This quest will be triggered by speaking to Josephine at Skyhold. She presents the player with a request from Arlessa Tamsin of Bear's Crossing, a hold near the Korcari Wilds. The arlessa has offered favorable trading negotiations with the Inquisition in exchange for rooting out a tribe of Chasind on her land.
The player accepts the quest and travels to Bear's Crossing, soon coming across Ruslan, the affable leader of a group of Chasind scouts. He makes it clear that he does not intend to start trouble on Arlessa Tamsin's lands, and asks the Inquisitor to help him seal a Fade rift. His tribe has children and elderly members that cannot pass the rift or survive an alternative crossing.
The player may choose to help Ruslan and his band or kill them. If the player kills him, the arlessa will appear with her guards and thank the player. The quest will end with a letter from Josephine stating the Inquisition has received agreeable trade terms from Arlessa Tamsin.
If the player chooses to help Ruslan close the rift, Arlessa Tamsin will appear with her guards and push a confrontation between her forces and the Chasind. The arlessa reveals Ruslan raided a caravan and killed a merchant in order to procure supplies for his tribe. Ruslan is remorseful for his actions, but Arlessa Tamsin demands justice. The player must choose between standing with Arlessa Tamsin, Ruslan, or staying out entirely.
If the player sides with the arlessa, she will open favorable trade agreements. If the player stays out of the conflict, the arlessa will win and will not open her arling to trade. If the player sides with Ruslan, they may recruit Ruslan and his band as Inquisition agents, or demand they leave as soon as possible. Josephine details the results of these choices in a letter, ending the quest.
[[Begin]]JOSEPHINE: Inquisitor, I have received word from Arlessa Tamsin of Bear’s Crossing. Her lands are being troubled by Chasind warriors.
1. [[(Diplomatic) I want to help.]]
2. [[(Charming) Love that name.]]
3. [[(Aggressive) That’s a problem.]]
4. [[(Question) Chasind?]]
INQUISITOR: How may I be of service to the arlessa?
JOSEPHINE: Her ladyship is concerned the Chasind will pose a threat to her people.
[[Continue1]]INQUISITOR: Well, I certainly hope she can (bear) any hardships they’ve caused.
JOSEPHINE: (chuckle) Very good, Inquisitor.
[[Continue1]]INQUISITOR: Nothing good happens when the Chasind leave their swamps.
JOSEPHINE: Arlessa Tamsin is inclined to agree.
[[Continue1]]INQUISITOR: I’m not familiar with the Chasind.
JOSEPHINE: The Chasind are a tribe of people residing in the Wilds to the south of Ferelden.
JOSEPHINE: While many live peacefully in the swamps, others choose to raid and pillage.
JOSEPHINE: Relations have been between the Chasind and Ferelden citizens have been difficult for centuries because of reported banditry.
JOSEPHINE: And with so many Chasind driven from their homes during the Fifth Blight, tensions have only worsened.
JOSEPHINE: The Arlessa is displeased by their presence in Bear's Crossing.
1. [[(Diplomatic) I want to help.]]
2. [[(Charming) Love that name.]]
3. [[(Aggressive) That’s a problem.]]JOSEPHINE: The arlessa has many soldiers at her command, but the presence of fade rifts has made it impossible for a large contingent to travel the roads.
JOSEPHINE: In exchange for your assistance, she has agreed to offer us a most favorable trading agreement.
INQUISITOR: Are her goods that valuable?
JOSEPHINE: Arlessa Tamsin controls much of the timber trade in the region. Our carpenters would benefit greatly from an alliance. As would much of Skyhold.
JOSEPHINE: You may finally be able to fix the hole in Cullen’s roof.
1. [[(Diplomatic) I’ll help.]]
2. [[(Charming) He might not allow it.]]
3. [[(Aggressive) Cullen’s tough.]]
INQUISITOR: I will ride out for the arlessa's lands as soon as possible.
JOSEPHINE: She will be pleased to hear it, your worship.
[[Continue2]]INQUISITOR: I think Cullen would sooner stare down a dragon in heat than admit he’s a bit cold at night.
JOSEPHINE: *chuckle* I hope it does not come to that. Although...the commander can certainly be stubborn when it pleases him.
[[Continue2]]INQUISITOR: If my commander can’t handle sleeping the cold, he’s hardly fit to manage my armies.
JOSEPHINE: Cullen is as capable as ever, Inquisitor. Regardless of how we use the goods, we stand to benefit from the arlessa’s favor.
[[Continue2]]JOSEPHINE: Arlessa Tamsin has sent coordinates with sightings of the Chasind. I shall mark them on your map.
[[(The player and companions head to Bear’s Crossing. They come across a band of Chasind warriors near the opening. Their leader, Ruslan, speaks to the player upon approach.)]]
RUSLAN: (laughs) Ah-ha! The Inquisitor himself/herself! I ought to have known they would send you. This will be a glorious battle.
CASSANDRA: Careful. The Chasind are not known for peaceful encounters.
COLE: Glorious. It makes him happy, like the golden king. But his armor fits.
SOLAS: Many of the Chasind wish only to lead quiet lives in the Wilds. This man does not strike me as such.
SERA: Itching for an arrow in the bulge, this one. Could put it there.
IRON BULL: (chuckles) Straight to the point. I like this one.
BLACKWALL: Be on your guard. He looks like a man who’s seen his share of fights.
VARRIC: Boss, if you end up recruiting him after kicking his ass, you should ask about Chasind herbs. They’re worth a fortune to the right people.
DORIAN: Ah, the savage wishes to fight? What an original thinker. This man must be a philosopher among the other unwashed bandits.
VIVIENNE: The Chasind are hardly known for their courtesy, my dear. It would be wise to tread cautiously.
1. [[(Diplomatic) I mean you no harm.]]
2. [[(Charming) Eager, aren’t you?]]
3. [[(Aggressive) You’re trespassing.]]
4. [[(Question) Why are you here?]]
INQUISITOR: I only came to talk.
RUSLAN: As did I, Inquisitor. I’d hoped you might help me and my brothers.
[[Continue3]]INQUISITOR: And here I’d hoped to get to know you a little better before you set about cutting my throat.
RUSLAN: Ha-ha! It won’t be my blade that meets you in battle, Inquisitor.
[[Continue3]]INQUISITOR: You picked the wrong place for a raid, Chasind.
RUSLAN: (Laugh) Be at ease, Inquisitor. I’ve no wish to fight you.
[[Continue3]]INQUISITOR: What are you doing on Arlessa Tamsin’s lands?
RUSLAN: My tribe is returning to the Wilds.
RUSLAN: We only mean to pass through. We’ve no quarrel with your noble.
[[Continue3]]RUSLAN: You’d make a fine ally against these sickly spirits.
INQUISITOR: Spirits?
RUSLAN: Aye. My brothers and I were scouting ahead for our tribe. We came across a rift by the riverbank.
RUSLAN: The spirits spilling out have grown angry. They’ll skewer anyone that draws near.
RUSLAN: We would take a path around them, but our supplies are running low. We’ve children and elders among our tribe who need full bellies and rest in order to make it back to the Wilds.
1. [[(Diplomatic) I want to help you.]]
2. [[(Charming) The Wilds?]]
3. [[(Aggressive) You need to leave.]]INQUISITOR: Return to the Wilds? I don’t hear many people say that. Usually, anything involving the word, ‘Wilds’ includes some form of fleeing.
RUSLAN: Ha-ha! Few among your people have the might to cross through the Wilds, but we Chasind call it home.
[[Continue4]]INQUISITOR: You have no business being on these lands in the first place.
RUSLAN: Rest easy, Inquisitor. We’ll be on our way as soon as we can pass by the rift.
[[Continue4]]INQUISITOR: I can help you. What do you need?
RUSLAN: I'm pleased to hear it, Inquisitor.
[[Continue4]]RUSLAN: Rumor says that your hand is the only power in the land capable of sealing rifts. Will you help us cross? We won’t trouble your noble further.
1. [[(Diplomatic) Of course.]]
2. [[(Charming) I suppose.]]
3. [[(Aggressive/Attack) Not working with bandits.]]INQUISITOR: It would be my pleasure.
RUSLAN: You honor me, Inquisitor. I’ll gladly fight by your side.
RUSLAN: The rift is just north of here. My brothers and I will join you when you’re ready.
[[Continue5]]INQUISITOR: I could give ‘Old Green’ a good shake at the rift.
CASSANDRA: (Disgusted noise)
VARRIC: (Chuckles) Old Green. That’s not half-bad.
RUSLAN: Ha-ha! This will be a fine fight!
RUSLAN: The rift is just north of here. My brothers and I will join you when you’re ready.
[[Continue5]]INQUISITOR: I’m not about to make deals with common bandits. Draw your sword.
RUSLAN: (sigh) I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this.
[[Continue6]](Triggered by clicking on Ruslan.)
RUSLAN: Aye, Inquisitor? What can I do for you?
1. [[(Investigate) Chasind.]]
2. [[I'm ready.]]
3. [[Never mind.]](The Inquisitor and Ruslan fight. When the battle is over, Arlessa Tamsin rides in with a group of soldiers.)
TAMSIN: Inquisitor. I apologize for my late arrival. However, it appears you have taken care of matters.
TAMSIN: Your assistance in bringing these bandits to justice is most appreciated.
TAMSIN: I will inform your ambassador that trade negotiations will continue with my full support.
TAMSIN: Safe travels, your worship.
[[JosephineLetter1]]Inquisitor,
Arlessa Tamsin is quite pleased by your thoroughness in solving her troubles with the Chasind. She has agreed to begin supplying lumber to Skyhold at a generous rate. I expect the next shipment will arrive shortly.
Whether Cullen will allow us to thatch his roof is a different matter entirely.
Josephine
[[END]]INQUISITOR: I wanted to ask you a few questions about the Chasind.
RUSLAN: What do you wish to know?
1. [[Daily life.]]
2. [[Travels.]]
3. [[Arlessa Tamsin]]
4. [[Marriage]]
5. [[Religion.]]
6. [[Never mind.]]
INQUISITOR: Nothing at the moment.
RUSLAN: Aye. We’ll be here when you’re ready to close the rift.
[[Continue5]]INQUISITOR: What’s a day in the life like for the Chasind?
RUSLAN: Not so different from the people dwelling in your cities.
RUSLAN: We have hunters, artisans, scouts, midwives...and a Shamaness to look after us.
RUSLAN: She has guided us through the good and the terrible. We would not have survived the Blight without her.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: What brought you away from the Wilds? Are you nomads?
RUSLAN: Aye, we rarely spend more than a year in one place.
[[Player is Dalish.]]
[[Player is dwarf.]]
[[Player is noble.]]
[[Player is mage.]]
[[Player is Qunari.]]INQUISITOR: Why is the arlessa hunting your tribe?
RUSLAN: City-dwellers are wary of the Chasind. My tribe is peaceful, but many among our kind are not.
RUSLAN: The nobles hear rumors of our hunters creeping through their forests, stealing their villagers, and eating the flesh of their fallen.
DORIAN: Your people must throw delightful dinner parties. It’s a wonder you haven’t been invited to visit the Orlesian court.
RUSLAN: The people outside the wilds have grown to fear us. Most nobles will send soldiers when they hear of our presence.
RUSLAN: We only wish to pass through, but our Shamaness fears approaching the arlessa would be a death sentence for our scouts.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: What are marriage practices like among the Chasind?
RUSLAN: Ha-ha-ha! A shameless question, Inquisitor. I enjoy your boldness.
RUSLAN: A man proves his strength by taking his bride from her bed in the middle of the night. If he succeeds, they are wed soon after. If not, he is thrashed by her family and sent back to his in shame.
RUSLAN: Our marriages may be as short as winter days, or long as the sky itself. With luck, those few that last a lifetime are cherished.
INQUISITOR: And the bride approves of this practice?
RUSLAN: Aye. A willing bride may help her suitor slip past her family, but even the most eager brides are expected to put up some struggle.
RUSLAN: Arrangements should be discussed between families beforehand. It’s a foolish man that pushes a truly unwilling bride to marry him.
RUSLAN: Our women are fierce. And if our men do not fear them, most are enough to fear witches.
RUSLAN: The Mother of Vengeance, Flemeth, Asha’bellanar...she does not look kindly on men who steal brides without her permission.
RUSLAN: Most dare not risk her wrath.
[[(Flirt) Visit me.]]
[[(Flirt) I would steal you.]]
[[(Flirt) Let’s meet in the middle.]]
[[That makes sense.]]
[[That’s barbaric.]]
INQUISITOR: Do the Chasind have religious practices?
RUSLAN: Aye. We follow many gods. Korth the Mountain Father. The Lady of the Skies. Hakkon Wintersbreath. And we respect our witches.
RUSLAN: Rumor says you’re the chosen of your god. Andraste. What’s that like?
CASSANDRA: Andraste is the bride of our Maker. She was a mortal woman, not a god. I suppose...it is easily misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the Chant.
1. [[(Stoic) It’s fine.]]
2. [[(Forceful) Tired of being asked.]]
3. [[(Sad) It’s a burden.]]
4. [[(Confused) Don’t know what to think.]]
INQUISITOR: I'm ready to close the rift.
RUSLAN: Let's be off!
[[(The Inquisitor and Ruslan work together to seal the breach. When the battle ends, Arlessa Tamsin arrives with her personal guard.)]]
TAMSIN: Well done, Inquisitor. These men have eluded my forces for days. It will be a pleasure to rid my lands of them once and for all.
RUSLAN: There’s no need. We only wish to pass through, and we’ll be on our way.
TAMSIN: I seriously doubt you’ll leave it at that.
TAMSIN: Inquisitor, if you allow this man to leave, he will rape and pillage his way through a host of towns before retreating into the Wilds.
TAMSIN: I’ve received word of what you did outside of Lothering, Chasind. I won’t allow it to happen on my lands.
1. [[Is this true?]]
2. [[Back off, Tamsin.]]
3. [[Knew you couldn’t be trusted.]]
RUSLAN: Was there something else?
[[(Investigate) Chasind.]]
[[I'm ready.]]
[[Never mind.]]RUSLAN: You Dalish wander as well, I’m told. Though you do so with...land ships.
RUSLAN: Can you sail them across the ground? Why do they need wheels if they are ships?
INQUISITOR: I’m afraid the name is misleading. They’re more like wagons.
RUSLAN: Ah. A pity. I was hoping to trade for one.
[[Continue7]]
RUSLAN: But you dwarves spend most of your days underground, yes? Do you worry the rocks will collapse on you?
INQUISITOR: I wouldn’t know. I’ve spent my life on the surface.
RUSLAN: Understandable. You need the open skies.
[[Continue7]]RUSLAN: You nobles do most of your traveling with carriages, yes? Why don’t you have one now?
INQUISITOR: Our warhorses aren’t the best at pulling carriages through demon-infested lands.
RUSLAN: Ah. A pity. Your carriages look comfortable.
[[Continue7]]RUSLAN: You nobles spend your lives in towers, yes? How do you stand being inside stone walls?
INQUISITOR: Many of our number don’t enjoy it. Hence the recent troubles with the Templars.
RUSLAN: Understandable. Spirits and their interpreters aren’t meant to be trapped in towers.
[[Continue7]]RUSLAN: But you Qunari hardly ever ventures this far south. How did you become the Inquisitor?
INQUISITOR: Mercenary work.
RUSLAN: Ah. That will bring you to strange places.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I wouldn’t mind if you stole into my room late one night.
RUSLAN: (chuckle) You would make a fine match, Inquisitor.
RUSLAN: If you invited me to show my strength, I’d gladly scale the walls of your castle to earn your hand.
RUSLAN: Perhaps we can discuss this more after we deal with the rift.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: If you invited me, I wouldn’t mind paying a visit to your quarters late at night.
RUSLAN: (chuckle) You would make a fine match, Inquisitor.
RUSLAN: It would be no hardship to accept that offer. Your strength is unmatched, fierce one.
RUSLAN: Perhaps we can discuss this more after we deal with the rift.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I’m not sold on your marriage customs, but I wouldn’t mind spending more time in your company.
RUSLAN: (chuckle) I’d like that as well, Inquisitor.
RUSLAN: A man that earns your hand will be a lucky soul.
RUSLAN: Perhaps we can discuss this more after we deal with the rift.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I suppose there’s some logic in that.
RUSLAN: It works well enough. And when it doesn’t...well...it’s lucky our unions are temporary.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I don’t think much of practices that invite women to be kidnapped in the service of marriage.
RUSLAN: Oh? It’s not so different from the city-dweller customs. Nobles trade lands for brides, while common folk make gifts of livestock or jewelry. We have our own ways to show our strength in a union.
RUSLAN: Was there anything else?
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I don’t think much of it.
RUSLAN: Aye, that’s probably for the best.
RUSLAN: The chosen of the gods do not fare well in legends. Your Andraste certainly didn’t.
RUSLAN: I wish you better luck than hers.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: It’s exactly what you would expect when asked the same question over and over. Tiresome and irritating.
RUSLAN: I cannot blame you for feeling frustrated.
RUSLAN: The chosen of the gods do not fare well in legends. Your Andraste certainly didn’t.
RUSLAN: I wish you better luck than hers.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I’ve never dealt with anything like this in my life.
RUSLAN: Aye. Nothing could have prepared you for such a fate.
RUSLAN: The chosen of the gods do not fare well in legends. Your Andraste certainly didn’t.
RUSLAN: I wish you better luck than hers.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: I hardly know what to make of all this.
RUSLAN: Aye. Perhaps it’s best just to take it one day at a time.
RUSLAN: The chosen of the gods do not fare well in legends. Your Andraste certainly didn’t.
RUSLAN: I wish you better luck than hers.
[[Continue7]]INQUISITOR: Does the arlessa speak truthfully, Ruslan?
RUSLAN: (sigh) Aye. She does.
[[Continue8]]INQUISITOR: Arlessa, stand down. These men have done nothing.
TAMSIN: I will do no such thing. Tell him/her, Chasind. You have already killed someone.
RUSLAN: She speaks truly.
[[Continue8]]INQUISITOR: I should have known better than to expect you were an honorable man.
RUSLAN: It’s more complicated than that!
[[Continue8]]RUSLAN: The Blight destroyed our lands and weakened our numbers. We’ve been wandering since.
RUSLAN: There’s not enough game to hunt, not enough to forage for our kin. And most city-dwellers would rather spit on our boots than offer a fair trade.
RUSLAN: We were running dangerously low on supplies. My brothers and I scouted out a merchant caravan. One fat with goods.
TAMSIN: Goods meant for Lothering. That merchant died, bandit.
TAMSIN: He was hardly more than a boy. Did you know it was his first trip without his father?
RUSLAN: No one was meant to get hurt.
RUSLAN: There was no honor in what I did, but I wouldn’t let my tribe starve.
[[Companion Comments]]COLE: Polished. Pristine. Steel never used, shaking in his hand. ‘Do not test me, trader.’ Don’t want to hurt him. He doesn’t listen.
SOLAS: Few men choose wisely when impossible odds lie in their paths.
VIVIENNE: What will he do when his tribe runs out of resources once more? We cannot allow common bandits to escape unscathed.
DORIAN: You always befriend the most lovely murderers, Inquisitor. I think it’s a gift.
CASSANDRA: I sympathize with his position, but banditry is no solution. The Chasind must answer for this.
VARRIC: Ah, shit. I don’t think more bloodshed is the answer to this one. I don’t really think there is a good answer.
SERA: We shoot him. Help his tribe cross back to the wilds. Not hard.
BLACKWALL: Can’t blame a man for feeding his family. But how many families in Lothering lost much-needed grain because of him?
IRON BULL: No easy answer for this one, Boss. It’s your call.
[[Continue9]]TAMSIN: Either join me or stand aside, Inquisitor. This man is not leaving alive.
RUSLAN: Make your stand, woman. The Chasind don’t cower before lords and their axes.
[[1. Help Ruslan]]
[[2. Help Tamsin]]
[[3. Stay out of this.]]INQUISITOR: I’m not going to allow you to execute this man.
TAMSIN: You will not dictate my actions on my own lands. Guards!
[[(Fight ensues with Arlessa Tamsin)]]INQUISITOR: I’ll stand with you, Arlessa.
RUSLAN: We’ll not fall so easily! To arms!
[[(Fight ensues with Ruslan)]]INQUISITOR: Do what you will. I won’t get involved.
TAMSIN: Guards! Attack!
[[Fight ensues between Ruslan and Tamsin. Tamsin wins.]]RUSLAN: The noble fought bravely. I hope your Maker smiles on her when she enters his kingdom.
RUSLAN: You have our thanks, Inquisitor. I must see to my tribe first, but my brothers and I will gladly pledge to your cause afterward. If you’ll have us.
1. [[(Diplomatic) Absolutely.]]
2. [[(Charming) I’m flattered.]]
3. [[(Aggressive) Get lost.]]
TAMSIN: Good riddance.
TAMSIN: Inquisitor, your assistance in bringing these bandits to justice is most appreciated.
TAMSIN: I will inform your ambassador that trade negotiations will continue with my full support.
TAMSIN: Safe travels, your worship.
[[JosephineLetter1]]TAMSIN: Good riddance.
TAMSIN: Inquisitor, I appreciate your assistance in tracking down these rogues.
TAMSIN: But I am displeased by your reluctance to engage them in combat.
TAMSIN: I will inform your ambassador that trade negotiations will cease.
TAMSIN: Farewell.
[[JosephineLetter2]]Arlessa Tamsin is impressed by your thoroughness in tracking the Chasind. However, she is unhappy that the Inquisition did not intervene during the skirmish. Given these circumstances, opening trade relations with her arling will be a difficult task.
I am in the process of negotiating with her representatives. With luck, the arlessa will reconsider her position.
Josephine
[[END]]INQUISITOR: We would be honored to have you join us.
RUSLAN: (laughs) The Chasind among the ranks of the Inquisition? They’ll sing legends about us!
RUSLAN: We’ll ride north as soon as we can.
RUSLAN: Safe travels, Inquisitor.
[[JosephineLetter3]]INQUISITOR: A ragtag group of barbarians and thieves? Who could say no to that?
RUSLAN: (laughs) We’ll pull our weight, Inquisitor. You can be rest assured of that.
RUSLAN: We’ll ride north as soon as we can.
RUSLAN: Safe travels, Inquisitor.
[[JosephineLetter3]]INQUISITOR: I never want to see your face again.
RUSLAN: Aye. I cannot fault you for that. We’ll leave as soon as possible.
RUSLAN: Safe travels, Inquisitor.
[[JosephineLetter4]]Master Ruslan and his band have settled in with the rest of Skyhold’s forces. Most were quite startled to see a contingent of Chasind appear at Skyhold’s ranks, but they have been subject to more curiosity than distrust. Visiting courtiers have been especially interested in soliciting Master Ruslan’s opinions regarding hunting locations near the Korcari Wilds.
His tribe appears to have kept their word. None of their number have been spotted on the arlessa’s land. I assume they have retreated to their former home.
I have received scathing letters from several of the late arlessa's relatives. They are outraged that Master Ruslan was offered refuge among our ranks. I am in the process of negotiating with their representatives. With luck, I may soothe their tempers.
Josephine
[[END]]Ruslan and his tribe appear to have kept their word. None of their number have been spotted on the arlessa’s land. I assume they have retreated to the Korcari Wilds.
I have received scathing letters from several of the late arlessa's relatives. They are outraged by the manner in which the Chasind tribe was handled. I am in the process of negotiating with their representatives. With luck, I may soothe their tempers.
Josephine
[[END]]END QUEST