MOD PLOT: SHOULD GLORY COME AT SUCH A PRICE, Part I

[faderifting]

WHO: The Inquisition's Minrathous delegation
WHAT: A diplomatic visit to Tevinter's capital
WHEN: Mid Solace
WHERE: Minrathous, Tevinter
NOTES: Slavery cw. OOC post here.

I. SWEET DIGS

The Archon's palace is a vast complex at the northeast of the island, buildings of stark black and white stone drawn straight up out of the ground and shaped by magic alone. Ringed by a wall of the same, it is made up of the palace proper and dozens of outbuildings, stables, barracks, baths, gardens, and the like. The Inquisition delegation is housed in the guest quarters, a single long hall in one wing of the palace. They are not its only occupants: special emissaries from the Anderfels occupy several rooms at one end of the hall, and other visitors are scattered throughout—trade envoys, out-of-town courtiers, relatives and guests of the Archon. There is also a veritable army of staff, constantly fetching, carrying, cleaning. Skyhold will have sent stern reminders for the Division Heads to pass down to the rest of the party: assume you are being watched at all times and mind your tongue accordingly.

The areas of the palace open to foreign visitors are somewhat limited: aside from the Archon's personal apartments, several wings apparently house massive bureaucracy behind the throne, and guests are not permitted without an appointment and an escort. The library and hall of treasures are free to be wandered, though they are carefully guarded against theft or vandalism, and the gardens are lovely and imposing testaments to the wonders magic can wring from nature.

II. GUIDED TOUR

The delegation's first day in Minrathous is fully booked, beginning with a guided tour after breakfast. The tour focuses on the nicer parts of the city and is led by a friendly elven mage, Caeso, who works for the Archon—someone is trying to make a point, perhaps, about how high elves can rise, as long as they're the right sort.

Minrathous is ancient, and it shows, with not even the care and pride Tevinter has in its heritage able to stave off signs of wear. The buildings are enormous and dark, made largely out of black stone and metals, but they indicate a majestic history more than a majestic present. There are also signs of magic, everywhere. The foundations of many buildings seem to have been pulled up straight from the earth, rather than built on top of it, and towers and bridges that should have collapsed ages ago are permanently enchanted to defy gravity. While he doesn't take them inside any of the buildings, Caeso points out the Argent Spire, the headquarters of the Imperial Chantry and Divine; the Minrathous Circle, the oldest in Thedas; and the Ambassadoria, where dwarven ambassadors work underground to preserve their castes. Then he guides them through a colorful central market where they're able to have lunch around a fountain and enjoy open displays of magic and enchanted objects by street performers and merchants. He's happy to answer basic questions about the city and Tevinter in general, and after lunch provides everyone with maps that are, possibly, designed for tourists who aren't particularly trusted (or aren't believed to be particularly bright). They only show significant landmarks and the streets required to reach them from the palace.

III. FANCY PARTY

That afternoon, everyone is due back in time to dress up, fix their hair, fix other people's hair as needed, and sit down for dinner with the Archon—distant, at the end of the table, and quiet—as well as a number of members of the Magisterium and other notable figures, with an over-the-top sixteen course meal served by a quiet, respectful staff that may be slaves or may be servants. Afterwards, and after a break to allow a little bit of digestion, the entire group migrates to join even more guests for an evening of music, dancing, and mingling in a ballroom adorned with floating lights.

The locals will shy away from discussing anything too sensitive, like Corypheus' origins or Tevinter religion and politics, but they'll be happy to discuss history and to ask questions of the delegation. A southerner is as rare a sight for them here are a Tevinter is in the south.

IV. FREE TIME

Under the Archon's protection as long as they remain his guests, and despite what the maps they're given might suggest, the delegation has been given more or less free rein in the capital, with only sensitive areas of the palace, naval yards, and the Circle and Spire off-limits for casual visits. Minrathous is a city like any other: tightly-packed buildings, bustling streets, opulent theaters and rundown shops, markets selling vegetables and flowers and fabrics, cafés packed with students arguing politics or beleaguered bureaucrats taking tea, pristine gardens filled with elaborate topiary, or small squares of green tucked between buildings, flowering vines draped down their walls. Of course it's also like nothing they've ever seen further south: street performers here make common use of magic, not just breathing fire but shaping it into a flock of birds or a dragon in flight. Slave markets are kept to the outskirts of the city but those near the docklands are vast and busy. In the harbor, among the forest of masts of trading vessels from every corner of Thedas, sits the Imperial Navy, four ships always on guard at the broad mouth of the harbor, a reminder that this is a nation at war.

Outside of specific missions, everyone is free to wander the city and explore, though they are given strict instructions to stay out of trouble—no matter what. They are also asked to keep their eyes and ears open as they do, to mingle and talk with anyone who seems willing, and to keep watch for anything unique on sale in the markets. Rare books, unknown potions, unusual enchanted objects should all be purchased if spotted: this may be the Inquisition's only opportunity to get its hands on the wealth of magical and historical knowledge hoarded by Tevinter (and reimbursements will be offered, within reason).

Potential agents are another invaluable commodity, and the delegation is charged with taking note of anyone who seems sympathetic to the Inquisition's cause and bringing their names and information to the attention of the Scoutmaster and her aides. Those capable of carefully sussing out the depth of that interest are to do so, but given the delicacy of the situation everyone should proceed with the utmost caution, and under no circumstances is any non-member of the Inquisition—no matter how friendly—to be trusted.

Comments

[circleprodigy]

Inessa doesn't move away, she just takes care to remind herself that there have to be limits, for now. It's not an easy thing to live with, when comfort is needed in more than the verbal sense. "It must be strange for you, here. You may be noble, but you're not a mage, not an altus. Your influence is not much better, in some respects." It's a different sort of Grand Game, and one that seems -as in Orlais- something impossible to master unless one is born to it. But if they can get something out of this aside from their lives, bodies and souls intact, it'll be worthwhile.

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain is already wondering if there's any chance they might find some secluded area to be together, alone, at some point. Or will it really have to wait for the return trip? How annoying. He's not about to push their luck here, of course, though. He nods agreement. There are some respects where he doesn't have it as bad as her, given the way they treat elves here. But the non-mage thing is still a disadvantage, one he'd never faced before.

"It's very strange. I've never been the best at the Game, even after growing up in it back home... but this is something else entirely. I'm afraid none of us will likely master its rules before we leave... though we'll have to do our best anyway. I haven't heard any fights breaking out yet, nor caused any myself, so we may still be in good standing so far."

[circleprodigy]

"I'm still holding my breath on that. The presence of slaves, mages among the elite...it's too potent a combination for someone with more zeal than sense to lose their temper over it. If we leave without a major incident, then the Maker is truly looking out for us." Inessa shakes her head wearily, definitely pessimistic about their chances. "I understand, to an extent, but losing our tempers will do absolutely nothing to improve conditions, and possibly endanger our own chances. Would that some could remember this."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Making a face, Kain nods. He certainly doesn't agree with the ways of Tevinter, and he's sure he's not alone in scrutinizing any servants who are around, wondering which are free or enslaved. He's able to keep his thoughts to himself, but it might be only a matter of time before someone with too much drink in them gets all stirred up...

"Hopefully the more volatile among us chose to stay back in Kirkwall. We really can't afford any problems, here. I just hope our more skilled diplomats are making progress tonight." This kind of event is ideal for those involved with that division, after all. Though he's pretty sure Tevinter is a challenge even for them.

[circleprodigy]

"Maker help them, I don't envy that uphill battle." Inessa shakes her head, then glances back to the thankfully empty doorway behind them. "No armor, no mabari...how early do you think we can depart without it being considered an insult?"

[in_death_sacrifice]

"These are both things that I can't do without for long. We're not as important as some to this particular assignment, are we? I'm sure we wouldn't be missed if we were to make an earlier exit than some." Kain is pretty certain of this fact, really. There are others who are taking more of the lead here, after all.

[circleprodigy]

Inessa hesitates, clearly tempted but also not wanting to undermine the Inquisition's efforts in Tevinter. Their long evening had better be worthwhile, or the entire trip would be a waste. "Earlier, yes...but not too early. We'll have head back in there, gauge the mood, and watch for when others do the same. If we're the first ones departing, it would likely be a faux-pas. Observe those more familiar with this setting and follow their lead."

[in_death_sacrifice]

Kain nods agreement. Inessa can sometimes be a lot better at this sort of social strategy than him, even if he's the one more practiced in it in certain ways. She's right, of course. They have to do this carefully. "I certainly don't want to be the one who ruins the Inquisition's chances here by something as stupid as leaving a little too early. Then it's settled. We'll keep an eye out and only leave once others are starting to."