From dawn until dusk, Peddlers' Street and its branching avenues ring with the calls of merchants selling their wares, the buzz and whizz and clank of the newest innovative gadgets, and the drums and mandolins of gypsy dancers. As far as the eye can see are stone and wooden stalls, open-air bars, blankets and tents, all in vivid colours that shimmer in the sun. ~ GM Nachende [/quote]
Kallick D Jones the enterprising Dorin strolled through the East district and down Peddlers Street in search of a shop. A very particular shop, it did not have name yet that was something that he was turning over in his mind . The fact was that the youngster had never owned a shop before in fact up to a cycle before he had never even thought about owning a shop. It was one of those things that was not on the top of his priority list yet he mused to himself this is what Aelyria’s like. dreams come true even when you have no idea it was a dream!
The Aedile had said “The shop is easy to find, there is a wooden totem pole out front. The most significant feature on it is a wooden Barbari with a feather head-dress." Well the statue was there in front of him a bit the worse for wear but with a lick of paint it could be transformed into its previously arresting state. It looked back at him with that sad stern expression of the long depressed single occupation worker.
Hmm , miserable soul arn’t you? chuckled Kallick but of course a wooden totem would never answer its master back it simply stood there outside the shop looking forlorn.
The key fitted the lock which creaked as he clicked the mechanism and ducked into the shop. It was dark and dusty telling of a period of long non usage, the air redolent with dust motes. The floor seemed to be fine and Kallick bounced up and down a couple of times to test the wooden floor boards which survived the experience. A large paw cleared grime off the inside of the curved bay diamond shaped leaded window and light streamed into the shop.
It was bigger than first imagined , bare yellow boards on the floor looked as though a sweep and a bit of polish would bring them up to a shine. The shop had a long counter at the rear and behind that a plethora of small cupboards which represented a back drop to the rear wall ideal for storing smaller items of stock for display and sale.
Behind the counter Kallick leaned his elbows on the counter and looked around the shop. Apart from the shelves and boxes behind him the rest of the shop was bare except for a single desultory wooden up right chair which lay on its side in the corner, this emphasised the size of the main shop. The walls were bare of any ornamentation and the Aedile had been right, a few more display shelves around the two opposite walls would make good use of the available space.
However to his sharp eye that would still leave a gapping hole in the middle of the floor something needed to go there but what? It was a small problem for the future similar to the all important name.
There was a door behind the counter and it opened up to reveal a dark room which did not benefit from windows. Scrabbling back his paws found a stub of candle under the counter and he lit it up shedding more light into the gloom. Which revealed that the counter had a glass front and under shelves which again would be most useful for display once eras of grime had been cleaned off. the dark back room was exactly that a store cupboard for stock large enough for smaller items like tobacco products.
This was the shop with the wooden barbari with the carved headdress which would become the premier outlet for smokers requisites in Taralon.

15th Cryaxtum~ Era XIV
A true connoisseur of quality tobacco would be remiss not to pay a visit to Taralon's Black River Cigars while in town. Easy to spot from a distance on Peddler's Street in the East District, there is a tall wooden totem right outside of the front door with its most memorable feature the head of a Barbari with a feather headdress. It is obvious that the totem itself was recently refurbished and brought to a semblance of its former glory from when the shop it guards housed a controversial Barbarian merchant by the name of Lecher Peidmont who supposedly used the totem for protection from "evil forces" that wanted to run him out of business or enslave him...or worse. No business has dared move into the old building since Lecher's mysterious disappearance many patterns ago fearing the same bad luck might repeat itself. It isn't known how the colourful human, short of stature, managed to secure a place of business selling obscure magical trinkets in Taralon at all. But untold myth has it that if a person touches the totem outside of this particular shop but they mean ill will towards anyone who might happen to be inside, then they'll double over from an odd pain that seems to feel like their intestines have suddenly caught fire. Most unpleasant.
Inside the shop the nose is instantly assaulted by the sweet, aromatic scent of cigars made with care, the seal of The Black River Tobacco Company on each one, a vivid gold, red and black label with the initials BRT. Naturally dark inside and somewhat smoky, the shop has a classic look brightened by the light yellow boards that make up the creaky wooden floor, waxed to perfection. A couple of high-backed chairs can be found against the wall to the right of the entrance constructed with a vibrant fabric of swirling gold, burgundy and dark green. An antique table of dark polished wood to match the wood of the chairs sits between them with an arresting portrait of the owners of the shop just above. It is, for the most part, the only time visitors to the shop might catch a glimpse of the owners, His Excellency Palacrisis D' Jones and his Lady wife, J'lyara in a pose indicative of their deep commitment to one another, surrounded by a gilded frame.
A large rug covers the middle of the floor, a temporary reprieve from the wooden floor, a patterned dark green picking up the colour in the chairs with short golden tassels around the edge of it. Shelves constructed of dark wood and polished as well were added that house an extravagant collection of hand-made pipes not likely to be found anywhere else in the Empire. Once arriving at the back of the spacious room, one would find a long counter with a female dwarf clerk ready to answer questions or assist with purchases. Copious shelves line the back wall behind the clerk with various tobacco products, the prices of which are easily accessible by the decorated parchments on top of the counter.
Desire Gradedore the assistant is a dwarf female of uncertain patterns blonde of hair with a beard braided into ringlets, bright blue eyes and an ample frame which unusually for the modest dwarf race occasional glimpses of skin and cleavage may be observed. Desire wears silver chain mail cut daringly above the knee, high heeled silver boots and carries a delicately engraved battle axe. She is friendly, flirtatious and speaks with a soft low voice that when turned on can send shivers down the spine of any respectable dwarf about town. Desire has one unfortunate habit and that is her pipe , she favours a strong blend of tobacco and as a consequence the shop always smells of pipe smoke.
Customers are advised to be polite to Desire , the axe is not just a fashion statement!
Old Cognac Taralon Blend ~ 20 crowns a lb
Regular Blend ~ 15 crowns a lb
Allbrightening Blend ~ 10
Pipes various
Hand carved dwarf ~ 30 crowns ,
Wooden carved regular ~ 15 crowns
Clay pipes various sizes retailing between 10 and 2 crowns each
Snuff
Smooth and mild ~ 30 crowns a lb
Sherian ordinary ~ 20 crowns a lb
Taralon Nose Blaster ~ 5 crowns a lb
Note ~For the discerning customer local thigh rolled cigars created from the finest leaf by the local ladies of Taralon to your specifications, prices negotiable.
Tarfuss noted the totem on the outside of the shop and walked through the doors. Once inside he breathed deeply, that sweet smell of tobacco! Finally - a shop that knew tobacco, as opposed to a general shop that happened to have some tobacco on hand. He walked about the shop, admiring the pipes especially. There were some very nice pipes, but he didn't need another pipe. He had two and that was adaquate. What he needed was some more pipe tobacco. He approached the counted and spoke to the female dwarf attendant. "Serale, ma'am. I'd like a half pound of the Old Cognac blend. Also four of the Governor cigars." He tallied the choices in his head and dug into his pouch for the needed crowns, placing 38 on the counter while he waited for the Dwarf to gather his purchases.
OOC - not sure whether or not this shop is to be self modded or not.
The unmistakable aroma of pipe tobacco filled the specialty shoppe as Desire took another slow puff and blew a smoke ring back through her lips to hang thickly in the room. A new shipment of one-of-a-kind Dwarven pipes had just arrived shortly before Tarfuss and the lass tending shoppe had taken it upon herself to make sure the owners of the shop were getting their crowns' worth. Not one pipe sitting on the counter was identical to the next, intricate carvings that had obviously taken precious time to do by diligent Dwarven hands.
Setting the pipe she was puffing on down, honest blue eyes with crinkles on the sides, looked up to greet him, annoyed with the squeaking of the old door as it closed behind him. Her voice was deeper than what might be expected from a female but soft and welcoming nonetheless, “Welcome to Black River Cigars. What kin I get for ye?”
Twirling one of the blonde ringlets hanging from her chin around a short unadorned finger, she gave a nod of approval along with a barely audible feminine grunt as he chose half a pound of their best blend, her wide, round head tilting to the side as she assessed him. “Good choice...” Her small, padded hands pushed one of the new wooden pipes toward him on the counter, black, raised sandblasted finish with a wide bowl that tapered some at the top, unique but classic and masculine in its appeal. “And ye'd be sure to enjoy it with this beauty, only 30 crowns for such a piece. None like it, anywhere else in the Empire.”
Leaving him to scrutinize the one-of-a-kind pipe, she scooped and weighed the blend, filling a complimentary black and red leather pouch with the golden letters BRT emblazoned on the front. “Ye know...” and her deep voice lowered a tad more, “I kin show ye how to fill that piece proper-like for maximum enjoyment if ye want?”
Tarfuss took the offered pipe and looked at it. It really was nice. Three pipes wasn't too many, was it? You couldn't use the same one all the time - they need to rest or they get soggy. He thought about it as he passed his hands over the carvings. His first pipe was simple and unadorned. The second had simple carvings resembling what it might look like if a pipe had been clawed by a beast, tapering down the bowl. This one was very nice. He looked up from his musings as the female dwarf offered to show him how to properly fill a pipe. He raised his eyebrows. His Da had showed him and it had worked for him well enough for years, but Dwarves knew somewhat about pipes and tobacco, and she looked to be an expert. He nodded. "That'd be a kindness of you. I'm always willing to learn a better way to accomplish an old trick."
Timestamp: Early brightening of Dianara in the Second Cycle of Cryxatum, Spring in the First Era of the Principate of HRH Prince Milo I, Era XV Post Fractum.
A cencoris of the Imperial Legions delivered a missive secured by the crimson seal of the Imperial Ministry of War - an Imperial Warbird surmounting the laurels of victory, and a crossed sword and quill. Along with him were two daekins who brought along several bags of equipment, whose contents would soon be revealed, in time.
Secrets :
Dianara in the First Cycle of Cryxatum,
Spring in the First Era of the Principate of HRH Prince Milo I,
Era XV Post Fractum.
Palacrisis Jones
Black River Tobacco Company
Taralon, Confederation of the Sherian
Your Imperial Excellency,
Greetings from an old acquaintance!
I write this from the city of Arconis, on Enamoria's side of the Khadran Mountains. No doubt you will recall that we first met here, at a darkening in the local cemetery of all places.
I vaguely recall the last time we spoke...I suspect it was that little drink we shared immediately before your designation as Lord of the Sands, back when you were but Her Holiness' immediate temporal boss.
We never did get to discuss matters much since we have taken on our respective duties, though I do hope that you and your wife and family are well. I distinctly recall the name of your quaint establishment, and I recall that this was mentioned at a rosyun we once had back in the Holy City, when I was but a mere trieririus. I never did have time to visit it when I was there for a short while for consultations, though I do hope business is doing well.
Time does indeed travel way too fast at times.
I seek to ask you a boon, if you will. How are things in the Confederation, and more specifically, Taralon? I have been made aware by my sources that not eveything is as tip-top as it should be, and I am likewise told that the situation is as confused as a Zerdargian wake. Of course I can ask a whole lot by my generals and the Governor, but between you and me, there's always something about the Andares boys that arouse suspicion.
In short, I ask how matters are, on the ground, and how all this has affected you as a normal citizen. If your fair wife would do well to interject her own observations, I and our forces would be most grateful.
I likewise present to you a small token of esteem. I have heard tell of your exploits, and this should likewise be of use should circumstances warrant. Should they not fit, you may direct proper replacements at the nearest arsenal or legions depot. The insignia of three diamonds should look good on you. Military Intelligence is an odd misnomer, I know, but in these trying times we need steadfast citizens whose loyalty is without question. Among the few I am certain of is you. Your experiences alone are worth their weight in saltpetre and cannon shot.
I pray the Sacred Three keep watch over you and your household.
Should your couriers not find me within Arconis or Daltina, I shall already be on my way back to the Imperial Capital. You may write care of my offices there.
Fair winds always,
Alexis Sapientia.
Imperial Admiral and Imperial Minister of War.
One would note how he had glossed over the wedding at which the Governor of Prime had played a premier part. Accompanying that was a second missive.
Secrets :
Imperial Ministry of War, 1st Cryxatum, in the Third Era of the Reign of the Prince-Regent, His Most Imperial Excellency Milo I.
To our Trusty and Well Beloved Palacrisis Jones, Greeting:
By Virtue of the Power of Authority to us given by His Imperial Excellency the Imperial Regent, I, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, do by these Presents Constitute and Appoint you to be an Imperatis in the Imperial Legions High Command, temporarily attached to the 26th Imperial Shields in Aelyria Prime, and a member of the Imperial War Council from the First Brightening of Cryxatum, in the Third Era of the Reign of the Prince-Regent, His Most Imperial Excellency Milo I,
Charging and Commanding you in that rank or in any higher rank to which you may be promoted to observe and execute the Regent's Regulations and Instructions for the Government of the Imperial Legions and all such Orders and Instructions as you shall from time to time receive from Me or from your Superior Officers for the Imperial Navy or Imperial Legions;
You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge your Duty as such in the Rank of Imperatis or in such other Rank as I may from time to time hereafter be pleased to promote or appoint you to and you are in such manner on on such occasions as may be prescribed by Us to exercise and well discipline in their Duties such Officers, Legionaries, Sailors and Marines as may be placed under your orders from time to time and use your best endeavours to keep them in good Order and Discipline. And I do hereby Command them to Obey you as their superior Officer and you to Observe and follow such Orders and Directions as from time to time you shall receive from Us, or any superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance of the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given by by my hand and seal this First Brightening of Cryxatum, in the Third Era of the Reign of the Prince-Regent, His Most Imperial Excellency Milo I.
Alexis Sapientia
Imperial Minister of War and Imperial Admiral.
By the Imperial Minister of War and Imperial Admiral's Command:
Cor'lesha
Provost Imperatis
Senior Officer Commanding Imperial Legions
Principality of Prime
Included with the package was the requisite kit befitting a general officer. If Palacrisis was the one receiving, a proud salute would be given him after he'd finished reading the letter.
War is the horror that occurs when rational minds fail at the negotiating table of diplomacy. ~Queen Katishandra of Daittern, Aelyrian Warfare through the Ages. **11/13: Buried in work. Posting in a few days, presence assured.**
Pala received the two officers at the Kallimeyra estate and shortly after receiving a letter from Princess Nikki left for Aelyria Prime and the center of the new government.
An esh’lahier elf came into the shop with a sealed letter for one Kallick D Jones, adopted son of the famous Palacrisis. After delivering the letter he bought a box of Thane cigars for his lord, and one Citizen for himself, figuring he’d deserved that.
Secrets :
To Kallick D Jones, manager of the Black River Tobacco Company.
1 Cryxatum, Era XV, Taralon
Dear Sir,
I am contacting you in regards to the Taralon Weapons Manufactory Company in which we both own a share. During the Sherian conflict our company has performed to expectation. The manufactory has produced a steady supply of good quality weapons and armour under the stress of war. Even an attack on Taralon itself did not drive the labourers from their workspace. It is with the arms produced in our business that the Sherian Serpents stand to defend the lives of Sherianites. The Provincial Government of Sherian is a satisfied customer and the venture has been profitable to its shareholders.
However, since an informal truce was conducted between our nation and Ire the Provincial Government of Sherian has, with good cause, ended their arrangement with the Taralon Weapons Manufactory Company, to have more room in their budget to rebuild the Sherian economy. Production was halted at the 20th of Kalendryas. Since then the manufactory has been operating with a loss. I have included the financial results of the company in the addendum to this letter.
I would like to purchase your 20% share in the company, for which I offer a sum of 75,000 crowns. I believe this is proposal is mutually beneficial. You would have your initial sum returned, along with your dividend payments amounting to 48,000 crowns. The investment paid off handsomely and it would be wise to cash in. I would gain a company with potential, though the road ahead is full with risk. I am however confident that with a majority share I would have the freedom to explore its potential to the fullest. I have made this same offer to our co owner, Prince Milo, and hope you will respond favourably to my proposal.
Yours Sincerely,
Lord Malkaer Andares
Included was an addendum with the results of the TWMC:
Secrets :
Quote:
Company Ledger
Company created by the city of Taralon with a starting capital of 100,000 Aelyrian golden crowns at Cryxatum 1, Era XIV PF. Further investment by Malkaer Andares (50,000 crowns), the Black River Tobacco Company (75,000 crowns) and Milo L'Evienne (75,000 crowns).
Starting capital: 300000
Construction costs: -231240
Advertisement costs: -10000
Operative since Aperitus 1, Era XIV PF.
Balance at Aperitus 1: 58760 crowns
profit over Aperitus: 41904 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Aperitus 50: -40000 crowns
Balance at Optia 1: 60664 crowns
profit over Optia: 41904 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Optia 50: -40000 crowns
Balance at Ioannes 1: 62568 crowns
profit over Ioannes: 41904 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Ioannes 50: -40000 crowns
Balance at Imperos 1: 64472 crowns
profit over Imperos: 41904 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Imperos 50: -40000 crowns
Balance at Junctior 1: 66376 crowns
profit over Junctior: 41904 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Junctior 50: -40000 crowns
Era XV PF.
Balance at Kalendryas 1: 68280 crowns
profit over Kalendryas: 20 * 838,1 - 30 * 300 = 7762 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Kalendryas 50: -40000 crowns
*** Production halted at Kalendryas 20***
Balance at Immanis 1: 36042 crowns
profit over Immanis: -15000 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Immanis 50: 0 crowns
Balance at Ponutis 1: 21042 crowns
profit over Ponutis: -15000 crowns
dividend paid to shareholders at Ponutis 50: 0 crowns
Balance at Melora 1: 6042 crowns
profit over Melora: -15000
dividend paid to shareholders at Melora 50: 0 crowns
Balance at Cryxatum 1: -8958 crowns
profit over Cryxatum:
dividend paid to shareholders at Cryxatum 50:
Quote:
TWM Company ownership
City of Taralon: 40%
Milo L'Evienne: 20%
Black River Tobacco Company: 20%
Malkaer Andares: 10%
Anvael Andares 10% (vote rights to Malkaer Andares)
Monthly dividend payments (when dividend is distributed)
City of Taralon: 16000 crowns
Milo L'Evienne: 8000 crowns
Black River Tobacco Company: 8000 crowns
Malkaer Andares: 4000 crowns
Anvael Andares: 4000 crowns
Perhaps you remember me? You kindly assisted me in the matter of the Arakmatian irregulars last winter and I remember your efficiency and sense of honour with some admiration. It is about Sheria that I write as you are on the ground and can probably give a more complete picture of the current state of affairs than most I thought of you.
I should like to meet with you at your convenience, it is of little matter to me where or when as I have certain resources that allow me swift travel. My circumstances have altered since last we met and I am in a position to offer you an opportunity that could well be attractive to a warrior of your stature but I will discuss this further should you wish to meet with me.
Correspondence for General Beaknose
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