Concerned arachnologist

concerned arachnologist
Status:	Alive
Gender:	Female
Location:	Meeting portal
Associates:	agitated businessman

An NPC part of the lead-up events to the Hollow Eve Festival 432 (2019) event.

Appearance

From the thick spectacles magnifying haggard eyes to the neatly pressed robes, the concerned arachnologist looks like someone who belongs more at a lectern in Asemath Academy than in the local streets.

Syntax

• STUDY ARACHNOLOGIST: You've overheard others asking the arachnologist about a number of topics, including spiders, tomiek, Kurmin, work, rewards, sickness, status, webs, claim, arachnologist and task.
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT SPIDERS: A concerned arachnologist lights up. "Truly fascinating creatures from what we've observed so far; they are! If it weren't for spiders, we would be overrun by all manner of pests, and most of our crops would be devoured before they were ready for harvesting!"
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT TOMIEK: The arachnologist says, "Like spidersilk, this material has unusual properties that our best engineers struggle to understand and replicate. Perhaps you could be of some help in retrieving some?"
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT KURMIN: The concerned arachnologist looks thoughtful for a moment. "A most curious fellow, now more spider than Gnome. Besides Harawep, no one is better suited to understanding the Spider and her needs at this most troubling time."
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT WORK: The arachnologist nods. "Plenty of it to be done. I've a task or six to keep you occupied with."
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT REWARDS 1st time:

The arachnologist lets out a sigh of resignation. "Knowledge is truly its own reward, but Asemath Academy has made available a small stipend of coin to be paid for each completed objective. Further, I have been given the authority to grant special titles in recognition of the work you have performed. You should remain informed of your STATUS."

She pauses to push her spectacles up her nose, "Should you prove exceptionally helpful to my cause, there may be an additional arrangement. The chancellor of the Academy shall be sole decider of that, however, at a later time."

She leans in and quietly says, "Ask again, and I might be able to show you something of interest."

• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT REWARDS 2nd time:

The arachnologist produces a parchment and holds it up for you to review:
"Penned 1st Uthmor the Giant in the year of the Emerald Dolphin for review and consideration by the honorable authorities of Z------ at the request of Asemath Academy.  Document of intent to convey titles of recognition for services rendered to science, if authorized.

  Credits | Earns
----------+-----------------------------------
       10 | Arachnophile
       20 | Web Defender
       40 | Silk Collector
       60 | Spider Conservationist
       75 | Harawep's Helper

 * The citizen scientist accepts the risk of loss of limb, life or property that may attend such a venture.  Some monetary compensation will be provided by Asemath Academy,
 but no guarantee is made that it will cover all expenses.
 * Asemath Academy further discloses that additional compensation for services rendered MAY be offered to those who prove to be of exceptional value to the cause, but a confidentiality arrangement prevents disclosure of further details at this time.

 By my hand,
 ----- ---------------
 Representing Asemath Academy"

She tucks the parchment away and says, "Your discretion would be most appreciated."

• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT SICKNESS:

The concerned arachnologist creases her brow in consternation. "The Spider is ill, and these creatures she has spawned are an attempt to cope with the distress."

She brushes a lock of hair out of her face before continuing, "Inconvenient though they may be to us, these webs are believed to be aiding in the Spider's recovery. Only if she heals will life return to normal."

• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT STATUS: A concerned arachnologist pages through a well-used notebook and studies it intently. She closes it and says, "I have no records of you assisting Asemath's efforts so far."
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT WEBS:

A concerned arachnologist says, "These webs are helping the Spider to heal by acting as a conduit to transfer nourishing energy, of some sort, to her. There is much still to research so we better understand the mechanisms and processes taking place.

She looks thoughtful before saying, "However, some may need to be relocated to areas where frightened people are less likely to interfere."

• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT CLAIM: A concerned arachnologist swats dismissively, saying, "Not now. There's more work to be done."
• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT ARACHNOLOGIST:

The concerned arachnologist looks up from her journal. "I've been fascinated by spiders since I was a child. My family managed to save up enough money to send me to Asemath Academy, and now I work there as a researcher," she explains.

She looks around and says, "Some travel involved at times. I would love nothing more than for people to love spiders as much as I do -- or at least appreciate them as interesting creatures deserving of life -- rather than fear them." She returns her attention to her reading.

• ASK ARACHNOLOGIST ABOUT TASK: See Hollow Eve 432 tasks for detailed information

Atmospheric Messages

• A concerned arachnologist begins muttering to herself. You make out some of her words. "It was one thing when the Spider was just a machine ... haven't considered how their presence affects the Spider ... ramifications of their foolish merrymaking."