Main Dialogue
Before the Dawn
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Source of the Red Templars
The PC enters Cullen’s office.
Cullen: Inquisitor. I’ve found where the red templars come from. Therinfal Redoubt. The knights were red lyrium until they turned into monsters. Samson took over after their corruption was complete.
Cullen walks over to his bookshelves.
PC: How do you know Samson?
Cullen: He was a templar in Kirkwall, until he was expelled from the Order. I knew he was an addict, but this… Red lyrium is nothing like the lyrium given by the Chantry. Its power comes with a terrible madness.
Dialogue options:
- General: I believe you. [1]
- General: That takes care of Samson. [2]
- General: You’re sure we can’t use it? [3]
1 - General: I believe you. PC: The red templars swarming Haven were proof enough. Cullen: We cannot allow them to gain strength.
2 - General: That takes care of Samson. PC: Samson’s armor was glowing with the stuff. He’ll go mad soon enough. Cullen: He seemed clear-eyed at Haven. Even so, a deluded commander is no less worrisome.
3 - General: You’re sure we can’t use it? PC: If it’s as powerful as you say, can we turn it to our own use? Cullen (if PC specialized as a templar): Would you become a red templar? Everything you are would be lost—do not convince yourself otherwise. Cullen: Maker! Not without abandoning sense and sanity.
4 - Scene continues.
Cullen: The red templars still require lyrium. If we find their source, we can weaken them and their leader.
Dialogue options:
- General: You want vengeance? [5]
- General: Good thinking. [6]
- General: What’s your plan? [7]
5 - General: You want vengeance? PC: Are you angrier at Corypheus or Samson? Cullen: I don’t know. Samson, at least, should know better. [6]
6 - General: Good thinking. PC: I like finding the red templars’ vulnerabilities before fighting them head-on. Cullen: We’ll need every advantage against what courses through their veins. [6]
7 - General: What’s your plan? PC: Where do we begin? [6]
6 - Scene continues.
Cullen: Caravans of red lyrium are being smuggled along trade roads. Investigating them could lead to where it’s being mined. If you confront them, be wary. Anything connected to Samson will be well guarded.
Lyrium Smugglers
In the Emerald Graves, the PC finds notes from red lyrium smugglers.
Master Kells: ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Numbers are fantastic, ser. Trade’s booming with all this lyrium showing up. Maybe it’s red instead of blue, but people are still buying. That mage we picked up can look into what the color means; he needs to start earning his keep. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ We have more coin on hand, too. No need to pay off some greasy dwarf since the red stuff isn’t from the Deep Roads. Must be killing them; someone struck lyrium up here and they’re not getting a piece. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Vishlan
PC: A note. It claims this red lyrium’s not coming from the Deep Roads.
To Master Kells: ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ The new client wants double the red lyrium shipped last time. The contact said it was for someone called Samson. I met him during the last trip. Got a templar feel off him. Although the armor he wears doesn’t look Chantry. Still, his coin’s good, and he doesn’t preach. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Toby
PC: Another letter on the smugglers, referring to Samson.
Among the papers taken from the red lyrium smugglers in the Dales is a note from the ringleader to his lieutenants:
Beware that red lyrium. Our mage claims it’s much more potent than the blue. “Like serving brandy in an ale tankard,” he said. Two nights later, he went crazy, frothing and screaming. We had to lock him in the warehouse. Looks like lyrium madness, but comes on faster. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ It’s not all bad. Our new client, Samson, has his agents buying anyone who gets sick—for gold. When they bought the mage, I asked why; Samson’s people said, “To make something better of him.” For what they’re paying, he must have something bloody spectacular lined up. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Have the men be extra careful around the crates. Tell me if any comes down sick. Keep the why to yourselves. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Kells
PC: Another letter mentioning Samson. And papers with names. Cullen could use this.
They return to Cullen.
Choice dependent dialogue
- PC has already cleared Sahrnia’s mines [1]
- PC has not been to Sahrnia [2]
1 - PC has already cleared Sahrnia’s mines Cullen: The papers you found on the red lyrium smugglers were exactly what we needed. We have the location of the red templars’ main supply of lyrium. You’ll never guess where.
Dialogue options:
- General: You sound pleased. [3]
- General: Below us. [4]
- General: Just tell me. [5]
3 - General: You sound pleased. PC: Wherever it is, you seem happy about it. Cullen: I have cause.
4 - General: Below us. PC: Right. Under. Skyhold. Cullen: Actually, it’s better.
5 - General: Just tell me. PC: I’m waiting.
6 - Scene continues.
Cullen: Sahrnia. You’ve already dealt with the red templars there.
PC: That was Samson’s red lyrium supply?
Cullen: The past tense is apt. We should send some people to sift through what’s left. With some luck, we can track the shipments from the quarry to Samson’s headquarters.
Scene ends.
2 - PC has not been to Sahrnia Cullen: The smugglers we interrogated gave up the red templars’ main source of red lyrium, Inquisitor. It’s located in the Dales, near a town called Sahrnia. Destroying the mine there will cripple Samson’s operations.
Dialogue options:
- General: Well done. [7]
- General: And him, too. [8]
- General: It’s about time we did. [9]
7 - General: Well done. PC: Excellent work, Commander. I’ll investigate the mine. Cullen: Destroying the red templars’ source of lyrium will be a loss Samson won’t soon forget.
8 - General: And him, too. PC: Samson will have to cut back on his share if there’s less red lyrium to go around. Cullen: I would be very surprised if he could muster the discipline.
9 - General: It’s about time we did. PC: He’s caused us enough grief. I’m happy to return the favor. Cullen: Destroying the red templars’ source of lyrium will be a loss Samson won’t soon forget.
The PC heads to Emprise du Lion.
Sahrnia Quarry
If the PC goes to the mines before the quest: PC: Red templars. What are they guarding here?
PC: Cullen would be interested to know about this place.
—
The PC goes to Sahrnia Quarry after talking to Cullen.
PC: Cullen said this mine is the main red lyrium supply for Samson’s army.
Party comments:
- Cole: There are templars ahead. Red inside.
- Iron Bull: I’d expect guards. Big ones.
- Cassandra: No doubt it will be well-protected.
- Varric: I’ll watch for company.
- Sera: So there will be guards and yelling. Wad up.
- Blackwall: Swords at the ready.
- Solas: Expect guards, then.
The party comes across some of the red lyrium growing near one of the carts of villagers.
PC: There’s a corpse in this lyrium!
Party comments:
- Vivienne: So that’s how the red templars created it so quickly. Blood, to speed the growth.
- Dorian: So that’s how Samson grows it. That’s why there’s no end to it.
- Solas: Interesting. The red templars sped its creating by “growing” it from the dead.
- Blackwall: Maker’s balls. Is that how they’re getting the red lyrium? Growing it off people?
- Sera: Ugh! It’s growing out off him!
- Varric: It looks like it just burst out of him. Or… her. It’s hard to tell.
- Cassandra: They grow it. From the bodies of the living and the dead.
PC: Cullen will want to know about this.
The PC finds some letters in the mines.
To confirm: yes, I’ve heard the reports. The Inquisition is on the rise, but they’ll be a toothless hound once our Master deals with them. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ We stand between the enemy and Corypheus. He gave us what the Chantry never would: a second chance. I don’t want to see a single man let him down. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Sow the lyrium. Let it follow where we walk, take root where we settle. Never forget that your footsteps - yours - mark Corypheus’s path to victory.
PC: I’ve found a letter. From Samson himself.
To Paxley, ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ I’ve seen the transformations. It’s a horror to watch your soldiers’ faces change, to realize they might not remember you day-to-day; it’s a sword in the guts. But the ones who make it through are near invincible. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Feed elfroot to the soldiers hurting, as much as they want. Beyond that, it’s just waiting until they stop feeling pain. Remind them they spread the lyrium. It grows at our touch; with the “materials” I’ve sent, they’ll grow enough for a dozen armies. It’s proof we’re on the right path, that any suffering is worthwhile. Remind them. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Samson
PC: A note from Samson, about spreading red lyrium.
To Besen, ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Maddox needs twice the usual red lyrium to modify my armor properly; taking over as the Vessel means it has to be perfect. Have the amount ready in three days, and you and your squad will get a chance to serve as Corypheus’s honor guard. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ My own proving goes on. When I first donned the armor, I thought I was drowning in fire. Without Corypheus to stop me, I’d have torn my own skin off. Now the armor’s settled, I can march for days without rest, break a man like kindling. I’m finally fit to be the Vessel. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Maddox may come to you to work on my armor’s modifications. If he gives you instructions about the lyrium, follow them to the letter. Treat Maddox like you’d treat me. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ Samson
PC: Cullen would be interested to hear about this.
The PC clears out the mines of the red templars.
PC: We should inform Cullen that we’ve taken care of Samson’s red lyrium hoard.
Party comments:
- Cassandra: He will be pleased.
- Dorian: Our dear commander might crack a smile for once.
- Sera: Should cheer him up. Shift that stick in his arse. Vivienne: Thank you for the delightful image.
- Iron Bull: Wish we could be there when Samson hears about it.
They return to Cullen’s office.
Cullen: I’ve been reading the letters found in the quarry. Samson is making red lyrium from people?
PC: Not anymore. Not in that mine.
Cullen: I knew Samson had fallen, but this? It’s monstrous. We have to put an end to him. Look at these orders from the encampment. That armour must give Samson extraordinary power. We may not be able to stop him.
Dialogue options:
- General: All the more reason to try. [1]
- General: Then we break the armor first. [2]
- General: Everything has a weakness. [3]
1 - General: All the more reason to try. PC: Samson’s a menace. If we can’t defeat him, no one stands a chance. Cullen: Then we must destroy the armor.
2 - General: Then we break the armor first. PC: Take away his armor and the lyrium, and Samson’s just another man.
3 - General: Everything has a weakness. PC: That’s what he wants us to think. But no one’s invulnerable. Cullen: Then we must destroy the armor.
4 - Scene continues.
Cullen: I couldn’t say how. Templars are trained not to destroy expensive magical equipment.
Cullen (Dagna recruited): Perhaps Dagna has some ideas? She crafts the impossible every day. Cullen (Dagna not recruited): We need an expert in enchantments. Perhaps they could find a way to ruin Samson’s armor. [You must recruit Dagna to continue the quest.]
For Testing!
The PC approaches Dagna in the undercroft.
PC: Dagna? What have you learned of Samson?
Dagna: He should be dead. I mean, you could make a hat out of red lyrium and kill people, especially the wearer. Samson’s armor, it’s genius. To do all this and not go insane, it must be resistant. Or he is insane. Or both!
Dialogue options:
- General: It must be killing him. [1]
- General: “Both” is not comforting. [2]
- General: I need that armor broken. [3]
1 - General: It must be killing him. PC: So in addition to killing others, it’s slowly consuming him, too? Dagna: Yes, but slow is not fast. Doesn’t matter, I can find a way to hurt him. I just need time and red lyrium. For tests!
2 - General: “Both” is not comforting. PC: You’re not comforting me, Dagna. He’s dangerous either way. Dagna: Oh, fine. I just need time. And tools. People. And red lyrium. For tests, you see?
3 - General: I need that armor broken. PC: I’ll admire Samson’s armor when it’s lying in pieces at my feet. Dagna: Oh, fine. I just need time. And tools. People. And red lyrium. For tests, you see?
4 - Scene continues.
PC: Is that wise?
Dagna: Everything is safe if handled properly. And you don’t touch it long. Or breathe it. I mentioned the hat, right? No hat. Time and resources, Inquisitor. I’ll get what you want. Now shoo! I’ve work to do.
A Name From the Past
The PC joins the advisors at the war table.
Cullen: No red lyrium, no allies, and soon Samson will have no armor. I hope.
PC: You hope?
Cullen: Dagna’s started work on her red lyrium samples, but she needs more details on the armor. We found orders in the mine. They mention Maddox. A name I did not expect to hear.
1 - Dialogue options:
- Investigate: They also mention a “Vessel.” [2]
- General: Someone you know? [3]
- General: Is Maddox a templar? [4]
- General: His allies are irrelevant. [5]
2 - Investigate: They also mention a “Vessel.” PC: Samson’s letter said something about “taking over as the Vessel.” Cullen: Perhaps it’s a rank among the red templars. It could be a title from ancient Tevinter. Or it’s some other role Corypheus has planned for Samson, and Maddox is a part of it. [back to 1]
3 - General: Someone you know? PC: Another voice from your past? Cullen: In a way. This is complicated. [6]
4 - General: Is Maddox a templar? PC: Did he serve with you and Samson in Kirkwall? [6]
5 - General: His allies are irrelevant. PC: If we break Samson’s armor, his alliances won’t matter. Cullen: This one may be worth the trouble. [6]
6 - Scene continues.
Cullen: Maddox was a mage in Kirkwall’s Circle. Samson smuggled letters between him and his sweetheart. Eventually, Samson was caught–that’s why he was cast out of the Order. Maddox was made Tranquil, and became a skilled craftsman of magical items. Samson must have… rescued him.
7 - Dialogue options:
- Investigate: He was made Tranquil for that? [8]
- Investigate: Rescued him from what? [9]
- General: Samson has some humanity left. [10]
- General: Maddox could be a useful ally. [11]
- General: We can target Maddox. [12]
8 - Investigate: He was made Tranquil for that? PC: I can’t believe they made a man Tranquil over a few love letters. Cullen: The official charge was “corrupting the moral integrity of a templar.” Knight-Commander Meredith wielded the brand for far lesser offences, believe me. [back to 7]
9 - Investigate: Rescued him from what? PC: Why would Maddox need saving? Cullen: When the mages rebelled in Kirkwall, the worst battles took place at the Gallows, in the Circle itself. I thought Maddox had died in the fighting, or was eking out a living on the streets—a hard fate for a Tranquil in Kirkwall. Samson must have found him. Taken him in. [back to 7]
10 - General: Samson has some humanity left. PC: Perhaps there’s something left of the man Samson used to be. Cullen: Or he’s shrewd enough to know an extraordinary resource. [13]
11 - General: Maddox could be a useful ally. PC: Having an inside man among Samson’s forces would be invaluable, if we could convince him. Cullen: I couldn’t say. I’ve lived around Tranquil most of my life, and I’ve never understood them. [13]
12 - General: We can target Maddox. PC: If this Tranquil is a valued asset, going after him will draw Samson out. [13]
13 - Scene continues.
Cullen: It seems Maddox built Samson’s armor for him, and maintains it still. Tranquil in Kirkwall needed rare and expensive supplies for their enchantments—supplies we can trace. I can have our men kick down some doors, Inquisitor. Samson’s armor might lead us right to his stronghold.
The PC returns to Cullen after tracking down Samson.
PC: What have you found?
Cullen: We have him, Inquisitor! We’ve found Samson’s lair. My duties usually keep me here, but for Samson? I’ll make an exception.
Dialogue options:
- Flirt (romanced): I need you to be careful. [14]
- General: Bring your best. [15]
- General: It’ll be good to have you. [16]
14 - Flirt: I need you to be careful. PC: Samson still has that red lyrium armor. Cullen: All the more reason for me to go. I would… sleep better, if I knew I would be at your side. [17]
15 - General: Bring your best. PC: I want the place razed to the ground, no matter the opposition. Cullen: I will see it done, Inquisitor. [17]
16 - General: It’ll be good to have you. PC: I’m looking forward to fighting by your side, Commander. Cullen: Likewise, Inquisitor. [17]
17 - Scene continues.
Cullen: We’ll depart at your leave.
Red Templar Encampment
The party arrives at the Shrine of Dumat. The encampment is smoldering and looks abandoned.
Cullen: This is it. The heart of Samson’s command.
PC: I don’t see him anywhere. Or hear him.
Cullen: Nor I. Maker, tell me he hasn’t fled…
They fight into the shrine, which is full of red templars and overrun with red lyrium.
PC: This place is already half destroyed.
Cullen: Samson must have ordered his templars to sack his headquarters so we couldn’t.
Party comments:
- Varric: Sorry, Curly. Someone tipped off Samson you were coming.
- Sera: Oh, pissy one. Wrecked his toys and left.
- Vivienne: He ran. What a pity.
- Iron Bull: Looks like he cut his losses and ran.
- Blackwall: He knew we were coming.
- Solas: It appears he has fled, Commander.
- Cassandra: I don’t see him, He may have fled.
Cullen: I think you’re right. Still, we’ve dealt Samson a blow.
They continue fighting, until they finally reach the final chamber. Maddox sits onb the floor, leaning against a wall.
Maddox: Hello, Inquisitor.
PC: You know me?
Cullen kneels/
Cullen: It’s Maddox. Samson’s Tranquil. Something’s wrong. I’ll send for the healers—
Maddox: That would be a waste, Knight-Captain Cullen. I drank my entire supply of blightcap essence. It won’t be long now.
Dialogue options:
- General: We wouldn’t have hurt you. [1]
- General: That sounds… agonizing. [2]
- General: How do you know us? [3]
1 - General: We wouldn’t have hurt you. PC: We only wanted to ask you questions, Maddox. Maddox: Yes. That is what I could not allow.
2 - General: That sounds… agonizing. PC: Are you in pain? Maddox: I was, at first. Not anymore.
3 - General: How do you know us? PC: How are you so familiar with us? Maddox: Samson spoke of you. He has been troubled by your pursuit.
4 - Scene continues.
Maddox: I destroyed the camp with fire. We all agreed it was best. Our deaths ensured Samson had time to escape.
Cullen: You threw your lives away? For Samson? Why?
Maddox: Samson saved me even before he needed me. He gave me purpose again. I… wanted to help…
Maddox trails off and goes silent, and Cullen stands.
Cullen: We should check the camp. Maddox may have missed something.
The PC speaks to Cullen.
Cullen: A dismal place to die. It can’t have been much of a place to live, either, under Samson’s command.
Cullen: Yes, Inquisitor?
5 - Dialogue options:
- Investigate: Tell me about Samson. [6]
- Investigate: Do you see anything useful? [7]
- General: Maddox deserves a funeral. [8] +Blackwall slightly approves +Dorian slightly approves +Iron Bull slightly approves +Vivienne slightly approves +Varric slightly approves
- General: Goodbye. [9]
6 - Investigate: Tell me about Samson. PC: What else do you remember about Samson? The man he used to be? Cullen: Does it matter? “He used to be kind” only carries so far. Yet Maddox died to help him escape. Samson does command loyalty. [back to 5]
7 - Investigate: Do you see anything useful? PC: Is there anything in the camp that could help? Or point us to Samson? Cullen: It’s hard to tell. All I see is smoke and ash. If this is Samson’s idea of remaking the world, I prefer yours. [back to 5]
8 - General: Maddox deserves a funeral. We can’t leave Maddox here. He should be properly laid to rest. Cullen: I’ll have someone take care of it. If even Samson did his best for Maddox, we can do no less. [10]
9 - General: Goodbye. PC: I’ll keep looking around. Cullen: Yes, we should get back to it. [10]
10 - Scene continues.
They continues to look around, and the PC finds some tools.
PC: This must have been Maddox’s room.
Cullen: The fire couldn’t destroy these entirely. Whatever they are.
- Dorian: Those are lyrium-forging implements. Of remarkable design. Intact, they’d be worth a fortune.
- Solas: They are implements for working lyrium safely. The craftsmanship is remarkable.
- Vivienne: I’ve seen similar implements for forging with lyrium. None this advanced.
PC (if no one else comments): It looks like tools, and part of a forge.
Cullen: Tranquil often design their own tools. Dagna should be able to make sense of them. If Maddox used these to make Samson’s armor, she could use them to unmake it. We have him.
They find some papers ona table nearby.
Cullen: Samson left a message. For me.
PC: What does it say?
Cullen: “Drink enough lyrium, and its song reveals the truth. The Chantry used us. You’re fighting the wrong battle. Corypheus chose me as his general, and his vessel of power.” And other such nonsense. Cullen (Cullen quit lyrium): Does he think I’ll understand? What does he know? Cullen (Cullen did not quit lyrium): As if I would sympathize.
The PC finds some empty bottles near a bed.
Cullen: Lyrium bottles. Licked clean.
Party comments:
- Varric: Drinking it, wearing it, growing it–you can’t say Samson isn’t committed.
- Iron Bull: Licking the bottle’s when some people stop and take a hard look at their life choices.
- Cole: Desperate, digging, it doesn’t sing as loudly, so he needs more.
- Cassandra: Revolting.
Cullen: How much red lyrium is Samson taking? His resistance must be extraordinary.
The party returns to Skyhold.
A Red Lyrium Rune
The PC meets with Cullen in his office.
Cullen: The red lyrium deposits are being destroyed, and we’ve cut the red templars down to the core. It’s a pity Maddox thought his sacrifice was the only answer. But that leaves Samson with a severely curtailed army, and enchanted armor he can’t maintain. You did it.
Dialogue options:
- General: We did it, Cullen. [1]
- General: Samson will be desperate. [2]
- General: Not until Samson is found. [3]
1 - General: We did it, Cullen. PC: We both fought to make this happen. Don’t sell yourself short. Cullen: Well, I—thank you. But my work’s not done yet.
2 - General: Samson will be desperate. PC: We’ve backed Samson into a corner. Having nothing to lose leaves men at their most dangerous.
3 - General: Not until Samson is found. PC: I’ll celebrate when I see Samson brought to justice.
4 - Scene continues.
Cullen: We’re getting recruits by the hour. There’s more than a few ex-templars among them. We’ve struck a blow and given people hope. This is a true victory.
Dagna walks in and hands the PC a glowing red rune.
Dagna: Inquisitor, I finished it! Are you talking? Sorry. Have it anyhow.
PC: You mean, this rune?
Dagna: It’s not just any rune. I made it with red lyrium and what’s left of poor Maddox’s tools. The rune acts on the median fissures of lyrium to—it’ll destroy Samson’s armor. He’ll be powerless.
Dialogue options:
- General: And Corypheus loses a general. PC: We’ll cut Corypheus off from his most powerful officer. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ
- General: That’s what I like to hear. PC: We should render our enemies powerless at a stroke more often. ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ
- General: I still have to fight him. PC: Even without his fancy armor, he’ll still be able to swing a sword. But that, I can manage.
Cullen: Maddox covered Samson’s track thoroughly. But wherever Samson’s retreated, we’ll find him. Your army stands ready, Inquisitor. For Samson, for Corypheus, for whatever you command.
Deleted Dialogue