Spire Noir - Zazie Scrapbook
Contents
Known Associates[edit]
Mr. Timothy Girder[edit]
Former adventurer, former mercenary, former private security for hire, and now Isabelle's bodyguard, Mr. Girder is a human from the Western Marches. As rugged and resourceful as you'd expect from his kind, he served two-campaigns in the desert and moved into Spire with the tan to prove it. His military expertise has given him a keen nose for danger, and proficiency in a variety of weapons - many of which are illegal to own within the confines of the city.
A number of shades too smart to embody the 'dumb meat' stereotype of his newfound profession, Mr. Girder charges a pretty penny for his services, and isn't afraid to make his opinion on any particular scenario clear (though he at least recognises the need to be discreet). He is currently quite happy in Isabelle's employ - if only because she is prompt with his payments, and doesn't seem to mind his mouth.
Jonathan Hartnell[edit]
Eldest son of the formerly reputable (and now deceased) Richard Hartnell, Jonathan is Isabelle's business partner. He inherited a company in dire states, but had sense enough to negotiate a fair deal with (who would become) his new colleague to see it saved. Jonathan is a man who believes in being proper, and is a meticulous stickler for detail. Isabelle appreciates his ability to navigate the complex and complicated with a keen and calm thoroughness that has saved Hartnell & Dubois from disaster more than once. In turn, Jonathan has come to rely on Isabelle's sharp nose for profit and willingness to take calculated risks. In a sense, she charts the course, and Jonathan navigates the perils of their journey.
He is fully aware of Isabelle's side-line into arms dealing, but has kept his hands clean. Isabelle knows Jonathan is aware, but neither of them have felt the need to air their dirty laundry. It's enough that Hartnell & Dubois prospers.
Business Ventures[edit]
Hartnell & Dubois Incorporated[edit]
A bulk perishables and luxury food wholesaler, H&D Inc. trades in produce, delicacies and alcohol. With office space rented at the Azurite Guild-Temple on the docks, warehouse space on the waterfront, and staff enough to ensure a smooth operation, H&D Inc. is a well respected company throughout the Spire - sourcing food both locally and through imports before acting as a supplier to the city at large. Hartnell and Dubois have been attempting to expand operations further, but are struggling to gain more of the market than they already have without risking ruinous trade wars with their competition. At present, Isabelle is slightly undercutting her rivals - funnelling her personal money into H&D Inc. to support the company while seeking to erode the alternatives.
The income from H&D Inc. serves both Hartnell and Dubois very well indeed. Isabelle herself owns a wealthy town-house in East-Middlespire, and she could possibly own better (and higher!) if she stretched her legitimate finances in unsensible ways.
Smokes and Powder[edit]
An unofficial and entirely illicit operation, Smokes and Powder is the underground 'trade name' of Zazie Smokes' illegal arms dealing network. With contacts in customs, and the port authority, Zazie procures weaponry in bulk: her suppliers making a pretty penny on the mark-up while she flips the guns on the Spire's black market for a greater mark-up still. What sets Smokes and Power apart from its competition is Zazie's available capital: allowing her to source from legitimate manufacturers (or those with legitimately manufactured guns) - making her weaponry significantly more refined than the illicitly manufactured alternatives (the typical 'home-grown' option).
Smokes and Powder rents warehouse space as and when required through a variety of channels. And Zazie herself has several safe-houses leased under alternate identities - out of which she conducts much of her illegal business dealings. A significant amount of the profit Smokes and Powder generates is swiftly funnelled back into Hartnell & Dubois Incorporated - funding Isabelle's gentle undercutting of her competition.
