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Fade Rift Mods ([personal profile] faderifting) wrote in [community profile] allthisshitisweird2021-10-02 11:29 pm
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TEST DRIVE MEME!

TEST DRIVE MEME

While in some alternate, tidier timeline, the War against the Elder One ended years ago, you're not in that timeline. It's 9:47, and the war continues. An enemy force partially occupies Orlais and has decimated several Marcher Cities, while the Chantry, aided by the Inquisition, has marshaled Orlais and the faithful of Southern Thedas into a new Exalted March against the army of demon-bound Wardens, Red Templars, Venatori loyalists, and darkspawn Corypheus has amassed. Rifts are still scattered across the continent, periodically spitting out strangers from strange worlds with green-glowing anchors embedded in their hands. There's no Herald of Andraste to save Thedas. Someone else is going to have to do it.

You're part of (or allied with, recently hired by, imprisoned by, etc.) a newer organization that's an offshoot of the Inquisition, dubbed Riftwatch, that consists mainly of these otherworldly new arrivals, rebels and Wardens, and other people who want to prevent the apocalypse without necessarily marching under the Chantry's banner to do it. Their headquarters is an island fortress called the Gallows—formerly a Circle of Magi, more formerly a prison for slaves, but its new occupants have done a good job removing the more grotesque reminders of that past and making the place livable. Their goal is to do what the Chantry can't or won't do, to go more directly after Corypheus and the dark magic he employs, and to keep the Veil from coming apart entirely.

Maybe you're here because you want to help. Maybe you need the money (though there isn't much of it). Maybe you acquired an anchor and sticking around is the only way to prevent your hand from killing you. Maybe you've been sent by the Chantry or some other entity to keep an eye on everyone—they're rumored to be a lot of weirdos and troublemakers. Or maybe you're a new rifter and just going where the nice people with swords tell you that you need to go.


I. THE SIEGE OF STARKHAVEN: North of Kirkwall, Corypheus' forces have occupied Hasmal, laid waste to Tantervale, and has now besieging the city of Starkhaven. An army of Marchers led by Sebastian Vael has returned from the Exalted March to press against the Tevinter force, but Riftwatch's aid is still needed. With the assistance of Riftwatch's griffons, you might be doing aerial surveillance of the enemy force or swooping into the city to provide supplies and news to the people holding the walls, then bringing news and valuables back out to deliver to the Marcher force outside. Or you could be engaging directly by harassing enemy camps from the air or dealing with mages the Marchers are less equipped to face.

II. THE WAKING SEA: When Riftwatch isn't traveling by air (or magic mirror), it frequently travels by sea, courtesy of allied pirate ships. So welcome aboard. The sea is choppy and frequently violent—violent storms, violent enemy ships, or both at once—and the crew may not have much patience for incompetence, so either make yourself useful above or try not to get sick below.

III. KIRKWALL: Even when enormous evil darkspawn are trying to take over the known world and you and your colleagues might be the only ones who can truly stop him, you can't work all the time. And when you aren't working, Kirkwall is there for you with its dingy Lowtown taverns, its flashy Hightown establishments, its market stalls and street musicians and cellars hosting gamblers. (Or maybe you can work all the time, and you're in the city to do some official shopping, try to spy on a suspicious character, or show a potential financial backer a good time.)

IV. SEND A MESSAGE: Each member of Riftwatch (or rifter, or ally) is assigned a blue crystal, small enough to wear around the neck, that can transmit voice messages, as well as an enchanted book tied to that crystal that can be used to exchange written messages. They're secure enough to discuss the war, if you'd like to get down to business, but loosely controlled enough to ask a question or play a game with only a few rolled eyes from people who hate fun.

V. WILDCARD: From the Gallows' library to the pirate islands off the coast, from Hightown's high-priced market stalls to the bloody frontlines of the war, Thedas is yours to explore.

dastardly: (042)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-19 12:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Not for the first time since their journey began, Josias thinks he should have left her at home. There are selfish reasons for the idea, trailing along two steps behind her as she examines the rooms. Yes, they're perhaps a little small for two, but for one, they would be adequate. He could have the run of the place. Have real privacy, far from his father or any other eyes. And he most definitely would not have to see that ghastly tapestry she's talking about ever again.

The real truth of the thought is this, though: she would be happier. Simply and completely, happier there and without him.

But it's done now. They are here.

He makes an appropriately distracted sound of assent, frowning at the ornate plasterwork frame of the archway between the rooms as if he's noticed a crack or defect. "Whatever you think is best, dear."
dastardly: (132)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-19 01:11 pm (UTC)(link)
It's already been interesting to see the mix of people that have some involvement in Riftwatch, to observe the types and number of supplies being carried in. This fellow is no different, an easily noticeable noble's bearing about him with none of the other showy hallmarks.

At the question, Josias stares at him like he's completely forgotten the answer. A slightly frantic glance at the pack under his arm and then at the letter in his hand seem to dislodge the words, offered as apologetically as his previous smile had been.

"Trade and shipping. It is the family business." There should be some pride behind that statement. Instead it's said like a practiced line, rolled out whenever suitable.
altusimperius: (toldja)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-19 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Watching him patiently as he stumbles, Benedict raises his eyebrows-- he's encountered types like this before, and has learned to wait them out.

"Ah. Come on then." He beckons with his head, indicating that Josias should follow him towards the central tower. "Do you fight? Or are you more about talking?" On second thought, "or just listening."
dastardly: (133)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-19 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a bit of a mad scrabble at the beckoning, Josias trying to pick up the pack at his feet with the wrong hand, almost dropping the other. But he manages quickly enough, just in time to shake his head quite emphatically in response to fighting.

"Oh, no." He looks even more terrified at the thought. Not entirely a charade. Fights are usually something he manages to avoid. "Listening. And books. Bookkeeping, that is."

Here, a tiny note of hope in his voice. The tone of a man that would prefer to be left alone in a room with the accounts and not bothered with anything else, thanks.
altusimperius: (wat)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-19 11:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Then Research, maybe," Bene hums, "you'll want to talk to Provost Stark, he can set you on an assignment. Or I suppose if you'd rather just... do clerical work for someone else, there's that too. Spymaster Yseult is in charge of Scouting, if you've a knack for eavesdropping."
elegiaque: (097)

[personal profile] elegiaque 2022-07-19 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Gwenaëlle is not under the impression that she's particularly intimidating, or that most people take her particularly seriously on first blush. There are a hundred reasons not to, and she's cognizant of probably two thirds of them at least; however sincerely she might mean I was absolutely going to stab someone if I spent ten more minutes in there, there's no real point to saying so.

It wouldn't be a threat, per se; an honest assessment of how badly she wanted out of that crowd, and the risks she's willing to take in exchange. The likelihood it just sounds like a spoiled child trying to wear a costume of intimidation, however, is not worth the satisfaction of expressing three nights worth of raw nerved aggravation. Instead—

“If you don't feel safe getting into the carriage with me,” with a quirk of her mouth as a fine, de Coucy liveried vehicle draws alongside and she bounces up onto it's step to open the door herself, “I'll understand.”

Which is more obviously a joke. She's not foolish enough not to think she's in no danger, making the invitation; it's just worth it.
foolsmakeitcolder: (12)

[personal profile] foolsmakeitcolder 2022-07-20 09:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jude's smile settles, his dark eyes steady on Loki's face. The kind of grief that still hits him sideways, then. Complicated, and not to be overthought.]

I'm glad she did.

[He's glad she did. That she knew to teach him, that Loki learned, that he still carries that memory with him. That it's his, now, to do with as he wills, and remember as he likes.

He doesn't press, though- instead he tilts his head, letting the words settle between them.]


No longer, huh?
dastardly: (055)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-21 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"I--" Cut off in uncertainty, both prospects sounding badly suited, but also a more general confusion. It hovers for a moment, unspoken but present, as he perhaps grapples with phrasing or words or just speaking in general.

"Are you saying I choose?"

He sounds utterly bewildered by the idea, as if it not only doesn't make sense to him in the present circumstances of Riftwatch, but life in general.
altusimperius: (wasnt me)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-21 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Poor fellow. He brings to mind Allumin when they first met, and Bene feels a little pang of loss, but overrides it in favor of paying attention.

"...yes?"
dastardly: (015)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-21 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Interesting, and brings to question how organised Riftwatch is. Easier to judge once he has a better understanding of their membership, between volunteers, those afflicted like himself, and the much-gossiped-about 'Rifters'.

Of course, though, Josias' face crumbles like that's the worst reply he could have received, because it absolutely is. He looks down at the letter now a little scrunched in his hand, and at the hand in question.

"I would prefer not to," he manages, eyes downcast, any steel in his tone sounding as forceful as wet paper. Disagreement clearly isn't a strong suit. "I am here because this happened to me. By choice I would be at home." Actually quite true, though he can't deny his rampant growing curiosity.

"No, please just have me assigned where it is best."
altusimperius: (the fuq)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-21 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Bene cants his head slightly, narrowing his eyes at this pitiful sight. It has to be a joke, doesn't it? Is somebody making fun of him? He glances furtively around, but when there's no evidence of foul play, he focuses back on the retiring figure before him.

"I-... that's. Not. My job," he stammers, rather unsure of how to proceed, "...let's, uh... let's say Research, then. You can always change later, if you hate it."
dastardly: (077)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-21 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Shadows and the mask hide the rise of his eyebrows as the carriage draws up, incredulous at the display. Who courts one of the more risk-enwreathed smugglers in the city and then leads them on trot like this? It's ridiculous, and also, specifically to Josias, enthralling. Like a treasure hunt, or the best stories, he has taken two steps in but now simply must know what's at the end, despite (or perhaps because of) how dangerous it may be.

It helps, of course, that he knows he has people tailing him.

"I don't," he replies cheerfully, but is stepping up to get in regardless.
dastardly: (148)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-21 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
It's not quite clear from that response if this is a further indication of Riftwatch's organisational structure, or this specific fellow's character, that he would state first that something was not his job and yet not then seek out someone whose job it was. Bemusing, Josias thinks. Well, at least this way he'll get to find out what Research actually entails, even if the eavesdropping suggestion had sounded slightly delightful.

He nods, looking relieved. "Agreed," he says, as though this was a making of a deal which needed some kind of signing to close. "Thank you."
icasm: (with a perfect view)

[personal profile] icasm 2022-07-22 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ An incline of his head. ]

So am I.

[ Glad he has those experiences, those memories, to fall back on when he remembers suddenly, out of the blue, that she's dead and he'll never see her again. That the version of her here in Thedas is also several years gone.

It's rough, sometimes.
]

No longer. The Fade has rendered me human, more or less.
altusimperius: (Default)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-22 05:58 pm (UTC)(link)
It's just Josias' luck that he found one of Riftwatch's least likely to bother any of the division heads other than his own, for reasons which cause Benedict's own nod to bear its own shade of relief.

"You can speak to the Provost, or... look at mission postings, I suppose." What does Research even do? Blow things up?

"If you need anything," he adds, looking the newcomer up and down-- not bad, not bad-- "I'm in Diplomacy, assistant to the Ambassador. Benedict." That he leaves out his surname is no accident.
foolsmakeitcolder: (2)

[personal profile] foolsmakeitcolder 2022-07-23 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
[A seriousness settles in Jude's eyes, parts his lips as he works through all the implication of being rendered human. The fallout of what it could mean for someone other. Jude lost so much, being separated from his pack. He couldn't imagine being human on top of that. So very, very alone in his skin.]

That's no small thing. Being so changed.
dastardly: (109)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-23 03:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Diplomacy..." he repeats back slowly, a slight frown knotting his brow. Hard to tell if it's due to his not understanding why there would be a Diplomacy at Riftwatch, if he simply doesn't know the word at all, or if he's perhaps making some incredibly clumsy poke at Benedict being stationed there. Any which way, it definitely means he misses the beat where he should be returning his name.

Deliberate, of course. That tinge of relief had not been missed, and between that and holding the title of "assistant", Josias feels quite certain that this is not a fellow who is entirely confident of his footing here. Worth prodding at. Not out of cruelty, necessarily, but curiosity often bore sharp edges without his trying like that.
elegiaque: (048)

[personal profile] elegiaque 2022-07-23 11:32 pm (UTC)(link)
The carriage itself makes that even easier; readily recognisable, once it has collected its passengers, easily connected to the Orlesian duke that owns it and his present Hightown residence. That might, in itself, identify the young woman opposite—

the local Halamshiral scandal, Gwenaëlle, heiress to the late Comte de Vauquelin until her true, elven maternity had been exposed and her titles revoked, inheritance seized. Her fall from grace has been softer than some, with l'Duc who owes her no blood relation refusing to give up his favourite grandchild for a little thing like unrelated bastardy and her father playing a shell-game with his assets shortly before his death to send her away with something before the battle of Ghislain claimed him. Claiming her birth mother's name and her place in Riftwatch, she suits this rather better than she ever did Orlais, unfashionably and dangerously direct. None of it is difficult to unearth; if he hasn't already, his people worth their salt likely will have done by morning at the latest.

Dangerously direct is a good description of the way she's studying him, now, across the carriage; of her approach in general. To everything, including this.

“Smugglers get things out of places. How much skill have they in the reverse? Getting things in where they aren't welcome or invited, smoothly.”
icasm: (nothin' left)

[personal profile] icasm 2022-07-24 04:16 pm (UTC)(link)
No.

[ He shrugs, but there's tension there. ]

Even more difficult, I think, when the people who have lived their entire lives here do not believe it's true to begin with.
altusimperius: (srsly)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-25 07:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"...diplomacy," Benedict supplies after a pause, wondering if perhaps the fellow is a little slow. It's too bad if so, with a face like his.

"Your name is?"
foolsmakeitcolder: (11)

[personal profile] foolsmakeitcolder 2022-07-26 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
I wouldn't have, if I hadn't come through a Rift.

[Jude can be honest about it- he'd have thought it was crazy but now? Whew.]

What kind of god were you?
dastardly: (007)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-26 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
There's no signs of discomfort under her gaze. Josias has been doing this too long to have any sense of concern over anyone picking up on any tell, even with the anchor shard now lodged in his hand. His clothes are practical, dark and nondescript, and gloves were always a staple. His mask is blank, without any ornamentation. Even his shoes are simple street boots, clean of any material that wouldn't otherwise be picked up by walking on Kirkwall's streets. It's a uniform, one any acting as the Tiger would wear, the only truly identifying aspects left untouched being one's size and shape. The rest - posture and bearing, voice, scent - those could be disguised just as easily.

It's funny, though, he thinks. He's always examined more in this ensemble than he ever is as Josias di Jaconissa. The disguise of mediocrity was more effective than any other. He wonders if she's even noticed him yet, somewhere about The Gallows. He doesn't recall crossing her path, and he thinks, admiring her features and the set of her expression, that he would definitely remember.

"All smuggling needs is a barrier. What direction we go through that barrier makes little difference." Getting something out of somewhere was, by nature, also getting it in to somewhere else, and vice versa. "But you already know my reputation, or you wouldn't have so persistently sought me out."
sprent: (them close outside)

[personal profile] sprent 2022-07-26 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"Gela. Well met."

One excuse, ten excuses, she'll need something to convince herself to stay. Jude's smile is a very good one, she thinks. He looks very kind, and she's been missing kindness in her life for years and years and years.

"When they ask me why I want to join, I'll say you referred me," is only half a joke, really. It could help to already know a name or two.
dastardly: (113)

[personal profile] dastardly 2022-07-26 10:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Alas, no rise in response to the prodding. Clearly it would take a more concerted effort than Josias is able to risk at the moment, needing to properly establish his absolute mediocrity and utter boringness before he could attempt anything playful.

"Ah," he says, eyes wide, aghast at the social mishap or his own lack of manners. "Josias di Jaconissa."
altusimperius: (toldja)

[personal profile] altusimperius 2022-07-26 11:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Pleasure, Josias," Benedict replies easily, glad to have the conversation back on its feet, "Antivan?"