A modest log building stands facing the main road.  Visitors are welcomed by a set of double doors flanked by a sign that (now) reads
                     Leather and Longings.
The shop is heated by a double-sided fireplace on the far wall that gives a glimpse of the workshop beyond.
While it caters to the general public and township with all manner of leather and woodworked goods (as well as 'excellent tinkering and repairs'), for the adventuring community in Smith's Gambit, Lady Donella produces and maintains a wide variety of equipment and goods.

A slate sign mounted to the wall behind the counter displays the available products:
     Leather and Longings price list
     … all items, especially enchanted ones, will take time to produce unless I have stock on hand.

Currently available, NOW:   1x  Studded Leather Armour


   Custom work by request
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

Chelsie enters the shop, checking out the armors Sai has on display. "Fine work on these, Sai. I think I'd like some of that studded leather. I have a feeling a little more protection will come in handy around here. Is used leather of any use to you in trade?"

I'll purchase some studded leather, and sell back the leather if that's something you do here. Otherwise, I can go sell it to Jessop. -40gp, for now.

Sai's usual aloof demeanor is replaced with a broad smile at the compliment. "Thank you, I take pride in my work." He looks carefully at the armor Chelsie offers. "This is in decent shape. I'll take 5gp off the price of the studded leather if you leave it here."  Sai moves to the display wall, selecting a set of studded leather armor that was roughly the halfelf's size. Once she confirms the fit, Sai accepts the money with a smile. "A pleasure doing business with you."

At some time after the shop opened, a strong-looking genasi enters the building, wearing common clothes, a variety of luggage, and equipped [but not wielding] a magical spear and a wooden shield.

He brings in a set of used leather armor and addresses the slender elf if he is around, "Is this worth any gold, to you?"

Sai smiles, then his expression shifts as he quickly examines the suit of leather. "Seems in decent shape. I can offer you 5 gold for it."

Tidelan nods his head, "Yes." he hands the item over and takes the gold.

He says, "Goodbye" before leaving

Not a very talkative fellow...

OOC: I apologize for the lackluster first meeting between our characters, Sai. Tidelan is a very gruff fellow when it comes to shopping, ha ha.

 - Leather Armor
 + 5 Gold Coins

Sai smiles as he makes the exchange. "Pleasure doing business," he intones as the genasi leaves.

Not a problem! Sai can appreciate being straight to the point with business.

As the days wear on and Sai spends a considerable amount of time in his workshop, he eventually updates the slate board behind the counter.

This place smelled of leather and oils, telling Nutcracker that this was more than likely the place to go for his desired exchange. He placed his old suit of leather armor on the counter and pointed to the studded leather displayed. "Trade," came a gruff old voice that didn't seem like it would be used by a small bird man. He showed off the handful of coins ready to make a deal.

OOC: Looking to exchange Leather for Studded and pay the difference of 35gp

"Of course," Sai responds warmly.  After glancing over the kenku's leather armor, he brings Nutcracker to one of the displayed suits that was roughly his size to finish fitting the armor.

Sounds good!

Elisar entered the shop and looked around. When Sai appeared he greeted him warmly. “Good day to you sir. I am Elisar, called the Moonraven! A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He whipped off his broad brimmed hat and offered a deep, theatrical bow. “I am looking to replace my armour. This suit has served me well but I’m looking for something a bit more robust. Would you consider taking my old suit in trade?”

Looking to trade used Leather Armour for new Studded Leather. Are you able to part-exchange and if so what will the cost balance be in GP?

"Welcome!" Sai greets the elf warmly. "Let's take a look..." he replies, giving the suit of leather armor a critical eye. After a few moments, he continues, "Yes, it's still in decent shape. I can offer you a five gold piece discount on a new set of armor. I have a couple suits, let's see..." Sai leads the way to the wall displaying a number of suits of armor and fits the elf with a suit of leather studded with small metal rivets.

Yep, final cost is 35gp with the exchange.

In reply to Sai Nightbreeze (msg # 12):

Elisar looked over the options and selected one that fitted him comfortably. “Yes, this one is perfect! That you good sir!”

As well as his old armour he took out a pouch of coins and carefully counted them out before heading them to Sai. “A pleasure,” he stated simply before departing.

-35gp
-Leather Armour

+Studded Leather

Sovok
Towering 8' tall, and weighing over 300 pounds, an impressively built Goliath strides into the shop, ducking beneath the ceiling.  His stocky and muscular form clad in wool and leather clothes, With heavy boots and a broad leather belt.  At his hip rests a saex and handaxe, while slung across his back is a heavy mail, and several javelins. His bald head and beardless face are blockish and craggy, with two blue eyes gleaming like ice diamonds from beneath heavy brows.  "Hail shop keep.". He bellows in a deep voice.  "I seek your craft to turn these plates into armor."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:45, Mon 13 June 2022.

Sai takes in the massive figure whose head nearly brushes the ceiling with his face only betraying the slightest surprise before reverting back to a welcoming smile. "A good day to you, sir. What kind of plates? I work primarily in leather and hides, but I'd be happy to take a look."

The near giant sets down a bundle of centipede Chitinous plates, and mandibles, tied together with a thick cord.  While well skinned, they are still fresh, and somewhat ooze covered.

Sai considers the proffered materials with a critical eye. "Hides, then. Of a sort. Properly cured and tanned, they might make a good breastplate, or perhaps they could be sectioned into something like scale armor or small plates..." He muses over the materials for another moment.

I'll have to check with the GMs about what I can make with these. At the very least, hide armor, but maybe as good as a breastplate or half plate if they feel generous. If you're looking for a generic set of armor, I could give you a discount for these materials and sell you another set. Otherwise, I'll see what they say.

In reply to Sai Nightbreeze (msg # 17):

( OOC: Sovok absolutely wants these specifically made into armor.  The more protective, the better. )
This message was last edited by the player at 09:25, Thu 27 May 2021.

After some careful study, Sai nods his head.  "Yes, these plates can be arranged with a slight overlap.  The result will be stronger than anything I can make from leather alone, with a few metallic reinforcements.  I'll do it for 40gp, and it'll take a few days."

"Agreed.". The massive man says, as he fishes the price from his pouch, and hands it to Sai.

OOC: The chain shirt equivalent will be great.  Thank you. )

Within two days, Sai has the armor ready. It consists of overlapping chitinous plates that cover the torso and shoulders, made for a larger frame.

A few days later the massive form of Sovok ducks through the door to Sai's shop."I have come for my armor, Sai.". He says, his deep voice filling the room.

Sai hands the armor over, a look of pride on his face. "A thing of beauty, if I say so myself. And quite sturdy, before you think I'm all style and no substance. I hope it keeps you alive for a very long time!"

Sovok takes the armor.  Donning it to see how it fits.  Feeling it well made, and easy to move in, he is happy.  "This is good work.". He replies to Sai.  "I will wear it with pride.". So saying, he ducks under the door, and exits the shop.

                 * Donella Turen takes over the store*

A modest log building stands facing the main road.  Visitors are welcomed by a set of double doors flanked by a sign that (now) reads
                     Leather and Longings.
The shop is heated by a double-sided fireplace on the far wall that gives a glimpse of the workshop beyond.
While it caters to the general public and township with all manner of leather and woodworked goods (as well as 'excellent tinkering and repairs'), for the adventuring community in Smith's Gambit, Lady Donella produces and maintains a wide variety of equipment and goods.

A slate sign mounted to the wall behind the counter displays the available products:







   Custom work by request
This message was last edited by the player at 09:34, Wed 15 June 2022.

The tiefling Donella had first seen at the Assault on Burning Stag crosses the threshold of her shop, taking the time to wipe his shoes lest he  track the frozen slush inside.

He looks about the room before his eyes settle on the large slate board behind the counter and a smile spreads across his face.

"I would do business here, I have coin to spend and understand I am able to find quality goods in this place. On hearing the name I had thought perhaps other things were sold here but I am glad to see that was incorrect..."

OOC: I'd like to take advantage of your half price opening sale.
Can I please have my shield enchanted with a +1 or otherwise a +1 shield crafted with my holy symbol on it?
I'd also like to buy a +1 whip.

The slighter elf follows after the tiefling, apparently finishing a sentence from a prior conversation, "... I'll bet they sell swings and restraints too..." her face quickly shifts from a mischievous smirk to a look of slight disappointment.

"Oh, well this is fine too I guess. I can still get something studded," she laughs lightly as she runs her fingers over a set of displayed armour on a nearby mannequin.

OOC: Tiria would like to buy a +1 Studded leather armour too please :)
This message was last edited by the player at 11:20, Mon 13 June 2022.

Elisar entered the store, observing the new sign hanging over the door. With a foppish bow and big grin he greeted the shopkeeper. "My lady Donella, we meet again, though this time with less hobgoblins and more industry! I trust your new venture is going well?"

"I would like to take advantage of your special offer. I am in need of some new armour, and I believe you are offering a set of studded leather armour with added enchantments of protection. That would serve me well. As you are offering a hefty discount I would happily donate my old set to you. Maybe it can be recycled by your good self, or you could sell it to a young adventurer in need of gear but lacking in coin."

Looking to buy +1 Studded Leather, I believe the price to be 397GP+5SP. I will give you my normal Studded Leather for free.

Donella was still setting up her wears, and customising her storefront when the first interest was attracted.

She smiled warmly as the two entered, with a mirthful grin on her face with their comments ... for, truth was, she hadn't named the store without this consideration, and wouldn't be adverse to providing such equipment if asked  (as per the 'custom requests' amendment at the bottom of the sign).

But, she'd only been in town a few weeks herself, and hadn't had time to really start working on her stocks yet.
"I am sorry to say, folks, that I haven't had time to create anything with enchantment, other than this here shield," she drew Victor's attention to a +1 Shield on the wall.  "I'd be happy to adorn it with your symbol this evening, if you can provide me with a picture.  It'd be ready for you tomorrow morning.

Unfortunately," she spoke again to both, "It would take me some months to produce each of those invested items ... the weapon and the armour.  They are, for sure, it takes much longer to imbue the magic than it does to create the mundane thing.

It would take me about 2 months to finish enchanting a whip, for example.
I am, currently, as it happens, in the process of creating some imbued Studded Armour ... but it won't be ready for another month.
I am, of course, willing to begin work on these, if you wish.   But I could only work on one at a time", she explained regretfully.


Damned Downtime Unit Deficiency:    +1 Studded takes 80 of them, while the +1 Whip will take 50.
Sorry friends

"Alas, I think it best I take my coin elsewhere. Tis a shame but can't be helped."

He bid her good day and left, seeking wares elsewhere.

Victor nods, lifting the shield from his back to place on the counter with its holy emblem facing upwards.

"I will leave this with you to use overnight then, and will place an order for the whip to be crafted once Tiria's armour is done."

OOC: Happy to buy the +1 Shield and holy emblem customisation now, just need to know the total cost.
I'll also order the +1 whip and pay for that now if that is okay, I won't need it for a few levels yet anyway.

Tiria smiles, "Then I will buy a mundane set of studded leather armour for now while I wait for the enchanted set to be completed and then trade it back to you should it be in good enough condition."

OOC: I'll buy a set of mundane studded leather armour assuming you have stock and order and pay for the +1 Studded leather now as well.
I can contribute some DTUs towards crafting the studded leather armour as well if needed, I'll just need to know a total cost.

Donella will charge you 500gp for both ... the emblem engraving for free.


"Come by tomorrow, I'll have your shield ready for you", she says, with a smile.

"Excellent," the tiefling says simply, pulling out a heavy coin purse to count out the required payment and place it on the counter.

OOC: -500 gp
+ Shield +1 with Holy Symbol
+ IOU receipt for Whip +1

"How does this seem?   I'll sell you a set of mundanes, now, for 20gp.
The imbued stuff is still going to take me just over a month, I reckon ... and cost you just shy of 400gp.
But, you're welcome to come around and help me out with the stuff any days you like, and each day you help out will not only hasten the process, but it'll save you 1gp off its cost.
And when its done, we can negotiate a trade-in price if you don't want to keep the mundies.
Sound fair?"

"Sounds like a good plan to me, it will be good practice for when I offer my own enchanting services."

OOC: I'm not sure how many DTUs are left to go but shall we go halfsies?

A giant of a person ducks through the door, almost crouching to admit his 8' tall frame.  Standing inside the shop, his head sucked to avoid the rafters, he booms out.  "I am looking for the keeper of this shop.".  His deep voice filling the space.  He wears a suit of chitinous plates reinforced with metal.  They seem to have once belonged to a pair of centipedes of massive size.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Tue 14 June 2022.

Ok, so to clarify:
- Victor has purchased the +1 Shield ... and has paid in advance for a +1 Whip, which I'll provide as quickly as I can
- Tiria has purchased 1 set of mundane Studded Leather ... it'll be easier if you don't pay in advance, lets just finish the thing, and discuss price then based on how much (Downtime Units) you can contribute to the work.    Tiria, to help create and enchant the Studded Leather, you need to be proficient with Leather Working tools.   Please, are you?


Lady Donella looked up (and up and up and up) at the huge man ... there were so many of them in this neighbourhood, it seems ...
"Good Day, friend.   For now, that would be me".

Donella was a small, portly Rock Gnome ... all of 3 foot tall when she stood up tall; but right now, she was, as always, in her wheelchair.
"Might I help you?"

"Yes, small one.  I seek to have the hide I wear enchanted.  Can you do do that?". He asks, his booming voice filling the place.

(My apologies for the late response, Sovok ... I truely thought I had answered you earlier)


Lady Donella smiled up at Sovok, "Certainly, sir.   Leave it with me, and I shall have it ready for you* after you return from your next mission from this town", she replied.

       * With DTU Timely-Whimey-ness, I'll charge you 600gp ... and you can assume you have it upon your return, my friend
This message was last edited by the player at 10:41, Mon 04 July 2022.

     Leather and Longings price list

Currently available, NOW:   1x  Studded Leather Armour
             … all items, especially enchanted ones, will take time to produce unless I have stock on hand.


                                  Custom work by request

From Hexia's

It was perhaps an hour past dawn when a light knock sounded at the door.

If it was unlocked, Kiara would enter the shop. Sleight and thin, she did not even reach five feet tall. Yet there was an alien presence to her that filled the room, uncaring of  her small stature. Her presence was felt like a weight upon reality itself, a supernatural mein that was hard to ignore.

She lowered her seal fur lined hood, revealing skin that was impossibly pale, with a sheen to it that looked more akin to ivory than flesh. She was not particularly beautiful, for her appearance was far too eerie to be described as such, the strange tattooed inks and the gem seemingly grafted to her forehead making her all the stranger.

"Hello?"

She called out, her voice even stranger than her visage. The drone of it was rich and vibrant, sending pleasant tingles down the spines of those who tarried to listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Thu 16 Feb 2023.

A lump in the corner, likely dismissed initially as a cauldron filled to overflow with materials and fabrics, moved.
It's movement wasn't threatening, per se, but it raised itself up on stilted legs, this human-sized spider ... and in the darkness of the shop interior, that might have slightly threatening.
It did not move otherwise.

From the back of the shop, came a confident, jolly kind of voice, "Helllooo".
And complimented by a gentle whirring sound,  the diminutive form (no more than maybe 3' if she was standing) Gnome appeared from somewhere further in the shop, seated in her wheelchair.

"Can I help you, dear?"

Kiara turned to face the whirring thing, and it was only her years of training under her Mistress that kept her from drawing her new rod and bringing it to bare. As it was, she kept her features composed, a perfect mask that disguised her whirling thoughts, impossibly golden eyes taking the contraption in.

"Ah, these must be some of the machines that Guyver spoke of."

She managed at last, turning to take in the Gnome within her chair.

"A moving throne..."

She whispered with that honeyed voice of hers, yet just loud enough that Donella could hear.

"I am Kiara, named Golden Tongued by she who I serve."

She added, her voice a delight on the senses. She held in her hands a thick bundle, which she set upon the counter and began to unwrapped. Leather armor, by the look of it, though dyed ever so purple, with silver trim at the edges.

"I'd initially been hoping to get this enchanted, but I think I will just have to settle for studded at this time. My coin purse is a little lighter than I might have liked."

Lady Donella eyed the young woman, as she spoke.

The spider-construct curiously skittered up onto the wall, and using the unobstructed height, slowly made its way around the room to where it could observe the two women interacting … remaining near the roof when it ‘settled’.

Lady Donella, her wheel chair seemingly moving now at her thought, joined Kiara at the bench where the leather armour was unwrapped.    She took it upon herself to investigate the vestment;  carefully considering its craftship, she nodded as she turned the leather, frowned at one of the seams, ran her fingers gently across the ties.
“Mind me asking,” she casually enquired as she did so, “who it be you serve?.
Kiara noticed several smaller (normal sized) mechanical spiders that seemed to call Donella home, skitter about her person and occasionally out across the table, and the purple leather armour.


Regardless, after examining the leather armour, and listening to any response that Kiara might give, Donella’s chair spun her softly to face the woman.   “It happens that I have a suit of studded available right now.    It can be yours, if you choose; and if you give me some time, we can shift it’s fit a little better for your form.

And, if you like, you can leave this,” gesturing to the purple-silver vestment, “with me, and I’ll begin enchanting it.  I’ll even stud it up for you, if you like.
Then, when that’s done, we can negotiate a cost for it all … including a trade back for this studded leather you’re about to buy, depending on how much wear you’ve put on it”.

Donella then let the girl think on this offer, and make her decision.

The giant spider contraption on the wall above (about the size of a large dog, or a pony … maybe a small bear) hadn’t moved.

Kiara paused only a moment, her smile upon the perfect mask of her face unflinching.

She hadn’t been surprised that it had taken so long for someone to inquire. Since arriving to Smith’s Gambit, she’d relied on no deception at all, which under most circumstances was the best form of obfuscation. People generally weren’t all that inquiring, but it seemed this Crafter with their strange mechanical creations was the exception.

”My Mistress is Eantriss the Goldenscaled, Guardian and Protector of the Umbretal Mountains.”

She said, lingering on the sound of her Mistress’ true name, then laughed. The sound was magic, smoke and honey filling the air.

”Though it’s not nearly as pretentious and important as that might make it sound. My Mistress has many agents great and small, and while I enjoy her favor and am imbued with some aspect of her Draconic Mantle, I think it’s safe to say I’m one of the lesser ones.”

A Dragon then, with an Elven servant acting as her agent within Smith’s Gambit. A matter of some grave concern, perhaps. For what interest would a Dragon have in this place?

”It is her will that Smith’s Gambit thrives, and so I was dispatched to aid in that venture in what ways I can. Principally, in establishing a library of knowledge and lore. I’m about to embark on another venture to secure more funding, I’ve already secured Hexia Icewind’s patronage, but some of that bounty will need to be spent on funding an expedition to acquire texts and tomes to fill it. How much would the services you’re describing cost?”


OOC: How much do you need now, and how much for +1 Studded Leathers down the line?

"Mmmm,   Mistress Eantriss, eh?
I haven't heard that name for some years now.  But then, I ain't at home no more", Lady Donella mused, seeming familiar with the name.

It probably occured to Kiara at that point, that way over on the eastern tip of the Umbretal, where the mountain range blended away into foothills, towards the coast, lived a large community of Rock Gnomes.
They were not really considered 'one of the Umbretal Races', by most:  they didn't bring the strength and resources of the Dwarves Clans within, nor the knowledge and magics of the Elves that lived there also ... but they were, nominally (when thought of at all), one of the 'kingdom races'.

Looking around, Kiara might even notice small, slight emblemage to one of the 'noble families' among those forgotten little people:  House Turen.

But her attention would be drawn back as Lady Donella, answered her last questions, "Prices are on the board, sweetie.  And I can't do better'n that.  I'm already doing my fellows in this here community good costs.

If you can't afford that there studded armour", gesturing at the suit set up on the mannequin by the front window, "I can let you take it, and add the difference to what you'll owe me later".

The tiny, mechanical spiders had receded to their hidden place about her small form; and the giant spider up on the wall remained silent, but ominously vigilant.

"Ahhh...."

Kiara gasped, making no attempt to disguise the delight in her voice.

"It is always good to speak with another of the Umbretal."

Her own Clan tended to the forests to the North of the Mountains, and generally had as little as they could to do with the business of Dragons. Kiara was a deviation, an aberration, and one whose wanderlust and hunger for more had led her to the feet of the Goldenscaled herself. Sadly, her "education" once she'd been sworn into her Mistress' service had not included any of the Rock Gnome's heraldry. While she recognized the emblem as such, but knew nothing of the Houses of their Nobility.

"May I ask, why are you so far from your kin? Business must be good."

She began to count out thirty five gold coins, placing them in a small pile upon the counter.

"I'll take the the studded leather for now, and we will see how fares my fortune when I return."

18:35, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  History

Nope, not good enough.

As the elf counted out her coins onto the (very low, Gnone-heighted) bench, Donella aimlessly waggled magic finger in the direction of the front window ... and a Magic Hand pulled forth the studded leather armour there, and sailed it across to where the two women were doing business.

If Kiara was willing to stay for a few hours, Donella could easily tailor the armour to better suit Kiara's body ... mindlessly chatting about recent events in Smith's Gambit, the weather, or 'home' in the mountains.
"My family  ... fell on, lets us say, disputed times, when I was younger.   It couldn't be said that House Turen holds the position and influence it once did.     And so, I took my leave, to explore the world.   I caught a ship from the coast, south ... and this was the first prominent, occupied land it stopped at.   So I decided to make a go of it here", the gnome lady explained, in answer to the elven woman's enquiries.

"Do tell me more about this library that you, and The Goldenscaled Mast... Mistress wishes to sponsor?"
In truth, it would be a fine goal, and one that Donella could see herself throwing some of her own support and resources towards.


You can owe me the other 30gp.   And, once I can enchant the Purple Armour, we can discuss its cost; less a trade back for the scale you are taking now, if you don't want both.

Of course, if Kiara chooses to assist with the enchanting ... by noting downtime participation, and contributing Downtime Units, the time to enchant will decrease.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Sat 18 Feb 2023.

"From Nobles to entrepreneurs and crafts folk? There are many who would envy your talent, dedication, and resilience."

Kiara said, and there was no sense that she was buttering Donella up. The words felt genuine.

"I've a strong desire to learn the enchanter's trade."

She held up a pale hand, her laughter the tinkle of smoked glass.

"But only for my own purposes, I don't intend to set up shop. No, I'm focused on the library. It was my idea, actually."

She sounded somewhat bashful about that.

"My Mistress intended for this frontier town to become a center of power, as she wishes to see it thrive. With the Giants controlling the Southern slopes of the Umbretal, her influence here upon the peninsula is not as strong as she might have liked. Sure, she can fly over them, but if they spotted her doing so? They might venture over the peaks and into her domain in her absence. A citadel of power here along the coast? Well knowing that such a thing exists would allow her to keep her gaze North, knowing that the people here were thriving. To become such a locus of power, we will need to have the infrastructure to support it. That includes a library, where any and all might come to learn. I've partnered with an Alchemist by the name of Alban, and ordered the construction of what will eventually become the... well I need a name for it still, I suppose. Do you have any ideas?"