[Crimson Tigers HQ] Crimson and Sapphire

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: Private thread with GM Lab, thanks.
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Timestamp: 4th Brightening of Immanis, in the Season of Spring, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

A group of ten cavaliers made their way back into the city from the Sapphire Fields far outside the city walls, making evident their affiliation as two horsemen carried the Standard of the Sapphire Guard with them. Behind them, was a group of armed ex-legionnaires, and in front, was a large Syl'rosyan in dark armor, the white and gold plumes of his galae moving gently in the wind.

It seemed perhaps a little odd that the Syl'rosyan would require such a large entourage for his journey to the Crimson Tigers' Command Centre... that is, until the soldiers riding in the centre of formation withdrew large pouches of gold crowns from underneath their capes. Those mounted on the steeds which flanked these caped horsemen quickly moved to their guard, before making and announcement to any and all around the Crimson Tiger HQ.

"Citizens of Nexus Prime! Please except this gift, on behalf of Riconus Xind'ell and the Sapphire Guard, as a token of our commitment to the protection of your great city!"

On that instant, the caped men opened their pouches and began to randomly toss money on the streets for any and all to pick up, all the while chanting "Long live the Aelyrian Commonwealth! Long live the Sapphire Guard!" The surrounding horsemen kept vigilant to ensure that all remained calm, and that the tall Syl'rosyan at the front of the envoy was able to dismount from his large black warhorse safely. By the time the last coin was given away to the people, 1000 gold crowns had been gifted by the Sapphire Guard, and by the armored Syl'rosyan who was indeed Riconus Xind'ell.

It was quite the production, but any oppurtunity to acquire favour from the Nexus people would certainly be capitalized by Riconus and his militiamen. However, the main reason he was in the city that brightening was not to try for the people's admiration, but rather, to see if he could create a new oppurtunity in through the Crimson Tigers. Hopefully there would be no doubting who Riconus was, for he had already invested a great sum of money in the mercenary company. This time, however, he was looking to take the final steps in cementing their relationship with the Sapphire Guard... permenantly.

Riconus removed his galae the moment he stepped into the bland looking HQ of the Crimson Tigers. The first floor looked much like his own offices did in Prime, as he saw no need for ornate decor in a military establishment, either. He entered only with two soldiers from his escort, and approached the bored looking man with a warm smile and keen eyes.

"Serale, soldier." said Riconus in a thick elven accent. "I request an audience with the Crimson Tigers High Command, as soon as it is possible. Please tell them that it is Riconus Xind'ell that requires their attention, and that he brings a most interesting offer for them to consider."

OOC2: 1000 Crowns removed from my CIR

[Labyrinth]

The crowds were perplexed and bemused by the activity of the unknown soldiers, lapping up the gold as it fell and producing at least two sound, brief scuffles over its possession in the process – one of which was broken up by a pair of Constables who glared after the Sapphire Guard as they tided up in their wake.

Upon arrival at the Crimson Tiger Compound entry was simple enough and Riconus' words met with swift action.

Kylne Longgstom appeared after the man on the desk turned and found another Crimson Tiger to go and check if the Commander of the mercenary force was available. He wore the same black and crimson armour as any other Tiger and was the same grizzled, amiable self that Riconus had met originally. His helmet slung under one arm it even appeared that he'd been working out or practicing...or at least performing some physical activity as he looked to have been sweating heavily only a few minutes previously.

Behind him came an equally exhausted looking Senior Captain and the Crimson Tiger that had been sent to find if they were available.

“Making quite a fuss this brightening aren't we Your Excellency?”

Offered the mercenary with a grin.

“What can we do you for this time? This way if you want somewhere to sit, I'll have Jacob take care of your guards.”

He inquired with a nod to the Crimson Tiger who was presumably Jacob, then gesturing to the left for them to walk as the Senior Captain moved to lead the way and open doors in the direction of Longgstrom's office.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus greeted the captain with a nod and casual salute, cracking a slight grin as his constant need to make a scene was duely noted. With a warm smile, he accepted a place on the grounds to sit, in the hopes that he might soon be accompanied by Commander Longstromm or some other senior administrator of the Crimson Tigers.

"Thank you Captain, if you have anywhere for me to sit and rest, I would be delighted if you led the way.

I was hoping you might be able to arrange a meeting between me and councillors of the Crimson Tigers, Captain. I have a profound interest in becoming a more solidified contributor to this organization, and have a proposition that they might find very interesting."

Once his seat was found, he removed a large cigar from underneath his breastplate, and upon finding a light, enjoyed it quickly while he waited to see if his request could be made possible.

[Labyrinth]

“I don't know about no Councillors.”

The Commander commented as Riconus lit his cigar, the group finding themselves a short while later in a utilitarian planning-style room with blackboards and long tables, Longgstrom placing his helmet down with a clunk and the others finding themselves seats as Kyle faced Riconus.

“There's just me Xind'ell, me and myself. I run the Tigers, I built them after the debacle before to what they are now so you deal with just the bitter old man you see before you.”

None the less he cracked a rough, grim smile at that which contained no small amount of pride at his achievements; the Tiger's at their largest ever with law enforcement contracts throughout the city – it was nothing to sneer at as far as he was concerned.

“What can I do for you this time?”

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: Crum, this totally slipped through the cracks. Sorry about that.
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Riconus stood quickly as Kyle made his precense known. It had been an unusually long time since the two had met, but with both individuals busy with their own endeavours, one could easily understand why. The tall Syl'rosyan gave his counterpart a firm salute, and took his own seat in the room permitted that Longstromm did likewise. With another puff, Riconus began.

"Aye Kyle, and you should be very proud of your accomplishments. The Crimson Tigers have grown to be likely the most powerful mercenary company in the entire province, and combined with their alliance to the Sapphire Guard, only larger and larger bounties await us in the future.

However, as it stands now, The Sapphire Guard and Crimson Tigers are only allies in terms of a mutual understanding with each other; and our struggle at-arms is only set for a single battle. I was wondering though, if we could change that."

Another toke was drawn from his cigar before he continued.

"You see, Kyle. I was hoping I could become a more solidified element to the Crimson Tigers. I mean, putting money towards your recruitment drives and equipment upgrades is one thing, but I pray you might consider me to become a major investor for you. Allow me to propose my plan."

Riconus remained seated, one leg casually crossed over the other to accent how laidback his demeanor and speech was.

"What I propose is placing a large sum of money from my own private accounts into your hands, so that you may use it as you see fit; equipment, recruitment, training, technology, et cetera. In return, I would take home a very small percentage of the company's earnings - let's say, less than 10%, and even then, I prepared to be flexible - as well as the ability to use the Crimson Tigers' servies for more than just the one brightening of battle I have already purchased.

With such involvement in the Crimson Tigers on my part, I could easily find contracts for the company from my connections at the higher levels of commerce and government, which could in turn spawn new & lucrative oppurtunities for you in not only Arium, but Empire-wide.

I will never attempt to steal your command, for that is something no commander would do to any other. I simply wish to help you on the financial aspect of things, and as the Crimson Tigers continue to advance into a new age of prosperity, so will I benefit from our success.

So, what say you, Kyle? Would you care to consider all the chances I have laid in front of you?"

[Labyrinth]

OOC: Lets try again... Stupid thing.

“Money...money...”

Kyle scratched his chin and grinned.

“Strange but I have a lot of money at the moment Mister Xin'dell, my situation has changed somewhat since last we spoke...” Still he held up a hand. “That aint to say i'm not interested in what you have to say, but the Tigers as a whole are not for sale.”

His eyes were firm on Riconus and he sat back and folded his arms.

“Look, cut the Jalat-damned propeganda, speeches, whatever other Jorel-Spit words you want to spew at me.” The Commander's eyes were shrewed. “Tales of contracts and suggestions, the talk of prosperity, I've heard it all before. What interests me, is this.”

He unfolded his arms and shoved a finger toward the table between them.

“One thing.” Eyes that had drifted to the table drifted back to Riconus carefully. “That is what you want us to do and why, thats all I need to know. Pay us well and we do what we're paid for. I don't hire out on contract for something I don't know about, so don't promise is retainers for work that isn't yet specified, I won't do that to my men and I'm surprised you'd ask me to.”

Kyle cocked his head to one side.

“If I wanted to do that, Xin'dell, I'd join the military and work for you for piss-poor-pay. Given your position I'm surprised your asking for our assistance anyway, why not get some Legion to do whatever it is you want?”

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus raised his eyebrows in surprise regarding Kyle's change in disposition, while remaining calm at the table as always. He listened to the commander's words attentively, drumming the fingers of his left hand on the table while the foot of his crossed leg moved about slowly. Upon the finish of Kyle's unexpected burst, Riconus took a few moments to pause and calculate a response. Finally, he retorted.

"I must say, Kyle, your disposition has changed considerably since we last met. Perhaps you forget our first conversations- you know, the one where I paid you exactly what you asked without even bartering. I believe it was the conversation shortly following the one where you asked me for even more money, to start a recruiting campign for your company here in Nexus Prime... but, nevertheless, I shall offer it to you again, while cutting back as much 'Jalat-damned propaganda' as possible.

My target are the locations of the dark elves; be them vysticchi or esh'lahier, it matters not. Initially, the plan was to attack Eth'angor and eliminate the very thought of their existence on Telath. However, the situation has changed, and the target is no longer logistically available. There is, however, another target that lies much closer to home...

The City of Vortex lies underneath a vysticchi nest called Har'oloth. In so many words, Har'oloth is what you will be attacking. I know you have a host of questions regarding this invasion; How will Vortex approve of this assault? How will the vysticchi be rooted out of their subsurface hovel? How will the Imperial Forum approve of such a venture?

Well, quite simply, leave those questions to me. You garaunteed that your men would follow any order given considering the money I paid you, and despite the close proximity of the target, I'm not asking for the extra 5,000 crowns I paid you for travelling expenses. I'm simply asking you to be patient, and wait for the orders to march.

Now then, can I return to the initial reason I'm here?"