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/tg/ - Traditional Games


File: 1391801234354.jpg-(349 KB, 865x976, Exiled Prince Quest.jpg)
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It is the Lord's Year 1600, and you, Luca de Medici, have been cast from your Father's home, barely escaping the assassination attempt on your life. Along with your bookkeeper and loyal assistant, Bernardo Carafa, you have escaped the Duchy of Tuscany where your Father's grip is strongest. The two of you have been riding, hiding as best as you can the while, for the past three weeks and only last night have arrived on the outskirts of Milan.

"Signore," Bernardo interrupts your thoughts gently as you shake your head and face him neutrally, "Pardon my interruption, but now that we have reached Milan, I would like to confer with you." You wave your hand and give him leave to continue. He produces a small notebook which he quickly scribbles in and then hands to you.

Name: Luca de Medici
Age: 19
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 135lbs
Available Funds: 3,000 florins.
Alliances: None
Enemies: House of Medici, City of Florence
Equipment: Noble clothing, dueling sword, two horses, ten sheets of paper, two pots of ink.

You scan over his notes and nod, the signal for him to safely store the book. "Where shall we go next to, Master? The South is only more dangerous for us with your Father hunting, and our funds cannot support running forever."

"Yes, Bernardo, I know. Just...give me a moment to think about it." Your assistant knew better than to interrupt your great thinking.

>A (Establish a base in Milan)
>B (Head North, to the HRE)
>C (Head West, to France/Spain)
>D (Plan more here)
>>
>>30081052

>D (Head East, to Venice)

If you decide that's a no go then Milan is fine.
>>
>>30081052
>C (Head West, to France/Spain)
>>
>>30081232

"We can make our way to Venice," you inform your servant, "I believe establishing ourselves there is the best solution." Bernardo bows his head to you, "As you wish, Master, I will make the arrangements necessary for fresh horses and supplies for our journey."

In a fortnight, just as the sun has fallen, the two of you arrive in a small town beyond the border of Venice. A room is arranged for the two of you and once inside Bernardo speaks up, "Master, seeing as you are a man of great lineage, and I a nameless face, I will enter the city for you and find what information need be found for you."

>A (Agree)
>B (Insist you will go with him)
>C (Other)
>>
>>30081323
>A (Agree)

Please request that Bernado find us some relatively cheep but average clothing.

Once we are no longer dressed like a noble we should be able to go where we please.
>>
>>30081423

"Certainly, Signore, I will do as you wish." He says and departs.

The next morning he returns with several changes of clothing suited for commoners, which you change into very quickly, as he explains what he has learned.

"Signore, the master of this city is Doge Marino Grimani, an elder in the political maneuverings of Venice. Currently there are several guilds and merchant houses which are operating under their respective heads; assuming a position of power would be difficult, Venice seems to be a very tightly woven nest of alliances." You finish changing, looking down slightly at the rags you are forced to wear compared to your rich clothes, but realize it is a necessity. "Since we are at a starting point, Signore, what do you wish to accomplish here?"

You pause and think about it as you place your sword with your noble clothes, knowing full well that peasants carrying blades is frowned heavily upon, if not outright illegal. You keep your dagger, however, it has been at your side since you were a lad. Fortunately, it isn't too embellished, making it safe to carry.

Now, to address Bernardo. What do we want to do in Venice?

>A (Establish a Merchant House)
>B (Control a Guild/Guilds)
>C (Become Doge)
>D (Other)
>>
>>30081052
>Non Anno Domini MDC
Cecidi, cinaede.
>>
>>30081638
How Roman of you
>>
>>30081531
>B (Control a Guild/Guilds)

It is the guilds that actually govern Venice.
Becoming Doge won't help us.
>>
>>30081706
Agreed.
>>
>>30081706
>>30081754

"I believe our first move should be trying to gain control of a Guild, from there we can continue expanding further." He nods, and walks out of the building with you into the city proper.

Venice is a bustling town, and thanks to the past wars with the Ottomans, features no shortage of damage, as well as non-Venetians here. Plucking through the streets you see the signs for various merchants and businesses. Many of them that you pass are too high profile, too well entrenched. Your wealth is not extreme, and you're an unknown in the city.

You move through the city to the poorer parts, and eventually a few choices catch your eye.

The first is a large tailor's shop, but their cloth and other materials are low quality, their craftsmen are not extremely talented, and they are led by a poor leader.

The second is a banker's guild. They receive poor business and are the subject of a great deal of crime. Their employees are capable and they possess a great deal of capital. However, they are Jews, and few people wish to do business with them.

The final business is a smith. The only smith is old and his only child, a daughter, refuses to do anything related to the business and is considered a disgrace to her father, as she gallivants around town and flirts with men in a very improper manner.

>A (Investigate the tailor)
>B (Investigate the moneylender)
>C (Investigate the smith)
>>
>>30081980
Banker's guild. We become the face of the bank, while Jews continue doing what they're good for in the shadows.
>>
>>30081980
>>B (Investigate the moneylender)

I really wanted to go with the smith but if it's really 1600 then having Jewish connections would make us so much money it's not even funny.
>>
>>30081980
Bankers' guilds are good. Especially in case they have pull in the Arsenale.
>>
>>30081980
>>30082042
Indeed. It was pretty much the norm back then for Jews to have a respectable Christian face to run their operations.
>>
>>30082571
>>30082513
Let's hit up the Jews first, but we'll need noble clothes for that. They respect that more than rags.

The smith and tailor might not be bad if we decide not to limit ourselves - maybe they need a loan.
>>
>>30081980
It makes sense to do this with moneylenders since we're a Medici - they were bankers.
>>
>>30082513
>>30082129
>>30082042
>>30082621

First, you get your wealthy clothes and change into them before appearing at the bank. You walk into the banker's and greet the owner of it, a man named Isaac. When you talk about his business he brings you to his office and offers you a seat, "Yes, times have been very difficult, people don't want to take money out from a man like me." He says, rubbing his forehead, "Signore, I would appreciate any help, we're rotting on the vine here. No guild will employ use elsewhere, and only criminals will take money from us." He looks up at you, "If you would be interested in investing, we could try and turn that money to good use, with a noble's backing."

You nod and excuse yourself, consulting with Bernardo. "Signore," he begins, "They are in a very feeble position, how should we approach? He seems willing to do business with us."

>A (Cutthroat- Use your Medici ways and browbeat control from him)
>B (Fair- Offer your face, your leadership, and your Christened self to help promote his business. He then gives you equal control.)
>C (Subservient- Do B, but for a favor, saving it for later.)
>D (Write in)
>>
>>30082725
>B (Fair- Offer your face, your leadership, and your Christened self to help promote his business. He then gives you equal control.)

It would be unwise for us to start off here by making enemies. We don't have a power base to draw on yet.
>>
>>30082725
>B (Fair- Offer your face, your leadership, and your Christened self to help promote his business. He then gives you equal control.)

Any favor we could ask for we could likely get ourselves with part ownership and the man's friendship.
>>
>>30082725
B (Fair) with a combination of D - we're specifically looking to create interest in the military district, as it helps increase things like security, as well as get into trading to what extent we can - we'd like to make suggestions that our reputation be used to make the business more diverse and more tied to the community, which will give it respect in the longer term.

Is Isaac amenable to this?
>>
>>30082764
>>30082792
>>30082797

You return to him and smile, your dark eyes lighting up as you speak, "Signore Isaac, I would be very happy to help your business. However, I want to not only support you financially, but I want to lead the business's face, to show people a face they are more comfortable with." You explain, the man's head nodding quickly, his lengthy beard whipping around as he puts his hands together and bows his head, "Thank you so much, Signore!" He begins but you hold up your finger, "But, not so quickly, I would also like a bit more. I want half of your business, for my efforts and time." You explain to which the man pauses, thinking on it quickly before nodding, "Very well, that will be arranged. Is there anything else?"

You nod and sit down opposite him, getting Bernardo to sit and write as you speak, "Yes, we want to move a branch, once we are a bit more established, nearer to the ports and especially the barracks. Soldiers are always looking for money, especially sailors, and we want to move beyond just moneylending and into trading. With my direction, I can sway public opinion and move us to where you deserve to be." He nods slowly at your words and shrugs, "I do not know for now, let us see what you can do with what we have, before we move on." He produces the documentation and shows where you can sign, which you do with a flair.

You and Bernardo leave, promising to return tomorrow.

>A (Go to another business)
>B (Go to sleep)
>C (Write in)
>>
>>30082934
Go to the smith. We need to provide weapons and armor to the military, if we're decided on that course.
>>
>>30082934
Yeah, let's go to the smith and see what his prospects are like. Maybe we can focus on more than one thing today, or even find a good match for his daughter (I'm not sure how great a match she'd be for us).
>>
>>30082934
Talk to the smith. We should extend him a line of credit so he can increase productivity, with said smithed goods in hand we will have more products to market to the military district. Slowly but surely we could own their whole military industrial complex.
>>
>>30083063
He's old and not exactly in charge of a foundry.

Might know of others in the community to work with, especially blacksmiths.
>>
>>30083191
Offering him credit wouldn't hurt. We don't have that much cash, first we corner the local horseshoe market, than the world.
>>
>>30083240
He's probably gonna spend it on a dowry anyway, but whatever. Let's talk to the guy.
>>
>>30083240
>>30083191
Having just one smith would suck.
Buy him out, offer him a technology supervisor position, and hire some apprentices for him. Acquaint him with the Jew.
I'm more worried about his daughter, actually. She would be a stain on our reputation.
>>
>>30083295
She marries a big strong peasant boy, who can make horseshoes. They make 3 big strong peasant boys. 1 lives to maturity and makes horseshoes his whole life.
>>
>>30083345
He's old, but probably a member of the guild and knows all the other smiths. This is more valuable than buying his shop.

His daughter sounds like the marrying socialite type, which is fine if it's done at parties and shit. Social butterflies are damn useful in Venice.
>>
>>30083012
>>30083038
>>30083063

You head over to the old smith's. The man within is clearly a fit man gone far to seed. His arms are withered and frail, and he can barely seem to lift the hammer he wields. However, when he strikes, he does so with an expert's hand and his creations that you see, though few line the walls of his shop, are of excellent quality. He raises his hammer in greeting, finishing the spade he is working on before coming over to greet you.

He bows his head, "Yes, my lord, is there anything I can do for you today?" When you explain that you are interested in investing in him he seems astonished, "Your generosity is astonishing, milord. However, I cannot take the money on good faith. Even if I were as rich as a king, I would retire rather than continue work. My daughter, you see, she is no longer my assistant, and while I would employ one, I do not wish to pass my smithing techniques to someone outside of the family. My daughter...if she would only marry a good man, I could teach him my way." He says and waves his hand, "Ah, I'm so sorry to waste your time, milord. Regardless, I cannot accept the money in good faith."

>A (Offer to help with his daughter)
>B (Ask for contacts)
>C (Both of the Above)
>D (Write-in)
>>
>>30083406
Tell him you're hoping to serve the community and would be glad to use your good name to help him find a fitting match among the younger up-and-coming journeymen if he'll only tell you of them. It'd be quite valuable to know more of the city's tradesmen to you, and you'd be glad to assist in this - perhaps even in providing a fitting dowry - if he will tell you of the tradesmen rather than the trade from time to time, lend advice, and so forth.
>>
>>30083374
It's not fine, if she doesn't have any proper manners. And buying out his shop is perfectly fine, we'll just train the apprentices with the smith's help and turn it into manufactory or something.
>>30083406
Ask for contacts, talk with the daughter personally, offer her complete sustenance in return for a job of an infiltrator and social engineer.
>>
>C (Both of the Above)

Though I'm rather against just marrying her off to the first lard who can hammer iron. I think we can do far better for all parties in this situation.
>>
>>30083480
We don't know how improper she's being yet, and she's not necessarily a lost cause until we find out.

Maybe a hot-blooded young smith would match her well enough to curb the flirtation.
>>
>>30083463
>>30083480
Let's give this a try. Smithwife acting as an informant works, though 'social engineer' is going a bit far.
>>
>>30083520
Married people make poor social butterflies and infiltrators, even more so if their fiancee is just a commoner.
>>
>>30083557
Are you kidding? Hosting parties is exactly what married women did. Soirees were all the rage, and information changed hands after everyone was deep in their cups.

Poorer married women still gossip like wildfire.
>>
>>30083482
>>30083480
>>30083463
>>30083520

"Signore," you say and smile, remembering how your Father smiled at the guildmasters he would bully into his will, "Things needn't be so cut and dry. Allow me to explain to you my desires: I wish to use your expertise and wisdom in the field and in the smith's guild to further both of our lives. I will pay you a reasonable sum per month to supply me with contacts and advise on how to run a smithy, and to teach basics to any new craftsmen I hire. Additionally, I will speak to your daughter and try to rein her in. We can find her a suitable husband, one that all of us can approve of, and pave the way to a bright future." You explain the plan fully and the old man rubs his cheek, mulling it over, "How much per month?" You ask how much he makes in a month. You offer double. He accepts in a heartbeat.

The next order of business, after paying the man (-30 florins), you head to where his daughter was last seen, a bar called the Drunken Turk. How do you wish to approach the situation?

>A (Approach her as a nobleman)
>B (Approach her as a commoner)
>C (Approach her with a few guards)
>>
>>30083586
Approach as a commoner, obviously.
>>
>>30083586
Hang around and have a drink in common garb, a cloak over your better clothes. See what she's like. Then get rid of the cloak and make an entrance, but try not to be overbearing. By the house a round eventually if you must.
>>
>>30083586
>B (Approach her as a commoner)

>>30083618
>Then get rid of the cloak and make an entrance
Let's not do this. It get's people talking and is an incredibly stupid move given our position.
>>
>>30083618
Need I remind you that this is most likely a bar for commoners? No need to make everything complicated.
>>
>>30083605
>>30083618

You change your garb again, Bernardo commenting, "This is even more changes of clothes than thespians, milord." He says with a bit of a chuckle, causing you to smile thinly, "All part of the job, dearest Bernardo." He hides your clothes away and gives you his cloak, which you shroud yourself with and head into the tavern.

The two of settle down into a corner and have a cup of some peasant drink brought before you, at Bernardo's suggestion. In the middle part of the bar you see a particularly busty and curvaceous woman, the type painters like to hang up on walls, chatting with at least five or so men, all of whom are transfixed with her charming personality and her generous gifts.

"I can see why she's flitting about town like a butterfly, she's hardly a woman yet and must be the apple of every man's eye in town." Bernardo hisses to you as he takes a drink. You are blessed with a servant who knows subtlety and station with equal part.

After observing her a little while more you recognize her type very well, she's no different from the dolled up woman who paraded about your Father's court, always playing coy and winding men about their fingers. She has a noblewoman's aspirations with a commoner's upbringing. Her best bet in life would be to draw a foolish noble into a bad marriage so she'd be taken care of for the rest of her days.

>A (Approach her)
>B (Write in)
>>
>>30083869
>She has a noblewoman's aspirations with a 's upbringing.
Called it.
Approach her, stay disguised as commoner.
>>
>>30083869
Well, not unsalvageable. A well-placed tradesman can achieve some degree of nobility and if she's attractive but not stupid we could get her some tutors My Fair Lady style and use her to get information.

Approach, remain disguised like >>30083909 suggests
>>
>>30083869
>Her best bet in life would be to draw a foolish noble into a bad marriage

Well then, she should be more than happy to get in on the ground floor of our new trade empire.
>>
>>30083909
>>30083994

You approach her in your garb and smile, sitting down opposite her, "Good day, might I say, miss, would you be interested in a business proposal?" The men around you lean in and start muttering, one of them eventually putting his hand on your shoulder aggressively, "Step off, boy, before you get hurt." He said, and from the look of him, he was some sort of big burly mason or manual laborer. Why he wasn't working now was anyone's guess.

>A (Don't take shit, fight him)
>B (Pick your battle and step off)
>C (Get Bernardo for help)
>>
>>30083909
>>30083994

>Approach a women surrounded by 5 men.
Idiots.
>>
>>30084176
Step off and find something better to do. It can wait. [choices go here]
>>30084199
An acceptable outcome. No one cares that we failed once, we can always try again.
>>
>>30084176
>C (Get Bernardo for help)

Somehow I don't think a teenage noble would do too well in this situation.

Let Bernardo's experienced self handle them.
>>
Historical quest?! Reinassiance?! This would be right down my alley, but I have to run. Good luck OP
>>
>>30084176
>C (Get Bernardo for help)
Damage control

>>30084290

Except for the part about completely embarrassing ourselves in font of the person we're attempting to negotiate with.

If we can be cowed by one man in a bar just what kind of impression are we presenting?
>>
>>30084383
We're disguised as a commoner, remember? Just approach her later as a noble.
By the way, this thread reminds me of The Guild: Venice.
>>
>>30084176
Get up and back away, come back in noble clothes.

Why people didn't do as suggested in >>30083618
is beyond me. Stop making everything too simple to work.
>>
>>30084176
>>B (Pick your battle and step off)

Well that went south quickly. We can approach her later when we have less chance of being maimed.
>>
>>30084308
We have one servant. Let's not lose him to a stupid barfight over nothing.
>>
>>30083869
We can try buying them all a round. Admittedly they might beat the shit out of us and steak our money.
>>
>>30084492
>steak
steal
>>
>>30084452

No one listened to >>30083618 because why the first half of the suggestion was great, the second half was pantsu on head retarded.
>>
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>>30084492
>>30084517
>>
>>30084290
>>30084308
>>30084383
>>30084452
>>30084407
>>30084472
>>30084475

You give a casual smile and back off, deciding to fight another time. When you return to the table Bernardo gives you an apprehensive stare, "Perhaps we should consider investing in someone to protect you, Signore." He suggests, an idea that isn't too foreign to you. Your Father has a company of guards with him at all times. Such a display would be very expensive and instantly noticeable. But, for the time being, one guard might be ok.

>A (Go to sleep.)
>B (Find another tavern and pick the roughest guy there to guard you.)
>C (Go to the barracks and try to hire a soldier)
>D (Hang out at the docks and hire a tough looking sailor to guard you)
>E (Other)
>>
>>30084587
[4chanx ate my name]
>>
>>30084587
Change into noble clothes and visit the tailor.
>>
>>30084587
We need an honest and loyal, but unprofessional guard. He shouldn't stand out in the commoner crowd. He should know the local places and manners too. Something like a wanna-be knight would've been fine.
Also, time to visit the tailor. It's time to become a fat cat.
>>
>>30084587
>>E (Other)

Go visit the tailor shop.
>>
>>30084659
So a local, and probably a veteran that's unemployed because of fluctuating Venitian funds for ward with the turk.

I'd say we need to head down to the military district and ask around for a while.
>>
>>30084669
>>30084634
>>30084659

"Perhaps later." You tell Bernardo as, once again, you change, adjusting your slipper-like shoes, and heading over to the tailor's shop.

Walking in you see a few workers laying around, some of them idly stitching, their master clearly away, and production extremely low. One of the men gets up and nods, "Oh, good evening, Signore. What can we do for you?" He asks and you look around, taking in the sight of the dingy run down shop, "If you're looking for the Master he's at the Madonna, like he is every night." A bar, you figure, is where he's hiding.

>A (Ask the workers something)
>B (Head to the bar)
>>
>>30084885
>A (Ask the workers something)

Ask about the general management of the shop.
And also about the Master.
>>
>>30084940
Ditto. Also ask how they're treated.
>>
>>30084940
>>30085049
Seems legit.
>>
>>30084940
>>30085049

You pose your questions and the man nods, "The Master? Well, when he's here, he's alright. Always yelling about money, you see, and he's never too pleased about us working how we work. But he ain't got not right to complain, he doesn't pay scraps." The man says with a shrug. "We don't get much business around these parts, and half of the job is drinkin, the other half is fighting off thugs who try to rob us of what little we have."

>A (More questions)
>B (Investigate the Owner)
>C (other)
>>
>>30085393
Ask if other tradesmen like them have better or worse masters.

Ask if the Madonna is a whorehouse. A House of Rest, if we have to use that phrase.
>>
>>30085393
Ask if they know anything about smith's daughter.
>>
>>30085393
>>A (More questions)
Ask them just how much do they make?
Then about where the Madonna is and what kind of place it is.
>>
>>30085393
I really like the way you're running this quest, OP. Decently short waits between short updates, and using a less than strict voting system to include combinations of player suggestions if they're not mutually exclusive so everybody can win. It's great, keep it up!
>>
>>30085437
>>30085459
Sure, these.
>>
>>30085459
>>30085464
>>30085437

"Other tradesmen? Yeah, other tradesmen are in a guild. Our Master failed to pay fees and we aren't in one, and now our reputation keeps us from getting in one without some sorta small fortune." He says angrily, another man coming over and saying, "Yeah, he's right, my brother's a tailor, same as me, and he's gettin paid double what I do per week." When you inquire about their weekly salaries you're appalled to hear that they each receive 10 soldi a week, which was 1 lira per fortnight, and then a whole 3 months to get a single florin. These men are on the edge of poverty.

The first man answers your next question, "The Madonna is a whore house, yeah. It pretends to be a bar, so's the priests and the Vatican don't catch wind of whores being so close to them, but that's what it is." He says with a nod.

>A (Write in how to proceed)

>>30085468
[Thank you very much]
>>
>>30085595
Time to meet with the Tailor, and see what kind of person he is. If he's a shit, we're totally buying the joint out from him.
>>
>>30085595
>A (Write in how to proceed)

Let's go get buddy-buddy with the tailor.
Talk up how hard times are until he starts bitching about the shop. Then we offer to buy it off of him.
>>
>>30085595
Thank the workmen and tell them you might see them later, then do these:
>>30085628
>>30085707

If we buy this guy enough wine and whores, we might get the shop for a low price and get quite a lot of savings out of it. Or maybe beat him at a game of cards for it, or something.
>>
>>30085707
>>30085628

You thank the men and head out into the dusk, still dressed in your noble attire. Since you aren't known in the city at all, it wouldn't hurt for you to be seen going in there, however, you may become known later, and visiting these places are ill to your reputation. Bernardo is at your side again and whispers in your ear, "Signore, I believe we have something that demands our attention. First, we need a place to stay, wandering the streets at night will not assist our image. Do you wish an inn, or shall I acquire a place to stay more permanently? Secondly, there are some undesirables lurking around the moneylender's. I do not believe they are in, at the moment, save the owner, but this is a potential danger. How do you wish me to act?"

>A (Get an Inn/ Get the Guard)
>B (Get a house/ Get the Guard)
>C (Get an Inn/ Go yourself)
>D (Get a house/ Go yourself)
>E (Other)
>>
>>30085819
>>B (Get a house/ Get the Guard)

Since you seem pretty intent on making us get a guard before the days out.
>>
>>30085819
"We shall be busied for some time, but let's get ourselves some out-of-work household guards or the Guardia itself and see if we can chase off these men. Afterward we shall need to secure an inn, preferably one that does not mind comings and goings at night in case of skullduggery we'll engage in on the way to fame. But my partner cannot be let down on the first night of business."

Hire some men to stand with you, and see how trustworthy the city guard is around here. If they're decent we'll take them along, but if they're just bribable asshats it's only gonna be for tonight's dance with these scumbags trying to rob our jews.
>>
>>30085944
Yeah, after we set this up and take care of business we can go find that tailor shop owner too, he'll already be drunk and whored up so getting the deed to the place off him might be cheaper.
>>
>>30085819
A house. We're gonna stay in Venice, so we should build up the reputation. Nothing too lavish or large, just a comfortable house with all the needs (running water, close to a road etc.) and a good location.
Get a guard as described here (>>30084659, >>30084810).
Get housekeeping personnel for the house, or at least put up a notice about us hiring the personnel for our house.
>>
>>30085944
>>30085964

Considering we've pretty much just made a commitment to staying here for a decent amount of time shouldn't we have Bronando find us a house instead of wasting money at inns?
>>
>>30086010
Besides the house, we should also think about having a reasonably priced safehouse where we can hide at from people that don't like us.
>>
>>30086010

>Get housekeeping personnel for the house

Can we wait until we actually have a reliable income before we start hiring housing staff?
>>
>>30086020
It's just for the night. Househunting at dusk is stupid.
>>
>>30086020
>>30086010
>>30085964
>>30085934
>>30085944

"As you wish, I'll arrange everything." He says, and takes off to go find an inn. You find a few guardsmen lazing around, pikes resting against the wall, and you inform them that you have some work for them. Both of them are quiet as mouse, clearly used to working at the beck and call of nobles who will pay them, something you note well to have Bernardo write down, and you pay them each a florin to come and help.

You and the two city guards walk over at a gaggle of youths, some of whom are holding up rocks. "Hey now! Get out of here, you bastards!" One of the guards barks out, lowering his pike at them. The boys, seeing armed guards, split immediately and take up post around the door. As you look at them questioningly one of them says, "We'll just laze around here til shift is over, if that's alright, Signore." You thank them and head away, still not trusting the guardsmen fully.

You head over to the Madonna and find the tailor by asking around a little. He's laying on a couch, reeking of beer and perfume, and you walk over, bowing your head to him, "Good evening, Signore, may I have a word?" You suggest politely, as he struggles to sit up over his grotesquely bulging stomach. Clearly any money the company makes goes into this man's pocket.

"Yesh? Wassis all about?" He mutters out hazily as you smile and sit next to him, holding your revulsion back.

(continuing)
>>
>>30086074
>>30086065
>>30086058
>>30086051

"Signore," you begin, scoping his movement and body posture the entire time. You've never been much of a drinker yourself, but you've seen many a man as drunk as can be, and you know this man is beyond the point of comprehension. Now is the perfect time to sink your claws into him and extort him, with full protection of the law with a signature, if you wished.

>A (Show your Medici fangs, beguile him)
>B (Be a goodly Christian, take it from him fairly)
>C (Offer to help this man, be best Christian)
>>
>>30086118
This kind of waste of good arms and legs makes all shop owners and men of business out to be trash.

We fang him the Florentine way. Viva fucking Firenze, tailor boy.
>>
>>30086118
Welp, time to discuss. What are the odds of repercussions if we beguile him? We should somehow discern if he has necessary connections to cause us trouble.
>>
>>30086207
He's a drunkard that was rejected by the guilds. If he's someone's idiot nephew we can settle our differences with them directly if they want compensation later.

Just to be safe, let's ask the madame about it. Offer him a bit of wine and go fetch the bottle personally, then ask the whores and madame on the way back, making sure to tip them for this knowledge.

Then we'll know whether or not he's trouble.
>>
>>30086118
>>B (Be a goodly Christian, take it from him fairly)

He's a louse, but he's still a Master.
Let's do this normally and be done with it.

>>30086242
Please stop trying to make things overly complicated.
>>
>>30086242
Alright, let's go with this for now, with an option to do this later if he's no threat >>30086184
>>
>>30086242
Sure, why not.
If he can't cause us trouble, we beguile him and, later, we make him irrelevant in some way (offing him is the most reliable way, without implicating ourselves, of course. But this can wait until later).
>>
>>30086281
>asking around about someone
>overly complicated
If we'd taken this kind of advice about the cloak thing we'd have been fine when we talked to the woman at the bar.

Please stop your nofunallowed.jpg
>>
>>30086327
>>30086303
>>30086300
>>30086281
>>30086242
>>30086207
>>30086184

You set your jaw, ready to tear this man apart, as your calmer side takes over and you smile, "Ah, I'm a bit taken by thirst, give me a moment sir, I'll share my bottle." You say and stand up, heading to the madame, ordering wine and when you pay you leave two florins on the table. She lights up, all cleavage and smiles now, as she giggles and pats your hand at your questions.

You manage to extricate yourself from the woman, who clearly smelled a free ride, and head upstairs, thinking. The man is, indeed, just as outcast as you figured. He not only got himself kicked from his Guild, black-listed from the others, but in fact has been having to pay extortion money to the agency that loaned him money to maintain his shop, and this is the part that makes you skip up the stairs a bit, he borrowed it from your Jewish lenders.

You step into the room with a smile, "Ah, Signore, here, have a drink." You refill his glass as you mull over what to do with this newfound information...

>A (Cut him to ribbons now)
>B (Even if we have the upper hand, we should be a good man.)
>C (Show mercy and let him off.)
>>
>>30086390

>B (Even if we have the upper hand, we should be a good man.)

Let's not be associated with this man more than we have to. We want his shop, nothing more.
>>
>>30086452
Agreed.
>>
>>30086452
We also need information about this extortion agency, note it down somewhere, guys.
>>
>>30086452
>>30086523

He thanks you blearily for the drink and you sit down, and begin entwining him in a conversation about life, and money. Eventually, and it's not too long, he's leaning against you and laughing, "Friend, let me tell you, I'm a doomed man. I can't pay debts, and I can't pay my men, my wife died to the plague, and my son was killed by Turks. Life's got nowhere to go." He says, clearly miserable, and you console him gently, encouraging him and then making your killing move.

"Perhaps things needn't be so bleak. If I were to offer to buy your shop from you, for a good fee, you could move to somewhere and live out your days in peace and enjoy life's finer points." You suggest to him and he looks up at you through red eyes, "You mean it? You'll take that hovel away?" You smile, "Of course Signore, it would be my pleasure." He walks with you back to the tailor's, laughing and swaggering, before going into his office, into a chest, and producing a writ of ownership.

"Here, take it, I've had enough of this place for two lifetimes. The Lord himself can't keep me in here." He says and extends his hands, "That'll be three hundred florins." A very pricy cost indeed for this nearly condemned building.

>A (Haggle him down)
>B (Give him his price)
>C (Write in)
>>
>>30086612
Haggle. He doesn't deserve the money, nor does he deserve mercy.
>>
>>30086612
"Signore, what say we skip the usuals - I will say one hundred, we will argue, and we will come to two hundred, your debt will be paid, and the shop will be restored the faster. I'll even throw in some help with the Jewish moneylenders who are so cruelly pursuing a good Christian. Let us not waste our energies on going through the motions of all Italia's favorite game tonight."

Go as high as two-fifty if he pushes, but he probably wont because he fears Jews.
>>
>>30086677
>fearing Juden
I lol'd, and then hated myself. Guess I have to convert now.

Seconding this.
>>
>>30086696
>>30086677
>>30086659

"Three hundred is a little pricey, Signore. Perhaps one hundred is more to the value of the property." He flushes red, "You're trying to cheat me!" He insults, jabbing his fat finger at you, "I know what kinda con you're trying to do, fooling a drunk man from his money."

You raise your hands and smile, "I meant nothing of the sort, Signore, but I simply meant that if I am to pay you, how am I pay down the Jews who you owe as well?" He freezes and looks at you, his jowls flapping in suppressed rage, "Fine, one fifty. And I never want to see you again." He says, extending his hand quickly, you handing him a sizable bag of coins. "Hide them well, Signore, Venice isn't very safe by night." You advise helpfully as he shuffles out, hopefully never to be seen again.

Bernardo enters in a few minutes time, raising a brow, "A very productive first day, eh, Signore?" he says and you laugh, "Yes, indeed, Bernardo. We have some adjustments to make to the ledger." He nods, "Indeed, I already filled in for travel expenses and what I've seen you pay, as well as what I assumed you managed to pay. Additionally, I was able to update a few things else from what I've learned."

(cont)
>>
>>30086753

He opens his ledger, scratches a few more lines and hands it to you, which you read over quickly.

Name: Luca de Medici
Age: 19
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 135lbs
Available Funds: 2,816 florins.

Alliances: Isaac the Jew [Strong], Andre the Smith [Good, but Hesitant]

Enemies: House of Medici, City of Florence, Signore Marconi [Strong dislike]

Equipment: Noble clothing, dueling sword, two horses, ten sheets of paper, two pots of ink.

Properties: Marconi Tailors [Sole Owner], Isaac's Monelending [Partial Owner with Isaac], Smithery [Influence- Strong]

Retainers: Bernardo Carafa [Loyal, 20 Florins/month]

You close the book and nod, "I see you've made some better notes. And you guessed exactly how much I would pay here." The man smiles and bows his head humbly, "I've been with you all your life, Signore, I believe I know you fairly well. Now, I have an inn set up for us for the night, and we can assail the prospect of more permanent establishment in the more Godly hours, if you are prepared to leave."

>A (Go to bed)
>B (No wait, I've more to do, write in)
>>
>>30086885
Check on the smith's daughter. If discussion is not possible/is too much of a hassle, then sleep. Otherwise, discuss with her what we wanted to earlier.
>>
>>30086753
>>30086885

We need to post some guards outside our shop and get to that inn.

>>30086920
It's the dead of night, we'd practically be dragging her out of bed. Possibly not her own bed.

Let's leave it until morning. Less drunken suitors hanging around, they'll be exhausted and hung over.
>>
>>30086937
Well, true. We should probably just sleep then.
>>
>>30086885

Bribe another pair of guards and get some sleep.

Tomorrow we hire some actual muscle and go meet the tailors daughter.
>>
>>30086937
>>30086960
>>30087080
Yep.

The muscle we hire should be venetian residents if at all possible. Retainers with roots in the area are better than mercenaries, Machiavelli said so.
>>
>>30086937
>>30086920

You snoop around a bit and grab a few more guards and "reassign" them a bit, convincing these men to guard during the last hours of their shift doesn't even cost you a florin between them, some small change you had lingering in your pockets is acceptable.

You collapse onto your bed and fall quickly asleep, exhausted from the day's work.

The next morning you wake up to the sound of Bernardo bringing you breakfast, which you eat quickly as he sits, ledger in hand, for you to speak. You wolf down your food and he smiles, "Just as you've always been, Signore. Food and money are great passions of yours, and unlike most, you can keep them well apart." You laughand finally consume the last of your food. "Alright, Bernardo, today is going to be just as busy, so stay brisk with what we need to do." He nods his head in acknowledgement and prepares to hear your orders.

[New System- Directing Subordinates]

[You, as a Medici, are far too busy with your own business to constantly baby-sit Bernardo, or others you may achieve, so you may direct their effort, a value unique to each supporter, which can only be learned when Bernardo meets and examines them, or if you gain the ability to do so. Here are a list of tasks available for Bernardo to do.

Bernardo Carafa: 20/20
Prepare for a new Home: 5
Find Candidates for a Guard: 10
Shop for Attire for a Nobleman: 10
Investigate a Guild (Your Choice): 5
Takes Notes for You: 20

[We can discuss a final list together]
>>
>>30087150
>Prepare for a new Home: 5
>Find Candidates for a Guard: 10

These if you please.
>>
>>30087150
So do we give just him assignments and then go off by ourselves, or do we also get one of these for Isaac and the smith and the tailor shop workmen?

If so, >>30087205 works but first we need him to lend credibility about our being a nobleman when we talk to the smith's daughter.
>>
>>30087150
Bernardo should take notes for us, we will let him leave when we hire a proper attendant. May seem like a waste of resources, but I'd rather let him see what the hell are we doing and advise us until we get some help.
If not possible, then "prepare for a new home", "find candidates for a guard", "investigate a guild (extortion agency the tailor mentioned)".
>>
>>30087233
[Isaac, the Smith, and the workmen are either not close enough to us to control (the first two), or are too unskilled to do more than their jobs (the workmen). People only of multiple talents, or who can act fairly well on their own, are given Effort and are considered Retainers. For the record, the slots available for Retainers, at minimum, are Guard, Spy, and Religious Agent.]

>>30087205
Noted

>>30087262
We are capable of writing for ourselves, but you are correct in that we would be without his veteran guidance in the lower elements we are unused to handling ourselves in. However, if our Medici training would know something you, as players don't, I will make it abundantly clear. Hope this helps.
>>
>>30087262
>>30087150
I have no idea what 'take notes' means, is he following us around all day writing shit we say down? Is he investigating the city in general and absorbing rumours? Is he playing book-keeper? What does it mean?
>>
>>30087305

Taking notes would be him following us around, writing down conversations and picking up details we miss, advising us, and generally helping us make sure everything flows smoothly in our activities as best as he can. He also tracks our finances correctly.
>>
>>30087315
Changing my vote to having him take notes for us. Let's see the smith's daughter.

For reference I'm >>30087233
>>
>>30087205
Here

The same as >>30087358
>>
>>30087358
>>30087390

"Today, Bernardo, I want you with me." He nods and puts his ledger aside. "As you wish, Signore, I am at you disposal." The two of you take off without much word. You ponder over your useful assistant; Bernardo is in his mid 30's, but age hasn't taken the vigor from his bones, he is well learned, but maintains a good deal of strength from his days as a soldier. Bernardo hasn't lifted a blade in almost a decade, but he is capable of fighting significantly better than you can, you know that for a fact. This is useful to remember, and you tuck it away.

A bit of snooping, and some coinage flashed, gets you the location of the smith's daughter. She's in the Church today, repenting for whatever vices she engaged in yesterday. You and Bernardo enter the Church and drop a few silvers into the collection plate near the door and take a seat, listening to the sermon. You watch the Priest speaking and Bernardo keeps his eyes on the confessionals, as well as everywhere else, subtly, making sure that she doesn't escape under his nose. While you're here, it wouldn't hurt to pray, right?

>A (We gave to the Church, we aren't very religious.)
>B (Good to be godly as well as wealthy, just in case.)
>C (We are a very religious man.)
>>
>>30087480
>B

Venice is a city of sailors and travelers and the Protestant Reformation is well on its way, let's not be a zealot.
>>
>>30087480
>>A (We gave to the Church, we aren't very religious.)

We're a Medici though, we can fake it with the best of them.
>>
>>30087524
Agreed.
Welp, time to get some sleep. Have fun guys.
>>
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44 KB JPG
>>30087480
>B

Incidentally, how educated and capable are we OP?

If we were getting the finest tutors in florence and the university education that only money could buy as well as a banker's apprenticeship, we should probably be pretty clever. Learning to fight is nice too.

If we're smart enough to read Italian works from wherever we might hear of them, I want to comission a gunsmith to make us a fancy-ass superposed load pistol like the one described by a Naples resident and polymath in 1566.

Won't have to win swordfights if we can win shooting contests.
>>
>>30087634
If we're raised to be a courtier, we likely approach the rennaisance ideal to some degree. Multilingual, probably can play an instrument and know literature and poetry as well as trade and practical skills. At least if we weren't stupid or prone to wasting our time and money.
>>
>>30087562
>>30087567
>>30087524

You bow your head, just as Father taught you, and recite the prayers in Latin with the Priest. A Medici isn't inexperienced at faking things, but being a bit religious never hurts. Midway through a prayer Bernardo whispers, "Signore, she's making her way to the exit." You rise with Bernardo and make your way to the exit, catching up to her outside of the church.

"Signora!" Bernardo calls out and rushes over to her, moving very quickly indeed, before bowing his head, "Forgive my rudeness for calling you out in the middle of the street, but my Master wishes to speak to you." You walk up to her and smile, her eyes lighting up a bit, "Ah, you're the man from yesterday. I should have expected you were a noble. How can I help you?" She asks and bows to you. Bernardo informs you of a quiet place he knows to speak privately and takes the you to a small home, which he produces the key for and opens. When she slowly ascends he whispers, "I have a family member who is willing to rent the place to us for a discount. This can serve us temporarily. Forgive my forwardness, Master." He says and you smile and nod, "Not at all." You head up the stairs with her.

After drinks are served and the both of you are facing one another and she looks patiently for you to begin talking.

>A (We want to employ you.)
>B (We want to help you get married.)
>C (Write in)
>>30087634
We are very well-educated, a Renaissance man, and can speak Italian, French, and some German
>>
>>30087772
Employment. We already discussed all we needed about it. Social butterfly, infiltrator and a social engineer in return for free nobility lessons and complete sustenance. She should also study under Bernardo and whatnot, I guess.
>>
>>30087772
>A (We want to employ you.)
You said we had a employment slot open for a spy, did you not?
>>
>>30087811
"Let us be frank. Your father has suggested that I might find you a fair match among the established families of the city, madame - one who would be no burden to your ambitions, as he would have great interest in improving his rank at the gatherings and the carnivale and the pallazos, but perhaps a craftsman by trade - maybe someone looking to run the foundries of the Arsenale in his day, who knows? But in the meantime I find myself in need of one that is aware of the goings-on and the people, for I am a Medici out of Florence and must make my way in Venezia."

"Work for me and it will, by all accounts, be no bore for one like you that has an ear for news and rumours - and an eye for opportunity."

>infiltrator and a social engineer
She's not a cat burglar or Kevin Mitkin.
>>
>>30087901
Derp, meant to respond to >>30087772 as well.

Anyway, employment AND marriage. A and B.
>>
>>30087901

I'll go with this.
>>
>>30087939
>>30087901
Yeah, it's not like she won't notice us visiting her dad and he might tell her anyway.
>>
>>30087901
>>30087811
>>30087825

"I want to employ you." You start the conversation off simply as she drinks from the wine Bernardo provided. She raises her eyebrow, curiously, and then starts off slowly, "My body isn't for sale." She says bluntly and you nearly spit out your wine, "No..." you assure her raising your hand, "That's not exactly what I meant. I want to employ you as my agent. I want you to gather information around the city, talk to men, and make alliances. The same thing you are doing now, but in exchange, I will pay for your house and food, and educate you. But, you must serve me absolutely and swear secrecy." You tell her firmly as she considers it, stroking her hair idly.

"You're the man who came to see my Father yesterday, right?" She inquires and you nod. "I am a man of no small wealth, many things catch my eye. But I need someone to move through social circles for me, as I am relatively new to the city." She ponders silently before you throw out, "I also may be able to help you settle down, eventually, once your service to me is complete." She perks up and nods, "Very well, when can I start?"

You wave your hand, Bernardo finishing his writing in his ledger before stepping forward, "A name, first, please." She smiles, "I am Claudina, Signore." The man nods and writes her name down in the book. "I will be instructing you on the proper way about these things."

[Claudina is now Allied to you. Once trained she will become a Retainer]

(cont)
>>
>>30087993

"You may leave for now, we will begin training you tomorrow." You say, ordering her to leave for the moment as you lean back in the chair. Once she's gone, Bernardo comes to sit next to you and asks, "Signore, training her will be a very time consuming action, it will probably take at least two months before she's ready to serve, and that entire time, I will be unable to help. Perhaps finding a suitable assistant to hold you for the interim, or a better teacher for her than myself, would behoove you."

You nod, "Certainly sound advice, Bernardo." You say and look around the rather comfortable room. But which should you do?

>A (Find a better teacher)
>B (Find an interim scribe/assistant)
>C (Write-In)

[Also, I need to run for dinner, but I'll be back after that, give me ~30 min]
>>
>>30088111
>A
The city's full of tutors, but Bernardo's been with us for long enough to trust in terms of keeping the books.
>>
>>30088111
On one hand, I don't want Bernardo to waste 2 months teaching her when he is such a valuable asset to us.

On the other hand, I don't know if we can trust having someone else train her.

I think finding her a better teacher would be best, so Bernardo can do more important things.
Ask Bernardo's opinion on the matter, he is after all the one who would be training her.
>>
>>30088111
>>B (Find an interim scribe/assistant)

Rather we have to rely more on ourselves for a time than Claudina be taught by someone outside our circle.
>>
>>30088111
>A (Find a better teacher)
>>
>>30088151
Agreed, why have someone train Claudina just to have her spy on US.
>>
>>30088147

You decide to quickly ask Bernardo what he thinks is the best course of action. He muses, "On the one hand, Signore, I don't think hiring someone to clearly be training a spy is a wise idea, her influence will be far lessened by having people know her true calling. Thus, there is good reason to have me teach her. However, on the other hand, I am most trustworthy with your ledger and am, if you will forgive the boldness, your most loyal servant. So both have their merits."

He mused, "Money can still tongues, but planting bad seeds in our new agent would be a disaster that no money could cover. Well.." he pauses with a smile, "Not no money, just not a reasonable sum. I advocate for hiring a scribe to cover for me, and watching over him." He suggests with a bow of his head.

[Ok, legit, gone for real.]
>>
>>30088252
See you later. Thanks for a great thread!

Gonna change my vote to hiring a scribe, I'm >>30088146
>>
>>30088309
He said just for 30 minutes.
>>
>>30088252
We may need to create a new thread for this, Reading this and its fun as hell!
>>
>>30088252
"Yes Barnardo, I was thinking the exact same thing. We will have to see about hiring a scribe to follow me."
>>
>>30088388
>>30088379
>>30088309

[And we're back!]

"Very well, Signore, I will go and find us a scribe today, at your leave." He says, adjusting his sleeves, "Or, if you would prefer, I can accompany you still on today's business? While I'm searching I can keep an open ear for people you may wish to add to our cause, though perhaps stabilizing our finances would be wiser first? Oh, I will also update my ledger tonight one more time before I begin training the girl."

You nod at his words and think about the day ahead. What will Bernardo best be served doing.

>A (Following us, as planned)
>B (Finding a Scribe/Other Recruits)
>C (Finding other financial avenues for us)
>>
>>30088970
(A) Just as planned. I wish to investigate these few who were extorting money from the tailor. Perhaps I would also like to investigate the Scribes prices for his services
>>
>>30088970
Of course, training the girl comes after we get the basics down in the city, so far we have just made the groundwork and started the alliances. Now we need to actually get them running.

A.

Once we get things under control and some form of MAKING money instead of spending it, we can spare Bernardo.
>>
>>30088970
>B
>>
>>30088970
>>A (Following us, as planned)
>B (Finding a Scribe/Other Recruits)

Let us go find a scribe personally with Bronardo accompanying us.
>>
>>30089114
>>30089037

"I heard talk of an extortion group that borrowed money from our Jews. I think we should find out a bit more about them." You say and rise, finishing off your wine before exiting with Bernardo.

A few minutes later you wind up at Isaac's. "Ah! My friend, please, come in." He says, ushering you back to the office. "So, Signore, we will begin work today, yes?" The man's smile stretches from ear to ear. You smile politely and nod your head, "Certainly, Isaac, but first I need some information on a group that was borrowing money, where do you keep your records?" He looks a bit suspiciously at you, "Well...those records are private between me and them, you see. For now, let us test your worth before I give you business secrets, ok?" You smile and acquiesce, "Very well," you tell him, "Let me think."

>A (Help the Jew with his business)
>B (Demand/Obtain the Records)
>C (Leave and deal with it later)
>>
>>30089196
(B) Lets build some reputation with Isaac and trust, Help him with business
>>
>>30089237
That is A, and I agree.

Should definitely help our jewish friends with their banking business, we need money.
>>
>>30089196
>A (Help the Jew with his business)
>>
>>30089237
FUCK! I mean (A) My mistake, (A) is my choice Help him with business practices for the day
>>
>>30089292
>>30089295
>>30089257
>>30089237

"Signore Isaac, I would be happy to help you. Let me start off by, first off, changing the name of the company. We shouldn't advertise the fact that you're a Jew. People are quick to judge, and nasty reputations follow. Let's just have a Moneylender's sign on the door. Now, what are we looking at as far as capital goes?"

The Jew looks through his records and reads off, "Alright, we have, in total assets and raw wealth, 895 florins. That should, if we keep lending at the rate we're going, keep us afloat for a few years. But, we're slowly bleeding out here." He admits. You wave your hand, "Not a problem, we just have to find who needs money and advertise to them."

As you say that you look around at the place. There's a counter between the front and the back of the small wooden building, a few Jews work the books, counting money they have available as well as tracking who owes them money, but, for the most part, they appear pretty bored.

>A (Let's go looking for people who need our help)
>B (Let's work on the insides more)
>>
>>30089371
>>B (Let's work on the insides more)
Internal corrections before expansion.
>>
>>30089371
If we find people who need help and end up unable to help them, we won't get much done other than ruining our reputation, let's get some work done on the inside to appeal better to our potential clients.
>>
>>30089371
(B) These Jews seem rather bored, Strike up idle chatter asking if they have any friends or acquaintances, Even patrons at their local drinking establishment who may be in need of financial help.
>>
>>30089371
Actually, we've got a ripe opportunity to find a loyal scribe right here. Ask if Isaac can suggest anyone trustworthy to keep notes for a rather more mobile operation, as you'll be scouting for clients in person - the better to use your Christian appearance.

And ask Isaac who his dream moneylending clients are, people he'd be in a great position to do business with if they'd just take the loan offer but can't because of prejudice.

Let's also assess the state of their strongboxes and ask who they'd be able to get for proper guards, how expensive that'd be, and so on.
>>
>>30089573
>>30089436
>>30089425
>>30089414
These all seem pretty compatible.
>>
>>30089573
>>30089436
>>30089425
>>30089414

You look around and ask Isaac a couple of very important questions. "First things first, do you have anyone who you'd like to lend money to? Secondly, would you mind letting me use one of your employees as a scribe? Bernardo will be busy with other work starting tomorrow, and I will need a scribe. Finally, is all of your money secure? I saw some undesirables hanging around outside, probably trying to vandalize it last night." He covers his heart and thanks you for your kindness before answering, "Certainly, Signore, there are several merchants who are nearby that would be juicy contracts. The top three I can think of, however, are the Ferragamo Company, a shipping organization, the Bellinis, who run a brewery, and lastly the Antoni Brotherhood, they've borrowed from me before, but they stopped once they got bigger. They're a criminal racket, but we take what we can get around here. As for the employee, yes, Samuel, who is at the counter now, will be a very good scribe, and he will be sure to keep your council to himself, he was born mute, poor lad." Isaac says. You thank him and head out to the counter.

After asking around with the other Jews you explain to Samuel that you'll be going around with him and he'll write for you. He's very good with numbers, it turns out, and you are confident in your choice. Fortune is on your side.

As you and Bernardo eat he asks what you want to do next.

>A (Go around and hunt)
>B (Write in)
>>
>>30089791
go and try to lend money
>>
>>30089791
(B) I would like a Status report on the security of our money lending operation, (you didn't answer the question asked earlier), I feel visiting the Bellinis would be an ample opportunity, However the Ferragamo shipping company would potentially provide greater financial gains due to the nature of their business. I would steer clear from the Antoni Brotherhood until a later time.
My opinion is investigating the Shipping company if they have need of our services. Is there anything else we can learn About Samuel?
>>
>>30089791
>As you and Bernardo eat he asks what you want to do next.
We're gonna go banker it up for a while, yeah.
>>30089941
Pretty much seconding this.

But after we get some banking done we need a decent house, might as well ask Isaac if he thinks we should get a residence outside the Jewish quarter to help our Christian banker reputation. Don't want to be accused of crypto-judaism anytime soon.

Maybe he knows who to ask about real estate. Someone's gotta be good at real estate around here.
>>
>>30089791
>>30089941
>>30089976

And while we're here we should ask if he happens to know any decent guards, family men that borrowed from him before and paid back on time, anything really. We can provide security wages if necessary should they be taken on as guards, but this vulnerability needs to end.
>>
>>30089999
>>30089976
>>30089941
>>30089933

"They use a simple lockbox, Isaac has the only key, but he hides it under the floorboard here. Security isn't a big concern here, while they do have quite a bit of money, people tend to ignore them a great deal." Bernardo explains to you, as you finish eating your meal. You have Isaac brought to see you and he sits down opposite you. "Isaac, tell me more about Samuel, and then about if we've lent to anyone who has a history as a guard. Oh, and I want to know if there's any good place to move outside of the Jewish quarter." He begins to protest about the place being close to his house and you hold up your hand, "Isaac, we're going for more than just a Jewish moneylender. We have the potential for a lot of wealth here, but to do it we need to get away from the Jewish image. Now, tell me about Samuel." He sighs and nods.

"Samuel is my sister's boy, he's a good boy, but his parents were killed by a gang of thugs when he was young. Jews get a lot of hate, you know. His father picked a fight with someone he shouldn't have and, God rest their souls, they were killed." He explains, "I raised Samuel, taught him to read and write. As for soldiers or guards, I have a few I've served. I'll give you their names and houses. Location-wise....yes, I do have a place that is left to me in the middle area of town between the residential and commercial quarters, not too far from the water. I know, I know," he says as you start, "It's perfect."
(cont
>>
>>30090154
Isaac's fine running things in the Venetian Jewish quarter, it's us that needs to move for now. We still ain't got no home.

They lock up the Jews at night in Venice in 1600, the Venetian Jewish quarter is also the original ghetto. No big deal, but he can't move to any house outside it unless he wants his ass arrested and we can branch operations out as necessary. Not to sperg historically or anything, just figured I'd do it relatively politely lest anyone started bitching about their twelve inch history dick. Not hugely important, OP.

The house is for us as a place to front his business, for now. No need for him to get bruised and we pay rent for the property's residential areas to him if we use it.
>>
>>30090154

"Ok, look, we'll move the whole operation there, and we'll close this place down. I can stop paying for it, and we can turn that money to fixing up the other location. It's a run-down mess. It took quite a beating during the Turkish days." He explains and you tell him to make the preparations as you get up.

Bernardo is waiting outside with you as the two of you make your way out to visit the businesses he mentioned. First, the Bellini's.

A humble building which gives off the scent of brewing beer and liquor, a strange scent to your nose, lies in front of you. Bernardo knocks on the door and a small woman opens it, "Yes...Signore?" She says, hesitantly, a small girl maybe 15. "May I speak with the Master, please?" You request and she nods, heading back into the house and leaving you there for a bit before a large man with a massive beard and mustache, curled and waxed, lumbers out. His arms like are like logs and he crosses them over his chest. "Yes? What want?" Clearly he's not Venetian, from his skin tone he appears to be a Turk. And from those muscles he did something very heavy labor before this.

"Signore," you begin, "I have heard that you might be in need of a little capital to help your business along?" He looks at you very seriously before dropping his arms, "Not understand." Bernardo shrugs, "I don't speak Turk." He admits and you look up at the man, thinking. How to handle this.

>A (Find someone to translate)
>B (Gesture)
>C (Ask Isaac)
>>
>>30090284
>>30090299

[In light of what you said, he won't move the whole operation, but he'll start to get the other part repaired for us so we can open a second branch there.]
>>
>>30090299
We will have to find a translator.

The girl doesn't speak italian either I guess.

We should learn turkish, but let's leave that for another time.

A reliable translator. Maybe Isaac knows of one.
>>
>>30090299
See if any of his employees or family speak turkish. There's got to be an Italian word for translator. Short of that, hold up a full wallet and say the word for 'moneylender.'
>>
>>30090299
Finding a Translator may be difficult, There are no doubts still some political and racial tensions from the war and not many might be able to speak turkishly, I am opting for
(C) Asking Isaac if he can speak for us But if we cannot find a translator quickly, apologize for wasting his time and move onto the Ferragamo
>>
>>30090418
This Turk wouldn't take Isaac's money before, and he's probably not Muslim if he's running a tavern which explains the jewhate (Turks and Ottomans would probably see Jews as the people of the book).

I'm gonna go with pantomime and charades to get it across to him we're offering a loan and the italian word for translator.
>>
>>30090411
I'm gonna have to Veto holding the wallet, It may seem patronizing considering the statue and build of the Master
>>
>>30090445
>>30090418
>>30090411
>>30090402

After a few minutes of gesturing, making symbols for money, and having Bernardo talk to him in every language he knew, the Turk eventually waves his hand angrily and you are forced to depart for the moment.

You head back to Isaac and ask him for a translator, to which he explains that he doesn't know anyone who does, but if there is someone who does, the Ferragamo would have them under their employ. Since the war has ended, trades with the Ottomans have picked back up, though tensions are still very present. "Two birds at once, I suppose." You say and leave.

The Ferragamo's central building is a small house located on a nearby dock. You enter and see a young man, about your age, leaning back in his chair as he waves, "Greetings, Signore. How can we help you today?" He says and opens his eyes to see you, surprised at apparently seeing a noble and calls out, "Dad! Come here!"

A small wizened man steps out of the back and bows his head, "Ah, greetings Signore. I am Paolo, how can I assist you today?" He is very old, but to have a company with three trade ships is no small feat for a single man and his family.

"I was wondering, since you have such a growing business, perhaps you'd be interested in some capital?" You offer kindly and he frowns, "You're not working with the Jew, are you?" You laugh, "Hardly, sir, the Jew works for me. I own his company." The man chews his gums for a bit as you continue.

(cont)
>>
>>30090299
>A (Find someone to translate)


>>30090418
>>30090445
>>30090459
>>30090402

Seriously guys? He runs a business in fuckdamn Venice. Call back the girl (who obviously speaks Italian) to help.
>>
>>30090525

"Listen, Signore," you begin with a smile, "the Jew is good for a few things, and counting coins and managing accounts is one of them." You can tell this man from a glance, he's an ardent Catholic, and he fears and hates the Jew, "However, when it comes to running businesses, isn't that the domain of Godly men such as we?" You say and he looks you over closely, "I saw you at service this morning, praying. That's good, I wish my boy would be a reverent as you are." he said and nods, extending his hand, "Alright, let's go to the back and talk this over, we can set up a deal. I need to pay some people for the ship and crew."

An hour or so later you exit and as you are about to leave you turn, "Ah! One more thing, Signore, do you have anyone in your employ who speaks Turk?" He nods and directs you to a docked ship where you meet a man named Iyad, a half-Turkish boy who navigates the rigging as easily as bird, and comes with you to the brewer's house.

A few minutes later and you walk away from the brewer with his request as well.

"Two contracts in a day, not bad Signore." Bernardo says as you bid the boy good-bye. "They want three hundred florins between them and will be paying them back at interest, which is something no Jew could manage to sell them." You smile with vicious pride, "They'll start paying it back next week and we'll be making money."

Isaac is thrilledat your news and says, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

>A (Well... write in)
>B (No)
>>
>>30090538
Easy, these guys probably know someone.
>>
>>30090614
>A (Well... write in)
Ask him if he knows of a relatively safe, cost-effective place where we might purchase a house.
>>
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>>30090614
"Keep a growing list of clients, my friend, and for the love of God get me those guards' names and addresses so we might try to hire on some help instead of relying on the town watch! We must protect this business."

"Aside from that, I would know of any troubles in the Jewish Quarter at large, and of any opportunities relating to l'Arsenale."

Eyes on the prize. First industrial center in Europe worth the name. One ship made per day. Screw Florence.
>>
>>30090679
I thought we were gonna fix up the house he for some reason owns in the middle of town (probably seized the deed as collateral) and use the bottom floor as a bank and the top stories to reside in?
>>
>>30090614
(B) Politely decline but really press him about hiring some muscle to protect the business,
Return to the Blacksmith and talk to him about matters regarding business, see how he's done since yesterday's meeting
>>
>>30090685
This, except for the love of god part.

Let's not start discussing religion together.

>>30090701
>Living in your workplace
>with jews in it

How about we get us a house somewhere in between "reasonably priced" and "doesn't ruin our image". Living in our workplace is hardly befitting a noble.

Especially when we don't really own the house.


We might mention the topic of the extortion deal again? We would want to deal with that before they try to extort our tailor business thinking the old trashbag still runs the place.
>>
>>30090763
There's not gonna be any jews there, see >>30090284

And living over one's shop is what you did in the renaissance. There were piazzas for famous moneyed bankers that had offices in them, banks started in just such houses.
>>
>>30090763
Seconding the debt settlement with the old tailor though.
>>
>>30090789
It's what the middle, lower and upper class did, yes.

Not the noble class.
>>
>>30090614
Hey OP, have we been formally disowned or can we display the Medici coat of arms? If we can, we can start decking out our retainers at livery at some point. Helps to have a tailor shop when that happens.
>>
>>30090820
and by upper I meant merchant class, obviously. Who could be even richer than nobles, but they still weren't nobles.
>>
>>30090820
The noble class IS the upper class, this is the age of the signoria in italy. Where are you getting this stuff?
>>
>>30090679
>>30090685
>>30090701

"You can have the house we're fixing up in the midtown area. It's three stories, hopefully that's spacious enough for Signore." You agree that it will work just fine. "Ah, I have those guards names you wanted, here you go." He says and passes them over to you, "I believe they'll work for reasonably cheap, and they're good people." He says with a smile. You thank him and head out, remembering to ask about the military next time, though maybe the names he gave you will give you some leads.

Bernardo walks along with you and is furiously writing as he does so, "Master, we're making surprising progress. Perhaps fortune has been in our favor so far, but we are well positioned already. Andre is next, I believe you said."

The two of you appear at Andre's smithy and at both of your surprise you hear the sound of metal ringing on the anvil. When you look in you see Andre and his daughter working together on creating. "Ah, Signore!" Andre calls out happily, "I'll be just a moment, we got a big contract yesterday, Signore, a whole box of pike-heads for the guard! Your money is good luck, Signore, God must have sent you to me." He says, laughing happily as they hammer out the last piece and cool it, stepping away from the forge. He wipes his forehead and his daughter runs off to wash herself.

"So, what can I do for you today?"

>A (Write in)
>B (Nothing, go to investigate our debt on the tailor's shop)

>>30090832
We are disowned and being hunted.
>>
>>30090854
So guys, why did we want to check in with Andre again? I can't recall anything.
>>
>>30090854

What would happen if we were caught?
>>
>>30090854
Have a chat about up and coming journeymen smiths, leading figures in the smith's guild, and those interested in the Arsenale.

Guildsmen of sufficient rank, like patricians, are essentially part of the Venetian noble class. Young men looking to get there are potential suitors for his daughter and potential friends to us.
>>
>>30090854
(B)Leave politely thanking him for the compliment, Investigate the Tailors shop but contact one of the guards asking if he'll come with us just incase things possibly get hairy if the racketeers are there
>>
>>30090921
We'd be killed, most likely.
>>30090917
see
>>30090925

We could also probably use a reference to a decent gunsmith, not to mention a set of armor maybe.
>>
>>30090925
Yeah, might as well do this while we're here.
>>
>>30090921

We'd be killed. Our crime was...especially heinous to Father.

>>30090958
>>30090917
>>30090925

"Upcoming smiths, eh? Well....I guess I don't pay my guild fees for nothing if this can help you. Let's see, there's Signore Bertelli, Signore Donato, and Signore Contarini. They are all very proficient smiths, Signore Bertelli especially is famous for his work. He creates swords for the Doge's guards as well as helps his cousin, the best gunsmith in Venice. Additionally, he's part of the Trivectia, all three are, and they work with a lot of lesser smiths doing work for the Arsenale" He explains, "Is any of that useful?" You tell him it certainly is, and take your leave.

After a quick check on the tailor's shop, seeing that indeed the Signore hasn't returned, and that it's not under siege, you go to the back office and root through the papers there, eventually finding the loan agreement. The realization is pretty obvious, now that you're holding the pieces, but of course, the racket organization that is holding the tailor shop at their mercy is the Antoni Brotherhood. Not too surprising, considering Isaac said he was loaning them money before, but they stopped once they were large enough.

>A (Go investigate them yourself)
>B (Ask Isaac about them)
>C (Write in)
>>
>>30091032
>B (Ask Isaac about them)

If we keep asking Isaac, will that cut into our daylight hours? I want to know if managing time is important in this quest.
>>
>>30091032
Yeah, I figured we would be dealing with the antoni brotherhood to get rid of those extortions.

Go ask isaac, if they are extremely dangerous then we might need a few bodyguards with us when we visit.
>>
>>30091032
I have a bad feeling that the Antoni Brotherhood are going to be this campaigns BBEG or at least a front, However i have suspicions that they are also the organization threatening our money lending operation.
(C) Ask about the Brotherhood, and Ask for information regarding any "Less loyal" members See if they'd be willing to sell some information
>>
>>30091108
>>30091120
Yep.
>>
>>30091141
The Brotherhood are probably some smalltime bunch we crack between our teeth during the prologue.

The BBEG is Florence.
>>
>>30091032
>We'd be killed. Our crime was...especially heinous to Father.

All for breaking his #1 dad mug.

STILL WORTH IT.
>>
>>30091141
>>30091108
>>30091120

[Time management, for now, is gentle. It will become of greater importance as the quest goes on. We still have several systems to introduce]

You visit Isaac again after making sure your workers are doing their jobs. "Isaac, one more thing." He faces you, surprised to see you, "Ah, I see that I am very valuable to Signore, perhaps a bit of a show of gratitude?" he says with a smile as you laugh, "Perhaps if you give what I need. Tell me about the Antoni Brotherhood."

He sighs and brings you into the private room, "The Brotherhood, oy...yes, I gave them a few hundred florins, and they have been making their payments. Their last one is coming up next week." He explains, "They started out as a courier service, but I guess their boss, Giovani, decided to branch out to crime. He's got a few dozen men under his payroll and they extort business who are low on money, forcing them into loans. That's why I'm having a hard time making it here, partially." he admits, "Additionally, they pay off guards to vacate areas they are criminalizing, and we can't really stop them. I mean, we don't have an army, and the guards won't help. What can we do?"

You nod in understanding.

>A (Any other questions?)
>B (Leave and go see the Antoni)
>C (Write in)
>>
>>30091224
>B (Leave and go see the Antoni)
>>
>>30091224
Tell him you value his counsel and thank him, and then tell him if he can get a list of businesses together that are being extorted you might try to loosen the Brotherhood's grip.

We're gonna need a lot more muscle a lot faster than anticipated, and that means hiring a head Guard.
>>
>>30091224
Giovani... (sorry)
(A) Ask if he knows of any "less" loyal employees and any knowledge of a local GOOD quality locksmith, I feel security is our top priority if the Antoni family can buy off guards, We also seriously need to start hiring our own guards

I would like a record of today's time

>>30091277
Not yet,
>>
>>30091281
Yeah, let's hire those guards already. And look out for a headman.

>>30091293
That works, but let's not go time-crazy.
>>
>>30091224
>>C (Recruit a Guard)

Because if we keep meeting shady people like this we might as see if one of them will hire himself out.
>>
>>30091304
>>30091293
>>30091277
>>30091281

As you leave the sun is passing noon, it is probably around 2 in the afternoon. There's plenty of day left.

You thank him for his help and leave, heading out with Bernardo, who is furiously writing down the day's events. "Signore," Bernardo says, interrupting your thoughts, "We will need some hired arms, and while you were speaking to Isaac, and Signore Ferragamo, I was talking to the people around them. It's a good thing as well, Signore, because I have interesting news." he says and adjusts his cloak a bit, "There has been talk of someone, a famous swordsman from France, who is currently at a bar not too far away, taking challengers. This man would be someone worth you time to hire, if the idea appeals to you. From what I hear he's nearly indefatigable and has an amazing ability to fight crowds. Would you like to investigate it?"

>A (Yes)
>B (No, go find Guards to hire)
>>
>>30091357
>>A (Yes)

Sounds interesting.
>>
>>30091357
Sure, let's find French fencer guy.
>>
We can speak French, let us use that to our advantage!
>>
>>30091357
(A) Yes!, He would be more co-operative with somebody who can speak his native tongue as opposed to Italian
>>
>>30091381
>>30091384

You head over to the bar where you hear noise from two streets away, people cheering of all sorts. When you get close you see a large ring of people and inside you see five city guards with swords and a single man in the middle. He holds a rapier in one hand and a main-gauche in the other. When the people attack he parries their blades into one another before stepping past, feet moving like a dancer, tripping one of them into another, then disarming one at close range, and eventually, without much effort it seems, claiming victory.

He bows to massive cheers and people throw coins into the ring, some of which he catches in his ridiculously puffed-up hat with a garish feather. He speaks, in broken Italian, "Ah, thank for watch! Thank!" Everyone somewhat chuckles at this as he speaks out, this time in French.

"And now, is there anyone among you lovely Italians who would be willing to duel me, the undefeated Louis Hundred-Hands." Bernardo sighs out and looks at you, "Signore, I don't think fighting is a wise choice. But he doesn't seem much in a talking mood. Perhaps I can try my hand to give you an audience?"

>A (Go ahead, Risk Bernardo)
>B (I'll do it, duel him)
>C (We can try to wait until later)
>>
>>30091469
>B (I'll do it, duel him)

This doesn't seem like the kind of man who would respect us if we sent a proxy.
>>
>>30091469
>C (We can try to wait until later)
We can make him listen easily flashing coin. No need to risk Bernardo.
>>
>>30091509
Do it, but stipulate that this is to first cut or disarmament, as he is a fine swordsman - and that if he can best you without drawing blood, you'll offer him a job with a higher pay rate.
>>
>>30091469

Would there be a mortal risk to Bronardo? Do either you or our main man see any weaknesses in his style?
>>
>>30091469
Let's roll 100's and win against all odds!

As >>30091509 says, I don't think he would respect us if we weren't willing to get dirty ourselves. Better to try and lose graciously than cower and hide behind our vassal-

>>30091516
I wouldn't call this performance a deathmatch, let us entertain this fine gentleman.
>>
>>30091545
>>30091509
These. Show the servants we're not afraid to risk our neck.
>>
>>30091565
>>30091553
>>30091548
>>30091545
>>30091516
>>30091509

You step forward and call out in French, "Monsieur, I would be happy to entertain you. However, there are a few catches, if you wish to play along." You offer, removing your cloak. The man's eyebrows raise, "Ah, one of the good blood, I see. Very well, I will entertain your offer. What is your request?" He asks and you smile, "I will duel you to first cut or disarmament, nothing lethal, and if you, oh great swordsman, can defeat me without a single scoring touch from your opponent, I will give you a job at double your last pay." He smiles, "Ah, that is a high price indeed. I was hoping to draw the eye of someone of the nobility, but little did I expect he would come forward." He says and tosses you a blade and a main-gauche. "But," you cut in and he turns his head to listen, "If I hurt you, I pay the same rate as last time." He smiles, "Very well, consider it done." The two of you take up arms and face one another, the crowd's cheers increasing as you size up one another.

[New System Rules inc]

[cont]
>>
>>30091674

[New System- Combat

Blessed as you are by your birth, a Renaissance man can fight as well as he can run a business. You are not untrained in combat, but you are far from a Master. Combat will be done in the following way.

1) Attacker rolls 2d6, Defender rolls 3d6. Both attacker and defender add their "Skill" to the roll. Ours is 1, the second lowest.
2) If the Defender wins, no damage is done. If the attacker wins he inflicts damage equal to the difference.
3) If the damage done is equal to 5 or greater, he attacks again. If the Defender wins, or the Attacker does less than 5 damage, the Defender becomes the Attacker, and so forth.
4) Additionally, a combatant has more than just skill, he has Spirit, which comes from a variety of factors in life, including happiness and other factors. You may pay Spirit from you total pool to reduce or increase a roll of your choice by up to 3 per roll. You have 5 Spirit at the moment.]

[So then, let the games begin]

Louis bows his head and sweeps his sword up into the air as he deeply bows, "Of course, your grace, you may have the first attack, as a man of noble blood deserves no less." He says and takes up a ready position, preparing himself.

[Oh! One more thing, we will take the average of the first 3 rolls, unless you pay 1 Spirit per roll, in which case I'll take the highest.]

[Engarde]
>>
>>30091755
Can we use spirit after rolls, or do we need to do them before?
>>
Rolled 5, 2 = 7

>>30091755
>>
>>30091793

[After is acceptable]
>>
Rolled 2, 3 = 5

>>30091755
>>
Rolled 6, 2 = 8

>>30091755
>>
Rolled 3, 1 = 4

SOME BETTER ROLLS GUYS
>>
>>30091834
Rolled 3, 1 = 4

Pfft.
>>
>>30091831
>>30091820
>>30091795

[20/3, we'll round up, so we got a 7+1 for Skill, is an 8. Do we want to use Spirit?]
>>
>>30091854

Our roll's too low for even spirit to make a actual difference.

Let it ride.
>>
>>30091852
It was part of my master plan, as you can see I was the fourth roll.

>>30091854
No, let us save spirit for now.

Also, how do we replenish spirit?
>>
>>30091854
Given we're facing an average of somewhere north of 9, we can if we want to hurt the guy but we can probably afford to pay him decently.
>>
Rolled 3, 5, 3 = 11

>>30091884
>>30091880

[Spirit replenishes at the start of every week, or when a particularly good event happens to boost our spirit, a Windfall]

>>30091889
>>
>>30091889
To clarify, I was just mulling it over. Gonna agree with the others - no spirit use.

>>30091854
How does spirit regenerate? Once per combat encounter? Once per day?
>>
Rolled 5, 2 = 7

>>30091900

You lunge towards him, trying to overwhelm him with your speed, but he slaps the weapon away without too much of a problem. "Ah! You are quick, Seigneur, but not quick enough. A l'attaque!"

[Result +6 is his skill]
>>
>>30091900
Thanks for clarifying.
>>
>>30091918
[Total is 13]
>>
Rolled 5, 3, 4 = 12

>>30091918
>>
Rolled 3, 4, 3 = 10

>>30091918
>>
Rolled 6, 1, 4 = 11

>>30091939
>>
Use one spirit point! We can't lose this soon!
>>
>>30091976
Paying him an extra twenty florins or whatever isn't that bad, but we're just gonna get some damage. Not lose.

You sure you want to blow the spirit points on this and not a real fight if the Brotherhood sends legbreakers our way?
>>
>>30091976
Hell no, this ain't worth a spirit point.
>>
>>30091957
>>30091964
>>30091967
>>30091976

[Ah, I forgot to mention, our threshold for damage is 6. So, at the moment, without using Spirit, we'll take 2 damage. If we burn it, it's a tie, which goes to the defender, so we'd keep going. Health restores much slower, and our notes will reflect our newfound knowledge.]

[Still want to burn it? We either take 2 and pay him more, or burn a Spirit and keep fighting.]

>>30092034
>>30092009

[Seems like a no, but I'll give it a minute for people to talk it over. Respond to this post with final vote.]
>>
>>30091939
Take the hit. Gonna be visiting a doctor later, evidently.
>>
>>30092009
Well, it's just one spirit point, we have 4 left and a chance to gain more before the week is over. And money is always tight when you have no income.
>>
Spending a spirit point seems better than taking 2 damage if you ask me, ESPECIALLY if we are going to the brotherhood
>>
>>30092034
>>30092009
>>30092042


This is a fight to first blood. Use the spirit point.
>>
>>30092041
Use one spirit. It seems fitting at this point.
>>
>>30092041
>Health restores much slower

Alright, burn the spirit point.
>>
>>30092070
>>30092067

[Done]

You barely manage to parry a blow that looked like it was coming right for you. "Oh! What skill! I did not expect this from a nobleman!"

[Go for it, your attack.]
>>
Rolled 2, 1 = 3

>>30092140
>>
Rolled 5, 6 = 11

>>30092140
>>
Rolled 6, 1 = 7

Time for a masterful retaliation.
>>
Rolled 5, 1 = 6

>>30092140
>>
>>30092161
Use a spirit point on that roll!

If that doesn't go through we can give up.
>>
Rolled 6, 4, 3 = 13

>>30092154
>>30092161
>>30092177

[Average at 21/3=7+1=8 total.]
>>
File: 1391837553394.png-(122 KB, 398x309, houkago.png)
122 KB
122 KB PNG
>>30092154
>>
>>30092154
Well fuck.
>>
>>30092201
So that's our eight to his ten.

Burn three spirit points, take him on for cheap.
>>
Guess winning this is impossible.

>>30092225
That won't work if we add his passive skill bonus will it?

If it works, I'm all for using spirit points.
>>
>>30092225
Fine, do it. But we're figuring out how to regain spirit soon, and hiring more guards.
>>
>>30092201
>>30092198

He meets your blade against his and, though you are certain you didn't hit that hard, his main-gauche hits the ground. "Ah, zut alors, you appear to have disarmed me. Tres excellent, Seigneur, I am very impressed." He says and as he stoops over to pick up his blade he winks at you, sheathing his weapons and taking the ones he gave you back.

"Very well, you have my service for the token sum of 42 florins per week. Still interested? A blade like mine is famous for a reason." he says, crossing his puffy sleeves across his chest, his dapper smile disarming you slightly at how intensely he's looking at you.

Bernardo walks forward, "Signore, that's 168 florins a month. This man is extremely expensive to hire. And you disarmed him as easily as can be, is it worth it?"

>A (Hire him at his price.)
>B (Hire him at a different price. Write in higher/lower)
>C (Decline)
>>
>>30092238
Look at his roll. 13 divided by 3 is gonna round down to four, his skill is gonna add six to make it ten. We add three to our eight and get eleven.
>>
>>30092253
Ask him if he's willing to perform duties including playing headsman to a group of guards.

If he is, we may as well take him on. Gonna need him when the Brotherhood comes calling.
>>
>>30092253
>>A (Hire him at his price.)

He let us win. We'll keep our word but we'll make him work for his pay.
>>
>>30092282
>headsman
Being in charge of them, not being their executioner.
>>
>>30092253
(B)Negotiate to 25-40 florins per week, More willing for lower amount however am willing to go inbetween,

>>30092282
What he said, Then continue the search for a few more guards, Ask what his training abilities are, If he could teach you a few extra things that you may not know if he's so good
>>
>>30092325
>>30092304
>>30092299
>>30092282

"You're going to have to work hard for it, no drinking on my time, and you'll have to train as well as fight. Can you do all that?" You ask of him and he flashes a pretty decent smile, "Naturalisment, Seigneur." He says and extends his hand. You take it and the crowd cheers more, blindly aware of exciting things happening. He dons his cap and adjusts the rim of it as he bows, "Thank for watch! I leave! Bye bye!" He says again in his broken Italian.

You head back up to the house Bernardo acquired for the two of you, three now, as Louis flops down on the couch and stretches out, "Ah, what comfortable surroundings you live in. A bit small for a nobleman, but still just as comfortable."

Bernardo pulls you aside and produces his ledger. "I believe it's about to rain, Signore, we need to move quickly. But let me update you on my notes for you so far. I may be able to update them again before I start training tomorrow."

[cont]
>>
>>30092382


Name: Luca de Medici
Age: 19
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 135lbs
Spirit: 6
Health: 6/6
Skill: Swords- 1, Haggling- 2, Deception- 3, Religious Knowledge- 3, Noble Knowledge- 2
Languages: Italian, French, German
Available Funds: 2,816 florins.

Expenses: [218 Florins/month] 188 Florins/month -Retainers, 30 Florins/month- Alliances, ??? Florins/month- Property

Income: 15 Florins/month - Properties

Alliances: Isaac the Jew [Very Strong], Andre the Smith [Good], Claudia [???]

Enemies: House of Medici, City of Florence, Signore Marconi [Strong dislike], Antoni Brotherhood [Unaware of You]

Equipment: Noble clothing, dueling sword, two horses, ten sheets of paper, two pots of ink, commoner's clothing.

Properties: Marconi Tailors [Sole Owner], Isaac's Monelending [Partial Owner with Isaac], Smithery [Influence- Strong], Midtown Property [In-development]

Retainers: Bernardo Carafa [Loyal, 20 Florins/month, Effort Today 0/20], Louis Hundred-Hands [Trustworthy, 168 Florins/month, Effort Today 15/15]

You look over the notes and chuckle, "Bernardo, my friend, I think it's time we got you a bigger book, that notebook is running out of space. Perhaps a larger text we can keep here at the base?" He nods his head, "I will order for it, Signore." You head back out to Louis who waves his hand, "Oh Master, anything you want for me to do today?"

Louis Hundred-Hands
15/15
Find Potential Recruits: 20
Teach Bernardo: 5
Teach Me: 15
Guard Me: 15
>>
>>30092511

[Yes that says 20, it means he will be so busy that he won't come back until later tomorrow, meaning he will be reduced in available effort.]
>>
>>30092511
>Guard Me: 15
It's why we got him.
>>
>>30092511
Crunching the numbers I feel we need to start bringing in more money, Louis is to guard me for the day. We shall go to the tailors to recruit craftsmen to work, We need higher quality workers as opposed to the current workers, They mentioned earlier that they had issues with salary, improve their salary a fraction so they are better off, This pay rise will also improve morale, Though it does not hurt to find a master for the tailor shop to manage things for us when things get too busy,
>>
Guard us obviously, time to pay the antoni brotherhood a visit, deal with the extortion thing they got going on
>>
>>30092591
>>30092548

[A fair note, the numbers are accurate to the best of Bernardo's knowledge, and soon Samuel's, but there will be unknown expenses, such as Claudia's upkeep, that we can't reckon until the next month.]

"You're bodyguarding me today, we have some business to take care of." You inform the swordsman who hops up, "Ah, I will make sure your body is as unmarred as the day you were born, Seigneur." He says and Bernado trails along, holding back a bit of a chuckle at the Frenchman's antics.

[And, unfortunately, that's where we have to call it, since we're almost at auto-sage. However! The quest will continue tomorrow night at 7 PM EST. So come ready, bring your thinking caps, someone please archive the thread, and thank you all so much for playing. See you tomorrow!]
>>
>>30092644
Great thread, OP. you should come to IRC, it's #ques/tg/enerals on the Rizon IRC server.
>>
>>30092644
I have strong good feelings hoping this game leads to the inevitable coup against our father for his actions, or shall we go a different direction and change the course of european history, I don't have the ability to archive so somebody else'll have to do it, I'll be sure to get on at this time (GMT) stayed up all fucking night
>>
>>30092644
Archived here:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/30081052/
Go upvote so it doesn't get deleted.
>>
>>30092644
Great thread OP, will be here for the one tomorrow!
>>
>>30092707
Sure thing, sounds fun.


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