[D1, Late Morning] House of Thrill Repute (Closed)

[Nathaniel Mason]

The Painted World was quiet when Nathan and his companions entered. Not surprising. Many of those here would still be abed, both staff and clients. The guard at the entrance seemed a bit bleary eyed. Obviously they allowed their protectors to enjoy their services too much, or were understaffed. Such was not the case at the Rutting Boar. While Nathan's brothel had it's full time guards, there were plenty more competent young men who were only too happy to do a shift for future favours. Of course, The Rutting Boar was far better accepted by the Bartheld community than The Painted World was obviously accepted here.

The building was an old Inn, but despite it's age, it had a rather faded rustic charm that appealed to Nathan. He half expected to be greeted by a round faced grandmother offering him tea and biscuits, but the young lady that approached him was quite the opposite, and quite young. Not particularly attractive, but pleasant and polite. She obviously handled whatever little business presented itself in the morning.

"
Welcome to the Painted World, milord."
she said with a somewhat confused glance at the three ladies. "
How can I help you?"


"
Good Morning."
replied Nathan with a brilliant white smile. "
I'd like to speak with Lyra Brewer if she is available."


"
Lyra is not yet available. Was there something I can help you with?"


"
Thank you, but no."
smiled Nathan. "
Perhaps we can wait. My companions and I have had a long trip. Perhaps we can get some bite to eat."


"
We don't really serve food."
replied the young lady, even more confused. "
The Drunken Huntsman might be able to-"


Nathan produced several silver stags and offered them to the young woman. "
Anything would be fine."


The woman smiled uncertainly, then nodded ascent and led the five of them to the patio.

"
What an absolutely gorgeous garden!"
exclaimed Nathan.

"
Thank you, milord. It is a pet project of mine and some of the girls."
the young lady blushed under the compliment.

"
My name is Nathan, and you are?"


"
Mira."


"
Well Mira, you and your friends have outdone themselves. I would spend every morning in this garden if I could."


It was a glorious garden, enclosed and secluded. Local flowers were mixed in with herbs and vegetables. A small natural spring flowed from some rocks in the corner filling a small pool with stone benches on either side.

"
Most of our patron's don't pay much attention to it."


"
They probably can't appreciate it at night. Perhaps if you added some candles or torches?"


Mira's eyes widened at the suggestion, then bowed and ran off to see to some food. About five minutes later, she reappears carrying a tray, followed by a young lad of twelve also carrying a tray. They contained fruit, cheese... biscuits and tea. It would be another twenty minutes before the mistress of the house arrived.

"
Well,"
said Lyra Brewer, "
Mira said there was a Lord downstairs."


Nathan rose to meet her, surreptitiously trodding on Davydd's foot as he did. The sell-sword suppressed a grimace and quickly joined him. "
I can assure you, I am no Lord."


Lyra gazed at Nathan for a long moment. "
No, your manners are far too good."
She crossed to the table. "
Well, what can I do for you?"


"
My name is Nathan. This is Andraeya, Lysette, Claira and Davydd. We are from the Rutting Boar in the Reach. We are here for the Tourney and I felt it would be rude to operate in your town without first meeting you."


Lyra's eyes widened. There were dozens pouring into the the city to 'ply their wares' because of the Tournament, but none had deigned to cross her threshold. "
I have heard rumors about the Rutting Boar, and about you if I think on it."


"
Good ones I hope."
grinned Nathan.

"
Enough that you being here shouldn't surprise me."
she smiled.


Intrigue

Disposition: Indifferent*
Objective: Friendship
Intrigue Defense 9
Composure 9

Initiative: Eloquent

*Note: If she is Attractive I will be at amiable due to the Advantage. If she does not have the Attractive Advantage, I will temporarily evolve to Amiable at the start of the turn for us being in the same profession.

[Reader]

Lyra Brewer stands before Nathan in a buttercup yellow dress, awaiting his opening gambit. She is thin, and her sparingly applied make-up makes it hard to determine her age, but most would hazard a guess that she's been at list game a lots longer than Nathan.

Intrigue

Disposition: Indifferent
Objective: ???
Intrigue Defence 9
Composure 12

Initiative: Opponent is Eloquent

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Well, I will have to make every effort to ensure this surprise is a pleasant one."
He smiles and continues standing, waiting for his hostess to be seated.

[url=Persuasion (Charm) - Lyra Brewer 1][/url]: 4d6 [url=Attractive][/url] +1 16

*Note. Should she not be Amiable due to the +1 disposition bump from my Attractive? She is free to Evolve down at the beginning of the Exchange if she feels she has cause, but it should be stated.

Edit: On second thought, I don't know her disposition unless I do a Read Target, so ignore that.

[Reader]

Nathan instantly feels at ease with his gracious host - Lyra has an uncanny knack for making others feel comfortable.

She politely nods at his good manners, taking a seat and gesturing for him to follow while Lysette pours peppermint tea.

"
We're delighted to have some a handsome young man in Riverton. Will you be lodging with us?"


Intrigue

Disposition: Indifferent
Objective: ???
Intrigue Defence 9
Composure 8 (12)

[url=Persuade (Charm)][/url]: 7d6k5 21

= 3 DoS x 5 = 15 - 4DR = 11

[OOC: there's no automatic disposition bump for attractive, I don't think? Apologies, you've gone after one of my intrigue machines, but dice, destiny and frustration may see you prevail yet. Or just offer an attractive yield - you can take frustration and then offer a yield.]

[Nathaniel Mason]

[OOC: there's no automatic disposition bump for attractive, I don't think?

Page 145 of the Core Book, table 8-2 top of the page. First Line.

Apologies, you've gone after one of my intrigue machines, but dice, destiny and frustration may see you prevail yet. Or just offer an attractive yield - you can take frustration and then offer a yield.

No worries. I expected as much.

"
Well, if that is an offer, then we would happily accept. It is not my desire to step on anyone's toes while we are here. I am only doing what I would expect from someone if they came to my little corner of the the Reach."
Nathan takes out a heavy pouch and drops it on the table. "
I think that should cover the costs of our presence while we are here, and the same again when we leave at the end of the week. We can guarantee some high profile clients who are also attending the Tourney, and I admit that I would be interested in seeing how your establishment operates. I am always interested in learning. Perhaps an exchange of ideas for mutual benefit?"


Yield.

[OOC: I could fight it out, but I don't really see the point. She is pretty well offering me what I came for anyway.

Nathan offers 100ss now and another 100ss at the end of the week. She will have the opportunity to interact with any clients he may attract to her brothel, an opportunity she would not get if Nathan were to operate independently. In exchange, Nathan and his companions will have a comfortable place from which to operate, and the comparative safety of the Painted World. Both Nathan and Lyra shift +1 step positive. Friendly for Nathan and (ideally) Friendly for Lyra.

Attractive enough?

[Reader]

[OOC: sold without the disposition shift from Lyra if that's agreeable]

[Nathaniel Mason]

[OOC: sold without the disposition shift from Lyra if that's agreeable]

[OOC: sold if Nathan stays at Amiable as well]

Edit: Actually, I guess under the rules that doesn't matter, as per the discussion about Disposition.

[Reader]

[OOC: Done - Nathaniel to amiable, Lyra remains indifferent but with the potential to improve - feel free to continue with any roleplay/questions in this scene, or to /end if Nathaniel has no further business]

[Nathaniel Mason]

OOC: They will continue to have a pleasant conversation, and Nathan will see his people settled, but at the moment I have no further designs. Nathan got what he came for.

I had considered spending a DP to shift Lyra... but it is early days yet. Time may yet yield what youthful charm could not.

[Reader]

Lyra and Nathaniel spend the morning in time honoured Westerosi fashion, discussing much and more.

[/scene]

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