Maximum Profit (Inactive)

Game Master Gilthanis

Aldric seems a bit annoyed with Mara's overly honeyed sense of diplomacy. Just the same he stands idly by and observes the stranger's response.

My, where do I begin. My daughter, Lacy is turning 8, and she is my whole world. She has a few friends, but not many. Her birthday is in a freckle over a week, and I need to buy her a gift. Her mother passed away when she was very young and I’m everything she has. She always seems to be playing games with the neighbors: Jacks in the alleyway, made up games…such a sweet child she is. he continues to ramble for a good 3-4 minutes about random stuff about his daughter, almost trance like or subconsciously. He snaps back to the real world, Ahem…sorry bout that. So, I’ve saved 25 gold pieces, and want to buy her something unique like her…the board game King Me checkers…but not just a normal one. I heard from a traveler that about a half-day foot travel from here there is a Dryad in the nearby forest with a supply of Darkwood. I wanted to find a means to have someone make a King Me board using Darkwood. I don’t know if the 25 gold pieces I have would cover or… as his brain seems to stop for a moment as it thinks about money and time and other variables.

Mara smiles sweetly. "Yes I doubt that 25 crowns would cover such a princessly gift. But perhaps you have something else of value? Goods, favors, unneeded heirlooms?"

"Perhaps an animated custom poppet friend?" Aldric suggests after looking over at Zen'zot. "What does one of your poppets sale for Zen?"

Zen'Zot hates to mention the base price of a standard tiny Poppet let alone the cost Woody would set this man back and simply replies, "Well most likely well outside this mans means unless you all want to cover the expense of making one as they are magical in nature and many ingredients would be required. I can do a quality King Me board and its pieces fairly easily and would be even willing to donate my time to it as children are so worth such but I am not sure of the going price on Darkwood in these parts. Perhaps Mara's suggestion might be for the best in this situation."

Heirlooms…nothing I’m willing to part with. I’m a business partner for a local tailor. If you ever need something hemmed, lowered, etc I’m your guy. Goods and stuff…does that mean you are fellow shop owners too. If so, I could use my tailors reputation to help any endeavors you have. I can be quite Influential when I want to be with some of the Absalom Trade Board members

1 Influence when needed, no need to pay for it with gold

"I think we can look into this for you." The tattooed witch says soothingly to the man. "Who are you and where can we find you?" If Karita had paid attention to anything Mara or the others had said, it wasn't obvious. "I might be able to persuade a dryad into helping, so long as it doesn't hurt her tree."

Yes, doing this deliberately ;)

My name yes, sorry. It is Alfred and I am part owner of Tristan’s Tailor Shop. I’m usually there on the weekdays and weekends I’m at my home in the Eastern Coins District. I’ll be happy to half now and the other half when I see the beautiful King Me board as he counts out 12 gold pieces in front of you.

Zen'Zot realizes his services are going to required for this and while he could make the board look like just about anything if this guy truly wanted something to impress his daughter, besides this father's obvious love for her, Zen would need to know more. "Okay so it be looken like we be doin dis, well I be anyway. So Alfred tell me a bit moore bout yer daughter. Ya want dis King Board ta be her special gift. What kind of tings do she like, colors, frills, design patterns dat kind ting? Also 'ow mooch time da I ave ta craft dis ting?"

Well, her birthday is in 10 days from now. I’d like the final board within 7-8 days so I have room to spare. As for colors, she’s a princess; pink, light blue, green. She always has a flower of some sort in her hair. She isn’t afraid to get dirty like the neighbor boys…but she’s a princess at heart. The small forest is about 1/2 day foot travel from here, so hopefully you should have plenty of time to create the board for me

1 full day round trip, leaving 7-8 days to craft the game. I’ll set the DC at 12 (woodwork) since I feel it’s not a DC 10 or a DC 15…somewhere in the middle. The cost of the game will be normally 5 gold pieces. Since it’s going to be made of Darkwood, the cost becomes 25 gold pieces. Standard crafting rules apply, except you’d already have the raw materials of course (presumably after the quest) and the magic number for craft checks is 250 since it’s converted to silver pieces. If I did my math right lol

Mara nods, pleased with the developing arrangement with Alfred.

"Eye, well... mite I be a suggestin sumtin? Insteada usin' darkwood we us tree utter woods. Make da light squares pink frem a Pink Tree and da dark squares blue frem a Blue Tree, and den maybe border it in Koa Wood as I tink ya be liken what dat wood pattern be a lookin like. Den make da pieces resemble flouwas. Den make da board inta is own carryin case. Ow does dat sound? It would greatly speed up production, allowin me ta gitter dun in such a shirt time span as dare is a lotta work dat goes into makin sucha board wittout bringin' in even harder materials ta be workin wit. An rest assured yee still be gettin well more den ya moneys worth. Be trustin dis craftsman nose," he taps the side of his nose, "is woods." Zen'Zot smiles and winks at Alfred.

We will still be needing to get the Pink Tree (which actually exists for real) and the Blue Tree (exists in Forgotten Realm so I borrowed it) oh and the Koa wood exists as well for real -- granted they would not be common woods and still require searching for just not as rare as Darkwood -- further their is a reason they call it darkwood by the way. I even made one of these in highschool in woodshop. I think out of pine and walnut. Oh and if you are curious you can find the tree woods here well except the Blue Tree that is: Tree Woods

Diplomacy Zen’zot to convince him to change his initial ideas/order. DC 15

Can I assume I can get some aid from my teammates on this.
As Alfred seems to hesitate Zen'Zot brings in some support, "What da ya tink Karita, Mara ya be females da tink a girl mite like dis a wee bit betta dan sum Darkwood? Day still be rather rare woods jess a bit diffrant in colla."
Diplomacy 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Well dang did not need the help but I am sure pushing it up even higher might sell the whole deal even better. What say you females, are you going to back this idea?

Mara is a little thrown off by the quick shift in direction but smiles "Ah of course. Who doesn't like some nice color?"

Diplomacy aid just because: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Because I'm extra helpful, that's a +4 bonus for Zen'zot to get his diplo up to 26.

Aldric pats Zen'zot on the shoulder. "He is one of the best craftsmen I've seen a long while. His suggestion will make a very unique and appealing game."

diplomacy (Aid Other): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Alfred looks at the three of you as you explain your ideas, and plans. He thinks for a moment, hand on his chin then give a firm nod. I see your points, yes, yes. I like the two-toned board with flower etched border. If you can get it done within the next 7 days then you have a deal Mr. Dwarf as he offers you a firm handshake deal.

Zen’Zot, I will need (x3) DC 15 Gather Info check, and you can only perform one per day for each type of tree (Pink & Blue) as well as the Koa wood.. I am going to say the other can aid, but Zen’Zot must make primary check. Once you get the three woods, you can then start crafting the board game. DC will still be a 12, as the difficulty hasn’t changed. The cost will now be 10, instead of 5 gold pieces to determine the magic number to hit. No 1/3 base cost will be required though since the base materials are being found

"Don't discount the fact that darkwood is durable, master dwarf. It isn't a bright color, but it is a gift that should last for many years." The witch points out. "And while I am a woman, asking me what a little girl might like won't help you much. I didn't have the same childhood as this girl. Karita shuts up after that, frowning at old memories.

"Eye Karita I make sure ta seal it well fer even Darkwood can warp and decay if nut treated prup'rly fer while it be moore durable it still be wood. Ferter tryin to make it outta Darkwood mighta taken a wee bit lunger dan dis man has. As it tis, it still be a mighty fast oda but I'll gitter dun as a young lassie will be a countin me."

With the man agreeing upon the order Zen'Zot accepts the handshake to seal the deal. Once the man is gone he holds out his hand and asks, "So who be handlin da moonnee? And da yee reelly be knowin a Dryad Karita?"

Okay so the wood has gotten harder to find although Darkwood would still be rarer than these woods. And the cost has gone up even though crafting Darkwood is a whole lot tougher than crafting normal woods. I am not per se complaining just trying to understand the shift in mechanics.

"Fair points," she concedes. "I may be able to help with the seal and paint, though I haven't tried making those things in a while." The witch muses.

"As for knowing a dryad...I've met one before, years ago. Back in the River Kingdoms." She lets that sink in. "So I'd be willing to try to talk to one for help in our little endeavor."

"Eye dat be great, I've always fancy'd meetin a Dryad as I 'ave a lotta r'spect fer wood an I hear day ain't be hard on dee eyes eder. So owe da ya be findin a Dryad I heard day be hard'r ta find dan a generous nobleman. I mean iffin we fine a Dryad den findin dem trees we be needin be a piece ah cake an I dunna need da whole tree neder." It can be seen and heard that Zen'Zot is bit excited about the idea of meeting a Dryad.

Diplomacy, Gather Information about the dryad and woods: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Karita asks about town, looking for any word on a dryad in the woods, not to mention what she might know about the trees in the area. She listens to old storytellers and gossips in the markets, anyone who might talk and tell stories.

Excited about the prospect of actually meeting a Dryad, Zen'Zot does his best to help Karita in locating one within the area.

Diplomacy Gather Information Assist Karita: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

OCC: I guess Zen's a bit too excited ;)

The others can chip in to aid as well. Potentially boosting it from a little 9, to a more respectable 9->11->13->15 if everyone can hit the DC 10 aid action since there is 4 optical aids total

I rolled in the discussion thread and got a (9). Unless GM would prefer that I re-roll in gameplay, there is no aid from me.

nah, discussion thread is fine. I must have missed it. My bad. Still a 13 is still possible. I wait before I progress

Mara tries to smooth things over, keeping the conversations light and cheerful as they look for the required woods.

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Your group splits up to scour the Coins District for information about a possible Dryad living in the nearby forest. Zen’Zot is super excited as he tries to formulate words, but his brain cannot keep up as the people he speaks to doesn’t seem to know what he is referring to. Aldric has much the same. He asks around, but he seems to get more responses of “I don’t know” or “move outta the way your blocking the loading dock”.

Mara the silver-tongued wordsmith managed to find a pair of adventurers passing through. They mention to her that they haven’t officially met the Dryad, but they were told my credible sources that there was a Dryad named Pascal living in the forest. They again, never ran across them…but while they traveled through the forest they felt as if someone or something was watching them. Your estimation from the pair of people you spoke to Mara, you’d be safe to presume the information given is fairly accurate…about 70% or so.

OCC: Way to go Mara -- pull us through

Thanks!

Mara shares what she learned with the others. "Seems worthwhile to check it out? Should we go?

"We should go. Soonest started, soonest finished. And bought."

The four of you head towards the small little forest outside of town. The journey there is surprisingly uneventful. You pass a simple caravan headed towards Absalom, and you see a trio of people, all about the hardcore survival of nature ‘roughing’ it off the traveling path. The sun is barely beginning to set as you reach your destination of Softwood Forest. While not big, one could get lost inside as the sun is hidden by the canopy overhead. How will you find Pascal…presuming he is indeed a real Dryad.

"We should camp. Dryads are hard to spot at times. But a fire might keep us warm and attract attention, luring her out." Karita suggests.

"Ah fire? Yee be sure. I wood tink dat she not take ta kindly ta a fire. Why not jus' call out ta her."

Where upon Zen'Zot does just that, "PASCAL, WE BE 'ERE AS FRIENDS. LADY KARITA 'ERE," he gestures towards Karita, "EVEN NEWS SOOM OF YER KIN."

The witch sighs. "I wanted a fire not just to try to bring her out, but because we're camping and might want to eat a hot meal, stay warm, that sort of thing? And Zen'Zot, just calling out to naturally shy creatures does not work well." She chides.

Zen, make a Diplomacy check to try and convince Pascal to show themselves

OCC: Ah I got a Diplomacy check -- sometimes the simple-minded approach does work.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Zen'Zot looks back at Karita and gives a little sigh, "Eye dat mite be true an yee wood new moore 'bout dem den I. Still I was tinkin dat maybe she mite like ta 'ere 'bout her kin. Ah warm meal twood be nice I will gadder sum dead wood."

After a few minutes, a Dryad pops out from a tree a hundred or so feet from you. It turns it’s head to see you.

I am not Pascal…but what did they do this time?

Uwe nods at the creature as she steps out of the tree and responds, "We did not come because of something Pascal did. We hoped to open a dialog instead."

Zen'Zot having thought he might not get to see a Dryad at all, quickly stands to his feet brushing off any dust that might be on him and doing an extra careful yet still quick job even if he is mostly clean. As he is quickly dusting himself off he says to no one in particular, "Ah begosh an begorra I be a haymes."

Once finished he looks up at the Dryad, "Eye ya be a gem of a lass I must say, oi me name be Zen'Zot. Zen'Zot of clan Oremite it be me total pleessure ta be a meetin' ya. I 'ave always fancede meetin' a Dryad. Oh an' we be lookin' fer soom special wood in dis 'ere place an' be a wondren iffin ya wood help us wit dat. We wood be greetly appreeshee'etten it if ya wood. We cud evven do soom ting fer ya iffin ya be wantin ta make a trade. Oh an' sorree what be yer name? Mine be Zen'Zot, oh I said dat alreedy sorree." The words tumble out quickly and it is rather obvious that Zen'Zot is excited and embarrassed and happy and nervous all at the same time.

Karita manages to keep her tongue in cheek as Zen'Zot speaks.

In Sylvan:

Mara is surprised when the dryad presents her but nods and smiles courteously.

Zen'Zot watches the Dryad leave and looks to Karita, "What 'appen she dunna hep us? An ya knew woodspeak canna ya teach me?"

Karita bows respectfully to the departing dryad.

"She told me that Pascal's tree is about a quarter of a mile inward from here and that she is a prankster." The witch tells the party. She looks at the dwarf, one eyebrow raised. "In time, yes, I can teach you the language, if you want. Though we both might be busy doing other things for a while."

Your group heads deeper into the forest, as the surroundings get darker as less natural sunlights gets through the forest canopy. You reach the ash tree you were told about. It’s quite beautiful, with natural knots forming as you can see the simple elegance of the tree.

As you approach you see a Dryad calmly walk out of the tree and looks at you.

Well, well…what do we have here? My sister had told me that you search for me, Pascal? You must be brave or stupid…which one is it her common is silky off her tongue. She waits a fees seconds, and before you can even answer she starts to laugh. I’m sorry, I can’t even be serious enough for this as her laughter fills the air. Knowing my sis, she probably warned you about me…I’m the troublesome brat of the family. Anyways…what’cha folks need? She said something about wood…well your in a forest and there’s more than one of us Dryads so…your deathwish of that be the case…. her face is all smiles as nobody is stupid enough to go against a forest of Dryads.

"Yee as is prettee as yee sista perhaps moor so. Oh an we dunna wanna coot down a tree, we just need soom wood, 'owever noot jus any wood, specific woods. Soom wood from a Pink Tree, a Blue Tree, an a Koa Tree is what we be seekin. By da way I be liken yer tree it as a loot of carracter. I hear'd day are a reflection of dare... uh... yew." He gestures towards Pascal. "Oh an by da way she," he gestures to Karita, "be newwen woodspeak. I dunna new it yet but plan on leernin it... she" he points to Karita again, "goonna teach me, she is." Again the fact that Zen'Zot is rather excited is not lost on anyone present.

In Sylvan: