GM: Kevan Forbes
System: Exalted, 2nd Edition
Hand’s Account
Here is an account of my findings concerning the slaves in Gem.
- Gem is built on a slave-based economy. 90% of the workers in the gem mines are slaves.
- When Gem needs to replenish its workforce, they trade exclusively with the Guild.
- While slaves are necessary for the continued prosperity of the Despot, Rankar feels the practice of slavery should be limited to industrial means. He has outlawed the owning and use of slaves for any purpose other than industrial. In private though, as long as they are kept in discreet places on the 4th or 5th tiers, many wealthy citizens keep private slaves for other purposes and Rankar turns a blind eye to such activities.
In my investigation of the Merchant Melani during the past few days:
- Sadly, he has very little influence within his own house of Sahlak. I was hoping for someone with a bit more influence.
- He manages several Dream Parlors, all of which are located in the seedier sections of Gem. Mostly 4th and 5th tier establishments.
- He does not keep any personal slaves, since they require too much upkeep and he is a bit of a skinflint. But he has acted as a broker between the Guild and other nobles interested in purchasing personal slaves.
Based on this my plans for the merchant have changed. I had thought to make an example of him, force him to free his slaves, offer them fair wages for their old duties and let each of them choose their own future. I had hoped to bring down a tyrant in a single fell swoop. Nevertheless I will put Melani in the service of the Unconquered Sun in one way or another.
In our meeting I will be very quick to dispense with the pleasantries and tell him I know of his illicit dealings. I know of Wyldfire he traffics. I know his supplies come from the Fair Folk. Last I know that if the despot shared my knowledge he would have Melani’s head on a platter. I speak to him in clear terms a merchant can understand. He will pay me for my silence in this matter. As I mentioned before I had thought to make the payment the freedom of his slaves but as it stands I’ll have to settle for something less immediate. Melani will become my ears into the underworld. Every time he hears of slaves being traded, I will know. Every time his contacts would do harm to innocents I will know. Because if he lies to me, or tries to conceal anything from me, his own life will be forfeit. The choice is his freedom or that of slaves he doesn’t even own. The answer should be simple even to a merchant like him.
Should he refuse my offer, I still carry little Winds timepiece, which (as l lifted it off of him in our first meeting) I imagine should be sufficient to convince the Merchant that I can take anything away from him any time I wish. Also I should remind him that his last bodyguards weren’t worth whatever it was he was paying them. Next time he should employ one of Captain Swift Brook’s troops. That should make my old employer happy.
