Letting PCs Run A Side Business

One potential shop found in the campaign world. [Suzy Hazelwood (Pexels.com)]

One of the many things that The Dragonlance Chronicles is famous for is the Inn of the Last Home, a tavern ran by Tika and Caramon Majere. This has provided the inspiration for many PC in-game businesses, running from their own inns and taverns to specialized courier services. Super-hero games are especially infamous for PC-run businesses, especially given the number of PCs that are independently wealthy; the business in question is usually the reason for that wealth when "inherited from parents" just doesn't work. However, there are some logistics that a referee needs to consider when allowing the PCs to run a business, especially when it may be used for future adventure ideas.

What It Takes to Run a Business

Some games handle businesses a little bit better than others, but the basics are pretty much the same: You need a basic concept, you need to debate if it needs to be mapped, and you need a staff (especially if the PC is a busy adventurer). The concept is the easy part; however, the referee needs to decide how much money the business will make on a regular basis. This should be more than just a mere Profession check (a la D&D); after all, the business can make more than several thousand dollars per month. Some systems (such as the Champions Perks system) can handle this pretty well, but other systems need to have rules created that work for that system.

[A good suggestion is to let it be keyed to a Profession check but to multiply the usual results by 100 to represent profit. This can be adjusted upwards if the business is based on a luxury item, if the PC actively promotes the business, and/or the product/service seems to be in particular demand or downwards if the product/service is more basic, the PC virtually ignores the business, or the product/service isn't that popular. If your game already has some sort of system, use that system instead.]

Mapping should be debated; not all businesses need to be mapped out. If you're planning fights, or if the business will need to defend itself against attackers, such as if it acts as the front entrance of a super-hero base, then definitely map it out; the map will be needed at some point. However, if it's just part of a strip mall or just another building in a town, then just note the location and you should be good. However, you will need to note how many staff there are, and any important NPCs, especially if the PCs leave the business in their hands frequently or if it will be the site of combats; you may not need to stat them completely (just note the important stats and skills) unless they will be defending the site.

[The idea is to keep the amount of paperwork down as much as possible. However, if the player wants to go through and completely stat out/map the business, let him do it and even debate throwing him some bonus XP for it.]

Worrying About Upkeep and Expansion

Some players are going to want to get into running their business; this should be encouraged, While some merely want to acquire money for more powerful equipment, others need the money so they can build castles or other important edifices. Others just want part of the campaign world to be theirs. Regardless, the business gives them more investment in the campaign world and that should always be encouraged. This also means that the upkeep and possible expansion of that business needs to be discussed; this only increases the investment of those players.

First, the business needs to be properly kept up; the PC either needs to be on-site or have good management. No matter who does it, someone needs to be in charge of the day-to-day management of the business. The referee should throw some complications every so often and how the management deals with those complications should be noted, especially if they mess things up. Keep in mind that the staff turning against the PCs is a possibility, as is someone trying to take over the business; these need to be dealt with for the business to survive.

There also needs to be a way for the business to expand. Even if it's just a matter of spending a few points, the player will appreciate that there is some way that the business can grow. This includes adding to the map, increasing the number of staff, even the possibility of creating some sort of franchise. In short, if the business is successful, make sure that there is some plan to expand the business. For some people, business success is part of their fantasy; let them live their fantasy as much as possible.

Then There Are The Complications 

Of course, this is a storytelling game, so this means that the business needs to be part of the story. Need some way to motivate the character? Not only can you threaten the business (the obvious stick), but you also have a wide variety of carrots: building alliances, arranging for sponsors or patrons, even access to products no one else does. Heck, imagine what the player would do for access to trade routes or even modes of transportation no one else has or are very limited (like portals, wormholes, or a special type of engine). If you need to turn the pressure up, the player's nemesis can start attacking his shops.

You can also deal with hostile takeovers where the opponent is trying to turn your staff against you or where someone really, really wants your business and you don't want to sell. There are always employee disputes to deal with, such as employees wanting more rights or compensation or one of your manager's personal problems (such as his kids or the local criminal organization) makes doing business difficult. There are plenty of scams a business owner has to deal with, such as corrupt bureaucrats, protection rackets, or even someone wanting a payoff to not make life difficult for your customers. You may even have to rescue your business from a city or castle under siege.

This all takes the business from just stats on paper to something that the player will defend like his dearest child.

In short, some players want to run a business. This is something you should encourage, both because it makes the fantasy better for them, it adds to the overall depth of the campaign, and it provides its own story hooks. If you don't mind putting in a little extra work, a fantasy business adds so much to the fun.