[Day 3, Late Morning]Seeking a Further Unkindness (Closed)

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: For those who don't know, and didn't read the previous thread, the collective noun for ravens is an 'unkindness'.)

Seeking an escape after the significance of the negotiations with the Tullysons, it is not surprising that Daveth found himself in the library again. You seek an escape from your duties ... by seeking a book that will help you fulfil your duties better. Has it ever occurred to you, Daveth, that you are a singularly *boring* individual? No wonder you need your brother's help to talk to women.

Oh, tell me, Master Daveth, what do you do?

Well, I read books that help me serve my house. I take care of ravens to help my house. I speak to people to help my house. I do the finances to help my house. I try to make deals with my brother's murderers to help my house.

And do you like doing all that?

I don't understand the question, for that would require a personality.

Oh? Is it just the only way you know to get your father's favour? How's that working out for you?

Shut up! Just shut up! Daveth stalked around the library, trying to cool his head before he sought out Pate the Scribe's help again. No point taking out his frustrations on the poor man. His demons were his own to fight.

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan poked his head from around a large stack of books waiting to be replaced and smiled.

"
Tell me. Do all scholars mutter to themselves like that? Our Maester does all the time. Usually about plants or leaves or bugs or the mating habits of various small furry rodents;
which I think is odd because if you are going to study mating habits I would think you could find something better then rats. I can never figure out if they are on the cusp of some great breakthrough in knowledge or if they simply do it because they don't think anyone else will be interested."


The young man looked at Daveth over half-moon spectacles. Probably a defense against the thousands of pages of minute scholar scratchings than any deficiency in his eyesight. He was dressed simply in a loose fitting white muslin shirt open at the neck and black pants with soft black boots. Fine boned and narrow waisted, he might be taken for a page were it not for the lack of livery and and exceptional quality of his garments. He held a book or songs and sonnets, from the edition, not ballads known to most common folk, and most not easy to sing.

He carried on, as if he really didn't expect an answer to his earlier question. "
Was there something I could help you with? I'm not that familiar with this library but an extra set of eyes never hurts."
He stopped talking and waited patiently, looking at Daveth over his spectacles with large blue eyes;
obviously expecting an answer of that question.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth is snapped out of his internal arguments by the young man's words. Damn it, Daveth, you've got to be more careful than that! You want people to think you touched in the head?

Daveth looks over the man as he speaks, clearly trying to figure him out. "
That's a very generous offer to give a stranger."
Though I suppose there's a decent chance you know exactly who I am by now, from my various appearances. "
So let's deal with that first."
he extends a hand with a smile. "
Master Daveth Coldbrook. Pleased to meet you."

[Nathaniel Mason]

The young man shrugs. "
It's not that generous."
he smiles. "
Helping someone costs me nothing but a bit of my time, and it's value I would think would depend on how good my help is and how much it was needed. The fact we are strangers has no bearing on your need for help or my ability to give it. I meet strangers every day. Most of them are not very strange at all and the ones that are are usually far more interesting then he ones that aren't."


He shakes Daveth's hand warmly. "
Nathaniel Mason."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Well met, Nathaniel Mason."
he gives a quizzical look. "
Forgive me if I miss my mark, but are you a merchant of some stripe? You are clearly well-dressed, yet you wear no livery and claim no title, not to mention you have a very clear and precise understanding of 'value'. A trait that's fairly rare in my experience, but one that a successful merchant would no doubt hold dear."
Daveth's tone is curious, and displays no trace of contempt when he uses the word 'merchant'.

"
Oh, and if you're still willing after indulging my curiosity, I'd be delighted to have company on my search. It makes it go faster in more ways than one."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
'Merchant'?"
Nathan mused. "
Well, I usually go with 'entertainer', but I suppose 'merchant' would be just as accurate."
he grins.

He summons a page. "
I need a copy of this one, this one, and this one. It doesn't have to be pretty, but it does need to be accurate and legible. He hands the lad the book he is holding along with a silver stag. "
Have it delivered to the Painted World when you are done."


"
Now, Daveth, what scholarly mystery are we trying to solve today?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

The Painted world? Isn't that the- ahhhhh. That's what he meant. Presumably the proprietor. Or their son, perhaps? Son seems more likely at his age. Daveth nods mentally to himself, satisfied at his conclusion. That would explain everything. A touch of class to make nobles feel welcome, and a friendly and welcoming manner to drum up new customers.

I should probably keep Garret away from there, or he'll beggar the house.

"
Well, Nathan, today we are attempting to crack one of the mysteries of the maesters."
in a mock-serious tone. "
Specifically, that of raven husbandry. To head off the obvious question, our house isn't deemed important enough to deserve a maester, so filling in those shoes at best I can is one of the duties that falls to me. At first glance, you'd think it a simple enough matter - ravens breed all the time in the wild, after all. Well, it turns out that actually it's b- pretty difficult. And frustrating. Especially when you're self-taught, and none of your books cover the matter. So, that's why I'm here now, to try and find such a book, and grab a copy. If I can avoid bankrupting my house by getting a copy of every *other* book that catches my eye along the way, so much the better."


Daveth leans in and whispers conspiratorially. "
I do admit, though, that a book on bird bonking may not be that interesting to most. If you'd rather have some other commitment elsewhere, I won't hold it against you."
Better to give him an out now than for him to do the work poorly.

"
If you're still in, step one is to see if we can grab Pate the Scribe. He was too busy last time I was in here, but his knowledge of these shelves would be invaluable."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Raven breeding? Well of course we can look here, but if you have an opportunity, you should speak with House Bartheld's Maester Forthwind. He is an expert on the subject. I am sure he would be happy to help you. Bring a bottle of very good Dornish red and he might not even charge you... much."


"
So... the local scribe did not have time for you did he?"
Nathan mouth began to widen into a very mischievous grin.

He looked around for Pate and motioned Daveth to follow him. When he got near to where Pate was working Nathan announced in a conversational tone. "
No, I'm sorry Daveth, I simply have to disagree with you. The paper here in the Riverlands is good, but the paper made in the Reach is far better. They add cotton to the pulp and the surface is much smoother."
He continues softly to Daveth, "
I don't care how busy a scribe is. He always has time to argue about paper or ink."

[Reader]

[OOC: simple intrigue TN (10) to get the attention of House Tully's scribe, imaginatively known as Pate the Scribe - difficult is +1 due to previous failed attempts to bother him

- like Daveth's reaction to Nathaniel and feeling he's figured out who he is]

[Nathaniel Mason]

[url=Attracting Pate's Attention][/url]: 5d6k4 [url=BoA][/url] 21

3 DoS

[Reader]

"
Pfft, the Reach swims in coin, they can throw money at their problems. Here we must use craftmanship and skill rather than our coin purses,"
barked Pate.

"
Anyway what can I do to speed your exit from the library and restore its calm?"

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Raven breeding? Well of course we can look here, but if you have an opportunity, you should speak with House Bartheld's Maester Forthwind. He is an expert on the subject. I am sure he would be happy to help you. Bring a bottle of very good Dornish red and he might not even charge you... much."

I wonder how he know-. Oh. Maester. Still human. For all that tradition assumes otherwise. "
Thank you. Even if this matter is settled, having the opportunity to discuss any matters with a maester is one I definitely won't pass up."

(OOC: Daveth's disposition increases to amiable.)

Daveth casts his eyes sideways at Nathan. You, my new-found friend, are a wonder. Daveth decides not to take over the conversation, but let Nathan continue to lead, assessing his techniques, and seeing how he might use them himself.

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
I am sorry if I offended you, good scribe."
But that is what you get for eavesdropping on other people's conversations. "
I am done but Master Daveth could use some help on the proper breeding of Ravens. Your library is very vast and comprehensive;
and you know it better than we do. Perhaps you might assist us in this?"


Intrigue

Dispostion: Indifferent (DR4)
Initiative: Daveth, Nathan, Pate
Objective: (Have the man look for books on Raven Breeding) That way all three of us can do a Research roll.
Intrigue Defense: 9
Composure: 9

Action: [url=Pate-Ex1-Convice][/url]: 5d6k4 [url=BoA][/url] 18 +2 Assist

3DoS 9-4? = 5 Composure

[Not sure if you want to go through all of this. I am pretty sure with Daveth mollifying me this is done before it starts unless he is an Intrigue Monster, but I am game.}

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(I think the way this works, since Nathan and I share a goal, is that I'm assisting him, rather than both of us hammering away independently. In which case:

[url=Assisting Nathan Ex1 (9)][/url]: 4d6 11

Nathan has +2 to next roll)

"
Indeed. I've never seen a more impressive collection than you have here. I fear without your help it may be years before I find what I seek."


Dispostion: Indifferent (DR4)
Initiative: Nathan, Daveth, Pate
Intrigue Defence: 10
Composure: 9

[Nathaniel Mason]

[I adjusted the Initiative Order. If you are going to be assisting, you would need to go before me.]

[Generally only one on each side do influence actions. The supporters do things like Fast talk, Assist and Mollify.]

[Reader]

[OOC: just a simple intrigue, sorry for lack of clarity! He's a scribe an happy to offer an assist/roll himself as you direct. The more he helps the faster you get out his library]

[Nathaniel Mason]

My roll for Researching Ravens

[url=Raven Research][/url]: 3d6 10 +2 BoA vs. TN12

Successful test.

If Daveth gets a successful test, then I would have Pate roll for himself.

3 successful tests would spell real progress I would think.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

(OOC: Awww. You spent your 1/day BoA ability on me. Thanks. )

[url=Researching Ravens, round 2 (12)][/url]: 4d6 12 (Haha! Bang on! Two for two! Don't fail me now, Pate! We'll make you look bad!)

[Nathaniel Mason]

(OOC: Awww. You spent your 1/day BoA ability on me. Thanks. )

[OOC: Your welcome. It's a light day. All my machinations are sort of works in progress. ]

[Nathaniel Mason]

As both Pate and Daveth began to search through the stacks, so did Nathan, but unlike the other two, he almost completely ignored obvious books on the subject and instead started pulling books on battles, weather conditions, ships manifests, and sometimes even personal journals.

When Daveth looked at him quizzically, he tried to explain.

"
I am not a scholar, Daveth. My mind does not work that way. You wish to learn about raven breeding because you wish to breed ravens. I, on the other hand am not concerned about how to breed ravens. Ravens seem to breed just fine all on their own without any help from anyone. So to me, the question is not how to breed a raven. The question is why are your Ravens NOT breeding.

The little bit I know is this. Except for humans, nothing will breed unless they feel safe and have a good food supply;
and from my limited farm knowledge, an animal will not breed unless they certain circumstances are met, such as the female in heat or the male is making the proper displays.

This book, for example, which is an account of the Battle of Stonebridge, describes hundreds of ravens feeding on the dead, but it also talks about their aerial displays, which may well have been mating behavior. Perhaps ravens must attract a mate in the air.

This book is a journal of a noblewoman who did needlepoint on her balcony every day and observed the ravens nesting in her garden. She claims that her ravens mated for life, although males would sometimes try their hand at others females. Perhaps your ravens already have mates.

This scroll is from a farmer in the Reach who claimed that the ravens in his barn were so territorial while mating that often they would not allow him to enter. Perhaps your ravens don't feel they are in their territory. He also says that smart ravens refuse to mate with stupid ravens.

Is any of that helpful?"


Because Nathan was not a scholar, and knew nothing about ravens, he was not bound by the assumptions that a scholar might make. He was not prejudiced against one source or another;
and he was willing to examine sources that others would most certainly overlook or ignore.

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth considers Nathan's words, before nodding slowly. "
That is useful, to an extent. But finding the problems without the associated solutions merely gives form and texture to the walls barring my path. Though since one cannot find a precise answer without knowing the precise question, it does help, thank you."

[Nathaniel Mason]

"
Well, it's true I do not know the precise nature of your problem."
Nathan gave wry smile. "
House Bartheld purchases most of their ravens already trained from Kings Landing. However, perhaps you agree with Pate that a problem should be solved with wits rather than throwing money at it."


"
The search is still early. I am sure we will find answers for you, or at least the right questions should you decide to speak with Maester Forthwind."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

"
Oh, you can fairly rely on my conversing with Maester Forthwind, however, in my experience a maester's time is limited. I'd sooner get as far as I can with books, that cost me nothing but time, and use the maester's limited time to fill in what gaps remain. Somehow, there often seems to be a gap between the theory written in the books and the practical experienced outside of it."
leaning in and lowering his voice, Daveth continues. "
In my more conspiratorial moments, I suspect this of being deliberate by the maesters, to ensure they're always needed."
from his tone, he's half-serious, half-joking.

"
And yes, our house is sadly rather lacking in funds. My decision to use wits instead isn't so much philosophical as it is practical - if there are two ways, but you only have the means for one, it's not such a choice. I do intend to see if I can purchase a raven or two to help my existing birds once I know what to look for, but then I'll have to try and maintain and grow the rookery myself."

[Nathaniel Mason]

Nathan opened a book filled with woodcuts of men in hanging cages being eaten by crows and grimaced slightly.

"
Your right, of course. Between the conclave starting tomorrow and the tenuous situation with the House I expect he is very busy. Still, he is a good man and has always been helpful to me."


Nathan continued to scan the pages and then pushed the book over to Daveth. "
There is several pages there on crows that might be helpful."

[Daveth Coldbrook]

Daveth frowns internally. Wait...the maester of house Bartheld has 'always been helpful' to him? Have I grabbed the wrong end of the stick? A maester wouldn't have the time for lots of jaunts, so to build up that relationship, Nathan would have to be local to Bartheld lands, rather than here. Then why would he be living- ah. He's a singer. That wouldn't compete with the Painted World's core business, but would instead support it, and it explains the book he was after. And a tourney like this probably means good money to him.

Regardless, this could be useful.

"
The tenuous situation with House Bartheld? Ah, yes. I heard something about that. Something about an uncle disputing the inheritance, isn't that right?"


Daveth looks down at the book and sees the pictures of the men being eaten by crows. "
I think we'll call that method of feeding them 'Plan B'"
he comments, dryly, more to himself than Nathan, skimming over the book while listening to Nathan's response.

(OOC: Yes, for someone with a rule about not making assumptions, Daveth does make a lot of them. )

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