SUBJECT: Bang and Burn
PARTICIPANTS: Flint, Silver, Yseult, Lazar, Bastien, Gwenaelle, Loxley
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Fantasy!March
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: While working to sway the pirates of Estwatch from their alliance with Tevinter, agents of the Qun and a plot to weaken Tevene defenses along the northern coastline were uncovered.

REPORT:

9:50, DRAKONIS—

Attached personnel dispatched to Estwatch with the intention of discouraging pirate collaboration with Tevene forces in the region. Upon arrival, we discovered the island in a state of some confusion, a disagreement having broken between certain notable crews over whether allying with Tevinter wouldn't ultimately threaten their security when facing the combined forced Hercinian pirate hunters, Orlesian navy, et cetera.

Members of Riftwatch sought to shift sympathies in the direction of those crews in support of breaking with Tevinter. Presently unsuccessful in seeing the matter on Estwatch entirely settled, in part due to the discovery of a Qun agent operating on the island searching to do the same. I suspect so long as we lay no heavier hand in the matter, the island will settle its own business and we will have won ourselves some allies and points by which to gather intelligence on Tevene naval movements and interests in the region.

Concerning the Qun agent, arguably of more immediate concern: it would seem they sought to break the Tevene-Pirate relationship here in the Waking Sea in order to force the shift of further Tevinter powers from the protection of the northern coast to managing the war here. Without the assistance of the southern pirates, Tevinter would almost certainly be required to commit additional ships and men ordinarily working in defense of the Imperium from Par Vollen elsewhere.

Notable papers intercepted from this agent have been recovered, and will be filed alongside this report. I would be unsurprised to shortly see an increase in hostilities in Seheron, and thereafter some organized movement on the Imperium directly. It would be a mistake to take Fade-touched dreams as visions of reality, but should Par Vollen really be intending to make a decisive move against Tevinter then there may be some tactical credence to the possibility that they would first set their sights on taking likes of Ventus or Carastes.

J. Flint

NEXT STEPS: Continue to work with anti-Tevene pirates. Do something about the Qun gaining a foothold.

NOTES & LINKS: IC Log, OOC Info

SUBJECT: Assassination of Magister Kyrus in Vyrantium
PARTICIPANTS: Kostos, Loxley, Vanya, Yseult
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Wintermarch 9:50
STATUS: Ongoing
SUMMARY: A team assassinated a magister at the request of the People of the Silent Plains.

REPORT: As detailed in the relevant intelligence reports numbered below, the People of the Silent Plains requested Riftwatch demonstrate its commitment to the shared goal of eliminating slavery by assassinating Magister Adelphus Kyrus. Kyrus opposes the Venatori, but is also known to have re-made his family fortune in the slave trade. The Division Heads determined that the benefits were worth the loss of a nominal ally.

Acting on intelligence provided by the People, a team consisting of Kostos Averesch, Vanya Orlov, the rifter Loxley and myself traveled to Vyrantium and infiltrated the resort where Kyrus and a group of companions were lodging. After several days' surveillance, Kyrus was isolated and dispatched along with his security, consisting of his bodyguard and a woman believed to be his lover. There were no other witnesses.

Documents were planted among their effects and the scene staged to suggest an alternative motive. All agents escaped and returned to Kirkwall without significant injury.

-- Yseult, Head of Scouting

NEXT STEPS:

In future, verify in advance all intelligence received from third parties regarding the magical capabilities of targets and their companions.

Investigate methods of combating blood magic/mind control and provide training to field agents.

Encourage stories that Kyrus had planned to free his slaves and was killed by the Venatori for this and opposition to Corypheus.

NOTES & LINKS:

Log

OOC Info

SUBJECT: Intercept a caravan full of payroll on its way to a Tevene mining operation
PARTICIPANTS: Marcus, Gwenaelle, Ellis, Abby, Jude, Vanya
CLASSIFICATION: Private to Commander Flint
DATE FILED: Backdated to Kingsway
STATUS: Abandoned
SUMMARY: At the request of the Broken Blades, Riftwatch sent a team to intercept a payroll caravan headed for a mining site in the Hundred Pillars. The plan was to find it, rob it, and do so with minimal implication towards Riftwatch's involvement. The money was then to be split between the Broken Blades and Riftwatch. Torrential rains, however, impacted the mission severely, during the resulting mud slides, only some of the payroll was able to be recovered. The team agreed to distribute what they had to the drop off.

REPORT:

Commander Flint,

We were unsuccessful in recovering the full amount of the payroll. Due to poor weather, the roads were heavily impacted by mudslides, and in the ensuing confrontation, one wagon was lost to the elements. We were able to collect what I have approximated to be a third of the wealth.

This was delivered to the drop off point. The meeting was brief but gratitude was extended our way.

There were no survivors, and the most logical conclusion that the mine's operators would draw is that their payroll was swept away in the downpour. This is, after all, half true.

- Marcus

NEXT STEPS: More work with the Broken Blades, in which they could extend us more tips and we could get the money we were hoping to collect.

NOTES & LINKS: Debrief and adventure

SUBJECT: Operation "protect Solvara of the Broken Blades from the back of a moving chariot"
PARTICIPANTS: Clarisse and Vanya
CLASSIFICATION: Private to Commander Flint
DATE FILED: Backdated to Kingsway (with whatever the plural of mea culpa is OOC)
STATUS: Complete (ICly)
SUMMARY: Vanya and Clarisse went to Perivantium to try to protect a meeting of the Broken Blades during that city’s annual chariot race. Solvara, a key organization member, decided to enter the race; in order to help her survive, Vanya and Clarisse did too. Thanks to Clarisse’s excellent driving skills, Solvara lived, though she sustained a significant injury thanks to a close call during the event.

REPORT:

Commander Flint,

Our mission to Perivantium was a success in that, at least as of our departure, Solvara remains alive and the Broken Blades were able to convene their intended meeting under the cover of the chariot race and surrounding events. Much of the credit must go to Ser La Rue, whose skill with chariot driving was substantial and a true asset.

Unfortunately, the result was achieved somewhat by the skin of our teeth. Solvara sustained a serious shoulder injury from one of the attempts on her life. While I cannot be certain, based on what we observed, she was either the target of more than one attempt, or the target of an assassin with a strong penchant for contingency plans. We also think it possible, but were not able to confirm, that I may have been identified as an interloper. I suspect La Rue’s skill makes it less clear that she was out of place. The race itself was chaotic enough to be hard to assess. We were, however, able to confirm the meeting took place, and our departure from the city was quiet and unhindered.

Respectfully,
V. Orlov

NEXT STEPS: Solvara’s status as an assassination target is probably ongoing, though an opportunity as major as the chariot race may not re-emerge for some time. If resources are available, Riftwatch may want to help them determine who, specifically, wanted her dead, though presumably the Broken Blades are also working on this.

NOTES & LINKS: Log; OOC info

SUBJECT: What’s Yours is Mine
PARTICIPANTS: Tertia, Ellis, Barrow, Clarisse, Tiffany, Ellie
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Drakonis
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Having discovered a Venatori mining operation near Alhoven producing cartloads of red lyrium for likely nefarious use, Riftwatch sent a team to destroy the mine and cut off any further production of red lyrium.

REPORT:

Commander, Enchanter,

The mine and its contents have been destroyed.

We can also report that the Venatori leading the operation has been killed. All correspondence and papers recovered from his tent have been bound into the packet accompanying this report for your examination.

Regarding the opposition forces: the mining was accomplished through the use of re-animated corpses, the majority of which were destroyed when we took the mine. It was decided among us to herd the remainder into the mine before we took steps to seal it off. The few living workers and overseers that remained fled rather than attempt combat.

I cannot say whether or not Alhoven will be sufficiently discouraged from further contact with Corypheus and the Venatori, but the mine itself is not a recoverable resource.

– Warden Ellis

NEXT STEPS: Spread word of re-animated corpses through Alhoven and the surrounding villages, take steps to trace the supply lines throughout the region and disrupt them.

NOTES & LINKS:
OOC post
IC Log
Point Tallying Spreadsheet

SUBJECT: Movers and Shakers
PARTICIPANTS: Abby, Bastien, Derrica, Edgard, Ellie, Ellis, Gela, Gwenaëlle, John Silver, Julius, Loxley, Marcus, Matthias, Stephen Strange, Tsenka, Vanya
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Harvestmere
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Teams dispatched across Thedas to handle various mage-related assignments in the wake of the Conclave attempt, such as making contact with Rivaini communities and isolationist mages, arranging patrons for mage-sympathetic authors, mediate conflict in Marcher villages, and assist in raiding Venatori supply lines.

REPORT:Commander,

I've a summary for you of the progress made on the month's work.

Bastien and Edgard contacted Madame Cordier and were able to persuade her and her daughters to take on the project of publishing Serrah Tinel's work. He can expect distribution to go ahead in the coming year, and I assume we can expect his cooperation on all matters related to the Hercinia harbor.

Enchanter Rowntree, Ellie and Warden Ellis reported trouble in their work alongside Inquisition forces. A disagreement over what should be done with a large amount of tainted lyrium discovered during their raids ended with Warden Ellis forcing their commanding officer, Livia Glas, to relinquish the goods by claiming them for the Grey Wardens.

We can expect that this argument will be reported back to the Inquisition. Though the lyrium itself was destroyed, a sample was kept for testing by our people. A second sample is on hand if the Inquisition inquires, and Enchanter Rowntree sent word to them reporting Livia Glas' conduct during their shared mission. Our Diplomacy Division may reach out themselves, to repeat our concerns regarding Livia Glass, and to warn the Inquisition of the danger this lyrium posed. They might test their own stock and any other stock that has been recovered during similar raids.

It might be necessary to warn our own templars as well, and set someone to look into the chain of import that produced that batch of lyrium.

Gela, Stephen Strange, Vanya Orlov and I had some difficulty in Cledwyn. Sister Merran had been taken ill herself, and in the grip of fever created a fear in the villagers that demons were instigating their poor fortune.

It is thanks to Gela and Vanya's efforts that we were able to provide treatment to Sister Merran. Serrah Strange discovered the cause of their troubles. The crop was diseased, and while his methods were able to save some of their yield, some had to be destroyed. Gela's work with the villagers had earned the villagers trust, and with Sister Merran recovered, we were able to come to some decisions with the villagers as to what would be needed.

They requested some of the refugees be moved onwards from their village. We escorted a group into Kirkwall, with the hopes that they will be able to find work in the city during the winter months. It had also been suggested that with much of the Free Marches having seen damage through raids this summer and fall, that Cledwyn may be able to provide for them some assistance, due to their working mills. If we could facilitate these things, it would be greatly appreciated and I believe would impress Sister Merran further.

Regarding my work with Abby, Gwenaëlle, and Loxley in Sanavo village, we were able to successfully close the rift that had been hampering their work. I believe we made a good impression on the villagers and their leaders. I believe we would be happily received should Riftwatch representatives need to revisit Sanavo any time in the future.

– Derrica

NEXT STEPS:
● Fall out from invoking the Right of Conscription and alienating Livia Glas, determine what kind of ripple effects this might have with Riftwatch's relations to the Inquisition and by extension, the Chantry.
● Follow up with the trade house that transported the corrupted lyrium; Orzammar may be the place to start.
● Maintain contact with Sister Merran regarding the situation in Cledwyn. Transition groups of refugees onward from the village, and provide added support for the village by connecting them with villages in need of their intact mills or sending on supplies so they might have enough supplies to get through winter.
● Maintain friendly correspondence with Sanavo villagers.
● Promote distribution of Charles Tinel's work.

NOTES & LINKS:
While the report will appear as composed above, Derrica will not include any information in writing as to the presence of several Dairsmuid survivors living in Sanavo. She will report these findings, as well as their acquisition of the rogue Dairsmuid Templar, his new Kirkwall address and his willingness to address the Conclave verbally to Commander Flint.

OOC assignment
Separate report for Isolationist Mage Expedition
Bastien + Edgard @ Charles Tinel
Abby, Derrica, Gwen + Loxley @ Rivain
Ellie, Ellis, + Marcus @ Starkhaven
Derrica, Gela, Strange + Vanya @ Cledwyn

SUBJECT: How the Turn Tables
PARTICIPANTS: Ellis, Richard v1.0, Glimmer, Abby, Edgard, Vanya, Richard v2.0, Fenris
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Late Solace
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Riftwatch agents raid a Venatori survey encampment with the intent to capture a researcher or two in the hopes that they'll be able to glean information regarding Corypheus' plans for the Gates.

REPORT:

Commander Flint, Enchanter Julius,

While we were unable to accomplish all we had hoped, I can say we gathered enough information that I cannot describe this mission as anything other than successful.

Two researchers were captured. They have been secured in the dungeon, to be questioned further at the Scoutmaster's pleasure. We were able to press them for information on as we traveled back to Kirkwall from Starkhaven. We learned the following—

• Corypheus does intend to use the Gates to access the Black City. I believe those supporting him in this work believe as these researchers did: that opening the Gates signals the Maker's return, and the Golden City waits on the other side.
• Their efforts are being supported by two academics: Laetoria Rosci of Tevinter and Cedric Marquette of Orlais. Rosci is reported to rarely leave Minrathous and send direction from there, but Marquette travels, acquiring artifacts that may be useful to the Venatori and selling anything else he comes across on their behalf if it cannot further their goals. If we are to seek one of them out, I believe Marquette will be more easily found.
• They claim Corypheus opened a Gate in Tevinter to demonstrate its power. The process required blood magic and artifacts, but neither captive could describe the process or the artifacts needed. Their notes and answers also confirmed what the Research Division's work in the Crossroads have found: what lies beyond the Gates is Blighted. It seems Corypheus demonstrated some way to keep it contained, but that was not written in their notes.
• We believe that these researchers are limited in what they know and unable to provide the specific steps needed to unlock the Gates. Those above them may have that information, and we would need to seek them out.
• There are other groups of Venatori searching other elven sites for potential Gates. They have been instructed to collect and investigate anything connected to the Old Gods. It seems Rosci and Marquette are presently focusing on Zazikel, though I believe anything linked to the Old Gods would similarly draw their attention.

Further examination of their notes confirmed much of what they admitted. I have included them along with this report for review and to be entered into our records.

Enchanter, you will be pleased to know we were able to gather a number of artifacts, as requested. All seem to be in good condition. We surrendered them into the appropriate storeroom for your inspection.

This last feels more minor, but it should be recognized that while we were unable to prevent a full-scale retreat of the Venatori who had held this worksite, we destroyed much of their equipment and liberated the majority of the laborers that had been pressed into service there. We also captured the dracolisk tethered in the camp, and several druffalo. They have been stabled accordingly.

Should any part of this require more explanation, or strike you as unclear, I will explain further as best I can.

— Warden Ellis

NEXT STEPS: Interrogate the researchers. Direct efforts to exploring elven sites for any traces of Venatori presence or connection to Zazikel, tracing the location and work of Cedric Marquette and Laetoria Rosci. Seek artifacts related to Zazikel. Possibilities are endless.

NOTES & LINKS: OOC Info + Point-Buy Results / IC Log

SUBJECT: We Stole a Zoo: Team Hero
PARTICIPANTS: Adrasteia, Silver, and Tiffany
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Cloudreach
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: After Team Heel successfully pulled off a heist to stage a Venatori-led robbery of Merchant Prince Andreuola Accottanto's nephew, Benat Berroeta's collection of Fade-touched animals, Team Hero swooped in to take possession of their spoils and dashingly return them to the Prince.

REPORT:

You'll be thrilled to hear that the whole Fade-touched menagerie was restored to Berroeta's case. The man nearly wept with gratitude. It was a very touching reunion.

But more importantly, upon hearing our recounting of our efforts to recover the beasts and punish those who dared endanger them (the gift of severed hand was very helpful in this) Berroeta honored us with some tales of his own. We know now far too much about the mechanics of Fade-touched animals, but entertaining the conversation has its benefits. Should we come across any interesting creatures in the course of our work, we may deliver them to Berroeta for purchase.

While we might have petitioned him for any number of things before taking our leave, we collectively decided it better to keep the good will intact for later favors. I am sure opportunity to call upon him will present itself in the coming months.

I will say, however, should we decide it necessary attempt something similar in the future, we might consider recruiting from Kirkwall's stables to make the transportation more manageable.

— JS

NEXT STEPS: Cash in on those favors, baby.

NOTES & LINKS: ooc info | ic log

SUBJECT: We Stole a Zoo: Team Heel
PARTICIPANTS: Astarion, Abby, Edgard
CLASSIFICATION: public...ish, definitely left out in the open on Flint's desk but not intended for general reading; sneakwork is sacred
DATE FILED: le now
STATUS: complete
SUMMARY: disguised as Venatori, Abby, Astarion and Edgard were sent to steal borrow Andreuola Accottanto's collection of Fade-touched animals. Astarion also happened to unintentionally steal one when he feigned murdering a Fade-touched wolf (via cutting his own hand and dousing the bloody marks in spare fur) and chased it off to save face. Because he felt bad. Look. Don't look at him, he was a caged thing once, too.

Issues, man.

Otherwise the mission went according to chaotic plan, and all the little ones made it safely into team Hero's arms.

REPORT:

Dearest Commander Flint,

As a follow up to our most recent mission, you should know that everything went beautifully.

And by beautifully I mean it was a nightmare of fur, Fade-magic, and chasing down animals that could do infinitely more than the rest of us. Thankfully we persevered (you're welcome) and the little beasts were spirited away to our contacts without any further trouble to speak of. No one knew who was really responsible for what happened, and I do hope it stays that way. Eternally.

In fact you should probably burn this letter or something after you've read it.

I should mention that an appropriately bloody mess was left at the scene of the crime to incite our dear lord. The offending beast managed to escape unfortunately, but I’m sure it won’t have gotten far. Nothing to be worried about.

Or look into.

Yours,
-Astarion

NEXT STEPS: Riftwatch has a new wolf and two and two might very easily be put together, but otherwise everything else seems v tidy!

NOTES & LINKS: ooc info | log thread

SUBJECT: Friendly Fire
PARTICIPANTS: Abby, Dante, Edgard, Ellis, Fenris, Vanya
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Cloudreach
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: The Gang Wreckes Havoc, or: Forces members are split into pairs to pose as Tevene or Anders forces and create Problems On Purpose throughout contested Antivan territory. Successes across the board.

REPORT:

Commander,

I can report we have had success in all our work, and returned without having been identified as members of Riftwatch.

Fenris and Abby were able to break into the Chantry, as instructed. The silver was acquired, and they broke a few items inside the building to add insult to the theft. I believe the silver has been stowed in one of the storage rooms. We all assume it cannot be sold for some time. They reported having left the Chantry speaking Tevene loudly enough to be overheard by anyone nearby, so it is safe to say the blame will be laid upon Tevinter forces.

Ser Orlov and I deposited our spoils from the targeting of merchants and travelers. with the Seneschal. I must inform you that there was one altercation that turned bloodier than either of us anticipated. Should you send another team to continue this work, be warned that some of the wealthier merchants are more seriously prepared for conflict on their routes. More than two men may be necessary, for the safety of all involved.

Dante Sparda and Edgard came away with five druffalo, which were given over to refugees as instructed. It's my understanding that they did an admirable job in creating difficulty for the ranchers in the process of separating out the beasts, and that Sparda's use of illusions was more than effective. Should we attempt this a second time, I assume the same trouble will follow as I'd mentioned already. The ranchers will be anticipating interference, but I cannot say that they would stand entirely firm should Sparda's trick be repeated.

— Warden Ellis

NEXT STEPS: Dispatch more teams to either create more havoc or dispatch more teams in full Riftwatch attire to heroically guard the countryside after engaging in some light diplomacy to offer assistance directly to Antivan merchants to net some positive reaction points. Alternately, a diplomatic mission to return tragically stolen silver to the Chantry in question along with fantastic tales of heroism about it's recovery.

NOTES & LINKS: ooc info | IC Logs: Abby + Fenris, Edgard + Dante, Ellis + Vanya