Laiser Tectre's rise to prominence was unheard of. There were many rumors, of course, in the bustling marketplaces and wine gardens of Belluno (in the city-states of Vissio). After all, who wouldn't be interested in immortality? But none could claim where the man had come from. Those few who had been to the island knew where it was, of course, but most had only seem the place at a distance.

Some claimed to have spoken to those who had seen Laiser, that he had been a Kasirutan pirate. Others said he looked like he had come from the Black Reach, but few tell of him.

What is known is that The Island of Immortality was, until 20 years ago, one of the countless tiny islands that dotted the Vissio, swept by storms and surrounded by shoals, and surrounded by hideous misbegotten monsters that attacked boats that dare to close. Wise merchants, and even pirates, kept a wide berth from the place.

Then, a few tiny cutters drifted into port, with several sailors from a boat lost at sea years ago, who claimed to have landed on the island. While you'd have expected them to be bedraggled and barely alive, they were hale, well fed, and clothed in the finest vestments, and their newly built vessels carried a wealth of diamonds, gold and crafts.

And they were here to trade.

And the men spent money freely. At first, the only thing bought were desperate slaves, by the truckload. However, as time continued, the traders demanded increasingly rare and sought after items. There seemed to be was little, if any pattern, regarding the things requested: what was important was that they were rare, valuable and desirable.

Needless to say, this drew men of fortune and pirates to try and find the island. They did not return. However, as the items sought after became rarer, and more slaves were requested, the costs increased, and the boats of the traders became inefficient at bringing in the required wealth. What's more the things being asked for were increasingly distant: greater incentives were needed.

So one day, an old dying man of considerable wealth was made an offer, and came to the island, announcing he was doing so to prevent treachery. He returned 50 years younger (and poorer), but clearly still the same man, verified by the truthsayer guilds, lawfirms and the local chapter of the merciful hand.

Suddenly, the island was very popular among the very wealthy, who (if they provided sufficient tribute) would return decades younger. So happy were the merchants and Laiser at this arrangement, that the event transformed into an opulent party, with even non-seekers of the bargain clamoring for an invitation to the Island of Bargains, and while none who have visited speak of exactly what goes on there, they agree it was an incredible experience and that Laiser is a gracious host.

This year is no exception, and the tributes are fine, indeed.

Rumor has it that a famous singer from the bright republic (one of their marvelous automotons) is a part of the tribute, and that the finest gladiators from Patria are on hand, and one of the spirited and largest riding scorpions
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:08, Sun 07 Oct 2018.