A Warlock Alone, Island Empire solo game

[Scotley]

Dinner with the Mayor

"Ah that sounds not unlike the wheels of government which need constant attention to keep them moving along." He pours a generous cup, another fine goblet like his own. The wine isn't bad, but would be better with a large helping of braised beef. Its really something you'd rather see paired with food instead of serving as an aperitif. "The soup should be along shortly. Would you care to join me at the table while we wait?" He gestures to a seat at the right hand of the head of the table. This table is large enough for 20, but tonight it seems only two places are set. "I hope you don't mind that it is just the two of us this evening. I wanted a chance for us to talk and get to know one another since rumor has it you have big plans for our little island."

 

[J. Alexander]

Conservations

"As you wish sir, truth be told I honestly dont think i have another large dinner or gathering left in me this week" Michael says with a wry smile "In regards to the plans, yes somewhat big but no more so than any warhouse complex for a company. I have found that the island is ideally located yet not quite on the beaten path so as to allow my compnay the chance for modest growth without the cutthroat competition one would expect in one of the major commercial ports. Ideally, Terger will serve as a clearing house for incomoing and outgoing cargos for my fleet as well as other individuals who contract for warhousing space. I would expect a modest increase in commerical and sales taxes for the city but i rather doubt if any other companies will follow suit and build here"

 

[Scotley]

"I do understand. I find that all the functions, dinners and events I must attend seem to run together after a while." He takes another sip of wine. "Now don't be modest Captain. Very little happens on this island that I don't know about. I've seen the work site and I know you've got plans for a more than just a warehouse. Rumors are circulating through the farming community that you'll be buying livestock and produce in quantity. I believe you met with a prominent plantation owner today as well."

 

[J. Alexander]

The Lord Mayor

Laughing softly MIchael says, "Well i do see where it would seem that big things are afoot what with all the activity, but no they are all just parts of the overall foundation but done all at once they would seem to sugget big things. The compound needs to be of a certain size to house barrakcs, old sailors homes, warhouses, residences, offices, docks and shipyards..all done properly this does take a lot of space and seem larger than life. The produce and livestock is also very simple,,,,food must be had...it is cheaper to buy now and build up breeding stock etc to increase the oversize size of the heard in order to achieve a stable food supply. As to the plantaion owner and may as well as the dye merchant, there has to be some way to pay for this all and they both are superior trade goods" taking a drink Michael will add thoughtfully "Yes i can see where it would lead to that sort of rumor that and the concern for inflation on the island. Thay is why i am trying to do it in a small way so as to casue less problems for the local goverment and population."

 

[Scotley]

The mayor grins, "I'm always in favor of less work for local government." He takes another sip of wine. A light fried vegetable appetizer is brought out. "But seriously, it should also mean more revenue, which makes other jobs easier, so I am content."

 

[J. Alexander]

Conservations

Smiling slighty Michael will add "I have always found increased revenues a great comfort"

 

[Scotley]

He raises a glass in salute and the staff bring the next course. The bring out iron cones pierced with several small holes. The cones have been heated to red hot and strips of richly spiced beef marinated in thick oils have laid on them and still sizzle. The staff scrap the meat onto plates laden with buckwheat noodles boiled with vegetables. They toss the pasta and vegetables with the oily beef. The dish proves to be hot and spicy with some sweetness. Small chilled bowls of various pickled vinegary vegetables and fish skin cut the spicy sweetness and heat of the main dish. After a good portion of the dish, and more red wine are consumed the mayor asks, "So Captain, tell me a little of yourself. I would knew more of Tregere's newest citizen. Your crewmen have spread tails of your daring deeds about the island and paise you to a fault."

 

[J. Alexander]

Conservations

"I imagine just like the tales of the building here on Terger, that the tales being circulated are just as wild and unbelivable each being built on a small kernel of truth" Michael says "Yes we have been lukcy as a crew and will continue to prosper with a little luck but no more than any hard working crew who as experienced a run of good luck. Now t he true test will come when we undergo a spell of bad luck" Taking a few more bits Michael add. "As to myself, a simple tale really, I am from the eastern part of the empire and have over the last 6 years set out to make my fortune"

 

[Scotley]

"The mysterious man from the East." He says with a grin. "It seems you've done quite well for yourself in only six years." He raises his goblet. "To your continued good fortune and success." The mayor finally abandons the heavy red wine, in favor of a sweet dessert wine as you are presented with a small tray of sweets. A selection of 5 tiny bite sized confections and pastries of great intricacy.

 

[J. Alexander]

Conservations

Laughing MIchales says "I do wish it was mysterious, it would have prevented many of the problems and difficulties i havefaced so far" taking a sip of the desertwine Michael will continue "Yes we have been lucky so far...extremly lucky but now the time has come to lessen the risk of alwas carrying your full treasure by investing it in worthwhile projects"

Michael will then spend the time in pleseant converstaion.At the close of dinner, he and Grond and the escourt will make their way back to the ship. Once on the ship MIchale will ask for a status report, check the alrams etc and then retire to bed for much needed rest.