010.

[dashing]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Herian Amsel
RECIPIENT: Division Heads (and/or their stand-ins) project leaders & assist leaders, Saoirse & Myrobalan.
WHAT: An idea to tackle the rifter phylactery discusssion.
WHEN: Current
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES:

I apologise for making contact with you all after so recently sharing an update on the Chantry Relations project with the network, however I think we can agree that the matter of the rifter phylacteries and the reaction to them is a disruption to our work, and causing divisions amongst our ranks.

Following the hard work of those who attended Skyhold to negotiate the matters of the phylacteries and were faced with considerable opposition from the Templars and Chantry, I think it is key that they come to understand it is not Skyhold and the Inquisition that pushed for this measure, but those other agents.

I also come to you to propose an idea to counter. Given that the Chantry and Templars pressed the matter of phylacteries for rifters, the most effective way to work against it is to diplomatically persuade them of the dangers and risks that come with said phylacteries, and diffuse the idea without further fracturing of our alliances and resources.

One matter that has been raised is that, as we have so recently seen, phylacteries could be used to harm the rifters should they fall into enemy hands. Furthermore, they could be used by the Venatori to target and abduct rifters. We do not know what they could do with them, but their shards are powerful and important to our efforts, even if we were to neglect what the Venatori might use them for in order to further their goals.

If you have insights or ideas on what other arguments could be used to present to the Chantry and the Templars, I appeal to you now to share them with me so we can present a strong and effective argument. This is not solely a matter of concern for rifters, though I can confess my bias; this is for the sake of our Inquisition, and more importantly, the sake of Thedas. Interruptions to our work jeopardise our cause.

Those who would be willing to attend a meeting with Chantry leadership with me, please make yourselves known.

Comments

[aceso]

[ It takes everything in her not to sigh loudly into her crystal. ]

I am saying that as part of these negotiations, both Templars and the Chantry agreed to put the research into phylacteries entirely in the Inquisition's hands, with the Rifts & the Veil project handling it. There was no demand -- at least that made it to the final agreement, as I am not privy to the debate -- that any representation from the Templars or Chantry oversee the project's work. If they are so suspicious of Rifters, why not supervise the testing?

[rowancrowned]

Which means that the Inquisition is yet retaining its independence but must appease the other groups.

[ a pleasant thought. ]

{ suddenly private because badmouthing the chantry what whaaat }

[aceso]

For now. The Chantry is weakened, but it remains powerful. And the Inquisition will continue to appease it until it gathers enough strength to no longer stand in its shadow.

[rowancrowned]

Who are the four pillars of the Inquisition?

[aceso]

The advisors at Skyhold and Seeker Pentaghast. Who I'll remind you were all branded as heretics when they formed the Inquisition.

[rowancrowned]

Seeker Pentaghast and the Nightingale are far too entwined with the idea of Chantry to ever celebrate breaking it.

[aceso]

Did I say break it? I said to not stand in its shadow. I would not be surprised if both wish to reform it.

[rowancrowned]

Reform does not mean decrease the power of.

[aceso]

Reform can mean a great many things, Provost. As does the word power. But these concerns will be better handled by the Diplomacy Division. I will stay in Research, and assist where I may.