Druk is not a master, Druke is an Ook. Ooks don’t ... hurt,... Like an Orc but different. Druk says with some pause.
Ambassador Bourgogne Is it Bor-gog-nee , or Lady Gondioque Gon-dee-oak? Druke nods.
I can find anyone in the city even those who hide he says again as though it is his brand and he is advertising.

You want to find friendly capable people ... someone specific? Or capable of one rare job? I can help, I know many. Do you want Orc Human, small people, slave or Ook people? He says in descending order of authority.

[When I hae a longer post that's oral only, I use quotes rather than blue.]

"My apologies, Druk. I said 'Master' as a term of respect, a way of saying that you are your own person...one who has ownership of himself.

"As I said, I have need of people who can carry messages and maybe packages...ones who will do this without tarrying and who will be faithful to the job. Such people would have to be willing to be told what to take, where to take it, and whom to give it to. It seems to me that...if there are to be more than one or two...different sorts of people: Ooks, Orcs, Humans, little people. Free persons would be good...maybe slaves too if they were glad to have a fair owner who treats them well. Something for you to hear, however: In Burgundy there are no slaves.

"Come to think of it, persons with excellent memories would be good. Then some messages coudl be told to the messenger and not written down.

"As for names: 'Burr goy n' and 'gon dee q'.

"And, Druk, thank you for making sure I heard "can find anyone in the city even ones who hide." Know, though, that I heard you the first time."

Bryon engaged in the conversation because names were fun. "Bur-yoon. That's me. You're cute too. I like Ooks, very manly." She smirked, wondering if the Captain would take the bait.

In reply to Gondioque (msg # 27):

Yes I know people who can do this. - do you have messages now? Do you want to hire when you need or pay a few to be always ready?
Druk considers his many contacts in the city.

Ben, I can make up some contacts if you agree or you can tell me who to think of if it helps the story

In reply to Bryon (msg # 28):
Druk smiles at Bryon’s tease. He always sees it that way knowing that no one is attracted to Ooks. We probably know each other fairly well. I was a recent add on to the backstory but Druk would have been working as a part-time hospitality service person here for a couple years while also working as a urban tracker and finder for those who need such services.   I can carry your baskets that is true He says glancing slightly away as he shows a large flexed arm. He makes a quiet laugh as though he is finally starting to accept sharing lighthearted humor and still not sure it is safe.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Fri 31 Aug 2018.

Several messengers. I wish to send greetings to the the King, the Tyrant. I also want the guilds and merchant houses to know that I'm available as a representative of Burgundy.

Now, think on this: If there is no established messenger service or a service to carry packages her or there, it may be good to set up such a business.

The guest known as "The Captain" has only been here a day and a half.  He looks over Bryon.

"Woman, since I've been here I've wanted to take you back to Cyprus with me," he says.  "Because that's the only way anyone there is ever going to believe me.  If you're going to dance, you can't do it properly without music, and there are no musicians here.  And I understand that's be design.  Cabreus house isn't a commoner's ale hall, no, that's where my crew has holed up.  But if you can arrange the kind of gentleman's music that belongs in a place like this, I'll pay for the musicians.  It would be relaxing."

Druk does know a few people in the city that meet the descriptions.

In reply to Ben (msg # 31):

Awesomeness!

As they have dinner and Druke is speaking with Gondioque and Bryon he also pays attention to the others. He identifies the importance of the princess and is shocked but he also watches the Captain, the half Orc lady and the human adventurer to identify the important people he can focus on for further interaction.
22:05, Today: Druk rolled 23,19 using D20+3,d20+14.  Sense motive, gather info.

After thoughtfully nodding Druk tells Gondioque. It will be done, Ambassador, give maybe 32 silver to start and I will get ink and paper to write your dispatches. A scribe will make your letterhead in the morning and we will have some couriers available for regular deliveries. I will tell you how much will cost each day or delivery after I get started. I know who can go to the Over-Tyrant I will talk to him tonight. Is there someone you want to interview each messenger? We will give a list of guilds and trade offices tomorrow and give you options of verbal or written message for them. 

Druk looks to the Captain when he speaks. Musicians? Druke will find musicians. Give 17 silver for short notice. They will play after dinner.
He knows it may help to have musicians anyway and he likes getting jobs for his friends.

He looks to Fabio or one of the other Cabreous’. May Druk return with musicians to play here?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Sun 02 Sept 2018.

Gondioque hands over five gold and 20 silvers. I'll ask for an accounting. I can do the writing for my messages. Pardon me if it's an insult, but can you read, write, work an abacus and use Roman numerals? If not, perhaps you would care to be taught.

We'll need paper to keep accounts on. We'll need a jeweler who can work metal in fine detail to have a sigil created to stamp each sheet. And I think each potential messenger should be interviewed. Also, we'll need a manager if it seems good to expend this messenger effort.

Bryon smiled at the Captain's words. "Cyprus? is that you ship? I suppose that would be fine, but if I'm to entertain sailors I should think that would be extra." It seemed that the Captain had miss understood her entire offer. Well so much for being subtle. She leaned into him, purposely pressing her bosom against his arm. She spoke softly, her lips against his ear.

In reply to Gondioque Bourgogne (msg # 33):
Druk takes the money, with a subtle pause.
I see Ambassador, do not worry, in a few days you will have a messenger business. Druk will do this.

Gondioque nods. Perhap's it shall be called Druk's Deliveries. In the meantime, I shall write two missives, one to the King and one to the Tyrant. Both should be delivered tomorrow. They will bear my personal seal.

Druk drinks his bowl quickly. Excuse me, I will have some arrangements tonight. He says to all. Then to the Captain and Bryon Did you want the musicians?


Druk will go out to meet his contacts when he’s done talking. And downs his ale. He takes his own dishes to wash up in the kitchen before going.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Tue 04 Sept 2018.

"Quiet ones," the Captain says.  "I don't need a music hall.  I need a skillful player who knows that the music is just the background for Bryon to dance to."

He looks at Bryon.  "You can do slow and elegant, yes?  I've seen the way the Germanics and Celts can bounce around, and tonight I have no need of that.  Cyprus is my home, my ship is the Windreaver.  It's a good ship, she outran Vandal Pirates to get here.  She's made me a lot of money, and clearly, lady Bryon, you want me to spend some of that on you.  Well, I am a merchant as well as a captain.  Let me see how you move when the music starts.  Allow me to judge before making the deal."

In reply to Ben (msg # 38):

53, Today: Druk rolled 25 using 1d20+14.  Gather info .
Druk bows his way out, and keeps his head down as he exits mumbling goodbyes to the other guests, he does not make eye contact with the Half-Orc woman, but deferentially avoids her as he makes his way outside.

Hmmm..Think...this will be a good night He mutters to himself, the Woman no the Princess gave him much more than he asked, but she will surely ask much and this venture is new. Druk is not a businessman, he is at least smart enough to know that.

But Simzic, yes - Simzic is a businessman he knows how to make money and not just complete a job. But Druk needs someone who can present messages in a regal manner...He thinks of Talacos, a human ex slave posing as a foreigner, living in the Foreigner's quarter.  Talacos is a clever, adaptable and charismatic person who can seem to be anyone even more so than Druk, who is also skilled at this. But Talacos might rob him, even when they are friends the little man is often not transparent in his dealings, but surely if Simzic is a partner with Talacos no one will abuse the other. They'll need other workers and delivery persons, perhaps a few sailors or the masons, that will wait for tomorrow.

But first Druk needs to find musicians, for tonight, he has only a little time so he will seek out the Perdix family, surely the youths will have a trio he can hire for the evening. Druk makes his way there to seek out a string and light percussion trio or quartet for the Inn.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Thu 06 Sept 2018.

Bryon continued to flirt, shamelessly, which was pretty much how she lived her life. She ran her fingers long his forearm, offering him teasing smiles, intentional brushes with her large bosom, and the like. His question brought a laugh like chiming bells from her, “I think that can be arranged.” While she was doing this she noticed strange written on her arm, actually sewn into her clothing. She must have allowed this so it had to be important. She read it and realized it was instructions for the Butler. She pulled the little cloth off, the stitching came loose and allowed her to remove the little note and took it to the Butler. She pardoned herself from the Captain, promising to return quickly.

She found the Butler and handed him the note. “This was sewn to my clothing. I am sure it is important. I know that I must return tomorrow for the Burgundian Wine flag.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Thu 06 Sept 2018.

Godioque observes Bryon's...Would "antics" be the proper word?....actions and the Captain's measured response.

Gondioque writes her first two messages. She writes each in Latin and in Orc, and she makes fair copies of each so that she encloses copies of each letter to each recipient.

To His Majesty Amaric, of the Visigoths, King:
also
To the Esteemed Harridog, Tyrant of Massilia:

[Two separate letters with the same text.]

Greetings!

My father, King Gundobad, has posted me to Massillia to promote continued good relations between our two kingdoms, to further peace in Gaul, and to help with any problems related to trade from the Inland Sea to Burgundy without interfering with Visigoth control. To these ends, I am authorized to receive and to respond to any communications regarding these matters or such matters as you think best to share.

A favor: Please inform me of any customs or laws—besides those which are common to any well-controlled realm—which, were I to violate them, would create problems which other wise would not arise. In particular...I am residing on the third floor of the Cabreus House Inn. I ask permission to display my Burgundian colors on an outside wall of that floor to make my presence better known. If it is desirable, the Visigoth standard could be shown, say, on the roof so misunderstanding would not arise.

Sincerely,

Princess Gondioque Bourgogne, Ambassador
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Thu 06 Sept 2018.

[to move right along]

The day before the luncheon, while Swift is gone, Goindioque rents a horse, girds herself with her rapier, and rides to the Council of Select offices. There she seeks written records of ordinances and/or Council decisions. Should a member happen or widh to meet her, she is known and available.

(The day before the luncheon is actually the day of arrival- the offices would be closed for the day.)

Godioque waits for swift to return. She does not yet know of any invitation to House Palentus.

Just assume she does, it would have been sent over.

After setting up the Kietus and Sirlia Perdix Aka Kieth and Shirley Partridgeto play music in the Inn. Druk spent his evening with Talacos and Simzic and a few others to set up the runners in a small stall behind Semzic's own business near the Inn. Talacos himself dressed in finery delivers the first messages and They work together to create a fee system and begin getting their name out.

The next day, while others may be enjoying fancy finger foods in elaborate costumes Druk and his partners having delivered their first messages have named the business Nuntius Partum Celeri (or rapid message delivery) which we will call NPC for short.

Druk spends the day getting paper, a small scribe named Gorni, a simple shop with painted signs and a few of his Orcish friends such as Nuvrog and Rhum, a young couple who met as stone workers and are trying to make some cash on the side.

Gorni completes the Bergundian letterhead. Talacos, Druk, and Simzic put together a list of merchants and houses that might use their service. Gorni also creates several flyers for Nuvrog, Rhum, Druk and Talacos to deliver to potential customers to get their name and services out.

Gondioque meets with Druk. She mentions that Nar Problem Celeri fits the initials.
                                              No Problem Fast/Rapid
Agenda:                                       Orc German   Latin
 How's this?                                  ------<
Sufficient capital? Druk only.                |
                                              |  NP
                                              |
                                              ---------->
C with NP inside Logo
But the business name is in Latin.

Operating without disturbing Visigoth governance. Meeting with subordinates.

Business philosophy/code of conduct. Meeting with subordinates.

Distinctive garb/ emblem/ headgear?  Meeting with subordinates.

Carrying messages, invitations...how about small packages? Meeting with subordinates.

Fee schedule? Meeting with subordinates.

Before the meeting, Druk discusses these matters with Gondioque.

[Don't think we need to go into any great detail, enough to have enough substance for role playing. I think such a business will contribute to this unusual game.]

OOC: I guess this is before you go to the party?, Is Latin not the main language of commerce in this area?

Yes, Ambassador - you gave us more than enough seed money, we will seek to earn it back for you. Your messages were delivered.

I've set it up with two partners, Talacos and Simzic. I am supporting where I can in my best way, They arbut I am unclear - I thought you meant to arrange an independant business to serve the needs of your office as well as others. Are you thinking this should be a Bergundian business instead?

Talacos and SImzic are good partners and we have a good team under them. I should be free to do other work in a few days.
Note I’m totally open to doing more RP on this and you being the partner owner or whatever you want but Ben seemed to indicate lack of interest in getting too many details. Also it would maybe be a distraction or conflict for your primary diplomacy role. Those two NPCs are ones that he created so I am planning to let them run the business because Druk is not made to be a merchant - I look forward to seeing how Ben presents these guys before messing further with it.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

In summary, Gondioque's thoughts about NPC:

Thinks the name could reflect messenger service's impartiality: Visigoth, German, Latin. Fair and square service for all.

Thinks she should be a friend of the business, consulted as Druk (a go-between), Talacos, and Simzic feel desirable. Gondioque will finance or help finance and should receive a return on her investment. As a customer, she'' pay the scheduled fees.

Messages delivered without snooping into contents; oral messages not blabbed.

All members of the business are to trust and help each other on business matters. Therefore, each member of the business should have identification or personal knowledge of teach other.

One other thing: Gondioque hopes that return on investment includes news, rumors, etc. picked up in the normal course of the lives of those in NPC.

[I think that fairly well sets things up for Ben to divulge information as he wishes...or add color sometime.]

[Good job, Druk.]