Luria Nova/Events/Estate-Manager/Growing influence of the Fellish Merchant Guild
Disturbing news reaches your ears, indicating that the Fellish Merchant Guild has been aggressively acquiring control over not just raw material producers but also encroaching on your food producers. This expansion has alarmed local merchants who vehemently oppose the growing dominance of this foreign guild. Even the minor nobles express concern, fearing that the Fellish Merchant Guild is on the verge of monopolizing nearly every business within the estate.
The Fellish Merchant Guild, however, feels aggrieved by what they perceive as local interference in their burgeoning business empire. They argue that their investments have played a pivotal role in fostering the estate's growth and development, and they accuse the locals of being ungrateful for their contributions. To secure their continued expansion, they propose that you disregard the locals' warnings and permit them to advance their business interests further. In return, they promise to provide you with a more substantial financial contribution than the locals.
As the manager of the estate, the decision lies within your grasp. Will you allow the Fellish Merchant Guild to extend its influence, potentially increasing your tax revenues and coin reserves? Or will you heed the concerns of the locals, safeguarding local businesses from foreign encroachment, albeit at the cost of potentially lower financial gains? The choice you make will shape the future landscape of your estate, affecting the balance between foreign investment and the interests of your local populace.
Outcome: The Fellish Merchant Guild's Total Dominance*
Having given the Fellish Merchant Guild the green light to expand unimpeded, they display their appreciation by gifting you two chests brimming with coins. However, the repercussions of your decision become glaringly evident as the guild rapidly engulfs every facet of business within your estate.
Their relentless acquisitions span from crop and livestock to materials and manufacturing, leaving no sector untouched. While your personal coffers swell with the riches extracted from your dealings with the merchant guild, the cost is clear – you have relinquished control over the vast majority of your estate's businesses. The merchant guild, now the sole authority, wields unfettered influence over every aspect of your domain.
The consequences reverberate through the estate. The guild no longer seeks your cooperation, as they dictate the rules and regulations governing all operations. Peasants, feeling disregarded, cease to heed your words, and the absence of local merchants leaves trade options solely within the purview of the merchant guild.
Amidst these changes, minor nobles band together, preparing to send a letter to your liege to voice their concerns about your leadership. News of your actions gradually reaches your liege, casting a shadow over your career as the estate manager. It becomes apparent that you have made extensive sacrifices within the estate to bolster your personal wealth, a revelation that could have far-reaching consequences for your position and reputation.
New Outcome: A Warning Against Unrestrained Expansion
Rather than permitting the Fellish Merchant Guild to expand unchecked, you assert your authority and issue a stern warning. Your firm stance emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced and cooperative environment within the estate.
In response to your warning, the Fellish Merchant Guild relents, at least for the time being. While they temporarily scale back their expansion efforts, there remains a sense of caution that they may explore alternative avenues to maximize their profits in the future.
However, your decisive action earns you respect and recognition among the estate's populace. Peasants, merchants, and minor nobles alike appreciate your willingness to safeguard the estate's economic diversity and local businesses. The sentiment within the estate shifts, and there is a prevailing sense that you have demonstrated strong leadership by standing up to the merchant guild's ambitions.
For now, a sense of satisfaction prevails across all segments of your domain. Your warning has not only preserved the estate's balance but also reinforced your authority as its manager.
