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Post by DM Bob on Sept 22, 2020 13:40:57 GMT -12
Earlier that morning...
Coden awoke from his rest. He stayed at the Cerebran that night. It was free, at least until the end of the month... and safe. As he prepared himself for the day, he thought about inquiring more to the status, whereabouts and gossip about his family. He didn't quite get that far though. He reached the front reception area as he made to leave for the City-State proper and was stopped by a clerk that passed him a verbal message. Aloysius Voyan wished to meet for lunch, would Coden be free to meet at the offices where Aloy worked? His name was said to be on the visitor's roster in the mint if he was available today. This was happening just as Haadan was helping an aging dwarf get dressed in North Ledopolus.
The others had spent the night and early morning on the Giant's Isle, waiting for the inevitable potential chaos of Hurk & Company screwing up their task. They didn't screw it up, so some light, uneasy sleep was had. La'yor was still musing upon the odd visions she'd had while in flight. The elven siblings were pretty quiet and were talking more with Abez in hushed tones every so often. Etzli was quiet once again, somewhat mysterious and fiddling about with the bone fetish. Druuso was passed out on Draji spirits. By the time Hurk and the others wormholed back, it was an hour or two after sun-up.
Hurk questioned Abez as to the best way to transport, the well, transport. Plans were made to contact both Coden and Falmon.
And here is where we begin.
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Post by AthasianLaborer on Sept 23, 2020 6:14:54 GMT -12
"Why are we selling the flint to Falmon when we now have a contact in the Balican Mint? I think we should keep the flint with Lilim and investigate how much can be acquired directly from the mint for our secure supplies? I would imagine that we'd be selling the bone fetish as isn't it necessary to move the one skimmer? Are we keeping the proceeds as a collective holding until we've converted them into Kanks and then Nibenese Copper? Or shall we divide them up on receipt and each do as we choose with our portion?"
I'm figuring that the below is an extension of the above which occurs just after making plans to contact Falmon but prior to contact.
"It is nothing personal against your contact Laakh, I am just thinking that if we do sell it to Falmon and Wavir what are they going to do with it if not sell it to the Balican Mint themselves? Eventually a Ledopolan Mint will be necessary too, though for now I believe that we should capitalize on our position to supply the Balican Mint so long as all goes well for Coden and his friend there. What doesn't go to the Mint, I bet could make a nasty bolthead. I am eager to see how the negotiations for the skimmers go, I am curious to see what price they can fetch, perhaps there is a market there? I will say that I think it best to keep the profits collectively until after the transaction chain. I may even be able to increase our profits from the Copper transaction if things go well. My brothers do run a Copper mine south east of Ledopolus-- it's ancestral, the reason we're "The South House", it was the southernmost point considered Ledopolus when my ancestor settled there. They're likely stockpiling unless they've gone stupid and sold without me, neither know how to negotiate and would probably accept the first thing offered to them just so they could get back to their cramped, dusty tunnels that much quicker. Here's hoping that they're waiting for me"
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Post by DM Bob on Sept 23, 2020 13:08:29 GMT -12
There is time for Coden to decide if he takes Aloysius Voyan's offer for lunch before any mental contact is properly made. The legionnaire is used to early morning rises and training, on top of his newer meditations.
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Post by Coden Rokos (Jesse H.) on Sept 23, 2020 15:28:16 GMT -12
(Yeah, it's just been a busy couple of days.)
Coden's a bit surprised to hear of the reply, but after his morning exercises (both mental and physical) he dresses in his well-trimmed Balician toga and heads to Aloysius' office. He leaves his weapons and armor behind - no sense attracting trouble. To all appearances, he is another well-heeled patrician of the city about on his personal business. Which is... more or less accurate.
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Post by AthasianLaborer on Sept 23, 2020 18:13:11 GMT -12
(I can relate with the busy, new job has been giving me all the hours)
Haadan will wait for any further input from those he's with before tagging Coden to inform him of what has been discussed and gather his input on the matters. I imagine we'll (Haadan and Laakh) be there like two people on separate phone calls, him calling Falmon while Haadan calls Coden.
"While you are speaking with your friend could you perhaps inquire about if Balic is in need of flint for minting ceramics? How much would they be willing to pay on what interval for a steady supply? Propose a recurring flint for silver exchange on a monthly basis?"
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Post by DM Bob on Sept 24, 2020 9:35:57 GMT -12
Such contact is made, just as Coden passes the Great Gate, the heavily guarded main entrance of Balic. He walks past the Arena Precinct, an area of artisans, workshops, and small stores. The Road of Legions cuts through the middle of the precinct and ends at the plaza surrounding the Criterion, Balic’s
spectacular sail-themed arena. As one ventures north or south from the main road, the streets grow more cluttered and the people grow poorer.
His destination is the Megaleneon, the civic center of the City. The mint lies close to the main road; on the southern side, perhaps near the physical center of town. In contrast, the Cerebran sits just outside the west walls of town, in the olive groves closest to the silt estuary. As our noble hero passes the arena, he gets his mental contact from Haadan.
***
Meanwhile, Laahk connects with Falmon. He accepts, but his tone is rushed and of little patience. <"I take it you wish to sell the skimmers? Will you be bringing them to the docks?">
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Post by Coden Rokos (Jesse H.) on Sept 24, 2020 13:42:45 GMT -12
Coden pauses at moves to one side of the street as he recognizes the familiar mental signature of Haadan.
<I am here - about to catch up with an old associate. What news?>
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Post by AthasianLaborer on Sept 25, 2020 6:54:01 GMT -12
Coden pauses at moves to one side of the street as he recognizes the familiar mental signature of Haadan. <I am here - about to catch up with an old associate. What news?> <"We've just been discussing the appraisal and sale of the goods we've amassed. We've roughly 600lbs of red flint and 600lbs of white flint. These may be of more value to one who mints ceramics than they would be to a middleman who'd likely sell them for a profit to a minter of ceramics. In other news, we've met with Shardivan who received us far more pleasantly than my brethren on the South Shore did, he's got this feisty student who will be filling his position on his passing. She is surely an asset to cultivate. The Elder Shardivan will be giving us guidance and assistance with the Psurlons. He spoke of a Kreen Empire to the north and an old friend of his who has a weapon which will be useful to us against the Psurlons. The way he spoke of a land I had never imagined makes me want to pursue acquiring a map of the Tablelands. It will also assist our efforts to find more weapons. We'll speak more on the topic upon our return, Laakh is currently negotiating with his contact about the details of the vehicle exchange while Etzli and I are about to go over everything with a fine toothed comb. Enjoy your time with old friends, we'll see you soon!"> (OOC: @bob how many Appraise proficiency checks are necessary to go over every piece of cargo? Do I roll them or you and where if me? Over on rolz? or the die roller on obsidian portal?) |
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Post by Niachi on Sept 26, 2020 5:59:12 GMT -12
From earlier intent, Laakh Object Reads the purple candle when this was aligning with our current scene in Balic: Score 15, rolled 12.
Replying to Haadan's comment: "It is nothing personal against your contact Laakh, I am just thinking that if we do sell it to Falmon and Wavir what are they going to do with it if not sell it to the Balican Mint themselves?
Laakh will plan on negotiating price for only the skiffs and bone fetish "control panel" for one skiff. Will not mention flint or other cargo since Eztli is handling that.
"Yes Falmon, we have 2 skimmers and a bone fetish we think can control undead wheel-walkers in one or both skiffs. (adds location details for the sale) May they add a small improvement to Wavir's fleet. We will be departing shortly on a run to my former home to gear up for dealing with the bug- Psurlons I mean. Vile things. As stated before, we are in the works to provide Wavir with exclusive Ledo trade, berg's cheese, and refining it to a stronger concentrate. We'll have our trader present for final negotiations. I will leave you to your business, good day."
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Post by DM Bob on Sept 26, 2020 7:26:33 GMT -12
"Yes Falmon, we have 2 skimmers and a bone fetish we think can control undead wheel-walkers in one or both skiffs. (adds location details for the sale) May they add a small improvement to Wavir's fleet. We will be departing shortly on a run to my former home to gear up for dealing with the bug- Psurlons I mean. Vile things. As stated before, we are in the works to provide Wavir with exclusive Ledo trade, berg's cheese, and refining it to a stronger concentrate. We'll have our trader present for final negotiations. I will leave you to your business, good day."
Falmon curses. <"Outside of town? Two skimmers and I assume I need to crew both? That's a dozen skilled people to hire."> There's a flash of mental violence, followed by a bit more calm. <"Okay, now that that's out of the way, I can properly focus. I can get a crew together, but it's going to cut into any profits to be made, understood? I will send one of my hands to complete the sale. I have something to dispose of here.">
The owner of the candle matches that of the most previous owner of the Bone Fetish.
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Post by DM Bob on Sept 26, 2020 13:23:02 GMT -12
Lunchtime...
Coden eventually ends up at the Balician Mint entrance. Templars, noblemen & women and merchant-types are going to-and-fro the wide entrance, which is up a set of perhaps two dozen ancient marble stairs. Statues of ancient heroes flank the pathway up. The very top has two that are of obsidian, that almost seem to stare at one when you pass. The face of the building is flanked by a half dozen large marble columns. The entrance, now open, is of double thick agafari wood, with iron hinges. You imagine that setting a bar inside could withstand the might of the Dragon himself.
Once inside clerks take orders of business in a que. It is not a long wait, and when your name is given, it is obvious that you are indeed expected. You're told to sit at a marble bench and it but mere minutes before Aloysius Voyan arrives. He has a few more wrinkles than you remember, but his wide smile makes you happy that you made contact once again. He is dressed as he is required, white toga & azure sash, but there are a few things that differentiate him from the rest. One, his chin is strong and chiseled almost as if from the marble that decorates these halls. He also stands a full six and a half feet tall with dark, full hair and green eyes. Rings adorn his hands, not just his family signet, but a jade ring that could almost be a twin of Coden's, but a few others decorated of gem and jewel. An intimidating iron rod (some two feet long) is seen at his waist as well, black and contrasting with his white robes... but oddly matching his hair and dark sandals. It has a handle wrapped in some sort of dark leather. Your guess is it is used to "discipline" common folk.
"Hoy, Coden! It's good to see you once more. Come, come. We have much to discuss. We can take lunch in my office where it is private, if you do not mind."
He claps you on the back solidly and gestures to the right, hardly awaiting a response. [OOC: We can continue on this as the others sell the wares.]
***
Later that evening...
So the evening advances, the Gambit needs to press for speed to catch up, needing to leave earlier than Hurk. Haadan mans the helm; Abez pilots. The elven siblings work the lines and sing as they do so. The dwarf finds he needs to press more, tapping into the energies that Lilim hinted at before, calling wind and increasing acceleration. [24 PSPs + 5 HP Loss] The dwarf is exhausted, much more than his days as a mul maker.
Hurk eventually passes overhead with the two skimmers and saleable loot. You get to an open location near the silt side. It isn't long before a wagon is seen, pulled by a half dozen crodlu. Torches flank the two drivers. A flag is presented, of House Wavir. Thirteen men and women of various size and race: human, elf and mul exit the wagon and stretch.
A stout brown-bearded man wearing Balician robes announces, "Falmon sent me and the rest to purchase a pair of skimmers for the house." Laahk would recognize him as Mahlat, one of Falmon's trusted merchant hands. After looking over the ships, the talisman and the goods for you to sell by torch-light, he sets an offer at 1,400 silver coins of Balician mintage. "Some of that cost is for Falmon's expedience in these matters. The other is for causing him to hire the rest of these folk to pilot 'em. We also weren't sure on the condition, but gave you the benefit of the doubt. Laahk hasn't screwed us over yet. Understood?"
The coin is in 3 small black linen sacks, tied with blue ribbon. There does not look to be any other sacks about.
"Also, tell Laahk that while Falmon is happy, he did interrupt at a bad time today. Falmon found and "removed" a Tsalaxan spy when they spoke last."
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Post by Attilius on Sept 26, 2020 21:47:37 GMT -12
...he sets an offer at 1,400 silver coins of Balician mintage. "Some of that cost is for Falmon's expedience in these matters. The other is for causing him to hire the rest of these folk to pilot 'em. We also weren't sure on the condition, but gave you the benefit of the doubt. Laahk hasn't screwed us over yet. Understood?" HurK looks to his mentally tired dwarven compatriot <I've been stuck in school most of my life and am no trader but is this a good deal? Should you... what's the term I've heard in the market? Haggle is it?> |
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Post by AthasianLaborer on Sept 26, 2020 23:07:47 GMT -12
...Later that evening...So the evening advances, the Gambit needs to press for speed to catch up, needing to leave earlier than Hurk. Haadan mans the helm; Abez pilots. The elven siblings work the lines and sing as they do so. The dwarf finds he needs to press more, tapping into the energies that Lilim hinted at before, calling wind and increasing acceleration. [24 PSPs + 5 HP Loss] The dwarf is exhausted, much more than his days as a mul maker. Haadan eats a wheel of cheese in response to his exhaustion [10 PSP gain].Hurk eventually passes overhead with the two skimmers and saleable loot. You get to an open location near the silt side. It isn't long before a wagon is seen, pulled by a half dozen crodlu. Torches flank the two drivers. A flag is presented, of House Wavir. Thirteen men and women of various size and race: human, elf and mul exit the wagon and stretch. "]Haadan hails the muls <Dwarven: "Hello my sons and daughters!"> before turning to hail the stout man who appears to be in charge "Hail friend merchant! We bring high-quality goods to exchange for Balican Silver!" [In order to keep the boat a-float, one of you needs to man the helm unless you pull closer to shore. The weight of the added flint makes it a necessity at this point. Either Laahk or Haddan needs to be on the helm. CLARIFIED: LAAHK IS AT THE HELM.] A stout brown-bearded man wearing Balician robes announces, "Falmon sent me and the rest to purchase a pair of skimmers for the house." Laahk would recognize him as Mahlat, one of Falmon's trusted merchant hands. After looking over the ships, the talisman and the goods for you to sell by torch-light, he sets an offer at 1,400 silver coins of Balician mintage. "Some of that cost is for Falmon's expedience in these matters. The other is for causing him to hire the rest of these folk to pilot 'em. We also weren't sure on the condition, but gave you the benefit of the doubt. Laahk hasn't screwed us over yet. Understood?" HurK looks to his mentally tired dwarven compatriot <I've been stuck in school most of my life and am no trader but is this a good deal? Should you... what's the term I've heard in the market? Haggle is it?> Haadan looks to Laahk and smiles <Am I to maximize short-term profits or long-term gains friend?>
The coin is in 3 small black linen sacks, tied with blue ribbon. There does not look to be any other sacks about. "Also, tell Laahk that while Falmon is happy, he did interrupt at a bad time today. Falmon found and "removed" a Tsalaxan spy when they spoke last." |
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Post by DM Bob on Sept 27, 2020 4:11:40 GMT -12
It does not seem like they're in the mood to haggle. The crew has a decent number of weapons upon them, no doubt to defend themselves until first light if need be. Mahlat is already commanding the men and women to go over the skimmers to assure they're silt-worthy. There are some slight talon marks from Hurk's transport, but other than that, they seem fine... if a little worn.
The money just lies at your feet.
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Post by AthasianLaborer on Sept 27, 2020 5:28:00 GMT -12
It does not seem like they're in the mood to haggle. The crew has a decent number of weapons upon them, no doubt to defend themselves until first light if need be. Mahlat is already commanding the men and women to go over the skimmers to assure they're silt-worthy. There are some slight talon marks from Hurk's transport, but other than that, they seem fine... if a little worn. The money just lies at your feet. (Three small linen sacks? 1,400 silver coins? I would imagine that 1,400 silver coins would mean that these small sacks are roughly the same size as the sacks of flint aboard the Gambit?) "It was nice doing business with you!" <HurK: Are you taking us back to the Gambit or is Laahk picking us up? If he's picking us up, I'll tag him and let him know we're ready for pick up> *checks contents of sacks* (Appraise check, 14 needed, 4 rolled) |
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