042.3 Union Bank

[Corwin]

[20:13] <Kotono> A night of rest passes as everyone recovers from previous exertions. Bright and early the next morning each of you is summoned by Elena, meeting Morniel. "Good morning," He begins once the three of you are gathered, as well as Adrian and Gisfal, "Late last night a diplomatic legation of Mercane arrived. They are requesting negotiations based on the previous discussions with Muirfinn," A nod to
[20:13] <Kotono> the tortle, "They come bearing gifts as well."
[20:14] <Jaela> "Huh?"
[20:14] * Afina gives Muirfinn a suspicious look. "That was the same negotiations that wanted to turn Aurora into their personal crafting shop," she states, no longer finding it quite so funny.
[20:14] * Jaela looks between Afina and Muirfinn.
[20:15] <Muirfinn> "I did warn you that they would show up." Muirfinn points out. "I doubt they'd be so foolish as to believe that you will simply turn out magical items for them all day and night."
[20:15] <Afina> "Muirfinn, explain what happened to Jaela?" Afina tells him, adding for herself, "I just laughed him off when I heard, it sounded so stupid."
[20:15] <Kotono> "If they're bearing gifts," Gisfla raises his voice slightly, "They're trying to curry favor. They thing anything can be bought for the right price."
[20:19] <Muirfinn> Turning to Jaela, Muirfinn says, "I took a tumble off the Infinite Stair after that tussle with the deathdrinker demon that tried to kill Tannin a while back. A lillend and I wound up in Union, where they agreed to treat my grevious wounds in return for certain concessions. I didn't really have any choice. They wanted Afina to make magical items for them at cost, in return for healing me and my
[20:19] <Muirfinn> companion, as well as access to their banking skills. Having no desire to lie there until they decided what to do with me, I agreed." He then turns to Afina, "However, I lack the permission to make such promises, and told them that they would have to discuss and negotiate with you the details."
[20:19] <Afina> "And I'll tell them exactly what I think of such insulting demands," Afina stands up, turning to Morniel, "Where are they?"
[20:20] <Kotono> "Ugh," Adrian grunts at that, "Opportunistic bastards."
[20:20] <Jaela> "Interesting." Jaela stands up herself after Afina. "I'll tag along."
[20:21] <Kotono> "They have no need for sleep, so Elena's seeing to them in one of the suites - mostly to keep them out of trouble," Morniel replies, "If they nose around or have a scheme, at worst they meddle with meaningless comforts rather than anything important."
[20:21] <Kotono> "There is more to talk of," Morniel says, "But we can reconvene if yo uwish to deal with the Mercane immediately."
[20:22] <Jaela> "Unless the rest concerns a devil threat or anything time-critical, it can wait for the time being. Does it?"
[20:22] <Afina> "Actually," Afina stops, "Have Elena bring them here? Better than us going to them," she decides. "I have pressing matters of my own to deal with, but the sooner we get rid of our guests the sooner we can deal with more important issues."
[20:23] <Kotono> "It regards the child from within the Silver Container," Morniel replies, "As well as diplomatic concerns from both Celestia and the resistance on Lifasa."
[20:23] * Jaela sinks back into her seat. "In that case, I want to hear about the resistance before we get to our guests."
[20:24] <Afina> "Agreed," Afina settles back down.
[20:28] <Kotono> "They've been delayed," Morniel begins, "Harkin has been intensifying his efforts to ferret out the resistance, and emergency counter-measures were required. The situation is in hand for now, but it raises the possibility that they could yet be found. It seems that Tiamat has pledged a powerful wyrm to aid Harkin's hunt, and he is giving them considerable problems."
[20:29] <Jaela> "Do we have an opportunity to strike at Tiamat's interests, either in Baator or at this wyrm directly?"
[20:29] * Muirfinn frowns at the mention of Tiamat. "Perhap we should help to take this dragon out of the equation."
[20:29] <Afina> "An assassination of the wyrm would be prudent," Afina agrees.
[20:33] <Kotono> "Makaril will becoming to discuss that in the coming days, once the situation is stabilized," Morniel agrees, "A small, powerful task force that can assassinate this wyrm would be entirely prudent."
[20:33] <Muirfinn> "Do we know what kind of wyrm it is?"
[20:34] <Afina> "In a few days I should have acquired the Blade of Endings as well," Afina volunteers. "It could prove a useful countermeasure to Tiamat's willingness to raise undead dragons after we kill them."
[20:35] <Kotono> "It is a type normally native to Acheron, a Rust Dragon," Morniel says, "Interbred with fiend's blood."
[20:35] <Jaela> Her eyebrows rise. "A fiendish dragon? That would be fun."
[20:36] <Kotono> Nodding slightly, "Have any of you ever fought a rust monster? Imagine one as a dragon, the size of a small village, and so cloaked an anathemic secrecy that it can sneak up and stalk you," he replies.
[20:37] <Jaela> "It's not a problem. Worst case, artifacts can kill it just fine."
[20:38] <Afina> "A sneaking dragon?" Afina would laugh if it wasn't so funny. "Well, all the more important to catch it by surprise, then."
[20:39] <Kotono> Nodding slightly, "Indeed. The other orders of business are brief. I've composed a list of potential adoptors for that foundling child."
[20:39] <Jaela> "I will do it," Jaela says. "Hanna is at the top of that list, isn't she?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "As a matter of fact, yes," Morniel smoothly goes on, "Hanna is interested, Ebony expressed interest but is tending to the servant liberated from the City of Brass and I was interested as well."
[20:42] <Jaela> "I expected Ebony to be busy," Jaela agrees.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Speaking of liberations," Gisfal speaks up, "The refugees from the Burning Aeropolis are showing signs of recovery. We need to decide what to do with them soon."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Really?" Adrian turns to Jaela, "You didn't strike me as the mothering type."
[20:43] <Afina> "If they can fight they can be integrated into the army. If not they can fulfill support functions," Afina says, that being all there is to it as far as she can see, and little interested in the matter of adoption.
[20:43] * Jaela grins at him. "You didn't strike me as the suicidal type, too."
[20:44] * Muirfinn raiss an eyebrow at Jaela's interest, but says nothing.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Now bear this in mind. I took some time to examine this child. It has not a name, nor a gender. I found no sign of sexual characteristics at all." Morniel continues on, after clearing his throat loudly. "As a composite being, it is difficult to ascertain how it will grow and how it will develop."
[20:46] <Jaela> "I'll manage the name, somehow," Jaela says dryly.
[20:46] <Kotono> "A name would be far preferable to it," Morniel says, "Do you have one selected yet?"
[20:47] <Jaela> "I always liked Mirajane, but I'll think about it some more due to the gender thing. I was thinking of going to Celestia anyway so it'll probably come to me then."
[20:50] <Kotono> "As you wish," Morniel says, "I've made several diplomatic contacts within Celestia. Aurora has obtained a certain notoriety there," He goes on, "Lord Barachiel, Guardian of the Holy Mountain, would like to meet a diplomatic envoy first. You must understand that this is a test in many senses."
[20:51] <Jaela> "He was the one we were talking of meeting with, that time," Jaela agrees. "Busy doing anything the next few days, Morniel, or want to come with me?"
[20:51] <Afina> "I'd like to go, after I've settled things with Makan," Afina volunteers herself.
[20:52] <Kotono> "My presence is requested," Morniel agrees amiciably.
[20:52] <Muirfinn> "Lord Barachiel!" Muirfinn looks impressed. "He requested an envoy? Really?"
[20:54] <Kotono> "He has," Morniel confirms, "The matter of forming the diplomatic mission still remains, and determining who precisely shall come."
[20:54] <Jaela> "Let's see about it in a day." Jaela glances at Afina. "You'd need about that much to settle things, right?"
[20:55] <Afina> "I intended to do it today, yes," Afina nods.
[20:55] * Jaela nods herself, before asking, "Morniel, are there any news from the Triad?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Officially no. Unofficially," Steepling his hands together, "All eyes will be on this diplomatic effort with Barachiel."
[20:56] <Jaela> "Charming." Another nod. "Well, that just leaves the Mercane, then?"
[20:57] <Kotono> "If that's all settled," Adrian stands, "How about we go see those greedy Mercane off?" A chuckle comes as Afina's words intercept his own, "Let's."
[20:57] <Afina> "Elena, have the Mercane representative brought here," Afina asks the little blue girl.
[20:58] <Kotono> Gisfal shakes his head, "If I am not needed there, I will return to the refugees. They are more important than incarnations of meaningless greed."
[20:58] <Afina> Lucky him, Afina thinks watching Gisfal go.
[20:59] * Jaela prepares to be amazed or amused, perhaps both.
[20:59] <Kotono> Elena so appears! "Got it!" She appears, wearing flowing white gown, and bedeckoned with enough gold and jewelry to finance a small nation. She waves a hand, with a ruby ring large enough to serve as a mace, "Aren't these cute?"
[20:59] <Jaela> "Gaudy is the word. But you're cute?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "They keep giving me pretty jewelry!" Elena giggles, "They're being really friendly."
[21:00] <Jaela> "How nice of them. Bring them over?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "On it!" Soon enough Elena is gone, and a few minutes later the Mercane enter. There are five of them, each dressed and downright dripping jewels and wealth. The leader is a pudgy blue thing, his tunic a glittering salad of precious metals and rare gemstones. He enters, offering one plump, gemstone laden hand out as he approaches, "Ah, this must be the legendary commanding officers of Aurora!"
[21:04] * Jaela leans back for a moment, observing the reactions from Afina and Adrian before all else.
[21:05] <Kotono> Adrian looks at that hand for just a moment, but makes no effort to take it. He lets it simply hang in the air.
[21:06] * Muirfinn isn't a general, so lets the others do the talking.
[21:06] <Afina> "Yes," Afina replies cooly, not taking the hand. "Afina. General of Aurora. And from what Muirfinn told me, I understand you see me rather as cheap - or rather, free - labour. On what basis could you possibly presume to make such demands of our Crusade? To toil and take time from our battles for you to go rich? To make weapons for you to sell to our very own enemies!"
[21:07] <Kotono> "Ah," Lowering his hand, a smile on face that doens't even ooze an inch out of place, "I see there's been a misunderstanding. Before we attempt to dispel that, I have a gift for the command of Aurora. A token of good will, to start things on the right foot."
[21:07] <Kotono> "You say gift," Adrian crosses his arms, "I hear bribe."
[21:08] <Jaela> "Let's eliminate the misunderstanding before all else," Jaela finally speaks. "Describe, in your own words, just what lead to this 'offer' being made to Muirfinn, and how you claim it was misrepresented just now."
[21:09] * Muirfinn looks a bit confused now, too. He thought he understood everything!
[21:09] <Kotono> "Of course, of course," Gesturing, "May we sit and join you? We've brought refreshments - wines from the gardens of Elysium. Wonderful vintages, if you're thirsty."
[21:11] * Jaela gestures at the table. "You may sit, as long as the next words out of your mouth are that explanation."
[21:11] <Afina> "Refreshments can wait," Afina agrees.
[21:15] <Kotono> The Mercane thus sit, the leader clearing his throat, "I am Xatrel," he begins, holding up a hand, "I wish simply to be civil. Now to that explaination. Muirfinn of Aurora and a lillend came crashing into Union Bank, a sealed and forbidden demiplane. By the laws of Union Bank, unauthorized intruders forfeit their lives for entering. However, none of us felt this was in anyone's best interest
[21:15] <Kotono> and instead decided on mercy. We believe that instead Aurora and Union Bank can come into a mutually profitable accord. Moreover, this accord was needed for a small bit of legal maneuvering. If Aurora is a valued customer of Union Bank, there was no unauthorized intrusion to begin with. You see," Going on, "We seek nothing but everyone's best interests. Now getting onto the matter of the actual
[21:15] <Kotono> agreement..." (More)
[21:17] <Kotono> "Aurora is a new and burgeoning marketplace." Pausing to take a long, drawn out inhale of breath, "Aaah, I can smell gold in the air. With our help, more good can come in and out, and all of us can make a tidy sum. Selling your remarkable craftsmanship across the Planes - and certainly not to devils - would further establish your reputation as an up and coming smith of extrodinary talent, as
[21:17] <Kotono> well as be profitable for all. Surely your Crusade requires a remarkable influx of money to sustain it?"
[21:18] <Jaela> "So what happened to the lillend?" Jaela asks curiously, after sitting silently through all that.
[21:18] <Kotono> "She left with Muirfinn," Xatrel replies, "No harm befell her from us."
[21:18] * Muirfinn nods.
[21:18] <Jaela> "Ah, no." Jaela shakes her head, smiling. "I was asking whether you blackmailed her group as well."
[21:19] <Kotono> "Blackmail!?" Xatrel shakes his head, "You wound me! Such an ugly, unfitting word! We negotiate in good faith for everyone's profit! Mercane do not blackmail!" Huffing out, "I haven't had a chance yet to tell you about the many member benefits for Union Bank, have I?"
[21:20] <Jaela> "Oh, I really want to hear about this, first. Wasn't she an unauthorized intruder? Or did you somehow believe she was a part of the Aurora's forces?"
[21:20] <Muirfinn> "Your man, Talen, made it quite clear that I would have to agree to this if I wanted healing." Muirfinn points out.
[21:21] <Kotono> "I'm familiar with it," Morniel speaks up here, "Morniel, of the Bringers of Hope and now Aurora. I believe," Now he does clear his throat, "That Xatrel will next be explaining that how as a valued customer, it is natural for Aurora to be able to bring a guest."
[21:21] <Jaela> "So it would be alright if one of you declared Muirfinn and his companion their guests, negating the need for this?"
[21:21] <Afina> "It would be inconvenient if the Lillend took exception to Mercane traversing the Infinite Staircase, I'm sure attempting these same negotiations with them wouldn't be worth the risk. But we're new, our influence limited, so what's to lose in chancing their luck?" Afina surmises aloud.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Ah." A pause at all that, "Morniel is correct. As valued customers, it is entirely acceptable to bring a gue-" Here Xatrel stops, "Ah, you see..." He begins just a moment.
[21:23] <Afina> "Thought you could pull one over on the ignorant Primes?" Afina asks innocently.
[21:23] <Kotono> "Indeed, that is true," Morniel continues, "A mailed fist, clad in silk and honeyed words. In Union Bank, there is a division known as Acquistions. They handle this sort of thing. I would lay quite a bit of money on the chances of Xatrel being from it."
[21:24] * Muirfinn gives the lead mercne a disappointed look. "Was this all a ploy, then, to gain access to the Aurora? You had no interest in assisting us?"
[21:24] <Jaela> "Thank you, for accepting Muirfinn and the lillend he was traveling as valued guests," Jaela tells him. "Even if you only did it to avoid getting your store thrown out of the Aurora along with any and all future business with us, I still appreciate the gesture, Xatrel. Now, was there anything else you wante dto discuss while here?"
[21:26] <Kotono> Clearing his throat and letting quiet reign for a moment, "I believe we've entirely gotten off on the wrong foot," he goes on, "Perhaps we can start over - I'm certain that after hearing about Union Bank you'll understand how it makes sense for Aurora."
[21:27] <Jaela> "I have the time," Jaela muses. "You mentioned drinks?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "Ah yes," Xatrel snaps a finger, one of the four other Mercane rising. He bows deeply to the commanding officers, gesturing a hand over the table. A green winebottle appears next to a dozen wine glasses. As he pours and passes one out to everyone, "Bluesky Vineyards to start with. If you would like more, we have a sweet vintage from Water, and also a limited edition white wine from the Reynes
[21:29] <Kotono> Winery in Sylica." Once glasses are passed out, "Besides Morniel and Muirfinn, do any of you know of Union Bank?"
[21:30] <Jaela> roll 1d20+33
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+33 and gets 34." [1d20=1]
[21:31] * Afina shakes her head uncaringly, taking a sip of her drink for form's sake.
[21:31] <Jaela> It probably wasn't terribly important. "A brief introduction might be in order," she responds, stressing out 'brief' before taking a sip herself.
[21:31] <Kotono> Adrian shakes his head, staying mute otherwise. He takes a sip as well - the drink is faintly sweet, and with only the lightest touch of alcohol to it. It tastes strongly of grapes, warmed despite the wine being cool."
[21:31] * Muirfinn turns his down with a wave of the hand.
[21:33] <Kotono> "Well then," Xatrel begins, "As for Union Bank, we are the premier financial service in all Creation. Only the elite have accounts with us, as there is a one million gold minimum. In Union Bank, your gold is safe, come even the End of Creation. We offer proxy payment services, discreet shopping of all types and myriad other services for when your money needs to do things that you don't want
[21:33] <Kotono> attached to you." Pausing a moment to drink deeply, "A fine vintage, a fine vintage," he murmurs, "That's the official sell-line. In more direct terms?" (More)
[21:36] <Kotono> "First of all, under the circumstances we aren't concerned with the one million gold minimum, so worry not about that," Waving a hand, glittering with diamonds and sapphires, "We specialize in discretion and neutral grounds. When you need to procure something that you can't openly buy - and not the negative connotations one may think - or need something covertly funded with several layers of
[21:36] <Kotono> obsfucation protecting you, we can do that. We offer a neutral demiplane for any delicate negotiations that even devils will respect. Especially devils, as it is no secret many powerful devils have considerable holdings with Union. We work with your money, helping invest it and bringing out maximum profitability. "
[21:38] <Jaela> "Since you decided to be direct, how about an example?" Jaela suggests, sipping from her glass again. "If I were to invest a hundred thousand gold, how exactly does it profit me?"
[21:41] <Kotono> "Ah, of course. But first, allow me to mention the networking opportunities within Union Bank. Powerful entities from across the Planes have agents within Union ot manage affairs," He speaks up, "Great efforts at diplomacy can be achieved with a few murmured words to the right friend you make there. Now.." Putting his wineglass down, "Are you familiar with the theory of investments? The simplest
[21:41] <Kotono> way is to buy a portion of stock within a Mercane's current venture - and you get a matching percentage of the profit, all completely discreet and unknown to anyone but yourselves. It happens with no need for you to expend any personal risk, and there are new, exciting opportunities every day."
[21:42] <Jaela> "So it's a gamble with high stakes? You bet on some 'venture' that fails, your money is lost?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "I will say this," Morniel says, "He is correct. Many discreet, back room negotiations happen in Union Bank. The realm does have value as that. The Bringers of Hope have used that on occasion to benefit."
[21:44] <Kotono> "Ah, of course not. As valued customers, we offer investment insurance," Going on, "For a small fraction of your investment - usually 3 to 5 percent - you are fully insured in the case of financial ruin or other difficulty." Going on with a growing smile, "Another way is access to our exclusive marketplaces of the rare and wondrous. Discerning, wealthy patrons with no worries over mundane things
[21:44] <Kotono> as cost congregate there to purchase incredible wonders."
[21:45] <Jaela> "Alright. And you say that I would win a percentage of the investment. But what really happens is that you keep it with the rest of my money?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "Of course not!" Holding his hands up, "You can request it ot be delivered to you on success, or deposited in your Union Bank account," Smiling still, lowering his hands, "Union Bank is a rocksolid, trusted institution. We would not be where we are today if we cheated our customers."
[21:47] <Afina> "And for these opportunities," Afina stresses the word as it's not a given that anything will bear fruit, "Care to reiterate in plain terms what you expect from us?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "First of all, we would like to expend our holdings here within Aurora - through the merchant Filbrez for the sake of easy integration," Going on and folding his hands before him, voice smooth as oil, "We were discussing a three fold increase in shop size for him, as well as the assignment of several assistant Mercane to aid him. Filbrez would stay in control of the entire enterprize. We're not
[21:49] <Kotono> looking to co-opt a valued member of Aurora and his investments here."
[21:50] <Afina> "Why?" Afina asks, "Aurora's population only matches a small city. There's not enough customers to satisfy such a market."
[21:51] <Kotono> "We think long term," Xatrel goes on, as his four helpers stay quiet and polite, stonefaced. "Aurora is growing and will continue to grow. While that market space may be briefly wasted, Aurora will soon grow well into it. Further, the relative liquidity and wealth of Aurora's forces is far higher than that of a typical city."
[21:52] <Kotono> "To be direct, you want more fingers in this growing pie," Morniel says, "Before anyone else can establish a greater hold."
[21:53] <Jaela> "To be even more direct, give me convincing reasons for spending our money for nebulous, long-term investments instead of arming our forces with better devil-slaying weapons in the here and now."
[21:55] <Kotono> "I admire your mixed metaphore," Xatrel says, "That is not incorrect. Of course, more goods in Filbrez's shop gives you more chances to purchase rare and useful curiosities, as well as other things. You understand that Filbrez is a purveyor of all manner of unusual things? He is a tiny reflection of the greater services available in the Union Bank. Rarities, exotic things and even artifacts can
[21:55] <Kotono> be obtained in Union Bank." Folding his hands together, "We do accept custom orders as well. It is extremely useful for rarities that elude your grasp. But allow me to go on, that is only one plank of things here."
[21:56] * Jaela gestures for him to speak. How could she deny it to someone so in love with the sound of his own voice?
[22:00] <Kotono> "Second of all, I believe we discussed obtaining Afina's services. Allow me ot assure you that we aren't looking to exploit you or deter you from your devil-slaying constructions." Pausing here a few seconds, "Besides the profit that your goods within Union Bank would bring, remember a moment the rare and elite cliente within the Bank. You're spreading word of Aurora with each and every one put
[22:00] <Kotono> to market there. The direct servants of these entities are seeing your wares and becoming more aware of both Aurora and your sublime skill as a smith. Not only are you making money, you're making opportunities. Why," Pausing to buff a particularly large diamond ring on his shirt, "The last smith I fancied took this offer, and obtained the personal patronage of Gond himself, after one of Gond's
[22:00] <Kotono> servants was impressed by his work! Gond personally invited him to House of Knowledge after that!"
[22:02] <Muirfinn> "We wouldn't be making any money if the items were created at cost." Muirfinn points out.
[22:02] <Afina> "Even so, you'd be earning a massive profit off of my work, and I'd only be seeing a 'potential' reward for it," Afina responds. "I could craft constantly and earn a fortune while spreading my work myself if I cared about such things."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Ah yes, that point," Xatrel goes on, "That is open to a certain degree of negotiation as well." After nodding to Muirfinn, "But Afina is correct and money is not all. Imagine obtaining that level of patronage. It is not mere money. The favor of a deity! He was given materials and schematics for things beyond the knowledge of any mortal smith. He was given access to staggering resources."
[22:04] * Jaela stays out of this entire discussion since it concerns Afina herself and not their Crusade directly.
[22:06] <Afina> "And how much work would you be expecting from me?" Afina presses. "How often would I have to craft something to enrich Union at the cost of my own time and effort?"
[22:08] <Kotono> "We can start small - say one item per month," Xatrel goes on, "We start slow, making it an elite smith's work and encouraging to be scooped up. Soon enough people are scouring the markets every day, hoping to catch Afina's newest creation!" Nodding, "Of course, it would be in all of our interests to ensure your crafting is sublime. Ah, this ties back into the gift we are offering. Tell me, you
[22:08] <Kotono> have hit certain limitations in your craft?" Smiling here, smiling all too easily, "Limitations that you strive to work around, that you cannot enchant a weapon past a certain level or make a ring of protection past a level of deflective power? I have something that can help."
[22:10] <Afina> "I don't make rings," Afina responds promptly, though the talk of limits reminds her of something Annalise mentioned before. "But for other items, how would you propose to help me past the limits of my magic?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "I have in my possession a rare tome, one of twenty produced over a hundred thousand years ago," Going on, smiling even more, "Twenty tomes written by a wizard who perfected the art of crafting. In these pages are the secrets to overcoming those limits. A few days with that book and your craft will have no equal, no limitations."
[22:15] <Afina> "Which means I can make all the more impressive items for you to sell. Very clever," Afina reluctantly applauds the deviousness of it. It doesn't really appeal, when she knows she can learn just by progressing onwards as she has been, but it could benefit the Crusade to make better weapons for others, so she's torn.
[22:15] <Jaela> "If this is your offer, then we would like time to consider it before giving you a proper response," Jaela voices.
[22:16] <Kotono> "For your Crusade as well," Nodding at that, "It is mutually profitable." Here Xatrel shakes his head, "There's still more!"
[22:16] <Jaela> "Oh?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "I believe I mentioned a one million gold minimum deposit? Since you are valued potential customers," Smiling here as the four other mercane each nod at the same time, "Under the circumstances, I am authorized to offer you an account with a minimum of 100,000 gold deposit. That's one tenth of the normal minimum! Further, as another gift and sign of our good will, we'll offer you bonus of 5% of
[22:20] <Kotono> your initial deposit in Union Bank credit - which can be used to purchase services within Union Bank or with any Mercane."
[22:23] * Muirfinn has the look on his face of someone trying to do large math in his head.
[22:23] <Jaela> "This is it, then?"
[22:24] <Afina> "If that's everything, I'd like to ask a question again about my crafting. You said that you wouldn't sell anything I make to devils. But you also said Union offers discrete services through untraceable intermediaries. What's to stop a devil customer employing that service to take advantage of my cheaply produced work?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "Ah, I understand," Xatrel replies, "These services are not offered within Union Bank. These discreet services are only available outside of it. Within Union Bank, a no-sell order on diabolical agents is trivial to establish and absolutely respected by all merchants."
[22:26] <Kotono> "Unless they can get away with it," Morniel murmurs, quiet. "I do recall the Bellasam scandal."
[22:26] <Muirfinn> "Bellasam?"
[22:27] <Afina> "Hmm?" Afina turns to Morniel, not letting him get away with just hinting quietly!
[22:27] <Kotono> Quickly speaking up, Xatrel claps his hands together, "A Mercane who attempted to ignore no-sell orders and sell goods at an even greater profit. He was quickly found out, stripped of his profits and excommunicated from Union Bank and his assets seized for his criminal acts."
[22:29] <Kotono> "Bellasam was that merchant," Morniel speaks up, "His greed lead him to selling powerful holy weapons to the agents of the accursed realm of Hades, where they were perverted as part of a blasphemous ritual. Several heroes and celestials died stopping the worst of it."
[22:29] <Kotono> "A one time abberation," Xatrel claps his hands again, "To which we fully cooperated and compensated all parties for the horrible affront."
[22:30] <Muirfinn> "You were able to restore the celestials to life, then?"
[22:30] <Afina> "I see," Afina nods coldly, settling back and coming down on the side of refusal at last.
[22:30] <Kotono> "They reformed, and the mortal souls were retreived," Morniel says, "Thank you then, I think that's all, unless there are more questions? We'll inform you of our choice when we have made up our minds."
[22:32] * Muirfinn nods.
[22:32] <Kotono> The five merchants rise, and Xatrel says, "Thank you. I look forward to a profitable response. If you have any questions, we are at your beck and call." Thus they head out to the portal. Once done, "What do you all think? I can offer my own perspective, I spent time in Union Bank."
[22:32] <Kotono> "They want us bad and aren't afraid to play sweet or nasty to get us," Adrian says, "Hell of a talker they sent."
[22:33] <Muirfinn> "I find their very nature disturbing, and their desire to conceal this Bellasam creature's actions doubly so." He turns to Afnia. "I apologize for bringing this to you."
[22:33] <Afina> "I distrust their eagerness. Why are they offering so much, even ignoring their own rules, to get our money in their vaults? There's a dark side to this, and it's one we're better off avoiding," Afina says her piece.
[22:34] <Jaela> "For the part concerning Afina," Jaela says, glancing at the pyrofey, "it's entirely up to you? Just put in a clause about refusing any and all requests unless you meet the client in person or any suitable safeguard? For the offer to use the Union Bank itself, Morniel... think we need it?"
[22:35] <Kotono> "Bellasam was a terrific scandal for them," Morniel goes on, face thoughtful as he listens to Muirfinn and Afina. "They have not had another in a long time. The punishments for doing so are draconic." Pausing here to listen further, "It wouldn't hurt if you decide to accept this. It's a difficult offer, and there are genuine benefits to having access to Union Bank. But the Mercane have schemes,
[22:35] <Kotono> of that be absolutely certain."
[22:36] <Jaela> "If you think it worth it, why not let them bribe us? Despite their claims, they're sure to have knowledge on the movements of Abigor's forces, or Tiamat's. If we could use it, it would put us ahead."
[22:37] <Afina> "It sets a dangerous precedent. Filbrez might as well be a spy in our own camp if that's how they're willing to play," Afina points out.
[22:37] <Muirfinn> "I am also concerned that he mentioned Afina crafting an item per month, to start. 'Start slow,' I believe he said. What's fast for him? One a week? A day?"
[22:37] <Jaela> "For all we know, the precedent has already been set," Jaela muses. "In fact, if they refuse it might reassure us about Filbrez himself."
[22:37] <Kotono> "They likely would. They don't admit it, but they make plenty of lucre from the Blood War," Morniel continues, "I can counsel you either to accept this or reject it. If you accept it, you will gain immediate benefit, but the Mercane will see us as another resource,. something that will need to be defended against and controlled. If we decline, we lose access to those resources and risk the
[22:37] <Kotono> mercane taking steps against Aurora, if properly offended."
[22:39] <Jaela> "I'm on the side of accepting a modified offer with the most benefit to the Crusade," Jaela voices. "We spent a hundred thousand before on capable officers, and we can spend it again for something truly valuable. Perhaps if we were to agree to the offer of joining their bank in exchange for that book?"
[22:41] <Afina> "We'll have to negotiate a fee for crafting. I'd be willing to go as low as half market value, since with Aurora's labs that's still some profit to us, but we may as well start higher. Offer them a tenth off and see how they respond?" Afina suggests.
[22:42] <Kotono> "I'm tentatively not against it," Adrian finally says, "I have a list of concerns as long as my arm, but the benefit's there."
[22:43] <Jaela> "A tenth off, and a guarantee of those special sort of opportunities for you," Jaela agrees with a nod. "If they really want to continue at this, then they would push such contracts with a lot more zeal."
[22:43] <Kotono> "As you wish," Morniel replies to all, "One final note, of both weal and woe both."
[22:44] <Jaela> "Yes?"
[22:46] <Kotono> "Hell naturally has holdings with Union Bank," Morniel continues, "As devils tend to do, they'll surely try to play politics with whomever represents our interests there. If we desire to meddle in infernal politics this could be a boon, and if we desire only to ignore them, it could be a bane. While doubtlessly fat Mammon holds the most influence there, I don't doubt many lords, dukes and the
[22:46] <Kotono> nobility of Hell has interests there. The secretative aspects of Union Bank enormously appeal to them. In fact, that's how the Bringers of Light got involved in Union Bank. It was decided leaving them there unchecked was not acceptable."
[22:47] <Jaela> "It changes nothing for me," Jaela admits. "Alright. I propose we let them stew for a couple days while we deal with the immediate things. Then, we try to negotiate something we can actually live with. If they don't go for it, we send them packing. Is this agreeable?"
[22:48] <Kotono> "I'm for it," Adrian says. "Sounds about right."
[22:48] <Afina> "That's fine," Afina nods, eager to see about battling Makan for the Blade of Endings.
[22:49] <Kotono> "Very well," Morniel rises, "If this is accepted, whomever represents us there will have the aid of the Bringers of Light. I'll see to that," He adds.