crystal.

[murderbaby]

FORM: Crystal, voiced.
SENDER: Mhavos Dalat, a pleasure.
RECIPIENT: All.
NOTES: pseudo-academic nitpicking; will update if things escalate quickly.

[No introduction, this time.]

Do you think you could, as concisely and simply as possible, summarize a topic on which you are reasonably well informed, for the elucidation of absolute beginners?

If motivation is needed, I can pay you, but it will not be any great sum. Think of it as an... expertise for public benefit.

Specifically, I require simple introductory explanations on: rifts, demons, mages, the Fade, circles, and the origin of the current war, as well as Dwarves and humans. No more than two paragraphs. Simple. Meant to explain wholly unfamiliar topics to a Rifter.

Rifters: What other subjects would you have benefitted from greater knowledge on, in those first days?

Comments

[nonvenomous]

Native attitudes towards Rifters and shard-bearers.

[murderbaby]

That would require some research-- I imagine it depends greatly on the mien of the Rifter-- but certainly worth the effort. Thank you for the suggestion, Serah.

[nonvenomous]

At minimum it would be useful to be aware of the enhanced potential for torture and dissection in certain territories before travelling into them, a given Rifter's attitude notwithstanding.

You’re welcome.

[murderbaby]

You're quite right; a warning to avoid Tevinter at any cost should be prominently displayed, regardless of the fact that we have decided not to include individual introductions to kingdoms.

Pardon my asking, but have you run into any such thing during your... stay? I assume I am speaking to a Rifter.

[nonvenomous]

You are.

I was fortunate enough to narrowly evade capture, but the risk persists as we continue to engage with their forces in the field. I’ve also noticed an accumulation of shard-bearing detritus from other parts of Thedas.

It’s further been my understanding that there was some debate previously over whether or not we might be demons.

[murderbaby]

Loathe though I am to grant ink to such a spirious theory, you're correct in that it should not come as a shock. A section on Rifters, then. I wonder at who is even qualified to write it.

May I ask who attempted the capture?

[nonvenomous]

Local authorities while on assignment in Tevinter. It's a long and embarrassing story.

[murderbaby]

Then my hunch was correct. I'll not ask more.

But you're quite right, of course; even forgoing an explanation of every country, the dangers of Tevinter should be warned of.

[nonvenomous]

United as we are against Tevinter, a neutral brief on the Mage-Templar War might provide additional context for the kind of drama Rifters are likely in store for closer to home if Corypheus is defeated.

[murderbaby]

A neutral brief on possibly the most controversial conflict in continental history something I dream of, yes. Regardless, I do mark its import.

[nonvenomous]

The author will have their work cut out for them.

I'm Richard, by the way -- I don't believe we've met.

[murderbaby]

I'm leaving impartiality up to the editor. The authors are all volunteer.

Ah, yes, of course. Mhavos Dalat, a pleasure. Have you been here long?

[nonvenomous]

Richard Dickerson, [ he matches formality for formality, without any vocal hitch for the dumb nature of his own name, flat and dry. ] I believe it will be a year, come Harvestmere.

Who's your editor?

[murderbaby]

I offer congratulations and condolences in equal measure. You must miss home.

I am. It seems an unfair task to leave anyone else.

[nonvenomous]

Thank you.

My condolences in return. At least demons and the blight are apolitical.

[murderbaby]

Not as such. Their method of disposal, and their cause, are deeply political, and occasionally theological, issues. I do not believe anything in this world, at least, is apolitical.

I suppose I should consider this a philosophical experiment.