ACT I • SCENA 5
A MARLOCK UNEARNED
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The Maker's Marlock, sometimes erroneously called the Maker's Market by newcomers, begins at a large market square in sight of the lower manors of the Royal District, the residential wards of which take up the bulk of the city's west-northwest corner. It then covers a street lined on both sides with shops and crafter guilds and splendid stalls, which winds down a gentle slope to the center of the city. Properly, the Maker's Marlock then ends and the Market's March begins, heading straight south until it hits the city walls. Such as they are.
But technically, it's all the same street. And though Mayika's residents are all adamant that the Marlock ends at the city center, nobody can quite agree on where that is. One thing is for sure though—the farther south you go, the dirtier the streets become, the more drab the passersby, the lower quality the wares on display, and the harder you have to hold on to your coin purse.
⋯
You find the street before you even more impressive than Highpeal Square. Standing in the middle of the High Market, where the Maker's Marlock begins, you can see all the way down the subtly winding road to the city's center, where it bends out of sight to the south. And the sheer amount of goods on display, and the colors of the shops and the decorations lining the street, is a splendid sight to behold—and one you didn't think you'd see outside the Northern Empires.
Mayika, it seems, is a trade hub of sorts between Dursia and Parvia to the west and Tavar and Manara in the east. This also makes it an ideal destination for northern traders, especially as there's a direct route from Mayika to Arkastor, which is almost due north of Karsis.
Annessa notices the look on your face and can't help but smirk just a bit.
[Guildmaster]the Guildmaster [https://i.imgur.com/iOtVQ2G.jpeg] AnnessaAnnessa [https://i.imgur.com/PyIhOwq.jpeg]
ANNESSA: It may not be the most impressive market in the world, but… how do you like it?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> No, this is… In its own way, it really does rival Arkastor.
>
> She raises an eyebrow.
>
> ANNESSA: Assuming you're being sincere, I'm surprised to hear that.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I am. Here, it's all on display in one place, with a kind of pride even the imperial capital doesn't have. Not genuinely, at least. The guilds in Arkastor are… organized?—Into separate districts. You just don't get a sight like this one.
>
> She nods with a contented smile.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> If you ask me, this kind of liveliness is far superior to the richness of the Royal District.
>
> Her lips twist into a variety of smirks, as if she thinks she shouldn't be thinking what she's thinking.
>
> ANNESSA: It certainly has its own splendor. And… better distributed.
>
> Now it's your turn to smirk.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> I'm surprised to see you have a sense of pride in the city. Did you grow up here?
>
> She visibly ponders for a moment.
>
> ANNESSA: No, I grew up in southern Geld… Now that you say it, I suppose I'm surprised at myself right now…
>
> You give her a small shrug and a sympathizing smile.
>
> ANNESSA: I do have many good memories here, and I suppose… it's my home now.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I like to hear that…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<4> I've heard the market has only grown, even after the Crusades. Do you think… maybe one day, it could stretch all the way down to the bottom? If only the slums could look like the houses up here…
>
> You can't interpret the look she gives you. Suspicious? Doubtful? Chiding, even? But then she softens considerably.
>
> ANNESSA: It's a worthy hope…
>
> Then she turns nostalgic.
>
> ANNESSA: You should know… Savron would be proud of that hope.
>
> You are silent. You don't know what to say, and can only hope she can sense just how much you appreciate that she shared that.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
You're surprised to hear the voice of a royal crier on one side of the square, something you'd never seen in the Empire.
ROYAL CRIER: New today! New today! Arkavian Emperor forbids adventurers from attacking other humans! No more bandit-hunting for Arkavian adventurers!
Dragging Annessa with you, you angle through the crowds for a closer look around. As it was in Highpeal Square, her attire draws more than a few admiring looks.
ROYAL CRIER: New today! New today! Lord Mathers dies of incurable cholera! First son Tellic to become new Lord!
You notice that behind the crier's usual spot a private news broker has shrewdly set up a stall, and a surprisingly large one. You're surprised he could even keep business in these times, but his prices are posted large on each side of the stall: 3 coppers for all of today's news in written form, 4 to 5 for a day's worth of past news, another 3 for more info on current news. That's a third of a loaf of bread these days and while it explains why the people of this market are willing enough to approach him, you wonder how he keeps in business after taxes. The thought crosses your mind that perhaps he has a noble client.
ROYAL CRIER: New today! New today! Mayika House soon to welcome new priest from the Arkavis hall! Bishop Asthon set to retire!
You look at Annessa, and she knows what you want to ask.
ANNESSA: He knows his business, and how to stay in it. He sells pointless dirt and gossip between nobles and offers his regular services at a lower price than his predecessor. If you look at the setup of his stall, you can see that people can approach it discreetly from the direction of the Royal District. Moreover, he has his own scribe…
[GUILDMASTER]: You know, if we can get an established income, I'd be tempted to arrange for a daily bulletin…
She actually chuckles at that. A giggle even, and with her low voice it's just extra charming.
ANNESSA: That's exactly what Savron kept saying, and we all thought it was senseless. The previous broker was a contact of ours, but he never had a scribe—a daily bulletin was inordinately expensive. We've never approached this one…
[GUILDMASTER]: Well, that's a thought for later anyways. Where should we start?
You look around the chaos of the square and feel decidedly overwhelmed.
ROYAL CRIER: New today! New today! King Kathok issues formal dispute over ownership of the Alderfens! Denounces Manara for grievances of old!
Annessa points to a town board right next to the crier—which you've somehow overlooked in the anarchic bustle of the crowd. It's large, massive even, and filled with postings of all kinds, including some that should really be quests in an adventurer guild. But you see a blank spot—a miracle, right at eye level, near the center of the board. Before you know it, Annessa has sidled up to it with sense-defying speed, and drives an iron tack through one of her posters with a small hammer you had no idea she was carrying.
* thunk! thunk! thunk! *
And she's done. You look appreciatively at the precisely drawn and perfectly placed poster, complete with your signature at the bottom. It took you half an hour to sign every single one of them, but the governor's office wouldn't recognize them as legitimate if you hadn't, and according to Annessa they would be taken down within a week.
ROYAL CRIER: New today! New today! Warden Issimir promoted to General, shares rank with General Krial!
It takes a moment before she makes her way back to you, and now she has to speak loudly over the growing afternoon din.
ANNESSA: The Blithe Buffoon. Then we'll make a circuit of Maker's Marlock, and follow with the Market's March on the morrow.
Once you've made your way out of the square, she can speak normally again.
ANNESSA: Many of the shops should let us post a notice, at least the ones we're interested in. More adventurers means more business for them, after all.
The Blithe Buffoon is only a short ways down, on your left side. You appreciate the caricature of an oafish man dancing across its street sign, which you find to be both genuinely amusing and artful enough to be eye-catching. The inn's front is of a different style than its neighbors, modest but homely yet somehow very elegant.
You follow Annessa through the double doors in the front and the noise of the crowd behind you immediately dims, along with the afternoon sunlight. She speaks briefly with the assistant at a small desk near the front, then makes her way to the common room. The exterior wall features several parallel nail-pitted wooden planks on which a myriad of community notices have been posted, soon including your own.
* thunk! thunk! thunk! *
And she's done! Your precisely drawn guild notice sits right between 'Lotti For Sale - Healthy Adult - Strong Lineage - Unbred' and 'Seeking Shift Hires for Hard Labor', looking perfectly out-of-place beside their crude ink and wrinkled parchment.
ANNESSA: All right, I think you should lead the way now. Feel free to just explore, and I'll follow behind with the posters.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Are you sure? I'd hate to leave all the work to you.
>
> ANNESSA: It's hardly work, and this is your chance to learn your way around. Besides, with how much you enjoyed the sight of it all, I'd hate to have you spend your time staring at walls for good posting spots.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Well… thank you.
>
> You feel a little confused by how much she seems to want you to enjoy this errand.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Do you have any recommendations on where to start?
>
> ANNESSA: I'd head back up to the bottom of the square and take the right side all the way down to the city center, then run back up the other side and ultimately here to the inn.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Sensible, I might try that.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Didn't we have some dinner preparations to make?
>
> ANNESSA: We'll get to that. Just make sure to visit the general store, Gremmon's. There's also a grocer's right across the way, and we can compare their stock to what we could find on Gate Road. Other than that, there are a couple spice traders in the High Market we can talk to if there's something on Tami's list we can't find.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Why not ask the innkeeper or their kitchen master here if they have anything basic we can take off their hands?
>
> Annessa's face presents you her skepticism in full. You can tell she wants to shake her head but assumes you have at least some reason to think it's a plausible option.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: My father used to do that with a nearby inn, but he was a friend of the innkeeper. Well, acquaintance. When he came back from a hunt he'd pass by their kitchen and buy some of their surplus that was in danger of perishing, sometimes at cost even.
>
> Her skepticism leaves her face but not her eyes as she gives it a quick thought.
>
> ANNESSA: No harm in asking. I leave it to you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
[ This marks the start of a player exploration phase. Annessa joins your party in an auxiliary position, and you're free to roam around the entirety of the Maker's Marlock. ]
⋯
[ There are several simple objectives for this phase and several ways to complete them, but for this narrative we'll follow your Guildmaster as they take Annessa's advice and make a loop around the accessible portion of the market district. You start the phase in the Blithe Buffoon, so that's where we will start our scene. ]
⋙Objectives:
(New!) ☐ Put up at least four more recruitment notices. (0/4)
(New!) ☐ Acquire the following ingredients: (0/4)
☐ Honey
☐ Assorted spices
☐ Assorted vegetables
☐ Flour
— The Blithe Buffoon —
You approach the assistant at the front of the inn.
Blithe Buffoon desk clerk
image [https://i.imgur.com/hDwigjh.jpeg]
BLITHE BUFFOON DESK CLERK: Anything else I can help you with?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> A contact of mine told me I could meet her here. Cyan hair, cyan eyes…
>
> BLITHE BUFFOON DESK CLERK: I know who you mean! Best I can say is that I haven't seen her in the common area recently. If you'd like, I could ask for her in her room.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> No, that's fine.
>
> You'll see her soon enough, and you're not sure what to ask anyways.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> Yes please.
>
> The attendant picks up a slender chiming rod and knocks it on one of several different-sized bells mounted on his desk. The low tone it generates is very distinct, but not piercing enough to reach the common area. Seconds later, another assistant appears. The front attendant mutters the request to her, and she disappears up the stairs after a brief smile in your direction.
>
> She's gone for a couple minutes, but it feels like only an instant to you. Upon return, she gives you all an apologetic shake of her head.
>
> BLITHE BUFFOON DESK CLERK: I apologize, but we've received no answer. Would you at least like to leave a message?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: No, it's fine. I appreciate your help.
>
> You're still trying to figure out exactly what to ask…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Hypothetically—If I were a guest here and someone asked after me, what's the extent of the information you'd be able to give them?
>
> BLITHE BUFFOON DESK CLERK: You can always ask for extra privacy. But if you don't, we're free to report any personal sightings of you on inn property within the last day—meaning, after the sunrise before last. Of course, officials or any other agents on a sanctioned investigation are privy to any and all assistance we can provide.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: And if I did ask for extra privacy, would you inform the requestor of that fact, even if asked directly?
>
> BLITHE BUFFOON DESK CLERK: No.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> Nod in approval.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> Give it some thought…
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<3> Complain loudly! …In your head.
> —<3> I don't know if this is a common request in this city, but I wanted to ask if your kitchen master has any ingredients to spare. I'd be happy to purchase a few things that are close to expiration. Grains, vegetables, legumes…
>
> BLITHE BUFFOON DESK CLERK: It's certainly not a request I've ever heard before. The innkeeper is here now, should I fetch him?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> Well, if it's that unusual, I probably shouldn't expect much. Thank you anyways.
>
> The attendant nods, and you return to your business.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> Please do, thank you.
>
>
>
> The attendant returns with the innkeeper after just a relative moment, and then the innkeeper runs back to fetch his kitchen master, and you repeat your request a second time. You're not too surprised that he likes the idea, but what does surprise you is the freshness of the vegetables they're willing to part with, and so early in the day—you suppose the Blithe Buffoon's reputation is upheld by its high standards.
>
> By the end, you walk away with 2000 grams of wholemeal flour—enough for four loaves, good through tomorrow—and an armful of vegetables bought just yesterday. You doubt you could've found a more cost-efficient deal anywhere else.
>
>
> Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
>
>
> With an application of your immense willpower, you manage to avoid giving Annessa a triumphant smirk as you heft your newly acquired goods.
>
> …But for some reason, she elbows you in the side anyways.
>
> ⋙Objectives:
>
> ☐ Put up at least four more recruitment notices. (0/4)
>
> ☐ Acquire the following ingredients: (2/4)
>
> ☐ Honey
>
> ☐ Assorted spices
>
> ☒ Assorted vegetables
>
> ☒ Flour
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
When your business is done, you leave the Blithe Buffoon.
⋯
— Cart Services —
At Annessa's advice, you return to the High Market and make use of a peculiar but much-appreciated business—cart services. For a matter of slim silvers, you can rent a cart, attendant, or even courier. For a cart, you pay much of its cost up front, and receive the bulk of it upon return. A courier could deliver a cartload of goods to your specified destination, and an attendant can stay with and manage your cart as you shop anywhere within the Maker's Marlock. It's a full two silvers for the cart and attendant, but you'll get three-quarters of that back when you return the cart.
When it comes to purchasing adventuring equipment, this is a service you're going to want to take full advantage of. So without wasting time, you find the cart station's proprietor and present yourself as the new owner of the Mayika adventurer's guild with the desire to make a long-term arrangement. A ten percent discount is what you get, and frankly it's more than you expected; it's not like they have any direct competition to sway you from.
So you promptly pick a cart and hire an attendant and [assuming you acquired them] dump your load of almost-fresh vegetables before gallivanting off to whatever your next destination might be.
Annessa doesn't say anything, but you are positive that she's entirely too amused by how excited you are about cart services.
ROYAL CRIER: New today! New today! Lord Kerrington to wed daughter of Lord Judicator Kastus! Rite of Matrimony to be announced this week!
Next you decide to visit the News Broker since you're in the area.
⋯
— News Broker —
With some caution, you walk over to the large stall in the northwest corner of the High Market square.
News Broker
The News Broker [https://i.imgur.com/oxdQ7QN.jpeg]
He's a very large man, and very broad besides. Hair-free and careworn, he attends to several customers at once, delivering information by mouth and by written account simultaneously. Despite his intense expression and rough demeanor, there's an intelligent glint in his eye that you can't help but respect, and an aura of world-wise rationality that you can't help but like.
His stall is large and has a back room where his scribe is hard at work. You notice the back corner in the direction of the noble residences, which can be approached without being seen from the street or even easily noticed by other customers. His stall front is lined with desks and behind them are some peculiar cabinets, presumably for holding documents—they look like the kind of thing a noble might own. All in all, it strikes you as more of a governor's office than a market stall.
He doesn't take the time to look at you as you approach, but greets you nonetheless.
NEWS BROKER: Welcome, Guildmaster.
His voice is appropriately deep and rich—you'd be disappointed if it weren't.
[GUILDMASTER]: I appreciate that you make a point of knowing who I am. May I ask how, though?
NEWS BROKER: Ah, you know what they say… It's my business to know! But really it was that guard who welcomed you to the city. Ran over as soon as he was off shift, knowin' it'd net him a week's worth of meals. But don't blame him too much—we're all excited to have the guild up an' runnin' again.
His accent is distinct and somehow familiar, but you can't place it… it strikes you that it may well be fabricated.
[GUILDMASTER]: It's nice to hear that, I'm not sure I expected it. May I ask why you're excited about it, though? I don't see how it'd help your business any.
NEWS BROKER: I have no idea how it'd affect my business. All I know is there are monsters as need killin' an' trogs as need stompin', an' the Watch hasn't done near enough of either.
[GUILDMASTER]: Well, we are very much looking forward to doing both.
NEWS BROKER: And that's why we're excited! Now, what would you like to know today?
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——<1> (About Prices)
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Not to take advantage of your excitement, but could we arrange any kind of long-term deal? The money-saving kind?
>
> NEWS BROKER: O noble soul! I weep for your financial misfortunes. Alas, I cannot give a fractional discount on the two coppers I receive after taxes.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Well, yeah, but that's not—and there's also—Ugh. You know what, fine. You're right, and all that.
>
> NEWS BROKER: You flatter me with talk like that, you do.
>
> His grin only forms along half his massive jaw.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> I know you've got it posted, but I'm trying to wrap my head around your terms. Could you walk me through your prices?
>
> NEWS BROKER: Very well.
> A compilation of the crier's announcements from today is 3 coppers.
> From yesterday or earlier in the week, that's 4 coppers.
> From before that… if I can find it, it's 5 coppers.
> A full weekly is a full 25, drafted Mondays.
> If you want more details about any particular announcement, it's 3 coppers. Well, if I think it's worth it. Sometimes the good crier just doesn't include all the necessary parts, you know?
> If I have tasty tips or dirty details on somethin' good, I'll advertise that fact along with whatever price I think it's worth.
> Investigations are a minimum of twenty coppers each, and that's if they're local. You can ask after any person, place, or event. But know that I might not be able to get you any information you don't already know—and that there are no refunds.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: How long does it take to complete an investigation?
>
> NEWS BROKER: As long as it takes to gather the information. A week minimum—If the object is local and I have a profile on hand, I'll still do routine checks on them. If I need sources from outside the kingdom, expect a month. In those cases, you'll be slappin' me a spitter or even two up front. I've never had to ask for an additional fee once the investigation is complete, but I reserve the right to do so. At least if you want the full report.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Thank you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> How much would it cost to get a news bulletin delivered to the guild daily?
>
> NEWS BROKER: Ah, you don't want it daily. What you want is a curated weekly summary, includin' anythin' that might be relevant to the guild on top of your regular newsworthy events. Now, the curated part will cost extra, and a delivery would double that. But I've got the feelin' you'll be down here once a week anyways, eh? Just swing by and save yourself twenty clinkers. So yeah—three dekkers for the curated weekly, compared to the two for each delivered daily.
>
> You turn to Annessa.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: We can afford that.
>
> She shrugs.
>
> ANNESSA: Make your great-uncle's dear son's dream come true, if you wish.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: 'Dear' does not describe their relationship…
>
> Annessa's face turns solemn at your muttered aside, and you realize she is unaware of Savron's family history.
>
> The News Broker finishes helping another customer just as you turn back to him.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: You are supremely helpful, sir. But what about the rare case where something urgent occurs, and we need to know about it? A weekly would not be sufficient…
>
> NEWS BROKER: A good thought, that is. How about—a twenty-copper urgent news pre-purchase, includin' the delivery. Or rather, a signed agreement that you're willin' to pay the coppers each time you get the delivery, with an additional one-time ten copper fee up front.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I'll be trusting your judgment as to what's urgent and what's of interest to me.
>
> NEWS BROKER: Feel free to complain if you get something banal. But you can trust my judgment.
>
> You nod thoughtfully. He has no reason to sabotage the deal by trying to milk it.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Let's make it happen.
>
> It takes him no time at all to draft up an agreement, and with a borrowed pen you proceed to make it happen.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
----------------------------------------
——<2> (Recent News)
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Being new to the city I don't know any of the noble families here. Is there anything in today's tidings that I should know about?
>
> NEWS BROKER: No. Well, you should probably at least know that Lord Judicator Kastus exists, and that marryin' his daughter—as the young Lord Kerrington is likely to do—is the kind of increase in status that the other families will admire, envy, and gossip about.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Yep, sounds about right.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> What do you have on the Empire? The real one, I mean.
>
> NEWS BROKER: The only interestin' bit of news from this week is what you've already heard. It's now illegal for adventurers to attack another human while on Arkavian soil, bandits or mercenaries or no. The only exceptions are self-defense and Faithless.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Hmmm… What's he after…?
>
> NEWS BROKER: …Want a heads-up if more info comes my way?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Sure… no additional cost, right?
>
> NEWS BROKER: The info costs, not the heads-up. But if it's what I expect it to be, you'll be interested for sure.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I'll take the heads-up. Full price.
>
> You mimic the gesture of tossing him a coin, and even though he isn't looking at you, he pretends to catch your offering in his giant hand even as he hands a bulletin to a customer with the other.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Do you have anything on the Infernal Six? The bards haven't had anything new for a while…
>
> NEWS BROKER: And there's a reason for that. Six sickles for all I know.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> I'll have to save these ones for something more important, I think.
>
> He nods understandingly while handing a parchment to another customer.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> Please.
>
> You hand him the clinkers. He turns to you and leans in, his massive face giving you its full attention for the first time since you arrived.
>
> NEWS BROKER: It's because they've been lyin' low for some eighteen months now. They had a fallin' out of sorts with King Kathok of Tavar. Most people in the know think it had to do with their failed mission in the Shoals, but from what I understand it's a bit more complicated than that. The Six are awful upset about what the King did when they took on all those quests for him to make up for failing their hunt—felt he took advantage of them in order to make that power play against Manara. And if you ask me, he very much did.
>
> As for why they feel they have to keep in cover? I can't fathom.
>
> Now, I have only rumors about where they might or might not be. Too many of them, but I'll give you the ones that are at least slightly plausible:
>
> Firstly, there's rumors of heroes showin' up in the Arkavian Empire. Lots of 'em. Rumors, that is. Everyone says it's probably the Six, and maybe it is them, but incognito. I keep doubtin' it, but then I hear that when they do show up, they're not tryin' to make a show—just gettin' the savin' done without the hero act. And that's exactly what they'd do in these circumstances, I think.
>
> Then there's another one about them makin' their way up to Laria to be officialized as Heroes of the House. Finally. And these two fit together, you see, kind of—it's a bit of an indirect route, but they could've had a reason for the detour. But all the same, I personally can't see them doing it. It's been eight years, why bother now? Except…
>
> This ought to cost you even more coppers, so I'll keep it light. The House is a mess these days. They've been without a real leader for almost ten years. Something needs to change, and everybody knows it. Even the people not in the know know it. So… Maybe the Ninth finally decided its Herald needed to play their role for real, you know? Maybe it wants the whole party to make a stand in the House, the way it is these days. I mean, the House needs real heroes right now, and you can't get better heroes than the Infernal Vanguard.
>
> The other rumors are a mess of wishful thinking and misinterpretations, I'd say—sightin's in the Tanglewoods of all places, the eastern Geldin frontiers, and even the Mirelocks in southeast Manara.
>
> Some say they went back South to continue their hunt for Bazakh. Some say they went west, venturin' back to the shrine of the Ninth or even beyond. And some say they're headed East to rally the nations over there, speculatin' we'll need 'em for the next Crusade. Which makes too much sense, you ask me. Yet I can't find any substance to any of 'em, certainly not enough to rival the most popular theories. Honestly the only thing I haven't heard is that they went down, but then again most people don't believe in the netherlanes anyways.
>
> That's all I've got for now. Want me to let you know if somethin' else comes up? It'll be coppers the time of, you realize.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Sure, let me know at least. Thank you very much, that was a lot for six clinkers.
>
> NEWS BROKER: Well, it's my absolute pleasure to talk about the Six, even if it's just for six!
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Aha… I see…
>
> …This is clearly a dangerous, dangerous man.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
----------------------------------------
——<3> (Investigations)
[GUILDMASTER]: So, for the investigations. I see the pricing, but…
NEWS BROKER: Up to three per week, don't overwork me. See these parchments here, and the pen there? Write the name of what you want, any details you might already know, and anythin' in particular you might want to know about.
[GUILDMASTER]: Thanks…
On a whim, you pick up all three. You immediately feel Annessa's eyes on your back, roving to the parchments. You decide not to say anything yet.
The first name you write is: [Guildmaster], Guildmaster of the Mayika Adventurer Guild. It's always useful to know what other people know.
The second name you write is: The Mayika News Broker
Then you turn to Annessa.
[GUILDMASTER]: Mind if I use you for an experiment?
ANNESSA: Yes.
[GUILDMASTER]: How mad would you be if I did it anyways?
ANNESSA: Moderately.
[GUILDMASTER]: What can I do to make you less mad?
She ponders a moment.
ANNESSA: Recruit a whole party of adventurers.
[GUILDMASTER]: …Anything more immediate?
ANNESSA: Nothing in particular.
[GUILDMASTER]: A head scratch? Foot massage? I could bring breakfast to you for once…
You fully enjoy the glare she gives you. Even more so because you get the odd feeling she's halfway to accepting.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Hahaha. I can pick something else if you really want, but I don't have anyone else's permission either.
>
> ANNESSA: No, it's… well, it's not fine, but I understand the purpose. I'll find a way to get back at you, don't worry.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Well, I'm not giving you the chance to refuse. Be prepared to wake up one day with a full breakfast alongside a full report of your own public reputation.
>
> You don't think you've seen anyone fit as much chagrin and fluster onto a single face as she is managing now.
>
> ----------------------------------------
Then you fill in the last sheet: Annessa, Mayika Adventurer Guild Administrator.
But your entertainment isn't done yet, and you pass the investigation requests to the News Broker with as steady a face as you can manage. It only takes a moment before he turns his face to you and asks the question you're expecting.
NEWS BROKER: Now why would I want to tell anyone about myself?
[GUILDMASTER]: You won't be. You'll be telling me what other people know about yourself. And you'll be interested in it for the same reason I asked after my own name.
NEWS BROKER: …Fair enough. You're a devious one, you know.
[GUILDMASTER]: I've known you for five minutes and I already feel that that's a level of praise most people could never hope to achieve.
This gets you a genuine chuckle from his forceful lungs.
NEWS BROKER: Heh heh heh! But now, about Annessa—you know you're practically a local legend, right? People will always report sightin's of you whenever you go out in that uniform. Want me to hire a bard, make it official? What'll be your soubriquet?
For a moment Annessa looks rather horrified, but with some deliberate effort she reclaims most of her dignified poise.
ANNESSA: The bard will be unnecessary for today, thank you.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> For today, you say. Can you promise me you'll think it over on our next visit?
>
> ANNESSA: I could, but I won't.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: The one after then.
>
> ANNESSA: I've no need or want for a bard, thank you, for as long as Grace lasts.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Okay, but you've still got to present your sobriquet at our next guild meeting.
>
> She takes a fair few seconds to glare at you while she figures out exactly how serious you're being, and you realize she must have taken Savron's authority quite seriously. Eventually she decides to just ignore your statement, and you can't help but smirk as she deliberately stops looking at you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> This seems really important, actually. Tell me, how much will it cost to find out—is there an Annessa Support Group I can join, and where would I find it?
>
> NEWS BROKER: Hahahaha!
>
> ANNESSA: For the purpose of destroying it from the inside, I assume?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: For the purpose of taking it over, I say. I will make it thrive!
>
> ANNESSA: I'm afraid you don't have enough of a track record to claim that much.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: What are you talking about? Within a day, strange merchants will show up at the door and we will receive miracles from above!
>
> Annessa does not roll her eyes, to your surprise. But after a moment, she steps up beside you and elbows you below the ribs. Just enough to hurt, but not enough to wind you.
>
> The News Broker, even though he's turned to attend to other patrons, still manages to catch the act—he snickers in the middle of his interaction, confusing his customer greatly.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> This is an outrage! Who are these people and where can I find them? For… totally virtuous reasons, I assure you.
>
> NEWS BROKER: Nope, don't believe you.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: But look at my face! This is the face of a virtuous, virtuous citizen, devoted to the Nine!
>
> NEWS BROKER: To the Fourth, I can tell. But unless you wanna meet the Seventh, there'll be no client info for you.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: It's fine, I'm already well acquainted with Suffering himself. So about that info?
>
> NEWS BROKER: Well then. For starters, find a mirror.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …
>
> ANNESSA: …
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: He's lying, you know.
>
> ANNESSA: …
>
> ----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
——
When you have nothing left to ask about, you give the man a quick wave before you and Annessa head back into the crowded square.