Korthian's Correspondence

[Wathok]

[ 60] Bradah: The Fruit of Patience.

Thu Sep 7 20:08:51 2006

To: Korthian

Finally my old friend, finally we see a good end to the work we have put

in. We shall expand and grow I imagine, more then ever before. It appears

the negotiations went well. I cannot wait until the induction happens. It

appears also that the clan has been emptied, only you and I remain. I

eagerly wait until we may meet in person, it seems a glorius celebration is

in need.

On another note, I wish to know what position I will hold in cartel, also

we must consider still trading with the tribunals, declaring ourselves

neutral in the war they have with syndicate perhaps?

Bradah Blackspore

Merchant Prince

Right Hand of Korthian.

[Wathok]

Korthian-Player note: "Finally. At long last. Holy **** it's been a while."

[ 48] Korthian: Greetings to the Family.

Fri Sep 8 14:55:34 2006

To: Syndicate

First and foremost, I would like to thank Rat Queen Messalantha for her

support. Without her help, the Syndicate-KBS Merger would not have been

possible. That is correct, my new-found Family: Bradah Blackspore and I

have just joined you in your quest for wealth and power. The reasoning is

quite simple: both Syndicate and Korthian Brokerage Services had (and still

have) the same goals. Should these two organizations have remained

separate, competition would eventually arise. While KBS would most

certainly have been the eventual "loser," why bother fighting when working

together can be so much more profitable? Our previous business relationship

can now develop into something greater.

As you may have already heard, the Syndicate-KBS Merger comes with

several conditions. They are:

- Syndicate is now unofficially divided into two sub-cabals: MERCHANT

and HUNTER

- Maximum 4 Merchants in Syndicate at any time

- Merchants MUST defend Syndicate's standard

- Merchants are NOT required to capture enemy standards

- Merchants are NOT required to collect bounties

- Merchants MAY capture standards and collect bounties if they so wish

Evidently, the purpose of Merchant and Hunter are very different. Still, there

should be no question that both sides will be working very closely together.

An attack upon HUNTER is an attack upon MERCHANT, and vice versa. There

is, however, one issue: Tribunal. Messalantha and I have been considering

how Prax and the Tribunes might respond to the Merger. Should you have

any suggestions or recommendations, please make them known as soon

as possible, as negotiations may begin rather quickly.

Along with the physical support we shall provide one another comes the

opportunity for financial support. Undoubtedly, Syndicate and its members

are already quite rich. But there is no reason why we cannot acquire even

more wealth. I also have some ideas for how our vast amounts of gold might be

spent. One such idea is to exchange them for skulls, to be distributed amongst

us all...

I would also like to touch upon the Cartel. I will be working with Messalantha

to modify the current induction system so as to find recruits for MERCHANT.

Your input is, once again, welcome.

Lastly, I want to reiterate the fact that I am here to help you. If you don't

want my help, that's fine, I'm not offended at all. But should you desire any-

thing, anything at all, let me know. I am here to serve you, despite what my

rank may indicate.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Ex-C.E.O. of Korthian Brokerage Services

[Wathok]

[ 49] Korthian: My Eternal Thanks

Fri Sep 8 14:57:08 2006

To: Chayesh Messalantha

I hereby offer the Blood Lord and Messalantha my eternal thanks. It has

been with your help that the Syndicate-KBS Merger came to be. I will not

disappoint.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Ex-C.E.O. of Korthian Brokerage Services

[Wathok]

[ 50] Korthian: Instructions to MERCHANT

Fri Sep 8 15:04:16 2006

To: Syndicate

I thought long and hard about what the subject of this letter should be,

and settled on "Instructions to MERCHANT" even though there's only two of

us. Better to have a clear and definite writing system in place quickly,

then have to make little changes later. Anyways...

Merchants of Syndicate, do not reveal your affiliation until either Messalantha

or I have given the go-ahead. We need some time to establish ourselves,

get used to Syndicate, and above all store up skulls, before revealing the

success of the Syndicate-KBS Merger.

I ask that all members of Syndicate help us in this task by refraining from

revealing too much information. Maybe a little... To keep people guessing.

Not too much though; knowledge is power.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Ex-C.E.O. of Korthian Brokerage Services

[Wathok]

[ 51] Korthian: Tribunal, Cartel, Freelance Contracts, Finances

Fri Sep 8 15:14:52 2006

To: Messalantha

I ask you for permission to begin negotiations with Tribunal on behalf of

Merchant, and on behalf of Syndicate if you so allow me. I would seek to

exempt Merchants from the vendetta, despite my belief that this is an

impossibility. In case the negotiations break down... Well, I guess I'll

start sharpening more cards.

As for Cartel, I ask you for permission to begin expand the current

induction system to include ways to recruit new Merchants. Furthermore,

I would seek to enrich Syndicate even more, through Cartel, by imposing a

"trickle-up" economy where Cartel's members are expected to support their

superiors through material means. Those who take the time and energy

to properly "pay their respects" would be "taken care of."

It is well known that whenever a member of Syndicate is not available,

the general public are welcome to take out contracts. These freelance

contracts should, in my opinion, be brought under tighter control. A

possible problem to this is that these contracts are only available when

Syndicate is not present. Although, come to think of it, the very same

problem is also a benefit, as the presence of Bradah and I will force more

bounties into the hands of Hunters. This should increase profits by quite a

bit.

Finally, I want to discuss Syndicate's current financial situation with you.

This would be most effectively done in person. I eagerly await your response

and the opportunity to speak.

My respects,

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Ex-C.E.O. of Korthian Brokerage Services

[Wathok]

[ 52] Korthian: Historian Mathicus Flon

Sat Sep 9 00:48:06 2006

To: All

Let it be known that Mathicus Flon, Historian of Herald, has passed away.

The gravity of this event is such that even on such a busy day as today, I

knew it was necessary to let everyone know the treasure that has been lost

to us forever. For Historian Mathicus was a great man. A patron of

knowledge, a symbol of wisdom, and most importantly the ideal of what it

means to be a gentleman.

You will be sorely missed, Mathicus. You will be sorely missed.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Ex-C.E.O. of Korthian Brokerage Services

[Wathok]

[ 52] SYNDICATE Messalantha: a couple concerns

Sat Sep 9 08:04:24 2006

To: Korthian

First of all, I feel unrest within my Hunters, they are not pleased that you

have been installed as my Hand.

I suggest you give a little present to each of my hunters to get their spirits

higher, perhaps half a million would be suitable. As there are only three

Hunters about it would not be too costly.

I suggest you stay clear of any Hunter for the time being. The danger of a

coup is just too high and that would ruin our plans.

If you meet Olom, I would like you to talk to him, he might join Merchant

rather than stay Hunter as he has always handled our armor sale before the

merge.

I would also like to establish the rule that Hunters are not required to pay

for any goods they might need and a Merchant happens to acquire as well as

that Hunters are given first option on all wares.

Concerning the Cartel I would like to meet with you in person to settle matters.

Your message to the masses is acceptable, however I urge you to wait a bit

longer before you publish it as we have to handle the situation with Tribunal

first.

[Wathok]

[ 53] SYNDICATE Messalantha: Relations to Tribunal

Sat Sep 9 08:10:05 2006

To: Korthian Bradah

These are my suggestions:

Any Tribunal who is not acting aggressive will be traded with.

As aggressive counts both attacking the Syndicate guard and attacking a member

of Merchant if not provoked. Battles with Hunter and retrievals of Standards

are not considered aggressive behavior.

Tribunals who act aggressive will not be traded with.

I would like Merchant to acquire a more neutral and unagressive reputation

than the Syndicate has until now. In the far future it might even be possible

to induct lightwalkers in Merchant.

I would like to hear your thoughts before any official diplomatic steps are

taken.

Messalantha of the Blood

[Wathok]

[ 54] SYNDICATE Messalantha: KBS

Sat Sep 9 08:13:37 2006

To: Syndicate

As you will all have noticed Syndicate and KBS has merged. We are still

working on the details of the relations between both new subcabals, when this

is taken care of, official guidelines will be stated.

Messalantha of the Blood

[Wathok]

[ 55] Korthian: Agree and Obey

Sat Sep 9 09:30:25 2006

To: Messalantha

It is quite remarkable how well our thoughts fit together, for I fully

agree with your recommendations. Each Hunter shall receive 500,000 gold. I

will contact Olom to determine his status. Hunters will be made aware that

they won't be charged for products (which they get first-access to) from

Merchant.

As for staying away from Hunters, I have already taken a leap of faith with

Kanal. I was not disappointed. Still, after reading your letter, I realize it

was a foolish move, even if it paid off in the end by establishing a measure

of trust. I will be more careful in the future.

I accept your views regarding Tribunal. Unfortunately, I doubt the Tribunes

would be so flexible: they have no choice but to strike at the Lookout. For

instance, suppose Bradah and Glaien were up and about, and Rongdaj came

knocking. If Glaien was occupied, then Bradah would be expected to

defend, would he not? Even if Glaien was not occupied, Bradah might

still need to be there, just in case. Losing the Standard is costly and

interrupts doing business.

This is not to say, however, that we should not offer Tribunal these terms.

It's worth a try, right? But even if negotiations fail, I still believe that

we can get some use out of it. I propose for the offer of peace from

Merchant to Tribunal to be declared publically. Merchant will be the

the innocent businessmen, looking only for peace. Tribunal will either

accept (good for us) or decline, which is good for us too because then they

are the aggressors. This would enable us to begin building the image of

a neutral and non-aggressive Merchant sub-cabal.

Korthian Milniaro

Syndicate Tycoon

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 56] Korthian: Hunter-Merchant Relations

Sat Sep 9 09:43:40 2006

To: Syndicate

In an effort to promote Hunter-Merchant relations, each Hunter shall

receive a gift of gold from me personally. These 500,000 gold pieces should

be enough to cover your more mundane purchases: potions, scrolls, pills, and

of course my favourite, hard tack. Furthermore, Messalantha and I have

determined that any goods being sold by Merchant may be purchased by a

Hunter at the price of 0 gold. Hunter also gets "first-dibs" on any

available products.

I am in the midst of designing an in-house brokerage system. The one used

before (i.e. I sell your stuff, we share profits evenly) does not seem

appropriate, seeing as how any profits I make are your profits as well. The

gift mentioned above is hopefully adequate to cover your spending until

a new system is implemented.

Finally, any Hunter that wants to become a Merchant should contact Messalantha

and I with a letter explaining why. More for formality than anything else,

even though it does make for good record-keeping. Know however that Merchants

are limited in some ways, for the image of a neutral and non-aggressive

sub-cabal is the one that we desire.

Comments? Questions? Insults? Let me know!

Korthian Milniaro

Syndicate Tycoon

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 57] Korthian: Gold, What Is It Good For?

Sat Sep 9 09:49:00 2006

To: Messalantha

Some people claim that there is an infinite amount of gold in Aabahran.

Whether or not this is true is somewhat irrelevant. There are quite

obviously different classes in society, with you and me belonging to the

upper crust (in terms of wealth). But what should we do with all this

wealth? I have brainstormed a few ideas:

- Discover gold-to-skull exchange rate and exchange gold for skulls when

needed; will benefit entire cabal

- Build new Cartel clanhall; having one in Tribunal-controlled Miruvhor

just seems weird

- Research new abiliies for Merchant and/or Hunter

- Develop new products to be sold at Syndicate shops

- Design global-spell that would destroy all stores of gold, except for ours

The last one would make the amount of gold in the world finite. Very finite.

And by having the spell only affect others' gold, we come out on top.

What do you think?

Korthian Milniaro

Syndicate Tycoon

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

Korthian-Player note: "The merger is revealed. The reactions were very interesting."

[ 66] Korthian: The Syndicate-KBS Merger

Mon Sep 11 09:14:29 2006

To: All

Finally, Korthian Brokerage Service's transformation is complete. After

long hours of negotiation, planning, and implementation, I am proud to

announce the success of the Syndicate-KBS Merger. By the time these words

reach you, a part of the Syndicate cabal has been set aside for merchants

like me and Bradah Blackspore. We are once again providing our services,

only this time with the backing of an undeniable power in Aabahran.

You probably want an explanation, and I agree that you deserve one. For

years I have been in contact with various leading authorities, both mortal

and immortal, in regards to creating an appropriate partnership for KBS. In

some cases, my philosophies based on economics were simply not compatible.

In others, I received an outright rejection. Only in Syndicate did I find

an ear willing to listen: Messalantha.

And what more perfect a union can there be than one between Syndicate and

Korthian Brokerage Services? Each provides the other with the means to

expand. This symbiotic, win-win relationship was not possible with any

other group in Aabahran.

But do not be deceived! I have not changed: my goal is still to provide

financial and material services, just like before. The Merchants of

Syndicate are neither bloodthirsty nor violent; we do not seek the death of

our clients and customers. We may possess the ability to defend ourselves

more ably than ever, but that mean we want to tap into those abilities.

So come, let us Merchants know how we can serve you. You will not be

disappointed.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Under the authority of

Messalantha of the Blood

P.S. Yes boys and girls, Syndicate is now recruiting those with a keen

business mind along with those skilled in the violent arts. Just seek the

Cartel.

[Wathok]

[ 67] Korthian: Merchant-Tribunal Relations

Mon Sep 11 09:15:07 2006

To: All

I am publicly offering a pact of friendship between Merchant and

Tribunal. There is no reason for us to break the laws set down by Tribunal.

I myself have never been a criminal; Bradah has displayed exemplary

behaviour. Future Merchants shall act likewise. For there to be an active

vendetta, for Tribunes to chase Merchants only because of stubborn and

inflexible policies, would be illogical. Illogical, unreasonable, and above

all unprofitable for everyone.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

Korthian-Player's note: "I think Kronit was the Elder of Watcher."

[ 67] Kronit: Merger

Mon Sep 11 10:44:41 2006

To: Korthian Bradah

I was rather surprised to hear of your most recent course of action. I

have long supported your business, because of the reliable and honest

service KBS provides, despite the large premium. However, I am thoroughly

disappointed with the way in which you plan to expand. You do not need ironarms

and headhunters to further your business. Becoming an independant faction

would surely have gained further support, despite the slower pace.

Choosing muscle, and power to gain success and expansion is not an

appropriate method. I, and those with me, will no longer support your business.

-Kronit

[Wathok]

[ 34] SYNDICATE Korthian: Tribunal's Response

Sat Sep 16 10:17:54 2006

To: Syndicate

Rongdaj has notified me that, after speaking with our Rat Queen, Tribunal

will not make war upon Merchant. Furthermore, they will not even capture

our standard when a Merchant is about. In return, Merchants must display

exemplary behaviour in regards to adhering to Tribunal's laws.

A final letter will be sent when Rongdaj has Prax's approval.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

Under Messalantha of the Blood's Authority

[Wathok]

[ 41] SYNDICATE Glaien: Merchant

Sun Sep 17 12:03:57 2006

To: Syndicate

I see no problem with either of you retaliating and fighting those who

fight you. I personally would have absolutely not problem with you

aggressing against Tribunal or any who find it necessary to regularly attack

our family. You are both high in rank within our organization, and should

put your skills to use, and not sit around and sell things, only. You both

have strengths. Defend the family as I have, and as Kanal has, Messalantha

has, and Olom has. That even means attacking our enemies in the grace of

our Queen. Do what you will, but that's my recommendation. Otherwise, I

see no reason as to why you both did not need to advance from our ranks as

an Inductee first.

I come off blunt, but that is my view.

Glaien of the Family

[Wathok]

[ 42] SYNDICATE Korthian: Response to Glaien's "Merchant"

Sun Sep 17 17:01:04 2006

To: Syndicate

I have, in fact, been defending the Syndicate standard and retrieving it.

Rongdaj and I have had quite a few tussles, and while he usually comes out

on top I do my best to ensure that our standard remains ours. I assure you

that while building wealth is my primary responsibility, I would never shy

away from striking against Syndicate's enemies.

And due to recent developments, I have absolutely no qualms with

making the lives of the Tribunes as difficult as I can.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

P.S. One problem I am having that I have not yet been able to resolve is

how to send a raid. I have tried to raid Val Miran and Miruvhor, only

to be told that a vendetta is required. This will be fixed as soon as possible.

[Wathok]

[ 47] SYNDICATE Korthian: Tribune Taurnil - Advocate of Peace

Wed Sep 20 19:43:45 2006

To: Messalantha Syndicate

Taurnil invited Kanal and I to speak with him. After gibbering away for

a while, Taurnil stated that he is personally in support of peace between

not only Tribunal and Merchant, but between Tribunal and Syndicate. He

stated what we already knew: this vendetta is not profitable.

Taurnil concluded by saying that he will attempt to sway Tribunal's policies.

In the meantime, he will not attempt to capture us or take our standard.

He could not, however, guarantee the same treatment from Rongdaj.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 48] SYNDICATE Korthian: Tribune Taurnil - Advocate of Peace Addendum

Wed Sep 20 19:47:34 2006

To: Messalantha Syndicate

I forgot to mention that Taurnil also wanted us to declare a vendetta

against Watcher.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 38] SYNDICATE Korthian: Report.

Sun Sep 17 00:08:24 2006

To: Messalantha

So, Tribunal wants war. Rongdaj arrested me and had me executed.

Luckily, I lost none of my equipment. I have procured some venom sacks to

make sure it will not happen again. He stole the Syndicate standard twice;

I returned it twice.

In other news, Kanal managed to collect Kronit's bounty. Kronit then used

his leopard to sneak into our headquarters to take much of was taken from

him. I had some of it on me, and so it was not a complete loss. I then

traded some goods for some of Kronit's goods; I felt that the ones I obtained

will be worth more than what I traded away. I also did to to foster better

relations between Watcher and Merchant. Kronit (and he claims others, but

I have yet to come across them) has decided to not use our business

services anymore, and I don't want that kind of thinking to spread.

Then Cjuk comes out of nowhere and kills me. He claims that I was wearing

Kronit's things; completely untrue. After a discussion where I enlightened

him as to what we Merchants are, he agreed to return some of my things.

Of course, I'm still rather miffed. I'll sort it out as soon as I can.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 46] SYNDICATE Korthian: Response to Rongdaj's Half-Truths

Sat Sep 23 09:32:03 2006

To: Tribunal Militia

Greetings to Tribunal and Militia. It has come to my attention (through

an anonymous source in your clan) that Rongdaj has been speaking ill of me.

Apparently, his accusations include me stealing from him and me raiding Val

Miran with goblins.

Guess what? Rongdaj is not telling the whole truth.

I did not choose to become a criminal. I chose to merge Syndicate and

Korthian Brokerage Services. Rongdaj DEFINED me as a criminal because

of my status. My law-breaking actions are RESPONSES to this wanton

abuse of authority. Do you think I WANT to steal from Rongdaj? Every

second I waste stealing from (or fighting against, for that matter) a Tribune

is one less second I can spend on actually profitable business transactions.

Do you think I WANT to raid cities? Each civilian that dies is one less

customer. Call me materialistic, call me greedy, but do NOT call me a

criminal, for I was forced to become one.

"But your profits go to Syndicate!" I hear you say. It is not as if Syndicate

members did not profit from my brokerage services before the Merger. And

it is not as if everyone else in Aabahran no longer has access to my services.

Even TRIBUNAL and MILITIA can do business with me!

Am I a fool to think that words can lead to peace? Maybe I am. After

all, a member of Militia did tell me that Rongdaj "has no concept of

diplomacy. Only how to solve problems through fighting." I hope this

member of Militia is wrong, because if he/she is right, we are all going to

be wasting each other's time.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 43] SYNDICATE Korthian: "Right Hand of Korthian"

Fri Sep 22 10:56:54 2006

To: Bradah

Please refrain from referring to yourself as the "Right Hand of Korthian"

anymore. The wording makes it seem that you serve me first, and then

Syndicate, when the opposite should be true. If you want suggestions for

new titles, feel free to contact me.

Korthian Milniaro

Merchant Trader, Outfitter of Aabahran

[Wathok]

[ 37] Bradah: My Time.

Sun Oct 1 22:54:04 2006

To: Korthian Messalantha

Greetings my friends. I have been removed from the cabal it would appear

however that is what I expected. Know that I cannot spend enough time in

these lands to stay committed to such an organisation. However also know

that I am still as committed to KBS and the Syndicate as possible. I will

still be about selling wares and making gold to help back any sort of

arrangement Korthian sees fit.

Bradah Blackspore

The Merchant Prince.

[Wathok]

[ 19] SYNDICATE Messalantha: Yiee

Sun Oct 15 08:57:38 2006

To: Korthian

Paid 130 000 from sales. You will decide when this Merchant is ready to join.

Messalantha of the Blood