Redlun II

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>Redlun Archives</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id202.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXV"><U><B>Volumes XXV to </B></U></A><B>XXXXV</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id295.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXVI"><U><B>Volumes XXXXVI to L</B></U></A><B>XV</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Village"><U><B>Redlun Village Map</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Plans"><U><B>Redlun Manor Plans</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><B>Redlun Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Decree"><U><B>Redlun Decree</B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun I"><U>Redlun I</U></A>   |   <B>Redlun II</B>   |   <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun III"><U>Redlun III</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IV"><U>Redlun IV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun V"><U>Redlun V</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VI"><U>Redlun VI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VII"><U>Redlun VII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IIX"><U>Redlun IIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id98.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IX"><U>Redlun IX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun X"><U>Redlun X</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XI"><U>Redlun XI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id101.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XII"><U>Redlun XII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIII"><U>Redlun XIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIV"><U>Redlun XIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id167.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XV"><U>Redlun XV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVI"><U>Redlun XVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id169.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVII"><U>Redlun XVII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id171.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXVIII"><U>RedlunXVIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id172.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IXX"><U>Redlun IXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id173.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XX"><U>Redlun XX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXI"><U>Redlun XXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id193.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXII"><U>Redlun XXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id194.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXXIII"><U>RedlunXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id197.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXIV"><U>Redlun XXIV</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I><B>Redlun II</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Session 2 </div> <div>                        CST Series 2 Velitrium: Velitrium City </div> <div>                        Player: Duke </div> <div>                        PC: Athamar </div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: Okay, when we left off, you and</div> <div>                        your retinue were in a private room at an inn,</div> <div>                        celebrating the unexpected reversal of the</div> <div>                        family fortunes </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Oh, that is a joy! New furniture...</div> <div>                        wait, your single. Thats not too bad then! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: yes. We need to do some serious</div> <div>                        planning. How much of the day is left? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Its about 1:30, going on 2 </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: yes. a sofa, new bedroom furniture.</div> <div>                        on sale at local artcy farsy store. 3500 </div> <div>                        Missiledine: BTW, did you say you were</div> <div>                        unemployed? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I just resigned, so yes, I am</div> <div>                        unemployed currently </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Well, good luck with your future</div> <div>                        job hunt </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. planning. Athamar gets some</div> <div>                        lunch for the crew and we put our heads</div> <div>                        together. since we will be getting equipment</div> <div>                        for 20 men, what kind of </div> <div>                        contracts can we put together for some</div> <div>                        men-at-arms? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: no worries. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: what is the proceedure for signing</div> <div>                        on Housecarls? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Reviewing past notes and IM</div> <div>                        sessions, I see a lot of expenses you made,</div> <div>                        using the money you just recieved. Those</div> <div>                        purchases will take effect starting </div> <div>                        now, allowing time to do them. Is there</div> <div>                        anything you would like to change? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. can we assume that the boat</div> <div>                        is hired, alchemy packed, etc? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Ok, housecarls involve a</div> <div>                        committment that is lifetime. You agree to</div> <div>                        feed, house, equip and care for the individual</div> <div>                        (and their family) and pay a stipend </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Uhm, not just yet on those things </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay and okay. what stipend do my</div> <div>                        current housecarls have? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: most housecarls are recruited</div> <div>                        only after they have proven themselves in</div> <div>                        other service. Mercenary, craftsmen, servant,</div> <div>                        etc </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: that makes sense. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: changes: well, we are going to</div> <div>                        have to recruit some troops. how much will</div> <div>                        hiring an agent cost and what kind of upfront</div> <div>                        expense are involved? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar also wants to visit a</div> <div>                        library, if one is open to the public. It would be</div> <div>                        nice to review or get copies of the latest</div> <div>                        granery plans... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Since you are covering all their</div> <div>                        cost of living you can assume that their annual</div> <div>                        stipend is based on their normal monthly</div> <div>                        salary less their normal cost of </div> <div>                        living. For example, Ollyn would earn $500 a</div> <div>                        month as a merc with $250 per month cost of</div> <div>                        living for him and an extra $75 for his wife, so</div> <div>                        he gets about $175 per </div> <div>                        month </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Of course, there are bonuses</div> <div>                        that should be paid as warranted and a</div> <div>                        wergild in the event of his death </div> <div>                        Missiledine: As far as an agent goes. It will</div> <div>                        cost you about $50 per person you are</div> <div>                        seeking or $100 per family to get the search</div> <div>                        rolling. Additional money is paid </div> <div>                        when a suitable canidate turns up and is</div> <div>                        based on his or her value </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmm.... resources are getting a</div> <div>                        bit thin. how many troops does Gallus think</div> <div>                        we should recruit right off the bat? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: typically 1 months pay </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Five might be a good start, but</div> <div>                        don't count on having them when you leave</div> <div>                        Velitrium. Good troops, looking for a long</div> <div>                        term contract are hard to find </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Hang on a sec, brb </div> <div>                        Missiledine: sorry, my kid was screaming </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: np. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: not something I look forward to.....</div> <div>                        screaming kids. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: There are pluses as well as</div> <div>                        minuses.. a few </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: 5 troops. that would be 500 bucks</div> <div>                        for families. plus a months wages. that ould</div> <div>                        be the kicker. I don;'t have enough left for that.</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: Uhm, troops you don'y pay for the</div> <div>                        family. With a farm family everybody works,</div> <div>                        so everyone has value. With soldiers, only</div> <div>                        one fights </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmmm.... well, I have 1700 or so</div> <div>                        left. we will need some for expenses. what</div> <div>                        value does the equipment have? can we</div> <div>                        equip troops with equipment in </div> <div>                        trade for the first months pay? maybe we</div> <div>                        should recruit in the town the equipment is</div> <div>                        stored. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Hiring in Drunmore would save</div> <div>                        you some money. Better question, how will</div> <div>                        you make NEXT months payroll? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: yes. good question. when is the</div> <div>                        harvest sold? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Typically, a 'cheap' merc with</div> <div>                        basic equipment, runs $375 +/- If you can</div> <div>                        upgrade his equipment he might take a cut,</div> <div>                        say 50% for two months </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: better recruit in Drunmore. that way</div> <div>                        we know what equipment is going to be</div> <div>                        available. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: That is underway now. This years</div> <div>                        harvest has been negotiated by the Crown as</div> <div>                        per the usual terms, your $15,000</div> <div>                        represented part of that. As far as the </div> <div>                        Crown is concerned, this years harvest was</div> <div>                        raised under their auspices, so most of the</div> <div>                        cash belongs to the crown. Your not going to</div> <div>                        see a lot more cash this year </div> <div>                        Missiledine: However, there is an alternative</div> <div>                        funding source. There are banks that will loan</div> <div>                        against next years harvest, as long as you</div> <div>                        don't get silly in the amounts </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmm... at what rate of interest? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Not really banks per se, more</div> <div>                        like money lenders </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Varies, but usually 15 to 20% </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Loaning money in this day and</div> <div>                        age is risky! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: They would only do it to a titled</div> <div>                        land holder like you. Not your ordinary</div> <div>                        adventuring scum </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: yep. hmmm... what does Gallus</div> <div>                        suggest? and how much is he paid? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You could easily arrange</div> <div>                        between 10 to 20 % of next years estimated</div> <div>                        net on your manor. More than that is not likely,</div> <div>                        unless you hit multiple lenders. </div> <div>                        Relying on the weather is always risky, but</div> <div>                        even a bad year should still allow that</div> <div>                        percentage to be covered </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus will suggest borrowing, in</div> <div>                        moderation. Borrowing heavily is part of the</div> <div>                        reason your family was in a financial hole. But</div> <div>                        if done with care many </div> <div>                        manors run on borrowed funds paid off year</div> <div>                        to year </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I don;'t care for the idea od long</div> <div>                        term debt. especially when outgoing</div> <div>                        expenses are something of an unknown.</div> <div>                        though I don't see how it is avoidable, We </div> <div>                        shopuld calculate a years expenses and</div> <div>                        borrow only that. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I like the idea of paying it off</div> <div>                        immediately. perhaps we should calculate</div> <div>                        conservatively, and hope that the cost saving</div> <div>                        of some of Athamar's ideas like using </div> <div>                        cont light spells will be bonus. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: As a man trusted with your</div> <div>                        finances, as well as your well being,</div> <div>                        reputation etc, Gallus is well paid. He gets</div> <div>                        $500 per month. Being cognizant of your </div> <div>                        cash situation, he's prepared to overlook a</div> <div>                        month or two late. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Another thing, Housecarls don't</div> <div>                        have to be paid monthly. Some Lords do</div> <div>                        annual or semi annual stipends. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. well, lets get a round number</div> <div>                        and borrow that. I am getting out calculator.... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Are you adding extra horses this</div> <div>                        year? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: lets see. i am getting 36k right now</div> <div>                        for pay for gallus, my housecarls, and 5 mercs</div> <div>                        at 400 per month. I need pay for my valet, plus</div> <div>                        misc expenses. adn my </div> <div>                        cost of living. extra horses actually would be a</div> <div>                        good idea. perhaps three draft? i think we will</div> <div>                        mis them if they are not available. also, what</div> <div>                        about living expenses for </div> <div>                        the retainers. do I pay ou of pocket or can i</div> <div>                        expend against the income of the fief as the</div> <div>                        year goes on? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Cost of living comes out of the</div> <div>                        feif in the form of food, drink, heat, housing</div> <div>                        etc. They are calculated against future income</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: How did you determine 36k? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. so..... 6k for gallus, 3k for ollyn, 3</div> <div>                        k for miklas, and 5 mercs at 400 bucks a</div> <div>                        month for 24k = 36k </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I am rounding the mercs pay. it may</div> <div>                        be higher. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Valet = $175/m </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Sorry $150 </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: alrighty. so that is 1800. I assume</div> <div>                        my alchemical freind doesn;t need pay since</div> <div>                        he is not an employee and we are business</div> <div>                        partners? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Assume the annual cost of each</div> <div>                        retainer, merc and family member is $300 off</div> <div>                        the manors income for the year </div> <div>                        Missiledine: right </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. so, how much do draft horse</div> <div>                        cost? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: To buy or keep? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: buy </div> <div>                        Missiledine: $1500 </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: to keep is in yourfigires. 900+ per</div> <div>                        horse per year. saddle is 600 </div> <div>                        Missiledine: right </div> <div>                        Missiledine: you have at least 1 saddle horse</div> <div>                        as I recall </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. does gallus think we should</div> <div>                        start off with 4 horses of each type right away</div> <div>                        becausethat tis the suggested minimum, i</div> <div>                        fear that if we don't have them </div> <div>                        we will regret it. I have 3 saddle right now </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Probably a good idea </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I note that the manor has a few</div> <div>                        wagons. need 22 horse just for those. plus for</div> <div>                        the coach. but that is in the future. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: true </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. 6k for draft horses and</div> <div>                        another 1k foranother saddle horse not quite</div> <div>                        as nice as the three I already have. that brings</div> <div>                        the total to: 44800 </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: shall we callthe loan at an even</div> <div>                        50k? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: that would mean I owe them 60k</div> <div>                        next year. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: at 10% </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: at 10%? that would be 55k </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I thought loans were between 15</div> <div>                        and 20 percent. I should try for 15 percent </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Ok, taking your annual income at</div> <div>                        $355,000 - $218,000 fixed expenses (tax,</div> <div>                        salary, etc) - 12,300 in food for people,</div> <div>                        horses etc, - 35,000 </div> <div>                        lighting/heating exp - 9600 other servants =</div> <div>                        $80,000 +/- profit per year </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Sorry, your right 15% </div> <div>                        Missiledine: I know your planning on fudging</div> <div>                        the light numbers, but the lender won't know</div> <div>                        that initially </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. so, that would mean that</div> <div>                        paying off the loan would take most of the net.</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: without adjusting the expenses</div> <div>                        as planned, yes </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. I don't care for that. but it is</div> <div>                        better than long term debt. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: or should we reducethe size of teh</div> <div>                        loan and scrimp somewhere? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You know, when you take that</div> <div>                        80,000 and divide it out by 12 months, factor</div> <div>                        in the cost of living expenses that the manor</div> <div>                        implicitly covers, it works out </div> <div>                        very close to what the Wealthy advantage is</div> <div>                        worth. I'm really impressed! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: cool. :-) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: good thing I went for wealthy rather</div> <div>                        than comfortable.... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You could cut back on the</div> <div>                        horses, but having them, especially the draft</div> <div>                        ones, should also increase productivity some </div> <div>                        Missiledine: okay </div> <div>                        Missiledine: I assumed you hire 4 servants</div> <div>                        from the village. You should be able to get by</div> <div>                        with that. Your housecarl wives and</div> <div>                        dependents will fill some of that gap </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: how about 2 draft horse and not</div> <div>                        buy the fourth saddle. that would save 4k.</div> <div>                        putting outgoing expenses at 40800. assume</div> <div>                        that I can take 800 from the </div> <div>                        1700 I already have. that leaves 40k. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: 40k loan that is. 4 ervants it is. I will</div> <div>                        get a couple more later. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: IS a 40k loan too much? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: okay.... Gallus warns you that the</div> <div>                        money lenders know how to calculate</div> <div>                        expenses and they loan vs the net, not the</div> <div>                        gross. Your looking for a 50% Loan, </div> <div>                        unless you can dump the lighting expense.</div> <div>                        Most lenders like to keep the ratio between</div> <div>                        25 and 30 %. They will go higher for more</div> <div>                        interest </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Getting rid of 35k of light and</div> <div>                        haet will help a LOT! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: oh. i see. I forgot it was net..</div> <div>                        hmmmm...... we need a break somewhere.</div> <div>                        but I am unwilling to hire fewer troops. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: well, maybe I cam convince the</div> <div>                        lender.should him my cont light spell. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: BTW, I have not put any of these</div> <div>                        play sessions on the web page. Do you want</div> <div>                        me to? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: its up to you. i dion;t mind. admin</div> <div>                        stuff is reather boring. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: rather </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: should = show </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Well, I wouldn't put this stuff up,</div> <div>                        but the audience etc would work </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: But, you might not want details of</div> <div>                        your stronghold listed for all to read</div> <div>                        (troubelsome PCs) </div> <div>                        Missiledine: up to you </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: the audience is fine. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: actually, i thought the audience</div> <div>                        went pretty well, from a roleplaying standpoint.</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: I agree </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. perhaps Athamar can</div> <div>                        convince the lender that lighting won;'t be as</div> <div>                        big an expense as ;listed. by showing him his</div> <div>                        cont light spell </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: BTW. i assume that Athamar gives</div> <div>                        all his retainers a continual light object for</div> <div>                        their use. he refreshes it when needed. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: better lighting for reading etc. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: sounds reasonable. If you want,</div> <div>                        Gallus will venture forth and line up a couple</div> <div>                        meetings.... the literate ones will appreciate</div> <div>                        that! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. meanwhile Athamar will see</div> <div>                        that the other arrangements rae being made.</div> <div>                        like lining up a boat.etc. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Remember, a Lord doesn't sully</div> <div>                        his hands with lots of mundane things! Thats</div> <div>                        what servants are for </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Well, it will be late in the</div> <div>                        afternoon when you and Gallus work all this</div> <div>                        out. At some point, when the discussion gets</div> <div>                        down to numbers and loans, etc. </div> <div>                        Gallus will suggest that the rest of the group</div> <div>                        go drink in the common room </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: sure. but its the hoity toity ones who</div> <div>                        can afford to not get their hands dirty at all.</div> <div>                        Athamar is only status 2. also, he was mostly</div> <div>                        thinking along the lines of </div> <div>                        making sure that his servants are doing their</div> <div>                        jobs. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: good idea. maybe we can work this</div> <div>                        all out in private this evening anyway. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ONLY STATUS 2 ? ONLY? Hah! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: That represents one of perhaps</div> <div>                        10,000 in the whole valley! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: that is equivilant of landed knight.</div> <div>                        isn't it? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yes, but there aren't that many</div> <div>                        landed individuals. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Most manors are actually held by</div> <div>                        only a few families. Individual famly manors</div> <div>                        are rather rare </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hey. that works out. he has one</div> <div>                        level of status due to wealth. his wealth is his</div> <div>                        land.... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: thats right </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: cool </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: allrighty. what is next? roleplay the</div> <div>                        loan? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yep </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You'll eventually break up your</div> <div>                        little party/work session and head back to the</div> <div>                        house. The next day, Gallus will leave early,</div> <div>                        along with Ollyn, and be gone </div> <div>                        almost all day. When he returns he informs</div> <div>                        you, in private, that he has set three</div> <div>                        appointments for tomorrow. One in the mid</div> <div>                        morning, one in mid afternoon and one </div> <div>                        after supper </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Very good. Do you have any</div> <div>                        opinions aboutt he lenders? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He tells you the lenders names.</div> <div>                        Boran Mykos (AM) Deren Feng (Afternoon)</div> <div>                        and Teressa Junus (Evening). Boran is a</div> <div>                        dwarf who has a reputation for </div> <div>                        honesty but milking every penny. Feng is a</div> <div>                        crotchety old human known for big loans and</div> <div>                        high interest. Teressa Junus is a rarity, a</div> <div>                        woman in this buisness. She is in </div> <div>                        her forties, still handsome, and has a</div> <div>                        reputation for, uhm, mixing buisness with</div> <div>                        pleasure </div> <div>                        Missiledine: She meets all clients in the</div> <div>                        evening </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "ahem...." Athamar is amused and</div> <div>                        uncomfortable at the same time.... "Well, what</div> <div>                        loan size and rate do you think I should shoot</div> <div>                        for? Would getting the </div> <div>                        loan we need best be had from two lenders? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Tho there are more lenders (than</div> <div>                        these) in Velitrium City, you might also</div> <div>                        consider meeting lenders in Drunmore </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hhhmmmph. Athamar prefers the</div> <div>                        honest dwarf. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: but this should be amusing. Gallus</div> <div>                        is coming along. I assume. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Velitrium lacks the financial</div> <div>                        structure to allow all the lenders to exchange</div> <div>                        information. So it is easy to borrow more than</div> <div>                        you can possibly repay by using </div> <div>                        multiple lenders. Risky, but possible </div> <div>                        Missiledine: If you wish, My Lord </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar really prefers GAllus at his</div> <div>                        side during these negotiations. but he has a</div> <div>                        family to take care of, so if he wants to attend</div> <div>                        at least one but not the </div> <div>                        others that is fine. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: It would be best to use just one</div> <div>                        lender, if feasible </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Well, he'l definately be available</div> <div>                        in the day </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar is Honest. he would prefer</div> <div>                        that too. I am afraid 40 k is going to be the</div> <div>                        needed amount. i am calculating 30% of net</div> <div>                        for the manor at 24k. </div> <div>                        without light and heat 33k. need 7 more. but</div> <div>                        we may be able to get by... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The dwarf will be the hardest to</div> <div>                        convince in regards to saving on expenses </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You don't need all 40 up front </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: maybe Athamar will convince him</div> <div>                        with a piece of essential stoneware too </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: that is true! good point </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Before going to the interview, he</div> <div>                        practices making some stoneware using</div> <div>                        shape earth and earth to stone. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: the night before. he has probaly</div> <div>                        done it before </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok, seems reasonable in light of</div> <div>                        your pottery skill </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: lets hear it for sentence fragments! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: lol </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. Athamar carefully chooses</div> <div>                        conservative outfit for the interview witht eh</div> <div>                        Dwarf. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus brings all the papers and</div> <div>                        deeds. Also suggests bringing at least one</div> <div>                        guard </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmm.... yes. Ollyn this morning.</div> <div>                        that gives him a break this evening. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: When all is ready, you set off.</div> <div>                        Gallus leads you to the craft quarters of the</div> <div>                        city, to the area where the dwarves are</div> <div>                        common. At a large, two story stone </div> <div>                        house he stops. "This is Boron's house, My</div> <div>                        Lord. He has a large staff of dwarven and</div> <div>                        human retainers. He does most of his</div> <div>                        buisness with merchants and craftsmen </div> <div>                        in this part of the city." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods. that makes sense.</div> <div>                        He goes up to the front door. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The door is gated and guarded</div> <div>                        by two brawny looking humans fighters in</div> <div>                        chain and leather </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: In that case. Athamar simply</div> <div>                        announces himself to them. "I am Athamar</div> <div>                        Tallanar. I have an appointment." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus steps forward, "Lord</div> <div>                        Redlun to see Master Boron" The guards nod</div> <div>                        and step aside. The gate is opened from the</div> <div>                        insidew by one of another pair </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: othat is even better. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (One of the things servants are</div> <div>                        for!) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: lol </div> <div>                        Missiledine: After you pass through the gate it</div> <div>                        is closed and locked behind you. A young</div> <div>                        man, perhaps 18, dressed as one would</div> <div>                        expect a clerk or secretary to be, </div> <div>                        comes ouit of the inner door and greets you</div> <div>                        with a bow. "Lord Redlun, welcome. Please</div> <div>                        follow me, my Master is waiting." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "VEry good, thank you" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He leads you into a well built but</div> <div>                        rather spartan abode. The furnishings, tho</div> <div>                        sparse, are of excellant quality and</div> <div>                        craftmanship. He leads you up two flights </div> <div>                        of stairs. There is another man at arms on the</div> <div>                        first landing and two at the top. Upstairs he</div> <div>                        takes you to a large, oaken door and knocks.</div> <div>                        It opens from within and he </div> <div>                        announces "Lord Redlun to see Master</div> <div>                        Boron." The door opens into an antechamber</div> <div>                        where there are several desks with scribes</div> <div>                        and clerks busily working. There is </div> <div>                        also another guard. A second large door</div> <div>                        stands open and you can hear a loud, gruff,</div> <div>                        hectoring voice berating someone. "But the</div> <div>                        bloody figures don't bloody well </div> <div>                        add up! Do your sums again you dung head!</div> <div>                        Get it right this time!" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: You have a way with description. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Your escort moves to the door</div> <div>                        and knocks, stepping aside to allow a harried</div> <div>                        looking middle aged man to hurry out. He then</div> <div>                        steps in and says, "Master, </div> <div>                        Lord Redlun is here." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Thank you </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar steps in. nodding his</div> <div>                        thanks to the secretary. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Well don't stand there, bring</div> <div>                        Lord Redlun in. See if he wants any</div> <div>                        refreshment. And tell that fool Kyle that if he</div> <div>                        can't learn to count I'll have him </div> <div>                        shoveling out my stables !" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Tea, if you would, thank you."</div> <div>                        Athamar says to the secretary, smiling. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar strolls into the office. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The room is dominated by a</div> <div>                        huge table, that is barely visable under a</div> <div>                        mass of papers (a lot like my desk) Despite</div> <div>                        the apparent chaos, there actually </div> <div>                        seems to be a semblance of order here.</div> <div>                        Behind the desk is seated a grizzled old</div> <div>                        dwarf. He looks up as you enter and stands</div> <div>                        with a minimal bow (Dwarves and Elves </div> <div>                        don't take human titles too seriously) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: BTW. I am deliberately pre-empting</div> <div>                        the servant a bit. politely, but he is</div> <div>                        denmonstrating a certain expectation. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Lord Redlun, welcome." He</div> <div>                        gestures to one of several chairs. "Please, be</div> <div>                        seated" Gallus will wait for you to sit, then he</div> <div>                        will take a chair. Ollyn remains </div> <div>                        in the antechamber </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Now, what may I do for you?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar sits. "Thank you, Master</div> <div>                        Boron." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grins. "Getting right to the</div> <div>                        point... you can loan me $35,000." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Oh? That is a considerable</div> <div>                        sum.. What, may I ask, do you want it for?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Expenses I expect to incur over</div> <div>                        the next year getting Redlun on its feet. The</div> <div>                        larger part of that sum is for men-at-arms. I</div> <div>                        expect to pay the principle and </div> <div>                        interest by the end of next year." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (You might want to provide a bit</div> <div>                        more background here) </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Where is Redlun, what kind of</div> <div>                        shape is it in, and how much does it make per</div> <div>                        year?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar gestures to Gallus to show</div> <div>                        MAster Boron the relevant documents</div> <div>                        regarding income and expenses. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He looks the papers</div> <div>                        over..."Hmmm, you just received this fee?</div> <div>                        Hmmm, been in the Crowns hands a long</div> <div>                        time.... Mmmm, ummhmmm, hmmm....." He </div> <div>                        flips one sheet after another. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "As you can see. the Manor is in</div> <div>                        fair shape, but is in need of maintenance.</div> <div>                        Even in its current state Redlun has a great</div> <div>                        deal going for it. PRoperly </div> <div>                        managed, I expect Redlun to be quite a bit</div> <div>                        more." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmm, well. Assuming that these</div> <div>                        figures are acurate..." He picks up a quill and</div> <div>                        makes a few marks on a paper, digs an</div> <div>                        abacus out of a pile of </div> <div>                        documents and flicks a few beads and stares</div> <div>                        off into space for a bit. At this point the</div> <div>                        secretary returns with a tray table of tee and</div> <div>                        rolls and sets them up between </div> <div>                        you and Gallus. He pours for you first, then</div> <div>                        Gallus. He dosent offer Boron anything. There</div> <div>                        isn't even a cup for the dwarf. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar accepts the tea. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Have YOU seen it?" Boron asks</div> <div>                        suddenly. "These papers are dated two days</div> <div>                        ago." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grins. "That is correct. I</div> <div>                        have never been there myself. I am currently</div> <div>                        making arrangments to move my retinue to</div> <div>                        the fief. I understand your </div> <div>                        point, one can only trust anothers assessment</div> <div>                        so far." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "An assesment several years out</div> <div>                        of date." The Dwarf adds </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Still...." He looks at the papers</div> <div>                        again. "To be honest, the fact that these</div> <div>                        figures come from the Crown, and aren't your</div> <div>                        own concoction, make them </div> <div>                        more reliable. I won't need to do as much</div> <div>                        digging for verification." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Truth. I have been given funds left</div> <div>                        from the privy purse that are left from Redlun's</div> <div>                        profit. Thus one can be certain that it is still a</div> <div>                        profitable..... venture" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmph. How much did you</div> <div>                        recieve?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar raises an eyebrow. "15</div> <div>                        thousand." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: HE drinks tea. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmm, about 10% of the Crown's</div> <div>                        net... The King has always been profligate</div> <div>                        with the gold </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Tell me, my Lord. What makes</div> <div>                        you think yourself able to manage such an</div> <div>                        undertaking?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "That is what the King asked of me.</div> <div>                        I have good men at my side and I am not</div> <div>                        afraid of work. Years as a Mage's apprentice</div> <div>                        leaves little time for frivolity" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "So, your a mage are you?</div> <div>                        Hmm. These numbers." He gestures to the</div> <div>                        papers "Are based on the Crown's way of</div> <div>                        doing buisness. You will have a </div> <div>                        retinue, and as you say, men at arms. And</div> <div>                        you will need to make allowances for repairs,</div> <div>                        food, domestic expenses... all together your</div> <div>                        looking at a considerable </div> <div>                        expense" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (I don't think they'll report you." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "You cannot assume an income</div> <div>                        of..." He flips pages a bit. "A hundred and fifty</div> <div>                        thousand." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hey. my dog closed my chat</div> <div>                        screen, you still there? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yep </div> <div>                        Missiledine: what was the last thing you got? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01 signed off at 11:07:11 PM. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01 signed on at 11:07:53 PM. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hi. my dog closed the chat window</div> <div>                        and I lost you. AIM uldn't let me send you</div> <div>                        anything cuz it shows you as offline </div> <div>                        Missiledine: I'm here </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. one moment </div> <div>                        Missiledine: What was the l;ast thing you got?</div> <bR> <div>                        Dukejr01: Boron said that the figures show</div> <div>                        the Crowns way of doing business and that I</div> <div>                        would not get a 150k profit. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: That was my last message </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar replies "Yes. As Lord I will</div> <div>                        be expected to take up residence and see to</div> <div>                        the protection and care of the fief. previous</div> <div>                        records indicate that with </div> <div>                        expenses of a resident Lord, I can expect an</div> <div>                        $80,000 surplus. But, I beilive that my</div> <div>                        expenses will be somewhat less than that for</div> <div>                        maintenance." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Oh? May I ask why?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: you still there? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Of course." Athamar takes our a</div> <div>                        small object that he normally uses as a</div> <div>                        continual light object. "If I may..." he casts</div> <div>                        continual light on it. "Lighting </div> <div>                        expenses about $35,000 for candles, torches</div> <div>                        lamp oil, etc. However, why would I be</div> <div>                        intersted in using lamps when spellcraft</div> <div>                        provides better quality light?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: yes. sorry. i had typing issues. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: np </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmph... Ok, a valid point." He</div> <div>                        makes a few notations </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar puts the object on Boron's</div> <div>                        desk. "in additions..." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: athamar draws on more mana,</div> <div>                        cupping his hands together he casts shape</div> <div>                        earth, create earth and earth to stone in quick</div> <div>                        succession. the lowest power of </div> <div>                        each. and shapes a small stone vessel. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The Dwarf watches with no</div> <div>                        discernable reaction. "You plan on making</div> <div>                        your own tableware?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "One of the most major expenses</div> <div>                        is storage replacements. Now, I have no</div> <div>                        interest in replacing he goood craftsmen of</div> <div>                        my fief, but I can create objects </div> <div>                        made of the magical essence of earth, which,</div> <div>                        in particular for my own usage will reduce</div> <div>                        waste." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He grunts and makes a few</div> <div>                        scratches on the paper. "Perhaps, but since</div> <div>                        the manor house has been empty for many</div> <div>                        years, you will undoubtably need to </div> <div>                        replace the House's own larder capacity." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "I will be too busy to spend my time</div> <div>                        using magic in place of craft. But at least for</div> <div>                        the first few seasons. I will need to pitch in</div> <div>                        where needed. It is </div> <div>                        important that Redlun be managed properly,</div> <div>                        with a proper garrison, and ward the</div> <div>                        Kingdoms' bprders. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Ummm, yes." He dosen't seem</div> <div>                        to concerned about the borders </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Very well my Lord, assuming</div> <div>                        that I can verify this. "He gestures at the</div> <div>                        papers. "No offense, just buisness. I will allow</div> <div>                        an annual net of $119,000. </div> <div>                        Based on that... I will loan you $35,000 at</div> <div>                        20%." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Term, 1 year, payable 60 days</div> <div>                        after harvest." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "I understand. No offense is taken."</div> <bR> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Hmmm.... I shall have to weigh</div> <div>                        other offers.... How best to handle repayment,</div> <div>                        assuming I accept your offer? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "If that is agreeable, and these</div> <div>                        check out. I wil;l have the papers ready in two</div> <div>                        days from tomorrow." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Payment can be made in cash</div> <div>                        or kind to my agents, who will arrive</div> <div>                        sometime before the allotted date. I must tell</div> <div>                        you, the note that you will sign will </div> <div>                        actually be for a debt of $84,000 which will be</div> <div>                        settled for $42,000 is satisfied by the date</div> <div>                        specified. If it is not settled within the time</div> <div>                        period, then the full amount is </div> <div>                        due, plus interest of 20% annually. You will</div> <div>                        find that this is standard practice." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamr looks at Gallus for</div> <div>                        confirmation. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: he nods slightly </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "I will seriously weigh these terms.</div> <div>                        A decision liek this is not to be entered lightly,</div> <div>                        but time presses and you will have an answer</div> <div>                        in he morning, Master </div> <div>                        Boron." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: he = the </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Hang on a sec Dave, I might get</div> <div>                        bounced in a sec </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Crisis is passed </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Quick storm </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The Dwarf nods, "It is, as you</div> <div>                        say, a major deciscion. I will do the</div> <div>                        necessarry research and await your word."</div> <div>                        He hands back the papers. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods and stands up. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Boron rises and bows slightly.</div> <div>                        "Its been a pleasure Lord Redlun. I wish you</div> <div>                        luck, regardless of the outcome." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Thank you, MAster Boron. I wish</div> <div>                        you good fortune." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus stands up and the clerk</div> <div>                        appears at the door to guide you out. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: One down. two to go. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: will you need to go to bed soon? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Yeah, it would probably be a</div> <div>                        good idea </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. when shall we finish the</div> <div>                        lenders? how long do you want to take on it? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Uhm, let me see if we can swing</div> <div>                        some time in the weekend </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I am free. just need to clean and</div> <div>                        clear out some old furniture. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Ok, I'll email you tomorrow, see if</div> <div>                        we can catch up in the evening. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. well, goodnight.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun I"><U>Redlun I</U></A></div> <div> Redlun III</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U>Back to Archives</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>