”I wonder if it is time to come to an agreement on merchant activity across the Southern Region?” starts as he introduces the subject.

”Until recently, DELEM and V&A have been the main players, but because we trade in different ways there hasn’t been a lot of direct competition between the two companies.  Over the last couple of years, WSM has got itself organised and competes locally, House Yitis trade between here and Mivon, as does V&A, on top of that Safiya has opened up a canal that links Restov with Ringbridge, Tusk and beyond.  Soon, I expect to have a road that stretches almost as far as The Wyvern bridge and the East Sellen river, which will open up the possibility of water-based trade with both New Stetven and Fort Drelev.  Once the issue at Varnhold is resolved, there are possibilities of trade there as well.  Changes that are significant for all of us, Merchants, Landowners and businessfolk alike.

I know, for example, that the Mayor of Restov is a merchant,  DELEM run alongside his trade caravans on the road between Restov and New Stetven.  Another member of the council is from a merchant house, although the operate more locally.  I know that House Surtova and House Lebeda are both active merchants in New Steven, and they both have links to Fort Drelev.  I am also aware that, beyond Fort Drelev, the East Sellen is a difficult route passing through swamp lands full of pirates and monsters.  Drelev was supposed to sort that out, but he hasn’t managed to do that …

I would like to hear your thoughts and views on the matter …”

OOC: Thread open to anyone, who wants to join in.

Marik stood, "Lord LeMaistre, I do not, as they say, have a dog in this fight, but I have a recommendation that, while not directly related to the topic you speak of, I believe is pertinent to the discussion. As you point out, trade in the Southern Region, as well as business in general, has grown significantly since you first laid claim to the charter that brought us all here. I believe it is time that Midmarch, and the Southern Region as a whole, embrace our prosperity and independence, and begin minting our own currency."

He paused momentarily for effect. "With the opening of my gold mine at New Dawn, we now have access locally to gold, as well as silver through the Sootscale mine. And I would like to humbly recommend New Dawn for the mint, given its close proximity to the gold mine and the fact that I am bringing much of the silver mined by the Sootscales there as well."

Domitius sat strocking his beard in thought before speaking up "My Lord, I don't understand what you are wanting an agreement on?  Do you seek to protect the merchants of Midmarch from outside interference? Or an agreement on how we can expand outside Midmarch?"

Henry nods along with Marik's speech, "I hadn't really considered that, but it is a good idea." he agrees.

Then turns to Dom, "I don't really know that I want to achieve anything in particular, just that I wanted to hear your views on the matter.  I am aware that other cities and towns are less generous to newcomers, although our prosperity, so far, has been based on welcoming new people in."  He shrugs  "Low tax rates along with few regulations has allowed our businesses to expand  quickly and easily, but now Tusk is starting to fill up, there is a direct river connection to Restov and soon we will reach the East Sellen .....

New opportunities abound BUT, we start to affect the rest of Brevoy.  For the first time, in many years, Restov will be able to trade  without going through New Stetven - as will the Dwarves of Brundeston  and Lady Jamandi in her new East Rostland stronghold.  And settlement on the East Sellen will have an impact on the trade that House Lebeda and House Surtova conduct along that river.  Opportunities for us, threats for others ...  perhaps, as Marik suggests, we should look for way to strengthen our positions.  Or at least identify any weaknesses that we have."


OOC:  Cool. The first time I have ever started an in-game SWOT analysis  ...

A couple of moments later, Henry responds more fully to Marik.  "As I think about it,  I don't think a mint is a good idea at the moment.  New Dawn is quite small still, and has basic defences.  As you say, you have a gold mine, it is  central to your silver business, and there is a jeweller's shop there as well.  A very tempting target for thieves, already.  Later perhaps, when you have the walls in place and better security."

Adoven looks thoughtful. "Lady Jamandi.....her Stronghold will be built up into a major city as quickly as they can manage it. We here in Tusk have managed such a feat in a relatively short time. Perhaps she might benefit from our insights in building her capitol. it would be the friendly thing to do, not to mention that there would be countless investment opportunities."

Adoven continues "My Lord, it occurs to me that we have enough traders in Tusk, both homegrown and visiting, to justify the formation of an official Merchant's Guild. I do not know if we need a new district to handle the new influx of business opportunities this will generate, but at V&A we have already consolidated enough resources to build such a Hall in this coming year.... with permission,
of course."

Henry looks across at Andalon and the other members of Tusk council.

"I see no reason to object to setting up a Merchant's Guild here in Tusk. I expect it would bring further benefits to the City overall," Andalon responded.

"As for a purpose-built merchant guild hall, we do have the Tusk Guilds Hall in Central District and the Southern Chapter Guildhall in the Ivory Hill district already. I suspect there would be sufficient space available there already for meetings of a new Merchant Guild but if you do wish to build a new merchant guild hall as well I wouldn't see any reason to object."

Domitius entered the guildhall confidently, familiar with most of the staff he gave them a nod and headed into a sitting room.  he settled himself into a leather armchair in front of the fire and took the latest Southern Observer and started to read.  He had discussed Safiya enchanting a backpack for him on their journey back from Old Keep and had come to meet her or her representative to exchange the money.

A man joins Domitus in the guildhall. "Ser Aldori-Solanus? I am Gaius Senas, proprietor of Senas' Wondrous Arcane Goods. Mistress Vallani has informed me that you might be interested in commissioning one of our magical items. A backpack of sorts I believe?"

One Handy Haversack for 1200 gp, to be available for picking up before we head out again?

"Please join me Gaius" Domitius replied indicating the other seat nearby as he folded away the newspaper. "You are correct, I am looking at the purchase of what I believe is commonly called a Handy Haversack." he smiled "Our traipsing around the swamps on foot wasn't exactly a pleasant experience so lightening the load would be of benefit.  Now I have deposited the money with my bank and if you take my note they will turn it over to you."

OOC 1200gp transferred across to Safiya as agreed ready for our next adventure.  Kiera better order some extra Applejack....

Senas sits down for a moment to take the offered note. "Yes, I do believe we can help you with that. Your item should be ready in a couple of days. In fact, if there is nothing further, I should probably get on it."

Crafting one Handy Haversack:

Cost: 1000 gp
Time: 2 days
DC = 5 + 9 (CL) + 5 (missing spell) = 19
Roll = 10 (Taking 10) + 12 (Spellcraft) = 22

That's that then. Can we just assume that Dom has the item from now on?

As soon as he gets back to Tusk.  :)