Main Dialogue

Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

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Gaining an Invitation

The PC speaks to Josephine at her desk.

Josephine: I’ve made some inquiries into the Imperial Court. The sooner we deal with the threat to the empress, the better. The political situation in the empire is dangerously unstable. It will complicate matters.

Cullen approaches from the other side of the room.

Cullen: Everything in the empire complicates matters. It’s the Orlesian national pastime.

Leliana joins them.

Leliana: Turn your name up at the Grand Game if you like, Commander, but we play for the highest stakes, and to the death.

Josephine: The court’s disapproval can be as great a threat as the Venatori. We must be vigilant, to avert disaster.

Dialogue options:

General: We’ll save the empress. [1]
General: “Dangerously unstable”? [2]
General: Just get me to Court. [3]

1 - General: We’ll save the empress. PC: Don’t worry, Josephine. We’ll protect the empress, no matter what. Josephine: I pray you’re right. Josephine (sided mages): If your vision of the future comes to pass… the death of the empress heralds the destruction of everything. Josephine (sided templars): If the hints from Therinfal are to be believed… we are all in terrible danger. Josephine: Orlais holds Tevinter at bay. All of Thedas could be lost if the empire falls to Corypheus. [4]

2 - General: “Dangerously unstable”? PC: Exactly what do you mean? How is it more dangerous than usual? Josephine: The empress is in the middle of a civil war. Her cousin, Grand Duke Gaspard, seeks to take her throne by force. Leliana reports that a group of elves has been sabotaging both armies, drawing out the hostilities. Orlais holds Tevinter at bay. All of Thedas could be lost if the empire falls to Corypheus. [4]

3 - General: Just get me to Court. PC: I don’t care about Orlesian politics. Just get me to the empress. Josephine: Of course, Inquisitor. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Celene is holding peace talks under the auspices of a Grand Masquerade. Every power in Orlais will be there. It’s the perfect place for an assassin to hide.

Dialogue options:

General: Warn the empress. [5]
General: I don’t have a thing to wear. [6]
General: That’s where we need to be. [7]

5 - General: Warn the empress. PC: Does Celene know about the threats against her? Can we send word? Josephine: I’ve sent messages to the empress, but it’s impossible to know if she’s received them. [8]

6 - General: I don’t have a thing to wear. PC: A Grand Masquerade? I need to go shopping. [8]

7 - General: That’s where we need to be. PC: We need to attend this ball. [8]

8 - Scene continues.

Josephine (Inquisition has enough power): I’ll arrange for an invitation at your discretion, Inquisitor.

Josephine (Inquisition doesn’t have enough power): We don’t have enough sway with the court to arrange an invitation. Perhaps a few more alliances… Cullen: Or soldiers. Josephine: We need a greater presence in Orlais. And soon.

The Masked Empire

The Inquisitor meets with the advisors in the war room to discuss Halamshiral.

Cullen: We have the reach the empress before Corypheus. The only question is: how?

Josephine: We know how. I have our way in. The real question is: where is our enemy hiding? At the urging of Grand Duchess Florianne, the empress is holding a ball. Absolutely everyone will be there. During the festivities, Celene will be meeting for peace talks with the usurper Duke Gaspard and Ambassador Briala.

Leliana: The assassin must be hiding within one of these factions.

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Tell me about Gaspard. [2] Investigate: Tell me about Briala [3] Investigate: Tell me about Celene [4] Investigate: Why not just send a warning? [5] General (after investigate): That’s a lot to consider. [6] General: Let’s go then. [7]

2 - Investigate: Tell me about Gaspard. PC: What do we know about Duke Gaspard? Cullen: The man who would have been emperor. He’s Celene’s cousin, and was first in line to inherit the throne when Emperor Florian died. Celene outmaneuvered him. She won over the Council of Heralds, who hold authority over title disputes. She became empress, and he a general in the Imperial Army. He’s well loved by the troops. He’s also a chevalier. Most of their number sided with him when he turned on the empress.

Dialogue options:

Special: Gaspard has Chevaliers? [9] [Back to 1]

9 - Special: Gaspard has Chevaliers?
PC: Aren’t the chevaliers part of the army? Why would they follow the duke?
Cullen: Most chevaliers are sworn to serve the crown, but that does not give them faith in the person wearing it. The empress has tried to improve relations with Ferelden and Nevarra. The chevaliers see her as anti-military. They believe Gaspard could lead the empire back to the glory of Drakon’s expansion years.

[Back to 1]

3 - Investigate: Tell me about Briala. PC: Who is this Ambassador Briala? Leliana: An ambassador in name only. She has organized the elves of Halamshiral into an underground army. The empress invited her to the peace talks in a bid to gain the elves’ alliance in the war. That would be scandal enough, without the rumor that Briala is a jilted lover of Celene’s. A personal grudge and a network of saboteurs at her command? A promising lead.

Dialogue options:

Special: Celene had an elven lover? [10] [Back to 1]

10 - Special: Celene had an elven lover?
PC: Wait. The elven leader is a jilted lover of the empress?
Leliana: It’s not widely know. Just a rumor whispered among the palace servants a few years ago. If it’s true and were to get out—the empress and an elf—the scandal could destroy Celene’s court. Even if a lie, Briala could use it to blackmail the empress. She has some connection to the throne.

[Back to 1]

4 - Investigate: Tell me about Celene PC: Tell me everything we know about the empress. Josephine: Empress Celene is a renowned diplomat and reformer. She works tirelessly to secure peace for the empire. Unfortunately, many Orlesians view peace as complacency. She has yet to name an heir, leaving the future of the empire in doubt if anything happens to her. Especially when the next in line is her cousin Gaspard, who’s made few friends on the Council of Heralds. Leliana: Celene is surrounded at all times by countless guards, courtiers, servants, and vassals. What better place for an assassin to hide than the empress’s own household?

Dialogue options:

Special: Gaspard is Celene’s heir? [11] [Back to 1]

11 - Special: Gaspard is Celene’s heir?
PC: How can Gaspard still be next in line while he wages war against his empress?

Cullen: The title “grand duke” indicates that he was a prince before the empress took the throne. [Back to 1]

5 - Investigate: Why not just send a warning? PC: Do we need to go to the peace talks? The empress must have personal guards. We could just warn her she’s in danger. Josephine: We’ve made the attempt, but… Leliana: It seems that our messages never reached her. Someone intercepted them. Cullen: It’s better that we don’t leave this to chance. If Orlais falls to Corypheus, no land is safe. [Back to 1]

6 - General: That’s a lot to consider. PC: You’ve given me plenty to think about. Cullen: With Gaspard and Celene’s armies entrenched, we cannot openly march troops to the palace. Leliana: My agents will ensure your soldiers get inside, but it must be a few at a time to avoid attention. Cullen: Understood. Cullen (to PC): Just give the world, and we’ll begin. [12]

7 - General: Let’s go then. PC: We shouldn’t waste any time. Let’s go to the Winter Palace. [12]

12 - Scene ends.

Guests of Gaspard

The party travels to Halamshiral, and Josephine continues to explain to situation.

Josephine: The political situation in Halamshiral hangs by a thread. The empress fears our presence could sever it. The grand duke is only too happy to have us at the ball as his guests, so our invitation comes from him. Whether we act as his allies, or upset the balance of power, he gains an opportunity… if not a clear advantage.

Gaspard approaches as the PC and Josephine pass by some Inquisition soldiers.

Gaspard (human PC): Inquisitor Trevelyan! We meet at last! I’ve heard so much about you.
Gaspard (human mage PC): Inquisitor Trevelyan! It is an honor to meet you at last
Gaspard (Qunari PC): Inquisitor Adaar! It is my great pleasure to meet you!
Gaspard (Dalish PC): It is a great pleasure to meet you, Inquisitor Lavellan.
Gaspard (dwarf PC): So you’re Inquisitor Cadash? From the stories I heard, you were hewn from solid steel and carried a thousand daggers.

Gaspard (HLtA not complete, sided templars): Bringing the templars into your ranks was not just a brilliant military move, but a clever political ploy as well.
Gaspard (HLtA not complete, sided mages): Bringing the rebel mages into the ranks of your army was a brilliant move.
Gaspard (HLtA completed): The rumors coming out of the Western Approach say you battled an army of demons.

Gaspard: Imagine what the Inquisition could accomplish with the full support of the rightful Emperor of Orlais!

Dialogue options:

General: That would be impressive. [1]
General: Which emperor is that? [2]
General: What does that support cost? [3]

1 - General: That would be impressive.
PC: I can see many benefits to such an alliance.
Gaspard: Keep the image firmly in mind. We may see it materialize by the end of the evening. [4]

2 - General: Which emperor is that?
PC: And which one was the rightful one, again? I keep getting them confused.
Gaspard (male PC): If we keep watch, he may appear. Probably by the brandy.
Gaspard (female PC): The handsome, charming one of course, my lady. [4]

3 - General: What does that support cost?
PC: Exactly what would be required to get that Imperial support? [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Gaspard: I am not a man who forgets his friends, Inquisitor. You help me, I’ll help you.

They walk further into the courtyard.

Gaspard (male PC): Prepared to shock the assembly by appearing as the guest of a hateful usurper, my lord?
Gaspard (female PC): My lady, are you prepared to shock the court by walking into the Grand Ball with a hateful usurper?

Gaspard: They will be telling stories of this into the next age.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m glad to help. [5]
General: Aren’t we exciting people? [6]
General: I’m not here for a party. [7]

5 - General: I’m glad to help.
PC: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duke Gaspard. I look forward to ending this civil war.
Gaspard: As do I, my friend. The empire needs stability and security, now more than ever. If you have the safety of the Orlesian people at heart, Inquisitor, perhaps you will look into something for me. This elven woman Briala—I suspect that she intends to disrupt the negotiations. [8]

6 - General: Aren’t we exciting people?
PC: I can’t imagine that crowd has seen anything better than us in their entire lives.
Gaspard (male PC): I knew we would get along famously, Inquisitor.
Gaspard (female PC): You’re a woman after my own heart, my lady.
Gaspard: As a friend, perhaps there is a matter you could undertake this evening. This elven woman Briala—I suspect that she intends to disrupt the negotiations. [8]

7 - General: I’m not here for a party.
PC: There’s a Tevinter assassin on the loose, Gaspard. Finding him is my priority.
Gaspard: Are you serious? That is a grave allegation, my friend. A foreign power meddling now, of all times… I have no doubt this Tevinter is hiding within the ranks of the elven “delegation.” They’re up to something. [8]

8 - Scene continues.

Gaspard: My people have found these “ambassadors” all over the fortifications. Sabotage seems the least of their crimes.

Dialogue options:

General: It’s worth investigating. [9]
General: I hope there’s more to go on. [10]
General: I’ll deal with the elves. [11]

9 - General: It’s worth investigating.
PC: That sounds like something I should look into. [12]

10 - General: I hope there’s more to go on.
PC: Tell me there’s more to your suspicion than “the elves were acting dodgy”.
Gaspard: That “ambassador”, Briala, used to be a servant of Celene’s. That is, until my cousin had her arrested for crimes against the empire to cover up a political mistake. If anyone in this room wishes Celene harm, Inquisitor, it’s that elf. She certainly has reason. [12]

11 - General: I’ll deal with the elves.
PC: If they’re siding with the enemy, I’ll put an end to it. [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Gaspard: (Sighs.) Be as discreet as possible. I detest the Game, but if we do not play it well, our enemies will make us look like villains. We’re keeping the court waiting, Inquisitor. Shall we?

Gaspard leaves.

Court Approval

Nearby nobles comment on the PC’s race.

Race-specific dialogue:

Qunari PC [1]
Dwarf PC [2]
Dalish PC [3]
Human mage PC [4]
Human non-mage PC [5]

1 - Qunari PC:
Noble 1: Is that the Inquisitor?
Noble 2: An ox? Impossible!
Noble 3: That’s not the Inquisitor. It’s just somebody’s pet.

[Orlesians consider Qunari little better than ogres. You’ll have to work extremely hard to win them over.]
-15 Court approval
[6]

2 - Dwarf PC:
Noble 1: Is that the Inquisitor?
Noble 2: Don’t be an idiot. How could the Herald of Andraste be a dwarf?
Noble 3: Maybe it’s just a servant.

[To Orlesian nobility, a dwarf Herald of Andraste is ridiculous. The Court’s view of you is dim for the moment.]
-10 Court approval
[6]

3 - Dalish PC:
Noble 1: Is that the Inquisitor?
Noble 2: An elf savage? Maker forbid.
Noble 3: This is Gaspard’s idea of a joke.

[Orlesian nobility looks down on elves. The Court watches you with a critical eye.]
-10 Court approval
[6]

4 - Human mage PC:
Noble 1: Is that the Inquisitor?
Noble 2: A mage? No, there must be some sort of mistake.
Noble 3: From the Circle of Ostwick, so they say.

[With few exceptions, nobles and mages don’t mix. The court eyes you with suspicion.]
-10 Court approval
[6]

5 - Human non-mage PC:
Noble 1: Is that the Inquisitor?
Noble 2: What, a Marcher? Don’t be absurd.
Noble 3: One of the Trevelyans, I’ve heard.

[The Orlesian court is pleased to see a noble—even a Free Marcher—leading the Inquisition. You’re off to a good start.]
+5 court approval
[6]

6 - Scene continues.

The PC moves into the courtyard, and find a noble who has lost a ring.

Noblewoman (Qunari PC): Oh! Wait there… whatever your name is! Have you seen a ring? It is very important, and I need it back.
Noblewoman (Dalish PC): You there! Rabbit! Have you seen a ring anywhere?
Noblewoman (dwarf PC): Pardon me, dwarf. Have you seen a ring lying around anywhere?
Noblewoman (human PC): Pardon me, my [lord/lady]. You haven’t seen a ring lying around, have you?

Noblewoman: It was a gift from the Comtesse Montbelliard! Enchanted by the Formari! I cannot go into the ball without it!

7 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Is it valuable? [8]
General: That sounds serious. [9]
General: Interesting stratagem. [10]
+5 Court approval
General: Go look for it. [11]
-5 Court approval

8 - Investigate: Is it valuable?
PC: Is this ring particularly valuable?
Noblewoman: Its worth in coin is not as important as its social value. It was a gift from a member of the Council of Heralds! If she finds out I lost it… She will never forgive me! Not even if I live to be a thousand years old! Should you happen upon it, I beg you, let me know. [Back to 7]

9 - General: That sounds serious.
PC: That’s a terrible predicament.
Noblewoman: If the comtesse finds out… Maker have mercy! Should you happen upon it, I beg you, let me know. [12]

10 - General: Interesting stratagem.
PC: What’s your game? Are you trying to convince the comtesse that you treasure her gift? Or just gain importance by getting the Inquisitor to run a menial errand for you?
Noblewoman: I… assure you, the ring truly is lost, and I must find it or risk terrible repercussions. Should you happen upon it, I beg you, let me know. [12]

11 - General: Go look for it.
PC: You’re not going to find it standing here. Noblewoman: How rude! Can you not spare a moment of pity for a soul in need? [12]

12 - Scene continues.

The PC returns after finding the ring.

Noblewoman: Maker, what am I going to do if I cannot find my ring?

Dialogue options:

I found it. (Return the ring to its rightful owner.) [13]
+5 Court approval
Keep looking. (Keep the ring.) [14]

13 - I found it.
PC: Is this the ring you were looking for?
Noblewoman: You are a treasure! I cannot believe you found it! You have saved me a lifetime of mortification! How can I thank you enough! [15]

14 - Keep looking.
PC: Just keep searching. I’m sure you’ll find it.
Noblewoman: Maker, this is dreadful. Perhaps I should flee to Nevarra? [15]

15 - Scene continues.

_The PC continues to traverse the grounds, overhearing various conversations.

Noble 1: Is that the Inquisitor?

Noble 2 (Qunari PC): A Qunari? Surely not.
Noble 2 (Dalish PC): A Dalish? No, that cannot be.
Noble 2 (dwarf PC): A dwarf? I had no idea.
Noble 2 (human PC): A Marcher? The Maker has an odd sense of humor.

The PC heads up to the left balcony where two nobles are talking.

Noble 1: This is a private conversation. Please leave. Noble 1: Foreigners… Noble 1: Do you mind? we don’t wish to be disturbed.

The PC finds somewhere to eavesdrop.

Noble 1: Any word from the front lines?

Noble 2: My spies said the bodies were beyond counting.

Noble 1: Surely the empress will put an end to the war tonight.

Noble 2: Pray, my friend. If the Maker does not hear us now… just pray.

The PC makes their way to the gates.

Enter the Winter Palace

The PC approaches the main gates to the palace, and Josephine arrives to greet them.

Josephine: Inquisitor, a moment, if you please?

Josephine (Human non-mage PC): I’m sure you know how to handle most nobility, but the Game is nothing like the Free Marches’ intrigues.
Josephine (mage/non-human PC): I must warn you before you go inside: how you speak to the court is a matter of life and death.

Josephine: It is no simple matter of etiquette and protocol. Every word, every gesture is measured and evaluated for weakness.

Dialogue options:

General: I’ll be careful. [1]
General: They sound like fun bunch. [2]
General: I’m not afraid of them. [3]

1 - General: I’ll be careful.
PC: I’ll keep my guard up, don’t worry.

2 - General: They sound like fun bunch.
PC: Don’t they sound delightful. I’m shocked we haven’t invited the court to dinner at Skyhold.

3 - General: I’m not afraid of them.
PC: I’m not intimidated by stuffy Orlesian nobles.
Josephine: These people burn cities as a diversionary tactic and assassinate one another as a feint.

4 - Scene continues.

Josephine: The Game is like Wicked Grace played to the death. You must never reveal your cards. When you meet the empress, the eyes of the entire court will be upon you.

Josephine (HLTA not complete): You were safer staring down Corypheus.
Josephine (HLTA complete): You were safer in the Fade with the fear demon.

Dialogue options:

General: Warn the others as well. [5]
General: That’s a cheery thought. [6]
General: Let’s get this over with. [7]
Romance (in relationship with Josephine): Are you afraid for me? [7]

5 - General: Warn the others as well.
PC: It might be a good idea for the others to hear this warning.
PC (Sera in party): Especially Sera. Maybe tell her twice.
PC (Iron Bull in Party): The Bull, in particular.
PC (Cole in party): Particularly Cole. Assuming you can get him to pay attention.
PC (Cassandra in party): Cassandra… is usually not the subtle or cautious type.
Josephine: I’ll have a few… discreet words. Everything will be fine.

6 - General: That’s a cheery thought.
PC: You are just full of joy and light this evening.
Josephine: Everything will be fine.

7 - General: Let’s get this over with.
PC: Let’s go in. We’re keeping everyone waiting.
Josephine: Everything will be fine.

8 - Romance: Are you afraid for me?
PC: Is all this worry just for my sake?
Josephine: You’re going in there unarmed! If anything happens to you…

9 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Andraste watch over us all.

The PC enters the Vestibule and heads up the stairs. They can speak to Cullen, Varric, and Cassandra before entering the Ballroom proper.

Cassandra: The sooner we cam go in, the sooner we can get this over with.
Cassandra: This dress uniform is preposterous. Formal armor would have been better.

Varric: Seriously, did you look at the steps? I think they’re gilded.
Varric: So this is the Winter Palace? What’s the summer one look like, I wonder?
Varric: Shit. I just saw two dwarves from the Merchant’s guild go inside. If anyone asks, I’m not here.

Cullen: It will take some time to get our men into the palace. I’ll alert you when we’re ready.
Cullen (Solas in party): Solas has already gone inside. I’m not sure about the others.
Cullen: I need to have this jacket let out a little.

If the PC tries to enter the guest wing: Guard: The guest wing is not open to the public at this time, Inquisitor?

If the PC tries to enter again: -5 Court approval Guard: I told you, it’s closed.

The PC enters the Ballroom.

Introductions to the Empress

Gaspard heads off as the Court Herald approaches and bows to the PC before guiding them to the ballroom floor.

Royal Herald: And now, presenting: Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons. And accompanying him…

Herald (Qunari PC): Lord/Lady Inquisitor Adaar!
Herald (Dalish PC): Lord/Lady Inquisitor Lavellan!
Herald (dwarf PC): Lord/Lady Inquisitor Cadash!
Herald (dwarf PC, ???): Lord/Lady Inquisitor Cadash! …Or possibly Inquisitor Gavron, Helmi, Aeducan, or Paragon Fancypants. [I do not know what triggers this.]
Herald (human mage PC): Lord/Lady Inquisitor Trevelyan, of the Ostwick Circle of Magi!
Herald (human non-mage PC): Lord/Lady Inquisitor Trevelyan, son/daughter of Bann Trevelyan of Ostwick!

The PC continues down the steps and across the floor as the rest of the Inquisition party is announced.

Herald (allied mages): Vanquisher of the rebel mages of Ferelden, crusher of the vile apostates of the Mage Underground!
Herald (allied templars): Shepherd and leash of the wayward Order of Templars, purger of the heretics from the ranks of the faithful!

Party Comments:

Vivienne: Remember to smile. This is all for show, my dear.
Sera: He is so full of it! That’s not how it went.
Varric: This guy writes better fiction than I do.

Herald: Champion of the Blessed Andraste herself!

Gaspard chuckles.

Gaspard: Did you see their faces? Priceless.

Herald: Accompanying the Inquisitor:

Party Introductions:

Herald: Seeker Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena–
Cassandra: Get on with it!
Herald: … Pentaghast. Fourteenth cousin to the King of Nevarra, nine times removed. Hero of Orlais, Right Hand of the Divine.
Herald: Madame Vivienne, First Enchanter of the Circle of Magi, Enchanter of the Imperial Court, mistress of the Duke of Ghislain.
Herald: Renowned author Varric Tethras. Head of noble house Tethras, deshyr of Kirkwall to the Dwarves Merchants Guild.
Herald: Lord Dorian Pavus, member of the Circle of Vyrantium, son of Lord Magister Halward Pavus of Asariel.
Herald: Warden Blackwall of Val Chevin, constable of the Grey. Bearer of the Silverite Wings of Valor.
Herald: The Iron Bull, leader of the famed mercenary company Bull’s Chargers. As the name might imply.
Herald (male PC): The Lord Inquisitor’s elven servant, Solas.
Herald (female PC): The Lady Inquisitor’s elven serving man, Solas.
Herald: Her Ladyship Mai Bhalsych of Korse.
Sera: (Snickers.)
(Cole has no introduction.)

Herald: Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. Commander of the forces of the Inquisition. Former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall.

Herald: Lady Leliana, Nightingale of the Imperial Court.
Herald (recruited in DA: O): Veteran of the Fifth Blight.
Herald (romanced Warden, Warden rules with Alistair): Mistress to the Queen of Ferelden.
Herald (romanced Warden, Warden rules with Anora): Mistress to the Prince Consort of Ferelden.
Herald: Seneschal of the Inquisition and Left Hand of the Divine.

Herald: And Lady Josephine Cherette Montilyet of Antiva City. Ambassador of the Inquisition.

The PC joins Gaspard on the steps below Celene.

Gaspard: Cousin. My dear sister.

Celene: Grand Duke. We are always honoured when your presence graces our court.

Gaspard: Don’t waste my time with pleasantries, Celene. We have business to conclude.

Celene: We will meet for the negotiations after we have seen to our other guests.

Gaspard: Inquisitor.

Gaspard bows and leaves.

Celene: Lord/Lady Inquisitor, we welcome you to the Winter Palace. Allow us to present our cousin, the Grand Duchess of Lydes, without whom this gathering would never have been possible.

Florianne curtsies.

Florianne: What an unexpected pleasure. I was not aware the Inquisition would be part of our festivities. We will certainly speak later, Inquisitor.

She turns and leaves.

Celene: You arrival at court is like a cool wind on a summer’s day.

Dialogue options:

General: It’s an honor. [1]
+10 Court Approval (Vivienne in party)
General: The weather may turn foul. [2]
+5 Court Approval
General: An assassin is here. [3]
- 15 Court approval
- Vivienne greatly disapproves

1 - General: It’s an honor.
PC: I am delighted to be here, Your Majesty.
Celene: We have heard much of your exploits, Inquisitor. They have made grand tales for long evenings. [4]

2 - General: The weather may turn foul.
PC: Let’s hope the breeze does not herald an oncoming storm.
Celene: Even the wisest mistake fair winds for foul. We are at the mercy of the skies, Inquisitor. [4]

3 - General: An assassin is here.
PC: Someone here is working for Tevinter.
Celene: To the uninitiated, the court is full of intrigues which might seem sinister, Inquisitor. But they are of little note. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Celene: How do you find Halamshiral?

Dialogue options:

General: It’s lovely. [5]
General: I can’t do it credit. [6]
General: Call off the ball! [7]

5 - General: It’s lovely.
PC: I’ve never seen anything to equal the Winter Palace.
Celene: We hope you will find time to take in some of its beauties. Feel free to enjoy the pleasures of the ballroom, Inquisitor. We look forward to watching you dance. [8]

6 - General: I can’t do it credit.
PC: I have no words to suffice. Halamshiral has many beauties, and I couldn’t do them justice.
Celene: Your modesty does you credit, and speaks well for the Inquisition. Feel free to enjoy the pleasures of the ballroom, Inquisitor. We look forward to watching you dance. [8]

7 - General: Call off the ball!
PC: You’re in danger. End the ball. Send everyone away.
Celene: Inquisitor, we suspect that our court has overwhelmed you. You may benefit from a glass of wine and some time to recover. No doubt you will find something in the ball room to entertain you. [8]

8 - Scene continues.

The PC bows and leaves up the stairs. Leliana approaches them.

Leliana: Inquisitor. A word, when you have a moment.

She leaves.

Speak with Leliana

The PC enters the vestibule and Leliana approaches them.

Leliana: Good. I was hoping I would catch you. What did the duke say?

PC: He points the finger at Ambassador Briala.

Leliana: The ambassador is up to something, but she can’t be our focus. The best place to strike at Celene is from her side.

Leliana walks over to a chaise and takes a seat.

Leliana: Empress Celene is fascinated by mysticism–foreseeing the future, speaking with the dead, that sort of rubbish. She has an “occult advisor.” An apostate who charmed the empress and key members of the court as if by magic. I’ve had dealings with her in the past. She is ruthless and capable of anything.

1 - Dialogue Options:

Investigate: There’s an apostate at court? [2]
General: That’s worth investigating. [3]
General: Magical mind control? [4]
General: I needed to know this earlier. [5]

2 - Investigate: There’s an apostate at court? PC: How can Celene openly keep an apostate in the Imperial Court? Leliana: The Imperial Court has always had an official position for a mage. Before now, it was little better than court jester. (Vivienne recruited) Vivienne was the first to turn that appointment into a source of real political power. (Vivienne not recruited) You never met “Madame de Fer,” the Circle-appointed mage to the court. She leveraged the position to one of real power. When the Circles rebelled, technically every mage became an apostate. The word lost much of its strength. [Back to 1]

3 - General: That’s worth investigating. PC: That sounds exactly like the person we’re looking for. [6]

4 - General: Magical mind control? PC: You think she’s controlling the minds of the court? That’s powerful blood magic. [6]

5 - General: I needed to know this earlier. PC: You should have told me this in the war room. Leliana: I didn’t suspect her until we arrived. The last time I was at court, she was merely Celene’s pet. No one cared for her, they just enjoyed the drama. Now she has secured powerful friends. It’s a very… abrupt change. [6]

6 - Scene continues.

Leliana: She’s worth investigating. Can’t be sure of anything here. Both leads point toward the guest wing. It’s a promising place to start. I’ll coordinate with our spies to see if I can find anything better. I will be in the ballroom if you need me.

She gets up and leaves.

The Guest Wing

The PC leaves the ballroom into the Vestibule and enters the Hall of Heroes. A pair of elves are standing near the guest wing, whispering among themselves. The PC approaches.

Elf 2: Leave us. Elf 1: We’re not serving drinks. Bother someone else.

They walk away. The PC finds somewhere to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Elf 1: …The package is in the guest wing. Upper room.

Elf 2: The one off the garden? Statuette?

Elf 1: Yes.

Elf 2: Did we get confirmation of the missing agents?

Elf 1: Tell Briala we need a cleanup.

The PC enters the Guest Wing and walks into the room on the left, where that can speak to Duke Germain (Council).

Duke Germain: Well well. The Inquisitor. Here as guest of my nephew, no less…

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Gaspard is your nephew? [2] +5 Court approval
Investigate: Have you seen anything? [3]
Investigate: Tell me about the war. [4]
General: Good evening. [5]

2 - Investigate: Gaspard is your nephew? PC: I didn’t know the grand duke was your nephew. Duke Germain: He is my brother’s eldest boy. Always a difficult child, Gaspard. Never listened, never did what he was told. He was raised a prince all his life, we told him he would be emperor. It was his destiny. His duty. What else should he do with his life, if not fight for his destiny? [Back to 1]

3 - Investigate: Have you seen anything? PC: Have you noticed anything strange this evening? Duke Germain: My niece Florianne hasn’t spoken to me all evening. That’s not like her. [Back to 1]

4 - Investigate: Tell me about the war. PC: What can you tell me about the civil war? Duke Germain: If you are hoping for insight, you’ve come to the wrong man. It is war. It is brutal and terrible and sometimes necessary. There’s nothing more to say. [Back to 1]

5 - General: Good evening. PC: Another time, my lord. Duke Germain: Inquisitor. [6]

6 - Scene continues.

The PC can speak to Gaspard’s vassal outside the room.

Vassal: Phillipe should have returned hours ago! Dallying with some serving girl while I deal with Gaspard’s vitriol?

Dialogue options:

General: Phillipe is a jerk! [6] +10 Court approval
General: How did you cross Gaspard? [7] -10 Court approval

7 - General: Phillipe is a jerk! PC: Awfully selfish of this Phillipe, running off to play and leaving you with all the work. Vassal: I’ve half a mind to inform the dowager. That would teach him to shirk his duties to roll some elven maid. Tonight of all nights, leaving me to convey Gaspard’s death threats to the council! Wonderful timing, Phillipe! Thank you for listening to me rant. You are too kind, Inquisitor.

8 - General: How did you cross Gaspard? PC: I can’t imagine Gaspard being vitriolic. What’s the matter? Vassal: The grand duke bears a grudge against the council for refusing him the crown. He’s threatened death if they refuse him again. Collectively and individually. Along with their vassals. What backwater did you come from? Everyone knows that.

9 - Scene continues.

As the PC traverses the guest wing, they over hear gossip about Gaspard

Noble 1: Did you hear what Gaspard said to Duke Germain? His own uncle! Noble 2: Germain bore his nephew’s spire better than the rest of the council. Did you see that panicked attaché roaming about?

Guard 1: Gaspard is wasting his time. Nothing he does could win over the Council of Heralds now. Guard 2: He should have considered that before threatening to burn them all in their homes.

The PC continues down the hall. Blood stains are tracked on the tile. The PC approaches more elven servants.

If the PC is elven: Elf 3: Inquisitor Lavellan. Don’t head into the servants’ wing if you value your neck. Not one elf’s gone in there tonight and come out again. Elf 4: Our man was supposed to make a pickup in the garden hours ago. Bastard’s likely dead by now.

If the PC is not elven: Elf 3: You don’t want to be here, stranger. Elf 3: Leave here. Now. The PC finds somewhere to eavesdrop. Elf 4: He hasn’t made the pickup. It’s been hours. Elf 3: He went into the servants’ wing. Nobody’s come out of there all night. Elf 4: I’ll tell Briala we have a situation.

The PC walks down to the end of the hall. There are guards blocking the way.

Imperial Guard: This way is closed. Please use the main entrance to the Ballroom.

If the PC walks up again: -10 Court approval Imperial Guard: The door is sealed for the evening. Please, move along. Imperial Guard: I told you, this is closed. Use the main doors.

The PC walks out onto the balcony and picks up the cylinder seal.

PC: Well, well. What’s this?

Clara — kitchen staff – Entered servants’ wing by main stair 1:30 Vernon — undergardener — entered servants’ wing from hall 2:45 Sophie — chamber maid — entered servants’ wing from hall 3:22 Marius — footman —entered servants’ wing be main stair 3:45

Briala, we need some immediate support down there. something’s gone wrong.

The Guest Garden

The PC enters the guest garden and is approached by Celene’s ladies-in-waiting.

Lady Fleur: My [lord/lady]! My [lord/lady] Inquisitor!

Lady Colombe: May we have a word? It is very important.

Lady Couteau: The empress has sent us with a message for you!

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: How do I know that’s true? [2]
General: I’m happy to hear from her. [3]
General: I just spoke with her. [4]
General: Give me the message. [5]

2 - Investigate: How do I know that’s true? PC: How can I be certain this message is from the empress? Lady Colombe: We three wear the masks of house Valmont. Lady Fleur: They signify we are public faces of the empress. Lady Couteau: They are also extremely fashionable. [Back to 1]

3 - General: I’m happy to hear from her. PC: I’m honored to hear from Her Majesty. Lady Colombe: Oh! She is the honored one, Inquisitor. [6]

4 - General: I just spoke with her. PC: Funny that she couldn’t give me the message when we spoke. Lady Colombe: Oh! She could not speak freely in front of the entire court, Inquisitor! [6]

5 - General: Give me the message. PC: What’s the message? Lady Colombe: Oh! This is so exciting! [6]

6 - Scene continues.

Lady Fleur: Empress Celene is eager to assist the Herald of Andraste in [their] holy endeavor.

Lady Couteau: She will pledge her full support to the Inquisition as soon as the usurper Gaspard is defeated.

Dialogue options:

General: How kind of her. [7]
General: She wants my help with that. [8]
General: That’s not good enough. [9]

7 - General: How kind of her. PC: That’s a generous. Lady Fleur: The empress believes wholeheartedly that the Inquisition is our best hope for peace in the difficult times. Lady Colombe: She looks forward to cementing a formal alliance. Lady Couteau: As soon as Gaspard is out of the way.

8 - General: She wants my help with that. PC: Let me guess: all she wants in return is for me to help her defeat the duke? Lady Fleur: Oh! This is not meant as a bargain, but any means, Inquisitor! Lady Colombe: The support of the empress is not conditional. It will be yours once the negotiations are concluded. Lady Couteau: The empress is the most skilled diplomat in Thedas. Gaspard is hopelessly out of his depth.

9 - General: That’s not good enough. PC: I need an alliance, not a conditional promise. Lady Fleur: Her Majesty believes in the Inquisition. She is determined to show her support. Lady Colombe: And she will do so. She is Andraste’s faithful servant. Lady Couteau: She will outmaneuver Gaspard.

10 - Scene continues.

Lady Colombe: Be we have enough of your time.

Lady Fleur: Please, enjoy the masquerade, Inquisitor.

The ladies-in-waiting leave the PC to explore the garden.

(I am assuming their names based on their introductions later on: Lady 1 is definitely Fleur. Lady 2 opens introductions with “May I introduce Lady Couteau?” Lady 1 (Fleur) follows up with “And Lady Colombe.” Lady 2 finishes with “And of course, Lady Fleur.”)

The PC heads up the trellis and into the room on the left. There are dead bodies here, and the PC picks up the negotiations.

Celene,

We can discuss this like adults, can’t we? We both know the weapon at Briala’s disposal could not only turn the tide of our war, but every war. The empire must control it; I do not believe you disagree. She is now a greater threat to Orlais than anything else. If you and I work together, we can wrest control away from her. Do not deceive yourself that she will be open to negotiation or diplomacy. You know her better than anyone—you know that’s impossible.

Gaspard

The PC exists and enters the other door in the upper gardens, into the Grand Library. Inside the room, there is a hidden switch on the bookshelf that leads to a hidden room. The PC picks up a letter.

Lady M,

I need you at my side tonight. The unpleasantness in the royal wing has convinced me there is no safety within the palace. I do not expect my cousin to employ magic, but I would hardly be surprised if he provoked another infestation; since my court enchanter is not here to assist me, I must rely entirely upon you. There is no one else I can trust.

Celene

A bell begins to ring.

PC: That’s the bell. I should get back to the ballroom.

*In the Grand Library, the PC can pick up another clue.

Grandchildren of Emperor Judicael Valmont I and Duchess Catrin of Hossberg

By Emperor Judicael II and Baronessa Emilia Campana Crown Prince Etienne III 8:75 - 8:77 Crown Prince Leopold 8:75 - 8:77

By Emperor Florian and Margravine Justinia of Hunter Fell Princess Evangeline 8:77 - 8:77

By Prince Reynaud and Duchess Clarisse de Montfort Celene 9:04 - ?

By Princess Melisande and Duke Theodore de Chalons Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons 8:74 - ? Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons 8:87 - ?

If the PC waits to enter until the second bell: +10 Court approval PC: That would be the second bell. Fashionably late now.

If the PC misses both bells and enters after the third: -20 Court approval PC: Third bell. Crap, now I’m just plain late.

Meeting Morrigan

The PC enters the ballroom and is greeted my Morrigan in an elaborate dress.

Morrigan: Well, well, what have we here?

Morrigan descends the stairs.

Morrigan: The leader of the new Inquisition, fabled Herald of the faith. Delivered from the grasp of the Fade by the hand of Blessed Andraste herself. What could bring such an exalted creature here to the Imperial Court, I wonder? Do even you know?

Dialogue options:

General: I’m here on urgent business. [1]
General: It’s a mystery. [2]
General: Tell me what you want. [3]

1 - General: I’m here on urgent business. PC: I’m here on important business concerning the entire empire. Morrigan: As am I, it seems.

2 - General: It’s a mystery. PC: We may never know. Courtly intrigues and all that. Morrigan: Such intrigues obscure much, but not all.

3 - General: Tell me what you want. PC: If you want something, say it.

4 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: I am Morrigan. Some call me advisor to Empress Celene on matters of the arcane.

Morrigan and the PC walk down the ballroom balcony.

Morrigan: You… have been very busy this evening, hunting in every dark corner of the palace. Perhaps you and I hunt the same prey?

Dialogue options:

General: I hope so. [5]
General: That’s a good question. [6]
General: You’ve been watching me. [7]

5 - General: I hope so. PC: I hope so. I could use another ally here. Morrigan: A sentiment I share, considering recent events. PC: Recent events? Morrigan: Recently I found, and killed, an unwelcome guest within these very halls. An agent of Tevinter.

6 - General: That’s a good question. PC: I don’t know. Do we? Morrigan: (Chuckles.) You are being coy. PC: I’m being careful. Morrigan: Not unwise, here of all places. Allow me to speak first, then. Morrigan: Recently I found, and killed, an unwelcome guest within these very halls. An agent of Tevinter.

7 - General: You’ve been watching me. PC: I didn’t realize I was watched so closely. Morrigan: All eyes are upon you, Inquisitor. Indeed, you distract from more important matters. PC: Such as? Morrigan: Such as the unwelcome guest I recently found and killed within these very halls. An agent of Tevinter.

8 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: So I offer you this, Inquisitor: a key found on the Tevinter’s body. Where it leads, I cannot say. Yet if Celene is in danger, I cannot leave her side long enough to search. You can.

9 - Dialogue options.

Investigate: Is the empress safe now? [10] Investigate: Why did you kill him? [11] General: I know what door it opens. [12] General: I might look into this. [13] General: Come with me. [14]

10 - Investigate: Is the empress safe now? PC: You left Celene alone? Is that wise? Morrigan: I must return to her anon, but she is safe enough… for the moment. ‘Twould be a great fool who strikes at her in public, in front of all her court and the imperial guard.

Dialogue options:

Special: Why do you protect her? [15]

[Back to 9]

> 15 - Special: Why do you protect her?

PC: What’s your interest in protecting Empress Celene? Are you her bodyguard? Morrigan: (Laughs.) Do I seem a bodyguard to you? If anything were to happen to Celene, eyes would turn first to her “occult advisor.” Even if they knew otherwise. There are sharks in the water, and I will not fall prey to them. Not now, not ever. [Back to 9]

11 - Investigate: Why did you kill him? PC: Why did you kill the agent? He might have had useful information. Morrigan: I would not have slain the man on sight, had he not attacked me first. Why? Undoubtedly I caught him in an illicit act. I did not know from whence he came until after the battle, and regret only that I could not capture him alive. What intentions the Imperium has here I suspect you know far better than I. [Back to 9]

12 - General: I know what door it opens. PC: Briala’s people are whispering about disappearances in the servants’ quarters. This key may lead there. Morrigan: The ambassador does have eyes and ears everywhere, does she not? [16]

13 - General: I might look into this. PC: I may find the time to try a door or two. [16]

14 - General: Come with me. PC: If you truly want answers, help me find them. Morrigan (if asked about protecting Celene): I already told you: I must return to protect the empress. Morrigan (if not asked about protecting Celene): I cannot. Celene requires me at her side this eve, and evidently for good reason. [16]

16 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: Proceed with caution, Inquisitor. Enemies abound, and not all of them aligned with Tevinter. What comes next will be most exciting.

Morrigan leaves the PC in front of the ballroom doors.

The Servant’s Quarters

The PC enters the servants’ quarters.

PC: This could be worth checking out

They gather their party and enter the quarters proper. There are numerous corpses lying around.

PC: Must be the elves Briala’s people are looking for. Sera (if present): Whoever did this oughta be down here somewhere.

The party enters the kitchen.

Party comments:

Sera: Caught in the middle of this crap. What fully qualified arsehole stops to kill a cook? Vivienne: They always kill the servants first, my dear. Otherwise, they could run and warn someone. Sera: Oh sure, reasonable, innit? Frigging garbage.

Varric: Assassins are a shy lot. Can’t have dangerous bakers raising alarms. Sera: Food was good too. Bastards.
Cole: Breath painful, stabbing, and then real stabbing, lungs full, frothing, scent of apples as it all goes black.

Sera: Nobody asked for creepy, alright? Shut it! Solas: They’re already dead. You can’t help them. Don’t let their memory overwhelm you. Dorian: “Death by Apple Pie,” a lovely poem by our dear friend Cole.

Varric: These poor sods aren’t doing much of anything, kid. Cole: Not them. The others. They came when they heard the crying. They don’t understand. Repeating noises: sobbing, pleading, prayers. Waiting for answers. Varric: They’ll be waiting a long time, then.
Blackwall: Why kill the servants? They were unarmed.

Solas: Because they were in the way, of course. These were minor obstacles in the path to someone’s power.

Vivienne: They always kill the servants first, my dear. Otherwise, they could run and warn someone. Sera (if in party): Oh sure, reasonable, innit? Frigging garbage. Vivienne: The defenseless are always the first casualties of war.

Varric: Sorry to break it to you, Hero, but this is what they call “collateral damage.” Like a war loan that’s late a few payments. I hope we find the bastard that did this.

Cassandra: Someone will be held accountable for this.

The party continues into a courtyard. The PC crouches to get a better look at the dead body there.

PC: This was no servant. What was he doing here?

Party comments:

Vivienne: This man was a Council of Heralds emissary. Curious to find him here.
Sera: This guy’s way too fancy to belong down here. What’s his story?
Varric: Does this guy seem out of place to anyone else?
Cole: He doesn’t belong. Even if he weren’t dead, he would be wrong.

Party comments:

Blackwall: That knife bears the Chalons family crest. Gaspard’s crest.

Dorian: Is that the Chalons family crest? What have you been up to, Gaspard?

Cassandra: The crest of the Chalons family. Duke Gaspard will answer for this.

Solas: That would appear to be Grand Duke Gaspard’s insignia on the dagger. How curious.

PC: Is that… Gaspard’s family crest on the hilt of that dagger?

PC: Time to have a word with the duke.

The party hears screaming. An elven woman is being chased by the harlequin assassin, who vanishes after attacking her. Venatori rush into the courtyard.

PC: Venatori agents! PC: That must be the Venatori leader.

They fight until the Venatori are defeated.

PC: The Venatori were watching this approach. They’re organized.

The party continues through the area and into the grand apartments while fighting Venatori, arriving at a door at the end of the hall. The PC unlocks it and picks up an elven locket.

Party comments:

Vivienne: An elven locket, stored away in a palace safe. Unwise, Celene.
Sera: (Snerks.) The empress can’t give up her pretty thing.
Solas: Is that elven? Odd to find it here.
Dorian: Well, well, Her Imperial Majesty has a fondness for elven keepsakes, I see.
PC: An elven locket is a strange thing to have hidden away in a safe in the empress’s palace.

Party comments:

Varric: I’ll admit: I didn’t think the empress was this sentimental.

Blackwall: A token of affection from… happier times. Celene must still care for Briala.

Cole: Stored sorrow, hidden hurts. She couldn’t throw it away.

The party continues, chasing the harlequin.

Briala to the Rescue

The party eventually catches the harlequin and kills them. One of the Venatori tries to escape, but Briala arrives and throws a dagger at them.

Briala: Fancy meeting you here.

Choice dependent dialogue:

Met Briala in the ballroom [1]
Never met Briala before [2]

1 - Met Briala in the ballroom Briala: Shouldn’t you be dancing, Inquisitor? What will the nobility say?

Dialogue options:

General: Hello, Ambassador. [3]
General: I’m sure they’re devastated. [4]
General: You shouldn’t be here, either. [5]

3 - General: Hello, Ambassador. PC: Ambassador. We meet again. Briala: Your reputation for getting results is well deserved. [6]

4 - General: I’m sure they’re devastated. PC: No doubt there’s a line of people breathlessly waiting for dances with me. Briala: I wouldn’t be surprised if there was. [6]

5 - General: You shouldn’t be here, either. PC: Aren’t you supposed to be negotiating, “Ambassador”? Briala: Welcome to the Imperial Court, friend! This is our diplomacy at work. [6]

2 - Never met Briala before Briala (Qunari PC): You must be Inquisitor Adaar. I thought you’d be more… impressive. Briala (dwarf PC): Inquisitor Cadash. What a historic moment. The first Carta thug in all Thedas invited to court. Briala (Dalish PC): Inquisitor Lavellan. Slumming in the servants’ quarters with the rest of your people for once? Briala (Human PC): Inquisitor Trevelyan. What a surprise! My reports said you were terribly boring. Briala (Human PC): So you’re Inquisitor Trevelyan? I’m surprised they got you sobered up and dressed for this party.

Briala: We haven’t been properly introduced, have we? I’m Ambassador Briala.

Dialogue options:

General: Hello. [7]
General: That’s a fancy title. [8]
General: Nice shot. [9]

7 - General: Hello. PC: I’m glad to meet you finally, Ambassador. Briala: Your reputation for getting results is well deserved.

8 - General: That’s a fancy title. PC: “Ambassador,” is it? Whose ambassador are you, exactly? Briala: If the nobility is going to treat elves as if we are not citizens, we may as well have the trappings of a foreign power.

9 - General: Nice shot. PC: Impressive shot, “Ambassador.” Briala: Welcome to the Imperial Court, friend! This is our diplomacy at work.

6 - Scene continues

Briala: You cleaned this place out. It will take a month to get all the Tevinter blood off the marble. I came down to save or avenge my missing people, but you’ve beaten me to it. So… the Council of Heralds’ emissary in the courtyard… that’s not your work, is it?

Dialogue options:

General: What if it was? [10]
General: I found him dead. [11]
General: Gaspard’s work, I think. [12]

11 - General: What if it was? PC: If I did kill him, what would you do? Briala: (Laughs.) Well, I wouldn’t believe you, for one. You may have arrived with the grand duke, but you don’t seem to be doing his dirty work. [14]

12 - General: I found him dead. PC: He was dead when I arrived. Briala: I expected as much. You may have arrived with the grand duke, but you don’t seem to be doing his dirty work. [14]

13 - General: Gaspard’s work, I think. PC: Gaspard killed him, I think. The knife has a Chalons crest on the hilt. Briala: I knew it. [14]

14 - Scene continues

Briala: I knew he was smuggling in chevaliers, but killing a council emissary? Bringing Tevinter assassins into the palace? Those are desperate acts. Gaspard must be planning to strike tonight.

Dialogue options:

General: Warn Celene. [15]
General: Gaspard didn’t seem desperate. [16]
General: I’ll stop him. [17]

15 - General: Warn Celene. PC: The empress needs to know what’s going on. Briala: You can try to warn her. She won’t believe anything from me.

16 - General: Gaspard didn’t seem desperate. PC: Are you sure he’s behind this? He was too… easygoing for a man plotting treason. Briala: Don’t let his charm blind you. He’s Orlesian. That smile is his mask.

17 - General: I’ll stop him. PC: He can try, but I’ll stop him. Briala: I wish you luck. Better than luck—I wish you success.

18 - Scene continues.

Briala: I misjudged you, Inquisitor. You might just be an ally worth having. What could you do with an army of elven spies at your disposal? You should think about it.

Dialogue options:

General: I might do that. [19]
General: You paint a pretty picture. [20]
General: And the cost? [21]

19 - General: I might do that. PC: I would consider such an alliance. Briala: We can help each other, Inquisitor. We are both outsiders here, after all.

20 - General: You paint a pretty picture. PC: You know how to make a sales pitch, Ambassador. I’ll give you that. Briala: I do, don’t I?

21 - General: And the cost? PC: What do I have to give you in exchange for this army of spies? Briala (Dalish PC): Help me help our people. Briala (non-Dalish PC): A moment of consideration.

22 - Scene continues.

Briala: I know which way the wind is blowing. I’d bet coin that you’ll be part of the peace talks before the night is over. And if you happen to lean a little bit our way? It… could prove advantageous to us both. Just a thought.

Party comments:

Cassandra: More politics and double-dealing. Is there anyone here who is not corrupt?
Blackwall: Does it seem strange that every single person at this party has tried to bribe us?
Varric: Every single major player has tried to bribe you tonight. In Orlais, that means you’ve officially arrived.
Iron Bull: This is great. Even the elves are trying to bribe you!

Party comments:

Dorian: There is so much conniving and backstabbing here, it makes me homesick.

Vivienne: It’s the Game, my dear. Everyone plays it here.

Sera: Call it politics or the Game or whatever, that’s personal hate. Heh.

The bell rings, and the party makes their way back to the ballroom. There are elves along the way.

Elf 1: We’re in your debt, Inquisitor. Elf 2: We’ll hold the area. Elf 3: Head back to the ballroom. We’ll handle this. Elf 4: Thank you, Inquisitor.

The PC returns to the ballroom.

Dance with Florianne

The PC enters the ballroom and is approached by Florianne.

Florianne: Inquisitor [Adaar/Lavellan/Trevelyan/Cadash]? We met briefly. I am Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons. Welcome to my party.

Dialogue options:

General: May I help you? [1]
General: You have interesting timing. [2]
General: Not now. [3]

1 - General: May I help you? PC: Is there something I can do for you, Your Grace? Florianne: Indeed you can. [4]

2 - General: You have interesting timing. PC: Why am I not at all surprised that you want to see me now? Florianne: This is Orlais, Inquisitor. Nothing happens by accident. [4]

3 - General: Not now. PC: I have urgent business to attend. Florianne: That is why I am here. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Florianne: I believe tonight you and I are both concerned by the actions of… a certain person.

Florianne: Come, dance with me. Spies will not hear us on the dance floor.

Dialogue options:

General (female PC): Two women dancing? [5] -10 Court approval
General: Let’s dance. [6] +10 Court approval
General: Let them hear us. [7] -15 Court approval
General: Not right now. [8]
General (locked in romance): I’m seeing someone. [9]

5 - General: Two women dancing? PC: Should two women really be dancing together? Florianne: My dear Inquisitor, we are the most important people in the room! It would be more scandalous if we did not dance. [10]

6 - General: Let’s dance. PC: Very well. Shall we dance, Your Grace? Florianne: I’d be delighted. [10]

7 - General: Let them hear us. PC: I don’t care what the spies overhear. Florianne: You should. They report your every look and gesture directly to your enemies. Come. [10]

8 - General: Not right now. PC: I have other matters to attend to first. Florianne: I assure you, this discussion is your highest priority. [10]

9 - General: I’m seeing someone. PC: I’m already taken, Your Grace. Florianne: Your lover has nothing to fear. This is business, not pleasure. [10]

10 - Scene continues.

The PC and Florianne decent the stairs to the ballroom floor.

Florianne (Qunari PC): The Tal-Vashoth are hardly known for political maneuvering. Just what interest do you have in our little war? Florianne (Dalish PC): Have the Dalish gained a sudden passion for politics? What do you know about our civil war? Florianne (dwarf PC): I’ve never thought the Carta could tell one human from another. Just how much do you know about our civil war? Florianne (human PC): You are from the Free Marches, are you not? How much do you know about our little war?

Dialogue options:

General: I was briefed by my staff. [11]
General: Why don’t you educate me? [12]
General: As much as I care to. [13] -10 Court approval
Human PC: Orlais is everyone’s business. [14] +5 Court approval
Nobility: Orlais’ war is Thedas’s war. [15] +5 Court approval

11 - General: I was briefed by my staff. PC: My advisors keep me informed. Florianne: One would hope the Inquisition’s leaders had a proper understanding of politics. [16]

12 - General: Why don’t you educate me? PC: What do you think I ought to know? Florianne: My brother and my dear cousin have been at each other’s throats for too long. [16]

13 - General: As much as I care to. PC: I know as much as I need. Florianne: Such wit and vivacity. You dazzle me. [16]

14 - Human PC: Orlais is everyone’s business. PC: I assure you, the effects of this war reach far beyond the borders of the Orlesian Empire. Florianne: Perhaps it does. I should not be surprised to find the empire is the center of everyone’s world. [16]

15 - Nobility: Orlais’ war is Thedas’s war. PC: It doesn’t matter where you’re from, Your Grace. Everyone knows what’s happening in the empire. Florianne: I… I often forget about the world outside of the Imperial Court. [16]

16 - Scene continues.

Florianne: It took great effort to arrange tonight’s negotiations. Yet one party would use this occasion for blackest treason.The security of the empire is at stake. Neither one of us wishes to see it fall.

Dialogue options:

General: I can agree with that. [17] -10 Court approval
General: Is that what we both want? [18] +10 Court approval
General: That’s why I’m here. [19] -10 Court approval

17 - General: I can agree with that. PC: I think I can agree with that, yes. Florianne: Then you have lifted a terrible burden from my heart, Inquisitor. The world is filled with doubt and uncertainty. Fear rules more hearts than any empire. [20]

18 - General: Is that what we both want? PC: Do we both want that, Lady Florianne? Florianne: I hope we are of one mind on this. PC: In times like these, it’s hard to tell friend from foe, is it not, Your Grace? [20]

19 - General: That’s why I’m here. PC: I’m here to make sure it doesn’t. Florianne: Perhaps the Maker truly has sent you to us. The world is filled with doubt and uncertainty. Fear rules more hearts than any empire. [20]

20 -Scene continues.

Florianne: I know you arrived here as a guest of my brother, Gaspard. And have been everywhere in the palace… You are a curiosity to many, Inquisitor… and a matter of concern to some.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m here to help. [21] -10 Court approval
General: Which am I to you? [22] +5 Court approval
General: Not my problem. [23] -10 Court approval

21 - General: I’m here to help. PC: There’s no need for concern. I’ve come here to help Orlais. Florianne: “Helping Orlais” has a variety of meanings depending on whom you ask. Kindness to some is cruelty to others. You cannot be a savior to them all. To some, you must be a monster. [24]

22 - General: Which am I to you? PC: Am I the curiosity or the concern to you, Your Grace? Florianne: A little of both, actually. This evening is of great importance, Inquisitor. I wonder what role you will play in it. [24]

23 - General: Not my problem. PC: The court can think whatever they want. It makes no difference to me. Florianne: It should matter. The people here could be powerful allies. Or powerful enemies. You should choose carefully which ones you intend to provoke. [24]

24 - Scene continues.

Florianne: Do you even yet know who is friend and who is foe? Who in the court can be trusted?

Dialogue options:

General: I trust Briala. [25] -10 Court approval
General: I trust Gaspard. [26] -10 Court approval
General: I trust Celene. [27] -10 Court approval
General: Who do you trust? [28] +5 Court approval
General: I trust the Inquisition. [29] +5 Court approval
Underworld: I trust no one. [30] +5 Court approval

25 - General: I trust Briala. PC: I believe the ambassador is my best ally. Florianne: How far will you go, I wonder, for the sake of that allegiance? [31]

26 - General: I trust Gaspard. PC: The grand duke has my full confidence. Florianne: How far will you go, I wonder, for the sake of that allegiance? [31]

27 - General: I trust Celene. PC: If you can’t trust the empress, who can you trust? Florianne: How far will you go, I wonder, for the sake of that allegiance? [31]

28 - General: Who do you trust? PC: An excellent question. I might ask the same of you, Your Grace. Florianne: In the Winter Palace, everyone is alone. [31]

29 - General: I trust the Inquisition. Female PC: I only trust the Inquisition. It’s every woman for herself here in the Imperial Court. Or so I’ve heard. Male PC: Inquisitor: I trust the Inquisition, Your Grace. Every man for himself in the Imperial Court, after all. Florianne: In the Winter Palace, everyone is alone. [31]

30 - Underworld: I trust no one. PC: If I’ve learned anything, Your Grace, it is to put my trust in no one. Florianne: In the Winter Palace, everyone is alone. [31]

31 - Scene continues.

Florianne: It cannot have escaped your notice that certain parties are engaged in dangerous machinations tonight.

Dialogue options:

General: I have noticed that. PC: I have seen a few… signs to that effect.
General: Isn’t everyone? PC: I thought “dangerous machinations” were the national sport in Orlais.
General: Tell me what you know. PC: If you know something, tell me.

Choice dependent dialogue:

High court approval [32]
Low court approval [33]

32 - High court approval: +15 Court approval

The PC dips Florianne. The crowd applauds.

Florianne: You have little time. The attack will come soon. You must stop Gaspard before he strikes. In the Royal Wing garden, you will find the captain of my brother’s mercenaries. He knows all Gaspard’s secrets.

The dance concludes, the PC and Florianne bow.

Florianne: I’m sure you can persuade him to be forthcoming.

PC: We’ll see what the night has in store, won’t we?

Scene ends.

33 - Low court approval: -15 Court Approval Florianne swings the PC around and sort of pushes them on the dance floor. The crowd laughs and applauds.

The dance concludes, the PC and Florianne bow.

Florianne: I’m sure you can persuade him to be forthcoming. May Andraste guide you, Inquisitor.

Scene ends.

Reconvene with Advisors

The PC leaves the dance floor, and Josephine approaches them.

Choice dependent dialogue:

High court approval [1]
Low court approval [2]

1 - High court approval Josephine: You’ll be the talk of the court for months. We should take you dancing more often.

Dialogue options:

General: It’s a nice change. [3]
General: No dances for Corypheus. [4]
General: I got some information. [5]
Flirt: Only if you’ll dance with me. [6]

3 - General: It’s a nice change. PC: It’s a relief to do something other than fight demons and horrors. Josephine: You still face demons and horrors. These ones are simply better dressed. [11]

4 - General: No dances for Corypheus. PC: I’d happily do more dancing… just not with Corypheus. Josephine: I promise not to invite him to your next ball. [11]

5 - General: I got some information. PC: The duchess had some interesting things to say. Josephine: Of that, I have no doubt. [11]

6 - Flirt: Only if you’ll dance with me. PC: I’d gladly dance again if you will be my partner, Josephine. Josephine: You have to dance twice with a noble of moderate connections before I could. It would be scandalous otherwise! [11]

2 - Low court approval Josephine: Maker’s breath. You danced with the grand duchess, and I didn’t prepare you. Are you all right?

Dialogue options:

General: I’m fine. [7]
General: I may need a drink. [8]
General: I got some information. [9]
Flirt: A dance with you would help. [10]

7 - General: I’m fine. PC: It was only a dance, Josephine. Josephine: Nothing is “only” anything. Not here. [11]

8 - General: I may need a drink. PC: That was bracing. I need a drink now. Josephine: You’ve spent too much time with the grand duke, I think. [11]

9 - General: I got some information. PC: The duchess had some interesting things to say. Josephine: Of that, I have no doubt. [11]

10 - Flirt: A dance with you would help. PC: If you danced with me, I’d feel much better. Josephine: You have to dance twice with a noble of moderate connections before I could. It would be scandalous otherwise! [11]

11 - Scene continues.

Leliana and Cullen join them.

Leliana: Were you dancing with Duchess Florianne?

Cullen: More importantly, what happened in the servants’ quarters? I heard there was fighting.

Josephine: I hope you have good news. It appears the peace talks are crumbling.

Dialogue options:

General: I found Venatori agents. [12]
General: Gaspard is the traitor. [13]
General: I have a lead. [14]
General: Florianne is up to something. [15]

12 - General: I found Venatori agents. PC: Morrigan helped me get into the servants’ quarters, where I found a group of Venatori. And Gaspard’s dagger. Leliana: The man would truly do anything to become emperor.

13 - General: Gaspard is the traitor. PC: I found Gaspard’s knife in the lower levels, used to kill a man. His sister confirms he’s the traitor. Leliana: She offered up her own brother? She’s more cutthroat than I realized.

14 - General: I have a lead. PC: The grand duchess suggested where to look for proof that Gaspard is conspiring with Tevinter. [Subtitles: The grand duchess told me there’s proof Gaspard is in league with Tevinter.] Leliana: She offered up her own brother? She’s more cutthroat than I realized.

15 - General: Florianne is up to something. PC: The grand duchess tried to convince me Gaspard is the traitor, but I’m not sure I buy it. Leliana: Florianne and her brother are thick as thieves, but she would give him up in an instant to save herself.

16 - Scene continues.

Cullen: Then… the attack on the empress will happen tonight.

Josephine: Warning Celene is pointless. She needs these talks to succeed, and to flee would admit defeat.

Leliana: Then perhaps we should let her die.

Dialogue options:

Surprised: We let them succeed? [17]
Angry: We’re not doing that. [18]
Pleased: Now we’re talking. [19]
Stoic: What do you mean? [20]

17 - Surprised: We let them succeed? PC: I thought we were here to stop the assassination. Leliana: Listen to me carefully, Inquisitor.

18 - Angry: We’re not doing that. PC: I won’t stand by and let her die! Leliana: Listen to me carefully, Inquisitor.

19 - Pleased: Now we’re talking. PC: I like where this is going. Josephine: I don’t! If Corypheus succeeds…

20 - Stoic: What do you mean? PC: You have an idea, Leliana?

21 - Scene continues.

Leliana: What Corypheus wants is chaos. Even with Celene alive, that could still happen. To foil his plan, the empire must remain strong. This evening, someone must emerge victorious.

Cullen: And it doesn’t need to be Celene. She’s right.

Josephine: Do you realize what you’re suggesting, Leliana?

Leliana: Sometimes the best path is not the easiest one.

22 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: What is the best path? [23]
General: We save the empress. [24]
General: Gaspard would be my choice. [25]
General: I would support Briala. [26]
General: I need more information. [27]

23 - Investigate: What is the best path? PC: You’re asking me to decide what’s best for Orlais. Cullen: More than that. Whoever controls the Imperial Throne will affect all of Thedas. Leliana: You cannot stop Corypheus without a decision. You must support someone, or all is lost. Josephine: Then we should support Celene. She is the rightful ruler. Why would we say otherwise? Cullen: Because she led Orlais to this point. I say Gaspard, provided his sister is wrong about him. Leliana: I would suggest Briala. She could bring true peace, not only to the empire but also to its elves. Josephine: This is, however, your decision, Inquisitor. Not ours. [Back to 22]

24 - General: We save the empress. PC: We came here to save Celene. Leliana: Then you must not only save her life, but also her empire. Josephine: That means giving her a victory over both Gaspard and Briala. Cullen: If there truly is proof Gaspard’s in league with Corypheus, that would be a start. [28]

25 - General: Gaspard would be my choice. PC: I would support Gaspard, provided he’s being framed. Leliana: Then Celene must die, so he may assume the throne. Josephine: Not only that. He would also need to deal with Briala, to end the war completely. Cullen: First you’ll need proof he’s not in league with Corypheus, before you hand him anything. [28]

26 - General: I would support Briala. PC: How should I support Briala? I assume she can’t be empress. Leliana: She can’t. She can, however, be the power behind the throne–with Gaspard. Josephine: True. She could never control Celene, not with their history. Cullen: So Celene dies and Gaspard takes the throne. Briala would need a way to control him, some kind of leverage… [28]

27 - General: I need more information. PC: I can’t decide this. Not yet. Leliana: You must. Even inaction is a decision, Inquisitor. Josephine: You could speak to Celene in the ballroom, but she won’t act. Not without proof. Cullen: If Gaspard is guilty, he’ll admit nothing. If he’s innocent, he knows nothing. We need the truth. [28]

28 - Scene continues.

Leliana: What did Duchess Florianne tell you?

PC: She said Gaspard’s mercenary captain is in the royal wing. That he knows about the assassination.

Cullen: Which could be a trap.

Josephine: Or a lead. Either way, you should search the private quarters in that wing for clues.

PC: Then get me access, and in the meantime, get your soldiers into position.

Cullen: At once. Be careful, Inquisitor.

The advisors leave.

The Royal Wing

The PC enters the royal wing from the vestibule. Their party joins them.

Party comments:

Dorian: Sera, what are you wearing? Are you sure it’s dead Sera: What, is there something—oh, ha ha. Eat it.
Dorian: Blackwall. You look very… dignified. Blackwall: Thank you. Dorian: Consider a scarf next time, a bit of color. Blackwall: I shall leave the color to you.
Iron Bull: So… even Leliana thought this place was dangerous, and you wanted to just walk in here? This party is looking up.
Varric: We’re we going to sneak around to look through the empress’s unmentionables now? Just how drunk are you, boss?
Sera: Room after room, and for what? Ruffle storage? Real useful.

The party proceeds into the royal quarters.

Elf: (Screams.) Stay back!

The PC opens the door to find an elf being attacked by an assassin. They rush in an kick the harlequin out of the window (Sparta style!).

Elf: Thank you.

Dialogue options:

General: Are you hurt? [1]
General: Sorry to cut in. [2]
General: You’re safe. [3]

1 - General: Are you hurt? PC: Are you all right? Elf: I’m… I don’t think I’m hurt.

2 - General: Sorry to cut in. PC: I hope you’re not disappointed I stole your dance partner. Elf: (Laughs nervously.) No, not at all.

3 - General: You’re safe. PC: It’s all right now. You’re safe. Elf: Safe… I don’t know if I believe in “safe” anymore.

4 - Scene continues.

The elf stands.

Elf: No one’s supposed to be here… Briala said… I shouldn’t have trusted her.

5 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Briala sent you here? [6]
Investigate: How did you get in? [7]
General: You were brave to come here. [8]
General: She was almost right. [9]
General: Tell me what you know. [10]

6 - Investigate: Briala sent you here? PC: Briala told you to come to this wing of the palace? Elf: Not personally. The “ambassador” can’t be seen talking to the servants. We get coded messages at certain locations. But the order came from her. She’s been watching the grand duke all night. No surprise she wanted someone to search his sister’s room.

11 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Could anyone else send orders? [12]
Investigate: This is Florianne’s room? [13]
Investigate: What were you looking for? [14]
[Back to 5]

12 - Investigate: Could anyone else send orders? PC: Is there anyone else who knows the code and the drop location who could have written those orders? Elf: I… don’t know. Any of us could do it, but… no. No one else would send me here. It had to be Briala. [Back to 11]

13 - Investigate: This is Florianne’s room? PC: So this room belongs to Grand Duchess Florianne? Elf: It used to. This had been her private room in Halamshiral since she was a child. But this part of the palace was damaged, and the royal family moved to the guest wing. [Back to 11]

14 - Investigate: What were you looking for? PC: What were you trying to find in Florianne’s old room? Elf: The message didn’t say. I should have known it was a setup. [Back to 11]

7 - Investigate: How did you get in? PC: This wing is sealed. How did you get in here? Elf: Easy. The door was unlocked. One of the others probably handled it. [15]

8 - General: You were brave to come here. PC: It takes great courage to come to the royal wing unarmed. Elf: (Laughs.) It’s not “courage” to blindly follow Briala’s orders into a trap. [15]

9 - General: She was almost right. PC: All sorts of people tonight are taking advantage of this wing being closed. Elf: Briala probably knew it was dangerous and sent me anyway. One more embarrassing secret erased. [15]

10 - General: Tell me what you know. PC: If there’s a reason you distrust Briala, I want to hear it. [15]

15 - Scene continues.

Elf: I knew her. Before. When she was Celene’s pet. Now she wants to play revolution. But I remember. She was sleeping with the empress who purged our alienage.

Dialogue options:

General: Can you testify to that? [16]
General: The other elves don’t know? [17]
General: She wanted you dead, then. [18]

16 - General: Can you testify to that? PC: Would you be willing to testify to that, if I asked? Elf: Absolutely.

17 - General: The other elves don’t know? PC: Something like that could destroy Briala, if it were known. Elf: No. Some know she has… a history… with the empress. But they believe she was just a favored servant.

General: She wanted you dead, then. PC: She probably did send you to your death.

18 - Scene continues.

Elf: If… if the Inquisition will protect me, I’ll tell you everything I know about our “ambassador.”

Party comments:

Dorian: Most Orlesians would say that’s Celene’s scandal, not Briala’s.
Sera: Knew it. I did. And I bet the hate made it feel real good.

PC: Go to the ballroom. Find Commander Cullen. He’ll keep you safe.

Elf: Thank you. Maker protect you, Inquisitor.

The Empress’s Private Quarters

The PC enters a hallway under construction.

Party comments:

Varric: What happened here?
Sera: What’s this then? Swapping all the gold lead with diamonds, I bet.
Blackwall: What was that sound? Something’s not right.
Dorian: I’m thinking trap. Yes, definitely.

*The PC continues through to more rooms in the royal quarter. They hear a voice beyond a locked door.

Chevalier: Hello? Is anyone there? Somebody? Anybody?

The party enters. They find a man tied to the bed wearing nothing but a helmet.

PC: What… happened?

Chevalier: It’s not what it looks like! Honestly, I would have preferred it if it were what it looks like. The empress led me to believe I would be… rewarded for betraying the grand duke. This… was not what I hoped for.

Dialogue options:

General: The empress did this to you? [1]
General: I can guess your hopes. [2]
General: Tell me what you’ve done. [3]

1 - General: The empress did this to you? PC: You’re telling me that Empress Celene left you naked and trussed like a roast duck? Chevalier: Please, I beg you, don’t tell Gaspard! [4]

2 - General: I can guess your hopes. PC: I can imagine what you thought your reward would be. Chevalier: Please, I beg you, don’t tell Gaspard! [4]

3 - General: Tell me what you’ve done. PC: How did you betray Gaspard? [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Chevalier: The empress beguiled me! Into giving her information about… plans for troop movements in the palace tonight. She knows everything! Everything! The duke’s surprise attack has been countered before it ever began. She’s turned it into a trap. The moment he strikes, she’ll have him arrested for treason.

Party comments:

Sera: (Laughs.) She’ll be all prim, but here’s you with your bits out.
Iron Bull: Classic honeypot.
Vivienne: Clever, Celene. Even I’m impressed.
Cassandra: I don’t know which is worse: Celene for using such a tactic or him for falling for it.
Dorian: (Laughs.) Oh, Orlesians.

Dialogue options:**

I need you to testify. (Free him to obtain blackmail on Celene) [6] +Cassandra slightly approves
Keep quiet about this. (Free him but make him hush up about this.) [7] +10 Court approval
You can stay here. (Leave him to… whatever fate.) [8] +Sera or Dorian slightly approves.

7 - I need you to testify. PC: I’ll protect you from Gaspard if you’re willing to testify about Celene’s trap. Chevalier: I’ll do anything! Anything! The PC frees him. [9]

8 - Keep quiet about this. PC: Don’t breathe a word about this. Chevalier: I can promise that. I have no intention of dying, Inquisitor. If Gaspard didn’t kill me for this, Celene would… The PC frees him. [9]

9 - You can stay here. PC: Enjoy the rest of the party. Chevalier: Wait! No! Let me out of here! The PC walks away. [9]

9 - Scene continues.

Party comments:

Sera: Do they even like being so… like they are? Ugh!
Varric: Well that was… Orlesian.
Cassandra: Everyone in the empire has gone completely mad.
Vivienne: Poor little man. One really shouldn’t laugh. But it’s impossible.
Blackwall: Orlesians.

Jardin de Rȇverie

The party re-enters the hallways under construction and overhears shouting coming from one of the doors.

Man: You painted Orlesian assholes! When I get out of this, I’ll butcher you like the pigs you are!

The party rushes out into courtyard full of Venatori archers, all aimed at them. A rift is in the middle of the area.

Florianne: Inquisitor! What a pleasure! I wasn’t certain you’d attend.

Florianne appears on the balcony. The PC holds their hand with the anchor behind their back as it begins to glow.

Choice dependent dialogue:

High court approval [1]
Neutral/Low court approval [2]

1 - High court approval

Florianne: You’re such a challenge to read. I had no idea if you’d taken my bait.

Dialogue options:

General: I knew you were involved. [3]
General: Here for another dance? [4]
General: Get to the point. [5]

3 - General: I knew you were involved. PC: I had a feeling you were mixed up in all this. Florianne: Such a pity. You could almost be Orlesian. If you were just a little quicker.

4 - General: Here for another dance? PC: I fear I’m a bit busy at the moment, if you were looking for a dance partner. Florianne: Yes, I see that. Such a pity you did not save one final dance for me.

5 - General: Get to the point. PC: Spare me the repartee and tell me why you’re here. Florianne: Such manners! Did they raise you in a sty?

2 - Neutral/Low court approval

Florianne (Qunari PC): Poor little ox. All of this must be so confusing. Florianne (dwarf PC): It was novel to see a thug at the masquerade. Like a donkey dressed in finery! Florianne (Dalish PC): Oh, poor rabbit. It was cruel of your handlers to send you to be trampled underfoot. Florianne (human mage PC): Look at you! No one could expect a common mage to grasp even the simplest intrigue. Florianne (human non-mage PC): Don’t worry, my dear. One could hardly expect a provincial to grasp even the simplest Orlesian intrigue.

6 - Scene continues.

Florianne: It was kind of you to walk into my trap so willingly. I was so tired of your meddling. Corypheus insisted that the empress die tonight, and I would hate to disappoint him.

7 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: What does Corypheus want? [8] Investigate: Why help Corypheus? [9] Investigate: What do you get out of this? [10] General: It’s not too late to end this. [11] -Sera slightly disapproves General (completed HLTA): He’s used to it by now. [12] +Sera slightly approves General (completed HLTA, after “What do you get out of this?”): Corypheus will be disappointed.[12] +Sera slightly approves General (not done HLTA): I’m sure he’ll get used to it. [13] +Sera slightly approves General: You won’t succeed. [14]

8 - Investigate: What does Corypheus want? PC: Why kill the empress? What does Corypheus want to achieve? Florianne: Celene’s death is a stepping stone on the path to a better world. Corypheus will enter the Black City and claim the godhood waiting for him. We will cast down your useless Maker and usher in a united world, guided by the hand of an attentive god. [Back to 7]

9 - Investigate: Why help Corypheus? PC: You’re Orlesian royalty. Why would you help Corypheus attack your empire? Florianne: You think so small, Inquisitor. Why settle for an empire when Corypheus will remake the entire world? I admit, I will relish the look on Gaspard’s face when he realizes I’ve outplayed him. He always was a sore loser. [Back to 7]

10 - Investigate: What do you get out of this? PC: What exactly is in this for you? Florianne: (Laughs.) The world, of course! I’ll deliver the entire south of Thedas, and Corypheus will save me. When he has ascended to godhood, I will rule all Thedas in his name. [Back to 7]

11 - General: It’s not too late to end this. PC: You don’t have to go through with this, Florianne. There’s still time to turn back. Florianne: Oh, my dear Inquisitor. You are so naïve. [15]

12 - General: He’s used to it by now./Corypheus will be disappointed. PC: At this point, I’d think disappointment was an old friend. Florianne (allied mages): You poor, deluded thing. You don’t know half of what Samson and I have planned. Florianne (allied templars): Poor dear. You can’t begin to imagine what Calpernia and I have in store. Florianne: And now, I suppose you never will. [15]

13 - General: I’m sure he’ll get used to it. PC: You’re not being kind, Florianne. He’s got to get used to disappointment. Florianne: But not today, I think. [15]

14 - General: You won’t succeed. PC: You won’t get away with this, Florianne. Florianne: (Laughs.) But I already have! [15]

15 - Scene continues.

Florianne: In their darkest dreams, no one imagines I would assassinate Celene myself. All I need is to keep you out of the ballroom long enough to strike. A pity you’ll miss the rest of the ball, Inquisitor. They’ll be talking of it for years. Florianne (male PC): Kill him and bring me his marked hand. Florianne (female PC): Kill her. Bring me the marked hand as proof. Florianne: It will make a fine gift for the master.

The PC dodges a volley of arrows and tears open the rift. They fight the Venatori and demons. When they’re all defeated, they free a man nearby.

Mercenary: Andraste’s tits! What was all that? Were those demons? There aren’t any more blasted demons coming, right?

Dialogue options:

General: You’re safe. [16]
General: Those were, in fact, demons. [17]
General: Pull yourself together. [18]

16 - General: You’re safe. PC: No more demons. It’s safe. Mercenary: Maker! I’ve never seen one that close before. [19]

17 - General: Those were, in fact, demons. PC: Good eye! Those were definitely demons. Mercenary: Maker bless me! Demons? How could there be demons in the fucking Winter Palace? [19]

18 - General: Pull yourself together. PC: Aren’t you supposed to be a soldier? Act like one. Mercenary: The pay’s not good enough to keep my calm, friend. [19]

19 - Scene continues.

Mercenary: I knew Gaspard was a bastard, but I didn’t think he’d feed me to fucking horrors over a damned bill.

20 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Gaspard did this to you? [21]
General: You sound Fereldan. [22]
General: You think this is over a bill? [23]
General: Tell me Gaspard’s plan. [24]

21 - Investigate: Gaspard did this to you? PC: Duke Gaspard lured you out here? Mercenary: Well, his sister, but it had to come from him, didn’t it? All that garbage she was spewing doesn’t mean anything. Gaspard had to be the mastermind. [Back to 20]

22 - General: You sound Fereldan. PC: Your accent sounds Fereldan. I thought you were one of Gaspard’s mercenaries. Mercenary: Born and raised in Denerim. Seems like I should have stayed there. [15]

23 - General: You think this is over a bill? PC: You honestly believe you were captured, tied up, and thrown into a death trap… because of a bill? Mercenary: When you put it like that, it seems a bit odd. [15]

24 - General: Tell me Gaspard’s plan. PC: Tell me everything you know. [15]

25 - Scene continues.

Mercenary: The duke wanted to move on the palace tonight. But he didn’t have enough fancy chevaliers. So he hired me and my men. He had to offer us triple our usual pay to come to Orlais. Stinking poncy cheesemongers.

Dialogue options:

Underworld: Come work for me. [26] +Sera slightly approves +Cassandra slightly approves
General: He’s breaking the truce? [27]
General: I’m surprised you agreed. [28]
General: I’ll need you to testify. [29]

16 - Underworld: Come work for me. PC: Want a new job? One that pays better? The Inquisition can always use a good mercenary company. Man: You hiring? I’m game. Anything’s better than this bullshit. You want me to talk to the empress, or the court, or sing a blasted song in the chantry, I’ll do it. [31]

27 - General: He’s breaking the truce? PC: He’s going to attack tonight? What about the peace talks? Man: Nobles don’t give a shit about honor and conduct unless it suits them. He’ll do what it takes to claim the throne. [30]

28 - General: I’m surprised you agreed. PC: I don’t know if I’m more shocked that Gaspard hired Fereldan mercenaries or that you actually took the job. Man: You and me both. I’ve had enough of Orlesians to last a lifetime. [30]

29 - General: I’ll need you to testify. PC: I need you to tell that to the empress. [30]

30 - Party comments:

Cassandra: Impressively ruthless of Gaspard, if predictable.
Sera: We’re after one assassin, right? Should the rest just queue up?
Varric: Do these people ever not stab each other in the back? Just curious.
Blackwall: Gaspard doesn’t care who he hurts on his way to the throne, does he?
Solas: Gaspard’s methods are thuggish.

Man: You saved my life. I owe you. And Gaspard still hasn’t paid me. You want me to talk to the empress, or the court, or sing a blasted song in the chantry, I’ll do it. [31]

31 - Scene ends.

The Fate of the Empress

The PC enters the ballroom, where Celene is standing on the balcony preparing to speak. Cullen rushes up the PC.

Cullen: Thank the Maker you’re back! The empress will begin her speech soon. What should we do?

Dialogue options:

I’ll talk with Florianne. (Publicly expose the duchess’s crimes to the court, avoiding further bloodshed.) (requires high court approval) [1] +Iron Bull approves +Blackwall approves +Solas greatly approves +Dorian greatly approves
Detain the duchess. (Save Celene’s life, then deal with the duchess.) [2] +Sera approves +Blackwall approves +Cole greatly approves
Wait for Florianne to attack. (Allow the empress to die before dealing with the duchess.) [3] -Sera greatly disapproves -Blackwall greatly disapproves -Cole disapproves +Cassandra approves +Iron Bull approves +Dorian approves

1 - I’ll talk with Florianne. PC: Wait here Cullen. I’m going to have a word with the grand duchess.

Cullen: What? There’s no time! The empress will begin her speech at any moment.

The PC crosses the ballroom floor to where Florianne, Gaspard, and Briala are standing.

PC: We owe the court one more show, Your Grace.

Florianne: Inquisitor.

Dialogue options:

General: You should turn yourself in. [4]
General: Everyone is watching. Smile. [5]
General: It’s over. [6]

4 - General: You should turn yourself in. The PC walks up to Florianne PC: I’m giving you a chance to end this peacefully. There’s no need for more death. Corypheus is only using you. Florianne: I don’t know what you’re talking about. PC: You arranged for your brother to be at the ball so everyone would be watching him while you carried out your plan. The PC begins to circle her. So when the council emissary stumbled into the wrong room and found your assassins, you could pin the blame on Gaspard. The empress, your brother, and the entire court all here as your guests. A tempting target for Corypheus. [7]

5 - General: Everyone is watching. Smile. The PC walks up to Florianne PC: The eyes of every noble in the empire are upon us, Your Grace. Remember to smile. This is your party. You wouldn’t want them to think you had lost control. Florianne: Who would not be delighted to speak with you, Inquisitor? PC: I seem to recall you saying, “All I needed was to keep you out of the ballroom long enough to strike.” The PC begins to circle her. When your archers failed to kill me in the garden, I feared you wouldn’t save me this last dance. It’s so easy to lose your good graces. You even framed your brother for the murder of a council emissary. It was an ambitious plan. Celene, Gaspard, the entire Council of Heralds… all your enemies under one roof. [7]

6 - General: It’s over. The PC walks up to Florianne PC: You’ve been beaten. You’ll never get near the empress. Florianne: Oh Inquisitor, your jokes are so charming. PC: It’s no joke. Your plan to assassinate the empress has failed. The PC begins to circle her. You said you needed to keep me out of the ballroom in order to strike. The Chalons family crest… it was your knife, not Gaspard’s, used to murder the council emissary. You brought your brother, your cousin, and your most hated enemies together so you could wipe them all out. [7]

7 - Scene continues.

Florianne: This is very entertaining, but you do not imagine anyone believes your wild stories?

If evidence was shared with Gaspard: Gaspard I did not wish to. But it seems I have no choice.

If evidence was not shared with Gaspard: Celene: That will be a matter for a judge to decide, cousin.

Florianne: Gaspard? You cannot believe this! You know I would never…

Gaspard shakes his head and walks away.

Florianne: Gaspard?

Dialogue options:

Take her away. (Give the duchess to the guards.) [8] +Dorian slightly approves +Blackwall approves +Cole approves +Iron Bull approves +Sera approves +Solas approves
I will execute her myself. (Kill the duchess.) [9] -Blackwall disapproves -Cole disapproves -Solas disapproves -Cassandra slightly approves -Sera slightly approves

8 - Take her away. PC: You lost this fight ages ago, Your Grace. You’re just the last to find out. Guards come to take Florianne away. Florianne: (Sobbing.) [10]

9 - I will execute her myself. PC: At least this time, justice will be swift. The PC stabs her as the court gasps.[10]

10 - Scene continues.

PC: Your Imperial Majesty, I think we should speak in private. Elsewhere.

Celene and the PC walk away.

Scene ends.

2 - Detain the duchess.

PC: The grand duchess is the assassin. Don’t let her anywhere near the empress.

Cullen: The duchess? At once, Inquisitor!

Herald: Let all gathered attend! Her Imperial Majesty will now address the court!

Celene: Lord and ladies, as a nation we mourn our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and lovers claimed by war.

Celene: The sky is torn open, our Divine is dead, and many fear the end of all things comes upon us. Orlais must stand as a bastion, a bulwark behind which all Thedas may take shelter. So has it stood for a thousand years! So shall it ever stand.

The PC and Florianne both make their way towards Celene.

Celene: This would not have been possible without the efforts of many. Dear cousin, please step forward.

PC: Grand Duchess, stand down!

Florianne starts killing Inquisition soldiers.

Florianne: Now!

More assassins flood the court.

Florianne: For Corypheus, kill them all!

Florianne runs away, and the PC follows.

PC: Cullen! Protect the people!

Cullen: Yes, Inquisitor!

Florianne points a bow at the PC

Florianne: Beaten at every turn.

Florianne: You stole the moment of my triumph, just as you stole the demon army from Erimond. Florianne: You’ve taken the moment of my victory and left me in disgrace.

Florianne: And now you’ve chased a defenseless woman into the garden. Are you proud of yourself?

Dialogue options:

General: Surrender, Florianne. [11]
General: Defenseless? You? [12]
General: Stop pitying yourself. [13]

11 - General: Surrender, Florianne. PC: We have the palace. Surrender, Your Grace. You don’t have to die today. Florianne: Surrender? Now? Oh, you poor, deluded thing. [14]

12 - General: Defenseless? You? PC: You were about to murder the empress. We both know you’re not defenseless. Florianne: True. You never were one to fall for my helpless-damsel act. Florianne: True. Even you couldn’t fall for my helpless-damsel act twice. [14]

13 - General: Stop pitying yourself. PC: I don’t have time for your self-pity. You brought this on yourself. Florianne: How perceptive. I did arrange every event of the evening. Including this one. [14]

14 - Scene continues.

The PC is shut into the courtyard.

Florianne: The night is still young. All I need to recover… is to kill you, Inquisitor. So good of you to attend my soiree.

The party fights Florianne.

Scene ends.

3 - Wait for Florianne to attack.

PC: The duchess will assassinate Celene personally. Wait for her to strike, then grab her.

Cullen: As you command.

Herald: Let all gathered attend! Her Imperial Majesty will now address the court!

Celene: My friends, we have lost much. We have each seen a child, a lover, a friend consigned to the flames. The darkness has closed in around around, but even now there is light! We must be that light! We must lead our people safely through these troubled time. We must be their guiding star.

Florianne approaches Celene.

Celene: Tonight, the war dividing us must end.

Florianne: My friends, we are here to witness an historic moment. A great change is coming for all of us. Isn’t that right, Gaspard?

Florianne stabs Celene in the back. The PC runs towards them.

Gaspard: Florianne! What have you done?

Florianne: (Laughs.) Don’t be coy! It went just as we planned! I did this for you, brother!

Gaspard: Me? Have you gone mad?

The PC confronts Florianne.

PC: No. Not Gaspard. You did this for Corypheus.

Florianne: What a terrible guest you are. Interrupting your host.

Assassins flood the court.

Florianne: For Corypheus, kill them!

Florianne runs away, and the PC follows.

Florianne: I should thank you. You played your part marvelously. Both Celene and Gaspard destroyed in a single blow. The Council of Heralds will devour each other. And while they do? Corypheus will come.

Florianne points a bow at the PC

Florianne: His army will march on Orlais straight from the depths of a nightmare. And all Thedas will fall. Florianne: The demons of Adamant were not his only army. The empire will fall. And Thedas with it.

Dialogue options:

General: You can’t possibly want that. [15]
General: You won’t live to see it. [16]
General: I’ll stop it. [17]

15 - General: You can’t possibly want that. PC: Listen to yourself. You can’t want to see the world burn. Florianne: From the ashes, a new, glorious world will rise. Corypheus will be its god. And I, its empress. [18]

16 - General: You won’t live to see it. PC: What a pity you won’t live to see any of it. Florianne: You don’t think I came this far without an escape planned? [18]

17 - General: I’ll stop it. PC: Not on my watch. Florianne: That is precisely why I led you out here, Inquisitor. [18]

18 - Scene continues.

The PC is shut into the courtyard.

Florianne: Your death will be the crowning jewel of my victory tonight. So good of you to attend my soiree.

The party fights Florianne.

Scene ends.

Ruler of Orlais

The PC walks out onto the balcony with Celene, Briala, and Gaspard.

Briala: Your sister attempted regicide in front of the entire court, Gaspard.

Gaspard: You’re the spymaster. If anyone knew this atrocity was coming, it was you.

Briala: You don’t deny your involvement.

Gaspard: I do deny it! I knew nothing of Florianne’s plan! But you… you knew it all and did nothing!

Briala: I don’t know which is better: that you think I’m all-seeing or that you’re trying so hard to play innocent and failing.

Celene: Enough! We will not bicker while Tevinter plots against our nation! For the safety of the empire, I will have answers.

Dialogue options:

Gaspard was planning a coup. (Reveal evidence of Gaspard’s crimes to the empress.)
Briala helped stop Florianne. (Use the evidence gathered about Gaspard to support Briala.)
+Solas approves
All of you are at fault. (Try to force all three leaders to a truce.)

Gaspard was planning a coup.

PC: Your captain tells me you spent all night sneaking mercenaries into the palace, Gaspard. You intended to attack.

Gaspard: And where did your troops come from, Inquisitor? If sneaking men into the palace is damning, then we are both damned.

Dialogue options:

General: You threatened the Council. [1]
General: I found your orders. [2]
General: Your mercenary swears it. [3]
General: You murdered an emissary. [4]

1 - General: You threatened the Council. PC: It’s a coincidence, then, that you spent weeks threatening the Council of Heralds. Gaspard: A few idle threats hardly make me a traitor. [5]

2 - General: I found your orders. PC: I have the instructions you sent your general to sneak men into the palace in preparation for an attack. Gaspard: It was a defensive choice. I expected betrayal here, just… not by my own sister. [5]

3 - General: Your mercenary swears it. PC: I have the word of your mercenary captain. He’ll testify that you intended to attack tonight. Celene: Hired thugs? I didn’t expect you to stoop so low, cousin. Gaspard: Don’t be naïve, Celene. The only difference between a mercenary and a common soldier is a uniform. [5]

4 - General: You murdered an emissary. PC: I found your knife on the dead body of a Council of Heralds emissary in the palace. Celene: The council will not overlook such a horrendous crime, cousin. Gaspard: It would be a horrendous crime. If it were true. But I have done no such thing. [5]

5 - Scene continues.

Celene: By all means, continue to protest your innocence, Gaspard. We find this performance endlessly fascinating.

Dialogue options:

General: He threatened the Council. [6]
General: His men infiltrated the ball. [7]
General: He hired mercenaries. [8]
General: He murdered an emissary. [9]

6 - General: You threatened the Council. PC: There were also the threats Gaspard made to the Council of Heralds to bully them into giving him the crown. Gaspard: “Gaspard is a bully”? Is that the worst you can say of me? [10]

7 - General: I found your orders. PC: Here, I have the letter Gaspard penned to his generals ordering his men into position inside the palace. Gaspard: Can you blame me? Considering what transpired, preparing to repel an attack was the course of wisdom. [10]

8 - General: Your mercenary swears it. PC: His own mercenary captain will confirm that Gaspard brought hired thugs into the palace for an attack. Celene: Mercenaries? So much for your chevalier honor, cousin. [10]

9 - General: You murdered an emissary. PC: He also murdered a Council of Heralds emissary. I found the body and his knife in the servants’ quarters. Gaspard: I have done no such thing! [10]

10 - Dialogue options:

General: He made threats. [11]
General: His men infiltrated the ball. [12]
General: He hired mercenaries. [13]
General: He murdered an emissary. [14]
General: Do I really need to go on? [15]
(no other evidence found) [16]

11 - General: He made threats. PC: And, of course, he made death threats to the Council of Heralds. [16]

12 - General: His men infiltrated the ball. PC: He also ordered his general to sneak troops into the Winter Palace. [16]

13 - General: He hired mercenaries. PC: And his mercenary captain will be happy to tell you all their plans for the coup tonight. [16]

14 - General: He murdered an emissary. PC: And he murdered a council emissary in the servants’ quarters. I found his bloody knife hidden near the body. [16]

15 - General: Do I really need to go on? PC: We’ve all heard enough to damn the grand duke. [16]

16 - Scene continues.

Celene: Thank you, Inquisitor. There can be no doubt of your treason, Gaspard.

Gaspard: No. It seems there cannot.

Celene: In light of overwhelming evidence, we have no choice but to declare you an enemy of the empire. You are hereby sentenced to death.

Dialogue options:

Special (high court approval): No, spare Gaspard’s life. (Try to convince Celene to let Gaspard live.) [17] -Cole greatly disapproves +Blackwall slightly approves +Sera approves
General: As you wish. (Gaspard executed.) [18]
General: Briala is an accomplice. (Gaspard is executed. Implicate Briala as well.) [19] +Iron Bull approves

17 - Special: No, spare Gaspard’s life. PC: You have enough proof to dissolve his support for the throne, Your Majesty. You don’t need to take his life. Celene: As a favor to you, Inquisitor, I will let him live. Gaspard, you are hereby banished from the empire on pain of death. Gaspard: Is that all? You’re too kind, Celene. [23]

18 - General: As you wish. PC: The empress has spoken. Gaspard: Long live the empire. [23]

19 - General: Briala is an accomplice. PC: Of course, Briala helped him betray Orlais. Briala: Don’t be absurd. [23]

Dialogue options:

General: You murdered ambassadors. [20]
General: You had agents in the staff. [21]
General: She’s working against you. [22]

20 - General: You murdered ambassadors. PC: Was it someone else who murdered the Imperial ambassadors in order to draw out the negotiations? Celene: You killed negotiators? Briala: Even if I did this, you can’t touch me. Not without starting riots in every slum and alienage in Orlais. [23]

21 - General: You had agents in the staff. PC: You had your spies infiltrate the palace servants for entirely benevolent reasons? Celene: How many of my servants did you kill to replace with your spies? Briala: Even if I did this, you can’t touch me. Not without starting riots in every slum and alienage in Orlais. [23]

22 - General: She’s working against you. PC: You must know that she’s been sabotaging your peace efforts, Your Majesty. Celene (high court approval): You may be right, Inquisitor. But her connections protect her from justice. PC: The elves won’t protect her once they know about her… involvement… with you during the purge of Halamshiral. [23] Celene (neutral/low approval): You may be right, but that’s not enough to take her into custody. She can go, but we’ll be watching. [23]

23 - Scene continues.

Celene: Thank you, Inquisitor. For all your efforts tonight. I owe you my life. And Orlais owes you its future. (Celene rules alone)

Addressing the Court

Choice dependent dialogue:

Celene rules alone [1]
Celene and Briala reunited [2]
Public truce [3]
Gaspard rules as Briala’s puppet [4]
Gaspard rules alone [5]

1 - Celene rules alone The PC enters the ballroom with Celene.

Celene: You have done a service for the Empire never to be forgotten, my friend. This peace is your doing. You truly are the instrument of Andraste. Orlais will ever forget your part in this. Nor will I.

They walk up to the balcony.

Celene: Lords and ladies of the court, the civil war which has plagued us is at an end. The Orlesian Empire is whole again! Those who drove us into war for selfish gain have been dealt with as traitors.

Celene (failed to reunite Celene and Briala/implicate Briala): Treachery shall no longer be allowed to fester in the heart of our court. Celene (Gaspard executed): No one shall be permitted to endanger the people of Orlais, no matter their rank or bloodline. Celene (Gaspard spared): Gaspard de Chalons is guilty of treason. He is no longer our cousin, and shall never again hold title or land in Orlais.

Celene: We have lost enough. No more! Now we can move forward to healing and restoration. In our hour of need, the Inquisition has faced these dangers beside us. It is the honor of Orlais to stand with Andraste’s Herald to end this crisis. And in ages to come, our children and grandchildren can say that we left them a brighter world.

Celene: Will you address the court, my friend?

Dialogue options:

Peace should be our concern. [6]
General: The enemy is connected. [7]
General: Be ready to fight. [8]

6 - Peace should be our concern. Inquisitor: Ending the war was the first step. Our final goal must be peace for all Thedas. [9]

7 - General: The enemy is connected. PC: Our enemy is clever. He manipulated the highest-ranking members of the court. If we want victory, we will have to fight him in more ways than one. Celene: Well said, Inquisitor. Inquisitor: Our enemy is clever. He manipulated the highest-ranking members of the court. If we want victory, we will have to fight him in more ways than one. [9]

8 - General: Be ready to fight. PC: The civil war may have ended, but the fighting has just begun. The battle is far from over. Celene: We of the court must use our resources. Not every battle is won on the field. But that is tomorrow. Tonight, feast, my friends, enjoy our victory. There will be many more to come! [9]

9 - Scene ends.

2 - Celene and Briala reunited The PC enters the ballroom with Celene and Briala.

Celene: You have done so much. For my people and… for us.

Briala: We won’t forget this.

Dialogue options:

General: I was glad to help. [10]
General: What happens now? [11]
General: I need resources, not thanks. [12]

10 - General: I was glad to help. PC: It was my pleasure. The two of you deserve to be happy. Celene: We truly are. [13]

11- General: What happens now? PC: What will the two of you do now? Briala and Celene look to each other. Briala: There will be some… changes to the court. Celene: Not just the court. [13]

12 - General: I need resources, not thanks. PC: I hope your gratitude translates into soldiers and arms. Celene: Have no fear. You will have everything I can spare from relief and reconstruction efforts. [13]

13 - Scene continues.

Celene: Come, stand with us, Inquisitor. We must give the good news to the nobility.

They walk up to the balcony.

Celene: Lord and ladies of the court, this is a night for celebration! Those who sought to poison our empire with treason have been brought to justice. It is a new age for Orlais. We shall build a world in which all men and women live in harmony. Let the cornerstone of change be laid. I introduce the newest member of our court: Marquise Briala of the Dales.

Briala: This is not just a victory in Halamshiral, or within the empire, or even for elves alone. This is a triumph for everyone. Over a thousand years ago in the Valarian Fields, elves and humans together defeated the Imperium. We can do so much more now. We are greater than our ancestors ever dreamed. Together, we will start by saving our world from the enemy who took the Divine and tore the sky apart.

Dialogue options:

General: This is an achievement. PC: This evening proves what we can accomplish through cooperation.
General: We have to work together. PC: It will take all of us to defeat the enemy threatening our world.
General: The real war starts now. PC: Our enemy does not negotiate and has no mercy. We fight for our very existence.

Briala: We are already tracking these Tevinter agents. Soon they’ll have no place to hide.

Celene: But that is tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate our newfound fellowship. Let the festivities commence!

Scene ends.

3 - Public truce The PC enters the ballroom with Gaspard, Celene, and Briala.

Briala: I cannot believe you want to make a speech. This is foolish.

Celene: We have no choice. The nobility requires an answer for what happened.

Gaspard: Unless you want to pretend the war was all a dream? That would go over well. No more dithering. We make the cut swift and clean. Kindest to all of us.

Celene and Gaspard move to the balcony. Briala stays behind in the shadows,

Celene: Lords and ladies of the court, we are pleased to announce that an accord has been reached. Our cousin Gaspard will now hold a place of honor in our cabinet.

Gaspard: Friends, we assembled are the leaders of the empire. We must set the example for all Thedas. We cannot be at war with each other while the Fade itself challenges our borders.

Celene: We must stand united, or surely we will fall alone.

Dialogue options:

General: We can save our world. [14]
General: This is our only chance. [15]
General: Prepare for battle. [16]

14 - General: We can save our world. PC: We will save Thedas from calamity, but only together may we accomplish this. Celene: We will heal our wounded country. A long road of reconstruction lies before us. [17]

15 - General: This is our only chance. PC: There will be no second chance for us. We cannot afford to be divided. Gaspard: We will bury our dead, tend our wounded, and ready ourselves for the next charge. As all true Orlesians must. [17]

16 - General: Prepare for battle. PC: Get ready to march your troops into battle. The real war begins now. [17]

17 - Scene continues.

Celene: But tonight, we celebrate the arrival of peace. Let the festivities commence!

Scene ends.

4 - Gaspard rules as Briala’s puppet The PC walks in with Briala.

Briala: The elves of Orlais have a future. For the first time in centuries. If only Celene… My people will find a way to repay you. I promise you.

Dialogue options:

General: You don’t owe me anything. [18]
General: Don’t waste this chance. [19]
General: You’d better deliver. [20]

18 - General: You don’t owe me anything. PC: You don’t need to repay me. Briala: I pay my debts, Inquisitor. [21]

19 - General: Don’t waste this chance. PC: Just use this opportunity well. Briala: I will. I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. [21]

20 - General: You’d better deliver. PC: See that you keep that promise. Briala: You have the most expansive spy network in Orlais as your new best friend, Inquisitor. You have nothing to fear. [21]

21 - Scene continues.

Briala: But we’re keeping our new emperor waiting. Go give the nobility the good news.

The PC and Gaspard move up to the balcony.

Gaspard: Lords and ladies of the court, it is done. This was not the end any of us would have chosen, but the civil war is over. We stand here as proof of the empire’s fortitude. Our enemies must learn that Orlais shall not fall to treachery. We will never surrender our empire. We shall teach them the finality of this truth with steel.

Gaspard: With the Inquisition, we will drive the demons back into the Fade. The Maker Himself could not protect them from the wrath of the lion.

Dialogue options:

General: We’ll make Orlais safe again. PC: Together, we will assure a future of peace and security not just for Orlais, but all Thedas.
General: We’ll be heroes. PC: Stand with me, and become the saviors of a grateful world.
General: We will have vengeance. PC: Join me, and we will exact justice for Celene and all those lives the enemy has taken.

Gaspard: Gather your soldiers, my friends! The empire marches to war!

Scene ends.

5 - Gaspard rules alone The PC walks in with Gaspard.

Gaspard: We all owe you our lives, Inquisitor. I will remember that. You’ve been a friend. I am not a man who forgets his friends. Stand with me. We should speak to the people together.

They walk up to the balcony.

Gaspard: And so the crown falls to me. This is not the victory I hoped for. I wanted this moment filled with song, not with sorrow. But I have always been a soldier. As every soldier knows, the difference between defeat and victory is how it is named. An enemy has struck the empire in its very heart. As your emperor, I promise justice. Orlais will not allow such atrocities–corruption, deceit, murder–to go unchallenged.

Gaspard: We will face this Corypheus. He will know the wrath of the lion. We will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with the Inquisition. Together, we will send our enemy to the Maker’s judgment.

Dialogue options:

General: We will put things right. PC: With your help, we will end this crisis and restore peace to Thedas.
General: It will be a great story. PC: Future generations will know their parents and grandparents fought to save the world.
General: We will make him pay. PC: We will teach Corypheus and his allies the meaning of fear. Their victims will be avenged.

Gaspard: We have much work ahead. But that is for another day. Tonight, be at ease. Rest and prepare yourselves for the battle ahead.

Scene ends.

Liaison to the Inquisition

Morrigan approaches the PC on the balcony.

Morrigan (Celene rules): The Orlesian nobility make drunken toasts to your victory, and yet you are not present to hear them? Do you tire so quickly of their congratulations, Inquisitor? ‘Tis most fickle, after all your efforts on their behalf.

Morrigan (Gaspard rules as Briala’s puppet): Here at last I find out absent hero, hidden away despite the efforts of all Orlais to find you. The elves raise glasses in your honor while the newly crowned emperor glowers. ‘Tis quite the spectacle.

Morrigan (Gaspard rules): Here at last I find out absent hero, hidden away despite the efforts of all Orlais to find you. Gaspard drunkenly toasts in your honor. “Deliverer from Darkness” and other titles complimentary and awkwardly phrased.

Dialogue options:

General: It’s good to see you. [1]
General (Celene rules): They ran out of punch. [2]
General (Gaspard rules): That’s me. I’m a helper. [3]
General: I needed some air. [4]

1 - General: It’s good to see you. PC: Everyone suddenly wants to talk to me. You, at least, I’m glad to see. Morrigan: (Chuckles.) Then I have happy news, as you shall be seeing a great deal more of me. [5]

2 - General: They ran out of punch. PC: I would have stayed, but the punch ran dry. Scandalous. Morrigan: (Laughs.) Indeed? Let us see if you take this piece of news as poorly. [5]

3 - General: That’s me. I’m a helper. PC: That’s what I do. Fall out of the sky, make bad decisions, and somehow everyone still follows me. Morrigan: So they do. It seems I am also to join that esteemed crowd. [5]

4 - General: I needed some air. PC: There’s plenty of opportunity for that later. I wanted some air. Morrigan: I had no wish to interrupt your breathing, only to bring news. [5]

5 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: By imperial decree, I have been named liaison to the Inquisition.

Morrigan (Celene rules): Celene wishes to offer you any and all aid–including mine. Congratulations. Morrigan (Gaspard rules): Gaspard wishes to offer any and all aid to the one who supported his ascent to the throne. So here I am.

6 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: You want to join us? [7] Investigate: What can you do? [8] General: Welcome aboard. [9] General: I don’t get a say? [10] General: I’ll be watching. [11]

7 - Investigate: You want to join us? PC: I had no idea you were interested in joining the Inquisition. Morrigan: The assignment has been given to me, regardless of my personal interest. Morrigan (Celene rules): Celene knows you face an opponent who wields great magical power, which is far more important than her own curiosity. You will require my knowledge if you are to defeat such magic. Morrigan (Gaspard rules): Gaspard never liked my attendance at court. He wishes me as far from here as possible. Mayhap he feels the Inquisitor a convenient repository for unwanted apostates? I cannot say. Morrigan: Regardless, Corypheus is a threat to Orlais… and to myself. Thus I am not opposed to the appointment.

8 - Investigate: What can you do? PC: What skills do you have that would benefit us? Morrigan: I have knowledge which falls… beyond the realm of most mages. I suspect this is also true of Corypheus. Thus it behooves you to add to your arcane arsenal, yes? Mundane knowledge will not bring the rift in the sky to a close, after all. [Back to 6]

Dialogue options:

Special: Are you a blood mage? [12]
[Back to 6]

12 - Special: Are you a blood mage? PC: When you say “knowledge beyond the realm of most mages,” do you mean blood magic? Morrigan: I know many obscure, forgotten, and forbidden arts. Some of it you might consider blood magic, yes. Morrigan (non-Mage PC): Should thought of that frighten you, allow me to offer reassurance. Morrigan (mage PC): But I suspect that you do not fear maleficarum as much as the common folk do. Morrigan: Knowledge alone does no harm. What I possess I place at your disposal, to make use of or ignore as you desire. [Back to 6]

9 - General: Welcome aboard. PC: Welcome to the Inquisition, Morrigan. Morrigan: A most gracious response. [12]

10 - General: I don’t get a say? PC: This is news to me. I don’t get a say in who joins us? Morrigan: I am not joining you. I am a liaison, advising on the throne’s behalf and helping when called upon to do so. If you find that objectionable, you may indeed spurn your new ally’s offer. Yet consider this: you battle a foe you scarce understand, with all Thedas hanging in the balance. You need all the help you can get, Inquisitor. [12]

11 - General: I’ll be watching. PC: First sign of trouble and you’re out. Morrigan: I am not joining you. I am a liaison, advising on the throne’s behalf and helping when called upon to do so. If you find that objectionable, you may indeed spurn your new ally’s offer. Yet consider this: you battle a foe you scarce understand, with all Thedas hanging in the balance. You need all the help you can get, Inquisitor. [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Morrigan: I shall meet you at Skyhold.

Morrigan leaves.

After the Ball

(This is the default ending if the PC is not in a romance or their romantic interest is not brought to the Winter Palace.)

Romance Versions

Josephine walks out onto the balcony after Morrigan leaves and joins the PC at the railing.

Josephine: Is everything all right? You look troubled.

Dialogue options:

Pleased: I’m completely fine. [1]
Stoic: It’s been a long night. [2]
Sad (Celene assassinated): I should have saved Celene. [3]
Sad (Gaspard executed): The poor duke. [4]
Anxious: More trouble is coming. [5]

1 - Pleased: I’m completely fine. PC: Things went according to plan for once. I couldn’t be happier. Josephine: I would have preferred the empress alive, but the empire remains. That’s something. Josephine: Tonight was a triumph! You should be proud.

2 - Stoic: It’s been a long night. PC: I’m just worn out. Tonight has been… very long. Josephine: It was a tumultuous evening! But Orlais is safe now. It was worth the struggle.

3 - Sad: I should have saved Celene. PC: I think I made a mistake. I should have had Cullen intervene to save the empress. Josephine: You made a choice. It may not have been the wrong one. Even if the empress could not be saved, the empire did not fall. Everyone here owes you their life. That’s no small thing.

4 - Sad: The poor duke. PC: I wish I could have done something to save Gaspard. He didn’t need to die. Josephine: It was regrettable. But he made his choice when he declared his war. His death was his own doing, not yours.

5 - Anxious: More trouble is coming. PC: This isn’t over yet. Corypheus will strike back at us for this loss. Josephine: He surely will. But we’ll be ready for whatever comes.

6 - Scene continues.

Josephine: Is there anything I can do for you? Can I get you anything? A drink, perhaps?

Dialogue options:

General: I’m ready to go home. [7]
General: I need a moment. [8]

7 - General: I’m ready to go home. PC: It’s time to head back to Skyhold. They head back inside. Josephine: Of course. It will be good to go home. [10]

8 - General: I need a moment. PC: I just need a moment. Josephine leaves. [9]

9 - Scene ends.

Regarding the Divine Election

Josephine and a Revered Mother ar arguing in Skyhold.

Revered Mother: The matter is urgent, Lady Josephine.

Josephine: I am well aware of that, Revered Mother.

Revered Mother: We will need them to return to Val Royeaux as soon as possible. There are ceremonies–ordinations! Maker’s mercy!

Josephine: That’s quite impossible at the moment. However, I will see to this matter as soon as possible.

The PC joins them.

Revered Mother: My [lord/lady] Inquisitor! Please, may I have a word with you?

Dialogue options:

General: How can I help you? [1]
General: It’s always something. [2]
General: Not now. [3]

1 - General: How can I help you? PC: How may I assist you, Revered Mother? [4]

2 - General: It’s always something. PC: Just when you’ve solved one crisis, another springs up to take its place. Revered Mother: I am sorry to place this burden on your shoulders, but you are the only one who can help. [4]

3 - General: Not now. PC: I’ve just returned from the Winter Palace. It will have to wait. Revered Mother: I know you must be weary, Inquisitor. Ending the civil war is no small accomplishment. But you alone can help us. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Revered Mother: With the political turmoil put to rest, our minds turn to a single question: the next Divine. We cannot answer it without the Left and Right Hands of Divine Justinia V.

Josephine: I have already told you, Revered Mother: Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra cannot be spared from their duties.

Revered Mother: But surely with the support of the empire, the Inquisition will not be harmed by the loss of just two souls?

5 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Why do you need them? [6]
Investigate: How long would they be gone? [7]
General: I’d have to let them decide. [8]
General: Those are crucial people. [9]
General: You’ve been told no. [10]

6 - Investigate: Why do you need them? PC: Why do you need Leliana and Cassandra? Mother: They were Her Holiness’s most trusted advisors. They represent her legacy, her hopes for peace in Thedas. They could rally the grand clerics to follow as no candidate from the clergy has been able to.

Dialogue options:

Confused: What are you saying? [11]
Sad: The clergy is that divided? [12]
Surprised: They’re candidates for Divine? [13]
Pleased: You think very highly of them. [14]

11 - Confused: What are you saying? PC: I don’t understand. What is it you’re asking of them? Revered Mother: We need them to serve as candidates for the role of Divine. [Back to 5]

12 - Sad: The clergy is that divided? PC: Are the grand clerics truly unable to elect a Divine? Revered Mother: Everyone with the political support to succeed Justinia perished along with her. Those who remain are unable to gather the majority votes from the Conclave of grand clerics. They have been deadlocked for too long.[Back to 5]

13 - Surprised: They’re candidates for Divine? PC: Leliana and Cassandra… are candidates to become the Divine? How is that possible? Revered Mother: Not yet. But they could be. We need them to be. There is precedent—other times when clerics remained deadlocked, a successor was chosen from outside the clergy. [Back to 5]

14 - Pleased: You think very highly of them. PC: You must think very well of them to suggest such a thing. Revered Mother: Lady Leliana and Seeker Cassandra were Justinia’s most trusted friends and advisors. Our late Divine is still held in high esteem. To honor her, the grand clerics might support one of them as successor.[Back to 5]

7 - Investigate: How long would they be gone? PC: How long does the Chantry need them? Revered Mother: Several months at least. If one of them is crowned Divine, she would not be returning to the Inquisition. [15]

8 - General: I’d have to let them decide. PC: Leliana and Cassandra would have to make that decision for themselves. Josephine: And they certainly will. At a later date. [15]

9 - General: Those are crucial people. PC: These aren’t just any two people. They’re key members of the Inquisition. Revered Mother: For the sake of Thedas, we must ask you to make this sacrifice— Josephine: This will have to be settled later. [15]

10 - General: You’ve been told no. PC: Josephine has already told you this is impossible. [15]

15 - Scene continues.

Josephine: The Inquisitor has only just returned and has important business to attend to. You must excuse us, Revered Mother.

The Revered Mother leaves.

Josephine: Don’t let them detract from your victory at Halamshiral.

Josephine (HLTA complete): We’ve beaten his Wardens and stopped his intrigues. Soon, Corypheus will have no place to hide. Cullen is hoping to press our advantage. We’ll plan our next attack when you’re ready.

Josephine (HLTA started): The support of the empire should make our search for the Grey Wardens easier. Varric is eager to help his friend Hawke.

Josephine (HLTA not started): Now that the political situation has stabilized, we can devote more Inquisition resources to pursuing Corypheus. I would talk to Hawke. Soon.

Quest Related Content

Deleted Dialogue

Next Here Lies the Abyss

Next What Pride Had Wrought

Next (Optional) Before the Dawn

Next (Optional) Under Her Skin

Previous Here Lies the Abyss

Previous In Your Heart Shall Burn