Arvin Dalsen
A mediator who knew too much—and died for it.
What People Knew
Arvin Dalsen was a respected spice merchant in Valinport and, more importantly, a quiet go-between for the city’s merchant houses. When disputes needed smoothing without attracting attention, Arvin was the man people trusted.
His death in the Merchants’ Quarter shocked the city—not because merchants are never murdered, but because Arvin wasn’t reckless.
Public Reputation
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Calm, courteous, impeccably dressed
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Known for fair dealing and steady prices
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Trusted by multiple competing merchant interests
Arvin built his success on discretion. He did not threaten, boast, or gamble—he listened.
The Murder
Arvin was found dead amid spilled saffron and trampled goods.
Key details circulated quickly:
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Footprints through spilled spice
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His signet ring missing
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Witnesses recalled a man with a scarred cheek wearing a gold merchant’s cloak
The murder appeared targeted, not opportunistic.
Behind the Scenes
Arvin’s real value was not spices—it was information.
He knew:
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Which merchant shipments were falsified
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Who was bribing dockworkers
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Which “merchant cloaks” were real—and which were borrowed
That knowledge made him indispensable… and dangerous.
Connections
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Had business ties to the Valinport Merchants Consortium
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Acted as an informal mediator between rival houses
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Likely crossed paths with criminal elements using stolen merchant credentials
Whether Arvin uncovered something recently—or was simply in the wrong place—remains unanswered.
Relationship to the Party
The Blades of Strangeways were drawn into the aftermath of his death, uncovering:
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Hired distractions
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Paid bruisers
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A suspect acting under direction rather than personal motive
Arvin himself never met them—but his death reshaped the city around them.
Rumors
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Arvin planned to retire soon
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He was keeping records of “irregular” merchant dealings
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His missing ring may have been taken as proof, not profit
Player Notes
Arvin Dalsen did not die because he was loud.
He died because he was useful.
In Valinport, that is often the same thing as dangerous.