Why Do the Faceless Men Charge So Much for Their Services?

The services provided by the Faceless Men are entrusted with immense importance, often involving life or death situations. Yet, their pricing and payment methods remain shrouded in mystery, sparking curiosity and debate. For those unfamiliar with the mysterious and shadowy world of the Faceless Men, this article will delve into the reasons behind their high fees and the intricacies of their payment systems.

Understanding the Sliding Scale Pricing System

The Faceless Men charge on a sliding scale, which means the fees are not based on a fixed, flat rate but are rather adjusted according to the individual circumstances and wealth of the client. This approach serves several key purposes: Ensuring Client Commitment: By charging clients a significant amount, the Faceless Men ensure that the client is fully committed to the operation. This commitment adds a layer of seriousness and dedication to the task at hand. Preventing Overwhelming Costs for Less Wealthy Clients: While wealthy clients might seem like ideal targets for assassination, the Faceless Men recognize that the cost might be prohibitive for poorer individuals. Therefore, they adjust the fees accordingly, making the service accessible to a broader range of clients. Discouraging Impulsive Actions: By embedding a significant financial burden into the process, the Faceless Men reduce the likelihood of impulsive or poorly thought-out commissions. This approach ensures that only serious and well-planned actions are undertaken.

Why They Don’t Charge Extremely High Flat Rates

Contrary to the misconception that the Faceless Men might charge extremely high flat rates, their system is intricately designed to balance the needs of both the client and the assassin. Here are a few reasons why they opt for a sliding scale:

Economic Accessibility: By not setting a uniformly high price, the Faceless Men ensure that their services are not beyond the reach of any potential client. This inclusivity fosters trust and reliability. Target Relevance: The fees are designed to be in line with the client's target's value. For instance, if the target is a wealthy and influential individual, the fees reflect the high value of the operation. Conversely, for a less important target, the fees are adjusted accordingly. Preventing Unintended Interference: A fixed high price could lead to random or opportunistic hires, potentially by political rivals or those seeking to disrupt the status quo. By adjusting the fees, the Faceless Men prevent such scenarios.

Theoretical and Practical Scenarios

Let’s explore a few scenarios to better understand how the sliding scale pricing works in practice:

Example 1: Poorer Client

Consider a client who is relatively poor but willing to execute a hit. The Faceless Men might charge this client a high fee that is still a significant amount relative to their financial standing. The actual charge might be less than what a wealthy client would pay, but it is a substantial commitment for the poorer client. This ensures that the client is fully prepared and committed to the task.

Example 2: Wealthier Client

On the other hand, if a wealthy client commissions an assassination, the fees would be significantly higher. These fees not only reflect the increased value of the target but also acknowledge the client's greater resources to shoulder the cost. This ensures that high-stake operations are carried out with the highest level of dedication and expertise.

Example 3: Alternative Forms of Compensation

It is important to note that the Faceless Men are not rigidly attached to monetary compensation. They have been known to accept various forms of payment, including goods or services that have inherent value. For instance, in the story, one Faceless Man agreed to a lengthy and demanding commission if his daughter was to be welcomed into the service. This non-monetary form of payment underscores the flexibility of their system.

Furthermore, another intriguing example involves Euron Greyjoy, who offered the Faceless Men his dragon egg as compensation for the hit on Balon Greyjoy. While the dragon egg itself was not monetary, it held immense value to Euron and to the Faceless Men. A dragon egg is a rare and precious commodity, and its trade value would be substantial. This underscores the diverse nature of payments the Faceless Men accept, further illustrating the complexity and adaptability of their system.

Conclusion

The Faceless Men's pricing and payment system is a sophisticated blend of economic strategy and personalized service. Their commitment to ensuring client satisfaction, target relevance, and prevention of frivolous hires aligns with their mission to provide high-quality, reliable services. By understanding the nuances of their sliding scale pricing, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate nature of their operations.