14th of Malachite, Mid Summer of 202
"Aie! The elves are back! The elves are back!", Bëmbul Riddledcrafted came running down the hall. She was still huffing and puffing when she found found Oddom Authorroofed.
"Great, just what we need: More rope reed cloth!" Authorroofed grumbled, "Let's take a look-see, why don't we?" The two came to the northern entrance to the great hall. Here, the traders were unloading their goods.
"These elves are kind of short and fat." Authorroofed said, "And they have iron swords! I don't believe my eyes! Where are the flying pigs?"
The traders introduced themselves to the dwarves. These strange creatures call themselves "humans". They have come to trade with the Connected Board.
Eric and Fenceclenched soon arrived to negotiate with the humans. The humans brought all sorts of valuable items. There were raw materials and finished goods - they weren't the best quality, or even made of steel, but they were better than wooden swords and rope reed cloth.
"We're very impressed at what you have done here!" The human diplomat said, "I see you have just settled here, but I see a lot of potential with this... fortress..."
"Oh yes, Channeledwanes will be the greatest fortress ever!" Eric was never ashamed of a little gloating. "But we need supplies to get us going - perhaps a loan of few swords, shields, and iron bars? We will pay you back, most likely on a Tuesday."
Compared to the elves, the humans were much more pleasant to deal with and there was always a smile on the diplomat's face. But there was a barely perceptible change in his expression when Eric asked that question. It was the slightest wince. A wise man would wager that Eric never noticed it.
"That will be difficult, my good friend", the diplomat replied. "It is simply against company policies. Even if I could do that, iron is simply too valuable to lend to new customers... you must understand...
"But I'll see what I can do in terms of discounts," The human added, "My men will give you the best deal possible. Take a look at our wares... I think you will be interested in the contents of this particular wagon..."
After a bit of browsing, Eric picked an anvil and a few empty barrels. As a counter offer, he had some of Keldor's biscuits. To the humans' disappointment, the dwarves did not have any gold, silver, or finished goods. The human diplomat was reluctant to make a deal. But finally, he agreed to the trade.
"Just because I like you so much, Eric", the human diplomat added, "I'll even take away some of your rotting refuse. Here, this pile." The human diplomat pointed to a refuse pile right outside of the fort entrance. There were many signs posted around it:
"Trash!"
"Refuse - ONLY!"
"Finished Goods Forbidden (b: block all)"
"None of Maggarg's World Famous Stoned Crafts Here! Nope. No sirree!"
Standing on top of a barrel, Eric shook hands with the human diplomat and finalized the deal. Eric had made another masterful trade. He decided to promote his titles to "Adept Appraiser" and "Novice Negotiator".
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Topic: Channeledwanes - The Undead Mountain (Read 4432 times)