A/N note on the Dives family

I created the Dives family (Meris and Valene) to be a source of side quests. Meris will sell you literally anything: new weapons, intelligence, exotic art, and so on, at a price. You can obtain these in exchange for an item or set of items equal in value, or you can make these items more affordable by completing tasks for him. This ranges from getting his wife, Valene, out of trouble, to pick pocketing, and on rare occasions: assassinations.

It doesn't have to be limited to this. Do you have an idea for a side quest? You could always PM me if it involves Meris or Valene.

You can ask for a specific item (or sometimes service), or you can complete a task and see what Meris will offer you as a reward.

Lucanus may have need for a family member, perhaps a distant one.

Family ties? I can work with that. I'm curious as to what you have in mind.

Something along the lines of a weapons supplier, or even a shelter...

chinqs wrote:Something along the lines of a weapons supplier, or even a shelter...

Meris himself will sell anyone weapons, but would also have knowledge of other dealers. If his kin was unarmed, he would supply him with at least a workable weapon, even if not ideal, until something better can be obtained.

As for shelter, that's something Meris would provide to either family or in an exchange of favors.

Out of curiosity, would the relation be through Meris himself, or via Valene? Either way Meris will ultimately help provide arms and shelter, but it will change the way each person greets and treats Lucanus.

The thing is, will meris always be there when lucanus needs him?

Unconditionally? Not likely. Although not a back stabber by nature, Meris ultimately values his own life and well being over anyone else's. If standing by Lucanus meant crumbling Meris's business or putting his life on the line, he won't do that.

But Meris is a resourceful person with many connections, is accustomed to a certain degree of danger and risk, and does genuinely look out for his kin. So there are many situations that Meris would stand by Lucanus.

Okay, where is Meris' whereabouts right now, and does he have any associates close by to where Lucanus is?

Yes. One. Her name is Eudokia.

Meris has contacts more or less through out the Roman empire, and sometimes beyond that, depending on where specifically you are talking about.

Meris himself lives in Rome.

Just FYI, Meris wrapped up one side quest in "Open for business" with Eudokia. The thread is still open for new characters and new side quests, with flexible placement on the timeline.