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

[somebadnews]

She acted on her own?

[pulvisetumbra]

Perhaps you should inquire with her.

[somebadnews]

All the same, I'd rather not.

[ That's someone who he really doesn't want to owe a debt to, if it ever comes to that. ]

From the looks of it, your associates aren't as neutral as you are.

[pulvisetumbra]

And how do you mean?

[somebadnews]

The nature of their release from Anurr's people. I haven't found them to be particularly reasonable.

[pulvisetumbra]

And you are certain Karsa intervened?

[somebadnews]

By three separate accounts.

[pulvisetumbra]

What an industrious woman.

[somebadnews]

[ If that's not a telling response. ]

Yeah. If you give her a raise, make sure she knows I put in the good word.

[pulvisetumbra]

She is not reimbursed monetarily for her services.

[somebadnews]

How is she, then?

[pulvisetumbra]

Does the nature of my financial arrangements concern you?

[somebadnews]

[ In this case... ]

No. I suppose it doesn't matter.

[pulvisetumbra]

Then, you have no concerns.

[somebadnews]

I wouldn't say that.

[ He can set his grudge aside for a minute though. ]

These potential routes you're thinking about. Is there enough funding to take both?

[pulvisetumbra]

One, more comfortably than the other. But the more expensive route presents certain safety advantages.

[somebadnews]

And if we were to choose to split the group?

[pulvisetumbra]

No. I cannot watch over two groups with so many variables.

[somebadnews]

[ He expected that answer. Five has more to say about that, but he's really only thinking of his family. ]

In that case, can I make a request?

[pulvisetumbra]

You may attempt.

[somebadnews]

If there's another farm along the way of whichever route we pick, I suggest we take it.

[pulvisetumbra]

And why?

[somebadnews]

[ Maybe checking to see if the quartz he hid from Vanya is still where he stuck it. Certain precautions. ]

How much do you know about my sister?

[pulvisetumbra]

I am acquainted with her abilities. It is to be expected.

Now, I am a merchant. And you are a man with a requirement. You must know what I will ask.

[somebadnews]

[ He seems to see why he'd make that request, which unfortunately means he might know how important it is to him. ]

What's your price?