Castle in the Clods - Menace - 08/02/22

Philip has had a long day.
Getting the papers ready on time for the day's council meeting is always a challenge. One he enjoys, but "let no-one undervalue your contribution!" his mother was always fond of telling him.

Then there were the meetings with irate tradesmen, concerned citizens, and petitioning neighbourhood committees. All going over his desk, to be filtered, sorted and prepared for by him, before they migrate onward, like an infinite flock of birds, to the mountain of papers waiting on Councillor Archselon's desk. He admired the mage, but he certainly didn't want to trade places with her, looking at his own, no less imposing twin peak of paperwork that were waiting in his in- and out-trays.

He sighs, pulling the next letter from the pile, and stops. Rich, cream coloured paper, embossed with the heraldry of the Merchant Bank of Port Ffirst.

Banking House of Teneveer & d'Argent

Statement of Purpose & Invoice

Attention to: the Council of Daring Heights

Dear madams and sirs,

It is with great respect that we issue you this bill for services rendered in Gadenthor, Kingdom of Harnash during our most recent fact-finding mission there. Our representative Mr Mace, General Manager, accompanied the official Daring Heights delegation to Harnash in order to further diplomatic and commercial relations. The mission was a success, despite some kinetic obstacles encountered in the form of a crystal golem, as evidenced by a permanent research mission being established in the ruined city of Gadenthor of Netherese origins.

In the process of facilitating this successful expedition, we were called upon to make a substantial contribution to the Daring Heights' diplomatic corps, when Councilman Cecil failed to prepare a diplomatic gift to the people of Harnash in advance and was forced to improvise. Our representative took it upon himself to present the people of Harnash with a valuable token of friendship, on behalf of the people of Daring Heights. The fact that Councilman Cecil commandeered an additional gift from the research expedition's stocks does not lessen the contribution the Merchant Bank of Port Ffirst has made in this regard. Please find attached an invoice for services rendered, payable in gold, precious stones, or obligatory notes to the Banking House of Teneveer & d'Argent in Port Ffirst.

We trust your business with us has been to your satisfaction, and we welcome your custom in the future.


Sincerely,

Parvenue d'Argent, Director

on behalf of the Merchant Bank of Port Ffirst


Attached:
Invoice for: one diplomatic gift; Amaranthine Games Winner Trophy; mint condition; highly valuable collectible; historic significance; estimated value 1000gp; given out of pocket when Councilman Cecil risked ruining diplomatic relationship

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