Tallius Urist

Barter: 2/5
Streetsmarts: 1/5
Strength: 1/5
Cunning: 3/5
Charisma: 4/5
Business 2/5
Marksmanship 2/5
Barkeeping 2/5

Inventory:

Senatorial Signet Ring (Currently hidden on the Automata in the tower.)

Concealed Dagger, Inscription reads "Imperator" (Buried by Miaya, location unknown.)

Two Iron Daggers.

Crossbow, 49 bolts.

Dignity

13,870 Gold

Holdings:

Fine horse-drawn cart, valued at 500 gold.

The Clock Tower Tavern, standard configuration, capacity of 50 souls. Basic Brewery on site. Estimated sale value 20,000 gold.

Deactivated Automata, type unknown, properties unknown, sale price unknown.


Employees:

Sif: Barmaid with unusual strength and little tact. Weekly Wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10.

Martellus: Burly academic with brewing and barman skills. Weekly wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10. Contracted for Barkeeping lessons.

Miaya: Eccentric Painter, Cook, and Huntress, in that order. Knows Tallius is actually Marcus Sertorius, seems willing to keep this to herself. For now. Weekly wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10. Contracted for Hunting lessons.


You have close cropped brown hair, and are clean shaven. You will remain so, lest someone recognize your once distinctive facial hair. Your wife used to call your eyes liar's blue. You and Lucretia were not on the best of terms at the time, but she has a point there. You are currently wearing a simple cotton shirt with some brown trousers, tied together with a fashionable sash. Classy, if simple.

More than three months ago you set out with nothing other than a large sum of money and the determination to open a damn Tavern. And now, here you stand, behind the bar of The Clocktower Tavern, lord of all you survey. Sif winks at you as she passes drinks along to a table full of the adventurers that have come to make up the vast majority of your busy day crowd. Martellus is out in the Tower, getting another keg of his fine brew, along with some of that fine liquor the Association got you a line on. Miaya, apparently on break, is chatting with some traveling merchants. They seem to be interested in her paintings. To your amusement, you see that it's the one with you standing like some sort of hero against and angry boar. Your employees, nay, your friends. Your bar. Your goddamned Tavern. It feels good, you think, to be Tallius Urist.

A minor pain pierces your chest, absently, one of your hands traces the jagged scar you know to be there. You ignore it otherwise, such things are to be put aside in the name of business. When you look back to your customers, you see Martellus returning with a keg over one shoulder and some liquor bottles in a box under his other arm. He places both down behind the bar, and quickly moves to his old habit of cleaning the drinking mugs which you are certain were already priceless. His eyes dart to the side, attracting your attention. “Master Tallius, Karth should be by later today. I remember you expressing interest in altering our agreement with the man, so I thought it pertinent to remind you of his passage.”

>>25036732
You nod, as you had meant to enter into a less, well, illegal relationship with the old man. It's bad business to rely on extortion for your supply, even if it does net you a good discount. With the business you have been getting, you can afford it now. “ Thank you for the reminder, Martellus.” He returns to work without a word. Though his best face is still given toward any customer, the big man has become extremely dour since that night a few months back. You really have not thought of a way to address it. You were always better at manipulation than helping.

Karth shouldn't show up until past midday, so you have some time. You take a moment to think over your financial situation, and the improvements you have made over the last few months.

Something a bit different tonight. As you can see, a large amount of profit has entered into Tallius' inventory. If you have an improvement for the Tavern in mind, I will price it and we will say it was purchased and completed during the timeskip. I hope this is better than a shopping list, which tends to bog down the thread. Go wild.

>>25036760
I say upgrade the brewery.

A good tavern is nothing without good ale, and creating a trademark should be top priority.

Fine:

A stage for performers.

A proper basement for storage, with racks and casks.

An improvement to the kitchen with better utensils, ovens, and the like.

An expansion of our selection of ales.

Better stables.

>>25036843
Brewerey sounds good. Any leftover money should go to improving the kitchen and our rooms for rent.

>>25036851
Performers sounds like something I'd rather set up in-game rather than just buy over a timeskip.

>>25036760
On top of any building upgrades we might do I say we hire one more employee.
Specifically a Bard or entertainer of some kind, someone who can get close to customers and knows the ways of the "street".

>>25036902
I vote for a bard. Music can make or break an atmosphere for me.

>>25036851
A stage for our hired entertainer or entertainers would also be a good idea.
>>25036892
We could do the looking around before the timeskip.

>>25036760
Also a question Barkeep.
How has our lodging been? Have there been times where we are out of room for people to sleep? If not we could work on the quality of sleeping areas.

>>25036843

Increasing the quality of brew is almost impossible with the current funds. Martellus already brews it at exceedingly high standards for a road establishment. Increasing the selection and expanding the amount of onsite equipment is possible. That would cost 7,000.

>>25036851

A stage would be simple and cheap, but cut down a bit on floorspace. Capacity reduced to 40, cost of 1,000 for the wood working.

A basement is not possible with the current structure. An outbuilding serving the same purpose would run you 5,000.

Utensil improvements would run only 2,000.

An expansion to the stables will cost 4,000, for a 50% increase of capacity.

A bard will have to be privately negotiated. If that is agreed upon, you can search for one this thread, if you so wish.

>>25036985

It's been tight once or twice, and Miaya had to sleep in the stables once, but with Martellus sleeping in the Tower now it has not been an issue. No one is quite sure why he is doing that.

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I am prepared OP. Let's get down to business.

>>25036760
We should backpay Karth for the supplies we've taken from him, or as close as we can get to it without courting financial ruin. He is our best source of information from the south, and could keep us up to date on Lucretia's plans. If he likes us. We could also look into refurbishing and opening the automata room for rent.

>>Martellus mad
Well we could manipulate the hell out of him by feigning intense pain at the point of the scar and ask him what's wrong. Or we could let it go for now and keep working on him.

>>25036988
I say negotiate for a bar and get untensil improvements.

We need to make a name for ourselves, we wont be at this small establishment forever. So quality over longevity is key.

>>25036988
Brewing equipment and Utensils for sure. That leaves us with 4,000 or so.

How much for more rooms? Otherwise I'd say just save the rest or buy a stage.

>>25037003
We should ask Sif for help with him, honestly.

>>25037034

Rooms would require an expansion to the entire old barracks building, at 10,000 for the addition of four extra rooms. Alternatively, the suite could be divided into four normal rooms for a mere 4,000.

>>25036988
Brewing equipment
Utensils
Stage

Let's leave the rest for talking to our caravan man to see what he has and hiring that Bard.

>>25037102
>suite
>divided
B-but our room...

>>25036999
>Martellus sleeping in the Tower
...the ring is this there isn't it...that is not good.

>>25037102
Hmm. I'd rather go with the full 10,000 expansion over dividing the suite. I'll go with this >>25037108 and save the rooms for next time.

>>25037108

This will run you 10,000 gold, leaving you with 3,870 gold.

Opposed?

>>25037163
I'm good.

>>25037163
If we're going to get that low we won't have enough cash to pay Karth and hire a bard. I say we hold off on the stage for now but get the rest.

>>25037159
Yea we should deal with this....

>>25037159

He's sleeping with the equipment and his alchemical supplies on the bottom floor, by the way.

>>25037209
Won't it only cost like 50 more gold a week, or something of the sort? It seems like we have enough for that.
>hiring a bard
Instead of that, we could just become a bard!

>>25037237
We probably could, but it would decrease our capacity and leave us pretty low on cash. Either way I say we wait until our next big push in construction.

>>25037225
>Disgruntled blood wizard sequestering himself in his workshop.
I don't like that any better.

>>25037209
You're not accounting for Profit. We should be fine.

Yes vs No on the stage? That seems to be the sticking point.

>>25037263
No stage. Not now

>>25037263
>y

>>25037263
Yes.

>>25037263
Y

>>25037263
No for now.

>>25037263
We need the money right now.
>no

>>25037263
No.

>>25037263
This is the best time to get one, when we don't have a lot of customers
>yes

>>25037392
>>25037382
>>25037367
>>25037283
>>25037279
>>25037277
>>25037273
>>25037272
And after 8 votes we STILL have a deadlock.

>>25037263
No

>>25037263
I'd say yes, I feel like getting a bard without a stage would be a bit daft.

>>25037437
Protip. bards would usually just sit in a corner of a tavern and play music. Kind of like street performers today, they get paid partially by request.

>>25037263
How about we save this until we actually hire a Bard then? We might not need the stage right away and we can get his opinion on it.

>>25037465
I'm with this. A bard might provide better feedback as far as building a stage goes.

>>25037465
Agreed.

Though you've made a nice bit of profit in the last few months, the lion's share of it has gone right back into the Tavern. The basic utensils that once served your customers have been replaced, put into storage in favor of much finer fare. Metal forks and spoons, and drink ware far better than the earthen tankards and mugs you began with. Miaya is certainly pleased, as it suits her odd fixation with arranging food on plates in geometric patterns that are at once pleasing and vexing to the eye.

Martellus has been busy with the creation of new brews and other experiments. He has the new variety of equipment You imagine that's partially why he shuts himself in the tower so often, though it's hardly enough to end your concerns on the matter.

Lastly, you also entertained the possibility of hiring some form of live-in performer or bard. Such a thing would certainly add to the Clock Tower's homey charm. You decided to hold off on putting up a stage until you find such a person to employ, however.

All of this leaves you with 4,870 gold. A paltry sum, but you know you've spent your profits well. Always better to reinvest rather than sit on useless money, Father taught you.

Not a lot of time has passed while you reminisce. You could go chat up an employee, or try your hand at one of the various jobs around the grounds. You have a while before you need to deal with Karth.

>>25037465
Sure, I'll go with that.

>>25037522
Talk to Sif about Marty. She might know how to patch it up.

>>25037552
Word. Maybe we can pry a bit, she seems to know more about Martellus' past than we do. Also she seems more likely to fail cunning rolls against us.

If we do get a Bard and Stage I suggest doing an open-mic night thing and maybe setting up lesson advertisements for our bard to teach customers who regularly perform(though as a Tavern for adventurers I'm not sure if we have much in the way of regulars right now).

>>25037669

Some. The Peddler, Josiah, and his son Erk make a point to stop by an a semi regular basis. Saving lives tends to earn brand loyalty. Sullivan and the men stationed at his guard post actually come by fairly frequently, its easier for them to come to the Clock Tower than go all the way to Gearwatch for booze.

>>25037709
Sullivan's the person who sold this to us, right?

>>25037552

The rift between you and Martellus is troubling you. You don't want it to affect business, not to mention you do like the big barman. For one thing, he saved your life. Though he doesn't seem to want to talk to you, Sif always seemed to have a good relationship with him. Why not ask her?

You wait until there is a lull in business, and motion for Sif to speak with you over in the back, by the kitchen entrance. Hopefully out of Martellus' earshot.

Sif smiles at you, wiping some sweat from her brow and adjusting a lock of hair that had covered an eye. " Yeah, what's up Boss? Damn hot today." It is. You note Sif needs to change into a new shirt, as her modesty is in severe danger, and that reflects on you. Or at least, you tell yourself that its simply business concern that drives you. How to word this?


>>25037758

That he is. An old soldier with a limp.

>>25037854
"First of all, your shirt is growing transparent. Secondly, Marty isn't talking to me."

>>25037854
"Sif, I'm worried about Martellus. Its been months now and he still won't speak to me. You've known him longer than I have, any suggestions?

Oh, and your shirt is see-through."

>>25037911
This is better, use this.

>>25037854
"Take a quick breather and throw on a new shirt."

>>25037854
The only way I know how to handle this is to be as blunt and all-business as possible. Just be very straight, leave no room for argument, and say little that can be interpreted as your opinion.

>>25037911
That'll do it.

>>25037938
Seconding this. With a "then we'll talk" at the end.

>>25037911
This is good.

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>>25037911
Yea ok this.

>MFW everybody but me wants to make Tallius honest and trustworthy in all things.

>>25038118
We don't really, it's just that sometimes it's pointless to take the roundabout route when simplicity works better. Being too sneaky is what got Tullius into all his problems in the first place, as far as I can see.

>>25037911
I like this one

>>25037911
Almost straining with effort, you manage to look Sif in the br-eyes before speaking. "Sif, I'm worried about Martellus. Its been months now and he still won't speak to me. You've known him longer than I have, any suggestions?"

Before she can respond, you clear your throat and say, " Oh, and you are giving the room a free show." Sif looks down, visibly reddens, and rather subtly crosses her arms over ample chest, hiding the worst of it. While humorous for you, you don't think anyone else noticed, and on the scale of Sif reacting to things this one is on the far low end, thankfully.

" Uh huh, thanks for the heads up, Tallius. Good to know you're looking out for me." She put a little more emphasis on 'looking' than was necessary, and you don't think you imagined that smirk. Damn her. Nonetheless, she continues. " Marty is still pretty upset about that night. Honestly, I am too, for such a smart guy you can be a real fuckwit sometimes, Tallius. I think the problem's with that trick he had to do. Marty's always been vague about his time in the Academy, but I know he didn't leave entirely of his own volition. Whatever he did to you and Miaya, he didn't want to have to do it, and it hurt him, on the inside. I'm not sure you can do anything about that, but give him some time."

You nod, sadly. This wasn't as helpful as you had hoped, but that's not Sif's fault. It was unrealistic of you to expect her to solve your issues with Martellus, even if he is her best friend.

You decide to allow her to return to work, but as you turn, you hear Sif speak. "Boss, if you do want to talk with him, I'll help you. I don't want you two angry at each other, or whatever it is you call the wishy-washy bullshit people pull when they don't want to fight but they don't know how to be friends."

You could take her up on the offer, or try your own solution. Who can say which would be better? Perhaps giving Martellus time is the better choice.

>>25038266

You have around an hour till Karth shows up. Really only time to do one more thing.

>>25038266
We've given him plenty of time.

>>25038266
Let's go with Sif's plan. Giving him time is nice and all but it's already been 2 months. I think we've past the point where time was going to heal that wound; now we're just leaving it untreated.

>>25038338
Yeah, this.

>>25038266
We've given him three months now. I mean I don't expect him to be super chummy with us for a while but we need to at least be on speaking terms.

>>25038266
He went through a lot, but two months should be enough time to choke down his emotions to a manageable level. His instability could become a liability to us.

We'll go with Sif's plans. Forcing the issue seems like a bad idea, but I don't think we should leave him to stew indefinitely.

Been lurking because I've been at work the past games, had to chime in. Lets offer marty and sif a bonus 100 each for that night and consider miaya too it would be rude to only give a bonus to the other two. The cash will cheer then up hopefully before talking. That's a yay to fixing it with sif at our side

>>25038622
Could backfire badly, neither of them are likely to be easily mollified by bribes. Martellus especially. With his talents he could be doing a lot more than bartending, so it's clearly not an issue of the money.

>>25038622
Seems a bit late now, it would most likely just come across as us trying to pay them off, which might backfire.

>>25038622
Kind of been 2-3 months since then. I think the window to do that has been closed.

Three months is more than enough time, and you can't be on bad terms with your principle barkeep and brewer and expect the Tavern to run smoothly. Time to end this problem. You sigh, this is likely to be unpleasant. " Well, Sif. I appreciate that. Let's take care of this while we're not needed else where."

Sif walks to your side, and places a hand on the back of your shoulder. You almost question her intent, but she firmly pushes you towards where Martellus is still cleaning some of the new glassware behind the bar.

" Hey Martellus. We need a word." Sif says, her voice carrying to the big Meridian, who looks up from his task.

" You wish to speak, Sif, we are speaking. Why are you pushing Master Tallius about? I imagine he can walk under his own power." Yeah, you can, but you don't really want to. This is all a bit more sudden than you would have gone about it.

" No, Martellus, that's enough. You and Tallius are both acting like little kids about this and it needs to stop. We're in a fucking business here and we can't make money if we can't talk to each other. More than that, we're supposed to be friends. We've been through some serious shit in the last few months and I think that means something. So quit being a couple of goddamned pussies and put your petty fucking issues to bed! It's been months, what's done is done." Sif gestures emphatically as she speaks, before falling silent. She looks to you expectantly. Its a bit shocking to see Sif so heated, so you almost miss that it seems now is your turn to speak. Pity you cannot think of what to say.

Martellus, for his part, looks mortified. The black in his face looks as if it shifted to grey. You kind of agree with his sentiment.

>>25038766
Sif doesn't fuck around.

>>25038766
"I understand that I not only did something very reckless that night but also something that put you in a position that you were very obviously displeased to be in. I apologize for forcing you to do something like that.

>>25038890
Aye aye.

>>25038890

You swallow. No use putting it off. "I understand that I not only did something very reckless that night, but also something that put you in a position that you were very obviously displeased to be in. I apologize for forcing you to do something like that." Direct and uncompromising, no twisting of words here.

Martellus returns the glass he was cleaning to it's place. " Master Tallius, you understand that I cannot be relied upon for such things. I took a vow on the only thing that mattered to me that I would never do that thing again. Your recklessness made me break that vow. The cost of that transgression is not yet apparent." He looks away for a moment. " ...give me one moment. I need to process your words." You nod, time to trust in your words, and Sif's.

Charisma roll, six dice.

Rolled 79

>>25039239
"ARE YOU A WIZ-"
Wait no, damnit. Focus Tallius!

Rolled 91

>>25039239

Rolled 87

>>25039239
This is d100, right?

Rolled 73

>>25039239

Rolled 24

>>25039239

Rolled 47

>>25039239

Rolled 55

>>25039239

Rolled 57

>>25039239
Rolling thunder

Brb dinner. If I miss Karth remember to pay the man and ask him about providing us with rumours and info!

>The cost of that transgression is not yet apparent.
Lolwut.

>>25039275
>>25039280
>>25039282
>>25039286
We are still one charming fucker.

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>>25039275
>>25039280
>>25039282
>>25039286
>>25039307
>>25039325

>>25039360

You think you're a charming fucker?

That's cute.

>>25039395
Well, comparing Tullius with the cart salesman isn't really fair.

Tullius isn't an eldritch horror conjured up from the very darkest pit to sell overpriced carts to the unwary.

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>>25039395
YOU

>>25039275
>>25039280
>>25039282
>>25039286
>>25039307
>>25039325

You wait a moment as he considers. Luckily, it seems you got through to Martellus, with Sif's help. " Master Tallius, I accept your apology, and offer my own. My actions have been unprofessional and reflect poorly upon you and the Tavern. I can prepare a list of addressed grievances that you can amend at your pleasure..."

That's the Martellus you know. " That will be fine, Martellus, no list neccesary."

" As you wish, Master Tallius. I will be here if you have need of me, or simply wish to talk." He nods and returns to work.

You and Sif walk back into the taproom. She punches your arm lightly. It still stings more than you believe she intended. "See? That wasn't so hard. Now I'm going to go change shirts before I have to start another fight int the damn taproom." You note several pairs of eyes following Sif as she leaves. It's a close run thing, but you manage not to join them. Well, at least not the whole way.

It's about time for Karth's scheduled delivery. You have just enough breathing room to decide how you want to go about it.

Rolled 64

>>25039577
>how you want to go about it.
Be friendly. Be efficient. Have a plan to give a drink to everyone you meet.

>>25039577
Professional, efficient, don't mix words.

>>25039636
Sounds good.

>>25039636
The only way

>>25039636

Karth arrives after a few moments, you deign to meet him out front, by the stables. The older man and his companion arrive in their cart, seated side by side like every week.

He halts the team before you, and steps down from his seat, stroking his beard. " Yeah, I got your damn goods, give me a moment."

You raise your hand before he can proceed to the back. "Hold a moment, Karth, I would speak with you about out arrangement."

Apprehension is easy to read on the man's face as he approaches you, obviously expecting some new indignity. His friend up on the cart leans in, as if to listen.

Please accompany your choice of words with a Charisma roll of three dice.

Rolled 72

>>25039957
>Please accompany your choice of words with a Charisma roll of three dice.

"Sir, please. I would like to make our arrangement more... proper. More legitimate. I do not wish to embarrass you further, and in fact, I understand the pain of having information hung over your head. So let us start anew, and differently, Karth."

Hold out your hand to shake.

Rolled 4

>>25039957
"I believe our current deal is unfair to you. While there is no excuse for making it in the first place I would like to remedy it."

Rolled 7

>>25039957
This>>25040002

>>25040002
>>25040035
>>25040092
Hmm, hopefully 1 success is enough.

Rolled 24

>>25039957
"Be at ease, sir. My only wish is that we can come to work out a more favorable agreement between us. One that we both can be happy with in our continued business for many a seasons to come."

>>25040002
>>25040035
>>25040092

"Sir, please. I would like to make our arrangement more... proper. More legitimate. I do not wish to embarrass you further, and in fact, I understand the pain of having information hung over your head. So let us start anew, and differently, Karth." You hold out your hand as you speak, but Karth does not seem convinced.

The caravaner crosses his arms. " And why should I believe you? I've been embroiled in this damned blackmail for more than a year now, three months of it to you. Why the sudden change of heart? You'll excuse me, Mr. Urist, but I will not trust a man who has done me and mine wrong for so long."

So much for the old charm. How do you respond to that? You have done the man wrong, after all.

Rolled 77

>>25040246
>The caravaner crosses his arms. " And why should I believe you? I've been embroiled in this damned blackmail for more than a year now, three months of it to you. Why the sudden change of heart? You'll excuse me, Mr. Urist, but I will not trust a man who has done me and mine wrong for so long."

"I will burn the little black book right here."

>>25040246
Pay the man. All of it. Every cent of what we owe him. (We can afford that right?)

"I know I've wronged you. I was in a very tight spot, and I needed somebody I could trust completely, but that doesn't excuse what I did. All I can do now is offer amends. Here is what I owe you for the supplies delivered thus far. I'd like to continue our arrangement, if you are so inclined. Cash up front, of course."

>>25040246
"I'll be perfectly honest, I was broke when we first met and now I'm not. I lose nothing by legitimizing our business relationship and gain a caravaner that hopefully doesn't hate me and my tavern quite so much."

Rolled 59

>>25040415
Also this.

>>25040415

Reparation for the "discounts" of the last few months come to an even 2,000. So yes. But it will be tight.

>>25040383
Yes burn book.

Rolled 30

>>25040246
"You are not wrong. For what I have let continue on was indeed an unfair and, dare I say, a down right dirty business tactic. The man I was 3 months back was a man on mission. One to start up my own business, to which I have now done. *Motions at the tavern* At this point, there really is no need for me to dirty my hands while taking coins out of your pockets any longer. So *Pull out book and a match* let set aside this and begin a new partnership."

Threadly reminder that the updated Ebook can be found at http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb
Apologizes for being so late with the link this thread. Polite sage non-contribution.

>>25040467
I rather we not do this unless really pushed. That's coin we could really use later

2,000 in reparations, for and against? Looks like we are burning the book regardless.

Rolled 8

>>25040587
For.

>>25040535
>>25040587

Keep in mind that Karth travels extensively and likely has more than a sneaking suspicion of what we're up to. He talks to a lot of people and trades directly in the shadow of Lucretia's castle. That could be a big boon for us, or a very real danger.

At the end of the day the only safe options are to make him wholly ours or kill him. And I'd prefer we avoid murder whenever possible.

Voting for payment.

>>25040587
Against.

>>25040587
Why not pay half now and half later?

>>25040617
I get where your coming from. I just see it as he may gladly take the money and still sell us out if he desires. We do have a reward for our head after all and he may like money more than he may like us after fixing our agreement

>>25040688
Seconding this.

>>25040587
For.

>>25040700
That's legit. Have we committed the book's contents to memory? If so casually reference the contents of it when saying we'll burn it so he knows we know. Then feign poverty and say we can't quite afford to give him the second half yet. With the knowledge of the book, a steady pay stream, his maybe elf wife, and his own complicity in our ongoing schemes he should have more than enough motivation to stay on our side.

Acceptable?

>>25040760

Not verbatim, but you know that the book includes birth and marriage certificates he would not like to get out.

>>25040804
...Well then...do we have a fake or copy of the book we cango grab and burn to make it seem like we did and hold the real one for if/when he portrays us?

>>25040837

That would take some doing, and there is a risk of discovery.

>>25040837
I'd say forget it. This is an act to get him to trust us; I'd rather not sully it with deviousness.

Calling for full reparation and burning the actual book. Let's move on. Hold for next post.

>>25040881

"I know I've wronged you. I was in a very tight spot, and I needed somebody I could trust completely, but that doesn't excuse what I did. All I can do now is offer amends. Here is what I owe you for the supplies delivered thus far. I'd like to continue our arrangement, if you are so inclined. Cash up front, of course."

He looks at you stunned.

" Oh, and I have a little black book with whatever it is you're hiding written in it. I'll burn it in front of you."

His eyes widen even further. " You realize I cannot maintain the same level of discount, I was selling at a major loss."

You nod. " I figured as much. So, is it a deal?"

He strokes his beard thoughtfully.

Charisma, four dice, please.

Rolled 23

>>25040955
Rollan'

Rolled 46

>>25040955

Rolled 35

>>25040955
Accept the deal jackass.

Rolled 38

>>25040955
Deploy winning patrician smile!

Rolled 22

>>25040955
Curse the dice gods

>>25040976
>>25040979
>>25040990
>>25040993

Not our night.

>>25040976
>>25040979
>>25040990
>>25040993
Good lord, we cannot get this guy to listen to reason.

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Rolled 85

>>25040993
>>25040990
>>25040979
>>25040976

Rolled 91, 79, 50, 75 = 295

>>25040976
>>25040979
>>25040990
>>25040993

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>>25040976
>>25040979
>>25040990
>>25040993

Why do you do this to me anons? Why do you fail me?

>>25040976
>>25040979
>>25040990
>>25040993
Well damn.

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>>25041026
>Every roll beats our rolls

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>>25041026
This is bad.

>>25041026
It may be easier to just get another supplier.

This reminds me of something.

>>25041026

whatever his loss we continue black mailing the fucker

I vote to continue the black mail if he will not concede to us the fucker

almost as bad as the cart salesman

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>>25041110
After that roll he might re-evaluate who is blackmailing whom.

>>25041026

His face hardens into a scowl. " No, we don't have a gods damn deal. You hold my livelihood hostage, invade my privacy, and expect to just give back what you stole and make like it never happened?" He laughs bitterly. " The arrogance! Here's the only deal I make. You want to make good on what you did? Fine. You give me what you owe, you burn that damned book, and then I'll give you what goods I brought today. For full price. And then, me and mine will ride out of here, and as a courtesy I won't slander your shit of a name from here to Empire's End! After that, you are free to find the other supplier that bothers to skirt Origin's fucking knickers to sell to a Tavern in pissing distance of abomination central. How's that for a fucking deal?" His face is red at the end, you can tell this has been stewing for a long time. Probably longer than you've been the holder of his contract.

His companion descends, and they begin talking frantically among themselves, giving you time to think about what to say.

>>25041179
We need to find some thugs.

And hire them.

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>>25041179
This is bad. If we let him go there's no knowing what he'll do. If we renege on our deal and continue blackmailing him he isn't liable to take the indignity well. We could just kill him, but that invites far more problems than it solves.

>>25041179
Call Sif.

Call her now.

>>25041270

You are outside. Your voice carries, but not that far.

Captcha: Oratory Disaster

Yeah, that's about right.

>>25041179
Let them stew, or insinuate that you'll do just what he said. It's clear that they need money, and his companion won't let him walk away from this.

>>25041179
I guess the only thing we can do is release thee book.

Well if he refuses to see reason why not just keep blackmailing him then...

Anyone have a definite course of action?

we should comment on how they seem to be arguing like a old married couple, break the ice a bit you know

>>25041374

sit back and let them argue for a bit and see where that takes us

then maybe use >>25041375

>>25041374
Do the old walk away from the business table trick. These people need our money.

>>25041343
He may grow increasingly desperate if our relationship sours. Maybe one day he sees a wanted poster in Empire's end, and decides he can make a better deal. After all, who would care about whatever venal sins he's committed, if it means catching Marcus Sertorius?

Blackmail is no longer a good option.

>>25041374
We haven't given him what he's after yet, he just blew up without realizing we still hold all the cards and he's only making his position worse.

I say just wait for him to calm down.

>>25041412
Well the current way we're going he seems like he's going to do that anyway if he sees one.

>>25041374

just watch them argue it out for now, try to listen in if possible

>>25041374
From what we heard from those Tavern Association guys, a lot of people seem to be blackmailing him over the elf thing and it's likely that that is always going to be a risk when dealing with anyone new. Tell him that having a business partner who both knows his secret and is still willing to trade fairly with him is very important to his land his family's livelihood.

>>25041497
him and his family's livelihood*

>>25041497
Yeah, agreed.

>>25041490

seconded

>>25041497
That is a good point

You decide to wait. After all, the man was incensed and nothing you were going to say would change that. For several minutes Karth and his companion argue animatedly, before you see the old man slump in resignation, like a scolded dog, still red in the face. His companion walks up to you.

She is a blond haired girl of teenage years by your reckoning, her body still in between where you would expect a child and a woman to lie. You note her ears, slightly pointed. Its apparent why she wears the hood, harder to notice at distance. Green eyes meet yours, a cool intelligence evident in both them and her calm, reserved manner. This is likely a hardier opponent than Karth himself. "Mr. Urist? I am Liss, Karth's eldest daughter. I have to apologize for my father. He's had a tough time, and took it out on you. That was wrong of him. I would be glad to hear your offer in his stead, and I understand if you must change it due to Father's rashness. We value your business and wish our relationship to continue in the future."

Finally, someone who speaks your language.

>>25041497
Maybe that is something we should bring up at the Tavern Association meeting? Maybe we can make him something like the Associations official supplier or something like that.

>>25041598
The deal remains unchanged. A fair price and trade will continue. No more no less.

>>25041598
We won't pay him back for what we should owe him, but fair trade will continue

>>25041598
"To my understanding, your father has had this hanging over his head for quite some time now. I don't blame him. I pay you two thousand gold now, to make up for the previously extortionist rate. I burn the little black book in front of you and your father. I would appreciate a continued, though lesser, discount."

>>25041598
Same as before. Black book burned and paying what we owed him. Maybe bring up this.
>>25041497

>>25041682
This, though add that the discount is optional - though if he does, we will recommend that others who hold his secret do as we do, with the weight of the Association, such as it is, if we can get it.

>>25041598
"I understand completely. I to value the service your father and yourself provide us here.

I have no intention of changing the deal I made to your father. As they say, you can only push something so far before snaps."

>>25041703
Sounds like the perfect plan to me.

>>25041682
this

>>25041598
Where the hell is Miaya when we need her? I'm sure her presence would have a calming effect on these proceedings. For now let's see how smart this kid is.

>>25041682
This, plus: "I will put in a word with the association members about your situation, and see if I might... ease some of your hardships."

>>25041682
"To my understanding, your father has had this hanging over his head for quite some time now. I don't blame him. I pay you two thousand gold now, to make up for the previously extortionist rate. I burn the little black book in front of you and your father. I can also put a word in at the next Association meeting about lessening any other troubles you might have. I would appreciate a continued, though lesser, discount." You say, glad to have a more reasonable person to speak to.

Her face remains impassive. "Why do this? You could have kept us like debtors forever, and there would be nothing we could do about it. Why give us a fair shake now? I will not explode like father, I believe you are genuine. I just do not understand why. From a purely practical perspective, it makes no sense. I ask you, satisfy my curiosity, and then we have a deal."

>>25041918
"Confidence, child, may be bought. Trust must be earned. It's a lesson I took a long time learning."

>>25041918
>I just do not understand why.
I wasn't able to afford it before, and the guilt has been troubling me for some time."

>>25041918
"There's more to business than Profit and Margins. A good deal only lasts so long, particularly under these kinds o circumstances. A good partnership and it's benefits, however, can last a lifetime."

>>25041918
Dignity.

>>25041918
"I've recently become wealthy enough to afford to give you a fair shake, and I'd prefer the people who deliver the lifeblood of my business like more... or at least don't hate me quite so much."

>>25042012
I like it!

>>25041918
"When I started the previous deal with your father, I did what I did because when I was starting out, I would have done anything to make sure I got to where I am today. Now that I am here, I can simply not make myself continue to use such dirty methods.

More than anything, I want to trust those I work with and in turn I want them to trust me. So in order for that to happen, we must begin anew on a more equal field of play, so to speak."

>>25042012
Actually, this.

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>>25042012
Going full Maoou on this one.

>>25042012
"There's more to business than Profit and Margins. A good deal only lasts so long, particularly under these kinds of circumstances. A good partnership and it's benefits, however, can last a lifetime." You say, unexpected conviction gripping you. Your heart aches for a moment, distressingly, before quieting.

She nods slowly. " I believe I understand, Mr. Urist."

"There is one more thing, Liss. Dignity. The day may come where everything is taken from you, when you are forced to do things you never thought you would do, be someone you never thought you would be. On that day, all you will have is your dignity, and I of all people could not take that away from anyone. So here, I give back yours, your family's, and your father's, because it was not mine to take."

She looks confused. You realize you said that second bit more for yourself than for Liss, but you can't be bothered to care. This life is supposed to be something different, and you will live up to that or die trying.

She puts her hand out. " On behalf of Karth Caravan Enterprises, I accept your offer, Tallius Urist. May we have fair dealings in the future."

You shake the young girls hand. Karth himself disappeared back into the cart to cool off, you assume. It is Liss who takes the reparation and looks over the book before setting is alight. She remains at the fire until you both watch the ashes blow away in a light wind.

" Though my father will never recognize it, I know you have done us a service this day. Take the supplies at the old price, one last time. We shall be back soon. Good fortune, Mr. Urist. Perhaps we can speak more on another date." Businesslike, Liss sharply turns and returns to the cart. As soon as you and Martellus bring in the supplies, they head out. You not Karth does not join his daughter at the head of the cart, and you wonder who is truly the one among them who deserves the title merchant.

>>25042287
Now then, let's chat up the bar a bit, eh?

Well, that settled, you are free to attend to other business. The others are busy with customers, but you know you could check in with them, or the people drinking and eating, at any time.

You also remind yourself that you wanted to start the search for an entertainer, though you were 2,000 gold richer at the time.

>>25042341
Let's talk around, and draft a letter to the association regarding Karth's Caravan.

>>25042377
seconding

>>25042377
After quite nearly cocking that up we have a lot of trust building to do, so yes this. Also if we could let them draw the erroneous assumption that Miaya is our wife next time they stop in, it might not hurt things. Just sayin.

>>25042341
I say lets get this search going! Since this will no doubt mean us going into town it will let us see what changes have happened over the past few months AKA what has happened to the old bar. We can think of the exact wording of the letter on our way ,but this might be something to bring up in person where we might have more of an impact. Though maybe we should start sending letters anyway? Make it a habit to keep in contact with the other taverns and it will help keep us informed of any others who join the Association.

>>25042547
That was one of those slaver dudes who thought that.

He's dead.

>>25042582
I'm just saying it wouldn't be hard to plant that seed in their mind. It would distract them from who we really are and explain our paranoid behavior in a way they would sympathize with. They know we're some kind of criminal. Better they believe we're the same kind as them, not an ex-senator fugitive murderer.

>>25042626
Trading one lie for another? Really...

>>25042377

You decide it would be a good time to talk shop with the employees, but first you have a letter to pen. Heading up to the suite, which is currently un-rented, you pull a chair up to the writing desk, dip a quill in ink, and set letters to parchment.

My Fellow Associates...

Charisma, four dice.

Rolled 69

>>25042656
Lie! Why I'd never! I'm just saying we could let them form the assumption themselves....

Also rollan.

>>25042656
This. It just makes things more complicated to keep track of and arbitrarily increases the amount of consequences.

Rolled 61

>>25042670
Oh boy

Rolled 92

>>25042670

>>25042560
Instead of searching lets just hang a flyer in the bar. Have the Bard come to us. That way we are in a better place to strike a deal- we are kind of hurting for cash and we need to keep paying our employee's

Rolled 83

>>25042670
Rollan'

>>25042670
Awww yeah, all successes

>>25042713
>>25042689
>>25042679
>>25042675
Nice

>>25042656
I'd rather people think I'm a shoplifter than pedo

>>25042720
the entire association agrees with us and pays him double his normal rate from now on.

>>25042675
>>25042679
>>25042689
>>25042713

You cannot help but feel satisfied with the letter. It has been some time since you were required to try your hand at formal correspondence, but you have not lost your knack for it at all. The prose is artful, the claims well presented, and the tone polite without sounding sycophantic.

You seal the parchment in a nearby envelope. It will be some time before you have opportunity to send it, but you will make a point to remember. You are only as good as your word, after all.

You return downstairs. Sullivan and some of his men are at the bar, speaking casually with Martellus. Sif and Miaya are over by the kitchen entrance, apparently on break. Business has largely died down. Besides Sullivan and his men you see only a group at the corner table. One of them is either a child or exceptionally short, with an amusingly large hat. The rest are burly mercenary types. The juxtaposition is amusing, you have to admit.

You have some time to kill before retiring, but its too late to really make any inroads on finding an entertainer. That will have to wait for another time, you suppose.

>>25042956
Go talk with the group.

>>25042956
Talk to the mercs and the kid with the hat

>>25042956

Talk to sullivan, find out about manchild, ask about any goings on at the frontier.

>>25043018
ask the babyman if he is a wizard

>>25042956
did you die?

>>25043018
Back this. better to see if we can learn who they are before we do something embarrassing

>>25042974
>>25042976
>>25043018

You decide you really have been lax on talking up your patrons, so you head on over to the corner table. The small figure, whom you can hear now has a deep, almost humurously masculine voice and inflection, is telling a ribald joke.

" How are you all this evening?" You say, your best businessman's face forward. The brutes just stare.

The little guy almost jumps out of his chair in glee. "Oh, you are the owner! I absolutely love these craft brews of yours, absolutely divine. I tell you, I will make it a point to come back here as often as I can, between Gearwatch and Origin!" The man's baritone is at odds with his sunny disposition and small size, it's unsettling, and not helped by the rags that cover most of his face, other than his eyes.

But hey, adventurers are weird sorts. "I will give my brewer your regards, thank you for your business."

" Of course! You will see us back, I assure you!"

You make your excuses and leave, a little creeped out. Next, you head over to the bar.

Sullivan waves as you approach. "Eh, Urist, been a while, eh?" Martellus nods as you take a place next to the soldiers. Sullivan goes on. "Was just tellin' yer barman here about the increased abomination activity. Tha rumors are true, eh, and their out in force lookin' fer something."

You shake your head. "Well, that's distressing. Thanks for the warning, Sullivan."

" Eh, you give me and the boys discounts, best I can do is warn yeh about mankillers, eh?" He laughs, a scratchy, cough-like sound. "We best be headin' out then, I'll catch ya on the other side, Urist." He and his men exit, presumably to ride the few miles back to the outpost before the automata activity really picks up later at night.

>>25043653
Either a midget, or a race of small people. Probably well off due to the guards. Looks like a profitable patron.

>>25043653
Wait a minute....we should check all our pockets after talking to that short guy and pray that Barkeep wouldn't put Kender in this setting.

>>25043653

Before too long even the last group of customers clears out, though it seems the little guy bought a room. You aren't sure if you like that, not that you feel strongly enough about it to refuse him. No matter, as he retired early, his companions leaving on their own.

You call the customary end of day meeting. Martellus, Sif, and Miaya, whom you have not spoken to all day, join you in the taproom.

" Decent business today." Martellus says, dryly.

" At least something useful got done." Sif responds, looking at you and the Barman.

Miaya just takes out a brush and begins working on a piece she brought out of the kitchen, realizing she lacks the context for this conversation.

Well, time to sum up the day.

>>25043834
Reread that and it seems unlikely.

>>25043855
>Well, time to sum up the day.
Tell them about the new policy to Karth.

>>25043923

" Not really much to say tonight, everyone. We are no longer engages in blackmail with Karth. SO treat the caravaners with dignity from now on. And look out for that daughter of his, she's slippery." Martellus nods, Sif is impassive, and Miaya doesn't look up from her painting. Well, maybe that news means more to you than them.

No one has anything beyond small talk, so the money is counted, the taproom cleaned, and everyone goes their separate ways.

After it all, you feel something strange. At first you think it your scar, a vivid a black as the day it was given you. But it's not a physical pain. There is an emptiness there. You feel hollow. For the longest time, you wanted a Tavern, and then you wanted success. Now you have both, your new life is as secure as you can remember. Yet, something is missing.

Direction, you realize. You lack direction. There is no goal, nor purpose to this. Tallius Urist has his damned Tavern, now what is he going to do with it?

You remember a cause you had, once. Something you believed in, something greater. Now where that once lied there is nothing and no one.

In the middle of the Tavern he put upon the earth in only a few months, Tallius Urist realizes he is a man with no future.

********

Calling it here for tonight. As always, feedback is welcome, and I will see you next week.

Thread archived here: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/25036680/

>>25044166

By the way, you guys are Tallius, so if you have ideas as to what exactly his next goal would be, feel free to discuss them.

>>25044166
>No direction
Fuck that, our goal will be to open the best damned tavern this side of the continent. After we achieve that, we'll buy out smithies. Then, onto farms.
Soon, we'll control the entire world's economy.
Long before then, we will have to deal with our ex-wife, though...

>>25044197
I think we need to focus on reanimating the automata.

>>25044166
Towns tend to form up around places of interest along the road. That might be a pretty good goal, particularly since we'd be prime candidate for Mayor.

>>25044197
My goal has always been to start gathering intelligence and slowly extend our influence towards the capital where we can work to uncover the conspiracy against us and take down it's leaders.

That said most other people don't seem to share this goal and have resisted it pretty hard. Any compromises we could make guys?

>>25044197
Perhaps we're looking at this the wrong way. Tallius' wife is still after him, so maybe more of her would give us the direction we need?

>>25044272
I don't think that's really a long-term goal, though. It's more like something we need to do if we want to continue with any other plans without looking over our backs.

Full disclosure, I got some feedback in a QTG that actually resounded pretty deeply with me. After getting the Tavern up and running, we have kind of lacked direction. I was scared of injecting too much drama into the quest and making it seem overblown, but it seems I may have done to opposite and strayed into the banal. I will work to find the proper balance.

I promise to do better. I am adapting my notes and accelerating certain things. You guys having a clear goal or goals will also help me add some urgency to events. Remember, this is your quest too, help me make it better!

As always, thanks for reading. Seeing you guys here every week really makes it for me.

>>25044166
>Become the best Tavern.
>Get buff.
>Win back our wife with deception.
>Upgrade and Expand, get that automata upstairs working.
>Perhaps look into buying another tavern, starting a chain.
>Usurp the Cart Salesman and have a cart rental service.
>Find other business ventures, maybe open a seedier franchise with women.

I think all of these would be fun paths, especially the wife one

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>>25044326
Most of my suggestions tended towards the mildly criminal, which anon-mind seemed to violently reject. I would see us become an information broker with connections to some of the shadier elements like the elf seperatists or quasi-legal clockwork tech traders. That would give us power and money, both of which we'll need to make it south.

Worth noting that we will need to deal with Lucretia at some point, either through reconciliation or murder, so everybody should think about how we'll approach that. In the mid term we might start feeding her bad information. Have Karth and co. loudly repeat some rumours in front of paladins and send her charging off in the wrong direction, towards our enemies.

>>25044272
I can definitely see it as one of our future goals. Why wouldn't we want to ruin those who did this to us? We should want to clear our name.

Though I don't think we will ever go back to the senate anyway, so we need to continue the expansion of our tavern. One through making this one the best and opening up other locations across the lands to make a tavern empire.

>>25044166
Thanks for the Thread!
Ebook updated: http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb

>>25044665

1. Finish renovations.
2. Start hiring informants. Karth is the most likely.
3. Start taking a more direct interest in adventures into the source. Offer to buy and fence their loot. Offer increasingly illegal services to those we trust including the buying and selling of clockwork tech/banned goods/information.
4. Open new taverns, use them as checkpoints in an elaborate smuggling network for illicit goods and political dissidents.
5. Compromise politicians in the capital, use them to investigate Marcel Le'Eforet's murder.
6. Find the people who did this to us, deal with them appropriately.

tl:dr: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRlgz_u1IaI Less evil version of Littlefinger.

>>25044846
I'd say do 3 before 2.

I mean the reason we opened a tavern in such a dangerous area, is because we wanted to corner the adventurer market.

And an easier way of doing 4 would be to work our way to the top of that tavern-master alliance we joined, and get pre-existing taverns to see the benefits of signing up with us.

>>25045034
Also we could try seeing if our employees have any long-term goals we can help them with.

>>25044846

> Tallius as Littlefinger

Considering one of my primary inspirations for Nero was Tywin, this amuses me.

>>25044364
This thread wasn't super out there, but compared to previously, it's fine. A slower thread once in a while is good. We don't need a battle and a death every session.

>>25045193
Well a Littlefinger who isn't the Avatar of Petty Spite is hardly Littlefinger at all.

So there should still be considerable differences.

>>25045236

Well, Nero is far too petty to BE Tywin, as well. Tywin would never have been cackling with glee as the city burned and he made Miaya paint it. Nero is a lot of people, including a few I know personally.

Honestly, I keep looking for ways to show more of him, but I can't manage it just yet. He has the most notes of anyone short of Lucretia and the staff.

>>25045310
So.... Roose Bolton?

>>25045353

Nah. Though I see where you're getting that, Nero loves cruelty, but it has purpose behind it, even if he does enjoy it. He's not hiding a bunch of indiscretions behind a facade like Roose does.

>>25044385
Pretty much this.