Bloody Grave: A Fangs in the Night RP

[always_confused]

@always_confused

Hugo's lips twisted into a thin smile. Eh, sure, people had the right to their compunctions, but Catherine wasn't exactly in polite company in the first place. Maybe he shouldn't hold it against her, though. He couldn't muster the righteous fury, he didn't trust these guys either. He just had much more experience smiling and getting down to brass tacks regardless. "I'll head in," he said, "with anyone who cares to follow, and I'd ask the Lord of the Manor come with."

Click to shrink...

Matthias gives a single nod in affirmation. He had never dealt with those of the Twilight Kingdom before, but who in the 'human' world hadn't heard of them? And having heard of them...who wouldn't be on their guard around them?

"Fine with me. The quicker we get this over with, the better."

 

[SoaringHawk218]

And so Daniel leads the group deeper into the city, watchful for signs of Hunters or other forms of hostility, wending their way towards, though not to, the Docks. Outside the Merchant's Quarter, but not far from it either, Daniel stops, before gesturing towards an alleyway below. "It's about there, yeah? That's around the edge of where them folks watch, or at least the area they've appeared before me when I entered. Whenever you're ready, I suppose you can just... walk right in. I'm not sensing any Hunters about, anyways."

Click to shrink...

Sam nodded distractedly, his thoughts trying to grasp that strange sense of potential that had told him staying in the open room was bad news. He trusted Daniel's more experienced sense on Hunters, but it wouldn't hurt to double check.

"I'll head in," he said, "with anyone who cares to follow, and I'd ask the Lord of the Manor come with."

Click to shrink...

"I'll come too," he said, hoping in the back of his mind that he didn't need the halberd he'd stashed back near the ruined manor so as not to draw too much attention in the city.

 

[KnightDisciple]

@Another Amoeba @Azrael @SoaringHawk218 @always_confused @Terrabrand

Oliver looked at the group around him, then down at his waist, where only a dagger rested. He was no fighter, but they were multiple, here.

"I'll come as well, even if it's just to help shuffle the papers."

 

[Terrabrand]

@always_confused

Hugo's lips twisted into a thin smile. Eh, sure, people had the right to their compunctions, but Catherine wasn't exactly in polite company in the first place. Maybe he shouldn't hold it against her, though. He couldn't muster the righteous fury, he didn't trust these guys either. He just had much more experience smiling and getting down to brass tacks regardless. "I'll head in," he said, "with anyone who cares to follow, and I'd ask the Lord of the Manor come with."

Click to shrink...

Matthias gives a single nod in affirmation. He had never dealt with those of the Twilight Kingdom before, but who in the 'human' world hadn't heard of them? And having heard of them...who wouldn't be on their guard around them?

"Fine with me. The quicker we get this over with, the better."

Click to shrink...

Sam nodded distractedly, his thoughts trying to grasp that strange sense of potential that had told him staying in the open room was bad news. He trusted Daniel's more experienced sense on Hunters, but it wouldn't hurt to double check.



"I'll come too," he said, hoping in the back of his mind that he didn't need the halberd he'd stashed back near the ruined manor so as not to draw too much attention in the city.

Click to shrink...

@Another Amoeba @Azrael @SoaringHawk218 @always_confused @Terrabrand

Oliver looked at the group around him, then down at his waist, where only a dagger rested. He was no fighter, but they were multiple, here.

"I'll come as well, even if it's just to help shuffle the papers."

Click to shrink...

Sam's sense of danger, though not silent, is the dull rumble of danger being merely not impossible. The easy bet would be safety, if just going off his strange sense.

As the group descends and enters the alley, senses mundane and otherwise detect, casually leaning against the walls, a Vampire at the other end. His power a dimmed candle of darkness, the man stands and clasps his hands behind his back. The very picture of a naval captain on deck, he barks with a voice clearly used to shouting over the crash of waves "Bein' as I don't rightly recognize ye, and I am in the business of knowing the waves around this rock, I can only conclude that ye be being new, especially with such loose control over yer power. In these shadows, I assure ye our kind is welcome... So long as ye don't think to make an enemy of Death. Tell me, friends, what business be ye having in my humble alleyway?"

Sam's sense for danger warns of peril in a sort of distant way; the man feels dangerous, yet not hostile. With a cutlass at his side and a fine hat, the clean shaven vampire certainly looks the psrt of a ship's captain.

 

[always_confused]

Sam's sense of danger, though not silent, is the dull rumble of danger being merely not impossible. The easy bet would be safety, if just going off his strange sense.

As the group descends and enters the alley, senses mundane and otherwise detect, casually leaning against the walls, a Vampire at the other end. His power a dimmed candle of darkness, the man stands and clasps his hands behind his back. The very picture of a naval captain on deck, he barks with a voice clearly used to shouting over the crash of waves "Bein' as I don't rightly recognize ye, and I am in the business of knowing the waves around this rock, I can only conclude that ye be being new, especially with such loose control over yer power. In these shadows, I assure ye our kind is welcome... So long as ye don't think to make an enemy of Death. Tell me, friends, what business be ye having in my humble alleyway?"

Sam's sense for danger warns of peril in a sort of distant way; the man feels dangerous, yet not hostile. With a cutlass at his side and a fine hat, the clean shaven vampire certainly looks the psrt of a ship's captain.

Click to shrink...

Ideally Hugo and Oliver would be the ones to handle the actual business proceedings, but seeing as the Mansion that was up for sale was Matthias'...it felt a bit naff to let the others start the talks.

Having decided on that, Matthias gives a nod to his compatriots and steps forward into 'the light', so to speak.

" Matthias Kitoveanu Drăgoi , the former Glutton of Seafang. I've been told that I could find a good price for my old mansion here."

 

[Terrabrand]

Ideally Hugo and Oliver would be the ones to handle the actual business proceedings, but seeing as the Mansion that was up for sale was Matthias'...it felt a bit naff to let the others start the talks.

Having decided on that, Matthias gives a nod to his compatriots and steps forward into 'the light', so to speak.

" Matthias Kitoveanu Drăgoi , the former Glutton of Seafang. I've been told that I could find a good price for my old mansion here."

Click to shrink...

The Vampire gives a curt nod. "Ye may call me Captain Samuel. Certainly, not many in these barbaric lands willing to deal with a Vampire. But that's not exactly my department, you see. So, if you don't mind..."

The Vampire pauses for a moment with a look of mild concentration, and then with a tight, brief burst of Unholy power, a second Vampire appears by his side. Leaving aside the complexion, the woman is the very picture of a humble merchant or an accountant, wearing plain clothes and glasses, and fumbling with a series of binders. The new Vampire looks up to take in the group after a moment "Sammy said you lot have a mansion to sell? Got the paperwork? Paperwork is power, you know, more sure than any sword or spell."

They peer at the group almost theatrically, looking for any such paperwork.

 

[KnightDisciple]

The Vampire gives a curt nod. "Ye may call me Captain Samuel. Certainly, not many in these barbaric lands willing to deal with a Vampire. But that's not exactly my department, you see. So, if you don't mind..."

The Vampire pauses for a moment with a look of mild concentration, and then with a tight, brief burst of Unholy power, a second Vampire appears by his side. Leaving aside the complexion, the woman is the very picture of a humble merchant or an accountant, wearing plain clothes and glasses, and fumbling with a series of binders. The new Vampire looks up to take in the group after a moment "Sammy said you lot have a mansion to sell? Got the paperwork? Paperwork is power, you know, more sure than any sword or spell."

They peer at the group almost theatrically, looking for any such paperwork.

Click to shrink...

Oliver took that as his queue to step forward and speak up. His eyes shone, perhaps a hint of territorial instinct that had not been present in his living self? It seemed unconscious. Regardless, with a slight flourish, he produced a pair of half-moon reader's glasses and placed them on his face.

"Of course we have the paperwork, we're not idiots."

He produced the necessary documents, with triplicate copies. He pulled off one stack of copies and stepped forward, holding them out for her to take possession of and examine.

"First triplicate copy for inspection, including Forms 55JZ6 and YY3TR-11U. The latter seemed fitting considering the more discrete, non-charitable nature of the sale."

He tucked the other papers away in his jacket with a smile.

"Some of us know to come to a real fight armed."

He accentuated his words with a slight push upon his glasses, repositioning them a bit higher on his nose.

 

[Terrabrand]

Oliver took that as his queue to step forward and speak up. HIs eyes shone, perhaps a hint of territorial instinct that had not been present in his living self? It seemed unconscious.

"Of course we have the paperwork, we're not idiots."

He pulled out the necessary documents, with triplicate copies. He pulled off one stack of copies and stepped forward, holding them out for her to examine.

"First triplicate copy for inspection, including Forms 55JZ6 and YY3TR-11U. The latter seemed fitting considering the more discrete, non-charitable nature of the sale."

He tucked the other papers away in his jacket and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Some of us know to come to a real fight armed."

Click to shrink...

The woman gives Oliver in particular an appraising look before carefully going over the documents. The woman says "It remains to be seen if you are idiots, but I am forced to concede that this is entirely adequate paperwork. "

The woman pauses for a moment, clearly thinking before saying "I am Mariah. Obviously, we are capable of paying in coin, but when it comes to Vampires in such uncivilized lands as those run by the Church, it's often prudent to consider any alternate payment. We are more than equipped to offer goods, services, soulstuff, blood, knowledge, and more besides. If you want it in coin, then I can offer you, based on the Twilit Fang's current operational goals... Oh, I'd say 20% over the market price for a house of that sort. The Twilit Fang is also prepared to offer extra value for certain conditions... if the Lord of the manor would do us the favor of writing a letter explaining his sudden move and sale of his house to a respectable foreign gentleman, that increases the value of the manor to us significantly and we can offer a further 30% of the market price. We are also interested in what information you have on the fate of that idiot below the city. We know of his plans in a general sense, and with the numbers of people he's been snatching lately, he's probably preparing for a big move. With this many Vampires all at once, including one of the city's wealthier figures, it's hard to imagine this could be any but his doing... although if my deduction is mistaken, well, the idiot never payed for our silence. Quite the opposite."

The woman then cranes her head to examine the group as a group once more. "Obviously, the exact price we are willing to offer would depend on what information you have. And just to be clear and upfront here..."

The woman glances over her shoulder as a number of skeletons draw into sight, marching into the alley bearing chests full of coins. "... We pay upfront, and then kill you if you renege."

The man named as Captain Samuel makes a short bark of laughter, before saying "Aye, it's more practical than gettin' caught up in offering half now, half later or anything like that. Advantages of might, as the top dogs would say. So, name your interests, friends in the night."

The woman nods at that last part, beginning to sort through her paperwork more thoroughly with the aid of some of the newly arrived skeletons.

 

[Another Amoeba]

"We are also interested in what information you have on the fate of that idiot below the city. We know of his plans in a general sense, and with the numbers of people he's been snatching lately, he's probably preparing for a big move. With this many Vampires all at once, including one of the city's wealthier figures, it's hard to imagine this could be any but his doing... although if my deduction is mistaken, well, the idiot never payed for our silence. Quite the opposite."

The woman then cranes her head to examine the group as a group once more. "Obviously, the exact price we are willing to offer would depend on what information you have. And just to be clear and upfront here..."

Click to shrink...

@always_confused @SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple

Hugo balled up a fist, and his face hardened, when the woman mentioned the vampires below the city. Of course they knew, and of course they hadn't been in a rush to do anything about it. Now, some part of his mind was quick to note that it wasn't like he was in the business of reporting crimes, either, but it was more his professionalism than his reason that kept his face expression as neutral as it was, "I'm not going to pretend we know much about the to mysteries and magic of it all, but I think we got a generally good grasp on what's going on and what is down there, at least from a bird's eye view."

Hugo turned his attention to his allies, gauging their reaction to his proposal, "In fact, we could probably use some help with the mysteries and magic of it all, if you happen to have a good pamphlet with you."

 

[Terrabrand]

@always_confused @SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple

Hugo balled up a fist, and his face hardened, when the woman mentioned the vampires below the city. Of course they knew, and of course they hadn't been in a rush to do anything about it. Now, some part of his mind was quick to note that it wasn't like he was in the business of reporting crimes, either, but it was more his professionalism than his reason that kept his face expression as neutral as it was, "I'm not going to pretend we know much about the to mysteries and magic of it all, but I think we got a generally good grasp on what's going on and what is down there, at least from a bird's eye view."

Hugo turned his attention to his allies, gauging their reaction to his proposal, "In fact, we could probably use some help with the mysteries and magic of it all, if you happen to have a good pamphlet with you."

Click to shrink...

The woman shrugs, before saying somewhat deadpan "I left all my pamphlets back at my tower. It's a bit of a long swim, of course. "

Captain Samuel snorts in amusement, before the woman continues more seriously.

"Of course, I am more than qualified to write about the topic of Necromancy and the Undead in general. That is, after all, the job of a Shadow Wizard. We're not in the business of charity, but whether as part of the payment, or as a separate deal for tasks or similar, such information would be available, merely for the correct price."

 

[KnightDisciple]

The woman gives Oliver in particular an appraising look before carefully going over the documents. The woman says "It remains to be seen if you are idiots, but I am forced to concede that this is entirely adequate paperwork. "

The woman pauses for a moment, clearly thinking before saying "I am Mariah. Obviously, we are capable of paying in coin, but when it comes to Vampires in such uncivilized lands as those run by the Church, it's often prudent to consider any alternate payment. We are more than equipped to offer goods, services, soulstuff, blood, knowledge, and more besides. If you want it in coin, then I can offer you, based on the Twilit Fang's current operational goals... Oh, I'd say 20% over the market price for a house of that sort. The Twilit Fang is also prepared to offer extra value for certain conditions... if the Lord of the manor would do us the favor of writing a letter explaining his sudden move and sale of his house to a respectable foreign gentleman, that increases the value of the manor to us significantly and we can offer a further 30% of the market price. We are also interested in what information you have on the fate of that idiot below the city. We know of his plans in a general sense, and with the numbers of people he's been snatching lately, he's probably preparing for a big move. With this many Vampires all at once, including one of the city's wealthier figures, it's hard to imagine this could be any but his doing... although if my deduction is mistaken, well, the idiot never payed for our silence. Quite the opposite."

The woman then cranes her head to examine the group as a group once more. "Obviously, the exact price we are willing to offer would depend on what information you have. And just to be clear and upfront here..."

The woman glances over her shoulder as a number of skeletons draw into sight, marching into the alley bearing chests full of coins. "... We pay upfront, and then kill you if you renege."

The man named as Captain Samuel makes a short bark of laughter, before saying "Aye, it's more practical than gettin' caught up in offering half now, half later or anything like that. Advantages of might, as the top dogs would say. So, name your interests, friends in the night."

The woman nods at that last part, beginning to sort through her paperwork more thoroughly with the aid of some of the newly arrived skeletons.

Click to shrink...

Oliver raised an eyebrow above his reading glasses.

"The only reason I didn't hand you Forms 77GGC and 945TU for that manner of sale is because the final decision on the..."

He paused and glanced around at his compatriots.

"The official reasoning for the sale is something that Mister Dragoi is still considering."

 

[always_confused]

@always_confused @SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple

Hugo balled up a fist, and his face hardened, when the woman mentioned the vampires below the city. Of course they knew, and of course they hadn't been in a rush to do anything about it. Now, some part of his mind was quick to note that it wasn't like he was in the business of reporting crimes, either, but it was more his professionalism than his reason that kept his face expression as neutral as it was, "I'm not going to pretend we know much about the to mysteries and magic of it all, but I think we got a generally good grasp on what's going on and what is down there, at least from a bird's eye view."

Hugo turned his attention to his allies, gauging their reaction to his proposal, "In fact, we could probably use some help with the mysteries and magic of it all, if you happen to have a good pamphlet with you."

Click to shrink...

"Hmm...agreed. At the bare minimum, any information that helps us get a grip on our capabilities and future growth will be important."

Oliver raised an eyebrow above his reading glasses.

"The only reason I didn't hand you Forms 77GGC and 945TU for that manner of sale is because the final decision on the..."

He paused and glanced around at his compatriots.

"The official reasoning for the sale is something that Mister Dragoi is still considering."

Click to shrink...

Matthias visibly brightens up at Oliver's words.

"Oh, that should be simple enough. Its no secret the burghers and nobility of this city had no respect for an upstart rich 'peasant' like myself and I returned their lack of respect with equal vigor. If a grandiose proclamation in my name, that I was taking all my riches and moving to greener pastures with 'classier' citizens, were to be released I have no doubt no one would bat an eyelid and many would be glad to see the last of me anyway."

 

[SoaringHawk218]

"Hmm...agreed. At the bare minimum, any information that helps us get a grip on our capabilities and future growth will be important."

Click to shrink...

"Agreed," Sam said. He did still have the book that he'd gotten from the vampire's lair, but any good scholar knew how important it was to have multiple sources to corroborate information.

 

[always_confused]

The woman gives Oliver in particular an appraising look before carefully going over the documents. The woman says "It remains to be seen if you are idiots, but I am forced to concede that this is entirely adequate paperwork. "

The woman pauses for a moment, clearly thinking before saying "I am Mariah. Obviously, we are capable of paying in coin, but when it comes to Vampires in such uncivilized lands as those run by the Church, it's often prudent to consider any alternate payment. We are more than equipped to offer goods, services, soulstuff, blood, knowledge, and more besides. If you want it in coin, then I can offer you, based on the Twilit Fang's current operational goals... Oh, I'd say 20% over the market price for a house of that sort. The Twilit Fang is also prepared to offer extra value for certain conditions... if the Lord of the manor would do us the favor of writing a letter explaining his sudden move and sale of his house to a respectable foreign gentleman, that increases the value of the manor to us significantly and we can offer a further 30% of the market price. We are also interested in what information you have on the fate of that idiot below the city. We know of his plans in a general sense, and with the numbers of people he's been snatching lately, he's probably preparing for a big move. With this many Vampires all at once, including one of the city's wealthier figures, it's hard to imagine this could be any but his doing... although if my deduction is mistaken, well, the idiot never payed for our silence. Quite the opposite."

The woman then cranes her head to examine the group as a group once more. "Obviously, the exact price we are willing to offer would depend on what information you have. And just to be clear and upfront here..."

The woman glances over her shoulder as a number of skeletons draw into sight, marching into the alley bearing chests full of coins. "... We pay upfront, and then kill you if you renege."

The man named as Captain Samuel makes a short bark of laughter, before saying "Aye, it's more practical than gettin' caught up in offering half now, half later or anything like that. Advantages of might, as the top dogs would say. So, name your interests, friends in the night."

The woman nods at that last part, beginning to sort through her paperwork more thoroughly with the aid of some of the newly arrived skeletons.

Click to shrink...

Hugo, and for that matter Oliver, seemed the better hagglers by far, but as the owner of the mansion, Matthias figured he might as well get present their side of the requests.

"After considering, we'd like what information you can offer on...'our' kind in general, how our powers work and how to...hmm...'improve' them, if possible. Further, there are those among my companions that would appreciate whatever information you can provide on the magic of our kind as well as any helpful contacts you may be able to point us towards.

In exchange, we can offer the Mansion, along with a letter explaining my sudden absence as well as what we can offer about the one below."

@Another Amoeba @SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple

 

[KnightDisciple]

"Hmm...agreed. At the bare minimum, any information that helps us get a grip on our capabilities and future growth will be important."




Matthias visibly brightens up at Oliver's words.

"Oh, that should be simple enough. Its no secret the burghers and nobility of this city had no respect for an upstart rich 'peasant' like myself and I returned their lack of respect with equal vigor. If a grandiose proclamation in my name, that I was taking all my riches and moving to greener pastures with 'classier' citizens, were to be released I have no doubt no one would bat an eyelid and many would be glad to see the last of me anyway."

Click to shrink...

Hugo, and for that matter Oliver, seemed the better hagglers by far, but as the owner of the mansion, Matthias figured he might as well get present their side of the requests.

"After considering, we'd like what information you can offer on...'our' kind in general, how our powers work and how to...hmm...'improve' them, if possible. Further, there are those among my companions that would appreciate whatever information you can provide on the magic of our kind as well as any helpful contacts you may be able to point us towards.

In exchange, we can offer the Mansion, along with a letter explaining my sudden absence as well as what we can offer about the one below."

@Another Amoeba @SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple

Click to shrink...

As Matthias spoke, Oliver pulled out a couple of additional pieces of paper, as well as a small writing board. In moments he'd completed the paperwork, a slightly smug grin on his face. He held one copy over toward Mariah.

"The promised form."

He pulled out another piece of paper, and then held the board, paper, and pen toward Matthias.

"No reason we cannot draft the letter now, either."

 

[always_confused]

As Matthias spoke, Oliver pulled out a couple of additional pieces of paper, as well as a small writing board. In moments he'd completed the paperwork, a slightly smug grin on his face. He held one copy over toward Mariah.

"The promised form."

He pulled out another piece of paper, and then held the board, paper, and pen toward Matthias.

"No reason we cannot draft the letter now, either."

Click to shrink...

"Fair enough."

Gingerly grabbing the pen in one of his obese paws, Matthias begins to rapidly scribble the required nonsense. Although it was a surprise just how quickly his psychology adjusted back having full function of his body and his mood mellowed out, he wasn't so far removed from his days as a mortal that he had forgotten the mood swings, constant feelings of anger and hatred for most everything around him. And if nothing else, just because he was thinking clearer now didn't mean he was any better disposed towards the Burghers and Nobility of Seafang.

Always class this, and class that. And not in the sense of being a peasant or blue blood. It was in how one 'carried themselves'. Horse-piss. What mattered in life were the people by your side in the shield-wall. The world could be as complicated as it wanted to be, but as long as you had a few sturdy hands and ironclad bonds...you could take on the world. Or at least a Duke.

"Done. Here."

Matthias hands the finished letter over. In short, he was 'leaving for greener pastures and fairer neighbors'. In full, it was an opportunity for him to vent his spleen onto the letter and he took full use of that opportunity. Petty. But satisfying.

 

[Terrabrand]

Hugo, and for that matter Oliver, seemed the better hagglers by far, but as the owner of the mansion, Matthias figured he might as well get present their side of the requests.

"After considering, we'd like what information you can offer on...'our' kind in general, how our powers work and how to...hmm...'improve' them, if possible. Further, there are those among my companions that would appreciate whatever information you can provide on the magic of our kind as well as any helpful contacts you may be able to point us towards.

In exchange, we can offer the Mansion, along with a letter explaining my sudden absence as well as what we can offer about the one below."

@Another Amoeba @SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple

Click to shrink...

As Matthias spoke, Oliver pulled out a couple of additional pieces of paper, as well as a small writing board. In moments he'd completed the paperwork, a slightly smug grin on his face. He held one copy over toward Mariah.

"The promised form."

He pulled out another piece of paper, and then held the board, paper, and pen toward Matthias.

"No reason we cannot draft the letter now, either."

Click to shrink...

Mariah takes the letter and begins looking it over, nodding in response.

"Fair enough."

Gingerly grabbing the pen in one of his obese paws, Matthias begins to rapidly scribble the required nonsense. Although it was a surprise just how quickly his psychology adjusted back having full function of his body and his mood mellowed out, he wasn't so far removed from his days as a mortal that he had forgotten the mood swings, constant feelings of anger and hatred for most everything around him. And if nothing else, just because he was thinking clearer now didn't mean he was any better disposed towards the Burghers and Nobility of Seafang.

Always class this, and class that. And not in the sense of being a peasant or blue blood. It was in how one 'carried themselves'. Horse-piss. What mattered in life were the people by your side in the shield-wall. The world could be as complicated as it wanted to be, but as long as you had a few sturdy hands and ironclad bonds...you could take on the world. Or at least a Duke.

"Done. Here."

Matthias hands the finished letter over. In short, he was 'leaving for greener pastures and fairer neighbors'. In full, it was an opportunity for him to vent his spleen onto the letter and he took full use of that opportunity. Petty. But satisfying.

Click to shrink...

The Captain takes the letter and examines it briefly, before passing it over to Mariah and straightening up. "Well then, your requests are certainly within our ability to provide. There is, however, a question of form. Obviously, those who want hands on instruction do not always desire manuals of skill, and vice versa. There are a few different ways we could inform you. Obviously, you could receive actual hands on instruction, though few in my experience would wish to take that route while remaining independent of our little organization. Alternatively, there is of course books. While lacking an instructor's touch, they can suffice for the determined. Or, we could provide generalized verbal direction upfront and leave it at that. I personally would feel that unsatisfactory, but I'm not the one buying here."

Sam interrupts, saying "If you don't mind, I'd like to take the personal lessons." He glances apologetically at the others, before saying "Sorry, I'm not from around here, you know? I just... think I have better odds of making it through this with help."

Mariah and the Captain exchange glances before the captain says "More aid is always useful. Welcome aboard, for however long ye stay."

Mariah then holds out a book, gesturing at it. "Introductory materials on Vampirism. All the notable impacts on a human and the usual strengths and weaknesses, and so forth. I doubt you're interested in the more technical details, all told. Few your age are. Especially out here."

The Captain snorts. "Few your age care, granny."

Mariah snorts in apparent amusement. "Anyways, there's all kinds of contacts, depending on what you're looking for. Not everyone even in these lands is fussed by Vampires, and others will follow secret passwords and such enough to not notice your condition but give aid anyways, so it really depends a lot on what you're looking for. Local suppliers? Hired muscle? Foreign suppliers? We wouldn't be very good at our jobs if we didn't have a lot of options, here. But we're not actually able to read minds, so we do need a better idea of what type of contacts you're looking for to connect you with those properly."

The Captain nods agreement to that. Then he says "Indeed. Indeed, we do need to know enough of what you're looking for to provide you relevant contacts."

The pair of Vampires looks expectantly at the group, and awaits their response patiently.

 

[always_confused]

Mariah takes the letter and begins looking it over, nodding in response.



The Captain takes the letter and examines it briefly, before passing it over to Mariah and straightening up. "Well then, your requests are certainly within our ability to provide. There is, however, a question of form. Obviously, those who want hands on instruction do not always desire manuals of skill, and vice versa. There are a few different ways we could inform you. Obviously, you could receive actual hands on instruction, though few in my experience would wish to take that route while remaining independent of our little organization. Alternatively, there is of course books. While lacking an instructor's touch, they can suffice for the determined. Or, we could provide generalized verbal direction upfront and leave it at that. I personally would feel that unsatisfactory, but I'm not the one buying here."

Sam interrupts, saying "If you don't mind, I'd like to take the personal lessons." He glances apologetically at the others, before saying "Sorry, I'm not from around here, you know? I just... think I have better odds of making it through this with help."

Mariah and the Captain exchange glances before the captain says "More aid is always useful. Welcome aboard, for however long ye stay."

Mariah then holds out a book, gesturing at it. "Introductory materials on Vampirism. All the notable impacts on a human and the usual strengths and weaknesses, and so forth. I doubt you're interested in the more technical details, all told. Few your age are. Especially out here."

The Captain snorts. "Few your age care, granny."

Mariah snorts in apparent amusement. "Anyways, there's all kinds of contacts, depending on what you're looking for. Not everyone even in these lands is fussed by Vampires, and others will follow secret passwords and such enough to not notice your condition but give aid anyways, so it really depends a lot on what you're looking for. Local suppliers? Hired muscle? Foreign suppliers? We wouldn't be very good at our jobs if we didn't have a lot of options, here. But we're not actually able to read minds, so we do need a better idea of what type of contacts you're looking for to connect you with those properly."

The Captain nods agreement to that. Then he says "Indeed. Indeed, we do need to know enough of what you're looking for to provide you relevant contacts."

The pair of Vampires looks expectantly at the group, and awaits their response patiently.

Click to shrink...

Matthias gives the offer some thought, but not before giving a respectful nod to Sam. The party was getting smaller, which was...oddly sad actually, despite the fact they barely knew each other.

Returning to the task at hand, the Glutton considers the options. The last option, of very general directions, was far too simple, it wasn't worth it. Actually receiving hands on instruction was always the best way to learn, but did the group have the time for such a thing? More to the point, was it wise to be tied to the Kingdom, even for a short duration, in such a way? Books seemed like an acceptable compromise, considering everything. It was the direction he personally leaned towards.

As for the other question, what relevant contacts were they looking for? Hugo would know more about such things.

Turning towards his companions, Matthias relays his thoughts to them, "Personally I say we take the books. Its better than nothing and for better or worse, we have nothing but time ahead of us. In regards to contacts...I believe you'd know more about what we need, Hugo?"

@KnightDisciple @Another Amoeba

 

[KnightDisciple]

Oliver started tucking away his writing implements, and paused when Matthias asked his question. He seemed to consider the idea for a moment before he nodded his head.
@always_confused @Another Amoeba @Terrabrand
"I would agree, I would prefer the books, at least for now. Perhaps later we can arrange some...apprenticeship...or the like, but at this juncture I would prefer avoiding that much of a 'deep dive'."