[Thanal Office] - Archer’s Devide (Adder, Private)

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Third Cycle of Pontius
Eleventh Candlemark in the Thirty Fifth Trightening
The Winter of Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Thirteenth Era Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Reign of Arabella
Paradigm: The Eclipse of the Sun

Keldon sat in his office, he had sent out his staff to assemble what he considered the most important people under his Command. The Commander of the Guard, Head Adele, those in charge of the courts. He had given specific instructions that they will be discussing the topic of expanding the city, or things within the cities jurisdiction and if they believed someone should be there to bring them with them.

So there Keldon waited for all those he had summoned to arrive.

[Adder]

It was a small group that assembled in the office in response to the Thanes request, and a somewhat odd group too. All were familiar with eachother but some of the offices still hadn't been fully reorganised to reflect the new command structure in the city and some of the top jobs were still vacent.

They filed into the office and waited, Jonas from the aediles, an official from the exchequer, Chrayne Gakin the prefect and of course the Commander of the Guard.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon looked around as they entered, nodding his head as each person walked into the room. Once the Commander of the Guard entered he stood up. "Alright gentlemen, ladies. I would like to discuss the rather more important aspects of the city. Vaciant positions, the expansion of the guard and anything else that comes to your minds. First off, what are the top level positions in the city that are still yet to be filled? I am aware of the Chief Aedile has yet to be appointed and I have a good idea who I shall place there. But which others have yet to be filled." Keldon was aware of several other roles that were still open but he wanted to know how much his officials knew of the other offices around the city.

[Adder]

Swift glances ensued between those present, but really it was only the top offices that the Thane wanted to know wasn't it? The other posts, and there were always posts vacent were the responsibility of the various department heads.

Jonas nodded and ventured to speak on the others behalf, "the Aedile, yes of course, but also the Exchequer's position has remained vacent since Hsin left." He nodded towards the dwarf that Keldon likely hadn't met yet, "Kelso Copperhand has been standing in as I have until your Grace appoints someone to that position."

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded with a smile to the new comer. "Welcome to my office Mr. Copperhand." Extending his hand to shake the dwarfs, should the dwarf decide to shake it Keldon would a more firmer grip with the dwarf to show the man that he was not a weak person by any means. But the grip would still have a soft touch to it so it would not likely come of as a brash greeting. Looking to Jonas he smiled. "Before we go any farther I would like to make a quick appointment, first of several that need to be done. Jonas, after reviewing your work and those who work with you I have decided you fit to serve as Chief Aedile should you wish the position. I also met a halfling who recently moved to the city who would perhaps be a wonderful candidate in filling your former position. If you decide to take your promotion." He said with a warm smile.

[Adder]

The dwarf moved over and took the hand. His grip was powerful as befitted his race, but he'd long ago learnt not to put too much force in, not unless the other had a point to prove. As such he matched the grip, a smile on his face, pleased by the recognition. "An pleased to meet you too yer Grace." He retired back to the anonymity of the group and his smile which had faded grew again when Jonas's appointment was announced.

"Well done to yer Jonas, told yer that yer deserved it didn't I?" He smacked his colleague on the back with enough force to stagger him. The two of them were colleagues of long standing since their two offices were often closely entwined. The others quickly if less physically congratulated him.

"Thank you, your Grace," Jonas replied when he had chance, a slight flush of pleasure to his features. "It will help enormously to have structure back in the office, and if you have a candidate, then please send him through to me." He reserved judgement until he'd met this halfling, and he'd be failing his new position to promise a position regardless. Still he realised there would always be some job that he could offer, something that would be suitable to the candidates abilities.

The group settled down and waited for what the Thane had to say, for surely he had other, more important things to discuss.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Returning to his seat, a smile over Keldons face slowly nodding his head. "I am sure the structure will be welcomed by your staff and yourself, and I have the the utmost confidence in your ability to restore structure in the office." Moving his chair forward so he could lean his elbow on his desk if he needed and so he was promptly in a position he preferred to be in Keldon shifted his gaze towards Kelso. "So Mr. Copperhand, what brings you to the Exchequer's office? It is a department of the city I only know a minor amount about, and how they are run. Although I am sure it is ran rather differently here then it is in other cities around the Empire."

[Adder]

Jonas accepted the compliment graciously, just dipping his head in response, but privately determined to set things in order. His attention drifted a little as he considered some of the things that he needed to do.

Copperhand though needed to consider his answer for just a moment before proceeding, "well yer honour," he replied, not beleiving for a moment that the Thane didn't know exactly what the Exchequer did. "Here in Primus, the administration of the city is split between the Aediles and Exchequers offices, though we work very closely together on many things. To put it very simply, the Exchequer handles all of the finances for the city, setting and controlling the budgets for the government offices and collecting the taxes where they are due. For myself, the Copperhands have always worked closely with the government, yer might call it something of a family tradition."

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon smirked softly, "Then I would assume such a family legacy such as that is a rather distinguished one within the city. I can respect a man, and a family who enjoys serving the people Mr. Copperhand." Keldon said, his smirk turning into warm smile. "So then tell me, from your experience and in your opinion what part of the cities government could use focus, improvement and perhaps change? What could use a increase, or perhaps decrease in funding, and by all means Mr. Copperhand, be direct if it so suits you." Keldon said with a smile, he wanted to get the mans opinion, he was debating to give the man a new job, and a promotion. From the sounds of things he would get it, although he wanted to see what made the man think.

[Adder]

It was a question that made the official from the Exchequer pause for thought. There were many things that ran through the office and not a few of them he knew little about given that he headed up a particular department and it was the nature of the financial system to remain close mouthed. He glanced around at the others in the room before speaking, reminding himself of who was in the room.

"Well I don't like to cast aspersions but just at the moment the city is feeling the pinch when it comes to spending. A few era's back the city had a surplus of funding, but since then we've been through a period where taxes weren't collected efficiently and just this last era we've had to cut back spending. All the offices have made savings, but at the cost of some services. In some ways it's a good thing because it concentrates peoples attention on whats important. Give people a budget and there can be a tendancy to spend until its gone. Give them a budget that isn't quite big enough to do what they want and then they start to work, cutting back, bargaining and such, which saves the taxpayers money and keeps people like yer Grace popular. But now spending is going to be increased or so I hear." He glanced around the room, wondering which rumours were true and then back to the Thane whose salary had meant cuts in other departments budgets. "Iffen yer has plans yer Grace, then yer needs to consider how yer is going to fund them." It hadn't been part of the question exactly, but he'd been told be blunt.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon liked the mans answer, not to the extent were he said the city was slightly broke. But the way he presented himself. Which affirmed the decision he had running through his head already.

"Exactly why your sitting before me Mr. Copperhand, and with that said I need someone to manage the Exchequer office. Who is not afraid to inform me of the true circumstances and put forth questions or subjects that are not directly asked about." He said with a nod. "So if you would like to assume the role, the the job is yours and all the duties, responsibility's and privileges that follow."

[Adder]

The dwarf was slightly taken aback by the news but he controlled his surprise, something that was made easier by the beard that covered much of it.

"Well thankee yer Grace. Tis much appreciated, an I think that like with Jonas here, it'll allow us to pull together a lot better. It's been too long since there was any one person in charge there." Jonas grinned at him and he glowered back at the Aedile, an expression that was spoilt by the upward twist of his lips.

He was cautious though, and looked back to the Thane. "So, what would you have of us now?" Clearly he hadn't got them all together just to announce this news, and they were all curious as to what it might be.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

You could see the surprise, and what appeared to be enjoyment, perhaps excitment from the dwarf. Although he would likely never admit it, it still brought a smile to Keldons face and a tilt of his head when his new Exchequer gave him thanks. "Your very welcome Mr. Copperhand, and why are you all here? Because as you heard the rumors are correct, I wish to expand various aspects of the city and some of its functions perhaps. Jonas" He said turning his head to the halfling. "That is the reason why you are here is to help me figure out the exact costs, benefits and other said details so that if I need to request funding from the Governor's Office if need be."

Looking to the guard commander and the Exchequer Keldon nodded his head to them both, "Along with that I wish to talk about the expansion of the guard and various changes within it, along with your office Mr. Copperhand. As I have merged the Constabulary with the Guard to make a single organization your office will now have a better ability to execute justice within the city. If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments I would like to hear them."

[Adder]

The dwarf eyed his contemparies, the rumour mill having already informed him of some of the things that had been proposed, along with a good number of others that so far hadn't. He didn't pay too much attention to the rumours but even so it helped forwarn him.

"Well, I don't think that merging will save any costs in the short run, very likely the opposite, but I think if we take the longer view then yes I think that the organisations are up and running then things will get better."

The Commander nodded at that. "It's very true, your proposals for re-organisation involve upheaval and that is always expensive." She exchanged a look with the dwarf and he continued. "I think that you will see a good deal of support in the city for the expansion of the guard and people will be understanding of the confusion that will result." The dwarf could speak with a degree of authority on this and it had been on that he had exchanged the glance with the commander. The two held positions of authority it was true but they also were intimately connected with the alternative system of authority, one that it was much harder to join and certainly no Thane could appoint them to.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon was aware of some of members of his staff's impression of him. Hopefully it would change in due time. But he was placed into this job to do what he thinks is best so he was going to do so. His gaze was stilling looking towards the dwarf who was speaking and he smiled. "I have no doubt that in the short term merging the two groups together will cost slightly more then leaving them be. However if the price increases its effencey and the effectiveness of the rest of the city, then I think it is the right investment and if funds need to be skimmed off specific areas of the city then that would likely be the best choice aswell..." Keldon thought for a brief second. "As it stands now I am aware I am paid a... handsome sum of money.." Keldon looked to Jonas. "I serve in this position because it is what I enjoy doing, the money only allows me to live. Jonas, I would like you to have one of your staff look into how much it would cost to sustains me per era. The food in my estate is already paid for, however I buy my own clothing. If they determine if the city would save money for paying for my living expenses, minus my pay. Then what I shall do is stop my payments to myself. Money means very little to me, and if the city prospers without my pay then that is fine by me, so long as I have something other then a sheet from my bed to wear to the office, and the necessary living expense's." He made with a smirk, and he was rather truthful. It was likely it would be cheaper for the city to cover the odd expense and not have to pay the Thane. It would be a minor amount of gold saved, but never the less it would be gold saved for the city and Keldon did not care much about gold.