Vhalens points casually at Frenevir as he slides his drum back in its case, messaging "Well done. I was sure we were about to get our teeth knocked in."
Vhalens realizes he feels a little disappointed. There was a part of him that was excited by the prospect of relieving some of the day's pent-up frustration on these Blackridge goons. He decides that is a rather concerning realization best examined another time. They still have a job to do. He picks up his things and moves over to sit at the bar.
Leaning against the bar, apparently waiting for the bartender to take his order, Vhalens crosses his arms. He lifts one finger from where his right hand rests on his left forearm to point at Frenevir. With his left hand he grasps his Seanchai's armband. He continues messaging"I suppose we should get back to work. Perhaps we should try the gentlemen playing cards. If they're regulars here, any bizarre currencies that have come through the inn have probably passed over that table at one time or another. We could stand them a round of drinks and buy into the game."
Frenevir walks calmly towards the bar and sits at Vhalens side.
"I must admit that I had the same idea. If I wasn't here in the name of my people and the King but my own, probably I would had taught a lesson on manners to those"he says whispering to him.
"I do think that those are good ideas but I do not think we have the luxury of time here. The ale tends to take away the good judgment of people and these ones seems to have that in a very short amount. Let's ask the bartender as we pay our dinners and see if we are lucky"
Vhalens replies "Frenevir, we've only just finished eating. We haven't been here more than half an hour and aside from the waitress and that Blackridge oaf, we haven't spoken to anyone!"
Vhalens grits his teeth and thinks a moment, then continues "But perhaps it would be for the best. That display has ruined any chance we have of being inconspicuous. The whole room now knows who we are, and who we work for. If we continue here, word will only spread about the Prince's men asking questions and whoever is behind this will disappear underground." "Damn it. What a waste of an evening... But it can't be helped. You're right, we should cut our losses and go. Regroup with Finn and Argentus and try again tomorrow at one of the other taverns."
At the bar, the gold coin you paid with earlier more than covers your meals, and as you settle the accounts your waitress from earlier briefly stops and thanks you for resolving the matter without a fight.
"They're getting restless of shaking down petty thieves and good folk, and a any of them would leap at the chance for a good fight if they thought they would win. Of course, it's always the bystanders who get hurt the most in such things. So thank you - it means a lot to us that you'd rather see us stand together during these times. More and more people seem to be forgetting that. Now, before I forget, there's a man outside who would like to have a word with you. A trader, I think - should I tell him to move on?"
"I share your frustration but we've made an example for the people. Let's hope it remains in their minds in the coming days" says Frenevir to Vhalens. "I think you have a good plan"
"We are here to help the people of Runia. Soldiers tend to look for an opponent if they are called to fight one and none reveals for many days. They should be more disciplined though." he says to the waitress. When she mention that there is a merchant that wants to talk with them he proposes "Better to meet him outside?" he asks looking at his companion for confirmation.
Heading outside, the gentleman in question is easily identified as he catches your eye before you leave the doorway of the tavern. Tall, and somewhat thin for his height is your first impression, dressed in impressive furs against a cold that is no longer quite there, but lingers whenever the sun hides its face for a few hours. He wears a beard that drips down to the middle of his chest in a somewhat tangled mass, but his piercing eyes carry his face and render it amiable, if not entirely friendly. He strides across the street with long steps to meet you.
"Excellent! I have found you! The seneschal said as I might come across you here! I am Ishu - of the Shanka. I represent my family's business here in Oldhall - come! We must have tea and speak of many things!"
His accent is thick, and somewhat unfamiliar to you both, though Frenevir vaguely recalls hearing its like on his journey into Runia, stopping the night at various roadside inns where similarly clad merchants huddled together and spoke in low, colorful voices.
Vhalens bows his head gently in the polite manner with which one addresses someone of unknown rank. "A pleasure to meet you, Ishu of the Shanka. I am Vhalens of the Muintir na Fianna. I am familiar with the good reputation of your clan, sir. I believe our people have been partners in trade many times over. I agree with my associate, let us take our tea somewhere more hospitable. Perhaps we might return to Duttersby's, where we've taken up rooms?"
Vhalens recalls that earlier in the day the Seneschal had mentioned an Ambassador Tovar of the Shanka to whom they might want to speak. To better prepare himself for this unexpected meeting, he takes a moment to see what more he can recall of the Shanka Clan, and whether he knows any of their stories.
Ishu bows deeply. "I am familiar with Duttersby's, and I can heartily recommend it. If you will follow me the short way back, I would be honored to speak with you there."
To Vhalens he bows deeply again. "You are most correct! For generations, we have had dealings with your folk! I confess, I was at times enthralled as a child by stories of your people's wild lands and adventures - and given our country's current state, I can only pray that some of the more heroic of such tales hold true."
The Shanka clan has had longstanding arrangements with the Muintir, going back generations. Large and far-reaching, their family caravans roam most of the northern lands, bringing tales and goods from mysterious eastern lands and delving south as far as the shores of the great sea. They are, without fail, hospitable, fair, trustworthy and honorable folk - those of the family who fail to meet such standards are usually weeded out long before they are given caravan authority. They are also shrewd businessmen, keen of mind and eye, with a talent for talk and bargain that allows them to acquire something resembling wealth despite the general harshness of the northern lands.
Returning to Duttersby's relative warmth and comfort, you take a table and calmly make smalltalk while tea arrives. The proprietors seem familiar with Ishu, thus with a short bow the kitchen begins its preparations.
Over the course of the conversation, you learn that the Shanka have a sort of private compound within the city walls (to which you are invited, should you ever have need,) well guarded and secured to serve as a sort of waystation for the family-company's many trade caravans. When the tea, a stiff green variety from the east, arrives, you all take a moment to enjoy its pungent odors and rich flavor. To Frenevir, it is a surprising novelty - the herbal concoctions of your homeland are generally far more varied and refined in flavor, though not nearly as powerful in effect (most of the time). To Vhalens, the richness of flavor is familiar, though often by the time such luxury goods reach the northern lands they are much diminished in power, faded by long journeys under harsh conditions.
At last, he turns his conversation to more immediate concerns.
"The seneschal informed me of your party's arrival, and it is well-timed, though I fear there are things at work that not even heroes such as yourself may fix. I understand that your comrades are off to visit a local penitentiary, while you both delved through Oldhall's prodigious library. May I ask if you found anything of note in your searchings?"
Vhalens is silent for a moment, taking the time to sip his truly delicious tea while he decides how much he feels they ought to tell Ishu. He knows the Shanka generally to be a trustworthy sort, but he doesn't yet know this man. And between the cursed coins, the compromised soldiers, and the tampering with of the books in the library, there is plenty to suggest that whatever is at the root of these troubles may well be internal. Vhalens recounts in his mind their interaction with Ishu thus far to search for signs of duplicity or tells of ulterior motives hidden within the small talk.
Insight: 12
(I don't suppose there's any chance Vhalens' experience with the Shanka clan might give him ~advantage~ on an insight check into Ishu, would it?)
(Sadly not, for though you know of the Shanka, they pride themselves on extensive training in masking their feelings and emotions, presenting only that specific blend of genuine and crafted emotion to motivate others towards more favorable terms. For some, this is endearing - to others, a warning sign) (Given your experience with the clan, as you get to know this particular member, I will allow you to try again).
Towards the end of the conversation, you definitely get the sense that Ishu prefers to hold on to as much information as possible before sharing - this does not seem to come from any ulterior motives, however, simply a cultural facet of his particular clan, and their wide-ranging lifestyle. It seems expected that, to the degree that you share, he may choose to match that information with intelligence of his own, in addition to the services he has already offered...
Ahhah! Vhalens realizes, smilng into his mug, that Ishu's primary motives are obvious enough that no ulterior is needed. The man wishes to initiate a trade! And here he was considering whether or not he ought to be giving information away! How rustic, Vhalens thinks. He must remember that he's in the big city now, and he has to play their games. So now the question becomes, what is it specifically that Ishu is courting them for? Their information? Their proximity to the prince? Perhaps he trades in favors. Perhaps the Shanka Clan simply want to be seen by the other factions of the court befriending the mysterious foreigners. Vhalens thinks this may be a challenge far more suited to his talents than the library or the near barroom brawl had been. With a grin, he rests his teacup on his knee and casually replies:
"Oh, we learned a great many things, Ishu. I for instance, learned that my friend Frenevir is an unusually deft hand at navigating the stacks of a great library. In fact, he may be the finest scholar from here to Rashaad. Though, foreigners as we are, I fear that we still perhaps lack some crucial context to draw conclusions about much of what we've discovered. When we take counsel with the Prince tomorrow, I hope he'll be able to elucidate for us questions that will aid in our investigation. Scholarly work can so often be full of gaps, don't you know. Though, a careful researcher can learn just as much from what's missing as he can from what's present."
Vhalens takes another sip of his tea, watching Ishu carefully while keeping his face as impassive and amicable as he can. He wants to see what Ishu already knew, and where his interests lay. Ishu's response here might tell him much, or nothing at all, but Vhalens would give nothing away for free. He assumes Ishu will likely respect him more for this.
Enjoying both the tea and the conversation, Frenevir allows Vhalens, who seems really familiar and comfortable with Ishu, to take the lead on the conversation and just smiles and nods at his words.
Ishu twists his head slightly at the mention of Rashaad, and notes the slight emphasis in Vhalens's words. "Curious. I knew some Rashaadi once who passed through, though they were quickly expelled for seditious activities. Some say they never left, however, and that you can still trade in red gold down in Kravve Market, just east of the merchant's quarter. Still, it is most unfortunate that you discovered... gaps, as you say, in your reserach. Was your work much interrupted? What will you report to the prince?"
Vhalens arches an eyebrow with a near imperceptible smirk touching his lips. He turns his eyes to Frenevir momentarily, then proceeds.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll be reporting that whoever has been tampering with the books in the library seems to be especially interested in erasing a certain story from written and living memory. Someone would rather the world forget the tale of how Runavald gained the title of 'The Deep.'"
Vhalens wonders whether Ishu already knew of the sabotaging of the library. The Seneschal had mentioned before they went that many of the books were tampered with, and the librarians certainly knew, but that didn't mean it was known among the court. He decided to leave what the librarian Baylean had told them about the rats out of the revelation for now.
Vhalens continued, pouring himself more tea from the pot at the center of the table, and motioning in offer to refill Ishu's cup as well "I'd also like to report that our new friend Ishu of the Shanka has graciously offered to take us on a tour of the Merchant's Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods that afternoon, to help us to familiarize ourselves with the fair city."
Persuasion: 18
((Woops, I screwed up the dice roll. I meant to roll at the bottom of the post but then I added some stuff and put a new roll at the bottom but forgot to erase the original one. What I actually got was a 14.))
With his face mostly covered by his tea Frenevir shares the quick glance with Vhalens. Surprisingly they have a lead now, one that could be prove worthy of following. How many more things they could learn, he ponders while the exotic and strong flavor of the tea fills his mouth again.
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PbP Character: A few ;)
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Vhalens points casually at Frenevir as he slides his drum back in its case, messaging "Well done. I was sure we were about to get our teeth knocked in."
Vhalens realizes he feels a little disappointed. There was a part of him that was excited by the prospect of relieving some of the day's pent-up frustration on these Blackridge goons. He decides that is a rather concerning realization best examined another time. They still have a job to do. He picks up his things and moves over to sit at the bar.
Leaning against the bar, apparently waiting for the bartender to take his order, Vhalens crosses his arms. He lifts one finger from where his right hand rests on his left forearm to point at Frenevir. With his left hand he grasps his Seanchai's armband. He continues messaging"I suppose we should get back to work. Perhaps we should try the gentlemen playing cards. If they're regulars here, any bizarre currencies that have come through the inn have probably passed over that table at one time or another. We could stand them a round of drinks and buy into the game."
Frenevir walks calmly towards the bar and sits at Vhalens side.
"I must admit that I had the same idea. If I wasn't here in the name of my people and the King but my own, probably I would had taught a lesson on manners to those" he says whispering to him.
"I do think that those are good ideas but I do not think we have the luxury of time here. The ale tends to take away the good judgment of people and these ones seems to have that in a very short amount. Let's ask the bartender as we pay our dinners and see if we are lucky"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Vhalens replies "Frenevir, we've only just finished eating. We haven't been here more than half an hour and aside from the waitress and that Blackridge oaf, we haven't spoken to anyone!"
Vhalens grits his teeth and thinks a moment, then continues "But perhaps it would be for the best. That display has ruined any chance we have of being inconspicuous. The whole room now knows who we are, and who we work for. If we continue here, word will only spread about the Prince's men asking questions and whoever is behind this will disappear underground."
"Damn it. What a waste of an evening... But it can't be helped. You're right, we should cut our losses and go. Regroup with Finn and Argentus and try again tomorrow at one of the other taverns."
At the bar, the gold coin you paid with earlier more than covers your meals, and as you settle the accounts your waitress from earlier briefly stops and thanks you for resolving the matter without a fight.
"They're getting restless of shaking down petty thieves and good folk, and a any of them would leap at the chance for a good fight if they thought they would win. Of course, it's always the bystanders who get hurt the most in such things. So thank you - it means a lot to us that you'd rather see us stand together during these times. More and more people seem to be forgetting that. Now, before I forget, there's a man outside who would like to have a word with you. A trader, I think - should I tell him to move on?"
"I share your frustration but we've made an example for the people. Let's hope it remains in their minds in the coming days" says Frenevir to Vhalens. "I think you have a good plan"
"We are here to help the people of Runia. Soldiers tend to look for an opponent if they are called to fight one and none reveals for many days. They should be more disciplined though." he says to the waitress. When she mention that there is a merchant that wants to talk with them he proposes "Better to meet him outside?" he asks looking at his companion for confirmation.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Vhalens nods in agreement. "Indeed. Let's meet this gentleman. Would you please lead us to him, Madame?"
Heading outside, the gentleman in question is easily identified as he catches your eye before you leave the doorway of the tavern. Tall, and somewhat thin for his height is your first impression, dressed in impressive furs against a cold that is no longer quite there, but lingers whenever the sun hides its face for a few hours. He wears a beard that drips down to the middle of his chest in a somewhat tangled mass, but his piercing eyes carry his face and render it amiable, if not entirely friendly. He strides across the street with long steps to meet you.
"Excellent! I have found you! The seneschal said as I might come across you here! I am Ishu - of the Shanka. I represent my family's business here in Oldhall - come! We must have tea and speak of many things!"
His accent is thick, and somewhat unfamiliar to you both, though Frenevir vaguely recalls hearing its like on his journey into Runia, stopping the night at various roadside inns where similarly clad merchants huddled together and spoke in low, colorful voices.
Frenevir nods to the merchan.
"Wellmet. May I suggest we look for other establishment for this tea? The ambient in this one is rather... heavy"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Vhalens bows his head gently in the polite manner with which one addresses someone of unknown rank. "A pleasure to meet you, Ishu of the Shanka. I am Vhalens of the Muintir na Fianna. I am familiar with the good reputation of your clan, sir. I believe our people have been partners in trade many times over. I agree with my associate, let us take our tea somewhere more hospitable. Perhaps we might return to Duttersby's, where we've taken up rooms?"
Vhalens recalls that earlier in the day the Seneschal had mentioned an Ambassador Tovar of the Shanka to whom they might want to speak. To better prepare himself for this unexpected meeting, he takes a moment to see what more he can recall of the Shanka Clan, and whether he knows any of their stories.
History: 22
Ishu bows deeply. "I am familiar with Duttersby's, and I can heartily recommend it. If you will follow me the short way back, I would be honored to speak with you there."
To Vhalens he bows deeply again. "You are most correct! For generations, we have had dealings with your folk! I confess, I was at times enthralled as a child by stories of your people's wild lands and adventures - and given our country's current state, I can only pray that some of the more heroic of such tales hold true."
The Shanka clan has had longstanding arrangements with the Muintir, going back generations. Large and far-reaching, their family caravans roam most of the northern lands, bringing tales and goods from mysterious eastern lands and delving south as far as the shores of the great sea. They are, without fail, hospitable, fair, trustworthy and honorable folk - those of the family who fail to meet such standards are usually weeded out long before they are given caravan authority. They are also shrewd businessmen, keen of mind and eye, with a talent for talk and bargain that allows them to acquire something resembling wealth despite the general harshness of the northern lands.
Returning to Duttersby's relative warmth and comfort, you take a table and calmly make smalltalk while tea arrives. The proprietors seem familiar with Ishu, thus with a short bow the kitchen begins its preparations.
Over the course of the conversation, you learn that the Shanka have a sort of private compound within the city walls (to which you are invited, should you ever have need,) well guarded and secured to serve as a sort of waystation for the family-company's many trade caravans. When the tea, a stiff green variety from the east, arrives, you all take a moment to enjoy its pungent odors and rich flavor. To Frenevir, it is a surprising novelty - the herbal concoctions of your homeland are generally far more varied and refined in flavor, though not nearly as powerful in effect (most of the time). To Vhalens, the richness of flavor is familiar, though often by the time such luxury goods reach the northern lands they are much diminished in power, faded by long journeys under harsh conditions.
At last, he turns his conversation to more immediate concerns.
"The seneschal informed me of your party's arrival, and it is well-timed, though I fear there are things at work that not even heroes such as yourself may fix. I understand that your comrades are off to visit a local penitentiary, while you both delved through Oldhall's prodigious library. May I ask if you found anything of note in your searchings?"
Vhalens is silent for a moment, taking the time to sip his truly delicious tea while he decides how much he feels they ought to tell Ishu. He knows the Shanka generally to be a trustworthy sort, but he doesn't yet know this man. And between the cursed coins, the compromised soldiers, and the tampering with of the books in the library, there is plenty to suggest that whatever is at the root of these troubles may well be internal. Vhalens recounts in his mind their interaction with Ishu thus far to search for signs of duplicity or tells of ulterior motives hidden within the small talk.
Insight: 12
(I don't suppose there's any chance Vhalens' experience with the Shanka clan might give him ~advantage~ on an insight check into Ishu, would it?)
(Sadly not, for though you know of the Shanka, they pride themselves on extensive training in masking their feelings and emotions, presenting only that specific blend of genuine and crafted emotion to motivate others towards more favorable terms. For some, this is endearing - to others, a warning sign) (Given your experience with the clan, as you get to know this particular member, I will allow you to try again).
(You're a true gentleman, Jabthar!)
Insight: 17
Towards the end of the conversation, you definitely get the sense that Ishu prefers to hold on to as much information as possible before sharing - this does not seem to come from any ulterior motives, however, simply a cultural facet of his particular clan, and their wide-ranging lifestyle. It seems expected that, to the degree that you share, he may choose to match that information with intelligence of his own, in addition to the services he has already offered...
Ahhah! Vhalens realizes, smilng into his mug, that Ishu's primary motives are obvious enough that no ulterior is needed. The man wishes to initiate a trade! And here he was considering whether or not he ought to be giving information away! How rustic, Vhalens thinks. He must remember that he's in the big city now, and he has to play their games. So now the question becomes, what is it specifically that Ishu is courting them for? Their information? Their proximity to the prince? Perhaps he trades in favors. Perhaps the Shanka Clan simply want to be seen by the other factions of the court befriending the mysterious foreigners. Vhalens thinks this may be a challenge far more suited to his talents than the library or the near barroom brawl had been. With a grin, he rests his teacup on his knee and casually replies:
"Oh, we learned a great many things, Ishu. I for instance, learned that my friend Frenevir is an unusually deft hand at navigating the stacks of a great library. In fact, he may be the finest scholar from here to Rashaad. Though, foreigners as we are, I fear that we still perhaps lack some crucial context to draw conclusions about much of what we've discovered. When we take counsel with the Prince tomorrow, I hope he'll be able to elucidate for us questions that will aid in our investigation. Scholarly work can so often be full of gaps, don't you know. Though, a careful researcher can learn just as much from what's missing as he can from what's present."
Vhalens takes another sip of his tea, watching Ishu carefully while keeping his face as impassive and amicable as he can. He wants to see what Ishu already knew, and where his interests lay. Ishu's response here might tell him much, or nothing at all, but Vhalens would give nothing away for free. He assumes Ishu will likely respect him more for this.
Enjoying both the tea and the conversation, Frenevir allows Vhalens, who seems really familiar and comfortable with Ishu, to take the lead on the conversation and just smiles and nods at his words.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Ishu twists his head slightly at the mention of Rashaad, and notes the slight emphasis in Vhalens's words. "Curious. I knew some Rashaadi once who passed through, though they were quickly expelled for seditious activities. Some say they never left, however, and that you can still trade in red gold down in Kravve Market, just east of the merchant's quarter. Still, it is most unfortunate that you discovered... gaps, as you say, in your reserach. Was your work much interrupted? What will you report to the prince?"
Vhalens arches an eyebrow with a near imperceptible smirk touching his lips. He turns his eyes to Frenevir momentarily, then proceeds.
"Tomorrow morning, we'll be reporting that whoever has been tampering with the books in the library seems to be especially interested in erasing a certain story from written and living memory. Someone would rather the world forget the tale of how Runavald gained the title of 'The Deep.'"
Vhalens wonders whether Ishu already knew of the sabotaging of the library. The Seneschal had mentioned before they went that many of the books were tampered with, and the librarians certainly knew, but that didn't mean it was known among the court. He decided to leave what the librarian Baylean had told them about the rats out of the revelation for now.
Vhalens continued, pouring himself more tea from the pot at the center of the table, and motioning in offer to refill Ishu's cup as well "I'd also like to report that our new friend Ishu of the Shanka has graciously offered to take us on a tour of the Merchant's Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods that afternoon, to help us to familiarize ourselves with the fair city."
Persuasion: 18
((Woops, I screwed up the dice roll. I meant to roll at the bottom of the post but then I added some stuff and put a new roll at the bottom but forgot to erase the original one. What I actually got was a 14.))
With his face mostly covered by his tea Frenevir shares the quick glance with Vhalens. Surprisingly they have a lead now, one that could be prove worthy of following. How many more things they could learn, he ponders while the exotic and strong flavor of the tea fills his mouth again.
PbP Character: A few ;)