Max the First's page

"So tell me, what is it that you seek to build?"

Max's eyes seem to focus on something beyond Durgan, beyond even the grand gazebo, and the cloying flower gardens.

He will try to get Max's attention, by shouting a bit.

"MAX, FIRST OF HIS NAME!
I am more interested in your offer than that of the wizards.
Don't be baited into losing your place at this table.
Will you discuss your offer?"

"Oh course." Max snaps. He straightens up and overmasters his anger. "And would you be the representative that I would be negotiating with, Ear-Walker, was it?"

"Of course Master Dool, if your offer is approved by my group and you have a genuine plan for seeing yourself and our nation get what we want."

Seeing Max's demonstration
"Then figure out a strategy where you can win."

Max's face reddens, and then reddens further when Zokon turns away to inspect something he found on the table.

Max eyes him angrily before shouting "I WILL NOT BE OUT DONE BY A LOWLY HEDGE WIZARD!"

This causes Dool to slam both hands upon the table and rise to his feet.

"Now see here wizard!" interjects Max. "Formal negotiations begin tomorrow and I too would like the chance to bid on that parcel!"

Dool snaps back at the man telling him that negotiations have been happening since the day before last and that he cannot help it that Max arrived late to the proceedings.

Things grow tense.

Still, they seemed courteous. "Illthir Winlowe, skald. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Naturally." says Max smugly. "All these lands from the Lake of Mists and Veils to the Inner Sea were all settled by the Empire in its glory, and so I have come now to set my mark upon them and make a space for myself and my kin."

The others include a Taldan man, of average height but who seems to wear it taller somehow, dressed in an ornate military uniform. He boldly strides over to the party.

"I am Max, the first of my name, and you would be the members of the group that plumbed the Greenbelt. And this is Allisa Patrician of distant Amanandar."