Good afternoon, one and all.

[What can be said of the speaker? Nevarran? Certainly. Tinged by the brisker patter of Orlais? Maybe. Well educated? Possessed of certain qualities of good looks and modest, charmingly self-effacing humor? Well, he wouldn't say it. One should be allowed to draw their own conclusions about these things.]

I'm Senior Enchanter Cassius Black, quite recently late of Skyhold and rather less recently late of the Perendale Circle. —If you're the type to care about such things, the common theory being that the majority of you don't. Not to worry, I won't hold it against you. [That sounds like a wry little joke, and it is one. In all senses. Haha okay moving on.] I believe I'm to be a member of your diplomatic division from this point forward.

Now, ordinarily I wouldn't make such a to do of introductions when we might reasonably meet over the course of our work together. But word on the ominous fortress island is that I've just missed something of a dust up, and to celebrate our new association I thought I might lend my services as an objective third party should anyone prefer gentler modes of dispute resolution and still have a thing or two to work out. For the duration of the afternoon, consider yourself welcome to stop into my quarters on the old templar tower's sixth floor. You'll know it by the open door and the sounds of cursing while I unpack whatever injustices have been inflicted on my things in transit.

As a related aside, I would be thankful should anyone have recommendations for a reliable blacksmith either among our company or in the city. I have my suspicions that I'll need a coat rack or something like it to make do in the space provided.

[ The tone here is quite amused, even if the topic is not particularly...amusing. ]

So, now that we've all woken up, I'm sure there's just one question on everyone's mind. What are we going to do with all you naughty little boys and girls who are dreaming about joining the Venatori?

SUBJECT: Been and Drawn
PARTICIPANTS: Marcoulf, Leander, Bastien, Vanadi and Lexie
CLASSIFICATION: Public
DATE FILED: Firstfall
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: In an effort to soften potential past insults and repair/strengthen Riftwatch's relationship with the Antivan Merchant Prince, Bonaiuto Cellini, a number of Riftwatch agents were dispatched to an art show in Wycome featuring his work.

REPORT: Written in a hand which doesn't match Marcoulf's previous reports, or indeed his own (for he has none):

In accordance with their (MM. B. Royan, de Ricart, and de Vadarta, Enchanter Leander, and Lady Asgard) orders, agents of Riftwatch attended the Wycome gallery showing hosting pieces by the aforementioned Antivan gentleman of note, Bonaiuto Cellini.

Though originally skeptical of our overtures given the recent loss of certain investments, the responsibility for which has been rumored as attributable to Riftwatch's presence in the Waking Sea, we were able to both temporarily reassure Cellini of our investment in his welfare and divert less favorable criticism (specifically: of his artistic endeavors) which might have otherwise found its way to him.

The following was acquired:

- The gentleman in question's finances are in dire straits, and his competitors are eager to take advantage of his reduced position. Name of note include the Luppis who are evidently eager to undercut him, although they have thus far failed to live up to their full potential due to irreconcilable differences.
- Cellini reports that he has an ally in Ramondo Caliara. He also claims to yet have opportunities to expand his business with certain trade partners in Tevinter, although declined to supply further detail on the subject.
- Cellini expressed an intention to forward a gesture of thanks to Riftwatch in return for its support of the arts. Ambassador Rutyer's name was accordingly supplied as a reference.

Respectfully,
X

NEXT STEPS: Formally suggest pursuing contact with Ramondo Caliara in an effort to determine why he remains invested in Cellini's business dealings; conversely, reconcile the Luppis and see, in exchange for their support in the war against Tevinter, that they are successful in undermining Cellini.

(In successive months, a distinctly unfortunate self portrait by Cellini will be delivered to the Gallows, ℅ the Diplomacy Division. Anyone who attended the show will be able to confirm that no, it isn't an insult; that's Just How Cellini Paints.)

NOTES & LINKS: OOC Info; IC Log

I got some questions for y'all.

One: if you're from here, what's one thing you want to see from the end of the year?

Two: if you're not from here, what's the tech you miss the most from back home?

Take from here/not from here to mean whatever you need it to, I'm just bored.

SUBJECT: Misfits Lyrics.
PARTICIPANTS: Mhavos, Barrow, Sawbones, Ellis, Vanadi, Edgard, Athessa, Leander, Dick, & Holden.
CLASSIFICATION: Public.
DATE FILED: Firstfall 14.
STATUS: Complete.
SUMMARY: A rift on the property of the Ostwick Pickneys was closed successfully. On the way back, the party stopped at an inn, only to discover somewhat later that the inn was run by a murderer.

( Read more... )

Listen up. Few items.

You see someone with a green glowy thing in their hand, they may be capable of more than just a sick rave party. Well documented abilities include offensive energy expulsions and flash-shields, and a couple shard-bearers able to close rifts at a time. New documented abilities include those things, but more, and the ability to close a rift on their lonesome.

And if you also notice a rifter capable of phasing through solid objects, distorting time, blasting green lightning, ask yourself: is that rifter extremely handsome, well groomed, articulate, witty, smells nice, killer biceps? If those things apply, don't freak out, it's on purpose, and not a demon.

Second thing — if you find a rift you weren't expecting, take out a little piece of paper, or write on the back of your hand, the day and time you discovered it, and the day and time it was closed. And the day and time it opened, if you catch that, but we'll settle for the license plate. Forward all notes to Wysteria Poppell.

[ Shuffle shuffle paper sounds. ]

Last thing, uh. Hey, the world is round. Like it's a giant sphere, floating in space. Okay, that's all. Bye now.

[ An Orlesian accent, an idle friendly tone. ]

No one in particular is to blame for my asking— [ if only because the list is so long it couldn’t be called particular ] —but do we need more etiquette practice?

[Jone's voice comes out a bit nasal, as if one of her nostrils are blocked. The reason quickly becomes clear:] Oi! You lot! I've a contest. Which of you's the best healer? Fix this old nose of mine... and my face along with it, would you?

It's not especially bollocksed, but which of you can do it fastest, eh? I'm at the mess.

While I'm here, this lad I know, Benedictus? Little Vint. Everybody should attack him-- non-lethally-- when he's least expecting it. Which is all the time, innit? Ben, lad, it's the next step in your training.

[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?