What’s a reasonable price to pay the Zhentarim for an assassination of a minor noble? Heh. Noble of what realm, when in Realmsdate, and how (as in: publicly as an example, quickly or can it be an "accident anytime this month or next," how is the noble guarded/what losses may the assassins expect to take); price varies with such factors. And nobility? Never cheap.
— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) July 1, 2018
A minor dwarven noble, now disgraced but holding onto some small fortune. Maybe from Adbar or Gauntlgrym, but now residing out in the country. ‘Current’ year (~1490 DR). Discrete – to appear natural or accidental, and likely to have happened eventually by the network’s own will. So with the "modern" Zhentarim, the overriding question, not just for setting price, becomes: does the removal of this noble from the scene harm or advance any existing Zhent trade flows or relationships? (And "disgraced" how? With his kin?)
— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) July 1, 2018
His family is in trouble with the Zhentarim already. His removal will assist their own goals in the long-term. Politically disgraced and outcast by other dwarven nobles. Then price will be whatever A Zhent contact thinks they can get out of the individual asking for the slaying. Perhaps as little as 20,000 gp. Or less (as much as half) if title (written deed) for valuable land can be quietly transferred to a third party (who is a Zhent front).
— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) July 1, 2018
Thanks once again for your wisdom! I shall use it well A pleasure. Always happy to talk Realmslore.
Probable Zhent MO in this case would be to infect the dwarf noble with a natural affliction that weakens and usually involves bed rest, then wait for a "come and go unseen" opportunity to stage an accident.
Er, have fun.— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) July 1, 2018