GM Tarondor's Skandersvik - Traveller (Inactive)

Game Master Tarondor

Player's Guide to Skandersvik

Trading Summary

Speculative Cargo List

Images and Maps for Skandersvik


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UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)
Zaeta wrote:

I wasn't suggesting that we leave immediately. We planned the whole doctor visit things, and everything else we've suggested has been doable within the 5 day limit while still doing everything we planned. Why don't you just narrate the "DOING" stuff if you want to get on with it?

As for contracts, I suggested that because she said "I could see about a contract for some business and communications equipment, but the volume wouldn't be large by your standards." If that meant just trading, totally cool, but contracts I thought meant something recurring.

Thanks, yeah, like I posted: "this afternoon" DID, in fact, seem immediate and I didn't understand it. Everything which is on deck now is totally doable in 5 days, but leaving in a couple hours without being helpful didn't make sense to me. Sorry about that. There was/is a really clear progression to me. As posted, Verdia drives at least Frey to speak to the existing old Doctor, the doctors have a chat and Frey asks what cases he can clear for the older gentleman, Frey then also lets him know politely that he will try to treat as many people as he can at the shuttle tomorrow before they leave to see Ivan, but they will be back to check on everyone before they return to the Skander. Again, really sorry. We can just leave and go to the scotch tasting ...


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Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Zaeta nods at the correct point. That was a great idea, although she hadn't thought of it herself. Reviewing some contracts could build up some goodwill in the community.

Frey not only was a good doctor, he seemed to have a talent with people. An excellent combination.


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UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)
Traveller Referee Tarondor wrote:
Erryll Reyven II wrote:
"Verdia, I am sure you would understand this; I must pay my respects to Doctor Daro and seek his counsel, especially before offering to treat patients in the town he serves. Could anyone introduce me, or at least help me find him? I would appreciate it very much."
"Of course, Doctor. When we're done here I'll drive you over to his house myself and make the introductions."

"A princely offer new friend, we appreciate it. Maybe during that drive we could talk some more; my colleagues are all quite talented, and I wondered if there might be more ways that we could help your village. While I am happy to set up a community clinic at our shuttle, and Zaeta will help me to triage some of your livestock, she is also a brilliant barrister: maybe there are contracts you believe could be reviewed? Terms which were unfair to the town, changes you would like to implement in deal points? She would be the one who could help you fix those. While Sergeant Anders is our pilot for this mission, he is also extremely skilled with sensors and survey; are there areas around town that we could examine for you that it would be difficult to evaluate from a land appraoch? It would be very little trouble from the shuttle ... and I also wondered, like medicine, if any of your other tools and electronics might need a health check. Officer Deems is a skilled mechanic and engineer and could very well provide some insight into those things if there were a need."

Frey smiles at the woman with a great deal of sincereity for someone who looks so young

"Anyone can sell things to you: the Skander is here to help your community thrive. I know you will let us know how we can make a difference."


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Weird. That post of mine up above Frey's post was actually written after it.

Zaeta contacts the ship and explains the supplies that the community is looking for so that the desired trades can be arranged. Then she sets off with Frey to see about the medial cases, and if they find out about any contracts that need reviewing, she will take the time to do that as well.


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Verdia introduces Freyjason and Zaeta to the town's elderly doctor. Educated in the larger city of Mastaborol, Doc is an educated and kindly man now well past his prime. But he is still a common sight in his battered old ground car, trundling out to distant farmsteads and villages to listen to ailments, dispense remedies and deliver babies. In fact, Verdia believes Doc may have delivered more babies than anyone on the continent. A small man with bright blue eyes and shockingly large eyebrows, he peers at you through large round spectacles.

[ooc]"A specialist? Good. They send a young man 'round from the capital every year or so, but they're wet behind the ears. Good enough for runny noses and broken bones, but not so good with difficult diagnoses or getting bachelor farmers to admit there's anything wrong with 'em."[/b]

"Now I know you'll be gone in a few days and you're here to move goods. That's fine. You're a trained surgeon and a trained veterinarian and you'll find plenty to do here. I'd be obliged if you could look at Sarlah Mikkullilak. She's a young woman owns a farm out on Route 13. She's got a case of what looks to me like Reimann's Syndrome, but she'd be the only case reported in the subsector. Plus, she's not responding to the recommended treatment of Quinatrophen. I consulted with the capital and I've sent a request for a remote consult to Darrian but I haven't heard back and I'm afraid she may not have the time to wait."

________________________________________________________________________

While Cor, Yuri and Crastor finish moving the supplies necessary for the deals struck with Verdia, Frey and Zaeta care for the people and animals of the community of Ounarin. This takes two days. Freyjason is certain that Sarlah Mikkullilak's condition isn't Reimann's Syndrome, but it's new to his experience, too.

Freyjason Medicine: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 + 1 = 13

Happily, although he doesn't have time to follow up on the mystery, he is able to provide Sarlah with a course of a new drug recently developed on Gram which arrests the progress of the disease and gives her a good chance of surviving more than 5 years - hopefully long enough for that Darrien consult to find something that can help her.

__________________________________________________________________________

It is on Day Four that Crastor sets the ship's boat down outside the ranch at Ruelei. You arrive to find the people of the area frantically putting the final touches to a presentation and sampling session. It is a grand affair, far more than you expected.

A portly dark-skinned man in an impressive waistcoat greets you. "Welcome! Welcome! We are so happy to have you here! I'm Ivan Malo and I'm your host! If you'll let our porters take your bags, the reception is ready for you! We have a few local cheeses and some excellent beef and mutton, but the star of the show is our high-quality spirits and fruit liquors. Please! Come in and try some!"


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'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Cor is impressed with how this team has worked so well with the local communities, and deems that Magnus will be quite pleased. He smiles at the man who has greeted them, ready to relax for what looks to be a very festive evening. "Mr. Malo, we have heard much about you, and especially your fine drinks. We have been looking forward to this evening's festivities, and it appears you have cut no corners. Thank you for the honor you have shown us."


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Zaeta smiles and bows, taking her lead from Cor, but letting him handle it.


Crastor smiles and says, "Its great to find a place known for their fine spirits. I also look forward to trying some fresh meats." Crastors stomach rumbles a bit at the idea of eating fresh meats instead of the food used on long space flights.


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"Of course! Of course! Try the short ribs! They're my favorite."

Over the course of the evening, you are given a vast assortment of food and drink to try. Dozens of varieties of spirits from fruit liqueurs and vodka to scotch and rye as well as beer. There are even a few wines.

The music is festive, the food is good and the booze is excellent.

Tell me what each of you is doing. With whom do you converse? What do you say?


Crastor tries to find out why they had such a massive spread without being too obtrusive about it. "So, do you guys often have such excellent displays of your goods?"

Persuade+SOC: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 + 1 = 8

If I cannot use Persuade for this then its a much less good Investigate check which I am untrained on so it would be 4 less.


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Zaeta doesn't drink, but she enjoys the ribs a lot, and tries the cheese. If you could get the technology to store it correctly, like a null space chamber or something, the fresh taste of all of this could be preserved. She wonders if they want to export food as well, or only wine. She doesn't bring up work during the meal though. She was sure there would be a time for that later. Instead, she sit with people besides her shipmates and just chats about whatever they want to talk about.

She asks about life in their community, if they have ever been off-planet, or in bigger cities, and if so, was there anything they missed about it, or was this the perfect place?

In between the food and wine tasting she makes sure to seek out Malo's wife, thanking her for her hospitality and welcome. She doesn't bring anything up, but she figures that wives usually want to put in a good word, so she waits to see if the conversation will turn that way.

Overall it seemed like a really good community, and she hoped they could help them with the kind of deal they seemed to be hoping for.


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

In large culinary organizations, we have Chief Culinary Officers (believe it or not); is there anyone like that? or even a sommelier?


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'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Cor helps himself to a bit of everything, eating plenty of the food and sticking mostly to the beer - though not in copious amounts.

He will speak mostly with Ivan and a few of the other vendors, complimenting them on their very fine foods and liqueurs while getting a feel for their trade agreements - particularly given the influence of the Darrian Empire.


Crastor Deems wrote:
Crastor tries to find out why they had such a massive spread without being too obtrusive about it. "So, do you guys often have such excellent displays of your goods?"

Crastor is speaking to Archinald, a local distillery representative. He cheery apple-cheeked man shakes his head. "Naw. You're seein' us at our start. We ain't really had the opportunity before now to really lay out a spread. A few folks from the high port've come by and the grain ships from Mire, but you're the first real reps from an actual interplanetary trading mission we've seen since we formed our combine."

"We've been selling bulk grain for almost a century, but it's hard to make a profit on triticale and sorghum when you have to ship it by the ton. It don't really pay for the fuel unless the buyers are hungry. But booze? That's easier to ship in quantity and we do make some fine products. We know we can make a go of it if we find the right partners. Maybe that'll be you."

______________________________________________________________________

Freyjason wrote:
In large culinary organizations, we have Chief Culinary Officers (believe it or not); is there anyone like that? or even a sommelier?

The food is actually just cooked by a combination of Malo's personal chef and the men and women of the area. It's good, but it's not of a consistent quality or kind. More like a fancy pot luck dinner than anything else. There is no sommelier per se, because wine is such a small portion of their offering. But there is a Cicerone to walk you through the various liquors and beers! Her name is Moderelle and she's clearly not from the same area of Condaria, as she speaks with a faster, more clipped style. Her assistant is Vhouzg, a well-dressed vargr who prepares and hands her the various glasses and snifters as she needs them.

______________________________________________________________________

Zaeta wrote:
Zaeta doesn't drink, but she enjoys the ribs a lot, and tries the cheese. If you could get the technology to store it correctly, like a null space chamber or something, the fresh taste of all of this could be preserved. She wonders if they want to export food as well, or only wine.

It's a wide selection of alcohols, but primarily liquor. There are some wines, too, though.

Zaeta wrote:

She doesn't bring up work during the meal though. She was sure there would be a time for that later. Instead, she sit with people besides her shipmates and just chats about whatever they want to talk about.

She asks about life in their community, if they have ever been off-planet, or in bigger cities, and if so, was there anything they missed about it, or was this the perfect place?

The general consensus is that few of them would trade their small-town lives for city life. They enjoy the slower pace, the outdoors and the connection to nature. Some of their children head for the cities every year, but most feel like their parents. Nobody thinks it's perfect, but few of them would leave.

Zaeta wrote:

In between the food and wine tasting she makes sure to seek out Malo's wife, thanking her for her hospitality and welcome. She doesn't bring anything up, but she figures that wives usually want to put in a good word, so she waits to see if the conversation will turn that way.

Overall it seemed like a really good community, and she hoped they could help them with the kind of deal they seemed to be hoping for.

Mrs. Azhamal Malo greets Zaeta with a smile. She is a small woman with warm brown eyes and a voice two sizes too large for her small frame, a voice clearly formed on a ranch, not a board room. She welcomes Zaeta and finds her a set where the two can talk. "Y'all're celebrities you know. We don't see too many spacefarers here in the valley and everyone wonders if you're really Space Vikings." One of the nearby women seems shocked that Azhamal would be so direct, but she pays no heed. "They're only curious. It makes you colorful, and I imagine that's useful. But for us planetside, we need regularity and reliability."

"I looked up your Mister Sundstrom and he's got a reputation. Loyal crews and fair prices, so I understand. But I wonder if he's given much thought to alcohol. I'm sure there's a market... there's always a market for booze. But these farmers and distillers... Well, they need reliable trading partners. Is that what you are?" Mrs. Malo clearly doesn't go in for small talk.

______________________________________________________________________

Corellon "Cor" Anders wrote:

Cor helps himself to a bit of everything, eating plenty of the food and sticking mostly to the beer - though not in copious amounts.

He will speak mostly with Ivan and a few of the other vendors, complimenting them on their very fine foods and liqueurs while getting a feel for their trade agreements - particularly given the influence of the Darrian Empire.

The farmers and distillers are happy to chat about their product, but leave the negotiating to Ivan Malo. Clearly, they've all agreed to this. But one older man with dark skin and a bright white beard says "Malo is our spokesman. But I'll tell you this. We know we've got the goods. We just need the right partner to distribute them. Convince Malo you can do that and you'll likely get a contract of some sort."


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

I like you. You're straightforward. So, let's get right to the point. The answer, in every way, is yes. We're not Vikings out to plunder... just traders, and what we truly want are deals that will benefit everyone, not one-sided deals where we try to cheat you to make a profit. Those types of deals are lucrative, but it dries up your customer base really fast, plus it's just mean-spirited. I wouldn't deal with someone like that either, unless maybe I knew something they didn't.

Don't trust me though, trust what you've heard. People know that Magnus Sundstrom is an honorable and good man. Owners often just buy cargo and let crews handle it, but he is here, on the ship with us, and he gives us all a chance to stand out... he doesn't lord over us and treat us like slaves. He won't let you down as far as trading goes. The only way it doesn't get delivered is if something external happens... war, quarantine, planetary disaster, that sort of thing. Barring something deadly serious, he'll keep his word, and if he can't, he'll make it as right as possible.

What kind of contract are you all looking for? Do you want us to buy it and then trade it elsewhere, or were you looking for a direct percentage of profit? I guess it depends on your risk level. Money up front is safer of course, but it might be less profitable, depending on where we can sell it. Or maybe you already have destinations in mind and you want to arrange the specific deals and just hire us to carry it for you?


'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Knowing that the Skander has plenty of space in her hold (and aware that he has some space available too in his own allotted section), Cor intends to seek out Malo as the evening goes on. Whether the older man wishes to speak business in the open or in a personal study or the like, Corellon wants to make sure he has spoken with the rest of his team before embarking on any venture.

Assume this takes place after Zaeta gets any further information from Mrs. Malo, though I'm guessing she might defer to her husband anyway. I'm also thinking we like what we're drinking?

"Seems to me like these are simple folk that aren't exposed to the bigger cities where they might have already taken on an agreement. Mrs. Malo is right, I should think. Selling liquor could be quite lucrative. Sunstrom has given us leave to act on his behalf, and I'm thinking we should do what we can to prove ourselves by taking on an agreement that will provide these good folk with much-needed credits that will hopefully give them better lives. I think it would also give the Sword Coast a good reputation. That said, let's not look to maximize our own profits on this, though of course I'm not saying we take a loss or anything like that. Just a fair and honest agreement that these folk can profit from." He glances at Zaeta as he finishes his thoughts. "Anything to add? As our purser, you'll be in charge of negotiations, I should think."

Based on what I'm thinking Sanderson is stressing, we're probably best off offering these folk a lucrative agreement that will paint us in the best light possible as business partners, without being unduly concerned about profit potential. Though of course if we run into a planet that's really hard-pressed for booze, we could probably make out pretty well ourselves.


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

Frey is clearly delighted to speak with Moderelle & Vhouzg; his primary interest was to understand the growth and production of the offerings: not every product produced locally was appropriate for every planet, and he wanted to see that they would be purchasing a widely saleable product, or also mark any that maybe should be excluded from consideration. He was certainly thrilled to be able to work with an alien as well.


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

Frey is clearly delighted to speak with Moderelle & Vhouzg; his primary interest was to understand the growth and production of the offerings: not every product produced locally was appropriate for every planet, and he wanted to see that they would be purchasing a widely saleable product, or also mark any that maybe should be excluded from consideration. He was certainly thrilled to be able to work with an alien as well.

More than likely, Frey drinks the most, as a good Sword Worlder would. There were a LOT of receptions at the hospital: this was not that. He could enjoy this one: it was almost his job to enjoy this one. Like any good cook knows you taste before you serve, he knew better than to buy something he hasn't even tasted. If he didn't like it, there was no way he would recommend selling it.

"Ms. Moderelle, everything here is so well presented, I almost hate to ask any medical or scientific questions, but I am sure you will know the answer to them. I am simply unaware of any unusual growing factors which may be present on the planet: while I know all the disclosures have to be present in a purchasing manifest, I just wondered if there were any unique properties to your wares, or even unique allergies that you knew of."
Frey smiles broadly at both members of the Beverage Team
"It certainly says a lot about this team that you have a non-human expert working with you; I am not aware enough of the Vargr Extents to know if beer is popular, but it is very much my pleasure to make your acquaintance as well Vhouzg. I will say, my father has a penchant for Vilnaf on Saturday afternoons in the summer: he has it imported along with the Adwuj which we serve during the winter holidays. Well met!"


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Zaeta wrote:
What kind of contract are you all looking for? Do you want us to buy it and then trade it elsewhere, or were you looking for a direct percentage of profit? I guess it depends on your risk level. Money up front is safer of course, but it might be less profitable, depending on where we can sell it. Or maybe you already have destinations in mind and you want to arrange the specific deals and just hire us to carry it for you?

"Honey," says the redoubtable Azhamal Malo, "Ivan'll do all the wheeling and dealing. I stay out of his office and he stays out of my kitchen. I just want to talk. He knows business. I know people. I guess its why we make a good couple. Alright. You go and get you a piece of that marble pie. It's the real secret around here."

"Oh," she says, as if just thinking of it. "You might want to ask about exclusive contracts. I would."

_________________________________________________________________________

Corellon "Cor" Anders wrote:
I'm also thinking we like what we're drinking?

It's very good. You could definitely sell this almost anywhere.

_________________________________________________________________________

Freyjason wrote:

"Ms. Moderelle, everything here is so well presented, I almost hate to ask any medical or scientific questions, but I am sure you will know the answer to them. I am simply unaware of any unusual growing factors which may be present on the planet: while I know all the disclosures have to be present in a purchasing manifest, I just wondered if there were any unique properties to your wares, or even unique allergies that you knew of."

Frey smiles broadly at both members of the Beverage Team
"It certainly says a lot about this team that you have a non-human expert working with you; I am not aware enough of the Vargr Extents to know if beer is popular, but it is very much my pleasure to make your acquaintance as well Vhouzg. I will say, my father has a penchant for Vilnaf on Saturday afternoons in the summer: he has it imported along with the Adwuj which we serve during the winter holidays. Well met!"

Vhouzg nods his approval of two of his own favorites.

Moderelle says "Well, I can walk you through the growth, harvesting and distillation processes, doctor, but I'm not a medical expert. Nothing we're using has any allergic response in Condarian populations, nor on Vhouzg here. I doubt it would have a negative affect any normal humans, but I suppose there are always unusual populations, aren't there?"

"We did have a full chemical analysis for our six whiskey distilleries. I can get you either the full reports or the summaries of those. Bottom line - they're safe for human and vargr consumption. Supposedly aslan, too. But the fruit liquors and wines and beers are less regulated. If you'd like a few samples for testing, I can provide them."


Crastor nods at Archinald and says, "We could possibly go into business. How much alcohol could you readily produce to trade with?"


"Yeah, you're really going to have to talk to Ivan about the details. But I think the technical term is a shitload."

"An imperial f!!%-ton!" laughs his neighbor until he coughs on his whiskey.


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Zaeta laughs

Okay, okay, twist my arm. I'll have some of the marble pie. ... And sincerely, thank you for the talk. I hope we can all help each other.

She goes over to get a piece of pie, enjoying herself and chatting with whoever comes by the dessert table while she waits for Ivan to tell them when the business part of this visit will begin.


'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Corellon gathers everyone together to discuss what they've learned before approaching Ivan.

He is especially interested in what Azhamal Malo told Zaeta - and grabs himself a slice of marble pie as well. "Exclusive contracts sounds especially nice, though I don't know about the legality of those types of agreements myself."

Cor also nods with interest at what Frey learned. "Testing the fruit liquors, wines and beer to make certain they are save for consumption by species other than human could be useful, so long as we don't offend our host's sensibilities by doing so. We should request permission to do that before taking any action so that he does not feel as though we are going behind his back."

Once the others are ready for the meet, Corellon leads them to Ivan to request a meeting regarding a potential agreement in selling his very fine alcohol off-world. Of course, if he would rather celebrate this night and tend to business tomorrow, Cor will happily drink to that idea!


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

When Cor calls them aside, Zaeta offers her opinion about the testing

We don't need to ask him that. We just write it into the contract that it has to pass the tests to be able to be sold in certain markets. Then both sides are responsible for not accidentally killing anyone.

and approaching him now.

I would just enjoy the party and let him come to us about it... I am sure he has it planned out... but if you feel it is important to approach him now, I'll come.


'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Cor nods and smiles. "I'm glad you're here to deal with the legalities of this. Not my specialty, though I know you've got a keen mind about such. Kept me out of trouble during my misspent youth after all! And you're right, let's plan to enjoy the party. We'll let him know we're interested though, and leave it to Ivan to set the time and day for the business meeting. But let's make sure he doesn't want to jump into it tonight before we start really partaking of his hospitality."


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

"Samples for testing would be perfect: and I mean actual testing, I will take them back to the ship to our medical facility. Certainly a great deal of what I have tasted I would like to have on hand for 'medical purposes' as well!" Frey smiles at both of them "I would certainly like to read the chemical analysis of your production facilities too; I am pleased to hear so much care is taken in production."


With Cor ... "No offense given, no offense taken: this team has a very good approach to business in terms of building confidence. I am glad we met them."


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

"Samples for testing would be perfect: and I mean actual testing, I will take them back to the ship to our medical facility. Certainly a great deal of what I have tasted I would like to have on hand for 'medical purposes' as well!" Frey smiles at both of them "I would certainly like to read the chemical analysis of your production facilities too; I am pleased to hear so much care is taken in production."


With Cor ... "No offense given, no offense taken: this team has a very good approach to business in terms of building confidence. I am glad we met them."


As the night wears on and everyone has had plenty to eat and drink, Ivan Malo invites you all into his private study. The room is large but rustic. A broad oak desk sits under a framed painting of cowboys riding the range.

Malo asks "I trust everyone had a good time? We sure are pleased to see you here. But I expect it time to talk. Now, I won't waste your time dilly-dallying about. Now, I'm thinking you'd probably like to start with a relatively small order, just to see how it sells and 'seed the market', so to speak. That's logical. But... you can always sell alcohol. It's never not in demand. Every non-agricultural planet you visit will want some of what we're selling. Your ship is registered out of Narsil. Twenty billion people there."

"I think you'd do well to take a larger shipment. Food for thought, anyway."

"Well, let's get to it. I can provide you any amount you wish to buy at 300,000 credits per ton."


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Zaeta visibly chokes.

A normal price for fine liquor is 20,000 credits per ton. By all reports, your product is of the highest quality, but surely setting your wholesale price that high would severely limit the distribution to a very, very small amount of people who can afford to drink your product?

Page 246 of the traveler handbook shows that price for "fine liquors" under luxury consumables ... this seems outrageous. Was it meant to be?


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)
Zaeta wrote:

Zaeta visibly chokes.

A normal price for fine liquor is 20,000 credits per ton. By all reports, your product is of the highest quality, but surely setting your wholesale price that high would severely limit the distribution to a very, very small amount of people who can afford to drink your product?

Page 246 of the traveler handbook shows that price for "fine liquors" under luxury consumables ... this seems outrageous. Was it meant to be?

Absolutely it was meant to be; if it was a typo from 30K at least GM's comma would probably be in the right spot ;) this guy wants to swindel the team. He did his research, he pulled the registry, both the Skander and its owner are well known: he's gouging. I just hope everyone isn't poisoned ...


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Gouging is one thing... but asking for 15 times the price? That seems like a mistake, not a gouge... unless you're right and we're poisoned and he's going to make us buy some and sign a contract under duress... which is possible, but doesn't really track with how things were going. I suppose if that is true, then the trick is to extricate ourselves without killing them and making the Sword Worlds look like bad guys... but also seems like he wouldn't have invited us all into his study where he is outnumbered.


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

Well I hesitate to expose my age ... but this tracks a lot like an episode of Hart2Hart or Magnum PI at this point. So the trick to the trick is to make him believe we are going for it. Then we pretend to be less empowered than we really are, "need to check with the owner", to buy some time. Then (or now) someone with a computer [someone smart like Zaeta can totally do this with a Computer; she is welcome to use Frey's suit computer via comm] would look up laws and loopholes: even a crappy little place like this has to have commerce laws. Then she could look up stellar precedants which might even supercede local law, and then, if all that didn't work quite the way we want, the team could record this ridiculousness and broadcast it all over the planet ...

... unless that price comes down to 15K/ton to preserve Ivan's reputation.


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Sorry. Misread the module. Traveller convention leaves out the commas and makes large numbers easy to misread. The asking price is 30,000 per ton, not 300,000. Retcon him to having said that!

But I like where you're going with this poison thing! :-)


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

LOL it was a little much, but I still say 150% is a swindle.


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Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Yeah, almost zero profit margin. Hopefully that is just a starting price for the negotiation.

That's a very high price. I'm sure your product is worth it... everyone seems to enjoy it, and we truly appreciate your hospitality, and your time, but that isn't a price that we are likely to make a profit on. It's more a retail price than a middleman price. If we buy it for that, there are very few people who are going to be willing to pay a markup from there.

I mean, if you are going for making an exclusive name for yourself, then setting your price high and selling to only exclusive places, that might be a good tactic. From what I can tell though, you want us to buy in bulk... and I'm sorry to say, that just isn't bulk pricing. It would be very hard to make a worthwhile profit from on our side, and we could only buy a minuscule quantity at that price in order to be sure we don't outprice the very small market that price limits us to.

So, we'd be happy to buy a few tons at that price, just to test the market as you said... but we wouldn't be able to do a large purchase. If you want to do the work of finding the buyers yourself, though, we'd be happy to deliver it for you at freight prices. Or, we could take some on consignment... if it sells, we each get a percentage of the profit. If those are options for you, we're happy to deal. Unfortunately, we just can't do a significant buy or commit to a contract at that price.


'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Corellon watches closely has Zaeta haggles the high price, though if Ivan appears to take offense or otherwise shows resistance, he will step into the negotiation.

"As Zaeta has said, purchasing large bulk at such a price certainly has it's risks, however I'm fairly certain I can convince Magnus to do business. Your product, after all, is of the finest quality - something I will make certain that he is aware of. How much tonnage are you able to part with in the next couple of days?" Catching the purser's eye, he motions subtly for her to not press any further until they can talk.

Don't forget that Magnus specifically told us 'Success will not be measure in terms of short-term economic return but instead by long-term relations forged and the goodwill of the people with whom you interact. Please remember that.' The markup from 20k to 30k is significant yes, but it's still very possible to turn a profit, no matter how minor - which the owner seemed to indicate isn't as important as forging goodwill.


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

I get the idea, but I honestly don't think that Magnus will thank us for that... he's also testing us to see if we are good traders, not just relationship builders. We have to be able to negotiate, not just assume we can "buy" friends if it isn't a good deal for both sides.


We can negotiate. We can make counter offers and work on it. I would but I am not part of the current conversation.


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'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link
Zaeta wrote:
I get the idea, but I honestly don't think that Magnus will thank us for that... he's also testing us to see if we are good traders, not just relationship builders. We have to be able to negotiate, not just assume we can "buy" friends if it isn't a good deal for both sides.

Agreed! I was just thinking if he doesn't budge or if he seems offended, we 'make nice' and back off to confer with Magnus. But yes, negotiation seems like a fine idea and, I'm presuming, is what is expected here. Just wanted to let Tarondor know that Cor's intent isn't to walk away from the deal if those circumstances were to arise.


Great time for a roll. Zaeta, your choice of Persuade+SOC or Broker+SOC.


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Persuade: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 = 10

Wasn't sure what you meant by +SOC... whether I should add that as a modifier to the roll (I don't have a modifier), or whether I should roll it separately. So, rolling it separately below, but please ignore if you just meant what I have already done.

Social Standing: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8


Persuade+SOC means that you roll 2d6 and add your Persuade modifier and your SOC modifier. In your case, your SOC modifier is +0, so your initial roll would have remained the same.

"Hmmm, well, I could do 25,000 per ton, I suppose..."

"But I'll want a larger buy. 30 tons at least."

Diplomat or Admin allow insights in to likely market strategies. Anyone can roll. But you must also role-play it!


'Lance Sergeant/Scout' Corellon "Cor" Anders - 6C97A6 | Second Officer/Astrogation | Gram (Spinward Marches 1223) | Profile Link

Seeing Zaeta deftly work her negotiation skills, Corellon gets involved as well. "As you have said Ivan, your liquor is of the finest quality and will most certainly command a strong price. But as Zaeta points out, there are certain aspects to the market when selling to other worlds. Population, wealth, markets that might already be flooded with similar goods and thus would become oversaturated. I've had a bit of experience in gathering data from various worlds, and would be happy to put together some tables for us to examine together in order to determine the best marketing strategies...

If I can use EDU and Admin for this?

Admin (EDU): 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 1 + 1 = 9


UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

Admin (EDU): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10

"Ivan ... I can call you Ivan, correct? I know I didn't meet you earlier, I was caught up in the scientific brilliance of your team, I hope you will excuse me. Doctor Freyjason, previously of Narsil Metropoliton General, currently Chief Medical Officer on the Skander. Please, as new business partners, I do hope you will simply call me Frey."

Frey smiles semi-sincerely and looks thoughtful ...

"I'm excited about this partnership, I really am. You have a bright enthusiastic team, they are multi-cultural, they respesent all the best in the diversity we like to see. On top of that, there's this gret product we'd like to sell."

Frey's smile fades a touch, his lips purse, and he looks much much more sincere

"and yet we have this 'ask' hanging out there ... this horrible horrible price ... still 25% above the subsector market for an untried untested unbranded product. We arrived here in the spirit of partnership, I know we can leave here in that same spirit, but we are most surely not there yet. We are here to ESTABLISH markets; we will get this product to 25% above market, rest assured, but you must realize we aren't there yet, right? You must realize we cannot return to a sector reknowned merchant like Magnus showing poor judgement and business acumen; I know you know this. We can't let the entire team down, just because we like you and no one within 3 parsecs could throw a party like this. Please, PLEASE, committ to standard pricing. It will make everyone in this room a winner."


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Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

Zaeta nods along with Frey's statements, but then looks thoughtful.

I believe that Magnus will go for a larger buy... and maybe a higher-than-standard price... if you are willing to sign an exclusive, long-term contract in return. Say 22,500 per ton to reflect the quality of your product and the fact that we have the exclusive ability to sell it and won't be undercut by others once it goes to market and becomes a wild success. If you can agree to that, we can contact Magnus and find out how much cargo room he has for you (we can only commit to the 30 you asked for, but he might have room for much more). If he agrees, I can draw up the contract myself. I'm Magnus' legal advisor.

Frey, not trying to undercut you here... only to use your very true statements to get some real concessions in return for a higher price, and seal the deal.


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UPP 67677C -- Homeworld: Narsil (Spinward Marches 0927)

The play totally has the good cop / bad cop taste to it #LOVE
It's actually the perfect dovetail to Frey's request that everyone be a winner; Ivan still comes out of this with bragging rights to a 10% markup on first sale, which is pretty much unheard of.


After much haggling, you bargain Ivan down to an exclusive ten-year contract, netting Sundstrom a potentially lucrative and previously unidentified market. You settle on C21,000/ton, with an initial buy of 35 tons. The contract calls for Sundstrom to take annual receipt of 60 tons of assorted Ruelei alcohols, with an option on a further 40 tons each year.

It takes you the remaining two days to ferry the inital buy of 35 tons to Skander. Sundstrom agrees to the contract and if you don't want to handle the entire purchase, will cover the costs for up to 20 tons on this journey.

The ship pulls slowly into orbit and on its way to the Jump Limit, Sundstrom calls you in for a debrief and mission report. "How did it go?" he asks.


Zaeta (pic) | 6|10|5|10|8|7 | Legal Officer | Homeworld: Torment (Entropic Worlds 0720) | (Additional link to Profile)

No trading / mail / freight here... just the alcohol?


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Yep. Okay. Give me a list of what you have to sell, please.

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