Though still reeling from political crises and the loss of Divine Justinia, the Chantry remains the most powerful institution in Thedas, and its relationship with the Inquisition has always been ambiguous at best. It is imperative that the Inquisition work to clarify and improve that relationship lest the Chantry turn its considerable influence against the organization. Working with the Chantry is also the Inquisition's best hope of shaping the ultimate outcome of the Mage/Templar conflict and the future of both the Circles and the Templar Order.
SUBJECT: Deliver a Message to Provisional Grand Chancellor Pascal PARTICIPANTS: Araceli Bonaventura, Luwenna Coupe DATE FILED: Harvestmere STATUS: Complete SUMMARY: Leliana and Cassandra refused consideration for Divine. Araceli and Coupe traveled to Val Royeaux to deliver the message, and snoop on the other candidates. They did some sneaking to get additional info.
REPORT:
Knight-Enchanter,
Sister Leliana and the Lady Seeker have declined consideration as Divine. The Provisional Grand Chancellor expresses regret: Each had acquired broader support than the remaining candidates.
This speaks well to the perception of the Inquisition, and to Justinia’s memory; it is the latter most like to have smoothed proceedings. For all the upheaval of Her Holiness' tenure, the Grand Cathedral wants for leadership. The clergy remain confident as required but the Chantry does not move upon sermons alone, and within the halls doubt is as miasma. Pascal has taken laudable efforts to hold matters together; he is yet too little to quash the danger that uncertainty engenders.
We will not have any commitment of strength from Val Royeaux until this is settled.
In light of Kirkwall, I had hoped to find a well-positioned Marcher, but I cannot recommend our support be extended to Grand Cleric Gertruda of Tantervale. Her disparaging views of the Inquisition are well-documented, and we are unlike to shift them alone. We have not gained her consideration through any overture of friendship, but the temperature of the water: She has seen difficulty in pursuing the Sunburst Throne while in open opposition to us. Any tolerance would vanish once seated.
Still, a conservative voice will be favoured within both North and South. Gertruda perhaps requires an active check.
I too regret I must caution against Grand Cleric Elise of Ayseleigh. I am familiar with the work of the latter, and have regarded her highly in the past. However, she is greatly advanced in years — some have it that her mind has slipped. It pains me to lend any credence to such rumours, but they have found footing to render her unsuitable. We cannot afford close association.
Ayseleigh will soon need seek a new Grand Cleric; it would behoove us to know those who might succeed her.
Grand Cleric Clorentine of Montsimmard is mild, biddable, and plainly bid by more ambitious figures. Getting a straight answer out of her is as drawing water from a stone; an asset — but not to us. She is backed by the wealthy, and I do not know her to be involved in the Game, save that her supporters certainly have been. She presents a gamble that I mislike risking.
Revered Mother Benedetta of Rialto appears a literalist devoted to spreading the Chant. I question which version. Those who speak of her speak exceedingly well of her, but she is young, and lacks many connections. Her youth and popularity trouble me when taken alongside her theology. An Exalted March is one way to unify — it might even be turned against Corypheus. I wonder that it would end with Corypheus.
I will be researching her views in greater detail; I suggest you do the same.
Grand Cleric Agathe of Cumberland is no one’s first choice. It is for this reason I find her most agreeable as ours. She seeks progress — for the elves, for the Circles — but she has been careful of it. She will not pull down towers, but neither would she see matters continue as they have. This outpost exists within a bubble; a sphere of isolation and wealth that shields us from the danger of the world outside, and from recognition of the danger that we pose within it. With every war that is fought, it is not we that are forgotten. With every tax that must be levied, it is not our children who starve. To protect others is a balancing act: I believe her most equipped to advance change without harming those weakest.
A caution: Agathe is not reported charming. 'Effective' is damning praise; she remains effective the same. A Nevarran might do something to settle matters in the South, but it would not go down effortlessly in the capitol. If she is to be supported, we must examine the means by which she reached her current rank. Encouraging these gifts seems likelier (and more beneficial) than teaching her the value of courteous responses to incompetence.
Sra. Bonaventura and myself are available to discuss these matters in greater detail, as required. Regards, — Ser Coupe
My thanks to you and Sra. Bonaventura for your work in this. At your suggestion, I will look further into the Revered Mother Benedetta and see an investigation conducted into matters at Ayseleigh. I would also discuss with you what strategies might be most effective in supporting Grand Cleric Agathe's candidacy. Time may yet reveal a better choice for Divine, but I nevertheless value your wisdom in this matter and think it prudent to act accordingly.
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faderiftorg2017-05-02 09:15 pm
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Knight-Lieutenant,
My thanks to you and Sra. Bonaventura for your work in this. At your suggestion, I will look further into the Revered Mother Benedetta and see an investigation conducted into matters at Ayseleigh. I would also discuss with you what strategies might be most effective in supporting Grand Cleric Agathe's candidacy. Time may yet reveal a better choice for Divine, but I nevertheless value your wisdom in this matter and think it prudent to act accordingly.
In Andraste's love,
Knight-Enchanter Shivana