Codex: Notes

Codex Entry 227: Berwick's Letter
Berwick,

We need your eyes and ears in Redcliffe. Stay in the village, keep your head down, and watch the castle. Report any changes, and you'll be well paid.

--A letter in Berwick's possession.

Codex Entry 228: A Letter to Someone in Highever
Dear Heather,

How are you? How are Father and Mother? I don't know why I ask this; it was made clear so many years ago that I am no child of theirs. You are my only family now and I thank the Maker that you had love and courage enough to keep calling me sister.

I am happy for you and overjoyed to hear of your upcoming nuptials. Count your blessings; I believe you have snagged yourself a fine lad. So young, and already the owner of his own freehold! Soon you will start a family of your own. Oh, Heather, I do envy you.

But perhaps I shall envy you for not much longer. We have hoped and prayed for something, anything, and now I see the prison bars begin to bend and sag. So much injustice has been done to my kind, and they cannot have dreamed that the Maker would allow it to continue. There is a change coming to the tower; I can feel it, and it both excites and terrifies me.

I don't know when I shall write again, dear sister, but do not worry. If all goes well, perhaps no letters will be necessary, and you shall find me on your very doorstep!

--With much love, Gwynlian.

Codex Entry 229: A Letter from King Endrin
My Lord Harrowmont, My guilt weighs heavily on me, and I know now that I was a fool. Only a fool would cut out his own heart and burn it for the sake of appearances. I allowed the Assembly to send my child to exile and death because I feared an inquiry into Trian's murder would taint our house with scandal. You have been my rock and my shield these long months and for that I thank you. But I must ask for one thing more. I wish to discover if my child survived. Even the smallest trace will set my mind at ease. Send your men, your scouts, anyone who will go!

Bhelen thinks I am mad. He says that if word spreads of my wish, our House will be undone. He doesn't know that Aeducan is already lost. I destroyed us when I sacrificed what was most precious. Please, Pyral, help me. I come to you not as a king, but as a father.

--A note from the late King Endrin Aeducan.

Codex Entry 230: A Note from the Honnleath Village Council
Mistress Matilda,

The council has unanimously agreed to put you in charge of the decorations for Honnleath's upcoming harvest festival. We all adored what you did with the village for the winter solstice. As usual, the statue must be adorned with items that capture the essence of the season. Iris kindly offered the use of her wide-brimmed straw hat with the berries and daisies and would love to see it on the statue. Farmer Goodman will also donate some of his baby pumpkins. We think a garland of small pumpkins and ribbons draped about the statue's shoulders would be lovely.

Whatever you decide will be splendid, I'm sure, and we are all looking forward to it.

--Councilman Murray

Codex Entry 231: A Note from Ser Henric
So many of my fellow knights have been searching for the Urn. Surely one of them must have found Brother Genitivi by now. Still, until I hear that all is well, I must proceed as planned. Brother Genitivi holds the key to finding the Urn of Sacred Ashes: We always knew this, but I believe I now know where Brother Genitivi lies. I have been to his home in Denerim and found the trail, and I am amazed that other knights have not done likewise. Unless they have? No, it is best not to get caught up in thoughts of conspiracy. Ser Donall awaits my report in Lothering. I must go to him immediately and report what I have learned. Should anyone find these ramblings, all I ask is that he be informed of my fate. I pray the he complete what I cannot.

--A note from Ser Henric of Redcliffe.

Codex Entry 232: A Letter from Rica
My dearest Prince Bhelen,

You are too kind to me. I am a small and insignificant thing and I do not deserve your attention, but your willingness to tolerate my presence shows you to be a prince among men! I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful necklace you presented to me. I will cherish it always and I promise I will wear it at our next meeting. I know my gratitude means nothing to you but I must say again: Thank you. I will always be your humble and devoted servant.

--Yours truly, R.

Codex Entry 233: A Carved Elven Tablet
Four panels reproduced here appear to be part of a much larger mural.

The topmost panel shows a jug overflowing with water, standing on an altar. Three elves in robes are positioned around the altar, while a crowd of elves in warlike regalia stands just slightly apart from them.

Just below is a depiction of all the elves, those in robes and those in armor, prostrating themselves before the altar with worshipful expressions.

Third from the top is a carving which shows one of the three robed figures, a woman with an elaborate tattoo on her face, drinking from the jug on the altar while the other elves watch.

The bottom image shows the tattooed woman standing waist-deep in a pool of water. She holds the jug with water spilling out of its mouth. The armored elves bow before her.

--Describing a strange tablet.

Codex Entry 234: A Tattered Shopping List
sugar

wheat flour

fillet knife

ginger (for grandpa's flatulence)

ink

cod liver oil

dried mushrooms

rouge (Orlesian)

Also remember to ask if more beeswax will be available soon.

--a note on crumpled paper.

Codex Entry 235: Graffiti in Redcliffe's Tavern
Don't eat the cheese.

--Scratched into the bar of Redcliffe's tavern.

Codex Entry 236: A Decades-Old Letter
Madam,

I can assure you that the Circle of Magi is not a sacrilegious institution and that, indeed, we operate under the supervision of the Chantry. It would make our investigation of your husband's death much easier if you would simply co-operate with us. I am disappointed to hear that you sold the golem's activation rod--I understand both it and your husband were of invaluable aid to King Maric during the war against Orlais. Without the rod, we cannot discern whether Wilhelm's golem was responsible for his murder. The golem will simply have to remain where it is unless the villagers can find a means to destroy it. Our condolences to you and your son for your loss. I imagine it is of little consolation to you, but your husband is much admired here and will be missed.

Maker keep you.

--First Enchanter Arlen

Codex Entry 237: A Letter From Bann Mathuin Wulff
Sophia,

Arl Ruahn and his entire family have been slaughtered, even the children. The Ruahn line is no more and the arling belongs to the crown, for now. Arland believed Ruahn was plotting against him. Ruahn criticized the king's spending on Wintersend--that is all. It was an idle word, spoken out of turn. The king goes too far. His brain is filled with madness and he clings to the crown like a drowning man clutches at a straw.

Sophia, I beg you, help us. If nothing is done, more will suffer.

Your humble servant, --Wulff.

Codex Entry 238: Avernus's Notes
The taint allows us to sense the darkspawn. The longer we survive with the taint in our blood, the more potent it becomes. Unfortunately, this corruption will eventually overwhelm the Warden; over time, it devours both mind and body, leaving nothing. But what if the spread of the corruption could be stopped, or contained in some way? What if the Warden could become more powerful, without having that power kill him? How great would that power be? Would it be enough to stop the demons?

The Joining ritual is crude. We take into ourself the blood of the darkspawn in the most obvious way. Most die from the corruption immediately; it is, after all, poison. There must be some way to refine the Joining. Isolate the true power that is found in darkspawn blood, and leave behind the evil that kills us.

I can feel the corruption starting to take its toll on my body. I must not succumb. There is too much work to be done. Through my magic I've been able to slow its inevitable spread, but not stop it completely. I am starting to hear things, even while awake: A voice--more beautiful than any other--that calls to me from the depths. In my dreams, I see the Black City, and I am drawn towards it. There is something there, an answer to what this taint is, this taint that we share with the darkspawn...

--From the notes of Avernus.

Codex Entry 239: A Plea from Commander Athlar
Soldier's Peak is more than we bargained for. There is sinister magic at work here. The men are seeing things and cannot tell nightmares from reality. The fallen return to life to attack again and again, and we are assaulted by dark creatures the likes of which I have never seen. Whoever is responsible is intent on destroying us all--the king's army and the Grey Wardens both.

Send help! We cannot last much longer.

--Commander Athlar.

Codex Entry 240: Load Limit Reached
"Mass will have an effect," he says.

As long as it lifts us out, I figure.

Should have specified "within my lifetime."

"Gives us time to talk", he says.

"How's a dwarf get named Shepard?"

Up yer shaft.

"No really, because blah, blah, blah."

Axe answers, but I still hear him.

Drip... ground.

Drip... ground.

Worse than his talking.

Think I'll drop out for some air.

Excerpt: Dwarven Verse in One Volume

Selection: Load Limit Reached

Anonymous scratching recovered from a cage hoist... eventually.

(This codex is a reference to the Bioware game Mass Effect.)

Codex Entry 241: The Black Vials
Binding the First Corpse Walker

Let the dead no longer serve your whim.

Bound by your true name, no mortal hand shall reach you.

Cale Viazagat, revenant and perversion of an only son.

Death beyond death is no longer your stepping stone through the veil.

Andraste hold you, demon, and bind your rage for eternity.

(Six thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text.)

Binding the Second Corpse Walker

Cast from your host, may you find no purchase on mortal ground.

Bound by your true name, as we are sworn to do.

Nethamas Bigal, revenant and perversion of a fine daughter.

No more will you test the Veil, nor reach the Fade to escape.

Andraste hold you, demon, and bind your rage for eternity.

(Six thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text.)

Binding the Third Corpse Walker

This relm denies you, abomination, for taking our dearest.

We are united against your kind, and bind you by your true name.

Argruth Massaad, revenant and perversion of a treasured mother.

No more shall fall; no more shall need to stand.

Andraste hold you, demon, and bind your rage for eternity.

(Six thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text.)

Binding the Fourth Corpse Walker

You deny our dead their rest, and so you also will be hounded.

Let the strength of our union bind you by your true name.

Quametha Kagat, revenant and perversion of an honored father.

Though no spirit cage will undo what was suffered.

Andraste hold you, demon, and bind your rage for eternity.

(Six thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text.)

Binding the Fifth Corpse Walker

We condemn both spirit and host for inviting the walker.

With solemn hearts we bind you by your true name.

Shamas Goodson, revenant and perversion of a rare friendship.

Regret holds more pain than burying the dead.

Andraste forgive you, brother, and bind your weakness for eternity.

(Five thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text.)

Binding the Sixth Corpse Walker

United we purge this realm of your corruption.

The smallest among us binds you by your true name.

Anton Wither, revenant and perversion of a friend not met.

Your strength and guile denied by innocence.

Andraste hold you, demon, and bind your rage for eternity.

(Six thumbprints in blood mark the end of the text. One is small, as though made by a child.)

Codex Entry 242: Correspondence Interruptus
A collection of embarrassing personal communications between the spoiled wealthy and their objects of obsession.

My darling Reginald,

I burn for you and because of you. Please use the enclosed tincture if our love is to endure.

--Sarie

To Wareth Lowstone,

Age, race, height. I care not for the differences others perceive.But matching your helmet to my tunic for the amusement of standing in line with your new "Silent Sisters" invite attention to where none was desired.I will not suffer your company again.

--Alison Highover

(Scribbled below)

Gonna miss knocking heads with those girls.

A delicate matter,

While I am overwhelmed at the prospect of having you, an unwelcome guest requires that you excuse yourself my the postern of my estate to avoid a mark upon our reputations.

--"M"

Miss Ambrose,

A long, slow grind, the motion careful, aided by generous application of oils. Size is no concern with my equipment, and I am always mindful when stuffing, not risking a burst before every order is fulfilled. My meat goes hand in hand with satisfaction.

Your interest astounds, but it is not my to question a customer's choice in nighttime reading. Three pound sausage again next week? No cheek, of course.

Yours,

--"Biller's Butchers"

Darling,

When next we meet, I would find it agreeable for you to leave your hat on.And mayhap your boots as well. And trousers. Shirt too. And I shall facilitate said clothed status by locking my door and posting a guard. Duly warned?

--"X"

My elfroot,

The herbalist suggested powdered bronto horn. I was very discrete.

--Your sunflower

Donogan,

On pain of death, you are Now warned! My father found The letters you previously Sent, and is watching as I write To tell you our relations are Over! We must remain chaste.

--Patricia

You are filthy! A beast! Such depravity I have never been forced to suffer!How words are so laden when they leave your lips they are beyond decent imagining!

Madam, I love you.

--Ser Augold

My dearest Virgina Trueroyal,

Regarding: Bodice ripped

Enclosed are seven silver and my most heartfelt apologies for said bodice.I would blame the cold ocean spray, the loss of my favorite shirt, the bucking of the stallion, or perhaps the strain of maintaining all such elements while sitting for a portrait, but I was certainly not myself. I hope you will forgive me and not take it upon yourself to find your own determined way in this world.

Yours,

--Ser Rival Grouseman

Dear Ser Jon,

Your ministrations, while well intentioned, hold no promise. Do not despair, for it is not you, it is of me. I require and interval to acquaint myself with the personage you awakened. I'm certain we can maintain an amiable accord and the engagements with our mutual associations will not be awkward.

--"Mari"

The one's paramour,

When last we embraced, one noticed the redolence of another's company, but one was unmindful.

--His Most Eminent Ser Fether Hapsmith Osvald III 

My love,

I long to dance you beneath the moonlight, our hearts beating like the paired wings of a dove, in concert with the glory of the Maker and the beauty of the world that we must shepherd in his absence. Join me in a purity that will last the ages, when the brothers mark the Chant of Light anew.

With all my soul,

--Erec Denolven

(Scribbled below in a delicate hand)

Otter's pocket!He's earned it tonight!

Codex Entry 243: Circles Within Circles
Arguments between the various fraternities have become more frequent and heated. I have alerted the College of Magi in Cumberland that this needs to be addressed in coming debates, but I fear relations with the Chantry may distract them. I am confident that I can appease the Aequitarians and Loyalists, but the Libertarians are proving divisive. Are the Isolationists even interested in speaking?

The threat of Blight has actually served some good in unifying us under a common cause, but it does not bode well that any given table in the Great Hall is likely to be ideologically weighted against its neighbor. We can be such a moody bunch staring over our tea.

--Excerpt from First Enchanter Irving's notes on unity

Codex Entry 244: Desire and Need
Notice of Censure

Templar Drass, your remarks in front of the recruits are only the latest in a series of troubling events. I am beginning to suspect that you may not be suited to the devotional requirements of training. Perhaps it is time for a personal evaluation of your career path within the templars. I will schedule some time after the current deployment to discuss options elsewhere in the organization.

--Attendant Cerand, assistant to Knight-Commander Greagoir

(A note is scribbled in the corner.) "Attendant who? Options? Code for dead-end duty on a hedge-mage hunt in the Bannorn."

Codex Entry 245: The Notes of Arl Foreshadow
Books to pursue for future endeavors.

Lost countenance: Ferelden to Orlesian Phrase Book

-Must not offend the potential landlords

Raising Spirits: Offsprings and the Fade

-Terrible two's indeed!

Forest Fall: Truth and Legend in the Search for Arlathan

-Survivors? Poppycock!

The Origin of Theses: Knowing more than Everyone without Looking Like a Jackass

-Never get the time to read this. Maybe there's a stage play?

Codex Entry 246: Irving's Mistake
I followed another apprentice through supposed secret maneuvers today, and exposed her tendency towards blood magic. The environment of the tower is such that certain modes of thought are encouraged, both for good and ill. The students think we toy with them. The truth is far more intricate and directed. Deviant traits must be exposed early, or the whole of the Circle suffers.

Uldred has been very helpful in identifying the markers to look for. His sills at misdirection are admirable. I daresay that the apprentices would be shocked at his ability to manipulate them. I must organize a retreat such that the other enchanters can benefit from his skills.

--Excerpt from the journal of First Enchanter Irving

Codex Entry 247: Promises of Pride
Uldred will show us the way. Finally, recognition within the Circle and freedom from the scornful eye of the templars. We will not be shunned. Be ready. --Enchanter Gravid, Libertarian

''I have spoken to him directly. His intentions are that we will demand the templars withdraw. I don't know that I am willing to follow, but I will be present to hear his argument.''

--Enchanter Fonst, Aequitarian

''Madness! I doubt blood will be of use to you if it is flowing down the tower steps. Step away from this folly, before it consumes us all.''

--Enchanter Luvan, Loyalist

Codex Entry 248: Extracurricular Studies
If space is your excuse, I will surrender my quarters. If it is about money, I will hire the appropriate people. I will not graduate another student ignorant of weapons that any ditch-digger can shove into his ribs. We teach them to append ridiculous glamours on parade arms, but they don't know simple steel. That is criminal.

--Enchanter Bergin