Bassanio listens carefully to the instructions of his sire, following Rafael's instructions and learning all he can of his new condition. The discovery of his new found abilities delight him and he rejoices in the exploration of it all.
He carefully develops his new flock the way a banker would his coins, both men and women, however the subject of his infatuation is Aitana. She visits him in his day dreams and never leaves his thoughts during the nights. He spends all the time Rafael permits him exploring the city with her, exploring her. He does his best to earn her trust and form an emotional bond with her.
Cha+Emp:4d10 + 3d10 ⇒ (10, 8, 8, 10) + (1, 9, 7) = 53
Bassanio also spends his time at the inn attempting to entertain the patrons when he is in a pleasant mood. He plays a string instrument and sings hoping to sway the crowd towards him.
Cha+Perf:4d10 + 2d10 ⇒ (6, 6, 2, 5) + (3, 5) = 27
Though normally one to take things head on Bassaio learns the art of subtlety and on hearing of hunters and the like about choses to learn how to effectively hide rather than just develop powers of strength. Will learn Obfuscate to replace Potence
Bassanio accepts the pipeweed, puling out a pipe of his own. He prepares the pipe clearly showing the experience of not unused to smoking. Lighting it, he puffs the smoke sampling the flavour. "Yes, quite good." he comments obviously enjoying the smoke.
"This shall sell well if the other aspects of the business are sound. No doubt the product will not be the fault of our venture. I think us capable men and no doubt these other details shall be well managed to a good profit." Bassanio proceeds to smoke as he finishes his last words, scanning the room for anything or anyone that may catch his eye.
"Tell me Lord Andrew, have you any other ventures that you would seek investment for? I have a good feeling about you and I think you have a good sense for business. Perhaps this can be the beginning of a fruitful relationship."
"That is very good of you Lord Andrew. The generosity of the nobility in dealings with the common folk is quite rare these days. I am always one to be fair. It is not good for business to be known as an unfair banker. Though being a banker it is also folly to deal without profit. After all, our profits only enhances the means by which we may ply our trade. The more coins we have the more we may do and if all our coins are given away never to return then we may no more be able to give." Bassanio's tone is friendly but he speaks very matter of factly, surprised by Lord Andrew's position and perhaps a little suspicion of his generosity. It is rare that the nobility take interest in the common folk without any gain for themselves.
Bassanio enjoys his brief conversation with the seemingly vulgar though entertaining Scotsmen before he is introduced to a third, the one he hoped to meet. He take Lord Andrew's hang greeting him in return. "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Andrew. I received your message for a meeting tomorrow night but being restless I went for a walk and I thought I would try my luck. It seems fortune favours me." he professes as he follows Andrew to a quiet corner.
Bassanio counts his blessings as the accepts the happy coincidence. He joins the men with a drink hopeful that he may speak with this Lord Andrew this night, expediting their business. As they drink Bassanio makes enquiries of the foreigners. "So tell me gentlemen, how have you been enjoying the city of Venice, how has you business be and how long may the fair canals tempt you to stay away from your homeland?"
You notice two men at the other end of the bar dressed in Scottish garb. Perhaps one of them is the Scottish diplomat who is the patron of young Federico?
Bassanio approaches the men greeting them in a friendly manner, "Hail fine gentlemen. Welcome to Venice. I noticed your accents and I had to wonder if either of you gentlemen were a Scottish Diplomat. I was informed by a man who I have business dealings with, Frederico, of a Scottish Diplomat who was interested in making acquisitions for export and hearing your voices I wondered if one of you fine men might be the man Frederico spoke of."
Bassanio nods at Etio's words in complete agreement. He pulls the covers over his head and shuts his eyes. Try as he might he is unable to fall asleep. Something within him gives in an energy, a strength to keep going through the night.
He rises from his chamber and begins to study his financial matters though after an hour he grows restless having familiarised himself with many details of the work Etio has been doing.
He changes his attire once again and gathers his sword and hidden dagger for protection, deciding to take a walk. It seems to the the sleeping city stirs with restless energy. As he walks he finds himself unconsciously making his way in the direction of Way of Kings Inn.
Bassanio sits up carefully considering the missive and the words of Etio. Good Etio who has always been loyal and never led him astray. "I agree with you Etio, your advice is as good as I ever, would I be a fool to refuse it. I shall go to the inn."
Standing up in bed and raising his voice he declares, "Etio, as God is my witness I shall find a way to turn us into the most important bankers in florence and with your good counsel I shall not go astray!" He hops off the bed giving the man a quick hug before scolding him in a friendly manner. "Now off you go Etio, I have a big day tomorrow, I must have my rest!" he proclaims before he disappears under his covers.
Waking to the sound of a rap on his door and the familiar voice requesting entry Bassanio pulls the covers off himself and rubs his eyes as he sits up in bed replying, "Yes, come in Etio. What is the matter, it is unlike you to disturb me when I sleep, unless morning has come and you attempt to rouse me to work at some unholy hour. You know I only awake at noon!" By the tone of his voice Etio can tell his master is groggy but he is not upset at being woken.
Bassanio stirs for a moment, over hearing a conversation. Voices disturbing his slumber. One of them sounded like Etio, something about a meeting. Lord Andrew?He gave Etio a message, oh Etio would tell him in the morning. HIs head hurt too bad to think any more, allowing his eyes to shut and whisk him back to the land of dreams.
Btw, you're running an amazing game. I can't wrap my head around the complexity of it all (in a good way) which is brilliant and I'm not trying to too hard either. I like not knowing too much about the other players so that Bassanio doesn't know stuff he shouldn't.
Bassanio retires after a wonderful evening with Aitana. Thoughts of her upon his mind. His mind racing with images of their bodies intertwined discovering new sins of the flesh together. His thoughts though are continuously interrupted by those of Rafael and the possibility of a profitable business venture together. The pushes them from his mind to focus on the curves of Aitana and her melodious accent, but each time they seem to return, the image of Rafael a rude interruption.
Bassanio awakens near noon, starting with lunch for breakfast while hearing the news of the day from Etio. He considers the papers Etio places before him, giving the older man his assessment of each, and listening his counsel with fleeting interest, as his thoughts keep turning to the pair from the previous evening. Once the days work is complete Bassanio finishes his supper with haste rushing to the Titan Inn as instructed, his feet carrying him a pace barely within the dignity acceptable for a nobleman.
Finally his destination arrives, he examines the Inn from outside before entering in search of Aitana and Rafael.
Bassanio thanks Rafael for the wine, showing his pleasure at the suggestion he handle their finances in drinking his third glass for the night the while he dance with Aitana, losing himself in her. "The way she smiles and her eyes twinkle I could be lost those eyes forever and only awake to the passion of her in my arms, her hair swaying as we dance."
He pulls her closer to him as the move to the music of every passing song. Finally he drains the glass before saying, "My dear, I feel no matter how much time I spend with you it only further fuels my thirst for you. I fear this night is too short. I shall not be able to work the day tomorrow, with the pleasant infliction of thoughts of you upon my mind. My only remedy would be the knowledge that I would see you again."
Bassanio raises an eyebrow in surprise, "Oh, you know my father, that is most fortunate. And if you do meet him you may let him know that I have made a very good start of matters in Venice." he says proudly. In fact, just this night terms have been arrived at for a very profitable venture."
Bassanio smiles very satisfied with himself. "Your lovely sister," he says turning to Aitana, "was helping me celebrate without realising. Come now, we joined by another that our celebrations shall be further increased. Let us drink and dance this lovely night. Come with me." he adds.
Bassanio leads them back inside pouring three glasses of wine and calling upon the musicians to play something lively. "Come now. A lively tune! Let us dance." Bassanio hopes to make it a memorable evening, keen on enjoying it with these new friends for reasons he cannot fully explain nor does he question the desire as to revel is only in his nature. he eyes rarely leave the beautiful Aitana. Every time he is forced to look away his gaze returns with a moment of terror that she might vanish in the time he looks away followed by relief and elation at the sight of her. He asks her to dance with him and forgets all others except Rafael.
Bassanio turns about with a start at sound of the new entrant. Momentarily annoyed at his time with the lovely Aitana being interrupted he gathers his wits and briefly examines the man before replying, "I am Bassanio," he introduces himself with a slight bow of his head. "It is a pleasure to meet you signore.." he inquires allowing to gentleman to supply his name.
Bassanio is enflamed with passion. The bold act of the woman, furthering his own drives him wild. He struggles to contain himself. Every part of him yearning for more, but he holds back. Remembering where he is. "No I do not, but if I am honest it would matter little to me if there were. I have never met a woman like you. Who makes me feel..." Fires in his eyes.
Bassanio watches her speak absolutely mesmerised by her. The beauty of her form, the way her lips shape themselves as she speaks and melodious sound of her voice. Her every word draws him in closer and as the word Valencia leave her lips he brings his towards her, kissing her lips softly.
"Forgive me." he exclaims, blushing. "Forgive me. You stir such emotions in me I forget myself." He turns away from her embarrassed.
Bassanio is taken aback for a moment by the comment that he reminds her of her brother, he is reassured by her presence with him. "I am Bassanio Strozzi and my father, is Antonio Strozzi." answering her question and kissing her hand once again.
The young banker offers her his arm. "Shall we adjourn to the balcony. It is such a lovely night. I should like to hear more about brotherl. He seems like a fine and intelligent fellow. I should like very much like to meet him." A cheeky smile upon Bassanio's face.
How about have it at an increasing cost. 1 point till 7, 8 and 9 are two points a piece and 10 is 3.
That doesn't have to be the actual costs, you can change them but someone which allows a reasonable level of willpower but makes it very expensive to go high.
Bassanio drains his glass. "I am a bankers by profession signorina, but I am here to live. Too many banker spend their time counting coins and with their ledgers. They do not know what it is to live life and miss out on the beauties of the world."
He looks deeply into her eyes. "I do not count myself one amongst them. I seek to live life to its fullest, explore all it has to offer, to see all its beauties, travel its length and breath." He takes her hand in his own and kisses it softly. "Do you agree or would you have me with my books and coins being a proper banker?
Bassanio sips his wine, his undivided attention upon her. His eyes sparkle with mischief. "You speak it so finely, were I to close my eyes I would not know you a were a Spaniard, though my eyes tell me otherwise for you beautiful olive skin, kissed by the sun does betray you."
Bassanio greets Procopio in the over the top way that dear friends would after many years. During the introductions his attention is captured by an enchanting Spanish girl by the name of Aitana.
Once the polite introductions are completed and he has procured himself a glass of wine he manoeuvres through the throng of guests to converse with the captivating Aitana. Bassanio is well dressed in one of his better evening suits with her sword by side and cuts a striking figure. He approaches the young lady with one arm behind his back and a glass of wine in the other and introduces himself. "Buonasera signorina. I am Bassanio. Had I known such a lovely lady was at Procopio's party I would have turned my appointment away with great haste to be here sooner. Now I fear I am so late that very little time remains and curfews will play spoilsport. I must confess that I have been a terrible guest for on hearing your name I have forgotten all my other introductions which good Procopio made such great efforts with."
Bassanio laughs. "My dear Frederico. Dinner for me is just breakfast to any other man. I am a creature of the night and my day has recently begun. I may be out but Etio here will know where to reach me. Call here and he shall have a runner fetch me. I look forward to meeting this Lord Andrew."
He sees the man to the door and wishes him a good night. "Well that went well Etio. A good start. I am quite pleased. Now tell me what could I have done better, what did I miss?"
After listening carefully to Etio's counsel Bassanio leaves to call upon an acquaintance who has extended Bassanio an invitation.
Bassanio raises an eyebrow at the mention of House Giovanni. He accepts the parcel of pipeweed and takes whiff before storing. He examines the document carefully, taking his time. Minutes pass then he returns it satisfied. "You are a man who comes well prepared. That shows planning and thought. That in itself tells me much about you. Now let us have a glass of wine and toast to a promising beginning." he pours two glasses of wine from a decanter and hands the man one. He then proceeds to raise his glass as a toast.
If he accepts the toast:
"I should like to meet your scotsman. Please arrange a meeting. My man Etio will aid you in the negotiations for the land. He is a good and reliable fellow and one of the most knowledgable men I have met."
"Now if there is nothing else we shall adjourn to dinner. I believe both my belly and my food are ready, bur first we shall try some of this." he motions to the pipeweed.
Bassanio considers Frederico's words for a few moments and then speaks. "If what you speak is the truth, and I do not impugn your honour, your proposition may hold value but first it must be weighed." he says mimicking the bankers he has seen during his childhood and hoping he appears to be of worthy intelligence. [
"Now before we proceed there are some things I will have of you. The papers of sale of your piece of land so that I may know its worth as sold to this Lord of Scotland that you speak off, a sample of the pipeweed that I may judge its quality and the sum you are seeking of our bank. I should also like a meeting with this Lord to know that there is bonafide purchaser for this pipeweed and at what price he seeks to purchase. These things you must provide me." he says pausing to ensure the man has understood all he has said.
"Now further I understand that you wish to purchase the remaining land from the family who owns the rest as you say and grow your weed upon it for export. If you would have our duccats know that we will have sureties from you which would be executed before the authorites as witness. We shall have first charge on your land and the weed upon it and you shall be permitted no further charge save to commit to it's sale, the payments and arrangements of which shall be conducted exclusively through our bank. These are our terms. You may consider them severe, but I understand you are looking for a sum which no bank is willing to part with and the offer is fair."
He pauses once more, going over what he has stated, checking to ensure he has not forgotten a requirement. He always forgets and Etio has instructed him to pause and ensure none is forgotten and that affairs are not rushed. Feeling secure in his requirements he continues. "Do we have terms?" he asks extending his arm.
Just to clarify, the resources available to Bassanio for his personal use are limited at this point, though that of the bank are separate which pay for guard for the vaults and transport of money etc. Naturally none of which though is at Bassanio's personal disposal.
Any entertaining he does or other expenses he indulges in even if they may be work related in his mind are purely at his own expense as only the essential necessities of operations would be paid for by the bank.
Bassanio considers the man before him. I hope Etio has found us a good venture. If he has brought this man before me it is likely to be of some promise. I pray this goes well. Father will have no choice but to start paying me some respect for my ways have their merit. There is more to business than counting coin. What is the sense in having all the coin in the world if one does not know how to make use of it? The earning of it is for the purpose of its spending after all is it not? And must not its spending be for the enjoyment of the earner? Besides a second purpose there also exists. No man would deal with a pauper for a banker. If one is well outfitted and displayed to be of sufficient means, such a banker is one in which a customer would have faith in and all would flock to. And how would one meet such customer if one locked up with books of accounts. It is at the parties where nobles and businessmen dwell and it is there that we may make our bank and our name known. But this logic falls on deaf ears in Florence."
Bassanio greets the man in what he has learned to be the proper Venitian custom. "Good evening Federico. I am glad that you are able to make our appointment. With the city so... aroused I feared some ill tidings may have befallen you. Though now I am glad to see you well and here. Let me not ignore my manners. Please, come in and do make yourself comfortable." he leads him into the drawing room and offers him a seat. "May I offer you some refreshment? The staff will have supper ready soon. I am a late eater and if you have not already dined I would insist, if it is not an inconvenience, that you eat with me."
If the gentleman asks for anything, Bassanio will the servant have it brought in and he will order himself a glass of wine.
"Now to business good sir. You have heard both correctly and incorrectly. We are not a bank to squander our means else we would have long been parted from such, though we do have our own measure of a worthy venture. We have branches in many important trading cities.
We can offer you letters of payment which will enable you to deliver goods in one place and receive the payment in another without worry for safe transportation of monies. We offer bills lading and letters of credit to ensure your monies are paid only once your goods are received at their destination or vis-a-vis. We also offer credit against surety so that trade may commence even when capital is otherwise occupied. Else keep your sums safely stored in our vaults and withdraw such at any of our branches as per your convenience. All for a reasonable fee of course.
Please present your case to me and it shall considered fairly. And hope we may be of assistance to you." he finishes listening intently.
