She becomes dead serious "I guess then that I'd have to spoon feed it to you like an imbecile, so be it. Once you can control one's fertility, you can make them barren as well, and possibly even affect their unborn children. You want your enemies crushed in one generation? Make them barren, and their culture dies because they cannot replace the ones they lose, so their army shrinks," And then she shrugs "House Mercere will have the resources, but they will not see it's full potential, or be able to realize it. And trust me, the Bjornaer and Ex Miscellanea would love to fund it. Especially if it will lead to controlling the Gifted's Heartshape, or increase the numbers of Gifted in specific Traditions, or reduce House Tremere's efforts to stabilize the area of the Transylvanian Tribunal, by causing select places to become infertile. But, you know, you are the one who will have to convince your superiors why you've let it fall into other hands..." And she starts walking away.
OOC:
Red Shadow Claws11/06/2020
The research would be about the human body, diseases, fertility, and possibly, through fertility, finding ways to improve the chances of a Gifted child.
Majordodo11/06/2020
Ah fertility magic
silveroak11/06/2020
that would be research they would definitely be interested in.
FYI, the whole "I can take it to another house" doesn't really work in this setting, especially for the Tremere. The houses are not rival companies or even. generally speaking, rivals.
Secondly what you are representing fertility magic to be is not what it is, and you aren't selling the points they would be interested in. You seem to believe you are playing a game of trying to up the value by talking about walking away while they are still uncertain that what you offer is worth the perceived risk of bringing you on board. You are literally tanking this interview and risking having to toss the character. There is no "the bjorner" or "ex Miscelania" organization to bring it to, most houses are not that organized. The only houses which have the organizational coordination to make you an offer as a house are the redcaps and the Tremere, otherwise you are simply looking for a covenant, not a house, to apply to. This is not "corporate negotiation" corporations won't even be a thing for another century.
Actual competition would be the order of Seuleman or the Order of Odin, and suggesting you would sell out to either of those would get you killed, not a better negotiating position.
Fertility magic doesn't fit the house objectives, though they would be interested in it, if you can properly point out the benefits, which for the Tremere are not simply about general increase in the supply of Gifted apprentices. From their perspective that would be nice, but not worth creating a house based initiation ritual for, and certainly of greater value to the redcaps. Please try to think in terms of this setting and objectives instead of trying to badly emulate a Hollywood version of hardball corporate negotiations that wouldn't actually ever work.
As she took a step further, she burst out laughing, put her hand on the nearest wall and gathering herslef she said "Oh my, I forgot how much a lively debate can be, but it seems that 20 years cooped in my lab has made me rusty at it. My apologies." And she goes back to the table, waiting for him to either sit down again, or stop and listen. "You said that controlling the birth of Gifted children is something the whole Order would benefit from, and it's true, but there are two things to consider:
We're talking about developing this as a Mystery for House Tremere. If you decide to share it with the Order, that's your business.
It's not JUST about making Gifted babies. If you can control the appearance of the Gift, you can control other aspects. Say you want a great warrior, give him qualities that enhance that, and same with a craftsman, animal handler, advisor, researcher, scholar, or whatever else you need.
No more trying to find the right person for the job, or settling for a mediocre one. Sure, it takes time for that child to grow, but you KNOW he'll be good for the job you need. Not to mention that if you want a nation to thrive, make sure its future rulers will be capable ones, and not inept.
He sits back down "I see, that does put things into a different light. So if we do this, we will sponsor your research, no hunting for vis supplies or financial resources to distract you, as well as support whatever expeditions the administrator of the oppida authorizes. You ill be categorized as a Hospite, meaning that you are exempt from any taxes, will not be asked to join wizards marches, and will have the protection of the Tremere house should anyone declare wizard war on you during your stay. We will also negotiate a salary in addition to the cost of your research. You will be prohibited from seeking office within the tribunal, excepting to be elected lead of the Hospites, from taking a new apprentice or familiar, creating a new talisman, founding a new oppidae or transfering to a different oppidae, wearing decorations or things which can be mistaken for them. If you are unaware decorations are specific symbols used to designate positions within the tremere house and the tribunal, decorative clothing or jewelry which do not resemble decorations will be permitted. You are also prohibited from voting for the aedile of your oppidae. If you understand and are willing to agree to these conditions we can discuss sallary. If you have any objections then let us discuss them at this time."
Thimmex considered the offer seriously, before answering "I have four questions before I agree to the terms offered:
Is there a Leper colony in the lands of the Transylvania Tribunal, for me to even request permission to try and find a suitable apprentice?
Would it be possible to receive a list of decorations, not their meaning, just the symbols, so that I do not duplicate one?
What kind of facilities would I be receiving for my research?
Without knowing the decorations, what happens should an item I have already created be similar to them? (OOC: If need be, she would describe the wand and her talisman, just their physical form, to make sure they do not violate that rule)"
"I'm certain there must be a leper colony somewhere within the lands of the tribunal, I wouldn't know how many or where, but I suspect that will not help you to avoid that restriction. A list of decorations can certainly be provided, but briefly they are the laurel, the myrtle, the oak, grass and parsley. The facilities are, from what I understand, generous. In fact I should want to know how large of a lab you are interested in. I suspect that your lab may be in an independent building."
OOC: leper magi contract leprosy as part of their apprenticeship, they are not recruited from lepers
"I apologize, I meant not to suggest that I be exempt from the restriction of asking for permission to get an apprentice. After all, if it is in the contract I negotiated, it should be so. I have worked towards knowing enough so I can acquire one, and teach him, or her, well enough, and so i inquire so that i might apply for getting such a permission."
She gives his question about a lab some thought before answering "I would like a lab about 1000 square feet, naturally in it's own independent building, for the sake of my fellow sodales mostly. If I may, it would be best if the building is well constructed, and preferably situated in an old cemetary, and i have some floor plans I'd made for the structure."
OOC: "The fifth and subsequent generations of leper magi have been found by their masters among lepers rather than contracting the curse from the elder magus; upon being opened to the Arts they acquire the Leper Magus Virtue." From HoH:S p.95.
Regarding lab, asking for a size 3 lab, with Dedicated Building, Superior Construction, Heinous Architecture, and Vile Surroundings. (I plan a few additions within it, like Features, and later adding the Preserved virtue through the Enchanted Item we discussed, but am not sure how much asking for specific features would b appropriate.
"An old cemetery could be a problem, the oppida is being built away from established human settlements. It would be foolish to build a research lab that was not of superior construction, and any features you would like to have included, if they are of mundane origin, can certainly be managed. I will certainly note the request for an old cemetery however and see what they can come up with. We also then have the question of salary." he leaves the statement hanging, clearly expecting you to suggest a rate.
"You offer me a fully realized lab, possibly only minus what refinement I'd need to perform, no taxes, the cost of my research, and my expeditions and financial resources supplied. One would be foolish to ask for a big salary in return, even an old Tytalus. Tell you what, I'd settle for 5 mythic pounds per year. After all, I get all these benefits, and i get to research a subject I'd enjoy."
The man grins "very well, done" He almost extends a hand by reflex before withdrawing it and pulling a piece of parchment out, filling in a few key sections, signing it and pressing his seal in wax to it before passing it to you. It is a formal contract for everything you have negotiated. There is one key provision he forgot to mention towards the end- a requirement that you keep the work done at the oppida secret excepting for your Tremere supervisors and your apprentice when you take one, and that all lab notes shall be retained by the Tremere upon your departure. as you glance at the section the man closes his eyes " My apologies, I should have realized I was forgetting something. I hope this won't be a problem."
"With such lengthy negotiations, one is prone to forget some things, if they are not in writing in front of him. But don't worry, I expected I'd need to turn over all lab notes regarding my research regarding Fertility magic, but I'd like to add a stipulation. This clause would apply just to research done that directly impacts with this. Any other research, including spells I research that are not directly related, will be mine to keep, though, to show my good will, I will provide you with a copy."
"Subject to the approval of the oppida administrator. After all the research is still being sponsored by us, and you will still know the spells and be able to instruct your apprentice."
"We have arranged travel for most of the distance by mercere portals, followed by 2 days travel in an enclosed carriage, and then a 2 day walk where there are no roads."