Chapter #1189
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+ THE ADVENTURERS +
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+ Epic VI +
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+ Many of the locations, non-player characters, spells, and other +
+ terms used in these stories are the property of Wizards of the Coast +
+ which has in no way endorsed or authorized their use. Any such +
+ property contained within these stories are not representative of +
+ Wizards of the Coast in any fashion. +
+ The player characters depicted in these stories are copyright +
+ 1991-2025 by Thomas A. Miller. Any resemblance to any persons +
+ or characters either real or fictional is utterly coincidental. +
+ Copying and/or distribution of these stories is permissible under +
+ the sole condition that no money is made in the process. In that +
+ case, I hope you enjoy them! +
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+ the assembled Oligarchs of the Free City of Greyhawk: +
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+ Nerof Gasgal Lord Mayor +
+ Sir Anton Palmirian Guildmaster of Lawyers and Scribes +
+ Bodmi Hollardel Guildmaster of Jewelers and Gemcutters +
+ Cariel Mansharn Merchants' and Traders' Union +
+ Carmen Halmaster Merchants' and Traders' Union +
+ Derider Fanshaen Constable +
+ Dernen Nathane Guildmaster of Merchants' and Traders' Union +
+ Glodreddi Bakkanin Inspector of Taxes +
+ Jerome Kasinskaia Patriarch of Rao +
+ Kieran Jalucian Guildmaster of Wizards +
+ Laup Cobrun Merchants' and Traders' Union +
+ Peldor Guildmaster of Thieves +
+ Ravel Dasinder Patriarch of Boccob +
+ Tigran Gellner Captain-General of the Watch +
+ Vesparian Lafanel Guildmaster of Assassins +
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+ Date: 1/1/587 C.Y. (Common Year) +
+ Time: late morning +
+ Place: a sealed chamber somewhere in Greyhawk +
+ Climate: temperate +
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+ "I tell myself to see the world how it is, not how I want to see +
+ it. We both operate in the gray. The only difference is, I'm +
+ willing to admit it." +
+ - from _Arrow_ season 2 episode 16, _Suicide Squad_ +
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MCLXXXIX. A Game of Wits
During the year's first meeting of the Directing Oligarchy of Greyhawk,
the Inspector of Taxes has not only discovered (and shared) Belphanior's
ownership of sizable tracts of land within the Free City's purview...but
also openly accused Peldor of handling those acquisitions for the elf.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: But hear this! Worst of all - the unimaginable and
terrible truth - is that his land purchases were facilitated by a member
of this very body! (unable to contain himself, the now-red-faced dwarf
points a stubby finger right at Peldor) It's him! It's Peldor!
Sir Anton Palmirian: (snickers) Exactly the sort of traitorous behavior
one would expect of the Guildmaster of Thieves.
Vesparian Lafanel: (himself the Guildmaster of Assassins which is a very
similar entity, he finds that he doesn't care for the way the dwarf
uttered those words)
Derider Fanshaen: (shakes her head) This...would not seem to be in the
best interests of Greyhawk at all.
Ravel Dasinder: (appears almost amused, possibly at Glodreddi's tantrum
and how worked up the dwarf has gotten)
That portion of the ruling body made up of businessmen - four members
of the Merchants' and Traders' Union and the Guildmaster of Jewelers and
Gemcutters - looked a bit worried, as any financial matter could impact
their profits and the livelihoods of their organizations' many members.
Dernen Nathane: (regarding Peldor) I believe an explanation is on order.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: There's no explaining base treachery-
Nerof Gasgal: Glodreddi.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: -and the undermining of this great city's very-
Nerof Gasgal: GLODREDDI.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: Eh?
Nerof Gasgal: That's enough. Peldor can surely speak for himself in
this matter.
Tigran Gellner: Indeed he can. (to the Guildmaster of Thieves) What
have you to say for yourself?
Peldor: (clears his throat)
The master thief-turned-Guildmaster had been doing some quick thinking,
but in truth he had long ago strategized the defense to this very charge,
in case it was ever levied. He'd figured that someday this would happen,
although he hadn't suspected it would come before the entire group...nor
would he have ever thought that Glodreddi would do so, given the dwarven
tax chief's own misdeeds. However, this wasn't the time to fight fire
with fire; Peldor chose a calmer approach.
Peldor: First and foremost, I would remind everyone that there is no law
against anyone investing in the Free City...well, excepting any demonic
demigods who rule evil lands nearby, and the like. Belphanior was and
is hardly such a evildoer. Recall his past efforts on behalf of our
city, for which his past deeds were graciously forgiven. (he points
at Derider, and then Nerof) As both of you well remember, given that
the Oligarchy at the time voted for that outcome.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: That was then! This is now-
Peldor: I'm not done. You mentioned the developing situation in the
Bright Desert to the east....a situation that wouldn't even exist had
Belphanior and others not attacked and toppled the traitor Rary - whose
past misdeeds were far worse, all would agree, than anything Belphanior
did a decade ago.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: Whatever the case, the wizard's assassination wasn't
sanctioned- (he stops, realizing that some of those here in the room
are not and never were privy to such plans and deeds)
Peldor: It wasn't an assassination. He crossed Belphanior somehow, and
he paid the price.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (upset once more) There was no need for the elf to
take Greyhawk matters into his own hands. Rary and Robilar would have
been brought to justice in time.
Peldor: Indeed, the swift and decisive progress toward that has truly
been astounding to behold.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (wild-eyed, he begins struggling to find words)
Nerof Gasgal: Peldor, please continue. I assume you have a point here?
Peldor: I have several. Belphanior was told to stay away and cause no
more trouble here - which he did. So ever since the last incident, he
has followed our laws, therefore he didn't break any. But secondly -
and perhaps more importantly - I'm sure we'd all agree that Greyhawk
needs the money right now...just as it needed the money years ago when
Belphanior first bought land in the area. It's not his fault that the
value of said land increased over time - that's what investing is all
about, those with money provide it for other short-term uses, with the
possibility that they might possibly profit in the long term. Not to
mention that his taxes on all of this land have been paid properly and
fully, and on time, every year. (he nods to Glodreddi) Certainly the
Inspector of Taxes can understand this concept.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (sputtering)
Peldor: (doesn't bother to wait for the dwarf to think of a retort) So
Belphanior's money, spent on Greyhawk land that Greyhawk controls, was
actually of benefit to the city. (he casts a sidelong glance at the
fuming Glodreddi) Unless, of course, those funds were in fact _not_
used for the good of the Free City?
Glodreddi Bakkanin: Preposterous!
Peldor: Ah, so then they _were_ put to good use. (he looks around the
meeting table) The point I'm driving toward here is that Belphanior
violated no laws, and his purchases benefitted our city. You are all
well aware that he and I are friends and former adventuring companions,
and I think it's obvious that I made no attempt to hide or otherwise
misrepresent my assistance to my friend in using his hard-earned funds
to invest in our city.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (overcome by his temper now) Hide- You didn't tell
us!
Peldor: (chuckles) Of course not. Why would I tell anyone? It's all
a matter of public record, and easily found and verified...as you have
so effectively demonstrated here today. Had I wanted to conceal these
land purchases, I'd simply have made them myself, in my own name, and
left no paper trail. (he spreads his hands and looks around the table
again) No laws broken. No hiding or altering the nature of the land
purchases, which were publicly and fairly made. The money flowed into
Greyhawk's coffers. And all of this happened years before Belphanior
had ever ventured into the Bright Desert. (he frowns) So what is the
problem here, exactly?
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (red-faced once more, as he realizes that he's been
outmaneuvered in this argument) It's not technically a violation of
our laws, I'll grant you that...but the _problem_ is that the elf now
has a stake in the rulership of his own kingdom - one that may well be
hostile! Greyhawk can't have its lands and holdings subject to such
ownership by another power. It also can't have a foreigner attempting
to buy power.
Peldor: (now uses a diversionary tactic) Is there actually a law on the
books, showing that to be forbidden?
Glodreddi Bakkanin: The- It- Um...
Sir Anton Palmirian: I cannot say, but I'm sure that with a bit of quick
research, I can turn something up.
Peldor: Undoubtedly.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (having regained his composure) So yes! Once it's
shown that this situation is simply unacceptable, something will have
to be done!
Peldor had been expecting this line of reasoning, and again was ready
for it. His next words had to be chosen very carefully, for if he said
certain things, it would expose Glodreddi's illicit dealings...but would
also reveal the culpability of others who formed the inner circle of the
Directing Oligarchy. Glodreddi himself almost certainly had some sort
of personal financial stake in the Hold of the Sea Princes, and he had
also been a key component in the highly-secret effort to funnel some of
Greyhawk's monies into neighboring kingdoms who sorely needed the help.
While this was the right thing to do, it was also a massive political and
economic move that simply would not be understood by the rest of those
seated at this table, not to mention the thousands of regular folk who
lived and worked in the Free City. Even as he sat here listening to all
of this, Nerof Gasgal found his stomach souring as he worried about what
might be said next - either by Glodreddi to press his attack or by Peldor
to strengthen his defense.
Fortunately, Peldor's next tactic avoided mention of anything that would
cause the Lord Mayor further physical or mental distress.
Peldor: I completely agree.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: And- (he goes silent) What?
Peldor: You're right. Now that Belphanior's part of the leadership of
a nearby region, it is completely and utterly inappropriate for him to
own a stake in the Domain of Greyhawk.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (completely taken aback, he struggles to think of
his next argument, while Peldor doesn't hesitate to forge ahead)
Peldor: The Free City needs to buy up all of those land tracts currently
owned by Belphanior, and as soon as possible. The situation must be
resolved, such that foreign ownership of land within our domain ceases.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: (grins, licking his lips)
Peldor: But. (he looks right at the dwarven tax inspector) All of this
land must be sold back to the city at its current market value.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: Well, of course. I mean, we have to be fair about
all this. (he turns to Nerof Gasgal) I'm willing to give the elf til
month's end to sell. Does that seem reasonable?
Nerof Gasgal: (nods sadly) It does. But we must put it to a vote.
They did so, and the result was overwhelmingly in favor; by month's
end, all of Belphanior's land holdings in the Domain of Greyhawk would
legally have to be sold back to the city at current market value...and
by the end of this month, only twenty-seven days hence. This outcome
was entered into the official record of today's meeting of the Directing
Oligarchy, and the decision was now as law, immutable. Glodreddi's mood
had brightened considerably, for within the last hour he had achieved
both of his objectives: smearing Peldor's name (to some extent, because
while no wrongdoing had been committed, his involvement still looked bad)
and regaining Belphanior's land for the Free City. In the conniving old
dwarf's estimation, Peldor had ceded the second thing in an attempt to
redirect attention from the first thing...which the Inspector of Taxes
considered a decisive win overall.
Glodreddi Bakkanin: Excellent. (he rubs his hands together) I'll check
with the department of records and come up with those numbers in the
next few weeks, well ahead of the deadline that was just approved.
Peldor: I've actually been tracking that on a monthly basis, and so I
already have certified, stamped copies of the deeds with those values.
(he pauses) And rest assured, the land values have trended steadily
upward over the last five years. (he smiles thinly) But don't take
my word for it. All of this is public record, and easily verifiable.
(with that, he stands up) And now, if you'll all excuse me, I have
things to do.
Nerof Gasgal: But this meeting isn't over.
Peldor: It is for me. (he turns and leaves)
In truth, the former adventurer and current Guildmaster of Thieves
didn't go too far, because he knew that once he got anywhere, an urgent
summons from Nerof would arrive and he'd just have to come right back.
Accordingly, he made for the Lord Mayor's office, where he explained
to Nerof's assistant that the Lord Mayor would be back soon and would
be wanting to have a meeting with him at that time. The young woman,
who was both extremely intelligent and quite familiar with the behavior
of her boss (and of Peldor) just nodded and suggested that Peldor take
a seat in the waiting room.
He wasn't there long.
Nerof Gasgal: (strides into the antechamber, not even looking surprised
to see Peldor there) In my office, now.
Peldor: (stands silently, then follows the Lord Mayor into the next
chamber)
assistant: (gives Peldor a "good luck" look)
Once both of them were in the Lord Mayor's private chambers, Nerof
closed the thick door...an action which engaged a number of magical
protections whose combined effects would render conversations within
impervious to prying eyes.
Nerof Gasgal: (sits down heavily in the plush chair behind his desk,
motioning Peldor to take a seat on the opposite side)
Peldor: (sits, wordlessly)
Nerof Gasgal: (regards the other for a few tense moments before finally
saying something) Well played.
Peldor: Eh? How's that?
Nerof Gasgal: Well, you managed to keep old Glodreddi from fleecing your
friend out of a small fortune - no, a large fortune - in profits. And
you did it while keeping both Glodreddi's secrets and Greyhawk's secrets
from surfacing.
Peldor: Those may be successes, but the mere fact that he spoke up and
tried what he tried bothers me. (he frowns) It really bothers me.
Nerof Gasgal: (trying to defuse this line of thought) You outwitted
him at every turn. I don't think he ever expected you to turn his own
argument around, invalidate most of it, and then actually _agree_ with
him that the elf needed to sell the land back.
Peldor: I think his aim was mainly to discredit me, but as we discussed
already in the meeting, nothing illegal happened. Greyhawk was selling
some land and needed money. The elf bought it, helping Greyhawk while
taking a chance that he might make a profit. And now that he has - or
will - he's going to cost Greyhawk a lot of money in the long run. And
Glodreddi's pissed about it.
Nerof Gasgal: That's his job.
Peldor: True, but you can't make a wager and then try and void it when
you lose. (he sighs) The argument he presented was fairly weak. I
can't believe that was his play.
Nerof Gasgal: Well, he lost.
Peldor: He may have, but Greyhawk will too, financially. And he'll try
and use that in the future, mark my words.
Nerof Gasgal: (nods) We both know him all too well.
Peldor: (grimly) I'm just going to come out and say it. What Glodreddi
did today - and what he might do in the future - worry me considerably.
I have a wife and daughter here in the city. I have a business, and a
home. As far as I'm concerned, all of them are potentially at great
risk now, after today's events.
Nerof Gasgal: (pondering this) Well, it's not like we can just have
Glodreddi assassinated.
Peldor: (says nothing)
Nerof Gasgal: No, really, we can't.
Peldor: (says nothing)
Nerof Gasgal: Don't even think it. Oligarchs do not conspire to murder
other Oligarchs.
Peldor: I guarantee you that he's going to have similar thoughts, if he
hasn't already.
Nerof Gasgal: He won't do anything. He knows better.
Peldor: Does he? He could figure something out. All he'd have to do
is use a series of middlemen, each clueless about all but one of the
others...if things got complex enough, it would never be traced back
to Glodreddi.
Nerof Gasgal: Sounds like you've spent some time thinking about this.
Peldor: Any of us who do more than sit there and vote silently at every
meeting have probably thought about this! (exasperated) Hearing that
things will be okay because no one will dare harm my family, for fear
of punishment if they do...does NOT reassure me in the least.
Nerof Gasgal: (rubbing his temples as a massive headache quickly gains
strength)
Peldor: Look, I'm not the one who started this conflict today. I've
minded my own business, even while knowing that Glodreddi is hardly
innocent of his own crimes. He does a good job keeping the city flush
with funds, and that's fine. But today he made it personal...and we
both know it won't end here.
Nerof Gasgal: Maybe it will.
Peldor: What if it doesn't? (he leans back in his chair) You have my
word that I will take no action against Glodreddi at this time. His
hands will be full for a while anyway, as he tries to figure out the
absolute lowest amount the city can pay Belphanior and still follow the
rules and what was voted on today. But once all that's settled, don't
be surprised if he tries something else. And I assure you, I'll be
more than ready.
For the second time in an hour, Peldor stood and prepared to walk out
of a meeting with his boss.
Peldor: (stops, feeling guilty) I don't mean to-
Nerof Gasgal: (waves a hand) It's fine. We're friends, and friends
do butt heads sometimes. And I think we both need a break from this
topic anyway.
Peldor: Agreed. (he heads for the office's exit) Oh. There's one more
thing the Oligarchy as a whole - and Glodreddi in particular - should
think about.
Nerof Gasgal: What's that?
Peldor: How Belphanior will react when he's informed that the Free City
of Greyhawk is cancelling his massive investment while its value is on
the rise.
With that, Peldor left the Lord Mayor's office, thanked his assistant
on his way through the room outside, and headed home to the Green Dragon
Inn to ponder the immediate future. His family, his business, and his
job were all doing well - today's hiccups aside, in the latter case. The
weak links in the Directing Oligarchy (even poor Sental Nurev) had been
removed, and the biggest problem these days was overambitious members
such as Glodreddi. As for the Thieves' Guild, Peldor had dealt with all
known troublemakers years ago, and his various lieutenants were people
he could trust - as least as far as any thieves could be trusted. If not
for the risks discussed in the meeting he'd just had, Peldor figured he
could continue to be Guildmaster for a long time yet...perhaps even rise
to the position of Lord Mayor someday, whenever Nerof Gasgal retired.
Unfortunately, recent events in and near the city, combined with the
obvious toll that the overall responsibility was taking on Nerof, were
beginning to make Peldor question all sorts of things. Greyhawk had
grown steadily since the end of the wars, but at the same time, it now
held more foreigners (some of them potentially hostile, and many of them
poor or criminals who cared nothing about the good of the city itself.)
Even minor progress took too long to implement, while major advancements
seemed to take forever; all the while, at all levels, there was bickering
and divisiveness and lack of unity or cooperation. As he'd explained to
Belphanior six months ago, when they last talked, commerce and trade in
the Free City were in decline, while taxes continued to rise. Best case,
it would require years for everything to stabilize - years during which
strong, sustained effort would be necessary.
Honestly, Peldor wasn't sure that was possible. And the moment his
wife saw him walk into the common room of the Green Dragon Inn, she knew
something was wrong.
Tanya: (waits until Peldor reaches the end of the bar, where there are
no customers this early in the day) Bad day at work?
Peldor: (wearily) Was it ever. (he hugs her) We need to talk.
next: back to Geoff, and the march of the Mongo/Yod armies
map: http://www.peldor.com/world/atlas/Bright-Desert_1156.jpg
www: http://www.peldor.com/download.html
homepage: http://www.peldor.com/
email: tmiller@peldor.com
released: 12/26/2025
notes: As I said last time, the land that Belphanior had been
buying up could not go unnoticed forever. And now Peldor has some
new intrigue and danger to worry about in Greyhawk.
Random trivia: I noticed that the first episode to contain its own
publish date was 601, which was published 1/3/2000. Before that was
episode 600, which was published sometime in late 1998. Which means...
- between 11/4/1991 and the end of 1998, I published 600 episodes
- between 1/3/2000 and now (12/26/2025) I published 589 episodes
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