Dragon Age: The Warden's Path

A narrow stone bridge stretches over the abyss toward the gates of Ostagar—the ancient imperial fortress that has guarded the southern reaches of Ferelden for centuries. Today, its old walls are teeming with life once more: below, in the valley, hundreds of campfires from the royal army flicker, steel clatters, and horses neigh. Everything the realm possesses has been gathered here—because from the very earth, the Blight is rising.

Walking beside you is a man whose name already carries weight. Duncan—Commander of the Grey Wardens, the one who found you and brought you here. He is not young, he is a man of few words, and his gaze is that of someone who has seen more deaths than he would ever care to remember.

— There it is, Ostagar, Duncan says, not breaking his stride. — This is where we will give the Blight its first true fight. The King believes in victory. I... believe in caution. — He casts a brief glance your way. — A long road has brought you here. Not everyone would have agreed to walk it.

Halfway across the bridge, he suddenly stops, as if granting both himself and you a final moment of silence before you are swallowed by the camp, its recruits, its mages, and its endless preparations.

— Before we enter, tell me, he says, staring ahead at the gates. — Whom am I bringing into the Order? Where do you come from, what can you do, and what was your life like before our paths crossed? — He finally turns to face you. — I have entrusted you a place among the Wardens. I wish to know whom I have chosen.

He waits for your answer. Behind his shoulder, the camp of Ostagar hums—the last quiet steps before you are swept into the tide of war.