groundrules | npc inbox: arc iii

NPC INBOX

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 posts:

■ Arc I: Sa-Hareth

■ Interlude: Stairs of Sighs + Arc II: Taravast

■ Interlude: Ellethia

	HOK-SHINN WEISI Honoured, respected and inevitably feared mayor of Ke-Waihu. The velvet-gloved fist of the Hok-Shinn clan, amenable to peace-keeping through bribes and barter. Oily, corrupt, but reasonable and less prone to violence than his brother Sairen, who commands the clan's underground operations.
	HOK-SHINN TAKSUI No-good son of Hok-Shinn Weisi, lacking his father's polish or his uncle's efficient appetite for bloodshed. Slated to inherit a role as a high-standing member of Ke-Waihu. Leads a small, petty gang. Sullen, irritable. The party's liaison in Ke-Waihu.
	HYANG-TAI Blind priestess and unofficial leader of the serpent-seized wasteland that serves the fortune fetters. Soft-spoken, measured in her words, opaque. Believed by some to be holy. Could be 20 years of age, might be 80. Refuses pity or alms.
	HATISSE Revived witch of the Attaryl, partly responsible for the massacre of the Stairs of Sighs. Formerly a court witch of the Attaryl. Manipulative, vicious, a trained seductress. Formidably powerful. Buried with wards and injuries by her own sisters to prevent her return. Somewhat bound to Wrath.
	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.
	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.

OTHER CITADELS

	"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.
	MACALUSO SPINA Earnest and moderate nephew of Bonaccorso Spina, now leading Doxe of Taravast. Adrift, following the betrayals of his family, Macaluso benefits from support from the witches of Bessis and seeks to rebuild the citadel he secured with the party's help.
	VANNOZZA SPINA Beautiful and fierce niece of Bonaccorso Spina, targeted by the old man for possession. Crafty, coy, strategic and cold, she now acts as adviser to her more idealistic cousin, Macaluso Spina after executing her grandfather.
	KARSA Currently unavailable \| 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. Furtively left the group, bearing injury, at the end of Arc II.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( It... is not the most intuitive choice of an audience among the ones master Weisi had thought he would grant with expediency. In truth, come midday, when his men introduce the matter upon finding him in the midst of... hearing local grievances over the day's fifth bribed cup of wine at the outdoor tables of a tarvern, Hok-Shinn Weisi looks... rather perplexed.

So much so, in fact, that he neglects to even reject the proposal, and then, lo, behold. A sixth cup and the audacious horror of the creature before him.

It is, Weisi concludes with a half-hearted grimace he can't shake off, even uglier than brother Sairen explained it. And it wants to be of use. Fascinating. All too fascinating. )

How shall I put this, my friend... if they come to you injured, you'll frighten them the rest of the way to their deaths.

Ah. That would be deeply unfortunate, I do not wish to do harm.

Perhaps there is a healer I could assist without frightening their patients?

Or I could wear a hood?

[ Is that a joke? It’s not clear from his pleasant and gentle tone. ]

I am very skilled in the practice of medicine, and I wish to use my talents to the betterment of you and your community.

( Heavens above and hells below, and Weisi, overbearingly squinting. With one hand, he calls another underling forward, who also takes this moment to lower himself, lean in, slant his eyes and gaze.

They seem to reach a similar, inevitably conclusion. )

I would say... go to the elders who've lost their sight, but what little they see of you might still push them those last few steps forward to Mother Death. ( And sighing: ) Friend, go paint your face something convincing. Draw a face on a leathered bag and wear it solemnly.

Very well. Then I have your permission to perform medical services, with the caveat that I am to give myself a human-like visage.

Thank you. I understand.

( That... was that what he said? Another drink, and it may well be. )

You're a strange one, but... you have my blessing. I can see you're kind. And... ( Here, he seems to need another moment of blinking. ) Fragile. In the way of kind people.

( That's certainly one way to describe this wretched creature, grander and bulkier than many boxes. )

We can arrange that for you. We have good, strong men who can defend against the cruelties of the world and keep you in business. ( A pause, then, mournfully: ) For a small fee. Say, a hundred coins. Turn it over every fortnight. Don't worry, don't worry, they're reasonable people. After all, you're dealing with the Hok-Shinn. We are all friends here.

[ Cato tilted his head in a strangely human manner, which was disconcerting with paired with how little he moved otherwise. ]

Does that mean I also have permission to make an income? Thank you for this recognition of my personhood, I feel your friendship deeply.

Unfortunately I have no current property, so I will have to ascertain funds in order to consider your offer. [ Offer, extortion, what was the difference. Humans rarely ever gave anything without requiring everything in return. ]

But I thank you deeply for your kindness and consideration.

You make your coin how you make your coin, my friend.

( Charitably, with another wave of his hand that his acolytes seem compelled to imitate. What master Weisi blesses, the others agree must be done, after all. )

We won't stop you.

( Unless the... creature begins to compete with honest Hok-Shinn trade, which, to look at its hideous visage — perhaps there is work for it as an enforcer. If it fails, or accrues debt, Sairen should be persuaded to propose it. )

I am greatly humbled by your kindness.

[ Cato bent over in a gangly approximation of a bow. ]

Thank you for your friendship and your time. I hope to inform you of good progress soon.

npc inbox: arc iii | house of ravens

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