He's not wrong on either count, really. He's bought this city time. War is coming. Setting them up to compete like this is perhaps part of the lack of wisdom.
Stressful. I misstepped once, but I thought I was doing alright.
At the end he asked about us though. He's suspicious about so many people arriving at the same time to support the political situation. Somehow I managed not to get arrested. I think we're okay. Archeval said it isn't surprising he suspects we might have our own motivations for doing so, but I don't think Bonaccorso suspects we're working together.
If he didn't think at least most of us had our own ambitions, he wouldn't have managed to rule this citadel as long as he has. Until we're more of a threat than what's coming from the outside, I don't think we'll be jailed. On the upside, I can say the jail's not the worst place?
He seemed sure a dual governing power wouldn't work, so I told him I'd sooner reach for a sword in these circumstances. He implied a sword wouldn't do much against witches. I didn't really understand what he meant by that. I probably should have asked further.
Shielding against the witches, depending, would be more efficient. They're the power here, the one both sides court, and a sword is not defense enough against them, should they go sour.
Or... be involved in anything that the leader is not in control of; and there's a chance that Vannozza's lack of close ties with the Bessis may be weighing against her. Or the Attryl are more of a concern than we strictly know.
Eleven, you were in the hunting wood, were you not?
Lord Arha, my friend. The dead from that encounter have been retained here. I have to wonder, is it only soldiers? They weren't the only ones to die, and it's blatantly apparent that those fighting wars of that time did not lead to careful tending to the fallen.
It's worth keeping in mind, on the note of the twice living already found within the city. There may be more in city, and nearby, of different origins traced back to that time, and we should be wary. Just as we should remain wary of what Anurr does, having followed us here.
He made himself and his scarce upon reaching the city. I guarantee, he's here. And we are in a city rife with dead, which believes itself, so far, beyond the touch of any Undead Lord, such as they seem to call themselves.
Nor do I, Eleven. Whatever the faults of the rulers, the people are people. They don't deserve horrors anymore than anyone else who has already fallen before such does.
It feels like this world is being overtaken by undeath and sounds as though Taravast is one of few cities free from the undead. If it falls, I wonder how much life there will be left.
Taravast sold the other citadels into their slavery. So yes, it's remained free, but now it's the last of them in this region, or the regions connected by trade. It's a stronghold for life, on weakening foundations.
I don't make apologies for the fact it's allowed people to thrive when the world at large has suffered, and I'll point out the Merchant does not care who ends up leading this city. I don't think he much cares if we manage to set this city alight when we leave, either.
I recommend we don't hand it over to Anurr, or to the other lords. But war's here, even if the streets don't show the signs of it yet.
[Eleven skims over everything past the first sentence, deeply shaken. The ink blots heavily through the scant, unsteady letters he manages in reply. The question mark is scratched on almost as an afterthought]
Taravast is a citadel of trade in magic. Magic is a tool in war and conquering, like any other. Sell what you excel at, and your knowledge, to bargain for your citadel's freedom.
People make hard choices all the time. I don't agree with this one, anymore than I suspect you do. It also predates all of us, by many years.
I recommend you only share this with those of us in the same situation. I've made the Merchant aware.
Meanwhile, I hope he dies swiftly, cursed by his own body. Some justices are in what come naturally delivered.
He bought time. His people were safe. What happens when he falls, Macaluso or Vannozza will decide. She opts for a cut forward, if she can make it. Macaluso implies alliances; I'd be curious to learn specifically what he thinks on that count.
[un: sprite bulb] text; after the Bonaccorso meeting and follow-up chat with Arche
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How'd you feel your conversation went?
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At the end he asked about us though. He's suspicious about so many people arriving at the same time to support the political situation. Somehow I managed not to get arrested. I think we're okay. Archeval said it isn't surprising he suspects we might have our own motivations for doing so, but I don't think Bonaccorso suspects we're working together.
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He seemed sure a dual governing power wouldn't work, so I told him I'd sooner reach for a sword in these circumstances. He implied a sword wouldn't do much against witches. I didn't really understand what he meant by that. I probably should have asked further.
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Or... be involved in anything that the leader is not in control of; and there's a chance that Vannozza's lack of close ties with the Bessis may be weighing against her. Or the Attryl are more of a concern than we strictly know.
Eleven, you were in the hunting wood, were you not?
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I was.
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It's worth keeping in mind, on the note of the twice living already found within the city. There may be more in city, and nearby, of different origins traced back to that time, and we should be wary. Just as we should remain wary of what Anurr does, having followed us here.
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Anurr is here?
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I don't want to see this city fall.
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I don't make apologies for the fact it's allowed people to thrive when the world at large has suffered, and I'll point out the Merchant does not care who ends up leading this city. I don't think he much cares if we manage to set this city alight when we leave, either.
I recommend we don't hand it over to Anurr, or to the other lords. But war's here, even if the streets don't show the signs of it yet.
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Sold?
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People make hard choices all the time. I don't agree with this one, anymore than I suspect you do. It also predates all of us, by many years.
I recommend you only share this with those of us in the same situation. I've made the Merchant aware.
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He had to know all he was doing was buying time! It didn't solve anything except give the city less allies!
I hope he lives long enough to regret it.
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He bought time. His people were safe. What happens when he falls, Macaluso or Vannozza will decide. She opts for a cut forward, if she can make it. Macaluso implies alliances; I'd be curious to learn specifically what he thinks on that count.
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How did you find about all this?
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[later] did not get this notif sorry!
trust me i feel this hard