audio | username: raven master

[pulvisetumbra]

( You might remember this voice: )

Good afternoon. To our newcomers, I introduce myself as the Merchant. You have heard of me. I have heard of you. To our elderly additions, I note you have prevailed against the odds to persist among us. A triumph.

( Dry laughter. ) Further pleasantries at a later, more forgiving time. For now, it will not surprise you that certain gestures have been entertained. Crude, direct and mercenary.

Absent a contact point, Unhalad’s lieutenants have left word with several port masters, who have conveyed his message. He believes you have been well positioned to access Anurr’s forces and woodland allies. He asks for any remnants of the mirror his brethren sent aboard the vessel Imperious and for assistance to cleanse the woods of Anurr’s supporters. In exchange, he offers free passage from Sa-Hareth once the storms clear and a letter of recommendation that will ease voyage across the eastern provinces commanded by his brothers. He threatens the full force of his allies, if you do not comply.

( A moment’s peace, to let that sink. ) I expect our forest visitors have kept Lord Anurr better informed of your whereabouts and affiliation. He has addressed my liaisons to request your assistance to shut in the salt mines and the source of Unhalad’s local force replenishments. He too offers to facilitate your departure from Sa-Hareth, once he gains the terminals, financial provisions and free return to the citadel, should you wish it done. He threatens nothing, but notes that you are alone, and have been alone for some time, and where has it brought you? ( Laughter, outright) To me.

( Second verse, same at the first. Silence is a strength. ) Quite. Given the limitations of these creatures, you will forgive me for excluding any physical evidence of these interactions.

If you want counsel: you have sustained neutrality for the better part of two months. Your position to do nothing has been self-serving, but clear. Do not stray course at the last hour. If you intend to proceed otherwise… alert me. I shall endeavour to broker the relevant agreement, so that you may at least benefit from your gumption.

You will otherwise be pleased to know I expect to receive the pertinent passport papers and two potential routes for your strategic departure within days. Until then, good day.


( ooc: feel free to use the Merchant’s or other character posts to debate the course of action! The Merchant will be scarce. If most/any characters plan to side with Unhalad, Anurr, either warlord or even both of them, designate a character to let the Merchant know. Address messages to the him this time! )

Comments

[beitangmoran]

Unintentionally at first, for sure. But his story is more interesting.

Although, to be quite fair, Master Merchant, out of the lot, I would choose you over the other two.

[pulvisetumbra]

And what is Unhalad's story?

[beitangmoran]

The weakest of many brothers if we are to believe you, Lord Merchant. And yet possessed of enough sorcery to bring the likes of us here. But is it his or that of someone under him... or lording over him?

Yes, we still have many unanswered question about him, but he has not really made any attempts to endear himself since he first kidnapped us.

In the end stories are whatever people make of them, and people lie and try to make themselves look better in them. I dislike being a pawn, but playing defense is not always a bad choice.

[pulvisetumbra]

I only note that you have chosen the more 'interesting' story while knowing half.

I do not criticise. It is irrelevant to me.

[beitangmoran]

I guess Anurr has better propaganda, Master Merchant.

You want money, and you want us out of here. This, at least is clear cut.

For the rest, we are indeed playing half-blind, and it is never a good idea, I am aware. This is not my arena, and in contrast to what my power usually does, it vaguely feels like something replaying I have already gone through before and have little desire to see repeated again. I would be quite content to just stay here and study your books, and your star maps, and learn more about this place, but alas, it is not to be so.

Now to try and see that some of our more moral-minded companions don't get themselves killed or captured in the next few days in acts of incredibly stupid bravery.

[pulvisetumbra]

Do you require sedative brews?

[beitangmoran]

What would be your price?

[Unsure he'd use them for this, but never a bad thing to have on hand, that.]

[pulvisetumbra]

I put no value on Karsa's time. It is irrelevant to me.

[beitangmoran]

Then I shall inquire with her directly, should I manage to reach her in a... slightly non-homicidal mood.

[pulvisetumbra]

Simply inform her I mandate it.

[beitangmoran]

Very appreciated, Master Merchant.

[pulvisetumbra]

Be that as it may, I take no responsibility for how you deploy these instruments. I do not wish to face later accusations of conspiracy.

[beitangmoran]

Oh, I am accustomed to taking responsibility and blame whenever necessary. Your name need not be mentioned at all beyond me talking to lady Karsa, if I decide to do it.

[pulvisetumbra]

Then, I accept.

[jeoha]

It would be better, perhaps, not to suggest drugging members of your own contingent in a place where they can hear you. [ His voice is very dry. ]

[pulvisetumbra]

More discreet, certainly.

[beitangmoran]

I am not in the habit of doing things with no warnings. And no one has done anything too heroically stupid yet.

Besides, these could also be useful for myself. I have been told I don't sleep enough numerous times in my life.

[jeoha]

Mhmm.

[ He sounds amused. ]

Regardless, I think it would be best to come talk with me about it in private.

[ ooc: he's just giving an excuse to drag moran to the meet ]

I think I have something that can help you sleep.