914 The Black Eye Guild - System Neutral

‘This is not over ‘til it’s over’. Those were Petrov ‘Black Eye’ Jorgensen’s words before his legendary performance at the guild’s ring 15 years ago. All odds were against him, and his opponent, taller and larger than he, had him against the ropes. And yet, like a real champion, he recovered and stood his ground. Petrov not only won the fight that day, but he also earned the reputation that follows him to this day.

This story has many versions. Each one is more exaggerated than the last. Petrov fought hundreds of times in many venues and various towns. He amassed a small fortune over the years, and one day, he bought the building that would eventually become The Black Eye Guild. To honor his background and reputation, he built a ring in the underground level. Many good fighters have given great shows in his establishment, and yet Petrov’s legend seems to grow more popular year after year, despite his decision not to fight anymore. Perhaps one day, he might find a reason to do so.

Popularity. The name Petrov ‘Black-Eye’ is known in the capital, big cities, towns, and even small settlements and hamlets.

The Black Eye Guild is renowned mainly because of Petrov’s exploits. He is a success story for many, and he is considered a sort of celebrity; the common folk want to shake his hand, hear about his past battles, or listen to his lectures on positivity, growth, and finances. Thus, he has never had trouble finding guild members, mercenaries for hire, or wealthy nobles seeking to hire his services for a job. Petrov does not turn down work opportunities easily: “All jobs are a battle to win,” he says.

Workers. A lot of people work for Petrov. Some are always present at the guild. Others run errands or take care of external and local jobs.

d6	Details
1	Word is that Petrov holds private events at night. He organizes clandestine fights where he gets into the ring for visitors to challenge him.
2	Some people say Petrov once fought with a grizzly bear and won. There are several versions of this story. A few mention two bears.
3	People in town claim that wealthy nobles have brought people to Petrov and ask him to host an event to make them ‘disappear’.
4	Money is money for Petrov. He does not care about the legality or morality of a job. If the pay is good, he will do what he can to deliver.
5	People claim that Petrov hides massive muscles under his fancy long cloaks and coats. Word is that he is as ripped as a lumberjack.
6	A weak rumor mentions a woman named Lana Gloss. She is supposed to be Petrov’s lover but no one knows who or where this woman is.

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Adventure Hook

Consider the following options to introduce Petrov and the Black Eye Guild to your campaign:

Members. The heroes come to the guild to become official members. They sign a contract and Petrov Jorgensen becomes their employer.

Single Job. Petrov summons the heroes because their reputation precedes them. He requires their services for a specific task.

Fight. For gold or glory, or both, the heroes want to participate in Petrov’s fighting events.

Investigation. The characters are hired by wealthy nobles to spy on Petrov and obtain proof about illegal activities to eventually arrest him.

The Guild

Petrov’s operation is not small. This building is his main base of operations but he has a large network of workers and spies in the city and nearby towns. He has eyes everywhere and is always aware of possible job opportunities.

Security. There are always several guards, bouncers, fighters, and even mages in the guild. Some of them are Petrov’s entourage, others are renowned members of the guild, and a few are hirelings or rookies who will not miss an opportunity to make a name for themselves and climb up the ranks of the guild. Additionally, Petrov’s guild features defensive spells like Alarm, Arcane Locks, Silent Image, and Glyph of Warding.

1. Main Hall

A large sign outside reads ‘Black Eye Guild’. Two boxing gloves and the face of a person with an exaggerated black eye form the guild’s logo.

More than twenty patrons fit in this tavern. There are two large bars and a great variety of ales and wine. A skillful pianist and a beautiful singer are usually present in the evenings; their exquisite performance lasts well after midnight.

Donkey-Kick. The local ale earned its name after several patrons said they would rather get kicked by a donkey than have this evil brew again. Some brave drinkers do like it, though.

2. Meeting Rooms

These twin chambers are used whenever people need to have a private talk or to plan a strategy for a job. They are also managed like VIP booths for important patrons or the occasional noble.

3. Warehouse and Larder

This area is divided into three sections. A large warehouse, a larder, and a private office.

Warehouse. Several crates, barrels, and boxes with all kinds of supplies, and a table at the center with exotic spirits and some extra stock.

Larder. A small room with dried foods and non-perishables. This place also works like a kitchen when the occasion demands it.

Office. Petrov or the tavern’s manager often sit here to work without interruptions. A log with the establishment’s deals and numbers is here.

4. Secondary Hall

A smaller hall that fits fewer people; up to eight patrons can be served in this area. It is more expensive to obtain a seat here, though. Clients have a private bartender on call and they are served better food and drinks. Hanging on the walls there are hunting trophies and paintings.

Reservation. Despite being more costly, this room is usually occupied by wealthy patrons or nobles. Reservations or waiting lists are common.

5. VIP Lounge

Important documents, valuable items, and contracts are stored here. This area is behind a luxurious door with a high-quality lock. Petrov carries the key to this room at all times.

Papers. Petrov runs a well-organized business. He has contracts for both the people that he hires and the ones that hire him alike.

Treasure. Only Petrov’s inner circle, friends, and entourage are allowed in; this room holds some silver and gold ingots, small precious stones, and money. A small fortune.

Inner Circle. A mage bodyguard, a team of four expert fighters, and two spies who are always disguised, blending in the crowd, are ready to act at all times.

6. Privies

The guild has two separate privies. Young men who wish to be part of the guild one day clean them as often as possible.

7. Antechamber

A couple of sofas, a shelf with logs, books about boxing and other fighting techniques, and a few tables are here. The underground section of the guild is for official members, guards, Petrov’s entourage, and fighters in the combat events.

Boxers. All those who wish to participate are given special treatment and can more easily meet Petrov and talk to him directly.

8. Armory

Petrov is not a great fan of weapons. He prefers a clean fight using only his fists. But he understands the guild requires them. This room contains a great variety of swords, spears, axes, daggers, knives, and flasks of cleaning oils.

9. Quarters

There are four identical rooms where eight people can be accommodated. Sometimes, people come to Petrov to ask for help and a place to hide. This service is extremely expensive because of the heat that his establishment carries, but Petrov never turns down an opportunity to make money. If whoever is asking for refuge cannot pay upfront, Petrov offers the alternative to participate in one of his boxing events as a way to pay. This happens more often than anyone could imagine.

10. Fighting Ring

This boxing ring is Petrov’s pride and joy. Fighters use the adjacent rooms to prepare when an event is scheduled. It is very costly to witness the Black Eye Guild’s combats. Petrov wishes to purchase a new place to expand and host larger events with a much larger audience. Perhaps the characters can help him achieve this…