, cultured, goes out of her way to make Lucien feel at ease, Lucien would likely adore her. Also the duel scene would be way more poignant with Lucien the inexperienced mage going rapier to rapier with a master duellist for her affections. Plus they’re both probably demi.

The rest of them:

Cullen: hasn’t got a clue what to make of this somewhat unimpressive young man but he’s who the faithful are rallying around and the only one who can close rifts so he’ll keep him alive. Becomes steadily more impressed with Lucien over the course of things. Lucien talks him out of going back on lyrium, having no wish to see anyone shackled by the Circle if they don’t want to be there, even Templars.

Leliana: scares the hell out of him. “No, don’t murder people!” becomes a common refrain. However, over time, she softens, he starts to see her less scary side, and he’s able to talk her down from murdering Sister Natalie. On seeing the change in her after, he’s got no hesitation supporting her for Divine.

Blackwall: they get on rather well! Lucien respects Blackwall’s experience, always appreciates a big strong fighter to hide behind, and Blackwall’s avuncular nature appeals. Finding out the truth about him is heartbreaking but Lucien can’t help but rescue him and give him another chance to do better.

Solas: Lucien respects his skills, does rely on his advice, but there’s something a bit off there. He doesn’t know what though. He wants to like Solas, but something just rubs him up the wrong way. Still, he’s a useful companion, they do get on, Solas seems to approve of Lucien’s decision-making on the whole, and Lucien loves asking him about ancient elven culture. He's less keen on the whole 'what if the Veil wasn’t here’ angle though. Solas disappearing will feel like a betrayal and really hurt.

Vivienne: nothing in common at all. Excellent chance he never recruits her in the first place. If he does, he spends the entire adventure regretting it.

Varric: takes Lucien under his wing from the outset and looks after him. Lucien’s appalled by some of Varric’s wilder exploits but does laugh anyway, and the two become fast friends. Even if Lucien does keep wanting to know how Bianca works.

Sera: they drive each other up the wall but Lucien is somehow still fond of her. That Tempest stuff is terrifying though.

Cole: weirds Lucien out completely, but he senses the spirit’s heart is in the right place and a spirit who turned human?? Come on, that’s a paper in its own right! Cole’s fate could go either way, but I suspect Lucien will go for the human option.

Lucien's parents: never had any other kids. They still miss and mourn him. They've been worried sick since the rebellion started and Lucien disappeared. He never wrote because there'd been no contact allowed for over a decade and it never occurred to him. But word of their son surviving the Conclave and joining the Inquisition reaches them and they put all family business in their steward's hands and go to Haven. They get there in time to find the ashes, but returning scouts, maybe even the Chargers, can tell them Lucien is not only alive but Inquisitor and take them to Skyhold. Cue tearful reunion, Lyra as quartermaster, Davidicus joining the researchers, either available as a party member if Lucien needs them.

Training specialty: none of the mage ones appeal. Knight-Enchanter? “No I don’t want to be up close and personal with the enemy, I want to be far away from the stabby things!” Rift Mage: “so... the initial innovators of this field are all dead due to the magic destroying them, and the second wave of experts are all off their trolley due to magical weirdness and seeing their friends disintegrated. Er... think I’ll give this one a miss, thank you very much.” Necromancer: “NO!”

In the end, he ends up studying Artificer after persuading his advisors that just because he's a mage doesn’t mean he should only study magic. “There’s so much else to study and learn! It can’t just be learning about magical energies and the Fade! There’s a rest of the world to see and study! Why should being able to do one thing make me incapable of doing anything else?” Cue magically enhanced traps, grenades and possibly some sort of Dwemer laser-enhanced crossbow thing replacing his staff.

Trespasser Lucien is a bit more cynical and battle-hardened and the constant pain from the Mark is no joke either. He’s honestly not surprised at Solas’s identity by the time it comes out, not as much as he should be. Does his best to save the dragon, would like to try and save Solas from himself if possible, but isn’t that committed to the idea. Disbands the Inquisition entirely, thinking it has served its purpose, and then returns to his parental home. He’s reinstated as their son and heir and is soon using Trevelyan money to build himself a whole series of prosthetic arms with a variety of attachments. Just in time for the big society wedding involving the Trevelyan heir and the Montilyet heir whose families saw a couple in love and made the wedding decision for them. Mostly they end up living in Antiva but Lucien’s parents are regular visitors... as are the rest of their former Inquisition colleagues.

#dragon age #lucien flavius #dai #dragon age:inquisition

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aristeiadeluca · 7 years

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Play to Kill (Update)

Fandom: Dragon Age: Inquisition

Genre: Modern/Noir

Summary: Lavellan solves a murder case with Deputy Chief Iron Bull.

Rating: M (For blood and violence)

CHAPTER 12: Current Affairs

Skyhold Summer Bazaar Expo, Midtown Skyhold City, 6:57pm

It took nearly two hours to get Bull to agree to wear something decent enough to attend the gala.

He insisted on wearing button-downs but only buttoned the bottom two clasps, leaving his chest bare to the public, something Nymeria tried to explain was not appropriate at the kind of event they were attending. When his fussing started to annoy Nymeria she rolled her eyes and pushed him into the dressing room anyway (Krem was thoroughly entertained throughout).

As he huffed his way into the dressing room for the umpteenth time that afternoon, Nymeria busied herself with the screen on her phone. Krem had gone to do a little shopping himself and told her to keep an eye on Bull.

Keep an eye on him? What am I, his keeper? She thought to herself, rolling her eyes. He was the Chief of Police for the entire city of Skyhold. She couldn’t stop him even if she tried.

Yawning, she scrolled through yet another article on the status of current elvhen affairs:

Fen’Harel Strikes Again: Fereldan Blackpowder Facility Robbed

The Redcliffe Blackpowder Facility was robbed last night by the notorious thief, Fen’Harel, and Fereldan Police are left baffled with no leads. The public is now demanding answers on the low security placed in the hazardous factory responsible for manufacturing much of Fereldan’s weaponry.

Once again, Fen’Harel has become a tense subject for public relations between Fereldan and Orlais. Although Fereldan has much control over Vinmark Penitentiary, where the Evanuris are serving life in prison, Orlais has voiced their concern for the loose thief multiple times, especially following his infamous conquest of an ancient elvhen treasure from the Orlesian Fine Arts Museum three months ago.

Chief of FPD Cullen Rutherford has declined to further comment on the situation.

Great. Nymeria rolled her eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Nymeria hadn’t realized Krem had come back from his short browse in the ‘Clearance’ section and nearly fell out of her stool in front of the dressing rooms.

“Nothing,” She replied, turning off her phone. “Just reading some news about the robbery in Fereldan.”

Krem snorted. “Which one?”

“You know, ‘the Dread Wolf’s latest conquest’.” She used air quotes.

Krem rose a brow and crossed his arms. “Oh, that one. That is serious. The robbing of the Fereldan Blackpowder Facility is a federal crime that can lead to a life sentence without parole…”

“Not that that’s ever stopped Fen’Harel.” Nymeria frowned. “The fact that he’s robbing a Blackpowder facility isn’t a good sign though. Explosives can be smuggled anywhere nowadays, even on airplanes if you’re clever enough. Definitely not a good sign...”

“I agree. Curious though: are you not an advocate of his?”

She stared at him, taken aback for a second. “No. Why do you assume I would be?”

“I don’t mean to offend you - I suppose I just assumed you’d be a advocate of Fen’Harel because - well, you know - you’re Dalish. From what I’ve read, Fen’Harel only means to take back the elvhen goods that have been lost to his people from the invasion.”

“At the expense of other innocent bystanders, you mean.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything of your character.” Krem quickly added. “I’m only recently gotten well-versed in Elvhen culture.”

“Because of your girlfriend?”

Krem shifted uncomfortably where he stood. “She’s not actually my girlfriend anymore.”

“Oh, I’m sorry…”

“Nah, don’t be. We had only gone out a few times.” Krem blushed slightly. “But I am trying to learn more. You know, just to have something to talk about.”

“That’s thoughtful of you,” Nymeria nodded. “Although, most Dalish condemn the Dread Wolf for his actions and hold him responsible for the fall of Elvhenan. If he hadn’t outed the Evanuris for corruption and their underground activities, they wouldn’t have been put away and Arlathan would not be under Imperium jurisdiction.”

“There’s some truth in that, I guess. But the Evanuris were also charged with corruption and orchestrated murder. Wait, or was it attempted murder?”

“Yeah, well…” She paused and looked pensive for a second. “I suppose the only thing I can applaud Fen’Harel for is raising awareness of the escalating elvhen-human relations.”

“Well said.” Iron Bull emerged from the dressing room, pulling his suit jacket over his shoulders again. “Besides, that case isn’t in our jurisdiction anyway.”

“Case? What case?” Nymeria asked.

“The robbery.” Bull replied. “The one you were reading about. Cullen called us about it this morning. But it’s not promising. No one’s been able to catch Fen’Harel. He’s a damned phantom thief. Waste of time to chase after a shadow without knowing its source.”

“Well, if Fen’Harel’s got his hands on explosives no one’s safe. Remember Wycome City?”

Nymeria shuddered visibly.

Remember? I’ll never forget. She wanted to say.

“Maybe the Elven Relations Ambassador will be able to contribute to our efforts? If we could all work together, it would be so much easier…” Krem shifted his weight.

“Easier said than done.” Nymeria stood and pulled her bag over her shoulder. “There is no appointed Elven Ambassador because the Dalish can’t come to terms with who to appoint.”

“Then who’s spearheading the elven operations?” Bull got in the checkout line. The benefits of shopping midday was the significantly shorter line. There was one two people in front of him.

“The Evanuris were responsible for creating the ongoing elven resistance rallies. They were powerful individuals - our politicians, albeit not acknowledged as such worldwide.”

“Hard to believe that was only 20 years ago…”

“This all sounds pretty damn dysfunctional to me. Maybe the elves were probably better off when the Evanuris were there to lead them. Now they barely have a place to live. Just have Tevinter give them back their damned land and be done with it.”

“Wow. Did you just say that? Can I get a direct quote on that for the papers tomorrow?” Nymeria nudged him, smirking.

Bull gave her a look of apprehension.

“I was kidding, geez.” She rolled her eyes again.

“Well, there’s the Elven Rights Council, right? We’ll be able to catch Fen’Harel with their help since they despise him. I’m sure they won’t want another elven city in danger’s way.”

“They’re unofficial. Plus, they offer no lucrative solution to the anti-elven agenda; their ideas are never cohesive or unified enough to get anything properly done for their people. We knew what was going on in Wycome City before it even happened. But that didn’t change anything.” There was as bitterness in Nymeria’s words.

”The Elven Rights Council members butt heads with each other often and would sooner create more problems rather than solve the ones that currently exist.”

Bull noted this was the first time Nymeria spoke anything of her past. He pulled up to the counter without saying a word about it though.

“Eh, I’m not interested in all this political crap anyway. How do you even know this shit, Krem? Can’t have learned all that from the news…”

Krem rolled his eyes. “My ex, you big lug.”

They were out of the department store under a minute. Nymeria was surprised Bull didn’t throw a fuss at the high price tag on his express tailored suit. It would’ve broken her piggy bank for the next three months. If it bothered him, Bull certainly didn’t show it.

Nymeria stared out the window as they drove, hand tucked under her chin. Buildings merged together before her eyes like a soft pastel painting. Her mind started to drift, mesmerized by the city’s colorfully blended light show.

“Anyway,” Bull studied the rearview mirror for a second. His drug-enforcement background made him feel weary that someone was following them, even though that was seldom ever the case. “I’m not interested in the robbery right now. I’d rather finish what we’ve got going on right now before we handle that.”

“Understood. I’ll keep you updated if Commander Cullen reports anything else.”

“Commander?”

“Cullen used to serve in the Fereldan Marines.” Bull told her. “He lived through the Fifth Blight in Fereldan too.”

“Oh, that’s terrible…”

“Yeah, but he has some good drinking stories.” Bull shrugged.

The radio blared on in Bull’s black sedan and Nymeria was trying to listen intently on any news of the current Valmont family situation.

The way the media’s covering the Valmont family, you’d think they were Antivan royalty… She rolled her eyes. Then again, I guess they kinda are the Orlesian equivalent of royalty…. Especially if Celene secedes Clarisse’s position as President of Orlais...

Bull interrupted her thoughts:

“Briala’s going to be staying downtown until there’s a proper hearing, by the way.”

“What? Why?” Nymeria replied, frowning. “You’ve got nothing on her!”

“Well, you can take that up to the Valmonts’ attorney.” Bull told her. “I tried to make my case for a defense, but I’m not a lawyer. Plus, Vivienne de Fer scares the hell out of me. I had a call from her this morning.”

Nymeria rolled her eyes. “So you’re keeping Briala in jail indefinitely? Without bail?”

“Bail, I believe, is set at ten thousand.” Bull replied.

“That’s absurd. No one could afford that!”

“I think that’s the point, Krem.” Bull sighed.

“Well, you’ve got me; I can help. Besides, we’ve got sufficient evidence to prove otherwise. This case isn’t as open-and-shut as Madame de Fer’s going to make it.” Nymeria told them.

“What have we got that will be enough to make a case for her?” Bull sounded skeptical.

“Well,” Nymeria went through her notebook. “There’s plenty of suspicious clues left at the scene of the crime. Want me to go through them?”

“Wouldn’t hurt, I suppose.”

“We can review everything on the way to the gallery.”

“Well, first off. The only clear clue pointing to Briala’s guilt is the brooch. The flower pin that was left near the door.”

“But it was clean and could’ve been planted there to frame her.”

“Exactly. Then, there’s the black plastic coated with Selenium, used for treating Tinea Versicolor.”

“That could be nothing.” Bull told her. “The lab results didn’t come back with Florian having used any though, even though he does appear to have some eczema. But his condition wasn’t severe enough to use anything that strong.”

“I’m more concerned with the black plastic we found. Could it have been something that broke off the murder weapon during their struggle?” Nymeria wondered aloud.

“We established the murder weapon was one of Reynaud woodworking knives.” Bull reminded her. “The precision of the wound and the size match the one he's missing too perfectly. It most definitely is the murder weapon.”

“So maybe the plastic was something that could be found on the murderer’s belongings?”

“If so, we didn’t find anything suspicious. Everything they had on them was harmless. I even checked the sharpest things in their bags - pens, needles, you name it.”

“So what happened to the woodworking knife? The murderer is one of the Valmonts. They were with us the entire time. They couldn’t have thrown it away while we searched the hotel.”

“Well, wherever it was hidden, it's probably gone by now.”

“Most likely. But we still have plenty of other things to go on.” Nymeria frowned. “And I have a lot I want to follow up on.”

“Like what?” She saw Bull raise a brow in the rearview mirror.

“The newspapers Florian had on him are too suspicious. Why bring a bunch of old newspapers if you're going on a business conference and high key art auction? He had to have brought it for a reason.”

“Paparazzi, maybe? Or blackmail? They’re a prominent, rich, Orlesian family.” Krem pondered.

“Blackmail for whom? The firefighters? The photographs depict only good deeds being done.” Bull said pointedly.

“Well if the photos are staged, which seems plausible to me, then the Valmonts would have a scandal on the hands.” Nymeria looked through her photocopies of the articles found in Florian Valmont’s case.

“But what proof so you have that the photos are fake?” Bull asked her.

“None. Yet.” She told him.

“If it's really blackmail, then the only one this would hurt is the Valmont name, mainly Gaspard. Why would Florian have that on him? Even if he didn't approve of Gaspard's lifestyle, I'm sure Florian wouldn't want to sully the family name.”

Bull turned into the Skyohld Police Department parking lot and parked in his usual spot.

“I doubt Mantillon would even let him if he tried.” Nymeria replied, unclipping her seatbelt.

“Then maybe the clippings were information he collected from a potential client? Someone he met with earlier that day? Someone he made a deal with? Someone who was trying to get a rise out of him? Or blackmail the Valmonts? Maybe he paid off his blackmailer but the deed went south at the end?”

“Whoever would try that would have to be rich, ballsy, or incredibly stupid.”

“Either way, I agree. You have a good point. We’ll investigate the photos.”

She stared at him. “We? I thought you didn’t think the clippings were important…”

“I had a night to think about it.” He told her. “Besides, if you’re going to try getting information on those fires, you’ll need me to access them at the station anyway.”

“You… have a fair point.” She acknowledged, following him into the Police Station.

"Alright then, we've got some time to kill before the exhibition. Let's plan this shit out."

#dragon age fanfic #dragon age fic #dragon age #modern au #modern age #play to kill #iron bull #lavellan #lavellan x bull #iron bull x lavellan

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