We come from the land of the ice and snow

[faderifting]

WHO: Open to all
WHAT: Thedas' strange new guests are delivered to Skyhold
WHEN: 25 Harvestmere (October)
WHERE: Skyhold main gate & courtyard
NOTES: This is Part I of a two-part intro event, Part II will be posted tomorrow.

A long uphill tromp through the snowy mountains ends at Skyhold, the distant fortress finally before them in all its tumble-down glory. There is time to admire the drop into the river gorge far below as they cross the only bridge into the castle; it is briefly backed up with traffic, several carts bearing supplies and visitors stalled as the portcullis is raised. Those coming to help catalog and unload the shipment and greet the guests, or otherwise present near the front courtyard, will find themselves witness to a far more interesting arrival.

Guards at the gate carry the word quickly, and more gather, though they make no move to imprison the strange people who fell out of a rift. They just line the perimeter and keep a close watch. Perhaps this adds a level of tension to this first encounter, but it also reassures the many who are unsettled by the uncertain turn of events and keeps in check those who might attack first and ask questions later. Others will no doubt soften the Inquisition's first impression, offering food, information, and other assistance.

Medical attention is available in the tented-encircled corner of the courtyard where the wounded from Haven are still treated. The quartermaster's assistant is called upon to provide spare odds and ends of clothing to those in need, and to issue blankets for all, though they are left to fend for themselves to find places to sleep.

Any mage willing to help is called in to do so and a cluster forms in one side of the courtyard to examine the rifters. They are objects of curiosity in general, but the marks on their hands are of particular interest, resembling smaller slivers of the Herald's famous mark. Despite their best efforts, no mage will be able to provide any real insight after this initial assessment. What the rifters and their marks are is a question they cannot answer today.

But one question is answered: in the midst of all the commotion, another Inquisition agent arrives from Haven, rushing in red-faced to announce that the Herald's body has finally been found.


OOC

It will be decided (partly for OOC reasons, admittedly) that the rifters will not be imprisoned at this point, but they will be watched carefully, and the guards are on alert for any strange behavior by people with glowing hands or strange attire. And of course, their freedom can be revoked at any time if they're deemed a danger. Though there are some OOC considerations at play here, you're welcome to ICly lobby for more or less freedom for the rifters, and things may change based on IC action/consensus.

Also: Part II, aka the log for the funeral/wake/etc. event, will go up tomorrow!

Comments

[gatheringstorm]

"I definitely prefer fainting to smiting. Less messy." Korrin smirks as she glances around the area. "If anyone uses this as an opportunity to stir up trouble against our new guests, I might have to do it anyway. But I'm lazy tonight, so forgive me if I don't get a head start."

[ombranera]

"So far no one seems to be troubling them. If that changes I'll be sure you are the first to know." Anyone else he'd dissuade with a flick of a walnut in their direction. Stealing attention usually dissolves some conflicts before they begin. Usually.

[gatheringstorm]

"Good. I may not know what to think of them just yet, but anyone can see they've been through enough crap lately. Adding to that is just...crass." And Korrin sees no pleasure in punching down, especially not when plenty of those people had been eager to help in a point of crisis.

[ombranera]

"I cannot imagine how difficult it might be to wake in a new world you neither understand nor care for. And here we are in the middle of a crisis- finding them a way home may not be a priority for some time." Especially with the marks.

[gatheringstorm]

"When you put it that way, maybe they deserve a free round. I just happened to be there and I needed something badly afterward." Though she's not sharing the wonderful brandy in her hand, that's for certain. Korrin rarely gets a chance to splurge and besides, there isn't enough to go around.

[ombranera]

"I have been passing along what I find as needed." Some seem in better spirits than others, but who is he to judge? "For now, I think you have more than earned this. Demons are no easy thing to battle."

[gatheringstorm]

"Isn't that the truth. You'd think the Fade would eventually run out, it seems like we've fought all it has to offer." If only. Let Korrin have her fantasies. "Tell you what, if it's you out there next time instead, I'll repay the favor with this or something else a cut above the normal stuff."

[ombranera]

"We have a deal." He taps their glasses together to seal it rather than shaking hands- that was for business partners. This was for friends- well. Light friends. Easy friends. Comfortable associates.