On events that I have run, I have taken a middle path. The exchequer
collected the on-board fees of servants I engaged, but I paid them. Not
everyone can afford to do that, but it seemed like the proper
master/servant relationship at the time.
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I believe that autocrats should have some discretion in this matter. Of
course, the bottom line is that they have to cover their expenses and
hopefully return a small profit to the barony. Although we are an
educational organization, we are not a charity and cannot let ourselves
go broke over bad money management (as if the exchequer would allow it!)
Within these limits, however, autocrats and head cooks should be able to
make some decisions. If the discretion is abused, then we will deal with
correcting it.