Gil is able to find most of the simplest spell components in The Wide. But anything beyond that he is told that Rivalen Blackhand, the proprietor of the store, the Sorcerous Sundries, would have what he wants. The Sorcerous Sundries could be found in the Lower City and he is given directions.
No one specifically is interested in buying the sword that is for sale, at least not openly.
"Hey guys! I was able to find my dust I wanted! Do you guys wanna buy anything while we are here? This place is AMAZING!" Gil would shout as he places the items in his pouch. "If you guys don't have anything else you wanna do, I want to go to the lower city and pay a visit to Rivalen Blackhand. He sounds really nice and should have some magic stuff for sale!" The Verdan would say as he excitedly looks to each of his companions.
Finding what you wanted from The Wide, you move out of the Upper City and down into the Lower City. As you are leaving the Upper City you watch as a couple members of the Watch chase a pick pocket.
The feel of the city changes as you move to the Lower City. While the Upper City was clean, orderly, the Lower City is much different.
The Lower City, a great crescent of steep slopes descending to the docks, is packed tight with conjoined, slate-roofed buildings that are made of stone and feature window boxes and stout shutters in vibrant hues. The Lower City’s narrow alleys access interior courtyards and other streets. Stone buttresses often span its roadways, literally holding apart the upper floors of structures that face each other. Even though some of these narrow supports act as pedestrian bridges, they are most often used by pigeons, gulls, rats, and cats. Lower City citizens are accustomed to their noisy, cramped existence. As the long-ago sage Asturgel of the Gate wrote, “In the Lower City, we live and work atop each other untidily.”
Trade is king in this section of Baldur’s Gate. Craftwork, repairs, and buying and selling consume the lives of the tradesfolk, shopkeepers, and day servants who dwell here. Commerce in shops and crowded streets begins before sunrise and continues until after dark. By day, each shop’s shutters are flung open. At night, they’re firmly fastened shut, regardless of whether their windows have iron gratings. Aside from inns and taverns—which are open, well lit, and employ “trusties” to guard against vandals, drunkards, arsonists, thieves, and brawlers—the Lower City is largely dark and shuttered after sundown.
Dark and Foggy Streets: Since the damp clings to the entire city, the Gate’s cobbled streets are typically slick underfoot. When traction becomes a real problem, the locals spread straw or river gravel on the cobbles to help folk find their footing. Communally maintained streetlights dot various crossroads and light the darkest spots beneath the Lower City’s many stone support arches. Oil-andwick copper bowls, whose copper wing reflectors direct radiance, partially illuminate the Lower City’s nicer districts. Glassless, tin candle lanterns throw light into its rougher neighborhoods. Both types of lighting are solidly constructed and mounted. Citizens who live near the lanterns light them at dusk and, if wind or rain have not yet extinguished them, blow them out at sunrise. The open doors of inns, taverns, and late-to-close cafes spill some light into the streets, but most folk carry lamps or hire lamp lads and lamp lasses. These youths carry many-candled lanterns on long poles and, for a few coppers, guide customers through the streets at night.
You eventually make your way to the shop Sorcerous Sundries.
The tall, round building currently known as Sorcerous Sundries has the most magnificent roof in the city, a vast dome seemingly made entirely of stained glass. Inside, arched stonework that supports the roof above the uppermost floor compromises the illusion, but its effect is impressive nonetheless. Over the years, the structure has been employed as a residence, a clothier’s shop, a restaurant, a greenhouse, and a flower shop. Its current owner has returned the building to its original purpose, doing business as a magic shop. The ground floor, the only area into which patrons are permitted, is awash in silk curtains, thick rugs, and luxurious furniture. Magical symbols liberally adorn the Sorcerous Sundries’ decor, and a sign inside the entrance assures customers that the symbols are protective in nature. The ceiling is made of multicolored glass, as are the outer rims of the structure’s upper floors. When light filters through the stories of the building, moving rays and splotches of multicolored light dance in the shop. Minor enchantments enhance the effect, making for captivating skygazing as patrons wait for the proprietor to fetch ritual components or consult otherworldly entities.
The wizard in residence, an aged human who calls himself Rivalen Blackhand, claims to have come from Halruaa. Blackhand says he was once capable of mighty magic before a battle with a demon blackened and withered his right hand, forcing him to end his adventuring ways. Now Blackhand earns a large, steady income from the import and sale of components for rituals and spellcasting, dubious fortune-telling, and evenmore- dubious spells of good luck or greater skill.
Upon seeing the building, the small verdan would sequel loudly and take off running into the building as his ears flap in the wind behind him. Bouncing inside he would open his spell book and look to see if there were any reagents he is missing as he bounces his way through the shop. "Oh my goodness! Are you guys seeing this place?!" He would exclaim before making his way to the counter. "Hello! My name is Gilbert! Nice to meet you. Are you the REAL Rivalen Blackhand! You look even more powerful than i imagined!" The verdan would say as he tries his hardest to look up over the shop counter. "I was hoping that maybe you have some spells or magical items I could purchase or trade.. I.. I have a magical sword if you are interested!" The verdan would say as he pulls the greatsword from his bag of holding before struggling to place it gently on to the counter. "I don't have a whole lot of coin so I was hoping maybe we could work out a deal where the sword helps to cover some of the coin my companions and I might be lacking" Gil would say motioning to his friends.
Tibi looks around in amazement at the inside of the shop and carrols with joy. His eye is immediately drawn to the swords and armour section and he walks over. Hopefully he sees a Rapier and or Studded Leather that he immediately starts examining in more detail.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"Put that sword away. I have no interest in purchasing such a thing. I deal strictly in the components needed for spells and rituals. You will not find finer in the Sword Coast! Before you even ask, no spells scrolls, no weapons, no armor, no gadgets or gizmos."
Indeed you find nothing in the store except spell components. Anything you might need to cast a spell can be found here. But nothing else magical is found for sale.
Whistler does find a gnome working who identifies himself.
"Gilligunn at your service. What can I help you find? "
"Oh..." Gil would say rather deflated. "Well... I uhh.. Have this familiar here...." The Verdan would say as he snaps his fingers and the blue spectral bat pops into existance. "I still have the brazer from when I initially summoned him but could use a few more materials in case I ever need to cast find familiar and summon him again... I could also use some Gold dust.. enough to cast arcane lock at least twice.." The verdan would say as he slides the sword back into his bag of holding. "So if you don't buy or sell magical items, only reagents... do you know who does" The verdan would ask with puppy dog eyes as he begins to pull out the coin needed to make his purchase.
Blackhand quickly collects the components you requested and bags them up for you.
"That'll be 60 gold pieces thank you."
You pay the man.
"Can't say I can help you find a buyer for a sword like that. Not my sort of thing. Lots of people come here looking for that sort of stuff but it's not my thing to get involved in the buying and selling of such items."
"Do you know of anyone that sells any types of magic items in the city?" The Verdan would ask. "Even the most common of magical items could be useful. I know not everyone would be interested in buying the sword.. and to be honest, it would look good on a mantle above a fire place so that is fine if you don't want to buyooohh! OH OH! I almost forgot! Can you sell me any ink used in copying magical spells?" Gil would exclaim in a panic as he had almost forgotten about it.
(OOC: So do you want me to RP buying the ink each time I copy a spell or would like like me to just remove the amount of gold needed to copy a spell going forward once I make this purchase of ink?)
OoC: in the interest of moving things along, can we address out of character whether this is a campaign that has magic item markets or not? I'm inferring not, and I know it's not the standard in 5e. If it's a possibility and just a matter of finding them, though, Darvin would get his silver tongue involved here, but I don't want to hold things up RPing around something that's not part of the game.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darvin approaches the proprietor and lowers his voice. "We've just returned from a truly awful plane, you see, chasing a nine-headed creature back to our world and slaying it before it could wreak its monstrous destruction across the region and perhaps the world. But even as powerful as we are, we barely came away alive. And so, you see, my friends and I are in search of equipment that can increase the odds of success, the next time we find ourselves the only ones standing in the way of the extermination of civilization itself. Surely you would like to aid us in that pursuit? If you have information at all about where we might find magical equipment of use to a group of humble adventurers such as ourselves, we, and really the city at large, would be in your debt."
He bows his head slightly and gives the man a wink, leaving open the possibility that he is letting the shopkeeper in on a joke, should he find Darvin's story too much to believe.
Persuasion (with a side of exaggeration): 26
OoC: Hah... it's almost as if the dice were responding to the quality of the speech.
"Can't sell ya what I don't have. And I'm not interested in the buying of what I don't have to sell. Sorry, can't help ya. So's unless you wish to buy something I do sell, I've got other customers to take care of."
Meanwhile you see that Gilligunn the gnome takes interest in your conversation and when Blackhand walks off he approaches.
Quietly he says to you "I may be able to help you folks find and sell what you've got. Blackhand there has no interest in such a market, but I know those who are. I've been chatting with your friend here."
He nods to Whistler
"We've worked something out. If I find a buyer for your sword I'll send word. Let me know what you wish to buy, I'll see if I can find a seller. OK?"
Tibi wanders over to the Gnome doff his hat with a flourish and bows “I am Craacticus Tibicen a wanderer from here and there and slayer of monsters am looking for a companion to this” he partially draws the moon touched rapier “but a bit better if you get my meaning.”
Gil would pay for his ink and thank backhand for his time before making his way to the gnome. "Hello, if you could find someone interested in buying a powerful magical sword, that would be great!" The verdan would say excitedly. "as for what I was looking for... well... I am always interested in learning new useful spells... as well as magical items that provide me with new a abilities I can use when in a sticky situation..." Gil would say before scratching his chin. "I have heard of a few magic items that sound interesting... Things like a jug that can produce a variety of different liquids, or a pointed wizard hat that helps you to cast spells you dont know... or a stone that makes you lucky... or rings that help you to jump really high" Gil would say as he rattles off his list. "Some really neat items would be little floating stones that I hear float around your head and provide a bunch of benifits... but I hear they are pretty rare." Gil would say.
You have spent a good day in the city having found a store for Gilbert to buy needed supplies. You also hope to hear from your other source on the desired magical items on your wish lists.
It is late in the day when you return back to headquarters. But when you get back you find that the job hasn't stopped.
Issen informs you when you return that a potential client has come seeking to hire you for a job. A man sits at a table in the main room.
"He insisted in waiting for your return sirs. Says his employer has sent him to hire Acquisitions Inc for a job that needs to be handled right away but wouldn't tell me what the job is. "
The man is introduced as Gaylen.
"My employers, the Bormuls, have sent me to hire Acquisitions Inc for an immediate job. It seems one of the daughters has fell in with a man of ill repute and is now missing. They do not wish to improve the Watch or the Flaming Fist for fear of the negative publicity that would come about. They wish the job done quietly and are willing to pay handsomely. They are offering 1000 gold pieces for her safe return. They believe the man is involved in some sort of cult and she may be in danger. The cult may be found in an old building on the north side of the Outer Circle. Will you take the job? "
You recognize the Bormuls as a patriar family in the upper city.
Gil is able to find most of the simplest spell components in The Wide. But anything beyond that he is told that Rivalen Blackhand, the proprietor of the store, the Sorcerous Sundries, would have what he wants. The Sorcerous Sundries could be found in the Lower City and he is given directions.
No one specifically is interested in buying the sword that is for sale, at least not openly.
"Hey guys! I was able to find my dust I wanted! Do you guys wanna buy anything while we are here? This place is AMAZING!" Gil would shout as he places the items in his pouch. "If you guys don't have anything else you wanna do, I want to go to the lower city and pay a visit to Rivalen Blackhand. He sounds really nice and should have some magic stuff for sale!" The Verdan would say as he excitedly looks to each of his companions.
Whistler scribbles down a note and discreetly passes it to the cart owner.
OOC: how do you want me to roleplay his communication with contacts?
Send me a PM with what the note says
Finding what you wanted from The Wide, you move out of the Upper City and down into the Lower City. As you are leaving the Upper City you watch as a couple members of the Watch chase a pick pocket.
The feel of the city changes as you move to the Lower City. While the Upper City was clean, orderly, the Lower City is much different.
The Lower City, a great crescent of steep slopes descending to the docks, is packed tight with conjoined, slate-roofed buildings that are made of stone and feature window boxes and stout shutters in vibrant hues. The Lower City’s narrow alleys access interior courtyards and other streets. Stone buttresses often span its roadways, literally holding apart the upper floors of structures that face each other. Even though some of these narrow supports act as pedestrian bridges, they are most often used by pigeons, gulls, rats, and cats. Lower City citizens are accustomed to their noisy, cramped existence. As the long-ago sage Asturgel of the Gate wrote, “In the Lower City, we live and work atop each other untidily.”
Trade is king in this section of Baldur’s Gate. Craftwork, repairs, and buying and selling consume the lives of the tradesfolk, shopkeepers, and day servants who dwell here. Commerce in shops and crowded streets begins before sunrise and continues until after dark. By day, each shop’s shutters are flung open. At night, they’re firmly fastened shut, regardless of whether their windows have iron gratings. Aside from inns and taverns—which are open, well lit, and employ “trusties” to guard against vandals, drunkards, arsonists, thieves, and brawlers—the Lower City is largely dark and shuttered after sundown.
Dark and Foggy Streets: Since the damp clings to the entire city, the Gate’s cobbled streets are typically slick underfoot. When traction becomes a real problem, the locals spread straw or river gravel on the cobbles to help folk find their footing. Communally maintained streetlights dot various crossroads and light the darkest spots beneath the Lower City’s many stone support arches. Oil-andwick copper bowls, whose copper wing reflectors direct radiance, partially illuminate the Lower City’s nicer districts. Glassless, tin candle lanterns throw light into its rougher neighborhoods. Both types of lighting are solidly constructed and mounted. Citizens who live near the lanterns light them at dusk and, if wind or rain have not yet extinguished them, blow them out at sunrise. The open doors of inns, taverns, and late-to-close cafes spill some light into the streets, but most folk carry lamps or hire lamp lads and lamp lasses. These youths carry many-candled lanterns on long poles and, for a few coppers, guide customers through the streets at night.
You eventually make your way to the shop Sorcerous Sundries.
The tall, round building currently known as Sorcerous Sundries has the most magnificent roof in the city, a vast dome seemingly made entirely of stained glass. Inside, arched stonework that supports the roof above the uppermost floor compromises the illusion, but its effect is impressive nonetheless. Over the years, the structure has been employed as a residence, a clothier’s shop, a restaurant, a greenhouse, and a flower shop. Its current owner has returned the building to its original purpose, doing business as a magic shop. The ground floor, the only area into which patrons are permitted, is awash in silk curtains, thick rugs, and luxurious furniture. Magical symbols liberally adorn the Sorcerous Sundries’ decor, and a sign inside the entrance assures customers that the symbols are protective in nature. The ceiling is made of multicolored glass, as are the outer rims of the structure’s upper floors. When light filters through the stories of the building, moving rays and splotches of multicolored light dance in the shop. Minor enchantments enhance the effect, making for captivating skygazing as patrons wait for the proprietor to fetch ritual components or consult otherworldly entities.
The wizard in residence, an aged human who calls himself Rivalen Blackhand, claims to have come from Halruaa. Blackhand says he was once capable of mighty magic before a battle with a demon blackened and withered his right hand, forcing him to end his adventuring ways. Now Blackhand earns a large, steady income from the import and sale of components for rituals and spellcasting, dubious fortune-telling, and evenmore- dubious spells of good luck or greater skill.
Upon seeing the building, the small verdan would sequel loudly and take off running into the building as his ears flap in the wind behind him. Bouncing inside he would open his spell book and look to see if there were any reagents he is missing as he bounces his way through the shop. "Oh my goodness! Are you guys seeing this place?!" He would exclaim before making his way to the counter. "Hello! My name is Gilbert! Nice to meet you. Are you the REAL Rivalen Blackhand! You look even more powerful than i imagined!" The verdan would say as he tries his hardest to look up over the shop counter. "I was hoping that maybe you have some spells or magical items I could purchase or trade.. I.. I have a magical sword if you are interested!" The verdan would say as he pulls the greatsword from his bag of holding before struggling to place it gently on to the counter. "I don't have a whole lot of coin so I was hoping maybe we could work out a deal where the sword helps to cover some of the coin my companions and I might be lacking" Gil would say motioning to his friends.
Tibi looks around in amazement at the inside of the shop and carrols with joy. His eye is immediately drawn to the swords and armour section and he walks over. Hopefully he sees a Rapier and or Studded Leather that he immediately starts examining in more detail.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Whistler will enter the building and scan the room for a gnome. When he spots him, he will approach in a casual manner.
Rivalen Blackhand looks down at the group.
"Put that sword away. I have no interest in purchasing such a thing. I deal strictly in the components needed for spells and rituals. You will not find finer in the Sword Coast! Before you even ask, no spells scrolls, no weapons, no armor, no gadgets or gizmos."
Indeed you find nothing in the store except spell components. Anything you might need to cast a spell can be found here. But nothing else magical is found for sale.
Whistler does find a gnome working who identifies himself.
"Gilligunn at your service. What can I help you find? "
"Oh..." Gil would say rather deflated. "Well... I uhh.. Have this familiar here...." The Verdan would say as he snaps his fingers and the blue spectral bat pops into existance. "I still have the brazer from when I initially summoned him but could use a few more materials in case I ever need to cast find familiar and summon him again... I could also use some Gold dust.. enough to cast arcane lock at least twice.." The verdan would say as he slides the sword back into his bag of holding. "So if you don't buy or sell magical items, only reagents... do you know who does" The verdan would ask with puppy dog eyes as he begins to pull out the coin needed to make his purchase.
Blackhand quickly collects the components you requested and bags them up for you.
"That'll be 60 gold pieces thank you."
You pay the man.
"Can't say I can help you find a buyer for a sword like that. Not my sort of thing. Lots of people come here looking for that sort of stuff but it's not my thing to get involved in the buying and selling of such items."
"Do you know of anyone that sells any types of magic items in the city?" The Verdan would ask. "Even the most common of magical items could be useful. I know not everyone would be interested in buying the sword.. and to be honest, it would look good on a mantle above a fire place so that is fine if you don't want to buyooohh! OH OH! I almost forgot! Can you sell me any ink used in copying magical spells?" Gil would exclaim in a panic as he had almost forgotten about it.
(OOC: So do you want me to RP buying the ink each time I copy a spell or would like like me to just remove the amount of gold needed to copy a spell going forward once I make this purchase of ink?)
OoC: in the interest of moving things along, can we address out of character whether this is a campaign that has magic item markets or not? I'm inferring not, and I know it's not the standard in 5e. If it's a possibility and just a matter of finding them, though, Darvin would get his silver tongue involved here, but I don't want to hold things up RPing around something that's not part of the game.
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
Darvin approaches the proprietor and lowers his voice. "We've just returned from a truly awful plane, you see, chasing a nine-headed creature back to our world and slaying it before it could wreak its monstrous destruction across the region and perhaps the world. But even as powerful as we are, we barely came away alive. And so, you see, my friends and I are in search of equipment that can increase the odds of success, the next time we find ourselves the only ones standing in the way of the extermination of civilization itself. Surely you would like to aid us in that pursuit? If you have information at all about where we might find magical equipment of use to a group of humble adventurers such as ourselves, we, and really the city at large, would be in your debt."
He bows his head slightly and gives the man a wink, leaving open the possibility that he is letting the shopkeeper in on a joke, should he find Darvin's story too much to believe.
Persuasion (with a side of exaggeration): 26
OoC: Hah... it's almost as if the dice were responding to the quality of the speech.
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
Blackhand listens to your story, but then laughs.
"Can't sell ya what I don't have. And I'm not interested in the buying of what I don't have to sell. Sorry, can't help ya. So's unless you wish to buy something I do sell, I've got other customers to take care of."
Meanwhile you see that Gilligunn the gnome takes interest in your conversation and when Blackhand walks off he approaches.
Quietly he says to you "I may be able to help you folks find and sell what you've got. Blackhand there has no interest in such a market, but I know those who are. I've been chatting with your friend here."
He nods to Whistler
"We've worked something out. If I find a buyer for your sword I'll send word. Let me know what you wish to buy, I'll see if I can find a seller. OK?"
Tibi wanders over to the Gnome doff his hat with a flourish and bows “I am Craacticus Tibicen a wanderer from here and there and slayer of monsters am looking for a companion to this” he partially draws the moon touched rapier “but a bit better if you get my meaning.”
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Gil would pay for his ink and thank backhand for his time before making his way to the gnome. "Hello, if you could find someone interested in buying a powerful magical sword, that would be great!" The verdan would say excitedly. "as for what I was looking for... well... I am always interested in learning new useful spells... as well as magical items that provide me with new a abilities I can use when in a sticky situation..." Gil would say before scratching his chin. "I have heard of a few magic items that sound interesting... Things like a jug that can produce a variety of different liquids, or a pointed wizard hat that helps you to cast spells you dont know... or a stone that makes you lucky... or rings that help you to jump really high" Gil would say as he rattles off his list. "Some really neat items would be little floating stones that I hear float around your head and provide a bunch of benifits... but I hear they are pretty rare." Gil would say.
Whistler thanks Gilligunn and scribbles down on a note. He hands the note to the gnome with a nod and smile.
Note:
For you direction, I would be interested in items that can provide additional protection in combat and aid me in an melee encounter.
You have spent a good day in the city having found a store for Gilbert to buy needed supplies. You also hope to hear from your other source on the desired magical items on your wish lists.
It is late in the day when you return back to headquarters. But when you get back you find that the job hasn't stopped.
Issen informs you when you return that a potential client has come seeking to hire you for a job. A man sits at a table in the main room.
"He insisted in waiting for your return sirs. Says his employer has sent him to hire Acquisitions Inc for a job that needs to be handled right away but wouldn't tell me what the job is. "
The man is introduced as Gaylen.
"My employers, the Bormuls, have sent me to hire Acquisitions Inc for an immediate job. It seems one of the daughters has fell in with a man of ill repute and is now missing. They do not wish to improve the Watch or the Flaming Fist for fear of the negative publicity that would come about. They wish the job done quietly and are willing to pay handsomely. They are offering 1000 gold pieces for her safe return. They believe the man is involved in some sort of cult and she may be in danger. The cult may be found in an old building on the north side of the Outer Circle. Will you take the job? "
You recognize the Bormuls as a patriar family in the upper city.
“Rescuing a woman in distress - sounds like a job right up my alley! Count me in!” Tibi responds
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]