Another night in the North, another opportunity. The Guardsman Sergio mentioned over drinks that his Cousin was an alchemist, and I requested a meeting. It was very possible she was above board and not able to provide me with the lessons or materials I require, I could always eject the meeting if she was useless with no harm done.



He was true to his word and later that evening she approached me in the busy bar. A perfect opportunity to sound her out. As I suspected, his description of her as 'odd' was due to not understanding her true business or motivations. Such is the way of the honest and simple man. It was not difficult to ascertain that, with the right motivation, she could teach me what I wanted to know and supply what I needed.




We proceeded upstairs to my room where we were able to iron out the specifics more privately. Assured of her discretion, I feel optimistic about this. I would not want the specifics of my extra curricular activities to be well known. At this point, we have each other over the barrel. Who would believe the word of a random peasant over that of the Baron's household in any case? This employment has been everything I had hoped in providing a veneer of legitimacy and steady stream of profit. Though relying on the Baron's tight fist long term is certainly not an attractive prospect, for now, it is very desirable.





I was reassured of her discretion by her disavowal of her simpleton Cousin in her projects, and her quick reprisal on the matter. She provided some direction on where to take my brewing potential next, and agreed to meet me again when I was ready to learn how to concoct her more dangerous poisons.







I gave the woman a bit of coin for her initial efforts, in order to keep her wanting more and therefore her mouth shut. I don't think this is something to worry about, though. Indeed, this was not the only potentially mutually profitable arrangement made this eve. Though this one I ought to be far more cautious of, given her volatile nature. Such is often the way with such folk, and they are oft most amenable if paid right. Though in this case I do confess the danger involved does produce a certain thrill, and should therefore be treated with extra suspicion.




End of entry
OOC - I transfer three of my shillings to Sabina Jarret.

Following the information I gained at the medical training regarding the uses of alchemy, and the Guards unsure of who may teach such in Cove, I went to the one place I felt sure one might find what they need, if they have the coin: Vesper Trading Company. Though the hour was late, I expected it to be full, and dangerous, yet only the barmaid was present. As luck would have it, though, she had the expertise I sought. Fortune favours those who seek it!



I sounded out the woman, who introduced herself as Sa'hera, to gain insight into her usefulness. Satisfied by her sincerity, I spoke of my needs and precarious social and legal situation in Cove.





Ready and able, she seemed most keen to show me the beginnings of the art, taking me into the forest to explain the identification of each herb and what it is used to make. Her knowledge was quite exhaustive. Truly my recent run of luck seems bottomless. I should push the boundaries a bit more in Cove while it lasts.





We were attacked in the forest by wild things. A large ogre almost crushed Sa'hera, but whilst its back was turned I was able to plunge a dagger into its back repeatedly till it fell. The medical training last night already came in useful - a good call.




In the end, she would not even accept payment for her services rendered! However, I should like to know more, and I have a suspicion the next lesson shall not be so generous. I wonder if she would take me on as her apprentice? It avoids the unseemliness of an advertisement in the Gazette. Certainly she seemed interested in meeting again, even offering to obtain me the basic equipment. I will broach the topic in time. I had heard that the Trading Company was full of rapscallions, but perhaps I just avoided them. I am not sure if I am relieved or disappointed, but I did get what I went for.

The entry ends

A Diary Entry

After speaking to the Landlady about her medical training my interest was piqued. From my very window I could see a pair of Officers readying themselves for the advertised medical training. Though I had no ambitions to be a healer of any sort, one never knows when the ability to patch up a wound might be in handy...especially in my line of employment!



The officers are most rough, but do exude a certain charm. They were most welcoming and though at times the conversation made me want to be sick over the side of the Barracks, (the Sargeant especially is most vulgar indeed) a few drinks at the Cardinal after soon got me in the right frame of mind to enjoy their company. Though the evening started quiet, many did join later and I confess to perhaps making a few enemies without need that eve' through reckless mockery. Still, as long as I am in the Baron's employment, such is of little concern.

Perhaps the best outcome of the evening was the knowledge incidentally imparted by the tutor Marcus Kobra regarding alchemy. I have never considered this before, but much of what he said it might achieve appealed very greatly. Its practical uses and economic value seem most appealing. I sought out guidance on the matter right away, for it appeared no such experts exist in Cove. All the more reason to pursue it.




The entry ends.

I attended and it was an enjoyable evening, ma'am. I especially enjoyed the jousting, the archery competition, and the magic tricks. Jolly good!

Walking around Cove with a clipboard out jotting things down and tutting lightly as he checks houses against his register. Pulling his feathered hat over his eyes to protect against the high sun he returns to the noticeboard and attaches a further notice below those who have replied so far.

Landowners

Thank you to those who have responded. This is a friendly reminder to those who have not to provide your details by week's end. Failure to do so will result in an automatic 10 shilling fine and further action being taken against you.

Regards,
 

Name: Crowley Graves
Occupation: Bailiff
Current Standing: Commoner

Licenses held: None

Cultural Events Led: 0/1


Events:

15 for assault on Nujel'm event (confirmed on night by Baron but no follow up post)

20 for follow up solo tax expedition on Nujel'm http://cove.sugeworld.com/forum/index.phptopic=16177.msg102023#msg102023

MINUS 6 first months rent at Inn

10 for Civiising the Bog
http://cove.sugeworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=16301.msg102387#msg102387

5 Summer Faire
http://cove.sugeworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=16371.msg102617#msg102617

5
http://cove.sugeworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=16406.0

5
http://cove.sugeworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=16407.msg102693#msg102693

10
http://cove.sugeworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=16407.msg102693#msg102693

MINUS 3 PAYMENT TO SABINA JARRET

Shillings awarded for:

Salary:
25 for first week's salary 12th August
25 19th Augut
0 26th August (no relevant activity)
0 2nd September (no relevant activity)

[Information required:]

Public noticeboard on fine parchment

By the power vested in the Office of Bailiff by Baronial Order, it is hereby required that all who own land in Cove add their information to this parchment. The office will then be in touch with respect to your owed land tax.

Information required:
Size of plot
Number of rooms and floors
Number of residents
Commercial or private (nature of business, if a business)
Date since owned

Failure to comply with this notice within ONE WEEK will result in official action being taken.

A long parchment remains empty below for filling in

[6 shillings transferred]

A note pushed under Carolin's door in the Inn's upper level

Good evening, Miss Argon.

Please find enclosed my first months rent for my stay at your most excellent establishment, and a little extra for your most welcoming hospitality.

Signed
Crowley

6 shillings transferred

Glorious Lord Octiovus,

In addition to our plundering righteous liberation of our new victims citizens last night, I took the liberty to board a merchant vessel today and make sure they were obeying Covian tax and licencing laws. (I hasten to add that during my whole stay I did not see the Guardsman you placed in charge of the province at all, and many do take advantage of our military and administrative absence!) Nonetheless undeterred from my work in rectifying the latter, I enclose a further EIGHT HUNDRED shillings for treasury, most of which was gained with minimal coercion. Details for formal records below. I shall make WEEKLY visits henceforth, in order to collect what rightfully belongs to me you Cove.

Many, excited by the new rule did comply with gusto. No doubt inspired to fiscal loyalty by your magnificence.







As in Cove, people do flout the licencing laws, but they will learn.



Though some do heed our laws already!



But none high or low are above the law!




Quite literally!



I believe this will be a profitable conquest, My Lord.



P.S.

A scoundrel who introduced himself as Jassi Cowin attempted to mock this honourable office by trying to pay his land tax with a table. I formally request his file dating back to as far as it goes to check for 'discrepancies'.



SIGNED
Graves
*seal of Bailiff's office'



 

High Office of Lord Octiovus,

I am responding to your public call for a staffed Bailiff. I am Covian by birth and recently return after many years travelling. In this time I have acquired many of the skills I would judge are suitable for a role such as this: both the civil and uncivil. I am also adept at a variety of other tasks that others may consider below the line of their conscience, and those which are better left secret.

Should you wish to meet to discuss my proposal, I am available to interview at your leisure. Your men or raven can find me within the city walls, at the Inn closest to the gates.

My humble regards,

Crowley Graves