[indent][sub]Note: This roleplay is set in an alternative universe of Dragon Age, inspired primarily by Dragon Age: Origins. This roleplay does not contain canon characters, and instead takes use of its lore essential to the Dragon Age world itself. [i][b]I.e[/b] [/i] [u]You do not have to be a fan of Dragon Age to join, as we have hit the reset button, but it does help.

Status: [color=#39b54a][b]Open (5/5)[/b][/color] | [color=ed1c24][b]Exceptions (0/2)[/b][/color][/u][/sub][/indent]

[center][indent][h2][sub][sub][color=#39b54a]Dragon Age: Dark Scion[/color][/sub][/sub][/h2][/indent][/center]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/5PPPTXs.jpeg[/img]
[color=39b54a][I]“The Wardens were supposed to be our salvation. Now, some whisper they are its heralds.”[/I][/color][/center]

Across Thedas, signs of The Sixth Blight fester like old wounds: blight-touched beasts stir in lands untouched by past Blights, crops rot overnight in fertile soil, and dreams carry the scent of decay. Strange plagues bloom where none should, and in the far reaches of the Anderfels, Weisshaupt Fortress has gone silent. 

Travelers speak of gaunt knights in tarnished silver, their eyes hollow, their presence withering. [I]”The Blooming Rot!”[/I] They chant. This is not the Blight as we remember it. This is something else.

Whether you are a mage marked by troubling visions, a Warden with questions no one dares answer, or a soldier who survived what should have killed you, your path leads you to The Rethari Blades. A mercenary band led by a Qunari named Delilah, battling the blight alongside a lone Grey Warden, named Dean. Regardless of your sole motivations, The Rethari Blades goal is to find the missing Wardens and help fight against the Blight.

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iJ4VtFA.jpeg[/img][/center]

[hr][hr]

[center][indent][h1][sub][sub][color=#39b54a]Resource Centre[/color][/sub][/sub][/h1][/indent][/center]

[List]
[*][hider=Races:]

[color=#39b54a][b]Human -[/b][/color] Humans are the most numerous, yet also the most contentious of all the races of Thedas. The monotheistic faith of the Chant of Light plays a major role in human society. Both the elves and the dwarves claim that there was once a time when humans did not walk the land.

[color=#39b54a][b]Elf -[/b][/color] Long ago, the elves were the dominant race on Thedas. After the fall of their great city of Arlathan and the empire of Elvhenan, plunder by the Tevinter Imperium and the subsequent generations of slavery, the elves lost most of their cultural heritage and identity. Overall, the elves are now a people associated with poverty, crime and barbarism, and are often used as scapegoats for humanity's difficulties.

[color=#39b54a][b] Dwarf -[/b][/color] Strong, stocky, and shorter than any other humanoid race, the dwarves are skilled builders and boast a long tradition of courage and martial skill that has served them well. However their world was all but destroyed during the First Blight, and they are now a race in decline. The single-mindedness of the dwarves is credited for the race's survival. Unable to use magic.

[color=#39b54a][b] Qunari -[/b][/color] The Qunari is the umbrella term most commonly used to describe the metallic-skinned, usually horned race of large humanoids and their society. Members of any race who adhere to the teachings of the Qun can become "Qunari", but those other than the original giant race, that is humans, elves, and dwarves, are called Viddathari within the Qun. Members of the aforementioned race who are born outside of the Qun are not considered to be Qunari within their own society, and neither are those who are born into the Qun and reject it. Both are called "Vashoth". Those who reject and fight against the Qun are known as "Tal-Vashoth".[/hider]

[*][hider=Classes:]
Classes are taken primarily from Origins and Dragon Age: 2. They offer both a passive ability used to all those in Thedas, as well as social and political aspects that come with said specializations. Players and NPCs alike adhere to these policies.
[hr][hr]

[Hider=Warrior]

[i][b]“Warriors are the front-line fighters, the backbone of any party under assault. They rely on melee and ranged weapons. They can withstand and deliver a great deal of punishment, and have a strong understanding of tactics.”[/b][/i]

[color=#39b54a][b]Templar -[/b][/color] “Templars are the ideal foils for mages, having been trained specifically to counter and deny magic. This is done by a unique method of reinforcing the reality and immutability of the world. Templar abilities to dispel magic and inhibit spellcasting, as well as develop a considerable immunity to magic, come primarily through ingesting lyrium.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Those who choose this specialization naturally receive resistance to magical effects, both beneficial and harmful) | (NPCs are generally in favor of this, though if you aren’t apart of the Chantry/Templar Order then your access to lyrium may come into question)

[color=#39b54a][b]Champion -[/b][/color] “Champions call upon the legacy of the greatest champions in history. These powerful defenders protect their allies from harm, standing strong against devastating blows with expert training and fierce determination.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Champions can automatically save those nearby from one fatal blow. They also have a Last Stand, being able to survive one fatal blow per mission) | (NPCs are in high favor of this specialization, with little to no social disadvantages)

[color=#39b54a][b]Reaver -[/b][/color] “Reavers are warriors who unlock powerful abilities through the ritual drinking of draconic blood. It is believed that like blood magic, humanity learned how to harness this ability through Demons.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Reavers may self-heal wounds by absorbing the energy of the dead. Reavers become more resistant to damage the more hurt they become) | ([b]Rare specialization[/b], most knowledge regarding Reavers are old stories and rumors passed down from centuries ago, before dragons were driven to near extinction. NPCs will be cautious, or even akin it to blood magic)[/hider]
[hr][hr]

[Hider=Rogue]

[i][b]“Rogues are crafty combatants who succeed in battle by combining speed, subterfuge, and a wide range of abilities to bring their opponents down in unexpected ways, sometimes before the enemy even perceives danger.”[/b][/i]

[color=#39b54a][b]Bard -[/b][/color] “Bards follow an Orlesian tradition, acting as assassins, spies, saboteurs and following other secretive pursuits in the constant, and sometimes petty, struggles between nobles.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Bards have an advantage in deception, manipulation, and persuasive activities) (The Grand Game will find its way to you, or back to you, so be wary)

[color=#39b54a][b]Duelist -[/b][/color] “Unlike their stealthier counterparts, followers of this specialization will often announce their intent, inviting attention with bravado and insult.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Duelists are the most acrobatic rogues and as such can fight on uneven ground with zero penalty, as well as disengage freely from any close range engagements) | (NPCs are in high favor of this specialization, with little to no social disadvantages)

[color=#39b54a][b]Assassin -[/b][/color] “Assassins are professional killers who usually eliminate their targets for money.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Assassins have advantage in techniques relating to stealth) | (NPCs will generally distance themselves from known Assassins or keep a watchful eye on them, for their own safety and concern)[/hider]
[hr][hr]


[Hider=Mage]

[i][b]“Mages are able to use, control and interact with magic. Only elves, humans, or Qunari can be mages. Dwarves cannot be mages, as they are unable to connect with the Fade.”[/b][/i]

[color=#39b54a][b]Blood Mage -[/b][/color] “Every mage can feel the dark lure of blood magic. Known as "maleficarum," blood mages are feared not only for the incredible power of their spells, but also their ability to control minds.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Blood Mages can attempt to control others via blood) | (Templars hunt blood mages [i]relentlessly[/i], NPCs will generally regard with disdain or caution)

[color=#39b54a][b]Force Mage -[/b][/color] “Force mages are a fearsome sight on the battlefield, bending the laws of nature to crush, toss, and debilitate their foes.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Force Mages can utilize telekinesis without weaving spells) | (NPCs are generally neutral to this specialization)

[color=#39b54a][b]Shapeshifter:[/b][/color] “Allows a person to transform their body into the form of an animal.”

([b]Passive:[/b] Shapeshifters may be able to use an aspect of their animal forms while in human form. I.e sight of an eagle) | (NPCs are generally neutral to this specialization)[/hider][/hider]

[*][Hider=Nations]

Details about the current state of affairs on the nations, as well as further details on their involvement on the world stage. The Rethari Blades reputation with each nation will be noted here. This will be continuously updated, so no need to pay attention right now.

[color=00aeef][b]Ally/Base[/b][/color]
[color=#39b54a][b]Friendly[/b][/color]
[B]Neutral[/B]
[color=ed1c24][b]Enemy/Distrustful[/b][/color]

[hr][hr]

[B]Ferelden[/B] has a neutral outlook on The Rethari Blades. 
[Hider=+]Once a rebellious vassal of Orlais, Ferelden is barely recovered from decades of foreign occupation and internal strife. (Refer to [@Shu] for further details regarding Ferelden)[/hider]

[B]Orlais[/B] has a neutral outlook on The Rethari Blades.
[Hider=+]The Orlesian Empire, or simply Orlais, is one of the largest and most powerful human nations in Thedas due to its religious influence and military strength. The Orlesian Empire is known throughout Thedas for its extravagant culture and intricate politics. The Empire is a monarchy ruled by [B]Empress Alexandra I[/B]. The capital is Val Royeaux, which is also the seat of the Orlesian Chantry.[/hider]

[B]Tevinter[/B] has a neutral outlook on The Rethari Blades.
[Hider=+]The Tevinter Imperium, or simply Tevinter, is the oldest extant human nation and the only magocracy in Thedas. Its culture is distinguished by the importance of mages, the Imperial Chantry as well as the open practice of slavery. History as a conqueror and the role its magisters played in starting the Blights, Tevinter is the most hated nation in Thedas.[/hider]

[B]The Free Marches[/B] has a neutral outlook on The Rethari Blades.
[Hider=+]The Free Marches are not a kingdom, nor even a nation in the most basic sense. Rather, they are a collection of independent city-states united only when it suits them. Because of this, the Free Marches have no capital, and what passes for a central government exists only sporadically. Outside aggression and the [B]Grand Tourney[/B] are the only things that reliably unite the Marchers.[/hider][/hider][/list]

[hr][hr]

[center][indent][h1][sub][sub][color=#39b54a]Cast & Companions[/color][/sub][/sub][/h1][/indent][/center]

[List]
[*][Hider=The Rethari Blades]
This will be continuously updated as more information is revealed via IC.

[I]Before they were legends, The Rethari Blades were little more than a gang of hungry children with stolen knives and no future. Rethan was Delilah’s best friend, with dreams of turning the gang into a mercenary company feared across Thedas. After his mysterious passing, Delilah took command of the Rethari Blades at thirteen years old. They began as little more than a splintered crew of cutthroats, war-orphans, and exiled Tevinter legionnaires. What made them terrifying wasn’t their numbers, but the unity with which they struck. Their victories were savage and surgical, pushing back entire garrisons with half the numbers. Where other mercenaries fought for gold, the Blades fought for each other. The Blades operated across Tevinter, Antiva, and the Free Marches. These days, Delilah takes contracts across all of Thedas, no region too distant. She runs The Rethari Blades like a Queen without a throne, ruthless, and always three moves ahead.[/I]

[hr][hr]

[color=#39b54a][b][url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ec/af/7c/ecaf7c4a893140d271440bba7f82ea23.jpg]Delilah[/url][/b][/color] - Leader - Qunari Mage
[Hider=+]Once a Saarebas bound by chains, Delilah broke free and carved a bloody name across Thedas. A feared mercenary captain, she wields ice and lightning magic unapologetically, openly defying both the Qun and the Chantry. Though labeled an apostate, the sheer cost of confronting this elite mercenary band has kept the Divine’s hunters at bay. Most often seen in Tevinter and the Free Marches, their reputation stretches across the continent, earned through ruthless efficiency and remarkable power at a young age.[/hider]

[url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/83/2e/bb/832ebb20e19f2ebbd10d07bfbcc0321c.jpg]Dean [/url] - Grey Warden - Champion Warrior
[Hider=+]A blood feud with a noble house ended in fire and steel, and Dean left a trail of corpses that even he couldn’t justify. Fleeing judgment, he turned himself in to the Grey Wardens instead, offering his life to something bigger. Childhood friend of Delilah.[/hider]

[url=https://i.imgur.com/SuOKpUT_d.webp?maxwidth=760&fidelity=grand]Minerva Vale[/url] - Mercenary - Duelist Rogue
[Hider=+]The Orlesian court whispers she has become La Belle Balafrée,The Scarred Beauty, a ghost of vengeance. House Vale was accused of consorting with blood mages. Their estate was razed. The left side of her face bears deep scars, twisted by flame. The right remained untouched—still beautiful, still deadly.[/hider]

[url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/72/3d/18/723d1847c5770351bddf4899c7575921.jpg]“Kelf”[/url] - Assassin - Rogue
[Hider=+]Observant, speaks little unless it matters. Every word is chosen like a knife.[/hider]

[url=https://conceptartworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Devon_Caddy-Lee_Art_18.jpg]Celeste[/url] - Mercenary - Force Mage
[Hider=+]Scholar/Apothecary.[/hider]

[url=https://conceptartworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/Devon_Caddy-Lee_Art_18.jpg]Diana[/url] - Mercenary - Templar Warrior
[Hider=+]Ex-Templar[/hider][/hider]


[*][Hider=Nation Leaders]
This will be continuously updated as more information is revealed via IC.

[B]Ferelden[/B]
[Hider=+]TBA[/hider]

[B]Orlais[/B]
[Hider=+][color=#39b54a][b]Empress of Orlais, Alexandra I[/b][/color]
[color=#39b54a][b]Military General Anselm[/b][/color]
[color=#39b54a][b]Chevalier commander, Marquise Violette du Mesnil[/b][/color][/hider]

[B]Tevinter[/B]
[Hider=+][color=#39b54a][b]Magister Cassian Lucari, an ambitious junior magister[/b][/color]
[color=#39b54a][b]Magister Valeria Lucentia, a power blood mage slaver[/b][/color][/hider]

[B]The Free Marches[/B]
[Hider=+][color=#39b54a][b]Duke Renatus Serris of Starkhaven, with open goals of becoming the “Marcher King”.[/b][/color]
[color=#39b54a][b]Captain Laurette Damas of Kirkwall, an ex-templar turned mercenary captain.[/b][/color][/hider]

[B]Antivia & Rivain[/B]
[Hider=+][color=#39b54a][b]Rilian Talavere, Antivan Crow master[/b][/color]
[color=#39b54a][b]Calissa of Rivain, High Seer[/b][/color][/hider]

[B]Chantry[/B]
[Hider=+][color=#39b54a][b]Grand Cleric Jauna of Val Royeaux, leader of the southern Chantry[/b][/color][/hider][/hider]

[*][Hider=The Blooming Rot]N/A[/hider][/list]

[hr][hr]

[center][indent][h1][sub][sub][color=#39b54a]Stats[/color][/sub][/sub][/h1][/indent]

This Roleplay will be using a behind-the-scenes dice system for combat purposes, in order to assure fair risk to players, enemies, and NPCs alike. This helps keep an air of randomness that mitigates railroading from the GM team, and adds more emphasis on playing smart and playing together. While stats aren’t the end all be all, they are important in establishing a character’s identity and ensuring continuity within combat. I.e: A warrior that dumps 20 into all Heavy will not be consistently sneaking around successfully. As such, a mage that wants to min-max magic won't survive too many blows from an attack if they have 0 Perseverance and 0 Defender. While it can happen, chances are, they won't get lucky that amount of times.

Once again, I implore you to read thoroughly and ask any questions if you don’t have a full understanding. There are no dumb questions, as long as it helps you get a full understanding of the system. [B](Seriously, this is a lot of information you may want to go over more than once).[/B] [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5609235]An example can be found here.[/url][/center]

[hider=Stats]

Players start with 100 points to upgrade Stats. They are invested in increments of five, with five points equating to one point in the Parent Trait. For example, five points in Defender gives a (+1) in Heavy. Therefore, ten points in Defender gives a (+2) to Heavy.

Points invested will be maxed out at 20 to begin with, to actually avoid min-maxing at the start and allow room for growth throughout the story-experience. Points will be awarded via level up after every mission, as well as good RP moments both in and out of missions.

[color=ed1c24][b]Heavy:[/b][/color]

[color=ed1c24][b]Defender: [0/20][/b][/color] The ability to take hits without sustaining wounds
[b][color=ed1c24]Perseverance: [0/20][/color][/b] The ability to persevere after sustaining wounds
[b][color=ed1c24]Hard Hitter: [0/20][/color][/b] The ability to dish out damage with physical weaponry (ranged weaponry included)
[b][color=ed1c24]Combat Sense: [0/20][/color][/b] The efficiency of keeping track of multiple opponents (The higher this skill gets, the less enemies will benefit from engaging you in groups.)

[b][color=39b54a]Physical:[/color][/b]

[b][color=39b54a]Reflexes: [0/20][/color][/b] The ability to effectively react to situations around them (Dodging, avoiding traps, etc)
[b][color=39b54a]Stealth: [0/20][/color][/b] The efficiency of stealth technique use (sneaking, sleight of hand, etc.)
[b][color=39b54a]Rapid Blows: [0/20][/color][/b] How quickly your character can attack using melee weapons or reloading ranged weaponry
[b][color=39b54a]Perception: [0/20][/color][/b] The ability to notice chinks in enemy defense, and notice things out of place. (Including conversations)

[b][color=00aeef]Magic:[/color][/b]

[b][color=00aeef]Power: [0/20][/color][/b] The ability to dish damage and be accurate with magic
[b][color=00aeef]Pattern Weaving:[/color] [color=00aeef][0/20][/color][/b] How quickly you cast spells and recognize enemy spells before casted
[b][color=00aeef]Mana Pool: [0/20][/color][/b] The ability to continue casting spells without becoming exhausted
[b][color=00aeef]Fortitude: [0/20][/color][/b] Defense AGAINST magic (including friendly spells)[/hider]