With what could be considered Mass Effect 2's penultimate DLC package gearing up, where you can rekindle your relationship with Liara, Dragon Age has decided to follow suit. Travel into the forests of Ferelden in search of Morrigan in Dragon Age's upcoming DLC 'Witch Hunt'. Her last words to you were, "Never follow me," but can you leave things as they stood at the end of Origins?

Witch Hunt will be available on September 7, the same day as Mass Effect 2's 'Lair of the Shadow Broker' DLC, and will cost you $7.00 in the assorted Microsoft/Sony/BioWare circus money standards. No worries if you have a specific console preference, Witch Hunt will release simultaneously across 360, PS3 and PC.

Here's a description from BioWare, summarizing what you can expect in Witch Hunt:

"Nearly a year has passed since the Archdemon's death, and word has reached the Wardens that Morrigan has returned to Ferelden. She has been sighted in the southern wilderness where she was first encountered. Is it truly her? If it is, then why has is she here and what secret does she carry with her? The Warden heads into the forest to find out and tie up this last loose end once and for all."

Along with the story and missions, you can expect to see three new party members in Witch Hunt. The first is Arianne, a huntress and warrior who is on a quest to reclaim a stolen artifact for her clan. The other two are likely to be revealed over the coming two weeks. You're also likely to find some legendary new armor and weapons which you can transfer back into the original game or its expansion Awakening.

Everyone was surprised at Morrigan's disappearance near the end of Dragon Age: Origins, and even more surprised at what she offers you before she leaves. To say it might have world-changing consequences would be an understatement. So why, a year later, has she returned to Ferelden? Is she looking for some closure on the events the year previous? Does she need your help?

My hope was always that the Morrigan plot-line would lead into Dragon Age 2, but with the refocus onto this Hawke guy it has become apparent that this is not the case. While disappointing that this story has been relegated to DLC, I hold hope that this is only another precursor into a much larger story. Either way, I'll be purchasing this and reviewing it ASAP. Look forward to it!

What do you think about this turn of events, Ranters? Did you expect to see Morrigan return via DLC, or were you like me in thinking we'd have to wait for a sequel further down the timeline?

Dragon Age: Origins DLC pack Witch Hunt arrives for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on September 7. It will cost $7 [560 BioWare Points, 560 MS Points, $6.99 PSN], or $3 less than the Mass Effect 2 DLC released on the same day.