Gameplay - The Dragon Who Asked Too Much

After glancing at the other diners to determine the correct knife and fork, Mavis tucks in.
She's looking at her plate when she hears Mort's proposal. She raises her eyebrows.

So their options are:
a) Hang around on a street outside a party until they spot a rakish fellow.
or:
b) Recover an artefact of unspeakable (literally in Kolvoya's case) evil for a sketchy ritual.

She wants to give the response: Piss off tha' senile ol' goat but she's sure that'd be rude.

Instead she goes with the safer non-committal Master Gentian? Tha' heir?

To Ruby, he replies, "I need the ashes to enact a powerful magic that will ensure my heir had what he needs to survive after my passing."

To Hehsh, he says, "There are rumours, but I cannot condemn a man because of such. I am afraid I can give you no specifics on where you might find a vampire."

To Hehsh's last question, he raises an eyebrow. "A dragon? That explains much. And your father? I would have thought him one of the evil Chromatics."

To Mavis, he says, "Aye, Master Gentian is my heir." He does not elaborate on how a man as ancient as he fathered so young a child.

Hehsh replies. "Yes, your character assessment of my father was obvious. I'd like to judge him for myself if you don't mind. Now, if you really want those vampire ashes, you should tell us about those rumors. Surely, as a father concerned about his legacy, you will appreciate a son's desire to learn about his father." Emotionless as Hehsh's face may be, there are sparks arcing along his body.

He harumphs harumphally. "Very well. Just don't go killing folk until you suss out the truth of it. There is a woman, Candace Billok, who keeps unnatural hours and rumor is no one had seen her eat. She claims to some sensitivity of the palate, and refuses all food and drink at social occasions. It's not much to go on, but nothing I know about Miss Billok tells me she can't be a vampire."

"That...didn't really answer my question." Despite her disappointment Ruby wears a cheery tone, not wanting to offend the lord of the establishment but lacking in subtlety. "What uh-what are you exactly if I may ask? I personally thought you were a vampire yourself."

Mavis nods at Ruby’s question. She was starting to feel stupid, as though everyone knew the answer to an unspoken question.
What is he?
Aye, Ruby, Aye. An’ why will lad not survive thy passing?

He will be reluctant to answer Ruby and Mavis' questions. Perhaps a Diplomacy roll to see how convincing you are?

Hasan scoots his empty plate forward. Peerhaps the mistress has many allergins that are from the food? Perhaps thats why she does not partake at public gatherings? He speaks up a bit bashfully

He closes his eyes, resting a moment. "No, I am not a vampire. I am alive. When I pass, which will be soon, I will cease to be. Young Gentian will inherit my estate, but will be able to keep it only if I can give him access to the resources he needs. Fortunately, or unfortunately I suppose, a necromancer has created a method for young Gentian to seek my advice and harness my power, until he is ready to stand on his own. Then, he can smash the philactery and free my soul for rest." He sighs. "It is distasteful, but I am ensured that time will pass quickly for me, with no discomfort."

"...Oh." Is all Ruby can really say, unsure how exactly to process this. Perhaps she is just a little bit more suspicious despite the subconscious pity she feels for this man on the verge of death.

"...Well, I'm intrigued. I say we help."

Mavis keeps eating, looking up through her fringe at Garth.
She's fairly sure that liches are bad, but wonders whether allowing children to harness their power is the a good idea.
Illianstar might be a son of a bitch, but adding a son of a lich to the city's problems doesn't sound wise to her.
Ruby seems keen on helping, and she's formidable in a fight, but this decision will require the wisdom of the holy.
She continues to eat the shark without tasting it, awaiting Garth's decision.

Garth looks down at his plate then back at their host.

I can make no promise, but we will see what we can do. If we are lucky enough to get your prize, we will return it to you.

The old man finishes his meal what little he ate and excuses himself as he retires for a respite. Mont helps him and you can hear them go slowly up the stairs.

You are alone for the time being to finish your meals.

"Sooooo..... That was interesting. How do we feel about killing a vampire?"

"...Are vampires always evil? I wanna help him, but what if we are going against a nice vampire y'know? " Ruby scratches her chin. "I don't think he likes da'Narto much either. Must've been a feud, or a falling out. Either way I think we need more information on both fronts."

"If," long pause, "da'Narto, is as frivilous as the old man describes, we may be able to find more clues at the local taverns, or other places with carousing."