faderiftorg | DIVISION: Diplomacy

DIVISION: Diplomacy

DIVISION

DIPLOMACY

The Diplomacy Division handles the Inquisition's interactions with the outside world. This includes everything from high-level politicking with heads of state all the way down to managing the servants who take care of the Gallows and keep it looking nice for visitors. Most of their work involves building and maintaining relationships for the Inquisition to ensure support for their endeavors.

LEADER: Ambassador Herian Amsel (quick info)
PROJECTS: Chantry Relations, Other Powers

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: The Twiblight Saga
PARTICIPANTS: Malcolm Reed, Colin, The Priest, D'Artagnan, Daniel Jackson
DATE FILED: Early Solace, prior to the Tevinter trip
STATUS: Ongoing (as in the log's still technically going) / Complete (as in we more or less decided how we wanted it to end for the sake of writing a report /fingerguns)
SUMMARY: Anti-Inquisition Revered Mother seeks Inquisition help with darkspawn.

REPORT:
Myself, and Sers Colin (no last name given), D'Artangian (no last name given), Daniel Jackson, and Priest (title or name? unclear), made our way uneventfully to Churneau, speaking of prevention of getting the taint and what to do should the worst come to pass. The Revered Mother at the chantry there, Riccarda, was not particularly thankful for our help initially. Understandable regarding her opinions of the Inquisition, and therefore I think she also had a sore spot for Rifters and mages. The situation there is worse than merely darkspawn (if darkspawn could be 'merely' anything); the Anderfels war is coming closer and closer, and refugees seek sanctuary wherever they can. Hopefully we've given people a clear way out if- when- they need to make their way further south.

Colin as the healer of our group elected to stay behind at the chantry and give aid to those in need. I think this did wonders in turning opinion around, as the rest of us sought more detailed information on where to find this supposed nest of darkspawn, using the chantry as a makeshift base (as so many others had).

We were pointed eastward, toward the farmland of the area, where we found few people, untended crops, and signs of struggle. Their numbers, particularly during the day of course, were a hassle but manageable when they got within range of us. Minor injuries for it, but no actual contact with the dreaded things, as we all made particularly certain to stay protected and keep our wits about us. The Priest and D'Artagnan were particularly adept at dispatching the darkspawn, which I cannot thank them enough for. After a few excursions, we finally narrowed down the source: a well, of all things, in some poor farmer's backyard. Lacking any Wardens to help suss them out further, we decided the best and safest course of action for us was to simply fill in the well. I say simply, do not presume we merely grabbed shovels and tossed in handfuls of dirt. Whatever larger rocks we could find and other difficult debris were hefted in, and we'd like to see them burrow through that with their bony fingers.

We had alerted the Wardens at Griffon Wing Keep to the situation, and we expect that they arrived after we departed, to make certain the area is clear, to do what they can--and perhaps, one hopes, improve their standing with people who would see the Anders Wardens as enemies of all peoples.

For our part in keeping true to our word, setting right the desperate issue at hand, not causing any undue trouble, and for Colin's dutiful help with the wounded, I'm pleased to say that Mother Riccarda has possibly changed her tune. I say possibly as it's difficult to gauge her, but she seemed both surprised and at least less hostile to us, and I expect we'll find her vehemently negative sentiments quieted down. I am cautiously optimistic that her stance on mages and Rifters will likewise be softened.

As a side note, personally, if we can spare any resources to those fleeing the encroaching war, not only would that dramatically improve our standing with the area of northern Orlais, but it might give us an edge when we no doubt will have to deal with it.

NOTES & LINKS: log!

SUBJECT: I Sea What You Did There
PARTICIPANTS: Araceli Bonaventura, Val de Fonce, Korrin Ataash, Helena
DATE FILED: Justinian 31
STATUS: Ongoing
SUMMARY:
The team went off to Brandel's Reach at the behest of Revered Mother Grana to investigate strange markings in sea caves that required documentation, as well as to locate a Chantry brother gone missing who had been looking into this previously. Whilst recording the markings, they discovered markings, almost like glyphs that pointed to them being unlike any other language, close to a code in need of deciphering. They also managed to discover the source of rumours of shapes in the water as well as a storm that had claimed a fishing boat.

A very young cetus was the source of the rumours and the missing Chantry brother.

REPORT:
Ambassador Amsel,

We arrived at Brandel's Reach with little incident with señor de Fonce taking charge of the translation of the markings with utmost dedication. It was during the recording of these markings that we realised we were being observed by a very young cetus, usually not found in waters so far south nor in such cold waters; ultimately, this cetus despite its size is where Brother Ewald met his end.

Señor de Fonce too was attacked by said cetus and we were forced to take action to stop the same fate befalling him, I don't know if that will ease Revered Mother Grana's concerns at all but it should ease those who reported the loss of a fishing boat to a storm as well as strange sightings in the water; now that it's known and dealt with, the likelihood of it happening again is low. A cetus is a rare sighting at the best of times, with the rifts, and the sea life affected by red lyrium anything could have driven it there. Or it might well have been whatever those letters were, Señor de Fonce may know more, I believe he and his friends spoke while we were on the mission of them being unlike anything else ever found thus far. They've been attached too, for translation or...something else. I don't know who to pass those on to.

Helena found a ring on a finger belonging to the cetus after it was dealt with that upon our return to the Revered Mother, was confirmed to belong to Brother Ewald. Enclosed with this are letters of support at finding this attached proof.

Signed,
Araceli Bonaventura y Castell, Val de Foncé, Korrin Ataash, Helena

NOTES & LINKS: post
Letters of support from Revered Mother Grana and a copy of the code to be translated/broken attached

SUBJECT: It's Not A Pretty Thing To See
PARTICIPANTS: Julius, Petrana de Cedoux, Marisol Vivas, Colin, Finch
DATE FILED: late Solace
STATUS: Complete (Players discussed results OOCly, though there may be continued backtagging)
SUMMARY: A team went to Ferelden to calm down local noble agitation over the potential for mages to inherit titles and property. The situation is, for now, mostly defused and is likely to stay that way for the immediate future.

REPORT:

The Selwyns are a family of little importance but great ambition, which proved to be both the root of the problem and much of its solution. Bann Selwyn was agitating his neighbors to vocally oppose mage inheritance only in part because he worried about the implications for his own property. A large part of the situation arose because it gave him a voice and a sense of importance.

My colleagues and I were not able to go so far as convincing him that mage inheritance was no threat either to him personally or in general. However, he was willing to agree to stop stirring up the other banns and arls over the matter, and even to take steps to calm them down in exchange for ongoing evidence that he has a particular relationship with the Inquisition. These proofs need not be substantial; I imagine sending a raven with a message bearing an official looking seal every now and then should be sufficient to keep the area calm, regardless of the message's contents (within reason). I would suggest it is a cheaply bought solution to an annoyance when we have many real problems elsewhere.

There was an unexpected gain, or at least the potential for one, in the journey. My companions and I agree that, should the Inquisition find use for them, Lady Selwyn and the heir, Thomas, may be useful assets in the area worth cultivating. Lady Selwyn is as ambitious as her husband but both more subtle and more clear-seeing in her options. She could parlay assisting us into prestige, and seems willing to render actual assistance in order to do so.

Thomas, unlike his parents, has little to no interest in politics, but is a clever man deprived of means of exercising that cleverness. Loaning him texts we can part with temporarily, putting him in touch with scholars, and otherwise furthering his education might yield us an able researcher with a bit of investment on our end.

A final note, as you are aware of my personal connection to the Selywns, such as it is; I would regard it as irrelevant in dealings with them going forward. Bann Selwyn was, if anything, hostile to even acknowledging the connection; given that I am now technically his eldest son after the death of my older brother, that was hardly surprising under the circumstances. Lady Selwyn might do so if she saw benefit to her family, but not otherwise, and Thomas was too young on my departure to the Circle to feel any personal connection in particular. If you would like my insight into the family going forward, I will be happy to give it, but the Inqusition should not assume I have any capability to influence their position directly.

Should you like, I will be happy to discuss the mission in person in greater depth, or answer any questions.

NOTES & LINKS: Log over here.
Julius also attaches a short list of titles it might make sense to lend to Thomas should the division think the connection worth cultivating.

SUBJECT: Everybody Wants to Duel the World
PARTICIPANTS: Arohaerd and Willem Bassey
DATE FILED: Mid-Kingsway
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Arohaerd and Willem attempt to prevent a duel between two wayward noble sons through the art of distraction.

REPORT:

Ambassador Amsel,

Myself and Willem Bassey have just returned from Val Royeaux, a city which I can happily confirm did not pay witness to anything like a duel between the young lords Genest and Delaunay. Indeed it's very likely neither man recalls the stated date for the event passing them by. Lord Genest was happily at rest, and by all accounts well enough entertained that he did not rise until well into the afternoon following the morning when he should have duelled. I've also been well informed that Lord Delauney was nowhere to be found on the day, and thus could not raise a complaint. No one would speak as to the nature of his absence, but it's known that he returned to the city with the pelt of a brown bear over his arm. One might surmise he lost track of time.

As both young lords were equally embarrassed to have missed their appointment, it appears that they are keen to have the entire matter forgotten. I'm advised they are now keen to make peace, and avoid anyone losing face over the matter.

I also enclose with this report several letters of support for the fine company provided by Willem and myself. Their families seem very relieved, and were quite surprised to find that we were both Rifters. I do not believe they had met any of us in person before. I should hope that we challenged their expectations. At any rate, I expect we can rely on their aid in the near future.

Kind regards,

Arohaerd.

NOTES & LINKS: Aftermath log.

SUBJECT: The Flying Countdown assignment
PARTICIPANTS: Herian, Fingon, Bronach, Wren, Six, Lakshmi, Helena.
DATE FILED: backdated
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: A team went to prove the Inquisition’s abilities to the Qunari as a beginning to furthering negotiations and relations. It required killing a dragon.

REPORT:
At the behest of the Arishok, myself and a team of Inquisition fighters lead by Commander Coupe attended a location in the Boeric Sea. This island is claimed by the Qunari to be a potentially lucrative source for mining, but progress could not be made in this endeavour without the felling of the high dragon who had claimed the island for her home.

This was the Inquisition’s test, proving our worth, and I am glad to say that each of the agents performed admirably. The Northern Hunter was a formidable beast, but she was brought down, and it was ultimately a positive accomplishment. Hopefully a move in the right direction to better our relationship with the Qun, and if nothing else, proof that the Inquisition is not to be meddled with that will stave out potential hostility from that quarter.

NOTES & LINKS: log

SUBJECT: Blast from the P(entagh)ast
PARTICIPANTS: Adasse Agassi, Herian Amsel, James Flint, Jester Lavore and Teren von Skraedder
DATE FILED:
STATUS: Complete, threading on-going
SUMMARY: A team went to Nevarra to secure leverage against Aurelia Pentaghast, but found a Venatori spy after the same information. Matters have escalated for Perendale’s siege and Aurelia’s potential succession of the throne.

REPORT:
Scoutmaster Ashara,

You already know some of the particulars.

Our initial arrival to speak with Aurelia progressed well, but matters became more complex when your scouts realised the presence of a Venatori spy. He was captured and interrogated. Vel Ruso advised us that that the Venatori were only honouring the deal Aurelia made with the Anderfels and leaving Perendale intact because they felt, as did we, that the information could be used to influence matters in Nevarra. He had been sent to collect proof, and deliver it to the Venatori so they might have their leverage. If he failed to secure said leverage, the Venatori would issue orders to the Anders to raze Perendale.

I decided that the cost of having the Pentaghasts and Nevarra potentially under the sway of the Venatori was too high a price to pay, and that even if the cost were Perendale, securing Thedas’ future was paramount. Vel even appealed to the Inquisition’s history of benevolence, although I suspect this an attempt to save his own life and honour his contract with the Venatori, above any care for Perendale.

Immediately the documents were secured, Captain James Flint departed to Kirkwall, with the instructions to deliver them to your hand alone and by any means necessary. It is my understanding that he succeeded in that assignment.

Scout Lavore is skilled in forgery, and resourceful. We attempted to buy some time for Perendale by using documents and seals to forge an update from Vel that suggested he was nearing his goal, and I spoke with Aurelia directly. She will have time for some action, and my prayers are that she may yet be able to aid Perendale, but I fear they have been condemned to a bloody fate.

You know already that Warden von Skraedder and Scout Agassi departed shortly after Flint, that they might do whatever they could to aid Perendale. As yet I have received no word from Warden von Skraedder and Scout Agassi, and have no notion if this is good news or bad. I issued orders that if there were any chance of them falling into the hands of the enemy, they destroy their communication crystals.

I am at your disposal should any point require clarification.

Ambassador Amsel

NOTES & LINKS:
Main log, Herian calls Beleth and Flint delivers documents.

SUBJECT: If I Could Churneau Back Time
PARTICIPANTS: Herian, Lakshmi, Yseult
DATE FILED: ASAP
STATUS: Complete / threading ongoing
SUMMARY: A stealth team went to Churneau on a mission to save one of the Inquisition’s supporters, Revered Mother Riccarda, and gather intel on the Anders troops and their movements.

REPORT:
Scoutmaster Ashara,

The mission to Churneau was carried out successfully and without any Inquisition casualties.

The information you received about the threat to Revered Mother Riccarda was correct. She is safe and returned with us to Kirkwall, where she is being treated for a minor injury she suffered. Her condition is good, and her spirits are high. Thanks to your sources, we were able to save a vocal supporter of the Inquisition.

Concerning the intel we gathered:

The Anders are moving some forces away from Churneau, and trying to be discrete in what they are doing. Churned is still strongly manned and are not compromised by the reduced numbers, but reinforcements are definitely being moved to the east. We believe, based on the direction of travel, that they are being moved to the Fields of Ghislain. I have enclosed the numbers and times that we recorded, for further analysis.

Others in the team moved closer to the encampment, and were able to determine that weapons and supplies were being loaded into false bottoms of carts that otherwise appeared empty. Evidently they do not wish to alert anyone of the movement in either troops or supplies, or the strength of the force they are preparing.

I would like to praise both Yseult and Lakshmi for their conduct, and say the gathering of intel would not have been successful without their experience, their abilities, and their bravery. Without them I do not know if we could have found out nearly so much as we did.

If you wish for further information, please do not hesitate to speak with any one of us.

NOTES & LINKS: log here

SUBJECT: Requesting Antivan assistance
PARTICIPANTS: Alexandrie de la Fontaine, Caspar Perakis, Kostos Averesch, Lakshmi Bai, Marisol Vivas, Nell Voss, Nikos Averesch, Petrana de Cedoux
DATE FILED: Harvestmere 20, 9:44
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: An appeal to the Antivan Merchant Princes for assistance with the war, using a wedding invitation secured by Prince Amancio Vivas, Marisol's father and Kostos and Nikos' uncle, that spidered out to absorb some actual diplomats (and assorted others).

REPORT:
Ambassador Amsel,

Madame de Cedoux, Lady de la Fontaine, and the rifter Rani Lakshmibai were able speak with the assembled Princes. It was not a complete disaster.

— K. Averesch

[ Attached: a short stack of decrees from 10 or so Merchant Princes, each granting leave for their men to volunteer for the front—but also not compelling them to do so or offering any reward for it. Given Antiva's historic neutrality, it is not nothing, even if it's less than an optimist might have hoped. ]

NOTES & LINKS: Log.

Edited 2018-11-10 21:37 (UTC)

SUBJECT: Fixing a marriage & doing a makeover a la this
PARTICIPANTS: Byerly, Helena, Lexie, Petrana, Sidony.
DATE FILED: 10th Firstfall
STATUS: Complete, threading ongoing.
SUMMARY: To ensure the Inquisition has military support from Val Fermin a team was deployed to restore love and happiness to a broken marriage. Somehow, it worked.

REPORT:
( Helena’s handwriting is spidery, a little messy, but legible. Submitted at the request of good sir Byerly: )

Inquisition,

In this world I have been seeing many monsters and people doing terrible things. We tell ourselves that we do them for the saving of the world, and sometimes this is good reason. There are many things all of us would do to protect what is precious to us, that nothing else would make us do. This mission was for the making stronger of Inquisition army, and saving of lives. This though, was done by appealing to the heart, and reminding people of the love they used to be holding. Finding old candle and letting it be lit again, instead of smothered with cobwebs and dust.

Alexandrie threw big party, Sidony was knowing much fashion, Petrana is clever with her talking. Byerly did his best.

Comtesse Val Fermin was very happy with all our doings. She seems like statue lady at first, but I like. I am not so sure Comte is deserving his wife, but the two of them will be helping Inquisition. Mistress is no longer problem, and maybe we send knives if she tries to be being one.

NOTES & LINKS: LOG LINK

Edited 2018-11-11 02:14 (UTC)

SUBJECT: Shaperate My Heart
PARTICIPANTS: Ilias and Jehan
DATE FILED: November 10, 2018
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Ilias and Jehan went to Orzammar in an attempt to gain permission to access the Shaperate, in the hopes of researching ancient paths in the Deep Roads that might allow travel to Tevinter, Orlais, and Antiva. Unfortunately, their diplomatic tactics fell grievously short, and they weren't able to access any of the information they came for.

REPORT:

Ambassador Amsel,

I regret to inform you that the efforts of Brother Jehan and myself to request access to the Shaperate have been less than successful. Our journey to the Frostbacks was without incident, and we were able enter Orzammar without ill will. However, our conversations with the administration at the Shaperate got off to a poor start, in part perhaps due to cultural or religious differences. [ Maybe he shouldn't have worn the robes? ] After a number of days discussion, we do not believe there is further progress to be made toward this goal at this time.

We have left our hosts with all due courtesy, and would recommend any further attempts be made cautiously, perhaps after goodwill has been built through other routes.

Sincerely,
Ilias Fabria & Jehan Mercier

NOTES & LINKS: Link!

SUBJECT: Nothing Qunpares 2 U
PARTICIPANTS: Araceli Bonaventura, John Silver
DATE FILED: pre-Saturnalia
STATUS: Complete
SUMMARY: Araceli and John traveled to Antiva in hopes of extracting Armat through negotiation with Antivan nobility rather than storming the jail.

REPORT:
Ambassador Amsel,

We are pleased to report that our journey has been more fruitful than anticipated. We were able to appease the matriarch of the de Talaveras family and secure the freedom of our agent by promising Armat would remain under house arrest with the Inquisition. Further, we acquired the friendship of the matriarch's grandson, Gennaro de Talavaras, who is greatly interested in trading weapons and information with the Inquisition and establishing a mutually beneficial partnership. So long as Nereza de Talavaras is satisfied Armat is held within Kirkwall in less than comfortable accommodation, a mutually beneficial relationship with her grandson can proceed. It should be noted by all that Nereza's happiness is paramount; our ability to utilize Gennaro will be damaged or completely cut off by her displeasure.

We've left Armat in the Gallows for now, and his fate can be decided at your discretion. Please don't hesitate to seek us out to resolve any lingering questions you may have.

Regards,
J. Silver and Araceli Bonaventura
NOTES & LINKS: log link

Edited (breaks html) 2018-11-13 05:34 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

DIVISION: Diplomacy

REPORTS

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Everybody Wants to Duel the World

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a copy of the report given to Beleth

another copy of the report given to Beleth

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