*Knock knock* goes the gavel, held by Head Merchant Dakarian.
"Before we begin our meeting of the Merchant's Guild, I would like to make an announcement."
"For years our Guild has been in good relations with the commercial factions of the Litia Family. This alliance has been profitable for both sides.
However, the Family has come to me with grave news: their leader, Pandarsenic, has died of fowl play. If you remember, it was Godfather Pandarsenic that established the alliance between us.
With his loss, the Family has declared the contract with the Guild null and void."
Outcries and mutters fill the room, requiring Dakarian to swing the gavel to regain order.
"Do not be alarmed. I know the Mafia's rule reguarding "leftover witnesses". I am currently speaking to various members of the Family to try to reestablish ties. Rest assured that no harm will come to any of you."
With those words, the meeting finished with little incident. Afterwards, the members of the Merchant's Guild left to rest. It was smart planning to host the meeting in the ritzy 5 star hotel, the BM Elephant. Eagerly, everyone left to enjoy the wonderful service and lush bedrooms.
That was yesterday.
That was before the Head Merchant was found in his room, beaten and hanged on the front door. The act could not have been done alone-the evidence hints at it being a two-man job.
The rule of "leftover witnesses" is simple: once the Mafia cuts ties with you, they are to leave no one alive.
The hotel security ignore your requests for an investigation and avoid going near the Head Merchant's room. Although the exits are available, there isn't much point: the Litia Family can track anyone who attempts to escape anywhere in the country.
In a stroke of genius or insanity, a few hotel guards were paid off-it's good to be a group full of rich merchants- and ordered to guard the exists: allow no one in or out. Since the guild booked the entire hotel, the only people who matter are the guild members....
...and the two that killed the Head Merchant.
Unsure of what to do, you walk back to the meeting room.