Those of you examining the beans more closely can detect a very faint odor that is equal parts nutty and earthy. They are very bitter to the tongue. Papolstaanas doesn't really get any "zing" or much of anything, but it's tough to say what that means, since he's trying such a small portion that hasn't even been properly prepared. They aren't uniform in color, ranging from tan to almost black.
[sblock=Nature DC 12 (passive)]These beans have obviously been dried, and probably look somewhat different when fresh - likely a different color, and possibly some kind of skin or husk which has been discarded.
[sblock=Nature DC 17 (active)]You think that these "beans" are actually seeds of some kind of fruit, rather than true beans which grow in a pod.[/sblock][/sblock]
And if Krassus attempts to stop us from retrieving your goods? He asks with an arched eyebrow.
"Krassus?" Hedra snorts.
"He doesn't have the stomach for violence, believe me. He might whine and protest, but if you're firm with him, he'll back down." The trader sounds very confident of her assessment.
"I cannot say whether you have Merkari's favor or not, but it is clear to me that he wants me to help you with this, and I can certainly see why. I will do all in my power to aid you in this task."
Hedra looks genuinely pleased.
"Well then, perhaps your success will be a good indication that Merkari does indeed smile on me! My competitors already think so, I'll tell you that!" She laughs.
Still looking somewhat ill at ease, he says in response to Jynxx, "It's an important question, though, isn't it? I mean, I don't know anything about business. But, we need to know what, what kind of authority we have to do things, if there's some sort of problem."
Kayesari nods. "Papolstaanas is correct," she says to Jynxx. "We are presumably hired because normal negotiation has failed, but we do need to know what kind of authority we have."
She turns to Hedra. "Can you give us some sort of warrant, stating what we are allowed to do in this?"
The half elf throws up her hands in exasperation. "
I thought I was hiring adventurers, not lawyers." She cranes her neck to look up at Papolstaanas again.
"And you're really from Bacarte?"
She takes a moment and smooths down the front of her dress.
"Okay," she continues more calmly.
"At the factor in Fulcrum - that's the port on the Isle - a copy of my agreement with Krassus is on file. There's also a letter of credit there, payable to him upon receipt of the crops. That should certainly be good if he's got anyone official at the port trying to cover his worthless hide... which I doubt, but I guess it's possible."
She taps a finger on her chin thoughfully.
"Actually, come to think, he'd be more likely to try something like that than violence."
"But understand, that Isle is still mostly pretty wild. The plantation's out in the boonies and there ain't gonna be any city watch around, either to hinder or to help.
"If I may milady, you do not entirely care if the operation pauses with the death of one, but I assume you do not want to lose it entirely." He pauses a moment then adds, "There is quite a bit of profit to be had by a place as you describe, indeed a mutualistic benefit... Do you happen to know what brought on his change of heart?"
"Yes, the plantation took some significant capital. And much as I'd enjoy hearing that you were forced to beat Krassus senseless, that'd be bad business. He's actually a good manager, knows how to run a farm, and I'd be happiest if it's all a misunderstanding, he keeps up his end of the bargain, and we're all best buddies again. His letters have been vague and evasive. So if you do find out what his problem is and let me know, there could be a little bonus in it for you."
She starts pacing again.
"The reason I want muscle for this job isn't Krassus," she says.
"It's this mysterious 'other customer'. I don't know who it is or how bad he wants the beans. And that has me worried. If Krassus already gave them the stuff, or they just took it, then they've stolen from me, and I want you to get it back, by hook or by crook. Is that clear?"
Hedra stops pacing and looks around, turning her piercing gaze on each of you in turn, skipping only the deva.
"Ms. Azryah says she's on board. How about the rest of you - in or out?"
[sblock=ooc]I'm going to continue a bit more in another post, just trying to get the exposition out of the way... sheesh, didn't realize there'd be so much of it! But there is a chance for you to speak here... in fact if you want to back up and interrupt her any time, go for it.[/sblock]
