Blood Magic - 101

[judgemewhole]

WHO: James Norrington, and YOU.
WHAT: Norrington gets ambushed, for information.
WHEN: Currently
WHERE: Norrington's 'office' (aka the table he's secured outside his tent to write reports)
NOTES: Warnings for blood magic, irritated Templar and probable Mage and Templar politics abounding, as well as people asking silly questions

Honestly, he really should have seen this coming. He was a known Templar Knight Commander - he had been hunting blood mages for nearly fifteen years now. His name were on several papers on Maelficarium, and he had trained Knights all over the Free Marches and even as far away as Orlais and Fereldan on how to properly hunt and kill blood mages.

Certainly, people were going to know of him. Certainly people were going to ask him about his past experiences. It was inevitable.

What he did not expect that was after coming in at the tail-end of an abomination attack to be bombarded by questions about blood magic - from soldiers down to the common folk. They crowded around him now, and you could just hear his voice over the fray of questions, stern and sometimes even caustic.

" -- NO I am not here to execute all the apprentice mages! One of them slipped - one. That does not mean the rest of them are suddenly going to start slicing open their wrists! They are children, they are learning. Is there a danger? Yes, but I sincerely doubt any of the mages here is blatantly teaching them ancient mind control rituals... "

There was a fast murmur of questions and then Norrington's voice could be heard again. "... No. You cannot do blood magic simply by cutting your finger and cursing. If that was the case every cook in the history of Thedas would be a blood mage. There are practices that someone must follow to use blood magic. If not, that is how we get abominations and demons from those failed spells."

Another fast and loud rat-a-tat of questions, and Norrington could be seen rubbing his face, "... No, not every blood mage is a Tevinter. Nor are they all Dalish. No, the Dalish do not practice sacrificing babies with Tevinter magisters -- do you know what the majority of the slave trade is? Yes, then it stands to reason that the Dalish and the Tevinter Magisters are Not In Cahoots. And NO the Dalish are not aiding Corpheyus with their tattoos -- their tattoos are not blood magic!"

Clearly, this is going well. So if you wish to help Norrington -- or just add more fuel to the fire -- please, feel free to stop by.

Comments

[mythalenaste]

Hunts blood mages, does he? Pel didn't know that. If she had, she would have been warier. Any time someone hunts a particular type of person, warning flags go up. That Pel personally refuses to practice blood magic means little here--Norrington could murder perfectly good people and say it was the right thing to do, because of a technicality. People are not for hunting.

She hears him defend the Dalish...sort of. When there's a lull, she locks gazes with him, then approaches slowly, reluctantly.

"You really hunted people?" she asks lowly.

[judgemewhole]

He does, in fact, hunt blood mages. He has never been ashamed of that - in fact for him it is a matter of honor, and of justice. That he firmly has to explain what blood magic is to these people is alarming. Maker knows how many innocent people could be painted with a maelficarium brush if he didn't get them some proper education --

He doesn't know enough about the Dalish - just yet - to properly defend them but he knows that the Dalish do practice blood rituals. He also knows that they slay their own abominations and are firm about how they handle mages in their clans. So he leaves them be - it is safer that way.

When he has finally gotten through to these people about what blood magic is - and is not - he looks up to find Pel looking at him.

It actually hurts to see that look in her eyes, a look of distrust. Still, he is what he is. "I hunt maelficarium. Dangerous blood mages - those who openly sacrifice themselves and other people for power." He snorted softly, rubbing a hand over his stubble. "I hunt those who have clearly lost control of themselves - not a mage who threw a fireball to protect himself from a riot."

[mythalenaste]

All right. All right, that makes her chest ease. She nods understanding, and takes a step closer.

"It's just...easy to take things too far. When you say you'll hunt those who need hunting, it's easier and easier to add to the pile of who needs hunting. Elves die that way all the time."

[fleurdesel]

'Quite a stir' Roul said. This wasn't a 'stir', this was a riot waiting to happen. It didn't occur to Adelaide at the time exactly who she'd treated upon Norrington's arrival, she didn't think anything of this particular group of templars but in the light of day, with the crowd surging about his desk and he trying to sense it was difficult to not.

"That is enough." No clack of her staff on the flagstones, but her voice was sharp and carried through the din. "The Knight-Commander Norrington is here to aide the Inquisition. Not to slaughter apprentices or shackle Dalish Mages. If you've concerns of either- speak to the Mage Council. It is why we are here."

[judgemewhole]

Heads turned towards Adelaide's voice, as did Norrington's. He shot her a grateful look, before he frowned at the crowd's reaction. Some looked unsure, even more looked uneasy. Many even came closer to him, and it occurred to him that now it was less of a mob that there were young mages in the crowd who moved towards Adelaide.

Oh no, he was not going to have innocent children hurt. So he pushed through the crowd, to put himself at Adelaide's side. "She is correct. I am here to aid the Inquisition, and that means I am here to aid the Mage's Council as well. Clearly, the abomination was a horrible accident - but it was an accident. I know the Mage Council is working now with the Inquisition Advisors and within their own ranks to solve this problem - fairly and justly."

He put a hand on his blade hilt, his green eyes looking over all the people here. "The Templars are here to protect you from the dangers of magic - from things like Corpheyus. Clearly Lady LeBlanc agrees ... and the ... New Templar Order - " which he was going to have to talk to Alayre and Maria about creating about five minutes from now, " - and the Mage Council will be working together to educate you all on the dangers of real blood magic abuse."

[fleurdesel]

Every apprentice that came to her was reason enough to hold her ground. This was what came of being some manner of public official; this was what Vivienne warned her of, schooled her for in her own way; what her mother had wanted for her. Unprepared as she might be for the role she took it all the same. To the apprentices she softened her gaze, gentled her voice. Told them quietly to return to their studies or wait for her in the garden if they had further questions.

Much as it was her favored place to meditate it served as a stark reminder as to why they all needed to take care. Why they did, in some way, need the skills of the templars.

To the crowd and to Norrington, she remained firm. Unyielding. Comfortable now that this was a question of education- for that was where she spent most of her adult life. Educating. "Cone with your questions- what we need to address and need to refute, what we must explain may not be what we think to write- we have been told these truths and educated for the entirety of our lives; we do not know our fears as well as you. Ask and you shall be answered."

[aestimo]

Emmeline doesn't contribute to any of the antics of the crowd, but slowly starts pushing a few of them away before any of them get too violent. Not saying that anyone deserves it, but a mob against one man who was probably just doing his job isn't right at all.

When the majority of the crowd disperses, she stays behind and studies him for a moment before speaking up. "Shall we start setting up crowd control? We can form a line. I can make a sign, if you wish it."

[judgemewhole]

Norrington put his hands across his face, rubbing it vigorously before he gave her a dry look. A pretty enough young woman, to be sure, and witty at that. He's not sure if he's grateful for wit or just wants to bang his head into a wall.

"There should be two lines - Practical Questions and Why Would You Think That." He stated wryly, "And have I not answered your question, or are you interested in the process?"

[aestimo]

"Oh no, I had no questions." She starts, moving herself away from where she had been standing to in front of the table he had set himself up at. "You're a Templar. You do your duty, you hunt mages down that need help and that's that. There's no questions needed."

She digs the heel of her boot into the ground, marking lines. "So one line for smart and sensible questions and another for stupid ones. Got it."

Probably the day of her return?

[gatheringstorm]

Korrin usually gives templars a wide berth, not needing or wanting anything from them and mindful of the Council's edict about not seeking trouble. She has no intention of drawing the wrong sort of attention down upon her fellow mages, though if any templar starts something, all bets are off. When the Knight-Commander is initially pestered as she passes through the area, Korrin tenses a bit, not expecting anything but trouble for it.

Still, his words catch her attention and she pauses to continue listening. Having thought that every Templar would mark the recent incident as an excuse to treat mages poorly, hearing his defense is a pleasant surprise. Defending the Dalish as well is an eyebrow-raiser, and she steps in a little closer to hear more.

The rest, regarding blood magic, prompts an eyeroll from the Vashoth mage as she crosses her arms. For once, it isn't directed at a templar but the idiotic questions surrounding him. "Perhaps a public service announcement over the sending crystal is due? Otherwise, you'll be answering misconceptions about blood magic forever. While you're at it, 'apostate' doesn't equal 'blood mage' and vice versa. You don't need to have been in a Circle to know that anyone who resorts to it is a fucking moron." Not that anyone's been dumb enough to call her a blood mage to her face, but she knows that's a common mistake.

Probably the day of her return?

[judgemewhole]

Clearly there are far, far too many people here who are not not well educated on the ins and outs of certain kinds of magic. Norrington is, when he is spoken to, writing down a list of things that he is going to start educating the masses about - up to and including how to recognize blood mages.

He looks up at her question, then double-takes. A Qunari -- and not just any kind of Qunari, a mage. Maker's Breath. He pauses, before dryly responding, "Once I have all the facts ready -- I'll post a report to the entirety of the hold. There are some gross misinterpretations." He shook his head a little, as he continued to write, "And apostates are not blood mages. They are ... well, traveling magical bums, but they are not dangerous." He paused, and added, "Or are in danger from ignorance like that, come to think of it. I should make clear the difference."

[gatheringstorm]

And suddenly Korrin's reminded of why she practically never takes the initiative in talking to templars in the first place. Even when they think they're being civil, something insulting always manages to slip out. Her tone matches his for dryness, keeping her temper in check but not about to let that remark go without a response.

"How very kind of you to note that. Just keep in mind that plenty of 'traveling magical bums' like myself have been working tirelessly for the Inquisition ever since the Breach, going where we're needed when we're not sitting on the Mage Council. We've contributed as much as anyone else, and that's not going to stop."

[onlyhymns]

Although he doesn't contribute to the conversation, Cade stands back from Norrington's shoulder and is little more than a silent, vigilant presence in case anything should get out of hand. He is also listening very intently, because a lot of this is news to him.

[judgemewhole]

When it is all said and done, Norrington lets out a long and heavy sigh, before he pulls out some parchment and grabs for his quill and ink. Clearly, there was a lot of work to be done - for all of their sakes. Education on magical defense and what were the dangerous schools of magic were absolutely critical. People had no idea what they were doing, what it would be affecting ...

He looked over at Cade, who had remained silent through most of this, "Lieutenant ... you're looking decidedly puzzled."

[onlyhymns]

Cade blinked, surprised at being called out, and shook his head. "Misconceptions, ser," he replied seriously.

[middle_of_calibrating]

It had been the boisterous crowd that had grabbed his attention at first and the subject matter second. A Templar clearing up misconceptions about blood magic. Well that was a first - at least for him - actually seeing a Templar defend mages and clearing up such things. Back in Kirkwall he had gotten used to men of the Order assuming any mage outside the Circle was practicing blood magic and what not.

He's curious, but not interested in joining the crowd, taking up a seat on a nearby bench to listen and see how things play out. The curiosity grows when he actually sees Emmeline come up and help with the crowd, and... was she flirting with this guy? Looked like it from here, but she was a big girl, she could handle herself. Still, seemed like he would have to keep an eye on this Norrington.

Once the crowds have all but cleared, Garris makes himself known, arms crossed, head tilted as he tries and get a read on the guy. "Man, they would have loved you back in Kirkwall."

[judgemewhole]

Norrington already has a stack of paper and he is writing furiously - missives to be sent to the other Templars, a notice to be put up, everything he can think of that the public should know about the Order and the mages. Honestly there are so many gross miscalculations he's honestly afraid of what the people are going to do the next time there's a magical accident, or a templar incident.

The man speaking to him jerks his attention clean away, however. Green eyes narrow, as his face flushes red with sudden anger. "In Kirkwall, I would have hung every single mage-abusing Knight from the ramparts and put Knight Commander Meredith on trial in front of the entire damned city."

[middle_of_calibrating]

"And Captain Vallen would have just loved the public unrest you would've brought with that," he says with amused sarcasm. If he ever set foot back into Kirkwall it would be one day too soon, but that being said he did miss the red-headed Guard Captain. What an interesting life she must have lived trying to keep the piece while knowing the Champion of Kirkwall.

"So what brings you here, Knight Commander?"

[foodsofmypeople]

As much as he appreciated this Templar's attempts to explain what had happened with the apprentice, Kaidan was somewhat amused by his attempts at placating the audience. Of course, he couldn't talk. Not only had Wardens used blood magic regularly in the past for varying reasons - you couldn't stop a blight, or do your job without at least acknowledging that sometimes it was necessary, his brothers and sisters were wholesale engaging in it in an effort to stop Corypheus. It was enough to make him glad he didn't use magic - much.

"Awwww. And I liked the stories about the Dalish practising sacrifices with Tevinter magisters. What else am I supposed to laugh about at night now?"

[judgemewhole]

Norrington was rubbing his eyes again, because honestly the peanut gallery had not helped him a wit in this situation. Well, outside of the charming young woman and Pel. Still, the look towards the young man was decidedly dry.

"Well, you could always laugh about the pure absurdity of superior mage-templar children."

[foodsofmypeople]

His job here was done if he'd not helped at all. He'd been far too long on the road by himself, any opportunity for wit in company was to be taken.

"And here was me thinking that mage-templar children were an impossibility. At least, that's what they always rammed down your throat in the circle, if I remember rightly."

[arcaneadvisor]

Time since her arrival has been busy, much to plan, much to do, a small boy to settle, gracious overtures to make with rebuilding the garden from her own personal stock. The timing was unfortunate, though better to hear of it herself within the walls before it began to spread elsewhere as such a tale surely would, only growing grander and darker in the telling as it marched through Ferelden and beyond.

Ignorance regarding magic never fails to surprise her. Disappoint her, yes, always, but such is the way of the world ever since they burned Andraste on her pyre and began writing her larger and more golden than she was. It doesn't mean she's going to aid a Templar, not entirely as she lingers on the outskirts, a smirk pulling one corner of her mouth up.

"Vallaslin does mean blood writing, when translated from the elven tongue, you are aware of this, yes? And that what blood magic is varies vastly from person to person though I doubt most here would know a hedge mage from that old crone in the village that delivers their babes and is charged with consorting with demons when one inevitably dies and the mother with it."

[judgemewhole]

Norrington has sat down with pen and paper, and is writing furiously on several different fronts at once. He barely looks up from what he is doing to focus on the woman in front of him as she enters his peripheral vision, but her words draw him out of his concentration. A frown pulled his lips, and he tipped his head to the side.

"I did not know that -- but I wouldn't bring that up too loudly. I don't want the Dalish harrassed unduly, since I do know vallaslin is in fact, just a special kind of ink." An aggravated sigh passed his lips,, "And I fear you are only too correct, madam. Something that must be corrected immediately. It is too dangerous for these people to be living with these misconceptions, especially when we are all on top of one another like this."

[madame_de_fer]

The benefit of being known as Madame de Fer is the widespread recognition of being a hardass. Maintaining an intimidating and imposing image and reputation is a useful tool which she never hesitates to use to her own ends. So when the Iron Lady deigns to abandon her balcony to investigate the outdoor disturbance of ignorant commoners, people sit up and pay attention to see where she's going and why. A few curious folk actually follow behind in her wake to watch.

She lingers at just enough of a distance to hear what's being said and Norrington's increasingly frustrated replies. The poor man being hounded so. Well that's quite enough of that. All she has to do is walk closer to the source of the rabble and an uneasy hush falls. One or two ridiculous questions get started until someone elbows the idiot speaker. Talk then drops to whispers, nervous, gossipy: she'll turn you into ice if she's angry, I heard she conjures her own blade, didn't she kill that abomination? Remarkable what a little fear will do for the ill-educated and superstitious.

Vivienne coldly looks over the crowd, intense in her lineface, passing judgement on them all collectively. "I believe we all have more productive uses to our time than harassing the Knight-Commander with our ignorance." Mannerless morons.

It's effective enough. Many fall completely silent, waiting and watching to see if the Templar will put the mage in her place. Some are too frightened of Vivienne to retort or stay, lest she enchant them or worse. Others are shamed enough to shuffle off. At least it diminishes the crowd the man will have to deal with. Satisfied with her handiwork, Vivienne turns a warm smile to Norrington, "Now then, my dear, I came to see if there were any way I could be of assistance."

[judgemewhole]

Norrington raised both eyebrows at the way the common people suddenly started to simply ... well, not speak. He was surprised up until the moment he recognized the woman bearing her staff as if she were in fact, the Empress of Orlais herself. In some circles, she was considered secondary only to, in fact. Of course, there were few who knew her humbler origins, and Norrington was one of those.

Which meant when she approached, he knew to bow as if he would any noblewoman, hand over his chest, deep and low. "I thank Madame Vivienne for her ... timely interruption, and, no, you can offer me no assistance." He straightened, then paused, "I am not sure you would recall me, Madame Vivienne. We only spoke in passing terms, and I once escorted you back to your carriage, after you visited with First Enchanter Lydia, in Ostwick?"