"Legend has it that Jakues Gosner invented the first steam mill when his pot of tea boiled and blew a ball across his desk."

Naturally, this is a fabrication of the highest order. Still, a fun story, Hans thought, may as well let it proliferate.

In truth, the steam mill's origins can be found in far-off Ullr. The earliest precursor of the steam mill looks almost nothing like its modern version, and it was not nearly as efficient. Simply a scientific oddity, a curiosity. It would make a fine centerpiece. Well, one of Han Groshaas’ colleagues thought he did, but that man was a terrible bore. In any event, by some manner or another, the Steam mill had managed to make its way to Opertin.

In Opertin, the very same Master Gosner had created his steam mill, the Opertinians used that and their indisputable cleverness to develop it into something that could lift in and out of a mineshaft. It increased productivity twofold. Between the Glaunist Strike and the Opertinians taking to Glimmer like a fish to water, many native Glimmerite companies were consumed, dismantled, and bankrupted. Groshaas almost included.

But through political meandering, economic know-how, and the assistance of Hans Groshaas’ dear friend Master William Limoen, Hans turned the tables on the Opertinian consortiums and now was about to acquire a Steam mill of his own.

Well, a used one, but that was still something.

“The Arçitonnaire & Daglund No. 6 Steam Jack is the most reliable and durable engine there is – I cannot part with it for any less than 7,000 gilders.” Said Alaric Oelleschi, the asshole Groshaas was trying to buy it from.

“That’s unacceptable, I’m afraid.” The No. 6 Jack most certainly was not the most reliable and durable engine there was. That title belongs to those with hearts of Igneus, which were powerful but damned rare and damned finicky beasts. This old No. 6 was worth, at most, 4,000 gilders. “I can give you 1,000 gilders for it.”

“What? Sir, I’m afraid I must’ve misheard you.” A cheap tactic, feigning lack of hearing, but one couldn’t fault a man for trying.

“1,000 gilders maximum, Master Oelleschi.” Said Hans Groshaas. “Otherwise, I’m afraid we’ll simply have to allow the opportunity to pass.”

The Steam Jack may have been worth 4,000 gilders, but fortunately Alaric Oelleschi was worth far, far less. He was deep in debt, and Groshaas knew it. Besides the terrible state of Oelleschi's dress revealing his all-to-precarious position to begin with, the Magisters of Sunport oversaw the economic safety of the city. The Burgher also made the laws, including economic regulations. Information, positioning. Master Oelleschi was an unfortunate (yet still dishonest) victim, but one with a steam mill that Groshaas would buy for 1,000 gilders.

“Then I suppose we’ll simply have to let the opportunity pass.”

Hmm. An unexpected outcome, but I’m impressed, thought Groshaas, you’re made of sterner stuff.

“Good day, then, Alaric.” Said Groshaas.

“Good day, Burgher. I truly hope you change your mind.” Said Alaric Oelleschi.

And with that, Groshaas left. He supposed he’d pick up the engine when news of the financial distress of the Oelleschi Iron Company was made public. In fact, Groshaas figured he’d have the tip published in the Relation on the morrow. By the end of the week, perhaps Oelleschi would be pressured enough to reconsider his position. And perhaps Groshaas could find an engineer to upgrade it to boot.

[M] 828

• Glimmer has a rudimentary Steam Engine (woohoo we invented something)
• We have a printing press. It's cool.
• Glaunism has overrun Rothon.