Trade mission to Aleria

[Dark Storm]

It was a fine morning when Gnaeus departed Ostia, the sun shone at his back as his trade ships cut through the surf. Their mission that day, to reach the city of Aleria on the coast of the island of Corsica and to secure a trade agreement with the natives, it would be up to Gnaeus' guile to attain this valuable asset, and he was more than willing to 'grease the wheels' so to speak, to achieve his aims.

Barely had the sun sunk just enough into the Western sky to indicate late afternoon had they spotted the cost and the port city of Aleria, a strong wind guided them into shore and, within the hour, they had anchored. Gnaeus departed his boat and prepared for the inevitable questioning by the port authorities, for his boat was the first trader to touch these shores with the sigil of a Roman upon its sail...

[Rhapture]

Seeing the foreign ship on the horizon the leaders call up the city militia. And send out alerts to be on alert. As the ship neared, the flag of Rome was seen flying in the breeze. The Etruscan leaders of Aleria wondered what was going on, the Etruscan tribes had not been on friendly terms with Rome for hundreds of years.

[Rhapture]

"And what business do you have here Roman?" the leader says. "We have limited dealings with Rome, and for a good reason, we do not trust you." Their faces were not showing any friendliness.

[Dark Storm]

"I am a merchant, I am here to trade, to prosper and, in turn, help you prosper."

He signalled towards his ship,

"This is one of my tradeships, newly built and ready to transport materials gathered here around the world, I come offering wealth. I may be a Roman, but I am a merchant at heart and I do not dabble in the politics of the Senate, though they may seek to control me, I run my own business."

Gnaeus pulled out a single denarii,

"Ten thousand of these, that is was I am worth, more than the annual income of this city and I can enrich this city, I can offer you my custom, my trade routes, links to other nations. This is why I am here, you can prosper commercially through me, and your city can become great..."

[Rhapture]

"The city leaders will discuss this among themselves for a few days, then we will give you our decision. You are welcome to stay in the city or or your ship." The man replies before he sharply turns around and leave Gnaeus standing surrounded by evil looking fellows.

[Dark Storm]

Gnaeus looked around at the surrounding guards, he called back up to his ship and a sailor runs down, he whispers into the man's ear for a moment, before sending him away.

The man returned a moment later with a crate and a few other items, he placed the crate upended onto the crowded dock and left the other items on top before retreating back onto his ship.

Gnaeus smiled and knelt before the crate,

"Fancy a game of chance lads?"

He questioned the hard faced soldiers, who remained impassive,

"Hmm, I'm as much a fan of these games as I know soldiers are... look, there's money in it for you..."

He placed a small pouch of denarii on the crate and gestured for three of the surrounding soldiers to take a place at each side. While waiting for them to join him, he picked up a cup and rattled it absent-mindedly, upending it and letting dice fall onto the table before collecting them and shaking the cup again...

[Rhapture]

After a couple of days discussing the issues with the other leaders of the city, the governor of Aleria called the Roman back .
"Roman trader. after careful consideration among the local leaders, we have determined that Rome is not welcome on this island. For trade or any other reason. You have one hour to leave or we will attack you and your ships."


ooc:this outcome was determined by random rolls

[Dark Storm]

As Gnaeus exited the boat he was confronted with the local militia, he stepped out alone, wearing no weapon and instead spoke to the commander of the mass that was arrayed against him;

"Ave, Etruscan."

He smiled pleasantly,

"I am a merchant, of Rome, here to speak with your Chief, I bring you no harm, and intend to cause no mischief, my business within this city is of my own accord, and I wish to cause no trouble."

He looked around at the faces of the militia,

"I... err, see that I have already failed at that objective."

He sighed slightly,

"I apologise for it, profusely, had I considered the situation I may have sent word ahead, but you know how it is in these circumstances..."

He trailed off, waiting to see if they would accept him...