Mechanus Trip

[Anastasia]

Latha steps back as commanded.

Go ahead and describe where you're taking Roelas.

[Ebiris]

I'm staying here, I'm clearing everyone else out of the room.

[Anastasia]

Once gone Roelas says, "It is said that diplomacy, merchantry and intrigue are all heads of the same hydra. We have touched on diplomacy and merchantry, but now let us touch on the third head. Tell me, do you have an information and intelligence service?"

[Ebiris]

"Of course I do," Alicia answers. "And while I'm sure the Consortium deals in information as much as tangible goods, I could hardly trust all my eyes and ears to a mercenary group."

[Anastasia]

"Naturally. We do offer information services of course, but we also offer training and aid for existing services, as well as helping create ones from scratch," Roelas says, "Officially, no mercane spies. Unofficially, any mercane here will see what they see and tell of it if the price is right. I mean no offense," he adds right after, "But to state what is understood plainly. Trade and mercantile efforts are inherently part of intrigue and spying, and one cannot help but fuel the other." Spreading his hands out, "Thus I make this offer if you are inclined to take it, as well as ensure you understand that well sell information - and buy it as well."

[Ebiris]

"I'm not naive," she says dryly. "I know that sometimes there will be no other recourse than to purchase information from a mercane, and that the fact of my interest in said information will then become a commodity for someone else to buy. That doesn't change my willingness to allow Consortium trade here, but understand I won't be taking anyone from it into my confidence."

[Anastasia]

"Of course, Your Majesty," Roelas merely bows to you, "Nor did I intend that. Only to be sure you fully grasp the depth and breadth of what we offer."

[Ebiris]

"We understand each other," she nods her head slightly. "Was there anything else you wished to discuss while you have my attention?"

[Anastasia]

"Yes, a free tidbit of information to show the quality of what we can obtain," Roelas says, "Recently, Malcanthet, though a known series of proxies in the non-divine sense - established a bounty of 100,000 gold for Antenora or Marie's head and 1,000,000 for your or Syala's head. I believe she is rather miffed with all of you."

Syala smiles softly, "We can bear her annoyance with endless fortitude."

[Ebiris]

"As well she should be, though the bounties are miserably small for the task required," Alicia says. "Still, that is interesting to know, and I thank you for the knowledge. I'll consider it a down payment on the land I'm setting aside for the Consortium's establishment here."

[Anastasia]

Roelas bows, "Then, by your leave?" He asks.

[Ebiris]

Alicia nods, manipulating Sylica directly to create some extra space on one of Mercia's main thoroughfares and leaving it empty and waiting for development. Roelas receives a mental impression of the land now set aside for the Consortium's use and she says aloud, "Thank you for visiting. I look forward to seeing what breadth the Consortium will add to Sylica's trade."

[Anastasia]

A bow and Roelas leaves. Once gone Syala glances over at you, "If this was an effort to simply get a food in the door, I'm both insulted and amused about his direct honesty."

[Ebiris]

"It did seem a strange trip just to open up trade, we've never been closed off to start with," Alicia agrees. "I'm rather insulted by Malcanthet's bounty though. I used to enjoy seeing my 'worth' to Hell go up in various rewards for my head, but that was as a mortal adventurer. No amount of money can buy a deity's head."

[Anastasia]

"A pity to pixies and fairies across the planes," Syala smiles, but sits back on her throne. "You're right, though, it was strange. What are they playing at?"