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

[heirring]

I don't suppose this grand effort has any need of a clerk for record keeping? An impartial observer, perhaps?

[Let her look at your magic!!!!!]

[luaithre]

[ Genuinely uncertain for a hot second-- ]

Does it?

[heirring]

Oh yes, I should think so. There is almost nothing in the world which is not improved by proper record keeping. For I imagine that should anyone inquire as to the purpose of this hypotherical training, that you would prefer the answer to be in your own words rather than up for interpretation and misconception.

As a Rifter, I am pleased to say that I am in fact the very definition of an ideal neutral party who might be in charge of such an undertaking.

[libratus]

—If said records might pass through my office as well before finalization, please.

[heirring]

Oh course, Speaker. I should think it would be to everyone's benefit - to Riftwatch, as a whole - were we all to work collaboratively on the task of improvement.

[libratus]

[ Yes, all right, just don't write anything down he'll have to burn. ]

Thank you, Miss Poppell.

[heirring]

It is my pleasure entirely, Speaker.

[luaithre]

[ --well then. ]

Alright. Your name is?

[heirring]

[Score.]

Wysteria Poppell. I'm a member of Research division and often assist the Seneschal.

[luaithre]

Good, then.

[ --that she has a job that legitimises the thing she has volunteered to do, presumably. ]

[heirring]

Most excellent.

--And if you are indeed after a remote training ground removed from both the Gallows and the city itself as you mentioned to Mr. de Vadarta, there is a particular stretch of foothills which I have seen used in the past for an afternoon or two of rather less martially focused diversion which might suit your purposes well.

[luaithre]

So long as you and no one else are not so attached to their current state. Some magic leaves an impression.

[heirring]

Oh, I'm certain no one would be at all troubled. But if you like, I will verify with the records in the administrative offices of the Viscount's Keep the next time I'm there to be certain it is as otherwise perennially unused as I have always seen it to be.

[luaithre]

That would be very good of you.

[heirring]

Then consider it done. I will let you know the details of the place in question the very moment I have verified the particulars.

[Literally, so Marcus will receive a message by crystal very early indeed on some near future morning confirming at great length all the details and semantics - 'You must not pass farther than this many meters from the ridge line' et cetera et cetera. It is best to see to one's business in the Keep before any other petitioners and so on get there ahead of you, you see.]