Personal Quest

Of Somewhat Fallen Fortune

Back to Josephine Directory

A Warm Chat

Josephine Masterpost

Available after discussing Skyhold, then leaving and returning. The PC finds Josephine and Leliana talking.

Josephine: And what else did Lady Forsythia say?

Leliana: That she’d rather drown herself than help the Inquisition.

Josephine: Anything else?

Leliana: She said she’d have us “flogged alive” if we allied with her brother.

Josephine: That does sound like her.

Leliana: Cheer up, Josie. We at least have her attention.

Josephine: You always do find the brighter side of things.

Leliana nods at the PC and leaves.

Josephine: We are in the midst of cementing an alliance with Lady Forsythia of Nevarra, Your Worship. It’s become a somewhat… delicate task.

Dialogue options:

General: Can I help? [1]
General: Or a dangerous one. [2]
General: Her threat makes no sense. [3]

1 - General: Can I help? PC: Can I do anything to help negotiations? Josephine: Thank you, but I believe I have matters in hand. [4]

2 - General: Or a dangerous one. PC: Should I post more guards outside your room? Josephine: That should be unnecessary, Inquisitor. [4]

3 - General: Her threat makes no sense. PC: She’ll have us “flogged alive”? Josephine: I believe she meant “flayed alive.” Her ladyship tends to confuse metaphors when she’s excitable. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Josephine: I dissuaded her from sending soldiers when she learned we’d struck an accord with a brother she’s feuding with. Lady Forsythia… simply employs a colorful manner of speech.

Dialogue options:

General: I hope it doesn’t wear on you. [5]
General: That’s putting it mildly. [6]
General: Are you excusing her? [7]

5 - General: I hope it doesn’t wear on you. PC: Dealing with so many demanding, strong-willed people can’t be easy. Josephine: It’s no less intense than my days at court, Inquisitor. I assure you. [8]

6 - General: That’s putting it mildly. PC: You’re rather good-natured about threats of death and dismemberment. Josephine: They are chiefly bluster, Inquisitor. Most of them. [8]

7 - General: Are you excusing her? PC: Do you always apologize for bloodthirsty nobles? Josephine: It’s the usual showmanship expected from those in power, Inquisitor. Nothing more. [8]

8 - Scene continues.

She stands.

Josephine: But I confess I do miss my staff from the embassy in Antiva. It was always useful to discuss the day’s visitors with them.

Dialogue options:

General: I’ll leave you be. [9]
General: Discuss them with me. [10]

9 - General: I’ll leave you be. PC: You sound busy. I won’t keep you. Josephine: Of course. Good day, Your Worship. Scene ends.

10 - General: Discuss them with me. PC: I have time, if you’d like to review things with me. Josephine: I wouldn’t wish to impose. PC: If it were imposing, I wouldn’t have offered. Josephine: Well… I admit there are a few potential alliances it would be good to discuss… [11]

11 - Scene continues.

The walk away, and end up on the balcony of the PC’s quarters.

Josephine: —right on the parlor floor. In front of everyone at the soiree! Who does such a thing in front of their guests?

PC: The Duke of Kellington, apparently.

If Cole is recruited Josephine: And then there’s Cole’s lurking. It frightens our guests half to death. Lord Genart still won’t respond to our letters!

If Sera is recruited Josephine: And Sera! Can she not find a single overskirt without mustard stains on it?

If Dorian is recruited Josephine: Then there’s Dorian. The man refuses to take anything seriously unless it suits his whim.

Josephine: Not to mention… oh, goodness. Have we been here an hour already?

Dialogue options:

General: I didn’t think about it. [12]
General: A bit more than that. [13]
General: Do you always fret so much? [14]

12 - General: I didn’t think about it. PC: It went by so quickly, I didn’t even notice. Josephine: You’re far too polite. [15]

13 - General: A bit more than that. PC: Two and a half hours, I think, but no one’s counting. Josephine: Oh, dear. [15]

14 - General: Do you always fret so much? PC: Is relaxing really this difficult for you? Josephine: Of course not! Well. Occasionally. [15]

15 - Scene continues.

Josephine: I didn’t intend to go on for so long. You must think me quite the gossip.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I think you’re delightful. [16]
General: You needed a break. [17]
General: I think you’re invaluable. [18]
General: Just a bit long-winded. [19]

16 - Flirt: I think you’re delightful. PC: Spending time with such an engaging woman is never unpleasant, Lady Montilyet. Josephine: Goodness. I’m… well, I’m glad I haven’t wasted your day. Well, I’ve taken up quite enough of your time already. Until next time. Your Worship. Scene ends.

17 - General: You needed a break. PC: You’ve been working continually since I met you, Josephine. Josephine: And that can’t stop. I must be going.But I leave feeling less troubled than I have in weeks. Scene ends.

18 - General: I think you’re invaluable. PC: No one else here has your experience, Josephine. Or your stories. Josephine: I’ll try to curtail their length next time. But I leave feeling less troubled than I have in weeks. Scene ends.

19 - General: Just a bit long-winded. PC: Not a gossip, no… just not terribly concise. Josephine: I attempt to keep to the heart of the matter in any discussion, Inquisitor. In any event, I should be going. But I leave feeling less troubled than I have in weeks. Scene ends.

About the Montilyets

The PC enters Josephine’s office, and she stands to greet them.

Josephine: Inquisitor? I must speak with you.

PC: What is it?

Josephine: I… must explain something first about the Montilyets’ fortunes.

Josephine (never asked about the Montilyet’s business): My family made their fortune as traders in Antiva until a scandal exiled us from Orlais some ages ago. PC (asked about the Montilyets): I remember you said your family had been forbidden from trading in Orlais.

Josephine: It devastated our finances. The Montilyets have, in fact, been in debt for over a hundred years.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m sorry—I didn’t know. [1]
General: You don’t seem poverty-stricken. [2]
General: I’m not giving you a loan. [3]

1 - General: I’m sorry—I didn’t know. PC: I had no idea your family’s situation was so precarious. Josephine: Hardly anyone outside the family does. [4]

2 - General: You don’t seem poverty-stricken. PC: Debt or no, you appear to be surviving. Josephine: That isn’t enough! A disaster could wipe us out completely. [4]

3 - General: I’m not giving you a loan. PC: This better not be about lending you money. Josephine: What? No! Certainly not, I promise you. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Josephine begins to pace.

Josephine: For generations we’ve done everything to keep creditors at bay. Sold our lands to stave off interest. It’s just… it is infuriating to see my family still reduced to this! I’m to become head of our house. If I feel any more of our land, my family will become destitute. That cannot be my legacy to them.

5 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: But you’re not actually “poor”… [6]
General: Can I help? [7]
General: You can’t fix everything. [8]
General: Let someone else handle it. [9]

6 - Investigate: But you’re not actually “poor”… PC: Most people worry about their next meal, never mind an estate. Josephine: I’m not blind! But I worry for my family. My foolish sister Yvette with her daydreams, my brothers trying to rebuild our fleet with their own hands… Is it wrong to hope they never know hardship? [back to 5]

7 - General: Can I help? PC: Is there anything I can do? Josephine: I’d almost solved our problems. For a while. [10]

8 - General: You can’t fix everything. PC: So you’re going to torture yourself over your ancestors’ mistakes? Josephine: No. But I’d made such progress. [10]

9 - General: Let someone else handle it. PC: Why not let someone else in your family run the estate if it has so many problems? Josephine: But I was so close to solving them. [10]

10 - Scene continues.

Josephine: I negotiated a chance to reinstate the Montilyets as landed traders in Orlais. We could rebuild with that. But when I dispatched paperwork to Val Royeaux… I’ve just learned my carriers were murdered. And the documents restoring my family’s trading status destroyed.

Dialogue options:

General: Who did it? PC: Do you have any idea who murdered them? ㅤㅤ ㅤ
General: Who would go to that trouble? PC: Who hates the Montilyets enough to do that? ㅤㅤ ㅤ
General: Was this an attack on us? PC: Were the murderers targeting the Inquisition?

Josephine: Leliana made inquiries that bore success. Comte Boisvert, a nobleman in Val Royeaux, claims to know who killed my messengers. He has a request: that you come when I meet him, so he’s seen “publicly conferring” with you.

11 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: What will that get him? [12]
General: If it helps you, I’ll go. [13]
General: He sounds desperate. [14]
General: He’d better not want more favors. [15]

15 - Investigate: What will that get him? PC: What will being seen with me gain the comte? Josephine: The comte will drop hints at parties he’s to meet with an important visitor. Allies and rivals will take note. Once he’s met you, there will be speculation. The comte will subtly spin reports to his advantage. He will use us, but if he knows who killed my people, I ask that we indulge him. [back to 11]

16 - General: If it helps you, I’ll go. PC: If that’s what it takes to get to the bottom of this, I’ll meet this comte with you. Josephine: Thank you, Inquisitor! It means… you are too kind. [19]

17 - General: He sounds desperate. PC: I hope the comte isn’t making up information just to be seen with me. Josephine: I will take full responsibility if that’s the case, Inquisitor. [19]

18 - General: He’d better not want more favors. PC: If I meet this comte, he’d better not try to wheedle anything from me. Josephine: I will take full responsibility if that’s the case, Inquisitor. [19]

19 - Scene continues.

Josephine: I must know who killed my couriers just to harm my family.

Comte Boisvert

The PC meets with Josephine in Val Royeaux.

PC: Do you know where this noble wanted to meet us?

Josephine: I do. The Comte Boisvert’s invited us to his mansion, not far from here. I pray he clears up the deaths of my messengers as promised.

Speaking to again after the PC says they aren’t ready Josephine: Are you ready to visit Comte Boisvert, Inquisitor?

Dialogue options:

General: I’m not ready. [1]
General: Let’s go see Comte Boisvert. [2]

1 - General: I’m not ready. PC: I must attend to some things first. Josephine: As you wish. Please hurry. Scene ends.

2 - General: Let’s go see Comte Boisvert. PC: Lead the way. [3]

3 - Scene continues.

They enter an estate and are greeted by an Orlesian noble.

Comte: Welcome, my friends.

Josephine: Thank you for seeing us, Comte Boisvert.

Comte: The honor is mine. Please, sit.

They take a seat, and the comte takes a sip of wine.

Comte: It’s an honor to assist two such distinguished guests.

Dialogue options:

General: We welcome your help. [4]
General: This seems dangerous for you. [5]
General: What’s your information? [6]

4 - General: We welcome your help. PC: We appreciate your help, Comte. Comte: The death of Lady Montilyet’s servants must weigh heavily on you. [7]

5 - General: This seems dangerous for you. PC: I hope helping us doesn’t endanger you. Comte: Hardly. Even a brush with someone as well known as yourself can become a great asset in Val Royeaux. Giving you the identity of those who murdered Lady Montilyet’s messengers seemed the least I could do. [7]

6 - General: What’s your information? PC: Please tell us what you know. Comte: Straight to business, then. After the murder of Lady Montilyet’s people, I don’t suppose I can blame you. [7]

7 - Scene continues.

Comte: Have you heard of the House of Repose?

Josephine: The assassins’ league?

Comte: My contacts obtained a copy of a document in their archives. A contract for a life.

He passes over a scroll.

Josephine: “The House of Repose is hereby sworn to eliminate anyone attempting to overturn the Montilyets’ trading exile in Orlais.”

Dialogue options:

General: You could be in danger. [8]
General: You don’t seem surprised. [9]
General: Who signed that? [10]

8 - General: You could be in danger. PC: They’re not just after your messengers, Josephine. They’ll try for you, too. Josephine: I… I am afraid so, yes. [11]

9 - General: You don’t seem surprised. PC: Overly complicated assassination plots are part of Orlesian politics, I take it?

Josephine (pre-WEWH): They’re all too common, I’m afraid. [11] Josephine (post-WEWH): You saw then firsthand at Halamshiral, Inquisitor. [11]

10 - General: Who signed that? PC: Who’s sending these assassins? [11]

11 - Scene continues.

Comte: The contract was signed by a noble family. The Du Paraquettes.

Josephine: But the Du Paraquettes died out as a noble line over sixty years ago!

Comte: Indeed. But the contract was signed one hundred and nine years ago.

PC: How can a family try to kill you after they died out?

Josephine: The Du Paraquettes were our rivals. They drove the Montilyets from Val Royeaux. This contract was drawn up over a hundred years ago, but it wasn’t invoked until I tried to overturn my family’s exile.

Comte: Unpleasant though it may be, the House of Repose is merely fulfilling its contractual duties.

12 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: But the contract’s ancient. [13]
General: I’ll help stop them. [14]
General: What’s the plan, Josephine? [15]
General: We have to kill them. [16]

13 - Investigate: But the contract’s ancient. PC: If the people who wanted your family dead are gone, why are the assassins still after you? Josephine: A contract is a contract, Inquisitor! Orlesian businesses live and die by their reputation. The entire guild’s welfare would be endangered if an agreement was tossed aside on a whim of time or fate. Comte: She’s quite right, Your Worship. The House of Repose is doing what it feels necessary. By its standards. [back to 12]

14 - General: I’ll help stop them. PC: I’ll do what I can to stop these attacks, Josephine. Josephine: Thank you, Inquisitor. I think I may know how. [17]

15 - General: What’s the plan, Josephine? PC: I assume you have a thought or two on this, Josephine? [17]

16 - General: We have to kill them. PC: So we destroy this House of Repose before assassins appear at Skyhold’s doorstep. Josephine: There may be a less confrontational way to end this. [17]

17 - Scene continues.

Josephine: The Du Paraquettes still have descendants under the common branch. If we elevate them to nobility, a Du Paraquette could annul the contract on my life.

Comte: That will take time, Lady Montilyet. Time during which the House of Repose will be obliged to hunt you.

Josephine leans forward.

Josephine: Will they now? You are exceedingly well-informed. Your note to us said you’d heard rumors at best?

Comte: A bit of subterfuge. This contract on your life is an ugly business, one the House of Repose deeply regrets.

Comte: But this is Orlais. Even an assassin’s word is his bond.

18 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Was there ever a comte? [19]
General: Did you kill the real comte? [20]
General: I knew this was too convenient. [21]
General: Don’t move. [22]

19 - Investigate: Was there ever a comte? PC: Does “Comte Boisvert” actually exist? Comte: Absolutely. The comte’s offer to reveal the killers of Lady Montilyet’s messengers was genuine. So was his information, somehow. An end to be tied up later. [back to 18]

20 - General: Did you kill the real comte? PC: I’m guessing the actual Comte Boisvert met with a fatal accident? Comte: Comte Boisvert slumbers in a nearby closet! Nothing more. [23]

21 - General: I knew this was too convenient. PC: I thought you were remarkably well informed about a secret assassins’ guild. Comte: We are hardly secret, my dear Inquisitor. Just normally much more reclusive. [23]

22 - General: Don’t move. PC: The House of Repose has some nerve sending a killer to greet us. Comte: Hardly anyone in the league isn’t trained for this, Inquisitor. [23]

23 - Scene continues.

Comte: The contract on Lady Montilyet’s life is so unusual, we felt the courtesy of an explanation was in order.

Josephine: It is appreciated. Monsieur.

Comte: Your idea to seek out a Du Paraquette to revoke our orders is an interesting one. I wish you luck.

He goes the leave, but the PC stands in his way.

Comte: I did not come to shed blood today, Inquisitor—only to speak. Might I pass?

Dialogue options:

Why the warning? [24]
You can leave. [25]
You’re dead. [26]

24 - Why the warning? PC: Why warn us about your contract and let us go? Comte: In Orlais, it is only decent to inform those involved in a contract when extraordinary circumstances conspire. Josephine: And the guild’s reputation would suffer if you ignore the contract. I quite understand. Comte: Thank you, my lady. May we conclude with my departure?

25 - You can leave. (Let the “comte” go unharmed.) PC: Go, then. Comte: Good day, Your Worship. My lady. I pray we never meet again. They let the “comte” leave. Josephine: Well, I didn’t think our meeting would end like this. PC: We’ll deal with these assassins. Josephine: I have some thoughts. Let’s discuss them back at Skyhold. I’ll feel safer with a castle’s walls around me. [27]

26 - You’re dead. (Attack the assassin.) PC: Not on your life. Comte: As you wish. The “comte” throws down a flask, joined by other enemies. The PC fights them. PC: That’s the last of them.

Sera in Party Sera: I knew the bastard was up to something when he wouldn’t let us upstairs with you two. Welcome, by the way. Josephine: Sera, you will have all my thanks once we get back Skyhold in safety. I’ve much to discuss with the Inquisitor there. [27]

Dorian in party Dorian: Well, that’s the last time I agree to wait on the other side of a door when you’re around. Are you two all right? Josephine: Yes, thank you, Lord Pavus. I think it’s time we returned to Skyhold. I’ve much to discuss with the Inquisitor there. [27]

Sera or Dorian not in party

Varric: Next time, Josephine, maybe don’t have us wait outside when you’re meeting about a murder.
Cassandra: Villains. I should have insisted we remain with you instead of waiting downstairs like servants.
Vivienne: I thought the comte was rather insistent you have that discussion without us.
Iron Bull: So next time maybe don’t listen to the noble who makes us wait in the foyer. Josephine: I shall keep it in mind.
Blackwall: We were lucky. I shouldn’t have let the comte make us wait downstairs while you and Lady Montilyet were here.

Josephine: The fault is mine. You all put yourselves in danger here because of me. Let’s discuss this problem in safety, Inquisitor. At Skyhold. [27]

27 - Scene continues.

They head toward the door and hear something as they go to leave.

PC: Do you hear something?

Comte: (Muffled yelling.)

Josephine; Oh, goodness. Comte Boisvert, is that you?

Comte: (Muffled yelling.)

She rushes over to a closet in the corner.

Josephine: The lock’s been broken off. We’ll find a saw.

Comte: (Protesting muffled yelling.)

Josephine: I realize the cabinet is quite valuable, Comte, but surely—

Comte: (Protesting muffled yelling.)

Josephine: A… locksmith, then?

Comte: (Affirmative muffled yelling.)

Josephine: As you wish.

Comte: (Pleased muffled yelling.)

A Plan

They return to Skyhold.

Josephine: I’m so sorry, Inquisitor. I never thought my family’s trading status would trap us in an assassin’s plot.

Dialogue options:

General: You had no idea. [1]
General: You’re safe here. [2]
General: There’s no time to pity ourselves. [3]

1 - General: You had no idea. PC: You couldn’t have known it would lead to this House of Repose coming after you. Josephine: It still shouldn’t have slipped past me. [4]

2 - General: You’re safe here. PC: Between our soldiers and spies, Skyhold’s safer than anywhere else in Thedas. Josephine: Yet the problem persists. [4]

3 - General: There’s no time to pity ourselves. PC: What’s done is done. We must deal with this House of Repose before they come again. Josephine: Yes. Yes, of course. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Josephine: I’ve tracked down the last Du Paraquettes. If they become gentry, they can annul the contract on my life. We’ll require a noble from Val Royeaux to sponsor them, a judge to provide documents, a minister to ratify them…

Leliana joins them.

Leliana: It’s so like you to take the longest course of action, even when your life is at stake.

Josephine: I assume you already know everything about this mess.

Leliana: There is a faster way, Josephine: the original contract on your life is in the vaults of the House of Repose. If my agents infiltrate it and destroy the original, the assassin will have no obligation to chase you.

Josephine: Leliana, please. I want no more blood shed over a personal affair.

Leliana: Don’t be so stubborn, Josie! How long will it take you to gather these favors in Val Royeaux?

Dialogue options:

General: Let me consider it. [5]
General: Leliana has a point. [6]
General: I’m with you, Josephine. [7]

5 - General: Let me consider it. PC: Give me some time to think this over. Leliana: I’ll post a watch on our ambassador, in case the House of Repose visits. [8]

6 - General: Leliana has a point. PC: If destroying the original contract will satisfy the guild, I say we do it. Josephine: But I’m sure my plan will work, Inquisitor. Leliana: Whatever happens, I’ll assign you more guards. The House of Repose won’t be idle long. [8]

7 - General: I’m with you, Josephine. PC: We can solve this without more deaths on either side. Leliana: My people are ready, should you change your mind. I’ll post a watch on our ambassador, in case the House of Repose visits. [8]

8 - Scene continues.

Josephine: I appreciate it, but I still believe elevating the Du Paraquettes will solve this.

Leliana leaves.

Josephine: First, we need to perform some favors in Val Royeaux. I’d be happy to discuss where we could begin.

Any News on The House of Repose?

The PC speaks to Josephine.

Josephine: Any news on the House of Repose, Inquisitor?

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Can the contract be annulled? [2]
Investigate: How do peasants become nobles? [3]
Investigate: Tell me of the Du Paraquettes. [4]
General: What’s our next move? [5]
General: Goodbye. [6]

2 - Investigate: Can the contract be annulled? PC: Are you sure the House of Repose will forget this assassin contract on a farmer’s signature? Josephine: It’s perfectly legal. In Val Royeaux’s noble circles, a written word is a bond. Besides, the guild would never risk being so unspeakably crass.

Dialogue options:

Special: Are you serious? [7]
[Back to 1]

7 - Special: Are you serious? PC: These assassins are afraid of being seen as impolite? Josephine: Breaking one’s public oath or bond implies a certain… poverty in Orlais. A common merchant may lack the resources or manners to fulfill a debt, but among the guilds? It would be shameful. [back to 1]

3 - Investigate: How do peasants become nobles? PC: How exactly does one turn farmers into members of the upper classes? Josephine: There are procedures for granting honored citizens of the empire the title of “lord” or “lady.” Very long procedures. And so much paperwork! I’ve called in a substantial number of favors to cut through half of it. [back to 1]

4 - Investigate: Tell me of the Du Paraquettes. PC: Why did the Du Paraquettes hate the Montilyets so much, they set up a permanent assassination watch? Josephine: A Montilyet and a Du Paraquette fell in love. A young couple, pledged elsewhere, attempted to elope. The whole thing ended so violently, it’s a wonder any survived. It’s fortunate the Du Paraquettes’ descendants hold no grudges.

Dialogue options:

Special: How do you know that? [8]
[Back to 1]

8 - Special: How do you know that? PC: What if the Du Paraquettes refuse to aid you? Josephine: I’ve already contacted the Du Paraquettes, Inquisitor. They’re ready to help us. It will be a long road, but a lordship is a chance to restore a proud lineage to their heirs. Besides, I’ve promised them a heavy bag of coin once this is over. [back to 1]

5 - General: What’s our next move? PC: You said I’d have to do some favors in Val Royeaux if we want to make the Du Paraquettes lords. PC: What’s the next favor we need to get these Du Paraquettes a lordship?

Josephine: The Countess Dionne is our first step. Her lover, a mage from the White Spire, is missing. Bring her news of him, and she’ll be very amenable to sponsoring the Du Paraquettes as lords. Unlocks war table mission “Find a Sponsor for the Du Paraquettes” Scene ends.

Josephine: We need a judge of the royal court to procure documents acknowledging them as nobility again. Unlocks war table mission “Getting a Judge’s Favor” Scene ends.

Josephine: We must persuade Minister Bellise to ratify the papers. She’s in charge of these matters of rank. The minister will be at a small fete thrown by the Marquis Wiscotte. I’ll get you an invitation. Unlocks war table mission “Speak with Minister Bellise at Party” Scene ends.

6 - General: Goodbye. PC: Let’s speak later.

Countess Dionne

The PC speaks to a noble in Val Royeaux after completing “Find a Sponsor for the Du Paraquettes” at the war table.

Countess: Inquisitor. What an unexpected pleasure. You must have had a long journey to the city. Might there be any news from the south?

If spoken to before and had no news Countess: Greetings once more, Inquisitor. Have you happened to bring any news for me?

Dialogue options:

General: Your lover is safe. [1]
General: Nothing yet. [2]

1 - General: Your lover is safe. PC: Here’s a letter from Ellerly. He’s safe with his family in the Dales. Countess: Oh, my Ellerly! Oh, bless you. The Dionnes will sponsor the Du Paraquettes as a family deserving of a noble title, Inquisitor. You have my word. Now please forgive my hastiness, but I must read Ellerly’s words. Maker keep you. Scene ends.

2 - General: Nothing yet. PC: I’m afraid I don’t have any news. Countess: I see. I am often in the marketplace, should anything come to your attention. Scene ends.

Assassination Attempt

The PC returns to Josephine’s office.

Josephine: Inquisitor!

PC: What happened here?

Josephine: The House of Repose decided to pay a visit. The guards arrived in time, but I should’ve guessed the assassins would infiltrate the servants.

Dialogue options:

General: Are you all right, Josephine? [1]
General: They’re clearly professionals. [2]
General: I want more guards on duty. [3]

1 - General: Are you all right, Josephine? PC: Are you sure they didn’t hurt you? Josephine: They only frightened me. It was all so sudden. [4]

2 - General: They’re clearly professionals. PC: Let’s not underestimate the league of professional murderers. Sergeant: It won’t happen again, Your Worship. [4]

3 - General: I want more guards on duty. PC: I want a tighter watch. The House of Repose isn’t our only enemy. Sergeant: It won’t happen again, Your Worship. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Leliana assigned people to shadow me. They appear to have saved my life. I owe you everything, Sergeant.

Sergeant: Only my duty, Ambassador. I’ll talk with the spymaster about these murderous louts. She’ll find how they got in.

Minster Bellise

The PC arrives in Val Royeaux after completing “Speak with Minister Bellise at Party” at the war table.

The Minister walks out to greet the PC.

PC: Thank you for seeing me in private, Minister Bellise.

Bellise: I’d chastise you for taking me from the party, Inquisitor, but the marquis throws such dull affairs, it’s hardly worth it. I assume you wish to discuss your petition to elevate these Du Paraquettes to a minor lordship. Tell me: why should I allow you to pollute the Orlesian nobility any further than it’s already been muddled?

Dialogue options:

General: The Du Paraquettes were noble. [1]
General: To win a favor from me. [2]
General: You don’t like the nobility? [3]

1 - General: The Du Paraquettes were noble. PC: The Du Paraquettes used to be noble. You’d be restoring an old house of Orlais. Bellise: Restoring it far too late. What are the Du Paraquettes now, traders? Farmers? Really, it is too much. The very thought causes me pain.

2 - General: To win a favor from me. PC: Surely even a minister could do worse than have the Inquisition in her debt. Bellise: I am a well-positioned woman. I require something more concrete than vague promises of future gifts. And do not attempt to charm me. I am far too old to tolerate it.

3 - General: You don’t like the nobility? PC: You don’t think much of the current Orlesian nobility? Bellise: I do not. It is a watered-down shadow of its former glory, degraded by a mongrel mix of tradesmen and merchants. Really, it is too much. The very thought causes me pain.

4 - Scene continues.

Bellise: What can you possibly provide that will make your petition worth my effort?

5 - Dialogue options:

Flirt: An unforgettable night… [6]
General: The Inquisition army. [7]
General: Connections beyond Orlais. [8]
General: Valuable information. [9]

6 - Flirt: An unforgettable night…

PC: I don’t think we’ll be missed from the party for a while…

Bellise: Are you quite serious?

Dialogue options:

Rescind offer: Just a joke, my lady. [10]
Flirt: Completely. [11]

10 - Rescind offer: Just a joke, my lady. PC: Merely trying to lighten the mood. Bellise: Well, desist at once. What do you actually have to offer me in return for my aid? [back to 5]

11 - Flirt: Completely. PC: For the pleasure of your company, Minister? Absolutely. The scene fades to black. Bellise: Lock the door. And fetch me some pillows. Scene ends.

7 - General: The Inquisition army. PC: Perhaps the services of some of the best-trained soldiers in Orlais? Bellise: Hmm. Normally, I wouldn’t be interested, but I would enjoy not having to beg Gaspard for chevaliers. For a man who loathes the Game, he has an extraordinarily sharp memory for favors. [12]

8 - General: Connections beyond Orlais. PC: Diplomatic connections that reach far beyond the boundaries of Val Royeaux, perhaps? Bellise: Hmm. I might make use of your ambassador. The Montilyets aren’t what they were, but at least they’re from proper stock. Arrange for me to be introduced to the court of Antiva. I hear winter is most pleasant by their sea. [12]

9 - General: Valuable information. PC: Information… unless you believe your sources better than agents of the Inquisition. Bellise: Normally I wouldn’t trust your discretion, but the Left Hand of the Divine is working for you, is she not? Sister Leliana is a resourceful woman. I could certainly make use of her talents. [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Bellise: Very well, Inquisitor. Should you fulfill this bargain, I shall—(sighs)—raise the Du Paraquettes into lordship.

A Chance to Thank You

After completing all three favors Josephine: Inquisitor! We’ve done it. The Du Paraquettes are lords once again. Leliana’s agents put them in contact with the House of Repose. They will annul the contract on my life. I must return to Val Royeaux to see that everything is in order. Please join me when you can.

Used Leliana to deal with the contract Josephine: I must return to Val Royeaux to see that everything is in order. Please join me when you can.

—

The PC joins Josephine on the docks in Val Royeaux.

Choice dependent dialogue:

Annulled the contract [1]
Destroyed the contract [2]

1 - Annulled the contract Josephine: I received a letter from the House of Repose, Your Worship. They acknowledge their contract is null and void. There’s no longer a price on my life.

If the fake comte was killed Josephine: They… also send their compliments on how handily you dispatched their agent pretending to be the comte.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m glad you’re safe. I’m glad you don’t have to live your life looking over your shoulder anymore. ㅤㅤ ㅤ
General: That’s nice of them. They’re a polite bunch of ruthless murderers, I’ll give them that. ㅤㅤ ㅤ
General: It’s good this is over. PC: It’s good we can all get safely back to work now.

Josephine: I regret we were forced to deal with them. That you were endangered by my part in the Game. [3]

2 - Destroyed the contract PC: I read Leliana’s report. Her people infiltrated the league of assassins targeting you. The contract on your life has been destroyed. You should be safe now.

Josephine: And thus we outwit the House of Repose.

Dialogue options:

General: At least you’re safe. PC: It’s an unpleasant business, but you’re safe now.
General: It’s better than the alternative. PC: Should we have waited for an assassin to sneak through instead?
General: I thought you’d be pleased. PC: This was for your safety, Josephine.

Josephine: I’ve no doubt the guild was staffed by vicious men and women, Inquisitor. It’s simply… [3]

3 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Did I ever mention I used to be a bard?

Josephine leans against the railing.

PC: You were a singer?

Josephine: Bards entertain the Orlesian courts. They sing, play music, make charming conversation, and spy. Many young nobles put on a mask and practice playing the Game in such a fashion.

4 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: How did you come to it? [5]
General: I can’t imagine you doing that. [6]
General: Sounds risky. [7]
General: And now you’re a diplomat? [8]

5 - Investigate: How did you come to it? PC: What made you interested in becoming a bard? Josephine: I was attending a university in Val Royeaux when I learned about bards. There was such an air of romance about them! Stories of secrets, trysts, and fascinating people. A group of us, young gentry from Antiva, decided this exciting life was for us. [back to 4]

6 - General: I can’t imagine you doing that. PC: You seem a bit… steady for such an outgoing lifestyle. Josephine: (Short laugh.) The life of an entertainer didn’t suit me at all.

7 - General: Sounds risky. PC: I don’t imagine many firstborn heirs join those ranks. Josephine: No. I was a rather foolish exception.

8 - General: And now you’re a diplomat? PC: How did you go from being a wandering singer to an ambassador? Josephine: In a very sad fashion.

9 - Scene continues.

Josephine: During one particular intrigue, I encountered a bard sent to kill my patron. We fought. Or perhaps “scrapped” is the better word. Both of us terrified. We were at the top of a steep flight of stairs. The other bard drew a knife, and I pushed him away from me… You can imagine the result.

Dialogue options:

General: It was self-defense. PC: You were only defending yourself. ㅤㅤ ㅤ
General: I can. PC: You’ve drawn a clear enough picture. ㅤㅤ ㅤ
General: You did the right thing. PC: I don’t see the fault. You survived, as did your patron.

Josephine: But it was such a waste, Inquisitor! When I took off his mask, I knew him. We’d attended parties together. If I’d stopped to reason, if I’d used my voice instead of scuffling like a common thug… I’ll always wonder who that young man would have grown into.

Dialogue options:

General: No one merciful. [10]
General: Still… from bard to diplomat? [11]
General: You’re too soft-hearted for this. [12]

10 - General: No one merciful. PC: He seemed willing enough to murder you for the Game. Josephine: Perhaps. I feel I’m the last to judge whether or not he would have actually used the blade.

11 - General: Still… from bard to diplomat? PC: From bard to diplomat is quite a change in direction. Josephine: I was headed down that path for some time already. That night merely crystallized it.

12 - General: You’re too soft-hearted for this. PC: You of all people should know you can’t play the Game without bloodshed. Josephine: Never as the first resort, Inquisitor! Never as a way that makes currency of lives.

13 - Scene continues.

Josephine: In all the commotion… Forgive me. I don’t believe I ever thanked you for helping me with this.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: You don’t need to. [14]
General: You saved your family with it. [15]
General: You were rattled. [16]
General: The Inquisition needs you. [17]

14 - Flirt: You don’t need to. PC: I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Such a gracious woman deserves nothing less. Josephine: I… such talk. I’m quite overcome. PC: Should I stop? Josephine fidgets nervously. Josephine: Oh, no. I mean yes! I meant no, I don’t… Well, if you meant to draw a blush to my cheeks, you’ve completely succeeded. Let’s return to Skyhold before anyone notices. Scene ends.

15 - General: You saved your family with it. PC: Hold on to it. Don’t lose sight of why you came here. Josephine: I will never forget you helped save the House of Montilyet, Inquisitor. And should you ever visit Antiva, stories of the welcome we’ll give you will be told for years. Scene ends.

16 - General: You were rattled. PC: You were taking on a league of professional assassins. I suppose I’ll forgive it. Josephine: (Small laugh.) You’ve done much to help House Montilyet. And should you ever visit Antiva, stories of the welcome we’ll give you will be told for years. Scene ends.

17 - General: The Inquisition needs you. PC: Your skills truly benefit the Inquisition. We wouldn’t want to lose you. Josephine: Well, House Montilyet will always be grateful to you. And should you ever visit Antiva, stories of the welcome we’ll give you will be told for years. Scene ends.