Khatapesh was as it always was - hot, dusty with the sands from the deserts, filled with noise as thousands of people went about there business under the watchful gaze of the Patcmasters and their representatives.
It was filled with potential unlike every other city in the world - the potential for an almost limitless profit or an almost limitless fall. The game was knowing when enough was enough and the ledge was too thin for your talents to navigate. And to make sure the ledge crumbled under the opposition while remaining firm beneath you.
Khatapesh was, therefore, the perfect place to find the equipment, manpower and expertise needed to bring the Mithral mines near Khalharum back into service, and to securing the valuable mines themselves. They were distant enough from Khalharum that it was going to be a significant challenge.
But Mithral was one of the most valuable materials known, and there were likely other things in those mines. The risk was high but the potential was higher still.
They had docked, given the customary bribe to the dockmaster atop the regular fee to ensure the ship was safe and secure by the authority of the Pactmasters. The heat and bustling of Katapesh did not bother him as much as others. Being a disguised kobold and even then of a smaller size then most creatures of the trade city gave natural advantages. Throw in his invisible and currently regular sized companion, he felt relatively secure moving about. Not that he didn't hire a few local mercenaries as an escort for show if nothing else. Appearance was as important as substance in business.
A few things were needed for the mine. Security, that city was woefully lacking that even if it seems steps were slowly being taken. Skilled craftsmen to work and refine what was taken from the mine, that was where the real profit was. As well as the proper labor to extract the material from the mine to begin with. All three main aspects needed to be taken care of properly to maximize profit and product. Too many lesser merchants let their greed blind them for short term gains, he was not one of them.
For now, he needed to make his way to the Immaculate Repository to register the claim with the Abadaran there. While he was at it he would renew his business license and make arrangements to have someone ready to draw up contracts. He would be sure to get everything in writing, promises in business were not enough if it could be helped.
The massive building of the Immaculate Repository is, as always, highly visible and easy to locate near the Dawn Gate of Khatapesh. Day and night the massive number of market stalls and tents granted the supreme right to trade in the temple's sacred grounds did business as a religious right, and each bore the key of the Master of the First Vault.
Getting to the temple itself takes a little time, simply due to the crowd around it, but entering the main hall isn't hard. There is limited security - few would be stupid enough to try and doing anything damaging to this place, in the city of Merchants - and allowed Saiga to go around his business with ease, depending on which he wished to pursue first.
Busy as always it seems. He sighed at the thought of when such a sight would be for his businesses and profits. Pushing the thought aside he made his way to one of the priests of the temple. Hopefully, he would not need to wait long for their attention. He suspected there would be a line.
Thinking again of what he needed to, he went over the order in his mind. After he got the license taken care of, he would speak of their contractual services and inquire as to any referral they may have for what he sought. Anyone the Abadaran recommended would have the trust of the church, giving them an endorsement meant that they would suffer the churches wrath should they abuse it. A measure of protection. No doubt that would oblige him to make a donation to the church, but it would be a small investment in exchange for reliability and quality.
Thankfully the line, while ever-present and possibly holy, was short enough that it wasn't too big an issue. Renewal of a merchant's licence wasn't too difficult, carrying a simple fee to have the documents re-sealed and the examination of your scale set so it could be magically bound against 'creative' measurements.
The line to inquire about contractual services was shorter still. A senior clerk sat behind the deeply varnished desk of darkwood - clearly imported - and smiled as Saiga approached. "We welcome all who seek the blessing of the First Vault, and honour there wisdom. Which blessing do you seek, sir?"
"I seek to register a claim for a mine, a record of which to be held by the church. As well as contract scribing services and any recommendations the church may have for seeking out reputable services in security, skilled craftsmen, and labor."
Saiga slops a few gold coins across the desk and into the tithe box.
"An offering to the master of the first vault in respect and hope of blessing my venture."
He was not one to pass up getting on Abadar's good side or that of his servants. Anyways it never hurt to stack the deck in your favor every chance you could get. The world was a fickle place, more so for merchants.
The clerk nodded and smiled. "Certainly. I will get the forms to register such a claim now. Would you also wish to discuss investment from the church to fund such a venture, as well as recommendations?"
The wheels in his mind whirled with the benefits and obligations of such potential but he was not one to get ahead of himself.
"Such an arrangement between the church and my associates would need to be discussed and so I will bring forth the proposal when next we meet. While Abadar would no doubt be welcome, a proper place must be made for him, I am sure you understand. As such I will settle for the recommendations and be sure the church receives it's due for the aid it has provided as is only right."
Another item for the list. When he got back he would need to find out about the faith system and such they were planning. Bring the Abadaran priest to a budding city where they could set up a temple would be a boon for all, not to mention he could cut a deal with the church for financial support. Good business for him and a holy calling for them. Nethys had his soul but Abadar called to his heart at times.
"Of course. A suitable sample and date from operations would reduce the need for security and the interest such a loan would incure." The clerk provided the forms to register the claim, making sure to point out that as Stonespine was technically part of Khatapesh a tithe of five percent would need to be sent to the Pactmasters.
Once the papers were signed and a claim established, the Clerk added a second short list of names. "For deep mining work we recomend the Drawf clan of Embersworn, the Grandia Engineering Company or the Lanika siblings. For bulk labour there is of course the slave markets, or buying indentured servants. There are also the hiring halls of the Jamia and Venture groups. Finally, there are several mercernary groups currently available. Those of good repute can be found in the Wandering Suns tavern, generally."
Saiga nods in thanks before again adding to the tithe box.
"Thank you for all your assistance. I will return when I am in need of your services."
He had picked up some interesting information from the church. As far as they were concerned Katapesh claimed the island their city was on and by extension the city. That could be helpful in the right situation. As for that five percent, he would place that in a reserve. If the Pactmasters wanted their due, they would ask for it when they didn't get it. But he certainly was not going to offer it one-sidedly. Certain obligations came along with dues, if the Pactmasters wanted it then they would meet them.
With the information of prospective employee's in hand. He headed for the Wandering Suns tavern. He needed to find good guards to protect his workers and the mine from monsters and rivals alike. One could hardly expect to do their best work in fear for their life. Also, the cargo needed protection from thieves. You can't make a good profit without a product.
The Wandering Suns is a rambling contruct of whitewashed walls with tile roofs. Large parts of the building are open with thin mesh to stop the sand, allowing the inside to cool. If this was another building, it might be dangerous. This one is literally crawling with armed warriors. It was almost impossible to look somewhere that didn't contain a figure covered in armour and weapons. The ones that weren't looked more dangerous.
There seemed to be four groups. One set seemed to be more heavily armed and armoured, dressed in green heavy armour. A portion of there number had the holy symbol of Gorum on open display, and might be divine casters of some sort.
The second group were wearing lighter armour, or none at all, and midnight blue colours. Snatches of conversation and there weapons suggested they were a Cavalry group of some kind.
The third group seemed to be something more akin to a massively oversized adventuring party rather than normal mercs, with only a crimson feather somewhere on there person to the mark them as a single unit.
The final group were the bars bouncers, what might well have been a small tribe with giant blood, men and women who carried truly impressive looking clubs and scrowls. The fact that the full common room was behaving itself said they were not to be messed with.
Among the various groups are a smattering of people, smaller units or individuals looking to hire on or to hire a group, kids who think it was impressive to stand near so much controlled violence and a small army of pretty servers, who who were allowed to go about there buisness with no attempts at pinches or smacks.
Saiga walked in and he was sure his current halfling form was neither impressive or notable to these people. Which was just fine as his little eyes scanned them in moments, measuring their worth for the task needed.
Too slow, heavy, and divided loyalties among their number between a god's will and their contract. Cavalry would be very dependant on their mounts as to their usefulness and the upkeep of the best would add to the expense. Promising with the wealth of different talents and abilities along with an ability to work together in both large and small groups. While the last was worthy of consideration as well, brute strength was never to be dismissed especially when it was coupled with discipline.
In short, he would need more than a once over. Initial impressions did not tell the whole story and he would be lax in his business to stop there. He made his way to the bar for a drink, information, and maybe a snack. He hopped on to a chair and gave a light single knock on the counter to get the server's attention. When they arrive he speaks.
"Greetings, I'll have a pesh brandy and a little cold fruit if you have it. Also, do you know who is in charge of those four fine groups and if they're looking for work?"
He slides a gold scarab to the server as payment and a healthy tip. Trying to judge the server's impression of those groups as well, to get a third party's view.
The barman - a stock veteran by the look of him - raised an eyebrow as he began to fetch the order. "Well, the Gorum Worshipers are the Strength of Iron, commanded by Crow Irontouched. He's the biggest one on that table in the corner. The cavalry, the Halani, are led by Opi Wandshard,the Halfling chatting up the server over there. The irregulars are the Red Company. Not entirely sure they have a leader, but the one who does most of the organizing is Riktor Van Mander, the man by the door with purple eyes."
As an afterthought, he added as he passed over the drink and food, "And if you mean the bar watchers, then the head of the family is Emerik Albaras." He nodded to a hulking man whose head was near the ceiling, watching passively. "That'll be 7 silvers."
"Keep the change, my friend."
Leaving the scarab. He hops off the chair with his snack in hand while he heads over to Riktor, starting off with the best suited in his mind. Slowly approaching him he gives a nod of respect before speaking.
"Riktor Van Mander of the Red Company?"
Purple eyes - which glowed with an Eldritch light - turned and focused on Saiga. The man was lanky, holding a staff with the symbol of the All Seeing Eye dangling on achain from the central gem. His clothing of robes and light leather armour was dyed in blues and purples. "So I am. I can speak for my fellows in most things. And who would you be?" His eyes narrowed as he looked over Saiga again, as though searching for something.
"I am Saiga Manu. A potential employer if we are the right fit and your group is interested of course. I would like to know more about the Red Company and its abilities in greater detail. The potential job is a long term contract for security services at a location, cargo escorting, and personnel protection."
He takes a sip of his brandy seemingly without a care. Riktor wasn't going to find anything no matter how much he squinted at him.
The man grunted slightly. "Potentially interesting. My people are irregulars - groups of ten people with varying abilities. We often go journeys, quests and the like. Those of us who do not would be the ones guarding your location and cargo. At least 100 on guard at all times. The exact capacities would vary, but generally each group would be able to deal with magic both arcane and divine as well as the physical."
"Interesting, I would ask for some time to consider and thank you for yours."
He gives a little bow and takes his leave unless Riktor has questions of his own. He liked to consider all his options but he was not surprised with the Red Company, that worked in their favor. He makes his way to the giant man called Emerik.
"Greetings, are you Emerik Albaras?"
If the man confirms he gives a nod of respect before introducing himself.
"I am Saiga Manu and was interested to know more about you and your family concerning some security work if your interested."
The huge man in an older mark of plate, lightened somewhat due to the environment of Khatapesh, looks down for a moment consideringly. "Contract here is rolling, so it's possible." He considered. "Extended family. Some of us work here, others elsewhere. Giantblooded for the most part. Can deal with fighters, casters, monsters. No problem. Most of us can fight, a few spellcasters of Bergelmir." You get the feeling his clipped manner of speaking is simply that he doesn't talk much,
He wasn't fond of lacking arcane power but the sort of loyalty and familiarity of working with kin had its own advantages.
"I see, would you have an idea of the total number of fight worthy kin you have to call upon?"
"138." He paused for a moment. "Very extended family."
He was thinking very quickly. The other two groups didn't offer the right abilities for the job. While he would have preferred to speak with them, he didn't want to waste time or give the others thoughts of declining his offer. It's not as if they wouldn't be watching him now that he had approached them. He made his choice quickly and let Nethys decide he supposed.
"Well Mr. Albaras how do you feel about sharing an extended contract to supply security services and the odd hand for a mining operation on a near by island?"
He had a sneaking suspicion that if problems were to be had it was going to be with the Red Company, so he extended the offer to the Albaras family first. Having a solid leader meant an easier time setting up an agreement. Such was the strength and weakness of flexibility of a group of largely independents like the Red Company.
The man considered for a moment. "Possibly. What kind of payment would you be paying? Coin up front or a percentage of the mine?"
"It would be salary based, so coin. I am in the process of getting the people needed to set up and run the mine. So unless your interested in working for free until the mine starts creating a profit. I think my suggestion would be preferable."
He was not going to give a percentage to any employee. Even a regular mine would be very valuable depending on the output and refinement of the product. But a mythril mine was even better then a few gold mines, the raw ore alone was a fortune much less refined.
"Standard fee would be 3 silver pices per person per day, more if housing and food are not included." The massive man looked mildly intrigued.
Saiga keeps the smile from spreading on his false halfling lips. He had stepped into his battlefield.
"Well this will not be a standard assignment and I think you would gain benefits that you may not get in other places. So why not cut your rate in half. In exchange you will not just be provided with housing and food but an option to renegotiate your contract after a year of the mines open operation. As well as a fair share claim to anything recovered in the course of your duties."
The giant kin had already shown enough wisdom in seeking a percentage of the mine, so he knew the value of benefits beyond simple coin. Should those benefits serve him as much as Emerik did not change their value. He had more in mind for these would be guards to the benefit of all, not just himself of course.
Albaras looked...iffy, but interested at the offer. "Would need more details before we could agree to that. Level of danger would be a risk, location, current and planned facilities."
"Well that can be arranged provided you sign a contract to keep all information given secret, enforced by the church of Abadar. You understand I can't go around giving that sort of information to just anyone."
The man nodded. "Secrets are expensive. You need to protect yours. We'll sign a contract to keep all contract negotiations a secret."
Saiga softly clapped his hands together.
"Well if you are willing to meet me later tonight at the church of Abadar we can iron out the details in full."
Should the big man agree he thanks him and excuses himself. Heading over to Riktor Van Mander.
"I have had some time to think and find myself interested, good Riktor. May I hear your terms and offer?"
The purple eyed man looked inquistive. "Well, that'll depend on the job details. Typically six-month minimum contract, the first month paid up front, at an average of 3 gold per team per day. The usual higher rate if supplies are not provided."
He seems to be honest, although something about you is making him curious.
Saiga seems to think it over before replying.
"How about you cut that in half, in exchange for a year minimum contract. The option to renegotiate after a year of operation and fair share claim of anything recovered in the course of your duties."
He put a little extra charm into his pitch with this one. Nothing against giantkin but he figured this one would be harder to deal with.
The man laughed slightly. "A nice idea. But 15 silver pieces a day for a ten man team is insanity, especially for my people. 2.3gp a day, and a 9-month contract. I would prefer to renegotiate sooner rather than later."
This time Saiga smiles openly.
"I'll settle on the salary in exchange for that fixed rate for two years instead of nine months."
Adventurers should really not try to play merchant. At least not with him.
"No, we cannot be locked into a contract that might be a loss for so long. Otherwise you will end up paying for me alone. But we might accept 2.1gp in return for a single year."
"Yet you want me to pay for something I have not seen in action." He shoots back before continuing.
"I'll settle to your terms but no fair share claims. How's that sound?"
The man grinned. "Give us a simple task, if you wish, as a test. Then you can know what you're renting and we can get a decent rate. But your terms are almost acceptable. How about a clause that each injury among my people will bring negotiations forward by one week, and any deaths by one month."
Saiga gave him a look one gives a scam artist that isn't going to fool you.
"Oh you wouldn't like me to test you. As for the clause, well injury and death in the course of your duties, it can be placed in the contract. We can meet later tonight at the church of Abadar to draw up the papers and seal the deal. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Van Mander smiled a little and extended his hand.
Saiga shook his hand and finished off his drink.
"See you later tonight. Much more work to do before then."
Unless he is needed for something else or another detail had to be ironed out at the moment he bid farewell and left.
Now he needed to track down some skilled craftsmen. Remembering that he had been recommended the dwarf clan of Embersworn, the Grandia Engineering Company, and the Lanika siblings. He chooses to head towards the nearest one while reminding himself what he knew of them.
The Grandia Engineering Company was the closest, located in an old warehouse near one of the entrances to Katapesh.
Saiga makes his way there with his escorts in tow.
The building itself is a large warehouse, but had several extensive modifications to make it more suitable to the building company. Large, neat stacks of materials and equipment can be vaguely seen behind the building, in a large yard surrounded by a high wall. There is a light bustle of workers moving around the area.
Saiga saw some potential but he would reserve judgment for when he considered hiring them. He walked up to the entrance and asked a nearby worker where their boss was or who to talk to for potential business.
The worker looked at Saiga, and his escort, and led the 'Halfling' to a an office made up one the second floor of the warehouse, which contained a number of rooms on a second level balcony. Inside the room was a humanoid, although this one seemed a little...off. They spoke to there worker before nodding and gesturing to a seat before the desk and a cough for Saiga's escorts. "I'm Master Fortaine, the sales manager. You wish to inquire regarding a project?" He took a seat behind the small desk and pulled out a pad of paper and a quill.
If you had to guess, you'd assume the man was Geniekin of some kind. Which one was more difficult to tell - his extraplanar blood didn't seem especially strong.
"Well master fortaine I am starting up a mine and am looking for proper personnel. As such I am looking for those with the right expertise. Interested?"
Saiga wasn't able to narrow it down much, but the person didn't seem related to the plane of Air or Water.
"That will depend on the situation, of course. We wouldn't be inclined to mine through a warzone for any sum even if it was the richest vein of gold ever found." He smiled thinly. "A location, a set of samples from the mine, and the current state should be enough to start."
Saiga shook his head.
"It seems we can not do business. While I have already arranged for security concerns. If you are in Katapesh and seeking mining work without danger then you will not last long. Also, I can not give you the location as that is part of my security measures, while sampling and its state are part of the reason I am seeking to hire a company such as yours."
Such a disappointment, it was a good thing he had other options. Either they did not know their work or they were trying to steal the claim out from under him. Regardless Katapesh was no place for cowards, one needed a healthy bit of greed to stay invested. So long as it was not to much greed mind you.