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

[malicing]

"I was not one of those poisoned, so my opinion is not darkened or embittered by what the victims must have endured." Guangyao can empathize - somewhat. Then again, he is the sort of man who can watch the suffering of another with nary a frown.

"However I know my fellows - those who support Macaluso - have noted his despair and desperation. He seems...too easily swayed by the opinions of others." which could be useful if the don placed someone constantly at his side, "As for the Lady Vannozza, she seems...steadier and better able to handle chaos. Though I have to wonder: was she responsible for the poison?"

[aprescoup]

The question finds him poised, silent — residually composed. When his speaks, mouth dry, each comes weighted.

"They say poison is a woman's weapon. A coward's." Presumably for the inability to hold true a sword. "But you have just said, my niece does not lack in courage."

[malicing]

"Well said." Guangyao inclines his head, "I do not personally blame either the Lord or the Lady. I believe a third party is trying to ruin their chances and unveil their flaws."

Flaws are good to know, yet is now the time? With foreign visitors?

"The worst I have heard about Lady Vannozza is she seems...haughty. Hard to approach. Whereas Lord Malacuso is easy to speak to - even when opinions differ."

[aprescoup]

He seems, a little, tickled by the speculation, lips taut and pulled over a broad smile. "What would a third party stand to gain? There are only two candidates."

But then a shiver courses him. "Unless... one perishes."

[malicing]

Chaos can be payment to some, but Xue Yang is a special example, isn't he? Most want more than that; something lasting.

"Two parties could have a secret alliance." he arches his brows curiously at the shiver, "They are both healthy and strong. I do not foresee them perishing."

[aprescoup]

"To speak of otherwise would be a tragedy and treason," he offers carefully, and does not stray his eyes from Jin Guangyao's, does not falter. Let this be understood, a plain truth between.

But something startles him to a frown, appears to torture him. "Do you believe in either?"