The trio - Findelye, Sakka, and Agot - wave back to Filimena as they pick up their makeshift game and head inside the Manor.


Noting that the owners have arrived, Daadashma, "Oh hey there boss...er bosses. Just working with these fine folks from the Carpenters’, Roofers’ and Plasterer’s Guild to get these new leaks sorted. They're saying it'll be one-hundred and twenty gold ... I talked 'em down to seventy-five as they did the repair to start with, but you can talk with 'em if you wanna."

OOC: Haha sorry, but I have to ask. In all this time, presumably, somebody has been doing the accounts for the business. Do we know how much the tavern is making, and therefore whether this amount is something they can afford to pay?

"Oh! Hum...right...How much do we have... in store after last night? After compensating the staff, of course...I still have...er...15." thinks Marik, while searching his pockets. "You don't... think they could be interested in an offering other than... gold, by any chance?"

Strangely enough the DM has rules for running a business - thankfully they're not that complicated

For an Inn in the city, the maintenance cost is 5gp per day which includes 1 skilled and 5 untrained hireling. Y'all have been running the place for a little bit now as we've hand waved a lot of the repairs and such, let's say y'all have been open for 2 weeks... someone roll 1d100+14 and we'll see what we get?

OOC: The DMG contains all sorts of weird things you don't expect it to, and then the things you'd hoped it has it often doesn't. Haha.

07:35, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 64 using 1d100+14 with rolls of 50.  Let's see how good we are at business.

The business covers its own maintenance cost for each of the days. It earns a profit of 1d6 × 5 gp.

07:36, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 11 using 1d6+5 with rolls of 6.  And how much profit do we make?

I rolled this one wrong. It should be a *5, not +5. But I rolled a max! So that's 30gp! We're RICH!!!! But not rich enough...


"Erm," Filimena says. "I don't know how much the tavern has made us so far exactly. We'll have to check the accounts for that. But something tells me it won't be enough. You're right. We might have to barter something instead."

Filimema goes in search of the folks fixing the leak and tries to get their attention.

Daadashma nods to Filimena, "You can also probably get 'em to let you do half now and half upon completion. The man is Lephelm, and the lady is Sybeth, good luck boss."

---

The two humans are making notes in a book, which they stop doing and walk to where Filimena, Marik, and Daadashma are standing.

Lephelm is average height and slender, with short light brown hair and brown eyes. He's dressed in simple workers clothing and heavy boots, and is the one who's been doing the writing.  Sybeth stands a head taller than Lephelm and is built like a guard, and she is dressed in overall with a heavy shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her curly redhair is tied back into a bun which makes her striking green eyes visible. She has old scars which cover her hands and go up her forearms.

Sybeth nods to you, "You are Filimena and Marik, right? That's who I've got in my predecessors notes as the owner, though I will say Daadashma is a dang good negotiator... " she glances over to the dragonborn. "So we're gonna do the work just need to get you on the schedule and talk about payment."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:39, Tue 28 Mar 2023.

Filimena smiles and nods a greeting. "Yes," she says. "Um... What kinds of payment plans do you offer? Is there a down payment we make first or something?"

Sybeth looks over at Lephelm who nods to her then she said "Sure we can work something out, we did do the repair and rebuild work on your roof not long ago, as your employee reminded us." She eyes Daadashma for a brief moment before looking back at Filimena. "We can take twenty-five percent to start then the rest as we reach completion milestones."

[Private to Marik: You notice off to the south, in the alley, there is a half-orc watching the goings on]

Filimena nods, and begins to do the maths in her head. "That works out to.... 18gp and 75cp," she says after a while. She looks up at Marik, then back at Sybeth. "We can get that to you. How long are we looking at till everything gets done?"

"18 dragons, 7 shards and 5 nibs ... or yes 75 nibs if that's how you'd prefer," Lephelm interjects before Sybeth can say anything.


The large woman glances down at her smaller companion before saying, "We'll take another fifty percent at substantial completion, and the final twenty-five at the end." She glances at the notes the pair have made, "I'd say it'll be three week till substantial completion then another two before we're done. Materials are likely going to be in short supply as a lot of folks are needing roof work after that storm, but you're establishment is at the top of list ... Lord Buchanan was very specific."

Marik nods in agreement, as if he understood what's going on, yet only half-listens as he gets distracted by the sight. He glances in the direction of the half-orc.

OOC: I don't suppose it's a familiar face, is it? Any distinctive markings I can pick on?

OOC: Marik rolled 11 for Perception if applicable

Marik realizes he has seen the half-orc coming and going from the second story of Iris Crown a few times in the weeks he and Filimina have been in the Manor.

Filimena nods. "I think that's workable," she says. If business at the tavern continues the way it's been going, it should be anyway. But she supposes with business one can never tell. Might be a good idea to keep their eyes open for other work.

"Anyway, we shan't detain you," she adds, looking between Sybeth and Lephelm. "It sounds like there's plenty of work that needs to get done. Unless there's anything else you need to discuss?"

The pair shake their head, and Sybeth says, "I think we're good. Once we get you on the schedule we'll see about the initial payment." Without much fanfare the pair head off and leave you two to your business.

---

Back at the manor, Daadashma is standing on the porch with what you believe is a big smile; it is difficult to tell with dragonborn sometimes. They've brought out a rather full tray with a pot of hot water, several cups, and a half-dozen or so small plates each with a bite of food.
 "Bosses, got some new things for you to try.  I'm working with Cily, Bryne, and Amagnen to match drinks to their food ...  something to keep folks here you know? Wanted to run it past you two to see how they worked on other folks palates."

They glance to a nearby window where the trio has are pressed against peering out at the goings on, "Yes you can try them too," Daadashma says with a hint of laughter. You can hear them cheer in response and the drumming of their feet as Findelye, Sakka, and Agot rush outside.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Mon 24 Apr 2023.

Filimena rubs her hands together in glee. "I mean, how could I say no to food, right?" She says. "Was there something you wanted to tell us about each plate first, or should we just pick one and give it a try?" She eyes each of the plates, trying to decide which one she would sample first, if it were up to her.

Daadashma is thrilled by Filimena's desire to try the pairings. "Well let's we begin with the milder tea and bites before going to the more robust." They pour hot water into a trio of cups before an additional tray with more sets are walked out by Kriemha. The tiefling server gives you both a bow and flashes a tooth smile saying, "Morning bosses", as she deposits the tray. Findelye, Sakka, and Agot are packed onto bench nearby; they all wave to Kriemha who waves back as she returns to the Manor interior.

Happy with the setup, Daadashma starts pointing out each dish and associated tea, "Now we'll start with the honey bread with salted butter which is paired with a mint and lavender tea, a tasty way to finish a meal.  Here we have locally sourced turkey seasoned with tarragon, and crushed almond bite which is then breaded and lightly fried. We are pairing it with a ginger turmeric tea, the ginger and turkey are just lovely together.  Next is a classic of Titan's Gate spiced beef with a pickle on rye, the beef and pickle are sliced nice and thing with just a little more beef so it is the star.  Our drink here is not a tea but a rather dry cider from Strongbrew Brewing and Distilling. The cider helps counter the rather spicy beef without making it too mild. Last we have a taste of Zir with Atfield Farm's spiced cheese stuffed figs wrapped in a strip of yak meat; the cheese is a tangy goat's cheese and makes for a very nice complement to the fig and the yak.  That is paired with a pomegranate infused herbal tea which brings out the fruitier notes in the cheese."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:22, Tue 25 Apr 2023.

Marik takes place in silence, but with visible eagerness. The pairings do sound great and they obviously did their research. He is a bit less sure of the mint and lavender tea to start a meal, but he is willing to give it a try. He starts in the order described with the bread, salted butter and flowery tea.

which immediately makes him grimace visibly...

[Language unknown: "Fo... Re...Chre trfi un thi enulul?..? Llno ad...." ]

He stops himself, realizing he is making a mistake. This is not the way to convey good criticism. Him and the staff learned to adjust to each others langage in the last few weeks together and what they call his "dry" way of expressing his displeasure sometimes. Beyond getting comfortable with common langage, which would help him get over some awkwardness in conversation, Fala did mention something about a "culture shock" from his years of isolation and said he still needed to work on his "people skills".

"Erm...Sorry...still learning. I love the idea...just think lavender should be a little lighter...else it overpowers...nose and palate. Maybe prepare it just before serving. Or use some [Language unknown: witingoun'sanwer]...hum what you call wildflowers as replacement.. . Saw some [Language unknown: Mantioion'onsder], Pallem or Oasis Lily near the North Gate which could be good too...soft yet good... palate openers with mint."

Going on, Marik continues with the other plates. While the opener tea felt less well executed, the turkey however feels really balanced, with just enough punch, which he visibly enjoy and makes sure to complement Kriemha and Daadashma on. He winces at the spiciness of the beef, his northern palate not being used to the spices of the south, yet raise a thumbs up as he immediately takes a long sip of cider. The fruity yet dry flavor of the apple cider feels indeed like a great counter to the edge of the spice, like a rushing river on the burned yet opened tongue. These are all new, really interesting flavors and he asks Daadashma with interest about the spices used and where to collect them.

As they pass to the dessert, he glances in Filimena direction to see how she enjoys the meal on her part.


OOC: I figure Marik and the staff had some time to chat in their off-time and I imagine Fala, being such a kind person, would try to help Marik with some pointers to help with his low charisma in order to adapt better to city life
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Thu 27 Apr 2023.

Filimena’s eyes widen as the dishes are placed before her. Incredible! Where to even begin?

Her growing up had been far from luxurious. Father and mother could have afforded some luxury, of course, but they were simple folk, content to live a humbler existence. Only when they threw parties for important guests had Filimena ever sampled food as intricately thought out as this.

“The figs are a revelation,” she says, after sampling it. “I was never a fan of yak meat before, but this makes me want to give it a second chance. And the tea complements it perfectly. I was worried the cheese would overpower it, but it doesn’t at all. Ingenious!” She looks around the tavern, suddenly even more proud at this place they’ve made, and all the people who have helped along the way.

“How are you thinking of introducing this to the menu? This is clearly no ordinary tavern fare.”

Daadashma smiles and makes a few notes of the feedback, "We can definitely adjust when these would be offered, I know that Efrix was thinking the honey bread with a mint-lavender tea would be best for after dinner.  It is your tavern obviously, bosses, so we're just offering some items what we can craft that will make it stand out." They point towards the back of the manor and Iris Crown "Oh Amagnen mentioned looking into building some sort of an outdoor cooking space to prepare and smoke meats, which Cily definitely supports as some of her halfling fare would benefit."

Filimena nods, pensively. "Fair enough," she says. "No ordinary tavern fare, for no ordinary tavern! Perhaps we could have a weekly special, with new dishes introduced for just a week each. That would help us manage the ingredients needed, and if any dishes turn out to be especially popular, we could consider putting them on the main menu. What do you think?" She addresses the final question at Marik.

She winces slightly at the mention of the outdoor cooking space, though. More money. "That sounds exciting," she says, meaning it. "We can certainly look into that. We might have to think about prioritising it, though. We still have the repairs to think about."

In reply to Filimena the Gentle (msg # 24):

Marik nods and signal his agreement with a simple "Yes...good idea". He really likes the idea, but it's exhausting to always have to think of your words in a language you still struggle with and he needs a mental break. He lights up at the mention of an outside smoker for meats.

"A place to smoke..."..."Yes, I can do!" respond Marik immediately, before going on with Rani to see what materials he could gather to construct a smoking tent. That's certainly in his wheelhouse and something he could contribute to. It's quite easy to do, even a cold smoking apparel, with a structure of cloth, branches and heavy bark. He did multiple makeshift one in his travels. An excellent way to purify the meats and give them some additional taste.

OOC: Marik is enthusiastic to build a do-it-yourself smoker and go put his skills to work.

OOC: Marik rolled a 21 for Survival to build a homemade smoker
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:17, Mon 15 May 2023.

Filimena raises her eyebrows at Daadashma. "I, er, better go and see if he needs help," she says, smiling somewhat sheepishly. "Thank you for your work on the new dishes. Really. It's been a while since I was this excited about something."

Daadashma's tilts their head, "Guessing Boss Marik, doesn't realize that the city will want plans and the Carpenters and Masons Guilds will likely want some sort of part of the building of the smoker."

"Uh, right. Of course," Filimena says, slightly embarrassed. She really ought to know these things. "I better go remind him."

Filimena hurries after Marik and Rani. [Language unknown: "Ant, themi a!"] she calls after them. [Language unknown: "Artmanrea, e, reee-niom u ishowa ro ekprth romthiven daymi?"]

Marik dashes to the rear of the building, with Filimena following shortly after, leaving Daadashma and the trio of youths alone.  Filimena can hear Findelye, Sakka, and Agot chatting about which teas they like best and Daadashma thanking them.

In the alley behind the manor, Marik finds the various bits of debris from the storm has been cut down and neatly stacked beside the manor. Amagnen and Gloinain are chatting while enjoying something in large mugs, they both pause as Marik clears the corner and smile. "Hey boss." "Morning." they says in greeting.