Quoted By:
When he strides into the room, you find him to be a trim man of sixty or so years, with graying hair and beard. His brown eyes are intelligent, and searching - he regards you respectfully. If not for the pale tone of his skin, you might think him a relative of your departed Iudas.
Phoinix begins without delay:
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Deianira Hippomedion. What brings you to the house of Peleus?" His affect is professional - you get the strange sense that your beauty does not matter to him one whit. He meets your eyes flatly, without desire. Perhaps best to be respectful and succinct.
"I seek a retainer for my household, King Phoinix. My previous steward has unfortunately drowned this past summer. Preferably, a man with martial experience, and who can help coordinate the defense of my small estate." Phoinix takes this information in - he remains silent, calculating.
"King Peleus has many men who might be of service to you, Deianira. But in what way may you serve Peleus? The appropriate gift will produce the appropriate man." Phoinix's eyes glitter - the man strikes at the heart of the issue without pretense.
Fortunately, you can think of several ways in which you might serve Peleus. As a witch, you have access to tinctures, potions, magic and supernatural services - although many men fear to tread in this domain. As a noblewoman, you now have access to a substantial sum of wealth - certainly, most stewards are bought and sold with gold. Finally, as a young, unmarried woman, you can offer a great prize indeed - betrothal. You are in a rare position in that you are able to sell yourself, should you choose to do so.
>well, /qst/? What do you choose to offer to Phoinix (and Peleus) for access to a military commander/steward? After this, Deianira will negotiate the final terms with Peleus directly, FWIW.
>Offer services as a witch. This is a rare and valuable thing, but you're uncertain of Peleus' opinions regarding witchcraft. This would be something of a gamble. (random bonus/malus to next encounter)
>Offer to pay in Timae and wealth, the typical means of hiring stewards. This is straightforward approach, and you trust that you'd be able to artfully haggle the price down. (no bonus/malus)
>Offer to pay in betrothal. Perhaps the most valuable gift of all - tying yourself to one of Peleus' close allies will strengthen your bonds with the house of Peleus. Of course, you would nominally surrender control of your estate to your new husband, but for a woman of your wiles, this is no real concern. (significant bonus to next encounter)
>Something else?
