Waiting for the worms
"I am sorry Bedelaar Huisbaas" Johann said shaking his head. "I tried my best but there was no persuading their ambassador. They were suffused with an excess of caution, and a great deal of political conservatism. Essentially they wanted to make the sanctions optional, and I couldn't see how that could work. I thought..."Annike silenced him with a wave of her hand. "You made the right call," she said. "A dog can't bite if it has no teeth. The entire thing rests on the threat of economic force to prevent exactly the sort of thing the Asaveans are doing. Without that the Pact sinks before it ever leaves port."Johan nodded quickly, relieved that his mistress agreed with him.The bedelaar huisbaas stirred her tea, the spoon clinking against the thin china. She leant back, cupping the saucer in her hands, and looked at Johann with appraising eyes. "Did you get a sense whether their concerns were genuine or were they were just trying to let us down gently?""Hard to say for sure." Johan swiftly ran through the highlights of his meetings at Anvil in his head. "I think they genuinely thought it would be a problem. That they couldn't risk being caught between the principles of the Liberty Pact and our proposal if one of the other signatories decided to blockade an Asavean or Jarmish port. I'm sorry, but I cant be certain.""No need to apologise Johann. It's not your fault. We can only work with whatever materials are on hand." She raised the delicate cup to her lips and took a short sip, savouring the bitterness for a moment, gathering her thoughts as she did so before continuing."The guilds will simply have to raise prices - it's a shame because it'll look like we're being petty, but there really is no choice. Mercenaries do not work for free - and nor should they. But the balance sheet must still be balanced." She sighed deeply, swirling the dark liquid in her cup as she peered into its depths as if the path to the future lay within it. "Still, at the end of things, the Empire and their allies started this stupid war with the Asaveans, so they're just going to have to tighten their belts and pay the price. The worst thing is that it looks as if the Asaveans might win this round, and that's the thing I find hardest to countenance."Overview
Each season the Civil Service prepares a summary of the Empire's relationship with the foreign nations, based on communications received from their ambassador, along with any useful intelligence gathered from other sources. While the Senate and the other houses of Imperial power may respond to these offers, it is important to note that it is the appropriate ambassador that the foreign power will expect to hear from. Their communication with the foreign power is the primary element that will determine the tenor of any response.
The merchant-princes of the Sarcophan Delves - the bedelaar huisbaas - strive for neutrality. They are enthusiastic about trade with the Empire, but their neutrality is precious to them. They hold it a mark of pride that they will deal with anyone who has goods, services, or money. While they have given up the practice of slavery without regret, they refuse to pick a side between the Liberty Pact and the Freedom Accord. Their primary goal is to ensure the ports of the world remain open to their ships, ideally with free trade agreements that allow their merchants to operate without onerous tariffs.
The Sarcophan ambassador to the Empire is Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, of the Tower of Crows. She reports to the beggar-landlords of Sarcophan, and is known to be a wily and subtle diplomat. No stranger to the murkier waters of espionage and intelligence-gathering, she constantly seeks opportunities to expand the influence of the Sarcophan mercantile Empire across the Known World. She has no particular loyalty to any one faction; her main concern appears to be the prosperity of the nation as a whole.
The new Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves is Dino i Riqueza of the Brass Coast, a former Kruidenkenner Trademaster whose name is known to Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike. She tenders her congratulations to Ambassador Dino on their appointment.
A Sunken Pact
- The Sarcophan wanted to create a new international pact to deal with piracy the way the Liberty Pact has dealt with slavery The ambassador has pointed out potential conflict with the Liberty Pact, and suggests the agreement would need extensive modification to be appealing to the Senate The Sarcophan at disappointed that the proposed pact has sunk at the first sailing are looking to other options
As a response to the ongoing attacks by Asavean-funded privateers on ships trading with the Empire, the Sarcophan sought Imperial support for an internation agreement. The pact, which would have outlawed piracy on the High Seas the same way the Liberty Pact has outlawed slavery, would require support from all (or at least the majority of) the great powers of the Known World. The Sarcophan have dubbed their treaty the Free Seas Pact and proposed a number of terms for discussion. The ultimate goal of the Delves was for all the great powers of the world to sign their Free Seas Pact. They designed the terms of the Pact to be compatible with those of the Liberty Pact - as they understood the need to make sure there was no conflict between the two treaties.
Johann Van Basten visited Anvil to discuss the matter with the Sarcophan ambassador, in the hope of securing Imperial support before approaching other nations. Unfortunately for the Delves it seems the outcome of the meeting was less than the Delves might have hoped. According to Ambassador Dino, there was a general feeling that while an anti-piracy agreement is good in theory, the current proposal would cause problems with the Liberty Pact. Specifically, the Ambassador felt there was a conflict with the free trade clause of the Liberty Pact, and the Free Seas Pact’s requirement to block trade with those nations responsible for attacking the trading vessels of other nations. The Ambassador suggests that, to pass the Imperial Senate the Free Seas Pact would need to allow for signatories to debate and agree on specific actions. Unfortunately, that modification would make the pact useless in the view of Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike, as the entire point of the exercise was to create a ratchet that forced the great powers to sign up to outlawing piracy one by one. They believe the changes the Empire were seeking would render the pact impotent, not least because several of the great powers whose support would be needed to make the pact work, hate one another. It seems the Free Seas Pact has foundered, before it has completed its maiden voyage.
Annike does, however, thank the Ambassador for their offer to consult with other Liberty Pact nations and canvas for opinions. The Delves obviously plan to do the same thing themselves, but appreciate the Empire may have more sway with the Commonwealth and Sumaah in this regard. It is clear from the tone of her missive, however, that she is not at all hopeful and has already moved on to other possibilities.
The Delves are disappointed by the failure of the Pact, but they are a deeply pragmatic people. They would never allow this failure to affect a profitable relationship with the Empire, they will simply move their focus to other affairs. Of course if the Empire are able to recover the Free Sea Pact, it would be a diplomatic triumph, but that doesn't seem likely now.
Passing Costs Along
- The prices of Sarcophan goods imported through a number of ministries are set to rise by as much as a fifth
Since the Asavean Plenum launched its attack on vessels trading with the Empire, the major Sarcophan routes - those maintained by the Kruidenkenner and the Vandersaar - have held steady thanks to a concerted effort by the Delves to protect their ships from Asavean bounty hunters. As they have warned before, however, the Delves' merchants cannot afford the additional costs this imposes forever and it now looks as if they may be forced to scale back their operations until matters between the Empire and the Asaveans are resolved.
As such, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike regretfully informs the Empire that the prices charged by Sarcophan merchants visiting the Empire are likely to have increased by as much as a fifth by the time of the Summer Solstice. This is likely to affect the ministries maintained by the Kruidenkenner Trademaster, High Herbalist of Sybella, Master of the Root and Stem, Master of the Clearing House, Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks, and Custodian of the Concordium Dock. Again, it is likely the prices will subside once the Asavean situation is dealt with, but for now the requirement to employ additional warships to protect Sarcophan trade routes with the Empire means that costs will have to be passed along to their Imperial customers.
It is perhaps unsurprising then that the proposal to expand the Kruidenkenner magazijn, and similar offers made over the last few seasons, have regretfully been withdrawn by the Kruidenkenner - the wealthy Sarcophan guild of apothecaries and herbalists. As trade with the Empire is becoming increasingly difficult, they are focusing their interests elsewhere or the time being. This is unfortunate, as the Sarcophan herb masters are obviously intrigued by the establishment of the Imperial Apothecaries Guild - once trade with the Empire is more secure, says their spokesperson, they will be interested in talking to the Guild about the potential for establishing closer ties.
The Steel Fist will not be affected at this time; the benefits the entire Sarcophan nation gain from the agreement that were bought with the regular provision of ilium from the waters of the Sea of Teeth are substantial enough that the bedelaar huisbaas themselves are prepared to meet the costs for protecting the ship that delivers the star metal.
Bears Under Sail
- The Senate has approved the redesign and renaming of the Pallas Docks, allowing the deBruin family to import Sarcophan Weirwood The martial Debruin family are not concerned about pirates and will not be increasing their prices Marta Kotova Novikova now holds the title Prime Factor of the deBruin Docks
This will not, however, affect the prices offered to the Prime Factor of the Pallas Docks by the Debruin family. The Imperial Senate approved the redesign and renaming of the docks during the Winter Solstice. The terrible storms raised by the Children of Wrecks could have caused significant problems for this construction, but the Summer enchantment laid over the south-western Urizen mountains by the Ashen Flame provided more than enough protection to those responsible for the remodelling and it completed on schedule. As such, Marta Kotova Novikova is now the Prime Factor of the DeBruin Docks and can purchase wains following the Spring Equinox.
Bastien Debruin and his family, cousins of the current holder of the Seat of the Bear at the Beggar's Feast, are known for their martial prowess. They deal with the protection of their ships in-house, and if anything seem to relish the opportunity to repel pirates, taking their loot and vessels from them and throwing any pirate who doesn't immediately surrender into the sea in the process.
Access to the formerly rich Imperial markets stands to greatly benefit the Debruin family, increasing their prestige within their own House, and within Sarcophan society in general - assuming the Empire actually want Sarcophan weirwood. There may be additional benefits here - having the Debruin family with a vested interest in Cargo, and by extension the Bay of Catazar, could potentially give the Ambassador an opening to discuss access to the mercenaries and marines the deBruin rely on, maybe with an eye towards a contract to protect other Sarcophan trade.
Alivetti Estates
- The ambassador politely declines to suggest the Alivetti Estates modify their trading practices
Despite the problems encountered elsewhere, the Sarcophan freehold at what were previously the Alivetti Estates in Sarvos continues to prosper. While prices are reportedly getting a little steep in places, it seems that many of the folk who appreciate the diversions found in the enclave are prepared to meet those prices at least at the moment. This has done nothing to assuage the concerns of the Imperial magistrates about the continual law-breaking that takes place in the enclave, especially with the open sale of proscribed substances such as bite and ocean's caress. Still, even they are forced to grudgingly admit that there are no cases of Sarcophan merchants selling their less-then-legal goods outside the land ceded to the Delves' merchants.
They do however urge people to be vigilant for anyone attempting to sell these substances or making use of them. Bite is identifiable as rough blue crystals or powder that leaves a slight greasy residue on surfaces, and causes users to become massively overconfident, short-tempered, and violent. Ocean's Caress is a thick bluish liquid with an odd sheen that smells of salt and grass with a distinctive taste similar to saltwater, and has a strong narcotic effect as well as potentially causing harm to the spirit of the user. Any citizen who encounters these drugs or their effects should inform the magistrates or the militia so they can be investigated.
There's also some concern that some of the substances being sold at the Alivetti Estates are legal in the Empire only because Imperial lawmakers have not encountered them, or had a chance to investigate their effects. As such some of the Sarvosan magistrates urge citizens to bring samples of any narcotics or drugs they have come into contact with to the attention of their Senators, to the Assembly of Vigilance, to the Imperial Censor, and to members of the Imperial Apothecaries' Guild so they can be assessed for potential danger to citizens.
Gold Leaf Gardeners
- Aaven Beekhof remains interested in hearing from anyone who might wish to purchase the legal drugs they sell
Last year the Sarvosan Chamber of Commerce declined an offer made by the Bladgoud Tuiniers (the Gold Leaf Gardeners) relating to support for their handelsschool. Despite this the major stakeholder in the Sarcophan guild, Aaven Beekhof, extended their visit to Sarvos and let it be known that he was keen to hear from anyone who might have a genuine interest in acquiring a steady supply of the drugs they have to offer - none of which are currently illegal in the Empire.
There's no way of telling whether any Imperial citizens took advantage of this offer or not, but it's notable that Aaven has not yet left the Bladgoud Tuiniers offices despite saying he would probably leave in the new year. It seems likely that the guild has received lucrative offers or proposals that have encouraged them not to abandon their investments in the Alivetti Estates. That being the case, winged messengers will still reach the Sarcophan merchant following the Spring Equinox.
OOC Note: If anyone did send a winged messenger to Aaven Beekhof during the Winter Solstice, any reply should be included in your character pack. If there is no letter, please bring that to the attention of a referee.
Silent Temple
- The House of Silence have abandoned efforts to purchase further wains of white granite from the Empire They intend to employ a renowned Imperial artist to decorate the structure
Poortwachter Farber and the Community of Silence have not lost their enthusiasm for establishing a Sarcophan temple in the Alivetti estates, but it seems they may have failed to acquire all the white granite they need from Imperial sources. On the other hand, there are rumours that a significant offer has been made to provide half the white granite they need, which the Poortwachter is keen to take advantage of. Either way the prior offer to purchase further wains to build their temple has been withdrawn.
Work has already begun on the temple, but it is not proceeding very fast. Observers estimate it will not be completed until shortly before the Autumn Equinox 387YE. Assuming nothing further delays the construction, of course... Once the work is properly underway, the Poortwatchter will presumably be making contact with the artist whose services he has retained, looking forward to getting started on the decoration of the new structure once it is complete.
The presence of an actual temple of a foreign religion in Sarvos is obviously a matter for some concern (for all that the land where it is built is equally technically part of the Sarcophan Delves). The priests and bishops of the City of Masks look to the League assembly for guidance. Once complete this temple could be an opportunity for the Poortwatchter to proselytise their religion to those visiting the Alivetti enclave. Very little is actually known about the specific beliefs of the Community of Silence, never mind the details of the Sarcophan religion as a whole, which the Vigilant of Sarvos find particularly concerning. There are even a few voices who suggest, albeit circuitously, that it might be prudent to make sure work on the temple never completes although doing that without breaking Imperial law in the process might prove challenging. Still, the Synod hasn't always felt the need to abide by the law on such matters.
Brothers Kraft
- The farmers of Wintermark are growing vlinderbloem for the Sarcophans in exchange for viezesmaak They invite Winterfolk with potential schemes to speak with the Jolly Jackdaw Cartel in the League given nobody else appears to want to help them make money
The entrepreneurial brothers Florian and Gelder Kraft continue to work with the farmers of Wintermark who have accepted their proposal to cultivate vlinderbloem. Their request that the Imperial ambassador do their leg-work to find other opportunities to invest in the Empire has been politely declined, as there are any number of other more pressing matters to take up their time. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike has likewise made it clear that she does not want to receive messages from Imperial citizens about the doings of the Kraft brothers, despite their suggestion she might serve as their "agent".
In the end Florian and Gelder are forced to propose a compromise if they want to find other investment opportunities in Wintermark without forcing them to travel all the way to Anvil on the off-chance. They propose that anyone with a potential investment opportunity speak to the Jolly Jackdaw Cartel in the League about it. Their expectation is the Jackdaws will be prepared to pass along anything they think has legs, probably at a reasonable price for their time. This suggestion includes Darian Numbers, who the Imperial ambassador mentioned is specifically interested in talking to them. If Darian or anyone else can't convince the Jolly Jackdaw Cartel that their idea is a good one, then it's unlikely the brothers Kraft would be interested either.
The Kraft brothers are clear that they are first and foremost businessmen. They are not interested in generic invitations to visit Anvil to talk about "matters". They want clear proposals for ways they might invest in Wintermark, opportunities for them to use their expertise and contacts to make both themselves and their collaborators rich. The brothers claim to have contacts all over Sarcophan, and again claim that they can lay their hands on almost anything if the price is right. This is likely something of a self-aggrandising boast, but it can't be denied that the Sarcophans trade with merchants all over the known world. If there are Sarcophan goods Wintermark merchants are interested in buying, or unusual goods they are interested in selling, the brothers want to know. They claim they can turn their hand to anything; what they need to know is what kinds of opportunities for wealth and mutual prosperity the Mark might find appealing.
Tombs and Tribulations
- A Sarcophan art dealer is enroute to Anvil to talk with Highborn benefactors about a lucrative opportunity A Sarcophan Prosperity priest is enroute to Anvil to warn Highborn benefactors about a terrible scheme that nobody should entertain Both aim to arrive at the Highguard camp at approximately 1700 on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox, and wish to meet benefactors at the Chapel A Highborn egregore will facilitate a vote of the benefactors present on whether or not to accept the art dealer's opportunity
Two bickering Sarcophans have been spotted on the road to Anvil. One is an art dealer, who claims to be travelling to present an exclusive deal to Highguard Benefactors. They are tight-lipped on specifics, but do reveal that it concerns arranging trade in stone goods between Highguard and a certain Sarcophan sect. Hot on their heels, a Sarcophan Prosperity priest of the Way is spreading liberal warnings that such a scheme could muddy the concept of Virtue within the Delves, and even lead some people to question whether the Way and the traditional Sarcophan faith can't both be followed simultaneously.
Both travellers estimate arriving at the Highguard camp at 1700 on the Saturday of the Spring Equinox, when they will head to the Chapel. A Highborn egregore has indicated that they will facilitate a simple majority-wins vote among benefactors present at the meeting on whether or not to accept whatever opportunity the art dealer wishes to present.
Sarcophan Prosperity
- The Preach Prosperity for the Collectors lecture involved an all-expenses paid trip to the Sarcophan Delves The final outcome of this opportunity depended on the number of congregations taking part Anyone who takes this action will be part of the Prosperity assembly at the Spring Equinox
During the Winter Solstice, a small group of Sarcophan visitors spoke to members of the Prosperity assembly about an exciting opportunity in the Delves. They came as representatives of De Verzamelaars van Beeltenissen which roughly translates as "the collectors of images", a fringe sect of the Sarcophan faith. They were interested in recruiting Imperial priests to preach about the virtue of Prosperity in the Delves, offering to cover travel costs and provide hospitality in return.
Those priests who chose to Preach Prosperity for the Collectors, have gained no liao from their congregation this season. The priest themselves will be part of the Prosperity assembly at the Spring equinox (and will remain so until they take a different downtime preaching action next season). Any Imperial citizen who held a title that requires them to be a member of a different Virtue assembly would automatically lose their position. In return these priests gained access to the wealth of Sarcophan - and an all-expenses paid trip to the Delves.
Further details of the trip to Sarcophan are included in the packs of the priests who delivered the lecture following the Winter Solstice. If you are one of the priests who chose that downtime option, you should find a report in your character pack - if not please enquire with GOD staff so we can sort it out.
Little Beetles
- A representative of the Lijkkever families, Schyuler Koopman, visited Anvil and then travelled north to Holberg They are excited by the prospects of working with Holberg to build a port in Utterlund but wary of the challenges They propose an appraisal from the Imperial Senate, and stress that they would be prepared to help fund any commission in return for preferential access
In response to invitations from both Ambassador and Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund to help celebrate the anniversary of Holberg joining the League, a representative of the Lijkkever visited Anvil. Schuyler Koopman apparently received a warm welcome, and very much enjoyed their visit, travelling from Anvil to the city itself. The Lijkkever are not the wealthiest house of the Delves, but they have unmeasured levels of influence over stevedores and dockworkers wherever Sarcophan ships unload. It appears that Koopman was very interested in the possibility of establishing trade with the League - not with Sarvos, Apulian, or Tassato (especially given the Bay of Catazar is hardly safe waters at the moment) but with the north-eastern city renowned across the known world for its ingenuity and immense walls.
The Lijkkever are not especially familiar with the northern Empire, but they raised concerns about the orcs of the "nation of Sanath" who are "very violent toward outsiders". Even being informed of the real nature of the Druj, Koopman remained keen to establish a direct trading route to Holberg that would allow them to both avoid the Bay and the crossing of the haunted Semmerlak. While visiting the city, the Sarcophan agent paid for a small party to accompany them into the marshy woods of Utterlund to explore the banks of the river. They also visited the Sandfishers in Misericorde, partially to discuss the possibility of acquiring lumber and weirwood from their sawmills, or employing their expertise to help clear the woodlands before construction began. Apparently the expedition went well, and Koopman returned even more enthused about the idea of a joint effort to establish a port, on the understanding that Sarcophan would receive priority for berths and warehouses. There is more than a little hint that Koopman in fact represents an alliance of several of the smaller Sarcophan families prepared to gamble on formal trade with the northern Empire, even though it will require their vessels to pass through the Mallum.
Unfortunately it seems Schuyler Koopman underestimated the scale of the work that would be involved. His family are adept at the technicalities and logistics of operating a quayside, of dealing with merchant vessels and trade caravans and making sure shipments get where they are going. But the sheer amount of construction that will be needed - not only a set of docks but a raft of buildings and warehouses, a good quality road connecting Utterlund and the city itself, and suitable protections against the threat of the Mallum - is beyond Koopman's ability to oversee.
After speaking with the people of Holberg, however, Koopman has returned with a proposal. The Imperial Senate is in a very good position to come up with plans to address the three main obstacles, and to do the work needed to allow Holberg entrepeneurs, Sand Fisher lubmerjacks, and the Lijkkever to pool their efforts. The Lijkkever and their friends are very good at building in marshy territory, and establishing workable docks quickly and efficiently. If the Imperial Senate commissions an appraisal into the best way to build a municipal docks in Holberg with the aid of the Lijkkever, they believe that a flourishing port-town could be established within a year or two. They are confident this would bring prosperity to Holberg, and raise funds for the Imperial treasury as the needs of the docks and opportunities to trade with foreign merchants see new businesses established in Utterlund. They point to the proposal for the Municipal Docks in Madruga as the kind of outcome they are hoping might be possible. (In fact if the Kleists can't persuade the Senate to appraise this exciting opportunity, maybe they could purchase the help of the Commonwealth engineers?).
Obviously any appraisal could well produce plans for something that is dramatic in scale and scope, but Koopman is prepared to put his money where his mouth is. If the Senate commission the diplomatic Naomi of Virtue's Rest to undertake such an appraisal at the Spring Equinox, then Lijkkever will be happy to negotiate on a fair split of the costs.
Schyuler also mentions that this appraisal might include an opportunity to take advantage of a proposal from 'Bernhard and Lula Kleist von Ennerlund, to establish a lucrative market for the import of rare delicacies and victuals. The Lijkkever themselves are not especially involved in such things, but there are plenty of Sarcophan merchants with an interest in culinary matters - and if the market for luxuries in Holberg proves to be more refined than that in other parts of the Empire the chance to sell fine food rather than (for example) drugs would be quite appealing.
When queried about the threat of Asavean pirates, Koopman agrees that they are a concern but thinks it likely that one way or another the Empire will have resolved that issue by the time the docks are commissioned and completed. Another note of caution is raised by a few more sceptical Holbergers who take a longer view. Establishing a major trading post in northern Holberg would mean that international traders would have little reason to risk the Semmerlak. This might have implications for any trading posts established along the shores of the haunted lake such as Ivarsgard docks for example.
A Delicate Private Matter
- There has been some discussion of matters involving Axos It seems the Lijkkever have inadvertently become entangled in Axou politics Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike reassures the Ambassador that they are disentangling themselves as quickly as possible
There is another matter associated with Koopman which is a little more delicate. It seems that Schuyler had another goal in Anvil on behalf of the Lijkkever, one they failed to achieve. Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike is quite frank: House Lijkkever have been engaging in some speculative international investment without the sanction or aid of the House of Crows - in an attempt to avoid making a payment for services rendered. The House made a relatively substantial investment in the Chambers of Issyk in Axos. They took advantage of the Axou need for extensive repairs and refitting of their docks, offering their expertise and contributing money and materials to help with the work. This investment has gone well - additional quays and large new warehouses are being built. It seems House Lijkkever had aspirations of marketing goods from Issyk as exotic luxuries, and perhaps selling trips to Issyk to Sarcophans interested in improving their health (there is no reason to think that visiting Issyk would be good for their health except that it is a some lurid foreign destination with some interesting sights).
All of this was very profitable, but House Lijkkever's people had not done the requisite research into the complex and opaque politics of the tiny nation. It appears that on a number of contentious internal issues, Issyk is a pivot point between various different factions. House Lijkkever don't care about any of this - they really just want to operate their tsotchke trade in peace. As the situation became more complicated, they finally approached the House of the Crows for help.
Annike wants to make clear that the Delves regards Axos as being in the Empire's sphere of influence. As such, it would be somewhat controversial for political entities in the Delves to wield political influence there without a degree of approval. Schuyler Koopman negotiated what he thought was an agreed price with the Ambassador to sell the controlling stake in the Issyk docks to the Empire, but it now seems the deal has fallen through. As such, the Delves will make other arrangements, satisfied that they have done their "due diligence" in giving first refusal to the Empire. She stresses again that the House of Crows and the Delves as a whole had no knowledge of this affair when it began - and she is hoping it will not disrupt the hopes of Schuyler Koopman for investment and collaboration in Holberg or the relationship of the Delves to the Empire as a whole.
A Safe Net
- Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike notes there is some concern that the Empire is suffering a financial crisis at present The Delves offer to step in and purchase surplus wains if the price falls too low
Finally, Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike mentions that a number of staff at the embassy have referred to concerns in the Empire about some kind of financial crisis. The Delves would never spy on their friends, but they do try to keep their ear to the ground and their finger on the pulse and have not failed to notice that the auction price of weirwood Bourse seats fell precipitously last season. As the ambassador understands it, the proceeds of these auctions forms an essential part of the Imperial treasury, so any fall in value has significant implications.
Clearly it is not the place of the Sarcophan Delves to get involved in Imperial affairs, but the concern is that if the price of other seats also drops, if the value of mithril, weirwood and white granite in Anvil continues to fall, then that could be disastrous for the Empire. The last thing the Delves want to see is anything that might disrupt trade, so it is in everyone's interest to ensure that does not happen.
The simplest thing the Delves could do to help stabilise the situation in the Empire would be an offer to purchase excess wains if the price fell too low. That would benefit the Delves, they would have access to valuable materials at rock bottom prices, but it would also benefit the Empire as the economy would receive a fresh injection of liquidity.
Of course any benefits to either party would be dependent on the price... Sadly the price Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike so casually mentions, two thrones a wain, is so low that it causes one of the embassy staff to go white as a sheet. That's a price at which the Delves would become keen to buy. If the market value fell below that point then the Delves would be prepared to buy as many wains as were needed to raise the price back-up - presuming they had the Empire's blessing to do so.
If the ambassador is interested in the offer, then they are welcome to get in touch on the matter. The price may be too low for the Empire's liking, but as Bedelaar Huisbaas Annike points out, all prices are negotiable. And of course they have to take account of their costs... now if there was just some way to reduce the current shipping costs to the Empire then the price might be meaningfully higher...
Further Reading
- Sarcophan Delves Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves Sarcophan Delves ports
Click Expand to see a summary of various pages related to the Sarcophan Delves.