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Post by Storyteller on Dec 6, 2020 9:18:22 GMT
As soon as Cousin Cian, Cousin Aethyl, and I have set up our inn, I decide to slip away for some private exploration of the city. Is there a graduate of Ravenwood in the city? I am sure I remember one who graduated two years before I did.
I admire the bustle and try to recall his name. (Can I?)
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 0:14:11 GMT
His name is Khafra, and though he is Zenji, you remember him saying he was going to establish himself in the capital city of the Nirrion Empire. He is a necromancer.
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 0:34:02 GMT
Necromancy is so distasteful to me, but I remember Khafra as a skilled mage. I think to find a tout, to ask after Khafra of Ravenwood.
Failing that, I will go to that huge Zenji ship, for a Zenji mage and Zenji nobleman would definitely seek each other out in Nirrion City.
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 0:38:01 GMT
No tout knows of whom you speak, and they, too, seem to share your distaste for what a necromancer is, once you explain it to them. But the Zenji galleon's masts can be seen outside the city walls, for the Clearlow has been engineered to be deep enough to allow ships to sail upstream to the city.
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 0:51:29 GMT
I go to approach the galleon. I make sure that I am dressed as nicely as I can be, for though I am of Clan Tuath, noble among the Elunians, still I would not be so bold as to approach a Zenji noble were it not for being of Ravenwood. I try to make out the arms and heraldry. (Rolled a 9, a success by a lot, on Heraldry)
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 0:58:02 GMT
It is the heraldry of the Helor noble house of Arinport, so you can assume this is a Zenji prince's ship. A Zenji slave eyes you from the gangplank, as you are a strange sight to be hanging around the docks.
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 1:00:04 GMT
I call out to the slave. "I am Mairwyn of Ravenwood," I say to him. "Send my greetings to the noble Helor Prince."
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 1:03:00 GMT
The confused look on the slave's face tells you he knows nothing of Ravenwood. "Is my master expecting you, fair one?"
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 2:08:44 GMT
"I doubt it," I say, "but it would please me if you went anyway and gave him this message." (If he doesn't seem like he's going to go, I'm going to cast Charm Person...)
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 2:12:56 GMT
The slave doesn't move, only stares at you in confusion and with suspicion. After you cast your spell on him, however, he goes. A richly-ornamented Zenji returns. He has gold-capped dreadlocks, and though he is dressed only in a short white linen skirt, he wears rich bracelets, earrings, and a necklace. "What does Ravenwood want of me?"
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 2:17:22 GMT
"Please, Your Highness, I wished only to ask a single question, but..." I smile at him winsomely, "I could hardly let pass this opportunity to see with my own eyes one of the famed beauties of House Helor."
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 2:18:44 GMT
"A yes! She is a beauty." The prince runs his hands along the railing of the ship. "Come aboard. I am Prince Shak-amen, and this is my ship. What question would you ask of me?"
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 3:06:34 GMT
"If you do not mind, Your Highness, I would ask it when I am aboard." I wait to be brought aboard ship, all the while openly admiring the Prince. (What does he look like? The Zenji nobility are known for being handsome, so does he live up to the hype?)
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Post by Diocles on Dec 7, 2020 3:08:32 GMT
The prince takes your hand and helps you aboard. "Careful. You don't look to be the type to have sea-legs." He smiles down at you. He is tall, broad-shouldered, with a masculine musculature. He is handsome, but not as beautiful as your cousins. Still, this prince is a fine-looking man.
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Post by Storyteller on Dec 7, 2020 3:13:45 GMT
I blush, glancing down at my legs. "Shameful, for an Elunian," I say. "But then, I was brought up at Ravenwood." I curtsey gracefully, and I say, "I am Mairwyn of Ravenwood, Your Highness, and the sole question I came aboard to ask is if you know of Khafra of Ravenwood. I knew him in the past, and I am a visitor here. It is only courteous that I call upon him, but alas, I do not know where he is to be found. I thought to appeal to your kindness and your knowledge."
I leave it hanging and implied that perhaps there is something else I would be willing to ask--or be asked--now that I have seen him. After all, one cannot expect men as pretty as my cousins to come along often...
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