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"For many years, yes." Graves replies to Vayde's guess at his prior profession. "Though eventually my path diverged somewhat, more investigating than digging now. Still, you learn much about different faiths at either job."
"I hear there are many interesting religious texts in the this Scriptum of yours... if you have interests in such things, I'm sure there would be much there to pique your interest."
Not much of one for subtlety, Graves leaves it at that.
"I am surprised to hear your family has joined the bidding this time around." He goes on, attempting to get to the heart of why they are here. "Though perhaps it is a good thing. I hear that quite a bit of coins are being brought in by one particular buyer, hoping to outbid everyone, across the board." He glances towards Myrosype, though doesn't point her out explicitly.
"If true, it might take a little more investment than expected to win a bid this year."
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Ela follows Katswiri toward Cyran, hoping that he doesn't overlook her due to her youth. After Katswiri pauses, she jumps in.
Rare, but not unique! I'm Ela and I'm fascinated with planar study too! Though, I have to admit, I've never travelled to another plane. That's where working with the society should pay off... eventually! But, in my studies at the Arcanamirium I had access to quite a few like minds, so perhaps there was something in my curriculum that would benefit you in comparing notes; and I could learn something from someone with more practical planar experience!
She glances to the side as if pondering for a moment and then looks back to inquire.
So, if you don't mind my asking, what makes this place advantageous to your planar trade? If there are properties or characteristics of this place that would be interesting to study, I would appreciate the tip!
She tries to present as an eager student, wanting nothing more than to benefit from one so accomplished or experienced. It's not much of a stretch though and she's more likely to be distracted from their task at hand while hearing the wonders of the planes.
At some point during this event:
Profession(gardener):
"Katswiri, do tell of your extensive adventures. Could they possibly be on par with my own? I do hope so! Ela, you may wish to take notes
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Graves, who spent a good portion of his early life tending to the grounds of the Gray, knows a bit about gardening... as well as some of the alchemical uses for many of the plants therein... he will throw an off-hand compliment to Temel on the state of his grounds.
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"Yes, the more general 'you' of Alabastrine, of course." Graves replies. "But, if one were interested in religious texts, that would certainly be a good place to find them. They likely have one of the earlier printings of Bones Land in a Spiral, and all eleven Acts of Iomedae. I wouldn't be surprised if they had some of the less savory ones hiding in private reading rooms, as well. Like the The Umbral Leaves or even the The Red Mark of Xhor."
Vayde leaves you with one parting thought, "You have eclectic taste in literature, lad. I like that hehe...heeeeh. But I own exquisite copies of all these tomes. Do you suppose this...Scriptum of yours...would have a copy of Adventures in the Great Beyond...by Braismois? I would dearly love to find an...unedited...copy of this rarest of journals."
No just one Influence per event (I'm now pretty sure it's just one action per event from here on, see Discussion. Sorry for the confusion.).
Open convos: Jon:Irith, Katswiri&Ela:Cyran
Actions needed: Kaepora,Shi
Finished w Temel's event: Graves
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Katswiri laughs softly at the talk of material riches. "And not so metaphorical riches as well! From the mines of the elemental plane of earth to the splendorous bazaars of the City of Brass, from the golden walls of heaven to the Pyrite vault of Dis, more mundane wealth abounds as well in the great beyond."
"As for myself, I have only taken one physical trip to the planes. I once visited Armun Kelisk on the elemental plane of air, the capital of the Djinni empire. I was part of a group searching for a stolen document, but what we found led to stunning revelations regarding an ancient artifact of great power..."
Katswiri will continue to tell the story of her adventures in the plane of air, the buildings, creatures and politics encountered.
"...in the end, the library there is quite extensive, and I highly recommend taking a visit if you are able to gain access. It is well worth the trip and difficulties involved."
"I have much more experience than my direct travels would show, however. I have been gifted with second sight, and can see the past and present to learn almost anything I wish to see. As well as more traditional book studies, I have spent some time in my examining the planes with my gift, viewing important events and locations, seeing the life and habits of the denizens of the great beyond. My knowledge of the Axion Forge's trading arrangements, for example, came while viewing the social hierarchies of Axis this way."
"Well, if you two are interested in planar travel, have I g...urh..." He stops himself mid-sentence. "No, no, I mustn't speak of that...yet. Wouldn't want to spoil the suprise."
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"Oh ho! Now you've piqued my curiosity. I promise I won't peek and spoil the surprise, I am certain that whatever you have planned will best be experienced in person." Katswiri laughs softly, pushing up her glasses on the bridge of her nose and bowing slightly. "It has been a true pleasure to meet you, Cyran. Before we part, I thought I would leave you with a gift. I have seen that you have but passing interest in the bidding here. I believe there is much potential for you to develop the working end. I have seen but glimmers of the potential you might have here, but I like you Cyran. If you would humor me, I will turn my gifts to see to what ends you could most profitably turn this place. I think you might be impressed with the outcome."
Katswiri's eyes take on a slightly unfocused look, her head nodding back and forth as she sees across the multiverse, connecting the pieces together as the threads of future wealth weave themselves before her eyes.
"Fascinating...fascinating...of course, that would empower them, they could barely contain their desire. And yes, you are uniquely positioned....yes. Oh, what wonders! This will be interesting indeed!"
Katswiri's eyes refocus, and she takes on a serious expression as she intones the results of her visions.
"There is a reclusive community of Xorn, deep within the elemental plane of earth, a thousand miles south and down from the Opaline Vaults. Though rich in treasure, magic and knowledge, there is something that could be acquired they would price beyond measure. Fulfill this desire, and their great wealth will flow through your coffers."
"On the edge of the Forge of Creation, deep within the heart of the Positive Energy plane rises the great crystalline city of the Jyoti. The crystal spires here are infused with the power of life itself. If quarried, this rock will be a delicacy unlike any other to the Xorn."
"The Jyoti are inscrutable and reclusive, and the Positive Energy plane inhospitable. Their deep antipathy towards the divine uniquely positions a follower of the Prophecies of Kalistrade to negotiate for their services. There are several goods and services in your portfolio that may suffice in trade, as well as several potential avenues for deal making that you may be able to pursue."
"When quarried, the positive energy suffusing the rock will require safe storage. As you know, the positive energy plane is dangerous. Without constant magical protections, mortal creatures will find their soul overwhelmed and subsumed back into the cycle of creation. The crystal must be acquired and swiftly removed to a location where you can safely store it. It must be kept far from the Xorn, so that they may not seek its source, and sold slowly to them over time. Small amounts will lead to vigor and health, but great amounts will potentially be damaging. Sell over time, in small quantities and at high price to sustain their health, your reputation and the market price."
"The working end is a perfect location for the storage; not divinely aligned, like Axis, which will make it easier to strike a bargain with the Jyoti. Separate from the elemental plane of earth, but able to act as a storehouse in the heart of Druman wealth, where planar transport can be had to effect the trades. In addition, the residual positive energies will be generally beneficial by proximity for the members of the community, which you can turn to profit in several other ways."
"There are other opportunities, of course. But few have the potential to turn as deep a profit as this one."
Katswiri bows once more to Cyran, pushing her hair over her shoulder as she turns to leave. "Think on my words, and if you ever desire my expertise, or simply wish to discuss some of the more interesting things in the multiverse, please feel free to reach out. I would love to hear more from you in the future."
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Yeah, hey look we won't spoil the surprise either. We might be able to help with what you have in mind....
It's at this point that she notices Katswiri's vacant look.
Uh oh... now is not the time for an awkward pause...
Of course the resulting information will be choice, but the younger student of the planes moves to fill the gap and buy her the requisite time.
Ela lightly dips into the an overview of the major trades of the City of Brass, as covered in her previous coursework. She reiterates that she doesn't have first-hand experience with such things and would relish at the chance to travel to these places herself, hence her interest in his plans. It's at about this time that Katswiri emerges from her trance. Ela notices and quickly lets her take over with her volume of obtained information.
"Have you ever heard of horacalcum? ...or noqual perhaps? I must confess, I was being somewhat literal in saying there was value in the sky. These so-called 'sky-metals' are one of the most valuable substances by volume short of diamond. While many people fantasize about the vast terran gold deposits, transferring them is actually quite cost prohibitive. Whereas even small amounts of noqual can be transported profitably. This is..." ...about this time Katswiri "returns".
"However, these warehouses you mention, I must admit have piqued my interest. It's true my motives here were more in the surrounding events than the auction itself. But you've made me realize a bid on the Working End might effectively rent the entire district, for FIVE years, for not much more than what I will spend on a couple buildings over the course of that same time span. As I was just discussing with your young apprentice here, I'm focusing more on small-volume, high-value-density so I don't really *need* that much space...but if the price is right, why not. It is, of course, a larger burden fronting that money at the beginning rather than over time. I will need to run some numbers, but you've given me much to consider, so I thank you for that.
"Please forgive my rude departure, but I must look into this right away."
He is also not used to being the underdog in such dealings and is not currently at his best at discerning from honest .
Lastly, you hear that his idea to offer the Courts of Abstinence for military training has some precedent. One Temel is likely aware of, but it might do good to remind him that the experience those veterans gained was considered beneficial to their ultimate victory in real battle some years later. A fact he can use when selling the idea to the Chellish.
About that time, Hegio makes an announcement:
"If I could have everyone's attention please. I just can't keep the excitement to myself, so I want to share with everyone how the bidding is going so far. Please note that these are not final, just the current status as I have it:
District number one, the Courts of Abstinence, Myrosype is winning!
District number two, the Luminous Wharf, Myrosype is winning!
District number three, Prophet’s Burg, Myrosype is winning!
I know what you're thinking, and honestly I was thinking it too earlier today...but luckily a few late bids have started to shake things up:
District number four, the Scriptum:, Vayde Petronax is winning!
District number five, the Working End, Cyran Androtus is winning!
More, more more! Let's keep those bids rolling in. I hope you all will join us this evening at the Petronax Villa. It's going to be a Masquerade Ball! Costumes! Dancing! and of course, MORE BIDDING! huzzah!"
With that Hegio says a few words privately to Temel and leaves. The crowd quickly dissipates after Hegio's exit.
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Ela thanks Cyran for letting her in on his knowledge and plans, and reiterates that she has no intention of encroaching on his enterprise.
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After their work with the planar trader, Ela decides to go work on Temel's relationship with the Exchange, remembering Aaqir al'Hakam's request.
You know Temel, a good relationship with the Exchange is a great avenue to exploit your winnings in this auction. The more options you have for trade out of Druma, the better you can negotiate with each. We of the Exchange are open to the possibility, if you are!
You have 'the afternoon' (several hours?) to make any preparations if you wish.
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When you make your way to the Petronax Villa, the attendants there are helping guests choose costumes from a huge assortment available.
So everyone needs to choose what they wish to dress up as, then we can begin this next event. Also note:
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Graves seems unhappy about the need to dress up in costume for the next event... such frivolity foreign to a him.
He eyes the vast array of options available, mostly muttering about the need to get gussied up, before finally picking one out, under protest.
It appears to consist of a long robe and breastplate, with a skeletal mask covered by a delicate veil over his head. A pair of stone-colored fake wings are eventually added, with the help of one of the servants.
Afterwards, he spends a little time with another servant, who uses delicate brushes in small pots of paints and mascara, to paint three eyes onto the palm of his right hand.
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Ela quickly abandons her efforts with Temel.
Very well, but someone will receive this trade relationship, and I thought you had the good sense to ensure it for yourself! Hmph!
The huffy young girl trots off to find another suitor for the Exchange. She decides to return directly to Cyran, to further bolster his plans and ambitious with the involvement of the Society faction.
Cyran, as if Ms. Katswiri's planar proposition wasn't enough of a motivator, I have another, less-planar angle for you. You'll want trading partners on the Prime material plane, who value the things you'll acquire from the outer and other exotic planes. Even better if your trade partners have their own means of planar travel... say a Tapestry. The Society's Exchange is looking for a trade partner in Druma and I think you might mutually benefit from such a relationship. Thoughts?
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Ela chooses a costume renders the image of a Crepitus. For her this is perhaps more like a holiday... where children dress up as scary things. Perhaps she'll expect candy...
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Kaepora shares some information with his allies in regards to Temmel, and how bluffing him or intimidating him would be the fastest way to manipulate the man.
"I plan on doing just that."
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Kaepora eventaully meets with Temmel and sees that Ela is having some difficulty with the situation. He observes Temmel, learning the way he walks, talks and even looks. The Shadowcaller approaches.
"Perhaps you should reconsider the trade relationship idea with Aaqir al'Hakam. Think about it; if you manage to get a good foothold in the relationship with a trade prince, perhaps you can grow your own business plan to exceed that of even some of the richest merchants and royalty. Imagine having business sectors in Kaer'Maga, Absalom, Taldor and Qadira without even needing to leave your domicile."
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"Perhaps you should reconsider the trade relationship idea with Aaqir al'Hakam. Think about it; if you manage to get a good foothold in the relationship with a trade prince, perhaps you can grow your own business plan to exceed that of even some of the richest merchants and royalty. Imagine having business sectors in Kaer'Maga, Absalom, Taldor and Qadira without even needing to leave your domicile."
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Katswiri begins perusing the costumes, appraising each critically before moving on to the next.
"How delightful! So much for not peeking at Cyran's surprise though. I was searching for danger yesterday, but could not find anything definitively dangerous, just vague feelings of unease surrounding a masquerade. I suppose this is that event."
Kaswiri pulls out a costume with long, black feathered wings, with a lengthy rope made of some type of braided hair.
"Ah, here we are! I've always wondered what it would be like to have wings. An Erinyes it will be for tonight, I think."
"Ah, an Azata, yes? Tell me, why you selected an Azata? I love to know what motivates these choices." he smiles with a devious grin.
Kaepora does the thing but to Cyran with similar results.
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Graves will take the opportunity to talk to Lord-Councilor, though he can't seem to stop tugging at his costume, where it doesn't quite fit right.
"Lord-Councilor." He says, politely, giving her a slight nod. "Samuel Graves. Can't say I'm a big fan of the pomp in this particular circumstance. I'm afraid costumes are not quite my thing."
He takes a moment to note what sort of costume Irith is wearing.
"Ah, excellent! I am by your knowledge youngun."
"As for me, well I can't just...tell...you. Where's the fun in that? At least try a guess?"
Vayde has removed (or turned invisible?) his signature Magnate's Miter, allowing his bald head to show. He's draped in heavy black robes, and has dyed his skin an icy blue. At the corners of his mouth, skeletal lines are drawn to symbolize extra teeth. Various scrolls protrude from the robe's many pockets and he holds a sickly-green-colored quill.
DC22 Planes/Religion:
DC32 Planes/Religion:
DC20 Planes/Nature:
"Mr. Graves, a pleasure to meet you." She nods...the tiger's head confounding her normal poise for a split second. "Ugh, I must agree. This costume party is ridiculous. No doubt Petronax is up to something foolish. But who knows what with that decrepit scoundrel."