Verad Bellveil

Verad Bellveil
Distributor of the Dubious, World's Greatest Archer Pending Certain Conditions
Gender	Male
Race	Elezen
Clan	Duskwight
Citizenship	???
Admitted Age	38
Actual Age	Probably Older
Religion	Oschon, the Wanderer
Height/Weight	6 fulm 6 ilm, 187 ponz
Occupation	Peddler, Scrounger, Blowhard
Server	Balmung

Character

General

Verad Bellveil is a terrible Duskwight and a source of shame and irritation to everyone who knows him.

Appearance

Inasmuch as an elezen can be "grizzled," Verad fits the bill, with a heavy beard and a worn face. His hair is white, with a few desperate holdouts of black strands fighting a guerilla battle against the albino tide at its tips.

He tends to wear loose clothing that helps with the heat of Thanalan, where he conducts most of his business.

Behavior

A braggart, a blowhard, and a man who plays at being a wit, Verad spends much of his time hawking his wares - his so-called "dubious goods" - on the streets of Ul'dah. He gathers cast-off and useless materials from other craftsmen, or outright scavenges them from the wilderness when necessary, and sells them at negligible prices to any interested buyer. Verad considers himself an honest merchant, and prides himself on making sure anybody who purchases from him knows that they are buying junk.

History

Portrait by Misha Jinhri/Geneticdork [1]

Verad Bellveil's history, as he would have it, is one of the great mysteries of the Seventh Astral Era. Between his Hyuran name, typical Duskwight reclusiveness, and the lack of any clear records related to his existence, some (read: no) experts have speculated that he sprang into being fully formed during the Seventh Umbral Era shortly after the Calamity. He is clearly aware of events that happened prior to the fall of Dalamud, however, making this unlikely.

Verad's home city-state is likewise a puzzle; he claims to have been banned from all three major city-states, Ishgard, and, at times, Garlea for "not having the proper permits." That said, his movements do not appear to be restricted in Ul'dah, and he may well be able to enter other cities with ease. It is possible that he is a well-informed foreigner.

While he does have a set of memoirs that detail of a period of some twenty to thirty years of his life as a merchant, they are filled with such outrageous claims - up to and including turning down being Halone's chosen consort - that nobody could possibly take them seriously. Further, most copies were destroyed following a stint in slavery; only three are known to remain, and none are considered reliable records.

Whatever the case, what is known is that Verad Bellveil arrived in Ul'dah several months ago and, after much scraping, bowing, and bribing, received the appropriate permits to lease out business space for Dubious Distributions in Pearl Lane. That this space happened to be in the middle of the street, and that the space was also leased to several other businesses in a form of vagrant timeshare, does not seem to have mattered to Bellveil, and he can occasionally be found scribbling in his ledger and planning the shipment of his wares in that very same space.

Verad's situation continues not to be monitored by the authorities of Ul'dah. Citizens are advised that he is no threat whatsoever save to anybody's time and, occasionally, their wallets.

The Case of the Ransacked Rug

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Following the unexpected theft of his office - and, despite leaving his strongbox unprotected on a rug in the street, he continues to argue that the theft was unexpected - Verad's investigation into the robbery uncovered an illegal debt-labor scheme. While normally accepted practice in Ul'dah, a debt-trader by the name of Jeresu Resu had been forging the consent of his customers, kidnapping them, and selling them into slavery at a local mining company. Finding that one of his fellow vendors had fallen prey to the scam, Verad was driven to put it out of commission; however, when his investigations failed to provide definitive proof of this practice, he took the leap of using his own debts to sell himself into slavery in order to expose the scheme.

Having spent the past ten days as a laborer at the Coblyn's Fancy Mining Company in Central Thanalan, Verad and the Harbingers of Dawn were able to undermine and destroy the debt-trader's income source through the use of manipulation, worker riots, and hordes of ravenous coblyns. None of this stopped him from getting stabbed, however, and, after some timely healing, he spent several days in convalescence at the Harbingers' estate. Verad was then horrified to learn that his inventory of dubious goods was liquidated as part of the forged contract's "debt reduction plan," and that his business is now devoid of stock. He isn't very happy about that, but has spent some time rebuilding his stock and taking odd and sufficiently dubious requests where he is able.

Recently

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Combat

General

Verad favors a bow on the grounds that when he misses his shot he will at least have a head-start on his now-enraged target. He also favors keeping other people between he and danger, begging, or simply not being in a fight at all.

Despite this sensibly pragmatic attitude towards combat, he nevertheless makes a point of styling himself as Eorzea's Greatest Archer, Pending Certain Conditions. What those conditions are varies from conversation to conversation, but generally imply that as long as he can't miss, he will never miss.

Any rumors that placing a knife in Verad's hands can make him dangerously competent are just that.

Tendencies

Likes

• Making deals
• Selling junk
• The sound of his own voice

Dislikes

• Thieves
• Cactuars
• That one Lalafell who keeps spitting at him and running away. He knows who he is.

Hobbies/Talents

• Sophistry
• Spurious Logic
• Surprisingly Decent Sketch Artist
• Writing

Other

• Tries very hard to sell something - anything - to strangers who engage him in conversation.
• Hates dishonest merchants who scam their customers.

Items For Sale

Budget Stoneskin - A method of receiving the "effects" of Stoneskin without requiring a caster. Consists of a pot of gravel and a bottle of fish glue. Self-applied. ((Inspired by Gharen Wolfsong))

Giant Seed - A seed to an unknown plant, roughly the size of a Miqo'te's head. Verad has no idea what it grows, how long it takes, or if it is even possible to germinate the thing. Buy today!

Plot Devices - Back by popular demand! The mysteriously enigmatic items of mystery that, no matter the buyer, will always prove to be of great value at just the right moment. Try one today!

Rattling Bone Harpoon - This harpoon rattles too much to be an actual weapon, and must instead be a ritual item of some small significance on the part of the Jakkya clan.

Sub-Par Seduction Comment Cards - Are you a frequent visitor of the Quicksand? Frustrated by men, women, or both awkwardly approaching you to strike up a conversation in the hopes of more? Use these cards to identify in clear, unambiguous terms exactly what your would-be suitor is doing wrong for future improvement. ((Inspired by Jancis Milburga))

Wine-Stained Clothing - Obviously a poor attempt at dyeing clothing that ended poorly. Never mind the smell; think of the fashion statement!

Taking Requests - Following a stint in debt-slavery, Verad has had his assets liquidated to offset his debts. At present, he has no items for sale, but is openly taking suggestions for new stock, and fulfilling individual orders to build capital.

Services

Cactu-Puncture - A not-yet ancient art, Verad has developed the concept of Cactu-Puncture as a form of stress and pain relief - or at least, pain distraction. Being stabbed with cactuar needles at strategic points would certainly distract the recipient from other pains for at least a while.

Patron of the Inferior Arts - For every struggling artist waiting for the world to recognize her genius, there are a half-dozen struggling artists who simply have no talent whatsoever. Verad is willing to sell the works of these inferior aesthetes for a small percentage of the sale, in the hopes that the inspiration of a sale will convince them to improve enough to be considered average.

Items Not For Sale

There are some things Verad won't touch.

Narcotics - Omnipresent and a health hazard, and Verad's own standards would ensure they are even more hazardous.

Illicit Goods and Services - Dubious is one thing, nefarious another. While Verad will work with the criminal underclasses, he will not directly deal in slaves or contraband.

Food Services - After an ill-fated incident involving scoops of chilled bavarois during the Ul'dah summer, Verad is banned from selling foodstuffs.

Weapons and Armor - Because Verad cannot guarantee that someone's life will not be put at risk by shoddy equipment, Verad refuses to sell wooden swords, rusty mail, and other typical starting gear for adventurers.

Relationships

<spoiler>

♥ Romantic Interest    ♥ Platonic/Familial Love     $ Regular Client    ● Good Standing    ● Neutral Standing    ● Poor Standing     ● Hatred/Intense Grudge

●Aelius Corinthius - Former security for Verad's original office. He is still mad at Aelius, both for allowing the robbery to occur and for being of limited assistance in the events that followed.

● Anstarra Silverain - A fellow member of the Harbingers, Verad was quickly charmed by Anstarra's quick wits, and pleasantly teasing demeanor. Their meetings are sporadic, but his interest has only deepened with time.

●Avila Ashton - A professional medic in Ul'dah, Verad struck up a friendship with the woman during one of his pitches. While he hasn't seen her of late, he regards her warmly and tries to catch up whenever possible.

●Aya Foxheart - Verad and Ul'dah's best bartender - "The Jewel of the Quicksand" as he likes to call her - are friendly acquaintances, a state brought on by their generally positive attitudes and Verad's willingness to request bizarre drinks. He is also fond of her cookies.

●Burning Edge - A fan of Burning Edge during her gladiatorial career, Verad was thrilled to meet her again in the Quicksand years later. His fannish crush is still obvious, as he tends to lay the flattery on extra-thick when she's around.

●Coatleque Crofte - A Sultansworn with whom Verad is acquainted. While not particularly close, he is favorably inclined towards her because of her professional behavior while in service and her kindness towards Roen during her brief imprisonment. She has also read his memoirs, which can make for awkward conversation.

●Deirdre Ta'ea - Verad is quite sure that the stares, racist remarks, and constant threats to throw him into the ocean with hands and tongue removed are merely signs of an aloof personality. He has taken the Wildwood's hostility towards his very existence as a challenge.

● Jihl Wilzuun - Verad is favorably inclined towards this young Miqo'te through her timid but generally positive disposition. However, his interest in Anstarra may be putting a strain on any real friendship.

● Leanne Delphium - Recently saved Verad's life. Any arguments they've had in the past have fallen completely by the wayside.

$●Osric Melkire - One of Verad's "regulars" - that is to say, someone who has purchased his goods more than once. Verad thinks highly of the Sergeant for his open and accepting attitude towards dubious goods, though he hasn't quite sorted out why the man is always laughing in his presence.

●Misha Jinhri - A relative stranger, Misha intervened in the Brass Blades' assault on Verad, pulling him to safety along with Leanne and taking him to recuperate with the Morbolvine.

♥Roen Deneith - Verad met this former Sultansworn while temporarily on vacation in Limsa Lominsa after a misunderstanding regarding accidental cactuar smuggling in Ul'dah. Over time, he has come to see her as an exemplar of what an Ul'dahn ought to be, and has offered his assistance with her troubles out of personal loyalty.

●Val Nunh - Despite vastly differing personalities, Verad quite likes this Miqo'te, finding him to be helpful and laid-back. In return, Verad has decided to teach him how to compose a sonnet. The poor bastard.

●Varian Aradheim - While Verad's initial impression of Varian was that of a good-hearted if too-serious initiate of the Sworn, future encounters proved him to be dangerously volatile in the Elezen's eyes. He largely blames Varian's mentor for not correcting this behavior, but nevertheless plans to keep his distance from the man.

$●Xhosa Tauzeh - One of Verad's few "big clients," he met Xhosa while trying to sell a stash of burnt books. She not only accepted the entire stash, but has established a regular large purchase of many of his goods. Having spoken to Xhosa in-depth, Verad has found her to be quite charming, convinced that they share much of the same outlook on life, though their approaches may differ.

●Y'mheena Pahsj - Y'mheena represents something Verad both dreads and desires - a competitor, at least in the Cactu-Puncture business if in none of his other goods. Their conversations can range from the cooperative to the caustic, depending on moment-to-moment goals.

●Yune Tabrisviel - A new member of the Harbingers, Verad's attempt at thanking her for healing an injury suffered in archery practice led to the initiation of hostilities with Varian, but also began a strong friendship between he and the Miqo'te keeper.

●Zhavi Streetrunner - An occasional contact during Verad's infrequent forays into Lominsan markets, Zhavi and he have a contentious working relationship: she tries to incorporate him into scams, and most of the time he botches the job through his own skewed sense of honesty. On the few occasions when he is able to reconcile his principles to her plans, however, the payoff is immense.

●Z'zhumii umi - Verad happened to encounter the young courtesan while she was inadvertently using his original office space to practice a dance routine. He now rents the space to her for a token sum of gil whenever he is not using it, and openly hopes to have her advertise some of his products.

Rumors

Common Rumors

• "Who ever heard've an Elezen with a last name like Bellveil?" - Random Astute Person
• "He once tried to sell me a marital aid, claiming it had been tested by the Greatest Lover in Eorzea - himself. I slapped him unconscious and I still don't feel I hit him hard enough." - Unidentified Courtesan
• "Bellveil? The peddler? He may smile and play at being a trader, but if he were any good he'd have a stall here in the market with the rest of us." - Textile Vendor
• "He's a good man, and you should buy as much from him as possible, especially the imitation fool's gold!" - Obviously Verad Wearing A Cheap Disguise

Moderate Rumors

• "He's been hurt, you can tell. You can see the pain behind his beard. Isn't it romantic?" - Possibly Fictional Admirer
• "I heard him saying he was at Cartenau, and if he'd had just a minute more that the City-States would have won the day. He's lucky the Blades were around." - Veteran of Cartenau
• "If you buy enough of his junk, he'll take special requests. Then you might get somethin' good instead of his usual crap. But why not just buy from a vendor?" - Equally Perceptive Passerby
• "I tried reading his memoirs and had to throw the book in the fire. Far too racy. Far, far too racy." - Woman Suffering Buyer's Remorse
• "I thought he was clever, and his salesmanship was ingenious. I offered to place him highly in the company to help him on his feet, and he turned me down! Perhaps he has no business sense after all." - La Noscean Entrepeneur
• "Hey, you want an Ishgardian rug? Dirt-cheap. Fell out the back of a warehouse. Just look at the weave on this thing!" - Opportunistic Resident of Pearl Lane

Rare Rumors

• "Nah, nah, it makes sense, y'know. Bellveil, 's an anagram. Villebeie or somethin' elezen like that. Gotta look between the lines." - Idle Drunk
• "Saw him draw his bow, proud and noble, like he knew what he was doing, and then, get this - he shot the bow, not the arrow. What an idiot! No idea how he disarmed that woman afterwards, for I was too busy laughing to notice. Probably luck." - Grindstone Spectator
• "And so it was foretold that should the Forsaken of Nald'thal ever be prevented from saying his holy word, disaster would tarnish the Jewel of the Desert." - Desperate Street Prophet
• "I had a good thing going. He ruined it. He'll get the same." - Lalafell Overheard In Gridania

PC Rumors

• "Master Bellveil's wares saved m'life, they did. Call 'em 'worthless rubbish' again. Go on. See if I don't gut you where y'stand." - Osric Melkire
• "He's a trader, I guess, but he beguiles with such honesty that I can't imagine he makes a living. I'd serve him, just for the amusement and cheer he brings us though; if Momodi would allow." - Aya Foxheart
• "Someone slipped a Fantasia in my drink of all things, and I walked around as a Moonkeeper for a few days. He told me he had a way to turn me back, and presented a Hyur roleplay kit of sorts. I told him to go fuck a carbuncle." - Lilithium Altair
• "A fixed point in aether, he said. I treasure his friendship, but I oft wonder if I am deserving of it." - Roen Deneith
• "I overheard him talking about a theft from his office. He has a hard enough time as it is, who would steal from him?" - Aya Foxheart
• "Sir Verad approached me and offered his.. questionable valued goods. A-At least he's honest unlike some merchants! Or is he?.. Does that mean his goods are actually of excellent quality?" - Vynka Lanore
• "Whatever you may have heard is not true. Master Bellveil is a simple merchant and not possibly capable of any crimes levied against him. The Brass Blades have no business trying to squeeze blood from a stone." - Coatleque Crofte
• "Ser Bellveil... He is a drake amongst ganders, no? An honest merchant in Ul'dah; I hope only that his charm does not see him pecked to death for that good heart." - Xhosa Tauzeh
• "I fear his head is growing too big for his britches." - Aya Foxheart
• "Verad is a good man. Some boar-brained people do not see it, but they will soon." - Kiht Jakkya
• "They say behind every laughing face lies a weeping heart. True or not, the brightness Verad brings to this world - and to me - I will not suffer to be lost. No matter what it takes." - Anstarra Silverain
• (Please add!)

Fiction

The Case of the Ransacked Rug

Annotations

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