DM Kathy Thursday October 20th, 2016 12:15:25 AM Lornak sets the prospective tenants straight on the actual rent. Sunny looks delighted. "Then I'll definitely take it!" she says. Mazea still looks thoughtful. "Share with another crafter," she says. "Hmm. That might answer. I know a few people. Very well, I accept."
So, your storefronts have all been rented!
Some of you drop in to see how Tombo is getting along. He quite clearly isn't open yet, and is just setting up his kitchen--unpacking boxes of pots and pans and ladles and dishes and--well, you're not sure what all of it is. Tombo is covered with dust and has a huge grin on his face. "Opening soon!" he says, in response to your queries. "I have to get set up, of course, and hire staff. You know anybody who needs a job, send 'em my way!"
When you step out of the soon-to-be tavern, you see a man waiting for you. He is a human man, well into middle age, short, bald, and muscular. Perception DC 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {On one of his fingers is a ring with a wolf's head on it}.
"Morning," he says. "You're the new owners." It isn't a question; he seems to know who you are. "Name's Boyle," he continues. "I've come to collect your tax."
Ethani d8=1 ; d8=1 ; d8=4 ; Thursday October 20th, 2016 6:37:42 AM
5th level HP. Wow...two 1's in a row. Good thing that's not a healing roll!
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+10=20 ; d20+7=26 ; Thursday October 20th, 2016 3:14:00 PM
"Good morning to you." Lornak says. There is something familiar about this human but he cannot quite place his finger on it. (Perception d20=20) "Tax?" Lornak questions. "And what kind of tax are we speakig about here? We are new to owning property and have not been informed of any obligation to pay,... who did you say the tax is owed to again?" He shrugs nonchalantly. "We are ignorant of such things." (Bluff d20=26)
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Thursday October 20th, 2016 7:52:37 PM
"Uh, hey. Who is this guy? Anyone know him?" Asteria didn't like this man, but she couldn't quite place her finger on what she felt so uneasy about. Waiting silently from the back, the barbarian waited to see how this would go down.
(Perception: 21)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d20+4=7 ; Thursday October 20th, 2016 8:36:25 PM
Dušan looks up in Boyle's general direction, but the sun must be getting to him. He hardly notices the man at all. He has already walked past the man before he realizes that others are talking to him.
"Taxes? This doesn't seem right..."
Being caught off guard apparently left Dušan tactless as well.
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+7=18 ; Thursday October 20th, 2016 8:36:40 PM
"No Tax without representation," Wil says with a growl. "Don't tread on me, man. I am not a super fan of tax men. What is your intent?" Wil drops his hood, revealing his long braid and boyish, blood tinted face.
Var (Tom I) d20+10=12 ; d20+7=22 ; Thursday October 20th, 2016 9:26:31 PM
Var squints at the man and his mood sours almost immediately. (Perception 12) "Oi, we won this fair'n' square in a trial, we don't owe nuthin'!" he snaps at the man (Intimidate: 22)
"So you're the taxman? Telling us how it will be? 1 for us, 19 for thee?" Toston asks
DM Kathy Friday October 21st, 2016 1:21:28 AM
You have questions for this strange man who seems to think you owe him.
"Street tax," he tells Lornak, affably enough. "See what it is, Dirt City's a dangerous place. 'Specially Above. The Houses make sure nothin' bad happens, and in return, people pay their street tax."
Dušan, Wilford, Var, and Toston react with varying degrees of hostility. Boyle holds his hands out. "Hey, now," he says. "No need to get all riled up. 'A course this is your property, and we ain't gonna take it. But we need to collect the tax, see? So that the bad stuff don't happen. It looks like a real nice building, and you're makin' improvements and all, so I know you don't want nothin' bad to happen. An nothin' bad will happen, so long as everybody stays real reasonable."
Toston speculates what the tax might be, and Boyle laughs out loud. "Nineteen to one?" he echoes. "Nah, that ain't no way to do bidness. Ten percent of your rents, off the top, that's all we ask. And, 'a course, we'll make our own arrangements with your tenants."
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) d20+8=25 ; Friday October 21st, 2016 1:09:49 PM
Still suspicious Wil adds, "So we are paying for protection? Is that what your saying?" "So somebody is trying to extort us? That is just unacceptable... I lived as a Grubber for almost ten years. I dealt with this everyday. 'bout time you 'al came around." Diplomacy: 25 Wil was very diplomatic but the subject was noticeably a sore one and he was getting worked up.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] d20+10=18 ; Friday October 21st, 2016 6:25:16 PM
Asteria, unlike Wil, attempts a more violent approach. Placing one hand on her axe, she stares the Mysterious Man down.
(Intimidate: 18)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Sunday October 23rd, 2016 1:28:14 AM
"By whose authority do you collect this tax?" Toston asks, "Is it legitimate authority or is tax just a euphemism for extortion? If legitimate authority do you have some sort of statement that tells us how our tax dollars are being spent?" Toston asks
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) d20+2=9 ; Sunday October 23rd, 2016 6:42:36 PM
Hmerrin listens and waits. His friends are right, but the lad has a sinking feeling they're all gonna have to take watches every night they own this place.
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+7=17 ; Sunday October 23rd, 2016 7:58:47 PM
"If indeed you represent a legitimate authority we will arrange management of the building tax as a whole..." Lornak says. "...please do not approach our tenants." (Diplomacy d20=17)
Var (Tom I) d20+10=30 ; Sunday October 23rd, 2016 8:22:31 PM
(Perception 30) Var looks at Boyle's ring again, and manages to put two and two together. "Oh." he says, "You're one of the Wolves."
Var chuckles and says "Maybe you heard about the troubles folks were having with the House of Silver a months back? We're the ones that took them out, so we're kind of a big deal."
DM Kathy Sunday October 23rd, 2016 10:14:41 PM Wilford asks whether this is really protection money. Boyle shrugs. "Some call it that," he says.
Asteria's glare does seem to unsettle him a little; he clears his throat and looks around, clearly making notes of easy exits.
Toston and Lornak are concerned whether Boyle represents a "legitimate" authority. He seems to have a hard time understanding the question. "Yes, I'm with the Wolves." He shows his ring, which has a wolf's head on it. "And this is our street, so we're the ones who get the street tax here."
Most of you have been in Dirt City long enough to know that, unfortunately, this is kind of the way things work. The Houses, in addition to controlling the territory near their own towers, also claim most of the commercial areas of the city. The question of who "owns" which particular streets is complex and constantly changing, but the Houses somehow manage to keep track of it all.
"You wanna pay for your tenants," he continues, "that's up to you. We'll want ten percent of their take as well."
Var points out that you guys are kind of a big deal." Boyle nods. "Pillars of the community, eh? Well, then, you ougtta set a good example and pay up real nice."
"Look," he adds, "if you don't got the money today, that's all right. You wasn't expecting me, and I'm a reasonable guy. Just tell me when you'll have it, and we're good."
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 d20+7=22 ; Monday October 24th, 2016 3:39:44 PM
"Probably when the building is finished." Lornak says to Boyle. "We'll let you know." (Bluff d20=22) He then bows his head and turns away.
Lornak is not happy with the presence of the strange man or whom he represents. When he is in the confidence of his companions he says sarcastically; "Great, more wolves..."
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Monday October 24th, 2016 4:12:06 PM
Wil grumbles on about a tax man that he once met. "Not a nice guy... but should we risk setting off one of the houses?" He asks the others quietly. "It would be quite the adventure but may end up with us losing. I guess I'm a little rusty on the tax laws not having owned a business before." Wil loosens up a little bit. Still unhappy but not as hostile.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Monday October 24th, 2016 7:01:28 PM
Hmerrin isn't saying anything until Boyle is well out of the area.
The lad waits quietly.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 d20+11=26 ; Monday October 24th, 2016 7:12:10 PM
"You keep away from our tenants!" (Intimidation D20 +7 +3 Touch of Glory +1 Guidance = 26) Dušan hollers at the Tax Man as he reflexively reaches out for the Wolds Blood with a hand still glowing from Touch of Glory. He stops himself just short of casting Doom on the man. Still burning with rage at anyone threatening his clients that were just promised real protection, Dušan stares the Tax Man down until anger simmers down to something more manageable. "We can talk more when the building is finished, but you stay away from our tenants... Or I'll look for you... Not the Wolves."
After the Tax Man leaves, Dušan apologizes to his friends for his outburst. "I'm sorry about over reacting, but We just promised our protection. I know we may not be ready to go against a major house right now, but I don't think we should let our tenants be involved in any way. If we pay, [b}We Pay[/b]. We protect our tenants. Not the Wolves."
Var (Tom I) Monday October 24th, 2016 7:36:36 PM
"Aye." Var says grimly, in agreeance with Dusan, "If we do cover 'protection' costs, lets be sure to tell Tombo, Sunny and Mazea, so's the Wolves don't try to Double Dip."
Var queries the group "Do you think we could call in one of our 'favors' with the House of Keys? to run the Wolves off?"
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Monday October 24th, 2016 8:52:22 PM
Asteria frowns and waits for the man to leave. Leaning in to her friends, she whispers so only they can hear. "Should we beat him up now or later?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 d20+2=21 ; d20+13=21 ; Monday October 24th, 2016 9:02:14 PM
"Let's just calm down." Toston says, "No need for anyone to do something they'll regret." The gnome smiles, it is as Lornak says, "We can discuss this matter when the building is finished and we would appreciate it if any dealings regarding this building or its tenants come to us." (Diplomacy: 21)
When Boyle is gone and out of earshot (Perception : 21)
"I think before we make a rash decision in this matter we speak with Boggs. We really need to know how Dirt City politics has changed in our absence. Especially with regards to this block. We need to know if House of Silver was the prior "owner" as far as street tax authority goes. If they were maybe we can fight off the Wolves and not tax this block. If this block has always been under major house control then maybe we figure out how far this block is from key territory & consider using a favor, although I am loathe to willingly coordinate with one of the houses. Maybe Boggs will have another suggestion" Toston opines
DM Kathy Monday October 24th, 2016 10:17:16 PM
[OOC: And I did it again. Everybody take 600 XP for Scene 2.]
Dušan warns Boyle away from the tenants. Boyle takes a step back and spreads his hands. "Whoa!" he says. "I said that was up to you, and I meant it. We don't care where the money comes from, long as it comes. Settle down."
Both Lornak and Toston suggest that Boyle return when the building is complete. He turns to look at the building, then turns back to you. "Nah, that won't do," he says. "You've got people moving in already. I'll come back tomorrow." Toston is especially persuasive, though, so at last Boyle sighs. "Fine," he says, "I'll come back next week. But you'd better be ready to pay your shot by then or there'll be trouble."
After Boyle leaves, Asteria asks about beating him up. Var reminds you of the favors you hold with the House of Keys, and wonders whether they could be of any help. Toston wants to speak with Boggs, and Wilford reluctantly concludes that maybe this is just the way things are.
What would you like to do next.
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Tuesday October 25th, 2016 1:29:36 PM
"I'm not a fan of making enemies but I guess I kinda started it," Wil said as he replaced his hood. "I guess I'm itch'n to start some trouble somewhere. What's next on our agenda today. Do we have any adventuring to do? I wonder how that old, drunk priest is doing? I can't recall his name."
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Tuesday October 25th, 2016 4:52:43 PM
" I would hate to lose that favor, but if it gives us and our tenants autonomy. I believe that would be adequate reason to call it in." Lornak agrees with Var and Toston. "I believe a consultation with Boggs is in order. "Holiday's over, see need to know the pulse of the city..."
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Tuesday October 25th, 2016 6:16:57 PM
Hmerrin watches Boyle leave, and then turns to his friends.
"Pretty sure they call 'em Great Houses for a reason, folks. We got waxed by a mob of nobodies not too long ago, and now we're gonna fight an entire House? Oh, and we can't run, 'cause that'll just get our tenants killed."
The fighter shakes his head. "We're toast. I say we pay the money, at least until we're a whole lot closer to being able to survive if we don't."
"Yeah, we need to see Boggs."
Var (Tom I) Tuesday October 25th, 2016 7:09:56 PM
"Aye, Boggs is 'prolly the best place to start." Var says.
"I wouldn't mind a chance to bust a'few skulls of the Wolves, but I think even the lot'o us would be a bit outnumbered." He says in an almost wistful tone.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Tuesday October 25th, 2016 8:26:46 PM
Reason finally gets to Asteria. "... I don't like it, but I don't want our people to be hurt. We need to talk to Boggs, then tell our tennats about our choice. I don't know if we can beat them all." She really doesn't want to associate with the bad guys, but the safety of their people came first.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Tuesday October 25th, 2016 9:01:27 PM
"Like I said we need to know the lay of the land. If Silver did manage this block before we took them out than maybe we can reach some arrangement with the Wolves or Keys to take it over, by that I mean liberate it from the street tax. If not then we may just have to pay up for the time being unless the favor from the Keys can do something else here." Toston agrees
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Tuesday October 25th, 2016 10:47:43 PM
"Agreed. Boggs will want to hear about. this."
DM Kathy Tuesday October 25th, 2016 11:05:07 PM
After some discussion, you agree that Boggs is your next step. You meet with him at the CMTC office, and explain the situation.
He grimaces. "I wanted you to sell that place," he says. "Property ownership in Dirt City is more complicated than it may seem."
You ask him about who controls that block, but he honestly doesn't know. "The Houses keep track of all that," he says. "Each House knows their territory, and the bosses probably have a pretty good idea of what the other Houses control. But it isn't like there's some kind of central clearinghouse for this information."
You ask whether the House of Silver might have controlled this block. "Well, what did Boyle say when you asked him?" Boggs asks, and you have to admit that you didn't ask him (or you kind of asked indirectly, but he didn't answer and you didn't press). "You might want to talk to your neighbors," he says. "Other people on the block. They'll for sure know whether the Wolves have been collecting the street tax there, and they may know what kind of arrangement the House of Silver had."
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Wednesday October 26th, 2016 2:30:57 PM
"Your advice about the building was probably on the money, but we can't rent Marsh House forever." Lornak says. "I guess we will start canvasing the neighbors." Lornak turns to go and then stops. He patiently waits for more information Boggs can give about the lay of the land.
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Wednesday October 26th, 2016 7:15:52 PM
Wil waits in the background. "Do we have enough canvas and wouldn't the neighbors get a little irritated if we covered them?" Wil asked with a smile.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Wednesday October 26th, 2016 7:59:11 PM
Hmerrin chuckles at Wil's joke, more than happy to accept a distraction.
And with that, the green-eyed fellow heads back to the street, to ask his neighbors who they're paying.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Wednesday October 26th, 2016 8:15:53 PM
"I think I originally wanted to sell as well, but now that I've met our tenants, I think we can do real good as an honest business in Dirt City above. It feels better than skulking around the Houses."
Dušan joins those canvassing chuckling at Wil's joke despite his better judgement.
Var (Tom I) Wednesday October 26th, 2016 8:51:36 PM
"Well... This is a fine mess." Var grouses, he then hefts a heavy sigh before continuing. "But, we did want to help out honest folk of the city. Maybe takin' a little heat offa some'o them might do some good. If'n we gotta pay, we pay."
The half-orc cracks his knuckles, "But if we find a way to clobber a few House of Wolves' thugs, well... more's the pity."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 d20+2=17 ; Wednesday October 26th, 2016 8:53:36 PM
"I'm in. Let's see what we can find out" Toston says. (Diplomacy: 17) Toston knocks on the door of their nearest neighbor and says, "Hello, we are new to the neighborhood. We came into the tower owned by the House of Silver and we were wondering if the street tax was always collected by the Wolves or if this block was under a different management when the House of Silver existed?"
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Wednesday October 26th, 2016 9:52:20 PM
"Yeah, let's see what we can find out." Asteria follows the group to talk to locals. "If push comes to shove, we might need to fight. I'm fine with that, but you strategy people will need to strategize before we do." She mentions.
DM Kathy Thursday October 27th, 2016 12:00:20 AM
You return to your building and begin asking around. You learn from the boardinghouse across the street and the ramshackle pawnshop next door to you that the Wolves do collect street tax on this block, and have been doing so for some time. "They ain't as much help as some of the other Houses," adds Mistress Kels, who runs the boardinghouse, "but they mostly leave us in peace, 'long as we pay up on time."
If the House of Silver had a different arrangement with the Wolves, none of your neighbors know about it. "I just assume they paid same as everybody," says Sour Jim, the fence. Er, I mean pawnbroker. "Buch a weirdos," he adds. Presumably, he means the House of Silver, and not you guys, though it's difficult to say for sure.
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Thursday October 27th, 2016 12:15:15 PM
When Lornak reaches the building after canvasing he raises the question on whether or not to call in the favor to circumvent the tax; "I'd hate to lose the favor from the House of Keys but do you think it will even prevent the Wolves from taxing us, or someone else for that matter?" He stretches.
Wilford Grimly (HP:34/34; AC: 18; Touch: 12; Flat: 16; CMD: 18) Thursday October 27th, 2016 2:15:13 PM
"I am not against a tax, per say," Wil says. "Just curious to where this tax goes. If it is only to line the pockets of the Wolves then that's a problem that needs to be resolved. I believe tax does serve a useful purpose when used correctly." Outside of that statement Wil waits for the others to talk.
Hmerrin(HP 43/43 AC21/14t/17ff, CMD 21) Thursday October 27th, 2016 5:51:30 PM
"I say we pay, for now anyway," Hmerrin states. "We stay off the Wolves 'to do' list, and we buy ourselves time to come up with a better plan."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Thursday October 27th, 2016 8:22:29 PM
"It doesn't feel right, but you might be right, Hmerrin. Evan if we call in our favor and our building goes exempt, that won't stop the Wilves from leaning on our neighbors and insinuating we're the cause. If, when we do this, we have do it right. So no one else gets hurt in the process."
With his piece said, Dušan leans back and tries not to sulk. Stewing on a problem he can't think of a solution does not sit well with him.
Var (Tom I) Thursday October 27th, 2016 8:59:15 PM
Var shrugs deeply. "I guess we pay. But I still say we pay for our new tenants."
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 42/42; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 20] Thursday October 27th, 2016 9:06:20 PM
Asteria agrees with paying the tax, even though she is heavily reluctant about it.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 d20+1=4 ; d12=7 ; d20+2=19 ; Thursday October 27th, 2016 9:28:30 PM
Toston says, "We have until next week and we do have other resources. As a member in good standing with the WLA, I'm going to head to the chapter house and see if anyone there knows if the House of Silver had any sort of special arrangements with the wolves. Not saying we go for the same treatment but it's possible they might known."
Toston asks around the WLA, also checking out any sort of written documents they may have regarding turf in Dirt City.
(Knowledge[Local]:4) (Diplomacy: 19)
DM Kathy Friday October 28th, 2016 12:37:40 AM Toston asks his WLA contacts, but they don't really know much about the various Houses and the territory they claim. And they know nothing at all of any arrangements between the Wolves and the so-called House of Silver.
The rest of you reluctantly agree that your best course of action is to pay your "street tax," at least for now.
The Tonloe brothers continue to work on improvements to the building. By the time your lease on Marsh House is up, you should be able to move in here.
In the meantime, your new tenants move in and begin setting up shop. You didn't get the apothecary, or the fletcher, or the herbalist that some of you were hoping for, but you have a place to get quality leather goods, a group of tailors who might be persuaded to mend adventuring clothes, and a tavern serving delicious food. Not a bad few days' work.
[Everybody take 600 XP for this scene. A new adventure starts next week!]
Var (Tom I) Friday October 28th, 2016 7:51:17 PM
Var's not much of a carpenter. or Merchant. But he can lift heavy things, carry them to where they need to go, and set them down. So Var spends the intervening time helping the Tonloe brothers carry lumber up to the top floor, and helping the shopkeeps move into their spaces.
Lornak HP:44/44 AC: 17(T:13/FF:10) CMD:19 Sunday October 30th, 2016 7:22:38 PM
"Well, I guess the only certainties in life are death, resurrection and taxes..." Lornak says. "Even if we cannot avoid playing it we should at least figure out what it protects us against, if anything."
Lornak pitches in and helps out in the building where he can. In the evening he checks on Vin at Marsh House and ruminates on how he will miss the place.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:27/27; AC:18 Touch 18; FF 14] - CMD 18 Sunday October 30th, 2016 7:28:42 PM
Toston spends his time helping their new tenants in cleaning up their spaces if any of them need help.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:31/31; AC:13(15); Touch: 13; FF:10; CMD:15 Sunday October 30th, 2016 8:33:29 PM
Dušan does what he can to help the new tenants move in. He even manages to pretend everything is normal most days if the week. There was even one day he managed not to give the tax man an evil glare that threatened to ruin him and everything he knew.
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