Oh, for goodness -

[ A moment of awkward fumbling because, despite being very intelligent, this is new, even for her. No matter how curious she is about the magic behind it, Hermione is nothing if not frustrated by her inability to completely understand something novel and new.

Then her voice comes back. ] - there. Hello?

[ Is this thing on? ]

My name is Hermione Granger. I've started reading about this place - the library is lovely, really - but I wanted to do more. Who should I speak to? Where should I start? I'm willing to do the reading, I promise.

[ Given what she has read perhaps mentioning she is a witch isn't the best idea, and there's a pause as she thinks. ]

I came through - the - [ a huff ] I'm not from here, if that matters to anyone.

For those of you who I've not had the pleasure to meet, my name is Mhavos Dalat.

[There. Subtle.]

I've recently been reassigned to my former post as Head Archivist. There are some functions of this post I'm considering emphasizing.

Yes, this means I'll be heading the ongoing organization of the library. Please let me know if you have suggestions on that project going forward, or any books you think the library could benefit from having. I will not be making retractions.

Likewise, if you need recommendations for research or recreation, I will do my best.

What I'm most interested in, at the moment, is the question of history. None can argue that we are not in the midst of a historic moment. Many people here have seen historic events as they unfolded, or are themselves very unique of circumstance or bearing. I think this should be recorded, as the subject sees fit.

If you are interested in giving an account of something you witnessed, your perspectives, your world of origin, anything you consider noteworthy, please let me know. Nothing is worth forgetting. In some cases, if we agree the information is worth publishing, we'll discuss it, but that will not be the case for all. Anonymous publication, and anonymous archiving, are very much options should you wish to pursue them.

Likewise, if the written word is not your area of expertise, but you need letters written, please let me know. I won't pay the postage, but I will write your words down.

Thank you.

[ooc If you would like to use any of Mhav's services as Head Archivist w/o having to thread it, party here.]

A question of great importance: who is the most interesting person in Riftwatch?

I am composing a list, which I very easily could make alone. But that is not amusing. So, the winner of the list will of course receive a prize. An extra point will be awarded to a Rifter, quite obviously. Points deducted for, hm, [totally at random here,] let us say.... Wardens. I have nothing against them. Once I admired them! Then I had my sixth birthday, and I grew bored with them.

All suggestions will be considered.

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.

Good morning, ducklings.

[ It's mid-afternoon. ]

This is your beloved, esteemed Head of Diplomacy reminding you all of two things.

First thing: remember, members of the Diplomacy division always want to hear any rumor you might have heard. Substantiated? Unsubstantiated? Tell us everything. Bring us the latest gossip, the most salacious things you've heard. Shock us. Thrill us.

And second thing: for any of you without any allegiance to a division yet, Diplomacy is a good place if you adore some drama. You won't regret joining us.

[ Oh, and before he forgets - ]

Ah, by the by, recent trade negotiations led one of our trading partners to throw in three barrels of decent Orlesian honey. I'll leave it to the Seneschal to decide the rationing of the stuff, but - ta, my darlings, a bit of sweetness for your lives.

Right, so--is there anything that can be done to make a staff cool?

[Well.]

More deadly, like. If it needed to be used for offense. Or defense, even. S'ppose it wouldn't hurt if it looked cooler as well.

SUBJECT: In The Nick of Thyme
PARTICIPANTS: Ilias Fabria, John Silver, Matthias
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Cloudreach
STATUS: Ongoing / Complete
SUMMARY: Having received information about a shipment of supplies being delivered to refugees in Cumberland by Tevinter operatives, the team was sent to intercept the shipment. Some issue in timing meant that by the time Riftwatch arrived, the caravan had passed the ambush point and Riftwatch agents were at a severe disadvantage. To prevent Tevinter from reaping the benefit of delivering supplies, the decision was made to destroy the supplies instead.

REPORT:

Though we arrived at the proper time, it seems our information was bad. The point that had been selected for the ambush was no longer an option, and though we tailed the caravan until they made camp, it was clear three against the contingent of guards escorting the supplies would gain us nothing but capture, death or a retreat if we were lucky.

After conferring, the Speaker, Matthias and I came to a grim conclusion: as we could not allow Tevinter to reap the benefits of delivering the supplies, we would have to embrace the more difficult decision and destroy the caravan before they mobilized.

Utilizing Matthias' expertise, we mounted an assault on the caravan when they stopped for a rest at the end of the day. The Speaker was able to provide a compelling distraction on the fly, and that disruption drew the guards' attention long enough for Matthias to spark an impressive blaze. While the Speaker's distractions created havoc among the men, Matthias reduced the entirety of the supplies and the carts they'd been transported in to ash.

It's by no means the success we had hoped for, but it did prevent Tevinter from attaining glory or the means to influence public opinion. I'd suggest we keep a close eye on the situation in Cumberland, and perhaps make a second attempt at this operation or send supplies and aide ourselves.

NEXT STEPS: Get supplies to refugees!!

NOTES & LINKS: ooc information + relevant log

Hey my dudes and duddettes, super important question.

What's the weirdest animal here that I can touch that won't like immediately try to kill me and does that include this zombie horse I just found in the stable.

Cus I wanna pet him.

Like super bad.

But I'm open to non-zombie horse petting options too, I guess.