D)Play up your archaeologist side with Thais's vocal help and silent communication via suggestions to create a favorable impression.
Fangshi, which part of D as stated is important and which one is superficial?
I would really like to avoid the 'silent suggestions' part. The point of silent communication is to remain unnoticed by the third party, to keep it a secret from them. It worked beautifully in our own fort, because none of the Great Lords were mages. Here, though, Jan would be able to instantly recognize that we are casting and would immediately know we are trying to hide something from him. It is not conducive to making a positive impression.
Besides, at this point, I don't think we need magic to communicate. Back at the fort she helped us out because we weren't paying attention to the conversation as we were trying to assault Hesse's mind. Here, though, things are completely different.
But I really like the archeological angle. We are somewhat of a fellow expert on the Spider Goddess. We know her history and origins as told by Nephila, we know her followers (though Jan does not need to know the girls were ones), we have held her artefacts in our hands and we have even spoken with the deity itself. I think we can tell him a lot if we pose ourselves a fellow explorer, which we are, to a point. Also, Biliku and Uttu know the tongue of the Spider Goddess, which might help us if there are any written documents around or if there are inscriptions on the artefacts.
Speaking of which,
Fangshi, are there any, and does Professor Jan know enough to translate them by himself? If not, I think we have our hook for the conversation.
Should I introduce another choice, an amalgamation of the ones by Jester and Absinthe?
F) Play up your archaeologist side with Thais's vocal help and pose yourself as a fellow researcher on the matters concerning the Spider Goddess. Share your findings and 'progress' with him - Miosguinn's story (with several touchy details omitted)
, knowledge about the origins of the Goddess and her story (say we've found it in some ancient manuscript or whatever is more plausible)
, Biliku's and Uttu's proficiency with the language (tell him they are daughters of late professor Casgair in Muirthemne or something)
- and get everything he knows about the Goddess (and her potential followers)
in return.
I think he would only be glad to show his 'colleague' how knowledgeable he himself is on the subject. Try to create a working relationship with the man - because we
really are very interested in finding out more about the Goddess.
I'll vote for
1F.