( The voice is, as ever, flat and monotone. )

Colleagues, what think you of rules? Whether those of law, of organisations, culture, or self-imposed.

What is the value of absolutes?

Who here is bravest?

A quick note: we are going to be looking into the allegations that the Chantry's forces were overzealous with civilians in Tevinter. I am coordinating this for now. While we are out and about in Tevinter, if you hear anything about it, let me know. Even if they are only rumors and sound outlandish. And if it does not jeopardize anything else to ask people for more information, then by all means.

If this is something you would like to help more with on an ongoing basis, let me know. We're calling it Project Clothilde.

Good morrow, Riftwatch.

( Now, there’s a voice that hasn’t been on the crystals for a time. Years, in fact. The Starkhaven accent is strong as ever, and yet— some more nebulous quality has shifted. What was once careful and controlled, turned to diplomacy through practice, has turned to uniform flatness. Every word placid, every syllable even. )

My name is Herian Amsel. If we were previously acquainted then the possibility that word of my return has reached you already, and were circumstances suited to it, I would offer apology for being so withdrawn.

For those unfamiliar with me, or who have not become familiar with the details of my return, there are elements best not left unspoken.

You may notice differences in my speech and manner. This stems from the Rite of Tranquility, enacted by radicals acting outside the approval of the Chantry and Inquisition. Indeed, the attack was an attack against the Chantry and Inquisition, both.

I remember well the passion and fire of so many in Riftwatch; I share this news not to stoke those fires. These are matter that require thorough investigation. Rather,I speak to be transparent that this state is not one freely chosen, and such a revelation is an unkind one to inflict on others in the midst of other work. A good many find the Tranquil unsettling even before considering the context of how the Rite came to pass.

My presence hence is to serve Riftwatch, and if my presence disturbs you, please do not hesitate in letting it be known. I would sooner remove myself to another part of the keep to do my work, than some disconcerting quality to my aspect interfere with your work, or my circumstances evoking painful memories. One reason I have remained withdrawn was my own contemplations on potential negative impact my return in this state could alert.

Presently I have been assisting Doctor Strange, and learning of medical practices. If any could be troubled to lend assistance through procurement of clay, that would be most beneficial.

If you have questions you win to ask, I will endeavour to answer.

Good morning.

( And then silence, because how does one do the thing? )

I am... aware time and resources are pressed, as ever they are. If there are any personnel working in the areas of medicine and physical training who may be willing to work with me then I would be very grateful to speak with you.

Overlong have I been... keeping myself in confinement, and it is a destructive self-indulgence to carry on so. If there are those who do swordwork who might assist with rehabilitation once I am able, please make it known. My independent efforts were considerably less effective than I might have hoped.

( To say the least. )

Good evening, this is Herian Amsel. ( No reference to Knight-Enchanter. ) For those joined the last year or two, I had previously served as Ambassador, prior to the departure from the Inquisition and establishment as a separate body. I have been returned a few weeks hence, but injuries and a— tendency for brooding and the dramatic rendered me disinclined to making my return broadly known.

( Look, look she can do a self-roast now. How far she’s come. When can she expect a medal. )

I think there are times when it is easy to lose sight of the reasons that bind us to a cause. The path we are set upon could wind far from the destination we had embarked upon, and we might not realise it until we are too far advanced on that divergence.

If you would indulge me... what drew you here, and what keeps you hence? What do you see us being able to achieve here that other bodies would neglect or falter in? Those who know me well are likely much fatigued by my own contemplations on honour and duty, but I would am most eager to hear your understanding and thoughts of such matters, as well.

And— ah, it seems my companion has undertaken the task of pilfering as many socks as he can from across the Gallows. If you have found yourself lacking in essentials you know to have been in your possession, I may be able to assist in their location.

( corgis, man. )

We have lost one in five.

[ there's not much more to say. he has, at least, collected himself beyond the briefly visible if profound despair that had caught him at the announcement by the rescue team. ]

Inquisition, this is a matter of some importance, and one that I would encourage you to discuss and contemplate before rushing to a decision.

[ mildly: ]

Or taking up arms.

As we know, the decision concerning the new Divine draws ever closer, and… matters have become more complex as that process has gone on.

The other Division Heads and I have been discussing matters around that, and the potential impact that a new Divine could have upon members of our base, here. It cannot be denied that in our Kirkwall base we have a unique blend of personnel, whether they are those from beyond the Fade, or mages from across Thedas, such as myself. We have members formerly allied with Tevinter and the Magisterium, and representatives from Dalish clans and the Frostbacks. There are many here who have good reason to be cautious of what a new Divine might mean, and how the Inquisition might be utilised or led by the new Divine. Might the people we have fought alongside be subject to harsh restrictions, denied a place in the Inquisition, or forced to heel in an Exalted March?

We cannot know with certainty, but many things are possible.

Certain duties have always been asked of those who pledge to this work. This has not changed — will not, under any banner. But the Inquisition has never held you in bond, and if we are to continue this fight, it must be with unity of choice.

With that in mind, we have discussed the possibility of our Kirkwall base here breaking away from the Inquisition, and becoming an independent faction focused on combating Corypheus and the Venatori, but— this is not a decision we feel we can make alone. We propose a vote to determine what is done. Our base here relies on our ability to work together and our unity, and if the greater number of our members here wish to remain part of the Inquisition, then we will respect that.

Please think on this carefully. There are any aspects requiring consideration; your personal views, how this will impact all of us, but also the matter of how effectively we will be able to carry on without Inquisition funding and backing. It may demand changes and sacrifice from all of us that we cannot predict.

We will arrange a means of voting so that numbers can be counted accurately, won’t be tampered with, but our time is limited. Another thing I would urge you to think on is how our relationship with Skyhold and the Inquisition would continue were we to part ways, and what sort of relationship we would wish to seek out with both the Inquisition, and the Inquisition’s allies.

[ The message begins with a Marcher-ish accent--the cool, crisp tones of the upper classes, but with a precision of enunciation and a slight lilt that speaks to some other influence, harder to place. Her tone is brisk and professional. In the background, the faint cry of gulls. She might be on a ship. ]

Ambassador, Commander, Provost: I hope you do not object to discussing our business via crystal. An agent of mine elsewhere required urgent assistance, and I did not wish to delay our discussion. I am of course willing to answer any questions you might have as to my qualifications for this office, but barring that, I would like to begin by discussing whether there are any plans yet in place in the event that a Divine is elected who is perceived as hostile to many of those who work at this base.