(no subject)

[arlathvhen]

FORM: Sending crystal
SENDER: Beleth
RECIPIENT: Everyone
WHAT: Things are getting real and it's time to make sure that no one else in Thedas gets sick.
WHEN: Now
WHERE: Gallows
NOTES: shrug emoji

Greetings, Inquisition. Unfortunately, I have solemn news to give to everyone this day.

There has been increasing evidence that this sickness that has been sweeping through the Gallows might in fact be contagious, and able to spread through contact. With this in mind, myself and the others currently helping to maintain the divisions have deliberated, and come to a conclusion. I would like to assure everyone that we did not reach this decision easily or lightly, and we wouldn’t put this in motion unless we felt it was absolutely necessary.

Starting from here on out, a mandatory quarantine will be instituted over the Gallows and members of the Inquisition. Arrangements have been made for us to continue receiving supplies for food and drink and whatnot, so we don’t need to fear running out. This quarantine will last either until we can say with total certainty that this sickness is not contagious, or we have found a cure.

This quarantine extends to anyone who has stayed for any prolonged period of time in the Gallows, including those who live elsewhere but come to the Gallows for work. While I won’t force anyone to come here for the quarantine, [ Not out of courtesy, but because she simply doesn’t have the manpower or will to track them all down and drag them back. ] I will say this—There will be no boats taking visitors back and forth between the Gallows and the city. If you choose to stay outside, you’ll be staying outside for the remnant of the quarantine.

I know that this arrangement is not anyone’s preference, and some may find it rather discomfiting. I ask for your patience, and that you put the safety of Kirkwall, and possibly Thedas as a whole, over your personal preference. We are here to protect the population, even if that threat comes from something that can’t be fought on a battlefield. Thank you, everyone, for your patience, and your willingness to work together for the greater good.

Comments

[justice_is_blond]

Wait. What information says it's contagious?

[arlathvhen]

It was called a Blood Plague. And Solas said that--someone. [ Who was it, again? It's hard to recall. ] Caught it after their family had it.

There's also some concern that what the mages have been coming down with might be related. None of it is completely solid, but I'd rather be safe than responsible for releasing this upon Thedas.

[justice_is_blond]

You've spirit healers here. Did you consult with any of us? Because the mage deal is not related, we've got that isolated, and the 'blood plague' has not jumped from Rifters and Templars which suggests it is not contagious here.

The... The family thing...

[There's a rustling of papers, he knows it's familiar and he knows there's something about it, there.]

That wasn't here. That was another Rifter's world, Beleth. A quarantine does nothing here. This saves no one.

[rowancrowned]

[ a very tired, very raspy voice. ]

What is the harm of it then?

private.

[elegiaque]

( Huh. Some competence. )

The Asgards crossed paths with rifters. I don't know if you'd prefer we were discreet about the quarantine, considering the limited power of enforcement—one of them is an old

( pause )

friend, I can arrange for them to be here in a less official fashion.

( A beat, as she realises she's simply assumed Beleth knows who she's talking about; ) The Tevinters. Big, loud.

[private]

[arlathvhen]

[ She briefly wonders what exactly constitutes an old (pause) friend, but decides that she doesn't want to know. ]

Yes, I know the Asgards. If you can get them to come back, I would be very appreciative--I suspect that they wouldn't listen to me. Let me know if you need any help, or. Resources.

[ A Tevinter-sized box, rope, etc. ]

I already offered them rooms in the Gallows.

∞

[elegiaque]

I've got something in mind that ought to work.

( Loki would love it to involve rope. It will not. )

[arlathvhen]

[ She definitely doesn't want to know. ]

Then you have my blessing. I'll make sure that the boats allow you passage to Kirkwall and back.

[doneisdone]

I assume arrangements have been made for the Inquisition stables on the mainland?

I'm right as rain. If I can be of use, I shall.

[arlathvhen]

Yes, it’s been taken care of. If you wish, you’re welcome to send letters along with the supply boats to check on matters.

[castintoflames]

Why do I feel like we are being rounded up like cattle before a slaughter?

[galvanising]

Because you're ill and overreacting? This is a necessary precaution and you'll continue to receive assistance here until those working on a cure manage to find one.

[castintoflames]

I am not one to trust. (But what choice does he have? He doesn't have the strength to fight.) It is not an overreaction if this were Arda.

Since it is not -

I will not be quarantined without my weapons, at least.

[dashing]

I can well understand your sense of foreboding, in so unfamiliar a place. You've my word that the Inquisition does not stand for brutality, and these measures are born of a desire to protect Rifters and Templars as much as the people of Kirkwall.

[castintoflames]

I understand it, yet my mind readily supplies me with images of our destruction. If we are all in one place, that is no challenge. This...illness...is frightening enough, I admit.

(Elves should never be ill in this manner.)

It goes against the will of Eru.

[dashing]

There may be those who object to a forced stay in a place with so many dark memories. Increased guards or patrols may serve only to deepen the dread people may feel.

( Not her own memories or dreads, obviously, but would hazard a guess it won't be easy for Saoirse, and presumably others. Maybe Circle mages generally, given all she keeps learning.

She pauses; her comments feel rather obvious, and not very helpful. )

I... am uncertain what could be done to ease those concerns, though I support the caution. If there is even a small chance of this moving beyond Kirkwall, it is better to do whatever we can to eliminate the spread.

Is there any assistance I can offer you?

[galvanising]

If you know of mages who are concerned or upset by the quarantine, you may direct them to me, or Kostos Averesch, or Vandelin Elris. We each had a say in this decision, and believe it's in the best interests of all, including the Inquisition's mages.

[ no offense casimir it's just that you're like the opposite of reassuring to mages ]

They may also be reassured to hear that mages are effectively leading three of the four divisions, at present. The notion of being confined to the Gallows isn't something any of us relish, but the only danger in this situation is this disease.

[dashing]

I am sure that will be a comfort, and I will be certain to advise them. Hopefully this matter will be short-lived enough that it does not become a matter of long-term agitation. Not knowing when the end will come to it is mayhaps more like to cause alarm than the circumstances themselves.

( Herian can bro it out with Casimir, the other scrubs aren't cool enough for him
or something )

Given that the Templars are so unwell, I imagine there are a good number of mages taking their place in the guard and patrol roster to compensate - that may serve to soothe, as well. If there are not, then perhaps it can be a role they are encouraged to take up, so they can feel more confident in having some agency in this, rather than simply being the ones patrolled and guarded, as in days past.

[fineriftercrafts]

So...We're all gonna be locked up in a building if you've had dealing with rifters? All right then. I'm pleasantly surprised you didn't just kick down my door. It'll give me time to get my Mobile Shop together. See you there! And I come bearing DEALS!

[arlathvhen]

[ Dryly: ]

The door kicking can be arranged, if you'd prefer.

[fineriftercrafts]

Well, if that's what you're into, I won't stop you. Just please, let me know whenabouts you will be kicking down the door so I will be properly dressed. I assume the Inquisition will also cover the door replacement?

not here

[keenly]

[No. No, no, no no no no no no no no...]

[lyriumcarved]

Confinement in the Gallows, what an offer. I'm afraid I have to decline.

[Which means staying in Kirkwall, but so be it. He'll lurk around the mansion, sure, he does that anyway, on his own terms. But there's no chance he's stepping into a situation that entails being trapped.]

I thought this was limited to very specific groups of people, rifters or... those in contact with lyrium. It's unfortunate for those groups, but that hardly sounds like a mass contagion that could spread to anyone. Or have you learned something more of its nature? Are you no closer to a resolution?

[exequy]

It has been limited so far.

[ Beleth has dealt with plenty of complaining, so here’s Kostos, Nevarran-accented and barely interested. ]

Are you announcing to us all that you plan not to comply because you want someone to stop you or because you enjoy attention?

[lyriumcarved]

Neither of those... I just wanted to point out how unreasonable and unnecessary this quarantine idea really is. If it's been as limited as you say, then what reason do you have to suspect that it's contagious?