Voice

[highliber]

This is the WORST timing. It took months to get the right to build the new floor and now the price of steel is going to triple.

I have no desire to go prospecting myself, but I have access to funding if a more outdoors inclined person wanted to mount an expedition. I think it might save me money in the long run.

Comments

[for_realsies]

Well, since we can't go play in the underground, and we're pretty good at salvage.

And I have wanted to see what the big deal about the outside world? Maybe find some good salvage from one of the lost cities if anything remains.

[highliber]

There's much we can get from the ruins, but raw materials was never the most valuable thing.

[She clears her throat before she goes into a full on lecture.]

Anyways.

What are your credentials as a prospector?

[for_realsies]

I've been a delver for two years, I know a fair bit about salvage from that, my dad i- was a professor. So I've been hearing about little things of the old world, the ruins, and the outside since... forever.

*She doesn't even try to sound like anything other than an energetic little pixie.*

Oh, and I can see in the dark. Even in the wilds that has to have it's uses, right!?

[highliber]

Hmm, well two years a delver isn't bad...

[for_realsies]

It was lots of good times, the underground is all sorts of fun. Bright Eyes and I never really get bored down there.

Is there more you're looking for? I've found and brought up plenty of salvage. Well, found, usually I let someone a bit bulkier than me pack and move the stuff.

Imogen Moreno, I'm very amazing.

[myfedorarocks]

As the leader of an engineering team, I need to find materials myself.

We don't have the funds to deal with such a price increase, it'll drive us out of business.

I have an affinity for the cold but I'm no ranger.

[highliber]

Perhaps we should combine our resources.

[myfedorarocks]

Perhaps so.

What do you have in mind?

[highliber]

Stop relying on salvage for raw material. Set up a proper iron works.

[myfedorarocks]

Hm, it would certainly be much more efficient.

The shortage has reached crisis point. The only problem is that in this weather, looking for a mine will be difficult.

Even as an Enlightened, I'm not sure I could survive out there. I'd be able to get us out of dodge. I might be able to convince an Ice type not to attack us if cornered, but that's still not a guarantee.

[voice]

[sixwholeplates]

This does sound frustrating for the Delvers. I hope that they'll lift the ban soon, at least.

I could go on such an expedition, though.

[She does need to make a name for herself. And she is an ice Enlightened, if it involves the cold.]

[highliber]

Yes of course, for them too. I don't think it's an actual BAN, though, so much as an official advisory.

[Adopting a more businesslike tone, she continues.

What are your credentials for prospecting in the wilds for iron?

[sixwholeplates]

I've studied it some. My family has a couple of books on mineralogy. I could brush up.

[She hesitates a moment. She's a noble girl turned adventurer; she feels a little ridiculous and might sound it, too.]

I'm also an Enlightened.

[highliber]

[She can tell. Tragically she's still technically the best applicant so far.]

Are you now? Having a few Enlightened along would certainly be a positive boon.

[sixwholeplates]

I am. A trainer, too. I am...

[Be honest, one of her servants told her, before she started this. Lying about her abilities will only cause problems.]

...not very experienced, but I will do my utmost.

[outtahere]

[Well he'd been planning on getting out of the city for a while anyway. He was just planning on heading down to the Old City first and waiting until spring to go into the wilderness. The problem is, how does he sell bringing someone like him along?]

Been having trouble getting metal lately myself. Even the scrap's been slim pickings. Wasn't expecting the announcement to be to look for iron in the wilderness though.

Ain't exactly an outdoors guy, but I'd be interested in joining an expedition. I can tell if we've found metal or just shiny rocks, and an extra body might make Pokémon think twice about attacking the group.

[highliber]

So you're good with metal, is what you're saying?

[outtahere]

Yeah. I work at the labs with some of the old world tech. I do a lot of metalwork, make parts, that kinda thing.

[highliber]

We could probably find a use for you, then.

[outtahere]

Sounds good.

I'm Banzu.

[antiseptic]

[Ah, good. Someone he can count on.]

My superiors and I have been discussing the possibility of beginning an expedition to the Caverns. Any assistance you can offer would be appreciated.

[highliber]

Who would your superiors be?

[antiseptic]

Oh, you know. Other rangers.

[aka npcs. Although it's also in his nature to be deliberately vague.]

[highliber]

[That was actually what Zarvora wanted to know.]

Ah good. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the best in the wilderness. I DO have access to city funding, though. If you can get me the steel to build the new floor of the library, I will get you the money to equip an expedition.

[antiseptic]

[He's quite pleased that she isn't questioning him any further, and that they can get on with business. While the Rangers had some funding, more would certainly help, especially with the need for winter gear.]

[But, as much as he'd like to take the money, he does need to be honest.]

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee we'll find a mine. But, we'll certainly mount more expeditions until we do.