WQ - Restored Investments

Titanius had been defeated. The most corrupting and vile creature the world of Terrasphere had ever know was dead. But even as its remains had disappeared, the land it had corrupted had stayed that way. During the battle against Titanius, Ashnor and a group of other players had been able to make their way through one of the portal's, where they had appeared in Vintergard, Astorea's capital city. Once the rift was closed and
the monsters defeated, Ashnor had decided to stay in Vintergard, assisting the distressed civilians.

A few days prior to now, King Astor had held a speech within Vintergard, informing the people of his imminent resignation and decision to remove the monarchy from Astorea. In the same speech, he had also rallied the people of Astorea and the surrounding countries to assist in the restoration of the land that had been touched by Titanius's vile taint. Deciding to heed the call the player nation's leader, Ashnor had almost immediately gone into action. Through some means or another, Ashnor had come into contact with a few members of the Merchants guild and invited two of them to speak with himself and a few others at a tavern within Astorea's very capital.

Ashnor's dark green hair stood in stark contrast to the new Dark Phoenix armor he wore as he waited for everyone to arrive. At this time of day, the tavern was decently empty, not yet experiencing the crowd that would come later on in the day and on through the night. Shifting slightly, Ashnor sighs; he had decided to leave his hammer in his inventory for the meeting, but he couldn't help but feel a bit exposed without the familiar weight on his back.

 

Ah, Vintergard! Such memories for the stinky face behind Iván's Curry House, a well-known establishment in Stokbon that not only served the best curries in all of the world (debatably so) but also welcomed esteemed members of the Merchant Guild every now and then. Some of those merchants, wily and cunning as they are, even became Iván's business contacts, and not just the ones from Stokbon itself but also from other places such as Vintergard. It was some kind of merchant genius, to establish professional relationships in other cities, especially cities of commerce, and Stokbon was such a city.

Of course, Iván himself had only been to Vintergard once or twice. Most recently, Iván's Curry House came to the aid of the refugees in Vintergard. The woman named Cessia was a fantastic host. Or was she? Iván didn't really spend enough time over here during the so-called rescue. He only spent a day or two before being summoned by the Grand Witch Majolica to join the Witch Ops in their effort to help save the world from the Ancient Dissonance, Titanius, the same ancient dissonance that killed Iván for the third time, instilling in him an unsatiable hunger but only at night.

Iván had mixed feelings when he heard about King Astor's proclamation to turn Astorea into a democracy, a republic of sorts. Truth be told, the idea of becoming a duke in his own right was most attractive to Iván. However, the idea that he could now contribute to this great nation's governance was also most attractive to Iván. Not that he could do anything about it now anyway. It was final, the king's decision, unless of course Astor would backtrack. He probably won't. Iván knew that his number one curry endorser's word could be trusted.

Arriving at the capital, Iván embraced the smell of progress that wafted in the immediate area. Or was it just him? He was excited for what could happen with the change of governance. So many possibilities! Yet he wasn't at Vintergard for that exact reason. The curry man was here to help discuss possible investments in the restoration of Astorea with the Merchant Guild, members of whom he has been in contact with while they were in Stokbon, some of them even supplied his curry house with ingredients, though sparingly, mostly because Iván was not made of money. Merchants were merchants first, rarely friends second...or third.

"Hello," Iván deadpanned as he entered the tavern, their decided meeting place, eyes narrowing at the sight of a familiar blacksmith from a familiar tinkering company.

 

Aalam was in a bar, and it was the happy hour well happy hour for him if no one else and he was going to enjoy it. The taste of the cider was still in the back of his mind, and it was wonderful, a damn shame they weren’t able to save the girl, but a job was a job. There was a possibility she might have been able to live if the game was played differently, but that was in the past now he had more important things to worry about like finishing the cup that was in front of him before the meeting started. With the king leaving the throne and the duke deciding that he was gone to be better off trying to form his nation. It was time like this he drank and loved that he only had a simple life. All the political aspects of this were too much at times, but then again he still had a job to do. There were a few people that who owed him a favors for action that he had taken over the course of time in the game, and it was time to call those in. He had seen the state of the country, and it wasn’t in the best after the entire nation had a level of military might because of players but soft power and wealth that was lacking. Hell, the strength of our military was what because a country to call a crusade on us and that watch was far from fun, and he had worked on both. However, it proved that one experience player was worth at least fifty soldiers and that was scary numbers. But as a result, there was much well till of the soil they had been so focused on killing anything that might threaten the safety of the country that they didn’t develop the country at all.

He was guilty of this when he worked for both dukes Seto's land was a barren landscape with could have been turned into a mining complex that could both produce ores and export them for the wealth of the country. He had barely was able to get started on Roland’s land before the king when and dissolved the current government. It was also the reason he was sitting in a bar and was waiting for other members to show up so they would be able to pull the country out of what had to be a great amount of debt. Well then if there were able to get some capital to flow into the country from a few connections, then it would be helpful. He wasn’t much, but he was a bit well known to some player and others houses. So he grabbed a chair from one of the tables as he passed and pulled up to the table. Looking at the two that sat the other points. “So let's help create an economy ”

 

Ashnor follows Ivan into the tavern once he arrives. The man was familiar - them being both members of the Lightning Ironworks - but he had never really spoken to the man before, although he apparently was also the owner of some sort of restaurant. The third member of their group had apparently arrived earlier and was finishing off a glass of cider. "Alright then, seems like we're all here, now to just wait for the merchants." Only a few minutes later, the door to the tavern opens, and two well dress individuals step through. The first merchant, a male human spots the group begins introducing himself

Hello there, for the two of you who may not already know us, my name is Alisander Felder, and this is my associate--

The other merchant (a female Yladian) steps forward, cutting off Alisander before he can finish Introducing her. The woman's eyes are bright, almost enough that they seem to sparkle. Extending her hand to each of the players for a handshake.

Elwisia, It's nice to meet you three. Shall we take a seat?

Gesturing to a four-chaired table next to them, Elwisa moves quickly to sit down. Sighing audibly, Alisander shakes his head. He pulls a chair from one of the adjacent tables, ignoring the complaints from three patrons who had already been seated there and were waiting for their fourth person to arrive.

Well, this is certainly a great start to the meeting. Sitting down in the middle of the three chairs that remained, Ashnor starts off with an introduction. "Well, I suppose we can get started then. As you most likely already know, our nation of Astorea has been blighted by the creature formerly known as Titanius. A few days ago, King Astor called upon us - the people of Astorea - to assist in the restoration process." Ashnor pauses a moment to take a breath, "I've called you here today because I was hoping you would consider investing in the unsettled and more rural areas of Astorea." He only has to wait a few seconds before Elwisia chips in.

Oh yes, it's such a horrible, horrible thing that has happened to this land. And I--

This time it was Alisander who cut off Elwisia. Putting a hand on her shoulder, she stops speaking almost immediately, realizing her mistake and keeping quiet for now.

Slow down now, Elwisia. Now Ashnor, I hear what you're saying. I also realize that it is quite bad what has happened to your nation, but we cannot just give gold away without knowing that this would be a good investment. So, we'd like to hear why you think that we should invest in this.

@Iván Carl @Aalam Abungu

 

Iván narrowed his eyes at another familiar face (@Aalam Abungu). Figure, at least. Didn't he know this serious and somber man? He's seen him before, yes, but where exactly? Did they have a mission together, a quest? What it was, if it was even a thing, it was probably a long time ago. Iván wouldn't have forgotten such a familiar face if their most recent interaction was just a few days ago. Maybe they've encountered each other on his first few days in the game, in this world. Maybe Iván was just imagining things.

He stared at the familiar man's cider and the other familiar man (@Ashnor Ironth) from the familiar tinkering company, electing to follow the latter's lead. Iván would've ordered something to satiate his thirst but remembered he still had a vial of that ant juice. Procuring it from within his coat, he took one sip of it, oblivious to whether any of the other two could smell it. He loudly relished that flavor, just in time for two merchants to come inside the tavern.

Iván listened to everyone say their respective pieces, taking the seat between the female merchant and the familiar tinkerer. Or was he a bookkeeper? He seemed more formidable to just be a bookkeeper, though bookkeepers could be formidable in their own right. As Iván let them speak, eyeing both merchants closely, something dawned on him. There weren't just two familiar faces for him in the tavern. There were three. It was then timely that the merchant called Alisander cut the other merchant named Elwisia off, as Iván intended to cut him off in turn.

"Don't I know you?" the masked illusionist narrowed his eyes at Alisander, though Alisander would not notice it, the creepy red mask on Iván's face obscuring any facial reaction he might have, will have.

Alisander seemed caught off-guard, "Pardon me? I don't remember..."

"Yes, I know you! You came into my curry house with that lovely young woman... What was her name again?" Iván started snapping his fingers, turning everywhere, to the ceiling, to the walls, for guidance, for help with remembering that lovely young woman's name, everywhere but to a blushing Alisander who found himself caught in a corner by Elwisia's raised eyebrow. "Oh, yes, I remember now. Ginger, right?"

"Ginger?" Elwisia was now full-blown smiling and grinning, despite a confused expression on her face, turning to Alisander with both her head and body. "That's not your wife's name."

"No, it's not... Uhm, I don't... It's not..." Alisander fumbled for excuses while Elwisia just shook her head, trying her best to stave off her laughter.

"She wore a red dress? With a beautiful pink ribbon? Or was it a crimson dress? Surely, you'd remember," Iván dryly insisted on the matter, which only served to give Elwisia a hard time fending off her grin, instead only able to shake her head, bowing to try her best to keep that smirk from being seen.

Alisander didn't look too amused with this revelation, biting his lower lip, shaking his head, his entire body tightening at the humiliation. If he let this go on any further, it would only serve to make the entire thing bigger, more embarrassing, and he quickly figured out a solution to mitigate his problem, as most merchants were quick on their feet, "Yes, I remember now. Her name's Prontera, and my wife was wearing a pink dress." Through gritted teeth and a dagger-like stare, Alisander focused all his attention on Iván, fists clenched, "Though I do not understand what that have to do with anything."

"I remember you and your...wife enjoyed your time at my curry house," Iván kept his eyes, from behind his mask, on Alisander. "That was in Stokbon, but we've been thinking of expanding out here in Astorea, too. It'll make history, and between you and me, isn't history a promising investment? The Merchant Guild could be part of history right here in Astorea, your names etched in the annals of its restoration, your investments expanding over time along with this nation's growth."

 

Aalam hailed a bartender that was passing and grabbing a bottle off a tray and then grabbing the rest of the tray with the cups were resting on. Taking a closer look at the bottle there should be the alcohol content somewhere on the bottle. He was going to need the lighter than what he would drink on average if they were going to be able to get through this looking at the merchants as they approached the table well at least one of them was cute. So that was possible a distraction or either someone with money, turning his attention to the older gent, that one seemed to be the one in charge of talking about the money. Well, this was going to be fun popping the cork on the bottle and pouring out a shot of what seemed to be a stronger ale. There was a look that he was going for, and it was the old, reliable bodyguard and explorer, it was an effort to make himself look a bit different. So much energy but in this case image was half the battle, so he had gotten out the nicer version of his leather amour. He looked like a man ready for the wild.

Taking another shot of the ale as he follows the discussion the man had a valid point there was no reason for them to invest in the country off hand. So then they would have to make one, however, it was always good to file away information that could be used again, like when a man was cheating on his wife. That was still a good thing to know yea he would remember the names ginger and Alisander blackmail always made things easier. However just expanding a curry operation was not going to be enough it would help to boost that country a chain company would be able to prove some support to the income, but they would have to make it a real chain.

Pouring out his third and final shot as he waits until it seemed that his action causes the one called Elwisia eye. Turning his attention to the man and looking him up and down. “And what about you then what are you bring to the table hmm?”

A sly grin was working it on to his face, and he poured the one a shot and sliding it across the table before he knocked back his third and rested the glass on the table. “I am a bit different from the other two I don’t work the Homefront bits of this. I work more in the supply and demand aspects of the job. You need materials brought in a group to provide safe travels I help to work on that. Keeping trade routes safe making sure orcs and the rest don’t jack shipments. Like I said more supply and demand.”

 

Alisander nods his head as @Iván Carl continues on with his proposal. The man was obviously interested as soon as Ivan had mentioned being part of history.

Going down in legend is always a nice thing. You have me intrigued, sir. Please do explain your plan more.

After Ivan had finished speaking with Alisander, Ashnor speaks up. "If you two were to invest in Astorea, you would almost immediately see an increase in farms and villages sprouting up in our more rural areas. That money would go a long way to convincing citizens that settling in those parts would be a good idea."

Elwisia's eyebrows scrunch together as she listens to what @Aalam Abungu has to say. It seemed as if she was confused as to why he was talking about keeping routes safe.

Well, It's fine and all that you're keeping the land safe, but that's not really a reason why we should invest. We were more meaning what sort of businesses we could see sprouting up. Also, I prefer not to drink while I discuss buisness

 

"The world is changing, and with it, the economy. King Astor's recent proclamation about a change of government could mean that more people will be more free to start their own businesses, make the economy more competitive, or they could be more free to invest and spend their hard-earned money on more businesses, including yours. Making history is an investment that no merchant can afford to not be a part of," Iván emphasized the possibilities that came to mind, subtly nodding towards @Ashnor Ironth's more direct and definitely less vague argument. That was something he didn't consider but should have. Real estate, attracting communities closer to businesses, potentially farming your own consumers... That was just brilliant.

Based on what Iván knew about real-world economy, competitive markets were considered a boost to any economy albeit potentially risky to a lone business, one that could not keep up with bigger, better competition. They were a long-term boost, though, for a more sustainable economy. Stereotypically, a merchant would be more concerned with getting profit right away, greed fueling him more than anything. The Merchant Guild, however, weren't all stereotypes. Some of them, Iván believed, were actually smarter than they let on. Short-term gains would never be able sustain their lifestyles, their businesses. They knew that. The solution was to be more dynamic, to be more competitive. At least, he hoped they knew that.

"More farms, more villages, more people, more consumers..." Iván grinned from behind his mask, relishing the idea of a version of Astorea that was bustling with commerce. In his head was actually a version of Stokbon, its people and businesses transplanted in this nation. It wasn't a bad imagery. Just a little less original. Not that was a bad thing, especially in this context. "You're basically building another pool of economy, a contingency of sorts, an alternative maybe, something of their own, other than everything else you already have. It's always nice to keep a spare pair of assets should some of them belly-up, right?"

 

Aalam took back the shot and drinking it down as he turned his attention back to the table, knocking back his final shot at the same time. This stuff was like water to him at this point, and that was terrible, and he was going to need something stronger later. However that was later, and not now, now he had a job to do after all. So he paid proper attention to what was happening around him, after all, it was he job to try and make the country a better place after all. And how he was going to do that if there was no money in the country to generate a form of income for the state. Both Ivan and Ashnor had a straightforward path that they would be able to us to try and create an income, however, his approach was not so direct. After all, it was no fun it if was put if he was going to get some kind of funding for the idea he should at least attempt. “You misunderstand, and I do not blame you I have a way with words after all. There are a few trade routes that lead to other countries but too much but just enough.”

Pulling a map out showing the trade routes that connected Astorea to Falderen running his finger along the connections as he pointed them out. “This is the main route from Asotrea to Falderen, and this is the one that most people use. As it had the various checkpoint along the road to make sure that the good reach its destination. It is simply the safest and most reliable route, and as a result, it’s the heaviest used. However, as the others don’t see much traffic it has led to slow growth in those areas and along those lines, so income has to trick down from the capitol. However, I have worked in both of those areas this route leading into the south runs right near an ore and mining facility. I know the men and woman that work that site.”

Taking out a small steel bar and resting to on the counter in front of Ashnor it was one of the best quality that the factory was able to produce. It was large, but it was shining in the low light of the bar. It would have been similar to high tensile steel if it was made back on earth, yet it was a metal that they were able to make it Terra. “This is a sample of the work they can turn out of that factory, and that is only a fraction of the ones they can make there. With an influx of money into the factory, they would be able to expand the mine deeper into the cliffs. Some of these ores are of a higher quality than what can be found elsewhere. With the level of income they cannot mass produce these bars however with the help they would be able to double the number of bars created and with that surplus it becomes a trade export.” Sitting back in his chair as he looked at the group, waiting to see if this would be a much clearer offer for where to put their money.

 

Ashnor nodded as @Iván Carl continued on with his explanation. This was more like it, now they had some really decent arguments for the investors to think over. He couldn't help but also see that the merchants seemed to agree, even Alisander - who had seemed a bit put off earlier - was grinning as the gears in his head spun. "If I may interject, there's also the possibility of new markets and industries. These rural areas have had little to no inhabitants, so it's entirely possible that the resources in these areas could be used to bring new products to the forefront of the market."

Ashnor leaned in a bit closer to the ingot @Aalam Abungu had set down on the table, giving it a little bit of an inspection. The bar certainly looked high quality, but looks aren't always a good indicator. The merchants, however, seemed a bit more impressed. Elwisia's expression turned to one of intrigue as she listened to the Aalam try to explain what it was he meant.

Oh, so you're saying that if you are somehow able to get more traffic on those other roads, those areas would be more prosperous? Were you thinking of somehow advertising that factory so that more traders would go that way?

 

"Sounds like a plan," Iván nodded towards @Ashnor Ironth and @Aalam Abungu, out of anything to add to the conversation at the moment. He felt that he had contributed as much as he could, though he wasn't truly certain if there wasn't anything else in his head. There was always something in his head. Unfortunately, there were times when he'd get an idea or two after everything was already said and done. It was a fate he feared the worst, having another brilliant idea at the conclusion of a brainstorming event. Regardless, he had confidence in his teammates and believed that they were both far more sufficient in keeping the conversation rolling.

Ashnor continued to build on his ideas while Aalam seemed to bring his own experiences on the table. The latter seemed to be more of the veteran adventurer type compared to Iván and Ashnor, though Ashnor also seemed more experienced in this world than Iván. Of course, that was all in Iván's head. The merchants might not even be taking such things into account, considering Alisander didn't even take his own discretion into account. Iván wondered if Elwisia had a few secrets here and there, too. Everyone always has something they'd rather not share. Would it matter now, though, when she seemed to be more easily persuaded than Alisander?

Iván took out his bottle of ant juice from inside his coat and discreetly took a quick sip, refreshing himself from journeying all the way to Vintergard. It was a good day, but he had been working and traveling prior to this meeting. Anything for his number one curry endorser albeit that guy's loss of royal title. Still, an endorsement was an endorsement.

 

Aalam gave a slight chuckle as he looked at the woman it seems as though she finally got it well if nothing else then that was an excellent way to talk about things. In plain language after all its not often that he has to explain himself. Well, that and he should stop drinking before he went into meetings it tends to make him a bit too relaxed after all.” Yes, that’s a general idea, many of these other routes are barely used but the pass some towns and villages that have items that don’t always make it to the capital. The route I am talking about leads right into where the capital of the southern duchy was but on the route caravans past right by this facility, but it is so unknown that many do not know the treasure.” Taking out a pencil and marking the spots on the map that had either faculties that dealt with the manufacturing of raw goods. Well, he could only mark the ones that he knew of but it total there were at least seven in the area that was the southern duchy and about three in the west, and all of them are located near trade route. Making sure to outline the way that leads to them and writing next to them what was produced.

"Now I know that we cant build all of these places but if we were to start getting a bit more traffic on those roads. It would allow for a more robust trade of good back and forth between the people there and those making there way back to foreign lands or to the capital. " This was something that Aalam had no problem putting his name behind after all he had been to those little villages and place. There were some gems along the countryside that was just missed because it wasn't the capital. However, with some real investment, it would be possible to make not only the capital more money but the country. "I know that most traders worries about safety on those roads and the possibility to turn a profit, but I know that there is the ability to protect their caravans from bandits. However there was a push by the old dukes to secure the routes, right now they are the safest they have been in years. With the backing a capital then we can turn those little stop into important destinations on the trade route. Generating a surplus for both the towns allowing them to increase their operation and then producing more goods for trade."

 

As all three of the players finished up their speeches and reasonings about why these two merchants should invest in Astorea, Alisander looks over to Elwisia, before nodding to indicate something. Elwisia clears her throat, before speaking up.

Well, you three, you've come up with plenty of good arguments for why we should invest. If you don't mind though, we'll be taking out leave

As she finishes speaking, Alisander continues, the players were no doubt curious as to if they had succeeded.

Yes, we will take a few days to decide over your reasoning's, then come to a decision. Good day, gentlemen.

With that, the two merchants both rise from their seat. Making their way to the tavern's door, Alisander moves ahead to open the door for Eliwisa. Once the door closes, Ashnor stretches his arms behind his head. "Well, I think that went quite well; here's hoping they say yes. I'll be heading out too, though; I've got some stuff to do outside the game." With that, Ashnor gives a few quick taps into his palm menu before his avatar fades to nothing.

Thread Completed​