faderiftorg | DIVISION: Research

DIVISION: Research

DIVISION

RESEARCH

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The Research Division houses a diverse variety of Inquisition efforts both magical and mundane, investigating things Inquisition agents encounter in their missions and experimenting with innovative methods to assist them. This may include anything from identifying and classifying new medicinal plants to preserving ancient manuscripts to inventing new types of magical grenades, and everything in between.

LEADER: Thranduil (info!)
PROJECTS: Corypheus' History, Rifts & the Veil

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Reports for any research, missions, etc. completed by division members that doesn't fall within a specific project should be filed here. The provided form is a template; feel free to add additional fields if you need them.

SUBJECT: Gallows library mission books
PARTICIPANTS: Waver Velvet; various respondents on crystal; direct assistance from the Medicine Seller and Kirk
DATE FILED: 30 Justinian
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Waver was assigned to track down the Gallows' library missing books on blood magic (both in favor and against) with an emphasis on the towers

REPORT:
Upon request, I looked into the matter of missing books from the Gallows library. Due to subject nature (blood magic covering all perspectives thereof), the following assumptions were made: they had been hidden, they had been destroyed, or they had been stolen and sold over the years. Option 2 needed to be investigated.

Network provided a number of options, and towers or other like places were suggested as the best locations. Assistance came from a number of individuals, but the physical work came primarily via Kirk and the Medicine Seller.

Exploration located a primary stash of books in the Templar tower, hidden in a chest. Chest was broken to reveal contents. Missing books persisted, and an older inventory with handwriting regarding the missing titles was looked into.

Subsequent investigation lead group to the tower of the former First Enchanter. Multiple hours were spent investigating the space, books showed themselves after a number of stones in the wall were tested and one slid out, revealing missing titles.

Missing titles have been places on library shelves, but I would like to suggest a book cage or vault be installed for sensitive material storage.

NOTES & LINKS:
--Network post (part 1)
--Log (part 2)

SUBJECT: Leather Resistance Testing
PARTICIPANTS: Jim Kirk and direct assistance from Samouel, Christine, Korrin, Kain, Oghren, and Inessa
DATE FILED: 30 Justinian
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Kirk was given leather samples and tested each type against varying forces. These included weapons and magic alike, with the intent to determine which leather withstood which force the best.

REPORT: I took up the assignment on testing a set of leathers the Inquisition was given. I asked across the crystals for aid in testing them against several types of magic and varying physical forces. My findings are as follows:

Nug: Pliant, easy to shape, holds up well to bladed strikes. Recommended for light armors.

Deepstalker: Not recommended for any sort of combat. Gives easily to blades and to magic

Great Bear: Has excellent resistance to cold, however it is heavier than the other leathers - most likely due to its ability to insulate well. It is also somewhat greasy, which brings up flammable concerns as well as smell. Recommended for mountain expeditions, and someone with greater stamina.

Fade-Touched Fennec: Held up fairly well against all magic. Interesting note: seems to have camouflage like properties - blends well into natural backgrounds.

Halla: Recommended for ceremonial or costume use, has no real protective qualities.

Snoufleur: Good resistance to cold, less than Great Bear. However it is lighter than a Great Bear and smells less. An odd texture, rather soft, worth continuing to test for ability to absorb impacts in other situations besides battle.

Phoenix: Has a good resistance to fire, however it has a persistent sulphur-smell. When it is burned, the smell gets worse. I believe the noxiousness of the smell takes away to much from the fire resistance for this to be recommendable as a useable leather.

Dragon: Overall resistant to cold and fire depending on type, but better than all the others in resistances. Also withstand bladed blows better. Would recommend for most general purposes.

NOTES & LINKS:
Crystal Call for Assistance
Experiment Log

Edited 2017-07-01 02:57 (UTC)

SUBJECT:
PARTICIPANTS: Bethany Hawke
DATE FILED: Last day of Cloudreach
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Bethany and her Templar guard went off to the west of Kirkwall, and found a tiny village.

REPORT:

Per the request of the Research Division, I headed out with my Templar escort Anamaria, to the west of Kirkwall, and further into the Free Marches proper. Both Anamaria and I, due to our time respectively as Templar and Warden, were very familiar with the area, and were able to find some small communities easily enough. However we were looking for a slightly larger village, and on our third day we found the seaside village of Braeburn.

This particular village had, for the most part, been left remarkably untouched by the Templar and Mage war. Mostly made of fishermen and local farmers, they had no recollection of any mage being pulled from their village for at least fifty years. The Chantry building there was not much more than a statue of Andraste put into the driest room in the town.

Braeburn, however, has had other problems in the outset of the war. They had an open Rift, not far from the village proper. It has been closed within the last year, which was why the Inquisition was made so welcome, but demons still plagued the area. Anamaria and I took it upon ourselves to clear out a nest of them, but we may want to send more sweeps out in the areas where Rifts were active. The lingering demonic presence will make it difficult for those who live far from major Inquisition outposts to try to rebuild.

I've included a small map of Braeburn with this report. As you can see, it is built into a slope, leading down to the sea. We may want to consider this as a good stop-over port when we are traveling further east. Maker knows these people could use the business the Inquisition could bring.

SUBJECT:
PARTICIPANTS: Mal Draco and NPC Soldier
DATE FILED: Last day of Cloudreach
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Mal went North with her escort to see what happened with some small villages that had not been heard of for some time.

REPORT:

After being assigned to mapping some of the northern villages, past the Vinmarks, my guide, Sergeant Arces and I found one of the major passes through the mountains and followed it to the other side. We saw signs of villages that the Inquisition has frequented in the past on our way up the mountain, but on the road down we had considerably less luck.

Most of the smaller hamlets and villages north of the Vinmark have been completely wiped out. One or two places were from plague from a too cold winter, and no healers available. Other villages, it seems, saw the brunt of the conflicts in the Mage and Templar war. We found one village, named Maker's Pass, down near the foot of the mountain. Most of it had been burnt down, and it was clear that it had been picked clean by scavengers. We saw both Templar bodies and mage ones, decomposing along with what remained of the villagers.

In each of these places, we did stop to make sure everyone was burned the way of the Free Marches. Even though I hold with different beliefs, and do not fall in with torching my dead, the Sergeant and I agreed that these people at least deserved to be taken to the Maker as they chose.

In conclusion, we should keep a closer eye on things towards the north and the River. I believe demons will be drawn to such places of strong death and torment. We also don't know if there are more rogue templars or mages out here - those who haven't joined either side but their own. We might also offer to send patrols - a gesture of good will and a guard against future attacks that may come from a northern direction.

SUBJECT: Update Maps
PARTICIPANTS: Morrigan, Unfortunate NPC Soul
DATE FILED: End Cloudreach
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Morrigan and her NPC travel companion went off to investigate outlying settlements to determine if the war had wiped them out or not

REPORT:
Thranduil,

As expected, most places encountered as a battle-scarred as anywhere so small as to be without any large body to defend them. Stores taken, the folk frightned or belligerent by turns; perhaps even two of us with but one in Inquisition garb was enough when Templars and Mages have been enough for them.

They stand.

For whatever value they stand, and that I can say, though I would be wary to press them overmuch. For now, 'tis likely enough to know that they remain with some of their people intact though they have given many to the pyre.

The report continues in such a fashion however for someone such as Thranduil, a line or two here and there alludes to the Blight, to Lothering, to flying over the battlefields of the War of the Lions. Not a warning, precisely, but it's there. The report is brief and less meandering than her other notes, no point in lingering, signed only with her name at the end.

NOTES & LINKS: Attached statement from Unfortunate NPC Soul sent with Morrigan who would prefer not to travel with her again, if at all possible, begging your pardon Provost.

SUBJECT: University Rifter Speech
PARTICIPANTS: Chloe Price
DATE FILED: Bloomingtide
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Chloe was sent to the class at the University of Orlais to prove that Rifters aren't demons. Because that was thought through.

REPORT:

Is there a word count on these things? Because I’m an underachiever, y’all really chose the wrong girl for this.

I went to the University class to discuss why it is that Rifters are totally Not Demons and are just here trying to live our lives and figure out how to go home. Emphasis was given on the whole “we don’t have a choice in this” and the fact that we just sort of showed up and would, for the most part, like to get out of dodge as much as people probably want us gone, but that obviously that’s taking a bit of time. I was also sure to discuss the fact that, on average, most Rifters who have arrived had complied with directions given to us by the Inquisition and that we don’t really want to cause any conflict - many of us have even integrated into the community to the best of our abilities and tried to make some respectable relationships with natives, which should in itself prove that we’re not here to fuck your shit up.

For the most part, things went pretty well; I answered questions best I could (it’s amazing how many people wanted to talk about my hair and having to explain unnatural hair dye is hard as shit, just so everyone is aware) and for the most part, people at least seemed to have a somewhat positive opinion by the end, even if there were definitely a handful of students who were firmly in the, “That’s exactly what a demon would say!!” boat. Can’t win ‘em all.

I’m marking this as a success, y’all can do whatever you want with it. Price, out.

NOTES & LINKS: N/A

Edited 2018-05-07 20:47 (UTC)

SUBJECT: Riftcon 9:44
PARTICIPANTS: Christine Delacroix, Solas, Wysteria Poppell
DATE FILED: Harvestmere 20th
STATUS: Ongoing
SUMMARY: The three journeyed to a convention held at the University of Markham, where scholars protested the edict by the Chantry that said Rifters are not demons by delivering essays and holding lectures on the topic.

REPORT:
Provost,

Our mission to observe the protest at the University of Markham is over and Solas, Wysteria, and myself have all made headway with most of those students and a few of the professors who were not actively participating in the protests. Students who attended the lectures on rifts and/or on red lyrium were a polite, respectful audience and there were several requests after our lectures to open a correspondence with each of us should any future issues with rifts or red lyrium personally occur to them. In addition to this, Wysteria was involved in some deep problem solving with a group of students (though I will admit the subject is beyond me to explain), and left the encounter having made several new friends who certainly do not consider her (or Rifters, for that matter) to be demons. It is our hope that word of this spreads, bolstered by the fact that our lectures and general behavior throughout the event resulted in many we encountered speaking positively of the Inquisition and of Rifters as well.

Respectfully,
Knight-Enchanter Delacroix

NOTES & LINKS: LOG

SUBJECT: The Magrallen
PARTICIPANTS: Alistair
DATE FILED: Wintermarch
STATUS: Completed
SUMMARY: A post script to the mission to find Maric Theirin.

REPORT:
Ser,

Because we collectively have no common sense, we've brought back something from Seheron. It's called a Magrallen, it's powered by the blood of ancient dragons, it let this mad cultist shoot fire out of his eyeballs that incinerated people on the spot, when we cracked it it put all of us into the Fade, and it's currently in a lot of pieces. I think it ought to stay that way, or maybe be broken into additional pieces just to be sure, but what do I know?

Seriously, though.

Alistair

NOTES & LINKS: kiss kiss

SUBJECT: Still Waters (player plot)
PARTICIPANTS: Wren Coupe, Herian Amsel, Saoirse Ceallach, Prompto Argentum, Alistair, Nell Voss, Myr Shivana
DATE FILED: late Cloudreach, the day of the party’s return
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: A team went to the Anderfels to follow up on disturbing rumours of events at the remote Salzklippe Circle and investigate what happened to their Tranquil

REPORT:

Provost Thranduil,

The mission to Salzklippe Circle returned grim news regarding the Circle and its Tranquil.

Due to a sandstorm, we were unable to approach the Circle by its main entrance. We instead uncovered an entrance to the catacombs beneath, lost to a landslide some time ago. The route contained an opening to the Deep Roads that allowed darkspawn to enter. Warden Alistair was able to locate this breach and assist in sealing it.

Through the catacombs, we reached an underground lake, which granted us access to the basement levels of the Circle. Both mages and templars had perished, but among the dead were those in Venatori uniform. We suspect that the Venatori entered the Circle by appealing to pro-rebellion sentiment, and the promise of freedom in Tevinter. The remains of a journal we encountered are enclosed.

The bodies were so long-decayed that we could not be certain if Tranquil were among their number. However, as most possessed bodies in Circle robes attacked us with spells, we suspect that the majority of the Tranquil were taken by the Venatori. We cleared the Circle of possessed corpses and demons, and we cremated the deceased with Andrastian rites.

When we sought out remaining phylacteries, we found only great amounts of shattered glass and dried blood, suggesting they were destroyed in the uprising.

One demon encountered referred to itself as a spirit of Grief, and drew us into the Fade. Records uncovered in the Circle suggest it may have been preying on inhabitants of the tower for centuries before its present use. Further research into an entity called “Lupeo” may be of relevance. Its skills in manipulation were most perilous.

Please find with this report all records we secured in the Circle and catacombs. If you require anything further, Commander Coupe and I are at your disposal.

Knight-Enchanter Herian Amsel

NOTES & LINKS: log post & ooc post & supplementary documents

SUBJECT: Of Moths and Books
PARTICIPANTS: Myrobalan Shivana & Newt Scamander
DATE FILED: Cloudreach
STATUS: Main Project Complete but with ongoing studying of the moths in question.
SUMMARY: Myr and Newt investigate after moths fly out of a new crate of books meant for the Inquisition. Luckily, only one book was lost to damages, but the moths themselves proved just as interesting on their own, once Myr and Newt managed to contain them.

REPORT:
Provost Thranduil,

Regarding the moths from the crate of books, we bear good news: only one book out of the crate suffered for them. We managed to secure the rest and move them out of harm’s way.
However, the moths themselves proved an interesting story.

Upon closer study that saw us examine the moths particularly closely (and whereupon they thereby attached themselves to us, some to Myr’s clothes, and some to my face), it seems that they are attracted to magic. Interestingly, they appear to be Fade-touched, which explains their odd dietary habits.

After several attempts, including letting them outside, we finally managed to contain them in barrels with holes for air. We would like to further study them as part of this project; we plan on checking in on them at least once a day, and plan on providing food for them as well.

Please find enclosed with this report notes, observations, and some examples of moth-damaged book pages and clothing to give you an idea of what these moths are capable of. We do not believe them dangerous or harmful but would appreciate the opportunity to study them more in depth, as they are quite fascinating creatures.

NOTES & LINKS: Log in progress

SUBJECT: Project Report
PARTICIPANTS: Veils and Rifts
DATE FILED: Middle of Broadmarch
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Before many insane things happened, Mal agreed to write a report of what was happening with the Veils and Rifts division to see if Thraundruil would consider getting them space outside of Kirkwall to do their experiments. This is that report.
REPORT:

Veils and Rifts - Updated Project List

In brief, the following projects are currently being undergone in Veils and Rifts, and have not been stopped with the absence of leadership. Warden Serra continues to help and guide all of us with her deep understanding of magic and magical theory.

- We are still reviewing the Orb that was found in the Blackmarch. Warden Serra is leading this initiative, and is working closely with Elven Artifacts. We have yet to find any use of the Orb, but we are learning more and more about how these Orbs interact with magic and the Rifts themselves.

- The data that is on file for each of our Rifters, or at least those who have donated their time and their information. These notes have of course been organized and categorized and sub-categorized in our offices. This information has been invaluable in cross-referencing what our Rifters might have in common, besides the Shards.

- Cosima is still working on what the shards Are. She has gotten what is called a ... microscope, some sort of Rifter device that allows you to look more closely at things. She still has not found anything concrete.

- Warden Serra and I are working on finding a safe place to try using magical nullification fields on shards to see if they can be removed in a magically void environment. Right now we just have notes from other works, no practical studies, because we require the ability to leave the Gallows to conduct more hands on research.

There are a few proposals which I will be putting forward in the Provost's official in-box - however this is all we have on our plates currently.

NOTES & LINKS: Mal's query into projects.

SUBJECT: Friends in Sainted Places
PARTICIPANTS: Étienne Guerinet Beaumanoir, Frédérique Durfort-Lacapalette, Morrigan
DATE FILED:
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Our intrepid heroes attend the Ghislain estate to take an inventory of all the artefacts and books held at the estate. It goes well, although some awkward questions are asked.

REPORT:
Esteemed Provost,

First, I offer my thanks for the privilege of assisting with an assignment of this significance, and the opportunity to work with and meet such estimable souls.

Our venture went smoothly, for the most part. Our inventory of texts and artefacts is more than comprehensive and, I think we can quite safely say, of the highest calibre.

As you know already, Lord de Ghislain did question the timing of our attendance. We decided, as per the guidance of yourself, to be honest and truthful with Lord de Ghislain, and advised him of our fears for Ghislain. He was a little perturbed by the news, but as is characteristic of a man of such calibre, stepped up to the challenge.

Of course, we are at your disposal should you wish more of us.

With greatest respect,

Doctor Étienne Guerinet Baumanoir

NOTES & LINKS: network post (threading ongoing)

SUBJECT:
PARTICIPANTS: Freddie Durfort-Lacapalette, Anders, Helena
DATE FILED: Firstfall 10 9:44
STATUS: Complete/On-going
SUMMARY: A team was sent to check on the truth of reports that Venatori were searching for an old god shrine in the Fields of Ghislain. They located the enemy at the Shrine of Dumat, but were forced to leave before figuring out what they were after.

REPORT:

Provost & Scoutmaster,

The rifter Helena, the mage Anders, and I--rather a motley party I must say--located the shrine in question and discovered a team of Venatori already ensconced. By some sixth sense, or perhaps spectral means--it can only have been these, for we were scrupulously subtle in our approach and observation--they became suspicious of our presence and quit the area, but vowed in our hearing to return in greater numbers forthwith.

Once they were safely away, we proceeded to enter the ruin, which I am confident was indeed a shrine to one of the Old Gods, most likely--given certain motifs in the mosaic and relief-work as well as the known fixations of our enemy--though not confirmedly the god Dumat. I made what investigation I could and have enclosed several hasty sketches of the clearest and most prominent features.

It was determined that the risk of tarrying long was too great, as the enemy might at any minute return in strength, so we could not make a thorough search of the structure and were unable to determine what, if indeed anything, the enemy hoped to gain by his henchmen's visit. I think it equally possible that whatever they sought crumbled to dust centuries ago, or that they found it before our arrival. Only further surveillance will confirm.

Both Helena and Anders were adamant that we must destroy the shrine to prevent the enemy from continuing their study, lest they succeed in finding there some means to bolster their own power. I objected strongly to this course for several reasons. First, we know too little of the enemy's interest in the site. It could as easily be that some artifact or scrap of knowledge exists within that might aid us and which the enemy hopes to prevent us from acquiring, in which case destruction would achieve his end and not our own. Second, though truthfully I count it at least equal to the first, the scholarly value of such a site is immense. To seek its destruction before it can even be fully searched, let alone properly studied--an undertaking of years if not generations--is a crime against all those living and their heirs to come. The knowledge and insight that might be gleaned from such a place is invaluable and yet increases in value each day as such ancient places and their contents become more and more rare. We must explore all reasonable alternative courses before we risk the destruction of so precious a source of information about our shared past.

Do not think I am not cognizant of the very real risk this conflict poses to the future of all; it is my country and the homes and lives of my friends and countrymen that even now fall beneath our enemy's shadow. But we must not allow it to strip from us any care beyond simple victory, lest we become no different from the dumb creatures of spirit and blight he commands.

In any event, lacking explosive material, their options were limited. Still, they persisted, and in the end I acquiesced to assisting in rigging several makeshift traps, carefully placed to inflict injury on any attempting to enter without unduly risking damage to the shrine itself. The mage Anders also attempted to shift some stones at the entrance, loosening them so that they might fall and block the entrance or--if we are lucky--fall on the next who attempts to enter. I judged this a fair compromise. We advise that another team be sent out as soon as may be practicable to observe the Venatori work there and, once they are dispatched, I will be happy to make a more fulsome investigation for anything of insight or use to our cause.

- F. Durfort-Lacapalette, Baroness H-B

[ a blue wax seal is affixed with the arms of her house ]

NOTES & LINKS: Log in progress.

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DIVISION: Research

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Shrine of Dumat (Firstfall 9:44)