"Ah, well, Ms Dansen mostly trades spices that grow only in the desert. She has several contacts among the desert nomads, the only merchant house that does, and as such she has nearly a monopoly on the trade. The Dansen holdings thus are doing quite well, you would do well to place a portion of your investment here. How much are you looking to invest?"
After Aria speaks Janay's lips turn down slightly. "Jak and Keb, could you wait outside please." she says to the guard.
"You sure that's wise Janay?" one of them asks, a scowl on his face as he looks around at the group.
She dismisses his concern, "Of course Keb. Just wait right outside the door if you are concerned."
The guards exit the room.
Janay looks to Aria, "As Ms Dansens steward you may leave your message with me. Who are you here to represent Miss Aria?"
The lady wanted to speak to get safe passage trough the desert from the desert nomads and ascertain the situation there. The recent troubles with the Francs and Grumlat has some important people wanting to make sure that the situation in the south is calm and quiet. Upon hearing that the lady was going South,A connaissance of hers asked if she could take a few extra days to go have her look for herself with her extensive para military background. Those delicate matters isn't really about who she represent, but her past association with a certain Captain Dryval Silvers that she would like to keep private. Lady Aria wanted to be upfront, but discreet with her potential partners, hence the heavy guards she tilts her hand behind in a hush voice
As to the other business at hand my Lady said she wanted to invest 50 000 gp to start and see if the merchant is doing as well as advertise
Mardoni stands by and watches, having no clue what is being discussed and why his name was involved. He awaits where this is all leading.
Aria rubs a finger along the edge of a piece of furniture next to her, then examines her finger as though inspecting it for dust. She does not really look up at the steward when she speaks next. "I would also like to ascertain Ms Dansen's opinion of her merchant alliances and trade agreements. As you might understand, these are rather delicate matters."
Janay blinks at the sum mentioned. "I see" she says hesitantly. "Wait here one moment please."
She disappears through a door behind her, then returns several minutes later. "This way please if you will."
Janay leads the group down a short passage, several doors branching off the sides, she leads the way to a door at the end, and pushes it open ushering everyone inside.
Beyond is a dining room, two women seated at the table eating their meal. One looks to be about 40, the other in her late teens. There is a definite resemblance between the two.
The older women gestures to several empty seats near the table. "Please take a seat. Would you like something to eat or drink?"
"Janay informs me you are looking to make a sizeable investment into one or more of the merchant houses. What questions might I answer for you?"
While they are alone
A rather simple one for starters Ms Dansen she replied smiling
how profitable are you and how much of a return we should expect on said investment and how soon
Issa nods to Aerin and when the woman came back she follows her to the dining room.
He nods to the older woman and asks for tea.
As intended he stays otherwise silent and observes the scene.
Aria leans back, content to let Aerin do the negotiating for the group. (It wasn't her strongest suit in any event.) She attempts to take on a bored but wealthy look of an aristocratic air.
Mardoni's interest is peaked at the situation now. Aerin had gotten them into the back area. He continues to allow her to take the lead. Famished from his trip, he sits at one of the open seats. Now this is more like it Jez."
Solian will enter the room and take a up an observatory position, but he is also keenly listening and analysing the people involved.
"Janay, if you could please let the cook know to prepare some extra food." she pushes a dish towards the group, some kind of bread with sauce poured over it.
"Yes, of course Miss Dansen." the steward replies.
As Janay leaves through a door behind Miss Dansen she looks tense. One hand clenched into a fist at her side.
"And your names that I might know who I'm doing business with?"
"We've averaged an 8% growth over the last five years. As for a return on an investment, that will depend on the length of your investment."
"Assuming that trend holds, and I anticipate we will do better over the next couple of years, let's say between 4% to 6.5% per year for an investment period of 1 to 5 years respectively."
"Or in other words, 50% to 80% of the increase we see as a result of your investment."
if we come to an agreement you will have the pleasure of doing business with Lady Aria and Master Mardoni Valentino, this is Solian Rook and Sonia, hired bodyguard, the good father Iss here is a spiritual adviser, and you can call me nina
Aerin takes a look in Aria's direction and thinks for about 45 seconds
interesting numbers. For the moment we are looking at a one year investments and if your trends holds larger amounts of investments can bemade on a yearly base she looks again at aria and waits 30 seconds for a reaction
Without asking for trade secrets and future contracts what makes you think that the growth trends will be better in the next future ? And of course we would like to verify those past growth numbers if possible and any clients reference you can provide. I am sure you understand, if you want some assurance yourself, you are more than welcome to check, the many expensive magical armory and weaponry that the lady and Master Valentino and their entourage carry on their behalf she smiles lifting a discret finger on all the magical mithral armors and weapons
"I now hold the majority of the contracts with the desert nomads that bring spices to the Hold. Part of my agreement with them guarantees they will not place contracts with others in this area for several years. My deal with them will likely be extended as well at the end of that time frame."
"Janay will be able to provide you with the proper documentation of our past earnings and business dealings."
At that moment Janay returns with several servants carrying several fine cups, plates, and cutlery which are set around the table for those wishing to eat.
And as you bring more desert nomad tribes into your trade agreement,
the more of a monopoly you have and be able to keep buying price low and raise selling price higher when you have less competition, i imagine she smiles
I look forward to seeing those documents she adds
"Precisely. This will give a me a definite edge over the other merchant houses."
The servants return with food and set it on the table before retreating to the kitchen again.
Miss Dansen explains to Janay what information Aerin has requested.
"After dinner I can show you our records Miss Aria and Master Mardoni."
"Is there anything else then that I can help you with?" asks Miss Dansen.
Again, staying silent, Issa continues to observe the two merchant Miss Dansen and Janay trying to find any innuendo exchanges between them.
Aria nods at the exchange. "We and our traveling companions shall need a private location to stay for a time while we deliberate over any new information. The local inn is, regrettably, not secure enough for discrete conversation."
She appears to be thinking carefully over the information that Ms. Dansen has provided. "Ms. Dansen, I would like to know your opinions in regards to the other merchants. Master Sorrin, for example."
Aria watches carefully for any visual cues or telltale signs Ms Dansen gives.
"I am sorry. I cannot accommodate you here, but I can recommend a more reputable location if you wish, such as there are here in the hold. The Storms Blessing."
The meal completed after a short time, Miss Dansen takes her leave while Janay escorts Aria and Cindy to a side room with several desks. A clerk sits in there working over a stack of papers.
Janay asks the man to take a break for a bit before looking through several files then at last pulling out a sheet of papers. She flips through them for a moment, pulling out sheets here and there, handing those sheets to Aria and Aerin. "This is a record of our spice sales over the last five years."
While you lack the accounting skills to understand the records completely, the bottom line figures show continued growth year to year.
There does seem to be an oddity though. You cannot spot any clear losses from individual shipments or transactions. An unlikely event over a five year period.
"I see. Thank you for the recommendation. We and our companions have a lot of things to discuss."
She looks over the papers and allows a slight look of disapproval over her face.
She tries to point out her discovery to Aerin without giving away that she caught on to the misdirection/deception.
Cindy wearing the guise of a guard accompanies the group, staying quiet and in the back. She marvels at how easily Aerin spins a false tale, knowing that she could never accomplish such a feat. And she listens, wondering how best to bring up the issue of guild dues that are in arrears.
Solian is also staying silent, but wondering at how these people make deals..
Janay asks, "Are there any further details you would like about our operations here?"
There seems to be a fear behind Janay's eyes, and also... disappointment and frustration.
"If I may be so blunt, Ms. Dansen, these figures are a little.... glowing. If I might have a better understanding of the risks involved with your enterprise, it would give me a much better idea of how much and in what way I could invest."
While she is more or less direct, Aria attempts to be diplomatic.
"Forgive me, Ms. Dansen, diplomacy is not my strongest suit. With my military training, I prefer to be more direct."
Cindy stands rigid in the back trying to go unnoticed and wondering how this approach will collect the moneys due the guild from this delinquent.
Issa adds to Aria's blunt words And as I hope that our group will make a deal, I you need our help to deal with matters needing a strong hand don't hesitate to ask.
It could be part of our future arrangement. We have ressources at our disposal that could help.
With his careful words Issa hopes that the woman will open to them.
"Oh, of course. I'm sorry. As you'll note those figures would show a higher percent increase then we'd stated." She picks up the stack of papers again, rifling through them and pulling out several more. "These are the losses we suffered during those same years. Bandits, mold, and one shipment lost at sea for unknown reasons. Fortunately it wasn't our own ship, or the loss would have been greater."
Given the additional data, the numbers line up with the stated returns over the past five years.
Janay's frustration seems to increase.
Aria looks over the documents, but stands back so Aerin can examine them more closely, or anyone else who is more experienced in trade matters than herself.
Issa tries to pass to his comrade Janay's state of mind.
"Thank you for the information Janay." Aerin says. "We will be in touch with you again."
"Do not delay to long in your decision. It will take time to integrate any influx of funds into the market."
Janay escorts the group back to the front and sits down at her desk again.
Aria bows her head as she bids her farewell to Janay and any other servants nearby (though she does not truly acknowledge them as is more in fitting with the noblewoman she is pretending to be.)
Aria and Skyfire begin searching for The Storms Blessing as a hopefully more reputable establishment than the inn on the cliff.
Mardoni stands up from the table and nods politely to Janay and her servants. He follows Aria out of the room. Whispering as they leave "What the hell was that all about?"
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Finding The Storms Blessing takes little time. The place is clearly up upper class, the patrons in fine clothing, many with personal guards and attendants. And unlike the typical tavern or inn where a single bouncer or two with a cudgel are the only guard, The Storms Blessing has four well armed and armored guards by the front doors alone, and two more plainly visible near the back.
The patrons are a mix of humans, dwarves, ifrit, tieflings, and gnomes. The common room is relatively quiet, no drunken outbursts, unruly patrons groping at serving maids, or raucous laughter. A stark contrast to the rest of the Hold itself.
Several patrons smoke pipes, but rather than filling the room with a haze of smoke, a slight draft upwards pulls the smoke and smell upwards into a vent hole cut into the ceiling.
The place is lit by lamps all around the walls, but the light is constant and steady, giving off no smoke like a torch or lantern would. Shades over the light sources make it impossible to tell the exact nature of the light though.
There are several doors along the back wall, occasionally being opened by a servant standing near them to admit patrons in or out of hallways extending from each, leading no doubt to sleeping chambers and other rooms for more private use.
As the group enters a woman with tatoos on her face, her eyes slightly aglow with magic, looks over the group intently. After a moment she smiles, "Welcome to The Storms Blessing. Are you in need of food and drink, rooms, some privacy, or some combination of those?"
Cindy keeps her disguise up and casts Detect Magic before entering the establishment. Once inside she studies the place trying to discern the different magics in the room.
Aria considers the woman's proposition. "Perhaps a combination would be best. Do you have a suite suitable for several traveling companions? Some place with quiet and privacy?"
Skyfire seems curious about the woman's tattoos and spreads his colorful wings to glide over to her.... Aria makes a small growling sound in her throat and the colorful lizard curls up around her neck again.
Solian will scan the room looking for people he needs to see.
"That is a beautiful creature." the woman says genuinely of Skyfire.
"Very well. Take the door on the left." she hands Aria an thin block of wood with a room number etched into it, giving a slight bow.
You spot a young man sitting at one of the common room tables looking over the group with curiosity. A greatsword and longbow rest next to the table he is eating at. His features are fair. Across from him is a shorter man with a dull looking face, eyes somewhat droopy.
You recognize the two. The first is Aurelion di Alkanov, son of the merchant Anton. And the other, Tunny, one of the mages lackeys - a rather obnoxious man if you recall correctly.
"That is very kind of you to say. To be honest, he finds you beautiful as well." Skyfire perks up its head and makes a trilling sound.
She accepts the block of wood and moves to find the room the lady had lent them. She allows Cindy to go ahead of them with her magical sight.
Solian looks them over quickly
to see if he can figure anything about the pair
With detect magic up, you feel almost overwhelmed by the number of magical auras in the room. There probably isn't a soul in the room that doesn't have magic of some kind on them.
The clothing of the two does not fit in very well with many of the other guests. A little more course, and shows signs of travel and wear.
Despite the dull look on the face of the smaller man, his eyes dart everywhere, as if trying to take in every movement about the room.
The servant by the back door on the left takes a quick glance at the block of wood Aria is holding, then opens the door. "Third on the left."
Another servant just outside the third door on the queries what each might like to eat or drink as the move into the room. He then closes the door behind the last, leaving the group to their privacy. A comfortable room with a table in the middle, surrounded by cushioned benches is in the middle of the room.
Two more doors on the opposite wall you entered lead to short hallways and small bedrooms. Like the common room all are lit by covered light sources.
Solian approaches and in a low tone tells the group
"A young man with fair features, armed with A greatsword and longbow is sitting at a table. Across from him is a shorter man with a dull looking face, eyes somewhat droopy. They seemed to have been paying us alot of attention."
Cindy will look into the new room checking it with senses magical and mundane before allowing the others past. She will enter last and close the door. When Solian make his report she confirms The first is Aurelion di Alkanov, son of the merchant Anton. And the other goes by Tunny. He is one of the mages lackeys. She says the latter name with obvious dislike.
After her report she reopens the door, steps out, closes the door again and leans upon it in typical guard position. From that place she continues to survey the room, checking out magical auras, starting first with Aurelion and Tunny.
Aria also lets Skyfire search the room, in places high and low where only tiny creatures can fit.
"The mages." She sighs. "I thought we had left them far behind, but I suppose we'll continue to find them everywhere."
She places her pack down and begins reaching for her spellbook and flips through it a few times. "And I only have combat spells in here. I don't suppose you have anything that will help us with some more privacy?"
Jezebel climbs out of Mardoni's jacket to help search the room.
Mardoni moves around the room, searching for anything out of the ordinary.
Solian also searches the room.
A careful search of the room by multiple people reveals nothing amiss. The doors and walls are sturdy, blocking sound from surrounding areas, preventing overhearing or spying without magical means.
In a short while there is a knock on the door, the servant stands there with a trolley of food and drinks as ordered.
Back out in the common room you look over Aurelion and Tunny carefully. His greatsword has a moderate aura of enchantment.
His cloak a moderate abjuration.
His gloves are faint abjuration.
A bag at his waist also gives off 4 auras of conjuration. Unable to see the contents though you cannot determine the exact nature of the magic.
Tunny has a pair of magical shortswords.
Two rings, one with a faint conjuration, the other with a faint abjuration, though you are unable to identify either.
His studded leather is a faint abjuration.
And he wears a belt of moderate transmutation.
After Solian's warning and Cindy explanations, Issa is more on guard than before. When the servant stands in front of them, Issa tries to see if the servant seems "strange" in his action.
Cindy shifts her gaze away from the two that were her focus and looks about for the strongest sources of magic. After the food is delivered and the servant departs Cindy will go back in with the others.
You don't notice anything wrong or off about the servant. He seems genuinely intent on making your time at The Storms Blessing a pleasant experience.
The is one strong enchantment in the room of a transmutation aura. It is from the shirt worn by a female patron. You are unable to determine the nature of the magic. She also wares several pieces of fine looking jewelry, though none of them emanate magic.
As you continue to scan the crowds, a tiefling woman walks slowly by, heading towards the bar. As she passes she says softly, "Are you looking for someone?"