Come up with a business plan on the spot

She listens with cat-like attention and then writes out some sums on blotting paper. ”An almost workable proposal. And you have the gumption to see it through, no doubt. 15 percent, and only because I like you.” Her smirk dares you to haggle.

You make an outrageous counter. She laughs but lowers her ask. You raise yours some, smiling as well. Her next offer comes with decimals – and as a reference to a well-known verse of the Holy Writ. You raise an eyebrow, and she tells you how she and the Cerulean Titan hosted the Abbess of the Rawhidden Nunnery to negotiate the supply to her convent. {if A Heretic = 1} You mention how you preached that selfsame verse inside the windswept coral church on Maysand. She asks, but you only hint at the deeper meanings found by twisting the inane words. {elseif A Priest = 1} You mention how you preached that selfsame verse inside the windswept coral church on Maysand. She asks, and you explain that you do not preach – not usually. {else} You admit to a lack of education on matters of the faith. The Cerulean Usurer, however, is a fount of surprising knowledge and eager to explain. {endif}

Soon, the conversation moves from her business stories to tales of your naval exploits, to jests dripping with promise. She says an insane number and then laughs it off with a bold joke. You chance sweetening your counter with an untoward proposal. She purrs as she rejects both.

”10,” she says and spits in her palm, her face suddenly serious. ”Principal and interest due on your return.”

You shake on it and she produces a brass-inlaid strongbox from inside her father’s desk. She counts each coin twice before handing them to you together with a silken purse. You take the money.

You have gained 200 Talers

You now have {@420 Talers} Talers

You are now: Indebted to the Cerulean Usurer

”I own you now,” she says, her voice strangely solemn. ”That’ll be all. But First Officer? Make sure that you return. And fast.” She licks her lips. ”So I may recoup my investment.”