Money Matters - RPLOG
Participants
Date
5/4/477
Log
A fine morning in the Castle District. Too good a day for holding court, and yet it must be held. Alas, such are the trappings of society and civilisation. Due to today's topic, the court is packed - everyone wants to be able to hear - and perhaps have a say - in what Sweetwater should do about the money offered to the peoples of Promise from the Creators. All of the noble houses have sent representatives, and the upper gallery is open to the public - provided they are at the very least cleanly dressed of course. It's some time before Mione announces the Good King's arrival, and sure enough, the royal hippo strides in and takes his place, easing himself into his seat as Mione clears his throat. "Court is now in session. All rise for the arrival of the Good King Good."
A soft nod and a slightly nervous rumble as Flora rises, still trying to get herself accustomed to the rules of court, her tails witching lightly behind her. She isn't fully sure how to behave just yet, and she looks exceptionally nervous, clearly hoping to make a good impression during her first official court-session as head of a noble house.
Valor makes his way into the court room, allowing himself to be directed where ever he should go. He had cleaned himself up for this special event, and his coat was nice and clean, as were his clothes. He told the guards he had been present at the Puzzler's appearance, thinking that would make some difference.
Siyu is in court, the rodent once more dressed head to toe in his silks, the short statured merchant gives a glance around. Not planning on adding anything to this conversation, still it's good to go to court and hear what's going on. After all last court appointment he missed all manner of things happened. He at least gets prime seating in the common group. His money potent enough for that even if he's behind all the nobility. He stands when prompted.
Rogna is rather well dressed today, his usual gold and grey a bit more striking than usual. He looks about the courtroom, noting the whos who and the public as he waits for the process to start. When the Good King is announced, he smiles and rises. It was almost time to get into this most pressing issue, one can only wonder how it will play out.
The Good King clears his throat, and raises a meaty hand to signal everyone to take their seats. Once the commotion is settled, he accepts a scroll from Mione and begins to speak, not needing any air magic to project his deep voice about the entire chamber:
"As most of you are aware, we have been offered compensation for the threat of the shadows that have been unleashed upon Promise. Although a number of shadows have recanted and now openly walk amongst us as friends and allies, as with beings, there are rebels and rogues who would rather live through violence than coexist in peace. to this day, they still plague us.
"Everyone on Promise has been promised a sum of Creator money, to be divided amongst the nations. To this effect, the Creators themselves have suggested that the money be split amongst the nations in proportion to the numbers of their peoples. That is a most excellent idea, save for one problem: that of the burden.
"Sweetwater was the first to suffer the threat of the shadows. We bore the brunt of their attack, fielded the most militiamen to drive them back, and it was our peoples who painstakingly researched means and methods to protect ourselves against their influence. To this end, the royal position is that we should petition the Creators, though the Creator doctor Sinclair, to have a larger proportion of the monies promised to be paid to Sweetwater. This is the motion I wish to put to the floor today."
Flora nods a moment, looking around a tad nervously as she tries to figure out exactly what's going on. In fact, she seems to almost look helpless and uncertain for a moment, casting her glance between Siyu and Mione, before setting her eyes upon the good King, swallowing a lump in her throat. "If... If Flora may ask a question? How do we know the beings can use the money? Flora has spoken with mister Riddlefox, and, if Flora may, Flora would like to relay his words," she rumbles, her tails twitching lightly, before she goes silent and looks down at the ground hesitantly and nervously.
Valor sits and thinks, thinking if he should say anything about what he knows about the Creator's offer through the Puzzler's appearance but then second-guesses himself. Why would the Good King listen to him? Then Flora speaks. Listening to her, and her uncertainty, he speaks up as well, his voice easily carrying. "I, to, have heard the Puzzler's words." He says, hoping to make some kind of difference by speaking up. "What could we gain through this money that the Creators are making preparations with?"
Siyu takes a seat when he's allowed to. He listens, and he's not going to comment. It's Sweetwater buisness after all, and a choice by the king. He's not going to make a comment. He does turn his head around and takes a look about to see who else might be offering critiscism. A flood of space money, whatever the hell it is, would be good for his buisness. So he just holds comment. Actually, come to think of it, what ARE they offering in compensation? He hasn't heard. So he doesn't talk about what the king says, he'll raise his hand and wait to be recognized, "Your Grace, have the creators indicated what exactly the compensation IS? I mean I've heard all manner of rumors as I am not as well connected as your Grace...so I cannot veirfy them." he chitters. "So what exactly is it our Creators are offering? Gold? Technology? Improved foodstuffs?" he flicks his tial.
Rogna nods and listens to the King for a moment, taking the situation in as he contemplates a few things, before he looks over to the newly outspoken Flora Longtail. Not only that, but multiple others, this is interesting. He decides to hold his tongue for now, adjusting in his seat as he awaits a good time to pose his curiosities. The hippo does however listen for a response.
"The Creators are offering us many things that can be bought with their money," the Good King replies, as Siyu and Valor are not the only ones who have posed this question. "One advantage we have, that other nations do not, is the experience of Doctor Sinclair. She has graciously informed us that we can purchase almost anything that is desired, including machines with spirits that are new. For example, she requested to examine the weapon which was used on the Isharans before it was dismantled, and informed us that it was not intended as one, but for mining purposes. Other worn-out machines can be repaired or replaced, for a fee.
"Of course, there are a few exceptions. Improved foodstuffs may be problematic, since while the food of beings is similar to that of the Creators' in some aspects, there are also many other differences. But almost anything the Creators have, we may purchase...so long as it does not exceed the amount doled out to us. To ask for something as base as gold would be simple-minded when we can ask for things to better help us mine more of it."
There's a pause, before Mione clears his throat after receiving a stare from the Good King. "The court recognises Flora Longtail," he says. "Although we are not unaware of the happenstance in Saint's Square a week ago...perhaps a reliable firsthand account would enlighten everyone as to the details. Without any eccentricities, of course."
Flora mumbles softly, looking down upon the ground, while her tail twitches lightly. "Mister... Puzzler has... Suggested the beings of Promise not take the money. Flora realizes that this is a... Controversial point of view, but his arguments are as follows."
"Firstly, the court will grant that beings were created in the Creators' image, yes? Then surely, if the beings are like the Creators, there must be Creators like the beings, with similar motives? Flora would reckon such things as starting a family, providing comfortable living and so forth to be noble goals among the creators as well," the feline beings, taking a moment to pause and look at Mione for approval.
"However... The court will also recognize there are... Less noble beings. Those that would exploit their fellow being to gain more for themselves. Those that steal or swindle. The.... Puzzler reasons, based upon this, that there might be creators like that as well."
"In fact, now that Flora thinks about it... Would not those creators that brought the shadows fall into just that category and perhaps suggest there might be more creators like them?" she offers hesitantly. "For this, the Puzzler would reason that taking the money might... Attract them so that they would tempt the beings and exploit them."
Valor nods, thinking this over a bit. "Well then, how is this money to be used? Distributed to the commoners? Or given to just the noble families?" He poses this question to the King, having the unbiased position of a commoner himself. One that would jump at the opportunity to get such riches and be able to possibly buy some of his own tech. Flora's words also prompt him to ask "How do we know that this could possibly be more than just an act of compensation. As Flora has said, might there be other Creators looking to scheme and plot against us, and attempt to vie for the money that has been given to us so as to get it for themselves? Also, if we were to get this money, might we be tempted to spend it on real Creator weapons, so that we might go to war to get more money and start an arms race?" He says, hoping his train of thought makes sense to the Good King and his advisors.
Siyu gives a polite bow to the good king at his answers. "So the creators offer us currancy that can only be traded with them?" he makes sure to clairfy the statment and distil it. He makes a simple little hm sound, but bows once more, "I thank you for your knowledge..." he offers to the Good king and he takes his seat. It's not his buisness after all. But now he's slightly worried. Shady caravan traders do the same thing. He poses the question to himself, "What do Gods need with a currancy?"
Angry murmuring at Flora's words, but the Good King silences the court with a wave of his hand. "Like it or not, Lady Longtail's wories do have merit to them. The shadows themselves have confessed that it was rogue Creators who sent them specifically to plague us, so the existence of evil Creators is not in question.
"Doctor Sinclair has informed us that their currency takes the form of..."promises", was the way the spirits within her translation device put it. This currency is invisible and intangible, yet travel amongst the stars to be instantly received in exchange for goods, which, if physical, are delivered via their wondrous ships such as the Ark which brought us to Promise. This money, the Doctor informs us, is to be dispensed to us by the Creators' judicial courts, and then credited to us, whereupon we may contact Creator merchants. Not too different from how we beings do it. In Sweetwater's case, we plan to have the currency directly credited to the Crown, who will then spend it on rebuilding and public works and nothing else.
"You or I all know of cases where a being has spent beyond their means, and I believe this is what the Lady Longtail is worried about. However, with judicious use, as well as the oversight of Doctor Sinclair, who has our trust, we believe that this problem may be avoided. Furthermore, it raises the question: if we refuse the money and other nations do not, then our efforts will have been wasted.
"Therefore, Lady Longtail has indeed put forward an important point for Sweetwater: since we are better-equipped to spend, or at least hold onto the Creator money, it is our MORAL DUTY to accumulate as much of the Creator currency as we can, so as to prevent others from misspending it."
"May... Flora offer an alternative?" the feline hesitantly mumbles, clearly timid, though glad she's not being reprimanded by the crown himself, although it doesn't appear she'll be making a lot of friends today. "If... The crown will be handling the money... Would it perhaps not be better to ask for goods, tools and assistance?"
She pauses for a moment, growing more nervous with every word she utters, her ears folded back lightly. "Flora believes the beings may not be able to properly determine the value of creator-money, if it is indeed valued on 'promises', like Your Highness stats... However, the beings can determine the value of work, can they not? A sword costs this much, a house costs that much... If we ask the creators to assist or provide the tools, those that might try to betray or tempt us would have no chance to attempt such in the first place," she offers, almost ending in a little, nervous squeak as she tries to shuffle back a little and trying to make herself as small as possible.
Valor huffs. Obviously the Good King or his advisors were getting greedy. They want the money for themselves. But if they were going to use it for good, what say would he have in any of it? He sighs and rests his case, reserving to just watch the outcome of the debate, since he had nothing else to bring to the light.
Siyu will raise his hand and wait to be recognized. Given a currancy and then trade it to the creator merchants. He waits to be recognized, and he takes a deep breath, "If I may your Grace, take some time, to tell a story. I am a merchant of Sharlasta and we travel far and wide and hear many stories. There are stories that are told, as warnings, to merchants and buyers. Of traders who seek not to help and trade, but to take and conquer." he coughs a bit and waits to see if he's allowed to continue and then will. "A town is in need, they are starving a mechant comes in, but they have no money to pay, no gold to give. "Well I cannot just give my goods for free" he says, "Do work for me, and I will give you a token to use at my caravan." so they work, they fix, they mend, they are given brass tokens. Worthless trinkets, and they come to get food. But the food is too expensive for the work they do. "I will let you borrow, since you do work for me. Here, It costs two tokens, but you only have one. I'll get 3 from you next time..." he says as if generous. And so this goes on and on, until the caravan is fixed and repaired, but the people are still starving. But now they owe him for what they eat. "I will take your sons and daughters so they may work to pay off your debts, you will see them after they have paid." and he takes the strongest and the most beautiful and they are slavs to him. Slaves to his tokens for no matter how much work they do it is never enough to break free." he clears his throat. "They offer not to pay us in gold. But in promises, promisies we can only give to their merchants...." he bows his head, "You may take that as you will." his story finished he'll sit back down.
Rogna listens to all the debate and thought, before he stands and offers a question of his own. "I might pose a thought. Is there any fee to be incurred for the incredible fee of holding onto that which is intangible, like a spirit, and transfering it across the stars? That sounds like a lot of work, it would be quite a feat to force a spirit across a short distance."
"The court recognises Gang Xi Siyu," Mione announces once more, and the Good King clears his throat. "It is true, the story you speak of, Shralestan - reports tell that this Puzzler spirit had a similar tale to tell as well. There are not merchants, but entire nations which have done this to each other in the past, as the history books will recount. Yet they all had one failing, one weakness: the inability to control their spending. We have our own food. We have our own needs. So long as we do not allow ourselves to become accustomed to their luxuries, purchase things which indebt us to them, we are confident all will be well. Hence the decision to leave such decisions to royal oversight alone, with the aid of Doctor Sinclair and the Church - we will only purchase things that disturb our way of life as little as possible while still reaping their benefits. As for the other nations, their business is their own sovereign right. Let them do as they will with the share they eventually receive, and reap what is sown.
"This will not an easy task, of course, and once again, Lady Longtail's proposal has merit. Would that we could better maintain our own machines and the spirits within, given training under guidance from Creators, we would not need to rely on them for such. There certainly is no shortage of Creators who are interested in us as curiosities at the very least, according to Doctor Sinclair.
"Cousin Rogna, you bring up an interesting point. This will have to be clarified immediately with the Doctor."
"Then.... We could ask the creators to teach us? Slowly, so that the beings may understand? We could ask them to teach us, so that we may understand the 'promises' their currency is based on, such that we can spend, and more importantly, earn it proper... We could ask them to teach us, so that one day, we may, just may, perhaps have some hope of fully understanding their machine-spirits, and fully appease them on our own."
She mumbles softly, her ears folded back, before she continues. "However, even if the beings do that, Flora would ask us to be careful, and ask the creators to take an advising role, rather than a leading one... After all... Is knowledge given the same as knowledge learned? Flora would say not. As an example, if Flora would explain her Camera... Would the court know the same things Flora did? Understand it fully? Or would the court just know what Flora told you, unaware if Flora spoke the truth?"
Again, she folds her ears back, murmuring lightly. "Flora does not mean to say the Creators would lie, but the earlier point about the bad ones among them stands," she mumbles, again trying to avoid any stares that might be given.
Siyu nods and he just sits, he doesn't actually have anything more to add, his warnings were given, if they helped good if not...well. He was still a foreign born merchant, so he folds his hands into his silks.
Rogna nods and takes a seat, comfortable that his question would be taken into account at a later time, as the doctor is not present at this hearing. He listens to he converesation at hand.
The Good King nods. "Then, it does seem that we are committed to this path, and the only questions that remain is how to travel it. While some other nations may fritter their allowance on weapons on war and momentary luxuries, the main goal of Sweetwater is to rebuild and give ourselves the capability for greater growth and understanding.
"It is true that if merely presented with one of your inventions, Lady Longtail, we would not understand how it worked. Yet if you explained and gave other esteemed scholars your methods and means, they would be able to see if they could make another one by their own hands. Only then, as the Blackbacks assure me, can one said to have understood. Reproducibility is key, as some of them are fond of saying.
"None of the details are set in stone yet. There is much discussion to be had, and questions to be asked of all involved, especially the good doctor Sinclair. Yet enough has been resolved, that I think - he brings down his gavel with a loud smack - we can continue on to the next order of business today. Land disputes..."
Flora nods in agreeance to the King's words, smiling lightly. "Flora has to agree with House Blackback, yes. Flora can only claim she knows how the camera works because she can reproduce it and explain," she mumbles, nodding and simply leaving it at that as she waits for the next issue. She seems to have survived this one, at least.
