Kherek has been hard at work behind the taproom bar empowering the beginnings of a glyph which would allow the newly acquired tavern to have a second, less ghostly, unseen resident to help with the day-to-day. It would be slow going -and costly- but in the end would make managing things easier while out on other more violent business, cut down on labor costs, and maybe even be a bit of an attraction for the local well-to-do.
But this place needed work. A lot of work. And with their current funds and lack of unified enthusiasm about this prospect could mean they wouldn't be presentable before festival season. Considering their lot as new-to-town riff raff who fell into possession of a haunted eyesore of a tavern, Kherek doubted they would get much curious street traffic outside of festival time.
He needed dragons and he needed them fast. After speaking with that new Lucien fellow he learned of a man named Mirt the Moneylender. With a name like that, it was practically fate.
Kherek waited until at least most of his colleagues were present and detailed the situation; the need for quick funds to make this money pit a money machine. Kherek had a hard time negotiating with most people. They were often emotional and illogical. Their feelings tended to get hurt when he was simply telling the truth of a situation. Kherek needed someone who could schmooze and coddle. Luckily that was most of the people currently in this room.
It would be easiest to find him at the tavern. However, you could wander into the Field Ward since you know he spends time there.
I do that. I go to the Field Ward, and I start asking around for Lucien by name, and I also mention that I think he runs a hostel for a bunch of street urchins. Do I find him?
" Kherek, I don't know. I don't really want to be tied down like that. It's bad enough that we have a fixed location where enemies can find us. But, like the great sage once said, 'Neither a borrower or lender be, that is the question.'"
“Kherek, I’m not too keen on taking a loan but let’s go see what the man has to say at least. If he is reasonable enough it may be what we need to get this place turning a profit.”
Nijal looks around at the state of the tavern and everyone there. He lets out a small sigh and nods to Kherek.
“I’ll be out front when you are ready.”
Nijal pulls out his pipe and begins to pack it as he heads out the front door.
Kherek has learned over his time in non-goblin society that he should always take a moment before speaking lest he say something too bluntly. That is how he felt now that he realized he may well be alone in wanting to make something of this place and finally stop days in and days out of wet work.
Not that it wasn't fun on occasion.
But instead of giving in to his temper, he took a breath, sucking that spark of discontent back down inside.
"Chen, I understand that. You've always been more of a traveler at heart than myself. But this place is an opportunity to establish myself and I need to take it. I hope you'll come around. And if you don't, I'm asking you not get in my way."
He thought that was fairly tactful and turned his attention to Nijal as he walked out of the tavern.
"Right behind you Nij."
Kherek grabbed his cloak and walked out into the front steps of the inn
"let's go then. And thanks"
(OOC: I believe at this point we would probably be able to find Mirt's place of business. Kherek would have asked Lucien about it. If not we can roll for that. If we do find him we would come inside or knock, whichever seemed more appropriate)
Kherek and Nijal. You head to the Sea Ward and find your way to Mirt's Mansion, which very flamboyant and ostentatious. You escorted into a down stairs office and see portly man. When you ask him for a loan he asks what it is for.
"Chen, I understand that. You've always been more of a traveler at heart than myself. But this place is an opportunity to establish myself and I need to take it. I hope you'll come around. And if you don't, I'm asking you not get in my way."
....
Kherek grabbed his cloak and walked out into the front steps of the inn
As the door to the inn closes behind Kherek, Chen says in the same voice he would use as if Kherek were still in the room, "Okay."
I think right after that is when Chen heads out to find Lucien in the Field Ward.
Kherek assumes a very formal posture and clears his throat.
ahem
"Hello, Mr. Mirt. My name is Kherek. Just Kherek. Goblins don't generally have last names. And this is my colleague Nijal Stormcaller.
We're part of a group of professional adventurers/do-gooders/fixers called The Reputable Fellows"
Kherek fishes a business card out of his coat pocket, puts it on the desk, and slides it towards Mirt
"we've recently been given a tavern in the North Ward by a fellow named Volo as payment for us completing some work for him. It's rundown, and haunted, but in a nice part of town that's sure to bring in consistent business as long as we can get it going in a reasonable time. We've dubbed it Lif Your Spirits in honor of our spirit, who is named Lif.
I've even been working on a jingle."
Kherek begins sort of singing.
"Well if vampires are suckin you dry
and you find yourself under a beholders eye
come on down and we'll flip that frown
we'll Lif your Spirits!"
Kherek does sort of a little dance as he sings the jingle and waits for a reaction from Mirt.
He continues speaking after a moment
"Anyway, we need to be up before the festivals. I've done the math and to get things cleaned up, repaired, ale and food ordered, new bed sheets, new coat of paint, and unexpected expenses that may arise because hey life happens, a starting investment of 3000 dragons should ensure a smooth launch."
That's it Kherek, he thinks. Stick to the facts, no embellishments, just the facts. He's a businessman. That should work, right?
"You will of course receive a return on your investment. What might you deem fair, sir?"
Mirt looks at you with a big grin and says,"You know fella you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. You have a solid business model and that area of town is really on the rise. However, I didn't get to this point by being a fool and I have always wanted to own a tavern of my own. I will offer you 1250gd for 50% ownership of this tavern with buy back rights at 1750gd if you pay me back within 90 days. Do you accept?'
Kherek looks at Nijal. He knew there was a reason he asked along one of the people-persons. It was getting that time to start the massaging. The schmoozing part of negotiations was imminent.
"Mr. Mirt sir, I thank you for your praise. It's no small thing coming from a man of your, uhh... stature. May I have a moment to speak with my colleague Nijal here? Privately?"
Lucian would meet up with you in the Field Ward. He'd come to you.
"Hey Chen, what's going on? Is everything alright?"
"I don't know. Maybe. I don't understand why you don't want Nat, Squiggly, and Jinx to live in the new tavern in the North Ward. I don't see much point in having it if we aren't doing that. It's the only reason I wanted it. I know I can't stay there. Would you mind showing me this hostel thing you've been doing?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
On the way to Mirt's Mansion-
After walking in silence for a short while Nijal removes his pipe from his mouth.
"You see the same potential in that tavern as I do. I'm not sure why the others don't see it as a means to whatever ends their hearts' desire. I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures. Owing a large sum of money to anyone in this city will probably land us on a particular side of the many lines drawn through its streets. Let's just hope we don't land on a side we don't want to be on..."
As Nijal trails off he returns the pipe to his mouth and his attention inward as they continue to walk.
At Mirt's Mansion-
Nijal takes a step forward to fill the space and awkward silence between Kherek and Mirt.
"Sir, as my associate has mentioned, we have acquired a local tavern in the North Ward. It is in need of some repair and with the upcoming festival season, there would be no better time to open the doors to the cities latest Tavern and attraction. Now I assure you the "Haunted Spirit" he mentioned is in no way a liability but in fact he is an invaluable asset. His employment and experience as the barkeep is sure to draw people's interest. By allowing us this opportunity through your investment it would allow us to spread that coin across the city paying for materials, supplies, and craftsmen. Not to mention some advertisement across the city. News of an invisible spirit as a barkeep is sure to travel quickly and willingly. If the proper preparation, ensuring that Lif Your Spirits is within the expected standing of North Ward, and marketing is complete, the only thing left to do will be to sit back and watch as all your coin makes its way down the city streets and through the front doors of our tavern. And as you well know Sir,"
Nijal lets his eyes scan across the ornate decorations of Mirt's office.
"Coin rarely travels alone for long. Your coin is bound to bring more into the tavern than your original investment. Over a period of 6 months we would be willing to pay back in full our borrowed debts of 2000gp for 49% ownership with buyback rights at 2250gp. We would also be willing to attach your own name to the tavern "Presented by Mirt Financial Holdings Group, Lif Your Spirits Tavern". How does that sound Sir?"
"I'm glad to see how much you care. That's a rare trait for people in this city. My hope is that this tavern venture brings about some money. With that I can hire tutors, get the children clothes, and maybe even convince some craftsmen to take apprentices.
As for going to the home, give some time to set up a meeting. I help there, but don't own it. That will also give me some time to get to know the Reputable Gentlemen."
When you say that, Chen looks obviously worried, but he says. "Yes. If you don't mind, I'd like to see it, please. I could have easily been one of those kids. I was once abandoned, and strangers took me in. But there are 2 kinds of strangers in this world. Some strangers are kind. (at this point, he pulls out a red cord from his pocket, and absentmindedly starts wrapping it around his wrists, and then unwrapping it, and then repeating it again) They give you food, and a hard slab to sleep on, and they give you time in the ice room and the fire room, and they let you run through the cane field, and they teach you to punch and kick and whatever else it takes to keep people from hurting others. But, then there are the other kind of strangers. They pretend to be kind, but then they throw you off the figurehead and drag you under the ship until you drown. Which one are you? Are you a master? Or, are you a captain? What about your boss? Is he a captain? What is he REALLY doing to those kids?! (Chen has put away the cord by now, and his facial expression is angry and accusatory)
You see a spark in Lucian's eyes, not of anger, but resolute will.
"For the kids I am always the Master. I check in with them to make sure they know legal places to get food. I go after them and protect them when the rest of this city leaves them to starve. The woman who runs the home is my Master, she is the one who found me freezing in the streets freshly beaten by Waterdeep Guards. She's the one who trained me to survive here. I've met plenty of captains, and I haven't survived this city by being rash."
"I don't gamble with the ones I care about. If you want to me to open up my life to you, then you do it on my terms."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
{Josh, I think both Lucian and Chen are trying to figure out of they can trust the other. We probably need an Insight check to see how to proceed from here. For your purposes, Chen isn't trying to deceive, but I'm giving you his Deception roll, because he's trying to keep his own thoughts and feelings to himself, probably badly)
Insight: 8
Deception: 13
To Lucian, Chen will say, "Fair enough. Please do what you need to do to set up a meeting. I want to meet your Master. I want to see the home. I want to talk to the kids. If you are good, like you seem to be, then I will join in with the tavern deal, and you can have most of my share of the gold to give to the kids. But, if you are helping that lady to put lip paint on a pigwolf in sheep clothes, well..." (he just stops talking, like he's gotten lost in his own thoughts, but he's clenching his fists tightly down by his side)
To the DM: Chen tries to find Lucien someplace away from the tavern.
It would be easiest to find him at the tavern. However, you could wander into the Field Ward since you know he spends time there.
Kherek has been hard at work behind the taproom bar empowering the beginnings of a glyph which would allow the newly acquired tavern to have a second, less ghostly, unseen resident to help with the day-to-day. It would be slow going -and costly- but in the end would make managing things easier while out on other more violent business, cut down on labor costs, and maybe even be a bit of an attraction for the local well-to-do.
But this place needed work. A lot of work. And with their current funds and lack of unified enthusiasm about this prospect could mean they wouldn't be presentable before festival season. Considering their lot as new-to-town riff raff who fell into possession of a haunted eyesore of a tavern, Kherek doubted they would get much curious street traffic outside of festival time.
He needed dragons and he needed them fast. After speaking with that new Lucien fellow he learned of a man named Mirt the Moneylender. With a name like that, it was practically fate.
Kherek waited until at least most of his colleagues were present and detailed the situation; the need for quick funds to make this money pit a money machine. Kherek had a hard time negotiating with most people. They were often emotional and illogical. Their feelings tended to get hurt when he was simply telling the truth of a situation. Kherek needed someone who could schmooze and coddle. Luckily that was most of the people currently in this room.
"So, who wants to help us get a loan?"
I do that. I go to the Field Ward, and I start asking around for Lucien by name, and I also mention that I think he runs a hostel for a bunch of street urchins. Do I find him?
" Kherek, I don't know. I don't really want to be tied down like that. It's bad enough that we have a fixed location where enemies can find us. But, like the great sage once said, 'Neither a borrower or lender be, that is the question.'"
“Kherek, I’m not too keen on taking a loan but let’s go see what the man has to say at least. If he is reasonable enough it may be what we need to get this place turning a profit.”
Nijal looks around at the state of the tavern and everyone there. He lets out a small sigh and nods to Kherek.
“I’ll be out front when you are ready.”
Nijal pulls out his pipe and begins to pack it as he heads out the front door.
Kherek has learned over his time in non-goblin society that he should always take a moment before speaking lest he say something too bluntly. That is how he felt now that he realized he may well be alone in wanting to make something of this place and finally stop days in and days out of wet work.
Not that it wasn't fun on occasion.
But instead of giving in to his temper, he took a breath, sucking that spark of discontent back down inside.
"Chen, I understand that. You've always been more of a traveler at heart than myself. But this place is an opportunity to establish myself and I need to take it. I hope you'll come around. And if you don't, I'm asking you not get in my way."
He thought that was fairly tactful and turned his attention to Nijal as he walked out of the tavern.
"Right behind you Nij."
Kherek grabbed his cloak and walked out into the front steps of the inn
"let's go then. And thanks"
(OOC: I believe at this point we would probably be able to find Mirt's place of business. Kherek would have asked Lucien about it. If not we can roll for that. If we do find him we would come inside or knock, whichever seemed more appropriate)
Kherek and Nijal. You head to the Sea Ward and find your way to Mirt's Mansion, which very flamboyant and ostentatious. You escorted into a down stairs office and see portly man. When you ask him for a loan he asks what it is for.
As the door to the inn closes behind Kherek, Chen says in the same voice he would use as if Kherek were still in the room, "Okay."
I think right after that is when Chen heads out to find Lucien in the Field Ward.
Kherek assumes a very formal posture and clears his throat.
ahem
"Hello, Mr. Mirt. My name is Kherek. Just Kherek. Goblins don't generally have last names. And this is my colleague Nijal Stormcaller.
We're part of a group of professional adventurers/do-gooders/fixers called The Reputable Fellows"
Kherek fishes a business card out of his coat pocket, puts it on the desk, and slides it towards Mirt
"we've recently been given a tavern in the North Ward by a fellow named Volo as payment for us completing some work for him. It's rundown, and haunted, but in a nice part of town that's sure to bring in consistent business as long as we can get it going in a reasonable time. We've dubbed it Lif Your Spirits in honor of our spirit, who is named Lif.
I've even been working on a jingle."
Kherek begins sort of singing.
"Well if vampires are suckin you dry
and you find yourself under a beholders eye
come on down and we'll flip that frown
we'll Lif your Spirits!"
Kherek does sort of a little dance as he sings the jingle and waits for a reaction from Mirt.
He continues speaking after a moment
"Anyway, we need to be up before the festivals. I've done the math and to get things cleaned up, repaired, ale and food ordered, new bed sheets, new coat of paint, and unexpected expenses that may arise because hey life happens, a starting investment of 3000 dragons should ensure a smooth launch."
That's it Kherek, he thinks. Stick to the facts, no embellishments, just the facts. He's a businessman. That should work, right?
"You will of course receive a return on your investment. What might you deem fair, sir?"
Mirt looks at you with a big grin and says,"You know fella you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. You have a solid business model and that area of town is really on the rise. However, I didn't get to this point by being a fool and I have always wanted to own a tavern of my own. I will offer you 1250gd for 50% ownership of this tavern with buy back rights at 1750gd if you pay me back within 90 days. Do you accept?'
Kherek looks at Nijal. He knew there was a reason he asked along one of the people-persons. It was getting that time to start the massaging. The schmoozing part of negotiations was imminent.
"Mr. Mirt sir, I thank you for your praise. It's no small thing coming from a man of your, uhh... stature. May I have a moment to speak with my colleague Nijal here? Privately?"
Lucian would meet up with you in the Field Ward. He'd come to you.
"Hey Chen, what's going on? Is everything alright?"
"I don't know. Maybe. I don't understand why you don't want Nat, Squiggly, and Jinx to live in the new tavern in the North Ward. I don't see much point in having it if we aren't doing that. It's the only reason I wanted it. I know I can't stay there. Would you mind showing me this hostel thing you've been doing?"
On the way to Mirt's Mansion-
After walking in silence for a short while Nijal removes his pipe from his mouth.
"You see the same potential in that tavern as I do. I'm not sure why the others don't see it as a means to whatever ends their hearts' desire. I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures. Owing a large sum of money to anyone in this city will probably land us on a particular side of the many lines drawn through its streets. Let's just hope we don't land on a side we don't want to be on..."
As Nijal trails off he returns the pipe to his mouth and his attention inward as they continue to walk.
At Mirt's Mansion-
Nijal takes a step forward to fill the space and awkward silence between Kherek and Mirt.
"Sir, as my associate has mentioned, we have acquired a local tavern in the North Ward. It is in need of some repair and with the upcoming festival season, there would be no better time to open the doors to the cities latest Tavern and attraction. Now I assure you the "Haunted Spirit" he mentioned is in no way a liability but in fact he is an invaluable asset. His employment and experience as the barkeep is sure to draw people's interest. By allowing us this opportunity through your investment it would allow us to spread that coin across the city paying for materials, supplies, and craftsmen. Not to mention some advertisement across the city. News of an invisible spirit as a barkeep is sure to travel quickly and willingly. If the proper preparation, ensuring that Lif Your Spirits is within the expected standing of North Ward, and marketing is complete, the only thing left to do will be to sit back and watch as all your coin makes its way down the city streets and through the front doors of our tavern. And as you well know Sir,"
Nijal lets his eyes scan across the ornate decorations of Mirt's office.
"Coin rarely travels alone for long. Your coin is bound to bring more into the tavern than your original investment. Over a period of 6 months we would be willing to pay back in full our borrowed debts of 2000gp for 49% ownership with buyback rights at 2250gp. We would also be willing to attach your own name to the tavern "Presented by Mirt Financial Holdings Group, Lif Your Spirits Tavern". How does that sound Sir?"
(To the DM-persuasion check?)7
(OOC: I cede anything I may have proposed that may not mesh with Nijal's narrative)
You'd see in appreciation in Lucian's face.
"I'm glad to see how much you care. That's a rare trait for people in this city. My hope is that this tavern venture brings about some money. With that I can hire tutors, get the children clothes, and maybe even convince some craftsmen to take apprentices.
As for going to the home, give some time to set up a meeting. I help there, but don't own it. That will also give me some time to get to know the Reputable Gentlemen."
When you say that, Chen looks obviously worried, but he says. "Yes. If you don't mind, I'd like to see it, please. I could have easily been one of those kids. I was once abandoned, and strangers took me in. But there are 2 kinds of strangers in this world. Some strangers are kind. (at this point, he pulls out a red cord from his pocket, and absentmindedly starts wrapping it around his wrists, and then unwrapping it, and then repeating it again) They give you food, and a hard slab to sleep on, and they give you time in the ice room and the fire room, and they let you run through the cane field, and they teach you to punch and kick and whatever else it takes to keep people from hurting others. But, then there are the other kind of strangers. They pretend to be kind, but then they throw you off the figurehead and drag you under the ship until you drown. Which one are you? Are you a master? Or, are you a captain? What about your boss? Is he a captain? What is he REALLY doing to those kids?! (Chen has put away the cord by now, and his facial expression is angry and accusatory)
(Do I recognize the band? Maybe from a religion)
(He thinks that was a really specific example)
You see a spark in Lucian's eyes, not of anger, but resolute will.
"For the kids I am always the Master. I check in with them to make sure they know legal places to get food. I go after them and protect them when the rest of this city leaves them to starve. The woman who runs the home is my Master, she is the one who found me freezing in the streets freshly beaten by Waterdeep Guards. She's the one who trained me to survive here. I've met plenty of captains, and I haven't survived this city by being rash."
"I don't gamble with the ones I care about. If you want to me to open up my life to you, then you do it on my terms."
{Josh, I think both Lucian and Chen are trying to figure out of they can trust the other. We probably need an Insight check to see how to proceed from here. For your purposes, Chen isn't trying to deceive, but I'm giving you his Deception roll, because he's trying to keep his own thoughts and feelings to himself, probably badly)
Insight: 8
Deception: 13
To Lucian, Chen will say, "Fair enough. Please do what you need to do to set up a meeting. I want to meet your Master. I want to see the home. I want to talk to the kids. If you are good, like you seem to be, then I will join in with the tavern deal, and you can have most of my share of the gold to give to the kids. But, if you are helping that lady to put lip paint on a pigwolf in sheep clothes, well..." (he just stops talking, like he's gotten lost in his own thoughts, but he's clenching his fists tightly down by his side)