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'I wonder what we're all going to do about dinner; all this adventuring is making me a bit hungry. OH YES, some game hen sounds exceptional. What was that noise? Is it going to rain?'
Burngar, who at this point was more interested in watching the town, the Gnome, and the approaching temple of Abadar, stops abruptly and turns to Blanchbeak. He wipes away a little Tengu spittle from the side of his face and pulls himself up to his full 127 cm; he doesn't glare at the Tengu so much as he simply peers at him with more purpose than normal.
"Ha! Birds have feathers, you have feathers. Birds lay eggs, and while I've not watched, I hear Tengu lay eggs. Well maybe not you don't, but that's not the point. You know what they say - if it looks like a duck, and walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck! Ha! There's not insult in pointing it out! Embrace your birdness! Ha! And you're right, Dwarves are made of stone, it's a sign of good breeding! See, you're getting it! Ha!"
He punches the shoulder of Clandelve as if to emphasize the solidity of Dwarves.
After hearing Wizzy's commentary he adds in, "Ha! If you don't want to do your job as a Pathfinder, that's okay too. We're not all cut out of Pathfinder cloth. Some people need to," he seems to be searching for the words, "do whatever people that don't Pathfind do! Ha!"
Completely ignoring any rebuttal he turns to Wizzy, gives an enormous toothy smile, and states more with a sense of 'this is what is happening' than 'may I', "Ha! I love buttering people up and making friends. I'll come with!"
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"I must be Pharasma's most optimistic follower, to still be surprised at the complete lack of morality among most Pathfinders. I suspect you would find yourselves more at home in the Aspis Consortium, but in the end it is Pharasma's judgment you must face, not mine."
Blanchbeak stares pointedly at Burngar and Fandral, then shoves both hands in his pockets and turns his back on them, "Of course, it is my sword you will be needing to help you delay your meeting with Pharasma."
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Fandral walks up to the Tengu, and places an arm around him and pulls him close. "Dear friend, I have already been pulled from Pharasma's grasp once. I do not fear meeting her a second time. And I am glad to have another blade on my side, and appreciate it being from a sort of people who are known for their swordsmanship."
As you enter the compound, you ask to speak with Brissa
Klygvauther the ranking high priestess of the Church of Abadar in Chesed.
Finding Brissa is easy, for she immerses herself in the
most worshipful act she can perform in her god’s name:
business. She moves through the crowded courtyard
brokering deals and accepting alms.
The high priestess
is clad is fine fabrics and wears a massive golden key—the
symbol of her office—on a silver chain around her neck.
One of the acolytes approaches you.
What name(s) shall I announce to her holiness?
Assuming you give a name, the acolyte will guide you through the crowd
Your eminence, travelers from beyond our city bounds wish to greet you.
Brissa turns to you and extends a polite but
curt greeting. Ah yes, welcome to our fair city. I hope your business dealings here are profitable. Visit again soon. Thank you
She looks ready to turn away to the next guests...
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We've been sent by a dwarf merchant who has high opinion of you care about darf population. And that's something we respect, specially our two friends says pointing to the dwarfs. As my friend said we want to talk a little more time with you, and if you care about dwarfs surely you'll be interested in what we have to say
Your plea recaptures her attention.
Yes, I am always amenable to a business proposal. Please continue. And include the cost benefit and what you hope to gain.
Highpriestess Brissa’s awaits further proposals (diplomacy) to present your case for a letter of introduction or other business ventures.
Chesed presents a wealth of economic opportunities,
and an audience with Brissa Klygvauther is a perfect
opportunity to discuss far-reaching business prospects
more fitting for someone of YOUR level.
Earning Brissa’s approval through a business proposal is
important for the factionx
You also have the ear of
Chesed’s highest spiritual authority, and they can use
this opportunity to address the injustice of predatory
merchants overcharging crusaders bound for Mendev.
Provide good reasons why she should favor the crusaders’ welfare
over the interests of the business community.
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"To be quite honest, the reason we need to get an introduction to Ingret is that she knows how to get something that we are after. If you grant us this letter, we can make sure that you and your holiest church of Abadar is the main reason we succeeded. Which can only make you look better and possibly aggravate the other factions that calls this city home."
Fandral shows a wicked grin, "And helping us with this, could also open up to even greater ties with certain factions as well. We would love to have business partners in Chesed and you would make an excellent business partner for the Exchange"
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Wizzy smiles and gives a bow to the priestess.. "Thank you for taking a minute! My name is Floggentop Wizzbottle III and we are here seeking your assistance. We come from the Grand Lodge in Absalom and seek an audience with a one Ingret Jor. We heard you could perhaps put in a good word for us and on behalf of the Society I would like to extend an offer of a future favor if you could assist us in this matter."
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Burngar walks up to Wizzy and claps a hand on his shoulder.
Ha! Many welcomes from the Dwarves to the High Priestess of Abadar as well! I am here for what my little friend said! Ha!
Burngar hears his colleagues talk and he follows suit. "Ha! Do not think us all here to make coin though! Although I suppose your coin is why I am here! Ha! I saw some of the prices your merchants charge on the way in! It is a wonder that any crusader chooses to stop in this town, highway robbery it is! Ha! Perhaps you would be willing to do a favor for the Silver Crusade as well? Ha! We would be happy to spread the word on the hospitality and deals Chesed has to offer, bringing in people from far and wide; we could also suggest the Crusaders place their own gold in your very bank! In exchange, perhaps, as a pillar of this community, you could talk to the merchants about lowering their prices?! Ha!"
Talking a slightly more somber tone without his usual boisterous appeal, "I'm afraid if we lose in the Worldwound, there may not be any civilization and trading left."
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Highpriestess Brissa considers the proposals carefully before responding.
While I would not precisely call Ingret a
friend, we have met in community councils
and agree on most political issues.
Brissa smiles and continues.
For our mutual benefit, based upon your proposal, I would be amenable to writing a letter of introduction to Ingret, waiving the customary tithe or donation.
Once you earn Brissa’s personal recommendation,
she retires to her office and returns shortly thereafter
with a letter of introduction sealed in wax for you
to give to Ingret Jor.
Brissa addresses Fandral's proposal.
Master Fandral an approval through your business proposal is
probably important for your faction. I would know a bit more about you...like where you have come from, your business
philosophy, and what you think of Chesed’s policies.
Are you in in favor of maintaining the harsh economic
regulations that enable merchants to extract every last
copper from the crusaders, or believe in
removing the restrictions to make trade fairer at the
cost of profit?
She listens closely to the Fandral's responses.
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"Me, I sow no roots my friend, for I am Varisian and have no true home. I took to the ocean going port to port looking for trades and booking space aboard my ship for other merchants. I used to trade in livestock until I came in contact with Qadira...I mean the Exchange" He pauses for a moment then continues after his mishap."Well after that I have been delivering things on their behalf and a few missions for other factions and guilds where ever I can turn a profit."
Fandral runs his hand over his stubble and thinks over the questions of business philosophy.
"See I am new to actually running a business. But I believe the more restrictions you have on trade, the less trading there will be. No one wants to do business with anyone when there is a mile of red tape and bureaucracy to navigate through. If it cost a few coin to bring goods to everyone I am on board, I believe the scales will level out in the end."
She also replies to Burngar.
You provide good reasons why I should favor the crusaders’ welfare
over the interests of the business community. In truth,
I already desire to revise some of these policies and
simply lack the political support. However, support by your faction encourage me to renew my efforts and put an end to the practice.
Business is pressing. I appreciate the exchange of ideas and ventures. May the Keeper of the First Vault, smile upon your transactions within the city.
The Abadar High Priestess excuses herself after concluding business. You are escorted out a side entrance of the Cathedral to avoid the crowds and find yourself back in the city.
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I know very few things about comerce from the days I was scorting caravans, but one thing I learned is overinflating prices doesn't help you in the long run.
Yes, people are going to buy you as they have no other option, but after that what? You'll have a well deserved fame of being a scammer and people will avoid you as soon as they can. Or at least that's what happenened to a merchant I worked for. At the end of our trip he lost so much money that he coudn`t pay me.
Avoid that fate and, at the same time improve your reputation among the crusaders and the people they help, surely it'll pay off in the long run.
Well, we havee done all we could with the High Priestess. Now we should go to the Chymist’s Ward.
You decide to head for the Chymist’s Ward in search of Vel's shop.
You manage to cross the bridge to the eastern side of town, and asking a few questions, are able to obtain directions to the shop.
The Chymist’s Ward distinguishes itself as an entirely
separate district from the rest of Chesed. The alchemists,
apothecaries, and tinkerers who go about their daily
routine there would have others believe it’s because it
takes a certain sophistication or genius to fit in with
their community.
Upon entering the shop, you spy a gnome, undoubtedly Vel, is comparing the clarity of
two different tinctures behind the counter of his shop.
As he notices you, he immediately stops and calls out.
Welcome travelers and adventurers. You obviously are in need of top of the line alchemical supplies
and as your luck would have it, I, Vel, am just the person too fulfill your every need.
He continues without so much as a breath.
[b]You must try my latest miracle cure to all aches, pains, troubles, and worries.
It is developed from a unique polymer and plasma blend known only to me...
and the price is very affordable considering all it does!
He continues on in this fashion until interrupted or until he
runs out of breath, whichever comes first.
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"I see. Well, if you all can't be bothered to share information with your fellow Pathfinder, then I'll just have to put up with all of your sinful behavior so that I can keep an eye on you."
Blanchbeak follows Wizzy into the shop, "Of course, any friendship that's for sale is next to worthless, so the price had better be cheap."
Vel stops long enough to listen to Wizzy.
He stops his sales pitch and chemistry lesson and closes the door and shuts the shutters.
So you are not here on official business of the Technic League, then?
He studies your group. Then goes to his cabinet.
Vel asks I need you to deliver this vial filled with ochre liquid to Ingret “to treat her gout.” he says the last with a wink.
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Burngar smiles, "Ha! Yes, gout! Us Dwarves get the problem more often than we'd care to admit! Ha!" Burngar winks knowingly in response. I wonder how bad her gout is, my ma had it pretty bad.
He looks to Wizzy, "Do we need anything else here?"
Vel reopens his shop and ushers you towards the door.
Good luck with your friend and remember to make the delivery as I instructed.
****
You leave the shop and head back towards the Fleshward.
The light breeze blowing down from the Lake of Mists and Veils is barely enough to keep the air breathable in the Fleshward. The stink of so many bodies in packed living conditions combined with the poor drainage making for a pungent stew. While market stalls and storefronts still crowd the streets here as in the rest of the city, the clientele are of a noticeably rougher cut. Small scuffles sometimes create small pockets in the press of bodies, which the locals rarely pay a second glance—as if these altercations were part of everyday haggling.
This looks like it may turn violent quickly without intervention...