All businesses operate on a 50-tier progression system (T1 through T50), representing growth in reputation, facilities, staff, and customer base.

• Tier 1-5: Local startup (barely known, basic facilities)
• Tier 6-15: Established local business (steady customers, good reputation)
• Tier 16-25: Regional recognition (travelers seek you out specifically)
• Tier 26-35: National renown (advanced techniques, multiple locations)
• Tier 36-45: World-famous (nobles and royalty as clients)
• Tier 46-50: Legendary status (unparalleled quality and influence)

• Crafting Businesses: Blacksmiths, Alchemists, Enchanters, Tailors, Jewelers
• Service Businesses: Inns, Taverns, Information Brokers, Transportation Services
• Trade Businesses: General Stores, Specialty Importers, Material Suppliers
• Industrial Operations: Mines, Lumber Mills, Manufacturing Centers

Monthly Profit = Tier² × d10 gold pieces

Examples:

• Tier 5 Business: 25 × d10 = 25-250 gp/month
• Tier 10 Business: 100 × d10 = 100-1,000 gp/month
• Tier 20 Business: 400 × d10 = 4,000-40,000 gp/month
• Tier 50 Business: 2,500 × d10 = 25,000-250,000 gp/month

Note: This formula assumes all operating costs (materials, taxes, basic wages) are already factored in.

Hands-On Management

Owner actively works in the business daily

• Add full Craft/Profession skill bonus to income roll
• Roll income normally
• Best quality control and customer relations

Delegated Management

Competent staff run day-to-day operations

• Roll income normally but receive only half profit
• Requires competent management staff
• Allows owner freedom for other activities

Absent Management

Business left without proper oversight

• Roll income with disadvantage
• Risk dropping 1 Tier after 2-3 months of neglect
• Staff turnover and customer dissatisfaction

Basic Staff

• Untrained Helper: +1d4 gp/month (children, simple laborers)
• Trained Assistant: +1d10 gp/month (skilled workers)
• Master Craftsman: +2d6 gp/month (expert specialists)

Specialist Employees

• Marketing Agent: Reduces upgrade costs by 10% per tier of agent
• Security Chief: Protects against theft, sabotage, and competition
• Research & Development: Unlocks new techniques and product lines
• Political Liaison: Provides connections for special contracts
• Chief Administrator: Required for managing 7+ businesses efficiently

Loyalty System

Staff loyalty (1-10 scale) affects performance:

• High Loyalty (8-10): Bonus productivity, will not defect to rivals
• Medium Loyalty (4-7): Standard performance, may leave for better offers
• Low Loyalty (1-3): Poor performance, likely to quit or sabotage

Factors Affecting Loyalty

• Fair wages and working conditions
• Personal treatment and respect
• Opportunities for advancement
• Business success and stability

Financial Investment

Base Cost: 500 gp × Current Tier Level

• Tier 1 → Tier 2: 500 gp
• Tier 10 → Tier 11: 5,000 gp
• Tier 25 → Tier 26: 12,500 gp

Time Investment

Duration: 1-3 months of focused effort

• Physical expansion and renovation
• Staff recruitment and training
• Marketing and reputation building
• Establishing new supplier relationships

Roleplay Requirements

• Demonstrate business growth through play
• Overcome specific challenges (rival competition, supply issues, etc.)
• Build relationships with key NPCs and organizations
• Invest in community standing and reputation

Each major city supports limited high-tier businesses in any given field:

• Market Saturation: Cities have caps on business tiers they can support
• Competition Effects: Exceeding market capacity reduces all similar businesses' income by 10-25%
• Competitive Actions: Rivals may engage in price wars, staff poaching, or sabotage

Guild Politics

Guild Membership Benefits

• Bulk material discounts (5-15%)
• Legal protection and representation
• Access to exclusive contracts and clients
• Training opportunities and trade secrets

Guild Obligations

• Monthly dues (5-10% of income)
• Mandatory contracts or quotas
• Compliance with guild standards and pricing
• Political responsibilities at higher tiers