Tell the other people to get jobs
[1] Getting jobs sounds good. Unfortunately, it is nigh-impossible to get jobs and remain in your service. Not that this doesn't stop several of your flock from taking the jobs anyway. Some of your troops abandon you. (Not enough to destroy the regiment)
Look for hamlets/farms in the area, that are far from cities.
There are plenty of these, all over the place.
((OOC: Also, I'm going to request a roll to see if Talas Agent in the Criminal court picked up on Avitus's requests for a spy-he's pretty much perfectly placed to hear about such things. If so, he might be present at the meeting. 
))
You don't need a roll for that. Avitus 'sent out word to the underworld' that he was looking for a spy. Heck, someone probably asked your man if it was him he was looking for. You can know this.
Alright, so may I roll to see how much I actually had to pay for my new troops Nuke?
Provided that the year end event resulting in an anti-DE sentiment amongst the people becomes canon,
[5] The new recruits are eager to join the fight, and the smiths in town are eager to provide them with weapons to fight with. By cleverly recruiting and purchasing only from the most zealous members of the population, you manage to significantly reduce costs. Of the 11 ducats you thought to spend on recruitment, training, and arms,
4 ducats make their way back to the royal coffers.
An Alanis party- her birthday at that! By the Light, had he really spent so much time inside people thought he was dead? Well, he had been thinking of speaking with Tala anyway- this simply provides an excellent excuse.
A reply is quickly written and sent.
Milady Alanis,
It has indeed been too long since we last met. Along with modern culture, the people of this city do not appreciate the mysteries of the Hacturi, and their hasty departure has unfortunately placed many of their duties- with regards to the embassy- in my hands. Which is not to say I have only suffered- I have found time to finish of several of my more ambitious pieces of art whilst I was locked away. Indeed, the prize of my recent work is something I believe you will appreciate. I was wondering how I might have it delivered to you- but of course, a birthday gift it shall be. My eyes shall remain intact another year.
I look forwards to attending,
Hugo van Vissersdorp
There was, of course, the problem of a guest. Whilst Hugo was not lonely, he did not have anyone who he considered special enough to take to an Alanis party. Perhaps he would think of someone. In the meantime, work to be done.
...
The fist connects with a sickening crack, and the thug falls to the floor, spitting blood. Two of his fellows, sniggering cruelly, help him up and lead him off to fix his jaw. Hugo rubs his knuckles and nods amicably to the assembled criminals.
"As I was saying, my choice of bedfellows does not affect my ability to throw a punch. I trust no one else has a problem being ordered around by a simpering manlover? Fantastic!
Now then. I hear that Avitus has made contact with several shady individuals, and has arranged a meeting? I trust that our representatives will be present at said meeting and report the results thereof to me? I really don't like this whole situation. Scholars do not need spies"The Bleeding Fist nods. They will be there.
"Next point of business: embassy finances. Certain financial institutions need to be paid off, and we find ourself a tad short in the cash department. I'm not asking for donations, but should anyone have any ideas as to how we might resolve this situation, suggestions are welcome.""On a related note, the bar, unfortunately, is not doing too well. One might say it is doing poorly. I doubt that your average citizen would even be able to tell you what it is called- hatred for our benevolent benefactors has unfortunately been extended to our legitimate enterprises.
I have a few ideas to resolve this issue. Firstly, I think rebranding is in order. I am having the bar renamed the Bleeding Scales, and a slight redness added to the neck of the Hacturi's head on the sign outside, neatly reversing the message it gives. I will be visiting the lady Alanis- who, I remind you, is off-limits when it comes to criminal activities- and I will be asking her for advice on sprucing up the venue to make it more attractive to bar-goers. One more thing, which I hope you will be able to help me with, is the subtle sabotage of other drinking establishments in the area. If, say, the Robber's Flask- that ugly, stinking hellhole- was to suffer a crippling fire, forcing it to go out of business, many of its clientèle might find themselves walking up the road a little further and into our- far more elegant- doors."Hugo seems slightly more excited about the prospect of destroying the 'ugly' Robber's Flask than is necessary. The Bleeding Fist indicates that arson is a tricky trade which is difficult to pull of subtly, but they will look into the matter, as well as less violent means of sending people the embassy's way.
The Bleeding Fist will (attempt) to be present (if unseen) at Avitus's meeting.The Bleeding Fist will look into 'encouraging' people to visit the Bleeding Scales (the bar part of the embassy) rather than other bars in the area. Nothing extreme... yet.
Author
Topic: You Are King II: Tales of the Storm Coast (Winter 416a) (Read 231854 times)