A cart parked right next to the inn with the side reading in clear white letters: "Alchemist and Apothecary".

A plaque read:
"Healing services offered for 40 gold pieces each. Funeral services offered for 25 gold pieces.
Donations of 50 gold pieces or more towards the building of a local church of Kelemvor will be rewarded with a free funeral at a time of your choosing, usually after someone died".

Next to the cart a kenku tried to stay warm with a fire he made. He unpacked the herbalist kit and began a small prayer before he started to boil the herbs for a potion of healing.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

The little gnome approaches the cart parked outside the town hall with interest.  He eyed the signed hanging off the side of the cart and quirked his eyebrow.  Alban continues walking towards the kenku's campfire and once within earshot of him Alban states causally, "Interesting sign. Jessop mentioned you were looking for me.  How may I help you?"

Boneclaw presented his letter of introduction from the Alchemist and Apothecary Guild.
"We have something in common", the kenku commented in a coy young woman's voice, followed by an older male voice:"There is wisdom in cooperation".
"Let us bless this community with a union between these two people", he said solemnly, pointing out himself and Alban.
"We can corner the market together, crush the competition and rake in all the moolah", he continued in a rakish halfling voice pointing out the herbalist and alchemy kits, then thought about the sentence, shook his head and tried another sentence that fit better:"Together we can build something beautiful".
He tilted his head at Alban.

Alban sits down by the small fire and listens intently to Boneclaw's words and takes a closer look Boneclaw's guild letter of introduction.  Noting the charte rbranch's name of origin Alban hands the letter back.  "It would appear that destiny has brought us together for a purpose."  Alban considers for a moment and nods his head.  "I agree to cooperate with you in this business venture; to combine our talents and resources and craft whatever alchemical and apothercary needs for this settlement."

Alban looks around the immediate surroundings and up at the sky and weather.  "We would be better off with a workshop and housing for the business.  It would make it easier to craft finished products and for clients to find the shop.  Do you have any gold coin to put towards the startup costs of constructing a shop? If so how much?"

Boneclaw counted out 18 gold pieces. He also pointed out a wooden box with powdered silver, a whole bunch of vials, alchemy gear and herbal essences.
"It ain't a lot, bub", Boneclaw used the voice of a gruff woodsman.
He pointed out the sign.
"Let's cook meds, birch ", the voice was of some kid he'd known at alchemy class.

Listening to Boneclaw Alban's suspicions were correct, but he shrugs a little; more to himself than to Boneclaw and considers.  "I have 106 gold pieces at the moment. After completing my patrol shift I should have another 25 gold pieces at least; giving me 131 gold pieces total.  Erret Smith mentioned the night shift patrols would pay out more than the day shift patrols, but he didn't say how much more."

Calculations running across his eyes Alban considers a moment and replies,  "Erret has already promised me to build a small cabin and workshop for 150 gold pieces. With your 18 gold pieces we would be 1 gold piece short, but we can make that up easy.  Also we can share the cabin in shifts for now if you would like until we can have another small cabin depending on our patrol shifts.  It appears I will be taking mostly the night shift patrols since I can see in the dark well. I have brought enough raw materials with to craft about 250-300 gold pieces worth of finished goods, and Jessep has already agreed to sell these goods for me for a part of the profits if we can't see the items ourselves to the other adventurers. " Glancing over at Boneclaw to make sure he was following along.  "What do you think of this plan?"

The Kenku nodded and tried to formulate a sentence in one voice, honey-tongued:"I can provide guidance .." and continued in another, :" .. our efforts will be more successful that way". He pointed to his holy symbol and mimicked praying.

(i have Guidance cantrip so we ought to be able to add 1d4 to our rolls to create stuff)

Listening to Boneclaw words and motions Alban understood the jist of what was being said Alban replies, "Providing divine and arcane services to anyone who needs them will definitely help matters. I will go have a talk with Erret about buiding our workshop and get the ball rolling, so to speak."

Boneclaw nodded and began preparations to create his herbal mixtures.
"Off with ya then, pretty thing", he agreed, using a gruff sailor's voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Mon 24 Feb 2020.

An hour after he had left the inn, Verbannt appeared outside again.  This time, he did not walk towards the front door of the inn, but rather to the cart parked next to it.

"To who does this cart belong?"

He called out, his barrel chest ensuring that the deep basso rumble carried far enough that even those within the inn could hear him.

Boneclaw was inside the cart, preparing to brew potions and he stuck out his head when Lucas came by:"Why hello there", in a child's voice.

"Ah, the Bone Priest."

Verbannt said with a distinct lack of readable expression.

"I do not know the name of your people, or yourself,  but I would hear both if you would share.  You are the one trained in potionlore then?  I would have words with you."

"It's a kenku", he pointed to himself and listened to verbannt.

"Bugbear."

He said, pointing to himself, though he did not know if the Kenku knew what his kind was or not.

"Among those gathered here, I am called Verbannt."

He clarified, though it was a strange turn of phrase, suggesting that elsewhere he went by other names.

"It is your intent to supply potions and salves to this outpost."

He glanced up at the sign, the words less a question and more of a statement.

"I have worked with the matriarchs of my Clan in the making of such things, and know many of the herbs and ingredients.  How do you intend to provide the raw materials for your craft?"

Boneclaw rubbed his beak and looked at Verbannt with an inquiring eye.
"I think you are about to make me an offer", he said with the voice of a shopkeeper he'd met several years ago, always eager to haggle.

"My woodslore is strong, as is my herbslore."

He reached into his backpack, and carefully withdrew a small red flower.  Any herbalist worth their salt would have recognized the pale color of Hallas Blossom, one of the foundational ingredients of any potion of healing.

"And I spend a great deal of time out in the woods.  It is the widsom of the matriarch that teaches me to plant a garden and tend to its care.  It is my will that such a garden flourishes and grows.  So a second time I ask you, Kenku, how do you intend to provide for the raw materials of your craft?"

Seeing Lukas and Boneclaw talking around the campfire near the wagon Alban approaches the two and begins to listen on the conversation between the two.  "We plan to buy or trade raw materials from the adventurers here at the settlement when they find them in the area. Are you interested in developing a greenhouse to grow plants of interest to you?"

Alban walks over to the back of the cart and puts the tailgate down; creating a small workspace for himself.  Taking out ingredients, vials, tools, etc from his backpack Alban prepares to make a batch of potions and alchemy chemicals...



With Boneclaw's help we will craft 23 items between the two of us: 2 antitoxins, 16 potions of healing, and 5 alchemist's fire vials. Total raw material costs = 230gp. Total value = 1,150gps. 230xps generated for Boneclaw and Alban each.




This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

Keep in mind that each downtime unit spent takes 8 hours. Working together that will take 11.5 downtime units. That means you also need to pay lifestyle expenses for about 6 days (but you may still take more jobs while you do it)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:59, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

"Green house?"

Verbannt copied the words, but was clearly unfamiliar with them.

Turning towards Lukas Alban replies, "A place to grow plants indoors, away from the weather and the elements, in a more controlled surrounding. Back home we call such a place a greenhouse since plants are mostly green and usually fills the whole house." Alban says with a grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

PM

!!Wares for Sale!!

Potions of Healing, Alchemist's Fire, and Antitoxin for sale!

Verbannt bared his teeth, but there was no growl accompanying it.  It might have been a frown, it was hard to say on his monstrous features.

"Plants need light..."

He trailed off, considering.

"... I suppose with enough glass you could create something like that, but the herbs which grow here are accustomed to the elements of this place.   Intentionally cutting them off from nature?  Seems foolish."

He shrugged.

"I intend to have a garden, in which the herbs that I find through my forestcraft may grow.

Welcome one and all!

With the news of new magic item shops in the Rimewood visit Alban at the alchemy shop.

We can help you get more your bang for your gold!

OOC: we can turn 7gp into a 23gp net profit per downtime unit.

Let us help you!

Izayah left the town hall and walked around a bit. Finally, he made his way over to the fairly new shop. He entered and looked around slowly.

Assuming someone was there he said, "Hello. I saw yer job postin'...well...advert is more like really...an' I admit t'bein' curious how this money-makin' scheme o'yers works."

Hearing the bell ring above the door to the shop as someone walks in a gnome dressed in work clothes and a well worn apron comes bustling in from the work area where the sound of several people are working.  "I'm coming, I'm coming!" You hear him shout as he shuffles into view in the front of the shop; wiping sweat from his brow and his hands with a cloth.

The little man walks up with his small hand extended and shakes the customer's hand. "Welcome! Welcome! My name is Alban and I am one of the proprietors who run this shop.  We specialize in alchemy substances and potions here.  How may I help you?"

Listening intently Alban considers the customer's question with smile on his face.  "Good.  I am glad the advertisement is getting noticed.  In answer to your question we have secured some trade agreements with other parties in the region who are willing to trade potions for magic items.  Hence the claim on the advertisement.  In general for about 7gps of raw materials we are able to craft and then trade the potions for 30gp each; A net profit of 23 gps.  These 30gps are then used as credit towards the purchase of a magic item, spell, or formula." Alban pauses to gauge the customer's reaction to his words.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Wed 22 July 2020.

Izayah listened to the shopkeep with one eyebrow raised. He took in the 'plan' to make money. He frowned lightly and spoke up. "Sooooo..." He scratched the bridge of his nose. "I just wanna make sure I've got this right."

He glanced at Alban. "I would give you seven gold pieces. I would then, later, get thirty gold pieces....No, sorry, wait, twenty-three gold pieces...of credit in the shop?"

Waving his hand in a gentle stopping hand motion Alban corrected the young man.  "No.  You would get a 30gp credit towards the cost of a magic item; depending on what you are looking for or interested in.  Was there something in particular you are looking for?"

"Ah. Okay." He gave a nod to acknowledge his incorrect math. "I honestly hadn't really given it much thought beyond magic weapons an' armor at some point. Hmm." Izayah seemed to give it thought for a long moment, frowning a bit, looking upwards with his head tilted to the side.

Finally, he gave a shrug. "I already got a magic item than I was expectin' t'have right now. I'm interested in gold really. Wanna train m'self some an' start up a business o'my own." He nodded at Ablan. "Tell y'what. I'll give you 7 gold now, you work it up, we'll see how things go once that's ready. I'll see about bringin' in more later on, maybe get some armor or weapons at some point, yeah?"

He put down seven gold coins.

“I’ll be happy to hold onto the deposit for you. When you are ready to proceed just let me know.”  Alban gathers the coins and puts them away for safe keeping.

Izayah smiled at Alban. "You work your magic, an' I'll see ya a-" He stopped suddenly and shook his head head ruefully. "My 'pologies. I'm a rude ass apparently." He let out a sigh.

Then he turned to face Alban and stuck out one hand. "Izayah Hamadrell."

Shaking the man's hand Alban replies, "It's an honor to meet you, Izayah, and no harm done.  It's already forgotten.  Do you have any other questions that I may answer?"

Izayah flashed Alban a quick friendly smile. "Nah, I think I'm good." His drawl was heavy but understandable most of the time. "Thank y'for yer time. Ya'll have a nice day."

He turned and exited the store.

The doorbell signaled as a tall young man walked in. He was clearly a wizard if the fingers marked with ink and the books in holsters had anything to say about it. He was clean and well laundered and had a smile like it was just part of his person. "Greeting to the day, scribe and wizard here for introductions as suggested by the town." He tapped his foot twice to let the last bit of travel grime vanish away. Prestidigitation did take its time. "Order of scribes if it matters."

Hearing the bell ring above the door to the shop as someone walks in a gnome dressed in work clothes and a well worn apron comes bustling in from the work area where the sound of several people are working.  "I'm coming, I'm coming!" You hear him shout as he shuffles into view in the front of the shop; wiping sweat from his brow and his hands with a cloth.

The little gnome walks up with his small hand extended and shakes the customer's hand. "Welcome! Welcome! My name is Alban and I am one of the proprietors who run this shop.  We specialize in alchemy substances, potions, and magic item creation here.  How may I help you?"

Adam smiled as he inclined his head to Alban. "Hello there, the town head said that I should take a moment to introduce myself to you." He had the look of a wizard but moved like someone who had been blown up a few times too many. "I am a wizard of the Order of Scribes. I have a plan to make a research tower but I am also the kind of person who doesn't like stepping on toes. If you make scrolls I can rein my own production in a bit but I get the feeling you'll be my only contact for the right kind of inks and insense I'll need. Once I get some time in town under my belt."

Listening to the young man Alban rubs his chin in thought and replies, "I fear there may not be much of a market for spell scrolls in town, Adam, but you are more than willing to try.  I personally would be interested in adding to my spellbook any magics I don't already know or natural magic components if you're willing to trade."

Taking another look at the man in front of him Alban smiled. "You certainly sound ambitious young man.... Order of the Scribes, you say? Tell me more about them and this venture of yours. What are your plans?"

He tilted his head side to side. "There will be room for arcane research. Everyone needs a mad man willing to push the boundary of what magic can do. Just as they want someone far more stable who can reliably produce something they can count on."

"Though I'll take you up on sharing spells once I have the coin for inks."

"Both old and new. The Order of Scribes touches on powers that had been present back when arcane magic was still young. Their books become living thinking things. I'm still getting used to it."

"As far as my own venture, I plan to try and make things easy but also expand on the strange magic. For example, I plan to try to make a horizon back turtle so I can place a wizard tower on its shell. A mode of transportation that people like you and I can use to extreme advantage. Or setting up a teleportation circle." All and all he was absolutely pro arcane community.

"Well, I can certainly craft you the inks needed for your research.  They shouldn't be a problem to produce, I agree with you concerning developing new magics and the arcane her in town.  Erret is an open-minded sort and as long as what we do improves the security, community, and overall health of the settlement you will be able to fulfill your plans and dreams.  I would advise you to start small and slow.  This frozen tundra can be a harsh teacher.  Don't over extend yourself too much that it comes back to haunt you."

He nodded, "Sounds outstanding. Though I am happy to not step on your toes also. I'll be more in services rather than products." He clapped once. "Are there any encouraged starting spots here? Or do you have a list of needed components that I can keep an eye out for?"

“Encouraged starting points? If you mean where should you start your career here at the settlement I had heard someone will be building a new watchtower nearby to help with security in the immediate area.  No doubt they would be interested in hiring guards to protect the construction site while they build. Always check the job board for new postings that may interested you.  If you have a knack for languages I do need some writings I copied in my travels translated that I believe are in Infernal?”  He paused a moment.

“I personally am interested in bartering for spell scrolls that I do not already know; particularly any utility, divine, or elemental schools  of magic. Also if you are ever interested in making potions and want to collaborate I can help you there.  Just let me know. If you also were think of a partner in your research projects I may have the funds to help you get started.” Alban offers to the young man.

Adam smiled and inclined his head. "Once I get established and I can start research I will be sure to look you up. And noted on the spell sharing." He resettled his pack. "Thank you for your time Sir Alban. I'll see about keeping my head till I can start getting on my feet."

"Have a good day sir."

After a long and arduous mission Boneclaw finally came home again. He went at work to catch up with his side of the business, preparing his brewery and lighting candles.

Hear noise coming from the shop Alban goes to investigate.  Seeing his weary business partner puttering around the workshop Alban grins broadly at the Kenku.  "Welcome home, my friend. It's been awhile.  You doing ok?"

"Doing ok my friend!", Boneclaw replied in Alban's own voice. He grabbed the chalkboard and began writing on it:"We took out a whole camp of goblinoids who threatened this settlement".
"Not a feather out of place", he added in the accent of a southerner sailor. Boneclaw shook Alban's hand:"You doing ok?", he asked in Alban's voice.

"It's good to see you whole and in one piece.  I'm doing alight.  Been busy growing the business and helping Erret out with my own investigations.  Come! Make yourself comfortable and I will fill you in on what I know so far."  Alban leads the kenku further inside; getting some food and drink for friend in the form of a goodberry; making the kenku comfortable.

Once they have settled Alban continues, "At this time I have negotiated and develope business relationships with the Triton empires and the Hexia village in addition to trading through Erret and Jessop's general store to create more outlets to sell our alchemy goods and services.  So far though I have only had two other adventurers from the settlement interested in our goods, but no direct sales as of yet. I have also acquire several spell scrolls and magic item formulas, so if there is a magic item you are interested in having or trading spells then just let me know. Other than that a group of us may have discovered a connection between a group of Saguhans and someone within the settlement.  Not sure what the purpose of the connection, but someone has gone through a lot of trouble to try digging under the east wall of the settlement.  We alerted Erret and the town guards and they will continue monitoring this situation.  I fear there may be a dark force from the see plotting to expand their influence in the region here; maybe even extraplanar.  We encountered several Saguhans and a sea hag during our investigation that we defeated.  We also found an alter, probably to a sea or infernal deity or power near Thunder Bay. The alter was covered in writing that is probably written in the Infernal language. I haven't been able to translate the writings yet, but I have order some arcane divination spells that are being delivered by the end of the week to help with that."

Alban paused a moment and shrugged.  "In short, I have been very busy. Now, tell me about your mission.  Do you think there will be any retaliation from others in the area?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Sat 19 Sept 2020.

Boneclaw listened carefully to Alban's story, then responded to his question by writing on his chalkboard.

"We hope to avoid that by freeing the other goblins of hobgoblin dominance. I will be heading out soon with my group to either ensure peace or making sure the goblinoids are suitably intimidated into submission".

he held out the board. Then wiped it and wrote another message:"We should hire someone to run the store while we're away. We're both quite busy it seems".

"I have already taken care of that, Boneclaw.  There are several skilled hirelings in town who help with crafting and running the shop while I am away, so it's not a problem."

A full day after they'd returned from their trip together, Izayah showed up at the shop bright and early in the morning, after breakfast. He stepped inside, smiled at Alban and rubbed his hands together briskly. "Alright! I'm here t'work! Let's make some stuff for some people t'buy!"

OOC: Spending 80 DTUs to help Alban craft healing potions (or whatever else instead) to earn credit at Hexia's shop. Spending 160 gold on lifestyle expanses.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Tue 04 May 2021.

Wightvane came in behind Izayah and set his things off to the side, "Yes, let's see how this is done."

"Excuse you?", Boneclaw commented. He was not aware of any new personell and customers didn't get to brew their own potions in the store.

"We're with him," he said, pointing to Alban.

Izayah turned to look at Boneclaw. "Ah! Apologies! Where are my manners?" He smiled and held a hand. "Don't believe we've met. I'm Izayah Hamadrell."

He then glanced at Wightvane, still smiling, and nodded. "Indeed."

Boneclaw grabbed his chalkboard and wrote:"He's with me. Don't know who you are. Our shop. We make. You buy".

Wightvane shrugged, "Wightvane."

“They really are with me Boneclaw and will be helping me with some brewing in the back. It’s ok.” Alban replies to his fellow shop owner.

Boneclaw produced the Apotheker's Guild letter and wrote on his chalk board.
"It sounds like they're not licenced guild members, but want you to help them make potions to sell for their profit. Are they clients or personnel?".

In reply to Boneclaw (msg # 57):

Alban replies to Boneclaw.  "They are clients, Boneclaw, and in fact I would like for you to assist us. This will be a large order for Hexia's shop and we could use the help, old friend.""

Boneclaw looked over Alban's calculations and glanced at the two strangers narrowing his eyes.
He wrote on his chalkboard:"Fine .. but they don't get to read the recipes. I don't want to lose my Guild licence".

"Agreed. Let's get to work."

Boneclaw put on his safety goggles and followed Alban and the others into the workshop.

By my math, if four of you are working together to craft basic healing potions using 162 total downtime units, that would make 648 potions, cost 3,240gp in materials, be worth 19,440 store credits total, and you would each be getting 648XP (regardless of your dtu contribution, everyone gets the same xp for cooperative crafting. Up to you how you divide the store credit.)

Sounds great to me.

So....4-way split as agreed to in the PM would be...4,860 store credit each?

Did my 60 DTUs get factored in to that? I did it via PM with Alban.

I thought I remembered seeing something about 4 people max working on a project...

In reply to Elisar Moonraven (msg # 65):

No, Elisar.  That was a different batch.

In reply to Alban (msg # 67):

That’s fine, I’m happy with what I got so don’t worry about it.

Elisar entered the little shop and greeted his old travelling companion. "Good day to you Alban, I trust you are well? I see that the town is gearing up for a bit of a scrap and I was wondering if you had any healing potions? I have none at present but could do with a coule, just in case. I'm not too flush at present, Hexia cleaned out my wallet, so I was wondering if you needed assistance making any potions. My days are free, until we head off on this big expedition. What say you?"

Basically looking to expend DTUs to obtain potions and XP. I have 28 DTUs to spend.

"I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement if you are still interested."

Sorry for the slow response.  I have been having medical issues for the past month and haven't been online much.  If you are still interested in doing this just let me know and we can work something out.

In reply to Alban (msg # 70):

No worries. Not for now, spent my DTUs elsewhere, but maybe in the future. Glad you are felling better!

===From Town Hall to Apothecary===

Upon entering the shop Bloodhowl was met with the smell of herbs and other unidentifiable smells.  Taking time to allow her eyes to adjust to the light change she approaches who she can only assume is the one called Alban.  Not sure the protocol Bloodhowl takes a seat infront of Alban so as not to seem overly threatening.

"Morning Sir I am looking for one called Alban, the one called Smith mentioned I speak to you.  Yesterday Aveerna, myself and some others encountered a group of bandits.  They mentioned a small camp, Mr Smith mentioned you may be willing to come on another scouting mission."

Hearing a new patron entering the shop a little gnome enters the front of the store; cleaning his hands on a rag as he walks.  He listens to the woman standing before him and nods his head in acknowledgment. “I would be available for such a mission.  Do you have any more information about where we are going?”

As Alban pauses for a response he gathers up his backpack and broom from behind the shop counter.  “Are you ready to go now or do you require more time to make preparations?”

"I am ready Mr. Alban, and Mr. Smith mentioned it was to the Northwest of here near the road back to a place called Estro.  I know not these places, so if you or Avreene would lead that would be most welcome.  We are to also grab her for her assistance.  But as you asked, I am ready, it will be good to be out of this city I find it crowded here."

Not sure the right thing to do, Bloodhowl hold the door for this little gnome called Alban.

Listening intently to the woman Alban nods and makes his way out into the street.  “This place called Estra I don’t know of.  I have not heard of it, nor ever been there myself.  We will have to find Avreene and hope they know where we need to go. Otherwise I suppose we can talk with Erret and see if he has a map to Estra.  Does that sound like a fair plan to you?”

Nodding to Alban, Bloodhowl follow's his lead.

“I assume this Avreene is at the town hall with Erret. Is that correct?”

Alban makes his way to the town hall.