The Founder’s Festival

[Jonarth Dabrezzio]

If it were that easy, Valyria would have done it when one couldn’t sit down to shit without seeing a dragon. He chuckled nonetheless; others could head south, he’d stick where the money was when they returned. “I should hope not. Our fellows in volantis aren’t afraid to charge...premium to ship their spirits this far.” He took a sliced piece of fruit and ate it, swallowing it nearly whole. “I’ve been thinking about what else this settlement needs,” he said. “More foundations for the empire it must one day be.” He finished the fruit and nodded. “I think we need a bank.”

[Lord Aeradar Caltarys]

Aeradar studied Dabrezzio's servers as the proprietor spoke, nodding as he sipped his wine. He mulled over the proposition, swirling the contents of his glass in lazy circles. Those of standing tended to come to come to the great houses of Linyanti for loans when pursuing a business venture. Those who were not of standing likely came to Dabrezzio himself when they needed a loanshark. In this way the nobility prospered from the settlement's expansion, businesses developed, and expeditions were funded.

"A bank would certainly offer some notion of security in these wild lands," he allowed, considering the merit of the idea. "While also offering a more formal means of investment in the colony." He considered the matter for a few more moments. "It would be just as complex an undertaking as the vineyard though. A bank is only as good as the reputation of its bankers. It would require a noble family of the ruling political party with the clout and coffers to ensure the establishment's capital and liquidity." The small smirk that curled the corner of his lip indicated he was well aware House Caltarys met all those qualifications.

[Jonarth Dabrezzio]

Jonarth raised his eyebrows as though that thought had come as a surprise. “So it would,” be agreed. “As well as time and infrastructure projects that even the great families cannot fund by themselves.” He looked about. “But that’s a conversation for the future,” he said. “What do you think our city needs to take the next step towards becoming...an empire?” He asked.

[Lord Aeradar Caltarys]

"Setting my sights on the future, a proper navy would be imperative to securing it," he suggested, after another long quaff. "We have no shortage of wood and no shortage of pirates in these waters. We can hardly make good on the limitless potential of this continent if our trade routes are in disarray."

"On that note, we need to discover and exploit more raw resource deposits, be it iron, copper, gold, what have you. Then we need to facilities to refine it. The less reliance we have on shipments from Volantis, the better."

[Jonarth Dabrezzio]

“A shipyard,” Jonarth agreed. “We don’t have the numbers for a navy yet I don’t think,” he took another swallow, “but that’s exactly why we need ships of all sorts. And you’re absolutely right, we need something to compete with the resources of the salt mines before they dry up.” And to compete with the Maltolos family, he left unsaid.

[Lord Aeradar Caltarys]

"I will have words with the Lord Governor on the topic," Aeradar assured Jonarth. "I want something to truly celebrate on the ten year anniversary."

[Jonarth Dabrezzio]

“I quite agree,” Dabrezzio said. “I cannot wait to see the games, Lord Caltarys. The wine shall be sent to your storage house tonight so the sun doesn’t have any chance of spoiling it.”