PROJECT: Rifts & the Veil

[frprojects]

PROJECT

RIFTS & THE VEIL

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Figuring out how to permanently strengthen the veil to prevent further tears, who and what rifters are, and how to prevent the anchors from eventually killing those who have them are all high priorities. Kirkwall's particularly thin Veil makes it a good—if slightly dangerous—testing ground for many of these efforts.

DIVISION: Research
LEADER: n/a	STATUS: Active

Comments

survey;

[foxsays]

Name: Araceli Bonaventura y Castell
Native or Rifter: Rifter
Date of Arrival/Date of Anchor Acquisition: Third week Harvestmere, 9:41 Dragon
Location of Arrival/Acquisition: Haven
Location of Anchor: Left hand

When the Anchor was first acquired, how long did the initial flare-up/pain persist? On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most severe), what was the severity? Seven, as bad as a severe jellyfish sting, lasted a whole day.

Since then, what other circumstances have caused those symptoms to resurface? Have you developed any symptoms beyond what what initially present? If so, please describe. Being close to an active rift seems to make it worse, not to the same severity, a mild twinge but noticeable.

Have you participated in a rift closure? If more than once, how many times and how far were these times spread apart? If you cannot be precise, do your best to estimate. Please describe the shard's reaction and any physical symptoms. Several; the Western Approach, Craintellier, Kirkwall, the uncharted island close to Rivain.

Has your anchor evolved to the point where you have abilities beyond rift closure? What are they, and how many days passed between acquiring the anchor and this new ability? N/A

How did these new abilities manifest? Can you describe your anchor's reaction (e.g. pain/pulsing, light flaring/sparking)? Approximately how long did it persist? Did said reaction extend beyond the initial anchor site, e.g. past the hand and further up the arm? N/A

Have these abilities been battle-tested? This includes sparring. N/A

Since the acquisition of the anchor, have you noticed any other changes in the anchor or how bearing one has affected you? Only that it hurts when near an active rift at times or when I spent time in Rivain away from other members of the Inquisition, it's been very quiet for over two years fortunately.

After the battle at Adamant, several anchor-bearers physically entered the Fade. If you were among them, how did your anchor react while within? Were there any long-lasting effects? N/A

For natives: Has the anchor acquisition changed your relationship to the Fade in any other sense? N/A

For native dwarves: Have you gained the ability to dream or otherwise interact with the Fade beyond rift closure? N/A

For others: Have you found any changes in your sleeping/dreaming patterns? Have your dreams become more lucid? Less? I'd find it difficult to tell the difference, the only dreams I know to be different were due to the effects of lyrium or someone else being involved in the dream. In the case of the former, the anchor was involved due to Venatori interest.

Would you be willing to participate in regular check-ups, that we may monitor your particular anchor? If necessary but I would prefer nothing magical to be involved, I suspect this limits what may be done.

If any of your answers change in future, would you be willing to provide an update? Certainly.

Addressed to Warden Serra

[arcaneadvisor]

Warden Serra,

These notes have been languishing some time, indeed 'twas not until speaking with a recent arrival that I was reminded of a project once undertaken between Leliana and myself to look at first between the connections between dragons and the rifts. My own work as you can imagine took precedence over this but given what you know of eluvians, how little is truly known of the Fade?

Some of this might be of interest to you.

Let me explain: this began from a discussion of connections. Dragons. Corypheus. Red lyrium. The Old Gods. Perhaps now 'tis not so easy to ignore the connection between dragons, Tevinter, the Old Gods and Corypheus; I have seen an Archdemon, heard it, fought it, and who can say how far dreams extend now? After the discussion of eluvians and the Crossroads, you can undoubtedly understand why Leliana reached out to me on the matter.

Leliana spoke with a young woman first of her world's archdemons, names for the Deadly Sins as she called them of lust, pride, greed, and so the list went, and from what I was told they sounded very unlike what we understand of demons yet they were both struck by the overlap, as was I. Which brought us to what sticks with me to this day: the interplay of magic and stories. How many rifters do you speak with? How many of them share elements with this world in some form or even between their worlds, in truth, tale or both?

I shall name no names, you must understand that I believe I should allow them some semblance of privacy for those that remain with us now. Certainly, your own mind is keen enough that I trust you shall be able to hunt down some if you wish to question more.

There was one who came from a place with demons that were much different from anything we call demons. This one was a mage, yet a Church-knight; imagine, I suppose, if a Templar or Seeker were a mage, pious, souls that would not be in danger when there are dangerous things by them. It was a choice to do so, not a gift or curse as one looks upon it. Some might have a talent for it more than another but the choice would need to be made.

One came from a place where folk not only bonded with dragons but rode them into battle, I confess I find myself uncertain as to Tevinter feeling were they to learn that.

In one world magic is so secret that those who are not mages know not that magic exists, yet dragons do. Several breeds of dragons in fact, that females larger than males same as here, with differing names as might be expected though you would need to consult a draconologist, and most of those are Orlesian. Not worth the trouble. There were a 'class' of malevolent magical creatures, not so dangerous as a rage demon but were someone to get outnumbered by a cluster of things called grindylows underwater - small water demons, green, horned and with tentacles - they'd be drowned and eaten. Highly aggressive, known to eat people. Also merpeople keep them as pets. Merpeople are half-fish, half-hman; the upper portion of a person, but the fins, gills, and tails of fish. Sirens were a thing related to them, said to drown sailors by luring them into rocky waters by singing beautiful songs. 'Twas the Dementor that struck me, a creature that fed on human happiness, creating a sense of despair to anyone near them, and with the ability to consume the soul of a person through a Dementor's Kiss. The government in that place used and allowed such a thing as a punishment once. Elven magic was also very powerful in that world, far beyond anything a human could ever learn to do yet the elves had become servants to magical families, slaves to such a degree they were property. This person said they were very different in appearance and manner to the elves of Thedas however.

Dragons somewhere else are apparently far larger and more intelligent than those present in Thedas now; the smallest of theirs could swallow ours whole, and they were capable of devastation enough to reshape the world. Most interesting though was that they had no sex: they did not reproduce. He or she meant nothing if they referred to themselves as one or the other. No need to eat or sleep. Two purposes only: two destroy and to horde.

In another world dragons were spoken of though as the stuff of legends. 'Tis the beginning of a trend with the ending of this.

Somewhere else, there are things called aliens that look like demons but - according to this person - absolutely no demons. Only in their stories. Same with dragons. Demons are only in their religious texts, metaphors I gathered from the conversation.

Again, there was someone else who spoke of dragons and demons not being real outside the confines of several mythologies. This person shared the Seven Deadly Sins but was not the one who began this initial discussion between Leliana and myself. 'Twas from this one I gained all the names: Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Sloth, and Pride.

Lastly, I recently met yet another who speaks of this place being as something from stories or some sort of game in their home. A common theme. The overlap of fiction and what we live. Dreams. Dreamers.

When you have had time to draw your own conclusions from this, and when this affliction in the Gallows is at an end passes, come to Sundermount where we might speak further if you wish.

Morrigan

Survey

[in_death_sacrifice]

Name: I wish to remain anonymous.
Native or Rifter: Native
Date of Arrival/Date of Anchor Acquisition: A year and a few months ago.
Location of Arrival/Acquisition: Somewhere in the vicinity of Griffon Wing Keep
Location of Anchor: Left hand

When the Anchor was first acquired, how long did the initial flare-up/pain persist? On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most severe), what was the severity? A few days. It started as a steady 7 but tapered to a tingling 4 before I finally accustomed to it.

Since then, what other circumstances have caused those symptoms to resurface? Have you developed any symptoms beyond what what initially present? If so, please describe. I'm usually able to ignore it these days, but being around a rift makes it noticeable again... nothing like initially, but that tingling is annoying.

Have you participated in a rift closure? If more than once, how many times and how far were these times spread apart? If you cannot be precise, do your best to estimate. Please describe the shard's reaction and any physical symptoms. A few times now? I tried to avoid it at first, but you cannot ignore the way it reacts to a rift's presence. It felt... strange. Not painful, just strange. The shard always glows more and becomes more intense whenever it reacts to close a rift.

Has your anchor evolved to the point where you have abilities beyond rift closure? What are they, and how many days passed between acquiring the anchor and this new ability? No. Thankfully.

How did these new abilities manifest? Can you describe your anchor's reaction (e.g. pain/pulsing, light flaring/sparking)? Approximately how long did it persist? Did said reaction extend beyond the initial anchor site, e.g. past the hand and further up the arm? N/A

Have these abilities been battle-tested? This includes sparring. N/A

Since the acquisition of the anchor, have you noticed any other changes in the anchor or how bearing one has affected you? No, but I would prefer not to have this in my dominant sword hand for many reasons.

After the battle at Adamant, several anchor-bearers physically entered the Fade. If you were among them, how did your anchor react while within? Were there any long-lasting effects? N/A

For natives: Has the anchor acquisition changed your relationship to the Fade in any other sense? I... am not sure. I don't know if it has, but I've never been very sensitive to this sort of thing.

For native dwarves: Have you gained the ability to dream or otherwise interact with the Fade beyond rift closure? N/A

For others: Have you found any changes in your sleeping/dreaming patterns? Have your dreams become more lucid? Less? My dreams have always been vivid and horrifying.

Would you be willing to participate in regular check-ups, that we may monitor your particular anchor? No.

If any of your answers change in future, would you be willing to provide an update? Yes.

{ anchor survey }

[zombra]

Name: Tessa MacKenzie
Native or Rifter: Rifter
Date of Arrival/Date of Anchor Acquisition: Cloudreach 10, 9:44 Dragon
Location of Arrival/Acquisition: Amaranthine
Location of Anchor: Left hand

When the Anchor was first acquired, how long did the initial flare-up/pain persist? On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most severe), what was the severity?

Like 6 hours. 9 when I helped close the rift. 7 after it closed and before the pain faded.

Since then, what other circumstances have caused those symptoms to resurface? Have you developed any symptoms beyond what what initially present? If so, please describe.

Nothing yet.

Have you participated in a rift closure? If more than once, how many times and how far were these times spread apart? If you cannot be precise, do your best to estimate. Please describe the shard's reaction and any physical symptoms.

Yes, just once so far. This green light came out of my hand and attached to the rift like a magnet and the pain increased.

Has your anchor evolved to the point where you have abilities beyond rift closure? What are they, and how many days passed between acquiring the anchor and this new ability?

Not that I know of.

How did these new abilities manifest? Can you describe your anchor's reaction (e.g. pain/pulsing, light flaring/sparking)? Approximately how long did it persist? Did said reaction extend beyond the initial anchor site, e.g. past the hand and further up the arm?

N/A

Have these abilities been battle-tested? This includes sparring.

N/A

Since the acquisition of the anchor, have you noticed any other changes in the anchor or how bearing one has affected you?

No

After the battle at Adamant, several anchor-bearers physically entered the Fade. If you were among them, how did your anchor react while within? Were there any long-lasting effects?

N/A

For natives: Has the anchor acquisition changed your relationship to the Fade in any other sense?

N/A

For native dwarves: Have you gained the ability to dream or otherwise interact with the Fade beyond rift closure?

N/A

For others: Have you found any changes in your sleeping/dreaming patterns? Have your dreams become more lucid? Less?

No, I don't think so.

Would you be willing to participate in regular check-ups, that we may monitor your particular anchor?

No

If any of your answers change in future, would you be willing to provide an update?

Sure

Anchor Survey

[exascendee]

Note: All portions of this survey are purely optional. All information is confidential and will not be shared beyond approved Inquisition personnel.

Name: Daniel Jackson
Native or Rifter: Rifter
Date of Arrival/Date of Anchor Acquisition: Cloudreach 10, 9:44
Location of Arrival/Acquisition: Amaranthine
Location of Anchor: Left hand

When the Anchor was first acquired, how long did the initial flare-up/pain persist? On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most severe), what was the severity?
Can't say immediately after arrival - too preoccupied to focus on it. Maybe a 7 while closing the rift. 3-4 afterwards, more or less subsided when we reached Kirkwall. Note: I may have a distorted pain scale.

Since then, what other circumstances have caused those symptoms to resurface? Have you developed any symptoms beyond what was initially present? If so, please describe.
Weird tingling, slight ache. Not sure why. I usually ignore it.

Have you participated in a rift closure? If more than once, how many times and how far were these times spread apart? If you cannot be precise, do your best to estimate. Please describe the shard's reaction and any physical symptoms.
Once, upon arrival. It felt somewhat similar to using some technology from my homeworld, that you control with both your hand and your mind. It hurt, but also felt weird, like tingling and also strangely numb. Like when you hit your funny bone. After the rift was closed, it subsided.

Has your anchor evolved to the point where you have abilities beyond rift closure? What are they, and how many days passed between acquiring the anchor and this new ability?
No.

How did these new abilities manifest? Can you describe your anchor's reaction (e.g. pain/pulsing, light flaring/sparking)? Approximately how long did it persist? Did said reaction extend beyond the initial anchor site, e.g. past the hand and further up the arm?
N/A

Have these abilities been battle-tested? This includes sparring.
N/A

Since the acquisition of the anchor, have you noticed any other changes in the anchor or how bearing one has affected you?
It's always a little disconcerting to have stuff like this happen to you, but nothing major.

After the battle at Adamant, several anchor-bearers physically entered the Fade. If you were among them, how did your anchor react while within? Were there any long-lasting effects?
N/A

For natives: Has the anchor acquisition changed your relationship to the Fade in any other sense?
N/A

For native dwarves: Have you gained the ability to dream or otherwise interact with the Fade beyond rift closure?
N/A

For others: Have you found any changes in your sleeping/dreaming patterns? Have your dreams become more lucid? Less?
I've been dreaming about different things, but that's not necessarily weird after the change in setting. They may have become more lucid, it's hard to tell. However, I recently (before coming here) had someone manipulating my dreams, so I can't say for sure what it's been caused by.

Would you be willing to participate in regular check-ups, that we may monitor your particular anchor?
Maybe. Depends how much time it will take.

If any of your answers change in future, would you be willing to provide an update?
Sure.

Casimir Lyov (Primary)

[aestivation]

NAME: Casimir Lyov
DIVISION: Research
CONTACT: Inbox
SKILLS & EXPERTISE: Circle-trained researcher with extensive background in spirit magic, previous experience working with lyrium.

CURRENT WORK: n/a

COMPLETED WORK & REPORTS: n/a

Ilias Fabria (Primary)

[libratus]

NAME: Ilias Fabria
DIVISION: Research
CONTACT: Inbox
SKILLS & EXPERTISE: Mortalitasi, with a focus on death-induced veil instability and the use of necromancy to offset it.

CURRENT WORK: TBD

COMPLETED WORK & REPORTS: N/A

Missing Woman With Anchor

[circleprodigy]

SUBJECT:
PARTICIPANTS: Leonard Church, Tessa Mackenzie, Inessa Serra
DATE FILED: 10/27/2018
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: The Inquisition has received a letter from a young man pleading for assistance in locating his fiancée, who was struck with an anchor approximately three months ago. She left, telling him she would seek help from the Inquisition, and since then his letters to Skyhold have gone unanswered, until someone finally responded to tell him that no one by that name had ever reached them. A team was dispatched to track her down, beginning by visiting her hometown to speak with her fiancé and family.
REPORT:

Earlier this month, I traveled with fellow project members Leonard Church and Tessa Mackenzie to investigate a missing woman named Elsie. Her fiance -Jacob-informed the Inquisition that she had been struck with an anchor three months ago and planned to seek help from the Inquisition. All letters sent to Skyhold had gone unanswered, however, and ultimately he was told that no one by her name had arrived. During his subsequent search, he visited her parents' farm, claiming to have heard cries from inside the house but was not permitted entrance by her father.

Armed with that knowledge, the three of us paid the farmstead a visit. Elsie's parents were not very accommodating, expressing hostility at the idea of their daughter being thus marked, and claimed she was sent to the University of Markham to prevent her from marrying Jacob. The lie was rather transparent, as such a situation would be well beyond their means. Jacob, however, was of much more assistance, providing us with needed details regarding the family's routine. When the couple departed to sell their produce, the three of us slipped into the home while my mabari stood guard.

The initial search didn't yield much, but moments later, we kept hearing faint noises and discovered the trapdoor leading to the cellar. What we found bellow was something I would not have wished on my anchor-bearing companions, for it could have been their own fate. Elsie was found alive, though barely. Her entire forearm as missing, and the resultant wound infected, but that was only part of her troubles. The anchor, absent of its point of origin, had spread along her upper arm nonetheless. Without any other anchor-bearers to mitigate the effects, the anchor had begun to crystallize in tendrils reaching up her veins, turning some of them green and hard, from the edge of the stump to the shoulder and stretching towards her chest and up her neck. It also grew outward from her stump into the air in unbreakable strands spreading outward. That she was in any way conscious was no blessing, for it was evident she had been suffering for a long time. I healed her with magic, as much as I could, though I'm certain the presence of two anchor-bearers helped lessen the pain more than I would have accomplished on my own.

Despite our best efforts, she -unsurprisingly- passed away not long afterward. We made certain it was away from the farmhouse, after allowing her parents their goodbyes. They gave us no significant trouble as we departed. I have informed Jacob as to her fate, and against usual Andrastian custom, brought her body back with us to Kirkwall for study. Though her fate is sealed, it's my hope that further research will aid other anchor-bearers and prevent this kind of suffering in the future.

Inessa Serra

NOTES & LINKS: Log

Survey Rifter Arrival Sites

[youwonscience]

SUBJECT: Survey Rifter Arrival Sites
PARTICIPANTS: Cosima Niehaus, Alexandra Karahalios, Gareth
DATE FILED: Harvestmere (11/9/18 real time)
STATUS: Backtagging, IC complete
SUMMARY: Cosima was assigned to take a small team to a few of the nearest Rifter arrival sites in order to take measurements and conduct a few simple tests. The ostensible goal was to see if any unifying features might make the future sites of rifts easier to identify.

REPORT:
[The report includes several pages of detailed measurements and observations. There are graphs. This is the cover page/executive summary:]

In the time allotted, we were able to visit three sites. In order, we investigated the sites where rifts formerly opened in Jader, near Highever and Amaranthine. At each location, we conducted a variety of tests, took several samples and plotted the features of the surrounding area as best we could. The results, as well as a more detailed write-up of our methodology, follow.

Though I hesitate to draw any broad conclusions based on such a small sample size, I hope the data will be a solid foundation for further study.

Of particular note: Though none of our team can claim to be Thedosian naturalists, we did note a seemingly unusual predominance of Deep Mushrooms in both the coast outside of Highever and the cellars of Amaranthine. Unfortunately, we visited Jader first, and did not note the fungi in the urban location. I might suggest that, if possible, our team or another return to ask landlords and proprietors near the site whether they've had to remove such growths more frequently (or at all) after the rift. We may also want to keep an eye out at future or former rift sites. We don't have the data to speculate at cause and effect, and two instances could conceivably be coincidence, but the growths were marked.

Should the project decide to do further field work in this area, I am happy to volunteer to go or to brief the team assigned to make the next push.

- C.N.

NOTES & LINKS: Log

SOLAS (primary)

[dirth]

NAME: Solas
DIVISION: Research
CONTACT: Inbox
SKILLS & EXPERTISE: The residential all around expert in all things Fade and Rifts.

CURRENT WORK: Constant research on the Fade, Rifts, shards and Veil.

COMPLETED WORK & REPORTS: If you'd like to maintain a list of the reports your character has filed or relevant plots they participated in, do so here.