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: Chantry matters in Montfort and Churneau PARTICIPANTS: Jehan Mercier DATE FILED: Late Kingsway 9:43 STATUS: Complete SUMMARY: Jehan talked to some Chantry people in Orlais while he was gone.
REPORT:
Dear Ser Coupe,
I am pleased to be back and would be equally pleased to discuss any of these matters with you directly if you desire, but for the sake of your records and your time I have put it first to page.
After visiting my family I spent most of my time in Montfort, where Grand Cleric Henriette has been particularly vocal in her belief that we are heretics harboring demons and threatening to impose our will on the Chantry. I do not doubt her sincerity, but when I spoke to her of the good we are doing she was quick to acquiesce, and in later conversations seemed confused. It was almost as if she thought we were speaking of two separate organizations, the heretical and the holy. Her Grace is reaching the end of her years, and with all possible kindness I must report I am not certain how sound of mind she is.
However, her inevitable successor is Mother Mathilde, in whom burns enough fire to make even her kindest words to me scalding. She seemed most unhappy that I was there at all, meddling, and likewise seems to be the source of many of the Grand Cleric's beliefs regarding our heresy. Her sincerity I do doubt. She has cultivated friendships and may have designs on the Sunburst Throne. I did not consider an earnest appeal to her to be worth the effort, and perhaps counterproductive at this time, so I left her with her opinions.
As better news, however, I can offer Mother Alizée. She is Mother Mathilde's junior, and while she was somewhat skeptical of me as well, she was willing to listen. She has assured me that I have not persuaded her to trust us; however, she likewise does not trust Mother Mathilde, and she promised, unprompted, to write to us if Mother Mathilde makes a move that may hamper our efforts rather than continuing to stir a pot that is already stirred. If we have need of further efforts in Montfort, I believe she would be flattered to be contacted first and brought into our confidences.
In Churneau, Revered Mother Adélie was most accommodating, though I do have the advantage of having known her since my childhood. She said to me that she could not believe I would place this much trust in an organization that was not worthy of it, but I cannot say for certain whether she meant it sincerely or as underhanded caution to me. I am inclined to believe the latter. In either case it made frankly discussing her opinions difficult. I did not wish to risk any advantage I may have should we need a favor from her in the future by pressing an issue she was determined to dance around.
Sister Élodie was more forthright; had she the art to be underhanded, she would presumably also have the art to not be such a transparent gossip. She corresponds with Sisters across Thedas. In addition to the usual rumors that we are harboring demons, she has received scandalous reports that a group of Andrastians outside Hunter Fell have taken up the belief that our rifters are the Maker's Third Children, a compromise between spirits and the living with none of our sins who will inherit the world in our place, and the Mothers there are most distressed at their failure to dissuade them.
Before returning I travelled to visit Sister Sandrine, with whom I studied as a boy, in her mission to the Nahashin Marshes. It was a personal visit, but I can report that the marshfolk have heard little of us and seem content with that. Sister Sandrine confided in me that many believe we worship the Herald as one should worship Andraste and may come to convert them. I am not certain what there is to gain by relieving them of this notion, but there is no harm in knowing that they possess it.
Cordially,
Brother Jehan
NOTES & LINKS: This is regarding handwaved meetings held during my hiatus/Jehan's temporary drop. It's been cleared with The Mod Who Isn't Me.
Welcome back. Thank you for your thoroughness; I cannot commend it beyond that which it naturally presents.
While I regret to hear of the Grand Cleric's decline, I concur with your assessment: To attend to Mother Mathilde is to dignify her concerns. Mother Alizée seems a sound contact, and yours a solid approach. If her skepticism can be managed, it may speak better to us than unreserved support.
With regards to Churneau — Are there areas of ministry to which the Revered Mother gives particular focus? We should not risk your ties, incidentally or otherwise. I would sooner we be aware of how our actions in the region might disrupt theirs.
Gossips are a blessing of the Maker. Sister Élodie should be rewarded appropriately, perhaps a small group might be assembled to curate those rumours returned.
Hunter Fell requires redress, and we'll need to manage it without appearing to lend them credence. Though I hesitate to suggest anything that paints our Rifted guests in hostile light, perhaps a firsthand view of the most dim would convince —
[ The previous sentence is heavily, if not completely inked through. ]
Let us think on it.
The antipathy between Marshes and capitol being what it is, I am relieved to know you've ears on the ground (however damp). Though I cannot imagine they would attract Corypheus' attention, the Venatori drive further into the wilderness with each day. The occasional whisper of news would not harm us to own.
I defer to you fully in matters of theology, but admit reserve. The attention paid the Prophet has divided us before. The Inquisition requires the Herald's mandate, and the South has a taste for heroes, it is true. Still, this places a great deal of faith in the hands of those remaining Trevelyans. With respect paid to their mourning, I mislike them unwatched.
If there is an area you believe deserving of priority, I encourage you to begin. Sister Élodie and matters of background reconnaissance would not greatly tax our resources.
An aside: Enchanter Shivana has organized a Chant discussion group. It is my hope they might aid us in anticipating the variety of perspectives these times encourage. I am certain they would be pleased for your presence.
If you require aught to proceed, please inform me.
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Welcome back. Thank you for your thoroughness; I cannot commend it beyond that which it naturally presents.
While I regret to hear of the Grand Cleric's decline, I concur with your assessment: To attend to Mother Mathilde is to dignify her concerns. Mother Alizée seems a sound contact, and yours a solid approach. If her skepticism can be managed, it may speak better to us than unreserved support.
With regards to Churneau — Are there areas of ministry to which the Revered Mother gives particular focus? We should not risk your ties, incidentally or otherwise. I would sooner we be aware of how our actions in the region might disrupt theirs.
Gossips are a blessing of the Maker. Sister Élodie should be rewarded appropriately, perhaps a small group might be assembled to curate those rumours returned.
Hunter Fell requires redress, and we'll need to manage it without appearing to lend them credence.
Though I hesitate to suggest anything that paints our Rifted guests in hostile light, perhaps a firsthand view of the most dim would convince —[ The previous sentence is heavily, if not completely inked through. ]
Let us think on it.
The antipathy between Marshes and capitol being what it is, I am relieved to know you've ears on the ground (however damp). Though I cannot imagine they would attract Corypheus' attention, the Venatori drive further into the wilderness with each day. The occasional whisper of news would not harm us to own.
I defer to you fully in matters of theology, but admit reserve. The attention paid the Prophet has divided us before. The Inquisition requires the Herald's mandate, and the South has a taste for heroes, it is true. Still, this places a great deal of faith in the hands of those remaining Trevelyans. With respect paid to their mourning, I mislike them unwatched.
If there is an area you believe deserving of priority, I encourage you to begin. Sister Élodie and matters of background reconnaissance would not greatly tax our resources.
An aside: Enchanter Shivana has organized a Chant discussion group. It is my hope they might aid us in anticipating the variety of perspectives these times encourage. I am certain they would be pleased for your presence.
If you require aught to proceed, please inform me.
— Ser Coupe