001.

[luaithre]

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Marcus Rowntree
RECIPIENT: All
NOTES: Occurs not very long after the Abomination attack.

Greetings. For those I've not met, my name is Marcus. I'm with the Forces division.

[ Male, proper adult in tone and resonance, and a lilt to his accent that marks him as coming from Starkhaven. His manner is-- mannerly, measured, mild. ]

I also number among the mages here who have seen battle before. My skill as a combatant isn't my purpose for addressing anyone today, but we suffered an attack very recently that required quick response, and I have some thoughts.

[ There's a pause, as if to compile said thoughts before speaking to them. ]

As mages, we differ from other militant units in that someone entirely new to combat might exhert the same sheer power as a mage who is well trained and battle hardened. We also wield vastly different weapons, and such weapons can be made deadlier when wielded in combination and tandem. There are enemies some are better suited to face than others. The way in which we engage with a threat differs between each individual. This makes us difficult to corral, but potentially, extremely effective, and hard to predict.

I think we should take the opportunity to share between ourselves our areas of battle and magic expertise, and the things we are weak in. As for myself, I am predisposed towards wielding the elements of fire, rock, and smoke, with a little skill in defensive magics. I am late to learning how to engage an enemy without magic, and I would be glad to learn more.

I'd invite Rifters, too, who have magics of their own, to share what they can do, if they like. And train among us.

[ He could probably leave it there. But he adds-- ]

It's no small thing, to witness a mage overcome the way this stranger was. It was affecting for me as well, as it will be for others. The Circles, once, had an ability to handle such eventualities, in their customarily brutal manner. Whether it be today, or another day, I would welcome conversation between mages about what the future of such moments will be in a world without Circles. This moment, and many others.

My thanks.

Comments

private;

[wythersake]

Have you been introduced to Sister Sara?

private ∞

[luaithre]

Yes. By chance.

[wythersake]

Bring her along. She can stitch a wound.

[ and it's ""oversight"" if anyone gets twitchy ]

[luaithre]

Mm.

[ Amused. ]

She's unconventional.

[wythersake]

That's a word for it. [ but still. put orlais' cast-offs to use. ] I won't be attending, she suspects me of all manner of devilish pursuit.

[luaithre]

I'd sooner have your presence than the sister's.

[wythersake]

My presence doesn't add anything you lack.

[ it's definitely not just that he doesn't want to publicly commit ]

[luaithre]

This wasn't intended for my singular benefit, Isaac, if that is true.

[wythersake]

As for myself, I am predisposed towards wielding the elements of creation, and running away very quickly, with a little skill in hiding.

[ it's not a bad attempt at starkhaven ]

[luaithre]

[luaithre]

[ And then, quite seriously, ]

You'd not like to learn more?

[wythersake]

Of course, [ — not ] But you're looking at this like a hammer. Differences in skill extend beyond the battlefield. Leave something in reserve, until you know the new faces.

[luaithre]

[ A pause, and then; ]

Alright.

[ Point ceded. ]

[wythersake]

I did have a question for you, upon the matter of training.

[luaithre]

[ If he were funnier, he would say, oui? Alas; ]

Aye?

[wythersake]

I've been corresponding with an apostate — nothing to do with the departed Mssr. Felix.

[ hopefully. don't put it past john silver. ]

They've some talent in Force, and don't wish to reveal themselves to Voss. I've jack-shit, and little notion how they might practice control.

[luaithre]

Mm.

[ He thinks for a few moments, before; ]

The obvious answer being to seek the advice of a mage with Force skill, should one volunteer themselves. Your apostate is reluctant to do so himself?

[wythersake]

Quite. I don't imagine the Gallows would miss a book or two, but —

[ anything approved for the library will only cover so much. ]

[luaithre]

[ A subtle, derisive sound. Books by who. ]

I may have more questions than I can give answers. Do they lack in an abundance of power, or wield what feels like too much? Do they lack in finesse, or does it tire them? Does magic come easier in a certain state of mind, or feeling? That sort of thing.

But to all of that, I would say that mere use brings with it control, and--

[ Pause. Reflective. ]

Well, knowing exactly how far your limits lie. What it looks like, when you give it everything. Once you know that, you know it better than yourself. But it's a dangerous thing to try. I'd advise practice, for a time, if they're new to it.

[wythersake]

Mn,

[ more or less what he expected: doing the work. unfortunate — ]

Thank you. I'd not thought to chance the last.

[luaithre]

I learned it late. Or-- at the right moment, in a way.

[ And, before he wishes Isaac well in this thing-- ]

If they're afraid, it bears saying, that'll do nothing for their control.

Not here

[okayimin]

[you ask a guy if he's running a money scam for clarification ONE TIME ]