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

[aprescoup]

( He nods along with the reasoning, just short of endorsement. )

It is a difficult question. Philosophers, scientists, poets and magicians only agree to disagree. In the end, each man and each woman must construct an answer.

[bearshermark]

[He frowns, glancing up. While he understands his own knowledge of his world's cycle is unusual, for a world plagued by so much undeath, it seems odd that more doesn't seem to be known]

I would think the dead have more insight.

[Eleven folds his fingers together, leaning forward] Do you not feel a call to rest? Your spirit drawn to another plane? Or a sense of unrest, awaiting proper rites?

[aprescoup]

( He seems, for a moment, too caught aback to answer — eyes bright and wide, and his voice failing. )

You... are very unkind to speak of my circumstances so coldly. Show more compassion.

[bearshermark]

[He blinks surprise, brows furrowing. Kindness and compassion are things he's been accused of having too much of- to the point of fault]

Have I spoken too plainly? I don't mean to seem insensitive. ..I want to help if I can. If there's something broken in the cycle, if it can be restored, then the dead can rest and their souls might be reborn. This world could flourish again. And so I'm asking for insight.

[aprescoup]

( He waves his hand gently, as if to acknowledge Eleven's apologies, as he speaks. So be it, so be it. )

It is painful and intimate to speak of my condition. As it is for all those who share it.

[bearshermark]

[He frowns a moment, considering that. Recalls his conversation with Xie Lian with a wince.

Eleven wills patience into himself with a breath. There is no immediate hurry, and these answers are important]

I apologize. I haven't had the opportunity to speak with any- anyone in your position before. I hope you can forgive my fumbling. I've had these questions for some time. I want to help.

[aprescoup]

You are not helping me by revisiting my pain.

( But his voice is soft for all of it, paternally patient. He does not wilt away. )

But I wish you well. A quest of learning should always be respected. We all follow our own journey in this.

[bearshermark]

[He nods]

No. I'm sorry about that. I understand it's a lot to ask, but I'd hope that eventually, you would find your rest too, if the cycle can be restored. You're the only one I can think to ask.

[aprescoup]

I hear you. ( For all his ears deadened so many years ago. )

Is there anything else I can help with, young man?

[bearshermark]

Well. [Eleven fidgets]

I was hoping you would be able to help me sort out what part of the cycle is broken, from recalling your experiences..

[aprescoup]

( He sounds, for a moment, amused — for a ghostly creature, possessed of its own grasp of entertainment. )

And I'm afraid I still don't wish to speak to you of that. ( A pause, and still gentle: ) But I have some wonderful opinions on pottery, if you'd like. Or perhaps on Kuzul songs.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven works to keep a lid on his frustration. Still, his jaw clenches, eyes darting off. He's tiring from the exertion of the day, patience worn thin through the futility of his overtures. He drags a hand down his face, shoulders slumping, and remains silent until he wrangles down the snarling flare of temper into something more manageable- if still not entirely polite]

..I'm sorry, but I don't see how any of that might be helpful. [He sighs, gaze flat] For all you won't speak of it, you appear untroubled by your current existence.

[aprescoup]

I respect your conclusion. ( But there's a bittersweetness to his smile, gaze flinched and slightly errant. ) I have learned to make the most of my circumstances, such as they are. I believe we all should.

[bearshermark]

[He frowns, nettled]

And not seek to improve them? For ourselves and those around us?

[aprescoup]

( He appears, for a moment, caught aback. ) I did not say such a thing.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven gives him an appraising look]

You aren't saying much of anything.

[aprescoup]

( Perhaps this is the manner of today's youth. Asgeirr has been too long estranged from the world to know it in intimacy. He aims, once more, for diplomacy: )

I am sorry you feel so. I hope others are better suited to help you.

[bearshermark]

[Well, it's a long-shot, but]

Do you know of any that would be willing to speak with me on this matter?

[aprescoup]

( Ghosts lack the ability to perform an earnest sigh. He seems to try. )

I do not.

[bearshermark]

[He nods, unsurprised]

Then, thank you for speaking with me.

[Even if it was for nothing]

[aprescoup]

I wish you well.

( He offers in kind, before dissolving into invisibility. )