crystal | closed to circle mages

[galvanising]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Nell, Kostos
RECIPIENT: Former Circle Mages in the Gallows
WHAT: Phylactery update, discussing a labor strike, business as usual
WHEN: After everyone is back from the Sunless Lands
NOTES: There's no "Circle mage" filter for the crystals; they're having to read off the names of everyone they know who might be one. But if your character has been reasonably open with the Inquisition about being a mage from a Circle, you can assume they're included.

Skyhold has ordered that the phylacteries recovered from the Seekers in the Storm Coast be locked up here in the Gallows until they choose what to do with them. Since they seem to be struggling to come to a decision, we thought we should help them by making clear to them where the mages of the Inquisition stand on this issue. To begin with, Kostos and I are drafting a letter to the leadership urging them to destroy these phylacteries and any others that come into the Inquisition's possession in the future, and we would like to be able to tell the advisors that the affected mages here in Kirkwall are in unanimous agreement, or near enough.

We'll be getting in touch with the mages in Skyhold and the other bases separately, and may speak with others in the wider community if further support seems needed, but since former Circle mages are the only people actually affected by this decision, we are the ones who should be making it.

[ Kostos—quiet, due to both internal conflict, a habit of following Nell's lead, and a natural disinclination to talk to large groups of near-strangers—breaks his silence to add, ] In the meantime, if everyone could refrain from doing anything hideously stupid that would remind people why they're useful, that would be… [ Good. You know. ] And we do need to know how you feel, and how strongly. There is a fine line between making threats and explaining consequences, and we can do our best to stay on the right side of it.

But we need to know how many of you will be willing to follow through if it becomes necessary to demonstrate to the Inquisition just how much they need us.

Comments

waves my hands vigorously about time to make this post possible

[wythersake]

Are you any less valuable for the work you do, Delacroix?

[ hey kid ]

new crystal, who dis

[aceso]

[ There is a pause as she tries to work out who this is addressing her by her last name. Alas, she's not good with just voices if it's been awhile, so she may need a hint. ]

I would say there is intrinsic value in being a healer, but it is a part of who I am and I cannot so easily set that part of myself aside if there are people in need.

lmao

[wythersake]

[ it’s just bizarre how some people don’t memorize every detail of those who might know things about them out of the paranoia of betrayal. thank goodness he can be the normal one here. ]

All of them? I recall a number of injured knights.

[ because their side did the -- look. it's not the point: ]

Either there’s intrinsic value in each of us, or there’s none at all. A healer has always been an acceptable mage — one you keep close.

[ otherwise he'd never have become one ]

If we make exceptions for this now, they’ll have an exception to point to when all is said and done.

[aceso]

[ Whoa, you calling her out like this? She answers dryly: ]

I make a habit of not healing those who are currently trying to run me through with a sword.

[ But as to the rest... ]

I understand your point of view, but as has always been the case, others will find fault with us no matter what we do. Yes, they will point out that I am making an exception, but if I join the strike, they will say I am cruel and watching members of the Inquisition die at my feet. And if I will be vilified either way, I would choose to continue aiding those in need.

[exequy]

I do not think anyone would ask you to let people die at your feet. An exception for life or death healing, but let them go to surgeons or alchemists with their broken toes and turned ankles.

[aceso]

[ She exhales heavily through her nose. ]

It is so against my nature to do that. I can agree to strike if they ask me to fight for them, but this... as I said, I cannot know yet what I would choose to do. I think when a reply to this letter comes, I can make a decision then.

[wythersake]

They won’t find fault.

They’ll pat you on the hand for this and say — my, what a good mage —

[ he’s not blind to the irony in his words. it twists them wry, ]

And when we’re all at the table divvying up rights it will be that much easier to claim they should keep us. It’s simply a matter of the greater good: If the Chantry can’t rely upon healers, imagine who might die. Look; they stayed. They won’t even mind.

[aceso]

[ Bruh, she didn't even get that. You left at a good time. The Templars at Montsimmard played mind games with her and made her believe no one would ever want a mage healer helping them. They discouraged her from becoming a Spirit Healer because it meant more work for them to watch her for possession. At least other Circles appreciated their healers. ]

I would feel more comfortable making a decision on this once I know their response to the letter. If it fails to persuade them, then I must revisit my thoughts on this. It is difficult to look at a hypothetical situation and know exactly what my response would be.

[wythersake]

[ that isaac doesn't particularly trust spirits either is -- irrelevant ]

Think on it, then. Everyone may act as they will, but we need to act with intention.

You're more than a bandage or a wound.

[ and he'll leave it at that ]

[aceso]

[ Probably totally irrelevant. ]

Of course. I will not make any decision without my whole heart behind it. Thank you.

[ And maybe you can stop by the infirmary or her office sometime so she finally connects the voice to the face!!! ]