The following notes are a matter of public record, and are posted within Bree Town Hall - though rarely if ever accessed by those without interest in the bureaucratic wheeling and dealings of Bree-town's functioning.
Bree Merchant's Guild Council Meeting Minutes
Date: 25th July
Chair: Frimsi Gembeard
Present: A likely incomplete account of those attending this meeting: Parvion, Geoadoc, Thorlaen, Eldanith, Samfer, Lane.
Apologies: Vratni Copperhand (was spending the night in the Bree jail for entirely unfounded reasons!), and other members...
Merchant Updates
- Thorlaen announced encouraging progress on his southern trade venture. Merchant vessels are expected to begin arriving from Belfalas within the next week or two, opening new trade opportunities to Bree.
- Frimsi informed the council that he had successfully *cleared his name* after recently being framed for theft by a criminal group of 'disgraced' Dwarves!!
Report on the Mayor's Decisions
- Frimsi reported that the Trader's Wharf Property Petition has received the Mayor's verbal support, though formal approval remained delayed pending discussions with Enid Nettlesting of the League of the Axe. Therefore Frimsi took it upon himself to meet with Enid to negotiate on matters such as their 'environmental policies'. However Enid firmly refused any such amendments. The Guild therefore agreed it would be best to accept her initial proposal, as some building materials were better than nnone.
Petitions
- Greenway Knives Investigation: The petition passed 3 votes to 1, with Geoadoc casting the sole vote against. As a reminder, the petition dealt with a brigand gang attacking Dwarven merchants in Breeland and sought action by the Bree Watch. Samfer helpful suggested we might contact the Rangers about them too, while Lane proposed that a posse be formed by Merchants to protect Merchants, if official action isn't taken. Geoadoc advised against rash actions like this, suggesting we keep them under close observation. An interesting proposal by Parvion to infiltrate the gang, noting Vratni might be of such disposition (although not a Man!) was also made. Following the vote, members agreed that independent action may prove necessary, but would wait to see what came of the Mayor's review.
- Frodefast's Farmland Expansion: The petition passed unanimously (4 votes to 0). Originally submitted almost two years ago (!!), the petition seeks additional land and support for Bree's farmers to help increase local food production. Thorlaen offered to assist by expanding imports of seed and other agricultural goods through his growing shipping venture, while Lane also pledged discounts where possible. Members agreed that, even should the Mayor decline the petition, the Guild could still support Bree's farmers through private trade, investment and cooperation.
Other Business
- Concern was expressed regarding the continued disappearance of Frodefast, who is believed to have been captured by goblins. While several rescue ideas were discussed, Frimsi most generously confirmed his intention to organise an expedition to locate and recover dear Frodefast, though this will no doubt come at considerable cost!!! Parvion suggested either hiring mercenaries or, naturally, sending in another spy - though we'd need to see who shares a similarity with a goblin in order to do that... but members may recall a letter recently posted by Vratni on this matter - where he ingeniously suggested the establishment of a 'Find Frode Fund' that could ease the burden on the hiring of such mercenaries.
OOC: The Bree Merchant's Guild is a roleplay group on Meriadoc that meets regularly to engage in RP about trade, commerce, and civic life in Bree-land. Members gather for council meetings where they present petitions, debate local issues, vote on proposals and develop plots. Because it is bureaucracy personified, little to anything actually is achieved - but fun is always had! Contact Frimsi, Lane, Vratni or other folks affiliated about how to participate!
