Rathlein Ciriane

Codex: The Kassel Territory
Kassel, one of the main farming settlements of the Anderfels is situated at the mouth of the Lattenfluss. With the lakes to the east of the city proper, the city is far greener than the rest of the Anderfels, and it boasts impressive architecture and aqueducts that help maintain the fields long after the river past Hossberg has dried up in the early summer months. They’ve constructed over the years intricate water filtration and storage systems to keep the city well-stocked through the deadly summer months the Anderfels hosts.

Typically the third stop on the trade route of the Colean Sea, ships will often stop at Sundarin prior to making their way to the Tallo port before carrying on down the river to Hossberg, and potentially Nordbotten. They still are able to get fairly good picks of imported goods, but most of the expensive materials and goods either go on to Hossberg, or are purchased by the Wardens of Kassel to replenish their own supplies, or sent off to Weisshaupt.

Kassel is under the rule of Baroness Liese, most famously known for her expert wielding of the Great Sword Edgewise against Countess Helmine of Sundarin after being snubbed by the Countess in court.

Baroness Liese has served the people of Kassel for most of her life, having come to be the territory’s sovereign at a young age. She is no fool when it comes to what it means to be Anders. She’s seen and fought in many Darkspawn raids against her city and has been offered to be initiated into the ranks of the Grey Wardens time and again over the course of her rule. She’s refused every time, refusing to leave her people with no one to lead them.

Baroness Liese can still be seen on occasion practicing her blade work, but rarely does she shoulder the responsibility of joining in fighting back any raids. While the Warden-Commander of Kassel is her confidant, Baroness Liese is someone who believes the Wardens should never hold office, nor crown.

Early Life
Rathlein was born sometime during 9:02 Dragon. They were left upon the steps of the Hossberg Grand Cathedral during a sandstorm. They were found in the night, wailing at their sand bitten skin.

Taken in as a ward of the Chantry, Rathlein grew up like most any other child in the Anderfels. The Chant was a beacon against the dark reality of the blight ridden land they lived in. He worked in the Chantry kitchens as he grew older, learning how to use a blade with an expert hand. Growing up under the watchful eyes of the Mothers, Rathlein also quickly mastered the art of not being seen or heard when he didn’t want to be.

Upon turning sixteen, Rathlein made the trek from Hossberg to Sundarin to work the docks and try to figure out if he wanted to stay in the Anderfels when so many others he knew have left. Working the docks Rathlein heard stories of kings lavished in fineries, bursting from the seams of their tailored clothes. He saw hulking Qunari and talked with traders from Rivain and Antivia who wore questionable gold.

It was here that he also could see what the Grey Wardens truly did for the people. They kept the peace, and often instead of a King’s guard it was griffin armor that would put a stop to disputes or enforced the laws of the lands.

They returned to Hossberg at the cocky age of twenty, entering the Grand Tourney for a chance to be noticed by the Warden Recruiter, and Rathlein nearly died for it. He wasn’t made for sword fighting but made it through fairly far in the Tourney on speed alone. A step too slow and the Maker’s hand guiding the other’s ax blade, he was cleaved. Instead of being smart and staying down, Rathlein stood, intent on finishing the duel.

He woke up days later, with his wish written on a note. His refusal to stay down is what caught the recruiter’s attention, and was offered to join the Wardens if he survived his injuries.

Life as a Grey Warden
After his Joining, Rathlein suffered years of grueling patrols, battles, and settling petty disputes. Eventually promoted to a recruiter, he was sent to Markham to keep an eye out for anyone exceptionally promising. Eventually, in 9:29 Dragon, Rathlein was ordered to return to the Anderfels to take up a new post as Warden-Commander of the Kassel territory. The letter only revealed that the previous Commander of the region had succumbed to their Calling rather suddenly.

Inquisition
tbe

Recruitment: Aegis
(bolded text is for Companion Rathlein only)

''It seems that with the recruitment of the Grey Wardens, Weisshaupt has seen fit to send a veteran Warden-Commander to sort out the Warden forces we now wield. This is no doubt to show they will not be used as a political device by the Inquisition, but given the piety of the Anderfels it’s best to be wary that this may go further than simply wanting to know that the Wardens are being utilized properly, and seeing if the Inquisitor is utilizing their power it a god-honoring way.''

Keep your guard up, they wait for you on the battlements.

-L

Rathlein: Lady/Lord Inquisitor, Warden-Commander Rathlein Ciriane at your service.

Rathlein can be recruited as an Agent or as a Companion. He will remain either way and new perks are unlocked depending on the decision.

[TBN]
“''Lord/Lady Inquisitor, combing through what was left of Clarel’s files I found evidence of a group sent to the Vimmark Mountains. They were sent in search of some sort of relic, the missive doesn’t detail the exact nature of this item.''

'Should you travel there I believe having me along would be most beneficial given that this is a Grey Warden compound you’d be entering. It’s up to you, of course.'”

The War Table location “Return to Vimmark” unlocks a 2 power location marker.

Varric, if present: Never thought I’d see this place again. Small world.

Rathlein: Be careful. These ruins are from as early as the First Blight… watch your step.

The location unlocked is called Ruins of the Warden Prison.

Scout Harding will report that Wardens have been spotted in the area, as well as wyverns. A scouting party that ventured inside part of the ruins still accessible hasn’t been heard from since leaving that morning. The forward camp is set on one side of a bridge, across which are the ruins of the Vimmark Warden Prison.

'''An optional side quest can be picked up if Rathlein is a companion due to the Warden Knowledge perk, even if he is not present in the party. The side quest is called Warden Trail Markings. They will lead to a Warden Cache at the end of the dungeon.'''

The ruins will open up to a collapsed version of Farele's Floor, where a group of 3 warden warriors will be present.

Rathlein: They’ve gone mad, but there’s nothing to suggest the taint has begun to take them.

Rathlein: Rest easy brothers and sisters, until we meet again.

Continuing through the floor there are other small groupings of Warden warriors, a quest note will be collected from the group that surrounds an Altar of Dumat.

''We are seeking the vial, do not let anyone stand in your way. The gift I’ve given you should be more than enough for you to outmatch most things that try and stop you.''


 * Senior Warden Elias Werner

Inquisitor: Do you recognize the name?

Rathlein: I don’t, but given the lack of communication with Weisshaupt from the Free March Wardens, it doesn’t surprise me. Let’s keep moving before they can find whatever it is they’re after… on your orders, Inquisitor.

From here you will follow a collapsed pathway leading into the Tower Base of the prison. There are hurlocks as well as shades present to fight through before continuing to where the seal used to contain Corypheus was. Senior Warden Werner is present, suffering from Blight sickness.

For War is Kind
(Title Reference)

“''I worry about what other items of power Corypheus seeks… and worry more about why an altar of Dumat was present in the Prison that once housed him even more. I have made contact with the Wardens of Vigil’s Keep in Ferelden, while their Warden-Commander may be absent, their ranks have been keeping private since the false Calling started from their letter. The smart choice rather than joining a talking Darkspawn and killing the Divine, if you want my opinion.''

''Their Senior Warden has sent me some research regarding something of interest. There is a Deep Roads entrance in the Hinterlands that they claim may be useful not only for me, but for the Inquisition. I’d like to go and seal it properly as well as investigate it myself if it’s open.''”

The Hinterlands’ Deep Roads entrance is a cave opening near Redcliffe. It is well hidden in the nearby trees. Claiming the landmark will unlock the war table mission “Sealing the Deep Roads The Right Way”. You may return to Skyhold at this point and complete the War Table mission. This will lock you out of the quest It Is Bitter.

Venturing into the Deep Roads entrance will initiate a cutscene in which an intelligent Darkspawn will be met. You may either choose to talk to the Darkspawn or attack it during the first dialogue wheel.

It will reveal that it’s Leader is nearby, and can sense the Warden with you (if Blackwall is present, but Rathlein is not, this will not be mentioned). If the dialogue is handled peacefully, you may proceed through the cave system. Other Darkspawn are around, but they keep to themselves. If the Darkspawn is attacked, you will need to fight through 4 waves of enemies as you progress through the cave system.

Reaching the end of the cave system The Architect is either sitting or standing (depending if the Warden killed or spared the Architect).

Architect: I see you’ve made it this far… (if Rathlein is present) ah, a Warden is with you. How novel.

Inquisitor: Who are you?

Architect: I cannot give you a true name if that is what you seek, but I have called myself the Architect.

Inquisitor: Why shouldn’t I kill you?

Architect(if Warden killed the Architect): How are you so sure you would succeed?

Architect(if Warden spared the Architect): You and your people are outnumbered here… plus I was granted a reprieve before, it’d be rude to kill me now.

Rathlein: The Warden-Commander let you live?

It Is Bitter
(Title Reference)

''“We have the dagger mentioned by the Architect, and Werner’s contingent of Wardens has finally been spotted again. They’ve stopped running around in Warden armor now that the news has spread about their involvement with Corypheus, but a scout reported that a group has been asking around Amaranthine and Denerim about smithing work, weapons. Something about a custom dagger.''

The reports of missing smiths started coming up a day or two later.”

“If they’re looking into making a dagger, they might already have whatever was supposed to go into the indentation of the handle, and we’ve wasted the time and resources looking for that rather than them.”

''“My guess is that they’re in the Knotwood Hills, if these updated Deeproads maps from the Ferelden Wardens are correct. There’s an entrance there.”''

-

The Knotwood Hills Stronghold is a Deeproads entrance being used by Senior Warden Werner

Rathlein & the Last Few
A letter from Rathlein can be found on the table on the balcony where Josephine is located.

Lord/Lady Inquisitor,

I hope that this letter brings you an echo of my good company even if it does not find you in good times. News of the Exalted Council has reached the Anderfels, and I’m sorry that I cannot pull myself from my duties to attend in person.

While away another Warden attempted to stake claim to my position once news of just how deeply Corypheus was intertwined with the Wardens and the Taint came to light. It was dealt with swiftly, and all is well, however, there is a mess to clean up as such. A water shortage plagues the territories in the hottest summer I can ever remember. I worry about the stability of the region and believe us on the eve of a civil war.

Whether or not this civil war is between the Wardens and the local nobility… I cannot say. With any hope we will see a late summer storm that will bring relief.

I hope the Exalted Council is treating you well. Until we meet again, Inquisitor.

Rathlein Ciriane

If Rathlein was a Companion, demon infested Wardens saved or killed, and the easy choice was made during It Is Bitter:

Lord/Lady Inquisitor,

I hope that this letter brings you an echo of my good company even if it does not find you in good times. News of the Exalted Council has reached the Anderfels, and I’m sorry that I cannot pull myself from my duties to attend in person.

While away another Warden attempted to stake claim to my position once news of just how deeply Corypheus was intertwined with the Wardens and the Taint came to light. It was dealt with swiftly, and all is well, however, there is a mess to clean up as such. A water shortage plagues the territories in the hottest summer I can ever remember. I worry about the stability of the region and believe us on the eve of a civil war.

While I try not to indulge in such things as camaraderie, I do hope that this letter reaches you in time to bring you some peace of mind. Should you desperately need my presence you need only ask, and that’s all you ever need to do.

For all the pride I once had as a Warden, I consider my time following you a far greater achievement now.

Rathlein Ciriane

If Rathlein was a Companion, demon infested Wardens saved, and the hard choice was made during It Is Bitter:

Dearest Lord/Lady Inquisitor,

I hope that this letter brings you an echo of my good company even if it does not find you in good times. News of the Exalted Council has reached the Anderfels, and I wish I could be there, helping, instead of under the scrutiny of the First Warden here in Hossberg.

During my absence my second-in-command was allegedly killed. The Warden who had taken over was less than interested in the demanding upkeep of the stone work that houses the water beneath Kassel. Baroness Liese is insistent I be reinstated as the Warden-Commander and will not take the fact that I’m no longer a Warden for an answer. A water shortage now plagues the territories in the hottest summer I can ever remember. I worry about the stability of the region and believe us on the eve of a civil war, however that is no longer my worry given I am not technically a Grey Warden, now is it? Such an odd thought.

The First Warden of course has questions regarding the state of myself and those other Wardens we saved. I worry more about what they would do were I to tell them the truth of what we found.

There had always been an insistence there was no way to cure the Taint, that the only way Grey Wardens retired was into the deep roads, but now knowing that there are even ways outside of the one we found… I grow weary of the order that has been my life, and wonder what secrets I was not even privy to and what legends and monsters truly lie in the dusty libraries of Weisshaupt.

While I keep an eye open here, keep one open there. I need not remind you that the Orleasians play for blood and the Fereldens are as prideful as they are powerful. I hope they see that you need not be an enemy of either country. I plan to return to Skyhold once I am finally released from my duties here.

Yours,

Rathlein Ciriane