npc inbox: taravast

[groundrules]

NPC INBOX: TARAVAST

Reach out to your (not-so-)favourite NPC here, putting their name in the comment header. Try to keep it to just quick text/audio/written exchanges or inquiries that can accept summarised answers, please!

PREVIOUS NPC INBOX FOR ARC I: SA-HARETH & STAIRS OF SIGHS

	MACALUSO Earnest and moderate nephew of Bonaccorso, seeking to succeed his grandfather. A pursuer of astronomy, accountancy, diplomacy and elemental magic, with a long history of supporting the witches of Bessis. Champions firmer ties with foreign citadels to improve Taravast's access to armies and resources. Looking to choose a bride.
	VANNOZZA Beautiful and fierce niece of Bonaccorso, contending to become the next Ilia Doxe. Mind of a scientist and a lady of the hunt. A practitioner and frequent visitor of the necromantic and healing sectors. Has entertained and turned away more lovers than the heroine of a particularly sappy romance novel. Often indisposed.
	RIGARDA Lively, charismatic and gossip-prone lady of the highest echelons, received at every gathering. Can slaughter half a dozen reputations with the right twitch of her brows before breakfast. An associate of the Merchant's and old friend of the current Ilia Doxe of Taravast, Bonaccorso. Indifferent in the game of succession. Loathes crumpets and witches.
	THE LAVISH LOCALS From the witches of Bessis or Attaryl to academicians, politicians, nobles, servant folk, artists or protestors — if you’ve got a question, someone can surely supply an answer.
	THE MERCHANT The patron saint of etiquette and the eastbound getaway expedition. Seems to largely trade information alongside wares. Appreciates spices, strategy and collaboration. Has an eerie and overly cautious manner. Committed. Defends the benefit of the many, to the detriment of the few.
	KARSA Sorceress, young (?). Employed by the Merchant and deferential to him. Talented but fiery and frequently impatient, intolerant of fools. She will get today's job done yesterday. Struggles to sympathise with men, objections and those who cannot absorb information quickly. Enchanted the group's translation devices. Only available until 28/12.
	ASGEIRR The ghost of a scholar monk. Haunts the tattered execution cloak that the party stole from the La Rea bank in Sa-Hareth. Once a champion of equality and freedom, he faced ire for converting his followers against the regionally profitable trade of slavery. Soft-spoken but wise and just, slow to regain his strength. Will speak to those who visit his cloak in brief interludes. Favours necromancers.

SA-HARETH

"HALTHAM" | ANURR The undead warlord Anurr, previously posing as gentle-mannered giant Haltham. An embodiment of Sa-Hareth's cold storms and wind, who regained his territory from contender Unhalad with the inadvertent help of the party in Arc I. Frostily rational and amenable to some negotiation.

Comments

un: qishan - to Lady Vannozza

[silverneedles]

My Lady, with your permission, I would like to join you the next time you visit the Spina hunting grounds.

[aprescoup]

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to extend the mantle of our hospitality. But, to what purpose, my beauty?

I anticipated the only quarry you hunted walked the fete halls.

[silverneedles]

A break, a test of companionship away from the halls, if I am allowed a companion or two.

Perhaps there are answers we seek on these grounds.

[aprescoup]

Answers... of what nature?

Allow me to help you. Allow me to guide you. We are women in this world. I would not wish your needs unmet.

[silverneedles]

Answers of a nature best discussed in person.

You have been most gracious in meeting my needs. I would not burden you with these.

[aprescoup]

Do you understand what makes the hunt enjoyable?

It is, in some part, to see the little animals squirm.

[silverneedles]

Is that what you enjoy, my lady? Shall I squirm to keep your attention?

[aprescoup]

Every living thing twitches, even in sleep.

Whatever answers you seek, I doubt my grandfather's estate holds them. But... it has been some time since I've worked an appetite. What creature do you propose we set sights on?

[silverneedles]

I have my sights set on two. Consider this a test for them.

[aprescoup]

You are a woman of such strange dispositions.

You should not grow the habit of calling boons often.

[silverneedles]

Is it so strange?

It is a poor habit and not my custom. Just this: myself and some companions, a night to enjoy their company.

[aprescoup]

In a forest unknown. Though I lie ignorant of every witch's rites, that is not what you want.

But you have your uses. And I have my whims. Sister, today we may intersect.

[silverneedles]

May my usefulness be fruitful.

[aprescoup]

You live and breathe at my largesse. Would you do both, if it did not?

[silverneedles]

It would not be worthwhile to test that.

My lady, when next we see each other, I have questions of a personal nature for you.

[aprescoup]

How may I resist you?

Regarding?

[silverneedles]

Your health.

[aprescoup]

All my secrets are yours. I deny you nothing.

[silverneedles]

Your condition... were you born with it?

[aprescoup]

We are all maligned by our curses, whatever their dress. Would you not agree?

Mine has bloomed to follow me for as long as memory serves. And it serves well.

Whether it has accompanied me since birth or since a time not unlike it, I cannot say. Macaluso and I shared the misfortune of hundreds of other Taravast orphans: our parents were lost young.

[silverneedles]

We share many similarities, my lady. Mine were lost young.

Your uncle provides antidote for flare-ups. Do you know what it contains?

[aprescoup]

If your question seeks the truth of poisons, I assure you, it has been searched. He even introduced his supplier. But his treatment is fleeting. You may have a dose for study.

No, in this house, we leave poison to Macaluso.

[silverneedles]

It is not poison in his cure I seek. Ingredients, rather. What cures the flare may lead us to the source.

Macaluso is the one to deal in such underhanded arts?

[aprescoup]

You sound surprised, my pet.

I wouldn't hasten to call it underhanded. Or anything.

[silverneedles]

I did not expect such from him.