Riftwatch, hello. I have an announcement as a representative of Diplomacy that affects us all, so please listen carefully.

[ while she's usually relatively chipper, or at least positive on the crystals, today ness sounds serious. one might say dour, even. ]

As you know, there have been some unsavoury rumours spread about our organization in recent months. There's no truth to them, of course, and the continent should have larger things to concern themselves with than baseless gossip spurred by poorly-researched fiction about a group as small as ours... but as we also know, common sense is in short supply these days. The Divine herself seems to have expressed concerns about our activities, and this has put us in a... very difficult position.

[ a deep, deep sigh; it seems that a difficult position may be something of an understatement. ]

I'll not beat around the bush. We have been strongly encouraged to accept a group of Chantry-affiliated guests for a long-term visit. The text of this visit is that these guests will be able to observe and report to the faithful as well as the Divine that Monsieur Ouebbre's imagination got away from him, and the play was merely an exaggerated flight of fancy. The subtext was that if we do not accept these guests, we are confirming we have something to hide, and the Divine may be persuaded to focus more of her attention on us. It is thus unfortunately better in the long-term to accept these guests than to risk disruptions to our war efforts.

There will be three guests joining us: a templar, a Sister, and a Brother, who will each be arriving separately in the next few weeks. Diplomacy will provide more information as we are able, and if you have any questions, we will be answering them to the best of our ability.

This will be a temporary measure, I assure you all. Thank you for your understanding.

Riftwatch.

[ he's been here a year and this is somehow his first public address to the crystals. there's a reason for that; talin sounds distinctly uncomfortable. ]

The weather's begun to turn, and many in Kirkwall's poorer districts are not prepared, particularly in the Alienage. I'm going to be spending my off hours assisting them with home repairs, labor, whatever tasks are asked of me. If you'd care to join me, I know they'd be grateful for the help—if you can sew, in particular, or darn clothes.

I wouldn't recommend anyone approach the alienage without an elven escort, but I'm willing to make introductions. Let me know when you're free and I'll make time.

[ the crystal turns off, and then, belatedly— ]

Thank you.

FORM: sending crystal
SENDER: ennaris tavane ( aberratic )
RECIPIENT: everyone
NOTES: no warnings!

Riftwatch, [ brightly, someone has a new project she's set herself on, ] two questions, if you'll indulge me—

First, what is your favourite place in Thedas? Second, I have a project in mind for Archives. Please let me know if you would be amenable to participating in a series of interviews relating to your experiences in Riftwatch—particularly those among us who have been here for years, though all stories are welcomed.

FORM: Crystal
SENDER: Gela
RECIPIENT: All
NOTES: Discussion of events that went down at Yvoire