The Four Lands - The Colony

[Neurotic]

Randal Lucius Stormweaver

Randal disagrees with naval or any military base from any power within the colony. History teaches that those serve mainly as "guardians" of new lands effectively blocking military development of new lands.

Once hostile reaction becomes evident he stands and without waiting for the end of the tirade, bows slightly and starts toward the door.

They are already offended, we could show some backbone immediately. Hopefuly, we can find a way to prosper around their conditions, manufactured goods maybe? Knowledge? Hmmm. Those bureaucrats always think they can get something for nothing.

To late Randal remembers that there could be mind reading men around. He continues toward the door, suddenly careful seeing young man breaking the glass. Unseen servant opens the door for him and he is gone.

OOC: This assumes that no one stops him and nothing happened with glass breaking

 

[Lou]

Alton Kanri

Before exiting the doors, Alton turns and responds to the spokesman without emotion, "We presume nothing; we only know what you tell us. Your distress is of your own making. There is clear title to nothing under the conditions laid out. Your voice rings hollow faced with the words on the paper. An eminent banking house such as Brightlaw would not make such a mistake. So who is running this show?" With that, Alton leaves.

 

[Leif]

Hennett, Gestalt Ranger/Druid

Before exiting the doors, Alton turns and responds to the spokesman without emotion, "We presume nothing; we only know what you tell us. Your distress is of your own making. There is clear title to nothing under the conditions laid out. Your voice rings hollow faced with the words on the paper. An eminent banking house such as Brightlaw would not make such a mistake. So who is running this show?" With that, Alton leaves.

Hennett nods in agreement with Alton's words and does not even look at the men as he follows Alton out of the room.

 

[J. Alexander]

As the party gathers to leave it is easy to observe that the men at the table are taken aback by the disrespect shown by Randal and Alton. Several of the guards put hand to sword when Randal moves but are stayed when the man to the right of the spokesman finally speaks as the two are just about to cross the threshold. "Master Alton, Master Randal, Master Hennett there will be no need for you to make a decision. Your services are no longer desired by this body and the offer is herby withdrawn. The monies you paid for titles shall be refunded and we ask that you remain within the hotel for two weeks so that the fleet may sail. And for the rest of you you make a grevious error you confuse busniess with politcs in regards to the Bank and the Grand Duchey and the confederated states as they are seperate and distinct entities...think well on your decison......as should this insolence and attitude prevail we will look elsewhere."

Completing his breif speech the man stands up as well as the rest of the tabel and moves to an exit. Guards fall into protective positions and those who are intuend to magic sense that a barrier has been raised that will prevent voice and other actions from reaching them.

 

[J. Alexander]

In the Dining room

Entering the common area set aside for the party the group discovers the young viscount archer sitting in a chair with his feet up on an ottoman...."Bravo, Bravo gentlemen you should be commended..your actions have just given up control of the colonial council where all the real issues were to be decided..... before the meeting you had 7 out of 16 votes on it now you have only 4 or 16 I do hope your proud of yourself"

 

[Lou]

In the Dining Room

Alton finds a bottle of bourbon and several glasses, offering them to Viscount Archer, Hennett, Randal, and others. Pouring when glasses are accepted.

"The conflict with the D'Shai Empire must go poorly, or our hosts would not be in such foul temper. Moving the schedule ahead and then blustering when questions arise is a clear sign of weakness, not strength. If we are so easily replaced, then this whole exercise has been a waste.

The vote counts make no difference so long as the veto power remains in the hands of our hosts. Only 12/16 matters; they have 5 votes.

And what is your position here, Lord Archer? Playing the ends against the middle or are you just here to soften the group up?"

Alton sits down opposite Viscount Archer and takes a sip.

 

[J. Alexander]

Taking the offered bourbon the Viscount replies "My position is one of many..I am to be my cousion's watchdog and well as their emissary,,they both are a little excitable at times I will confess" taking a sip he responds.."And no you are wrong..they always deal from a position of strenght and rarely bluff...and once again you make a false assuption that the five will always act in concert. Their interests are varied and many and often confilct that is why they wished 7 neutral individuals on the council that way even should a veto be cast the 7 plus 5 of the remaing 7 could override it...that is in the intial stages..as the council grew it would dilute the power of a veto.." taking a sip of his bourbon he continues.."I am afraid you let yourself be blinded by the money and plans you made in advacne of learing all the terms..yes there was a sense of urgency but you all rushed out and immiedialtely contracted to secure your own interests rather than scout out what is availabe and delay the purchase until you knew what all the conditions were..." taking yet another sip he adds "And Did you truly belive that you were going to be able to set everything up as to your wishes in the beginning and ignore the wishes and agreements among the 5.......they always knew at some point a confortation would occur bewteen the 5 and the council yet you pushed it when you were not in a postion of strength and thus the hammer fell early...and no you are not easily replaced as much thought went into the selection process but they were not foolish enought not to have secondary candidates ready" then pausing for yet another sip he adds.. "Did you truly think that your little company was going to have such a monopoly on everthing and such a huge headstart..did you think they would allow it withouts some protections for themeself...

 

[J. Alexander]

Then looking into his glass for a moment as if deciding to what to say he adds "As a personal aside i would suggest you tone down considerable your attitude and perceived shows of strenght...you gentlmen while powerful are way out of your league in reagards to them...and should it continue then Eastmarch who was greatly offended may well follow thru with his comment to have an axeman bring you to your senses....."

 

[Lou]

"'Negotiating' with such bluster usually leads to rebellion sooner rather than later. Kicking us out of the room based on our reactions to the added terms.... Bluff or not, it bodes poorly for the success of the colony, despite comments to the contrary. The fact is that sheep do not make good colonists!

I cannot help but question how such steep conditions by the 5, along with the required increasing taxes previously described, could lead to a stable economy during peacetime. Attacks by the D'Shai Empire would certainly doom the colony under those conditions. The offered terms do not come near to "wealth beyond imagining."

But money means little to me. It adds cushion to the adventure. I simply invested the draft given to me.

So far the risks were going to be mostly on us, not the 5. They are only putting forth gold, not their lives. Although it sounds like you are going, Lord Archer?"

OOC: Alton is continuing the conversation so others can listen and have cover from his words.

JA-So this is your idea of "may be some room for negotiation."

 

[Leif]

Hennett, Gestalt Ranger/Druid

Alton's "shadow", Hennett, just stands brooding nearby, waiting for a topic to come up that he knows about well enough to contribute to the conversation.