The Guildmaster Jon talks to turns out to be the head of the Merchants' Guild, and thus the man has seen a lot of other Shadows. After a while, Jon realizes the man is trying to talk politics to him-- the Guildmaster would like the Golden Circle to expand operations to more Shadows (which means getting Random's permission)...

The Ambassador from Minos has many tales... Minos seems to basically be Pirate World, as far as Ariadne can figure it.

He's also spent time in another Golden Circle Shadow, Montevalno, which sounds something like Renaissance Italy World to Ariadne, with lots of sword duels and poison and schemes and secret letters and stuff. Very Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing, Othello, and Taming of the Shrew, with lots of Medicis and Borgias and painters and sculptors and architecture and stuff like that.

Jade just pleasantly listens to all the conversations going on and when talk of other shadows comes up if she can hear it she will pay closer attention.

"I mean, what about this 'Earth' Shadow one sometimes hears about? I understand the Begma problem with advanced machines, but surely many textiles would cross over...? Or what about..."

Eyes get all wide in a bit of shock when Shadow Earth is mentioned and she glances to Ariadne.

In reply to The GM (msg # 339):

Ariadne engaged herself fully in the conversation with the Minos ambassador.  She was well versed in similar historical settings, both from her father's insistence on academics in general, and, weirdly, Shakespeare in particular.  Perhaps many characters had reminded Lord Arrington of Amber, especiallythr Medici family and the many corrupt popes.  She'd also done her own research, probably more than was needed, in her roles as a 17th century duelist and a Roman era viking.
And, she had to admit, she'd always loved pirates, perhaps because of their rebellious, independence (granted, she would later learn that most of the 'wild times'of pirates was more a product of Hollywood, rather than history).

If the ambassador was trying to startle or scandalize Ariadne, and make the foreign woman blush at the antics of the rough shadows, he'd be very disappointed, as the cynical and dark humored Ari was entranced, like a soap opera fan during sweeps week.






OOC Did Ari hear this? I'm thinking she was somewhat oblivious, given her fascination with the other conversation, but hearing 'Earth' might get her attention

(1. The Minos ambassador is merely trying to impress//fascinate Ariadne. Sounds like he's get 'er hooked.

2. I agree in general, but also agree that you might prick up your ears hearing Earth mentioned. I say the table's not SO big that you can't go ahead and involve yourself in that conversation if you want-- feel free.)

Ariadne was too far from Jade to join her conversation without being rude, so she merely tried to catch her green haired cousin's eye and give a nod of acknowledgement

Jade smiled seeing Ariadne's nod like they were part of some great conspiracy.

Ariadne would share some stories about her favorite pirates, from Blackbeard to Zheng Yi Sao (her personal favorite), and some of the exploits from a few other historical figures.

Jade listens to Ariadne's tales and seems surprised her world has pirates considering all the advancements she read or heard about that world.

The Minos ambassador is delighted. "Are these stories written down anywhere? They're as good as mine, easily! I could read a whole book of such Earth-Shadow tales..."

"There, that's one I hadn't thought of-- publishing!" says the Merchant Guildmaster. "Another excellent reason to increase imports from the Earth Shadow... If the King of Amber be willing and motivated..."

Ariadne nodded
"These stories happened long ago, so some details were lost, but i can try to get ahold of some books, both historic and fictional. "
She wondered though if that would be a copyright infringement, or if that even mattered.  This whole "other world" stuff made everything more complicated

Jon follows the conversation with the Guildmaster and as it turns more political, Jon ask's "From what I've seen, the Golden Circle has what it needs to keep everyone safe and taken care of. Why would we need to expand? What would be the purpose?"

"More... more profit! More knowledge-sharing! Better understanding of other Shadows! And other crafts, like textiles or metalwork! More... more profit!!! More resources!"

Jon gives the Guildmaster a kind smile "Profit for the sake of profit, is not a good way to expand the Golden Circle. That makes us look like we are conquerors or worse exploitive misdirection." he pauses then says "If there is something that we are lacking, then we should go search for it and develop a genuine diplomatic relationship with that new Shadow or Shadows, but the goal should not be profit.  We should strive to expand through mutual beneficial agreements and exchanges."

"N... no?"



"Ah. The court of public opinion. Bad optics, as they say in Begma. Yes, that, I can understand."




"Well, yes, perhaps... but the Earth Shadow... the people there... well... My understanding is that their cultural mind-set is that they would not take well to the idea of other Shadows. So, naturally, one thinks of trading... ah, more surreptitiously, one might say, than officially...?"

Jon nods "True, there are likely to be shadows that have something we need that would not be receptive to the idea of other worlds/shadows. But we can still negotiate with them." Jon gives a small smile "as you say, surreptitiously, but still honestly. In such a case, we would need to observe and gain an understanding of their culture and specifically their tradecraft.  We could then set-up shop and trade that way."

Ariadne heard more talk about Earth, but didn't want to shout across the table.

"Perhaps someone could set up... a committee to study such things...?" the merchant suggests. "I'm all for caution... don't want some sort of magical unpleasantness crossing over or anything... but expansion is surely better than stagnation, given the... the opportunities...!"

If nothing else Jade smiled at the merchants enthusiasm and ambition.

The party calmly draws to a close, and the dinner guests leave. No unfortunate diplomatic incidents seemed to have been caused-- many seemed to enjoy themselves and have a pleasant time.

Once everyone's gone, Darian Deszo, the Tanus Ambassador, declares the evening to have been a success.

Despite her desire to be famous and historic, Ariadne knew that this was the best outcome of the evening.   A good evening where everyone fondly remembered the newer members of the royal family of Amber.
There was too much at stake to shake up the status quo

"Is there anything I can get for any of you before retiring for the evening?"

Jon shakes his head no "I don't think so Ambassador.  Thank you very much for hosting the dinner."

"Thank you for hosting the party and introducing us to everyone."

Jade thinks on it, "No I don't believe that I need anything."

She looks to Ariadne and Jon, "So, how did you like your first trip into shadow after having walked the Pattern ?"