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

[Steve]

~~~

Centered on the city of Baldur's Gate, radiating outward in concentric circles from this location upon the Sword Coast, there are times when a rumor or a straight-spoken message, is most relevant to those that ply a Trade or cast their Fate in the Merchant Class culture. Such things—sometimes called advertisements, sometimes called private affairs...—rise above a generalized spoken rumor or town crier notification.

Such events are clearly noticed by those with keen eyes and ears in this culture, and just as often, are intentionally made to be noticed....


///OOC: trying it out—with the rise of much merchant RP, is there a need for trades-talk-like rumor and even promotion? Let's see....

[Steve]

Word among the gem smiths and traders of precious stones spreads soon after a unsatisfied Jon Smythe, half-Elven and mariner, leaves the shop of Zachary the barber-jeweler, when it was said the merchant was not eager to offer a fair value for what Smythe had sourced—a collection of mixed stones, originated from the Dragon Coast. Smythe was quite open with Zacharay that this collection was acquired through a particular adventurous moment, where he, Smythe, and a paladin of some might, were able to solve both a riddle AND overcome fierce odds against witches and their spawn.

Still, such a tale had no effect on budging the low-ball offer from Zachary. Thus, those in the Trades and in the Know, say Smythe still has this collection...but where he might try to trade them next, is anyone's guess....

Luckily, Smythe is quite easy to find, as of late—being his activities with the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply have him daily between the docks and the Palace District, of the great city of Baldur's Gate.

Hidden: show

[BDobolina]

If the merchant's displeasure was widely known, it may come back to Mr. Smythe that Jackard Marks, of Rocky Creek Trade Company, is well-known among those of the docks, as well as the Wide, as someone who purchases loose stones. Paying rates above and beyond most other merchants, he was and is a commonly known trader among the local adventuring class.

Operating from Greenest, but often seen in the Gate, reachable by word at Orniff's as well as the Elfsong.. if word were sent toward Mr. Marks, surely a considerate, and lucrative, response would be received.

Hidden: show

Word among the gem smiths and traders of precious stones spreads soon after a unsatisfied Jon Smythe, half-Elven and mariner, leaves the shop of Zachary the barber-jeweler, when it was said the merchant was not eager to offer a fair value for what Smythe had sourced—a collection of mixed stones, originated from the Dragon Coast. Smythe was quite open with Zacharay that this collection was acquired through a particular adventurous moment, where he, Smythe, and a paladin of some might, were able to solve both a riddle AND overcome fierce odds against witches and their spawn.

Still, such a tale had no effect on budging the low-ball offer from Zachary. Thus, those in the Trades and in the Know, say Smythe still has this collection...but where he might try to trade them next, is anyone's guess....

Luckily, Smythe is quite easy to find, as of late—being his activities with the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply have him daily between the docks and the Palace District, of the great city of Baldur's Gate.

Hidden: show

[Steve]

"What did you say now?" replies Smythe after hearing traders grapevine communication. "Marks, you say? Jackard Marks? The Rocky Creek Trade Company is it? One and the same seen renovating workshops for caravan repair in the Farmlands? Aye, tis so!"

Jon Smythe gets the full story, from other minor gem traders within the Wide, of merchant Marks and his prized purse for purchases. It is undeniable—a small but distinct smile grows upon the half-Elf's face.

"Tis a bit strange that I myself have yet to run into merchant Marks within the Elfsong...but perhaps his face is known to me, from afar. We shall see!"

Within a few moments, the half-Elven Jon Smythe is seen heading away from the Wide in the direction of the nearby Elfsong Tavern...trying his luck and fortune that the Rocky Creek representative would be currently within the Gate....

[BDobolina]

Handbills are passed freely to patrons of the taverns and festhalls, and another sent via courier to the proprietor of the White Mask Theatre in Baldur's Gate.

////Paying for music scores created via the TKL transcription button.

[Steve]

Subject: ~ Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply ~ Merchant Mariners ~



Within Baldur's Gate, in the Harbor District, at the shipyard docks, with little fanfare, a half-Elf and a shipwright stand together with some pride, as the vessel The Fleetwood I is launched into bay waters, keeping itself well afloat and sparkling in the morning, late-winter sunlight, as freshly oiled planks make their initial adjustment to being within waters.

Later, the half-Elven Jon Smythe is seen paying his dues to the harbormaster employed by the Merchants League in the amount of five bags of coin, completing his registry and operating license, for a small trading company to freely operate within the controlled waters of Baldur's Gate...and abiding by the Laws of such waterways.

By the end of this day, a few mercenary seamen—like those often seen within taverns of the Gate—are employed to crew The Fleetwood I, as well, where dock work is needed.

Within the coming days, some parchments are seen appearing in places:

.

Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply

~ Services Offered ~
Import/Export Shipping in Haste and of Importance
between the following ports and of goods listed~

• Baldur’s Gate: Exports: Dyes, fish, lamp oil, trade - coinage
• Berdusk: Exports: Wool & wine
• Elturel: Exports: Animal products (cheese, glue, leather, meat, wool)
• Iriaebor: Exports: Kegs, beer, and bread
• Scornubel: general trade goods (import/export; seasonal)
• Ulgoth's Beard: Exports: Fish, wool, mushrooms

In amounts up to 20 DWT (or metric tons).

Contact with the CCSS Co. can be made at the Helm & Cloak or Elfsong Tavern.

[Steve]

Recently returned from a speedy voyage south along the coast and back, the half-Elven Jon Smythe, representing the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply, found himself in a casual discussion with a number of ore merchants, in the East District of Baldur's Gate.

In particular, the Dwarven representative of the Torgier Mining company and Smythe were finalizing a deal when Smythe made a odd comment:

"So, friend...your peoples have made a home in the Troll Claw Hills, have they not? Though your company has its focus in the Cloakwood...did you know of recent developments in said region, involving a Silver Mine, and...actual devils?!?" spoke Smythe, to the Torgier stout. "I myself was not particularly interested this fact, even though I had come across a book of notes related to many things about that silver mine, notes from one-hundred years ago til the present, even...but just in the recent day, as I fulfilled a hire to acquire some tomes of knowledge, this employer of mine, calling himself Robin Goodfellow, we struck up a conversation regarding his interest and actions within the Gate...and would you believe, my friend stout, that he was actually preparing a treatise on this very silver mine from which I had acquired these notes?!? I tell you something, there are some coincidences that seem directed by the Gods, in their precise...coming together.

So was it that my momentary employer did peruse my collection of notes, and what a chatter box that Goodfellow was...naturally, being a bard as he said it makes sense. Ol' Goodfellow matched those notes up with a lore-ish skill that put them all to shame, and he just rattled off detail after detail as we finished the journey north."

"And of course, I asked him, this Goodfellow, about you Dwarves and what ye may know about said silver mine, concerning secrets and all, which I know you stouts are quite clever at keeping down in your mountain cellars. Pity, that Goodfellow could not say one way or another about what ye stouts know or do not know. So finding myself in your company at this very moment, I though I should ask.

If ye have not much to say on the matter, ye can always spread the word to the other traders, those being interested in such silver mine things. There is always someone willing to pay a fair sum for a bit of details on a thing. It would seem that this Goodfellow fellow was quite convinced of these things being of importance...."

[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....

Hidden: show

/// 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!

---

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.

Hidden: show

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.

Hidden: show

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!