Business as usual or a political swamp

Malkaer Andares · January 10, 2008, 10:09 AM

This was the main question for the esh’lahier politician as he awaited the Regent’s arrival. Although he had met and conversed with governors, consuls, nobles and magnates, but also the most powerful evil wizards and crime lords, Malkaer felt some nervousness for the coming meeting. Finally he would meet the man of whom he had heard and read so much and whose acts, policies and person he had criticized often. The most public instance thereof leading to a very unhappy time in the nobleman’s political career. The influence of that affair would decide the course of the meeting.

The white skinned elf stood in the waiting hall of his offices; receiving the Regent from behind his desk being a grave insult to the man. He was dressed in his regalia with the colours of the city, amongst which the so in esh’lahieri culture so despised gold. But this Aelyrian esh’lahier gladly made this sacrifice of traditional custom. Several bodyguards and servants were also there to greet the Regent, a great privilege.

Milo L'Evienne · January 11, 2008, 04:03 PM

The eras since Milo had last walked these halls as Conservator to the People seemed like a lifetime ago, when in reality only two had since passed. Much had happened since then and his life had changed dramatically, not the least of which was the trail of armed and uniformed keepers that dogged his every step these brightenings. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d traveled from here to there and back again alone, when even a few paces outside palace offices or apartments had at least half a dozen fellows up and in formation before he could even think to object.

He hardly looked born to the role and as a result, given the colorful and complicated regalia of his entourage, Rosemen in black, scarlet and gold, wizards and private guards alike, he often mused that he looked somewhat like the rogue sired ringleader of an uncommonly well turned out gang.

”Do you recall Barrett the last time we were in this wing we were chasing down a goose that had escaped one my mediation brightenings, it appears they’ve finally managed to get the stains out of the carpet,” he said with a wry grin while the entire string of gents rounded the corner in formation. Save Gwygwin, who was forever falling out of step with Rosemen and muddling up the process.

”Here we are Excellency,” Sir James declared when the reached the doorway that spilled into the offices of Taralon’s Thane. This would be interesting, enlightening perhaps, Milo thought, the fellow in question he’d only become familiar with just yet through the Herald and by way of correspondence. Suffice to say it had left a lasting and not necessarily favorable impression in contrast to friend and former colleague Moranor, but much indeed had changed with time and experience and he thought that perhaps a new perspective after time elapsed and temper cooled might prove advantageous.

Sir James slipped in ahead of him along with Sir Pious, the former, a human of middling eras with blonde hair and blue eyes, acting as senior member of the Knights of the Black Rose, and the latter, his second, a tall and broad half elf with dark hair and eyes. They arranged themselves aside of the doors and made their announcement before allowing Milo to stroll in, which he did shortly with Barrett to his right and Gwygwin to his left.

Dressed in dark blue trousers and a matching three quarter length frockcoat, he wore a scarlet waistcoat underneath, that buttoned up neatly over a white linen shirt and cravat sans frippery of any sort. His goatee was trimmed close and his hair neatly bound, and sported a few strands of premature silver against a field of dark brown. And his smile, though slight, crooked by way of a tenacious bloodline. A family resemblance most certainly, he thought when singling out the elf. ”Your Grace.” he said, fixing eyes on Malkaer. ”I was pleased when Mr. Tierney informed me that you were available to meet. I hope my arrival has not interupted pressing official business?”

Malkaer Andares · January 12, 2008, 06:45 PM

As the posh gang found its way to the Thane’s offices through familiar pathways they were greeted by a small number of esh’lahier; all bowing before the Regent. The middle man of the group was clearly in charge. His authority did not stem from his clothes only but also because of a hue of leadership that seemed to radiate from him. A scarred face with royal blue orbs regarded the human before him when he rose from his long and deep bow.

“Not at all Your Most Imperial Excellency.” The pale elf smiled cordially. “The timing of Your Most Imperial Excellency is in fact excellent. Today I have received the final blueprints of the Taralon Weapons Manufactory. If Your Most Imperial Excellency would follow me to my office…” He stood aside to allow the Regent’s bodyguards and then the man himself in if the former gave their approval. Malkaer carried as always a dagger in his right boot should the knights decide to search the elf once accused for treason. “I hope Your Most Imperial Excellency will forgive me for directing the letter to the Vicegerent; it seemed more appropriate considering I have had the pleasure of meeting the noble lady du’Galle in person.”

Inside the office an additional table was placed specially for the occasion. A dozen chairs surrounded it, the most decorated one reserved for the Regent, who was positioned on the right side of the host, who sat at the head of the table. The other places were allocated according to rank. Once everyone was properly seated Malkaer made the common offer. “Can I offer Your Most Imperial Excellency or any of you Sirs a beverage?”

Milo L'Evienne · January 16, 2008, 10:36 AM

”Of course,” Milo said of stepping inside, though there was the inevitable security process that would delay his own entry while Sirs James and Pious secured the premises to their satisfaction. Two mother hens such as these Knights of the Black Rose, Milo had often thought with an amusement born of liking for the pair, likely the Empire had never seen, nor ever would again. The process would indeed result in the polite removal of weapons had by any and all present as even the highest ranked Imperial officials and closest friends alike were forbidden to wear arms in the Sovereign's presence, save for the particulars assigned to any given instance. That same Regent imagined that many a time it was much ado about nothing, but he’d not meddle in the oaths or mandates of fellows whose highest, and indeed only aim was keeping he and his family alive and intact.

Once the pair were satisfied and had given their nod of approval, the remainder of the entourage entered the office and while Barrett Tierney took a seat at the Regent’s left, the rest remained standing with Sirs James and Pious positioned to the sides and behind their Regent. ”No need for apologies necessary in regards to your letter your Grace. Unfortunately circumstances have it that the lady du’Galle was unable to accompany me to the Confederation at this time, and since I’ve other business interests to look into during my stay, it seemed only logical that I should speak to you on the topic while in the city. Nonetheless I look forward to hearing about this venture of yours.”

As for beverages, while those who’d accompanied him would politely abstain, save Sir James who insisted on tasting in advance each and every morsel or drop destined to pass the Regent’s lips to the extent that they'd a handful of times inadvertently ended up sharing a case of the sniffles, Milo’s own stomach had settled sufficiently in the wake of his journey at sea to allow him to accept the offer without risking the embarrassment of throwing up on the shoes of any given official. Taralon’s inns and offices had once boasted a particularly appealing blend of coffee widely had, in fact he’d developed a solid preference for the brew during his tenure in the city. ”A cup of coffee would be welcome if it’s readily available your Grace.”

Malkaer Andares · January 16, 2008, 07:38 PM

Obediently the Thane gave up his weapon. Malkaer regarded the security measures of the Regent’s bodyguards with more than a casual eye. One never knew if such knowledge would ever prove useful.

“Of course.” The esh’lahier lord merely had to look at a servant clad in a Taralon official livery before the young maid scurried away. She returned with a silver tray with silverwork. A damping pot of coffee in the middle of several silver cups and saucers. With downcast eyes the girl asked the Regent what he preferred in his coffee. The Thane had his black with a tiny spoon of sugar.

After the foretaster had done his duty and the Regent could personally enjoy his beverage, Malkaer got down to business (provided the poor man had not turned green). He sank somewhat back in his chair and folded his hands gloved in white silk, comfortably getting in his speech mode.

“It must have been about an era ago now that I conceived the idea of setting up a series of forges in Taralon. I was Lieutenant Governor of Lauryl and my brother, His Excellency, asked for advice for his application for Governor of Sherian.” The pale elf smiled softly at that. “The idea seemed logical as should all good ideas: Sherian required weapons to prepare for the orcish conflict and has vast resources of iron ore. Why should it import weapons when it can produce them itself? At that time I had no idea I would be implementing the idea myself...” The smile on his lips disappeared as he referred to an affair which the Regent would surely remember.

“When I was appointed by my good brother as Thane of Taralon in the second month of Spring, I immediately instructed the Aedile to contact prominent architects to draw plans based on my initial ideas. The final, winning design which was finished at the beginning of this season can be described as nothing less than an industrial breakthrough. The Taralon Weapons Manufactory combines the elements of a foundry, sawmill and weaponsmith in one large complex. It utilizes an innovative concept called ‘mass production’ to keep production costs low and quality steady.” Clearly some enthusiasm sounded through Malkaer’s voice in spite of his political prowess. “Now, before we move to the financial aspect of the matter, does Your Most Imperial Excellency have any questions?”

Milo L'Evienne · January 21, 2008, 03:51 PM

”A spoonful of sugar and a splash of cream please,” Milo told the girl with a smile when she brought the pot around, and thanked her once she’d arranged it and stepped away. Predictable though that Sir James would have first go and the senior Knight absconded with the cup no sooner than it had been put on the table. Familiarity by now meant that there were no more awkward moments where glasses or spoons were snatched away for tasting at the very moment they reached the Regent’s lips, but Milo still found it somewhat disconcerting despite his apparent ease with the process.

”Ahh yes,” the Regent said of interviews and changes in status, but not much more than that added a bit of a thoughtful but humorless smile. Likely best given the proposed topic under discussion to avoid if possible the added awkwardness attached to past events and stick to the current topic at hand, the brightening had been lively enough thus far after all. The availability of ore in the province though, this was something he was aware of and after a sip of his coffee, finally given the go ahead he said, ”I’ve a twin paddle riverboat here in the city in dry dock waiting for repairs due to having been damaged in the previous flood. The Sweet Hannah. I’d had her fitted out as a pleasure boat, river cruises, pracenda on the water, gambling, it was quite a lucrative business when it was up and running. I’ll be refitting her in the future as a private vessel. But she was once used for hauling iron ore up and down the river until such a time as her captain decided to retire from the business.”

”It does indeed make sense though given all the variables in play that the Sherian would benefit from such an undertaking. A complex of this size then, will it be built outside the walls of the city, or does there currently exist available space inside Taralon to accommodate it? And I’m afraid I’m not overly familiar with the concept of mass production…” he added, assured Malkaer could elaborate on that count.

Malkaer Andares · January 22, 2008, 10:31 AM

“Hmmm.” He could only comment on the story of the Sweet Hannah. What was informative to an extend was that the Regent apparently condoned gambling.

Malkaer was of course happy to answer any questions. “I have been informed by my Aedile that enough space within the city currently exists.” And otherwise he would make space. “Possible locations would be on the east riverside in the Darkblade district or in the Harbour district. Vicinity to the water is a must for transportation reasons.”

“The idea of mass production is straightforward yet changes everything of our perception of production. The traditional way of constructing a weapon involves a skilled weaponsmith who takes care of all tasks except the most mundane if he has apprentices. To create a good sword the weaponsmith to be a talented bladesmith to forge the blade, a good woodworker to make the handle and a proficient leatherworker to construct the sheath.”

“Specialization is what makes mass production so efficient. Because of the sheer size of the order the Taralon Weapons Manufactory can afford to hire multiple craftsmen to work on the same item. First we have a good bladesmith to forge the blades, then the sword is passed to a good woodworker to make the handle and assembled by another man. This cuts down production time -and thus production costs- severely. Furthermore they do not have to worry about administrative matters as that is done by specialists as well.”

“A skilled traditional weaponsmith with his own shop can create a sword in half a cycle or so. One production team in this weapons manufactory can produce several in one brightening”, the Thane concluded. He would have made a fine salesperson indeed.

Milo L'Evienne · February 1, 2008, 05:07 PM

”Of course,” Milo said of the need for the forge to be situated near the water in advance of Malkaer’s explanation of mass production. ”Specialization makes sense so far as efficiency is concerned. I suppose then that the forge would employ a greater number of workers than it might otherwise in order to yield the sort of return you’ve in mind. More workers mean a higher payroll as a result, to what extent will that offset the lower production costs?” he asked in the wake of a swallow of his coffee.

Asking that he turned to another subject, that of startup costs. The Hannah had paid for itself and it’s refitting several times over just one month after her maiden cruise even with a full twenty percent going to a handful of charities but in this case, he imagined initial costs would be quite high and time needed to begin showing a profit. ”So what do you predict to be the initial investment to see this forge up and running, as compared to the amount of time to begin showing measurable returns?”

ooc: ack, apologies for the short post.

Malkaer Andares · February 1, 2008, 06:33 PM

“When I refer to production costs I include the labour costs, Your Most Imperial Excellency. They remain vastly lower than what any smithy ran by one smith and his apprentices can manage.” The Thane assured with a polite smile. Malkaer had the numbers on hand to lend aid to the credibility of his words, which he would show after answering the Regent’s next question.

“The Taralon Weapons Manufactory Company seeks to raise a capital of between 300 and 375 thousand crowns. This amount will be used to finance the construction of the manufactory, which will be the greatest cost, set up production and allow some reserve to produce for some cycles before the money from our debtors is received. The company offers Your Most Imperial Excellency and your esteemed spouse”, Malkaer bowed slightly as he said that, “the opportunity to purchase a share of the company of up to 20%.”

“Returns will be forthcoming in short time. In the first months of this company’s existence its only client will be the Province of Sherian- a customer, as I am sure Your Most Imperial Excellency will agree with me, is extremely creditworthy. The government always pays off its debts.” Especially so when it was indebted to members of government.

“Even after the initial orders of the Province, which will take months to complete, it is certain to remain a loyal customer. The company can then also turn to other potential customers, such as the Imperial Legions or perhaps even the private market. Even with the transport costs, which will still be relatively low due to the port capabilities of Taralon, the prices of the manufactory will remain under that of smaller entrepreneurs, so its products will always be in demand.”

“If Your Most Imperial Excellency bought a share of say, 20% of the company for 75000 crowns, those costs are estimated to be recovered in somewhere between one and two eras, depending on how well the company develops. Under good circumstances it can be even quicker.”

OOC: np

Milo L'Evienne · February 15, 2008, 03:15 PM

”Twenty percent at seventy-five thousand,” Milo replied thoughtfully while mulling over the rest of what Malkaer had to say. Having a sip of his coffee meantime, he set the cup aside while Gwygwin fidgeted behind him. The old wizard never had been very good at staying put for long, his sharp mind was not nearly so sedentary as a casual onlooker might assume. Nor were appearances so straightforward as they seemed. After giving the sorcerer a pointed look in order to end the distraction of sandals scuffing rhythmically on the floor, the Regent commented, and with a slight smile.

”At a glance it all sounds promising, an investment in a worthy cause with an admittedly appealing return. And it seems you’ve done your homework your Grace. I wonder if you’ve some numbers to show me on paper, projected start up and operational costs, profits, expenditures and the like, perhaps something I can take with me back to Prime for my accountants to look over? I imagine that my wife would like to have a look at them as well should she develop a personal interest based on my impressions added your previous letter, given she was unfortunately unable to accompany me on this trip.”

Malkaer Andares · February 16, 2008, 11:50 AM

The unprofessionalism of one of the Regent's retinue began to bother him to the point that Malkaer's suspicious mind thought that it was done on purpose to distract him.

"Yes of course. I have several important documents here." The Thane presented his sovereign with a bundle of papers neatly arranged in a package with goldpainted covers. On the first page was an introduction written by the Thane himself, but it contained nothing Milo had not already heard. In clear printed letters the introduction was followed up by several pages of calculations and numbers.

"While these numbers should be looked over carefully, I would urge Your Most Imperial Excellency not to wait too long with making a decision. Registration closes by the end of this month and the company intends to begin construction sooner."

The booklet was divided in several sections and read:

Land:

Secrets :

Construction costs:

Secrets :

Operational costs:

Secrets :

Final costs:

Secrets :

Income:

Secrets :

Profits:

Secrets :