Episode 32

[Bynw]

 [19:05:07] * Playing 'recap.txt' to #Teara-Adan with 1300ms delay
[19:05:08] <.Bynw> +---------------------------------------
[19:05:09] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:11] <.Bynw> |   The Winds of Change - Episode 32
[19:05:12] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:13] <.Bynw> |      Beginning Adventure Recap
[19:05:15] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:16] <.Bynw> +---------------------------------------
[19:05:17] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:19] <.Bynw> | As night begins to fall the harbor master
[19:05:20] <.Bynw> | has instructed the ships to leave port
[19:05:21] <.Bynw> | so the dredging can begin. He is on the
[19:05:23] <.Bynw> | look-out for the dredging ship of the
[19:05:24] <.Bynw> | Seaforts.
[19:05:25] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:27] <.Bynw> | Meanwhile, the Great Lords prepare for
[19:05:28] <.Bynw> | Master Sloan Seafort's return for the
[19:05:29] <.Bynw> | evening meal at the palace.
[19:05:30] <.Bynw> | 
[19:05:32] <.Bynw> +---------------------------------------
[19:05:33] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:34] <.Bynw> |   Today's Game Date: 7 Octobre 461 NE
[19:05:36] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:37] <.Bynw> |        End of Adventure Recap
[19:05:38] <.Bynw> |
[19:05:40] <.Bynw> +---------------------------------------
[19:05:40] * Playback of 'recap.txt' complete
[19:06:29] * +Charissa is driving the kitchen staff crazy by constantly checking on the preparations
[19:07:53] * +Ryethon wanders through the kitchen looking for some tea
[19:07:58] <.Bynw> *the staff of the kitchen has everything almost in ready for the evening meal which is less than half an hour away
[19:09:39] * +Seth is in the small library here in the lords keep, for once actually quite sober. His nose in a book of magical theory
[19:12:03] * +Ryethon takes his newly aquired tea and heads to the small library
[19:12:29] <.Bynw> *darkness continues to come across Warp Wood as Master Seafort makes his way back to the Palace
[19:12:58] * +Charissa leaves the kitchen to go and freshen up for dinner
[19:13:12] <+Seth> ::Looks up from his book as General Ryethon enters:: "Your a bit out of the way for your usual path eh General?"
[19:14:17] * +Jack finishes his meditation and heads to the great hall.
[19:14:43] <+Ryethon> "Just paying a visit."
[19:15:29] <+Seth> ::He folds the book closed and replaces it on the shelves:: "No time for you to curl up and enjoy some literacy. I believe The Seafort represenitive will be arriving in the great hall shortly. Joining us?"
[19:17:08] <+Ryethon> "Aye, do you still belive that it is meerly trade they seek?"
[19:18:35] <.Bynw> *the servants are setting out the food in the great hall on the master table for the Lords and their guest
[19:18:59] * +Charissa slowly heads to the great hall
[19:20:44] <.Bynw> *once the lords settle into the great hall - the chamberlain announces the arrival of Master Sloan Seafort
[19:22:09] <+Seth> ::Looks taken-a-back at Ryethon as if to say, he's no fool:: "Of course not. They seek what we all seek. To further our own lot in life. But I believe that any hidden agendas on the Seafort's part are motivated by coin. That is their business and they are good at it from my understanding. Politics is just a means to an end, though I'm sure the Prince of Quiette will be happy in this deal."
[19:24:34] <+Seth> "I think we can be reasonably sure greed is the primary motivation here."
[19:25:41] <+Seth> ::Makes his way to the great hall, waiting for Ryethon to catch up::
[19:26:18] * +Coch has quit IRC
[19:26:42] * +Ryethon follows along behind Seth at a relaxed pace
[19:28:27] <.Bynw> *Chamberlian* "Master Seafort has arrive your Majesty" *he address the queen* "Shall I see him in?"
[19:28:37] <+Seth> ::Takes his usual seat in the great hall, out of the norm, an expensive bottle of wine is set nearby.::
[19:28:46] <+Charissa> "Aye"
[19:30:17] <.Bynw> *The chamberlain lets Master Seafort in. The merchant is dressed in finer clothes, more suitable for addressing the courts of nobles and kings than his travelling clothes earlier .. he bows as he enters* "Your Majesty, Noble lords"
[19:30:53] <+Seth> ::Stands and bows back:: "Master Seafort."
[19:30:59] <+Charissa> ::nods:: "Master Seafort" 
[19:31:07] <+Jack> "Good to see you again, Master Seafort."
[19:31:46] <.Bynw> *Seafort* "It is a beautiful night in this country. But you did invite me to dine ..."
[19:32:43] <+Seth> ::Masking his discomfort at being sober this late in the day, he takes his time pouring two glasses of wine and sending one to Master Seafort as he sits::
[19:34:25] <+Seth> ::Chuckles a bit as Sloan praises the beauty of Warp Wood::
[19:34:53] <.Bynw> *Seafort takes the goblet of wine from Seth and sniffs it a moment* "Ahhh a good year"
[19:35:21] <+Jack> "I've found every country has its own unique beauty, Master Seafort."
[19:35:41] <.Bynw> *the servants take care of the meal, some of the best local and imported fair that can be had*
[19:35:57] <+Seth> "Well the weather is turing a bit cold, so the insects have turned to a mere constant nuisence rather than a plague."
[19:37:15] <+Ryethon> "Our lord Seth here does not take kindly to the outside areas.. much in the same way as a fish doesn't take kindly to being stranded in the desert."
[19:37:42] <+Seth> "I prefer the finer things in life."
[19:38:16] <.Bynw> *Sloan raises his goblet* "To the finer things"
[19:38:55] <+Jack> *toasts along* "To the finer things."
[19:38:56] <+Seth> ::Smiles at Sloan and raises his goblet:: "To the finer things, but to each their own."
[19:40:02] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "Well then, any discussion of business while we enjoy this fair?"
[19:40:25] <+Seth> "I don't mean to waste your time Master Seafort. I see no reason why this is not an oppertunity to do just that."
[19:41:00] <+Jack> "Indeed, business is the agenda for the evening."
[19:43:08] <+Seth> "25%. Master Seafort, please. This is a great oppertunity for both sides. My comrades appreciate you lack of political ties. And I think Einar will be pleased should this venture turn into something grand, but 25%?"
[19:43:25] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "Excellent. The formal contract would be written up of course once all the particulars are ironed out. But having taken a look at the terrain .. it will be a major undertaking to build a decent trade road and then again to maintain it after it is built. The jungle and swamp will reclaim it otherwise."
[19:44:16] <+Jack> "On that we certainly agree."
[19:45:04] <.Bynw> "Einar? What do they have to do with anything ... The 25% is seams like a lot when you hear it. But I assure you it is necessary for the upkeep of the road. To keep it dry and free of vegitation will be a full time and daily job"
[19:46:10] <+Ryethon> "Not to discourage you, but you might want to make sure that you take particular care in constructing your road, that you go out of your way to be as non-destructive as possible. The druids in the area might not take kindly to that kind of thing you see."
[19:47:54] <+Seth> "yes I can certainly see your side Master Sloan. Some form of tax is due to you for the upkeep of the road. But it falls to us to defend the road and the harbor. Why not 15%? After all it is a short expanse."
[19:49:03] <+Seth> ::He takes a drink of his wine and smiles at Sloan::
[19:49:22] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "We shall have to see once we start on the project. It is negotiable:
[19:50:31] <.Bynw> "I don't think we will have an issue with any Druids"
[19:51:05] <.Bynw> *Sloan says while he takes another bite*
[19:51:32] <+Ryethon> "What makes you so sure of that master Sloan? If I may ask?"
[19:54:08] <.Bynw> "Just my instinct"
[19:55:20] <+Ryethon> "Another thing to consider, you might be able to contract the druids to upkeep the road. Might end up costing you less."
[19:56:49] <+Seth> ::Takes another drink:: "I'm sure Master Sloan is aware of the difficulties, he seems well educated in them."
[19:57:17] <+Jack> "As I mentioned earlier, we did some cost and schedule estimates that were pretty hopeless.  Now I know you've told us you have resources beyond ours, and I believe that, but did you do any estimates that we could look at, or is your belief in the profitability of this venture instinct as well?"
[19:58:59] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "I have a knack for finding good business ventures. I can work up some figures if you would like to see them. But I find such things unnecessary"
[20:01:03] <+Seth> ::His eyebrows knit together:: "I hope your willing to give us a time of completion for the road and put it into writing?"
[20:01:20] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "Of course."
[20:02:02] <.Bynw> *as the mean progresses, the is a commotion that can be heard outside of the great hall - raised voices but what they say cannot be determined*
[20:02:09] <.Bynw> (( meal ))
[20:02:52] <+Jack> ??Inside the palace??
[20:03:07] <.Bynw> !! yes just outside the doors
[20:03:40] <+Charissa> "Somebody, go see what that is all about!"
[20:03:44] * +Ryethon stands
[20:03:50] <+Ryethon> "I shall go."
[20:03:55] <+Seth> ::Looks to the great halls doors, and takes a drink.::
[20:03:57] <+Charissa> "Thank you Ryethon"
[20:04:06] * +Ryethon procedes to the door
[20:04:28] * +Ryethon opens the door
[20:04:31] <.Bynw> *the doors swing open ... almost hitting the general as the habormaster busts into the chamber
[20:04:53] <+Ryethon> "What is it Harbormaster?
[20:05:26] * +Ryethon stands between the harbormaster and the other lords
[20:05:41] <+Seth> ::Takes the pause in things as an oppertunity to take a drink and eat a mouthful::
[20:05:55] <.Bynw> *Habormaster* "WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT???!!!" *he attempts to get past Ryethon* "What manner of sorcery is afoot in my harbor!"
[20:06:37] <+Ryethon> "I belive that they are using magic to dredge the harbor out. Is there evidence otherwise?"
[20:07:25] <+Seth> ::His face contorts into a scowl at the negative usage of the word, Sorcery::
[20:08:02] <.Bynw> *harbormaster* "I have never seen such sorcery to dredge a harbor. The waters are churning and boiling as if a storm was centered on them"
[20:08:56] <+Charissa> "Is it working?" ::speaks up for the first time since the harbormaster entered::
[20:09:03] * +Jack gets up and goes over. "Maybe we should wait to look at the results in the morning."
[20:10:36] <.Bynw> *Sloan sits quietly and eats ...half grinning*
[20:11:49] <+Jack> "It's my intuition" *glances at Sloan* " that we'll be pleased with the results."
[20:12:04] <+Charissa> "I agree Jack"
[20:12:31] * +Ryethon slips a couple coins in the hand of the harbormaster "Go buy yourself some dinner, and we shall finish ours. I'll be out before the break of dawn to see the harbor."
[20:12:45] <.Bynw> *the harbormaster looks around* "Forgive the intrusion your majesty" *he says with a bow* "I shall return to check on the progress"
[20:13:26] <+Charissa> "thank you, Harbormaster"
[20:13:57] * +Ryethon turns and heads back to his seat
[20:14:13] * +Jack returns to his seat as well.
[20:14:14] <+Seth> ::Shoots the harbormaster a scorching look and practically sneers as he takes a bite of his food::
[20:14:30] <.Bynw> *the harbormaster quietly departs*
[20:14:59] * +Charissa resumes eating
[20:15:12] * otter is now known as Kevin
[20:17:36] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "So as I promised your harbor would be dredged. A gesture of good faith"
[20:17:53] <+Jack> "Some of out more traditional folks here still equate magic with the demonic.  I gather they better get used to it if we expect to see the road to completion, Master Sloan?"
[20:18:23] <.Bynw> "Oh yes" *Sloan says mater of factly*
[20:19:15] <+Seth> ::He sighs and resumes his pleasant demeanor:: "Thank you Master Seafort fro the gesture."
[20:22:06] <.Bynw> *Sloan* "So once construction begins ... we should have the road completed within a year or less."
[20:22:20] <+Kevin> "Daily work?"
[20:22:24] <+Jack> "Doesn't matter to me how work gets done, magical, mental, or physical.  It's results that count."
[20:22:38] <+Charissa> "Aye"
[20:22:51] <.Bynw> "Around the clock work" *he says*
[20:23:17] <+Seth> ::He takes a drink:: "I for one am behind your offer, so long as your willing to negotiate a bit on the specifics Master Seafort. I'm sure we can make both sides happy."
[20:23:57] <+Seth> ::He looks to the other lords around the table:: "Do we need time to discuss this?"
[20:24:07] <+Charissa> "I do believe so"
[20:24:21] <+Jack> "I'm with Seth on this one.  Sounds like you can turn a dream into a reality and have us all profit by it."
[20:24:46] <+Ryethon> "Aye, discussion is in order."
[20:25:43] <.Bynw> "Very well. I s
[20:25:43] <.Bynw> +h
[20:25:53] <.Bynw> (( cat ))
[20:26:03] <+Jack> ((meow))
[20:26:14] <+Seth> ::Stands:: "Shall I keep our guest entertained while you discuss? My opinions are known. Or shall I stay?"
[20:26:56] <+Jack> "Better stay.  Never know what issue might come up in discussion."
[20:27:16] <.Bynw> "I shall take my leave then. Good night to you all"
[20:27:43] <+Jack> "Was a pleasure dining with you, Master Sloan."
[20:28:04] <.Bynw> *the merchant gets up and departs from the Great hall*
[20:28:23] <+Seth> ::Bows to Master Seafort as he departs and retakes his seat::
[20:31:06] <+Seth> ::Takes a drink once the merchant is gone and the door shut:: "Is anyone against this happening? Or is this just to work out the details?"
[20:31:24] <+Jack> "I'm for it."
[20:31:53] <+Kevin> "I am for it as well."
[20:32:27] <+Ryethon> "Strange that he appears just as we are discussing being out of money... Could it be a ruse? Could it be the Spectrals?"
[20:33:09] <+Charissa> "we need to discuss what our counter-proposal would be"
[20:33:10] <+Ryethon> "Could the Spectrals be posing as the Seafort family?"
[20:33:53] <+Jack> "Wouldn't benefit the spectrals to get us to sign a contract with Seafort Mercantile."
[20:35:00] <+Seth> ::Shakes his head:: "Anything is of course possible General. But the Seafort name is well known as a succsessful merchant family. Merchants like the Seafort's have sources as information often is money."
[20:35:13] <+Ryethon> "Who says that the contract is real? It would be a great cover for moving forces into our land."
[20:36:14] <+Seth> ::Chuckles:: "General, if the Spectrals wanted to take over the country by force i assure you we wouldn't stand a chance."
[20:36:39] <+Ryethon> "Who needs force when you can use subterfuge?"
[20:36:49] <+Charissa> "It is rather easy to check to see if it is the real Seafort"
[20:37:29] <+Charissa> "I believe that both the Bishop and Father Pele could attest to whether he is a real Seafort or not"
[20:37:36] <+Jack> "How?  All the Seaforts have six toes on their left foot or something?"
[20:37:38] <+Ryethon> "I say it would be adviseable."
[20:38:06] <+Kevin> "To me, it is a little paranoid to think that offers we get are to be advances against us."
[20:38:42] <+Seth> ::Nods:: "I can provide a premonition with a little time. Foretelling is a talent of mine."
[20:39:01] <+Ryethon> "Defense of this land is my duty. So it is my job to be paranoid."
[20:39:50] <+Charissa> "If he is one of their primary negotiators, the Bishop might have met him before"
[20:40:16] <+Jack> "Worth a shot.  Think the Bishop is still up?"
[20:40:34] <+Charissa> "only one way to find out."
[20:42:40] <+Seth> "before we go off. Shouldn't we discuss what we want to do should he prove to be a ligitimate Seafort?"
[20:43:20] <+Charissa> "aye.  I suggest going with 20 percent for 20 years after it is built.  We do not go over 30 years though."
[20:44:44] <+Ryethon> "Fifteen percent for fifteen years. Max of twentyfive years."
[20:45:06] <+Charissa> "we start with that."
[20:45:29] <+Seth> ::Nods:: "He might not provide upkeep at that deal, if we limit the time he has income coming in that is. But I agree with 20%. I'm sure I can broker us a deal if I can spend a few days with the man."
[20:45:42] <+Jack> "Fifteen is pretty low.  I mean, Seaforts need to make a profit, too.  But as a negotiating point, I'll go along with it."
[20:46:48] <+Kevin> "I doubt 15% would be accepted, but I think it is a reasonable negotiating point, as said."
[20:47:28] <+Seth> ::Stands again and takes a drink:: "If we all agree to this deal I can over the next few days negotiate our deals specifics. But we can't negotiate or even guess at what he will deal at. This is just guessing."
[20:47:34] <+Charissa> "agreed.  How many years are we willing to go?  I don't like the idea of a perpetual tithe to the Seaforts"
[20:48:46] <+Jack> "Well, we'll need one if we want to keep the road, to maintain it.  But it's good to have the option to get out if things go bad, even if it costs us the road at that point."
[20:48:55] <+Kevin> "I would say around 20. Hopefully, one of use will of averted the curse and can go from there."
[20:49:24] <+Seth> "Give me an idea what we all think we should get, so I can aim to make everyone happy. But be resonable. Keep in mind the roads upkeep IS expensive and if the Seaforts don't continue to see a profit they wont provide upkeep past that time."
[20:49:57] <+Jack> "Then the road goes belly-up."
[20:50:14] <+Charissa> "20 percent for 25 to 30 years"
[20:50:29] <+Charissa> "or we can give them 25 percent for 25 years"
[20:50:37] <+Charissa> "limit the time for a higher profit cut"
[20:50:52] <+Kevin> "I was hoping that in twenty or more years we will have a stble kingdom, and be able to do the upkeep ourselves."
[20:50:58] <+Jack> "Sounds reasonable to me."
[20:51:19] <+Ryethon> "Reasonable."
[20:51:25] <+Kevin> "Aye."
[20:52:00] <+Seth> "I would say 25% for 10 years with a guarantee to double the Seaforts initial outlay of coin. Then drop down the percentage to a more reasonable percentage, like say 10 or 15%"
[20:52:20] <+Charissa> "that is reasonable to me"
[20:52:59] <+Seth> "But keep in mind Seafort is a shipping merchant house. We still can tax their goods coming into the harbor or down the road."
[20:53:21] <+Seth> "So we are going to make back some of that percentile."
[20:54:38] <+Seth> "Lastly keep in mind....without the Seafort's coin and manpower we make nothing."
[20:54:49] <+Jack> "Yep."
[20:55:02] <+Seth> "This is all coin we never thought to have."
[20:56:04] <+Seth> "No matter what terms we lay down, I think we have just made a deal that we can't lose at."
[20:56:15] <+Kevin> "Aye."
[20:56:34] <+Charissa> "agreed"
[20:56:56] <+Jack> "I tend to agree . . . and I just hope my intuition is as good as Master Sloan's."
[20:59:36] <+Seth> "Give me a few days to negotiate with Master Sloan. Meanwhile all of you can get the construction moving. Find quarters for the workers and see if we can't get some masons to imigrate to Warp Wood and hire onto the Seaforts crew. We'd be left with some masons after it's all said and done and our own people can find work and hopefully even pull some more people in."
[21:00:20] <+Charissa> "aye.  Good idea Seth"
[21:01:01] <+Ryethon> "Aye."
[21:01:16] <+Seth> "General Ryethon, I believe Marshall Sprax has some leads on where to hire on Mercenaries for your training requirements."
[21:01:58] <+Ryethon> "Very good."
[21:02:05] <+Seth> "You might as well see to that, with the expense of building the road behind us, we will have some extra coin for an army."
[21:02:34] <+Seth> "Which we will need if we are to defend our new trade road."
[21:03:19] <+Seth> "Just let me know what you require and I will see that the Marshal gets on the job."
[21:05:33] <+Ryethon> "I shall look into it, and we should discuss it in the morning after i have a look at the harbor."
[21:06:00] <+Kevin> "This should really kickstart our kingdom."