Conversation · Knick-knacks Stand

You see rows of toy soldiers guarding the rest of the trinkets displayed on the table: some on horseback, others in rags, others yet in bright blue uniforms. All are stern and unyielding in their duty.

Step away from the table. [Leave.]

Inspect the knights on horseback.

Big men on big horses clad in lamellar armour and carrying flintlocks. The kind that would mow down a line of enemy soldiers in the blink of an eye.

(Point at the knights on horseback.) "These are Franconigerian cavalry, right?"

"Mhm. I used to be very serious about my Franconigerian knights..." He looks at the dusty figurines in the dim light.

...a long, long time ago.

(Point at the knights on horseback.) "Who are they?"

"Franconigerian knights." He looks at the dusty figurines in the dim light. "I used to be very serious about these guys."

"These are Franconigerian cavalry, right?"

"Yes!" The man behind the glass takes says. "A little worn around the edges, but I'm pretty sure it's fully intact."

"Shopkeep, what are these?"

"A classic set. The figurines represent the Fifth-century Franconigerian Cavalry."

Purchase the Headless FALN Rider and his cap.

"Did I mention that this figurine is supposed to be lucky? Always carry it with you." He grins.

That was a very smooth salesman's grin that almost comes off as earnest. You should learn from him.

Win 'her' back?

Yes! Buy something nice! A figurine.

This sounds... off. You shouldn't trust this guy.

Inspect the figurines in rags.

This set of soldiers isn't meant to look impressive. A few have rifles, but most of them carry pistols -- some even shovels and tall sticks.

(Point at the figurines in rags.) "Are these even soldiers?"

"You're probably talking about the revolutionaries, yes?" the man behind the glass answers. "Yes -- they are soldiers. Revolutionary soldiers."

"I think their poverty has been exaggerated for effect. When you place them next to the royalists, it doesn't seem like they could possibly win."

"It is impossible to win against the cohorts of capital. Ask my friend Garte, whose bitch it made me."

"Okay." He doesn't bat an eye. "I don't like either set too much, to be honest."

He seems to have his own take on the conflict played out in perpetuity by these toys. Might be interesting to find out what it is...

"It's meant to give people hope -- even we can do it."

"Maybe."

"I wish it was more nuanced. As it stands, I cannot comment."

"I don't like either set very much, to be honest, but there are many parents among my customers."

"The contrast is meant to be disheartening. As it ought to be."

Dig up a truly cool figurine in the box under the table.

Why, what's this? A headless man riding a horse? A headless man wearing futuristic track suit trousers that say FALN!

"The Headless FALN Rider!"

"Indeed." He immediately knows what you're talking about. "I think I even have his cap somewhere down here..." He looks for it. "A tiny miniature FALN cap to go with it. Yours for 50 cents."

He doesn't elaborate on what that means -- it's unlikely that he will.

The lieutenant studies the figurine with amusement.

Cool rider, right? I knew we'd find something worthwhile here! Buy it!

"What is this?" (Show it to the shopkeep.)

"Oh, that's the Headless FALN Rider."

"Of course." (Nod knowingly.)

"There's been a lot of interest in that particular figurine. I had to hide it so it wouldn't fall into the wrong hands."

He doesn't elaborate on these 'wrong hands' -- it's unlikely that he ever will.

The lieutenant studies the tiny figurine in your hand. "I've heard about it," he says with amusement, "I've heard the Headless FALN Rider rides a headless bull."

"Yes, there are several competing versions of the story, but I believe this figurine is a more canonical representation."

(Look at Kim, then back at Roy.) "Sorry, what are we talking about again?"

"The Headless FALN Rider. It's an urban legend -- about a man who rides the streets of Revachol sporting a FALN tracksuit. As you can see, he's missing his head." He points at the decapitated figurine.

"Fifty cents. Bargain-priced! I'll throw in the tiny cap too -- I think he's looking for it, or something. That part of the story has many interpretations."

He lost his cap when he lost his head. Perhaps he's looking for the head?

"What do you mean?"

"Who?"

Everything you pick out seems faded, chipped, and sad somehow. Most of them are just broken toys.

Inspect the blue uniforms.

They're not all blue. These figurines also wear gold coats and caps, complimented by orange trousers. They are variously posed, wielding swords and rifles with bayonets.

(Point at the blue figurines.) "What exactly are these?"

"Which ones?" The man peers from his glass box. "Ah! Royalist soldiers from the time of the Revolution. The uniforms are painted a bit too brightly, I suppose."

(Point at the blue figurines.) "Are these royalist soldiers?"

"Which ones?" The man peers from his glass box. "Ah, those! Yes, they are. I find the paint job a bit gaudy, but children like bright colours indiscriminately."

"Wait, this looks like René, the old guy who was playing petanque."