History

[outofthebreach]

Brennan is the youngest child of Bann Trevelyan of Ostwick, a noble house in the Free Marches. The family is one well known for their piety and connections with both the Chantry and the Templar Order. As one of the youngest children of the current Bann, Brennan was in training to become a Templar himself when the war broke out between the Templar Order and the Mage Rebellion. Always more of a fighter than a scholar, it was a better fit for him than a cleric or Chantry brother. Also, despite being raised as a devout Andrastian in the midst of his large family, Brennan often has a much more relaxed outlook on the world than some of his more impassioned and fervent relatives. But his family's reputation and traditions had paved the role his life was to take before he was ever born, no matter how much it would occasionally grate on his own independent wishes. And though he might secretly dream of a life much different for the one set in place for him, it had never been something he felt strongly enough about to defy his parents and family members over, or to disappoint them over the mantle they expected him to take up.

This all changes when Divine Justinia (the head of the Chantry) calls for a Conclave at the Temple of Sacred Ashes to seek peace and an end to the war that has broken out between the Templars and the Mages. This war broke out shortly after the end of Dragon Age II as a direct result to the actions of one of the Champion of Kirkwall's companions, and in the few short years since have ignited all across Thedas. Heads of both sides of the Rebellion are sent to meet in an effort to find a compromise, but before anything can be negotiated, a terrible explosion destroys the temple and everyone in it and rips a giant hole in the sky, something later referred to as "the Breach". In truth, it is a rip in the Veil, the barrier that separates the real world from the Fade - the metaphysical world tied to Thedas. It is a realm of spirits and demons - the destination of all souls after death and the place where consciousness drifts during dreams. Mages have an intrinsic connection with this realm and it is here they tap into when they cast spells. It is a dangerous and frightening place and can often be twisted to reflect the dreamers or spirits inhabiting a certain locale, or reflect it's mirror location in the real world.

When the Breach opens up to tear a giant hole in the sky, demons pour from the rift in the Veil into the real world - from the large one overhead and from the several smaller ones that seem to scatter outwards from the explosion - many filling the decimated valley beneath the destroyed temple and flaring open all across Ferelden and Orlais (the two countries that surround the area) and even farther.

It is out of one of these Rifts that Brennan stumbles out of the Fade with no memory of what has happened, only to collapse in the ruins of the Temple, the glowing figure of a woman standing behind him in the Fade before vanishing.

When the survivors that had been waiting in the small town of Haven at the base of the mountain find him, he is dragged into the Chantry there and imprisoned and shackled, for no one knows what happened and everyone is looking for somewhere to place the blame. When Brennan awakens, it is to the discovery of something new and strange - there is a Mark on the palm of his left hand that pulses painfully with an eerie green glow. He is interrogated by two women - Cassandra Pentaghast, a Seeker of Truth (the Andrastian Order that answers directly to the Divine) and Sister Leliana. Later it is revealed that these two women were the Left and Right Hands of the Divine, having been left in the town below during the start of the Conclave and spared its destruction. When he insists upon his innocence in the disaster and professes no memory of what happened - other than vague, jumbled memories of waking surrounded by demons in the Fade and being rescued by the figure of a woman who called out to him - they eventually accept his excuse and tell him that he stands accused for creating the Breach and the murder of the Divine. The proof is in the Mark, which is apparently made from the same magic as the Breach. It spreads each time the Breach expands and it will kill him, but they hope it might also be the hope to closing the Breach as well.

Cassandra drags Brennan from his cell and outside - where he catches sight of the enormity of the tear in the heavens for the first time, watches as it rains down demons on their dwindling forces, and falls to his knees in pain as the Breach expands again, triggering a mirroring reaction in his Mark. Seeing no option but to try and help, he agrees to accompany her up the mountain with no resistance to try and close the Breach. Halfway there, they find two other companions they take along with them - a dwarven archer by the name of Varric Tethras and an elven mage who introduces himself as Solas. It is Solas who has been studying the Mark while Brennan was unconscious and believes it might be the key to closing the Breach. Upon arriving, Solas grabs Brennan's hand and holds the Mark up to the Rift that is currently spawning waves of demons around them. There is a flare of that eerie green light and a moment later, the Rift collapses on itself, closing. Taking this as positive progress, the four continue up the mountain to the site of the destroyed Temple, the place that houses the original Rift, connected to the Breach in the sky. While making their way towards it, voices ring out, an echo from the Fade of what happened here. There is an unknown voice heard to be orchestrating the terrible event, intending to sacrifice Divine Justinia for his unknown cause. Her voice is heard calling out for help and it is Brennan's voice that calls back in answer, interrupting the attack in an opportune moment. There is the sound of an explosion and nothing else, but it is enough to give all of them a sign that Brennan was not the one at fault for the disaster, just caught in the middle.

The memory of the terrible event is not the only thing they find there. The temple site is littered with strange glowing red rocks that jut up out of the ground - the sight of which Varric finds particularly disturbing. He explains that it is red lyrium - something almost no one has heard of and even fewer people have ever seen. No one knows how or why it is there but the dwarf warns them all not to get too close, because it is very dangerous stuff and has been known to drive people mad and make terrible things happen.

Upon reaching the original Rift, Solas explains to Brennan how to close it and they prepare, hoping that they might close the Breach and be done with this. As they start, however, a demon bursts through the Rift and attacks - a Pride demon, which is a huge and hulking monster, a twisted and deadly spirit that it takes all of them to fight and defeat. Solas shows Brennan how to use the Mark to his advantage - because it can affect the Rift, it can also affect the creatures that come from it, and it gives them a much-needed advantage to the fight. When Brennan gets the opportunity, he uses his Mark on the Rift with the intent to seal it. While he does manage to affect it enough that it ceases its expansion, Brennan himself does not have enough power on his own to close this Rift, since it was the first and the strongest. He collapses from the effort, unconscious.

When he wakes (again, in an unfamiliar place with no memory of how he got there - a disturbing trend shaping that he's not particularly fond of) its in a small cottage in Haven, the town at the base of the mountain that housed the Temple. Stepping outside, he sees many of the villagers huddled around and watching him in awe and almost reverence. Seeking out Cassandra and the others, it is to learn that while he did not succeed in closing the breach, he has at least stabilized it for the time being until they can find a way to boost the power of his Mark and finish the job. Word had spread quickly - both of his first appearance and his actions up at the Temple and a rumor that he has been sent as the Herald of Andraste is quickly spreading far and wide. Most took the glowing female form who saved him from the Fade to be their Blessed Andraste, the core of Thedosian religion (basically the Jesus figure to the human races) and his Mark's connection and ability to close the Rifts is seen as aa way for their salvation, sent to them in a time when a savior is needed most.

Brennan balks at the idea of being compared in anyway to a chosen of a god, especially when he has no memory of what happened, but goes along with it when it's pointed out that the people desperately need some hope to cling to, after watching the world they knew nearly end and are still mourning the death of their beloved Divine. The Chantry is quick to argue his sudden elevation and name him and his supporters heretics, but Cassandra and Leliana move forward with their own plans - a divine calling, they believe, to find those responsible for the death of Divine Justinia and the creation of the Breach and bring justice for both. To do this, they revive the Inquisition out of ancient Chantry lore - an independent group that had once risen up after the first Blight to restore order in a similarly chaotic age and later split into the Seekers and Templars and continued to serve the Chantry once their goal was attained.

With everything in such disorder, the first priority is to sort things out with the Chantry and then decide on where they're going to get the power to boost Brennan's Mark, their options being the Templars or the Rebel Mages. Brennan is sent first to a small village in the Hinterlands to contact Mother Giselle, a cleric with the Chantry who has reached out to offer them advice on how to deal with her sisters. At her word, a trip to Val Royeaux is arranged but results in an unpleasant encounter with the Templars and the new head of the Seekers, a man by the name of Lucius. The Inquisition quickly comes to realize that the Chantry is in shambles and has been abandoned by the protections of both the Templar Order and the Seekers of Truth and Brennan does his best to assure the clerics there that he has no intention of setting himself up as a god - he only wants to close the Breach and find out who is responsible for the Divine's death.

The trip isn't entirely wasted, however. While in the city he makes a few of his own contacts, acquiring some new agents for the Inquisition and making contact and alliances with some new companions to join him. One is Vivienne, Enchanter to the Imperial Court of Orlais, fondly referred to by the court as Madame de Fer. She's a powerful mage, well versed in the Game of politics and believes the Circles should be restored, claiming that they are the only true safety for Mages and the rest of Thedas alike, that this rebellion that has broken out is folly and utter foolishness. The other companion you bump into is a young elven girl who answers to the name of Sera. An archer rogue with a very distinct personality, she brings to his order a group known as "the Friends of Red Jenny", a web of contacts all across Thedas - commoners mostly, servants, beggars, the people that go unnoticed but who have eyes everywhere, their primary goal seeming to be "stick it to the man when he gets too big for his breeches". Personally, Brennan's just thankful she's offered to join in with him rather than lumping him in with all the other useless nobles.

On his way back to Haven, he runs a side errand for Leliana, who's let him know about a troublesome development. it seems as if, sometime shortly after the explosion of the Conclave, all the Grey Wardens in Orlais and Ferelden up and disappeared. Every single one of them. While her fellow advisers believe they have more important things to focus on, she believes the timing is a little too suspicious to be coincidence. She's heard rumors of one lone Grey Warden's whereabouts in the Hinterlands, so Brennan swings by on his way home, finding the man, a soldier by the name of Blackwall. He finds the Warden training a few farmer boys how to defend themselves against a group of bandits and once the matter is handled, he pauses to discuss with Brennan. Blackwall is startled to hear that the Wardens have vanished, explaining that his purpose is recruitment and therefor he can go months or years without hearing from the Order in times of peace. He volunteers to lend his aid to the Inquisition, having heard good things of their efforts and believing the Grey Wardens should have a voice in matters, especially when Brennan expresses that they will continue looking for the missing Wardens.

Upon returning to Haven, there's a surprising messenger waiting for him, a mercenary that extends an invitation from his leader to watch their small group - the Bull's Chargers - in action. Accepting, Brennan travels to the Storm Coast and meets the Iron Bull, a Qunari Mercenary who leads the group in an impressive display. Brennan immediately likes the warrior, and likes him more when Bull bluntly informs him that he's a Ben-Hassrath spy for his people, but is also willing to pass information on to Brennan and the Inquisition in return, if he'll have him. More amused by the unexpected alliance with a Qunari, Brennan accepts and returns once again to Haven, with three new influential companions willing to fight with him.

In the aftermath of all this, Brennan's dealings with the Templar Order in Val Royeaux and in the Hinterlands leave a decidedly bad taste in his mouth, despite the fact that he'd been destined to join their ranks before all this happened. So, as a result, he decides to contact the Rebel Mages for an alliance instead - offer the Inquisition strength to their cause in exchange for their aid in closing the Breach. He travels to the town of Redcliffe in the Hinterlands to speak with their leader, Grand Enchanter Fiona, but upon arriving, finds out that they've already made an alliance of their own - something many of the Mages are unhappy about. Fiona has indentured their cause to a man named Magister Gereon Alexius, a Tevinter Magister who has promised the Mages an escape from death and endless war in Tevinter - a country a long time at war with much of Thedas, where Mages rule instead of suffer under subjugation and suspicion, but where slavery and the corruption of blood magic are seeped deep in the foundation of their civilization. It is with Magister Alexius Brennan has to negotiate with now for the aid they need and he senses right off that the man has his own agendas and is reluctant to trust any offer he makes. Something very strange is going on in the town - and with the rifts around it, and this wariness is only deepened when Alexius' son, a mage named Felix, pretends to stumble and fall against Brennan and uses the ruse to slip him a note. Immediately concerned, Alexius ends the meeting early before any negotiations can be made, hurrying his son back to Redcliffe castle instead and giving Brennan a chance to glance at the note. Come to the Chantry, it reads. You are in danger.

Aware that it might be a trap, Brennan goes all the same, stepping inside the Chantry to find yet another Tevinter mage - and a Rift, opened up in the heart of the building. There's no time for introductions as Brennan and his companions throw in their aid with the mage to fight off the demons and seal the Rift before it can overrun the town. Like the Rift outside they encountered on the way in, this one is also reacting strangely - differently than all the others they've encountered, as if in some places time is slowing down and speeding up, making the fight a disorienting affair at points, but eventually Brennan manages to seal the Rift and the mage turns to greet him with a delighted laugh, fascinated by what Brennan can do, even when he has no idea how he does it.

The mage introduces himself as Dorian of House Pavus, most recently from Minrathous (the capital of Tevinter) and confesses that Alexius was once his mentor, which is why he's here. Felix joins the conversation late and the pair of them fill Brennan in on why they've contacted him - the Magister has joined a group of Tevinter zealots who call themselves the Venatori, supremacists who wish to see the glory of their old empire restored (no matter how terrible it might have been) at any cost. To do so, they have started dabbling in dangerous and forbidden magics. Dorian reveals that Alexius has long been experimenting with time magic, but it was only theory until the Breach ripped through the Veil and then suddenly the theory was working as a reality. Alexius has already modified time in an effort to reach Redcliffe and the Rebel Mages before the Inquisition and this is why the Rifts around Redcliffe acted so strangely - whatever Alexius had done ti time, it was unraveling reality because the magic is wildly unstable. Dorian expresses confusion over the why, shredding time itself for just a few hundred new lackeys, which is when Felix interrupts and says it has nothing to do with the Mages - the Venatori did it to get to the Herald. Whatever their goals, they see Brennan as either an obstacle or a threat they need removed before they can proceed, which is why they risked the dangers of Alexius's magic in order to confront him.

With this strange and near unbelievable news, Brennan returns to Haven to consult his advisers before making his next choice. They're strongly divided over what course of action to take. Cullen, the commander of his forces and a former Templar, strongly wants to leave the Mages to their fate and pursue an alliance with the Templars instead. Josephine, his ambassador, worries about the very obvious trap the Magister has set for you. Cassandra and Leliana both argue that allowing the Magister to maintain control of Redcliffe and the Mages is a disaster and a terrible threat to allow to grow so close to their own base of operation, and that if the Venatori are so determined to come after Brennan, leaving such a threat so close is not an option. Grasping at straws on how to get a force inside Redcliffe to confront him, it's Leliana who recalls a secret passageway in, kept hidden by the family for emergencies but once used by the Warden Hero to sneak inside during the Blight, when the keep was overrun by demons and the undead. A plan slowly comes together for Brennan to play the distraction, meeting Alexius in the trap he'd set and giving the Inquisition's agents time to sneak inside the castle as reinforcements. As they're preparing this plan, Dorian bursts in to offer his assistance, claiming they'll never get past Alexius's magical wards without him and volunteering to accompany Brennan and his party into Redcliffe.

The plans made as foolproof as they can, Brennan sets off to meet with the Magister in Redcliffe, taking Varric and Cassandra along with him. Dorian intends to hide himself, preferring to reveal himself when Brennan plays his hand. At the start, Brennan plays along as if he truly is unwittingly walking right into the Magister's trap, but annoyed by Alexius's treatment of Fiona, he changes his mind and confronts the man instead when Alexius starts negotiations. The man is surprised and tries to deny it but Felix cuts in and admits that he told Brennan everything. The Magister is enraged and fervent, claims that Brennan and his stolen mark are a mistake that were never meant to exist. Seeing that finally he may be able to get some answers, Brennan confronts him and Alexius monologues about someone called the Elder One, a powerful being who will become a god and raise the Tevinter Imperium from the ashes once more. Felix is appalled, as is Dorian, who steps forward and reveals himself to his former mentor, saying he sounds mad, that this is something they never wanted for their homeland, turning them all into the villainous cliche the rest of Thedas believes them to be. Angered, Alexius orders his men to attack, but the Inquisition's agents have made good use of the distraction and have cut them all down. Seeing he is alone and outnumbered, Alexius falls back on drastic measures and activates an amulet he has on his person. Dorian sees the move and calls out a warning, trying to stop him, but it is too late and a glowing green rift opens directly overhead and for Brennan, everything goes black.

Until a disorienting moment later, when he opens his eyes in confusion in a completely different place. And, he soon realizes, a completely different time. He's not there alone, however, because whatever's happened, Dorian's been sucked along with him. Trying to figure out what's happened, Dorian explains that they've not been moved to a where, but a when - the details of which they uncover along the way. He believes Alexius's intent was to remove Brennan from time completely, therefore changing the past and making sure Brennan was never there at the Temple of Sacred Ashes to interrupt the Elder One's plans with the Breach. But the failing of his plan back in Redcliffe's hall made him reckless and act in haste and cast the spell before he was ready. Dorian's attempt to counter the magic had made it even more unstable and now, here they were. While he is fascinated by what's just been happened, Dorian is also concerned about what effect this will have on the fabric of their reality, claiming that they didn't so much travel through time as 'punch a hole in it and toss it in the privy'. Despite being clearly upset and unsure if they can find a way home again, he's also quick to reassure Brennan that he's here with him and will protect him. Something Brennan finds more amusing than anything, but still appreciates the sentiment.

It's quickly discovered that they're still in Redcliffe castle, but the place has changed immensely from the one they'd walked into a short while before. The fortress is now overrun with Venatori soldiers and overgrown with the same glowing stones of red lyrium that had so heavily sprung up around the Temple's ruins. Yet another connection between the Elder One's interference at both locations. A bit of searching has them stumbling across an imprisoned Fiona - or what's left of her. The former Grand Enchanter and leader of the Mage Rebellion is mostly trapped in growing red lyrium that is slowly consuming her. It is she who gives them a date - a year into the future from where they're supposed to be, and she tells them what has happened in this horrible future. The Elder One grows only more powerful, possibly more powerful than the Maker himself and no one can challenge him and live. Dorian ponders that if he can get Alexius's amulet, he can reverse the spell and take them back to the exact time and place they left, and Fiona begs them to try, to keep this terrible future from ever happening. She tells them that Alexius has Brennan's spymaster - Leliana - here somewhere in the castle, to find her before the Elder One realizes they are here, so Brennan and Dorian continue making with way through the lower levels of the castle, looking for a path through the impassible corridors and jagged pillars of red lyrium to get to the upper levels.

On the way, he also locates Varric and Cassandra imprisoned within the cells. Varric tells him more of what happened after he vanished into a time Rift. The Elder One led a demon army invasion of the south and killed the Empress Celene of Orlais, taking over everything. He warns that Alexius is the least of their worries here, but Dorian still believes he and his amulet is the key. Cassandra tells them that Alexius has locked himself in the main hall, and on their way they learn that Rifts constantly open up within and around the castle and the entire place is overrun by demons - more than even the Elder One's Venatori forces can handle. When you find Leliana, she's under the care of one of the Elder one's torturers, who is seeking answers on how Brennan knew about the attack on the Temple. She refuses to give answers, mocking him, despite what he does to her, and Brennan breaks in to interrupt, providing her distraction enough that she wraps her legs around the torturer's neck and snaps it. Hurrying to free her, Brennan is appalled at the state she's in, the tortures she must have endured in her year here, for she looks barely better than a corpse herself. She is harsh and bitter, cutting off any explanations from Dorian and any questions that pry too deeply into the horrors she's witnessed and endured. Other than an accusation of why this is why people fear Mages, for this is a power no one should possess, she remains very tight-lipped on what she knows, then proceeds to lead the way to where Alexius has holed up.

As they work their way up, Brennan sees firsthand just how many Rifts have opened up to slow their progress and they have to fight their way through more waves of demons than anything else, closing the rifts as they go. When they step out of the lower levels to cross the courtyard to the main Keep, he finally gets a good look at what has happened in his absence. The entire sky is ripped a part, a hue of green instead of blue, as the Breach has expanded everywhere. Objects float in the sky and everything is rubble and ruins, making the nightmarish landscape something far more likely to be found in the Fade than reality. Finally making their way into the main portion of the Keep, they fight their way through demons and Venatori forces alike until they find a way past Alexius's wards, finally confronting the Magister in the main hall. It is here they learn that the Elder One is on his way, coming to end everything in Redcliffe, but when their demands for the amulet end up with a vengeful Leliana slaying Felix - or what is left of him, since there is barely a man left in the shrunken husk of what's become of him, Alexius again acts rashly and attacks them, opening Rift after Rift over their heads to destroy them in one last bid to satisfy his Master's will. Eventually even that fails and Alexius is slain. Dorian pauses to mourn a moment over his fallen mentor before plucking the amulet from his grasp, declaring that it's the same one responsible for the spell and one he himself helped craft long ago. He says with an hour's time he can recreate the spell, but suddenly the entire building shakes with a roar and Leliana declares that they do not have an hour, because the Elder One has come.

It is Varric and Cassandra who exchange grim glances and turn for the door, claiming they will hold off the forces as long as they can to give Dorian the time they need. Brennan objects, but Leliana interrupts and says the only chance any of them have for living is if Brennan and Dorian return to their time and keep this terrible future from ever happening. She goes with them and Dorian and Brennan move to the dais at the far end of the hall to reopen a portal. It takes time and Brennan watches in horror as the door is broken down by demons and Venatori forces alike. Cassandra is slain and Varric's lifeless body is tossed as his feet while Leliana, the only one left, fires her arrows into the crowd until she runs out, then resorts to using her bow as a weapon in itself. Brennan nearly runs to help but Dorian grasps his arm to keep him from moving away, claiming that if he goes now they are all lost. At the last moment, as he watches Leliana slain by a demon, Dorian manages to reopen the time Rift and they're both dragged back to their present, to find the party still standing their in confusion and Alexius standing in shocked surprise that his spell didn't work. Knowing the Magister's plan has now been completely foiled, Brennan pushes down his lingering horror and takes charge, ordering the man's arrest and turning to breathe a sigh of relief with Dorian. It's short-lived however when Ferelden forces march into the hall and King Alistair appears, angrily confronting Fiona over her actions here, when he had offered Redcliffe as a haven to the Mages. In light of her betrayal, he declares the Mages exiled from Ferelden, that they will find no shelter and protection within its borders. Aghast, Fiona declares that they have nowhere to go, which is where Brennan steps in once again to remind her that they'd come here for the Mage's assistance in the first place. While Cassandra advises that they conscript the Mages to their cause, forcing their position in the Inquisition since they've proven themselves untrustworthy, Brennan instead goes with his instincts and Varric and Dorian's advice, offering them a position as allies instead of prisoners. Fiona, knowing she has no other choice, takes the alliance gratefully.

Back in Haven, Brennan's decision causes quite the uproar. Cullen thinks this is a grave mistake and confronts Cassandra over not interfering. Surprisingly enough, Casandra defends the choice, saying while she did not like it, it did indeed fulfill Brennan's mission in attaining the Mages' assistance for closing the Breach. With the alliance now in place, they now have the power to possibly seal the Rift and close the Breach overhead. Leliana points out, upon hearing the details of Brennan and Dorian's trip to a dismal future, that they now have other leads to follow as well. They know the Elder One and the Venatori are responsible for the explosion at the Conclave and the tear in the sky, and they now know he is apparently plotting to assassinate the Empress Celene of Orlais and raise a demon army - both dangerous things the Inquisition should look into, once the Breach is taken care of. Brennan agrees, but before departing for the War Room to strategize further, pauses to thank Dorian, who he is surprised to discover has decided to stay and add his abilities to their cause. Brennan is pleased to have him, despite the many suspicions he knows the Tevinter mage might face while remaining in the south with them.

Having all the components they now need, the Inquisition and the Mages once again climb their way up to the ruined Temple sight and Solas instructs on what all must do. The Mages channel their magic and Brennan approaches the giant tear, using his Mark on the original Rift beneath it. it takes a tremendous effort and the resulting backlash knocks everyone off their feet, but when the dust clears, the Rift is gone and the Breach overhead no longer gapes into the otherworldly-ness of the Fade. The sky is still scarred with an eerie green but the imminent threat the Breach posed has been resolved. The Herald has succeeded in his duty.

That night there is celebrating and laughter and music in Haven as the Inquisition and Mages all celebrate the victory. While seeking a breath of fresh air outside, Brennan shares a conversation with Cassandra over the circumstances that got them here. They are still standing there talking when the alarms sound and their eyes lift to the mountains around them to see an army marching down out of the mountains all around them, appearing, it seems, out of nowhere, for there was no warning. And the army, upon closer inspection, bears no banners in their march against Haven. The Inquisition scrambles to assemble, to prepare for this unexpected attack, but before any action can take, a pounding is heard on the front gate and a voice calls out to be let in. Brennan is the first to act, rushing to answer and outside he finds a slim young man staggering towards him, ghostly pale and strange looking.

The young man introduces himself as Cole and says he has come to warn them. The Elder One is furious that Brennan has stolen his Mages and foiled his plans three times over now. He brings an army of Red Templars to come for Brennan, the 'mistake' that has foiled all his work. He points to a hill above where a strange form can now be seen among the approaching mass of Templars and Brennan can only stare at the strange mutated form. The Elder One looks like something out of a nightmare, a mix of corpse and darkspawn and red lyrium, warped and twisted in ways he has never seen before. He has little time to waste staring, however, because the forces all leap into action and he is called on to protect the trebuchets from the approaching forces. A short while later, both trebuchets successfully get their shots off, sending an avalanche of snow and ice down on the army coming for them. Their victory is short lived, however as a moment later the hulking shape of a dragon swoops out of the darkness towards them, raining fire down on the little village. Any time they'd managed to buy themselves is lost and Cullen sounds the retreat, calling for everyone to take shelter in the Chantry.

They are trapped with no way out and all of them know it. Cole states that he's seen an archdemon in the Fade before and that's what that strange dragon looks like, which means they're in even more trouble than they thought. Scrambling for a plan, it is Chancellor Roderick who comes through for them, one of the members of the Chantry who has been a thorn in their side since the beginning, the one who's accused Brennan of heresy all along. He recalls that there is a secret passage out of the Chantry, one long overgrown and all but forgotten. It's the only escape route they have and in order to buy them all time, Brennan takes a handful of companions - Varric, Cassandra and Solas once again - out to cause a distraction. The only hope they have of halting his forces and stopping his pursuit is to turn their final catapult on the mountain above Haven. The resulting avalanche will bury the army now all but on top of them but will also take the village with it. Having no other options, Brennan heads out into the snowy battlefield

Brennan succeeds in getting the trebuchet's aim fixed on the mountain, fighting off waves of Red Templars as he does so, but just as he's about to get ready to fire, there is a roar overhead and he looks up to see the dragon approaching once more. He tells his companions to run, to get out of there, and moves to dodge himself before fire rains down around him, knocking him off his feet. When he pushes himself up again, it is to see a tall figure approaching. The Elder One himself, a being that professes his name to be Corypheus. In his monologue, he declares himself to be one of the ancient Magisters who once broke into the Golden City to seek out the gods, and to become a god himself. He found the thrown empty and was cast out, cursed - a piece of lore that's so old it's thought to be mythology, and is said to be the cause of darkspawn and the Blight, a curse upon mankind for thousands of years now. Corypheus is enraged at Brennan's unwilling interference, and accuses him of the theft of the Anchor, the mark in Brennan's hand, and how his interference has unraveled years of planning. Corypheus states that he is here to take back what is rightfully his and holds up a dark orb in the palm of his hand, activating it. It makes the mark - the Anchor - flare on Brennan's palm and he collapses in pain once more, but whatever the Elder One is trying to do is unsuccessful and, infuriated, he casts Brennan aside, claiming his meddling has made the Mark permanent and of no use to him. he will have to start his plans from scratch, and Brennan must die, for he will allow no rival - even an unwitting one - to live.

Running out of options as the Elder One advances to kill him, Brennan makes a desperate grasp at his sword and flings himself at the trebuchet, taunting Corypheus that today is not the day he will die. he triggers the trebuchet, sending the shot straight and true at the mountain overhead. The avalanche triggers just as planned and Brennan has only mere moments to try and fling himself to safety, tossing himself towards one of the nearby mining shafts, even as behind him the mountain collapses down on them. Corypheus' dragon roars at the danger and sweeps up the Elder One to fly him to safety mere moments before Haven is buried under half a mountain.

Brennan wakes up a short time later, cold and alone and deep in the mine shafts that ramble within the mountains around Haven. Lost, he wanders until he finds his way out, although he is accosted on his way by spirits and demons. When attempting to fight them, he activates his Mark, the Anchor, only to find that whatever Corypheus has tried to do to it has changed it somehow. He opens a rift of his own and it sucks in all the spirits around it, weakening them and sending them back to the Fade, before collapsing in on itself again. He doesn't quite know what to make of that, so he pushes onward instead, finding his way out of the mines and then following the cold trail the survivors left when they fled into the mountains. he loses track of time, of how long he climbs and trudges through ever-deepening snow, but eventually the trail gets warmer and when he reaches the summit of a mountain pass and his waning strength gives out, he hears Cullen's voice call out a moment before he collapses in exhaustion.

He wakes in the makeshift camp the Inquisition has set up in the mountains to the sound of his four advisers arguing vehemently over what to do now. With the loss of Haven and the attack by Corypheus and the Templars, fear and doubt has downed out their purpose with none of them able to agree on what to do next, or where to go. Brennan listens to them, aware that Mother Giselle sits by his bedside, seeking his thoughts on what happened and adding her own advice. When he confesses his own doubts about what he is to do now, if he is really chosen for this, if he can even accomplish this against a being so old and powerful, the Mother watches him as he watches his companions, seeing how hopeless they've all taken this defeat in the light of victory. Instead of telling him what to do, instead she starts to sing, a hymn from the Chantry, lifting her voice and letting it echo in the still crisp air of the mountains at night. The whole camp stills and turns to listen and after a moment Leliana joins her. Then Cullen. And then the rest of the camp. They crowd closer, caught up in the moment and the hope in the words of the song and Brennan can only watch, dumbfounded, as the Inquisition gathers close and goes to their knees before him, the Herald who closed the Breach and saved them from Haven - someone seen to die in an avalanche, only to rise again. They look at him with awe and reverence and Brennan doesn't know what to do with that, isn't at all comfortable with it either.

Fortunately, Solas intervenes, calling him away to have a word, taking him to a little hilltop just outside of camp. There he reveals more information he discovered since the attack on Haven - the orb Corypheus carried, it was an ancient elven artifact, used as a focus for magical energies. Solas believed that Corypheus unlocking it was what caused the explosion at the Temple, in his efforts to return to the Black City through the Fade. Brennan tells him what the Elder One said about the Anchor and for Solas this confirms his suspicions. He is worried about this turning into a backlash on the elves because of the artifact's origin but mentions that Mother Giselle's intent to give the people hope and something to look ahead to instead of back was wise. He seeks to aid in that endeavor and advises Brennan to take the Inquisition and scout to the north, that there is a stronghold there, all but forgotten, but it should serve as a home and base for their force quite nicely. It's days of marching deeper into the mountains, but Brennan is determined and a few days later, they break through a mountain pass to see a massive stone fortress nestled among the snowy mountains. Solas says the place is called Skyhold and the Inquisition is quick to take up shelter within it's walls.

Once they are inside and getting settled, Brennan wanders in to find his four advisers conversing in the courtyard. When he approaches, they disperse, all except for Cassandra, who walks with him up the main staircase of the keep. She tells him of people who have been wandering in from all the local villages - Skyhold is becoming a Pilgrimage. Cassandra states that they now know why Brennan was the one chosen for this task and Brennan tries to brush if off, saying that it is the Anchor Corypheus wanted and now that it is useless, he wants him dead. Cassandra denies this, saying that may be what the Elder One thinks is his reasoning, but it is not why Brennan is still standing here. It is Brennan's decisions that helped them heal the sky and his determination that led them out of Haven. Brennan is his rival because of his choices and actions and everyone who is alive there can credit that to the Herald. Which is why, she announces as they approach Leliana on a platform above the courtyard, they have chosen Brennan to lead the Inquisition, for it sorely needs a leader and in truth, he's already been leading it all along. In the Courtyard below, the soldiers and refugees of the Inquisition, of Haven, of the Mages, all gather below to watch in hope as Brennan is offered the sword of the Inquisition and the role as Inquisitor. he's shocked at the move and questions the wisdom of it - questions Cassandra if this is what they really want, because he's not sure he believes himself up to the task, but they assure him that they have every faith in where he has led them so far, and that he will continue to do so. As he takes up the sword, she tells him that there would be no Inquisition without him. What he does with that power, how he chooses to lead them from this day forward - that is his to decide. As he accepts the sword and holds it aloft, the entire Inquisition below breaks into cheers and vows to follow him, leaving him feeling stunned and overwhelmed and not at all prepared for the trust they've just placed in him.

Afterwards, he heads inside the abandoned keep to converse with his advisers in private. They discuss what he learned when fighting Corypheus and discuss what to do next. Brennan expresses his doubts over whether it's possible the Elder One is really who he claims to be, and Leliana suggests that at least Brennan's trip into the future gave them an idea of what he might have planned. She promises to send her scouts to Orlais to investigate any potential threats or dangers to the Empress Celene. They must also look into the Red Templars and what's happened to the rebelling Order, that they would throw their lot in with Corypheus and what he's done to them. Brennan is frustrated with the lack of information they have on him and their meeting is interrupted by Varric speaking up as he approaches. he tells them that he may know someone that can give them some answers they need and arranges to introduce her to Brennan in private, up on the battlements. Brennan agrees and they all part ways to start on their assigned tasks.

It turns out the friend Varric wants him to meet is in fact Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall, a person out of legend these days. He suspected as such, with the hints Varric dropped beforehand, but still, meeting her in the flesh is still a bit daunting. They talk about the events that happened in Kirkwall, the actions of her apostate companion that sparked the Mage Rebellion and the war across Thedas. She tells him about the reasons for her departure from Kirkwall after and why she's been conveniently "missing" all these months. In truth, she'd heard the rumors of red lyrium popping up and has been doing her own research into the topic, since it was at the heart of the problems in her city. She'd sought out the Grey Wardens for advice, since their fight against darkspawn took them into the deepest reaches of the Deep Roads and if anyone might have encountered this strange variation of lyrium, she'd hoped it would be them. Only, upon looking for them, she learned that there was something sinister moving within the Warden Order. She'd managed to contact a close friend of hers, Stroud, who told her he believed that the higher ranks had become corrupted and was doing his own research into the matter before all of a sudden all the Wardens vanished. Brennan inquires if her friend had vanished as well and she replies that no, but he'd done something to tip his hand and was now in hiding from his own people. He'd sent her a message to meet him at a hidden location near the town of Crestwood. He agrees to meet her there in a short while.

First he has a personal matter to attend to, however. Mother Giselle approaches him with a letter she's received from Dorian's father, wanting her to coerce the mage into meeting with a family retainer in Redcliffe without letting Dorian know. There is bad blood between the family members and the father believes Dorian will refuse to meet if he knows - from what Brennan has heard of Dorian's opinion of his family, he doesn't believe that's all that far from the truth. The Mother seeks out Brennan's advice and aid in this matter, asking if he will escort the mage to this meeting in respect for his father's wishes. Brennan reassures her he will handle it, but first goes to Dorian instead to show him the letter and get his opinion, because it doesn't sit right with him to do otherwise. Dorian is incensed as he reads, ranting about his father and professing it a trap. One Brennan reassures him won't have time to be sprung, although he urges Dorian to at least hear the retainer out in case it is something urgent.

He accompanies Dorian to Redcliffe and they find, instead of a retainer, Dorian's father himself, Magister Halward Pavus. The confrontation is immediate and bitter and the truth of the bad blood between father and son is revealed. Dorian prefers the company of men - something Brennan had been aware of, considering they'd partaken in some serious flirting by this point - which is considered 'unnatural' in Tevinter. Somewhat accepted as long as it is a dalliance and in private, but those of the Imperium are obsessed with bloodlines and perfect breeding. When Dorian refused to mated off according to his parents wishes, his father resorted to a blood magic ritual (something he had always taught his son was "the last resort of the weak mind") to change his sexuality, to change him. Outraged, Dorian had abandoned his status and his family as a result. Halward tries to defend his actions, saying he was doing it for Dorian's own good, but Dorian will have none of it, arguing that his father was only protecting himself and his legacy. Brennan intervenes then, before the bitter accusations can grow worse, and reminds Dorian that he might regret it if he lets things end this way, although he is ready to protectively take Dorian from here if he needs to, before his father can cause deeper wounds. But given the chance, Halward does express regret and guilt for driving his son away, betraying his trust, and has come to ask his forgiveness in his actions - which he claims he believed drove his son to the Inquisition. The resulting conversation is more subdued and results in the potential for a reconciliation between father and son.

Returning to Skyhold, Brennan seeks out Dorian in his alcove in the library to talk about what happened, and Dorian fills in the missing pieces of the tale. He's uncommonly solemn in his conversation and deeply affected - both by the old memories that still haunt him and the recent confrontation with his father. He apologizes to Brennan and comments that he can't imagine what he must think of him now. Brennan tells him he finds him very brave, because not just anyone can walk away from something like that, an answer which surprises and pleases Dorian. Shortly afterwards, he interrupts a heated confrontation between Mother Giselle and Dorian. The Mother has expressed a concern about Dorian's "undue influence" on the Inquisitor and mentions that rumors are already starting to fly about the pair of them. It is just as much about the fact that Dorian is of Tevinter as anything else, considering that their enemies at this time are primarily from the Imperium. Brennan is quick to defend the mage and the Mother desists, apologizing instead for offering offense in bringing the topic up, and departs.

Brennan asks if this happens to Dorian often, the accusations and pointed rumors, and Dorian admits that it's more often than Brennan normally hears about. Dorian lets him know the most recent batch have them rumored to be intimate, and Brennan replies that that's not such a bad assumption, leading to a playfully bickering interlude and Dorian instigating a sudden and fervent kiss. He comments that perhaps now the rumors have some basis in truth after all, something they will have to explore at a later date.

Instead, Brennan gets interrupted from this turn of events for a Game of Orlesian politics - something the entire Orlesian Court takes with the utmost seriousness. Josephine has arranged for the Inquisition's invitation to the Empress Celene's Grand Masquerade, where peace negotiations are currently being held between the Empress and her cousin the Grand Duke Gaspard, who she is currently involved in a bloody civil war for the crown with. Also involved in the peace talks is an elven woman by the name of Briala, who is rumored to be the Empress's former lover and is currently the elven Spymaster of the Orlesian Court. They are locked in a three-way struggle for power and revenge that is tangled terribly even before the Inquisition shows up on their doorstep.

Brennan is there to stop an assassination attempt by the Venatori on the Empress, but they don't know what direction it will come from, so upon arriving, he has to immerse himself in the Game of intrigue and politics the Court is known for. While he has a knack for it, Brennan loathes politics (and, to an extent, Orlesians) and by the end of the night they've not endeared themselves to him any more. His own investigation into them finds that all three were complicit in the manipulations designed to make the night a disaster. Briala's been playing both the Empress and the Grand Duke against each other all along, escalating the conflict. Tired of dancing around politics himself, the Duke has smuggled his chevaliers into the ball tonight to force a military coup before the evening ends. And Celene has been aware of it all and specifically arranged this evening's gala to put all her enemies in one place, in hopes a betrayal would play out and be caught in the open, solving all her problems in one fell swoop, no matter who might be harmed in the process.

The real threat, however, comes from a source Brennan didn't initially expect - that of the Grand Duke's sister, the Grand Duchess Florianne. He uncovers that she also knows all about these machinations and intends to use the conflict to her advantage. She is the Venatori assassin here to kill the Empress, and when her trap for him fails, he has her arrested before the courts before confronting the other three heads with proof of their actions. By this point he is thoroughly fed up with intrigue and confronts them about their actions, declaring them three of the brightest minds in the Orlesian Court and yet they are worthless because they are too preoccupied with fighting each other. He reminds them that they have bigger threats to worry about than each other, and their power is worthless if there is no throne to claim and no country to rule and eventually they agree to attempt to work in tandem, the three of them, although Briala expresses doubt that they will be able to overcome their differences. He'll take what he can get at this point, so he leaves them with that agreement and goes for a breath of fresh air.

He's joined on the balcony by the Lady Morrigan, the Empress's occult adviser who he had met earlier in the evening, one of the persons who'd helped him unravel the mess of intrigue tangled around the night's events. She congratulates him on a job well done and informs him she's been named the Court's ambassador to the Inquisition, stating Celene believes her arcane knowledge will be helpful in the fight against Corypheus. Brennan thanks her and agrees, since her information was indeed helpful earlier in the evening and she is rumored to possess a great deal of knowledge that falls outside the strict trees taught by the Circle and even the Imperium. She departs, saying she will meet him at Skyhold and Dorian joins him on the balcony to discuss the evening's events, a conversation that leads to a private dance with just the two of them before the gala ends - the one high point of Brennan's evening. He really hates Orlesians.

Returning to Skyhold, he's slipped a memo by Leliana about the fact that Dorian's been making inquiries about a particular amulet in Val Royeaux. Confronting the mage over this reveals the tale - when Dorian fled Tevinter it was with only what he had on him. Having left his family, he refused to touch any of their wealth or riches, instead selling what was his to make his way to the Inquisition. What he sold was his birthright, an amulet that marks him as the scion of House Pavus. it holds mostly sentimental value to him, but it's something he wants back now that matters have somewhat sorted themselves out. Only the man he sold it to is being difficult about arranging a deal. When Brennan offers to help, Dorian emphatically refuses, saying he doesn't want to be seen asking him for favors, that everyone does that already and he doesn't want to add to it. Thinking the concerns are a little silly, Brennan later heads to Val Royeaux anyway since he has a matter to see to there for Josephine and finds it no hardship to swing by and meet the man possessing Dorian's amulet. The man admits he still has it, but the payment he wants in exchange isn't something Dorian can give him. Instead he wants the Inquisitor to use his influence to elevate his own status. Brennan considers before agreeing, inciting an angry outburst from Dorian who stalks off, claiming he doesn't want to be indebted to anyone, least of all Brennan.

Retrieving the amulet, Brennan returns to Skyhold and hands it over to Dorian in his alcove. Dorian is still angry and says he didn't want this, not this way, not to be indebted to Brennan. Brennan denies that, saying he didn't do this for debt, he did it for Dorian. Dorian sighs and says that's the problem, that people will look at this as him cozying up to power, for gifts and influence. That he is the Magister who's using the Inquisitor. Brennan expresses surprise that Dorian would worry about that and Dorian objects that he doesn't care what people think about him, only what people think about them. Which is when he apologizes for his outburst earlier and thanks Brennan for the gift, giving him another kiss. He says he's going to stop himself before he says something syrupy, but he will find a way to replay Brennan for this.

Later, Dorian inquires if Brennan's been to his quarters recently and hints that he's left something there for him. When he gets a chance, Brennan goes to investigate and Dorian enters to join him instead. Dorian propositions him and Brennan eagerly agrees, leading to a more intimate encounter that ends up with his lover critiquing his decorating choices while naked. It also leads to a much more serious conversation in which Dorian asks where Brennan sees this going. If this is all in fun for him, Dorian would rather try and walk away now than get too involved - as he says, walking away later will hurt more, and there's a vulnerability about him that has Brennan responding that he's looking for more than just fun in this. Dorian's surprised, and confesses that where he came from, something like this is about pleasure and is never taken any further than that. He's learned not to hope for more. Brennan teases him back into lighthearted reassurance and that seems enough to settle his doubts on the matter.

With those matters now attended to, Brennan and his companions set out to find Hawke and her Grey Warden friend outside Crestwood. They get temporarily waylaid by a situation involving undead and an underwater Rift, but Brennan comes out of the ordeal with a new castle (which Dorian pronounces might be halfway presentable with a slap of paint), a grateful village, and a soggy dwarf complaining about his boots. One terrifying encounter with a druffalo in a pitch black cave later, he manages to locate Hawke and Stroud.

And things all go downhill from there. Stroud finally fills them in a little on what's been behind the Grey Wardens' disappearance from across Orlais and Ferelden. He remarks upon Hawke's original battle with the powerful darkspawn in the Grey Warden prison where he'd originally been found - and killed, according to both Hawke and Varric. But Stroud points out that it takes a Grey Warden to kill an archdemon (the most powerful of darkspawn and the ones that call up a Blight). As Hawke was not one when she ended the Magister the first time, it had been Stroud's initial fear that perhaps the ancient being might return - a fear that turned out to be justified. While he was searching for knowledge about Corypheus, something terrible happened among the Wardens - every single one in Orlais started hearing their Calling, all at the same time. Stroud goes on to explain that the Calling is when a Warden knows his time is coming to an end, that the Blight is finally getting to him. It starts as dreams, and then whispers in his mind, which is when he bids farewell to his companions and heads deep into the Deep Roads to greet his death with a sword in his hand and take out as many darkspawn as he can in the process. That all the Wardens started hearing it at once incited a near panic in them, because without the Grey Wardens, the next Blight would have none to stop it, for the archdemon would be unkillable. As such, they started discussing desperate means - a blood magic ritual cast in hopes that they could stop all future Blights from occurring before they ran out of Grey Wardens to fight it. When Stroud objected to this plan, the leader of the Wardens in Orlais, a woman named Clarel, had him named traitor and actively set her forces to capture and imprison him, but he fled before she could, seeking out Hawke's aid and believing that perhaps Corypheus had corrupted their minds, or their Calling, as he had once taken over his guards deep in the prison that contained them. The fear is worrisome enough that Brennan feels it warrants immediate investigation and Stroud tells him where to locate the place they are to cast the ritual - an old Tevinter ritual site in the Western Approach.

They find a Venatori Magister there, Erimond, already practicing the ritual. Confronting him, he is more than happy to monologue the entire mess, believing he has the upper hand. It was indeed Corypheus who made all the Wardens start hearing their Calling, for Erimond claims Corypheus controls the Blight, not the other way around. With panic starting to spread among their ranks, Warden-Commander Clarel turned to desperate measures, ones Erimond had been waiting nearby to offer - a risky plan but one that would appeal to the Wardens' sense of duty and necessity. An ancient Tevinter ritual of blood binding that would amass a demon army to march into the Deep Roads and wipe out the Blight at its source - kill the ancient slumbering gods before the Blight has a chance to reach them and turn them into archdemons. No more old gods to infect means no more future Blights on the surface, granting one final victory to the Grey Wardens for their sacrifice. Brennan blithely remarks that Ah, he wondered when the demon army was going to show up, managing to surprise the Magister that he was already aware of it's creation and taking some of the wind out of his sails. Not for long, however, because he reveals that in the ritual, the Mages are bound to him and through him, his master, Corypheus. When Hawke asks about the Warriors, they realize that all those are serving as the sacrifice in the blood magic ritual to bind the mage and their demons - willing or not.

Deciding he's talked enough Erimond reveals what he thinks is his ace in the hole - the secret to manipulating the Anchor as his master did at Haven, believing he can control Brennan through it and cancel his presence as a threat to interrupt the ritual. Only Brennan's been using the Anchor continually since Haven, sealing rifts all across Orlais and Ferelden and it's grown much more powerful since then, especially with the new ability he'd discovered in the aftermath of that attack. One that he uses now, purposefully opening a rift just behind Erimond and yanking, enough to injure the Magister and disarm him and prove that he will not be controlled. Started and frightened, the Magister orders his bound Mages and demons to attack before fleeing the scene. Dispatching the remaining forces, Stroud points out that there is only one place close enough for the Magister to flee, and the only place secluded enough to raise an army of that size unnoticed - Adamant Fortress, and ancient Grey Warden stronghold here in the Western Approach used back in the Second Blight. Brennan expresses shock that any of them could be so foolish and blind and Hawke points out that fear and desperation will push many people to making terrible choices.

They return to Skyhold to amass the Inquisition's army, gaining siege weaponry from their allies and marching on the stronghold. They take the gates and the walls and Brennan leads a small party of himself, Dorian, Solas and Cole into the fortress with Stroud and Hawke at his side. Fighting their way through demons and controlled Mages, they are relieved to rally some of the Warden Warriors to their side, members of the Order that have realized something is very wrong with what's going on and have started questioning the wisdom of this desperate act. At least fighting their way to the central courtyard, Brennan finds Clarel with Erimond about to complete the ritual and open a portal that will unleash a massive demon through to this side of the veil. It is visible in the Rift, a huge terrifying form, and the forces gathered around are clearly uneasy and uncertain. Brennan plays to that doubt, calling into question what they are doing, Hawke and Stroud lending their voices to the plea until it is enough for Clarel to finally pause and question, the name of Corypheus coming as a surprise to her, because she had believed him dead.

Her momentary doubt is enough for Erimond to give up his ruse and he throws off his pretense of helping her, summoning instead the giant Blighted dragon seen at Haven, the servant of Corypheus. The dragon attacks the fortress and the Grey Wardens immediately assume it to be what it appears to be - an arch demon Knowing she's been tricked, knowing all the sacrifices they've already done have been in vain, Clarel lashes out in fury and attacks Erimond who once again flees. She gives chase, and Brennan and his party chase the pair of them, catching up in time to see Clarel disarm Erimond in fury and raise her staff for a killing blow. it's interrupted by an attack by the dragon however, knocking all of them off their feet. The monster approaches and, badly injured, Clarel uses the last of her strength to attack the dragon, sending the monster hurtling off the walls but making the ancient parapet crumble around it in the process. With no time to get to safety, Brennan and his party fall from the fortress walls, and it is more instinct than forethought that has him reaching out in a panic and the Anchor responds in a flare of green.

They fall and land - but not among the rubble outside the stronghold. Instead they all find themselves in a strange and twisted landscape that defies all sense of reality and gravity. Confused at first, it doesn't take them long to realize they are in the Fade, in physical form, something that should be impossible (although Brennan has already been there and walked out of it once - something he still lacks any real memory of). Solas is understandably delighted and fascinated, pointing out the Black City of legend floating in the distance. Cole is upset and frightened over being here and it is Dorian that points out that it is not what they expected because normally people enter the Fade through dreams, which shape the landscape around them. They're seeing this place for what it is, without the influence of a dreamer's mind. The next problem to be presented is finding a way out and it's decided to look for the rift that might be nearby, as it was in the castle. It may be guarded by the giant demon they saw through the veil but not knowing any other way back through, it is their only option, so they set out with haste, before the demons notice their presence here.

They speculate that perhaps it is Brennan's mark that allowed them all to survive the transition from reality to the Fade, and Brennan asks Solas if he knows anything about this part of the Fade. Solas replies to the negative and speculates that whatever controls the section they've landed in looks to be a demon of fear, and to beware of demons playing with them as they proceed.

Except it's not a demon they find as they proceed along the path, it's the Divine, Justinia, waiting for Brennan to speak to him. He expresses surprise to see her still alive and both Stroud and Hawke caution that it could be a spirit or a demon. The Divine refuses to argue or confirm either way, stating only that she is here to help. She tells them that they are in the realm of Nightmare, a demon that serves Corypheus willingly, because of who and what he is. he is one of the Magisters that first unleashed the Blight upon the world and nothing has caused terror and fear more than the consequences of that act. The false Calling the Wardens all felt was the doing of Nightmare and it has fed well off the feast it created to itself. Brennan pieces together that the enormous demon she's talking about is the same they saw through the rift an concludes with an emphatic "Oh, shit," to summarize all their feelings on the matter. Stroud vows to have his vengeance against the demon who caused the worthless sacrifice of so many of his fellow Wardens and the Divine replies that he will have his chance. But first, she tells Brennan that the Nightmare has stolen something from him when he was here the first time - his memories of what occurred. Without them, he has no chance of succeeding, so he must take them back before confronting the demon.

Brennan turns to fight the demons that have sealed away his memories, minions of the Nightmare demon. As he destroys them, the first puzzle piece of his missing memories returns to him, although they all witness it as if they were there. It is within the Temple of Sacred Ashes and Justinia is being held and restrained by several Grey Wardens. Corypheus approaches with the elven orb in his grasp and the words heard echoed back when Brennan first approached the Breach play out in vivid memory. He sees himself break into the room at her cry for help, interrupting the ritual. The distraction allows Justinia to lash out, knocking the orb from Corypheus' grasp and rolling towards Brennan, who scoops it up as it activates. The memory ends with the resulting explosion.

Brennan is quick to put the pieces together - the Anchor is not a gift of the maker or Andraste at all, it was a mere accident, a ricochet in the heat of battle that was never meant to occur. The Divin points out that if he believes in the Maker, than it was His hand guiding Brennan's presence there in the first place, and if he does not... well, nothing's changed then, has it? She explains that Corypheus intended to use the orb to rip open the Veil and enter the fade, to throw open the gates of the Black City for himself. But the orb bestowed the Anchor on Brennan instead, forever foiling that route in Corypheus' machinations. If he wants to now leave Nightmare's realm, he must regain what Nightmare stole from him - the rest of his memories. She leaves to clear the way ahead and Brennan and his companions follow, discussing what they've learned. Hawke is angry about the Grey Wardens they saw in the memory, flinging an accusation at Stroud, who responds that they will argue this after they get past Nightmare. Solas speculates that Nightmare spawned from a Fear demon linked with the Blight, meaning it is very old and no doubt very powerful. Fear is one of the oldest spirits, one of the oldest instincts to exist, older than pride, compassion, love - every emotion, save for perhaps desire. Cole is still freaking out, upset and scared that Brennan and the others will think he's like the Nightmare demon - that because he makes people forget him, he is the same. But he explains that the Nightmare demon eats the memories for itself, not to help people, and Brennan is quick to reassure him that no one here thinks they're anything alike.

A little further down the path, a voice rings out, the Nightmare demon taunting them from the Fade. He starts with Brennan, mocking him, condescending that he is foolish for seeking out the fears Nightmare so graciously took from him, spared him from, saying he is mistaken in thinking they will make him stronger - the only one fear strengthens is him. He taunts each of Brennan's companions in turn - comparing Cole to himself, comparing Dorian to his father. His taunt to Solas is in ancient elven, words Brennan can't understand, but Solas rebukes him in a stern tone. Hawke is next, the demon chiding her over thinking she actually mattered, that she'd made a difference. He taunts her that her lover will die, as everyone around her dies, and that if she could not even save her city, how did she expect to overthrow a god? Stroud he taunts with the fact that after all those years he devoted to the Wardens and served them faithfully, it was he who brought about their destruction, brought the Inquisition against his own people. When the next Blight strikes, it will be his name they all curse.

They keep fighting their way through demons and minions of the Fear demon - each taking a shape that will unsettle them most. Brennan sees them as giant spiders, where Stroud perceives them as darkspawn. They find the Divine again and Brennan has a chance to question her more. He asks about the Anchor, asks what it is, and the best explanation she can give him is that it is a needle and a key. When he professions confusion at that, she states that "it is the needle that pierces the veil and he is the thread drawn through. It is the key that locks and unlocks doorways in the Fade, allowing him passage". That was what Corypheus sought, to reach the Black City, and since Brennan has taken it for himself, the Elder One has lost his access to it. The Anchor cannot be removed from Brennan while he lives. She directs him to where more of his memories can be found and this time when the scene plays out, it is his his memory of here, of what happened once he'd been sucked into the Fade. He sees himself and the Divine running for the Rift, for safety as dozens of demons and fear minions chase them. She falls and he goes back for her but it is too late. She orders him to run before she is overwhelmed and he has no choice but to flee through the Rift alone.

With that memory settling freshly back in place he turns to face the Divine - rather, the spirit that has taken her form in order to help them. She confirms it, and reveals her true self, a shining spirit in the Fade. It's then he realizes it was her everyone had seen behind him in the Fade - not Andraste at all, but the spirit who had helped him escape. Before they have time to move further, tensions start escalating among his companions - mainly between Stroud and Hawke over fault - the Grey Wardens' involvement in the Divine's death, which Stroud tosses back as hypocrisy after her actions in Kirkwall spawned the Mage Rebellion. Brennan's companions chime in, both Solas and Cole backing up Hawke in that the Grey Wardens are too dangerous to allow, and Dorian arguing for Stroud, that if Corypheus calls up another Blight, they'll need them more than ever. All the arguing is halted by the sudden announcement of the spirit that the Nightmare has found them, as demons and fears pour out of the Fade around them in endless waves. They fight their way through them, with the Nightmare taunting them from the shadows again, that they have no hope of defeating him. He is the Veiled hand of Corypheus, that the demon army at his command is bound through him and they are endless. It is the spirit of the Divine who speaks up at that, gleaning a bit of knowledge that he perhaps did not want to share - if they banish him, they banish the demon armies. He roars in outrage and sends more demons at them.

Again they fight their way through until they reach the Nightmare itself, a huge looming spirit that fills almost the entire sky. it's presence is overwhelming and for a moment, even Brennan and his companions falter and fall back, unable to face the terror it exudes. But the spirit of the Divine helps them once more, attacking the Nightmare and shattering it's corporeal form. It's only delayed, not destroyed, and part of it forms into a much more manageable figure, an Aspect of the Nightmare, still taunting them and intending to waylay their escape long enough that the Nightmare demon can fully reform. They fight it and defeat it just as the demon reforms overhead, blocking their escape. It is Stroud who volunteers to face it, buying the others time to escape through the Rift. Hawke objects, saying the fight should be hers, but Brennan remembers Stroud's desire to strike a blow at the demon responsible for the death of his companions and allows him to stay. The rest flee through the Rift while Stroud holds off the demon single-handedly.

Back in the physical world, Brennan activates the Anchor, sealing the Rift and cutting off all links to the Nightmare demon beyond. Instantly, the demon army is banished as well, having no foothold left in this plane. The battle is won and the Wardens surrender, confused about what has happened and unsure what they should do now, with all of their leaders lost to them. Despite some objection from his companions and the dangers of corruption they could still face, Brennan offers the Wardens a place in the Inquisition, giving them the opportunity to make amends for the tragic disaster they almost caused.

Back at Skyhold, everyone is in awe and has vastly different reactions to his adventure. Vivienne is fascinated by what he's done and seen while Dorian cautions him to keep silent about the truth. No one has walked into or out of the Fade physically in over a thousand years - not since the ancient Tevinter Magisters tries to break into the Golden City to become gods and unleashed the Blight itself upon the world. That Brennan has managed to do so once more - that he perhaps is the key to doing so - is dangerous and terrifying information, and a power that cannot fall into the wrong hands, as it could unleash even worse things upon the world. Solas is more outraged about the Wardens' plan itself, seeming to take personal affront to their plan to delve into the Deep Roads and seek out the Old Gods and wipe them out before the Blight takes them. Leliana asks about the Divine, who she still mourns. Cullen mourns instead that Corypheus has taken both the Templars and the Wardens - both honorable Orders seen as heroes across Thedas - and has corrupted them toward his purpose, demoralizing a sense of hope that is so desperately needed, one he hopes the Inquisition can restore. it comes out that Bull harbors a deep fear of demons, of possession and losing his mind, his self. Cassandra is struggling with her faith, over whether or not the spirit in the Fade was really the Divine, and confesses how frightened she was for Brennan, and for what the consequences his trip to the Fade might bring, since the last visit there by the Magisters caused the Blight. Sera just drags him out on a roof and feeds him cookies. Varric takes the blow of Stroud's death hard, but is relieved that Hawke made it back in one piece. he tells Brennan and Hawke has headed off to Weisshaupt, the Grey Warden base in the Anderfels, to inform them about what happened here, and left Varric with the fun task of informing her companions back in Kirkwall.

Cole is the one that takes the most recent adventure the hardest. Brennan finds the young man in a near panic, begging Solas to bind him before any other mage has the change, takes advantage and twists his purpose to make him something he's not, to make him more like the Nightmare's become. Solas refuses and tries to reason with him, but it takes Brennan interceding before they can calm him down enough to get a word in edgewise. Solas mentions an amulet he knows of, that Rivaini seers use to protect spirits. Anyone that wears it cannot be bound against their will, and Cole pleads for them to find one for him. Brennan reluctantly agrees, at least to calm Cole's fears.

While his advisers search for where Corypheus and his forces have fled to in the aftermath of their loss at Adamant, Brennan wraps up a few outstanding tasks - many of them requests involving his closest companions. Following a lead on a potential alliance with the Qunari, he takes a trip with Bull and his Chargers to the Storm Coast to investigate Venatori movement. When their trap turns out to be more complicated than expected, Brennan chooses to abandon the alliance in favor of saving Bull's mercenaries from being wiped out. The Qunari are unhappy with the choice and rescind their offer, declaring Bull Tal-Vashoth, or 'outcast' as a result. Bull takes the blow hard, so Brennan drags him out to kill a few high dragons to make him feel better. Considering the night of drinking and celebrating that follows, he thinks it might have even worked. Vivienne approaches him with a request to retrieve a very rare ingredient for a potion she is concocting, and once he does, he is there to witness the death of her husband, her potion come too late to save him and her grief over his loss very real. Cullen sends him down to hunt down information on Templar movements and that of their leader, Samson. He tracks them to a mine and compromises one of their primary red lyrium sources. Another is discovered by Varric and his 'friend' Bianca, and Brennan finally learns the story behind his legendary crossbow, and the name she bears - and why. Dorian helps him track down rogue Venatori agents and digs into Corypheus' past life in Tevinter, hoping it will give them a better idea of what they're dealing with. Cassandra enlists his help in finding out what's become of the Seekers of Truth, her former Order who have not been seen since that day in Val Royeaux back at the beginning of this mess with the Chantry. And the Chantry is looking to place either Cassandra or Leliana as a candidate for the next Divine. Though he is fond of both of them, Brennan feels that perhaps Cassandra will be a more tempered choice to bring change to the Chantry and the Circles - and Thedas at large. He saves Josephine from assassins and saves Leliana from becoming more of one.

All this running around gets interrupted by a very important game of Wicked Grace in which Brennan loses but he is surprisingly okay with it, as at least he didn't lose as bad as Cullen, who had to run naked back to his office after Jospehine cleaned him out. Instead he had to herd his lover back to their rooms to keep him from getting too much of an eyeful, promising Varric they would do this again, if he could coerce Cullen into trying to reclaim his dignity. Personally he thinks it's a little late for that. Cole's amulet shows up at last and when trying to get it to work, they learn more about what the strange boy - spirit - is, even if two of Brennan's closest companions can't seem to agree about it. he learns of an apostate named Cole who was captured by Templars and dragged back to the White Spire, only to be cast into a cell and forgotten about, dying of starvation alone. A spirit of Compassion was pulled by his pain and when it could not find a way to help, it found a way to come through the Veil and become him instead, which is now the Cole they all know. The memories are unleashed by an encounter with the Templar guard who'd locked the apostate away and forgotten, someone Cole now wants vengeance on. Although Solas counsels that Cole needs to forgive to remain true to the emotion he embodies, Varric argues that Cole is more than a spirit now, he's made himself more human, and because of that, he needs to grow, to heal. Brennan's inclined to agree with Varric and allows the dwarf to help Cole through the pain of his tragedy.

Also around this time, Brennan's own personal Grey Warden, Blackwall, goes conspicuously missing. He sets Leliana's agents to find him and tracks the man back to Val Royeaux where it comes out that Blackwall isn't Blackwall at all. He's an Orlesian captain by the name of Thom Rainier, formerly assigned under the Grand Duke Gaspard, who was a loyal soldier until the Duke gave him orders that led to the slaughter of an entire family of nobles. Horrified and guilty, Rainier fled and was found and recruited by the real Grey Warden Blackwall, but before he could undergo his Joining, the man was killed. Having nowhere else to go, Rainier assumed his identity and has been posing and progressing the Grey Warden duty ever since. When one of his former soldiers is sentenced to execution for the attack that was his fault, he returns to Val Royeaux and turns himself in in the man's stead. Brennan finds him there after his confession and pulls some strings to have the man judged by the Inquisition instead. There he gives Blackwall to the Grey Wardens, declaring the man can serve his atonement rather than ending his life in punishment.

While Brennan wanders the countryside cutting off Corypheus's supply lines and mining operations, he gathers information on the Elder One's general, a former Templar by the name of Samson. Cullen knew the man personally from Kirkwall and Brennan starts tracking down information about him. They learn that Samson has apparently made a suit of armor out of pure red lyrium, making him extremely powerful and extremely dangerous. Tracking down the base camp Samson was using as headquarters, they arrive almost too late to find any evidence, as the Templars had been tipped off of their coming and demolished the place, attempting to destroy all evidence. What Brennan finds, however, is the tools used to craft Samson's armor. He returns them back to Skyhold to his own artificer, Dagna, and she creates a rune for him, one that will shatter the suit of armor and render it powerless, effectively taking out the biggest threat the man poses.

With everything at the ready, his advisers have finally located Corypheus, as the Elder One has moved his remaining forces en masse to a distant region known as the Arbor Wilds. They express confusion at this because as far as they know, there is nothing there. it is Morrigan that contradicts them, explaining that there is an ancient elven ruin there, a temple untouched by time and the living for centuries now. She believes it holds what Corypheus is now after - an ancient elven device known as an Eluvian. She once attempted to breach the Wilds herself for it, but the area is protected and guarded by strange and dangerous magics, so she looked elsewhere. She succeeded, and has an Eluvian of her own, which she demonstrates to Brennan, explaining that is a doorway to someplace... Other. The ancient elves built no roads, and yet they had far-flung outposts in the deepest reaches of Thedas with no visible way in or out. It's because with their magic they created a place which Morrigan refers to the Crossroads. It is not in the physical plane or in the Fade bu somewhere else entirely, a pocket of magic designed to connect all the ancient doorways - most of which have been broken or tainted or rendered unusable. A few, however, still exist - one in her possession and another, she believes, in the forgotten temple in the Wilds. Each Eluvian requires a specific key to open, each key unique to the Eluvian in question. If Corypheus can gain access to that one, it might provide him the way into the Fade he's been seeking, the one Brennan denied him but stealing his Anchor.

With this alarming news the Inquisition immediately musters all its resources for a full assault on Corypheus' army in the Wilds. Calling on all the allies and forces they've collected through their actions, they are now a force to be reckoned with and finally clash in the thick jungles outside the temple while Brennan takes Morrigan, Solas, and a small party inside with him. On their way in, Morrigan informs him that she believes this to be a temple of Mythal, one of the Creator gods to the ancient elves, the 'mother' figure of their pantheon. If so, this is a precious and important piece of elven history, tucked away unknown and forgotten by all since the time of ancient Arlathan. They fight their way through Red Templars and Corypheus's forces to reach the temple and on their way they encounter another unexpected complication - both sides of the fighting armies are being attacked by elves, although they're different from any Brennan has ever seen and fight like none he has ever known. Morrigan speculates that this might be the protections that kept the temple safe and the Arbor Wilds such a dangerous place, ancient sentinels left to guard the ancient holy place.

Reaching the temple at last, it's in time to witness a confrontation between Corypheus and Samson against the ancient elven sentinels guarding the site. He speaks of a 'Well of Sorrows' that he is here for, sparking surprise from Brennan and the others, since they assumed it was the Eluvian, but Morrigan seems as surprised as they. The elves activate the protective magics as Corypheus strides towards them, declaring them a forgotten remnant who will fade in the wake of a new god, but as he approaches the bridge they guard, the defenses activated, wards to keep threats from entering. For a moment, it looks as if he will push past them, but they intensify and his form explodes, sending everyone crashing away from the spot. When Brennan pushes himself up, it is to see Corypheus destroyed and Samson and his forces racing across the now-clear bridge. As they ready to follow, one of the bodies nearby, a Grey Warden's, begins to move, and then to morph and as Brennan watches in horror, the man explodes into a new and much bigger shape as Corypheus takes over a new host. Panicked, he cries for his party to run as the Elder One's Blighted dragon bellows overhead. They make it across the bridge and seal the doors to the temper just in time to avoid a blast of fire, temporarily blocking off Corypheus' pursuit. However, Samson and his Templars are still in here, so the party turns in pursuit, navigating their way through the ancient temple in search of this 'Well' Corypheus is here for.

While they move, Brennan demands guesses on how Corypheus reformed after they watched him explode. Morrigan points out that he is acting like an archdemon himself - his essence passing on to any nearby Blighted creature, darkspawn of Grey Warden. Except Grey Wardens are able to slay them, something they cannot seem to do now. Morrigan speculates that this is why the Grey Wardens imprisoned him instead of destroyed - that perhaps they knew he could do this but not how, nor how they could keep him from doing so. It also explains why Hawke and Varric thought the matter ended when they left him dead in his prison cell back outside of Kirkwall. It also explains the confusion Bianca caused when she explains that she'd reached out to a Warden mage named Larius for information about red lyrium but Varric insisted the former Warden Commander they'd found in that prison had never been a mage. When Hawke had departed, Larius had been the only living being left in that prison, therefore a perfect new host for Corypheus. Since this means they don't actually know a way to kill him, it complicates matters significantly, but Brennan pushes it off, saying they need to first beat his general to the Well and to deal with the problem at hand first - they will find a way to stop Coryphues once they fix this first emergency.

Navigating through the temple involves a lot more annoying standing-on-puzzle-plates rather than punching things in the face, but Brennan obliges Morrigan since she seems to know what she's talking about. As they go, he gets a lesson in Elvish history and legend - both from Morrigan and from Solas, who does not seem overly fond of many of Morrigan's opinions on the matter. He learns of Mythal, the mother figure of the elven deities, the personification of justice or vengeance or both, according to lore. Their fate is unknown, although Dalish legend says Fen'Harel, the Dread Wolf and god of trickery, sealed all the elven gods into a realm beyond the fade, as he did the Forgotten Ones in the lower depths of hell. The elves believe this is why the gods did not come to their aid when Arlathan fell to Tevinter, or answer any of their prayers or petitions since. It's curious to all of them then, when venturing a little further in, that they come across a statue of Fen'Harel himself, which Morrigan declares practically blasphemous and puzzling. Solas snipes that perhaps she does not know everything and gives more credence to lore than history, a foolish failing on her part. Brennan breaks up the argument before it can grow heated, leading them deeper into the temple and learning more about each of the elven gods as he goes, unlocking the ancient doors with the path supplicants would have trod in ancient days.

When they succeed in unlocking the doors, it's to be greeted by the leader of the elven sentinels, a man who calls himself Abelas. Explains that they are the guardians of this place since the time of the fall of Arlathan, which spawns some interesting revelations for all of them when he reveals that it was not Tevinter that caused the fall of the elvish empire as history states, but that the Elves warred among themselves so that only a corpse was left when Tevinter invaded them. Abelas insists the Well is not meant for them, but if they agree to leave peaceably afterwards, the elves will help in their endeavor to destroy the invaders to their temple. Brennan agrees, but Morrigan objects, having expressed a need for the Well herself, a preservation of ancient things that are fading in the world. She shapeshifts into a raven and wings off deeper into the temple, leaving Brennan and his party to continue with an elven escort through the ancient and secret passageways of the temple to confront Samson.

They find him and confront him and Brennan uses the rune Dagna made to negate his armor, robbing him of most of his strength. Samson is furious and swallows down more and more lyrium as he fights them, but in the end he falls and Brennan secures his arrest to have him taken back to Skyhold for judgement. It might have ended there but suddenly Abelas startles and dashes off towards the Well, pursuing a swiftly flying raven. Brennan and the others pursue as well, finding the pair at last on the edge of what drew them all here in the first place - the Well of Sorrows. Abelas explains that it holds the collective knowledge of the elven people, all that is left of a race long gone, diminished into shadow. He would have destroyed it before seeing it passed to the unworthy, but relents that perhaps the Inquisitor has earned the right to be here. Solas points out that his people still linger and just because his mission here has ended doesn't mean he must as well. Abelas warns that drinking of the well comes with a terrible price - it comes with incredible knowledge, yes, but the drinker will be forever bound to Mythal. Morrigan questions that, because Mythal is long gone, if she even existed at all and Brennan questions if its possible if she still exists somewhere. Morrigan mentions the legend of Fen'Harel again and Abelas scoffs, stating that the Dread Wolf had nothing to do with Mythal's murder. The answer surprised Morrigan, who'd mentioned nothing of a death, and it is clearly a piece of lore she had not possessed. Abelas explains that Mythal was slain by the same ones who waged war on this temple, and on Arlathan, eons ago, then says no more on the matter, departing instead, his long final mission at last discharged.

The party pauses to debate on what to do with the Well now, although Morrigan does point out the Eluvian behind the well, stating at least she got that part right. Brennan asks if Corypheus will still be able to use it and she reminds him that all Eluvians have a key - this one's is the Well. If one of them Partakes of the Well, they will hold the key, rendering it useless to Corypheus, much as Brennan had done with the Anchor. They explore the options of who is to drink, but Solas outright refuses and Dorian says he can't be that person. Brennan momentarily considers himself but Morrigan is right in stating she possesses far more knowledge in this area as he does. Finally relenting to her arguments, he bids her to drink, hoping that this Well will be able to help them win against Corypheus, knowing he is asking Morrigan to pay a deep price for it, even as flippantly as she regards the ancient elven gods.

She drinks, and collapses, and when Brennan rushes towards her to wake her again, she sits up mumbling in elven, words he cannot understand. They don't have long to sort out what's just happened, however, because Corypheus shows up, having finally broken through the temple's defenses. Enraged that he's been once again robbed of away to his destination, he flies towards them. In haste, Morrigan flings open the Eluvian and they escape through it, since they as of yet have no real way to destroy him. They flee, and he is locked on the other side, shattering the Eluvian in Mythal's temple in a fit of rage. The party flees back out the other side of the Crossroads through Morrigan's Eluvian and find themselves back in Skyhold once more, where they send word to their advisers and forces that they are alive, and beat them back.

Brennan seeks out Morrigan to discuss what happened in the Temple, but it's to learn that somehow her son, a strange boy that accompanied her from Orlais and who Brennan has chatted and played with a few times in the gardens, has somehow activated her Eluvian. Morrigan has given chase, so Brennan does so as well, knowing what dangers could lie in there. Except when he steps through, it isn't to find the Crossroads, but the Fade. He finds a panicking Morrigan and together they seek out her son. When they find him, it is in the surprising company of of a strange woman - one Morrigan calls 'mother'. The woman then introduces herself as Flemeth, a woman out of Ferelden lore, and one known for helping both the Hero of Ferelden and the Champion of Kirkwall in the past. Morrigan fears that the old Witch of the Wilds has come for her son, and for the old soul of a gods that Kieran carries. Much of the conversation that goes on makes no sense to Brennan, although Morrigan explains that her mother extends her own life by taking that of her daughters, which is why she fled so many years ago, and why she's kept Kieran hidden from her all this time. When she summons her magic to fight, Flemeth lifts her hand and dismisses it, which is when Morrigan gets her real surprise - the realization that Flemeth carries the spirit of Mythal, the ancient elven goddess that Morrigan bound herself to when she drank of the Well. Flemeth tells her daughter that if she listens to the voices from the Well, she will know how to defeat Corypheus. Then, she removes the soul of the old god from her grandson and leaves them there in the Fade, to make their way back through the Eluvian unharmed. Morrigan confesses that it is uncomfortable to realize she doesn't know nearly as much as she'd thought, especially about her own mother. But that Flemeth was right in one thing - the voices have told her how to counter the Elder One's dragon, and with that connection cut, Corypheus can be killed like any other being.

Brennan returns to the War-room to confront his advisers, to see if there's been any word on Corypheus or his forces since the Wilds. As their own forces are still on their way back to Skyhold, nothing is known about where he has vanished to. While they are debating on what to do, the sky flares with an eerie green light and Brennan's Anchor activates and all their eyes are drawn to the scar where the Breach had been - a Breach Corypheus is now once again reopening. Brennan must move immediately to close it - and to confront the Elder One who is obviously lying in wait for him there - and the Inquisition forces have no one to send with him, as the bulk of their army is still making their way back from the Arbor Wilds. Morrigan says she can handle the dragon - it is up to Brennan to deal with Corypheus.

He takes with him his first three companions - Cassandra, Varric and Solas - and returns to the site of the Te,ple of Sacred Ashes, where the Conclave was first destroyed and the Anchor first 'gifted' to him. He finds it fitting, that everything will end where it all began. He finds Corypheus attacking the scouts he'd left stationed behind, but interrupts the fight, drawing the Elder One's gaze, a final confrontation. Corypheus states that they will decide, here and now, which of them is worthy of godhood. He summons his dragon, but before it can attack, Morrigan - shapeshifted into dragon form - attacks it, drawing it off of Brennan and into the skies, to fight as Brennan takes on the Elder One personally. It works, for a time, but the dragon overpowers Morrigan and she falls, transforming back to her human self and falling unconscious. Brennan finishes the dragon off, returning the portion of Corypheus's soul to him before taking up the fight once more. Knowing that his options are growing more limited by the moment, Corypheus turns all his power into destroying Brennan, rather than worrying about his own fate once the fight is over. He activated the orb, speeding the opening of the Breach, knowing if he succeeds in opening it all the way, the Fade will swallow the world hole. Brennan flings himself into the fight with everything he has, and as Corypheus calls out a plea to the old gods, to Dumat, to hear him as he activates the orb. Activating his Anchor, he pulls, and the orb flies to his hand, forever out of Corypheus's grasp. Abandoned by the gods and stolen of his last power, the Elder One falls to his knees as Brennan holds the orb aloft and activates, reversing all the magic the Magister has wreaked upon the sky, closing and sealing the Breach itself for good this time. He drops the orb and advances on the Magister and holds out his hand, activating the Anchor one more time. Reminding Corypheus that he wanted so badly to go to the Fade, Brennan will grant him his wish. That said, he rips the ancient darkspawn apart with a Rift, sealing the only pieces left of him into the Fade, trapped outside of the world forever.

Corypheus is gone, no longer a threat to their world, never again to be reborn. The Breach above them is sealed. And Solas... one of Brennan's oldest companions falls to his knees beside the now-shattered orb, morning it's loss with a sorrow that Brennan doesn't understand, but sympathizes with. Solas's words make him suspect that there is more to the orb than the elf's ever said, that perhaps Solas has known more all along, but before he can question him, the rest of his companions call out to him and he goes to find them, to make sure everyone is alright in the aftermath of their victory. Everyone is alive and well, or mostly well, but when Brennan looks back, Solas is gone, leaving no trace of having ever been there, except the broken pieces of the orb he left behind.

They return to Skyhold, where celebrations are already underway, the Inquisition victorious at last. Brennan mingles for a while at the party, talking to all his companions and advisers before needing a few moments alone to slip away. His departure does not go unnoticed however, and Dorian catches him before he can slip upstairs, accompanying him instead, giving them a moment to enjoy the quiet, the victory, and the fact that they are both still alive, and together - and that now they have all the time in the world to figure out what comes next.