Zhen'ka's page

Usually unflappable, Zhen'ka registers surprise at the sudden appearance of the Count with a slight widening and rapid blinking of the eyes, and a quick half-step back, before recovering.

Masking a grimace at being ordered about like the wait staff, Zhen'ka nonetheless performs a stiff half-bow before stalking off to fetch brandy at the bar. Returning with the drinks in time to hear Selann asking about "earning a stake," the tiefling decides to stick around This ought to be amusing... and backs up to stand next to the drow servant who's just arrived.

Selann will notice only that this is just another day in the life of a servant - Zhen'ka is not particularly perturbed, and is simply carrying out their master's orders: be courteous, be polite, make the guests happy and comfortable. You can tell they are a bit wary around Doctor Baje, however.

Bowing to Selann again in thanks: "I am Zhen'ka, the lord Baron's seer. Please feel free to call on me if I may be of service to you. As for cards," and here the right side of their face twitches in a smile, "I'm sure my lord and the good Doctor would be quite happy to teach you the game."

Would it be appropriate for Zhen'ka to make a Perception check when Lledrith comes out on deck, to notice whether she is part of the regular household? Or would the Baron have recently taken on a lot of new people?

Bowing low once more, Zhen'ka murmurs "Oh course, my lord."

As the Baron turns away, the dusky red tiefling unfolds and assiduously straightens their silver-trimmed, sky-blue robes. Self-consciously, they reach up between swept-back horns to adjust their skull-cap, ensuring it is tugged low over their forehead. Turning, then, to look toward the main deck and the Baron's guests, Zhen'ka spots the doctor and Selann already in conversation.

Unhurriedly, taking care not to trip, but also unconcernedly, they walk over to the two men. Bowing to a perfect 45 degrees: "Good afternoon, my lords. I bear the greetings and welcome of my master, Baron Kaye. Welcome aboard the 'Folly! The Baron and his household look forward to entertaining you for the next few days. To wit, we hope to see you at the card table this evening! If you are skilled, perhaps you will walk away even richer than you are now" (with this last, they subtly wink at Selann)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

After this little speech, Zhen'ka will wait politely in case either guest has any questions, before offering to show the men to their room.

Is there a third guest? Or were you referring to Edgar?

Zhen'ka bows deeply, their nose nearly to the floor. Speaking from this position of obeisance come the soft, melodic voice: "Of course, my Lord. I have, of course, thrown the bones in your name and the spirits confirm your health and prosperity. It is a crude method, however. Might I offer a closer reading of the cards for you later this evening, or will you be ... otherwise occupied?"

Straightening, all traces of the smirk wiped clean from their face, Zhen'ka keeps their gaze firmly on Baron Kaye's elbow, awaiting his leave to go or follow.

Zhenka will read your fortune for you, if you'd like...

I still have a few details to work out for Zhenka, who is an Old Retainer - the Baron has kept Zhenka around as a curiosity for many years, using them as a shiny trophy when guests come over. The Baron also believes Zhenka to be a good-luck charm, and a seer capable of auguring the future and speaking with spirits. Zhenka (Rogue - False Medium) has no such abilities, of course, but as a slave also has no choice but to try to survive from one bluff to the next.