No one's got a suggestion for the kobold? ;)
In case anyone is wondering, I have not posted cause I don't really see a spot where Saiga would come in at. Not ignoring anyone or anything.
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"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?"
"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."
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?"
For those of you with symbols. This little jerk has nothing. :P Level Up
Feel free to give a newbie sphere caster any suggestions. ;)
"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."
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.
Saiga shook his head. "It seems we can not do business. While I have already arranged for security concerns. If you are in Katapesh and seeking mining work without danger then you will not last long. Also, I can not give you the location as that is part of my security measures, while sampling and its state are part of the reason I am seeking to hire a company such as yours." Such a disappointment, it was a good thing he had other options. Either they did not know their work or they were trying to steal the claim out from under him. Regardless Katapesh was no place for cowards, one needed a healthy bit of greed to stay invested. So long as it was not to much greed mind you.
"Well master fortaine I am starting up a mine and am looking for proper personnel. As such I am looking for those with the right expertise. Interested?"
Sorry for going dark for a minute. Work got weird on me. >.<
Saiga saw some potential but he would reserve judgment for when he considered hiring them. He walked up to the entrance and asked a nearby worker where their boss was or who to talk to for potential business.
Saiga makes his way there with his escorts in tow.
Saiga shook his hand and finished off his drink. "See you later tonight. Much more work to do before then." Unless he is needed for something else or another detail had to be ironed out at the moment he bid farewell and left. Now he needed to track down some skilled craftsmen. Remembering that he had been recommended the dwarf clan of Embersworn, the Grandia Engineering Company, and the Lanika siblings. He chooses to head towards the nearest one while reminding himself what he knew of them.
Saiga gave him a look one gives a scam artist that isn't going to fool you. "Oh you wouldn't like me to test you. As for the clause, well injury and death in the course of your duties, it can be placed in the contract. We can meet later tonight at the church of Abadar to draw up the papers and seal the deal. Agreed?"
"Yet you want me to pay for something I have not seen in action." He shoots back before continuing. "I'll settle to your terms but no fair share claims. How's that sound?"
This time Saiga smiles openly. "I'll settle on the salary in exchange for that fixed rate for two years instead of nine months." Adventurers should really not try to play merchant. At least not with him.
Saiga seems to think it over before replying. "How about you cut that in half, in exchange for a year minimum contract. The option to renegotiate after a year of operation and fair share claim of anything recovered in the course of your duties." He put a little extra charm into his pitch with this one. Nothing against giantkin but he figured this one would be harder to deal with.
Saiga softly clapped his hands together. "Well if you are willing to meet me later tonight at the church of Abadar we can iron out the details in full." Should the big man agree he thanks him and excuses himself. Heading over to Riktor Van Mander. "I have had some time to think and find myself interested, good Riktor. May I hear your terms and offer?"
"Well that can be arranged provided you sign a contract to keep all information given secret, enforced by the church of Abadar. You understand I can't go around giving that sort of information to just anyone."
Saiga keeps the smile from spreading on his false halfling lips. He had stepped into his battlefield. "Well this will not be a standard assignment and I think you would gain benefits that you may not get in other places. So why not cut your rate in half. In exchange you will not just be provided with housing and food but an option to renegotiate your contract after a year of the mines open operation. As well as a fair share claim to anything recovered in the course of your duties." The giant kin had already shown enough wisdom in seeking a percentage of the mine, so he knew the value of benefits beyond simple coin. Should those benefits serve him as much as Emerik did not change their value. He had more in mind for these would be guards to the benefit of all, not just himself of course.
"It would be salary based, so coin. I am in the process of getting the people needed to set up and run the mine. So unless your interested in working for free until the mine starts creating a profit. I think my suggestion would be preferable." He was not going to give a percentage to any employee. Even a regular mine would be very valuable depending on the output and refinement of the product. But a mythril mine was even better then a few gold mines, the raw ore alone was a fortune much less refined.
He was thinking very quickly. The other two groups didn't offer the right abilities for the job. While he would have preferred to speak with them, he didn't want to waste time or give the others thoughts of declining his offer. It's not as if they wouldn't be watching him now that he had approached them. He made his choice quickly and let Nethys decide he supposed. "Well Mr. Albaras how do you feel about sharing an extended contract to supply security services and the odd hand for a mining operation on a near by island?" He had a sneaking suspicion that if problems were to be had it was going to be with the Red Company, so he extended the offer to the Albaras family first. Having a solid leader meant an easier time setting up an agreement. Such was the strength and weakness of flexibility of a group of largely independents like the Red Company.
He wasn't fond of lacking arcane power but the sort of loyalty and familiarity of working with kin had its own advantages. "I see, would you have an idea of the total number of fight worthy kin you have to call upon?"
"Interesting, I would ask for some time to consider and thank you for yours." He gives a little bow and takes his leave unless Riktor has questions of his own. He liked to consider all his options but he was not surprised with the Red Company, that worked in their favor. He makes his way to the giant man called Emerik. "Greetings, are you Emerik Albaras?" If the man confirms he gives a nod of respect before introducing himself. "I am Saiga Manu and was interested to know more about you and your family concerning some security work if your interested."
Speaking from a character point of view not a personal one, in case that was not clear. Saiga does not take issue with not being the lead, rather that Aibek turned it into a personal attack when she kept going and laying out why he is not needed. So he gave her what she wanted as he is not going to fight with people he is supposed to work with. No one even attempted to speak with him or even acknowledged that he still had something to contribute by staying. Also, this is not the first instance that he is not welcome so it's not coming out of the blue, rather it's a reasonable result as that was my intention. No one is making an effort, outside maybe Mihara and Nexus at this point to show him that there is any point to him being there. So why would he insist on forcing his presence on people that have a low opinion of him, to put it mildly. This is more pronounced for a being used to being considered vermin by the world. It's less a decision and more a reaction.
Did you miss Aibek's post to Saiga?
Just so you guys know. Saiga will tell you "I told you so" when you get back. He is in charge of the cities purse strings and trade yet you're not even consulting him, bad form. ;P Who could have predicted that any form of diplomacy or peace would involve trade and finances? The super kobold merchant that's who. :D
"I am Saiga Manu. A potential employer if we are the right fit and your group is interested of course. I would like to know more about the Red Company and its abilities in greater detail. The potential job is a long term contract for security services at a location, cargo escorting, and personnel protection." He takes a sip of his brandy seemingly without a care. Riktor wasn't going to find anything no matter how much he squinted at him.
"Keep the change, my friend." Leaving the scarab. He hops off the chair with his snack in hand while he heads over to Riktor, starting off with the best suited in his mind. Slowly approaching him he gives a nod of respect before speaking. "Riktor Van Mander of the Red Company?"
Saiga walked in and he was sure his current halfling form was neither impressive or notable to these people. Which was just fine as his little eyes scanned them in moments, measuring their worth for the task needed. Too slow, heavy, and divided loyalties among their number between a god's will and their contract. Cavalry would be very dependant on their mounts as to their usefulness and the upkeep of the best would add to the expense. Promising with the wealth of different talents and abilities along with an ability to work together in both large and small groups. While the last was worthy of consideration as well, brute strength was never to be dismissed especially when it was coupled with discipline. In short, he would need more than a once over. Initial impressions did not tell the whole story and he would be lax in his business to stop there. He made his way to the bar for a drink, information, and maybe a snack. He hopped on to a chair and gave a light single knock on the counter to get the server's attention. When they arrive he speaks. "Greetings, I'll have a pesh brandy and a little cold fruit if you have it. Also, do you know who is in charge of those four fine groups and if they're looking for work?" He slides a gold scarab to the server as payment and a healthy tip. Trying to judge the server's impression of those groups as well, to get a third party's view.
Saiga nods in thanks before again adding to the tithe box. "Thank you for all your assistance. I will return when I am in need of your services." He had picked up some interesting information from the church. As far as they were concerned Katapesh claimed the island their city was on and by extension the city. That could be helpful in the right situation. As for that five percent, he would place that in a reserve. If the Pactmasters wanted their due, they would ask for it when they didn't get it. But he certainly was not going to offer it one-sidedly. Certain obligations came along with dues, if the Pactmasters wanted it then they would meet them. With the information of prospective employee's in hand. He headed for the Wandering Suns tavern. He needed to find good guards to protect his workers and the mine from monsters and rivals alike. One could hardly expect to do their best work in fear for their life. Also, the cargo needed protection from thieves. You can't make a good profit without a product.
The wheels in his mind whirled with the benefits and obligations of such potential but he was not one to get ahead of himself. "Such an arrangement between the church and my associates would need to be discussed and so I will bring forth the proposal when next we meet. While Abadar would no doubt be welcome, a proper place must be made for him, I am sure you understand. As such I will settle for the recommendations and be sure the church receives it's due for the aid it has provided as is only right." Another item for the list. When he got back he would need to find out about the faith system and such they were planning. Bring the Abadaran priest to a budding city where they could set up a temple would be a boon for all, not to mention he could cut a deal with the church for financial support. Good business for him and a holy calling for them. Nethys had his soul but Abadar called to his heart at times.
"I seek to register a claim for a mine, a record of which to be held by the church. As well as contract scribing services and any recommendations the church may have for seeking out reputable services in security, skilled craftsmen, and labor." Saiga slops a few gold coins across the desk and into the tithe box. "An offering to the master of the first vault in respect and hope of blessing my venture." He was not one to pass up getting on Abadar's good side or that of his servants. Anyways it never hurt to stack the deck in your favor every chance you could get. The world was a fickle place, more so for merchants.
Saiga is a world traveling merchant. He is also a collector of sorts. Picking up people, favors, and connections. All in the name of building a personal empire. While he is in the business of getting something out of any and all interactions. He is not greedy in the material sense or power hungry. He is something far stranger, a believer of true trade. He deals with any and all so long as there is something to be gained. While others may see a useless talent or worthless skill, to the cunning kobold they have value if only to the right situation or buyer. I have more but I need to iron it out a bit. What you know so far: -Managed to sneak and trick his way past a warzone of constructs all the way to their inner sanctum to meet their master.
Busy as always it seems. He sighed at the thought of when such a sight would be for his businesses and profits. Pushing the thought aside he made his way to one of the priests of the temple. Hopefully, he would not need to wait long for their attention. He suspected there would be a line. Thinking again of what he needed to, he went over the order in his mind. After he got the license taken care of, he would speak of their contractual services and inquire as to any referral they may have for what he sought. Anyone the Abadaran recommended would have the trust of the church, giving them an endorsement meant that they would suffer the churches wrath should they abuse it. A measure of protection. No doubt that would oblige him to make a donation to the church, but it would be a small investment in exchange for reliability and quality.
@DM
@Mihara
For the record are you the evil actions type or evil interaction type DM?
DM (Side Story): I may be a little hazy on things. But I think my post covers Saiga's basic plans while in Katapesh. Still, I want to ask since I don't know how far I can go. Are there are restrictions I should know about. I mean Saiga does not really care about races or civilized standards so if he comes across a "monster" that he thinks will be useful to the mining effort, he will take advantage. Considering his abilities he can influence just about anything that is capable of thought. Which is why I am asking first. :)
They had docked, given the customary bribe to the dockmaster atop the regular fee to ensure the ship was safe and secure by the authority of the Pactmasters. The heat and bustling of Katapesh did not bother him as much as others. Being a disguised kobold and even then of a smaller size then most creatures of the trade city gave natural advantages. Throw in his invisible and currently regular sized companion, he felt relatively secure moving about. Not that he didn't hire a few local mercenaries as an escort for show if nothing else. Appearance was as important as substance in business. A few things were needed for the mine. Security, that city was woefully lacking that even if it seems steps were slowly being taken. Skilled craftsmen to work and refine what was taken from the mine, that was where the real profit was. As well as the proper labor to extract the material from the mine to begin with. All three main aspects needed to be taken care of properly to maximize profit and product. Too many lesser merchants let their greed blind them for short term gains, he was not one of them. For now, he needed to make his way to the Immaculate Repository to register the claim with the Abadaran there. While he was at it he would renew his business license and make arrangements to have someone ready to draw up contracts. He would be sure to get everything in writing, promises in business were not enough if it could be helped.
Sorry I spaced for a minute. The easter holidays and pretty much all of last week have been a bit nutty for me. I'll try to catch up as I see a bunch of new post.
Saiga gives Aibek a plain look and shrugs. "Well if I am not needed. I'll return to my ship, good luck." He was not going to convince anyone to help them. He hops on Mursis and takes off back home. He had paperwork to do among other things.
"Not too long." He replies to her question. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- When the others are present and deciding what to do and how to do it he speaks up after listening to the information given. "If no one minds I would like to take point in negotiations. After all, I have already proven to a point that I wish them no harm. Having spoken to one of their leaders rather than attempting to attack them. When I very much had the ability and opportunity to do so." He takes the moment of silence following his words to snap his fingers. Creating the illusion of the flag design needed. They didn't need an actual flag really, just a marker to identify themselves as requested. "We can head there immediately as the flag is a non issue for me. Shall we go?"
Saiga considers them employee's since they are being paid and making use of the cities resources. No such thing as a free lunch so you can bet there are no free ships and supplies. Yeah, we got the ships from the slavers that tried to kill us before we even got to the city. We beat them with an Andoran ship's help. Nigrum then used some BP and a visit to Ketapesh to refit the ship and get a crew. So we do have an official city patrol ship for the docks.
Saiga ponders for a moment. "I'll stay with Ayreth and escort her to the dock when she wakes. I can send Mursis with you." He shared a link with his companion, it was as close to being at two places at once as you could get.
You guys know that you have the Sword Dragon and her crew right? Nigrum converted one of the captured ships, which we have another one if I remember right laying around. Into a patrol ship and got a crew for it during the last break. Granted they are not well equipped or supplied because we have not gotten around to spending all the BP. But we do have a ship and crew at hand for the city. Reda the half elf rogue leads them. Saiga's ship I have been keeping as background since it is part of his background and as far as I know, has no effect on anything. Which is why he has not been using it as anything besides a house with his entourage.
"I've stood beside plenty of people without them knowing I was there with my magic and I recall standing in front of you in disguise without being detected or suspected. Skill is making the best use of your abilities, that's what allows them to improve." He suspected the merfolk and he suspected they were provoked by careless words. Even if he was wrong, he thought his point was still worthy of consideration. "Should we split up to cover more ground? Can Nexus act as a messenger between us? It seems he is able to contact us regardless of where we are within a certain range."
"Do focus my dear, your city is being attacked and you shouldn't be picky about where you get help from." He replies to Ayreth. "I managed to observe enough of the storm to read it to an extent. It's magical, weather magic to be more accurate, as well as unusually powerful. Which means a single powerful caster that I doubt we could deal with or more likely in my opinion. A team of casters working together." He informs all present before continuing. "Also I think we could use this weather to narrow down the search a bit if we brave the storm or at least someone does. This magic can't be used in an enclosed space, they need to be in the open as their storm does no good in a bottle as it were. Storms have an eye if I'm not mistaken, more so if the storm doesn't move. We backtrack from the eye to find the casters, they can only put so much distance between themselves and the eye while feeding it magical energy. Of course, they may have cast their spell and left but they may be near the site or left something behind. If they plan to return or recast the spell again." Tilting his head to the side, an odd movement for his halfling disguise but a common one for a kobold. "Nexus how long has this storm been raging? If it's not a bother could you keep track of how long it goes on for as well? Taking note should it weaken or gain strength?" If he knew when the storm started and how long it could go on based a ritual or single cast. That would give a clue to how powerful the person or group was that they were dealing with. Even if they recast the spell there would be a fluctuation in the storm to signal it.
Did my spellcraft roll get anything?
The spellcraft is to ID the magical storm.
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