TRADING (Commerce) and other Revenue - Fornice

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May 5, 2025 6:02 pm
OOC:
Mama & Tamm (likely others) have Streetwise skills. If we wanted some grey area, bit of risk & high profit goods, perhaps, when we get that far, Mama & Tamm (& others) could obtain those types of cargo to make use of our hidden cargo capacity.
No need to rush. This is for the new players to think about. Of course, the new characters won't know it unless they go with us/one of us.
May 5, 2025 6:23 pm
LloganTamm says:
OOC:
Why is Jokotre an Amber Zone? Sometimes, Amber Zones are set because the society on the world is still under development. Mind, I have not checked the wiki yet. I will soon.
OOC:
The wiki says:

This is a "Puzzle" world designated as an Amber Zone. Caution is advised since the world has an environment, laws, customs, life forms, or other conditions that are not well understood and might be a danger to a visitor.....

....Jokotre's government is a theocracy, the Archdiocese of Ram, which is the instrument of an evangelical religion that believes that stars are the physical manifestation of Ram, and that each true believer must make a pilgrimage to the holy lands on Jokotre.

I guess the religious zealotry might be the reason for the amber rating. Who is RAM?
Last edited May 5, 2025 6:25 pm
May 5, 2025 9:25 pm
OOC:
Someone should look into getting an assist for the planet and its culture. Maybe, someone has posted something in the vast Imperial Interwebs that will clue us in on the Jokorites' customs so we don't step in it too badly!
At the proper time of course...
May 5, 2025 9:44 pm
OOC:
Is there an in-game mechanism that would allow Alice to check in with her Merchant Service contacts to get intel on the planet?
May 6, 2025 2:00 am
There are plentiful means of acquiring information about the Jokotre system. Going to the Spacers' Guild or the Travellers Aid Society are 'top-of-the-list' sources. Using contacts is a good idea, too. And the public "info-web". Local brokers would have such knowledge, surely, but only at a price. Starport bars and other social gathering venues frequented by traders might get the most current low-down.

As you've already determined, Jokotre is a "Yellow Zone" based on the rather nasty law level associated with its Religious Dictatorship. Ground-side laws are extensive and Byzantine in their complexity and its essential to have a local guide if one is going to set foot off Imperial extra-territoriality (ie, spaceport facilities).

It has a good starport, rated at "B" with both orbital and ground facilities. The main world is 'medium' sized with near Earth like gravity. Its thin atmosphere makes it hard on Travellers until they can acclimitate, but poses no particular hazard otherwise.

It has a population of 800-million, a sizeable consumer base. Tech level of 7 makes it pre interstellar. The religious dictatorship is known to limit imports of higher tech items and there is a thriving market for contraband high-technology. Severe penalties for smuggling such cargo, of course!

Public records reveal recent shipments to Jokotre from Fornice of medical technology and pharmaceuticals, industrial pipes for water/sewage, partially refined iron, copper, and other metallic ores, fruits and fruit-syrup, fusion power-plant spares and components, consumer appliances, untrained guard animals, insulation materials...
May 6, 2025 7:32 am
Donulus says:
The elected captain, through the assistance of the group then decides on the next port, thus giving the purchasers direction in locating goods and services. The purser (whom ever that is) approves the purchase, based on available funds, after consultation with the Steward, and approval by the captain and/or second in command. If all agree, the funds are dispersed and the purchase is made. The Steward continues to ensure that the purser knows how much cargo space remains so that an over purchase of cargo does not occur. All speculative personal purchases must be approved by the Steward as well, for the sole purpose of allocation of hull space. These transactions should be completed through the use of ships communication devices set at urgent. This should assist with rapid transit of information and prevent the loss of a good deal due to "red tape".

Thoughts?
Tharrok grins and says, simply, "I am the pilot. I fly the ship."
May 6, 2025 2:30 pm
Mama gets to work on the computers (+2), starting with the public records.

Identifying recent shipments to Jokotre from Fornice of medical technology and pharmaceuticals, Mama gives them more in depth research. Pharmaceuticals can pack a great profit and take up minimal space. Using her knowledge in the medical field and computer expertise, Mama researched the greatest needed items for Jokotre with the lowest purchase price in Fornice, identifying the Pharmaceuticals with the greatest profit margin.

Next, she placed them in order from greatest profit to lowest profit, then researches the net to determine the availability of freelance shipments.

This information is then passed to our Steward for final determination.

After pharmaceuticals, Mama repeats the process for industrial pipes for water/sewage, partially refined iron, copper, and other metallic ores, fruits and fruit-syrup, fusion power-plant spares and components, consumer appliances, untrained guard animals, insulation materials...

Hopefully this effort will assist with what others may have found.

Assistance from another is welcome

Rolls

Search for lucrative pharmaceuticals - (2d6+2+1)

(52) + 3 = 10

Search for generic other loads based on most lucrative - (2d6+2+1)

(62) + 3 = 11

May 6, 2025 2:39 pm
When appropriate, Mama asks to join LC in a search for lucrative black market items, items that may be legal here, but will bring a good profit on Jokotre... Along with delivery contacts.

(Mama is looking for personal purchases here that she can make with her personal funds. Items that don't take up much room, items of higher tech.)

Mama brings her streetwise and higher education to the table.
May 6, 2025 7:03 pm
LC to Mama (Said Ma),
"Of course and non problem, let me see what i can dig up? How off the books do you want this? Or better said, what do you not want to know?"

LC smiles a bit, but then frowns

"You know we have to gain some copies of Trade Licensure so the goods look like they cleared through the Office of Stellar Ethics. We have to do this for all the cargo so the cargo is not deemed "spiritually polluting". That would be bad and could result in our cargo being confiscated or destroyed."

He then waves at Alice and Lu-Yam and calls them over to the terminal

"Alice - do you and Lu-Yam can help or assist to dig up cargo to take to Jokotre??"
OOC:
We need to sort out which character is the Steward, Purser/quartermaster and most importantly Captain. Right?
Last edited May 6, 2025 7:23 pm
May 6, 2025 7:29 pm
"Of course, LC, it would be my pleasure"
OOC:
Can you guide me on what sort of roll to make, please?
May 7, 2025 1:25 am
sonofirony says:
"Of course, LC, it would be my pleasure"
OOC:
Can you guide me on what sort of roll to make, please?
OOC:
Sure you would state what the roll is for, the type of dice used ...2D6.. of course.. and then your modifiers. So in the case of Alice that has contacts for high demand items that bring profits. So you Broker skill gives you a bonus of +2 (IIRC your Broker skill level) plus the modifier -if any- for your INT stat.
David - the GM explains it in this post, but is below to make this quick:
playbydave says:
Attribute modifiers as follows:

In a situation where a character's attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Education, Social-Standing) are role-played, DMs to the dice roll will be applied.

ATTRIBUTE modifiers, used where appropriate.

Attribute-Value/Modifier

1-2 -2

3-5 -1

6-8 +0

9-11 +1

12-14 +2

15 +3

Note that these modifiers are not automatic, but are only applied when role-play and description of actions warrants it.
End quote

Remember that Alice, LuYam and Said Ma can work together to find cargo and more importantly speculative cargo
[ +- ] SPECULATIVE CARGO
May 7, 2025 1:52 am
LC Rains leans back in his chair in the Athelstone’s common room, stylus tucked behind one ear, a steaming cup of something stimulative in hand.

"Right. Let’s talk business, but the kind that comes with incense and pointed questions about the state of your soul."

He taps his tablet and projects a rotating image of the Puzzle World—Jokotre, amber-classed and mysterious.

"The Jokotre aren’t your standard trade partners. They don’t haggle like Vargr, they don’t bargain like Zhodani, and they certainly don’t sign anything with a clause longer than a prayer. Which brings me to..."

He swipes again, revealing the golden glyph of the Archdiocese of Ram.
https://bilder.fernsehserien.de/epg/epg-archiv/2022/08/03/cbfbdcb4d35e323c0a9d90bda73878146d19d64a_b.jpg

"These pious star-watchers believe every star is a divine lens of Ram’s will. They’ve got a strong presence around Jokotre, not just spiritually, but economically too. Think less 'missionaries' and more 'merchant-clerics with robes and ledgers.' You want to move goods in or out? You will deal with them—formally or... otherwise."

LC smirks, raising a brow.

Benefits

"If you play it right, and I do mean exactly right, the Jokotre pay in high-value, low-mass trade goods. Religious artifacts, encrypted star charts, sometimes bio-tech grown in those puzzle temples of theirs. Stuff the collectors in the Core pay through the airlock for."

"The Archdiocese will also offer protection—real convoy-grade stuff—if you declare your cargo ‘ritually approved.’ That gets you through otherwise dicey customs zones. And for a small tithe, they'll even bless the hull."

He shrugs.

"I don’t know if that helps with micrometeors, but hey, free PR."

Pitfalls

"Now—now—the fun part: the risks." LC grins tightly. "If you bring in anything considered profane—entertainment media, synthetic spirits, Virtual private network programs that get around the Lightwell Chamber network—expect to be detained, fined, and possibly sermonized within an inch of your patience. Even if it’s hidden, the Archdiocese tends to find things. And you do not want to get on their Watchlist. It travels faster than light and ruins trade faster than a hull breach."

"And let’s not forget: the Jokotre don’t always communicate in ways we understand. Misunderstand a puzzle-sign and you might accidentally 'sell' them your nav computer in exchange for a bowl of sacred moss."

LC lowers the tablet and looks around the room.

"In short: high reward, high complexity, and a lot of incense. We go in respectful, smart, and absolutely scrubbed of anything that might offend a god—real or perceived. If we play the angles, though, it could make our ship’s balance sheet sing."

He pauses, then adds, with a smirk:

"And hey—if it goes sideways, I’m pretty sure I still remember how to say 'We meant no offense, holy one' in liturgical Ramese."

Looking at Alice, Lu-Yam and Said Ma then to Bronz;
"We could apply for through the local Archdiocese of Ram's Office of Stella Ethics and wait a bit and undergo Trade Benediction which is a formal blessing given to off-world traders who operate in accordance with ecclesiastical law. Often improves relations and speeds cargo inspections."

LC then smiles at everyone;
"But I have a way in..."
May 7, 2025 3:43 am
Mama smiles, " I figure you did .. As for me, I'll go off the books completely for the right treasure. For me this is about adventure and fun. I have spent my life following the rules (well, for the most part) and am now interested in spending the rest of my healthy life on one giant great adventure. I want our ship paid off giving us maximum ability to travel non stop as far as we desire. I have no family of concern and nothing to hold me back "
May 7, 2025 8:09 am
OOC:
Thanks @Muns
"Let me help you, Mama", Alice says
OOC:
Broker Skill +2, Int (A) +1
Last edited May 7, 2025 8:10 am

Rolls

Broker assitance to Mama (1) - (2d6+2+1)

(16) + 3 = 10

Broker assistance to Mama (2) - (2d6+2+1)

(35) + 3 = 11

May 7, 2025 1:24 pm
"Tamm here about religious nutters. You can't seem to miss a "missionary". They are the off-world nutters who saw the Light and want to believe that everyone wants a part of Ram spying, Tamm means, watching over them. Blithering fanatics can't handle things on their own and have to have a Big Daddy watch over them all the time. Big Daddy Tamm watch over a missionary and a doggy for a few hours!" Tamm flashes a grin but the grin never reaches his eyes.

The old crew may be surprised by Tamm's comments. This might be the longest Tamm has ever spoken in public!
Last edited May 7, 2025 1:27 pm
May 7, 2025 11:37 pm
Donulus says:
Mama gets to work on the computers (+2), starting with the public records.

Identifying recent shipments to Jokotre from Fornice of medical technology and pharmaceuticals, Mama gives them more in depth research. Pharmaceuticals can pack a great profit and take up minimal space. Using her knowledge in the medical field and computer expertise, Mama researched the greatest needed items for Jokotre with the lowest purchase price in Fornice, identifying the Pharmaceuticals with the greatest profit margin.

Next, she placed them in order from greatest profit to lowest profit, then researches the net to determine the availability of freelance shipments.

This information is then passed to our Steward for final determination.

After pharmaceuticals, Mama repeats the process for industrial pipes for water/sewage, partially refined iron, copper, and other metallic ores, fruits and fruit-syrup, fusion power-plant spares and components, consumer appliances, untrained guard animals, insulation materials...

Hopefully this effort will assist with what others may have found.

Assistance from another is welcome
Mama (with Alice's assistance) finds a pharmacuetical supplier that services the Jokotre market. They usually ship via a scheduled 'Subsidized Merchant' but have occassional over-flow that they sell to traders. Currently they have 5 dTons (1 ton pallets) of standard Painkillers @ 5,000cr/ton. Expected return is 7,500cr/ton, but of course this cannot be guarenteed.

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