ACT I • SCENA 4
ALMS AND ALMERY
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image [https://i.imgur.com/3PvDTFl.png]
When he finishes reading the letter, Varant simply grunts and passes it on.
Messen grunts in agreement.
Ethi utters a gentle "Hm."
Tami's bewilderment is made evident in her "Mmm…"
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> *grunt*
> —<2> Hmmmm…
> —<3> Hrm.
Annessa looks at the bunch of you and lets out a long sigh.
ANNESSA: Well, to be fair, I don't know where to start either…
[GUILDMASTER]: …For my part, my first thoughts are 'who' and 'why'. But I propose that we put aside the hopeless speculation for now, as well as any worries about the legitimacy of it—if it's in the crown's keeping, only the crown can take it away.
Small nods of agreement skip around the circle of staff members, but you can sense that they're still not sure what to do next.
[GUILDMASTER]: We need to put this gift to use immediately and effectively in order to bring this place back to life. Obviously. Since we're not sure where to start… well, here's one idea at least—
> —<1> Recruitment is our focus right now. We should save as much as we can for that purpose.
>
> Annessa nods. Ethi raises her hand.
>
> ETHI: I request food.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Food. For the adventurers we'll be hiring, but also for us. Right now.
>
> ETHI: A glimmer of wisdom from our new Guildmaster, yes, yes.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Clearly we deserve our own palace. In fact, let's skip the gold ornaments and just make the whole thing out of gold.
>
> ETHI: But what use is a palace if it's not full of food?
>
> TAMI: We should heed Ethi's wisdom, Guildmaster!
>
> ----------------------------------------
Annessa's eyes dart to one side and off into an unseeable horizon as she gives it some thought. Messen and Varant say nothing but by the anticipatory stares they direct at Annessa, it's clear where their hopes lie.
But it's not Annessa's choice to make, and you know that.
[GUILDMASTER]: First will be food, then. We all need the energy and attitude a proper meal brings, but you all in particular need your vigor back. Annessa, I don't mean to splurge, but I think we should make tonight's dinner more than just a proper meal.
To your surprise, a grateful smile appears on her face. In fact, everyone's mood lightens considerably at the idea.
ANNESSA: We'll make some arrangements on our outing today, then. Tami, do you know where we could get some decent carves of… hrm, probably hog? Is Binten's still open?
TAMI: Hog would be the best choice around here, yeah. Binten retired a few years back but a new crew from Parvia showed up not long after, they know what they're doing. I'll talk to them, would you two get something for the rest of the meal? I'll put a list together…
VARANT: You guys going to do the cooking?
TAMI: I'll handle that too, it's been too long.
MESSEN: Let me know if I can be of help. The two of you, as well.
He gestures to you and Annessa. Annessa acknowledges his offer with a gracious nod and her slender smile.
VARANT: Let's get something quick for this morning and noontime, if I can get some energy I'll start on getting the kitchen ready. Actually I'll just grab some stuff from the stalls up Gate Road.
[GUILDMASTER]: Try some of the fruit from that stall on the western side, Tarsim's I think it was. North of the inn. I've never tasted better for anywhere near that price.
VARANT: Will do. There's only the one Affirmation of Custody though, yeah?
Annessa nods.
ANNESSA: We should withdraw some of it for exactly this reason. Varant, let's go up the road to get some quick provisions, then you can return while I continue on to Highpeal. I'll ask the treasury to send us a courier with, say, five thousand gold. When that gets here, we'll store the bulk and split what we need for the next week. Tami can then go to the butcher and the Guildmaster and I will make our planned trip to the Maker's Marlock.
You give an unneeded nod of approval just because you feel it's your place to do so. With further nods and some few waves, the little meeting circle begins to disperse. Sensing their mood, you realize it's probably been years since they've even made a plan of action for the day.
You turn to better introduce yourself to Ethi before she leaves, but her crystal-eyed gaze stops you in your tracks. It's all too easy to interpret that look: "After food, please." She then takes the stairs to the upper floors, leaving you and Messen alone in the hall. Messen is standing by the door to the training yard, as if he were about to exit.
MESSEN: Guildmaster.
He points behind you.
MESSEN: Zoergatha wants to talk to you.
You spin around to find a cheerful young man standing right in front of you, already extending his hand in welcome. It's the same cheerful young man as before, in fact.
Cheerful young man
Cheerful young man [https://i.imgur.com/EMQi9oP.jpeg]
CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: Hello again, newcomer!
You shake his hand. He is surprisingly weak, despite his merriness.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> You snuck up on me on purpose…
>
> CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: Of course! that's my specialty, after all! I hoped you'd appreciate a demonstration of the abilities I'll be teaching our adventurers.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Fair enough…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> …How long have you been there?
>
> CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: Just long enough to make you imagine that I've been here longer!
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: You're a sly one, alright…
>
> CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: Thank you, Guildmaster!
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> You do NOT look like a Blackguard master. I suppose you enjoy that fact.
>
> CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: Not only do I enjoy it, but it's exceptionally useful.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …How could it possibly be useful to you these days, when you have no guild assignments?
>
> CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: I still have to provide for my family, you know?
>
> He shrugs.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Wait… if that means what I think it means… am I to understand that I have a criminal in my employ?
>
> CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: Not by my definition.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
[GUILDMASTER]: So—Your name is Zoergatha…?
CHEERFUL YOUNG MAN: It is! It's a very useful name, I've always liked it. But not very practical—please, call me Zoel. When we're not on a mission, at least.
[GUILDMASTER]: You still run missions?
ZOEL: When necessary. I will not fight, however. I have a family, you see.
[GUILDMASTER]: I get it. I've a few questions to ask you, but you should go first.
ZOEL: Well then! Firstly I'd like to thank you for taking up this role. I'd congratulate you, but I can't help but wonder if we're just taking you down with us.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Well, I'll do my best…
>
> ZOEL: That's all I'd ever ask of anyone.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> I'm eager to at least try to help, though I'll agree that things look hopeless.
>
> ZOEL: That eagerness alone goes a long way, believe me!
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<1> You ever heard that story about the lotch and the parsnip? Because that's you guys right now, and I'm the panicked farmer.
>
> ZOEL: I have! But sometimes I feel more like that errant parsnip, rolling off that cliff…
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: You know, I always wondered why the farmer didn't just roll down the hill himself. A few cuts and bruises and broken limbs seems worth his livelihood!
>
> ZOEL: I guess now's your chance to find out! Problem is, there's no healer at the bottom of our hill…
>
> ----------------------------------------
ZOEL: But as you've noticed, the last few years in particular have taken a real toll on our morale, and I've no doubt you've encountered some suspicion from the rest of the staff.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> It wasn't very pleasant, but not unexpected…
> —<2> Given the circumstances, they've actually been quite amicable, at least after our initial meeting.
> —<3> I can deal with it. I've seen plenty of times how people react to someone placed in authority by virtue of bloodline alone. I know I've been there myself.
[GUILDMASTER]: But it seems the fact that you vouched for me has smoothed things over greatly.
ZOEL: That was my intent.
[GUILDMASTER]: I was going to ask how you know so much about me, but… Did you perhaps do that purely to give me a chance, even without knowing for sure whether I'm fit for the job?
ZOEL: …
He stares at you for a moment, his face still cheerful but somehow without any particular emotion behind it.
ZOEL: You're not entirely wrong. But I'm thinking that the fact that you see through that is a sign that I might have been right.
[GUILDMASTER]: Well, I want you to know that I appreciate it, and I think it's made a big difference.
ZOEL: Thank you, Guildmaster.
The small, somber nod of his head that he gives you feels far more significant than his previous cheerful bows.
ZOEL: Now, as I'm not usually present at the guildhouse as much as the other masters, I need to make sure you know how to reach me. You can always ask Annessa to pass me a message, but typically the easiest thing to do is use the board out back.
He points to the narrow hall between the staircases, which leads to the back door that opens onto an alleyway of sorts between the back side of the guildhouse and the property's western wall.
ZOEL: There's a message board there specifically for myself and any other Blackguards active in-city… Don't ask, Guildmaster. No, we don't do anything that's not sanctioned by Karsis or the House. Anyways, light the torch on its right if there's a message for your rogues. The torch on its left if there's a message for me. And in either case you may light the topmost torch as well, if it's urgent.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> This is some real cloak-and-dagger shit…
>
> Zoel's cheerful grin makes a full return.
>
>
> Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
>
>
> ZOEL: I'm glad you understand, Guildmaster!
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Okay you said not to ask, but I mean… Aren't we here purely to kill monsters?
>
> ZOEL: Monsters come in all too many shapes, unfortunately. You know well enough how dangerous the hostile peoples can be; it follows reason that if you must be prepared to fight against lephan, goblins, and the like—you must also be prepared to fight humans.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I suppose you're not wrong.
>
> ZOEL: I'm not, Guildmaster.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> …Alright. When we get your rogue division running properly, what kinds of tasks would I be assigning you?
>
> ZOEL: Before the changes brought about by the last Crusade, the guild would assist both the Royal Watch and the Mayika Guard Corps with specific tasks when directed. It's unlikely that you yourself would have the authority or the reason to sanction a mission within the city.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: That makes a lot more sense, thank you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
ZOEL: But that's all from me for now! What questions did you have?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> So do you know who's responsible for our life-saving gift?
>
> It lasts for just a second, but you notice several shades of concern and chagrin cross his face in succession. The contrast with his otherwise cheery demeanor makes you realize that everything about his appearance, from his poise to his clothes and even his voice, is intended to make him seem as unthreatening as possible.
>
> Then his seeming cheerfulness returns and he provides you with the very answer you expected, but didn't want.
>
> ZOEL: It was very unexpected and I'm afraid I am behind on certain goings-on within the city. I certainly can't say anything for sure and what's worse, I'm not confident I can provide an answer at all without further clues.
>
> You can only nod in acknowledgement.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> How long have you been with the guild?
>
> You catch a sly gleam in his eye, but he continues on in his chit-chatty tone.
>
> ZOEL: I was one of the first, actually! Your great uncle had just become Guildmaster when his predecessor was killed in the Second Crusade. Besides Ethi, who doesn't fight, he was the only surviving trainer… in fact it was Varant who had to step into his own previous role—though I'm pretty sure Savron had intended that much all along. Meanwhile, I had just arrived in the kingdom and saw an opportunity for my own survival, only to find it was a better fit for me than I'd ever expected. That was ten years before Annessa joined, even!
>
> You know you're staring, but you can't stop yourself. The last remnants of the Second Crusade returned roughly twenty-eight years ago… you triple-check your eyesight to confirm that he appears twenty years old at the very most. Your unwittingly incredulous look only makes him grin mischievously.
>
> ZOEL: I'm sure you have some very good questions, Guildmaster. Ones that I have some very good answers to! Unfortunately, they're not answers that you're going to know for quite some time.
>
> Even if you were inclined to, you get the feeling that pushing him on the matter would not only be fruitless but also counterproductive.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Now for the most important question: Will you be here for tonight's dinner?
>
> Zoel gives his widest grin yet.
>
> ZOEL: Wouldn't miss it, Guildmaster!
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
[GUILDMASTER]: That's all I have for now, Zoel. Thank you very much for coming to speak with me.
ZOEL: It's my responsibility Guildmaster, and I acknowledge that I should've spoken to you earlier. Well, officially.
He grins.
ZOEL: Right—Before I leave, let's go over my immediate tasks: I want to look into our mysterious benefactor of course, but as you've said, recruitment is top priority. Unfortunately it's also not my area of strength. I'll prioritize scouting for suitable recruits and apprise you of anything I find. Other than that, I need to re-establish contacts among the Watch and the Guard Corps, as well as other organizations that might be useful either as clients or resources. I think that will be my primary approach, and I'd then use those to assist with the scouting.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I'm grateful to have such a competent rogue master.
>
> He bows with exaggerated formality.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Could you prioritize looking into who's behind the donation? I just have a feeling…
>
> He shrugs nonchalantly.
>
> ZOEL: It can be hard to know when a feeling is worth paying attention to. But I'd be happy to do that, though I'm not sure it will affect anything.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Please do, thank you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Actually, please shift your focus to finding a suitable source of good cheese, for both tonight and the future. As in actual, proper cheese. Nothing on this side of the city seems worthy of the name…
>
> He grins.
>
> ZOEL: My cheese expertise is ever at your disposal!
>
> ----------------------------------------
ZOEL: If we're all set, may I disappear now?
[GUILDMASTER]: You're welcome to. Will it happen in a spectacular fashion? Do I get a show?
ZOEL: Of course! Follow me, and you'll see exactly what your Blackguard master is capable of.
He leads you to the door to the adventurers dorm, and you follow him out the guildhouse. But the very moment you walk through the doorway, you lose sight of him—
You look around, up, and even down, but there's no sight or sound or other salient sign of his presence. You take a step backward, noting the faint print your boot leaves in the bare dirt. There are no prints but yours.
[GUILDMASTER]: Spectacular fashion, all right…
Well, you walked right into that one, didn't you?
⋯
An hour later, after eating perhaps too much of the modest provisions brought back by Varant, you're waiting impatiently by the guild gate for Annessa to return. Finally, you hear someone arrive. But instead of opening the gate, they beat soundly on the door with the one remaining decrepit knocker that you suspect nobody has used in a decade.
You can't shake the feeling of precipitous import as you steadily open the doors. You chide your heart for beating too loudly and your lungs for skimping on your breath. The thick slabs of aging wood swing open all too slowly… but the face you find behind them is familiar—
CHEERFUL TRADER: Hello! I'd like to sell some arms and armor. Is there anyone here I could talk to?
Cheerful trader
Cheerful trader [https://i.imgur.com/bgTd4Jk.jpeg]
She is startlingly pretty, you realize. Her cheery voice overflows with natural determination and self-confidence, as if she's eager to share some of it with you.
[GUILDMASTER]: Uh. Yes, that would be me…
CHEERFUL TRADER: Amazing! Can I drive my wagon in, show you what I've got?
A minute later, she's got her wagon pulled up beside the storehouse, with its back opened towards the guildhouse.
CHEERFUL TRADER: So! Army surplus from Arkavis, all crafted within the last two years and meeting minimum condition requirements for active use. Note that this means they are standard steel without enchantments, and suitable only for low-tier monsters. Or other people, I guess…
[GUILDMASTER]: Yes… Well, we're in the exact situation where this would be of use to us… Uh, not the part about other people I mean.
You hear the guildhouse door open and close behind you, and turn to see Messen scanning the newcomer as he walks over.
Messen
Messen [https://i.imgur.com/iD2AFcg.jpeg]
[GUILDMASTER]: Messen. She's selling arms and armor, military surplus. Could you help me make some decisions?
Messen nods. As he approaches, the cheerful trader starts removing the lids from her crates and beckons the both of you to take a look. You climb up onto the wagon followed by Messen, appreciating the innovative little ramp she has in place. You glance over everything, not noticing any glaring issues, but you know you don't have the expertise to properly appraise their quality. Messen takes quite a while longer, and you find it reassuring that he seems to know what he's looking at.
MESSEN: This is surplus?
The trader nods and shrugs. Though Messen can't even see her with his face half-buried in her crates.
CHEERFUL TRADER: I don't know how much attention you've been giving events up north, but… well, the Arkavian Empire is gearing up big-time. The Emperor has pulled in so much money I heard he might actually outfit some companies with low-tier enchantments…
Messen gives a concerned grunt, but he continues peering through the crates.
For your part, the topic hits close to home.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I just can't help but feel like… I mean, he already won, you know? The dukes have no chance anymore. What's he doing it all for now…?
>
> MESSEN: He doesn't need to say anything other than "Geld" and in the eyes of the people, he would have all the justification he needs.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: True, heh. It's just that, when you actually look at Geld these days…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> It's not surprising… Well, except for the part about enchanted armor.
>
> MESSEN: It's foolish. He needs nothing more than he already has should he ever want to become the only emperor in the north.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: If you ask me, the Geldin wouldn't even be able to rally a real defense before their capital was under siege…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> It's all just such a waste… There's so many other things he could be putting that money into. Especially in these times…
>
> MESSEN: Yet if he did, you know the dukes would rile up half the population under the guise of "defense of the citizenry". As long as Geld stands, the dukes will have power. Ironic as it is.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I hate that you're so on-point. But I'll be honest—I can't see Geld making any moves for generations at least.
>
> ----------------------------------------
CHEERFUL TRADER: I agree, I don't think Geld is a big enough threat to justify anything. You'd hope the Arkavians were gearing up for another Crusade, but. Really.
[GUILDMASTER]: It's not impossible that the Emperor would actually contribute next time. After all, it was mostly the infighting among the dukes that they blamed for not helping.
Messen's grunt is sharper this time, and you're not sure how to interpret it.
The cheerful trader looks pensive for a moment, and then just shrugs.
CHEERFUL TRADER: We'll see. But nobody's got a bright outlook on the world these days, so it's hard to look forward to finding out. But anyways… that's why we've got all this surplus!
MESSEN: Well. Even then, it's of good make. And consistently so…
CHEERFUL TRADER: The crafting guilds in the capital are going through some kind of revival with all the money flowing through, and you're looking at the results. Perhaps the one praise I can give that man is that he knows how to pay his people… Even if it's mostly at the expense of the dukes, hahaha.
MESSEN: Those poor fools deserve worse. And they've deserved it for a long, long time.
From what you've seen of Messen, he's being downright chatty. You reassess the trader, and notice her smiling sadly at him in knowing agreement.
Messen seems to come to some conclusion, and turns to you with distinguished decisiveness.
MESSEN: These are well worth your consideration, at the very least.
So, quality wise, the gear has Messen's full approval. You think for a moment…
[GUILDMASTER]: Shouldn't we be making purchases per adventurer, according to both their roles and their unique strengths?
Messen gives a nod, with a tightness on one side of his mouth that you suspect is his equivalent of a smile.
For some reason, the cheerful trader also has an appreciative smirk on her face.
MESSEN: Very true. Unfortunately, we are far from the point where we have the means to do so, or even the need. It's important to have gear prepared for our newcomers to be able to take on incoming quests without undue risk, and frankly, army surplus is perfect for the purpose. For now, we just need to be able to kill aberrats and alglots.
[GUILDMASTER]: If we want to be able to supply a healthy amount of future adventurers, we'll need to make sure we have all fits covered…
CHEERFUL TRADER: I should have you covered then! As far as armor goes, both heavy and light, I believe I not only have stock for standard sizes, but also some that can be fitted for unusual frames. My weapons are all what'd you'd expect, however. Here, take a look at my full inventory…
She hands you the folded parchment she'd pulled out of one of the crates. It is thoroughly detailed and impressively specific. The various weapons and armors and armor pieces, their sizes, their conditions, their sources…
[GUILDMASTER]: With these prices… Messen, I'm not familiar with the local economy, but in the Empire I wouldn't expect to find a deal this good. Would it be a bad idea to make a bulk purchase now?
Messen turns to the cheerful trader.
MESSEN: How long do you intend to stay in Mayika? I doubt you will have other clients here.
CHEERFUL TRADER: Until I sell my stock, or decide that I can't. The sooner I sell, the sooner I'll return with more! If you want better quality standard gear at that time I can oblige, but the timeframe for custom orders would be too large to be practical for either of us.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> It sounds like you're expecting a long-term relationship with this guild…
>
> CHEERFUL TRADER: It doesn't have to be formal, but I'd be a poor merchant if I didn't take up this opportunity. Moreover, if you ask me, everyone in the Heartlands should have a vested interest in seeing the guilds up and running again.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Explain about the custom orders…
>
> CHEERFUL TRADER: As you said, your adventurers will benefit from—require, eventually—custom-made gear according to their abilities. Their current abilities. And especially at first, your adventurers will be growing their abilities quickly…
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Ah, I see what you're getting at.
>
> CHEERFUL TRADER: Yup. As they train their anima they'll be able to equip more and stronger enchantments, and as they acquire more materials you'll have access to better armors. By the time I travel to Arkastor, wait for the custom order to be crafted, and travel back again, they'll probably have outgrown whatever they ask for. And I don't recommend trying to make predictions.
>
> MESSEN: I agree, though I'll admit I find it unfortunate if we would be getting a similar deal as we could with these.
>
> She shrugs at that.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Will you even be able to get better quality surplus?
>
> CHEERFUL TRADER: Remains to be seen. But like we were talking about… don't underestimate the Emperor's ambitions, or his coin purse. Or the many armorers in the imperial capital.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
His arms comfortably crossed, Messen turns back to you.
MESSEN: Guildmaster. Frankly I would take the deal, but we should consult with Annessa. And if you're going to Maker's Marlock today, you should also note the products and prices you can find there.
[GUILDMASTER]: I think we ought to wait for tomorrow then, yeah. Would that be satisfactory?
CHEERFUL TRADER: That would be great! In fact, I'd like to encourage you to make the bulk purchase—I'll do some numbers today and offer you a deal tomorrow.
With strong arms and deft hands, it only takes her a matter of seconds to close and re-secure her crates.
[GUILDMASTER]: Thank you. What time can we expect you?
CHEERFUL TRADER: I'd prefer mid-morning or early afternoon.
[GUILDMASTER]: Hmmmm…
You can't think of any particular reason to pick a time. Meanwhile, the trader is already leading her lotch to the guild's gates.
CHEERFUL TRADER: You know what? Just make it early afternoon, you should have a better feel for the direction of things by then.
This strikes you as an odd thing to say, and suddenly you remember how she parted with you the day before—
[GUILDMASTER]: —Wait, what do you mean by that?
CHEERFUL TRADER: If you need me before then, you can find me at The Blithe Buffoon!
Her wagon is out the gate before you even know what else to ask, and she closes the doors behind her.
MESSEN: …
[GUILDMASTER]: Hmm…
MESSEN: Guildmaster…
[GUILDMASTER]: Hmm…?
MESSEN: …We forgot to ask for her name.
[GUILDMASTER]: Hmmmmmmmm…