off the hooke worldbuilding rambles: bureaucracy
Post DATV Tofana x Hawke Sapphic rivalmance Accidental Marriage -> Attempted Marriage Annulment
because convoluted bureaucracy is the not so secret antagonist of this fic, I've had to come up with...a system of convoluted bureaucracy. I'm hoping that by the time I firm it up it's more believable than less, but also...I'm not exactly going for a realistic portrayal either.
The Chantry is a significant part of the bureaucratic infrastructure of every territory in Thedas, particularly when it comes down to record keeping. This comes down to a mix of it being the institution most of the territories have in common, historical and contemporary influences/power, wealth hording etc. It also has the 'best' infrastructure for it - keeping on top of phylacteries, artefacts, scholarship etc was/is an endeavour that spanned many nations. (This has implications). For fic reasons, the Chantry leans into this more and more as they lose cultural power
Records are updated either via communication by sending stones (expensive, not everywhere has them) or through good old fashioned couriering.
The bureaucratic processes across various chantries are subject to local law, to the caprices of the particular people in charge of that particular Chantry, or to the clerk you happen to be saddled with that day. (Not all Chantries do record-keeping things)
There is a Chantry integrated into the entrance of the Grand Necropolis. it functions largely as an 'intro to the Necropolis' mission; the entire purpose is to avert incidents by preparing visitors and dignitaries for what they are about to see, and to ensure them that this is all chantry and Maker approved.
When documentation reaches a certain Chantry in Orlais, it gets ratified, and all of its copies across Thedas become official.
Kirkwall has the most efficient bureaucratic processes in all of Thedas thanks to The Happenings and Varric "that's too many steps" Tethras
Antivas on the other hand, is vibes based and riddled with crow nonsense. This is on purpose.
Tevinter also keeps meticulous records (esp on matters of marriage, birth, birthright) but getting information between the two Chantries confirmed, translated, approved, etc is an onerous task.
the marriage annulment process is subject to local law
