Maximum Profit (Inactive)

Game Master Gilthanis

Mara nods, happy to talk to the commander.

Mara you talk with the commander for about 30-45 minutes giving them all the details you able to. At the end, the commander looks at you Mara and gives you a form handshake, You’ve got the city a great service. If you need something I see if I can give you a good word with the proper channels

+1 Influence

The other three, while Mara is talking with the commander, heads back to the shop. You take everything from the bandits and organize into your racks and store what cannot be displayed. You look at the haul as it fills up your racks and displays and the sight gives you hope that this could be quite the venture and be possible.

Zen’Zot you pull out the blue wood, pink wood and koa wood you got from the various fey in the forest. You also carefully and gently unpack the eagle statue Pascal gave you as part of your agreement. You figure the others can figure out possible placement for the eagle while you work on the board game.

Im valuing the cost of the game at 10 silver pieces due to the special woods. Basic craft rules apply, and the DC for the basic game is DC 12. And the DC for the masterwork part is 20. Since the craft will be by day, divide your check result by 5 to find your actual progress. So if you roll a as an example (12+8=20*12/5=48… so you’re be done with the basic part after 1 day) you would then repeat the process for the masterwork section. Wanting to just keep things simple. Taking 10 is not allowed, as drawbacks can happen. Spells are fine though, just let me know which ones.

Does that mean we are doing a certain number of downtime days now?

Why yes it does. You’ll have the next 10 days of downtime activities before I throw potential adventure ideas at you. Keep in mind, if my dice says an Event happens, then I would have that happen on day X of DT so it doesn’t interfere with any potential adventure. Also, don’t feel obligated to take any adventure I propose to you, as if your players aren’t vested into it, that’s totally okay too. :)

OCC: Okay I am a bit confused, the mention of Drawbacks or Penalties to Failure only occurs within Taking 20 not within Taking 10. Now I am not saying that there is not a reason in this situation to not be allowed to take 10 but I am confused as to the reason you stated as that could set a major precedent going forward.

Taking 10: When a character is not in immediate danger or distracted, they may choose to take 10. Instead of rolling 1d20 for the skill check, calculate their result as if they had rolled a 10. For many routine tasks, taking 10 makes them automatically successful. Distractions or threats (such as combat) make it impossible for a character to take 10. In most cases, taking 10 is purely a safety measure — as one knows (or expects) that an average roll will succeed but fear that a poor roll might fail, so they elect to settle for the average roll (a 10). Taking 10 is especially useful in situations where a particularly high roll would not help.

Taking 20: When a character has plenty of time, they are faced with no threats or distractions, and the skill being attempted carries no penalties for failure, they can take 20. In other words, if they rolled a d20 enough times, eventually they will get a 20. Instead of rolling 1d20 for the skill check, just calculate their result as if you had rolled a 20. Taking 20 means the character is trying until they get it right, and it assumes that they fail many times before succeeding. Thus if their are drawbacks to failing besides taking more time one cannot take 20. Taking 20 takes 20 times as long as making a single check would take (usually 2 minutes for a skill that takes 1 round or less to perform).

Note: I used to extend the amount of time it took to take 10 much like the amount of time it took to take 20. However, I also factored in a method to determine how long it actually took. Saying that it took at least twice as long up to the full time. So if it took 1 minute to do something and a person takes 10 it would take them 2 minutes plus 1d8 minutes and if they took 20 it would take them 8 minutes plus 1d12 minutes. But that was just me trying to put some consistency and randomness into the time it takes. The static values as they stand says taking 10 takes no extra time although to me taking 10 means you are taking your time and being very careful not to make a mistake and that usually takes extra time. This thus kept folks from just taking 10 on everything since if they needed to get it done quickly they needed to make a roll as speed to me is a distraction.

Ah, then I was getting T10 versus T20 confused, that’s on me. As far as time goes, you can only make 1 check per day anyways so the extra time is not 100% applicable in this scenarios as say “searching a door for traps” would take. I would add time to the “trapped door” check but a craft check is all inclusive unless I misunderstand the craft rules :). I am also stating that you cannot do both checks at once so it will take you a minimum of 2 days to craft the board since you’ll have a DC 12, then a DC 20 to hit

For my first official use of downtime, I spend 10 downtime days with Xerxes and 1500 gp to earn 30 magic. GM, please add 30 magic to our capital.

Mara and Xerxes visit various alchemical and magical component shops as Mara sweet-talks the proprietors while Xerxes sneaks around and prods the goods, testing them. Each day, they return to Bartelby's with an expensive but fine haul of the raw components necessary for magical constructions.

Zen’Zot after he’s finished crafting the element board game, he looks at his calendar. He sees he’s got some time before he needs to meet the client to have it judge his work, so he hits the town to stir up some business. He takes a small pouch of coin and uses it in hopes to scrounge up some work, in hopes that his superior craft skills will travel via word of mouth.

He stops by the nearby guard stations, but the commanders all have finely crafted long swords or short swords already. He then stops by a tavern, and greased the locals in hopes to find a potential client. After parting with a fistful of gold coins, a regular local points him in the direction of the spice stalls at the end of the market nearest the Merchant’s Quarter.

You head that way Zen, and you find a high end spice stall, and a group of fancy dresses individuals purchasing some saffron abs vanilla bean for a pretty penny. Before you even have a chance to speak, you overhear Mara’s voice nearby as she is speaking to different vendor. You make your way over, and Mara seems to have good news for you.

Mara tells you that the vendor she just spoke to would be interested in a finely crafted silver dagger, with a pommel inch the shape of a griffin. You head over to the vendor and chat him up. The elegant and eloquent man speaks as if he comes from money and riches. He tells you that the silver dagger is going to be a wedding gift for his significant other, and hopes to have it in the next 3 days as their anniversary is in 5 days time. It so happens that the time frame like up perfect for the current board game project you had just finished.

OCC: Is this a functional weapon or just piece of show as making a masterwork silvered dagger weapon might actually take more than 3 days.

Further what is with the people in this town that they are always waiting for nearly the last moment to get something for someone significant in their life. Yeah sure right now I have the time, but eventually I am going to be booked (hopefully) for weeks or even months in advance.

I didn’t do the map right, so make it a normal masterwork dagger, without the silvered part. As far as time frame, if you wanted to take another day to ask around you might find a longer time frame as that’s how I based this diplomacy check on was turn around time, not necessarily finding a client. Next time it could be client based, and you’re more then welcome to use diplomacy to negotiate turn around time as well, since skills are useful too :)

Mara is happy to help and nods to Zen'zot then scurries around the market some more "I need to establish some supplier relations..." she says, clearly with a lot on her mind.

For the next ten days, Karita divides her time. As her new lab is put in, she gets out and gets to meet various local shop-owners. She takes Kavius with her and lets him catch mice in or near shops such as bakeries or general goods stores to earn a little trust and favor with other merchants in the area. Then she whips up simple remedies, herbals, and pest repellants to sell at our shop, giving out some samples to the shopkeepers she meets that seem more congenial. She finds a pair of local shopkeepers whom are happy to take her tinctures and homeopathic remedies to try out on their own achy joints. It’s hard work to be always going sun up to sundown as they share a laugh with Karita. It takes some of an financial capital, but she manages to garner some potential clients and if nothing else people are willing to tout her work to others as compensation warning her 20 Goods worth of service for her own shop. Girls got to stick together…right?

Uwe manages to takes his knowledge of religion, religious practices and over breadth of expertise on the subject to gather 12 Influence for the business. He strikes up conversation with a group of local parishes and low level acolytes of various religions from Calistria, Irori, even a acolyte of Norgberger. He talks about various faiths, practices, worship methods among other topics. He has gained some influence among the acolytes…whether it turns into something more only time will tell.

Mara manages to use her magical expertise to fund the expensive but worthwhile capital as she schmoozes and sweet talks the fellow Magic users in town. She meets up with a fellow Magic shop and went whom specializes in basic magical remedies for headaches, and they agree to sell you some basic raw components. Then Mara meets with a local bard from a traveling troupe whom agrees to swap stories and magical ideas. She return to the main headquarters with raw magical goods in the form of 30 Magic Capital even if it comes with a hefty gold piece price tag.

Karita after ten days of getting to know the neighbors, touring the neighborhood, exchanging stories, and making herself visible brings together everything she's accumulated after her efforts for the perusal of her business partners.

"I've gotten a start at least on supplies for our next workbench," she says simply. "If the rest of you had as much luck, it won't take much effort at all to get it built."

Mara walks back into the shop with Xerxes, she and the avian creature each carrying scrolls, parchments, and pouches. "We got a nice haul too. It will help us set up some more parts of the business."

You go around town, and promoting your new business and making various contacts and potential collaborators. Mara is tending to the shop on the final day before you are to meet with the man about his child’s board game for their birthday. A pair of adventurers come in and purchase on of the masterwork handmade for 306gp as well as the chain shirt for 100gp as it was a very busy day for the shop as all of your hard work earlier in the week paid off.

Uwe will attend events at all of the local temples and join in worship of the full pantheons.

The end of the work week comes, as Zen’Zot finishes putting the final touches on the King Me board game. You head over to the client, and ensure everything is up to snuff.

Wow…just..WOWa the man exclaims in pure happiness. She will absolutely LOVE this. So, I want your group to come to the birthday party so she can thank you herself…plus I’ve got a small gathering of business people coming as well with their children so maybe you might even strike up a few contacts. Even if you’re unable to attend, I will give you fantastic word of mouth as well, I keep my end of deals after al. He happily takes the board game, tucks it away safe and sound as he gives you each a hearty handshake and heads back to his tailor shop as he has missed enough potential work already.

Mara grins ambitiously. "That sounds excellent. I would be delighted to attend." She turns to the others after the tailor leaves. "Time to find some more business, eh?"

"That went well," the witch notes. "Mingling with others might not hurt." She muses.

"Good word of mouth will come in handy. It would be good if we can find more unique goods as well." Uwe says as he wonders if there are more rare woods or metals that they could obtain near their shop.

You close up shop the next day to prepare for Lucy’s birthday gathering. You head to a small warehouse and enter. Inside are about 10 adults and 3 children ages 8-10. You see the father of Lucy standing with Lucy near a small punch bowl and snack table. He sees you enter and escorts Lucy over to your group with the wrapped game in hand.

Lucy, these are the nice folks I was hoping you’d get to meet, Zen’Zot, Karita, Uwe, and Mara. Why don’t you unwrap my present now.[b]

[b]I love it daddy, it’s amazing. The pinks, the beautiful wood shapes. It’s amazing, so can’t wait to play it with Jack and the others

These nice folks helped make the game that you see.

Lucy then proceeds to give each of you a hug and even gives Uwe a kiss on his beck after she releases her hug.

Go run along and play sweetie, it’s your special day after all as Lucy runs to play with her couple friends.

So, I’ve got a few business acquaintances and a few are just the kids’ parents. Feel free to mingle. And again, thank you for everything as he goes back to being a good host.

Looks like someone already marked off the loot that the adventurers bought and added the corresponding gold. Awesome.

Before they enter the party, Mara confers with the others. "If we're going to promote our business, we need to be sure of the name. Is it still Bartleby's? This is our last chance to change it. Personally, I like the idea of keeping as much of the old name recognition as we can."

Mara nods and smiles. "Of course. We are always aiming to please."

"The name is fine, I think."

Karita will use the time to talk and play with the kids, her cantrips put to use to help entertain them.

Karita, you begin to play with the handful of children. At first they seem shy since you’re a stranger after all. Once you bust out the cantrips and magical light show, the kids all flock to you and clammer to get closer to you and the spectacle. After a few minutes a older woman in her late 50’s comes up to you with a warm smile on her face.

(More coming on breaks/lunch)

Uwe will make his way over to the punch bowl table and see what conversations he might be overhearing.

Mara moves among the adults, smiling, schmoozing, and mentioning the shop's name and location as much as she naturally can. She also tries to determine who these guests are and who might be important to connect with.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

(Karita)

You seem to be hitting it off with the kids. Aren’t you a doll entertaining them. My name is Gwendolyn and I own Gwen’s Confections in the Coins District. How do you know Peter and Lucy?

(Uwe)

You listen in on some light conversation. You can overhear Peter talking with another man, most of it is about incoming product and base goods like threads/clothes/etc as you can surmise it’s probably his tailor’s business partner. You overhear a dwarf talking with a different human about when the next shipment of lumber will be in, and how they need to get working on the Ratchford project as the individual has been complaining about the upcoming deadline.

(Mara)

The people, are quite receptive to name Bartleby and shocked that someone took the building so quick. One gentleman says that by keeping the name, you’ve done a smart business tactic. The shop was well known, and the previous owner did right by customers and he hopes you continue that good-hearted business practice. A different woman, says that she is the owner of Betty’s Baubles, and that Bartleby was a womanizer and all around jerk. It seems the general consensus of the former owner is slit down the middle of good guy versus jerk.

"My colleague made that game board for Lucy as a birthday gift at her father's request. We had to do a little exploration to find the right woods for it, but it came out well." Karita explains. "I'm Karita, though some of the Varisians call me 'Windborne'. I'm one of the new owners of Bartleby's. A pleasure."

Zen'Zot is at a loss, mingling with others is not per se his forte but he does the fairly well none-the-less. He is as diplomatic and gracious as he can be while trying to help promote the new business that he is part of.

Still he does have an ear out for the odd or the unusal as a part of him is still ever the adventurer and he is still riding fairly high off of having personally met and worked with several Dryads something he never thought he would get to do.

Oh, Bartleby’s was scooped up pretty quick. You did a smart thing by keeping the name. While people’s opinions will be split on their view of the man, I myself had no issue with him. He would often fix my equipment for a fair price and I would return the favor by bringing by sweet treats. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope you make the shop a success. I would bring you some sweet confections as a ‘welcoming gift’ but my caravan carrying my dry goods supplies and other needs has run late, and I worry something had happened to them…but that’s an issue for me and not you I apologize. The table over there has some sweets I brought for Lucy’s birthday. Some lavender shortbread cookies and sponge cake rounds topped with a fresh berry. Please, try some as she gives you a smile and heads back to ensure her niece is having a good time.

Zen'Zot having caught ear of the situation maneuvers indiscreetly, fairly easy to do when you are about half the height of everyone else, to get near Gwendolyn and look for an opening to approach her to start a dialogue. "Hi m'lady I had heard you have a caravan that might be running a tad behind schedule. We sometimes travel the countryside perhaps if we knew more about your caravan we might be able to help."

Mara smiles and nods to Gwendolyn. In a quiet tone, she adds "Yes indeed. We recently soundly defeated some bandits and turned them in to the guards. We might be able to help, with complete discretion of course."

"Dry goods? What in particular?" Karita asks, curiosity awakened. "So when we decide to go looking for this caravan, we know what goods are yours."

Diplomacy, untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Oh my…I don’t want to be a bother to you nice folks. Are you sure you don’t mind helping? as she looks astonished at your offer. She was lamenting her goods, and is truly taken aback by your generous offer.

As you each nod in agreement of the sincere offer, she blushes a bit, it seems chivalry isn’t quite dead yet after all she muses. Well, the goods are 5 pounds flour and sugar, 1 jar of honey, as well as two bags of lilacs and 2 bags of hibiscus leaves. The flour, sugar, and honey I’m not too terribly worried over. The fresh flowers however cost me some coin to import from Sothis. The caravan is usually arrived by now as myself and the flower farmer I am contracted with have a standing order once a month. I can draw you the route they take, as that’s the most reliable information I have…but unfortunately from there it’s all about finding a needle in a haystack almost. she takes a deep breath and lets out a small sigh. I guess the good news is that I was simply stocking up, as there are no outstanding orders involving the lilacs or hibiscus that I’m aware of. The bad news…my confections shop is known for unique and interesting ingredients. The least amount of time of me turning away potential customers the better is all. The gold piece value for the whole caravan is around 20 gold pieces, and I’d be willing to exchange finding out any information of my goods for an equal amount as well as my own voice in the community

20 gold piece + choice of 1 Labor/Good/Influence without GP cost

"Eye m'lady makin sure no goods have been waylaid and a chance to stretch our legs is ample reward and if it helps a fellow merchant even better yet. Besides, perhaps all it tis is a broken wheel."

I sure hope so

Stop by my shop tomorrow and I’ll have a map ready for you to head out at your earliest convenience. Again, thank you for the help

"Save the thanks until we've helped. Right now we're just sympathetic ears." The witch says not unkindly.

Mara elbows Karita gently, trying to prevent any displays besides high confidence. "But you can have every confidence we will find your goods!"

Karita frowns at Mara before turning back to Gwendolyn. "Shouldn't take long, I imagine." She finishes a bit lamely.

Uwe will approach the dwarf and human once he has a drink and nod in greeting, "Good day. I am Uwe, one of the new proprietors of Bartleby's."

Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you. As I’ve told these nice folks I own and run my confectionary shop in the middle of the Coins. My name is Gwendolyn. It’s nice to see so many young folks taking good care of Bartleby’s old shop

Mara nods and smiles charmingly. "An absolute pleasure to meet you. We will see you first thing in the morning for the map." She bows respectfully.

After conversing with Gwendolyn, Mara smiles, nods, shakes hands, and does her best to make a great impression on the other businessfolk.

Diplomacy to make an impression: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Diplomacy to gather info: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Gathering info just in case there's something more for us to gain here. If not, I'm happy to fastforward to the bakery.

You see a gnome with flaming red hair talking with Peter. Peter then sees you about to leave, and he walks with the man and then introduces you.

This here is Demario, and he owns the antiquities shop. He was good friends with Bartleby, and if you ever need information or a customer connected for an item he’s your guy. as Peter goes back to the table with cookies.

———

While, most of what he said is true…it goes stone that he said with a sly smile. My primary business is in antiques and rare objects. Some of the things in my display are of minor importance, but most of my objects aren’t worth much in the monetary sense. My side job is information broker. I find whatever info you desire, at a price depending on the sensitivity or type of knowledge you need. It can range from copper to gold to more if the information could lead to someone dying to obtain it. My shop is open, and it’s in the far end of the Coins, near the docks. If you need anything and the coin is right my services are yours as he gives you a small token with an face with one eye open and the other closed.

Mara thanks Peter as he heads to the cookies and listens with great interest to Demario. "Interesting, very interesting indeed. So if there were any wealthy patrons looking for specific, hard-to-procure items, you would be able to pass that information along?"

For a small fee or exchanged favor by either or both parties…yes. Think of me as the middle man when one is too busy to track down potential leads he says quietly as he gives you a sly wink of his eye.

Mara nods and winks back. "Indeed. Well we will find you when we need your services." To the others, she whispers "He may be useful later but right now, let's follow Gwen's lead."

"Probably best," the witch agrees. "Making good with the neighbors for now is the better strategy, but later, that man might be of assistance."

Following Mara's lead Zen'Zot does his best to schmooze those present and to acquire information beyond what the group already knows.

Make an Impression: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Gather Information: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Despite being very charismatic, Zen’Zot doesn’t get any more leads then nice baker and the information broker. The remaining adults seem to be just ordinary parents.