A Study of Dock Town
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Nosy Wisps
Bellara: This was with my things. It looks like your handwriting. I didn’t read it. Well, a couple of words. I thought it might be one of mine. I don’t even know how it got there.
Neve: It’s those wisps. I need more wards.
Bellara: Oh! I can help with that.
Neve: I started this. I’ll deal with it.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: They’re adorable! [1]
- Sarcastic: We live in weird place. [2]
- Stoic: Move somewhere else. [3]
1 - Affable: They’re adorable!
Rook: I don’t know. I think they’re cute.
Bellara: So cute!
Neve: They didn’t steal your notes.
2 - Sarcastic: We live in weird place.
Rook: Solas lived here. The Dread Wolf. It was gonna have quirks.
Neve: Solas is the worst tenant I’ve followed. And that’s saying something.
3 - Stoic: Move somewhere else.
Rook: Or just move somewhere else.
Neve: I tried. They followed me.
4 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.There’s a jolt, and papers fly off Neve’s desk.
Rook: Maybe they like you?
Neve: (Aggrieved sigh)
Bellara rushes over to pick up the fallen notes, and picks up a pendant.
Bellara: Do you follow the Chantry? The pendant. I noticed it’s Andrastian.
Neve: I barely keep the holidays. It’s from an old job.
Bellara: Ooh, which one? Maybe I read about it in a Tevinter paper.
Neve: I’m barely in the papers.
Bellara: Oh, but when you are, it’s on the edge of something exciting. What about that one story with the demon, the diamond, and the deadbeat magister? Oh, they mentioned you twice.
Neve: That was a hit piece.
Bellara sets the pendant down on the desk, and Neve moves it to the other side.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: A hit piece? That’s not nice. [5]
- Sarcastic: That sounds amazing! [6]
- Stoic: Means you’ve got enemies. [7]
- Shadow Dragon: Hit piece? Typical. [8]
5 - Affable: A hit piece? That’s not nice.
Rook: That’s awful.
Neve: It was against the magister. I was the footnote.
Rook: Still.
Neve: The job got done. Of course it would’ve gone smoother, but the client ratted me out to the demon…
6 - Sarcastic: That sounds amazing!
Rook: Uh-huh. Great. What happened with the diamond?
Neve: Long story.
Rook: What’s the short version?
Neve: You take a dip off the dock for a rock, make sure the mage can’t freeze you in. You know, that job would’ve gone smoother, but the client ratted me out to the demon…
7 - Stoic: Means you’ve got enemies.
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
| Rook: Getting attacked in print. You’ve made a name for yourself.Neve: It was about the magister. Some Dock Town nobody gets involved with his case? That’s good gossip. They forgot my name in a week. The real trick with that job was the client ratting me out to the demon… | Rook: That tells me you’re a big enough name to have enemies.Neve: No, but the magister was. Some Dock Town nobody gets involved with his case? That’s good gossip. They forgot my name in a week. The real trick with that job was the client ratting me out to the demon… |
8 - Shadow Dragon: Hit piece? Typical.
Rook: Of course. Do the papers write anything else?
Neve: They write what sells. But their aim was at the magister, not me. The real trick with that job was the client ratting me out to the demon…
9 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Rook: What?
Neve: It’s always something. Funny how that didn’t make the print.
Neve turns to Bellara.
Neve: Tell me you read the rest of the paper, too.
Bellara: Oh, yes! Sometimes they have these stories—serials? They’re thrilling. Except they come out in pieces. I only see a few papers a year. I never know how the stories end!
Dialogue options:
- In Tevinter? Probably tragic. [10]
+ Neve Approves - I’m sure it’s happy. [11]
10 - In Tevinter? Probably tragic.
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
| Rook: Trust me, Bellara. I’ve read these serials before… | Rook: These papers are from Minrathous, right? I’m guessing there’s blood magic, murder, tears…Neve: That checks out. |
Rook: Who’s the second-most innocent character? Ten gold says they’re the killer.
Bellara: What about the most innocent?
Rook: I don’t know. They die.
Bellara: What?
Neve: All right, Bel. You get me the name of your serial, I’ll try and track the ending. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
11 - I’m sure it’s happy.
Rook: Happily ever after. Why not, right?
Neve: Aren’t you some sunshine?
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
| Rook: Some Shadows are optimists. | Rook: That’s me. |
Bellara: I hope you’re right.
Neve: All right, Bel. You get me the name of your serial, I’ll try and track the ending. No promise on the happy part.
Bellara: That’s fine!
12 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Neve turns back to Rook.
Neve: I’d like to go back anyway. Spend time in Dock Town, pick up gossip.
Rook: Want company?
Neve: Why not? Ready to go when you are.
No Place Like Home
Rook travels to Dock Town with Neve.
Rook: Are we here for the Shadow Dragons?
Neve: I trade news with the Shadows, but it takes more than one source to get along here. Besides, I was doing this before they came knocking. Before Varric too. Right here in Dock Town.
Origin dependent dialogue:
Rook: Nothing like coming back to the city.
Neve: You miss it?
Dialogue options:
- I miss the people. [1]
- It’s complicated. [2]
+ Neve Approves - No. Sometimes I hate it. [3]
1 - I miss the people.
Rook: Is it weird if I say yes?
Neve: We’ve all got our hang-ups.
Rook: There are people here who matter to me—who will always matter to me.
Neve: It doesn’t let go easy.
2 - It’s complicated.
Rook: Yes. No. (Laughs) I don’t know.
Neve: An honest answer.
Rook: I can barely keep things straight as it is, and Minrathous…
Neve: Doesn’t make things easy.
3 - No. Sometimes I hate it.
Rook: I’m not sure I left on good terms.
Neve: Who does?
Rook: Some days it feels like Minrathous spit me out. And maybe I don’t care that it did. If that makes me a bad Shadow…
Neve: I wouldn’t judge.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: You must miss home. [1]
- Sarcastic: I want the full tour! [2]
+ Neve Approves - Stoic: Dock Town looks seedy. [3]
\Neve Disapproves
1 - Affable: You must miss home.
Rook: Do you miss Minrathous?
Neve: The eluvian makes it easy to get to.
Rook: That’s not an answer.
Neve: Look, I know what Minrathous is…
Rook: But it’s home?
Neve: It doesn’t let go easy, I’ll give it that.
2 - Sarcastic: I want the full tour!
Rook: Take it away! I’m ready for the full tour.
Neve: We’ve been here before.
Rook: The tour where I get to look around and not chase cultists or fight demons.
Neve: Wouldn’t that be something?
3 - Stoic: Dock Town looks seedy.
Rook: Not as fancy as I expected.
Neve: Because Tevinter mages are rich and power hungry?
Rook: Some of the buildings here float.
Neve: The Imperium earned its reputation—but not through me. Not my style.
4 - Scene continues.
Return to origin choice.Neve: Come on. There’s paper sellers all over here.
Rook: Want to see if they got your name right?
Neve: (Chuckles) Most papers don’t say much, but read between the lines and you pick up a thing or two. I’m not here as much lately. I’ll take what news I can get. Let’s grab a few copies. We’ll see if we can find Bellara’s serials too.
They head through the city.
Neve: All right. Let’s go.
Rook: So before Varric, before the Shadows, you worked for…?
Neve: Same as now. People who find me and have jobs worth taking. Dock Town people, runaways, the desperate.
Rook: And you do this on your own?
Neve: I’ve got contacts, informants. People I cross paths with. But at the end of the day? Yeah, it’s just me.
They head deeper into the city.
Neve: Okay. Keep an eye out for paper sellers. We’ll start on the north side of Lower City.
Rook: How many do we need?
Neve: Don’t worry. I’m paying. Let’s get started.
- Paper Seller: Trouble at the palace? Magisters say no!
- Paper Seller: The best word in Dock Town! Right Here!
Rook: We’ll take a paper. Thanks.
The Minrathous Mirror
Drama in the Palace? Is the Archon keeping secrets? Questions arose when the Archon abruptly left the assembly, but those queries have since spiraled into baseless speculation. Several magisters reached out to assure my readers that rumors of cult influence in Palace affairs are false.
Neve: This one quotes several magisters. Several lies.
Rook: How did you fall in with the Shadows?
Neve: I’d worked with some of them before—not that they were up front about it.
Rook: What changed?
Neve: I was after a missing person. The Viper was hunting slavers. Our paths had the same end.
Rook: And your missing person?
Neve: Free and breathing when we finished. The Shadows brought me in after that.
- Paper Seller: The Viper. More than one person? You’ll read it here first!
- Paper Seller: Viper spotted at local fish fry!
Rook: One please.
Dockside Discourse
Myth or man? Stories abound of the masked figure who watches over Minrathous. While some question the so-called Viper’s existence—or whether he is one man or many—increased sightings of the mysterious figure were reported throughout Dock Town. Between a rain of demons and everyday woes, many welcome his presence.
Neve: I’ll save this one for the Viper.
If Rook heads off in a different direction:
- Neve: Hold on. There’s still papers to buy on the north side. Let’s stick around here.
- Neve: We’ll get these ones later. Let’s finish the north side first.
- Neve: Leaving the papers to me?
Rook: So most of the time, you work here alone. You like it that way?
Neve: It’s… easier.
Rook: But you like us, right?
Neve: (Laughs) You’re all right.
- Paper Seller: What happened in Marnas Pell? First-hand account!
- Paper Seller: Another rebellion? Here’s what we know!
Rook: One paper. Thanks.
The Morning Scroll
Hope for the anti-slavery movement? Whispers of a successful rebellion in Marnas Pell have reached Minrathous streets. In light of distressing reports from all corners of the Imperium, the news brings a glimmer of hope for those continuing the fight in our capital.
Neve: I’ve got a contact who works this area. Let’s see if he’s around.
The Threads Contact
Rook and Neve head down towards the docks.
Paper Seller: What about this one?
Elek Tavor: You’ve got a good eye! I was starting to think my good neighbors lacked taste. Go on. Take a closer look.
They walk up to the conversation.
Elek Tavor: Okay. The charm’s good against all manner of curses and manipulation. Fair price, and you won’t find better in the Circle District.
Neve: You won’t find better at the Circle, but you will off the docks. For half the price and twice the enchantment.
Elek Tavor: Neve. Hmm.
Neve: Elek.
Paper Seller: Oh. If you say it’s… Thanks. I’ll pass. Um, sorry.
Elek Tavor: Hey, if I’d known, I would’ve told you. Come back next week. I’ll buy another paper.
Paper Seller: I write them myself. The magisters… they don’t print the truth.
Elek Tavor: Most honest thing I’ll hear today.
He turns to Rook.
Elek Tavor: What about you? Is there something you’re buying, my friend…?
Dialogue options:
- Affable: I’m here to meet you. [1]
- Sarcastic: Can I sell you a scam? [2]
- Stoic: Don’t try it. [3]
- Antivan Crow: What about poison? [4]
- Mourn Watch: You won’t like what I buy. [5]
- Shadow Dragon: I know how this works. [6]
1 - Affable: I’m here to meet you.
Rook: Maybe another time. Today I’m here to meet Neve’s friends. Rook, by the way.
Elek Tavor: Friends? All right then.
He turns to Neve.
Elek Tavor. Does this mean we’re even for—
Neve: No. But if you’ve got any news…
2 - Sarcastic: Can I sell you a scam?
Rook: Rook. And no. But I’ve got a Treviso manor in need of tenants if you’re willing to pay up front.
Elek Tavor: You know, I’ve made that one work. Can’t go back to Vol Dorma though. What about you, Neve?
3 - Stoic: Don’t try it.
Rook: Rook. And try someone else.
Elek Tavor: Hey, I’ll be fair with you. What about you, Neve?
4 - Antivan Crow: What about poison?
Rook: Rook. And not unless you deal in poison.
Elek Tavor: Me? You got the wrong guy. Although I could get you a name… What about you, Neve? You’re not here for poison.
5 - Mourn Watch: You won’t like what I buy.
Rook: Rook. Let’s see. Embalming liquids, a bone saw…
Elek Tavor: Right. I’ll, uh… Nice friend, Neve. Why’d you really stop by?
6 - Shadow Dragon: I know how this works.
Rook: Rook. And if I wanted overpriced charms, I’d go to Tala’s on the Narrow Road.
Elek Tavor: (Laughs) Local. Who do you think sold them to her? What about you, Neve? You cost me a sale there.
7 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Neve: Just looking for gossip.
Elek Tavor: Not much that’d interest you.
Neve: We chased a relic through Dock Town. The buyer was Venatori. But the smuggler belonged to the Thread crime syndicate. You’re a Thread…
Elek Tavor: We don’t deal with cultists. Your smuggler broke the rules. She’s out.
Rook: And the Venatori?
Elek Tavor: There’s been more in Dock Town. Boss says it’s under control. But between us… I don’t like it.
Neve: Then it’s worth keeping an eye on. If you hear anything…
Elek Tavor: So will you.
Elek leaves.
Rook: You know a member of the Thread crime syndicate. Personally.
Neve: Don’t tell me you’re surprised.
Dialogue options:
- Flirt: I like surprises. [8]
- Affable: Maybe a little. [9]
- Sarcastic: Your work seems complicated. [10]
- Stoic: I’m not. [11]
8 - Flirt: I like surprises.
Rook: With you? I thought “surprise” was a given.
Neve: Careful. Surprises here lead to trouble.
Rook: Trouble’s not always a bad thing.
Neve: (Laughs) All right. Come on.
Scene ends.
9 - Affable: Maybe a little.
Rook: I thought you’d be on opposite sides.
Neve: Nothing’s that easy. They’re a problem. And they keep worse problems away. Whether we’re on the same side, depends when you ask. But we’ve got more to see. Let’s go.
Scene ends.
10 - Sarcastic: Your work seems complicated.
Rook: That doesn’t get… complicated?
Neve: (Laughs) What isn’t?
Rook: I’ve heard some people have their shit together.
Neve: They don’t. Some just keep it hidden. And others make the papers. Let’s go.
Scene ends.
11 - Stoic: I’m not.
Rook: I’d expect as much. You’re not afraid of a tough crowd.
Neve: Draw the right lines, get the job done. It’s how you sleep at night. Come on. There’s more to see.
Scene ends.
Return to previous tree.Hired
Neve: If we want more gossip, we need more papers. Let’s head to the south side.
Some people chat nearby.
Dock Hand: So what do you think?
Errand Runner: I think it’s real.
Dock Hand: Me too! But putting it in print…
Errand Runner: Whoever the source was… they better lay low.
Rook and Neve head down the dock and overhear some conversations.
Curious Civilian: Did you see what it said in the papers? That can’t be the full story.
Skeptical Civilian: No. But it’s all we’re going to get.
Curious Civilian: I heard there was a letter.
Skeptical Civilian: It didn’t make the story.
Curious Civilian: I heard the letter was burned.
Skeptical Civilian: This isn’t a serial.
They keep walking.
Rook: You’ve lived in Dock Town your whole life?
Neve: Since I was born. Unless I’m out of the city for a job.
Neve: Had a few apartments around town. The current one… it’s not the Lighthouse, but it’s mine.
If Rook heads in a different direction:
- Neve: Leaving so soon?
- Neve: Let’s stick to the south end.
- Neve: Where you going? There’s papers calling our name.
They head towards the south side.
Rook: You’ve been an investigator for a while.
Neve: It’s not a short story.
Rook: You’ve made it this far. Is there a secret?
Neve: Trust people enough to get things done, not enough to get you killed.
Rook: And that’s how you stay out of trouble?
Neve: No. But it’s the best shot you’ve got.
- Paper Seller: The best serial in Minrathous! The latest chapter is here!
- Paper Seller: Circle District gossip! Read the latest!
Rook: We’ll take one.
The Nightly Song
What secrets were in the painted box? Will our heroes find the truth… and do they truly want to? Read the next chapter of The Twisted Knife right here!
Neve: One of Bel’s serials. Great!
Neve: You know, Varric hired me not far from here. “Come on, Slick. Stop a ritual. Save the world. It’ll be fun.” (Laughs) I should have said no.
- Paper Seller: Scandal and enchantments! Read it here first!
- Paper Seller: The real news in Dock Town! Get it here!
Rook: Paper. Thanks.
The Imperium Secret
The makings of a scandalous love affair! Was that a prominent Circle mage at the Silver Coin? The same Circle mage known to frequent Dock Town’s more interesting betting rings? And who was their mysterious friend? When I have answers, dear reader, you will, too.
Neve: I think we’ve got enough.
Rook: What now?
Neve: Now I’m starving—and I know the best place in the city.
They keep walking and overhear some conversations.
Friendly Dock Hand: Doing all right?
Shy Dock Hand: Oh. Yeah. I’m good. Catch a show at the Cobbled Swan later? After work, I mean.
Friendly Dock Hand: Yeah! Yeah. I’ll be here.
Fish Dinner
They head towards the docks.
Neve: The Lighthouse doesn’t have this.
Rook: What?
Neve: A view of the water. I don’t know. It helps me think.
Neve: But we’ve got places to be. Come on.
They approach a fish stand.
Halos: You! This fish won’t eat itself.
Neve leaves a pouch of coin on the counter and takes the fish.
Halos: I said next time you were here it was free.
Neve: Sure thing, Hal. Next time.
Halos: Yeah, yeah. It’s always something…
Neve: Mmmm.
Neve and Rook walk up to the edge of the dock, overlooking the water.
Rook: Joining Varric, us—do you really wish you’d said no?
Neve: No. I just… have a bad habit of picking jobs that go sideways. You think I’d learn.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: The job was worth it. [1]
- Sarcastic: You’re not alone there. [2]
- Stoic: You knew it wouldn’t be easy. [3]
1 - Affable: The job was worth it.
Rook: You said you take jobs worth taking.
Neve: That’s what I tell myself.
Rook: This one was. The rest… we figure out as we go.
2 - Sarcastic: You’re not alone there.
Rook: I’m the same way, taking jobs that go wrong. I’m basically a walking disaster.
Neve: So you’re saying I’m a disaster?
Rook: I’m saying you’re not alone.
Neve: (Chuckles)
3 - Stoic: You knew it wouldn’t be easy.
Rook: The world won’t save itself.
Neve: It never does.
4 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Neve: Varric said this job would end with Solas. We’d stop a ritual, then I’d walk away. But those gods escaped. Not much of a win. And if the world falls, the city goes too. It’s not like I’ll find work then.
Rook: Is that why you said yes? To save Minrathous?
Neve: People will tell you Minrathous is broken—and they’re right. It’s corrupt, petty. Saving the world won’t fix it.
Neve: I take the small wins, Rook. Hal serving fish another day. Getting past the next scrape alive. Sometimes you’re lucky. Sometimes you get more. But the tables always turn… it’s better if you know it’s coming.
Dialogue options:
- Flirt: I’m glad you took the job. [5]
- Affable: It’s not always like that. [6]
- Sarcastic: I’ll make good things happen. [7]
- Stoic: I agree. [8]
5 - Flirt: I’m glad you took the job.
Rook: We got in over our heads, didn’t we?
Neve: Same old story.
Rook: The gods weren’t a twist?
Neve: I’ve seen worse.
Rook: Then I’m glad you stuck around.
Neve: Misery loves company.
Scene ends.
6 - Affable: It’s not always like that.
Rook: Sometimes luck sticks.
Neve: You believe that? Then I’ve got a Treviso manor to sell you. Needs a good tenant…
Rook: I’m not a mark. I’m serious.
Neve: I know. We managed to keep out of trouble. Let’s get back before that changes.
Scene ends.
7 - Sarcastic: I’ll make good things happen.
Rook: There’s got to be something good to count on—oh!
Neve: What?
Rook: How about this: when the job’s done, the fish is on me.
Neve: You want me to bet on surviving this mess?
Rook: I want you to bet on a free fish dinner.
Neve: Tempting.
Scene ends.
8 - Stoic: I agree.
Rook: So you’re ready for the worst.
Neve: (Laughs) No. But you’re not surprised.
Rook: Whatever keeps you alive.
Neve: Today, it’s Hal’s fish. I live for Hal’s fish.
Rook: Small wins?
Neve: Small wins.
Scene ends.
Return to previous tree.Deleted Dialogue