Online:Vateshran Calbokh

Vateshran Calbokh is a Reachman storyteller and random encounter. He tells a variety of stories for either a cost, or if you have the Mages Guild perk to persuade him.
 

Dialogue
When you approach him, he will say one of the following:
:Vateshran Calbokh: ''"Well, these roads can feel quite lonely. Don't you agree?"
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Well, who is this now? Have you come for a tale?"

You can then talk to him:
:"Well, a vateshran can't pick his audience, especially in a place like this. Don't suppose you could part with some coin for a performance of mine? My tales thrill and inform. And some coin in my pocket—a soul's got to eat. You won't regret it."
:What kind of performance?
::"Well, I have a few recitals prepared. A tale of gods and sorrow, or one of battle—maybe a bit of history, perhaps? The Reach holds tales not like any from the outlands."
::Fine. I'll pay for a performance.
:::"Very well, we seal the bargain. What manner of tale do you wish to hear?"
::[Persuade] Why should I pay? You need the practice, don't you?
:::"Well, you hold a clever tongue. But outsiders are a shifty lot, aren't they? I can't fault your logic. Fine. But don't tell any clans you come across that a vateshran provided you a tale for free."

You can then choose from three types of tales:
:Let's hear a tale of gods and sorrow.
:I want to hear a tale of battle.
:Let's hear a tale of history.

If you chose a tale of gods and sorrow:
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Heh. The world never feels so bleak that people pass up hearing a tale of tragedy. Ahem."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "The wind in the breast of Chieftain Fiasof was the hunting-horn's call. His pealing tenor was the baying pack of scenting-hounds."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "His stride was the river, cutting through mountain pass and glen. His bow called the rain-death on all in his aim."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Hircine, the lord of hunts, watched Fiasof. He did with joy, at first, then anger. There was no struggle in Fiasof's chase, too skilled was he for prey."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "It was mockery to Hircine, and it would not be abided. And so the great spirit made Fiasof new game."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Hircine bade Fiasof slay a herd of deer, white as snow in hide. They were no challenge to the arrow-rain, and soon had red coats."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "But Fiasof went to dress the game and saw his prey as they were: his tribe, changed by Hircine as punishment of pride."
:Vateshran Calbokh: ''"Fiasof broke his bow over knee. He bowed to Hircine, asking for the great spirit's forgiveness."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "And Hircine, in his wisdom, gave it."

If you choose a tale of battle:
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Battle, eh? You seem to be no stranger to violence. But if you wish it … ahem."
:Vateshran Calbokh: ''"Faolan, the Red Eagle, last drew his blade at sunset. Naked was his breast and arm and head. The light of his eyes dimmed, the hagraven's due."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "But the blade burned bright, as did the fury left to him. And he faced the legions that bid him kneel."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "No ring or steel could turn his blade. Men were hewn through as reeds in wind. Red Eagle's flesh wept blood, blackened and thick with sorcery."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Blade and arrow found him, time and again. Faolan did not fight to win. His aim was punishment."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "The sun rose over the field of dead. Red Eagle stood, though no life was left to him."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "The tomb was opened and the eagle flew no longer."

If you choose a tale of history:
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Oh, you have a scholarly bent? I wouldn't have guessed by the look of you. Ahem."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Leovic, Moricar's son, ruled from sea to sea. Spirits made the man for Reach-hearths and tents."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "He strove to show the world Reach spirit, the one that bade them kneel. But though they named him emperor, their hearts were never his."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "The city Anvil was fat and still, and could learn of Reachman's ways. Four times Leovic traveled there, arms bare and head crowned, to show the people their errors."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "The fools did feast him lavishly, they sought finery for his naked breast."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Leovic would cast aside the wine-cup, upend the feast-table. He tore the silk and the damask he trampled in wrath."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "He bade the court forgo its decadence, for then it might know strength and pride it lost before it fell."
:Vateshran Calbokh: "And so Leovic left the city of Anvil in disgust, and darkened its doorway no longer."

After his story, he will say:
:Vateshran Calbokh: "Well. I hope my recital filled your heart. I best get on my way. Time and hunger wait for no man."

Bugs