Digging for Diamonds

[Random_White_Guy]

Digging for Diamonds
An economic and social experiment
By Ruital ibn-Kharim

A Caravaneer Company (Outringer: Ring Running Company, Awoken: Mercenary Company) at the core is a driving force of employment, opportunity, and possibility. To the Refugee and wandering for hire talent it serves as a force of employment. For those in need of aid or undertaking it serves as a vessel of opportunity to enforce their will in a variety of form. And when those two things converge it creates a possibility in which a litany of outcomes grow to fruition.

Herein I will be documenting my works among the Caravaneer community as well as my steps towards the creation of one of my very own.

I - The Family Business
II - The Five Stages of Caravaneers
III - Case Study: Recluta Flint Warrens
IV - Case Study: Evarielle Daughter of Finarrim Nerdolwe

[Random_White_Guy]

The Family Business

Of My Father, Kharim, his works in Baz'eel were born out of necessity rather than anything else. Challenged by his father he took the wealth that was left to him in the will and purchased a fleet of Camels.  For a time this was his livelihood. Hiring those who could tend and handle beast, those who could aid him in breeding beast, those who could aid him in diversifying his investments, and more.

While the glamor of Ash-sails was robust, the cost too high if one crashed in Ash Storm or otherwise. Equally the overhead is immense. So he took the alternative strategy. He would guarantee cargo at a potential massive loss to his profits. Knowing that it is the relationships of business, rather than the business itself, that builds futures.

And using this practice while he did not find the greatest wealth, he did find a steady flow of income. This allowed him to diversify such robustly. It was learned that a freight-camel was different from a racing camel, and if one had stock of stud for both the business would exponentially grow. If he lost money on his racing camels, his freight camels would profit. If he lost a freight camel in the wastes or a shipment he would cover it by forgiving the gambling debt of his business partners.

Over a number of decades these practices would expand to the point of realization that as Ring Runners made their way to the Golden City a preponderance of them were absolutely exhausted. The promise of risking life and limb on a wish had taken them a great many rings, but upon reaching the 52nd, the oasis that is Baz'eel? Finally securing the Keystone that would grant them access to its massive walls? Paradise awaited.

But for some paradise is enough to stop their arduous risks and journey. Some Ring Runners would turn around and run cargo for my Father back to the Out-Rings. Some Ring Runners seeing the opportunity would remain among the Desert and indulge in the fruits of a great many labors by Baz'eel's success and flourishings.

These would become the new commodity. The Caravaneer. Those who have tested themselves relentlessly in battle to survive all odds, to become Citizens of Baz'eel, to become inspirations to those of the Out Rings...Father's thought was "Well, if I could secure even one Company of them? My Caravans would be even more safe and secured."

His business would be even more appealing to his clients. And the envy of his competitors would allow him to buy out their business. Those who had battled or tricked literal Dragon to reach the Great Ash Desert. Those who had bound with one another through unrelenting contest and challenges. They would arrive to Baz'eel ripe for the recruiting. If one had an offer tantalizing enough.

And in no small part? This, dear reader. This is why I have come to Ephia's Well.

Many say it is the Waters that flow which Baz'eel covets. Many say it is the splendor of the Great Experiment. Myself? I say it is the Refugee. The greatest Resource that Ephia holds. And if one can sift through the camel-dung and find a few diamonds?

Why, that, that would be a most successful experiment indeed. Herein my notes and study for this unique thesis:

Does Ephia's Well have the potential?

That if given proper teaching from a Scholar of Izdu of robust fortune, to create and fincance a Caravaneer Company. Not just one that may turn a profit, secure juicy contract, or ply its grim trade on the robust teet of the Palatial Treasury.

But one worth securing Citizenship in the Golden City of Baz'eel.

Time, no small effort, and considerable fortune shall tell. Herein shall be my thoughts, records, and process towards this lofty endeavor.

[Random_White_Guy]

The Five Stages of Caravaneers

The experiment began as most do: In enjoying a fine falafel, a bit of wine, and a creme brule while observing the situation around me in Ephia's Well. These Caravaneers of potential talent and robust inspiration beginning to ply their trades. The pipeline sits as such:

Stage 1: Courier - Rarely if ever targeted for Enlistment - "Look at my free Orange Scarf"

Though the Silver Skink has made a lasting career of it, the most common Caravaneer work is done on behalf of the government of Ephia's Well. Courier work for the scribes to the legion, for the Leagues, the Banda Rossa, the Astronomers, and otherwise.  A racing from the Pyramid to the Garrison to the Souk and beyond as they quickly learn the lay of the land as well as the potential employment opportunities.

Primarily this only takes a matter of hours however, before they move onto the next stage.

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Stage 2: Hasheema's Hope and The Office of Minor Nuisances - Tier 0 Enlistments - "Making your Bones"

Of this stage the Caravaneer matriculates to a handler of minor nuisance. This includes a number of remedial tasks such as pest extermination, worm-hunting, dispatching of goblin or other modest pest, ravenous moths, and other nuisance. It is the first taste of wealth as one begins to accumulate a litany of Equipment of the Junk Aspect. Working in the Upper Gutters, respite in Hasheemas, liberating from the Charity Chest, and more.

Though at times some deviate in their first fork towards Enlistment at this point, others take a longer route in pursuing additional smaller contracts. The occasional work for a Goat-Herder, descent into the Lower Gutters braving their taste of truly lucrative contract, and otherwise.

Their early fortune are spent on equipment that is substance over style but the rare few shall endeavor to create a "Bespoke Image" in their first tastings of success. A certain style of armor, a certain dye, a certain flavor to make them showcase plumage to other potential boardworkers.

The wildly ambitious will set eyes upon the Ashways, where a number of amateur Caravaneers can make a good fortune if they're patient and cunning enough to make the journey while other, more docile sellsword, remain Ephia focused.

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Stage 3: The Upper Board - Tier 1 Enlistment, "The Pursuit of Voice and Vials"

This is the first time one may consider themselves a "Professional" Caravaneer. Selection for upperboard work is often a matter of first come, first serve, and so long as one is at least moderately skilled they may find weight as a proverbial "Carry" as a spare wagon wheel on a more polished four or five individual outfit. Friendships that were forged in the Gutters begin to see armor more polished, heavier weapons, finer shields, and further. As one begins to save dinar for Vials for further board work or the lauded Voiced of Ephia's Well. True Citizenship in the eyes of the Law.

Of the Perpendicular path this is often when the majority of Caravaneers make the grand decision to find themselves among Tier 1 Enlistments. Here you shall find the Recluta, The Janissary Soldier, the Scholar of Sandstone, The Nadiri, the Scribe, and other "Professions" that moonlight as Caravaneers taking contracts. Supplemental income for their agenda and works of the Accord, morale and team building exercise, and more.

It is worth noting that more often than not majority of Caravaneers who embark into the Accord have done so because they had predetermined their path. Refugees saved by the Rose often gravitate towards their ranks, those who are non-awakened. The Awoken who find themselves stumbling through the desert will make their way with the Sultan's Janissaries in mind taking to the teachings of the Wroth and otherwise.

It can be a difficult thing to deviate them from this path, especially once they find themselves enlisted in the pursuit of a course they believe is their predetermined path. It is not impossible of course but that can be an obstacle to overcome.

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Stage 4: The Lower Board, Tier 2 Enlistment - "I can handle this for you but I'll need one other"

Among the most professional Caravaneer however is the Lower Board Worker. Those seasoned professionals who, like a fine falafel, have been forged in the boiling grease of strife and emerged with a delectable golden flakey brown shell that makes them desirable to all. The Officers of the Accord will actively court and seek to recruit Stage 4 Caravaneers, offering them sweeteners to embrace Tier 2 Enlistment rather than continuing on their independent paths.

Here you shall hear tales shared around ale of the dreaded Scorpionoid, those who have traveled to the farthest reaches of the Tlonssiya to battle the bastard spawn of dreaded Dalzoc, and otherwise contracts that begin to merge the realm of fantasy and reality. It separates the hobbyist from the Professional and the first chosen for work when the Accord Officers take their underlings on mission or patrol.

At times simply a means to make their work for the Accord easier, at times an incendiary attempt to insidiously suggest that the unit has robust cohesion, a showcase of how much money and logistical support may be won if the Lower Board Worker partakes of Tier 2 Enlistment, ando therwise.

However those rare few who remain independent can often find lucrative careers in the Leagues of Ephia's Well, find them Titled by the Pyramid as employee of the Voiced, and otherwise organization of private citizenry.

They will, if bored enough or deign it worth their time, consider an Upper Board work but likely only if it is a Priority Contract or Relaxed to meet new hands in the Caravaneering Game.

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Stage 5: The Lower Board Veteran - "Your concerns are beneath me"

By the time the Caravaneer matriculates to Stage Five, from the view of the Accord they are terminal and unlikely to partake of even their most ardent recruitment efforts. There are of course exceptions to be made but by the time one reaches such a stage of Caravaneer work? After months of strife, fortunes made and lost, bespoke outfits, numerous potion satchel expanders secured, and more...at a certain point it stops being cost effective for the Accord to attempt their recruitment.

These Boardworkers are the Cream of the Crop indulging in the farthest off challenges for the highest priority contracts rarely if ever willing to even get out of their bunk if the Contract isn't written in priority Gold Ink. If they are not aspiring to a Legatine Toga they are involved with or enforcers of the Voiced who either have high aspirations of politics or they themselves have joined the Accord.

There are few challenges beyond their scope and the odds of recruiting them for anything that is not on their most explicit terms - often having Dinar in excess of 20,000 on their person, is a futile gesture for all parties involved. For they are saving up for a Fourth Circle Wand, a premium piece of Auction equipment, or otherwise that your small job holds little care or interest in.

They are the best of the best, expect to be treated as such, and will tolerate very little. The Great Ash is their oyster.

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In examining the culture of the Refugee to Caravaneer Pipeline, along with the perpendicular Accord Enlistment Tiers, we begin to see painted a rather plainly painted picture.

A picture which, with the proper brush, might potentially serve as a more robust guide to the larger mosaic.

[Random_White_Guy]

Case Study: Recluta Flint Warrens

One of my first encounters with the Caravaneers of Ephia's Well came upon my third day in the Outpost. I found myself bound for the Ramieton Fashion Show and new to the region I was bereft of guide and escort. For the meager sum of 600 Dinar was the Recluta eager and willing to lend me his rare blade and expertise, escorting me with alacrity and safety across the Great Ash Desert.

During the fashion show he gave sage counsel to avoid the Raiders Knud and Ivar, was kind enough to give me information and details of gossip on the proverbial "Who's who" of the fashion show without charging me increased sums, and above all? He ensured my safety as the Accord began a bloody and brutal conflict across the Great Ash Desert in pursuit of the Raiders on the journey back to Ephia.

He, Scribe Amani, and I spent a pleasant afternoon in this foreign outpost with far less security than Ephia's Well. Not at a moment did I find myself ill at ease, he blended well into the background of business, but was ever watchful. I returned safely and with quite a few fine pieces to show for my time, even winning prize in the Fashion Contest.

What would begin as a first contract would grow into a further appreciation of his professionalism. From his boardwork tales, his successes, his previous workings for Legate Lujayn as Advisor within the Palatial Pyramid, and more. The more I inquired into his business and his past in tandem did I find myself further impressed by his accomplishments. A Recluta no less, not even a Balestriere, who had performed a robust series of feats.

At the time matters of the City were slow from the post-war prosperity. A time which famously do Soldier and Caravaneer alike tend to grow restless. Capitalizing upon such I also noted the absence of the Condottiero Russeau who was away on contract. Coupled with the absence of Balestriere I found myself in a uniquely rare position.

This talented Mercenary, plying his trade, of such reputation and multifaceted possibility. He would be the first I explain my intention and extend my plan towards. An offer to leave La Banda Rossa and with security of finance and more lay the groundwork for a fledgling Caravaneer Company. One in which he would be able to not only ply his bladework but also his advisory efforts and more. Serving not only as a recruit, nor as an Officer, as a Commander in his own right.

While he would politely decline, flattered by the invitation, he professionally recommend some possible alternatives who could have served in tandem to any other recruits I may be considering. The notion that he could offer a more cerebral counterbalance to the more greed-favoring sellswords would have been a fine thing to weigh on the scales.

As after all, those who will kill for Dinar are not uncommon. Those who can kill for Dinar while holding Court with a Legate while plying the trade of the Board and more? He became a sort of litmus test by which I would gauge all other potential candidates.

While there have been a few more of potential I have spoken with at length, none have yet caught the eye enough to make an offer anew. All are either presently entangled on contract with the Sultan's Janissary, the Tower of Q'tolip, The Scribes, or the Cinquefoil Rose.

It gives this experiment a degree of hope however - that indeed, it is very possible, to find a suitable candidate to begin field tests in earnest.

Provided of course they are not otherwise entangled.

[Random_White_Guy]

Case Study:
Evarielle
Daughter of Finarrim Nerdolwe, Waterbearer of B'aara, Prelate of Ephia's Well

Among the many individuals met in Ephia's Well in all walks of life among the Caravaneer there is one who stands out. Evarielle, Daugher of Finarrim Nerdolwe stands out. A Waterbearer of Mother B'aara and Prelate of Ephia's Well she has a tight connection with the Legate Vellyn Lhyrian. My introduction to the Prelate however comes not from works of Politics, but of Faith. I came first to meet her with a sale to me of a masterwork scalpel, healer's tools to aid in my physicians works. She charitably offered one at a fair price after my Plaza Field-Surgery.

Since our acquaintance however I have had opportunity to observe her works, large and small, and glean insights. Primarily because she is the single wealthiest individual in Ephia's well that I have met in terms of raw liquidity. Play on words of her works of B'aara aside. And when one sees such thriving wealth one can't help but take notice. In studying her methods to tending her means it has lent some insight into the Caravaneer.

Firstly of course her partnership with the Legate Vellyn. When one has a dedicated partner, wealth flows with ease. It became abundantly clear that of the duo she serves as "Treasurer' attending and tending matters both mercantile and management of ledger. Our second encounter came in the sale of a great deal of Adventuring surplus - primarily from the workings of the Lower Board. Rare and exotic pieces acquired by both she and Legate Lyhrain. These funds in turn a portion of given to the Legate to maintain their lovely Tower, Lhyrain's Gossip & Esoterica within the private outskirts opposite the Sandstone College.

Above all though their largest generation of wealth is not their combined Wages of Legate and Prelate, nor their sale of surplus, it is in fact their pursuit of Boardwork. Alongside fellow gold league member and Candidate for the Illul Election, Scribe Amani al-Ibrahim. With a solid trio they are able to handle most any Contract laid upon the boardwork. Using the remain spaces for the offering of such to friends and potential business partners who seek to profit on their undertakings. Furthermore having three individuals unified on a Contract lends to a degree of professional mitigation of risk.

In the case of mitigating risk to self having such a trio allows them a firm foundation on which to be familiar with strength and weakness. Coupled with the added bonus of the Caravaneer's habit. When any specifically splendid piece of treasure is found there are "Stakes" lain, keeping an eye out for anything of particular want. When two of these wants are contested there enters a game not unlike Buster Grimes' nines. Among Ring Runners it was Nines that were favored, among the Awoken it was typically the Six-sided dice. Thus consider the following scenario.

The Nerdolwe Method, Example: Magical Bag

A relic that many would often wish, let us say - A bag of Minor Holding. Such a magical bag to alleviate the weight of one's treasure, traveling supply, or otherwise. Let us say Legate, Prelate, and Scribe are attending boardwork away from their political duty. They have brought with them companion A, B, and C to assist them in boardwork.

When the Magic Bag is placed during the sorting of equipment, Companion C is swift to shout he wishes to lay claim to the artifact. The Trio insist that a moment is kept to allow the finishing of sorting out one's equipment. Companion C sighs but acquiesces. Once the conclusion of sorting is completed it is announced by Companion B that they have no interest in the piece, already having one such bag. Companion D has far more need of potions. Utilizing the implied probability of the Nerdolwe Method one begins to see the beauty of such a well crafted design.

The Legate, The Prelate, and the Scribe all stake their claim as does Companion C. It is suggested that one "Rolls" for the treasure. As the Rolls lay out it is unfortunate that the Scribe rolls a 1, the Prelate rolls a 5, Companion C an 8, and the Legate at 9.

The Legate is victorious claiming the magical bag. All then take their equal share of further pieces. The Legate, Prelate and Scribe from their experience and Palatial Wages having little interest in potions, graciously offering them to Companion D who graciously accepts. The Legate and Scribe then collect additional magical pieces. The Contract is turned in, and dinar is secured.

It is at this time the additional pieces acquired by the Scribe and Legate are given to the Prelate for Liquidation. Including most importantly the Magical Bag secured from the Champion. This as well is an asset secured. The result of which they had three rollers for. As opposed to the singular Companion brought along who may have contested such as the other two were disinterested. Given to the Prelate for further fortune.

These pieces are then liquidated by the Prelate, resulting in:

- Wage Payment for all three individuals by the Palatial Pyramid (Legate, Prelate, and Scribe Wages. See Scholar Jamileh Attar's spreadsheets for exact wage payment.)
- Contract Payment, raised if Priority
- Gold found on the Contract from beasts and piles.
- Magical Pieces from the Contract (Liquidation)
- The Magical Bag, highly valued by Forgemaster Finn Drogue at 2,500 dinar market value.

Subsequently by stacking the proverbial deck using the Nerdolwe method they have secured conservatively overy 3,400 dinar from a single Contract, increased if Priority.

The cadre's treasury growing considerable compared to independent operator.

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It is with the likes of the Nerdolwe Method one can easily begin to see how an organized and experienced outfit of Caravaneers can make lucrative sums of Dinar through simple coordination and organizational cooperation. Amplify this with supplementary income from the Pyramid as well as diversified investments and you can begin to paint with even the broadest strokes a means by which one shall make a considerable sum of dinar for any enterprise.

It is in the spirit of this, and other Caravaneer efforts, I continue my search for suitable candidates for my Caravaneering Company. As the ideal number is three, and then mineself, and two others it would permit the handling of most any Contract. Provided of course the Three are suitably up to snuff and trained, supplemented by my fieldworks, and two companions of use.

Then of course as recruitment improves a minimum of 3 may employ the Nerdolwe Method while I tend other business.

[Random_White_Guy]

Case Study:
Temptation
To coax the Recruit

Though Knud Skargrimsson hailed from Frost Port and secured himself a robust fortune and infamy as a bandit, the Soldier Knud Skargrimsson of the Sultan's Fourth Legion is a dynamic case study in the difficulties of undertaking. For the temptation and allure of the Eagle's Banner is a difficult thing to contend with, not unlike the daunting La Banda Rossa.

In the wake of his overwhelming victory over the Cinquefoil Rose it was at the very next Assembly that Sergeant Hanson Gilbracht's gambit came to fruition. The Raider's favored son, Priest of the Protector and Agaslakku, would don the Sultan's Greens and bring forth his massive and flaming axe upon any and all who would contest the Sultan's Law. Recruiting such a raw and unmitigated force and placing such at the of power at the Legion's disposal they would go on to see much done.

As an independent outfit however it was another example of an opportunity that failed to come to fruition. No amount of invested Dinar, no amount of past efforts, no amount of much at all could sway these actions from occurring. That is not to say it is a matter of illogical jealous or emotion, merely coldest fact in Izdu's harshest light: My offering paled compared to the Legion. As such to the Victor go the Spoils.

Since this incident however I have found myself time and again wondering what exactly it is that would be required for an independent outfit to flourish. Wages paid is certainly a welcome boon, Barracks and Bunk, Meals and more. A few fledgling barracks were taken in the Tablet of Ephia's Well but even those blank canvas were not enough to tempt the Mercenary minded into signing with my undertaking. Offers of Baz'eelan Citizenship, falling on perhaps deaf ears, for them Baz'eel is such a foreign notion.

Of La Banda Rossa it is simple - Men such as Rashid Carver, Flint Warrens, and others crave the successful company's profit. A stable contract to defend the Krak de Rose, Accord ties to Governance, and beyond. It matters little that the Recluta's life upon the front lines shall be forfeit. Many are eager to enlist as a chance to supplement their boardwork, fatten their purse, and join a company of such repute as to not take shit from anyone.

Of the Sultan's Fourth Legion it is equally simple - Power is a natural allure to any sellsword. The Sultan's Fourth despite their past misfortunes remain a constant presence in political and daily life. Enforcement of the Law and patrols is a small price for a steady wage and military training. Coupled with the opportunity for extra curricular funding such as plush patrols in Palm Heights, the Souk, and otherwise compared to the poor bastards stuck out in the front.

Of the Exile's Tower it is even more simple - Magicians crave both solitude and like minds. A ladder they may climb. A Deeply hierarchical structure in which they may in due time advance to lord over others. Access to premiere research, equipment for their craft, laboratory space, and more. Such can be a robust obstacle for an independent operation to overcome. Especially if Magical talent in said operation is sparse.

Of an Independent outfit the question then becomes what niche may be carved? The amount of those who partake of boardwork is not scant at all. Nor is the desire for one to find way to Voice, or other organizational groundwork. Even before his time in the Legion, Knud and his brother Ivar were able to assemble no shortage of motley band from the dregs and drudges of The Creep merely on the opportunity to carve their way through Board contracts or to face down the Cinquefoil or Legion and steal their cloaks.

Of a law abiding outfit however it casts a different lien. The Deep Delvers, of which now Garen Lindwood has rose to high fame, were able through their unifying interests in Archaeological pursuits to carve themselves a workable niche. That is of course until descending into the Depths became an outlawed endeavor and they were forced to pivot moreso towards Formoria and other offered pursuit.

Taking all of these factors into account the question then becomes what could someone such as Knud have been offered? To remain free of the burden of Legal Patrol and more? To be able to lead men as he craved on bigger and broader adventure?

Of immediate assets at disposal one must of course consider:

Asset Evaluation

- Caravan Routes shall never be a factor into Employee Wage, provided they are content to travel with myself or another gifted in the craft.

- The organization of Contract will be handled by myself and others who specialize in such freeing the rank and file to merely pursue their boardwork and report to their commanding officer (or plural as the company grows)

- Financing overheads, required equipment, and Loans of assets can easily be secured or arranged through a robust network of client and contact from all walks of life. Provided of course repayment comes in due time or with interest.

- Unique bounty, such as the 12 Dinar offered for Gemstones, can potentially be raised for members of the Company who procure such pieces. Additional other Bounty may be considered should a Company Alchemist or Engineer be enlisted.

- Barracks, while negotiations are underway in a number of location and consideration. Location of such will of course set a tone. Two considerations are The Trade Hall of the Souk and an Office of Palm Heights, offering a degree of luxury and more than a mere Plaza villa.

- Reduced cost to premium Spirits and Imported Liquors, Mizzar, and more may sate the Sellsword's appettite. Further access if a Wizard or Red Vulture may be procured for quartermaster surplus of Magical Potion supply.

- Legal Representation as an accomplished Advocate. Though I cannot condone criminal activity that is not to say a discount upon my service may be arranged for those who partake of the Company.

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All this considered? It begins to paint a picture, but a few more pieces must still yet fall into place. Above all else? Sometimes the best recruitment of talent is done in live-fire.

...I may well once more have to don my Helmet and Goggles, and return to the Field.