OOC:  The Campaign Round proper will start in Mid-December, as normal, however there is some extraordinary business to conduct this year.  Seeing as the Varn situation has been hanging on, for ages, and that it is nearly finished, I have decided to deal with Varnhold now.  I won’t start the ‘Development’ thread until the right time, but this might help you with your planning.

Note: Baron Varn is Lord Maegar Varn’s father.

Henry calls an extraordinary meeting of the Southern Council and, when everyone is seated introduces a visitor from Restov.  ”I would like to introduce Councillor Thonat Lettson, a councillor from Restov, and one of the founders of the Bank of Free Restov.  He is also acting on behalf of Baron Varn, of Vin, Lord Maegar Varn’s father.  As you know, Varnhold has been subject to a strange fate – all of its residents disappeared, including Lord Varn, and the town was left completely de-populated.  It was taken over by various humanoids, who have been driven out by forces from Midmarch and Tusk, and we now maintain the security of the town.” Henry sits down and allows Councillor Lettson to speak.

"Amid concerns about the security of the region and Lord Varn, and his officers, have been officially declared as dead, and religious research in Restov confirms that There are a number of souls, however, that remain missing.  I have been authorized by Baron Varn, the beneficiary of that decision, to dispose of the estates on his behalf.  I have contacted the heirs of other owners, and have obtained permission to act on their behalf as well.  However, the Church of Erastil already started to restaff the chapel at Varnhold, and Clan Devale intend to reclaim their brewery.

There are, of course, political considerations when selling the title and land holdings, and I have been authorized to speak to Lord Domitious about those first.  he shrugs apologetically, ”Both the Lord Mayor of Restov and the Lady Jamandi, have concerns about the power balance in the east, and have insisted that someone with a foot in both camps take on the responsibility.  Lady Vallani, or Swordlord Saltikov of Restov are other options.

However, I can also dispose of The Water Horse, a tannery and a serai. All will need some repairs and, I suspect, restaffing.  Are any of you interested?   If not, I will offer them for sale in Restov and across the Eastern region.”

Note that these prices include an ‘Trading Across Borders’ element -  which is a standard rate for all cross-border transactions.  However, the restaffing element of the price was calculated at standard Midmarch/Tusk rates.  These prices leave you with a fully operating business – ironically at the same price as building a new development.

• The Water Horse (Inn) – 4bp
• Tannery – 1bp
• Serai (no mules) 1bp

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:53, Sat 05 Nov 2022.

Hargym sat with a large book across his lap, nodding and writing as Councillor Lettson spoke the occasion mutter of approval as he looked things over.  Then with a node and a final look at the numbers he spoke up.  "My Lord Domitius has indicated that he will indeed be placing a tender forward for the purchase of Varnhold and provided my calculations are correct." he gave a little smile "And they always are I assure you then he should be able to make payment within the required timing.  He will have the support of clan Silverhammer in this matter, additionally Lord Kendrick will establish an Iomedae Settlemnt within the domain.

Further to that Lord Domitius wishes Winter Sun Merchant coster to take ownership of the serai in the Varnhold domain.  Are there any questions regarding the proposal?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Sat 05 Nov 2022.

Darius nods to the dwarf of clan Silverhammer, "Lord Domitius seems ready to move in. But, I wonder if it might be better if he were to...share the wealth as it were? He is already getting the benefit of a prebuilt holding, perhaps he could let others invest within said holding. On that note, Lord Aeris would like to bid on the serai."

"I will discuss this with his Lordship but given the strained relations between house Aeris and House Solanus I fear it could be a deal breaker should it go ahead."  Harggym looks uncomfortably at Darius "Nothing personal Master Darius, I will do my best to settle the matter amicably."

Councillor Lettson's eyes glint, as he senses a bidding war in the offing.

Darius' face turned confused. "Strained relations? I was unaware. But no worries, I take no offense." He then turned to the Councilor, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but Lord Domitius has no say in who purchases the three properties you discussed, correct? Especially since it sounds as if he is not actually the lord of Varnhold at this very moment."

"Oh, I am required to get the best price for my client ..."

Elkin stood at the doorway listening to the conversation. He didn’t really expect to be noticed, but inevitably he was. “Don’t mind me. Just being nosy. You never know what information ‘The Mordane’ might be interested in.”

Sejana, seated more toward the rear of the room, spoke up at that point:

"I was lately elevated to cousin of Solanus, for my work with that house's lady. I've worked less with its lord, and was likewise unaware of these strained relations, especially since we maintain a business presence in New Dawn.  But as master Hargrym, I will see what can be done to smooth things out, if that's possible."   

Henry says something quietly to Councillor Lettson, and the councillor shrugs gently.

"We'll deal with the serai privately, but there is still the Inn and Tannery ..."

Tobias says "I will have to check, but I believe V&A will have enough uncommitted resources to vie for the Inn."