Hugo struggles his way up a stool and pushes some coin at the barkeep for an ale.  He appears to be minding his own business, but is relying on his Acute Hearing to overhear anything that might be of interest.

Hugo, please make a hearing (Perception) test and let me know how many successes you get.

The following spoiler block is for Dieter only (and Hugo if he gets three or more successes):

Spoiler

Sly Rudy glances at Dieter and nods a greeting before returning his gaze to the rest of the room. He has a habit of talking out of the corner of his mouth while watching his surroundings, occasionally casting sly sideways glance at whoever he's talking to - hence the nickname.

"Wotcher Dieter," he says. "Might have a bit of work for you, if you're interested?"

In the interests of moving things along a bit, I'm going to assume that Dieter indicates that he is, indeed, interested!

"It's a bit different from the sort of stuff I've given you before. Need to arrange for a merchant to miss an appointment near the granaries tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. 'Ow it happens doesn't matter, as long as he's at least an hour late. He's got a couple of bodyguards, though, so you might 'ave to rope in a couple of extra hands. Still interested?"

Dieter, please make an Int test and tell me how many successes you get.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Big Jim is telling Moibur (and anyone else who's listening) about the skaven's attempt to take over the city of Nuln a few years back (as detailed in Skavenslayer).

Dieter's Intelligence test roll. That's 3 degrees of success.

Hugo is momentarily distracted, whether by the quality of the ale or the quality of the wench passing by on the street, none may say.  Either way, he hears nothing of importance.

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

A lot of grain trading businesses are based in the vicinity of the granaries. You surmise that the appointment the merchant is supposed to miss is probably an auction of some kind and that Sly Rudy's client (or, more likely, his client's client, as these sort of things will likely go through several middlemen) is another merchant.

Quote from: misterguignol;540043Hugo is momentarily distracted, whether by the quality of the ale or the quality of the wench passing by on the street, none may say.  Either way, he hears nothing of importance.

It's quite busy in the tavern, with a general buzz of idle conversation, not to mention Big Jim's animated re-telling of his encounter with a giant skaven.

Dieter flashes a predatory grin to his old patron. "What's in it for me?" This is precisely the sort of job Dieter does best, though the presence of bodyguards will pose an additional difficulty, and he expects this to field him enough to pay for his own troubles, and that of two or three more leg-breakers.

Speaking of which, Dieter considers the matter of subcontracting additional muscle. All his usual associates are gracing the stockades, guests in a dungeon, or under the loving custody of Morr. He carefully eyes the two fellows over by the counter, and appraises their ability for the task at hand. The dwarf looks and talks like he can carry himself -- Dieter's tussled with the beards in the past and knows just how tough they can be -- but Ranald only knows whether he's the sort of soldier who will part with his pride in exchange for coin; he's also having his reservations when it comes to the halfling, even though he's heard that some of them are pretty handy with a dagger or sling. A fourth man would be welcome too, so he surveys the tavern for fellow armed malcontents.

Moibur listens to Big Jim's tale of the giant Ratman with genuine interest and fellowship.  He waits until the barkeep is finished with his tale before pushing his tankard forward and taps the bar indicating another pint of the Red.

When Big Jim returns with his tankard, Moibur asks him in a friendly and casual tone, "so no Ratmen here for a while, but are there any other pests that needed to be taken care of around here?  Perhaps some Greenskins?  I'm looking for some work."

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

"Six marks [i.e. gc] for the job," Rudy replies.

The going rate for beating someone up is anywhere from 5 shillings to a mark, depending on how tough the target is and what the risk is of getting caught.

"But, if you take it on, it's got to be done," Rudy warns. "Needs someone reliable. That's why I've come to you."

Big Jim nods. "Well, I've heard that there's been raids along the Altdorf road, although whether it's brigands, greenskins or beastmen, who knows?"

"I hear some mercenaries are going to go and take care of 'em," someone else comments.

"Aye, a company from Tilea," another drinker chimes in.

Big Jim snorts. "Aye, and who's goiing to pay for it?"

"The guilds?"

"Right," someone scoffs. "Can't see the guilds paying good coin for something the Countess should be taking care of!"

"If you're looking for work, you'd do worse than go see what's been posted on the Deutz Elm in the Reiks Platz," Big Jim comments. "Anyone that's looking to hire someone will post a notice there."

Moibur holds up his tankard and says in thanks to Big Jim for the tip, "cheers."

The debate over who should pay to secure the Altdorf road continues, with some people claiming that it's the responsibility of the Countess, while others claim that the Emperor should pay. One outspoken chap asks what the roadwardens are for, if not to keep the roads safe but others point out that the roadwardens can't be expected to deal with large groups of bandits or mutants.

Dieter's dialogue continues:

Spoiler

Dieter tries his best not to let the greed show through, but he's more than comfortable with the sum. He can hire 2 or 3 "helpers" for a mark each and still walk away with 3 to 4 times the usual amount a job earns.

"Consider it done, Rudi. Tell me more about the mark and the bodyguards, what he looks like, where can I find him, and anything else worth mentioning." He leers close to Rudi with that scowl of his. "If you 'forget' to mention something important, I might forget we're friends and all. I might even mistake for someone else, you know. Like this mark. Honest mistake. Happens once in a while."

Should I roll Intimidate?

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

Sure, go ahead.

Spoiler

Not my best throw, I'm afraid.