01 ♘ video | both courts

[detoxifying]

[ Cullen has used his locket a few times, particularly during his time in the Cothromach as he recovered from an injury. Still, it was one thing to respond to others, or leave them short messages. It was another to cast one’s thoughts out, as though talking to everyone and no one in particular. He rubs the back of his neck, frowning slightly. ]

There is something that I’ve been meaning to ask for a while.

[ …Oh Maker, he’s forgotten something. ]

Though, I suppose it might help if I mentioned my name first. To those that don't know me, my name is Cullen. In Thedas- [ a pause ] my home world, my title was “Commander”, but, I really doubt that means all that much here.

[ Another pause, as he tries to find his footing, feeling more and more foolish by the moment. ]

As I was saying, there’s something I’ve been curious about almost ever since I arrived here, but I hadn’t gotten the chance to ask anyone about it, what with that Blighted creature rampaging across the world…

[ Another pause. ] And… that’s magic. That is, I’ve been meaning to ask about magic. just in case he wasn’t clear enough. ] I’ve no doubt you all know what it is, seeing as we’ve all been brought here by such a force.

In my world, opinions about magic were… mixed, to say the very least. While mages are certainly valued in many situations, they are more prone to possession from hostile spirits that offer countless temptations in exchange for a foothold in the mortal world. Not to mention, some possess the ability to raze entire cities to the ground, demons or no. To that end, the Templar Order existed to guard against the dangers of blood magic and demons. W-[ he corrects himself ] They used abilities of their own to combat hostile magic, often at a great personal cost. Mages also often studied in something called the Circle of Magi, though conditions were… not always ideal.

[ Perhaps he was a bit biased in some regards, but he was still attempting to be as diplomatic as possible. Maker knows if he actually managed to succeed. ]

I’m curious to know more, both about the magic here, and magic from… other places. The places that you come from. And how those without magic interact with those that possess it, or where that power is drawn from. Or... those with other abilities that aren't magical but are still... something. It would be… rather helpful.

[ And not fully satisfied that he didn’t make an utter fool of himself, he closes the locket. ]

VIDEO | SEELIE LOCKED

[ Not much later, he opens the locket again, this time with a message only visible to those in the seelie court. While he is perhaps somewhat unaccustomed to asking total strangers about their opinions on more sensitive subjects, there is one thing that he does know how to do.

When he speaks again, he is professional and to the point. ]

Ser Lancelot has tasked me with locating additional men and women for guard rotations at Caer Glaem. Given what has occurred there, it is vital to protect not only those that would aid in reconstruction of the damaged areas, but others that still cannot defend themselves [ a pause, as he contemplates something. ]. And, regardless of your personal feelings on the war, it is a worthy cause.

[ A nod, as he shuts the locket. ]

Comments

Text, permaprivate

[gordianknots]

You'll find here that magic is commonplace, and that it comes from things like blood and bone.

Text, permaprivate

[detoxifying]

[ This... was certainly a response. And not entirely one that he is content to hear. ]

Blood magic? You mean to say that people commonly expose themselves to Maker-knows-what without considering any alternatives?

[ It's difficult not to let his mind run wild with the implications of such things. And yet...

Blood magic. ]

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[survivra]

Commander Cullen. I'll not forget that, rather than Lord. [ this is katsa's version of teasing. sometimes it's hard to tell. ] Wouldn't magic be all the same no matter where it's from? And how did these templars guard against magic without their own?

[ she has an answer to one of his questions but her own curiosity to get out of the way first. ]

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[detoxifying]

Ah, yes... well... I suppose it is nice to see you too, Katsa.

[ He doesn't make the mistake of adding "Mistress" this time, and despite himself, he is smiling. ]

Not entirely. Where I come from, it's commonly accepted that magic is generally drawn from the Fade, or the world of dreams and spirits. I have already spoken to some and their magic seems... different from what I am used to.

[ As for templars... ]

They have abilities that negates magic, gained through years of intense training. But those are not magic. They are drawn from a... different source and they are acquired rather than natural.

[ It's not that he's trying to avoid mentioning lyrium, but...

Well, perhaps he's avoiding outright mentioning lyrium. ]

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[foraneye]

[Élise is more than a little interested in what Cullen wishes to discuss, but is completely distracted by one particular tidbit he mentions.]

The Templars existed in your homeland? How?

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[detoxifying]

Well... yes. The Templar Order was founded centuries before my time to combat dangerous mages and blood magic. As such, they also served as the Chantry's [ ...wait ] our predominant religious institution's standing army. Though the latter really only applied during Exalted Marches.

[ Well, then not!Orlesian... ]

Is there a Templar Order in your world as well?

[psalmed]

We have sayings about witches and magics. The ladies who use love potions or that perhaps curses were put upon someone but I never believed it. Not until I began to use something that existed as a magic.

[Oh no her speech is just as awkward. She clears her throat, bows her head, and gathers herself again.]

I would be happy to have a guard rotation, monsieur.

[detoxifying]

I... can't exactly say that I've ever heard of simple love potions. Desire demons, perhaps, but that is... rather extreme compared to the rumours you're describing... [ a pause because he is really beginning to feel awkward himself. ] ...You are a mage, then?

[ And thank the Maker, back to things that he can actually easily talk about. ]

And I would be more than happy to have your assistance. What is your area of expertise when it comes to combat?

[ He also makes a note to ask whether or not she is from this "France". Even if her description of magic hadn't given her away, she was certainly pleasant enough not to be an Orlesian.

But, that might just be his inner Fereldan talking. ]

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[cockade]

[Much as he wants to poke at the mentioning of Templars and the supposed Order that Cullen mentions, Arno strays from it for now. It's something to speak with Connor about, at least. His hood is up as he speaks, but there's no hostility in what he says.]

There is no magic where I come from, monsieur. [A beat.] Being here has been a rather eye-opening experience, to say the least.

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[detoxifying]

It seems a difficult thing, to live in a world without magic.

[ Though he might not always be thrilled with it, there are certainly many benefits to magic. ]

This... may seem like an odd question, but are you from a country called "France", by any chance?

[ It's the "monseiur" that does it. Once again, he cannot help but be baffled by an entire world without magic that contains a country that sounds surprisingly similar to Orlais. ]

Seelie Locked.

[starspangled]

I'd like to sign up, if you're still needing someone.

[Because Steve agrees. He's not a fan of the war, but he'd rather not see innocent people get hurt. Not if he can help prevent it.]

Seelie Locked.

[detoxifying]

Always.

[ He gives the other man a friendly smile. ]

Though, before I ask about your combat abilities, I hope you don't mind if I ask you for your name.

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[individualist]

[DID SOMEONE SAY DEMONS.]

You'd consider demons abhorrent where you're from, then.

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[detoxifying]

[ YES THEY DID.

Cullen swallows, and the ghost of a frown graces his lips. ]

They wish for nothing but destruction and their own selfish goals. Most would pray that they never cross paths with one.

[ And he has seen far too many of them for comfort. ]

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[thole]

Ah, Cullen was it? Remus Lupin, sir. We met, well. While Caer Glaem was under attack, so you don't have to recognize me, a lot was going on then. As I said before, though, I used to be a professor of magic. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, if you'd like...?

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[detoxifying]

[ That… actually gets something of a laugh. ]

How could I not recognize you? Maker, that dragon really was… something else. And, at least I remember, you had knowledge of Defence Against the Dark Arts.

[ Which, in a way sounded somewhat similar to what Cullen had done as a Templar. ]

If you don’t mind sharing, what exactly do “Dark Arts” entail in your world?

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[judicatus]

Commander Cullen.

[ Regardless of whether such titles are meaningless in the Drabwurld, Gabranth is no man to ignore their significance. He doesn't expect to be recognized by this man, not without his helm or armor visible, but perhaps his voice might be familiar... ]

In Ivalice — the land from which I hail — magick is known to arise from Mist, which exists throughout much of the world. It is as much a force of nature as the wind and waters which shape the land, albeit one with far greater power.

As far as I am aware, Mist as it is known in my world is not known as such in this one. But my understanding, limited as it may be, is that it's much the same regardless: a form of energy to be harnessed like any other.

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[detoxifying]

[ There is something familiar about the other man, though he cannot exactly make out what at this moment. Which might be a good thing, since there is a slight chance he would be asked about the reason behind his near-suicidal charge at a beast that could have killed them both in one fell swoop. ]

So then, anyone could use magic where you came from if they properly studied it? Was there no regulation on those who would use such things for… darker purposes?

[ A world without blood magic, though. That would truly be something. ]

video; private to seelie

[playmakings]

Mr. Commander, sir?

[ Have a bright eyed optimistic 19 year old half-waving from her spot near a piano. ]

Magic doesn't exist where I'm from--like, at all, except for the magic of the music and stuff, but that's just a saying. But now I think it's pretty neat, I mean, I asked for some and it's only been an improvement. But, uh-- do you think, maybe, people that use magic here are more prone to possession and stuff? I could barely watch the opening of the Exorcist....

video; private to seelie

[detoxifying]

[ He chuckles slightly at that. ]

Please, “Cullen” is really just fine. I’m not exactly a commander of anything in this world, serah.

[ He pauses for a moment, contemplating something. ]

Some would say that music can be a force unto itself. The Chant of Light said that Andraste’s voice brought the Maker to Her side [ Not to mention, the Chant was generally sung, but he was hardly here to preach about his religion ]. As for possession here, I don’t think that’s as much of a worry, if there’s no concrete connection to the Fade… that is, the realm of dreams.

[ and one last thought… ]

Although… what is “The Exorcist?”

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[brainiest]

I have some books on magic from my world, if you're interested, Cullen.

[ And... She hesitates, careful, before she smiles. ]

And I haven't had a chance to thank you properly for what you did at Caer Glaem.

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[detoxifying]

Of course, Hermione. When I served in the Circle, there were times that I did enjoy browsing the books.

[ His smile falters for a moment, as he switches the message to private. ]

There’s no need for thanks. You needed help, and only a heartless man would have abandoned you to such a fate.

[ Maker’s Breath, he could not take a compliment particularly well. ]

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[indomitably]

Is it strange to you, that it's something openly discussed here?

[ Not an answer, just something curious about this place. Perhaps understandable given everything, but still. It had been jarring to hear people talk so openly about their magic at first. ]

You'll have my help, if you still need others.

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[detoxifying]

I… don’t know. I spent a good portion of my life surrounded by mages, so I was used to it in my every day life. What unsettles me more is that blood magic is apparently so common.

[ And the idea that it isn’t what it is in Thedas… doesn’t sit well with him. ]

I’d always be grateful for your help, Guard Captain. [ Maker knows she just might be more capable for this job than him. ]

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[aeipathos]

[ athos has also been increasingly curious about the easy presence of magic here in this world. he's far more accustomed to a world where any hint of 'magic' is a fast-track to a crispy, painful death. ridiculous, in his opinion - if something difficult to otherwise explain is done in a manner the church approves of, it's a miracle. if it's done to ease daily living or the church doesn't like it? it's witchcraft. obviously like anything else it can be subverted, abused, but he quite likes the approach taken here. he's interested in actually learning what he can about it. ]

I've been doing some reading myself, but I lack any practical knowledge personally. I would be interested in continuing that research though, if you're amenable.

Additionally I can offer my services as a guard. There are a few prior engagements on my schedule, but otherwise I should be able to assist if you still have need of warm bodies.

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[detoxifying]

I’ve heard some things from others but I cannot say that it fills me with that much comfort. Are you another of those with no magic in the lands that you come from?

[ It will never not be strange. For while he hasn’t always been the most trusting of magic, he still cannot imagine a life without it. ]

I’d always be glad for extra guards. What exactly is your specialty?

voice;

[bullhorned]

Before this place, I'd only seen a bit of magic. Or at least, the sort done by the red god.

[Maybe that wasn't the point of what Cullen was saying here, but... it's what came to mind.]

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[detoxifying]

Red God?

[ He sounds somewhat intrigued. After all, he hasn't heard of that many religions just yet outside of those from Thedas. ]

What sort of magic was it?

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[debts]

I liked it better when you were talking about chess.

[ The way her brows lift upwards, it suggests that a less serious topic looks a little easier on the eyes. ]

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[detoxifying]

[ A sigh. ]

Yes-- well... Magic has always been something that weighs on my mind. I wish I could continue speaking on more pleasant topics, however.

[bealright]

"Spirits?" You... mean like ghosts? They're the scariest! [H- hoe] But I don't think they can "possess" me. I- I mean, I can't even see them...

[Or can they?? If ghosts and spirits weren't scary enough! ]

I don't know that much about magic, but I'll try to help!

[detoxifying]

--No. Not... quite.

[ Certainly, the last thing he wanted was to frighten a young girl. ]

Spirits are... The Maker's first children, and entirey different from ghosts. Some might take the form of the deceased in the Fade-- the land of dreams, but they are a reflection of memories, rather than the person's true soul.

[ More or less. ]

Forgive me, but your skills seemed rather impressive when the Jabberwhelp attacked Caer Glaem, Sakura.