npc inbox

[groundrules]

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

■ Arc III: House of Ravens

SERTHICA | ALLIED NPCs | OTHERS

SERTHICA

	ARABELLA Mistress of discipline and Minaras' Watch ships, and member of the ruling governance. Her manner at once innocent, ruthless and cold-blooded. Mother to clockwork children.
	CAIN D'UBIQ Foremost dragon rider and gentleman of Eidris, accepted by the great fire-breathing Ashtart. War hero of the conflict with Minaras. Too young for his rank and achievements. Patron of several dragon schools. Appears perpetually absent-minded, thoughts astray.
	MA'AM MARIOL Motherly figure to the orphans of Serthica's impoverished underworld of exiles, the Mouse House. After years of rearing, prone to treating everyone as children. Her temper runs hotter than a first glance might indicate. Knows just about everyone.
	(KING) THIVAR II Formerly king of Serthica, holding a diminished court in Eidris — the single citadel contingent that still recognises his authority. Headstrong, firm, dignified. Claims Minaras and Serthica's dragons as his birthright.
	CHRICHTER Only available to those who join Remembrance. Leader of the radical Remembrance resistance movement that calls for a different solution to Serthica's post-plague political landscape. Unaffiliated with Eidris or Minaras.

ALLIED NPCs

	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. Furtively left the group, bearing injury, at the end of Arc II.
	'QUICKSILVER SAM'(UEL VANE) Pirate king of great renown, master of haunted waters. Recovering from a journey through the Crossing Seas, where he summoned the drowned dead for a foolish act of vengeance with an elusive artefact he himself misunderstands. Agile, quick-witted, charming and possessed of more street smarts than many. Intent to repay his debt to the party.
	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. Not travelling with the party.

OTHERS

"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

Letter left for Thivar II

[weifinder]

King Thivar II,

My name is Wei Wuxian, an artist when it comes to personal grooming by trade, and new to the city by matter of luck and merit. The warm greetings within Eidris were a balm to the spirit after long months of travel. Your letter was equally appreciated, and such was the depth of it that I wished to send you a thank you for its authorship.

Should you find yourself desiring a new look with regards to facial hair, please call upon me! I am at your service anytime.

With warmth and sincerity and the wish your your health and happinesses,
Wei Wuxian

[sansdoute]

( Most regrettably, his royal highness, king Thivar does not deign to personally a second letter at this time.

However, his attendant in chief does invite Wei Wuxian for a consultation, to illustrate his skill before being considered to serve the king. )

Asgeirr | once in Serthica Proper

[weifinder]

( worried, as his senses fail to find any sense of spirits, any resentful energies, any death, any life. nothing, and nothing, and here he is trying to rouse Asgeirr from his hemmed and tendered cloak. )

Asgeirr, can you hear me?

[aprescoup]

( Oh, it's been ever so long since someone's worn his cloak, perhaps the edges might start to fray soon.

He's faster come now, than before, colour to his cheek. No more mere accident of illusion, but a summoned thing, courage gained. )

He... llo...? Oh. Good day, friend.

Quick Sam

[bravelyrunsaway]

Erstwhile captain, what berth have you found in the aftermath of our very unfortunately exciting introduction here in Serthica?

[sansdoute]

( He's taken his time to find his footing after the group's shown him the mercy of their acceptance, but he's wearily content now, accruing strength. The madness exorcised from him. )

All ports welcome when storm's at sea, lad.

Quicksilver Sam.

[valeas]

( The chaos of their arrival, followed by a summit-turned-attack, has kept Emilia busy and required prioritisation. Needs must.

Once she sees an opening, however, she seizes upon it. Remembers that when not rattled by tongue relics, Quicksilver Sam showed an appreciation for manners: )

Captain Vane.
I hope this missive finds you ( rational ) well, as I must request a moment of your time.

audio

[sansdoute]

( Kindly, excuse this man, for he is not at his finest ease with letter-writing. )

There be no need for ceremony.

The Merchant ; Audio

[enucleation]

[ a couple of days after arriving to Serthica ]

Good day, this is Kaneki. I was wondering if it's possible for us to have a talk regarding the artefact I was told to acquire when I first arrived.

[pulvisetumbra]

Good afternoon, Kaneki. ( Manners, after all, are important. ) It pleases me you've been well, and, that I've learned, without... incident. You are... sustaining yourself amenably, I trust?

( Eat well, young cannibal. )

As for that... artefact, by all mans. I hear you.

the merchant, this would be around docking time

[weifinder]

Master Scorpion! While I won't bore you with the details of how a comatose old man was kept alive and intact and out of the waters during months on ships set to disaster, and I presume, merchantile practises at odds with your own, I did want to inform you that Master Zenobius has been appearing more and more close to waking these days.

Along those lines, recommendations for medical clinics or doctors within these cities you've appointed us to integrate within?

[pulvisetumbra]

'Master Scorpion' is neither preferred nor, at this time, tolerated. See your manners revised, Wei Wuxian.

( But his interest is piqued. )

If... Zenobius nears awakening, then. I shall facilitate you 30,000 gold through Karsa. Minaras will give you the finest facilities. I expect, seek out the military or the academic units.

following kaneki's post, to hatisse

[weifinder]

Miss Hatisse!

At your convenience, I'd appreciate speaking with you and any observations you may have for our present, ah, location.

As well as your thoughts on the growing collection of body parts various members of our ragtag group are amassing.

Sincerely,
Wei Wuxian

audio

[aprescoup]

Beautiful boy, yes, my sweet. How may Hatisse help you? Be more specific.

As for your people. They have fetching thighs and pretty cu — ...but that's not what you're after.

delivery for the Merchant.

[valeas]

A small and lovely basket containing:

• A selection of fine spices she found in Eidris markets, including cinnamon with a more complex and pronounced aroma than she's seen thus far.
• A candle with a label of Giardino Della Fortuna.

[aprescoup]

( Alas, considering the Merchant is not physically present, the one to take receipt of these fine wares and send her regards is — )

I am not giving him this. He is old man. He chokes. He dies. We do not get paid. Fool, we pay me. No. He eats plain bland grain, like his plain bland heart. And he lives long. And he pays me.

ma'am mariol (day after summit; pls forgive my delay)

[thedreamer]

hello, dear! you and the children alright? call me please. thank you!!!

audio

[sansdoute]

( Oh, but she's agitated, her — )

...'ello? Poppet? Hello? ( And screeched behind her: ) You tip that pot over, that's you sorted for dinner, right off me floor, you want to be like a pupper? You don't? You don't? Then leave the pot be, it's only simmerin'. ( Back... to your regular schedule: ) Right... right, now what's all this?

arabella.

[inferus]

( wrath gives her time and space to recover, and then takes the opportunity to investigate the sanctuary following what occurred, and to become acclimated to minaras himself before he reaches out again: )

High Councillor Arabella, following our meeting and your understandable reaction to such a vicious attack earlier in the day, I was concerned for your wellbeing. I hope you are well. If you have sufficiently recovered and are amenable to it, I would like to speak to you further about what occurred that day.

[sansdoute]

Good — day. Welcome, citizen... Wrath. The day is eleventh of the new moon. She shines. We shine. We are blessed.

How may I assist you?

visiting ma'am mariol, after the beginnings of the remembrance plot

[snowcleave]

[ After staying there those few weeks Fei knows when she's likely to catch Ma'am Mariol during an evening lull, once the children are fed and less rambunctious, it's then that she knocks on the door, sack of food liberated from the wealthier pantries and storehouses in Eidres slung over her shoulder.

When the door opens Fei sets the sack gently on the ground in the space between them, so that she can cup her fist in her palm and offer a respectful bow. ]

Honored Ma'am, I have brought things for the children.

[ She's brought questions too, but keeping the orphans here healthy and well fed is more important. Curiosity can wait. ]

[sansdoute]

( Oh, it's them, then, is it? Oh, aren't they sweet, always checking in, and now, look at the girlie Mariol's rushing to let in, her gaggle of misfits clamouring behind her — )

Steady, steady, you'll be trippin'er over, don't want that, do you? Do you? And she's brought you gifts, what do we say, children? Annie, you put'nother bowl on the table, get Kester to drop one down from the shelves, the nice yellow ones, eh? Without'em chips!

( Mariol and the children make fast, careful work of dragging the goods in and leading Zhou Fei about, at least, wafts of fresh stew building. )

Just put some fresh potato in, be licking your lips by the end, poppet. Come in, come in.

karsa. apres the unwinding

[reparo]

[ Whenever this happens. ]

Lady Karsa, I would beg your advice.

[ Karsa has been known to be...literal. So: ]

Please.

voice

[aprescoup]

Yeeeeees, yes, I am here, yes. Stop grovelling. Who taught you? You lick boots now? Good! Much mud. Very ugly.

Ma'am Mariol, post Unwinding, will try to keep it short!

[blackscales]

[ There's a lot of them in the Mouse House, currently, outsiders. Wrathion feels as if he stands out in a whole host of awkward ways -- mannerisms, dress, accent. He's tried to... dress down, at least, but he has standards.

He also has the close attention of a lot of the children, having previously offered them rewards for information. Clearly they expect more potential rewards, and some of them are... lacking the hoped-for subtlety. He attempts to work his way through them, idly catching the hand of one he suspects is reaching for his pockets and moving it on.

He grew up in a guild of thieves and assassins, you have to be faster that that kid. ]

Ma'am Mariol, a moment of your time if you don't mind. Your children here tell me that a man in white visited here some years ago, very pale. Do you recall?

[sansdoute]

( Oh dear, oh dear, but they are rather a few, aren't they? Proper crammed, like sardines, but is the old saying, where you've got yourself room for three, there's room for four, and now for ten times over. It'll do them. And so they're so kind, them, with the errands.

She's cooking — always cooking these days, so many mouths to feed — and fat's sizzling sharp and crisp in the skillet, when the nice gentleman drops in, and, well. Of course she finds him a tolerably thick strip of the bacon cut to slip in the pan, waving him to the table. )

Oh, morning to you, now, pet. Why don't you have yourself a sit? Just readying breakfast, oh, you're hungry, aren't you? Bless, a long night, and you so young and growing.

( ...right, better salt and pepper it while it crisps. ) A man in whi... a man... that's not plenty helpful, is it, dear? White... I suppose, and pale, eh? There were a few, is... usually, you know, folks who haven't got work, never touch themselves the coal, or... a pale man in white... I think... yeah, there was one, yes. He was, him. I think you're right!

( Click of her tongue. ) Don't remember his name, but... odd sort of fellow, was him — sorry, not your friend, was he? Don't mean him no disrespect.

karsa - post unwinding

[edgerun]

WHERE DID THE COMMUNICATORS COME FROM?

voice

[aprescoup]

Flea market. And me.

You have no manners? Like a pig? You say hello first. Pig.

a missive for cain

[weifinder]

What we've seen so far is heart-striking. The scales tip, and what lives or was made to be swims between the truly living in the port.

How many dragons do you know that live.

[sansdoute]

The martial ones. A handful of those that transport.

the merchant

[weifinder]

He wakes.

[pulvisetumbra]

( He could pretend, naturally, to misunderstand. To not catch the gentleman's meaning. But instead, tentatively: )

...well, then. I suppose I owe whoever wagered he ever would a coin, gold whole.

→ jim kirk | video

[sansdoute]

( It might have been for everyone's welfare, if captain Maximilian Hawk of the Dawn's Reach Trade Company gently forgot about the party and its whereabouts, but no, no.

He remembers. And he's in fine form, juggling what is surely not his first, second or third glass of brandy in this collegial video transmission to his good friend, Jim Kirk. )

Master Kirk, sir, how are you? Still in one piece? That's the man I know. You know, I tell everyone about you, James Kirk, what a dog, got a harem of whores swooning and pining after him, they pay him coin, and it's all gold — I tell them all. Funny thing, our business at sea, wasn't it? Glad it's all over, and that nonsense of, you know, Quicksilver behind us, and...

( ...trying to shoot down the party at sea? That too. A sip of the brandy. ) So, a little bird told me, new faces have taken up in Serthica, and I ask myself, sir, who could it possibly be, who'd break the isolation of that cursed fortress? Who would have the balls of, by all Gods, steel? And it turns out? Who would it be? But my friend! The Dog'o Jim. Is that right?

[winscenario]

[ Not sure if it would have been for everyone's welfare, but is is going to make any of their lives easier?

No, absolutely not. In fact, Jim can almost feel the oncoming headache when he sees the transmission pop up without warning, just barely managing to suppress a groan before he's returning Maximilian Hawk's video call with one of his own. ]

Captain Hawk. It's been a while.

[ A bland smile, totally innocent, not like they've taken Quicksilver into their midst or anything. Sort of. Hawk doesn't need to know that. ]

I haven't really left Serthica since I got here. But I wasn't aware it was that difficult to leave.

[ Just difficult to get in. That sounds like they should be worrying about getting out. ]

→ the doctor, zhou fei, finn, red

[sansdoute]

( With the Doctor and Finn acting as Mouse House liaisons, while Zhou Fei and Red have been raising coin for the Mouse House, they might or mightn't be surprised to receive the following message from good Mariol: )

Ah, hello there? Hello... now, won't be troubling you long, know how busy you are, you're all grown up and frightfully busy and... now, poppet, wouldn't be rushing back down here for a smidge. It's all gotten a little bit rough around the — ( Reedy, aimed in the distance: ) You stop burning your sister's hair, Theodore, ain't be making her prettier, you're not! Oh, no, no, Lily, you're plenty pretty, is not what I meant, you're a handsome, darling blossom, and we only lower the bonnet on yer face so low so people don't... steal you, is not cause we don't want to see you!

( And back to order: ) They're being rude or God-fearing, or whatever it is, upstairs, that's got their frill-filled heads sending the gas thick down again. They keep it nice and even most often, but now it's thick, and it's warm, and it's making people... sweet but sleepy and honest slow, and... a bit irritable, you know, poppet, prone to stubbing toes and drifting into people and the like. And that's when them knives come out. We don't be wantin'that. So, just keep to yerselves upstairs for a little, won't you? We'll be all sorted here, as long as — Theodore, I'm smellin'her locks again.

( You can handwave Mariol's reassurance that she and the children are fine for now, but feel free to continue the thread by commenting here if your character wants to ask other questions. You can keep this for background knowledge going into the finale, or share it with the group o/ )

[snowcleave]

As long as what?

[ Thanks she hates it. ]