OPEN LOG: Establishing a Base in Kirkwall

[faderifting]

WHO: Many People
WHAT: Cleaning up Kirkwall
WHEN: Cloudreach 1-21
WHERE: Kirkwall
NOTES: This log post is for characters who go early to Kirkwall to assist in preparing it for the rest of those assigned there. We strongly encourage IC discussion of things left to character discretion—someone should definitely do a crystal post to discuss what to do with the personal belongings left behind in the Gallows or what new form the statues should take!

Kirkwall once lived on the edge of the Tevinter Imperium and was home to nearly a million slaves. Stolen from elven lands or shipped from across the sea, all slaves fed the Imperium's unquenchable thirst for expansion. They worked in massive quarries and sweltering foundries that produced stone and steel for the Empire.

The city's complicated past is not easy to forget, history having earmarked many corners of the stone city. A ship approaching the harbor spots the city's namesake: an imposing black wall. It is visible for miles, and carved into the cliff side are a pantheon of vile guardians representing the Old Gods. Over the years, the Chantry has effaced many of these profane sentinels, but it will take many more years to erase them all.

Also carved into the cliff is a channel that permits ships into the city's interior. Flanking the channel are two massive bronze statues—the Twins of Kirkwall. The statues have a practical use. Kirkwall sits next to the narrowest point of the Waking Sea, and a massive chain net can be erected between the statues and the lighthouse, closing off the only narrow navigable lane. This stranglehold on sea traffic is jealously guarded by the ever-changing rulers of the city as the net trolls taxes, tolls, and extortions in from the sea.

—From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of a Chantry Scholar, by Brother Genitivi

---

Establishing a presence in Kirkwall is a delicate matter. First, there's Provisional Viscount Bran Cavin—a man so used to batting back friendly offers of entirely harmless occupation of the battered city-state that his first three responses to the Inquisition's leadership appeared to be slightly personalized form letters. Proving that the Inquisition is here to work and not to conquer will be a process. The first step in that process is the second reason the move is delicate: the only building the Provisional Viscount is willing to part with is the Gallows, left quarantined and unoccupied since Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard's famous crystallization into red lyrium in the courtyard. The Gallows have since overgrown with red lyrium. If anyone is going to live and work there, there's a lot of work to do.

↠ Cloudreach 1-3: The Journey There
↠ Cloudreach 3-4: Arrival
↠ Cloudreach 4-14: Haunted
↠ Cloudreach 14-21: Spring Cleaning

Comments

[circleprodigy]

Nodding in weary agreement, Inessa reaches for the kettle when it begins to whistle, lifting it away from the fire so she can pour. "The shape of the statues will change little; it's the fact that they loom over us which adds to the feelings of despair. Best to be rid of them entirely and enjoy some open space. If they took the shape of griffons or mabari, I would still feel the same."

Granted, those would be better than slaves but still. The atmosphere of the Gallows is oppressive enough without adding giant statues to it. Besides, no one needs flashbacks to that fight against Meredith, when they came to 'life'.

"At least it will be warmer here than in the Frostbacks, and easier to attain supplies. I always felt a little pity for those responsible for hauling it up the path to Skyhold. But I worry for the griffons; this is far more populated than a fortress in the middle of nowhere, and I'm unsure how well they will adjust." At least they're not here yet, there's time to figure things out, but she's eager to keep them content if at all possible.

[aceso]

Not only that, but she doubts the people of Kirkwall want symbols of the Wardens or of Ferelden welcoming visitors in by sea. The point of statues is that they represent something. They stand as silent symbols. Picking any symbol to put a positive spin on this location will just thrust one group into the spotlight whether they want it or not. A mabari? Fereldans. A lion? Orlais. A sunburst? The Chantry, which most won't find offensive, but does remind people of the Tranquils' brand. Best not to have it at the site of so many mages who were made Tranquil.

"Yes, I can say the one good thing is the warmth up north. Thankfully not desert temperatures, but mild enough." She brings her cup closer once it's filled to start adding sugar. "A city of stone is not a good place for any of the Inquisition's menagerie. I recently purchased a horse, and I was looking forward to riding him in the valley. Here he will be stuck in a stable unless I can leave on a mission."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa doesn't normally take tea with sugar or cream, preferring it plain. However, she breaks with tradition for once, adding in a small spoonful once Christine is finished with it. "There is the Wounded Coast...though I'm hold it's not exactly a place one should visit alone. A ride of either sort will definitely take more planning than before."

Stirring her tea, she takes a small sip after a moment, already feeling herself unwind a little bit. "I wanted to see you, actually. You're still working on red lyrium research, aren't you? Given our surroundings, I'm suspecting that is where I ought to turn my focus, unless I'm needed elsewhere. If you want an extra pair of hands, I'm willing to assist."

[aceso]

"Oh, no no!" she protests, even going so far as to wave a hand. "I would never take him to the Wounded Coast unless we were in a party of at least, oh... ten people. Entirely too dangerous." She's heard stories being passed around by people on the journey here, and the number of bandits and gangs has her convinced that it's not a place to go on her own for any reason.

"Indeed, I am still researching, and I would welcome the help, thank you." Christine dips her head in thanks, stirring in her sugar as well. "Samson's armor provided us with a great breakthrough. I am sure there are mysteries to uncover here that can help us even more."

[circleprodigy]

Relieved that Christine is one to take precautions regarding the coast, Inessa nods and leans back against the counter. Her acceptance prompts a smile, grateful not just for the distraction needed while adjusting to Kirkwall, but for the chance to hopefully make a difference in some respect. "I certainly hope so. The more I see of red lyrium, the more I feel driven to help eradicate it. The fact that there is so much of it here means ample opportunity for study...with all due precautions, of course."

Her mind improves with each sip, and with glances to Garahel who, moments later, is perfectly relaxed and stretched out on the floor listening to them. "What can you tell me about the armor? I know it contained red lyrium, but not how it was possible to wear it and...well, survive."

[aceso]

"Ah, as to that," Christine says, eagerly moving to the topic that has had her attention for so long, "My hypothesis is that Samson's physical appearance -- that is, in not turning monstrous -- is due to his overindulgence of regular lyrium first. Word is, he was quite the addict and even after he was thrown from the Templar Order, he did everything he could to get his hands on it. I believe that base made his transition to red lyrium smoother." She pauses to sip her tea before continuing.

"That said, the armor is remarkably well made. It is not surprising, since it was made by a Tranquil. The attention to detail can only come from such a person."

[circleprodigy]

As she listens, Inessa sips at her tea and reaches over to rub Garahel with a foot. He seems content for even the slightest bit of attention, panting and wiggling to make sure she reaches wherever he wants. "Ah, a Tranquil. That would explain much. I've seen their craftsmanship, but...they operate purely on logic, do they not? What logic is there in creating armor from such a toxic substance? Even with Samson's smoother transition, that doesn't quite add up."

[aceso]

"Because it holds power," she replies, her head tilting a little and a frown coming to her lips as an expression to show she doesn't hold any admiration for such power. It's twisted and wrong. Power for a mighty price: your body and possibly your soul.

"This Tranquil found a way to harness the power of red lyrium to benefit Samson without destroying him in the process. And by studying his armor, we finally put all the pieces together and were able to discover ways to destroy the red lyrium faster, and prevent it from returning: our runes."

[circleprodigy]

"A twisted power, with too high a price. And the destruction may not be immediate, but I can't imagine longevity is in the cards for one so garbed." Inessa sighs, not wanting to think about the effects such experimenting could have before refining the process. Stirring her tea as Garahel begins to snore, she listens without interruption, raising an eyebrow at the end. "Now that is progress, especially if it can assist with removal where we are now, or stop its advance."

At this point, they have to take what progress they can find. Anything short of others being infected might count as a win.

[aceso]

Christine really cares little for Samson's longevity, especially since he is unwilling to give up any useful information regarding red lyrium. It's unsurprising, of course, but it means not much of her research comes directly from what he knows, but what he is now.

She heaves a sigh, which in most circumstances she wouldn't release, because she must appear to be in control of a situation and not frustrated by it. Yet here in front of her rescuers, she can let down her guard a little.

"That is why I am here. Trust me, were the Inquisition not forcing me, I would have simply taught others how to set the runes and have stayed at Skyhold. But they are my creation, so I am forced to be here, and to stay here as well."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa nods, her gaze sympathetic. "I cannot fault you your reluctance. While I would not have minded a move where it nearly anywhere else, the history of this city makes it far from ideal. Perhaps when the provisional Viscount learns to trust, we might at least be able to claim residence outside our limited areas." She's thinking more of Bethany and the Hawke estate than herself, but Inessa can definitely see why anyone would be desperate not to live in the Gallows of all places.

[aceso]

"That would be something, at least." She muses over that with her cup raised to her lips, taking long sips of soothing tea. Kirkwall is a complete dump; there's no arguing that. But at least a place of her own in the city would mean she would feel more comfortable. Right now, she feels like she wants to leap out of her own skin being in this place.

"Perhaps I could find employment outside of the Gallows as well, so I am not always forced to be here. It is cruel for the Inquisition to demand this of its mages."

[circleprodigy]

Inessa sighs as she stirs her tea, more to give her hands something to do than anything else. "It is harsh, I won't pretend otherwise. At least we don't have memories of Kirkwall before to compound such issues, but that doesn't mean this easy to endure. When the bulk of the Inquisition is moved over, I suspect I'll hear of it if the Grey Wardens are taking residence elsewhere. Until then, we remain."

That's the long and short of it, for her. Whatever her thoughts on the matter, in the end it's her order that will decide and not herself. Christine will have more flexibility and for that, Inessa's grateful for her sake. "I can attempt to keep this kitchen better stocked when it comes to tea, at least. If you can afford to take a break from the Gallows, we won't mind company at the Lowtown market."

[aceso]

Inessa's words do shake Christine from her self-pitying for a moment. At least she has more choices than the Grey Warden does when it comes to where she goes and what she chooses to do. It would be worth remembering for the future. However, she doesn't make mention of this aloud, simply allows herself to feel humbled for a moment.

"I would be happy to accompany you both."




[ ooc: want to handwave lowtown shopping and wrap up? ]

[circleprodigy]

[ooc: Sure!]

"We'll be happy to have you, isn't that right, Garahel?" Inessa smiles as Garahel rouses and wags his tail a little, eager for a walk with two fine ladies. (And treats at the end of it, if he behaves.) She drains her cup, then moves to stand, feeling a little invigorated after that tea break. It may not seem like much in light of Kirkwall's numerous problems, but she'll take it.