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faderift2018-07-17 09:02 pm
faderifting) wrote in faderift2018-07-17 09:02 pm
MOD PLOT: SHOULD GLORY COME AT SUCH A PRICE, Part I
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.
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.
no subject
[ Her fists clench. For a moment, she genuinely considers punching him in his shapely bloody jaw. ]
You can help by going down there and ordering all those slaves released from the marketplace.
no subject
What?
[ D'Artagnan blinks. How in God's name is he supposed to--?
But he's not, is he. Because he's not himself, of course he's not. He curses, inwardly. Now that he's actually remembered, he's going to have to play the damned part. Thankfully, he doesn't expect Benedict would want her to make a scene any more than he would himself, though for very different reasons. He makes his accent more polished. His imitation isn't perfect, but practice has made it decent, and he clearly looks the part already. He presses his lips together. ]
You know perfectly well that's not how it works. [ That's good, he thinks. He should maybe sound a little more superior. Also, more narcissistic. He straightens his shoulders, standing taller, and downgrades his voice to a fierce whisper. ] You're not here to change how we do things. You are here because the Inquisition permits it. Don't let your vanity ruin all our hard work.
[ The words are sour in his mouth. He hates seeing the display of slavery as much as she does, despite it being technically legal in France, too. Even so, it wouldn't look like it does here. Still, that isn't the point of this mission, and they can't afford to step out of line. Rifters, in particular, cannot afford to step out of line. ]
I hope this is okay xoxo
She slaps him, viciously, across the face. Using all her strength. Her hand hurts like hell after she does, and it's not like the slap did anything to change the state of the world, but oh, it does make her feel a little better. ]
How you do things is wicked and inhumane.
I love it it's perfect!
Ouch.
He probably deserved that. Also, this is miserable. He turns back to her, aware of people looking, and one or two starting to move closer. He acts on instinct, less thoughtful about his words, but he does reach to try and grab her upper arm. ]
For God's sake, I'm trying to help you. [ Muttered, fiercely, under his breath. ] Come with me before you hang us all. They're watching, Kitty.
no subject
Fine.
[ And she stalks forward in some random direction, hoping there's some privacy that way. ]
no subject
One can hope.
He follows Kitty, not quite catching up with her until they round a corner away from the crowd, and then he hurries to walk alongside.
He has to be careful what he says. ]
I don't blame you for hating what you saw. Considering that, the more influence the Inquisition can have here the better, don't you think? We must take care.
...but still, I know you're upset. I know it's hard, and I'm sorry for that.
no subject
[ Kitty barks out a harsh, incredulous laugh. ]
You're complicit in all of this. What good is a sorry?
no subject
[ He stops himself before he can issue that denial. Much as it sounds him to speak otherwise, he has to. He must maintain the ruse, even if it provokes Kitty's ire. He's aware that he looks flustered. Hopefully that will add to the effect. Benedict often seems to look flustered when he's being disagreed with. ]
Sorry is as good as you'll get. Even were I inclined to, I can't simply walk up there and order the slaves to be freed. I'm an ambassador to the Inquisition, not a monarch. I am subject to the laws of my land, as are you while you're in it. Behave like you understand that, and maybe we'll get somewhere.
[ Surely that sounds haughty enough. He is in fact half expecting her to hit him again, so this time he stands ready to dodge. Just in case. ]