qunari negotiations

[samahl]

FORM: Sending Crystal
SENDER: Cyril
RECIPIENT: Members of the Other Powers Project + anyone who is participating in The Seas Shall Rise & Devour
WHAT: Cyril discusses the offer made by the Qunari
WHEN: During the Seas Shall Rise & Devour
WHERE: That charming island vacation location ;)
NOTES: Details about this post are found here

This message is to those who are part of the Other Powers project and to those of us who have found ourselves stranded away from Kirkwall - because as it turns out we are indeed very much stuck here for now.

The Qunari on the island have noticed this as well. They have come to us with an offer to help. In exchange, they request that we hand over all information we have learned about the island and what is happening here.

[He unconsciously grips the piece of dragon tooth he wears around his neck.] I've heard enough about the Qun to know that we don't want them to think they need to interfere in our affairs, but I do feel we should seriously consider the offer.

I would, however, prefer to discuss that with those who have better expertise and who are going to be affected by the choices me make. What do you feel is the best choice to make here? If we do hand over information, how much should we offer?

Comments

[iceblade]

[A woman with a strong Avvar accent replies shortly.]

Skadi here. I'm new to the project and the Qun isn't my area of knowledge, but if you want my opinion, you have it.

We're in a tight spot, and could use all the help we can get. Can we escape without them? If not, that offer sounds like the best chance we've got, unless we've information that can't afford to fall into their hands.

...do we?

[samahl]

Thank you for replying Skadi. You're with us on the island aren't you? That means this counts for you double.

As to your point, I think the worry is less the nature of the information and rather how it will be preserved by the Qun. We can't hand them a reason to invade.

[iceblade]

Aye, that I am. If you see a tall human woman with red hair, blue facial tattoos and a blade of ice, that would be me.

A fair point, to be sure. The last thing we need is an invasion, but the red lyrium beasts aren't exactly subtle.

[samahl]

I have seen you! I myself am not as tall, but I'd say I am noticeable, light hair, gray eyes, vallaslin around my eyes and forehead?

The creatures aren't, that's true. It's possible the Qunari already have a lot of information from their own investigation. If we lie, or leave something out - they might be able to tell.

[iceblade]

I think I've seen you, aye. It's good to put a name to the face.

So, it might be a test. If we hold back, they'll know it and could refuse their aid.

[samahl]

Or they could think that we're extremely incompetent and see that as a reason to invade.

[He's fiddling with the dragon tooth now, because he really misses Taas and could very much use his advice right now.]

[judgemewhole]

Cyril, what precisely do they want to know about the island? Because I have found something - something very big and very important - about how the creatures may have become corrupted. I need to investigate further but if that knowledge will buy their help, I'm willing to share it.

[samahl]

The want everything we have gathered, James.

What did you find? Should we speak in person?

[judgemewhole]

... Yes. Yes I think that would be best. Come and meet me by the boats.

> Action

[samahl]

[It doesn't take Cyril long to end up by the boats after that. It's also very easy for him to spot James. He walks over to him and offers a smile in greeting.]

I do prefer to speak to you in person anyway, so this definitely is best.

Re: > Action

[judgemewhole]

[James is looking out at the water with a pensive expression, one that lightens slightly at Cyril's statement. One corner of his mouth lifts, as he stated wryly.]

Missed my scruffy face, did you?

[samahl]

Every minute we are apart. [Cyril replies playfully and then lets himself become more serious.]

What have you discovered?

[aventuriere]

I'd very much like to speak with them, personally. Have you found them very willing to answer questions?

[ragweed]

[To Freddie,] I'm more than glad to follow your lead here.

My knowledge of the Qun is pretty sparing, Cyril, but you're all in a tough position. You're out there and I'm not; I'll back the choice you make.

[samahl]

Which of your project members do you suggest I speak to?

[ragweed]

Either the Baroness Haut-Brion, [you know, Freddie,] or Fenris.

[samahl]

Good, both of them appear to have responded so I'll be sure to ask for their expertise.

I really appreciate you and your team. Thank you for responding.

[samahl]

Not at all. From what I can tell, the leader, Karasten, is the only one who speaks Common.

Do you speak Qunlat? Either way, you should come with me when I go to meet them again.

[aventuriere]

I do! It's of course not my best language--they're so damnably secretive it can be difficult to find accurate resources for the Par Vollen accent--but I would be happy to assist.

[samahl]

I have Fenris coming with me too. With the two of you, I'm sure we could communicate better.

[lyriumcarved]

That they want to negotiate at all is potentially a good sign.

[They would make it all too clear if they didn't want to be bothered. So that puts them... in a better position than they could be in, at the moment. But there's a good reason why he'd said "potential" there, and not "definite".]

We should still proceed with caution. Do we have any indication of what they intend to do with this information? How exactly did they phrase their request? [There may be something to glean from the way they'd spoken, the words they'd used. He pauses, the slightest bit of a hesitation. Yes, he knows the Qun very well, knows their language and customs, and importantly how to put those things to use. But it's all sort of... wrapped up with some of his worst memories. And many of the best, truth be told, but those pleasant times were overshadowed in a terrible way.] If you're in need of a translator... or if you simply need further aid about their ways... I'll do what I can.

[samahl]

Oh, you speak Qunlat? That would be perfect. Most of the Qunari here don't speak Common, and other than their leader, they don't seem interested in communicating with us. Having someone who understands what they might be saying to each other would be a blessing.

As far as how they worded things, it was very abrupt, very matter-of-fact. The Karasten outlined how they could help us escape and insisted they would do so if we shared information with them. They used that word 'share' but in tone it honestly sounded more demanding like 'give.'

[lyriumcarved]

Yes. [He confirms this in Qunlat. It had seemed that the local Qunari were... pretty typical for Qunari in terms of how insular they were being. So he's not too surprised by any of this.] I'd be able to handle that. When are you planning to speak with them next? I'll plan to come along.

At this point... they're well aware that we're desperate for answers. That puts us in a difficult position to bargain, but bargain we must. They may be testing us to some extent, seeing just how far they can push. [Not to mention, trying to determine whether or not they're potentially a threat. The Qun are always wary of enemies everywhere.]

[samahl]

They want our response before two days are up, so the sooner we have an idea what we want to bargain with, the better.

And thank you, I already feel relieved at having you here.

[lyriumcarved]

[That doesn't give them much time to spare, but he's not very surprised by that. The Qun always drive a hard bargain.] Then we'll have to consider our options... or if we even have any, at the moment. Negotiating may be the best way to handle this situation.

I'll do what I can. [But if he's done this kind of thing before surely he can this time, too, right? So he hopes.]