AvB - Hagan

[planswalker]

Rizban and DM only. All others will be prosecuted


the note reads:

For a merchant, you don't seem very competent. However, you look like someone my boss once knew. He wants to meet you at sunset.

[Rizban]

After waiting around for the remainder of the day, Hagan packs up his cart and wanders around wondering where to meet this "boss."

[planswalker]

At sunset, a trio of figures approach the cart as you are closing up and before you begin to wander around.

You recognize the figure in gray, one of the others is a dwarf in chainmail, and the third is a small figure swathed in black, his race unidentifiable beneath the garb.

[Rizban]

Hagan waits patiently for one of them to speak or otherwise do something relevant before acting.

[planswalker]

The man in gray speaks, "So, I see you can read, that's good. Tell me, what's your name?" His tone is neither threatening nor friendly.

[Rizban]

"Erbauer, Hagan Erbauer. To whom do I owe the honor?"

[planswalker]

"I and my associates work for a certain woman named Yubel. She passed by the square today and thought that you looked familiar to her. Tell me, is that the name you have always had?"

[Rizban]

"It's the name I was born with. Who is it you're trying to find?"

[planswalker]

"An old friend of mine from another place and time, one whose past was regretful, but whose friendship she treasured."

He grunts noncommitally. "Those were her words when I asked the same question. He name is Emily Theridan."

[Rizban]

[roll0] Int check to remember her...

[planswalker]

You recall an Emily that you grew up with, but her last name was Strauss, not Theridian. When you and she last parted, she was about to take vows of chasity with the Sisters of the Salvation and you were trying to escape some unhappy customers. You and she had grown up together, and you remember her fondly, although your adult lives had grown distant.

[Rizban]

"Look, I'm an upstanding member of the Guild of Starlight and Shadows, and they've licensed me to produce and sell my wares. I'm really not looking for trouble here.

I can't say as I know for sure who you're talking about, but if we do know each other, then she's more than welcome to come introduce herself. Like I said, I'm not looking for trouble."

[planswalker]

"Mrs Theridan finds the idea of walking the streets late to meet with a man she may or may not know from her past to be... improper. If you will follow us, we can escort you to the Theridan estate."

[Rizban]

"Indeed... then simply allow me to drop off my cart at home first, where it will be secure."

He is, of course, referring to the GoSS sanctum in the Mages' Quarter.

[planswalker]

"Of course. Meet us back here when you are ready. We'll give you an hour, then consider that you ran off for some reason and spurned Mrs Theridan's invitation."

[Rizban]

Hagan returns to the GoSS and leaves his cart and leaves word that he's meeting someone and to sound an alarm if he has not returned by tomorrow evening. Hagan then returns to the plaza to meet them.

[planswalker]

"Very good. Shall we move on, or do you have any questions before we depart?"

[Rizban]

"Let's just go."

[planswalker]

They take you to a house in Old Town with all the hallmarks of a merchant comfortably well off, but not particularly influential or rich in the city.

They take you inside, where you meet an old friend, indeed. Emily's eyes light up when you enter and she says, "Rinth! i'm so happy to see you. Tell me, what happened to you? You look so different from last time. Did you manage to escape those thugs?"

[Rizban]

"M'lady, I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else. The person you are seeking died long ago. My name is Hagan Erbauer."

[planswalker]

She looks somewhat hurt at your refusal to acknowledge you. "Really? Hagan now? Then I guess I really am just a foolish girl who should have stayed in that monastery. If you don't know me, then please leave."

[Rizban]

"I'm sorry, Emmer, but I cannot be a dead man... I am just a simple magical artisan seeking to make his way in the world..."

With that, he turns to leave.

[planswalker]

"Emmer? Then it truly is you! You say that the old you is a dead man? Fine, if that is so, I'll call you Hagan. Anyways, I was curious about an old friend and wondered if there was any way I could help you in this city."

[Rizban]

"Rinth died long ago, you can check the records. I was born Hagan. As long as you can remember who I am, then I'm willing to become your friend.

As to help, I'm trying to obtain legal citizenship so that I might open a formal shop with a good storefront. I'd really like to be more than just a street merchant."

[planswalker]

"Really? Good to hear your ways have changed. As to the citizenship, well, my husband does have some influence in the merchant's guild. I'll see what I can do to arrange something for you. I should know by tomorrow."

[Rizban]

Husband? Hmmm... Hagan will have to tread carefully with this one. She knows his past and has the potential for a jealous husband... He may have to cover his past here... permanently.

He bows slightly to her as he prepares to leave.

"I thank you for your help. I shan't keep you any later."

[planswalker]

"Very well. Perhaps you luck has finally changed."

With that, the trio from before escort you out of the house.

[Rizban]

Hagan returns to the sanctum of the Guild of Starlight and Shadows and beds down in the small apartment his annual dues have rented him. The next morning, he rises early and heads out to the Plaza where he again takes a spot and prepares to sell wares to anyone willing to buy them.

[planswalker]

you may make a profession check for your sales today.

[Rizban]

I didn't train profession this time around. I decided to go with more craft skills instead.

[planswalker]

You make [roll0] copper.

[Rizban]

I'm waiting to see if I hear word back...

[planswalker]

Hagan returns to the sanctum of the Guild of Starlight and Shadows and beds down in the small apartment his annual dues have rented him. The next morning, he rises early and heads out to the Plaza where he again takes a spot and prepares to sell wares to anyone willing to buy them.

sorry. I was absolutely tired. One nap later and I feel much better.

Around midday, a large man you don't recognize comes over to your stall and says, "Hagan, right? Why don't you join me for lunch. Emma thought you would appreciate this."

[Rizban]

"Well, my mom taught me to never turn down a kindly offer. Where did you have in mind?"

[planswalker]

"How about the Goose and the Gander? Their duck soup is excellent."

[Rizban]

"That sounds acceptable. Let's go."

Hagan packs up shop and pulls his cart with him as he follows the man.

[planswalker]

The Goose and the Gander is a lavish restaurant, with an odd feature from which it gets its name. It is divided into three sections, the east section serves as a gentlemen's dining area, while the west as a lady's diner. The central section is a large lobby with couches where people of both genders wait if they do not have reservations.

The man you followed had you leave your cart outside, where a sharp-eyed valet from the restaurant will keep an eye on it.

The man pulls out a reservation card for two on the gentlemen's side and the two of you are ushered in.

The two of you are seated, and a nicely dressed elf takes your order. "What will it be?" He asked.

"I'll have the duck soup, and a glass of Rintin 893." The man says.

The waiter looks at you, waiting for an order.

[Rizban]

"I'll take the chef's selection. I trust him to know what's good."

[planswalker]

"He's favoring the roasted chicken with white wine today."

The waiter leaves with the orders.

The man who invited you here says, "Now, then, down to business. My wife tells me that you are looking for a leg up in the city. Now, I'm not a man given to charity, but my wife is quite... persuasive when she applies herself. Tell me, what specifically are you looking for?"

[Rizban]

"First of all, citizenship. I've lived here nearly two years and been a contributing member of the Guild of Starlight and Shadows for one year. I have nothing on my record that might prevent my citizenship papers from being approved, but they do not seem to be progressing through the system.

I also seek to, once I obtain citizenship, purchase or rent a storefront in the city so that I might move my crafting business out of my cart and into a respectable locale."

[planswalker]

"The citizenship is easy. As to the other, I and the head of the GSS play Jatan every other week on Thursdays. I'll see what I can do. However, a favor from you would make this easier. I notice your sign said 'custom items'. How custom are we talking?"

[Rizban]

"Er... significantly more custom than the Merchants' Guild tends to like... I stay within the guidelines of what the license the GoSS maintains for its craftsmen permits us to sell; however, I am far more capable than that."

[planswalker]

"Indeed. Then I'd like to make an order from you for an item. Here are the details."

He hands you a slip of paper as the waiter comes back with your meals.

[Rizban]

Hagan peruses the order while sipping his wine."

[planswalker]

It calls for an item that can take out its owner when a pre-specified condition is triggered, ideally the trigger is something that could be blamed as the cause of death. Collateral damage should be kept to a minimum. Willing to pay up to 30,000 for item if it leaves the goods on the person intact, 20,000 if it damages them.

An extra 10,000 if it is reusable and does not damage items, or an extra 1,000 per use if of limited uses beyond one, max of ten.

[Rizban]

"Heh, well... actually..."

Hagan sets an amulet on the table and pushes it towards the man.

"It's a one time use and affects everything within about... forty feet, but it'll do the job. I also happen to already have it on hand.

Now, if you're willing to wait a few days, and could pay at least half up front, then I could produce something a little more... specific to your needs."

[planswalker]

"I would rather have exactly what I asked for, and half up front is quite reasonable. Tell me, how much will you want for the item? We can stop by the local bank and I can write you the note immediately."

[Rizban]

"The forty offered is sufficient, though it might take a bit of research to determine the best possible method of implementation."

[planswalker]

"You'll have a week to get the finished product to me. Will that be sufficient time? I should be able to expedite the citizenship process by then."

[Rizban]

"That should be sufficient."

[planswalker]

"Well then, we shall meet again in a week." After the two of you finish up, he pays for yall's lunches and the two of you leave together. Y'all stop by the bank and he writes you a 20,000 gold bank note.

[Rizban]

On the way to the bank, Hagan asks a few minor questions about the target in an attempt to gather information about whether or not he is a warrior, mage, or something else, essentially attempting to determine what his weakest save would be.

[planswalker]

He is an expert businessman who spent a few years at a monastery as a young man seeking to perfect his physical form. He dropped out after learning the basics in favor of financial gain.

"That tidbit about the monastery was an odd tip from a mole of mine one day." Emma's husband says.

[Rizban]

Hmm... not making this easy, are you? :smalltongue:

Hagan excuses himself and goes to try to remember some place he can lay his hands on some magical "junk," even if he has to fight for it.

[roll0]

[planswalker]

The Central University has graduate and undergraduate student-crafted items, often at a discount due to poor quality or accidental cursing.

I have faith in you. It was a level of monk, or three dm fiat feats
:smalltongue:

[Rizban]

Hagan heads over to the university and seeks to arrange a meeting with either the dean of the college of magical research or whoever would be in charge of the students researching item craft.

[planswalker]

You manage to scedule an appointment with the dean of Advanced Itemcrafting for later that afternoon.

His office is cluttered with scrolls, potions, feather tokens, and other such cheaply made items. After you have a seat, he says, "So, what can I do for you, Mr Erbauer?" (you had to give your name when you signed up for an appointment)

[Rizban]

Hagan's last name is Erbauer. :smalltongue:
What is the dean's name?

[planswalker]

Jonas Heicht

[Rizban]

"Thank you for seeing me, Dean Heicht. I represent a small waste disposal company specializing in the safe processing of otherwise "unsafe" magical items. I am aware that university programs specializing in the field of magical item creation tend to produce a number of unsafe or otherwise unwanted magical items that are inconvenient to dispose of properly on an academic budget. I would like to volunteer the services of my company in helping to safely process and dispose such items that you may have on hand."

[planswalker]

His eyebrows raise at the idea. "Really? Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?"

[Rizban]

"Well, I would like to receive an official form indicating the approximate value of each item so that I can use it as a write off for tax purposes..."

[planswalker]

He chuckles. "I'm sure you do. Just be honest with me, please. What's your scheme? I will unload them on you, provided I know where they're going. I just want to be sure I cover my own assets in case the Watch busts you."

[Rizban]

"I genuinely plan to destroy and dispose of them in a legal manner."

[planswalker]

He chuckles. "Yeah right. The kinds of spells it takes to do that are more expensive than what you can afford, and there's no way you have the kind of arcane power it takes to cast a disjunction. If you were, you wouldn't be running a business to dispose of them, you'd be out there making real money."

He pauses for a moment. "Tell you what, show me that you're doing so for real, and I'll supply you with our exclusive business."

[Rizban]

"I'll admit that I can't safely dispose every item, but I'm confident that I can dispose of almost anything that the students here are creating. Give me an item and a day, and I'll safely disenchant it for disposal."

[planswalker]

He laughs. "Tell you what, it's a deal. Bring back the disenchanted item tomorrow, and you've got yourself a deal."

He gets up and goes to a closet in one corner of his office. Inside, he pulls out a portable hole and pulls out a box.

"Inside this box is a short sword, cursed to lower your accuracy and damage. It also seems to force the person who draws it to draw it forevermore, never being able to draw another weapon. We call these sorts of weapons, 'minus enchantment' weapons. This one is about on par with a +2 in magnitude, but in opposite direction. Bring back this specific -2 sword tomorrow and successfully hand it to me, and we've got a deal." He opens the box and offers for you to draw it out.

[Rizban]

Hagan smiles. "Seems simple enough. I'll see you this time tomorrow."

He reaches into the box and draws the sword, sticking it through his belt.

[planswalker]

Hagan now has a -2 sword, cursed. As per the DMG.

He smiles as you leave. "I hope to do business with you again. And yes, I will know if you just try to fabricate a copy."

[Rizban]

He goes back to his GoSS apartment and retains its essence. Provided nothing interesting happens in the meantime, he returns to the dean's office the following afternoon with the disenchanted sword hanging from his belt where it was the day before.

[planswalker]

He smiles. "Interesting Care to hand me that sword back?"

After you successfully do, and several more tests to confirm it was true, he says, "Very well. We have a business arrangement. So, what's your going rate for this?"

[Rizban]

"Going rate? Nothing monetary on your part. I just need documentation for each item I collect from you detailing the item and its estimated value. The amount I can save in other areas, such as taxes and guild fees, by rendering this service to a scholastic organization such as your university is sufficient, and indeed the reason why I am seeking this arrangement."

[planswalker]

"Very well then. Do you want an official contract for this?"

[Rizban]

"That would be beneficial. I would like to keep everything above the table on this one... though if it's necessary on rare occasion, I can just 'lose the paperwork.' I don't like doing that too much though, so let's keep that minimal."

[planswalker]

"Man after my own heart. Tell me, do you have a place I can ship them to, or should I expect you to pick them up each time?"

He has his secretary draw up a contract for you, detailing that you will be given exclusive right to all unusable or cursed items made as a by-product of students' research attempts.

The contract is worth 300 story xp

[Rizban]

"I am currently living in an apartment within the sanctum of the Guild of Starlight and Shadows. If you send the items there, then I can arrange for them to be delivered to me. However, if you have items now, I would be more than happy to take them off your hands now."

[planswalker]

He hands you a +3 light steel shield that only works in cold weather, and a bag of dust of appearance

[Rizban]

Hagan takes them, thanks him for the contract, and heads out after all necessary paperwork is completed, insisting on a copy of the contract for himself.

He retains the two items and then sets to work creating a deadly item for his new employer.

[planswalker]

Nothing eventful happens.

[Rizban]

Amulet of Ego Death:
Amulet of Enemy Detection (trigger)
4x augmented ego whip traps - 2d4 Cha, Will ½ DC18 (automatic reset)
Hagan prepares the amulet and sends a messenger to the estate to inform his employer that the item is ready.

[planswalker]

The reswponse is a message saying to meet him at the Goose and the Gander.

[Rizban]

Hagan, of course, heads there immediately, wearing the amulet but not attuning himself to it.

[planswalker]

The two of you meet together, and have the same table reserved as last time.

"So, what's the item?"

[Rizban]

Hagan reaches up and unclasps the amulet.
"It is this. An amulet of enemy detection, guaranteed to locate any danger within thirty feet and immediately {ahem} handle the target adequately."

[planswalker]

He raises an eyebrow. "Does the assassin wear it or the target?"

[Rizban]

"The target. The only trick to its function is getting the wearer to activate it. Once the wearer activates the enemy detection feature, the device is set and ready to go off at the first sign of danger.

By not attuning yourself to it, you may wear it safely with absolutely no risk to yourself. This in turn allows you to give the target your "personal protective amulet" and make him more likely to trust you and activate it."

[planswalker]

He smiles. "Very slick. He and I are- estranged, but this gift could be my ticket into his good graces long enough to work. I take it setting off the enemy detection is all it takes to activate the kill effect?"

He hands you another 20,000 gold bank note.

"I suspect that your citizenship papers will clear just as soon as the target is dead. Good doing business with you. Once this works, you'll be a citizen by tomorrow morning."

[Rizban]

"It is sufficient, yes. It is also infinitely reusable, unless someone intentionally deactivates it."

[planswalker]

"Then I will see you tomorrow with your citizenship papers, once your goods have proven themselves."

The two of you enjoy your meals, and he pays for yours.

[Rizban]

Hagan thanks him and heads out, tinkering with a new dorje the next day while he awaits word from his benefactor.

[planswalker]

[roll0][roll1][roll2][roll3]

saving time, not fishing for another thread.

The next day, your "business" partner invites you to enjoy another meal with him, this time in the Noble's Quarter. You are not sure how he got the both of you one-day passes into there, but you enjoyed the fancy meal at the Suckling Boar while you had it.

After the meal, he says, "I am most... satisfied with the results. The amulet worked as promised, and I now have a useful tool for all sorts of things."

He hands you your citizenship papers. "I think you will find everything in order. You are now a citizen of this fair city. Tell me, now that you have your citizenship, I am curious. What's next?"

[Rizban]

"Well, I plan to open a store front eventually... In the meantime, I'm not entirely sure..."

[planswalker]

"I wish you the best. If you would ever like to trade favors again, you know where to find me. Any message you want me to tell my wife for you? I found out from her that the two of y'all knew each other right before she joined htat coven. Tell me, were you the reason she swore off our gender forever, once upon a time?"

[Rizban]

"Heh, I never knew here that well."

[planswalker]

The two of you enjoy the rest of the meal with inconsequential chatter about the weather and other unimportant topics.

After the meal, the two of you depart.

you may poke around in the Noble's Quarter if you really want to.

[Rizban]

Hagan has lived in the city for two years now. He know better than that.

Before departing the district, Hagan wanders around the public areas a bit, hoping to encounter someone interesting; however, if he spots one of the Rocholls or Roestels, he'll unobtrusively head the other direction.

[planswalker]

With those stipulations, he finds it expedient to exit the district hastily. The guards at the gates take your pass as you exit. "No re-entries with this pass, I'm afraid."

[Rizban]

Hagan heads down to The Plaza an sets up his cart to sell his wares.

[planswalker]

early that morning, a half-drow walks by your stand, coins jingling in his purse.

[planswalker]

Grettings Master Hagan, I am interested in purchasing a few of your wares. Tell me what do you have today, kind sir?

and a teamup is born... maybe? you can answer him by following the quote to his thread.

[Rizban]

After concluding negotiations with Kel, Hagan heads to the GoSS to see if the dean sent him any items for disposal.

[planswalker]

there was a mace crafted that requires being soaked in a pint of blood each day or the enchantment fades. (as per the DMG mace of blood)

[Rizban]

Naturally, he retains it the first chance he gets.

[planswalker]

so, does plot need to advance in Kel's thread? Not sure if the two of you are done with the negotiations.

[Rizban]

Plot will advance after he pays for the upgrade.

[Rizban]

Hagan returns to advance his personal plot once more...

[planswalker]

Where he finds a note among his personal belongings. On it is written "Good work. He's dead."

A bank note worth 1,000 gp is folded within it. Upon cashing the note, you earn 500 xp.

[Rizban]

hagan levels up to 7, but I can't do much until I get my lappy back...

[planswalker]

understood.

[Rizban]

Can move forward with RP, just not really any crunch.

[planswalker]

well, I do believe the ball is in your court of the sandbox. Or do I need to throw some PLOT your way?

[Rizban]

Rolling hit die for level up...
[roll0]

Wow, the roller hates me.

[planswalker]

A lizardfolk lopes on over next to Hagan's stall the next morning.

"Iz yuz shmart?" it asks drunkenly.

[Rizban]

"Smart enough to get by. Why do you ask?"

[planswalker]

"Iz wuntz summun ta du summin...." he mumbles before passing out in front of you.

[Rizban]

Hagan heads back to The City Streets to see if any players find him.

[planswalker]

the passed out lizardfolk begins to snore loudly.

[Rizban]

Hagan nudges it with his toe. If it doesn't respond, he pushes a little harder. If he's out cold, he searches the lizardfolk for ID.

[planswalker]

It does not seem to respond to your attempts to awaken it, but it does have on its person identifying it as a privately hired guard to one of the local temples. The papers specify the temple of Boccobob.

[Rizban]

Irritated, Hagan searches him more thoroughly then moves the objects in his cart around a bit then hefts the lizardman man into it. Packing away the last of his things, he hauls the guard to the temple. If anyone stops him, he'll tell them honestly that he's seeing a drunk home.

[planswalker]

A city guardsman does indeed stop you, and after showing him the drunken scaly one, you are waved through.

As you approach the temple to Boccobob, an acolyte comes out and says, "Greetings, good sir. What brings you to this place of learning?"

[Rizban]

"A drunk who passed out in front of my cart during business hours and had identification linking him to the temple. I thought it best to close up early and see him home."

[planswalker]

"Did he say anything to you?" She asked

[Rizban]

"He said hello and asked if I'm smart. He then passed out."

[planswalker]

"Well, are you smart?" She asks, the hope not being able to be removed from her voice.

[Rizban]

"I would like to believe that I am, though I don't try to compare myself to others. Such comparisons only lead to interpersonal conflict."

[planswalker]

"A most clever answer. Tell me, do you have the time to stay and speak a while?"

[Rizban]

"I do have one prior commitment, but I can return after. What did you need of me?"

[planswalker]

"Do not worry about that, just come when you are free to stay for an extended period. What name should we expect when you do arrive?"

[Rizban]

"Hagan."

He returns to The Plaza where the other plot ensues.

[Rizban]

On his way to PLOT!, Hagan makes a detour to the Guild of Starlight and Shadows to pick up any items the university sent him for disposal. It's been a little while since he last took care of that.

[planswalker]

The have a pair of slippers of spider climbing where the user is bitten by a spider's fangs and injected with medium monstrous spider's venom every 1d4 minutes, with the first bite happening when worn.

same market value as per dmg slippers

[Rizban]

He tosses these into his cart and heads to the inn where Kel is resting.

[Rizban]

Hagan, after quite some time with Kel, returns home, checks for items from the university and retains the slippers he already has.

[planswalker]

There is a +2 mace that must be soaked in a pint of blood each day or it loses its magic. The university deems the drawback as too grisly to sell.

mace of blood from dmg.

[Rizban]

Hagan wonders which student keeps making these maces and retains it as well.

He then heads out to locate Emily or her husband to pitch his telepathic communications network idea.

[planswalker]

"He is available to see you tomorrow if you make an appointment." teh receptionist says.

[Rizban]

He does so.

[planswalker]

You appointment is set for tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock, should there be anything you wish to do to prepare.

[Rizban]

There is nothing he can do to prepare, so he just cleans up and goes.

[planswalker]

Having arrived promptly on time, Hagan is admitted immediately.

He sits behind his desk and motions for you to take a seat. "Now then, my secretary tells me that you have a proposal. Sell it to me."

[Rizban]

He sits down and explains the basic concept of telephones and how such a system, if backed and promoted, could lead to major profits.

[planswalker]

"So, long distance communication that's difficult if not impossible for a third party to intercept. What about the one who sets up and implements this technology?"

in aldhaven, any sufficiently explainable magic = technology with a different flavor.

[Rizban]

Hagan looks a little confused.

"I don't understand what you're asking me."

[planswalker]

"Would the person who sets up the system be able to intercept the messages sent on it?"

[Rizban]

"Honestly, I hadn't even considered that. It certainly wouldn't be moral or ethical to do so, but it might be possible, if one really, really worked at it. The way I've designed the system, it shouldn't even be possible to do.

However, the units will have a market value of 9,000, and I can produce and sell them at 7,000 with a good profit. If we charge a small monthly fee, say 50 to 100 depending on expected usage of the system, then the profits should far outpace the expenses in just a short time."

[planswalker]

"Indeed so. Now then, are you seeking a loan for the money required?"

[Rizban]

"Well, a loan is not entirely sufficient. I need to have some sort of um... advertisement. I don't know how to go about convincing people to buy into this service. Without people using it, then it kind of makes it useless. It's only useful once a number of people begin using it, but it has to appear useful in order to reach that point. I am a simple craftsman. I don't know how to do all of that..."

[planswalker]

"Indeed, I can see the difficulty. What, then, is it that you are truly seeking here?"

[Rizban]

"A friend and partner who can help me to market this system who is also willing to shoulder about half of the start up costs."

[planswalker]

"If I market for you and am half-investor of this company, I want a full half share of gross profits, and expenses for maintaining the equipment comes from your half."

[Rizban]

"Sir! If I wasn't planning to share profits with you equally, I would not have approached you. I am nothing if not an honest man.

I also said "about half." I already have almost two-thirds of the start up cost collected. Coin is not the issue so much as the marketing of the product is."

[planswalker]

"Your counteroffer?"

[Rizban]

Hagan contemplates for a few moments.

"Well, how much would you want to handle solely the marketing?"

[planswalker]

"Nothing, for unless you have a lot more capital for unexpected costs, this business will go belly up. If I am not at least a partial partner, I am not interested."

[Rizban]

"Then give me terms that you can accept, and I'll be glad to discuss them."

[planswalker]

"You mistake the etiquette of the business proposal. By rights, you should have made the first offer, since this is your proposal. However, because we've worked together before and you are new at this, I did the courtesy of making the first offer. Now it's time for you to make yours. And don't try to say that the whole 'marketing only' bit was a counteroffer. Even there you were asking me for a bid."

[Rizban]

Hagan sighs and looks down dejectedly for a moment.

"And that's why I'm a craftsman and not a wealthy merchant.

You handle the marketing and contribute twenty percent of start up costs, which is fairly negligible. In return, you receive eight percent of net profits."

[planswalker]

"Make it twenty, and allow me to be your first source of additional funding should you find yourself needing more."

[Rizban]

Hagan looks confused.

"Isn't twenty what I said?

Ah! Right, you meant of the net profit. Hmmm...

...planned to put the profit into experimentation on how to expand and improve the system... hiring a number of assistants ... undergraduates at the university. Twenty percent will cut quite deeply... was planning on keeping only two or three percent for living expenses..."

Hagan suddenly appears embarrassed as he realizes that he's thinking aloud.

"Er... Would ten percent for you be sufficient?"

[planswalker]

"How about 14 percent? Since you are the first and likely only one to do so, I'm sure you can price it profitably at such a cost."

[Rizban]

Quickly doing some math in his head, Hagan comes to a conclusion.

"That sounds acceptable."

[planswalker]

"Very well, shall we draw up a contract and sign it?"

[Rizban]

"Sounds good to me."

[planswalker]

He has his barrister draw up a contract and he signs it. Once finished, he passes it over to you to sign.

[Rizban]

Hagan very carefully reads the contract before signing anything.

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[planswalker]

Best you can tell, it's exactly the verbal agreement, with many points expanded upon to ensure no vaguarities in the legal wording.

[Rizban]

Hagan is going to take ranks in Professions (Barrister)...He signs the contract.

[planswalker]

"Very good. Now then, how soon do you need the money to start production? How soon can I begin to take sample product to demonstrate."

[Rizban]

"Now would be the best time. I can have the first ones ready in about twenty days. It will take that long to get the system built and running, though it might take an additional few days to get potential bugs ironed out."

[planswalker]

"I will have the bank note ready within an hour. Shall we say that in twenty-five days I shall go out and begin trying to market your product. How many units can you have ready in that time?"

[Rizban]

"Working by myself? Err... six. I can produce one a day working alone; however, I honestly am not sure if anyone else in the city is even capable of producing the units."

[planswalker]

"Then it sounds like the best market for such would be a small-scale security network to the King. Probably have to start with the lesser nobles before the King trusts it. I would recommend you find a way to make them either a lot faster or make a lot more than one at a time."

[Rizban]

"I'll see what I can do."

After concluding whatever else he needs to do and collecting/depositing the bank note, Hagan proceeds to the university to speak with the guy he made the deal with before.

[planswalker]

"Ah, yes, Mr Erbaur. Thank you for visiting me. I must say, your removal techniques are most profitable to me."

1000 xo for a contract well done.

[Rizban]

Whee! I like that kind of contract.

"I'm glad that it is. In fact, I'm here with another offer.

I'm looking for students who would like to gain some field experience crafting in the work place. Unfortunately, I'm looking for something rather... specific. I was wondering if you would allow me to potentially hire some of your students on a part time basis. Perhaps we could even work something out so that the undergrads could earn a few credit hours."

[planswalker]

"Explain more. We'd definitely be interested."

[Rizban]

"Well, that's just it. I'm not entirely certain exactly what I'm trying to find at the moment in an assistant. I'm considering just starting with one student to see how it will work out...

Basically, it comes down to this. I need to mass produce a particular magic item for a business venture, which I'm not at liberty to fully disclose for about a month. It's an entirely harmless item geared toward improving communication among law enforcement officers and palace guards and the like.

I'm willing to train students in the work place as well as pay them a small stipend for their time. I'll be providing for the full item creation costs from my own budget."

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[planswalker]

"Tell you what, I'll advertise an advanced item crafting internship venture. For those who wish to gain experiencing crafting unique and custom magic items."

[Rizban]

"That sounds good to me. Shall we draw up an agreement?"

[planswalker]

"Actually, all you have to do is fill out a form requesting a student intern." He provides said form.

[Rizban]

Hagan does so.

[planswalker]

"Very well. I will let you know as soon as you have a client."

[Rizban]

Hagan heads back to the GoSS and checks for items to retain.

[planswalker]

There is a lodestone of weight and yet another mace of blood.

[Rizban]

Hagan makes a mental note to ask who is making all of these maces and is determined to not hire him.

[Rizban]

He retains them then tinkers with his headband a bit, giving it a bonus to wisdom. He then heads out to see if he can find a small workshop for sale.

[planswalker]

what would the SBG price on the shop you want be?

[Rizban]

Fancy Workplace (For the +2 circumstance on Craft checks), Basic Magic Laboratory (Seems important...), and Basic Storage (Also important...)

Masonry exterior, wooden interior. Only 1 floor.

Let's call it Mages' Quarter... 21,875gp.
That's beyond what I can afford at the moment... Even with the extra 20% from what's-his-face-without-a-name, which I calculated out to being just under 8,000, so I rounded up to 8k. Including the building and students, this is going to cost me around 40,000gp for everything plus two units.

So, I guess that means Hagan is going to undertake a little side quest for some more starting funds.

He should definitely go up against the Gnome Artificer. :smalltongue:
Or not...Hagan starts to try to come up with a method to "safely" make some quick cash.

[planswalker]

Plot will wait to see what he comes up with.

[Rizban]

He considers fighting in an arena as a gladiator, robbing a bank, and, very briefly, just killing a many people on the street as he possibly can.

[planswalker]

There are multiple banks in ALdhaven. You could potentially rob any one of them. The one that has your line of credit is probably a bad idea.

Mass mayhem might or might not turn a profit.

If Hagan really wants to, it's not difficult to get into some underground fighting. ALdhaven has no officially sanctioned arena.

[Rizban]

He suddenly recalls hearing something about the needle mines not doing very well lately and considers going to investigate that... assuming he can get into contact with someone willing to pay him well for it.

The Town Crier also catches his attention...
Rumors have begun circulating that ancient ruins have been found buried just outside of the city walls. The farmer who owns the land is allowing people to pay a small fee to enter into them and keep whatever relics they can recover.

[planswalker]

indeed, if only he did something,, things might happen.

So far all his ponderings have been valid enough.

[Rizban]

Briefly, he considers donning a disguise and taking up begging.

His mind then turns to founding his own religion... hey, it worked for Josephus Smyth, until he was gunned down... so not that great of an idea...

Best idea ever: Go to some foreign country and loot the tomb of some long dead king.

Fight a dragon. Take its hoard.

Hagan finally settles on attempting to solve the needle mine conundrum and begins trying to find contacts that would point him in the right direction.

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[planswalker]

The local farmer's location is now known to him.

[planswalker]

As well, he recalls that the Needle mines are the kingdom's source of needles, mined daily. Criminals sent to work there rarely finish their terms with all of themselves intact.

[Rizban]

He tries to figure out who has interests in the mine so that who knows to whom to talk about getting paid.

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[planswalker]

A consortium of merchants run the mine. Those who wish to discuss with them would do best to start with Johan Schriner in the Beach Brews coffee house on Golden Way in the Merchant's Quarter.

[Rizban]

Hagan heads there.

[planswalker]

Hagan is there. It is a coffee shop that has a rather high volume of activity, with rich men sitting around tables as waiters serve them coffee. The doorman says, "Hello sir. Do you need a table? How large is your party?"

was just struck by a thought. I wonder how terribly Cadian would misinterpret that question.

[Rizban]

"I'm here to meet with Johan Schriner. I'm not sure of the size of the full party."

[planswalker]

"I take it then that you're alone? Do you have an appointment with him or is this ad-hoc?"

[Rizban]

"Er, yes, alone. I don't have an official appointment, but I was directed here by a colleague of his concerning a possible solution to the needle mine issue."

[planswalker]

"If you'll wait here just a moment, a message will be sent to him informing him of your visit. Can I attach a name with that?"

[Rizban]

"Hagan."filler

[planswalker]

A week A few minutes later, you are told to take a seat directly across from a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit. He folds his hands and says, "Well, now, what brings you here to see Schriner? I'm his agent here, and I help screen off those who might wish him other than good business. Of all sorts. He cracks his knuckles ominously, even though his tone of voice was polite and even somewhat pleasant.

[Rizban]

"I've heard rumors that there is a problem with production in the needle mine, and I'm good at solving problems. I am here to inquire after whomever has an interest in that solution."

[planswalker]

"Any references to mention?"

[Rizban]

"No, only myself. I'm primarily a craftsman of magical items, but I'm very good at getting things done."

[planswalker]

He chuckles warmly. "So, is your business slow, or do you need extra capital to get a large venture started? Clearly, one or the other is most likely."

[Rizban]

"Business is slow, but profitable. I find myself with extra time, and I believed that this endeavor would be both diverting and an opportunity. If, however, he is not the proper person with whom to speak or is uninterested, then I can look elsewhere to invest my time."

Hagan moves as if to stand.

[planswalker]

"I like you. I think you are honest enough to be trusted, but dishonest enough to actually be a merchant, which aids me in giving you my confidence. I'll set you up with an appointment to see him within the hour. He's currently talking to a count at the moment. If you'd like, you may stay and enjoy any refreshments you desire at my expense until he is ready."

[Rizban]

Hagan thanks him and orders an earl gray tea, hot and a cranberry scone, if they have them.

[planswalker]

Indeed they do have such. It is brought out to you sharply. Forty-five minutes later, the agent returns and says, "If you're ready, Mr Schriner will see you now."

[Rizban]

Sipping the last of his now cool tea, Hagan nods and stands to follow him.

[planswalker]

Hagan is lead to another table on the second floor of the coffee house, where a man dressed in expensive clothes that glow faintly of magic nods at you as you are escorted to the seat. "So, Mr Erbaur, is it? Do you think you can help me with a mining problem?"

[Rizban]

"I expect that I can, provided that I know more about the problem."

[planswalker]

"Indeed, so could I if I knew what the problem was."

[Rizban]

"Then you need someone capable of uncovering the problem. I believe that I could be of service with that too."

[planswalker]

He chuckles. "Persistent, aren't you? Tell you what, figure out what's wrong with the mines, and I'll pay you. Get production back up, and I'll pay you more."

[Rizban]

Hagan chuckles. "Vague, aren't you? I'm a merchant at heart and like to know payment amounts for work completed, preferably prior to beginning the task."

[planswalker]

He chuckles. "Indeed. Shall we say 5,000 for the information and 20,000 for a working mine?"

[Rizban]

He chuckles. "Hmmm.... Let's call it 2,000 for information, and resolving the problem is a 5% share of the net profit from the mine for the next three years, paid monthly."

[planswalker]

"That would be... overly generous considering your position. Shall we say 2%"

[Rizban]

"Yet such an offer would be very beneficial to you in the long run. Consider this: Everyone who has tried to uncover the source of the problem thus far has failed. If I discover and correct the problem, then that logically makes me more capable than anyone else who has attempted prior to my solution. By giving me stock in the mine, my interest is then intrinsically tied to it, meaning that if I wish to continue to collect the income, I must ensure that any new problems arising with the mine are corrected expediently. Is that fee not worth the benefit of keeping a capable retainer on hand for any potential problems which might arise without need of additional payment?"

[Rizban]

{nudge}this text is not here

[planswalker]

"4%, and not a bit more. I've been letting the problem sit for a while, to drive up prices and profits. It's only now beginning to reach the point where it would be most profitable to get it up and running at full capacity again."

[Rizban]

"Then it's agreed. 3,000 for information and 4% for a solution."

[planswalker]

"Indeed. I hope you don't mind signing a contract over this?"

[Rizban]

"Please, I would insist."

[planswalker]

"I'll have my agent draw one up. Where can I have him send it tomorrow morning?"

[Rizban]

Not wanting to reveal too much about himself, Hagan picks a rather neutral location.

"I'll have a cart setup to sell my wares in The Plaza near the fountain in the morning. Have him deliver it to me there."

[planswalker]

"Very well. You may begin as soon as the contract is signed."

[Rizban]

Hagan thanks him, observes any appropriate pleasantries, then departs.

He heads back to the GoSS to see if the university left anything for him to dispose of as well as to check for any potential applications.

[planswalker]

Two applications are in, as well as a lodestone of weight and another mace of blood.

[Rizban]

Hagan retains the items and quickly looks over the applications before heading to bed.

[planswalker]

One is Umak FLintgrinder, and dwarven wizard grad student hoping to psh the envelope of itemcrafting. The other is The other is Tubal Cain, a seniour-level undergrad who is looking at going to grad school to take transmutative magics and apply it to environmental problems."

[Rizban]

Hagan files them away in his room and plans to read them more closely later. He goes to bed.

The next morning, he heads to The Plaza and sets up his cart as usual.

[planswalker]

He is beginning to get a reputation, and a half-orc dressed in the robes of a spirit shaman drops a slightly bloody flail on your cart, saying, "I want to trade this in for a hammer."

[Rizban]

Hagan identifies the flail with his artificer's monocle then asks what he's looking for more specifically.

[planswalker]

The flail is a +3 vicious flail.

"I want a hammer that's a bane to elves."

[Rizban]

Hagan sighs.

"I'll tell you what I've told everyone else. I'm really not comfortable with making weapons. If that's really what you want, I'll make it. I'm assuming you're trying to purchase a hammer of equal enhancement as well?"

[planswalker]

"Yes. How much more gold do you need?"

[Rizban]

"For this, 12k."

[planswalker]

"Is that a good deal?" He asks suspiciously.

[Rizban]

"The flail you gave me is worth 32,000 gold, but anywhere you sell it won't give you more than half that for it, or 16,000, meaning that you will have to come up with 16,000 in gold to cover the difference if you buy the hammer, which is also worth 32,000 gold, anywhere else.

I'm effectively giving you 20,000 gold in trade for the flail rather than just 16,000, which is 4,000 more than anyone else would. I'd think that 25% is a pretty good deal."

[planswalker]

Slightly intimidated by the numbers, he said, "Uh, yeah. That sounds like a very good deal."

He hands you four sacks with 300 platinum each. "So, when will I get the hammer?"

[Rizban]

"I can have it ready in a couple of days, say... five."

After making the transaction, Hagan waits for the man with the contract to arrive...

[planswalker]

He arrives about 30 minutes later. "Mr Erbaur, I presume? If you will just sign here..."