voice, un: strange

[rehandle]

To whoever might find this useful, I'm now the patron-by-proxy of all Ephes' magic users.

From what I can tell they're all very eager to help in whatever their patron might ask of them, and given how many people that accounts for there's a fair chance that if there's something you need done, I'll have somebody for the task.

What I don't have is a lot of money. [ And doesn't he just sound thrilled and not at all resentful about it. ] Should anyone wish to be so kind, I wouldn't turn down any generous donations made in the interest of the betterment of the citadel's magical community.

[ Public service announcement and desert-dry plea for somebody, anybody to give him some cash aside, that's everything, and he almost cuts it there - but actually, he'll need to get a sense for this sooner or later, so: ]

While I have your attention, it would be useful to know everyone's current stance on Messalina.

Comments

un: absterge

[downswing]

What manner of betterment?



( This money is all going to Wen Kexing's pleasure houses, isn't it. )

un: strange

[rehandle]

Whatever manner presents itself. I get a lot of requests.

[ If that's what the magic folk want, who are we to judge them. ]

[downswing]

They are held impoverished?

un: Black Prince; text

[blackscales]

'The betterment of the magical community'? Is that the most deserving of causes around here?

[rehandle]

If you'd prefer to fund-raise for someone else, you be my guest. It's a big city.

[blackscales]

I am, of course, already doing my part -- raising funds for the widows, orphans and war veterans of this fair city.

[ Think of the Orphans, Stephen Strange.

The Children.

Are you taking money that could be going to children?

Not that it's a competition, but Wrathion is here to be funny because he can be. ]

un: ut malum pluvia | audio

[somebadnews]

[ ...'something you need done' is a fairly broad offer, that's somewhat spoiled when he starts asking for money. ]

What does it tell you when the undead pay better than the living?

[ Five is not, in fact, being paid more by Messalina. But he's yet to see a breakdown of salary disbursements so he's making a leap. ]

[rehandle]

Don't fear death, you can't beat the benefits.

[ Tongue in cheek, but also if that's true he's going to personally deliver Titus Sulpicius to Messalina to join her undead ranks. ]

How's life on her payroll?

[somebadnews]

They really missed an opportunity to make you their spokesman.

[ He looks around the room they've given him, with a fireplace that was large enough to burn a body in... He's been in worse, but the smell isn't great. ]

It's about what you'd imagine. It's going to be a hard sell.

un: average sighren, audio

[lanclan]

[ Thank you for the gassing up, Wangji, even if his funds are not inexhaustible. ]

Many merchants would appreciate a subtle eye to guard their wares on the busier days of the week, the marketplaces can be hectic and their jewels and fabrics are costly. How much would a regular coterie of guards amount to, Doctor, if you could perhaps find some?

[ Phrasing it as a genuine business arrangement, not charity, to save the man some face when he has already given up so much. Xichen has not forgotten Stephen was an ally of Wangji in the past. ]

audio,

[rehandle]

[ Oh, that's nice. His freshly abandoned concern for his own personal pride caught up out of the winds and restored by kindly force. ]

I suppose that would depend on how much you're looking to spend. I'm sure we can come to an easy arrangement.

[ Which is to say: they'll do it for free and I'll take whatever I can get. ]

voice, private, un: widow

[redhourglass]

( a rare voice reply!! and no, the username isn't doubly tongue in cheek now, why would you think that? )

Why not ask for donations from your 'magical community'? ( just because she's sitting on a nest egg doesn't mean he gets to know about it (yet) )

voice, private.

[rehandle]

Sooner or later we'll leave this city. They won't, and at that point they'll need the money more than we will, and I'll already have spent it.

[ He may also just straight up not thought of that, but we'll just brush that one under the carpet. ]

text | un: wooden sword

[vdovy]

She seems better than the brotherhood but she could be full of shit.

What about you?

[rehandle]

That's about the size of my assessment too.

un: abwhorent / audio

[wifedup]

I hear she has monsters in her camp.

( Like it's very idle gossip. )

That might alarm some people.

[rehandle]

[ Joining the never-ending chorus of 'that un...', but he doesn't let it give him any pause. ]

We're perpetually surrounded by armies of the living dead. How are we defining monster these days?

un: glow is me

[massrez]

[ Well, there might well be an opportunity here. ]

There is a party being arranged for Severus Silvanus. A grand affair, given that he expects it to be the last of his life.

Some magic and mirth might be well-received.

And, more importantly, well-compensated.

[rehandle]

I'd be thrilled to lend the assistance of Ephes' magicians to Senator Silvanus and his party. [ Extremely transparent professionalism - this is indeed an ideal opportunity. ] We'll be honored to be a part of it.

Do you think it'd be best to request an audience with him personally, or to be introduced?

[ Is that a not so subtle act of volunteering this kind soul to do the introducing? Maybe. Ma yb e.]

un: headless ragdoll | audio

[matermali]

[ Howdy partner, it's been awhile. ]

I take her to be an intriguing woman. Her ideals seem to be something of interest, but no one speaks the whole truth. I would not be shocked if there is something more sinister pressing at her desires.

[ Which goes a hundredfold when politics are involved. ]

[rehandle]

[ Ah. Look who it is. ]

Neither would I. Have you had a chance to speak to her, or anyone close?

un: witchful thinking ☾ audio

[nochnaya]

What is your current stance?

[ Sorry she's like this! ]

[rehandle]

She has a noble goal if it's an honest one. Also apparently a prolific heart-eater among her party, so that's fun.

[ All this to say, stance: undetermined. ]

voice;

[reparo]

Is this because you have an MD?

voice;

[rehandle]

[ Listen, Hermione... ]

Actually I think it's the PhD that did it.