Antonius stands before you, flanked on either side by two persons of
menacing appearance and dubious character.
"What has business to do with mages?
"We are, after all, spell-slingers, are we not?
"What need for business is there for magic-users?
"Gold can be had from the corpses of slain creatures, and many of the items
they drop can be readily sold for a tidy sum, so why the need for business?"
"Business is the means by which one eases oneís path in the pursuit of oneís
career. There is no sight quite so pathetic as that of a potentially powerful
sorcerer, begging for free haste and desperately scooping up the gold dropped by slain creatures in a group hunt."
Antonius points to the two "colleagues" at his side.
"If that sorcerer had been more financially astute, then Cosrin would be
spared the pitiful sight of his/her begging,
and my 'friends' here would not be quite so gainfully employed."
"Business enables the funding of subguild armour, guild mounts, special
clothing, expensive potions and all of those luxuries to which we magi have become so accustomed.
"Business also paves the way for inter-guild relations, bringing one into
contact with the vast majority of Cosrinís populace."
"The first principal of business is barter.
"The learning of the barter skill is of great importance to the mage, as it
enables one to buy more cheaply, and to sell at a greater profit.
"One should learn the skill of barter to the maximum at all times.
"When one has scribed certain spells/skills to a competent level, one is
then able to sell oneís services to those who might require them.
"Weapon enchantments, elemental resistances, strength, dodging and accuracy
spells, haste and teleport are just a few of the many things that people are quite prepared to pay for."
"Advertise your services.
"Let the ADS boards work for you.
"When you advertise, ensure that you are always available. There is no surer way of losing respect and custom than by advertising your services and then closing tells and chasing off on a hunt."
"ALWAYS conduct your business dealings with politeness and respect. Customers remember a smile and a 'thank-you' as readily as they remember a scowl and an insult.
"Equally, always ensure that your customer affords you the same respect. Insist upon a 'please' and a 'thank-you' and refuse to deal with those who do not show you the respect you deserve."
"NEVER supply your services on credit.
"If your customer does not have the money to pay for your services, refuse
to supply him/her."
"There will be those who would wish to obtain your services for free, and
will stoop to the lowest depths in order to get them.
"ALWAYS insist upon payment BEFORE you apply your services. One can feel most foolish after lavishing Magic Eye, Dragon Shards, Giant Strength, Magic Armour and Haste upon a person, only to watch in horror as they simply walk away without paying and without so much as a 'thank-you.' "
"When one sells a droppable item, ensure that there is no person hidden in
the room, waiting to snatch the item the moment youhave dropped it.
"Search often.
"Stand at an item location, such as the rope. Simply pick up the rope, and
if anyone should enter the room invisibly, a new rope will 'pop up', alerting you to their presence.
"If you are a wizard, teleport your customer to a safe location before
dropping your wares.
"These simple measures will ensure that you and your customer can trade in
safety, and will encourage your customers to use your services again."
"Many people have ventured into the murky waters of money-lending in order
to increase revenue.
"This is a risky business, as many debtors simply leave the lands, and never
repay the loans.
"If you must embark upon such a venture, ensure that you have the required
personnel to enforce the repayments."
Antonius points once more to the two "colleagues" at his side.
"Finally, when conducting your business, try to keep in mind your fellow
magi, and how your wares and prices might affect them.
"Keep up to date with the various guild regulations/guidelines that cover
your skills/spells/services/items."
Alley back to the library foyer.
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