The Master Of Zooz

[MovingSalad]

OOC: I am this "Nath" but spell it "Gnath", please.

 

(Back In Character): Gnath locks gazes with kalmer and stares deep into Kalmer's eyes, almost searching for something. This occurs for around 2 seconds and Gnath then quickly looks back to his seat and lowers his head somewhat, he then shuts his eyes and seems to be in deep thought. (No this is no spell, this is simply a rather odd manner of concentration on whatever Gnath is thinking of at the time, do not be unnerved by it.

[phawk69]

T'skar watches the two men, Gnath and Kalmer, interact. What an odd man, T’skar thinks, I wonder what he has done for Tiu? She turns to their host and smiles “This certainly is a lovely place you have here, and you were right about the view from the roof, it was magnificent. But it seemed very strange to have such a huge expanse of usable space unused! Why, all those lovely rooftops, so flat and perfect for entertaining, and not a thing on them. And the Palace, what a wonderful design. I wonder what it looks like inside?”

 

occ> What race is Gnath?

[karkarinus]

Kalmer is unperturbed by Gnath's gaze, though he considers it of little diplomatic etiquette to stare in such a way. However, his own etiquette prevents him from reacting inappropriately before his host and fellow guests. His expression remains neutral and unimposing.

 

Taking a step back, he turns to T'Skar and listens as she asks her question, then looks back towards Tiu as if awaiting his answer. The group remain standing until otherwise instructed.

 

(ooc > I'd like to hear the answer to Kalmer's question "To what do we owe this honour?" before carrying on with T'Skar's question, as this may give us all necessary info on the exact reason for our being invited, and also on Gnath's presence and procedence.)

[Malchik]

Tiu smiles. "It is my belief that anyone who offers to help a fellow human being should be given something in recompense. You wanted to help me with the beggars. Gnath also suggested that I could be carried past them as if I were dead. They are a superstitious bunch. He has a potion 'feign death' but it is not one I could use repeatedly without bringing too much unwanted attention to myself. Still I can use it once and for that he is here. I thought you might like to meet as fellow wanderers in a strange city. Of course I know nothing else about any of you. Usually this keeps the conversation flowing. Occasionally not."

 

You are invited to be seated at a very grand table. You notice there are four sets of cutlery and three glasses besides each plate. It looks as if you will be eating for some time. The first instalment is brought as you sit. It appears to be a cheese deep fried in a pastry case. It is no more than two bites' worth. Flunkeys pour a pale green wine and (separately) water for you.

[MovingSalad]

Gnath smiles to himself at the mention of his potion. He then looks at his water and puts his hand up to the glass and starts to move the water, the water soon then becomes a spinning, rippling whirlpool, as the intensity of this whirlpool increases, the grin on gnath's gaunt, rather scary face widens. Gnath continues this experiment until he sees that people were watching, he promtly lowers his hand and his grin dissapears.

[phawk69]

"So tell us Gnath, where are you from?" T'skar asks, feeling slightly disturbed by what she has seen.

[Malchik]

Tiu interrupts. He clearly likes hearing the sound of his own voice.

 

"I'm sure Gnath will talk to you when he is ready. In the meantime may I ask you how much of Bashkher you have seen? I'm afraid Kolokon is not the most wonderful of its cities. Nothing much to do here at all. Now Ippikander..."

 

He witters on about Ippikander for some time.

 

You realise that if you have questions for him, you'd better seize the opportunity.

 

Gnath seems to be interested in listening rather than speaking.

 

OOC> We'll arrange a chance for you to talk to Gnath when no one else is around.

[MovingSalad]

Gnath noddes slightly after hearing the bit about "Gnath likes listening rather than speaking) Gnath then passes the time by while the food is being prepared by trying to lift his fork (telekenetically, of course) and spin it round and round like he did the water. He seems mildly amused while listening to the others talk.

[karkarinus]

"Master Tiu," begins Kalmer, "Ippikander is indeed renowned for its leisure industry, but our interest is two-fold. We have heard that there is a rather interesting museum at Ippikander. (ooc> question 1) We would much like to know about this museum and any artifacts of particular historical significance that they may hold. (ooc> q.2) How does the museum at Ippikander - and its contents - compare to that of your hometown, Memtuz? (ooc> q.3) And speaking of Memtuz, we have heard tales of strange goings-on in the southern reaches of Bashkher; what do you know of this, and has it affected you in any way?"

 

 

 

(ooc> Aren't magical abilities disabled while in the High City?)

 

(ooc> If anyone else has questions, use this opportunity to lead on from one to the next while Mr. Bakker is in the mood for talking.)

[Malchik]

Tiu notices Gnath concentrating on the fork. "I did warn you that no magic works in the High City, friend. I told the others too. So we know you were swirling the water yourself. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to show your powers!"

 

He turns to Kalmer.

 

"I have never been to the museum in Ippikander. I do know where it is. South of the town is a walled enclave containing a complex of two museums and an art gallery. It takes up the whole of the top of a hill. Memtuz museum is a bit of a joke really. No one comes to Memtuz for culture. Most of the time the museum is closed. Scholars can get the governor to grant them a pass but it rarely happens. I took some visiting guests once. The security to get the pass was incredible but once we had it we could have walked off with the contents of the place. No one came in with us. Not that there is anything worth stealing."

 

He looks more serious.

 

"We are aware of the petrefaction of the elderly in the swamps of Ooo. It has affected us directly because many of the young witches have fled the swamps and arrived on our doorstep, putting a strain on the city's resources. Also of course our main income derives from the witches of Ooo and now there are fewer of them... Yes, it is a worrying situation. I had heard Bharat, the minister in Papred, had sought help. I don't know if he has found any. News takes some time to reach Kolokon. Keep away, that's my advice. Although you all seem too young to be at risk yet."

 

He glances uncertainly at Gnath as he says this.

 

"It is a pity Kolokon has no museums. I am sure the palace must be stuffed with items of interest. No one is allowed in to look. There must be many people who live and work there but no one ever comes out. I wonder how they live?"

 

There is something disingenuous in the question. Tiu is fishing for information. That he finds the palace a mystery obviously annoys him.