Avalon deep in thought

Avalon, stood waiting to enter the city of Starilaskur spends a few moments mulling over his conversation with the Halfling girl he spent some time with on board the Argonth. She only looked about seventeen years in age, but she was clearly quite mature for her age. Now, how was it the conversation went?....

*Insert here shimmering effect of recalling a memory*

"I'm Avalon Stone. Kaiser! Prince of the Clan Stone, from the Talenta Plains!" Avalon declared boldly, scanning the Halfling girl for signs of her being impressed by his name and title.

"I'm Peony." Her face remained impassive. Avalon continued though, uncertain about her curt reply.

"So, How do the Dragonmarked houses work?"

Peony casts a quick glance at the plainsman, then turns and walks away as she starts to reply. Avalon has no option but to follow her if he wishes to hear her answers.

"Well, each house has used its Dragonmarked members to create wondrous items or provide specialist services. Over the years they have all set up various guilds, worked hard and managed to largely corner they market in various specialist areas."

"As such, the houses are quite an economic force to be reckoned with. Some are larger than others, but it is speculated that most houses have more financial power behind them than some of the less prosperous countries on Khorvaire."

"Foreseeing such a powerful force rising, it was agreed centuries ago that the Dragonmarked houses would act independent of countries and borders. They would restrain from allying themselves too closely with any individual country, and would be willing to offer their services to any willing to pay."

"That in fact is the basis of House Jorasco's primary edict. We may never refuse healing to someone willing to pay for it. A hard edict to stick to when you know that the person you are healing may be trying to kill your friends in a few hours."

The two walk on in silence for a moment before Avalon asks another question. "When it comes to the Dragonmarked houses, who is in charge?"

"Generally each house has one figurehead in charge of it. The Last War brought about a few changes though and the Elven house split into two entirely separate houses, and the human house of Making, currently has three people claiming to lead it."

Avalon nods and tries to digest the information and all its implications. "How does one move up in rank?"

Peony gives a quick raise of one eyebrow before taking the time to answer.

"Historically rank has been determined by time served and deeds performed. Those bearing Dragonmarks obviously have an easier time climbing the ladder, but there are always exceptions. It is not unknown for an unmarked person to lead a house, nor for a greater marked person to remain a lowly servant."

"However with the Last War coming to an end, who is to say how things will proceed. Economies will change and prosper, with any luck there will be less fighting and death. Although of course I don't need to point out that House Jorasco could face tough times without the constant flow of dying and wounded from the battle field. Who is to say what the best route to the top is these days."

"Where are all the houses located?" enquires Avalon, his Halfling curiosity knowing no end.

"All over the continent of Khorvaire. Most houses have somewhere they might consider to be a primary location, but they have smaller enclaves in every city and various guild houses in many of the smaller towns too."

They walk a little further in silence for a while as Avalon thinks how best to phrase his next question. "What can the houses do for me?"

"A strangely selfish question for someone looking to rise in the ranks. I'll answer it for you though" remarks Peony.

"The houses can provide power and influence for those that advance within them. Goods and services and be obtained at a discount or sometimes free. Favours can be acquired from some, although they usually have to be paid back."

"Many things can be obtained but of course the house will expect something in return for anything it provides. If you take something from the house then you are expected to either return something of equal worth, or further the houses cause in some way."

"Ultimately each house is a business, and no business would survive for long if it operated at a loss. Remember that fact when you accept something from a house member."

Sensing himself a little off balance and out of his depth, Avalon diverts the conversation to a different destination. "What other types of houses are there?"

Peony smiles coyly and answers "I can't remember them all, but many of the common races have their own Dragonmarks, each providing various abilities. I'm sure that you'll encounter them all in time....now that you've reached civilisation."

Without really thinking Avalon asks the next question that comes to mind first. "Are you single?"

Stopping on the spot, turning to face him and planting her hands on hips, Peony replies.

"Are all you desert-dwelling types so blunt? Really Avalon you're going to have to learn some subtlety and tact if you're going to get anywhere in this game. Oh yes, it is a game."

"The politics within a house has proven to be the downfall of more members than I care to remember. For instance, do you think that I don't have my own agenda in revealing all this information to you?"

"I am not single, no. I am pledged to another house member. As soon as the upstart comes of age we are to wed, for political reasons of course."

"I think I should leave you now. Have a think about what we've talked about. Perhaps I’ll see you again one day Avalon Stone."

With that the Halfling turns and walks away. Leaving Avalon with plenty to think over.

*Insert here shimmering effect of memory ending, but with Avalon stood with the same thoughtful look on his face*