a letter from warden-commander tabris to inquisitor lavellan

against-stars:

Some advice on working with humans, one knife-ear to another:

• Never run. Shemlen always expect a rabbit to rabbit, so don’t give them the satisfaction.
• Smile a lot. Always show your teeth.
• Use their names. First they think it’s quaint, even respectful, that you remember them. The smart ones will realize it means you’re keeping track of them.
• An ornamental hilt and sheath is enough to convince most that the weapon you’re carrying is meant to be decorative, and they overlook it as an indulgence. Keep the blade serviceable and sharp.
• Leave tips for the servants in pillowcases and on breakfast trays when you visit estates. They’ll be more inclined to help you out or look the other way when you need them to. But make sure it’s coin. I know the Dalish think stuff is more useful than money, but cash lets us buy what we need, not what you think we need.

That’s all I got. Maybe it ain’t much. Maybe it won’t help. I dunno, I never been propped up as a religious icon before. But shemlen are shemlen wherever you go. Get good at their game and they think you’re like them. It’s a useful mistake.

Take care,

Riona Tabris, holder of various annoying shemlen titles and honors, but most importantly: alienage scum, always.