Well dressed half elf lounges in the hall, reading a book. Rolling eyes at the dwarf, he stands up and goes to the door. New clients are not gained by waiting for them to knock on your door. And even if that is not new client, good reputation can bring clients. Even commoners can spread the word.
[sblock="Potential patron"]
"Welcome to our halls sir/lady. We bid you enter our hall and be safe."
After offering the drink
"Pray tell us why you grace us with your visit?"
[/sblock]
[sblock="Beggar"]
"Alms? Of course. But wouldn't you rather eat something?"
"Go behind and ask the cook if there are leftover he could share."
After the person goes away he calls the servant and bids him tell the cook to feed the poor.
[/sblock]
[sblock="Curious local"]
"Yes, good man/woman, we're the new hall of monster hunters. The hall is new, but each of us has more experience in hunting various things that threaten humanity than fish has with swimming. You'll understand if we don't invite you further than the great hall, there are things in other areas you may not want to see.
Here, try this wine."
He patiently answers the questions and insinuates, not very subtly (it is a commoner after all), that this here is the finest and most powerful collection of individuals anywhere on the continent. And if there are serious problems with monsters, we're the ones to call. If things go bump in the night, we're not interested. If there is haunted house in the village, call somebody else, too easy. But if people start having their faces covered with strange crab like creatures that leave them unharmed. And then couple of days later they are found gruesomely murdered with their chests exploded outward, THEN you call us.
So, when there is something dangerous around, Who you gonna call?
He is charming, but doesn't allow the person too many questions before excusing the group with some work/research or other and gently, but firmly ushers the person outside.
"We need reception service." he suggests to the group
[/sblock]
