Main Dialogue
The Smuggled Relic Case
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The Heart of Tevinter
The scene pans over the lower part of the city. The weather is gloomy as Rook and Neve walk through a market.
Neve: Minrathous. The Heart of Tevinter. Somehow the beat of it always pulls me back…
Origin dependent dialogue:
Dialogue options:
- Affable: It’s a pleasure. [1]
- Sarcastic: Nice entrance. [2]
+ Neve Approves - Stoic: I know the reputation. [3]
1 - Affable: It’s a pleasure.
Rook: It’s always an honor to stand beside a legend.Tarquin: That’s going to go straight to his head.The Viper: You’ll keep me humble.Scene continues.2 - Sarcastic: Nice entrance.
Rook: I know he likes to make an entrance.The Viper: No one watches the rooftops.Tarquin: Sure, that’s what he says.Scene continues.3 - Stoic: I know the reputation.
Rook: I know he gets things done.The Viper: And you know it’s always a team effort.Scene continues.Return to previous tree
Dialogue options:
- Affable: Nice to meet you. [1]
- Sarcastic: The Viper… really? [2]
+ Neve Approves - Stoic: Is this everyone? [3]
1 - Affable: Nice to meet you.
Rook: It’s good to meet you. Both of you.The Viper: And you. Scene continues.2 - Sarcastic: The Viper… really?
Rook: The name, the entrance… I have so many questions.The Viper: Most people do.Scene continues.3 - Stoic: Is this everyone?
Rook: Anyone else coming?Tarquin: Only if you got yourself followed.Scene continues.Return to previous tree
4 - Scene continues.
Return to origin selectionTarquin: So why the meeting? Is this about your work with Varric?
Rook: Something terrible got loose when we disrupted Solas’s ritual. A pair of elven gods.
Tarquin: Gods?
Neve: They blighted a village in Arlathan. D’Meta’s Crossing.
The Viper: There are Venatori whispers about that place. Now we know why.
Neve: What’s been happening in the city?
The Viper: Underground sacrifices, dangerous relics flooding the black market… the cult’s gathering power.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: They aren’t the only ones. [5]
- Sarcastic: Ah, good old Minrathous. [6]
- Stoic: What relics? [7]
5 - Affable: They aren’t the only ones.
Rook: So are the gods. It can’t be a coincidence.
Neve: The Venatori want one thing. If an ancient power promised them control of Tevinter…
Tarquin: They’d sign the deal in blood.
6 - Sarcastic: Ah, good old Minrathous.
Rook: You’d think people would reconsider their choices after surviving a city-wide demon attack.
Tarquin: The cult hasn’t changed. They want control of Tevinter and a return to the old ways. And if an ancient power promises just that… damn it.
7 - Stoic: What relics?
Rook: Relics? What kind?
8 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Tarquin: We were tracking a set of red lyrium relics before you got here. Smuggled in recently.
The Viper: They enhance blood magic—and can summon demons far too easily. We destroyed one, and tore another off a slaver.
Tarquin: We think the third’s right here in Dock Town.
Neve: Dock Town’s my home. If it’s got problems and I’m here—I can track this faster than anyone in the city.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: Not alone. I’ll help. [9]
- Sarcastic: What about our other job? [10]
- Stoic: You’d better. [11]
9 - Affable: Not alone. I’ll help.
Rook: Hold on. I’m happy to help.
Neve: It’s fine. I can catch up with you.
Rook: We don’t know where the gods are, or what they’re doing. We’re here for help. It’s fair I give some in return.
10 - Sarcastic: What about our other job?
Rook: Wait. Aren’t you forgetting something?
Neve: Sorry, Rook. I’m not quitting our bigger job. I can meet you at the Lighthouse as soon—
Rook: As soon as we track the relic. Two people looking are better than one, right? If the cult’s connected to the gods, it can’t hurt to learn more.
11 - Stoic: You’d better.
Rook: This better be quick. Where do we start?
Neve: You’re coming?
Rook: The gods could be anywhere. A possible tie to the cult is our only lead.
12 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.The Viper: The relics don’t play nice with the Veil, and they resonate with each other. We destroyed the lyrium in the last one we found, but it should still track the third.
Neve: Give it to me. I’ll get it done.
Tarquin: We’ll keep eyes on the Venatori. If there’s a tie to these elven gods, we’ll find it.
Shadow Dragon Rook: Tarquin: And welcome home, Rook. Try not to get yourself run out of the city again.
A Tour of Dock Town
Neve: Ready for a tour of Dock Town? Stick with me.
Neve takes off down the streets.
Rook: The relic the Viper gave us responds to the missing one.
Neve: And it is. It should pick up places where the missing relic disrupted the Veil. Find a trail of those and we’ll get somewhere.
Rook heads towards the markets.
Rook: What about here?
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
| Neve: Trail doesn’t lead close. We’ll visit another day. | Neve: Trail doesn’t lead close. We’ll save that tour for another day. |
Rook follows Neve through the streets.
Rook: So you live in Dock Town?
Neve: My whole life. Unless I’m away on a case. Or crashing in the Fade.
-
Bellara: I heard the Archon’s Palace shot at you. Which is bad. And now we’re chasing this relic. Which is also bad.
Neve: This is why I never get sleep. -
Harding: This place is calmer when the palace isn’t trying to kill us.
Neve: Oh, sure. We’re just chasing a dangerous relic through the streets.
Harding: Right. Sorry, I…
Neve: Oh, no. I was half agreeing with you. -
Lucanis: Harding said the Archon’s Palace shot at you last time you were here. And now we’re chasing a dangerous relic through the streets.
Neve: And people wonder why I never get sleep.
They approach the Chantry.
Neve: Aha! The relic’s pulling toward the Temple of Andraste.
They pass by some injured civilians.
Injured Civilian: The demons… they…(Pained wince)
Dock Town Civilian: Came out of nowhere. I know. But you’re all right. Right?
Injured Civilian: Yeah. Yeah… I’ll be fine. But… there could be more. And where’s—
Dock Town Civilian: I don’t know.
Some guards are talking nearby.
Guard: What happened?
Young Guard: It’s locked down, ser.
Guard: Keep it under control.
Young Guard: Yes, ser.
They eventually reach the front of the Temple of Andraste.
Neve: Blocked. We need another way in.
Rook: Right. On it.
- Bellara: Oooh. Are we breaking into a chantry?
- Harding: Wait. Are we breaking into a chantry?
- Lucanis: We’re breaking into a chantry?
Neve: We broke into a prison. But no.
Neve: The courtyard’s public ground. And we can’t lose the trail.
They keep moving.
Rook: Is this what you do for the Shadow Dragons? When you aren’t with us?
Neve: I look for things—people, objects, information. People have problems that templars and magisters can’t help. Or won’t. Word got out I might. It’s enough to live on. If it doesn’t get me killed.
They make their way around the building and inside.
Rook: Bodies. In the courtyard.
Neve: Stay sharp.
They drop into the building and find a body inside.
Neve: Killed. Based on the marks, I’d say demons.
- Bellara: Oh, no.
- Harding: These poor people.
- Lucanis: Definitely.
They enter the courtyard and are attacked by demons.
Rook: Demons! Is this the relic’s work?
Neve: It’s not a coincidence!
After the demons are defeated, they continue into the chantry.
Neve: The relic we’re chasing—it’s unstable.
- Bellara: Where it goes, destruction follows.
- Harding: Leaving chaos behind it.
- Lucanis: Where it moves, chaos follows.
Neve: This isn’t the only mark it left on the Veil. I can feel it. Find that, and we may get more.
They find more bodies.
Neve: Couldn’t escape the demons. If there’s family or a friend, I can track them down later. Make sure they know.
They turn into a small prayer room, where there’s some kind of magic glow.
Rook: Is this what we’re after?
Neve: Let me take a look.
Neve activates the magic and a figure appears.
Smuggler: …relic… courtyard… back way…
It vanishes.
Rook: What was that?
Neve: It’s a remnant. An echo from the Fade drawn to magical disruptions. If the relic drew it here… The voice could be a memory of the smuggler. Courtyard’s quiet. Fewer eyes. So you cut through here… where there’s a path to the market. Follow me.
They follow Neve through the building until they come across a blocked doorway.
Neve: Enchantment on the entrance. I can get it.
She opens the door.
Neve: All right. Follow me.
Neve: You know, I took this job. It’s on me and the Venatori cult’s no joke. If anyone wants out…
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
Rook: Stopping Venatori is both our jobs.
|
|
They exit the Chantry and reenter the streets.
Tired Civilian: The Threads took care of it.
Practical Civilian: They keep trouble away. You’ve got to give them that.
Cautious Civilian: They fought a demon, but… now what do you owe them?
Tired Civilian: They said it was a favor.
Cautious Civilian: Just pay on time.
They continue to pass by people in the streets.
Musician: You think he’s acting different?
Paper Seller: Yeah. I don’t know. With demons loose… everyone’s jumpy, right?
They keep moving and pass by some stables.
Neve: The relic was close. Find another remnant and we might learn more.
Remnants
They reach the market, and Rook spots another remnant on one of the rooftops.
Rook: Up there. Is that another remnant?
- Bellara: How do we get up there?
- Harding: How are we going to get up there?
- Lucanis: That should be no problem.
Neve: There’s always a way to get places.
The enter the market.
-
Bellara: I knew there’d be lots of people, but the city itself… it’s really big.
Neve: Yeah. Makes it easy to slip through the cracks. -
Harding: So many people in Minrathous! Don’t you get lost in the crowd?
Neve: Sometimes that’s just what you want. -
Lucanis: Too many people in this city.
Neve: You haven’t dealt with crowds in a while.
Lucanis: No, and it’s a lot of targets for the Venatori.
Neve stops to talk to someone.
Neve: Hey. Any news?
Errand Runner: Neve Gallus? Are you after the demons?
Neve: I’m after a few things. You got anything?
Errand Runner: Heard some people talking. I think one was a Venatori. Didn’t get a good look. I took off before they saw me.
Neve: Smart move. Stay safe.
They stop to talk to someone else nearby.
Neve: Anyone strange poking around the market?
Merchant: You mean more than usual? Actually, maybe. The smuggler who supplies Miro? She’s acting weird. Took off, though. Couldn’t tell you where.
Neve: Got it.
- Bellara: There’s so much on display! And it’s just… out there! Where anyone could steal it!
- Harding: There’s so much on display. If it’s not brought in, won’t someone take it?
- Lucanis: A lot on display. Nice target for thieves.
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
| Rook: If a stand’s not being watched, could be they have a nasty spell to ward you off. | Neve: If a stand’s not watched, there’s a nasty spell on the most valuable item—and a random one just for fun. |
They keep moving through the market.
- Bellara: Oooh. Interesting! I guess I’m not used to having anything worth stealing.
- Harding: Right. I guess that makes sense.
- Lucanis: Ugh. Of course.
They pass a nearby beggar.
Dock Town Civilian: Coin to spare?
Rook gives them coin.
| Elf Rook | Non-elf Rook |
|---|---|
| Dock Town Civilian: Ma serannas. | Dock Town Civilian: Thank you. |
Neve: Demons in the streets tonight. Can you get somewhere safe?
Dock Town Civilian: Yeah. I’ve got somewhere. Thanks.
Rook circles around the building to a ladder.
Neve: Almost there. Remnant’s ahead.
Neve activates the remnant.
Smuggler: … handoff… third bell… late…
Neve: Bells ring when ships go in and out. Could be using them for timing. Near the docks. I think our smuggler’s on a deadline. The relic’s pull agrees. Let’s visit the docks.
Rook tries to get down the nearby elevator, but it doesn’t work..
Neve: Elevator’s locked? Someone forgot to bribe the dockmaster. Still up for a walk? This isn’t the only way to the docks.
Neve leads them a different direction, and they pass by more civilians.
Friendly Civilian: Food later?
Tired Civilian: Yes. Please.
Friendly Civilian: I think Cida Ciconia’s singing at the Cobbled Swan tonight.
Tired Civilian: That’s a good show.
Friendly Civilian: All right. Then we’ll meet there.
Neve leads them through another door.
Neve: All right. Through here.
Rook: I’m guessing you know all the shortcuts in Dock Town. All its secrets?
Neve: (Laughs) No. If someone thinks they know all Dock Town’s secrets—they’re either kidding themselves or scamming you.
More people stand around talking as Rook passes.
Merchant: They were back. Asking questions. Wanted to know what relics I’d seen on the black market.
Errand Runner: You think it’s for blood magic? I’ve heard some rumors.
Merchant: I don’t know. Not for sure. But I’ve got a bad feeling.
They climb a nearby ladder.
Neve: Come on. This path will swing back to the docks.
They cross the roofs and come across what seems to be a tear in the Veil that demons spawn out of.
Rook: The longer that relic’s in Dock Town…
Neve: These are my neighbors. That relic won’t stay in my town.
-
Bellara: Are all your jobs like this, Neve?
Neve: Dangerous and cutting it close? I don’t know. Maybe three out of five.
Bellara: But also important and… kind of exciting?
Neve: I could use less excitement. -
Harding: The Inquisition had to deal with Venatori.
Neve: Ah, yes. The cult speaks fondly of you.
Harding: That’s… um… really?
Neve: You were a thorn in their side. I’d say that’s flattery. -
Lucanis: This city hasn’t changed.
Neve: You spent time here?
Lucanis: Before… yes. For a while. Though not in Dock Town.
Neve: Oh, you got the fancy targets.
Lucanis: I’m very expensive.
They drop down to the warrens and overhear a few smugglers talking.
Thread Smuggler: Demons? By the supplies?
Thread Runner: I barely got away. And not without bruises.
Thread Smuggler: What did Elek say?
Thread Runner: Told me to take the night off. Streets aren’t safe tonight. You think he’s going to tell the boss?
Thread Smuggler: Don’t know.
They continue on and pass through a small cafe.
Sailor: Venatori? You’re serious?
Ink Merchant: Cult’s getting bold again.
They exit, and head out onto some wooden walkways.
Neve: Home sweet home. Enjoying the tour?
Templar Rana Savas
Rook drops down a zipline into the docks. They spot a remnant just a little ways off.
Neve: We’re getting closer.
Neve activates the remnant.
Smuggler: Soon… the buyer… meeting…
Neve: Right. A meeting. But where? The trail’s starting to fray—
Venatori: Wrong turn? Nice relic. Shouldn’t it belong to the Venatori?
Rook: Not a chance!
A bunch of Venatori appear and attack them. The party defeats them.
Neve: Oh, looks like we have company.
A woman approaches them.
Rana: Is everyone all right? I— Neve. You’re back in the city.
Neve: Templar Rana Savas. Don’t say you missed me.
Rana: I wasn’t going to.
Neve: Really? Because I heard there’s a relic loose. With red lyrium…
Rana: How do you—never mind. You “can’t say.” You never can.
Neve: Rook, meet my friend Rana. At least I think we’re friends.
Rana: (Sighs) Yes. And Rook. If you’re with Neve, I take it I can trust you.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: Of course. [1]
- Sarcastic: You don’t have much choice. [2]
- Stoic: I could ask that of you. [3]
- Shadow Dragon: I care for Minrathous. Do you? [4]
1 - Affable: Of course.
Rook: I’d like to think so.
Rana: (Sighs) All right.
2 - Sarcastic: You don’t have much choice.
Rook: Well, I know what’s going on, and you don’t, so…
Rana: (Sighs) Fine.
3 - Stoic: I could ask that of you.
Rook: As much as I can trust you.
Neve: Look at that. On the same page already.
4 - Shadow Dragon: I care for Minrathous. Do you?
Rook: You can trust I look after Minrathous. And you? Are you in someone’s pocket or…?
Neve: She’s not like that.
5 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Rana: If you have anything on the relic…
| Shadow Dragon Rook | Non-Shadow Dragon Rook |
|---|---|
| Rook: You’re on the case?Rana: It’s my job to stop illegal magic.Neve: You’re working this alone? | Rook: I thought templars worked against mages.Rana: This isn’t the South. I work to stop illegal magic. That’s all.Neve: You’re working the case alone? |
Rana: Not if you help. There’s a rumor the relic trades hands tonight—and Albin Bataris is the buyer.
Neve: A magister’s son? Interesting. I should get moving.
Rana: Neve.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: We’ll stop the deal. [6]
- Sarcastic: You two have history. [7]
- Stoic: We don’t need help. [8]
6 - Affable: We’ll stop the deal.
Rook: Don’t worry. We won’t stop until this whole thing’s settled.
Rana: That’s… uh…
7 - Sarcastic: You two have history.
Rook: I get the feeling you two have stories.
Rana: And they all start like this.
Neve: With me annoying you? Harsh but fair.
8 - Stoic: We don’t need help.
Rook: We’ve got it from here.
Rana: But—
9 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.Neve: Look, you’re busy. We just got attacked—which means you won’t leave until you’re sure no one else is lurking around.
Rana: (Sighs) And you won’t wait.
Neve: What can I say? Work to do.
Rana: Where are you going?
Neve: For a walk to the Spillway.
Rana: I’ll catch up when I’m done.
Neve: If you say so.
Rana walks away.
Neve: Our trail is frayed, but the Spillway’s our best bet. Let’s go.
If Rook talks to Rana again:
- Rana: I’ll make sure there’s no one else here.
- Rana: I’ll catch up when I can.
Rook starts to head towards the spillway.
Rook: Rana’s not a Shadow Dragon. So you work with templars too?
Neve: Rana’s clean and her information’s good. The rest? Only when I have to.
Rook: And the Spillway?
Neve: Rana mentioned Albin Bataris. And she doesn’t share rumors unless they’re likely. Albin’s father oversaw some construction there. If he’s visiting this part of town, that narrows the search.
They find a barrier blocking the way.
Neve: A barrier. They don’t want people getting near the deal. Find the unshielded crystals and we’re through.
Rook starts to hit the crystals.
Rook: That’s one down.
Neve: Must be one left.
Rook takes down all the crystals.
Neve: That’s it. We can cut through the barrier now.
They break through the barrier and keep traveling up the path.
Neve: We need to keep moving.
They reach some kind of structure further in.
Neve: Voices. There’s someone up ahead.
Smuggler: Albin Bataris. Your relic.
Albin Bataris: Gods rise and power with them. For the glory of Tevinter reborn.
Neve: Albin’s our buyer—and a Venatori. Sounds like the cult is working for the gods.
Smuggler: You’re supposed to wait.
Albin Bataris: Just a taste of that power…
(Explosion)
Neve: He’s using it now? Move! We need to get closer. We can’t let him bolt.
The Relic Buyer
They run outside to see a burts of magic that knocks Albin to the ground and summons a bunch of demons.
Rook: We have our relic buyer.
Neve: The Venatori don’t need that relic.
Albin Bataris: (Laughs You’re here to stop me? You can’t stop the Venatori. This power—
Neve: Will what? Impress a “risen god?” Can you even control it?
Albin Bataris: Shut up!
Rana joins them.
Rana: Neve!
Neve: Rana! Here to check on me?
Rana: I wasn’t expecting a fight. Or this much of a fight!
Neve: Well, surprise!
The fight continues.
Albin Bataris: The Venatori’s power is on the rise. And this part’s mine.
- Bellara: Neve Gallus will stop you!
- Harding: You’re not keeping that relic!
- Lucanis: You’ll die here, Venatori!
Neve: I might have questions for him!
Lucanis: Ugh. Fine!
More demons join the fray.
Albin Bataris: You won’t walk away from here!
- Bellara: More demons! If they break away…
- Harding: More demons! We can’t let them get loose!
- Lucanis: They aren’t leaving.
Neve: We need to stop them here.
Albin’s health drops lower.
Albin Bataris: You think I won’t walk away from this? Our plans don’t end here. There’s power coming to us!
Rook: Your cult doesn’t scare me. And neither do you.
The fight ends, and Albin is knocked to the ground beside the smuggler.
Rana: You won’t be releasing any more demons.
Neve: And you’re the smuggler. I know you. You’re part of the Thread crime syndicate. Smuggling, sure. But red lyrium? Working with Venatori? It’s not your style.
The templar Knight-Commander arrives with a magister.
Knight-Commander Lenos: Here they are.
Magister Bataris: My son is no cultist. He was completely misled. We appreciate your help, Knight-Commander. Let’s go.
Magister Bataris gestures to leave, and Albin stands, passing Neve as he follows his father away.
Albin Bataris: Nice try. The Venatori rise.
The Knight-Commander turns to Neve.
Neve: You know he’s guilty. How much did it cost the magister?
Knight-Commander Lenos: Watch it, Gallus, or you’ll be charged—
Neve: With what? I tie something up and you undo it. Isn’t this familiar?
Knight-Commander Lenos: Save the sob story. We got the smuggler. Or do you want Bataris to release her too?
He leaves.
Rana: I’ll find a way to fix this.
Rana leaves as well.
Neve: (Sighs) Damn it.
Dialogue options:
- Affable: We stopped the demons. [1]
+ Neve Approves - Sarcastic: Not the tour I expected. [2]
- Stoic: I don’t believe this. [3]
- Angry: People were in real danger. [4]
- Shadow Dragon: This is why we’re here. [5]
+ Neve Approves
1 - Affable: We stopped the demons.
Rook: At least we stopped the demons. That’s something.
Neve: If Dock Town’s a little safer… it’s not for nothing.
Rook: I know it’s not perfect…
Neve: We got the relic. And the smuggler. The Shadows will watch the cult. If that leads to the gods, they’ll send word. It’s not perfect, but count your wins. You don’t always get them. Especially here.
2 - Sarcastic: Not the tour I expected.
Rook: So that’s a day in Minrathous?
Neve: Like all the rest.
Rook: And here I thought we’d say hello to the Shadow Dragons and be on our way.
Neve: (Laughs) Someone’s a dreamer. We got the relic. And the smuggler. The Shadows will watch the cult. If that leads to the gods, they’ll send word. It’s not perfect, but count your wins. You don’t always get them. Especially here.
3 - Stoic: I don’t believe this.
Rook: That’s it?
Neve: We got the relic. That was the job.
Rook: He got away.
Neve: I know. (Sighs) I know.
Rook: So what now?
Neve: We stopped the demons. We got the relic. And the smuggler. The Shadows will watch the cult. If that leads to the gods, they’ll send word. It’s not perfect, but count your wins. You don’t always get them. Especially here.
4 - Angry: People were in real danger.
Rook: If we hadn’t been there, how many people would be hurt? And Bataris doesn’t care.
Neve: No.
Rook: But you do.
Neve: (Laughs) Isn’t that the rub? We got the relic. And the smuggler. The Shadows will watch the cult. If that leads to the gods, they’ll send word. It’s not perfect, but count your wins. You don’t always get them. Especially here.
5 - Shadow Dragon: This is why we’re here.
Rook: (Weary sigh) People like Bataris… it’s why the city needs us.
Neve: Yeah.
Rook: At least we stopped the literal demons.
Neve: We did. And we got the relic and the smuggler. The Shadows will watch the cult. If that leads to the gods, they’ll send word. Count your wins, Rook. We both know they don’t come easy.
6 - Scene continues.
Return to previous tree.The scene fades, and one of Varric’s narratives cuts in.
Varric: It wasn’t a perfect ending, but Dock Town was safe. From tonight’s demons, anyway. Neve’s past was coming back to haunt her. She just didn’t know it yet.
Deleted Dialogue