The man raised an eyebrow. "There is a difference between a warzone and some danger, sir. I think you'll find no mining company here in Khatapesh will be willing to work in a warzone, for two reasons - they will fail due to raids and the loss of equipment and personnel will negate any profit found, even with the finest security. A mine is a risky place even with the finest security. Only a fool increases those risks, and the costs that come with them."
Pausing, he added, "As for location, we understand a need for caution, but for an accurate idea of cost we will need a general idea of what we are getting in to or an extremely agreeable expenses arrangement. It could cost thousands of gold to move the materials needed to mine to an island in the Shackles, for example. We would not be willing to take the risk of insolvency for your security. So, an answer to the following should be sufficient - a general distance from the city, a general idea of the geography and geology, loose conditions of the site as it stands currently and distance to supplies. As well as the material expected to be mined - there is a difference to the mining of gems to metals to stones, and different techniques and equipment required for each."
Scribbling a note, he added, "And a survey of the site should be possible in the short term. We have a spell caster on staff who is capable of using the teleport spell. We usually have them use it for emergencies such as cave-ins in less stable areas or if something is needed in true haste. Obviously, the issue of your need for secrecy can be covered with a contract for secrecy."
Saiga did not miss a beat.
"Well reasonable and all but do tell. What makes you better than any other mining company or at least worthy of being considered more?"
His list had two more and he rather not run around more than needed. Best to get to the heart of the matter.
"Two reasons come to mind," the man replied simply. "First, we're not bound by tradition. When new methods, new materials and new equipment comes along we don't hesitate because we've always done it another way. We test the new method out, and if it works better, we use it. Second, that doesn't mean we ignore experience and tradition. While some of our competitors have more experience - it is hard to argue with, say, a Dwarf clan in terms of such - most of our senior engineers spent a good portion of there adult life working for others before forming or joining this company. In short, we've learned from other people's mistakes."
"Well you admitted your expertise is not as great as others. A lack of weaknesses does not make one strong per se. That aside could you figure an estimate for a location within Katapesh territory or do you need a little more? I have a contract meeting tonight with multiple parties, I rather not waste my time if your rates are too rich for my blood. I am sure you would not wish to waste your time either."
"Katapesh is reasonably simple, for the most part. A more exact area would narrow it down. The areas near the mountains, for example, tend to consist of the harder, volcanic stones whereas the planes are softer, sandstone and limestone with occasional patches of harder stuff." The man considered for a moment. "I can't give an exact quote, but working in the territies of Katapesh is what we're used to. Barring a need for special equipment, travel costs or unusually dangerous terrain my estimate would be about 120gp a month. That would break down to a team of 20 or so skilled engineers, another 80 or so unskilled labourers, equipment and supplies needed. If we need very specialised equipment or skills that might add to the cost a bit more, as we'd either have to hire new staff or get someone trained, and rent or buy the equipment."
He thought for a moment before speaking.
"Well what if I said the area would be Stonespine island and I would be covering the unskilled labor. What adjustments would be made to your estimates?"
Considering for a moment as he leaned back, the man replied, "Probably about 110gp. The area isn't well documented in terms of geology, but what we do know is fairly simple to work with. We'll need to transport some additional equipment, as lumber isn't available there, but that's a common enough problem. And of course the slavers are a concern, but I would assume you have or are securing protection for both the site and transport. Thankfully I hear there's a port being rebuilt on the North side of the island. Going through Okeno would be...unwise."
"Only a 10 gp difference. Isn't that too little. You will be gaining new information in the process of your duties, which would be exclusive increasing it's already high value in your trade. I think you can do better, less I take my offer to someone else. Then you may find yourself no longer being at the forefront of new methods as it were."
"The offset in the cost of workers is somewhat negated by the increased costs of transport to an island. Hiring ships to move supplies and people will cost coin, alas. Unless you also have access to merchantmen? If a ship with a 50 ton or so cargo space was able to make monthly runs, that would reduce costs significantly."
"A ship can be arranged, it's not like we will be the only ones on the island. How does that figure into the numbers now?"
"With a ship to move supplies I believe we could do around 80gp."