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[Shoved under Margaery's door at some point during her enforced quarantine is a packet of papers with a handwritten (distinctly lovely handwriting at that) questionnaire. The following instructions are pinned to its cover: 'Welcome to Riftwatch! Please fill out the following survey to the best of your ability and return it to the desk of Mme. de FoncΓ© in the Base Operations office. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out for clarification. Best Wishes, W.A. de FoncΓ©, Research Division, Assistant to the Seneschal, Project Felandaris.'
The following survey is...expansive.]
The following survey is...expansive.]
Questionnaire Section A
Of and Relating Specifically to the Rifter Population in the Gallows (Kirkwall, The Free Marches, 9:46)
Question 1A. Conceptually, how familiar are the Fade and the Veil to you? Are there similar phenomena (however minor the resemblance) in the place from which you came?
Question 2A. If yes, is energy drawn and/or emitted from or through it? Do cognizant beings (spirits, full bodied manifestations similar to a Rifter, and so on) pass through it?
Question 3A. Does "magic" exist in your world?Question 3A.(i). If "magic" exists in your world, is it somehow tied to or sustained by this other space?
Question 3A.(ii). If "magic" exists in your world and there is no such alternative dimension as referenced in Question 1A., from where does it originate?Question 4A. Given the opportunity to objectively estimate your own physical conformation and comeliness against the general populace of the world from which you came, where on a scale of one through ten might you be ranked (for the purposes of this survey, please consider the numerical score of five (5) as average for your home world)?Disregard. This question has been deemed inessential.Questionnaire Section B
Rift Anchors, with Respect to All Who Presently Possess ThemQuestion 5B. How long have you had your rift shard?Irrelevant; it is assumed you received it upon arrival through the Rift. However, you are welcome to detail any notes you may have on it here.Question 6B. Are you able to perform any supernatural acts with the power of your rift shard beyond closing Rifts? If yes, please detail these abilities. Irrelevant; recorded with your personnel file. Please update W.A. Poppell should your rift anchor develop any additional effects.
Question 7B. Do you have any other abilities, such as mage talent? If so, has the presence of the rift shard or your time in Thedas affected your ability whatsoever (please note whether this is a negative or a positive effect)?
Question 8B. At what point would you take surgical measures to rid yourself of your anchor shard?Question 8B.(i). Would you permit scientific observation of the process?
Question 8B.(ii). Would you permit samples to be taken from the limb?
(PLEASE NOTE that the authors of this survey do not advocate for preemptive amputation unless strictly recommended by a trusted medical professional.)
[ the packet is returned on the morning of the second day, as if the answers - neatly written - took all day for Margaery to pen despite the short nature of her answers.
(also, yes. that is most certainly a very small 10.) ]
(also, yes. that is most certainly a very small 10.) ]
Questionnaire Section A
Of and Relating Specifically to the Rifter Population in the Gallows (Kirkwall, The Free Marches, 9:46)
Question 1A. Conceptually, how familiar are the Fade and the Veil to you? Are there similar phenomena (however minor the resemblance) in the place from which you came?
π©ππ ππππ π»πΆππΎππΎπΆπ. π©π ππΎππΎππΆπ π π½πππππππΆ πππΎππ ππ½πππ πΌ'π π»πππ.
Question 2A. If yes, is energy drawn and/or emitted from or through it? Do cognizant beings (spirits, full bodied manifestations similar to a Rifter, and so on) pass through it?
Question 3A. Does "magic" exist in your world?
πΌπ πΎπ π·πππΎππππΉ ππ π·π ππππ, πΎπ» πΎπ ππππ πππΎππππΉ.
Question 3A.(i). If "magic" exists in your world, is it somehow tied to or sustained by this other space?
Question 3A.(ii). If "magic" exists in your world and there is no such alternative dimension as referenced in Question 1A., from where does it originate?
Question 4A. Given the opportunity to objectively estimate your own physical conformation and comeliness against the general populace of the world from which you came, where on a scale of one through ten might you be ranked (for the purposes of this survey, please consider the numerical score of five (5) as average for your home world)?Disregard. This question has been deemed inessential.
ββ
Questionnaire Section B
Rift Anchors, with Respect to All Who Presently Possess Them
Question 5B. How long have you had your rift shard?Irrelevant; it is assumed you received it upon arrival through the Rift. However, you are welcome to detail any notes you may have on it here.
Question 6B. Are you able to perform any supernatural acts with the power of your rift shard beyond closing Rifts? If yes, please detail these abilities.Irrelevant; recorded with your personnel file. Please update W.A. Poppell should your rift anchor develop any additional effects.
Question 7B. Do you have any other abilities, such as mage talent? If so, has the presence of the rift shard or your time in Thedas affected your ability whatsoever (please note whether this is a negative or a positive effect)?
π©π πππ½ππ πΆπ·πΎππΎππΎππ.
Question 8B. At what point would you take surgical measures to rid yourself of your anchor shard?
πππΆππ½.
Question 8B.(i). Would you permit scientific observation of the process?
πππππΆπΎπππ.
Question 8B.(ii). Would you permit samples to be taken from the limb?
πππππΆπΎπππ.
(PLEASE NOTE that the authors of this survey do not advocate for preemptive amputation unless strictly recommended by a trusted medical professional.)
[A few days later, a follow up note is left in Margaery's mail cubby in the dining hall or slipped beneath her door or left in some similar location where she is likely to find it. It reads--]
Miss,
I am most appreciative of you taking the time to answer and return the survey. In an effort to be most thorough in my research, if you would please expound upon your answer for Question 3A to which you wrote, 'It is believed to be gone, if it ever existed.'
If there is common beliefs or mythology in your world regarding the disappearance of magic, might you be so kind as to expound upon it here?
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or if you should need assistance with anything whatsoever during your seclusion in the Gallows.
Warmest Regards,
Mme. W.A. de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Assistant to the Seneschal
[ the letter that comes back is slightly more extensive, quietly left on Mme. de FoncΓ©'s desk as before: ]
Madame:
From what I can understand, 'magic' in my world is called 'higher mysteries', and in the country I hail from, it is thought to be a mythical force, ancient enough that many question if it ever existed at all.
Long before, kings and queens of our kingdoms ruled with dragons by their side. Those dragons were killed into extinction when their dynasty was more or less toppled, but during my time, there were accounts of the daughter of the last king, who somehow hatched three very old dragons during her exile. Given the incredulity of these circumstances, I imagine there was some involvement of... blood magic? Or perhaps another influence of some kind that I am unaware of.
However, I have also heard of magic being studied and housed in great many other countries, such as necromancers and sorcerers. Regrettably, I had little reason to ever travel to these other places and cannot tell you much more beyond that.
There are also those who proclaim themselves to be servants of a god, the Lord of Light, who have been known to perform... incredible deeds. A trustworthy warrior who was in my first husband's tent on the night he was killed told me that she saw a demon, with the face of his enemy, stab him through the heart and disappear. If this account is true, it is undoubtedly the work of one such priestess, who was supporting his enemy. I never saw her with my own eyes, but I understand that she was rather unsettling to behold, with confidence in unpredictability and unbothered by any chill.
I hope these details, however sparse they are, will be of great help to you.
With the greatest respect,
Margaery
Madame:
From what I can understand, 'magic' in my world is called 'higher mysteries', and in the country I hail from, it is thought to be a mythical force, ancient enough that many question if it ever existed at all.
Long before, kings and queens of our kingdoms ruled with dragons by their side. Those dragons were killed into extinction when their dynasty was more or less toppled, but during my time, there were accounts of the daughter of the last king, who somehow hatched three very old dragons during her exile. Given the incredulity of these circumstances, I imagine there was some involvement of... blood magic? Or perhaps another influence of some kind that I am unaware of.
However, I have also heard of magic being studied and housed in great many other countries, such as necromancers and sorcerers. Regrettably, I had little reason to ever travel to these other places and cannot tell you much more beyond that.
There are also those who proclaim themselves to be servants of a god, the Lord of Light, who have been known to perform... incredible deeds. A trustworthy warrior who was in my first husband's tent on the night he was killed told me that she saw a demon, with the face of his enemy, stab him through the heart and disappear. If this account is true, it is undoubtedly the work of one such priestess, who was supporting his enemy. I never saw her with my own eyes, but I understand that she was rather unsettling to behold, with confidence in unpredictability and unbothered by any chill.
I hope these details, however sparse they are, will be of great help to you.
With the greatest respect,
Margaery
Madame Margaery,
First, allow me to extend me sincerest condolences with respect to the loss of your husband. I understand that such things can be quite difficult. That said, I thank you for the thoughtfulness and thorough nature of your reply. The details you have provided are indeed make your account into a very useful addition of the survey records.
You see, I am studying those commonalities which occur between the worlds of Rifters and Thedas, and reoccurring themes such as the use of blood magic or the raising of the dead and so on is quite relevant to my studies. If you should ever find yourself curious about the details, whether it be a more thorough explanation of what I have collected so far or how your own account may be implemented into the project's documentation, then I would be most happy to review the subject with you.
To a somewhat similar endβShould you have any questions not related to the survey, or if you should need any assistance as you grow comfortable in the Gallows, then please do not hesitate to call upon me.
Warm Regards,
Warmest Regards,
Mme. W.A. de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Assistant to the Seneschal
First, allow me to extend me sincerest condolences with respect to the loss of your husband. I understand that such things can be quite difficult. That said, I thank you for the thoughtfulness and thorough nature of your reply. The details you have provided are indeed make your account into a very useful addition of the survey records.
You see, I am studying those commonalities which occur between the worlds of Rifters and Thedas, and reoccurring themes such as the use of blood magic or the raising of the dead and so on is quite relevant to my studies. If you should ever find yourself curious about the details, whether it be a more thorough explanation of what I have collected so far or how your own account may be implemented into the project's documentation, then I would be most happy to review the subject with you.
To a somewhat similar endβShould you have any questions not related to the survey, or if you should need any assistance as you grow comfortable in the Gallows, then please do not hesitate to call upon me.
Warm Regards,
Warmest Regards,
Mme. W.A. de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Assistant to the Seneschal
Madame de FoncΓ©:
I thank you for your condolences, and shall endeavor to see if there are any other details I remember as time goes on.
That being said, I do find myself intrigued by the possible commonalities and where my own world might fall into the pattern. Please let me know of a date and time for us to meet, as I'm sure your schedule is far busier than my own. In the meantime, I shall draft up a list of anything else I recollect that may pass for magic.
Your kindness is duly noted, and sincerely appreciated. Please also never hesitate to let me know how else I may help you, or the Research Division.
Out of curiosity - has anyone elected to ever remove the shard from their limb?
Most respectfully,
Margaery
I thank you for your condolences, and shall endeavor to see if there are any other details I remember as time goes on.
That being said, I do find myself intrigued by the possible commonalities and where my own world might fall into the pattern. Please let me know of a date and time for us to meet, as I'm sure your schedule is far busier than my own. In the meantime, I shall draft up a list of anything else I recollect that may pass for magic.
Your kindness is duly noted, and sincerely appreciated. Please also never hesitate to let me know how else I may help you, or the Research Division.
Out of curiosity - has anyone elected to ever remove the shard from their limb?
Most respectfully,
Margaery
I shall see you there!
[ it takes a scant few minutes for Margaery to get to the training grounds; while everyone was away, she took the liberty of wandering a lot more boldly than she might've otherwise, feeling a sense of freedom in the emptiness.
of course, that only lasted for a few days before she began missing the noise and the fun activity of people-watching terribly.
once she arrives, she casts a glance around to see if she can spot Adastreia amongst the bustle. ]
[ it takes a scant few minutes for Margaery to get to the training grounds; while everyone was away, she took the liberty of wandering a lot more boldly than she might've otherwise, feeling a sense of freedom in the emptiness.
of course, that only lasted for a few days before she began missing the noise and the fun activity of people-watching terribly.
once she arrives, she casts a glance around to see if she can spot Adastreia amongst the bustle. ]
[ It takes Adrasteia a few minutes more to reach Margaery, but the elven woman waves when she spots the other, so that might make it easier to spot her in a crowd.
She has on robes, and gloves, with her mage's staff strapped to her back as per usual. In her hand is a small package and she smiles as she approaches. ]
Hello! You look well. I hope it wasn't too strange, with nearly everyone gone.
She has on robes, and gloves, with her mage's staff strapped to her back as per usual. In her hand is a small package and she smiles as she approaches. ]
Hello! You look well. I hope it wasn't too strange, with nearly everyone gone.
[ she still remembers that night, of course, but her memories of Adrasteia remain fond, if only for how consistently warm she is - a quality Margaery appreciates immensely. ]
It was... nice, for a time. [ her confession comes with a rueful laugh, ] But I ended up missing you all. It's not as much fun without people to watch around here.
[ she notices the package in her hand, but she takes Adrasteia's free hand instead. ]
Will you tell me about your trip and what you found so enlightening?
It was... nice, for a time. [ her confession comes with a rueful laugh, ] But I ended up missing you all. It's not as much fun without people to watch around here.
[ she notices the package in her hand, but she takes Adrasteia's free hand instead. ]
Will you tell me about your trip and what you found so enlightening?
Oh, I can only imagine. [ Adrasteia gives a smile and squeezes Margaery's hand as she takes it in turn. ] Any place full of people feels strange when it empties out, in my experience.
[ She shifts so that they're arm in arm, which is a little comical looking considering how much taller than her Margaery happens to be. ]
I've been to Orzammar once before, and I found the city rather much the same. Up until I learned there is at least one ancient elvhen tunnel beneath the deep roads. Very exciting and rather dangerous, especially as there are also a group of dwarves, who did not appear to speak Trade and were very angry we had happened upon their territory, there as well. [ This is all said in roughly the same breath but Adrasteia sounds very excited about the whole thing. ] Who knows if any further attempts to find those tunnels will be undertaken but it's fascinating.
[ She shifts so that they're arm in arm, which is a little comical looking considering how much taller than her Margaery happens to be. ]
I've been to Orzammar once before, and I found the city rather much the same. Up until I learned there is at least one ancient elvhen tunnel beneath the deep roads. Very exciting and rather dangerous, especially as there are also a group of dwarves, who did not appear to speak Trade and were very angry we had happened upon their territory, there as well. [ This is all said in roughly the same breath but Adrasteia sounds very excited about the whole thing. ] Who knows if any further attempts to find those tunnels will be undertaken but it's fascinating.
[ she wonders now if she should have invited Adrasteia somewhere where they can have a drink, or a short, leisurely stroll - but Margaery listens attentively to what she says, eyebrows raising with interest at the thought of tunnels, and whatever treasures they might hold. ]
I'm glad you are all safe, [ she doesn't need to stretch her imagination to guess that angry dwarves can be quite a sight - and situation. ] but I do hope that if they attempt to find those tunnels, you will be among the first to traverse them. What would you hope to find there, if you could?
I'm glad you are all safe, [ she doesn't need to stretch her imagination to guess that angry dwarves can be quite a sight - and situation. ] but I do hope that if they attempt to find those tunnels, you will be among the first to traverse them. What would you hope to find there, if you could?
Oh that would be nice. [ Somehow, she seriously doubts it'll work out that way, if only because Orzammar tends to deal with it's problems with dwarves and not with a lot of outside help.
Then again, there's little to say that it won't happen a different way than she expects; there's something to be said for being part of Riftwatch now, after they've done all they can to ingratiate themselves to Orzammar's society, and being a Grey Warden doesn't hurt her odds either. ]
An explaination of what I saw. [ That's more important, to her, than any treasure. She shakes her head a little. ] More about what my people were like, before the Dales and the wars that eviscerated the elves from their former standing. But elvhen ruins and reliefs are near-impossible to decipher at this point. Most of the language has been lost to time.
Then again, there's little to say that it won't happen a different way than she expects; there's something to be said for being part of Riftwatch now, after they've done all they can to ingratiate themselves to Orzammar's society, and being a Grey Warden doesn't hurt her odds either. ]
An explaination of what I saw. [ That's more important, to her, than any treasure. She shakes her head a little. ] More about what my people were like, before the Dales and the wars that eviscerated the elves from their former standing. But elvhen ruins and reliefs are near-impossible to decipher at this point. Most of the language has been lost to time.
Madame Margaery,
I would be most happy to meet with you. Let us say this evening, should your schedule permit it. I will be in Kirkwall for the majority of the day, but mean to return to the Gallows by nightfall. Meet me in the Project Felandaris workshop shortly thereafter. It is on the seven floor in the central tower. I will arrange to bring along something to eat or drink so we will not go too hungry if our conversation runs very late.
With respect to your curiosityβI know of no one personally. There was a death resulting from the anchor's effects on the body of a native woman, but I have never known anyone who made an attempt to extract it an I am uncertain what effects removing an anchor would have on a rifter.
I look forward to becoming better acquainted in person and will endeavor to answer any further questions you might have then.
Warmest Regards,
Mme. W.A. de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Assistant to the Seneschal
I would be most happy to meet with you. Let us say this evening, should your schedule permit it. I will be in Kirkwall for the majority of the day, but mean to return to the Gallows by nightfall. Meet me in the Project Felandaris workshop shortly thereafter. It is on the seven floor in the central tower. I will arrange to bring along something to eat or drink so we will not go too hungry if our conversation runs very late.
With respect to your curiosityβI know of no one personally. There was a death resulting from the anchor's effects on the body of a native woman, but I have never known anyone who made an attempt to extract it an I am uncertain what effects removing an anchor would have on a rifter.
I look forward to becoming better acquainted in person and will endeavor to answer any further questions you might have then.
Warmest Regards,
Mme. W.A. de FoncΓ©
Research Division
Project Felandaris
Assistant to the Seneschal
[ she makes a note to herself to request any possible book recommendations Adrasteia may have on Orzammar; while Margaery does feel a need to catch up on the general knowledge of Thedas with its many regions and political climates for Diplomacy reasons, she thinks it'd be even better to have proper context in conversations with friends like this. ]
A language lost to time... that is a real tragedy. [ she squeezes her friend's hand, hoping to convey some measure of comfort. ] But reason for hope, in the unknown that you've discovered. There is no reason why you should give up on finding answers eventually, with time. I was under the impression that Riftwatch might be invited to return anyway, if all the social standings remained upright and strong? Perhaps I will be with you when you next see the tunnels.
[ but she doesn't want to keep digging at a topic that still very much depends on hope, and tugs on Adrasteia's hand playfully. ] Will you show me what you brought?
A language lost to time... that is a real tragedy. [ she squeezes her friend's hand, hoping to convey some measure of comfort. ] But reason for hope, in the unknown that you've discovered. There is no reason why you should give up on finding answers eventually, with time. I was under the impression that Riftwatch might be invited to return anyway, if all the social standings remained upright and strong? Perhaps I will be with you when you next see the tunnels.
[ but she doesn't want to keep digging at a topic that still very much depends on hope, and tugs on Adrasteia's hand playfully. ] Will you show me what you brought?
Many things about elvhen culture and history have been lost to time, unfortunately. [ Adrasteia shakes her head a little at the sadness of it all, but still smiles and squeezes Margaery's hand back in return. ] Riftwatch might return, it's true, and if I'm fortunate, I'll return. I'd be more than happy to show you, should the opportunity make itself known.
Ah, but. The blade in question. Adrasteia's smile widens as she procures the wrapped package and hands it over. The dagger itself that Margaery finds inside is not the most impressive that could have been purchased, but is good for a beginner; the hilt has flowers in the design and the blade is somewhat curved.
Ah, but. The blade in question. Adrasteia's smile widens as she procures the wrapped package and hands it over. The dagger itself that Margaery finds inside is not the most impressive that could have been purchased, but is good for a beginner; the hilt has flowers in the design and the blade is somewhat curved.
[ Margaery's evidently not aware that she's not meant to be as impressed as she is; the dagger is beautiful, curved in a way that she's not familiar with, but it looks lovely and elegant - a perfect representation for who she is in blade form. ]
Adrasteia. [ she speaks softly, hushed. her fingers run over the flowers curling in the hilt. ] This is so lovely, thank you so much. You seemed to have a great understanding of who I am already.
How can I ever repay you?
Adrasteia. [ she speaks softly, hushed. her fingers run over the flowers curling in the hilt. ] This is so lovely, thank you so much. You seemed to have a great understanding of who I am already.
How can I ever repay you?
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