Cry the Wares - Rumors and Events for Merchants and Trade [RP]

[Steve]

Rumor spreads that eyes had seen and ears had heard that the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co. was with haste loading the Fleetwood I with many crates of lavender, chamomile, valerian, or bach flower that could be sourced in short notice.

As well, a few larger, heavier crates needing four dock workers to carry each were loaded—some say the crates were stamped with a magic symbol looking shape, plus what some would say looked like a horseshoe.

Tis said the Fleetwood I was headed swiftly up river to Elturel. Others commented that, should that be true, they sure wished the CC&SS Co. returns loaded with as much Elturian Grey possible....

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/// willing to pay 20,000 gp for supplies for trade gain/loss.

[Steve]

Among the merchants and peddlers, tradesmen and profiteers, a rumor spreads that the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co. has begun an by demand haste-through-sail delivery of fine wines provided by Clarity Cellars to towns and villages in the Lord's Alliance up and down the Chionthar. Though demand is not rumored to be great, nor is the ability to deliver wines in haste any sort of economy changing practice that would disrupt normal land based trade, it still earns profit from those that can afford it.

Attached to this rumor is also a clear line of concern over wines or related goods that would interest Clarity Cellars or the CC&SS Co. that have gone missing in recent Tendays...and should such goods be located, either merchant would be in great interest to recollect, perhaps even with reward!

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Another rumor circling the trades is that the half-Elven Smythe—and while on the subject of the CC&SS Co.—is still in possession of a Collection of Mixed Stones, which is of great value to traders and specialists. It is rumored an earlier trade deal was never negotiated, thus, perhaps a better deal for the buyer, could be had, with the seller in less of an advantaged position to haggle.

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OOC: this is a DM plot item (not fixed), from plots run by Spartacus. Has real DM value for PCs in IG trading! Don't turn a blind eye to what DMs are providing and presenting to Players to "run with" in RP and rewards. [/end unsolicited plug for Spart-o's good work ]

[Steve]

Having either seen or heard rumors among the trade merchants that market for certain resources still exists with want, it is replied into the rumor mill that Smythe has raised the value of the cache of mixed gems he possesses, that are evidence of what is found in certain mines north of Baldur’s Gate, an example and proof the the greater value that could be dug out, should backing be secured through said examples presented to the right organization.

Or, so does Smythe attempt to sell, as idea, along with the mixed gems.

[Steve]

Having returned from river voyage up the Chionthar to Elturel to deliver goods in haste, the Half-elven Jon Smythe, proprietor of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co., almost leaps from the rail of The Fleetwood as it comes to dock in the Gate's harbor, and at a near running clip, walks straight to the Wide, immediately purchasing all available shortbows of quality he can find.

If curious to his endeavor, and asked, Smythe is not closed-mouthed in the least: "Tis a moment to steer the balance of power toward the good of the Lord's Alliance my fellows, being the rumor once only heard, I have now received a first person tale in my latest voyage up the Chionthar. The Hellriders, an admirable force, must be supported against their enemy...which is also our enemy...though, certain agreements seem to provide protection to such an insidious evil. Tis these Hellriders that make a stand, and I for one, will do my part in the war."

Turning to the other merchants around, and passing the word, Smythe states his desire to purchase quality shortbows or horsebows, usable upon horseback, and part of the skilled arsenal of renown among the Hellriders. And any wishing to be a part of the effort to improve the advantage of the Hellriders over the growing menace of the Black Network, should contact Smythe at the Helm & Cloak with haste...for he could only purchase so many weapons with current coin. Donations also being graciously accepted.

[Steve]

With the market for Elturian Grey fluctuating, and with the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co.'s own stock having been depleted some Tenday ago, the traders grapevine passes on the rumor that Jon Smythe of the CC&SS Co. is actively buying lost supplies located...at least, that is, until The Fleetwood I, of the CC&SS Co. manages its next sail up river, in order to ferry a substantial cargo of the cheese to satisfy the lust of the market.

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OOC: buying found supplies of cheese until May 31st at midnight GMT+1.

[Steve]

Rumor has it that the Chionthar Charter vessels have been docked for a time, useless in their lack of use by organizations on the Sword Coast. A
Curious words of wonder debate why such a once active, useful and supportive venture in the prior year has now gone quiet. But the wiser rumor mongers know that life and relationships upon the Sword Coast are fickle.

A few may wonder where the proprietor of the CC&SS has been as well. Some say, the last they saw him was shouldering a bag of gems as he departed the Wide one day, disparaging some other merchant by name under heated breath.

[BDobolina]

Rumor has it that the Chionthar Charter vessels have been docked for a time, useless in their lack of use by organizations on the Sword Coast.

It is also rumored that Jon Smythe has most recently been vocally dismissive of Jackard Marks of the Rocky Creek Company because of a deal gone...missing.

Jackard has been in and near the Gate of late, speaking with contacts related to possible deals on things from foodstuffs, to staged performances, and other deals less public. In so doing, he has come across this pair of rumors.

"Docked, you say? *he chuckles* Those boats sit docked as often as that floating brothel, don't they? Ah, well. It is a tough business, I suppose, eeking out a living in wasp's nest like the gate. Perhaps we could see how much coin they'd take to purchase? Couldn't be much, I'd wager, and would be a nice asset. Never been one to turn down a deal... even if that is what that old hound Smythe likes to say. More impatient than an errand boy awaiting tip, and twice as petulant, that one is. I wonder if he'd still take a meeting? Hard driving a deal with a man that spreads rumors I guess, but business is business, right?

Reminds me of something my father used to say. A patient man is not in love. *he chuckles* Perhaps I am loved, aren't I?"

Those that know Jon Smythe may be contacted, if easily found, and told that Jackard is willing to meet with him and settle whatever debts he believes owed.

[Steve]

A runner from the Wide drops off a package at the Helm & Cloak, and seeing Smythe enjoying his usual bottle of wine in palate pleasing peace and alcoholic calm, speaks of something overheard recently among and with certain traders:

Perhaps we could see how much coin they'd take to purchase? Couldn't be much, I'd wager...

With a barely dodged choking fit of a reaction, the Half-elven Jon Smythe just barely manages to retain the vintage within his mouth, and swallows, swiftly. "He said what?!?" exclaims Smythe, a furrowed brow and bit of heat coming upon his face. "What does a wagon master know about the waves, the wind, the skill that a sailor has mastered, and then...to even captain a vessel? Utter nonsense, this! I reckon this schemer Marks wants to salvage me vessel for a high class carriage to carry around his fat arse! Ha, that'll be the day!"

Riled, and fueled by liquid courage, Smythe is seen collecting his gear and heading off to the docks, in haste.

Later, a rumor spreads that the Fleetwood I—the flag ship of the Chionthar Charater—is seen out in the docks bay, catching favored winds and deftly sailing around other vessels in a definite show of speed and skill...a figure seen standing tall at the bow during these maneuvers, also heard at a distance speaking commands and obscenities at and above the waves that his Fleetwood I dances upon.

Soon after this show, the Fleetwood I is rumored to be dashing eastward up the Chionthar, back on mission, proving to all that nothing can match the sailing haste of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply!

[DM Soulcatcher]

Word circles around that the Merchant's League isn't fairing well due to the past three years' ever-present threat to the city, which disrupted trade considerably. Lord Aldeth Sashenstar, head of the House Sashenstar and owner of the business, has been seen in presence of several, notable trade guild owners- people he kept at arm's length at all times before.

It's rumoured that Lord Sashenstar is thinking of selling the Merchant's League and its assets in order to save the family fortune for his, yet still missing, nephew and heir to the family fortune. Many presume Dabron, Aldeth's nephew, is dead but the Lord himself has never lost faith in him.

[Steve]

Word circles around that the Merchant's League isn't fairing well due to the past three years' ever-present threat to the city, which disrupted trade considerably. Lord Aldeth Sashenstar, head of the House Sashenstar and owner of the business, has been seen in presence of several, notable trade guild owners- people he kept at arm's length at all times before.

It's rumoured that Lord Sashenstar is thinking of selling the Merchant's League and its assets in order to save the family fortune for his, yet still missing, nephew and heir to the family fortune. Many presume Dabron, Aldeth's nephew, is dead but the Lord himself has never lost faith in him.

Recent news among the merchants and traders of the Gate has provoked a moment in time where Jon Smythe of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co. was rumored to meet with representation of House Sashanstar at the Merchants League headquarters in the Docks district of Baldur's Gate.

An otherwise common event, the Half-elven being invested in trade transport from the League on some occasion, considering the recent rumors about the League itself, the curious might deduce that the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply is being...used...in some capacity to assist the House and the League.

Said assistance would naturally require workers, or partners, or just simply those seeking a profit via direct labor or talent—something Jon Smythe has been known to require in years past....

It is easy knowledge among the merchants and traders that Smythe is regularly found lodging at the Helm & Cloak Inn...while regularly drinking at the Elfsong Tavern.

[Steve]

Rumor has it that I’m recent weeks, the Half-elven Jon Smythe, proprietor of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co., has been attempting to parlay with every river boat captain and crew that comes to port in the Gate.

Using his innate diplomacy when possible, he speaks to these river runners about a momentary need to ferry and deliver goods on behalf of the Baldur’s Gate Merchant League. Smythe, with an urgency in relation to the onset of winter and the seasonal pet freeze, does what he can to create a temporary monopoly on the holds of these river vessels and barges capacity to deliver goods east to the other towns in the Lords’ Alliance.

It is said Smythe himself speaks to these Captains about a great profit to be made, since they will have full holds and fair prices given at delivery. Rumor is he also offers the earliest agreements and the fastest deliveries a ten-percent extra gain, over general prices.

Smythe’s “call to sail” may cause alarm to some that survive on the regularity of Merchant League business. Yet only time and effort will tell if a change in the pattern of falling Gate trade, can be made soon, or later…or at all.

[Steve]

Subject: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

A moment many expected but dreaded comes as well, as ice floes dot white the Sea of Swords to the west and the River Chiontar by the shores of Baldur’s Gate, the latter growing thick with ice and frost by the hour. Those who make their livelihoods from the waters....

Your character had been given the goods to deliver to other city-states and I've assumed that was done and is going on a regular basis, truth be told. I am due to make a rumour about it, in fact.

Over the course of the months of Uktar and the first Tendays of Nightal, the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co., directed by the Helf-elven Jon Smythe, in contract with the Merchant's League via Director Gilben Sallynock, has dutifully worked with focused attention to keep the tradeways active above normal, seeking to deliver goods from the League to Lords' Alliance city-states along the Chionthar, developing connections and goodwill among the traders of each, and when and in return, bringing supplies in need to Baldur's Gate, in preparation exactly for what has now come to pass: the severity of winter has descended, and the most profitable tradeway this year, closes for months to come.

In these Tendays of the recent past, Jon Smythe was easily seen in the Harbor District inspiring river-captains and crews with diligence, to bolster his own shipping companies capacity, so that no good presented for trade and delivery, was left on the docks, idle. As those that have livelihoods depended on river and sea sit with hope that enough has been done to keep the Gate out of dire circumstances, not even the keen prescience of the Half-elven Smythe can say to his colleagues if enough was done—some even hear in his remarks in public, that his doubts ever linger, since no official word about stores or progress has been made to the People.

It is also rumored as well, and to Smythe's chagrin, that he was unable to entice more sea-bound vessels to join in the tradeways support network, in the last months—he speaks carefully to not offend, yet, many in the taverns have heard his wry dismay carefully sneaked into his speech about "sea monsters in the waves" and the such. Yet these most recent days, his casual speech in the taverns he frequents, some may over here a certain positivity in his voice, that "...if no ships can sail, then no sea-monsters can lay havoc, either!" But this is just one Half-elven's opinion.

As many of the small vessel companies dock their boats securely in the harbor, as does the CC&SS co. as well, a few last crates are disembarked from the Fleetwood I, the fastest river vessel the Chionithar has ever seen. The Half-elven Smythe, there in person as the few small crates are loaded onto push-wagons, he gently wipes his hand over the wood walls and clears away some dust and so from their labels, Clarity Cellars — Reserve.

The last words out of his mouth, accompanied by foggy air in the chill, are: "At least we may warm ourselves up from the inside! To the Helm & Cloak my goodman! With haste!!!"

[Steve]

Subject: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

The winter had finally set in.

The harbour's ice thickness is gradually rising and snowfall becomes a common occurrence. Usually bustling with much activity- now the docks remain mostly silent as there are no wares going in and out of the city through any ships.

Dockworkers are either counting their earnings, hoping for the best, or looking to find short-term jobs in order to make sure they can feed their families and themselves.

Notable, however, is that the Merchant's League appears to be enjoying some sort of a more lively movement than before. The onlookers and workers eagerly say that Lord Sashenstar had held off the selling of his business's holdings due to the Merchant's League securing more contracts and deals with the cities of the Western Heartlands. A lot of credit is given to Jon Smythe of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Company, but also to some other smaller merchants who's cooperation in the difficult period was invaluable. With the harbour frozen, the Merchant's League returns with re-doubled effort to their primary goal: Safe and secure overland trade. More, better trained guards are hired for each caravan- better supplied with weapons and armour than before.

It is a promise. Perhaps not to go back to the previous state of great wealth, but that of ensured survival of the House Sashenstar business.

For now.