DIVISION: Forces

[frdivisions]

DIVISION

FORCES

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The Forces Division is the Inquisition's army in Kirkwall. It provides security for the base there and also for Inquisition agents on missions, shipments, and guests. It also includes the base's healers, and all the other support staff necessary to the outfitting and maintenance of an army, include smiths, engineers, stable workers, and the like.

LEADER: Commander Coupe | INFO
PROJECTS: Naval Presence, Red Lyrium

Comments

[frdivisions]

Your character has been assigned to HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW.
You're welcome to say they volunteered for this, or were ordered to do it as part of their Inquisition duties.

The characters assigned to this task are: Adalia, Fingon, Thor. No one will have been given ‘lead’.

You’re not required to thread with each other, or as a group, but please coordinate OOC to compile a single report.

I recommend doing that before the end of the month, but just let me know if you need some flex time.

Per mods, division assignments/missions don’t qualify for the player plot AC bonus. BUT I’m going to keep track of who participates and try to figure out something fun to do with it!!

Trouser snakes don't count.

REMINDER: Please don’t infomod or take control of other players' pets without permission. It's fine to count obviously visible things like griffins, though.

[frdivisions]

Your character has been assigned to GET DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS.
You're welcome to say they volunteered for this, or were ordered to do it as part of their Inquisition duties.

The characters assigned to this task are: Alex, Simon, Bronach. No one will have been given ‘lead’.

You’re not required to thread with each other, or as a group, but please coordinate OOC to compile a single report.

I recommend doing that before the end of the month, but just let me know if you need some flex time.

Per mods, division assignments/missions don’t qualify for the player plot AC bonus. BUT I’m going to keep track of who participates and try to figure out something fun to do with it!!

REMINDER: Striped nurse stockings optional.

[frdivisions]

Your character has been assigned to GET DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS.
You're welcome to say they volunteered for this, or were ordered to do it as part of their Inquisition duties.

The characters assigned to this task are: Alex, Simon, Bronach. No one will have been given ‘lead’.

You’re not required to thread with each other, or as a group, but please coordinate OOC to compile a single report.

I recommend doing that before the end of the month, but just let me know if you need some flex time.

Per mods, division assignments/missions don’t qualify for the player plot AC bonus. BUT I’m going to keep track of who participates and try to figure out something fun to do with it!!

REMINDER: Striped nurse stockings optional.

[frdivisions]

Your character has been assigned to GET DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS.
You're welcome to say they volunteered for this, or were ordered to do it as part of their Inquisition duties.

The characters assigned to this task are: Alex, Simon, Bronach. No one will have been given ‘lead’.

You’re not required to thread with each other, or as a group, but please coordinate OOC to compile a single report.

I recommend doing that before the end of the month, but just let me know if you need some flex time.

Per mods, division assignments/missions don’t qualify for the player plot AC bonus. BUT I’m going to keep track of who participates and try to figure out something fun to do with it!!

REMINDER: Striped nurse stockings optional.

[utulien_aure]

Thanks.

I'll be sure to keep that issue in mind.

[provenforce]

SUBJECT: Sabotaging the Red Lyrium Mine and Rescuing Captives
PARTICIPANTS: Rey, Kylo Ren, Nari Dahlasanor, Yngvi, Malcolm Reed
DATE FILED: Cloudreach 1
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: A team was tasked to scope out the Red Lyrium mine in the Sunless Lands ahead of the Inquisition forces to report back on numbers and do a little sabotage. They took out a Red Lyrium giant, saved some people, and laid a whole bunch of fun traps.

REPORT:

My team and I were successful in infiltrating the Red Lyrium mine in the Sunless Lands that was the source of the Red Templar's primary source of lyrium. We were able to report via crystal the numbers of templars to waiting troops, before sneaking in under cover of darkness. We removed as many non-combatants from the field as possible, opening cages where the templars had been keeping people, including the nomadic tribe that belonged to the village we stumbled across previously. Unfortunately the tribe was almost an entire loss, but other civilians were able to escape with their lives.

Traps were laid to inhibit the Red Templar's movement when the Inquisition moved in, and a sleeping giant covered in Red Lyrium was slain by a combination of all our efforts.


NOTES & LINKS: log here

[limier]

Mlle. Rey,

You did well. Were it not for the efforts of your team, we'd not have taken the mine without losses. Our men and women owe you their lives.

[ stronger language than she'd otherwise use, but it's ugly work to do the things that need done. you look to the living. ]

The affliction of beasts by red lyrium has been previously observed: I think now of the Northern kraken. It may be worth speaking to Enchanter Delacroix of the matter; I cannot think this is the last we will see them so weaponized, and there may be something to be learned for it — if only how best to combat their use.


Regards,
— Ser Coupe

[in_death_sacrifice]

SUBJECT: Meet Me In The Pit
PARTICIPANTS: Kain, Araceli, Mal
DATE FILED: Cloudreach 30
STATUS: Ongoing
SUMMARY: From the original description: "There are combatants spread across every division, and everyone’s called upon in a time of need. Find and spar with (willing!!) Inquisition personnel outside of Forces, and report back on the results. Did you discover anything unexpected about your technique, or theirs? Speaking with Rifters is encouraged."

REPORT:

Greetings Commander,

I've completed the assignment to face others outside of our division. Although their primary skills are in other areas, I can report that for the most part, we needn't worry about their combat capabilities. There are plenty of them who can hold their own against a Forces fighter. There's some variation of skill among them, of course, which I'm sure is already taken into account when sending non-Forces fighters out into combat. But we can be assured that they're a strong addition to our fighting team.

Two of the battles were especially noteworthy. Araceli Bonaventura y Castell, of Diplomacy, whose rogue-like fighting style is incredibly effective, especially considering she's got the unpredictability that comes with being a rifter. She had some surprises up her sleeve. Also, Malum Draco, Research division, who's a skillful mage specializing in entropy and storm magic. Attached is a full list of my findings from each battle I had over the course of the month, with details about each fighter. I hope that this information will be useful.

Sincerely,

Warden Kain Ventfort

NOTES & LINKS: Log here. I'm also assuming he had some other battles with NPCs in addition!

[utulien_aure]

SUBJECT: How Much is That Doggy in the Window (Costing Us Weekly)
PARTICIPANTS: Fingon, Adalia, Thor
DATE FILED: Cloudreach 30
STATUS: Ongoing
SUMMARY: The team was assigned with determining the number of animals who currently belong to Inquisition members and whether there are contingency plans for their care.

REPORT: Commander Coupe,

Twenty one members of the Inquisition reported twenty eight pets between them, with another few verbally confirming they had animals of their own as well. Of the animals we have on record, most are mounts, hounds, pet nugs, and the Grey Wardens' flock of griffons. The last group, we understand, are the responsibility of the Warden leadership in Kirkwall. Most of the animals' masters have already made arrangements for their companions in the case of an emergency, and most of the rest will do so now that they have the reminder.

On a number of occasions it was necessary to reassure those asked that volunteering information on their animal companions would not result in said companions being harmed by the Inquisition. This was particularly common with beasts who had fallen through a Rift with their owners. While some of the beasts in question may prove dangerous if threatened, that does not make them particularly different from most Inquisition members themselves. Setting a public example that information entrusted to us will not be misused may incline the caretakers of such animals to be more forthcoming in the future.

We also recommend releasing the information found in this report to the care of the Inquisition's animal handlers, such as Alex Karahlios.

NOTES & LINKS: Crystal message, Survey

[gatheringstorm]

SUBJECT: Meet Me In the Pit
PARTICIPANTS: Korrin Ataash, Fenris, Six
DATE FILED: Cloudreach 30
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Fighting non-Forces agents for research.

REPORT:

Commander Coupe,

I've done my part to test the capabilities of our agents outside the Forces division, though if I'm honest I do this anyway. If you want ongoing reports whenever I get to them, I can have this hobby of mine be more official in an ongoing basis. Anyway, I tested a few people who didn't run away at the sight of a giant horned woman asking to spar with them.

The sparring sessions that stood out to me were with Fenris and a rifter elf known as Six, a relative newcomer. Why Fenris is in Scouting rather than Forces, I have no idea as he's a very capable warrior. His two-handed blade style is swift and brutal, and if that had been the first time we tested each other, I would have been considerably off my game. As it is, he's still an unnerving opponent. He doesn't like to talk about it, but his lyrium markings help him considerably...though seeing as how it was just sparring, he was kind enough not to go and crush my heart. He settled for using its defensive capabilities, making it harder for me to land a good hit on him, which was already enough of a pain in the ass.

My session with Six was went well, and she has admitted to previous training. It shows, as she's strong, adaptable and very effective even without the abilities she lost when entering this world. While she hasn't officially signed up with any division, I highly recommend her should she turn her attention to Forces. We could always use more people like her.

Regards,
Korrin Ataash

NOTES & LINKS: Yo.

[periastron]

SUBJECT: Get Down With The Sickness
PARTICIPANTS: Bronach, Simon, Alex
DATE FILED: 28th day of fake April
STATUS: Initial stage complete, however information gathering will be on-going.
SUMMARY: A survey was conducted to help ensure the Kirkwall outpost and missions are adequately staffed with appropriate medical personnel (and expanded to collect useful information for treating people)

REPORT:

Commander Coupe,

Just over 40% of Inquisition personnel responded to the survey. It’d be beneficial to keep the survey available and keep encouraging people to provide the requested information indefinitely, and do periodic reports to review the staffing situation.

Possible causes for not personnel not responding yet are the strike and those who may have declined to respond on that basis, those away on assignments who were not able to reply prior to our deadline for presenting this report, and those who had concerns submitting the information or who didn’t want to communicate with any of the nominated persons despite the offer to secure someone else for them to speak with, and lack of awareness of the survey. We raised it on the crystals, but making it an on-going project would help us get a more accurate picture.


Regarding different types of treatment:

Magic: General.
Of the respondents, just under 82.9% replied “yes” to accepting magical treatment. Further to that, 4.3% replied with a conditional “yes, depending on the situation.”
10.6% stated “no.”
There was an additional 2.1% that responded positively to magic, but specified no Spirit Healing, although this matter was addressed separated in the next section.

Magic: Spirit Healing.
70.2% responded “yes” to spirit healing.
A further 10.6% stated yes with conditions, sometimes citing that it would only be acceptable if a particular healer were or were not to treat them, or that they would accept it only in emergency situations. 2.1% stated “possibly,” so it’s reasonable to conclude that 12.7% of respondents may accept spirit healing depending on particular circumstances.
17% of respondents will not accept treatment with spirit healing under any circumstances.

Standard/Non-Magic: General.
For standard healing, 89.4% of respondents stated “yes.”
2.1% (each) stated “yes” depending on the circumstances, stated it was not required, and declined to respond.
4.3% stated “no.”

Standard/Non-Magic: Surgical.
57% of respondents stated “yes” to surgical medicine.
23.4% responded “yes” depending on the circumstances, and 4.3% responses “yes” if all other possibilities had been exhausted.
2.1% (each) declined to respond or stated it was not required.
Another 2.1% responded “specify,” perhaps meaning it would depend on the nature of the surgery.
8.5% stated “no.”

Note from Alex:
Surgery in Thedas is a long way behind where it’s at in other worlds, including mine. The lack of anaesthesia, sterilisation and other equipment is a big problem, and it can make a huge difference to a patient’s likelihood of recovery and survival. Honestly, any hesitations that people have regarding surgery here are more than fair.
I’d like to request funding and resources to being able to research and develop better surgical supplies, and adapt methods for what we have available here. Not sure how you guys feel about cadavers, given all the possession stuff, but they’d be really useful, too.
Is that something I’d talk to you or the Provost about? Or both?

There was mention of concern about surgery sounding like blood magic, people not understanding what certain treatments might involve, which is fair enough. Not sure what to do about the blood magic bit in particular, but if there’s a way to help improve people’s understanding so they can make informed decisions without it being a crisis situation.


Privacy.
A suggestion was also offered that we could use a cipher for the medical information to ensure confidentiality at a higher level. I think that could cause delays in treatment and could lead to translation errors in a rush, but ultimately that’d be your call, Commander.

[added in a different hand] Given, however, the fact that Venatori infiltrators have breached the Gallows’ defenses before, it is important to consider further security of storage than we otherwise might have, if we are to have lists containing Inquisition agents’ weaknesses and sensitive histories on hand. If a cipher would be impractical for this purpose, then perhaps we should look to the artificers for a mechanism that could, say, deter those without a particular code from accessing the container in which we keep the files. I can make recommendations as requested. [The previous hand resumes here.]
We have further information and statistics, however some of these are not relevant to Forces preparation for staffing and supplies, etc, and will only be of use to treating physicians. In keeping with our discussion, information not relevant to your request have not been included, and we cannot disclose particulars of any individuals to you.

Contact us if you require anything further or need more clarification.



(OOC) NOTES & LINKS:
— network post & survey post.
— Mhairi is a superstar who organised all our data
— Mhairi is not responsible for any possibly tragic attempts to convert into %

— Approximately 40% of player characters (as of 25/4/18) responded. Obviously those aren’t ALL the Inquisition personnel in the Kirkwall outpost, but since there are limited NPCs and for the sake of statistics perhaps it can be handwaved that a corresponding ratio of NPCs replied and that their answers aligned with player character responses, just for the sake of argument.

& OOC organisational note based on player inquiry:
Since the survey could be on-going for incoming characters and be useful for players of medical staff, it could be a good idea for the surveys and their responses to be available to be added to and viewed in a more game-based way than being in a specific character journal.

Perhaps it could as a Gdoc from the mod account (like the room list) or possibly as an entry in the frorg account and responses could be left as comments? Either way it would be player maintained/player responsibility to comment & read, and potentially could be more accessible.
As its rooted in the Forces division we thought this was worth bringing to you before scampering to the moderinos.

Bloomingtide 9:44

[frdivisions]

If you’re interested in these, sign up your character by May 7th.

Signup slots are guidelines; if there’s more or less interest than expected, we’ll modify the numbers. Please don't worry about meeting hard-and-fast dates for reports, either — a month is a good estimate, but I'm not going to freak out if you need a week.


DOWN N' DIRTY

WHAT: In "honour" of the Grand Tourney, a group of Fereldan ex-refugees are hosting their own competition this month: Mud wrestling. The Inquisition's members have been invited to participate, so bring home victory — and a trophy. There's definitely a trophy.

Only one report should be filed. Don’t worry about including everything (these are only prompts!), just talk about what your characters did.

WHO: 1 - 3 people.
WHERE: Kirkwall.


POP SOME TAGS

WHAT: The Grand Tourney will attract fighters from all Thedas: Check out what they’re wearing. Are there styles of armor that you haven’t seen before? Craftsmen who might be convinced to exchange ideas, or to sell to the Inquisition directly? Did you get to try anything new?

Each character should file their own report. Don’t worry about including everything (these are only prompts!), just talk about what your characters did.

WHO: Unlimited.
WHERE: Wycome.


SUNK COST

With the weather warming up (and the ever-present threat of naval doom blah lbah) it's important that Inquisition should know how to swim. Who does or doesn't? Offer lessons, or practice your own backstroke, or just have a big splash fight.

Only one report should be filed. Don’t worry about including everything (these are only prompts!), just talk about what your characters did.

WHO: 1 - 3 people.
WHERE: Kirkwall.


<br /><b>CHARACTER NAME:</b><br /><b>ASSIGNMENT/MISSION:</b> If interested in more than one, list them in order of preference.<br /><b>NOTES:</b> Questions, comments, whatever.

[dashing]

CHARACTER NAME: Herian Amsel
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Down n Dirty
NOTES: Think of Cosima observing this

[gatheringstorm]

CHARACTER NAME: Korrin Ataash
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Pop Some Tags, Sunk Cost
NOTES: n/a

[el_tybs]

CHARACTER NAME: Samouel Gareth
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Down N' Dirty
NOTES: Are there rules against bears? Half serious

[pati]

CHARACTER NAME: Kara Line
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Sunk Cost
NOTES: She has no clue how to swim... no time like the present?

[nadasharillen]

CHARACTER NAME: Nahariel Dahlasanor
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Pop Some Tags
NOTES: I design your grandsire's armor, he looks incredible

[earthbones]

CHARACTER NAME: Bronach
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Pop Some Tags, Sunk Cost
NOTES: n/a

[limier]

Warden Ventfort,

Thank you for the notes; your eye for detail is appreciated.

In the future, please refrain from engaging recklessly with potentially lethal force (eg: lightning spells) during a training assignment. While some combat methods may greater expose us than others, I need emphasize the importance of avoiding injury within routine practice — we lack enough hands for our work, and the healers sufficient to reattach them.

It is inherently difficult to practice combatting magic in a manner both safe and effective; I recommend speaking with Ser Norrington upon that count. I believe you both would gain much for an exchange of technique.

Regards,

— Ser Coupe.

[limier]

Mssr. Fingolfinion,

A 'creature'. Maker, they'd better be feeding these from their own pay.

[ if that's informal, it's because it's fingon. she's fond. ]

I will not claim their fears unjustified, but it is a mutual paranoia. The Inquisition may only guarantee safety within our own walls: The best means to minimize threat is to take use caution within the city.

Your average citizen will not stop to see that a dragon is 'friendly' when there are many with good reason to fear even a dog — I'd certainly not take my own to the Alienage.

Feeling against Rifters has begun to ease, but we risk it when we behave recklessly. We must protect our own, without appearing to be (forgive me) draconian in measure. Difficult to manage, no? I welcome any thoughts you may have upon the matter.

This information will be made available in a centralized location, that our Stablemaster and other qualified personnel might access it. To be updated, as the need arises.

Regards,
— Ser Coupe.

ooc note: feel free to keep doing these, just stick em in this same thread ❤

[limier]

Mlle. Ataash,

The system of division is at times a crude one. We've all certain areas of focus, but it is often our outside skills which distinguish us.

This report is itself a form of research, no? Your outreach upon behalf tal'vashoth, a form of diplomacy — and I am certain you have recovered intelligence while deployed with Mlle. Bonaventura. A scout surprised is a scout in need of a blade.

I am heartened to hear you make an active study of technique, and welcome any further findings you might relay.

[ 'sure give me free information for the files i'm definitely not keeping on everyone' ]

Regards,
— Ser Coupe.

[limier]

Mlle. Karahalios,

It is both boon and unfortunate fact that the Inquisition relies largely upon spirit healers. I can little blame those who are wary, and hope that our new additions may encourage some to seek treatment where they would not otherwise.

Magical healing is a luxury I confess I have grown used to, but it is a rare art, which most will go their lives without encountering. The recent strike only underscores the importance of furthering other research: If the Provost proves amenable, I will agree to split funding between our divisions.

However, I cannot at this time grant you access to corpses. The Veil is precariously thin here; for all our work to strengthen it, leaving bodies about remains a serious hazard to life, limb, and reputation. Anatomical studies are accordingly difficult to come by, but perhaps a necromancer or one of our University scholars might at least suggest alternatives.

As regards blood magic: I have been previously required to investigate certain surgeons, but I regret my association will mean less than it once did. Ser Caron or Seeker Reed might vouch for the work if required. While I am disinclined to conceal information any further than necessary, if Ser Ashlock wishes to investigate a means of mechanical protection, I will await a followup report with his recommendations.

At the risk of bludgeoning you with names, Cosima Niehaus is a scholar of her world, and I may speak to Enchanter Vauquelin’s skill with a blade. [ hah :( ] I think them both likely to take interest in this research.

My gratitude to each of you, for your diligence and discretion. It is a credit.

Regards,
— Ser Coupe.

[ ooc note - i'm working on the best way to organize it, but either way i'll take it to the mods & let you guys know after. currently thinking a doc linked to a forces post for this & the pets one, and just reminding people to fill it out when doing new assignment posts in the ooc comm.

also mhairi's a beast, jeez ]

[mousquetaire]

CHARACTER NAME: d'Artagnan
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Down N' Dirty
NOTES: Did someone say trophy.

[motherfucking_ghost]

CHARACTER NAME: Leonard Church
ASSIGNMENT/MISSION: Down n Dirty, Sunk Cost
NOTES: n/a

[periastron]

Commander Coupe,

Right you are. I'll find out what I can about off-site cadaver studies or what other options might be an option. Experimenting on patients when they need the help isn't ideal, but it's not like it's a reality that can be avoided even in my time.

I'll get in touch with the Provost.

Cheers,

Doctor Alexandra Karahalios

( "Doctor" is underlined just once, because fuck it. )