NationStates Jolt Archive

Ah, but you forget the whole point of our little trip here. I though we intended to set up trade between his region and your homeland. Joshua finished to coffee cake and was unsure if it would be wise for his stomach or not to partake in another small dish.

One point of our mission, yes-but we also agreed Eldar and his people should be in contact, which means setting up a clandestine messenger delivery system, as well as intelligence gathering. Muritan seemed preoccupied with the contents of his bucket. Since that could jeopardize the trade end, we shouldn't inform the Lord of this.

So do we cleverly get away from trading with the lord or do quickly set up trade and move out? Joshua settled for a small plate with a variety of sausages.

Let us see what he'll agree to-anything decided here will still have to be approved by the King, but it might be good to practice wringing concessions from this Lord-he's certainly greedy enough to be a shrewd bargainer, and premature departure might be suspicious. See what comes of it, and we'll either bide a time here if you feel negotiations go well, or we can head to the capitol. Muritan ate with relish. If we stay, I'll go a-hunting tonight and see if I can find the Elves.

So then we stay. I shall see what we can do for bargaining then. But I do have one question. Tariffs, yes or no? Joshua finished the last of his breakfast and faced the lord. "So, when do you feel would be a good time to begin negotiations on trade?"

'' Now is as good as time as any.''

The Lords fearful face of the previous night had subsided, giving way to his original expressions, which included, his not so sincere smile.

God I hate that smile. "Well do you suggest we work here or somewhere more private. I'm partial to the open spaces here myself, but wherever you feel comfortable is best."

'' If you like it here, here would be fine. I'll have someone send for parchment, thus we make our trade ''official.'' Is there any particular product your government would like to obtain? It appears you have grown tired of fish already but perhaps your government would be interested in them, even in small numbers?''

He chuckled at his last statement. He was attempting to bring out so humor, thus breaking the ice and keeping the discussion less not so heated.

He's right though, what products do we need. Joshua acted the part of checking his clothes for something. "I've been thinking for a while on what we need to trade, but I fear I need another moment to collect my thoughts. Fish I can tell you would be quite popular though. I personally am not a large fan of saltwater fish, living inland in Sylvonia until recently, but fish in the Ordos should fetch a fair price. What would you like from us? We have much to offer. You've seen our gold and jewels and fabrics."

''The fabrics in large numbers preferably. These fabrics will prove to be most popular with the wealthy, including myself. The gold and jewels is something I am interested in also, but in fewer numbers.''

The Lord trailed off, wondering whether he should bring up the idea of slaves again.

Joshua smiled. "Easily done, but I see you're toying with the idea of something else. If you tell me what it is, maybe I can help you make up your mind."

The Lord felt slightly invaded, embaressed and shocked, all at the same time.

''I..I..I have an interest in obtaining some of your fine slaves, possibly in exchange for some of my magical objects?''

Joshua calmly handled the situation. "I'm sorry, but our laborers are not for sale or trade. I do not wish to offend you, most any of our wares we are willing to trade, including animals used for food, fish being an excellent example, but we do not have slaves, nor are we willing to sell our workers, despite how much we would love to get our hands on some of those items you suggested."

''I understand.''

Not wanting to keep the conversation slow, but rather quick, he chimed back in.

''This objects are very, very valuable. I'm wondering if you having something, maybe more valuable to offer? If not, I suppose I could simply trade it for an increased number f what you already offer.''

''How about weapons of war?''

Joshua thought for a moment. "We do have other wares too. Stone works, furniture, you'd be surprised what we couldn't craft. Is there something else you had in mind that might be a fair trade?"

"We do try to avoid war, but I suppose I could make a return trip to work something out at a later date. I was not given permission to trade weapons unfortunately."

OOC: Ah, we've hit the Time Warp for the NSG threads.

''Another trip would be fine I suppose.''

The Lord was becoming impatient and eager to seal a deal.

''So, shall we hammer out the finer details and make this official?''

Joshua smiled, eager to finish here and move on to their next stop. "Sounds like a fine idea to me."

''Another trip would be fine I suppose.''

The Lord was becoming impatient and eager to seal a deal.

''So, shall we hammer out the finer details and make this official?''

The Lord called for parchment and paper and he laid it out on the table and began to write,

Lord Wilfred hereby declares that his province in the nation of Orbath will engage in the following acts of trade;

The Lord looked up, a greedy glint in his eye.

''How many fish will you require?''

Muritan shrugged, and psent:It really depends what the market will bear-though he'd easily sell five ships of this delectable fish. The troll savored the salty Elkenfish, chomping it's fine bones with his preternaturally hard fangs. Tell him seven ships-let's see how large his fishing fleet really is, and how far his greed will take him.

The Lord didn't look up or even flinch, he just continued to write.

Lord Wilfred hereby declares that his province in the nation of Orbath will engage in the following acts of trade;

A total not exceeding 7 fishing ships will deliver their goods to Ordo Drakul per

Now he stopped, looking up.

''Per year?''

Joshua smiled. "You've got good perception. I was going to ask for just that. Per year should work, but what do you request in return for the fish, for I know they will be in great demand?"

The Lord looked eye to eye with Joshua.

''One ship of gold and jewels, three of silks.''

Joshua smiled. "I believe that is quite workable." Any problems with that Muritan?

The Argan Argari will happily part with that for these fish. Muritan rarely referred to the other orders, but Joshua believed the Ordo Argan Argari were merchant princes among the trolls. He may wish to set aside some dock space for traders-perhaps an additional shipload of gold per year to reserve three piers for the exclusive use of our vessels? He'll doubtless enjoy the additional tax revenue, and my order may divert some slave trade his way, since he covets them so badly..

We'll work on that slave trade thing. I have personal issues with that, issues I don't like to talk about Unknowingly, flashes of memories from his childhood were sent with that message, memories of before his education where he was taken from his parents and forced into working as a servant for the cruel lord of the area. But I think we can work with the gold, he'll doubtless love that.
Joshua cleared his throat. "Here's an idea. What would you say to another shipload of gold a year in exchange for our exclusive use of three of your piers?"

''Three piers is quite large, however I could have another constructed to make up for the loss. I think you have a deal.''

"Another thing to remember is that even if you construct three brand new piers, you're still gaining profit on that one shipment of gold alone. Unless material and labor prices are outrageously high of course. Then again, with that amount of gold, you'd have a hard time spending it all building a couple dozen piers."

The Lord chuckled for he knew that he could have non human slaves construct the piers for free, leaving him only to pay for building costs.

''Yes it certainly sounds like a deal.Is there anything else that interests you?''

Joshua paused for a minute. "I've been toying with the idea of your slaves. I need a bit more time to think about it and for our country's moral reasons we'll need to draft and sign a treaty. Basically it says they'll get treated decently well despite the fact that you own them." He was pleased that he was creating conditions that would be at least somewhat decent for the slaves, obviously nowhere near ideal, but somewhat better than they otherwise would have been.

The Lord smiled sickly, thinking about the way many of his slaves had been treated.

''They are slaves after all but would surely be treated well for slaves, if that is what you wish.''

Muritan observed the proceedings with some interest, all the while appearing preoccupied with his fish-a troll's primary sense is hearing, so it was a simple enough matter. The distaste Joshua showed for slavery indicated it was a different matter here, among humans. Among the trolls, slavery was a legal classification, making an individual property as opposed to an individual. Legally, they could not duel, nor vote, and their deaths would be considered vandalism at worse, but they could still hold jobs and own property-several slaves were prominent in financial circles. For the most part, it was a court warning that an individual's behavior was so improper the State no longer cared what happened to them, and the classification removed all the protections of law regarding individuals from the slave.
He would have to investigate further, but his Order would still slip a few operatives in the slave market, as he noted the Lord ignored his slaves and their activities for the most part.

Muritan, focus please! Am I the only one feeling that his voice has magic in it? Besides, you're drooling all over the marble. Joshua smiled slightly, "That's all we ask for. Slavery is, after all, treated differently in every nation and region."

If his voice has some magic to it, the best defense would be not to focus. Muritan psent, avidly chewing his fish.Besides, did not the elves and His Lordship, here, avow humans cannot work magic? Perhaps one of his gewgaws is powering some ability-I doubt I could check surreptitiously enough to avoid detection.

I hate your logic. You realize that, right? And what's not to say that he doesn't have something that adds a thick layer of persuasion to his voice? But if you can't do anything, I'll have to find a way. I have a circle that detects other magics, but I need time to prepare it. Besides, my hands are quite visible. Joshua sent the message as he yawned. "I must apologize. With all the commotion of last night I got very little sleep."

I am trying to remember what the Adept Humbaba of the Ordo Arkati-the Sorcerors-told me of talismancy. Muritan psent, his apparent entire focus on his fish.Voice enhancement is the magic of persuasion, often imbued to fine jewelry, necklaces and coronets preferred-the necklace because it rides the throat, source of the voice, and the coronet because it is a symbol of authority. If he wears either that does not match his ensemble, you are probably observing the talisman. We trolls arrange our outfits by texture as to be pleasant to Darksense, our primary sense. Vision is a poor third place after our hearing and smell, and I can only distinguish red by sight, so you'll have to look for what is out of place. If it is a coronet, don't stare overlong-those things are powerful and subtle.

Though the Lord bore both coronet and necklace, neither were magical items. If a certain magical entity was detected, it was possible it was one of the many magical items he'd used to bargain with earlier. He had no real knowledge of what most of them were, so it was completely possible he'd accidentally activated something.

OOC:I don't know who to send this to, and can't remember nor spare time to dig up the OOC thread. The Wizard's Council is up and here:http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13557171#post13557171. Please forgive my intrusion.

No Muritan, neither of them are enchanted, at least I'm almost completely sure they aren't. I wonder if there's not something that could could have put a lasting effect on him. Then again, there's the obvious choice and I'm just paranoid.

Perhaps you do not like the idea you have common ground with this fellow. I should not worry overmuch, unless you care to analyze your every action to determine if it is how you would act. Muritan finished his fish, then began eating the plate. He was enjoying his savage act far too much, and his freedom to scratch himself was becoming annoying.

I suppose you're right. Joshua turned his head to check on Muritan. "Muritan! Don't eat the plate!" He turned to face the lord again. "I do apologize for that. It was most unintentional."

Unintentional? I'm hoping he'll offer more fish.Muritan chomped happily. Haven't you ever negotiated before?

Muritan you dolt. I said that as putting up face to make it look like I did NOT want you to do that. You'll probably get your fish, but at the same time I look good in front on him. Joshua sighed and spoke to the lord. "You know, I don't wonder if that's not his way of begging for more of that fish. He may have gotten addicted to the stuff."

The lord was slightly bothered, not by the fact that the beast had just eaten his plate but by the fact that Joshua treated him more like a pet than a slave. It wasn't his way, the beast was a lower class being. He put his feelings behind him, concentrating on the riches he was soon to be obtaining and called for more fish.

Joshua closed his gold eyes, one of the features he couldn't hide, and thought for a moment. Upon opening them, he was eager to get back to work. "Shall we resume then? Or would you rather I act undignified and take the job of another slave? That job, before you ask, is to punish the slave who did wrong."

''I'm not sure what you mean but yes, let's continue.''

You may wish to mention your people's xenophobia and dependence on it's "slave" class, or he'll start wondering why the ships are manned entirely by trolls. Muritan psent.And take one of my fish and set it on the table where I can see it. I'll stop eating once I've finished all on the plate, and not eat the plate or anything else until you toss the last fish to me. Our Lordship needs a lesson in how well-trained we poor slaves are.

OOC: Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I didn't have time to post when I got the email alert and then I kinda forgot about it from there...

IC: Joshua grabbed one of the fish from the plate as Muritan suggested and placed it on the table. "Let's demonstrate how well trained our 'lower classes' are, shall we? Also, we have enough confidence in our slaves that we send them to man the ships. It also helps stop the spread of disease in our country and avoids much xenophobia. I'm a rare sight where we come from due to the fact that I'm willing to leave home. Is there anything else you're requesting or is it looking like deal signing time?"

OOC: Um, bump?

''It sounds to me like we have reached an agreement.''

The Lord signed his name at the bottom of the parchment and slid it to Joshua so he could do the same.

Joshua, not hearing any argument from Muritan, clapped his hands together. "Alright then, let's sign." He picked up the pen and began to sign his name, but cast a spell upon the sheet when his wrist touched it that when out of everyone's gaze, would add a clause granting the trolls of the land the chance to change the agreement on a whim.

The Lord rose, extending his hand to shake Joshua's.

''It was a pleasure doing business with you. Is there anything else you need, perhaps you would like to stay until lunch? If your anxious to leave, I'll ready a group of calvary, they can escort you to the King of you need.''

Let's take him up on that, unless you wish to contact the Elves here. Muritan was slavering over the fish denied, but otherwise seemed unconcerned with the goings-on.

Joshua spoke softly, growing tired from the events that had transpired over the night. "As tired as I am, I do believe we should head out. I don't wish to be late with the king of your land, though I assure you that our deal will stand strong unless your king decides that it should not."

''I understand, if you have anything to collect, I'll have several servants go with you, and while you do that, I'll have a small calvary riding party readied.''

Joshua smiled. "Ah, many thanks to you. I should revisit my room to make sure I have everything though the riding party is unnecessary. I don't mean to offend you, but with that attack last night, you need as many people here as possible, not just for the safety of everyone here, but also for the fact that if you do send them with, it could make it look as if you were getting rid of us because we brought the trouble. And getting rid of us could easily look as if you're not a very receptive person, which your people might not like." If he played his cards right, Joshua would now be free to travel.

''I'm not offended, I understand completely and your right. But I advise you to be careful when traveling, there have been attacks by non humans.''

"I shall heed your advice. Though if someone could provide us with the information on places to avoid where the attackers dwell, it might aid our trip. Would that be possible or might we just be better off looking out as we travel?"

''When leaving the castle, there is a three pronged fork in the road. West will take you back the way you came, East is the most direct route to the King's castle, however, you must travel through several forests, the sight of many attacks. South will take much longer, however, there is only one forest, and no attacks have been reported.''

Joshua stood up. "Thank you much for you help." He picked up the papers with the trade agreement. "I wish you well, though we should probably get going. I shall pack up and leave you to carry on your business as usual."

OOC: Is this dead or no? I can't tell anymore.

OOC: Not dead, just really, really, really slow. I'm partly to blame as I've somehow missed posting a few times.

''It was a pleasure to do business with you, I hope we will meet again.''

OOC: Gotcha.

IC: Joshua bowed graciously and left the room, beckoning for Muritan to follow. He led the way back to their quarters, anxious to continue.

OOC:Sorry-this forum hasn't been telling me if there's new posts or not, so I've been skipping without checking.
Muritan silently rose and followed Joshua. Should we seek out the elves now? I'm not certain of the wisdom with an escort, but I'm sure if I'm allowed to range out and hunt, something can be set up.

OOC: try unsubscribing and resubscribing. That works well for me.

IC: joshua began to pack what little he had out. Let's not bother with an escort. The elves however we should find.

Let me pack-it wouldn't do for spies to see His Lordship doing his own work The chuckle carried telepathically told Joshua Muritan was enjoying this far too much, and found human servants comical. Wouldn't do to get a callus on that gleaming hand...

OOC: Damn, email alerts stopped for me now too.

IC: Joshua looked to Muritan. I hate it when you're right like that. He stepped back and allowed Muritan to do as he said.

Oh, does that hand callous easily? Muritan bore an expression of suppressed glee that just begged a slap...

I'm half demon. My hands are permanently calloused. Joshua sent while he walked to close the shutters and block out outside watchers. But with two working it'll go faster still.

Perhaps, but His Lordship enjoys his toys too much Muritan carefully folded the clothing, and stored it away. Run a detection circle to see if he's scrying on us before doing anything not entirely noble

Joshua drew a quick chalk circle on the nearby wall. Placing his palm on it, the circle activated and revealed nothing. "No magic other than the general protection." he said wiping off the chalk.

That is odd in and of itself-do you think he trusts us, or no longer cares? Muritan folded neatly, casually releasing a shade from his fetch to wander, observing. If he has decided we should not reach the East Road, it may well presage an attack...
(OOC:A fetch is a portion of a troll's mind that exists in, and perceives, the Spirit Plane-it can store spirits like the shade, a Darkness elemental favored by trolls)

I agree, though it's possible I simply missed it or the spell misfired. He walked over and closed the suitcase before looking for a book he'd started reading.

They had been left alone, the Lord believed noting was up and they were no threat, plus they had done business so for the most part, he no longer cared about them.

We should be in our carriage and away, then Muritan finished packing and shouldered the baggage. The shade had quietly returned, having noted nothing. Whenever my Lord and Master is ready...

OOC: Sorry, email alerts stopped again.

IC: Joshua nodded. "Then let's move out." He climbed into the carriage and waited to get moving again.

Muritan picked up the poles and began jogging. "East Road, right?" he asked through his bolongo.

That's what he said. Joshua sent back.

The East Road lead through a thick woods, seemingly peaceful. "Idyllic, but elves are much the same everywhere, I suppose." Muritan relayed through his bolongo. "Did Eldar give you any means of contact, or must we remain sitting ducks and wait for them?"

"If he did, I don't remember anything. Besides, Elves are pretty much found wherever you have a lot of nature like this. If we find a clearing, we should be able to find the elves."

OOC: Gotta leave for work.

Muritan nodded, and extended his Darksense so far as it would go. Cautious, he sent forth his fetch to find elves...