Lucian you recognize the band as being a symbol of Illmatter. You think that Chen is just worried about the well being of the children and has apparently had something in his past to influence his directness. You also notice that he doesnt trust you at word alone.
Chen you get the feeling that Lucian is doing what he thinks best for the children. He hasnt done anything that you would perceive as deceitful.
Maybe allowing Lucian to arrange a proper meeting will alleviate the distrust between the two of you. Your characters can act as they please, however.
Mirt seems satisfied with your response Nijal. He says" You boys have a deal. 2000gd for 49% ownership and a buy back at 2250gd in 6 months. I look forward to us working together."
You get the impression that he doesn't think you will be able to make enough to buy him out. Just so you guys are aware. He gets 49% of the weekly income before you make any money. Then you have to pay him on a monthly bases for the loan minimum of 20gd payment.
Before returning to the tavern, Chen will continue talking tot Lucian:
"In the meantime, I wanted to talk to you about something else, too. I feel like I made a mistake with Kherek. I like him. He's got a good heart, mostly. But, his...sense of what is right and what is wrong...it's ...off, sometimes. Not so much in the big things, like torturing or killing innocent people, like I said, he's a good guy, mostly. But...you saw us handing out business cards, I'm sure, right? We've been trying to drum up business here in Waterdeep, and we are adventurers. We do dangerous things for money, at least that's why he does it. I don't really care much about gold. I just like traveling from place to place helping people out. Anyway, we've been handing out business cards to just about everyone we meet. But, lately, the people we've been encountering are either members of the Zhentarum or members of the Xanathar's Guild. And, Kherek's been giving our cards to them, too. After every fight we've been in, whoever survives when the fighting stops, we've been giving them business cards and sending them back to their bosses with a message that we are available for any work they may need done. I went along with it. I might have even helped with the marketing a little. It's just that, I don't want to work for bad people. And, I think maybe the Zhents and the Guild are bad people. I want to help Kherek get the money he needs. I even gave him 100 of my own gold so he could get a new spell for his book. I just...I mean, aren't there good people who we can work for? I liked the job Volo gave us."
"That's understandable. From my experience, the world is never as black and white as we make it out to be.
Those who many would deem as good are often just seeking power, acceptance, or comfort. Maybe they're even trying to make up for wrongs in the past.
People I have met that the world would deem as "bad" have motivations and goals that are ultimately innocuous or even benevolent, but they are unhindered by other people's expectations.
I worry that the way the party has been advertising could get them in over their heads with people who do not wish to be disturbed.
The Lord's Alliance has a man named Jalester Silvermane in the Yawning Portal. Maybe start looking for work with him.
I worry that the way the party has been advertising could get them in over their heads with people who do not wish to be disturbed.
The Lord's Alliance has a man named Jalester Silvermane in the Yawning Portal. Maybe start looking for work with him.
Yeah, what if they figure out it's us running the new tavern? What if, instead of being impressed with how well we fight, they are mad that we killed their guys? What if they come after us? I'm not a smart guy, but I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen now that we aren't moving around anymore. Can you think of something we can do to, maybe, throw them off our trail?"
(Assuming we have our money and have exchanged pleasantries I think Nijal and Kherek would leave. Once some distance is between them and Mirt's office...)
"Good work in there, Nij. We can really start getting to work on the tavern now, maybe make a dent in what we owe to our benefactor"
Kherek remembers the look on Mirt's face. Kind, but there was a glimmer in his eye. Something that reminded him of a plump housecat waiting for the right moment to swipe a roasted turkey leg.
"I think he takes us as rubes though and ultimately he wants us to fail. We're just a delayed real estate acquisition. And I think there's a good chance he's going to get what he wants. That's a lot of money to pay back in 6 months and he knows it. A loan like that... that should be over a couple of years in a more modest city.
But hell, it's Waterdeep. Go big or go hovel I guess"
Kherek continues walking and after awhile
"We're gonna need some side hustles. Maybe ones that pay in dragons instead of deeds to haunted houses. Networking will be easier once we have a hub for people to come see us. in the meantime... Let's both be on the lookout for people in need. Especially if they have deep pockets and most especially if they're desperate."
Later that evening, Nijal and Kherek you guys go to the proper guilds to get a quote for the repairs for the tavern. The initial quote is 20% higher than you expect and you are told that the work will take 15 days but they cant start on it for a tenday because they are busy.
Nijal, you recognize this as a business ploy for more money. Give me a response with 4 persuasion rolls.
One response is to the Guild doing the work(2 rolls)
One response is to the Guild supplying beer, wine, and food.(2 rolls)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
In response to Kherek as they walk-
"It is a lot of money but I figure it is more than enough to get it up and running. And if we can manage to put everything into what the tavern already has and be running before festival season, between our earnings and the leftover amount from the loan, we can ensure we start off ahead of the game. He definitely figures we will fail...I like proving people like that wrong."
Nijal puffs on his pipe as they fall into silence walking. Kherek speaks up and Nijal thinks for a moment.
"There were two fellows in The Yawning Portal who seemed to work for organizations protecting the city. Well organized, regularly paying organizations if you were a member. It would be like getting paid to protect our investment, the tavern, which we will want to do anyway. I say its worth stopping in for a drink with the lads and see what we can arrange. After the guilds lets grab the rest of the fellows and head there."
At the guilds-
"I understand that you're running a business here but so are we. The only difference is I can't bring my Mrs. to your business and show her a good time out at the newest, most popular attraction in the city. And show her how well connected I am by being able to walk to the front of the line during festival season. It would be a shame if your Mrs. missed out on such an opportunity to see how successful you are all because you couldn't get the job done at a fair price and before festival season wouldn't it?"
26
15
"A place like this probably sees a lot of business right before festival season I'm sure. But during festival season, you've probably all but closed shop. The deed is done and everyone is focusing on having a good time. And I am willing to bet that a tavern with a spirit for a barkeep would probably draw a crowd. A crowd that you and your Mrs. would have to stand in hoping to get in. I could arrange it so that you and your beloved can waltz straight to the front of that crowd and through the doors. The only problem is that without beer, food, and fine wine, at a fair price, it probably wouldn't be a very good way to show off to her that you are someone of importance in this city. In fact it might make her wonder why you would have skipped such an opportunity to form a lasting business relationship with such a tavern and I would hate for her to think that way of you."
Yeah, what if they figure out it's us running the new tavern? What if, instead of being impressed with how well we fight, they are mad that we killed their guys? What if they come after us? I'm not a smart guy, but I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen now that we aren't moving around anymore. Can you think of something we can do to, maybe, throw them off our trail?"
That's going to be difficult. We should probably lay low for a while. If we are going to interfere with their plans we need to make sure we don't leave any witnesses.
I would much rather avoid those groups entirely. The only other thing I can think to do is severe ties to the Reputable Gentlemen name and start over with a new brand.
The only other thing I can think to do is severe ties to the Reputable Gentlemen name and start over with a new brand.
Aren't you from here? Couldn't you spread a few rumors in the right ears, so that word will get to the Zhents and the Xanathars that the Reputable Fellows are based in another part of the city? Like, maybe the Dock Ward, or something? Maybe you could get people telling conflicting stories so that it seems like we're always moving around? Maybe you could come up with fake names and descriptions for us, so that it's unclear that we are made up of a Hobgoblin, a Genasi, a Warforged, and a Human? Oh, and maybe you, too, if things work out?
"We should probably talk to Kherek about it. He's the smart one. But, don't mention the name-change idea to him. He won't like that. The name was his idea. Oh, and it's 'The Reputable Fellows.' Make sure you get the name right. I have a feeling that there might be an entrance exam or something if you want to join. That will definitely be one of the questions."
Those rolls will get you an overall 25% on repairs and food, beverage stocking. All work will be completed in a tenday. You will still need to hire a cook. Lif can bartend and once the Unseen servant is done, it can handle cleaning and waiting.
At some point, Chen wants to talk to Kherek, Nijal, and Romulus about the tavern. I'm not sure where this will fit in the timeline of events that are unfolding with Kherek and Nijal, but whenever he's able to catch up to them, he will say:
"I've thought about it, and I'm in on this tavern project, but I have something I need to be included. Whatever room I'm going to be sleeping in, I need it to be concealed, like with a secret door or something. And, it needs a secret escape hatch, too. Like maybe a pole to slide down that leads to a tunnel, that leads to somewhere else, where I can escape if someone comes after me--us I mean. A secret escape hatch that we all can use to get away if someone comes after us. I've already given you 100 of my gold, Kherek, so I don't have a lot, but I'm willing to sink what I have into this project, including my share of what we got from the silver bars and the paintings. I just need to know I can get away. (Chen's speech is speeding up, and he's starting to ramble, and he's starting to give off a distinct odor, like seaweed)
"I can't be cooped up again. I want to be part of the team, and make some gold, so I can give it to the urchins, and so Kherek can retire if he wants to, and so the rest of you can do the things that you want to do, but I-I-I can't be stuck here, night after night after night, and I don't want to be alone in some inn either, that's why I joined the group in the first place!" (hopefully someone will cut him off at this point, but if not, he starts to hyperventilate, talking in circles)
(OOC: Ahahaha I was reading that thing about the escape hatch and all I could picture is Dale Gribble from King of the Hill. Like Chen's room is going to be full of canned goods and emergency go-packs for the crew)
Aren't you from here? Couldn't you spread a few rumors in the right ears, so that word will get to the Zhents and the Xanathars that the Reputable Fellows are based in another part of the city? Like, maybe the Dock Ward, or something?
We'll see. If we continue to hand out Reputable Fellow business cards from our bar it will a waste of time. I'm not going to stick my neck out for an exercise in futility. These organizations are well informed and extensive.
Aren't you from here? Couldn't you spread a few rumors in the right ears, so that word will get to the Zhents and the Xanathars that the Reputable Fellows are based in another part of the city? Like, maybe the Dock Ward, or something?
We'll see. If we continue to hand out Reputable Fellow business cards from our bar it will a waste of time. I'm not going to stick my neck out for an exercise in futility. These organizations are well informed and extensive.
Aren't you from here? Couldn't you spread a few rumors in the right ears, so that word will get to the Zhents and the Xanathars that the Reputable Fellows are based in another part of the city? Like, maybe the Dock Ward, or something?
We'll see. If we continue to hand out Reputable Fellow business cards from our bar it will a waste of time.
Oh! We need secret identities! We'll be mild mannered barkeeps by day, and crime fighting mercenaries by night! I can use my disguise kit!
To Chen and Lucian:
Lucian you recognize the band as being a symbol of Illmatter. You think that Chen is just worried about the well being of the children and has apparently had something in his past to influence his directness. You also notice that he doesnt trust you at word alone.
Chen you get the feeling that Lucian is doing what he thinks best for the children. He hasnt done anything that you would perceive as deceitful.
Maybe allowing Lucian to arrange a proper meeting will alleviate the distrust between the two of you. Your characters can act as they please, however.
To Nijal and Kherek:
Mirt seems satisfied with your response Nijal. He says" You boys have a deal. 2000gd for 49% ownership and a buy back at 2250gd in 6 months. I look forward to us working together."
You get the impression that he doesn't think you will be able to make enough to buy him out. Just so you guys are aware. He gets 49% of the weekly income before you make any money. Then you have to pay him on a monthly bases for the loan minimum of 20gd payment.
3+2 for insight
14+1 for intelligence check to identify the band
I assure Chen I will set up a meeting and return to the bar.
Before returning to the tavern, Chen will continue talking tot Lucian:
"In the meantime, I wanted to talk to you about something else, too. I feel like I made a mistake with Kherek. I like him. He's got a good heart, mostly. But, his...sense of what is right and what is wrong...it's ...off, sometimes. Not so much in the big things, like torturing or killing innocent people, like I said, he's a good guy, mostly. But...you saw us handing out business cards, I'm sure, right? We've been trying to drum up business here in Waterdeep, and we are adventurers. We do dangerous things for money, at least that's why he does it. I don't really care much about gold. I just like traveling from place to place helping people out. Anyway, we've been handing out business cards to just about everyone we meet. But, lately, the people we've been encountering are either members of the Zhentarum or members of the Xanathar's Guild. And, Kherek's been giving our cards to them, too. After every fight we've been in, whoever survives when the fighting stops, we've been giving them business cards and sending them back to their bosses with a message that we are available for any work they may need done. I went along with it. I might have even helped with the marketing a little. It's just that, I don't want to work for bad people. And, I think maybe the Zhents and the Guild are bad people. I want to help Kherek get the money he needs. I even gave him 100 of my own gold so he could get a new spell for his book. I just...I mean, aren't there good people who we can work for? I liked the job Volo gave us."
"That's understandable. From my experience, the world is never as black and white as we make it out to be.
Those who many would deem as good are often just seeking power, acceptance, or comfort. Maybe they're even trying to make up for wrongs in the past.
People I have met that the world would deem as "bad" have motivations and goals that are ultimately innocuous or even benevolent, but they are unhindered by other people's expectations.
I worry that the way the party has been advertising could get them in over their heads with people who do not wish to be disturbed.
The Lord's Alliance has a man named Jalester Silvermane in the Yawning Portal. Maybe start looking for work with him.
Yeah, what if they figure out it's us running the new tavern? What if, instead of being impressed with how well we fight, they are mad that we killed their guys? What if they come after us? I'm not a smart guy, but I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen now that we aren't moving around anymore. Can you think of something we can do to, maybe, throw them off our trail?"
(Assuming we have our money and have exchanged pleasantries I think Nijal and Kherek would leave. Once some distance is between them and Mirt's office...)
"Good work in there, Nij. We can really start getting to work on the tavern now, maybe make a dent in what we owe to our benefactor"
Kherek remembers the look on Mirt's face. Kind, but there was a glimmer in his eye. Something that reminded him of a plump housecat waiting for the right moment to swipe a roasted turkey leg.
"I think he takes us as rubes though and ultimately he wants us to fail. We're just a delayed real estate acquisition. And I think there's a good chance he's going to get what he wants. That's a lot of money to pay back in 6 months and he knows it. A loan like that... that should be over a couple of years in a more modest city.
But hell, it's Waterdeep. Go big or go hovel I guess"
Kherek continues walking and after awhile
"We're gonna need some side hustles. Maybe ones that pay in dragons instead of deeds to haunted houses. Networking will be easier once we have a hub for people to come see us. in the meantime... Let's both be on the lookout for people in need. Especially if they have deep pockets and most especially if they're desperate."
Later that evening, Nijal and Kherek you guys go to the proper guilds to get a quote for the repairs for the tavern. The initial quote is 20% higher than you expect and you are told that the work will take 15 days but they cant start on it for a tenday because they are busy.
Nijal, you recognize this as a business ploy for more money. Give me a response with 4 persuasion rolls.
One response is to the Guild doing the work(2 rolls)
One response is to the Guild supplying beer, wine, and food.(2 rolls)
In response to Kherek as they walk-
"It is a lot of money but I figure it is more than enough to get it up and running. And if we can manage to put everything into what the tavern already has and be running before festival season, between our earnings and the leftover amount from the loan, we can ensure we start off ahead of the game. He definitely figures we will fail...I like proving people like that wrong."
Nijal puffs on his pipe as they fall into silence walking. Kherek speaks up and Nijal thinks for a moment.
"There were two fellows in The Yawning Portal who seemed to work for organizations protecting the city. Well organized, regularly paying organizations if you were a member. It would be like getting paid to protect our investment, the tavern, which we will want to do anyway. I say its worth stopping in for a drink with the lads and see what we can arrange. After the guilds lets grab the rest of the fellows and head there."
At the guilds-
"I understand that you're running a business here but so are we. The only difference is I can't bring my Mrs. to your business and show her a good time out at the newest, most popular attraction in the city. And show her how well connected I am by being able to walk to the front of the line during festival season. It would be a shame if your Mrs. missed out on such an opportunity to see how successful you are all because you couldn't get the job done at a fair price and before festival season wouldn't it?"
26
15
"A place like this probably sees a lot of business right before festival season I'm sure. But during festival season, you've probably all but closed shop. The deed is done and everyone is focusing on having a good time. And I am willing to bet that a tavern with a spirit for a barkeep would probably draw a crowd. A crowd that you and your Mrs. would have to stand in hoping to get in. I could arrange it so that you and your beloved can waltz straight to the front of that crowd and through the doors. The only problem is that without beer, food, and fine wine, at a fair price, it probably wouldn't be a very good way to show off to her that you are someone of importance in this city. In fact it might make her wonder why you would have skipped such an opportunity to form a lasting business relationship with such a tavern and I would hate for her to think that way of you."
19
Unable to parse dice roll.
That's going to be difficult. We should probably lay low for a while. If we are going to interfere with their plans we need to make sure we don't leave any witnesses.
I would much rather avoid those groups entirely. The only other thing I can think to do is severe ties to the Reputable Gentlemen name and start over with a new brand.
Aren't you from here? Couldn't you spread a few rumors in the right ears, so that word will get to the Zhents and the Xanathars that the Reputable Fellows are based in another part of the city? Like, maybe the Dock Ward, or something? Maybe you could get people telling conflicting stories so that it seems like we're always moving around? Maybe you could come up with fake names and descriptions for us, so that it's unclear that we are made up of a Hobgoblin, a Genasi, a Warforged, and a Human? Oh, and maybe you, too, if things work out?
"We should probably talk to Kherek about it. He's the smart one. But, don't mention the name-change idea to him. He won't like that. The name was his idea. Oh, and it's 'The Reputable Fellows.' Make sure you get the name right. I have a feeling that there might be an entrance exam or something if you want to join. That will definitely be one of the questions."
(Chen starts walking back to the tavern)
Those rolls will get you an overall 25% on repairs and food, beverage stocking. All work will be completed in a tenday. You will still need to hire a cook. Lif can bartend and once the Unseen servant is done, it can handle cleaning and waiting.
Kherek make an investigation roll to find an adequate cook for the tavern.
18
At some point, Chen wants to talk to Kherek, Nijal, and Romulus about the tavern. I'm not sure where this will fit in the timeline of events that are unfolding with Kherek and Nijal, but whenever he's able to catch up to them, he will say:
"I've thought about it, and I'm in on this tavern project, but I have something I need to be included. Whatever room I'm going to be sleeping in, I need it to be concealed, like with a secret door or something. And, it needs a secret escape hatch, too. Like maybe a pole to slide down that leads to a tunnel, that leads to somewhere else, where I can escape if someone comes after me--us I mean. A secret escape hatch that we all can use to get away if someone comes after us. I've already given you 100 of my gold, Kherek, so I don't have a lot, but I'm willing to sink what I have into this project, including my share of what we got from the silver bars and the paintings. I just need to know I can get away. (Chen's speech is speeding up, and he's starting to ramble, and he's starting to give off a distinct odor, like seaweed)
"I can't be cooped up again. I want to be part of the team, and make some gold, so I can give it to the urchins, and so Kherek can retire if he wants to, and so the rest of you can do the things that you want to do, but I-I-I can't be stuck here, night after night after night, and I don't want to be alone in some inn either, that's why I joined the group in the first place!" (hopefully someone will cut him off at this point, but if not, he starts to hyperventilate, talking in circles)
(OOC: Ahahaha I was reading that thing about the escape hatch and all I could picture is Dale Gribble from King of the Hill. Like Chen's room is going to be full of canned goods and emergency go-packs for the crew)
We'll see. If we continue to hand out Reputable Fellow business cards from our bar it will a waste of time. I'm not going to stick my neck out for an exercise in futility. These organizations are well informed and extensive.
We'll see. If we continue to hand out Reputable Fellow business cards from our bar it will a waste of time. I'm not going to stick my neck out for an exercise in futility. These organizations are well informed and extensive.
Oh! We need secret identities! We'll be mild mannered barkeeps by day, and crime fighting mercenaries by night! I can use my disguise kit!
"Chen... uh... I understand your desire to be free and have a... secret escape hatch.
Sounds like something to look into. In the long run.
Short term, before I go to bed, I'll set some alarms around the more likely break -in points. Fair compromise?"
Kherek makes a mental note to find a library and see if there are any tomes on running taverns and tactics for personnel management