8 - ||

My nap…

The Game is really user-friendly, or is it just System? We do have a nice relationship… Anyway, I decided to try out [Flashback Jumper] for the first time and it's really easy. It actually left me wondering why it's not a Skill instead – you just initiate a jump with the destination in mind, this time BokuHero. No way I'm ever going back to Highschool of the Dead. It's just a little skip to try things out more than anything, I still need to buy myself a Lore Book about this universe before I do anything big. My knowledge extends pretty much to All Might retiring for good, and that's not enough.

Apart from trying out my new, expensive, Perk, and 'shopping' for more materials for my Skyhold workshop, I want to experiment with one more thing.

"[Race Change: Vampire]!"

I don't feel anything different but I guess that is to be expected – in games you just equip stuff and boom, new char.

Eagerly approaching the mirror in my apartment, I peer into it.

…

Bugger.

Hahahahahahahahahaha

I roll my eyes at System's contribution - it's all part of the experiment. Like now I know that the Game-type vampires don't reflect in mirrors.

Hahahahahahahahahaha

"[Race Change: Default]!"

I look into the mirror again and with some relief I see myself there. Good, it works. Vamp can be fun but it's sure to have some serious drawbacks alongside the perks. And what those are precisely, well, let's experiment!

"[Race Change: Vampire]!"

My reflection promptly disappears but I take time to assess myself anyway.

Paler skin, check. Fangs? The two upper canines obediently elongate. The lower pair does as well but more modestly. Check. Nails? Oh, they do grow into claws. Cool, that's not universal vampire lore.

Wait, I do so hope I don't sparkle!

I race to the window. Uff, I don't. But to add another check to the list, daylight does hurt. Like a bitch.

My HP quickly regenerates but that was not fun at all. My guess is that my favorite telekinetic Barrier will be useless against the sun rays. Armor/clothes it is if I really need to go around in vampire form during the day.

Anyway, to finish up appearance-wise, I'm fairly sure I look the same as always. Sofia, just paler. Which bring to mind a related issue.

I can only grin in satisfaction when I touch changed my face – Shapeshifting still works. Excellent.

What else.

"Status"

I note quite a few changes so I decide to make myself more comfortable, sit down and retrieve some of that blood I have store in Inventory. You know, just to see how it tastes now.

The moan comes unbidden. Wow. Wow. This is by far the best thing I ever tasted. Damn, so delicious!

Stopping pigging out is hard, really hard since I have a lot of available blood and it really is damn good, but my curiosity eventually prevails. Stats are my first stop since apart from a new line about my new race nothing has changed in the overview. Stats though, those did change. In a big way too. I mean, a flat +100 to STR, AGI and END coupled with a +50 CHA is huge. Especially if you go for a melee build. It would be hard to train those Stats but in a real-life battle it would be a big boon. Especially in a world like Thedas where most of the population are normal.

Moving on – Skills. Oh, no, Perks first.

Good choice, they are five of those. Well, three Perks and two Flaws. The two downsides are obvious - [Weakness to Light] and [Weakness to Faith]. I read both carefully and while the description in Light is expected, the Faith one is a bit of a surprise. Back to Light though – it means both daylight and the element itself. I try, for science!, casting [Light Spear].

"Gaaah" I snarl as the light scorches my hand. I can cast it but it really really hurts. I immediately let the spear dissipate and cast a heal to recover the surprisingly big loss of HP. Ok, that was good to know but I won't be doing it again.

Similarly, I won't be trying out Faith. Especially since I can't, which brings be neatly back to what is so surprising about the Flaw. Faith-based magic is clear but the classic 'symbols of faith' need to be wielded by a faithful. A non-believer wielding a cross would do nothing. I don't think I read it this way before but I like it – it both makes sense and it lessens the Flaw, either a smidgen or a lot, depending on what type of universe I'm currently in.

To be honest I'm pretty relieved that there is no mention of garlic or thresholds. I still do check though. Garlic is easy enough as there is some in the fridge. The threshold thing I deal with by breaking into my neighbors place. Neither has any side-effects. That said, I don't see the not-reflecting-in-mirrors anywhere but that is clearly in effect. Or is it tied to the light Flaw? No idea. But I should've checked the most known things.

Anyway, pretty heavy flaws but the Perks are decent enough to off-set it back into positives. [Nightwalker] gives me a nice +10% to both attack and defense at night, along with easier passing of Stat checks. Good and easy. [Child of Blood] allows me to turn people and makes thralls. This one will require some thought and a few experiments as well I think. The final true Perk is [Blood Demon]. This one has quite a few things hidden under it, mainly the ability to heal via drinking blood, getting a small exp gain when killing with a bite, and a nice enhancement of my senses. Most notably scenting blood at long distances. Cool.

Skills now. First thing though, I filter my Light Mage Skills and immediately notice a massive penalty ascribed to them. So not only their use would hurt, they would also be far less effective than normal. That kinda sucks but I would refrain from using them either way. Good that I have so many more Skills to choose from.

Speaking of, I did get new Skills. Quite a number of them actually. My excitement dims when I notice that I have already approximated most of them. Things like blood drain, bite, mist form, allure, hypnosis. I have those, more or less, and the new ones don't work any better to what I already use. Plus some things are even locked and require draining people to get them. Mist form is an example, as is transforming into a bat – something that the Shapeshifter Class that Morrigan unlocked for me could do, more easily too I'd guess.

I sigh, rather disappointed.

Cheer up

Achievement Unlocked!

Indecisive: You have changed races for the first time; Achievement Reward: Discount in [Shop] for hybrid races when conditions met

With a thoughtful hum I go to check, quite intrigued. True enough, [Race Change: Dhampir] is on offer for only 50 Credits. Other races cost thousands, like before. The why is pretty logical – a dhampir is half-human, half-vampire, I have both of those so I get a discount for the half-breed between them. Nice, I guess. A dhampir should have the Flaws significantly reduced while maintaining most of the positives.

I might look into it sometime but I'm not that enthused. I simply don't think it's worth it. All in all vampire is fun but not that useful for me, and dhampir won't really solve anything. The best thing by far is the ability to make other vampires – I could turn Margit's squad for example and make those impressive warriors truly formidable. But that is just an example. No way I introduce vampires to the very religious Thedas. That would be downright dumb.

But yeah, I won't be using vamp. The deliciousness of blood is not enough to make me reconsider. Also all my activities in BokuHero will be done by me in my Maledicta disguise rather than a true Maledicta. Baseline Sofia is weaker physically but has much more options and she doesn't have those silly weaknesses.

Speaking of those, I leave the apartment, enjoying the sun rays on my skin. With the race thing determined I can freely proceed to the second item on my to-do list – do some more thieving so I can make many more explosive and killing gadgets, for the Flying Dutchman, and some other things to expand my Engineering horizons. It's a hard Class, you don't just get downloaded blueprints into your brain, you actually have to work at it. All the production Classes are this way but the Engineer so far has proven the hardest for me. Guess I wasn't all that into tech before I was reborn as the Gamer…

But enough of that, I am satisfied with what I have built so far, and the beauty of stealing in BokuHero is that they actually have those cool and nifty blueprints, you just have to know who to burglar.

Case in point, my target for tonight. But before that…

With a cheerful chiming sound the bell atop the door announces my arrival into the shop. An unbidden grin form on my lips as I observe rows upon rows of manga volumes. Politely dismissing the clerk, I go to browse the selection – who knows, maybe my next jump will take me somewhere into those. I'm not sure how that would work, some of those manga are definitely only from this Universe, but hey, they are a fun read anyway. And as I said, it might come in handy someday.

Half an hour later I leave the shop laden with several bags of quality literature that will be shoved into Inventory as soon as it will be inconspicuous enough. This short trip into BokuHero has already proven to be a huge success. I have literally zero cash now though so I think it is time for phase two of 'shopping'.

X

Going 'round shopping without Haku is not the same but I'm still enjoying the sneaking, especially around really advanced security. It gives a real sense of accomplishment that, admittedly, is missing from the Dragon Age raids. Though I have yet to attack a target that has magical protections, kinda looking forward to that. Guess Tevinter or elven ruins are the places for that.

Then again, I doubt ancient elves had… this.

It's only half-constructed but the huge and detailed blueprint pinned to the corkboard paints the picture quite clearly. A hover-bike. A very nice and powerful, I'd dare say even drool-worthy, hover-bike. One only needs to finish building it. Easy peasy, especially since all the parts are in this workshop.

Well, not anymore, a few quick swipes and they're in my Inventory. Splendid. This whole set-up will look wonderfully back at Skyhold. Thanks, support hero no-idea-about-your-name!

And here I thought this place would be a bust since the resident tinker is a huge fan of All Might. And I mean huge. He's got posters everywhere, even collectibles. Less in his workshop than the other areas I prowled through, but it's still a lot. He can have those, I'm not interested in the stuff. And it would be adding insult to injury after cleaning out his whole workshop.

As I cast one last glance to the now considerably emptier room, one poster in particular catches my eye. A fairly old one it seems, autographed no less, which depicts All Might with the one side-kick I actually vaguely remember. That sidekick with glasses. Sir nighteyes? I think. Or something similar. Good there is something like google here. Anyway, wasn't he the teacher of that Tintin-looking student that had the Obito/Madara power of phasing through stuff? Because I want that.

Yeah. I want that! And why not, I am strong enough now, aren't I?

I approve!

'Sound fun, eh?'

Epic manga duels? Yes please! More fun that the slow scheming thing you got going in Dragon Age

'I'm playing the long term game there' I frown, 'And I think it's fun. Managing resources, recruiting, eventually waging war against other countries, dismantling a religion…'

Yeah, yeah, you're playing Civilization. Great. This is more fun

'I grant it that my actions in BokuHero are more… dynamic'

Plus I never liked Tintin

My eyebrows threaten to leave my brow completely 'How did you ever got to read it?'

I have knowledge of all the possible universes. You can jump into Tintin's adventures

Don't. By the way

'Noted' I agree easily, I had enough of that comics from French class. Plus it's not like it has a real plot.

I'm so lost in thoughts about Belgian comic book heroes that I almost trip an alarm – I do catch myself in time but that was a blunder. Better to return home and do some thinking there. Or just a convenient hiding place, I'm not that picky.

Seeing it is an early evening still, I head to a café once I get away clean. My Inventory is nice and plush with useful materials, not to mention my new soon-to-be hover-bike, so I might as well plan a little while I treat myself to some dessert. Now that I robbed a few places I have money to pay with again – I did convert almost all of my local money into Credits upon leaving this universe.

One sundae later and I know where exactly Sir Nighteye's Agency is located and some other details about it, such as that it is fairly small. Nothing like Ryukyu's that I assaulted… last week? I'm not sure, with all that time in Dragon Age I didn't bother to keep track of it. And it is fairly irrelevant anyway.

There is nothing about Sir's quirk but I remember something about foresight. I don't know really how it works since I didn't get that far in the anime but I think it's not general foresight, that it is concentrated on a person. That would mean he shouldn't see me coming. A quick pop in, drain Tintin, and pop out.

Still, better to do it sooner than later, he might use his power on himself or Tintin. Who I can't keep calling this… Some more searching and I find the name – Togata Mirio. Anyway, better to go right now. Not just because of the foresight but also because Mirio should be in the Agency – that will be much easier to assault than U.A. during the school year. Naturally the easiest way would be to get him at home, but waiting for that risks foresight again. Yeah, just pop in and drain is the plan.

One thing though… do I go as Maledicta? No, better not, let's make this more mysterious. I'll 'kidnap' him, stash his body into Inventory as I teleport out. And all that done by a not-before-seen villain. After all, Maledicta hunts for food, this is something different.

Alright then, Permeation – here I come!

I like it, zero to plan in a few minutes

'You think I'm rushing it?' I ask with some concern as I duck into a deserted alley to teleport myself near the city Nighteye Agency is in.

That wasn't sarcasm

Go for it!

Try to make it epic

'I'm not really planning to…' I hum as I eye the new scenery. Good thing I went in concealed because I'm really close to a road.

With [Flash Step] I make quick work of the distance, getting me to destination in practically no time. Fast travel for the win. And I can even do it with enemies nearby!

Perhaps there is some quirk or device that law-enforcement or the heroes use to track super-speedy suspicious people that come into town but I found no pursuers. I already put on my new disguise which mostly features Hei's Mask, one of my first gacha items that till now was gathering dust in Inventory. It enhances electrical damage which isn't really useful but it looks good and conceals my whole, shape-shifted, face. Ezio's armor is also on, mainly for that stealth and DEX bonus. This is a surprise attack after all.

The five story building that is the Agency looks fairly ordinary at first glance. A deeper look reveals some quite ingenious automated defenses but I should be ok with that slew of Skills that I have at my disposal. I just hope my target is here, the alternative would be really awkward.

It is testament to how much I have grown that I don't bother with [Minimalization] like I did in that police station, instead I just apply all my stealth and awareness buffs. I am quite eager to add Permeation to the rotation, walking through walls and stuff will definitely come in handy. I just need to find Mirio and drain him. Then I stuff his body in Inventory, no need to leave a body to investigate behind. That was the whole reason behind the vampire sham anyway.

Breaking and entering finished, I now only have to deal with the defenses the Agency has on the inside. Which is to say not that many. Cameras and some sensors, if I avoid those, it's a cake walk. Good that is the plan, Sir has some heavy-duty weapons wired to those things. Not in attack power, but in status effects. Soporific, stun, freeze – all kinds of tools meant for apprehension rather than elimination. Some of it could be even tricky for me.

And with that thought freshly on my mind I have to refrain myself from sighing as one device whirls to life and I have no idea why. It's a narrow hallway so with a burst of speed I avoid the beginning of a bright blue beam and quickly smash the thing.

That I did so at range with telekinesis rather than using my fist allowed me to neatly avoid Mirio who popped out of the wall right in front of where I would be if I were going for melee. To paraphrase the words of a certain admiral – this was a trap. Either I fucked up somewhere or Foresight got me. Here I thought my Luck would have me avoid a fight here. Well, at least System will be happy that there is some action.

Oh well, at least Mirio is here and I don't have to look for him. A quick Nullify and then I just grab him and… What's this?

My Spider-Sense tingles and I let Tintin disappear into the floor, choosing to apply more defensive buffs and dodge instead. I don't know if it was a good trade or not but this way I manage to avoid a shining white barrier coming up in front of me. A quick glance behind me makes it clear they are trying to box me in, and finish me with more tech.

That is a little bit insulting and I take my revenge by going full Hulk Smash and demolish the wall to my right and jumping through it.

Since the walls weren't wired with anything, my maneuver was rather obvious and brought me into a largish room with two ready-for-battle heroes. A blue girl and a bug, Bubble Girl and Centipeder. They work together well but I'm faster. And annoyed. But before I can snap their neck with telekinesis, Mirio is on me again. Smart. And it might've been enough for the me that was in BokuHero before. I am so much better now.

The loud snap reverberates though the room, making the human-looking heroes freeze for a millisecond. Centepeder, his disgusting head twisted at an unnatural angle, begins falling to the ground. Myself I did not hesitate even for a moment, using the Skill again. Another snap, and Bubble Girl is a thing on the past, the bubbles she has conjured before harmlessly dissipating.

Mirio roars, his anguish and fury both crystal clear, but he doesn't try to mindlessly avenge his fallen friends. No mindless aggression. He's not a meathead, but someone with intelligence, despite what his burly appearance might suggest. I'm almost sorry he's going to be dead soon. Almost.

Upon the death of two of his subordinates, Sir Nighteye makes an appearance. I turn my Observe on him, being curious and all, and I have to chuckle when I read that his Foresight is spent. For 23 hours and 45 minutes. Guess that's why only the heroes of the agency are on site, not any reinforcements as of yet – he has to have used his Quirk on Mirio shortly before I came here. That is good luck at least, he can't Foresight me. He knew I would come and that Mirio is the target, that's all. Oh, he must've also known where I would be coming form, either that or he guessed.

Still, I have to hurry up. Since he did in fact predict an attack, I'm sure he took precautions. Well, not that they worked since two of his side-kicks are dead… but you know what I mean. I have to get out before the cavalry arrives.

"Mirio, get…" Sir starts but he's shit out of luck. He's fast but normal human fast, not like his student who moves around like a squirrel on drugs. As such I simply Flash Step towards him, grab him by the neck and drain him. Then I snap his neck. All in all a few milliseconds. Now for…

I dumbly stare at the empty spot where my target was supposed to be. That he disappeared would be logical, problem is that he's not anywhere I can sense him.

Trying several other location methods has me stumped. That, that, that! Tintin! He's fucking escaped! Retreated, whatever. That was Sir's plan! Mirio has nothing left to protect here so he was instructed to leave, regroup and hunt me down afterwards. Or was that the plan from the start, trying to lead me away since he was the target and the casualties were simply unforeseen? Hm, not even pun-making makes me feel good.

Alright. You wanna play it this way? Ok, I can cheat too. Foresight this!

Shoving my hand into Inventory I grasp my first, and only, legendary-tier item. "Rewind!" I growl as the Dagger of Time exits Inventory.

The Dagger works just like in the sequel Prince of Persia games, complete with the blur, weird audio and the literal walking backwards in time. And just like in the games it has a limit to how much back you can go – fortunately hero fights being really fast, I am well in the time-limit. Heh, I'm back in good mood and appreciating good humor. Because suck it Sir and Mirio, I get a do-over!

Now!

My body is in movement, and without the [Gamer's Body] it would take a moment to get your head around the fact you are moving in the other direction now, and my hand just cast the wave that demolished that laser. And… and Mirio exits the wall right in front of me, going for his first trap.

This time I'm not surprised. This time I don't evade. And this time… this time I have a [Nullify] locked and loaded.

Mirio's face is priceless. But having learned from my previous blunder, I don't dawdle – I grab his face and it's done.

New Skill Acquired!

With a satisfied smirk hidden by my mask I nod, System promptly dismissing the notification without even telling me what that Skill is. I do so love System, knowing exactly what I needed at the moment.

Mirio's body is shoved into Inventory and I barrel into the room ahead, the one I avoided last time. Sir is there, his stony face even more stony than usual. That makes me all warm inside since he managed to pull one over me the last time line. But in this one?

New Skill Acquired!

Yes! Still, this will teach me not to play around. Now, let's get rid on any witnesses and let's get out.

Bubble Girl and Centipeder go down quickly, just as in the previous timeline. Those two I leave laying around for the heroes to find. Mirio and Sir are spirited away, their quirks in my Skill list, so there is nothing left to do but leave.

Still, I take a look around o see if I can't get some neat stuff. The lasers are integrated in a larger grid so I leave those alone. Still, I do get some support gear, mainly tablets and weapons - I'll take a look at them back home, maybe they'll be worth recreating or something.

Suppressing the urge to try out my new Skill, [Phase] rather than Permeation curiously enough, I get out the old-fashioned way. Sir has some cameras around and I don't need my teleport known. They shouldn't guess the nullification, but they will have a theory on that. Let them. It shouldn't connect to Maledicta and this disguise can easily be discarded.

There is some commotion going on outside, maybe even Sir's reinforcements, but I lost interest already. I have what I came for so hasta la vista, baby. To the apartment, and then Skyhold. I do have some more plans here, mainly getting Black Hole and Brainwash, but that can wait. The time here doesn't pass anyway unless I'm living it. Which is also bad in a way since Yaoyorozu Momo, one of my favorite characters here, is still painfully underage and untrained. I'd like her to join my team. It would be awkward though. And a lot of work since I would be kidnapping her, and turning at least semi-'evil'.

Hmmm, maybe later. Perhaps after I finish Origins. Maybe. Maybe after another universe. We'll see.

Well, time to go medieval again. See you soonish, heroes.

I have to grin as the newly formed pink petals of the sakura trees flutter in the wind. Snow or no snow, cold or no cold, my mokuton-grown trees prosper. Having a little break from... well, nothing much, gaming I guess, I decided to grow myself a very pretty road. OK, the road was already there, I just lined it with trees and made a canal. I took inspiration from the Philosopher's Path that I saw in Kyoto back in the 'real world'. Very peaceful. Pity though it doesn't really lead anywhere of note…

Perhaps I could make some hot springs here? To go with the theme?

It would certainly beautify the whole area. But I do have to make sure that I don't get some ugly huts and houses near here, perhaps start something like an entertainment quarter? Sure I don't have any restaurants or anything yet but they would fit so nicely right about there and…

Achievement Unlocked!

What? Achievement? I don't have many of those…

There's No Place Like Home: You built yourself a pretty base! Reward: Hub Mechanic

Hub?

Make Ostagar your Hub?

Well, that didn't clear things up at all.

Besides, Skyhold is more suitable as a base going forward. I go for [Decline], hoping…

Choose your Hub

Yess!

[I'll wait] is the very first option but I actually have four others – the aforementioned Ostagar, Skyhold, my apartment in Boku Hero and Blood Mist Hold. Plus finally there is that guide option which I select without hesitation

Welcome to the Hub mechanic!

Your Hub is your sanctuary, your safe space. You go back after completing each universe so build and expand it to your heart's content! If you have credits, money or resources, you can make yourself a true Gamer's base of operations! In a FLASH! Or you can do it the old-fashioned way, it's your base after all.

Ok, that's a little bit sparse but I guess it does say everything. I would've liked to see what exactly I can build but if it's a 'true Gamer's base of operations' then I guess the answer is: everything. The money and credits is a bit of a downer but if I can make it up with pure resources…

I'm sure the Hub can be moved if there is need. It might cost credits but I'm sure it is a possibility. With that, my decision is made. I make Skyhold my Hub.

A festive tune accompanies yet another floating box that informs me that the first access to the Hub mechanic has to be done from said Hub and that a surprise is waiting there for me.

With a grin I contact my three Servants that I'm going out and I [Teleport] myself to the coordinates of my workshop. I put my hands on my hips and look around.

Nothing happens.

'Eh, System?'

Go to either the [ Throne Room ] or the [ Master Bedroom ]

"Thanks" I hum out loud and with my hands in my pockets I stroll towards the throne room, or the room that held the throne in the third game. Last time I was here the room was simply an empty hall with several fallen beams and a chandelier, drapes in tatters and dust everywhere. Since I only took care of the workshop area and some smaller rooms, I'm curious to see if anything changed.

I'm kinda glad I did not [Flashstep] here as one change is apparent right away – the throne room now actually has a throne. It looks a bit incongruent with the rest of the room as it is still under a heavy layer of dust as well as the other signs of disrepair. Still, the throne gleams under a single ray of light from a broken window. Looks pretty awesome too – not sure what I expected but the Inquisition's Avvar Throne is obvious in hindsight.

There I did flash step, don't want to go through all the rubble. And finally I sit.

Hmm, surprisingly comfy.

Welcome to Skyhold!

Why, thank you.

Hub Menu:

[ Map ] [ Customization ] [ Forces ] [ Overview ] [ Guide ]

My first pick is rather clear, [Guide] it is. To my slight disappointment it is nothing really new, just expanding on what was in the description. It was mostly about the return function. And speaking of return, apparently now I can teleport to Skyhold with a simple command. Not that is really needed since I can teleport but I guess this is an excellent function for someone who does not. I can also access my Hub when in a different universe – that means all of Skyhold but I can't really interact with the rest of DA while 'away'. Not exactly sure how that will work but I guess I'll see.

Withdrawing from the tab, I select the map to get it out of the way. It shows both a local map, Skyhold, and a world map. Handy, really handy, but I want to get to those customizations.

Forces is interesting too – it shows my population, all the numbers, all my troops in nice little neat categories. Cool.

Overview is pretty much player statistics and some other little stuff. I guess I will have to look into it properly later, but right now I can finally go where the most excitement is. Customizations.

The tab unfolds and immediately I note several other tabs. I do so love System for being so organized. The big tabs are [Utility], [Comfort], [Defense] and [Storage]. I'm also helpfully shown my gold and credits. Not that I really intend to dip into those funds if I can help it.

Selecting Utility my heart flutters – several options are free! I look at the options more closely and I have to nod – of course they are free, I already built them on my own. My workshop. As such I have the forge, smithy, enchanter's table and workshop labeled 'free'. I'm kinda curious if clicking on them will change something…

Guess I'll see soon since I'm already pressing buttons.

Going further down I note several other interesting items, like the alchemist station for example. There are also less specialized things like a library, not sure if it's already furnished or not, cells or even a torture chamber. I guess it is utility…

Moving on, I peruse the other tabs, clicking or any free items which right now are some storage spaces, a few bedrooms, a basic garden. A nice surprise is that the 'main' rooms, the throne one and the master bedroom, are free too. Sure, they can be upgraded, but at least they are not falling apart anymore.

There are definitely some choices I'll be purchasing as soon as I can – stables, war room, armory, towers, outer walls, kitchens… even those archives look nice. Yeah, I'm kinda loving this. And eventually, I'm getting all of it. And to be honest, it looks pretty easy. Like the walls – I just need a certain amount of stone, wood and money. Easily found. A few shopping trips with Haku and I'm set. And I can do my own magical defenses, I don't need to pay for most of them. The list actually gives me some nice ideas, I already have plenty of free options and I will be adding to them. Why pay for something you can do just as well.

Still, having Skyhold as a home base does not mean I'm going to be neglecting Ostagar. Or any other city I decide to lift up. Skyhold is mine but Ostagar is for all the Alamarri. And foreign envoys. I want them to see our might, and our civility as well as barbarian charm.

Speaking of, I guess I should get back and organize things with Haku. And I could invite all the Servants over to take a look at the new and improved Skyhold. Ok, it's basically just a chair and some clean-up, but whatever. It's still new and cool.

One [Teleport] later and I'm back, ready to find me some stone. I want to test things a little, like what stone and what are the amounts. There is a lot of debris and bigger chunks left over from the Ostagar of before, us having cleaned it up by piling all that stone away from view. Now it will come in handy to work out the resource mechanic.

Maybe first I could call Haku first, him being the keeper of my map. He'll know a quarry or two that I could steal from.

'Haku, could you…'

'One moment, Fia-sama'

I blink. Okayyy?

…

…

… I impatiently tap my boot on the snow-stained ground. The fuck?

'My sincerest apologies, Fia-sama. The matter has now been resolved'

'And what matter would that be?' I ask, trying to get my irritation out of the mental link.

'Unannounced visit from my brethren of a bird persuasion'

I frown before my expression clears 'Antivan Crows?'

'Indeed, Fia-sama' Haku's satisfied voice, either at his ability to catch assassins or his attempt at a joke, comes through our connection, 'We are holding them in the dungeon with that old Tevinter statue still intact outside.'

'I'm on my way'

Flash Stepping is always fun and the best way to get around if you don't know your destination well, and you don't need to look impressive flying or take in the scenery. Plus people barely see you. Sucks for the Crows they have to get around the vanilla human way.

So, Loghain has made his move. I'm going to confirm but it is surely him that paid the Crows. Or maybe he got it as a freebie since they already failed once, with Zevran getting caught by the Wardens and even betraying his employers. Anyway, after this, the Crows are out. Loghain won't suffer failure twice. That means it will be soldiers next, regular troops. Spring is nearly here and with the thaw, things are going to pick up. After a period of training, relaxing and building, Origins will be soon back in play.

I don't mind at all actually, moving things along. I did most of what I wanted to and some things simply take time. But my people are well equipped and even better trained despite being more fighters than soldiers. I am a little concerned for them to go against cavalry but that is what the Fereldens are for. And I did drain one of Loghain's commanders to get his knowledge of tactics revolving around horses - we'll need that once the Chantry and Orlais come knocking.

Me and my Servants are ready too, not that my Servants really need the training. But some exp is always nice and they did some Stat raising. But what I was talking about was equipment. I still am not where I want to be with Blacksmith but it is getting there, I am limited by the materials I can find more than anything else. Still, I forged some really nifty armor, and cheated a bit with engineer for some hidden surprises, all of them tailored for the Servant they are for. Margit is the avoid tank, Haku the stealthy defubber/cc and Karasuba is pure dps. Weapons were a bit more problematic since only the Sekirei uses one as the main means of attack. Despite that I also forged gauntlets for Margit and some really cool needles for Haku (since he throws them I gave some them a returning-to-hand feature that the ninja really took to the next level and manages obscene amount of damage by simply positioning himself well).

I have new armor too – a beautiful and imposing set in deep indigo color. With the light fur cloak it looks really majestic, if I do say so myself. And the Stats are delightful. The enchantments I kept basic for now, waiting for inspiration of what is most needed. I definitely think I make an impression. Now let's see if the Antivans will appreciate it.

Two of my scouts, one Avvar and one elf, are standing outside of the cell that Haku indicated so my destination is clear. With a respectful nod the guards let me in, my Servant already alerted to my presence through our bond. To my surprise Haku is not the only Servant here, Karasuba is also in attendance. And Hedwig. I have absolutely zero idea why my familiar is here, on Karasuba's shoulder of all things, or why she is creepily staring at the two bound men. Or why the two Crows seem most unsettled by said owl.

"Good afternoon everybody" I greet lightly all three, getting a grunt, a hoot and a bow in return. The prisoners remain silent. A bit of a difference to game Zevran who started running his mouth as soon as he woke up bound.

"Fia-sama" Haku takes charge of explaining things, "I caught these two on the inner perimeter doing a fairly good job of sneaking in."

"Not good enough it seems" I chuckle, "Speaking of jobs, an excellent one on your part, Haku."

"I live to serve, Fia-sama"

Karasuba rolls her eyes to accompany her quiet snort. I turn to her "What about you, how did you get to this?"

The sekirei shrugs, Hedwig moving with her shoulders but seemingly completely unbothered about it, "Saw him drag them here and it looked like fun."

Fair enough. Once more I turn to Haku "Did you get anything of import from them?"

"I have not yet tried, Fia-sama" Haku bows towards me minutely.

"They are freshly caught" the sekirei sniggers, "But we can try, looking forward to it actually."

I shake my head "Sorry but no, I will look into this myself. Perhaps we could also find some use for them. After they are of a different mind of course."

"Different mind, funny" the ashen-haired Servant acknowledges my little pun and starts towards the door, "Since this suddenly turned boring I'm going to head towards the training ground. Maybe today someone will grow a pair and challenge me."

"Don't break anybody, I need them" I wave at her over my shoulder, my attention already on my captives.

"You need strong warriors, not wussies" Karasuba snorts, "Like me and mighty hunter here."

Hedwig replies with a smug hoot.

That makes me blink in confusion a look after them but the unlikely duo is already out of the door. With that I turn to Haku for an explanation. He only gives me an uncertain shrug. Alright… Karasuba and Hedwig being buddies is a thing. Ok. Better to move on.

All this time the two Crows did not utter a sound but it's not like I need them to, is it? Not when [Deep Scan] is concerned. And it is, concerned I mean. I target the longer-haired fellow on the left and go to town on his brain.

As always I don't really know just how much time I spend inside a target's mind but the results are worth it. He is indeed a Crow, he and his partner were indeed hired by Loghain, and indeed I was the target. But of course that is not all I learn, the details are very important. As is how Crows work in actuality, in the games we only got a brief summary. It is also good to know just how skilled those two fellows are, and what buttons can I push – after all, I will be subverting them to my cause. Mind Mage for the win. It will take some time, unless I want mindlessly obedient zombies which I don't, but I can simply keep this two under lock and key until they see things my way. After a generous helping of mind-fucking, of course. It will be a good experiment too.

But first, let's fact check things with the other assassin.

"Your orders, Fia-sama?" Haku asks when I finally emerge, absently rubbing my brow from the gentle headache I usually get from the Skill, maxed or not.

"Separate them and keep them locked up, I have something I want to try," I reply, "Otherwise business as usual, it is unlikely there will be more coming but I trust you'll keep an eye out."

"And Loghain?"

I smirk, checking both Antivans are currently unconscious, "Let the fact he ordered an assassination, a failed assassination, spread. And that he hired foreigners for the job. I'll mention it in Denerim a few times too."

"You're going to Denerim?"

"Yes, I think a visit to Anora is in order. Spring is almost upon us and Loghain has made an overt move. It is time to move things along"

The Mist ninja gives me another small bow. I smile at him and leave him to transport one of the Crows out of the cell. Or maybe both, into smaller ones? I don't really care, I'll deal with them once I come back. Right now I'm off to Denerim.

I don't dally, after all I didn't really have any concrete plans so I might as well go visit my favorite queen. I fire a quick message to Margit, she gets overly worried and her 'I'm not angry I'm disappointed' look is clear even through her mask. I'm pretty proud of that mask by the way, it's a Mk III and pretty awesome. Both in enchantments and appearance. I really struck the right balance between hot and mysterious, not to mention practical.

As usual I don't head straight for the castle but I make a detour towards the Chantry. After my success with the priest at a brothel, not to mention the hoarding and the general suspicion, I started working on this one older sister that is known to be close to the Grand Cleric. Which by the way is a canny old lady. I've been prodding this sister long enough that she's almost to the point of attacking a 'heathen' in broad daylight – she already preaches the equivalent of old testament fire and brimstone, and that kinda irritates some people, especially in the midst of a Blight. Those people will be perfect targets of her mad ranting and attack. Muhaha.

Let's see if I can make it happen today.

I arrive in the square to find a largish crowd gathered and my favorite sister up on the metaphorical soapbox. The perfect setting.

"…the Maker has abandoned us for being wicked, we must be strict with ourselves and our fellows…"

Hm, that's fairly benign, she must've only just started. Let's fire her up a little.

"…the darkness comes for us, the Maker has seen fit to punish us and still we have not…"

Perhaps some more.

"…all people must look inside themselves, confront their inner greed, lust, envy and…"

Ohh, this one is good. Not exactly what I was going for but it will serve just as well.

Where before there were unhappy murmurs in the crowd there now was one loud derisive snort. I make the sister focus on that, just a little push.

It probably wasn't even needed, the sister sharply turning to confront the man, her face an affronted sneer mirroring the sneer on his own. The words 'greed' and 'lust' were poorly chosen on her part, after what has been happening inside the Fereldan Chantry. The little scandals me and mine have caused. And now, fresh in the minds of the populace, can be aired to great effect.

The man, despite being singled out, does not back down, listing all the Chantry failings. The sister, now properly in the 'zone' so to speak, is really going at him. It's fantastic, and I'm not even doing much. Just making them stand their ground. And as the arguments grows big and loud, doing the same to his friends and the other people in the crowd that are of a similar mind, all now fiercely glaring at the old sister.

I love it. Fight! Fight! Fight!

My wish gets fulfilled. One younger member of the clergy sees what's happening and approaches the old sister, intent on pulling her back. She gets there too late, the sister throwing herself against the dissenters.

The flailing old frail-ish lady trying to punch a man almost twice her size is hilarious - to me – to the others it was merely confusing. Credit to them, nobody fought back, going for containment instead. The sister looks pretty horrible – spitting and hissing and shouting about heathens… An excellent imagery. I will definitely make sure this stays on the people's minds.

Isn't it great when things go to plan?

My work here done, it is time to move to the palace. I'm here to visit the queen after all.

To my slight annoyance I have to wait as Anora is surrounded by servants. Or more precisely, tailors. Apparently being a queen in semi-captivity doesn't exempt you from extravagant dresses. Curious, to be honest – I never saw Anora in anything so elaborate. Does Loghain plan a celebration? Or this is just the run of the mill wardrobe update?

Lounging on a nearby chain, invisible of course, for quite a while, waiting for the woman to finish up with the clothes makes me feel like a husband at a department store. Oh well, at least the servants have gossip to share, both out loud and not. Anora too is using them to gather information for her, juggling their precarious position of being spies for three people (at least) at once very well.

Finally though, the ordeal is done. The queen has three new dresses in the making and her own personal maid is bringing her a snack. And tea. I hope she will be dismissed because I could go for a cuppa.

Since it seems Anora is in the mood for company, I enter the queen's mind to help dismiss the maid myself. A quick nudge, and the elf is out the door. I was already patient enough.

As usual I initiate the precautionary wards, after all I don't want us overheard or even caught. Then I reveal myself behind her to make her jump. That always amuses me. Yes, I'm easy this way.

"Lady Fia!" Anora squeals before taking a deep breath to calm herself, "I see you are as polite as ever."

"I am sorry to drop by unannounced" I say in my most cultured voice. That gets me a highly suspicious look, Anora clearly unsure whether I was mocking her or not. Which I was, just to make that clear. Still, she decides it does not matter in the end because she has a far more important topic for me.

"Speaking of dropping by unannounced, my father has been in contact with the Antivan Crows" the blonde endears herself to me both with the information and the pun. Mainly the pun. "Howe brought them around."

"Ah" I nod seriously. Which is a bit of a feat since I'm itching to ask if it was for free. After all, he is owed one assassination, the Crows did fail against the Wardens.

"Do be very careful, I'm not keen on you dying now" Anora purses her lips.

I smile, genuinely smile at her, taking her aback a little "Thank you. You will be heartened to know then, that an attempt by the Crows has already been made. And foiled. Earlier today actually."

"Oh" is the slightly disappointed answer – she did want to curry some favor by giving me this information, and now it has proven useless.

But.

But it is true that she in fact did deserve a reward for that. And… well, I have been keeping her cooped up here mostly so that she knows her future is tied with mine. And I was waiting for the Wardens to finally emerge from the Deep Roads. Which will be any day now, for sure. Perhaps… yes, perhaps it is time.

My attention returns to the young queen and once more I smile, this time more mischievously, "Which is excellent since that means Ostagar will be safer for some time. Until Loghain and Howe come up with a new plan of attack. Perhaps then you could come visit, before I leave you Arl Bryland? He is the one you have me pass most letters to, correct?"

Anora's eyes gleam. It makes her look doubly attractive. And her reply is quite swift indeed, though without appearing too eager or desperate "He is. Have the Grey Wardens been sighted then?"

"Not quite yet," I admit, "But they are expected any day now. You leaving will leave Teyrn Loghain in quite a tizzy but I think we can handle it now."

Anora nods quite regally "I agree it is high time I take the leadership of my people firmly into my hands once more."

"Quite" I nod with equal seriousness.

"When?"

I shrug at the simple question "Whenever you are ready. The day after tomorrow perhaps? Later? I do need to alert the nobles to gather but I'd like to host you at Ostagar for a few days if you'd allow it."

"I would be quite interested in seeing Ostagar," the blonde inclines her head thoughtfully, "To see how much it has changed."

"You have seen it before? Or did you just mean the aftermath of a darkspawn siege?"

"I have actually seen it quite some time ago, my father took me. It was only a little detour from our ride but father insisted it is good to see. For any ruler, he said"

I hum "A testament to hubris? Or that all nations rise and fall?"

Anora allowed a small sigh "I never found out, he went all surly and his attention was soon elsewhere."

"Well then," I smile, "Allow me then to be your tour guide, I have read quite a bit on the Tevinter fortress that we took over. Both Ferelden, and Orlais during the occupation, have done nothing with the place, so that one is the only history worth hearing. And ours, of course. We might not have ancient books for it but our skalds are quite talented."

"I'm looking forward to it" the queen assures me, her face turning pensive, "As for my departure, give me three days. I have already made some preparations but I still need time. What about my personal maid, I assume I can bring her along."

Her tone is absolutely sure and ready to argue, but I just shrug, having counted on it "Of course. But only her. I am not so cruel to leave her here so she can be… interrogated about your whereabouts."

"She doesn't know anything" Anora replies quickly just as she thanks me for the consideration.

"Good" I smile. That Erlina doesn't know anything is a bit of my doing after all – the less people know I am talking to Anora, and that I plan on spiriting her away, the better.

Speaking of secrets, taking Anora will mean revealing my ability to teleport. I mean sure, I could modify her memories afterwards, but I think it will just hammer in the thought that she can't work against me. But Erlina I will make forget, for one I don't trust her very much, and for two it will be another show of force to Anora. Yes, I think I will do that. The queen is also smart enough to keep her mouth shut about it, at least at first.

"Hm?" I say rudely, having completely zoned off, "I apologize, Queen Anora, I was already thinking of the logistics of the relocation."

Anora, still a bit affronted at being ignored, made a gracious gesture and repeated herself. Funnily enough, it was logistics-related as well. We spent the next twenty minutes ironing out the details, and I promised to arrive three days from today after lunch. Almost like a date rather than a kidnapping. Then again, it is hardly a kidnapping when Anora is that eager to leave.

Though, perhaps us two are kidnapping poor Erlina all things considered…

Oh well. One good soak in my planned hot springs and she'll forget all about it. And if that won't help there is always Mind Mage.

Ha, that sentence sounds like a good name for this run. Not that I will likely have more, right? Is there a save game option?

'Syst…'

Nope

'Just checking'

Notes:

AN: So, we return to Origins in the next chapter. Stay tuned for wardens, our best girls Morrigan and Leliana, Anora as well, and finally, finally, some fighting Loghain. Maybe the darkspawn will visit too...

See ya soon (ish)!