So you’ve found yourself taking on more than you can handle huh? But you don’t want to turn down an incredible quest, plus you could really use the extra money. Yeah, I’ve been there. When you’ve chosen to focus on a mostly melee based class you find yourself lacking quite a bit when it comes to rogue and magic skills. I’ve tried to solo quests that clearly need a full party, and it never ends well in my favor. So, what do you do? Building up solid relationships with another adventure takes time, and you don’t want just anyone watching your back. Well…there’s always the option of a hired hand.
Hirelings are great, your relationship is clear cut, a simple transaction. If you need a rogue for your upcoming spelunking trip to the nearby abandoned ruins, you can just pay a skilled adventurer a little bit of coin. It’s best to go through the proper channels, such as your local adventurer guild branch. I haven’t sought out much hireling work since I hitched my wagon to Gregoria and Janix, but when I was a solo adventurer I tried to exclusively hire through the adventuring guild. The guild has contract templates ready for you to mediate terms with your potential hireling, as well as a list of top ranked adventures in each class. It makes the vetting process much easier.
When I was a little more wet behind the ears, I had paid a hireling that I met at a tavern. He seemed skilled enough, and had quite the silver tongue. Unfortunately, he also beat me and stole all my belongings when we reached the deepest part of the dungeon. It was an unfortunate lesson that I had to learn the hard way. Just make sure all your terms are above board and clear before giving your hireling any information about your mission.
Now, onto the fun part: pricing. How do you know if you’re getting scammed? Well, you’re asking these adventurers to risk their life and reputation on you, so the payment needs to be sufficient. Some hirelings will agree to a flat payment, half up front and half at the completion of the quest. Other hirelings may want a more percentage based reward, earning a piece of whatever reward or treasure you may find. So which is better for you? Well, each option has its pros and cons.
Flat Payment based
If you are going the upfront cost route, then the amount you are willing to pay should match the length and difficulty of the quest. Acceptable prices range from 2gp-5gp per day, depending on the danger you may find yourself in. Many hireling contracts have a stipulation that if they are severely injured or suffer substantial loss during the mission that they are entitled to additional compensation. That’s why it’s great to have an adventurer guild approved representative mediate the contract discussion. That way they can confirm the condition of your party before the quest and upon your return.
This payment method is nice because it’s clear cut. You can easily plan your spending around the rate, and you can dismiss them at any time without any loose threads to tie up. The downside is that these hirelings tend to be a little less committed. They do their job, and nothing more. It’s all business with them. Plus, they aren’t as encouraged to move the mission along, since they are time based rather than rewards based.
Percentage/Loot based
Loot based payment for hirelings can be tricky. It’s a gamble for both of you. If you find nothing on your trip, or fail the quest all together, then they also suffer financially. On the other end, if you find a massive treasure room or the quest has a high reward you won’t get paid as much since you will need to split your earnings. Since the hireling’s payday is tied with your success, they are more likely to be an eager party member. I’ve found the most success with percentage based payment, and often times it leads to friendship. In fact, Janix and I met through a hireling program. He was originally all in for the money, but after one or two close scrapes we found ourselves relying on each other. At the end of the quest we decided it was best to continue traveling together, without a contract.
So, based off of my experience, I’d go with a percentage based contract when negotiating with a hireling. At the very least you are still likely to be making a profit, since their success is tied with yours.
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