An Offer of Freeddom - Diaday, 22nd of Famine, Year of the New Discovery 744

On the morning after the sale moratorium on the slaves has expired, Rundin, Sir Dealaan and Finn are asked to gather at the port master's office on the slave docks (where the slave ship is docked). You ask Navear to accompany you because of his professed knowledge of trade mercantile dealings. Waiting for you at the port master's office are Captain Wien, the Port Master who assessed your cargo on arrival and a grey-haired officer of the Slaver's Guild. Standing with the guild officer is a Hobgoblin, dressed in what appears to be a navy captain's uniform.

"I am Lailix Inaroo" the Guild officer says. "I am here today in my capacity as an officer of the Guild of Slavers, and I am prepared to make you an offer for your cargo." (Those of you local to Zoa recognize Lailix as a Council Elder and Mistress of the Vault - the equivalent of the Zoan mint). She hands you a formal looking ledger with the cargo of slaves annotated by quantity, race, and value:

Goods on offer:
40 criminals sentenced to slavery in Kalamar (35 humans, 1 half-hobgoblin, 4 half-orcs - all male)
1,080.00
26 male hobgoblins - prisoners of the Kors that were sold into slavery
1,501.50
1 massive male hobgoblin - a fearsome fighter;
536.25
81 Dejy Tribespeople (54 male, 27 female)
729.00
7 halflings (6 male, 1 female)
147.00
8 dwarves (all male & a note saying they are skilled craftsmen)
1,496.00
1 half-elf (adolescent female)
400.00
"all prices, of course, are in Zoan gold coin," continues Lailix after you have all looked at the document. "On the Port Master's authority, this offer will stand for 24 hours after which it will be reassessed based on the conditions of the market. You may also apply for a license to sell the slaves yourselves, or release them - though do the latter without providing for them in some way would almost certainly result in their returning to the condition of slavery. Inform the Port Master of your decision when you are ready. Good Day." Turning brusquely on her heel, she marches purposefuly from the office.

When the old woman is gone, the hobgoblin steps forward. In a guttural voice he announces "I am Malzuk, Captain of the Rostak's Bell - a keshow in the Zoan navy. I have been delegated to bring you counsel and to advise you of the Council's concerns regarding the fate of these hobgoblin slaves you have brought into the city." Turning to the Port Master, Malzuk asks him formally "Port Master Soruukei, may I have the private use of your office for a short time?"

"By all means, please do" answers the port master, a trifle nervously. As he scurries from the room, Malzuk stands at attention and gives the fist-to-heart salute of the Zoan Navy. When you are alone with this rather strange figure, the Hobgoblin continues. "You will notice the fair price for the hobgoblins offered by the slave guild. This is because the Navy has contracted to purchase these slaves from the guild should you sell them. They will train under me and should they prove worthy be enlisted in the Zoan navy, where they may eventually win their freedom." Malzuk pause to let this sink in. Then he goes on. "I am also obliged to tell you also that should you keep the hobgoblins as your own, the Council requires you to register with the guild of mercenaries as a Company of
Hireswords, for this can be the only use for such slaves. Further, the Council reminds you that a mercenary company may only have thirty members within the city walls at any given time; that they may not unsheath their weapons unless in their own defense; and that the sword tax is due from a slave's owner should the slave carry a blade within the city.

"Finally, I offer this advice to you - should you free the hobgoblins out of hand they will likely turn on you and your crew. A hobgoblin values nothing more than Honour, and should you give a gift so great as their freedom without their earning of it, they will have no respect for you. The only way they would be able to repay that debt and restore their Honour is with your blood. Do you have a decision? Or do you wish to consult privately?"

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