The Syndicate
-
*Darkrob
- Posts: 1097
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
(((After speaking with other members in game and knowing how they intended to vote, IÂ’ll move on from this to other matters)))
Charles notes the current votes and ensures the rest have voted as well. Seeing that the majority voted yes, a count of eight to five, he concludes the vote.
“Welcome to the table, Miss Kendt. As explained to all of our members, how you advertise your membership, if at all, is up to you. Only your new family,” he motions to those present, “need know if that is how you wish to maintain things.”
He stands and walks over to her and leads her to her chair. A small oath of loyalty to the Syndicate is spoken and she is given a ring, a fairly plain looking ring but obviously enchanted, upon completion of the oath. There is no applause and there are no cheers or toasts. It is simply business as usual. Once she has seated herself, he returns to his chair to continue business.
“I’m sure many of you are aware of the new movements by the Takers and the Mercykillers in regards to the apprehending and incarceration of those who cannot pay their owed taxes or debts. It’s an unfortunate situation many find themselves in… but a perfect opportunity for us to expand our influence in the city above. You see there are public records of who owes what when it comes to amounts of over 500 jink. Generally these are from property taxes owed on large properties or business that have, shall we say, fallen on hard times. Where I come from, and being from a family of wealthy merchants and barons, we had a system whereby a debt could be transferred from one individual to another… to prevent shipments being lost or suppliers being forced to close, a type of loan if you will. What I propose is for the Syndicate to send representatives to the city above to visit the courts and find as many of these major debt holders as possible. Remind them of the coming Mercykiller collectors… and convince them to transfer their debt to us. We will ensure they do not go to prison. In return… we put a lien on their property until they repay the debt transfer plus a small amount of monthly interest. If they lose their property either through sale or from lack of further payments, their property reverts to our possession, legally. Until then… no repayments to us need be made but their interest will grow should they opt out of repaying us in a timely manner. They are then free to continue their lives, free from Mercykiller threat. Now… what happens to their businesses after that, say an irreversible drop of clients, hard times due to other unfortunate circumstances… whatever… well… it happens. Their property transfers to us if they default further. Either way, for a series of small investments we secure the future of the Syndicate, as a power and not just a group of individuals, in Sigil… and position ourselves in an even greater area of influence… and all the while staying within the legality of the Law system above.”
He takes a sip of his drink and awaits responses
Charles notes the current votes and ensures the rest have voted as well. Seeing that the majority voted yes, a count of eight to five, he concludes the vote.
“Welcome to the table, Miss Kendt. As explained to all of our members, how you advertise your membership, if at all, is up to you. Only your new family,” he motions to those present, “need know if that is how you wish to maintain things.”
He stands and walks over to her and leads her to her chair. A small oath of loyalty to the Syndicate is spoken and she is given a ring, a fairly plain looking ring but obviously enchanted, upon completion of the oath. There is no applause and there are no cheers or toasts. It is simply business as usual. Once she has seated herself, he returns to his chair to continue business.
“I’m sure many of you are aware of the new movements by the Takers and the Mercykillers in regards to the apprehending and incarceration of those who cannot pay their owed taxes or debts. It’s an unfortunate situation many find themselves in… but a perfect opportunity for us to expand our influence in the city above. You see there are public records of who owes what when it comes to amounts of over 500 jink. Generally these are from property taxes owed on large properties or business that have, shall we say, fallen on hard times. Where I come from, and being from a family of wealthy merchants and barons, we had a system whereby a debt could be transferred from one individual to another… to prevent shipments being lost or suppliers being forced to close, a type of loan if you will. What I propose is for the Syndicate to send representatives to the city above to visit the courts and find as many of these major debt holders as possible. Remind them of the coming Mercykiller collectors… and convince them to transfer their debt to us. We will ensure they do not go to prison. In return… we put a lien on their property until they repay the debt transfer plus a small amount of monthly interest. If they lose their property either through sale or from lack of further payments, their property reverts to our possession, legally. Until then… no repayments to us need be made but their interest will grow should they opt out of repaying us in a timely manner. They are then free to continue their lives, free from Mercykiller threat. Now… what happens to their businesses after that, say an irreversible drop of clients, hard times due to other unfortunate circumstances… whatever… well… it happens. Their property transfers to us if they default further. Either way, for a series of small investments we secure the future of the Syndicate, as a power and not just a group of individuals, in Sigil… and position ourselves in an even greater area of influence… and all the while staying within the legality of the Law system above.”
He takes a sip of his drink and awaits responses
-
*MirielKanan
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
*Emeraldin leans forward once more.*
This opportunity practically fell into our laps. It would be a great benefit to The Syndicate to do this. We would be doing a public service and while most here do not much care for those topside I am sure they can see that more jink coming in does nothing but aid the community.
The only hitch we may run into is the poor being taxed. While we are surely not obligated to aid every two bit beggar and jinkskirt. We obviously can not help those who have no means to help themselves, but it might not work in our favor if we simply turned away all those without a property to lien. Rumor may begin to fly that we are attempting to buy out all of Sigil.
My solution to putting us into a favorable light in that matter is to perhaps offer employment to those who are able. Turn them into informants. You'd be amazed at what people will say in front of a drunken beggar or in the bed chambers of a hostel. We pay off their debts and in exchange they offer us X years of service and information. The date to be determined by the amount of their debt.
Likewise if the debt is too high we can ask for a certain amount of collateral, something of value. How they come by such collateral is not our concern or even our place to ask. Should they refuse, it would look more favorably on us if we refused.
*She sits back allowing people to absorb this and to respond.*
This opportunity practically fell into our laps. It would be a great benefit to The Syndicate to do this. We would be doing a public service and while most here do not much care for those topside I am sure they can see that more jink coming in does nothing but aid the community.
The only hitch we may run into is the poor being taxed. While we are surely not obligated to aid every two bit beggar and jinkskirt. We obviously can not help those who have no means to help themselves, but it might not work in our favor if we simply turned away all those without a property to lien. Rumor may begin to fly that we are attempting to buy out all of Sigil.
My solution to putting us into a favorable light in that matter is to perhaps offer employment to those who are able. Turn them into informants. You'd be amazed at what people will say in front of a drunken beggar or in the bed chambers of a hostel. We pay off their debts and in exchange they offer us X years of service and information. The date to be determined by the amount of their debt.
Likewise if the debt is too high we can ask for a certain amount of collateral, something of value. How they come by such collateral is not our concern or even our place to ask. Should they refuse, it would look more favorably on us if we refused.
*She sits back allowing people to absorb this and to respond.*
-
*Midnight
- Posts: 870
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Annia follows the procedures and swears the oath without ant complication. Once the next item of business is discussed she sits there as if day dreaming itÂ’s hard to tell if she has been paying attention. When she gets a chance to speak it turns out that she has.
"First of all I'd like to thank you all for your very reasonable decision, and I am pleased we are moving with business so swiftly. The idea is a sound one but I feel we can do more. What of those already in the new debtorÂ’s prison. I am sure they would prove motivated sellers, grateful for someone to step in and buy their failing businesses for them."
"There are then those who are in debt and have nothing to sell but their possessions and their homes."
"We could help them as well, if we were to buy those homes, now I understand our motives are of course to help the plight of the poor and we do not do this by making them homeless, so we could allow them to rent their houses back from us at a reasonable sum, and in doing so secure ourselves a continual source of income to fund further good works. As well as a network of grateful tenants whose aid we could no doubt enlist in carrying these good works out."
"First of all I'd like to thank you all for your very reasonable decision, and I am pleased we are moving with business so swiftly. The idea is a sound one but I feel we can do more. What of those already in the new debtorÂ’s prison. I am sure they would prove motivated sellers, grateful for someone to step in and buy their failing businesses for them."
"There are then those who are in debt and have nothing to sell but their possessions and their homes."
"We could help them as well, if we were to buy those homes, now I understand our motives are of course to help the plight of the poor and we do not do this by making them homeless, so we could allow them to rent their houses back from us at a reasonable sum, and in doing so secure ourselves a continual source of income to fund further good works. As well as a network of grateful tenants whose aid we could no doubt enlist in carrying these good works out."
-
*Cenpuppie
- Posts: 207
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Shania leans forward in her seat
In other words, you want to become a loan shark for those indebted to the Takers? Great idea if what i am hearing is correct. If we agree with this, then i recommend that we look for any debts owed by anyone that belongs to a faction, the higher up the better. Focus on them first. It would put a factioneer in our pocket.
Then look for those with ties with business we can exploit. Merchants, tradesmen, and anyone with ties to shady operations.
She looks around for others to speak
In other words, you want to become a loan shark for those indebted to the Takers? Great idea if what i am hearing is correct. If we agree with this, then i recommend that we look for any debts owed by anyone that belongs to a faction, the higher up the better. Focus on them first. It would put a factioneer in our pocket.
Then look for those with ties with business we can exploit. Merchants, tradesmen, and anyone with ties to shady operations.
She looks around for others to speak
-
*Darkrob
- Posts: 1097
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
“Loan sharking would really only be one small part of it. As a businessman I’ve learned that there are only two ways to get others to give you what you want… either by threat… or gain. Obviously we don’t want to make threats so… we offer them gain.
You all make some very productive points. From visiting those already taken and offering to pay their debts and secure their release from the hands of the MercyKillers, finding the downtrodden and poor… acquiring their contractual loyalty for a period of time, securing the debts of factotums to extend our reach in the city above… all very good ideas.”
He looks around the table again then continues.
“I will scour the hall of records for the names of major debt holders. I have a few connections with the Takers so they may be able to help me… for a fee of course. I suggest one of you go to the prison and begin working with the prisoners and the takers. While the Mercykillers may want to keep their prisoners, the Takers will be more concerned with getting paid. This should get you more cooperation. If they do not let you into see the prisoners, I will grant you temporary membership into the Consortiums legal department. You can request to go in as legal counsel. One of you should also begin moving through the poorer areas of the city to find those more destitute folk that may be in hiding due to their debts. They are the most likely to agree to our terms. Find those in jeopardy of losing their homes and businesses. We will help them remain housed and working.
I suggest you do this right away to prevent others from taking too much of our potential gains away from us or before the Mercykillers are forced to back down from this action.”
He sips his drink again awaiting any further talk of this idea before moving on.
You all make some very productive points. From visiting those already taken and offering to pay their debts and secure their release from the hands of the MercyKillers, finding the downtrodden and poor… acquiring their contractual loyalty for a period of time, securing the debts of factotums to extend our reach in the city above… all very good ideas.”
He looks around the table again then continues.
“I will scour the hall of records for the names of major debt holders. I have a few connections with the Takers so they may be able to help me… for a fee of course. I suggest one of you go to the prison and begin working with the prisoners and the takers. While the Mercykillers may want to keep their prisoners, the Takers will be more concerned with getting paid. This should get you more cooperation. If they do not let you into see the prisoners, I will grant you temporary membership into the Consortiums legal department. You can request to go in as legal counsel. One of you should also begin moving through the poorer areas of the city to find those more destitute folk that may be in hiding due to their debts. They are the most likely to agree to our terms. Find those in jeopardy of losing their homes and businesses. We will help them remain housed and working.
I suggest you do this right away to prevent others from taking too much of our potential gains away from us or before the Mercykillers are forced to back down from this action.”
He sips his drink again awaiting any further talk of this idea before moving on.
-
*MirielKanan
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
*Emmy is the first to speak up.*
I'll get my agents moving through the Hive. We already know many of the hiding point they are flocking to and most are regular faces of the Hive Ward so that should bring about a certain amount of trust.
I'll get my agents moving through the Hive. We already know many of the hiding point they are flocking to and most are regular faces of the Hive Ward so that should bring about a certain amount of trust.
-
*Darkrob
- Posts: 1097
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Shania, a seated member has a right to wear the open badge of the Syndicate if they so choose. It is as much a right as it is for a member to remain unknown outside the family. We cannot suppress that right.
So... do you have suggestions on what percentages we should invest from our own coffers and what returns we can expect from the Syndicates gains?
So... do you have suggestions on what percentages we should invest from our own coffers and what returns we can expect from the Syndicates gains?
-
*Midnight
- Posts: 870
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Annia begins to study her nails as she speaks
"I would suggest that each member of the syndicate receives a percentage of the total profit in direct correspondence to the percentage of the total of the total capital which was there investment. For example if you supplied five percent of the total jink ventured you should receive five percent of the total return. Then from that gross profit they each commit a total of ten percent to the syndicates coffers. That way everyone gets a net return in proportion to what they have risked in this venture and each pays the syndicate according to what they can afford based upon the money they have returned."
She speaks as if such should be obvious, and it is only now that she looks up and takes a real interest.
"I have questions to put to any perspective members just as many of you rightfully had questions to put before me. It is true what you say that Nienna has great resources and contacts and would be an asset. It is also true what you say that a great many of the rumor that surround her are probably no more than rumors. However it is also true that even though my own dealings have been favourable albeit brief she has a great many powerful enemies on the surface. Do you think that at this delicate time in the syndicates emergence that the potential gains of what she would bring, and indeed we it has yet to be seen if she wold commit all that she can bring to our cause, will out weigh the ill will which will come with associating with her?
Annia leans make and regards Charles to whom the question is addressed her manner is calm cordial and genuinely inquisitive, it would suggest she has yet to make up her mind.
"I would suggest that each member of the syndicate receives a percentage of the total profit in direct correspondence to the percentage of the total of the total capital which was there investment. For example if you supplied five percent of the total jink ventured you should receive five percent of the total return. Then from that gross profit they each commit a total of ten percent to the syndicates coffers. That way everyone gets a net return in proportion to what they have risked in this venture and each pays the syndicate according to what they can afford based upon the money they have returned."
She speaks as if such should be obvious, and it is only now that she looks up and takes a real interest.
"I have questions to put to any perspective members just as many of you rightfully had questions to put before me. It is true what you say that Nienna has great resources and contacts and would be an asset. It is also true what you say that a great many of the rumor that surround her are probably no more than rumors. However it is also true that even though my own dealings have been favourable albeit brief she has a great many powerful enemies on the surface. Do you think that at this delicate time in the syndicates emergence that the potential gains of what she would bring, and indeed we it has yet to be seen if she wold commit all that she can bring to our cause, will out weigh the ill will which will come with associating with her?
Annia leans make and regards Charles to whom the question is addressed her manner is calm cordial and genuinely inquisitive, it would suggest she has yet to make up her mind.
-
*Darkrob
- Posts: 1097
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Charles looks to Annia
"A great many enemies... yes. I can assure you, Miss Kendt, that many of your new family members also have a great many enemies... myself included. As you may or may not be aware, I was what was referred to as a "Ringmaster" of the now disbanded Cartel... a group that had been hunted with great zeal by the Fraternity and the Harmonium. I had been wise enough to... sever... my relations with them as they spiraled into all out war with eachohter yet I can guarentee... my time with the Cartel brought me many enemies. While most of that unfortunate period has been... forgotten... I'm sure there are those still waiting to "pay me back" as it was.
I could ask anyone at this table if they had enemies and, perhaps aside from yourself and one or two others... they would agree they have them. We are wealthy... we are influential and we wield power. Those three things alone guarentee that we will have enemies. I've no doubt that due to your own involvement in UnderSigil affairs... will make a few enemies of your own. I would expect no different. The few that Nienna brings along with her will matter little. All that matters is that she is not hunted by the factions of law. She is a free citizen and I see little reason to prevent her appointment. We are looking to inmcrease our hold, our influence and our wealth while staying within the "proper" confines of the law as able. Appointing Nienna does not risk that at all.
As for your suggestion about investment and returns... it makes sense so long as a portion of the rerurns stays in the Syndicate coffers. A fund must be amassed for future use if we are to properly expand from the village."
"A great many enemies... yes. I can assure you, Miss Kendt, that many of your new family members also have a great many enemies... myself included. As you may or may not be aware, I was what was referred to as a "Ringmaster" of the now disbanded Cartel... a group that had been hunted with great zeal by the Fraternity and the Harmonium. I had been wise enough to... sever... my relations with them as they spiraled into all out war with eachohter yet I can guarentee... my time with the Cartel brought me many enemies. While most of that unfortunate period has been... forgotten... I'm sure there are those still waiting to "pay me back" as it was.
I could ask anyone at this table if they had enemies and, perhaps aside from yourself and one or two others... they would agree they have them. We are wealthy... we are influential and we wield power. Those three things alone guarentee that we will have enemies. I've no doubt that due to your own involvement in UnderSigil affairs... will make a few enemies of your own. I would expect no different. The few that Nienna brings along with her will matter little. All that matters is that she is not hunted by the factions of law. She is a free citizen and I see little reason to prevent her appointment. We are looking to inmcrease our hold, our influence and our wealth while staying within the "proper" confines of the law as able. Appointing Nienna does not risk that at all.
As for your suggestion about investment and returns... it makes sense so long as a portion of the rerurns stays in the Syndicate coffers. A fund must be amassed for future use if we are to properly expand from the village."