Jerry Greystar (Chris1234)- Private Thread

[TristenC]

Please, call me Merrick. he says, taking a seat. Have you been in town long? I don't recall seeing you here before.

[Chris1234]

"Just arrived. Pleased to meet you, Merrick. How come you speak this language when hardly amyone else around here seems to? And would you know of any others that have onlt recently started to learn Harmonium?" says Jerry, searching for something that she could get a grip on.

[TristenC]

Merrick seems rather surprised by her first question. I presumed for the same reason you speak it. He said, momentarily brushing hair away from his pointed half-elven ear before letting it fall back into place. She realizes he is the first non-human she has seen in town, though both his hair and eye colors match the locals. He regards her for a long moment. You aren't from Sithicus then... he says, with some interest. I myself only began learning the Kartakan language a couple of months ago... there are a few others I have run into as well. You should meet them, he smiles, They'll be along shortly I imagine. So... where are you from, if I may ask?

[Chris1234]

"You may. I'm from Faerun. And you?" Jerry answers. ~Could I have found a pocket of other displaced adventurers?~
"I am good with languages," she comments, "so when you tell me something in elvish, provided it's not something that others shouldn't hear, would you then tell me the same in Harmonium? Or vice versa, please? I'd be very grateful. Is Harmonium the same as Kartakan?"

[TristenC]

I was born in Sithicus, but my mother was from Kartakass. he replies. Faerun? It seems vaguely familiar, perhaps one of the others I was talking about mentioned it but I can’t recall… He thinks on it for a moment, but moves on. Most of the group I mentioned seem to speak Elven as well.

I will help as I can with the language, but I am not fluent myself. I fear any translation I give you might be in error. I can usually make myself understood here, but I still have trouble with it on a daily basis. I could help you with some common phrases most-likely. Harmonian is just what the locals call the Kartakan common language.


[OOC: The rate of learning Harmonian (not Harmonium) is set at +1%/day spent where at least half the conversation overheard is in Harmonian (2%/day for bards due to the musical nature) and caps at 95%. Basically any day you spend around the locals counts. If you want to spend an NWP slot on it you still need to find a ‘teacher’ who speaks it fluently or as a native (Merrick doesn’t count, because he is neither). The teacher must also speak some language that you are already fluent in (like Elven). Even then it takes weeks in-game to pick it up; it just wouldn’t be realistic to ‘suddenly’ become fluent in a language you’ve never heard before.

If you want a list of ‘common phrases’ for him to teach you I’ll allow 10 for now (roughly half your int) and they will be at a 50% language check instead of your normal percentage]

[Chris1234]

{OOC: That's perfect, and thanks. I have a vague recollection that having a high INT could reduce the time to learn a language. And I've held back two language slots 'just in case.' One of these will be for Harmonian, but learning it takes as long as it takes. It's just a bit of RP really.}

Jerry relaxes back in her chair waiting for the Red Gypsy and then adds, "I see, Merrick, thank you. What encouraged you to start learning Harmonian? And what other languages are often used in Sithicus? And, if I might ask, what do you do in Sithicus and what brings you to this town? - If you don't want to discuss that, it's fine; I'm just chatting really until the Red Gypsy appears.."

[TristenC]

Just wandering, mostly. My cousin lives here, and I came to be with him... Sithicus was wearing a little... cold, for my tastes. I enjoy the language, it is quite musical, unlike Elven. The last comment strikes Jerry as odd, since Elven is one of the most musical languages she knows. But the way you and the others speak it, it does have that music to it... almost like Harmonian. He hesitates bedore answering her next question, Sithicus is primarily Elven. So that is the most common language there. Many others speak Kartakan for trade reasons; and of course Barovian. I don't really work, per se... I mostly just help my cousin in his shop. But enough of me, What is your profession? What has brought you here?

[Chris1234]

"I am a servant of Mystra," Jerry explained, indicating her religious icon. "I was being chased by an abomination and ended here, wherever 'here' is."

[TristenC]

Mystra... I regret I have never heard the name. At least you should be safe within the town walls. So you are a priestess? Fascinating, there are precious few in this land. What are the tenants of your faith? Not murder and sacrifice I hope. He says, with a hint of mirth.

[Chris1234]

"It seems then that I am indeed not in Faerun. Pity," she replies, po faced. "No, to practice the Art and encourage its practice by others."

(If he queries "Art", or things it refers to painting or sculpture & so forth, she will explain it is a reference to Arcane Art, or the use of magic.)

[TristenC]

He makes such an inquiry, and as she explains she observs a small grin begin to form. So... you're a priestess... to a goddess of magic... he says, fascinated. Catching himself, he goes on. Forgive me, It's a new concept for me... He looks around conspiratorially, but with the barest hint of amusement. He places one hand to hide a small spot on the table from the other patrons, but so Jerry can see. With the index finger of his other hand he taps the table and raises it, a silver ball forming out of nothing beneath. Taking his hand away he focuses on the sphere, which rolls around and forms a pyramid, then a cube, then a Sterling silver rose before popping and vanishing in twinkling drops of light. Looking around again his grin slips. Magic isn't well regarded here... usually it is greeted with suspicion... It might behoove you to be cautious here.

[Chris1234]

"Oh my. Well, thank you. Why? What happens to those do do not?" she asks in all innocence.

[TristenC]

Well, nothing violent unless the caster began to behave dangerously. There are even some mage shops in the town. People here are... uncomfortable with magic. They don't trust it, don't understand it well and don't want to. One might find it difficult to be served in taverns, or find that shops close up as soon as they arrive, or people simply avoid them as much as possible... A few cantrips are about all most of them can handle... he said bitterly, taking the opportunity to speak to a passing waitress in Harmonian. A moment later she brings him a glass of the bitter wine and he pays. He raises his cup tonher before taking drink in a toast, To new acquaintances. he gives her a kind smile and has a drink. Another patron bumps his elbow as they pass, the liquid leaving a small red stain on his chin that looked uncomfortably like blood. Wiping the wine away he continues. So, what sort of abominable creature was pursuing you? he asks with interest.

[Chris1234]

"Something unliving," she says quietly, almost a whisper. In the same tone she adds, "Whereabouts would I find a mage shop? And does the prejudice against the Art extend to the divine too?"

[TristenC]

That bodes ill… I hope whatever it is stays far from here… Did you get a good look at it? After the conversation turns away from the undead stalker he goes on. Well, my cousin’s shop lies Northwest along The Loop… that’s what they call the main road that circles through town here. He named it the Silver Scale. Most of the locals think of it as a research or curiosity shop, so they don’t give him any trouble over it… that, and he has had the place for about thirty years, so they’re used to him being there. The Toad’s Toe is the only other one, run by a crazy old human man named Rautant. He’s quite a character. It is basically the same but with a few different wares. He runs all kinds of odd experiments in the back, sometimes I wonder what he is up to. It’s in the seedy part of town, so be wary if you visit and don’t let the sun set on you while you are there. He takes another drink of wine and shakes his head. Apologies, I am rambling. To your other question, i wouldn't say there is a prejudice against divine magic so much as a... decided lack of faith and an air of superstition. So have you been charged with destroying this creature that hunts you? I would expect most priesthoods to oppose undead in some way… at least those that aren’t evil…