"No, fuck him."
"Ulos?"
"So, what. If we talk to him, he gets away free because Abraham got baited into hitting him? No. We screw him over, he screws us over. First, I'll go get everything from his cupboard that looks useful. We'll start making the points from there. We don't make up a lie, or something stupid. We fight this... this..."
"I understand. You know you'll be starting a war with him, don't you?"
"I know. Are you with me?"
Madavian laughed.
"Well, if Abraham is any guide, pissing off your roommate is a bad idea. So I may as well be. Want me to deliver the message?"
Ulos frowned. He'd like to say this himself, but...
"It would sound better coming from you. If you don't mind."
Ulos took the keys, and opened the cupboard, a small flash of light emanating from the keyhole. Made sense, if he'd broken it open it would've probably sent some sort of alarm, or corroborated any accusations Thomas would make against them.
He looked in. A few gold solidus, a lot of silver numismata, and a single bronze nummus sitting there all made a reasonably hefty haul. About what he could've hoped, he guessed. He swept up the bags, intending to use them later. He'd probably need to get Madavian to swap out various coinage with him so it couldn't be identified, or maybe go to a moneylender in the city to get the money changed, even at a loss. It'd be risky to keep it otherwise.
(Ulos has gained 3D100 = 90 + 36 + 1 = 213 Coins)
There was a few little items, as well.
(Item Roll: 247. Gain 3 items. First two items Master Quality (100 quality each), third item Average Quality (47))
Firstly, a knife with an exceptionally sharp blade. Good steel. Magic-forged, if Ulos didn't miss his guess. Not magical in and of itself, but still impressive. The sort of thing you give your son if he needs to learn alchemy and being able to separate ingredients easily
(Gained item: Masterwork Cutting Knife. +5 to all Craft: Alchemy rolls involving cutting. Can be used as a weapon in times of need.)
Secondly, a fine wand crafted out of bone, though Ulos wasn't sure what. Bone wands were incredibly rare, though, and quite expensive. It was smooth to the touch, and polished exquisitely.
(Gained item: Masterwork Bone Wand. No use as of yet.)
Thirdly, a set of measures and weights, presumably for use in Alchemy.
(Gained item: Average Quality Measures and Weights. No bonuses, necessary item for Alchemy.)
(Artifact roll: 53. Artifact Gained [Inferior, 50-100])
Next was... something. He wasn't quite sure what it did, though it looked like a thick iron armlet, designed to fit snugly over the upper arm, with a small adjusting wheel to ensure it fit anyone who used it. It was inscribed with quite a few runes, and that meant an Artifact of some kind. He'd need more information to know what it did, though.
(Gained Artifact: Iron Armlet (???)).
Lastly, the schoolbooks. No time to look through exactly what they were now, but it'd still help. He picked up the remains of Abraham's books, as well. Never know when it might help.
(Gained items: Thomas's Schoolbooks, Associated Borrowing Records. Gained Ruined Schoolbooks.)
He looked around in the cupboard, hoping to find a library chit. Thomas had left one there as well. Strange, he would've expected him to have a few being from a rich family, but he'd take what he could get.
(Gained item: Library Chit.)
That was everything. Sunette being gone, he left the room, and headed back to the bathroom.
There, Thomas had finally awoken.
"Who are you?"
Ulos walked in just as the words were spat out at Madavian.
"Ah, Mr... Aleivas. This is one of my compatriots. I do apologise for the way dear Abraham treated you, but, you have to understand, he's from the Empire. They don't know any better."
Madavian grinned.
"I, however, am from bright and diplomatic Vorstal. So when I say you have been attacking an asset of Family Junotrin, you know what that means, don't you?"
Thomas looked up, a hand sweeping away the blue hair from his eyes.
"One of your little jumped-up merchant families. You think you can attack House Aleivas and get away with it?"
"Oh, no, no, no. You misunderstand me entirely. This isn't an attack. It's more of a... friendly warning. You see, imagine my surprise when my uncle's dear friend - and accomplished combat mage, I might add - asks about her dear little nephew at the Preparatory. So word comes down by way of my father to me, and I think, well, I may as well check on him. After all, he's not important to the Family, but he's ours, you understand? Of course you do, how foolish of me. Imagine my surprise when my friend Ulos comes running to me and tells me what has happened to poor Abraham. You didn't really think a flit from the Empire got into a school like this without some serious backing, do you?"
Thomas looked conflicted.
"So! I think I have a solution that works for both of us, or at least works for me. We'll take Thomas, and you'll be welcome to your room all on your lonesome. Of course, replacing his books and things will be expensive, so we're going to need to take... reparations. Ulos, be a dear and show Thomas what you found."
Ulos put the pile of things down on the floor.
"Normally I'd ask you to pay for things the old-fashioned way, but I have this peculiar feeling you're not going to be amenable. So, here's how we're going to play it. Abraham, come over here and don't flinch."
Abraham walked over.
"Ulos, hit him in the face. Hard as you can."
Ulos felt conflicted.
"Trust me."
Abraham looked confused, and then his eyes widened.
"Do it, Ulos."
Understanding not dawning just yet, he wound up and hit Abraham hard in the face. He was not much a puncher, but he managed to split Abraham's forehead open, and blood trickled down his face.
Madavian smiled.
"So, Mr. Aleivas. This is a warning. House Junotrin owns this city. If you feel the need to come after people or things that are ours, you had really ought to do it from a position of safety. Next time I'll just have a chat to the administration, and note that the poor boy was attacked so viciously by a Narubite, a people known for their... violent ways. Is this clear."
Thomas looked up.
"So I go to the teachers, you screw me back. What's to stop me sending a letter to my father and going to them right now?"
"If I went to the teachers now, maybe you'd be expelled. But then it'd be on paper, and your father would need to get involved. Then my father would need to get involved. I think we were both raised not to escalate these sorts of things unnecessarily, and I suspect your father wouldn't want to antagonise House Junotrin with the five-year artifact trade negotiations coming up. I won't pretend I'm trying to make friends with you, but I won't be the first one to escalate this to a real fight."
"...ok. Shit, ok."
Thomas spat on the floor.
"Let me tell you something, Empire."
He looked up at Abraham with venom in his eyes.
"You think just because you've found a powerful protector, you get to walk away? From hitting me? No. It might take me some time, but you're going to suffer for this. You too, little Empire. The two of you. And as for you, Junotrin-"
Ulos cut him off.
"You poured water on him, because he was from the Empire. You stopped him sleeping, destroyed his books. Books he couldn't afford to return. Couldn't afford to replace."
"Yeah, so?"
Ulos hissed.
"If you come after him, or me, or Madavian, it won't be a fight between your fathers. It'll be a fight between you and me, and you'll regret it far worse than you did today. Madavian would try to get you expelled, I'll do worse."
(Ulos has gained Trait: True Friend or No Friend (Only those who are willing to help when things are bad are worth having as friends. Ulos gains +30 to all Relationship rolls for characters of Friend status or above, but if his friends do not stand by him when he asks them to, the Relationship will immediately downgrade to Acquaintance.))
Madavian smiled.
"Well, I think that's all that needs to be said, right? Do think this over, Thomas. I would hate to see such a promising future ruined all because you didn't learn to pick your battles. Abraham, Ulos. Let's leave."
(Gained Rival: Thomas Aleivas (Hatred))
(Gained Friend: Abraham Mazhov (Unexpected Saviour))
The three walked out, Madavian leading them quickly back to the Parrot's Perch.
"Holy shit. Holy fucking Saint's tits shit fuck shit."
"Madavian?"
Ulos looked at his friend, worried.
"I just- just picked a fight with a fucking Narubite Senator for you two morons. Fuck! If my father finds out..."
He took a deep breath.
"Ulos. Abraham. You owe me for this. If I ask you to do something in the name of Family Junotrin, you do it. I think that's fair, yes?"
The two boys nodded rapidly, mouthing agreement.
(Ulos now owes Madavian a Major Favour)
"I mean, we're friends, but why did I do that?"
Madavian shook his head.
"It's done, anyway. Can't change it. Ok. Abraham, stay here for awhile. You can have our second blankets, it's summer anyway. Not a comfortable bed, but it'll do until we figure out what to do next. Ulos, what is the plan, anyway?"
Well, you've gained some money, some items, and a new powerful and very angry enemy who is likely to come after you. Going after Madavian, after all, escalates the battle. He can fuck with you, though, as long as it's kept relatively low-key and deniable. Before we go on to the new weekly voting, we need to figure what to do with the money and items and Abraham's accomodation.
Firstly, how do you help Abraham?
The Book Situation (Pick 1):
[ ] Return the Books, give all five Chits to Abraham - Returning the four books and giving Abraham the Chit you found offers him a regular set of schoolbooks, ensuring his learning continues. Abraham is very grateful. No penalty to Abraham's learning speed. He may undertake independent studies from time to time.
[ ] Return the Books, keep one Chit - Returning the four books but keeping the Chit you found offers Abraham his standard textbooks, but less of an opportunity to study outside of class. You, however, will gain a second Library book slot. Abraham is moderately grateful. No penalty to Abraham's learning speed. He will not undertake independent studies from time to time. Gain one Borrowing Chit.
[ ] Return the Books, keep three Chits - Getting Abraham two books back will enable him to study his electives, and the remaining two core books can be rotated between you and Madavian (who probably never reads his anyway). This will enable you to borrow textbooks from other subjects at will where necessary. Abraham is a little disappointed, but understands. Minor penalty to Abraham's learning speed. He will not undertake independent studies from time to time. Gain one Borrowing Chit, and two Textbook Chits.
The Living Situation (Pick 1):
[ ] Hey Man, Crash on my Floor Indefinitely - While it's inconvenient, having you all together at all times lessens the chance for Thomas taking action against you. Sending Abraham off to sleep elsewhere is just dangerous. Better to have him live in your room. -1 to all Training Rolls in your room until situation is resolved. Lower chance of Thomas succeeding at attacking you. Defensive option. Unlocks Action "Find Abraham Somewhere to Live".
[ ] Let's Find You A Nice Place Nearby - Well, Abraham can't stay here forever, and you just happen to have come into some money. You can try and pay for another room (and even get the administration to refund 20-30% of Abraham's year fees if you're lucky!), and get Abraham somewhere else. Admittedly, rooms are short, so it's really the Dorms or nothing. After all, Thomas pretty clearly does Alchemy, so the Smokestack is a bad idea, and the Tower would put him right next to teachers. You'd also want to get him a solo room, a shared room would just put him at risk again. Costs 70-100 coins depending on a Diplomacy roll. Abraham gets his own room. Moderate chance of Thomas succeeding at attacking Abraham. Resolves the study issue immediately.
Secondly, what do you do with the items you got?
The Item Situation (Pick 1):
[ ] Aren't You A Little Young For A Pawn Shop? - Seriously, keeping this stuff is dangerous. If Thomas does go to the teachers, that's hard evidence, and it's not something you want hanging around. Find a way to sell it off, and quickly. Gains 20-30% value of items quickly in Coins (total value of items is 247 Coins. Artifact value is unknown, you may get fleeced). No more evidence.
[ ] Hide the Haul - Ok, this is some good stuff. You may not want to use it in public, but you can definitely sell it for a good amount if you hold on and work on identifying it. You aren't really doing Alchemy, and you don't cast with a wand, so this stuff isn't super valuable to you, but it's certainly valuable to someone. Potentially get 80-100% value of items when selling. Items need to be hid somewhere outside your room, meaning they'll be vulnerable to theft. Low chance items are stolen each week while you look for buyers. No evidence on hand. Unlocks Action "Find a Buyer". Unlocks Action "Identify Artifact".
[ ] Flaunt It - Antagonistic? Sure. But if you use those items all the time, people will start to think they're yours. Thomas accusing you of stealing his knife and hiding it is one thing, using his stuff in class and in public means it'll be less plausible. Why would anyone be so stupid as to do that? Keep items, use them. Heavily antagonises Thomas further. Get to keep items. Risky if Thomas decides to go to a teacher. Unlocks Action "Identify Artifact".
The Damaged Books (Pick 1):
[ ] Keep Them As Evidence - You might need these in the future as a bargaining chip. Keep them on hand just in case. Keep Books. No real use for you compared to regular textbooks, but might be handy in a future confrontation - or as evidence to convince people Thomas is a jerk.
[ ] Sell Them - Even damaged textbooks have value. The average person won't even see a magical textbook, and in a world where each book must be copied out by hand, these are valuable items indeed. You could probably get ten to twenty Coins per book if you were willing to wait for the right buyer. Books are sold with a 20% chance per week to find a buyer for one. Damaged books sell for 5D5 Coins each.
