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

[degenere]

[ message listened and not responded to at: 2:30 pm ]

[degenere]

[Just kidding.]

I think--

[--And you were all stupid enough to ask him what he thinks, or else, Beleth was stupid enough to be hit by an experimental grenade and take confused and leave him with temporary authority--]

--that we should do whatever settles this issue most quickly and be done with it. As the Knight-Enchanter notes: interruptions to our work puts our cause at risk. The amount of time that has been spent in argument is as maddening as it is distracting.

What will be done about the Rifters posing dramatically and making threats? Gags? Hard candies, as for a child? Liquor, to put them to sleep for a time? Perhaps they might be allowed to take themselves elsewhere. Pain and threat may yet bring them around. And then these negotiations with the Chantry that you are all arranging for might be carried on, without any of us having to put up with a great deal of noise in the meantime, or falling into the danger of someone full of errant passion hiding in a saddlebag and popping out to shock all the good brothers and sisters of the faith at these new negotiations.

[dashing]

I think you are correct that the danger with negotiations is that they, too, can drag on. We would be limited in how many could be sent for that exact reason - minimal disruption. Who was selected would matter as well, in terms of whatever value reducing incredulity at their presence might provide.

If they take themselves elsewhere, that will heighten Chantry pressures and protests - they already fear the rifters and what they might do. And if the rifters stay together in their departure, we might not see them return, should there be enough of them together that the shards not cause them distress. Furthermore, those who are loyal and stay could be the ones who suffer for allowing a mass departure, if their shards begin to cause them pain from the reduction in numbers. That would be unjust.

I agree that moving forward efficiently in necessary, but I do not think negative reinforcement will do anything to ease tensions.

[degenere]

Well, then. Perhaps we can bribe them. A reinforcement of generosity instead of the negative. How much coin could it cost to shut them up? I will gladly donate, if allowed the time to write a letter and liquidate to secure the funding.

It is not, by the way, that I am unsympathetic to the plight. Certainly I hardly care. I would be more sympathetic if they would do whatever it is they intend to do instead of merely shouting about it. I prefer to act and shout, both at once.

[dashing]

Some could be encouraged, that I concede, but do you think that is a wise use of Inquisition resources? Others would be offended by the very possibility that they might be bought; the same outrage we currently see would only be amplified.

I am glad they're not yet acting on the urge to stir people against them due to their fear. That allows us time to better the situation and return to our work for Thedas.

( A pause, thoughtful: )

You sound as though you wish to see them act in ways that would see them punished. That you... that you appear, or state, not care for the people within this Inquisition and how the implications that harm against them could have for our ability to stop Corypheus, when you hold such concerns for the measurements of a fountain, is concerning.

[degenere]

The ones who would take offense will be offended no matter what we do. I know the type, madame.

[And speaking of being offended--]

Of course I care for the people of the Inquisition. It is an organization to which I have given much of my time. Time that could better have been spent elsewhere, I might add. I am a valuable resource. In opposition: many of these Rifters have made clear that they care little to nothing for the Inquisition. Either they state it outright or they state it by demonstration.

[and you know WHAT]

Furthermore, the fountain's measurements are important.