Gilt-edged and elaborate, both inside and out, a building rests in a perpetual fog. Sunburst symbols adorn many faces of the church and there is a pervasive air of greed about the whole of the building. Spirits and living commingle, though the spirits seem to be of higher rank than many of the living.
This is Orzhova, the Church of Deals and home to the powerful Orzhov guild. On the second floor behind a door of gilded Basalt is the office of Teysa, leader of the guild.
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Never forget: there's always someone bigger, better and stronger than you.
Someone once asked me why, when I talk about House Dimir, I don't put the word "the" in front of it.
At the time, I had no answer, but it just came to me.
Do we put the word "the" in front of God?
Quote from Me »
Stupidity cannot be tolerated. Idiots thrive on the indulgence of society's "understanding."
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PUPPIES AND BUNNIES!!
A Storyteller is not a GM. A GM is God. God is one of the Storyteller's little minions.
Quote from Me »
Everything I say is fully substantiated by my own opinion.
As Mar gets closer to the church and the mist starts to form around him, he starts to walk at a slower pace, seeing no need to rush, for though time may be a valuable commodity, he is not currently short of it. Approaching the doors, Mar starts to look around for one who might aid in his task of seeking entrance to the ranks of the syndicate.
Where did he come from? I could swear he wasn't here a moment ago... Must not have been paying enough attention. Expression betraying no surprise to the dour man's arrival, Mar thought about his answer for a moment before calmly replying. "If you can aid me in joining the august institution whose main branch stands before us, then yes, you can." Gesturing towards the entrance to the Church of Deals, Mar asked a simple question. "Can, and, perhaps more importantly, will you provide this aid?"
The man sneered. "You Estarkians...you really think we just let any Tom, Dick and Harry join our ranks...we're a little more...selective here in Ravnica." He said, pacing slightly. "However..."
Why is it that everyone seems to associate current status with permanent status? Everyone starts somewhere. And what's with people arbitarily calling me friend? First that annoying shamam, now him.
Mar sighs, but waits for the dour man to finish his thought and his sentance.
"However, we have a few clients that have been...difficult, shall we say? If you can assist us in collecting on their debts, i'm sure i could put in a good word for you..."
"Difficult, you say? I believe that I can provide at least a modicum of assistance. I firmly believe that people should honor their debts."
Mar pauses for a moment before continuing.
"By the same token, I believe people should think carefully before taking on obligations; it is foolish to make no attempt at finding out what one is getting into. How many clients are being ... difficult, and what is the manner of their debt?"
"And I go by Mar."
Looking around the area, Mar continues, "If it's not too much trouble, would you provide me with both the needed authority and information to collect these debts?"
Aggron walks purposefully towards the opulent Orzhova church. He's had to ask a few people where to go, but he knows--or he thinks he knows--it's the Orzhov he needs to talk to. As he nears the church, he begins to see the sunburst symbols, and he smiles to himself. I was right.
Ignoring the obvious splendor and formality around him, Aggron heads directly into the building, looking for anyone knowledgeable to talk to.
Aggron doesn't have to wait long as a bald man in black and white robes wrinkles his nose in disgust at the sight of Aggron. Stepping forward and waving his arms like a mad man he hissed, "Be gone animal! Experiments of the Izzet are not welcomed here!"
IC:
<Animal?>
Aggron straightens slowly, rising to his newly-increased full height, his tail rising over his head so that he looks seven feet tall. 'm not an animal, fool. I'm as smart as you are--probably smarter--and I have an account here!> He thought for a moment. <Well, not here--in the bank sponsored by the Orzhov in Estark. But I believe I can get information about that account here, and I came to this establishment to do so.>
Making a mental note to find out exactly who the Izzet were and what they were up to, Aggron continues in full intimidate-mode. <Now if you will kindly get over your prejudice and take me to a clerk, I might forget how badly you insulted me.>
The robed man blinks for a moment as he mumbles, "It speaks..."
Noticing Aggron's full height, the man quickly recovers his composure and gestures for Aggron to follow saying, "Yes, of course you're here for business..."
Walking swiftly down a marble hallway decorated in a shifting pattern of black and white, the two find themselves before a large wooden double door. Reaching up to a metal knocker the cleric takes a moment before making two quick echoing knocks, waiting for someone to answer.
As the cleric's hand withdrew from the knocker, Aggron's eyes noticed a plaque covered in runes and symbols. A moment's concentration on the plaque was all that was needed for the simple enchantment to take hold translating the plaque, "Branch Communications."
Just as Aggron was wondering how long he would have to wait, the door with the knocker and plaque opened revealing a young male human. This one also had his head shaved but unlike the other his robe was entirely black with only a trim of white tracing an outline. He looked from the cleric to Aggron before asking, "Nature of your visit?"
The cleric that had guided Aggron simply gestured to him saying, "This ani-" he cut himself off glancing back at Aggron recalling their first encounter before correcting himself saying, "This loyal benefactor requires our services. I will leave him to you as he will gladly explain his needs with you, I am sure." Not waiting for acknowledgment the cleric left Aggron alone with the black robed man who simply lifted one eye brow in curiosity as he awaited Aggron's request.
<Oh yes, he'll remember me.> Aggron grinned to himself. <You don't call me an animal twice.>
He looks over at the new functionary. 's in Estark, and it's been quite some time since I checked it. I'm not sure how much I have in there, after interest.> He thought to himself for a moment. <And if there's enough, I might take out some gold and do some shopping here in Ravnica. Can you help me with those things?>
The man in black opens the door fully offering Aggron entrance as he says, "Of course we can accommodate such a request. After all we exist for that sole purpose, at least our branch does..." His voice trailed off as he recalled a distant memory.
The inside of the room was polished marble with flecks of black and white mixed in to please the eye. Motioning with one arm at a large black cushion in a corner of the room the clerk spoke saying, "I need you to wait under that chandelier while I ascertain your information and verify that you are indeed who you claim to be. This could take awhile so please wait and be patient while I work to facilitate your request."
With that the clerk walked behind the desks lining the room and sat down. There he pulled out a crystal ball, an iron bound chest, sheets of papyrus, along with a quill and ink. Laying a hand on the crystal ball the clerk set to work channeling mana causing it to glow a deep violet. With his other hand the clerk began scribbling occasionally on the papyrus with his quill.
Soon Aggron became aware of how empty the place felt with no one to keep him company while the clerk worked...
Looking through the records. Will try to have an update for you tonight or tomorrow morning.
-----
Took some time scouring the forums but I have your information. Below she is informing you that the next interest is about to be calculated. (7/31)
"Ah there we go!" exclaims the clerk as he pulls a contract out of the violet glowing crystal ball. Unfurling the contract, the clerk took a moment to review it while consulting the sheets of papyrus he had been scrawling on.
Motioning Aggron over he said, "After reviewing your account and verifying your identity I am happy to inform you that currently you have one hundred and four gold pieces available for withdrawal. Your account is currently in the middle of accruing interest, meaning that after the next calculation of interest you will have one hundred and seven gold pieces available for withdrawal."
The clerk looks into Aggron's eyes asking, "Is there anything else you need me to do for you? A withdrawal of gold from your account perhaps?" The clerks hand glided towards the iron bound chest on the desk, as if he were to pull out the gold at a moments notice.
OOC: Sorry to put you to all that trouble. I'd found some of the records and could have helped with it, but I didn't know there was a problem until after you were doing that.
IC:
Aggron opened his mouth, then closed it again, clearly thinking about whether to withdraw gold. In some combination of an effort to stall for time and plain curiosity, he asked, <So that's something I never understood. I keep my gold here where it's safe, with the Orzhov, and you pay me for that? I mean, where does the Orzhov get the money to pay all the people with accounts here?>
OOC: I'm still running calculations on his satchel; I needed that number before I could finish them. But now there is just one number, fortunately.
"It's simple really." Replied the clerk. "We use the gold stored within our vaults to invest in business opportunities. This allows us to make a great deal of money increasing all of our wealth. In return for storing your gold with us we provide a small bonus that is added to your account."
With a smile he says, "It's our way of saying thank you for entrusting your gold with us."
Then unfurling Aggron's contract that he had pulled out earlier he pointed to a small section saying, "All of this was of course laid out in your contract when you created an account with Greel's."
<I....see.> And as Aggron thought about it, he did see. <So, for instance, someone wants to go on a treasure-hunting expedition, but they need some huge amount--five thousand gold or something--to get started. They borrow it from you, on the condition that they return it by a certain time and pay some extra--say a thousand. Then they go and get ten thousand gold's worth of treasure; then they can repay you, plus the extra, and still make money. And they can borrow these kinds of amounts from you, because you have lots of people's gold here to lend.>
Aggron was thinking very fast now. <But it seems like you take some big risks here. I mean, I've heard of the Orzhov; if our treasure hunter took the ten thousand and ran, you'd catch him and drag him back by his eyelids. But what if he just doesn't find any treasure? Obviously you take care of him, but what happens to everyone whose gold is gone?>
OOC: Sorry, my major is economics and my minor is business. I couldn't resist
The clerk let out a loud cackle before explaining in a calm tone, "First we would never give out such a large loan for a high risk profit return. Instead we would do a far more reasonable loan. Our largest source of income is generated from many minor low risk loans with a high return rate."
Somberly he continues on saying, "Should we ever decide to actually take such a high risk opportunity, we ensure our investment; one way or the other..."
Then with a smile he explained, "In such ventures there as an additional contract that the person seeking a loan must sign. This contract is heavily infused with mana causing a powerful binding to the agreement. In short, if they fail to pay we are allowed to recover our losses by any means."
Glancing down at his hands he continues, "In some cases it can result in indentured service, of the body, soul, or both..."
Aggron blinks, then chuckles. <Oh, of course. I was forgetting; you're all black mages here too. Considering how much I can do with zombies, I imagine the entire guild coming up with ideas and magic has resulted in some excellent handling of spirits, the dead, that sort of thing.>
He looks at the clerk with new respect. <This is really a fascinating system in place here. I think I'm very happy I made an account here.> Aggron looks down at the strongbox, thinking, and then shakes his head. 'll let the Orzhov manage my money for a while. My own exploits lately have been basically treasure hunting, and I shouldn't take that sort of risk with my money.>
He straightens, preparing to leave. 'll try to make it up to you. I think I'll make a point of recommending this system to my friends.> He grins slightly. <Not borrowing, perhaps, but definitely saving. You can do much better work with money than I'd ever thought possible.>
Aggron began to turn, then paused in case the clerk had anything else to say.
This is Orzhova, the Church of Deals and home to the powerful Orzhov guild. On the second floor behind a door of gilded Basalt is the office of Teysa, leader of the guild.
Someone once asked me why, when I talk about House Dimir, I don't put the word "the" in front of it.
At the time, I had no answer, but it just came to me.
Do we put the word "the" in front of God? A Storyteller is not a GM. A GM is God. God is one of the Storyteller's little minions.
And thus do empires and settlements fall
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Expression betraying no surprise to the dour man's arrival, Mar thought about his answer for a moment before calmly replying. "If you can aid me in joining the august institution whose main branch stands before us, then yes, you can." Gesturing towards the entrance to the Church of Deals, Mar asked a simple question. "Can, and, perhaps more importantly, will you provide this aid?"
And thus do empires and settlements fall
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Mar sighs, but waits for the dour man to finish his thought and his sentance.
And thus do empires and settlements fall
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Mar pauses for a moment before continuing.
"By the same token, I believe people should think carefully before taking on obligations; it is foolish to make no attempt at finding out what one is getting into. How many clients are being ... difficult, and what is the manner of their debt?"
And thus do empires and settlements fall
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
And thus do empires and settlements fall
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Looking around the area, Mar continues, "If it's not too much trouble, would you provide me with both the needed authority and information to collect these debts?"
And thus do empires and settlements fall
OOC: Thread Up.
The creator of Maro's Magic 8-Ball!
Ignoring the obvious splendor and formality around him, Aggron heads directly into the building, looking for anyone knowledgeable to talk to.
IC:
<Animal?>
Aggron straightens slowly, rising to his newly-increased full height, his tail rising over his head so that he looks seven feet tall.
'm not an animal, fool. I'm as smart as you are--probably smarter--and I have an account here!> He thought for a moment. <Well, not here--in the bank sponsored by the Orzhov in Estark. But I believe I can get information about that account here, and I came to this establishment to do so.>
Making a mental note to find out exactly who the Izzet were and what they were up to, Aggron continues in full intimidate-mode. <Now if you will kindly get over your prejudice and take me to a clerk, I might forget how badly you insulted me.>
Noticing Aggron's full height, the man quickly recovers his composure and gestures for Aggron to follow saying, "Yes, of course you're here for business..."
Walking swiftly down a marble hallway decorated in a shifting pattern of black and white, the two find themselves before a large wooden double door. Reaching up to a metal knocker the cleric takes a moment before making two quick echoing knocks, waiting for someone to answer.
As the cleric's hand withdrew from the knocker, Aggron's eyes noticed a plaque covered in runes and symbols. A moment's concentration on the plaque was all that was needed for the simple enchantment to take hold translating the plaque, "Branch Communications."
Just as Aggron was wondering how long he would have to wait, the door with the knocker and plaque opened revealing a young male human. This one also had his head shaved but unlike the other his robe was entirely black with only a trim of white tracing an outline. He looked from the cleric to Aggron before asking, "Nature of your visit?"
The cleric that had guided Aggron simply gestured to him saying, "This ani-" he cut himself off glancing back at Aggron recalling their first encounter before correcting himself saying, "This loyal benefactor requires our services. I will leave him to you as he will gladly explain his needs with you, I am sure." Not waiting for acknowledgment the cleric left Aggron alone with the black robed man who simply lifted one eye brow in curiosity as he awaited Aggron's request.
He looks over at the new functionary. 's in Estark, and it's been quite some time since I checked it. I'm not sure how much I have in there, after interest.> He thought to himself for a moment. <And if there's enough, I might take out some gold and do some shopping here in Ravnica. Can you help me with those things?>
<Oh, the name's Aggron.>
The inside of the room was polished marble with flecks of black and white mixed in to please the eye. Motioning with one arm at a large black cushion in a corner of the room the clerk spoke saying, "I need you to wait under that chandelier while I ascertain your information and verify that you are indeed who you claim to be. This could take awhile so please wait and be patient while I work to facilitate your request."
With that the clerk walked behind the desks lining the room and sat down. There he pulled out a crystal ball, an iron bound chest, sheets of papyrus, along with a quill and ink. Laying a hand on the crystal ball the clerk set to work channeling mana causing it to glow a deep violet. With his other hand the clerk began scribbling occasionally on the papyrus with his quill.
Soon Aggron became aware of how empty the place felt with no one to keep him company while the clerk worked...
-----
Took some time scouring the forums but I have your information. Below she is informing you that the next interest is about to be calculated. (7/31)
"Ah there we go!" exclaims the clerk as he pulls a contract out of the violet glowing crystal ball. Unfurling the contract, the clerk took a moment to review it while consulting the sheets of papyrus he had been scrawling on.
Motioning Aggron over he said, "After reviewing your account and verifying your identity I am happy to inform you that currently you have one hundred and four gold pieces available for withdrawal. Your account is currently in the middle of accruing interest, meaning that after the next calculation of interest you will have one hundred and seven gold pieces available for withdrawal."
The clerk looks into Aggron's eyes asking, "Is there anything else you need me to do for you? A withdrawal of gold from your account perhaps?" The clerks hand glided towards the iron bound chest on the desk, as if he were to pull out the gold at a moments notice.
IC:
Aggron opened his mouth, then closed it again, clearly thinking about whether to withdraw gold. In some combination of an effort to stall for time and plain curiosity, he asked, <So that's something I never understood. I keep my gold here where it's safe, with the Orzhov, and you pay me for that? I mean, where does the Orzhov get the money to pay all the people with accounts here?>
OOC: I'm still running calculations on his satchel; I needed that number before I could finish them. But now there is just one number, fortunately.
With a smile he says, "It's our way of saying thank you for entrusting your gold with us."
Then unfurling Aggron's contract that he had pulled out earlier he pointed to a small section saying, "All of this was of course laid out in your contract when you created an account with Greel's."
Aggron was thinking very fast now. <But it seems like you take some big risks here. I mean, I've heard of the Orzhov; if our treasure hunter took the ten thousand and ran, you'd catch him and drag him back by his eyelids. But what if he just doesn't find any treasure? Obviously you take care of him, but what happens to everyone whose gold is gone?>
OOC: Sorry, my major is economics and my minor is business. I couldn't resist
Somberly he continues on saying, "Should we ever decide to actually take such a high risk opportunity, we ensure our investment; one way or the other..."
Then with a smile he explained, "In such ventures there as an additional contract that the person seeking a loan must sign. This contract is heavily infused with mana causing a powerful binding to the agreement. In short, if they fail to pay we are allowed to recover our losses by any means."
Glancing down at his hands he continues, "In some cases it can result in indentured service, of the body, soul, or both..."
He looks at the clerk with new respect. <This is really a fascinating system in place here. I think I'm very happy I made an account here.> Aggron looks down at the strongbox, thinking, and then shakes his head. 'll let the Orzhov manage my money for a while. My own exploits lately have been basically treasure hunting, and I shouldn't take that sort of risk with my money.>
He straightens, preparing to leave. 'll try to make it up to you. I think I'll make a point of recommending this system to my friends.> He grins slightly. <Not borrowing, perhaps, but definitely saving. You can do much better work with money than I'd ever thought possible.>
Aggron began to turn, then paused in case the clerk had anything else to say.