Pionin

Pionin's introduction. "A lone man clung to the wall like a moss that had grown there. His brown mantle and hood obscured his face in shadow, his hands hidden under its hem." Jannik identifies him:

He appeared in Vanador about two weeks ago. His name is Pionin. Keeps to himself like a monk on pilgrimage.

Self-describes as "a man of discretion." Commission from Karakush the Nemovort — he was taken to Olum Seheri's work camps and made a messenger because he claimed to have traveled as far as Vorone:

one of them — one of the Alka Alon, only a tall, gangly one in armor — came and asked us a bunch of questions. About where we'd travelled. So they chose me to be the messenger.

Karakush holds his last surviving daughter hostage. Minalan assesses him with magesight and deduces he is undead but mind-intact. Beer preference:

Because this swill is as thick and chewy as an oak tree, compared to what we drink in the Westlands. Ishi's tits, have the Wilderlands never heard of properly hopping your brews?

Delivers Karakush's intelligence on Shakathet's plans and warns of a "mighty weapon" — actionable intel. Minalan has him quartered in "the Crevice" for his safety.

Pionin returns as Minalan's "former Westlandsman" emissary. "A chandler with a Westlandsman accent and a fondness for bitter hops in his beer." Originally headed to Vanador but redirected via Falas — "I got word that you weren't there anymore. I had to search to find out where you might be. My master suggested Sir Rondal would be best able to locate you in a hurry. Turns out he was right."

Brings a Mirror sympathy stone from Karakush so Minalan can speak with him directly. After the Karakush conversation (which arranges a possible truce), Minalan orders Ruderal says:

Take this man to the Great Hall and see him well fed. And try to find him some hopped beer, not just ale. He deserves that much for his trouble.

Still has a stony face, a supernatural aura, and a full Westlands accent — brushes raindrops from his mustache.