A Warlock Alone, Island Empire solo game

[J. Alexander]

The Party

Michael will turn the conversation to general topics and pleseant matters such as the discussion of the isalnd's economies, what good he would like to see imported to Terger,,,and of Michaels goal to start shiping livestock such to the island so as to start building a basis for the provisioning of ships....especially the making of chesse and the smolking of meats. Then he will comment on his desire to either refurbish or have built 10 or 15 light fishing boats to provide for a smoked/saleted fish portion of the provisions and the creation of cisterins/fresh water pounds to collect fresh water. "And this is where you advice and protection will be most valuable. Such warehousing and small vessels wil lmake an ideal target for petty raiders and we are hoping that the prescence of your involvment will stay their hand so as not to tempt your wraith"

 

[Scotley]

The chieftan seems happy enough with this line of discussion. His aides chime in with a few facts as well. He notes that in the past there was a larger population of fishermen here, but with the decline of population during the plague years the size dropped. He believes that there is considerable good fishing in the waters around Tregere. He also notes that cattle have never done were here, but that goats and pigs seem to flourish. A few people favor water buffalo, but they have never been in large numbers. They serve a good dual purpose as meat and labor, but his people have never been able to stomach the milk or cheese from water buffalo. "Tregere is pretty much a backwater port. We don't get too many raiders, but if our enterprises grow we may have troubles. I can certainly recruit more men to arms. However, the plantation owners and Imperials get nervous if the locals have too many men under arms. They don't entirely trust the 'savages'." He says the word with a certain scorn that suggests he has experienced some racial tention with the humans here. "You might be better able to negotiate that than I."

 

[J. Alexander]

The Party

Partaking more of his meal Michalle comments "Well we will not draw attention to ourselves.....let's see if you recruit another company....and then i hire them from or commision you to recruit guards for my businees or better yet if Col. Chandar starts his own business on the land from your daughters dowers to start a mercenary company providing marines...then it would not draw that much more attention but yet still give the three of us an iron fist should it be necessary."

Taking a sip of his wine Michael continues "As to the animals, we will need local guidance for sure....but I think poultry will do well as well as swine.......if you could help me find a few deserted manors that i could purchase and if you would help funrish the labor we could raise them so that they would support cattel and thus the bais of our cheese industry which is vey appealing to most ship's captains...as well as providing employment, tithes and taxes to our coffers"

 

[Scotley]

Amabar smiles, "Ah Captain you do find creative ways to spend my coin. Oh well, I guess full strong boxes only slow down a ship." The Chieftan's aides all but drool at the thought of so many coins. The Chieftan comments, "That might be the best way to build our forces. As for deserted manors, if a place is dormant long on Tregere the swamp tends to reclaim it. We must work constantly here to stay above water and uncovered by the flora. There might be a place or two worth saving. I can have a couple of places surveyed in the next couple of weeks."

 

[J. Alexander]

The Party

"We hope to address the problem of that particular battel by investing the time and effort into raising the land with rock fill and then soil dredged from drainiage ditches so as to provide a stabel livestock or agriculture platform....after all If i am not mistaken we are all intersted in long term stabel profits and income rather than a hit an run windfall"...then with a sly smile he says to Ambar "You did promise a great deal Ambar...i am merely holding you to just half of what you pledged...."

Indication that the glasses should be refilled, Michael then points to the shipyard under construciton..."That my dear gentlemen shall be my princiapla contribuiton..when finished it can eiter refurbish or construct ships as well as replinsh them for voyages......in addition to providing cost effectivce warehousing. As such it will be a tempting target, thus the walls , the towers and it's design.....and this is where your help will be of considerable value "Chief"...guards will need to be hired as well as your readiness to lead a relife force to the compound should it be attacked by pirates"

 

[Scotley]

Amabar raises his glass in response to Michael's words. The Chief also nods, "Of course we should plan for the long term. That's always where the real money is. I can provide a relief force of course. I'll see about training the men for counter piracy tactics. Having had little to steal, we've had little cause for such talents." Fa'Malathent and his people have reduced their portion of ribs to a heep of bones as the next course arrives, first finger bowels and warm towels then delicate goblets of sherbert.

 

[J. Alexander]

The Party

"Well we hope to remdey that in time..turning Terger and our respective adobes...into tempting targetets to mislead pirates and thieves" Michael will then conusme his sherbert and allow the conversation to develope. When consesus seems to have been reached he wll say "Then we are agreed then gentlemen on the broad outline of our pact"

 

[Scotley]

The conversation begins to lag as a salad of baby greens, strawberries, walnut oil and balsamic vinegar is served with a crisp white wine. After a brief discussion with the assistants Fa'Malathent agrees. "And what of the upcoming nuptuals?"

 

[J. Alexander]

The Party

With a sigh, MIchael says "As to that I dont really know...I imagine the womefolk and your daughter will have numerous plans and ideas.....I would suggest for appearance sake that it be given about that her and Col Chandar's relationship was meant to be as fate put the two star crossed lovers on my ship thus signaling it was menat to be. The the outraged father in a martial display of power seized the Col for his apparant transgrission but after the true story became know saw the hand of fate and relented and gave his approval of the union. I have found it never hurts to at least be seen as being romantic, Michael smiles. "then out out deep love for his daughter he graces her with a matchless dowry that complements her outstanding bride price." Michael snorts..."Now we all know what a truly concoted story that is the trouble they truly caused and we can deal with their penance at a later date.but for now the legend could serve us well as "Who would not want to live on an island under the protection of so powerful and wise chieftian who's heart can be tempered by romantic love...."

 

[Scotley]

The chieftain clearly doesn't think much of such romantic notions, but he is canny enough to appreciate the importance of spin. "You're quite right of course. I suppose I'll have to talk to Fa'Duatha about all this. Would that her mother were here to handle such matters. I'll have my people get a suitable plot of land together and draw up the papers."