-2292 AS-

One sunny spring day, the sailors of a Yavāssa trade vessel arrived at the bustling port of the city of Susset. While other traders contented themselves to merely trade goods, these men were dreamers. They aspired to gain funding for an exploration to send a fleet of ships west, convinced that in that direction lay endless salt, silk, spices, and other valuable goods (including drugs, of course). The captain and first mate set out to convince the leaders of Susset of the profits to be had (as well as the ability of their ships to traverse large stretches of ocean). Quite unlike most sailors, these men had a way with words, and they convinced the Susseters that there were enormous profits to be had in establishing control over the sources of such valuable goods. Not only did the men they met with agree to fund a planned five-ship fleet, some of them even agreed to grant the Yavassa their mercantile expertise and legitimacy by joining them on their voyage. Meanwhile, the Yavāssa sailors would provide the necessary sailing and shipbuilding abilities. A few busy months of preparation later, the expedition was ready, with the Yavāssa captain at the head of its flagship vessel.