Patchwork Universe

liason · Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 2:49 pm Post subject: Preparations for Trade

[Liason and the sergeant enter from Burial Village: A Long Way From Peerblind]

Ambassador Liason looked out towards the Foundry and gestured across the dusty wilderness.

"This building is the Imperial Foundry. You will be my guest here until my preparations for return to Peerblind are complete."

He set off towards the large tower at one corner of the building. A gusty wind was blowing over the ground. It whipped the Ambassador's cloak and sent dust devils swirling all about them. The sooner they could get inside, the better.

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

The Sergeant nodded briefly as his chainmail chimed in the wind. Looking at the large factory he couldn't help but feel nervous, although he wasn't about to show this in front of the Liason.

Tilting his head slightly to look at the ambassador he said "So what exactly was it that you did before, with the bangs and harming my men." He tapped at a deep scratch across the chains of his armour. "And nearly harmed me."

Before the man could answer he took a deep breath and added "Because I don't really believe that it was magic. But I'm guessing that pretty much anythings possible in these mists right?"

liason · Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:47 am Post subject:

"My weapon is a pistol," Liason explained, raising his voice to be heard over the wind, "and indeed is not magical. The principle of operation is similar to a crossbow, but with no need for a string. Further, the bolts have no shafts, they are simply sharpened metal. The force of the shot is provided by an alchemical reaction."

The two made swift progress and soon arrived at the steps of the Foundry. Two servants wearing Imperial turquoise storm cloaks waited for them at the top of the steps and ushered them swiftly inside.

"Ambassador Liason, it is good to see you returned," observed one of the servants.

"Welcome to the Imperial Foundry," the other bowed to the sergeant, "if there is anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesistate to ask."

The group moved through the wide corridors of the Foundry's Southwest tower and into the customer lounges.

Liason turned to the sergeant, "I must now make arrangements for the return journey. Would you care for food or drink in the meantime ?"

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

The Guard hadn't picked everything that the Liason had said about the pistol (Not being an overly imaginative man). However he had picked up on the fact that it sounded like an explosive crossbow, which in effect it basically was.

"No, no thats fine." The Sergeant and he gave the servant a quick nod just to show he had heard him. Looking around the lounge he said "I'll just wait here shall I? What exactly are you trading in back in the Slums."

liason · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:23 am Post subject:

"The Foundry is in need of raw materials. In return, we can supply finished goods. But please excuse me - we can discuss further on our return journey - for now I have much to attend to."

And the Ambassador strode briskly from the room.

[Liason moves to How Best to Proceed]

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

The Sergeant noded at Liason as he left and started to pace up and down the room feeling slightly discomforted by the watching servant. Looking round at the watching man he said "You can go now if you like. I'll be fine on my own."

He was also wondering what exactly the finished goods were going to be. He hoped it wasn't going to be any of the pistol things that the ambassador had described otherwise it could turn the Slums into a minor war-zone.

liason · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 2:48 pm Post subject:

Attendant blinked in confusion.

"I'm sorry sir, I wasn't paying proper attention. Do you require me to leave, or were you merely reassuring me that you were not immediately lacking for anything ?"

His almost perfectly round face and alarmingly rosy cheeks gave him an almost childlike look, though his bearing and movement suggested a much greater age.

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

The Sergeant glanced over at the attendant, slightly off guard and said "Errr yes you can go now if you want." Licking his lips slightly he stopped striding and looking at the attendant he said "I thought that was your job. To pay attention and make sure that I'm okay?"

liason · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:25 pm Post subject:

"Yes sir, that's quite correct. I'm very sorry if I'm not discharging my duty satisfactorily."

Attendant was becoming rather uncomfortable. He was used to being ordered around, but people suggesting he take a break was a new experience for him.

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

"Ah well. Don't worry about it." The Sergeant then glanced around the room and he said "So how did you get a job in a place like this? Must have been difficult, tough competition aye?" It appeared that he was just trying to make conversation now that it seemed that the attendant wasn't going to leave.

liason · Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:48 pm Post subject:

"I was..." Attendant paused, looking for the right word, "born here. In fact, sir, we get very few applications for positions here. Arises from the fact we're cut off from the Empire now."

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

"Born hmm?" The guard regarded the fact that his dad had been in the guard and so had his dad and so had (he assumed) his dad. He thought for a second and then added "Cut-off? Yeah I suppose that makes sense as well."

"So err, tough life is it? Waiting on a load of snobs?" The Sergeant appeared to be happy to make small talk until the Liason returned, if only to relieve the guardsmans personal discomfort.

liason · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:35 am Post subject:

They chatted for a while - though it became clear that Attendant had more of the attitude of a curious child that a resentful slave about him. Eventually he seemed more relaxed and two two lapsed into silence.

Somewhat later, another servant entered the room.

"Would you give us a moment ?" he asked his colleague.

Attendant bowed, then left.

Assistant approached the sergeant.

"I apologised for interrupting, but I heard that you were here and wanted to take this opportunity to approach you. Take a look at this."

Assistant unwrapped a compact pack containing a dark grey pistol and a large tin of bullets.

"These are made here. Based on what I have heard about you, I thought you might wish to buy this ?"

Larkin Quickgrip · Strong Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 254 Location: The Slums

Instantly the Sergeant was suspicious. It was quite amazing that the guardsman could accept that a large section of his hometown had been transported into another universe, but the second anyone offered him anything he was instantly put on his guard.

Turning his head slightly he glared at the Assisstant "Why? What have you heard about me?" Looking down at the weapon he said "What is it anyway? Is it one of them pistols?"

liason · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:58 am Post subject:

"Yes sir, that's right."

Assistant: Liason, he wants to know why.

Liason: Because once the weapon supplies reach Peerblind it's unlikely the prices will be low enough for him to afford. If he wants to stand a chance he'll need one.

"Ambassador Liason will soon be trading weapons with the city of Peerblind. I have little idea what the prices will be like there, but it is unlikely to be within your means. Here however, it is a different matter. You are being offered a chance."