"Hold yer coin," Zyllith quietly whispers to the others as they try to offer gold, "Lemme see if'n I cannae get whot better deal for everythin' once it's on tha' table."
"A fine choice!" says the shopkeeper. "That one was made for a certain mercenary band who used the skull as their emblem. The company dissolved and liquidated their assets. I got a handful of them last year, and this is the last one left. As you can see, it's seen a lot of use, but it's still quite battle-worthy. For that one, I'll go 10 gp"
Belkas nods his agreement to Zyllith. If anyone would be able to haggle down the price, it would be her. The shopkeeper would probably throw in a few jewels and feel he got a good bargain.
Belkas closes his eyes and reaches out to Crowley who is still out in the streets, 'Did anyone follow us, Crowley?'
Vernon will turn the fancy hammer over a few more times, carefully looking it over again as he silently prays to Flandal Steelskin to make sure this is the right one. He will place it on the counter after Osmord places the shield.
As you bring the two items forward, the hammer and shield, the shopkeeper nods and says, “That will be thirty dragons, unless you are interested in something else.”
(Dragons are the common name for gold coins in Waterdeep and other big cites along the Sword Coast.)
Zyllith waited for a moment to ensure no one else placed any other purchases on the counter before stepping forward and addressing the shopkeeper, "Aye, didnae seem like we needin' anythin' else, save perhaps if yer willin' ta give our poor kin a slight better deal on tha' lot? Would'nae want ta' have these fine skilled adventurin' types going out in tha' world ta' fight evil without yer quality wares would ya? Would ye' be willing to bring it down closer ta' twenty bits?" The tiefling gave the shopkeeper her best charming smile as she bartered for a better price.
The shopkeeper responds with a sigh and an insightful nod. “I can certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for the haggle, and you certainly have a way with words. Love your accent, by the way, one of the more colorful inflections I’ve heard in awhile. The face that you’ve managed to get here from so far away shows that you have tenacity.”
”However, this isn’t some small backwater town in the middle of nowhere, this is one of the busiest districts in all of Waterdeep. Can you imagine just how many travelers, adventurers and would be adventurers pass through here looking for a bargain, expressing the dire importance on me to make sure they’re properly equipped to face untold monsters?”
”Of course, I’m used to it, it’s all part of being a merchant, which is why I build that into the price. I’ll take three dragons off the total. Both items are yours for 27. I get a fair price, and you get the satisfaction of a successful haggle. Win win for both, and you’ll be that much more equipped to face whatever monsters you stumble on put in the wilds. Sound good?”
"Thanks luv, appreciatin' tha' compliments ther'." Zyllith smiled still, keeping a fun casual tone to the negotiations, "Appreciate more yer position and efforts in kind. But at tha' end o' tha' day, ye' wanna sell yer goods, no' simply have 'em shiny on a shelf. Take this hammer 'ere, It's bloody nice! Far too nice fer tha' average smith, yea? This here's meant ta go on adventure, but most adventure types stick wit' swords and tha' like." She patted the rapier on her side to make the point, "Not tha typical bloke whot want ta' use a hammer like this out in tha' world. And fewer still whot come by this shop ready ta' buy it. Most of them cannae spend tha' much coin on a hammer, and those tha' do are like as adventured long enough to already found better. I say far better for ye' ta' have quality adventurers like us about in tha' world, singing tha' praises o' this shop ta' other adventurers we come across. So really I'm offering this for yer benefit. Shave off a couple o' dragons now an' get loads more customers later on. Still I respect yer need ta' turn' profit, no' askin fer much 'ere. How 'bout 25 gold then?"
Osmord watches with interest. Having only recently engaged with the concept of coin and commerce, this display of haggling is a wonder to behold. The fact that the worth of an item could be lowered by the effective use of words was akin to the mysterious magics in which he dabbles. He feels comforted to be travelling amongst such worldly wise adventurers.
Arisa has just been looking at the shop. She looks longingly at a set of breastplate armor that is well outside of what the group can afford; noticing how it would have prevented some of the holes in her own scale mail. “It’s worth giving us a deal as perhaps soon we will be back, with more dragons to spend” she adds.
Vernon will internally pray that the haggling goes well, while also trying to deal with the suspicion that spending less on something Flandal Steelskin told him to do might be seen as less virtuous, while also wondering if Mielikki prefers it that way... which manifests as him standing there observing the hammer.
As the others bargain, Belkas sees someone pause for a moment at the entrance of the store. Adrenaline lurches through his body, and he grips his spear tightly. They are here. They found him. He will not go back into the darkness of whips and pain. Is it an entire hunting party with spell casters? They will kill or capture his companions as well. He was a fool to come into the city where so many people could see him. He should have covered his face. And he never should have kept the distinctive armor. He had grown overconfident with his new powers and new friends. He had relaxed and would now pay the price.
Belkas' heart beats wildly. He takes a few deep breaths to control his thoughts. They would not attack in the daytime. They would not reveal themselves before so many people. Crowley would have warned him if he had been followed. It had just been a bypasser glancing in the store. Nothing more. Nothing more.
Belkas sits down on a stool and wipes off the sweat that had beaded on his forehead.
While Zyllith is stating her case for a better deal, the shopkeeper glances for a few moments as Arisa is admiring the breastplate armor. He then turns his eyes back, and after a brief pause with pursed lips, he says,
"25 gold is a fair price. Mind you that I've come down quite a bit on that hammer, so I will expect that you put it to good use, master gnome, and make this deal worth it. After all, it is a fine piece, and it could live up to its full potential in capable hands. Of course, I've no way of knowing that you'll actually come back, few ever do, but occasionally, some folks surprise you. At any rate, may this shield and hammer protect you against whatever foes you come against... or seek out."
Arisa says”Oh he will, put it to good use- you can be certain. He may look small but he can fight- he helped save the village of nightstone, from Orcs and goblins after all. I will be certain to return if I can. Keep an eye out for a breastplate armor my size!”
The shopkeeper listens with an intrigued expression, his eyebrows lifting in surprise.
"Saved an entire village from orcs and goblins?! My my!! Then I can certainly rest assured that this fine hammer has indeed ended up in the right hands. As I said, it's of fine craftsmanship, and it should serve you well."
"If there's nothing else, then I would thank you for your patronage and wish you well on your adventures. And please do come back, as I acquire new inventory almost every day."
“Thank you!”’says Arisa as she heads out of the shop. She seems to want to get out of the city. She also notices that Belkas is not comfortable. “Are we ready to get on the road?” She asks.
When the shopkeeper is attending Osmord, Belkas whispers to Vernon, "If you need more money for the hammer, I have 17 gold pieces you could have.'"
He then goes back to uneasily watching the entrance.
Arisa also quietly offers to contribute gold if anyone needs anything.
"Hold yer coin," Zyllith quietly whispers to the others as they try to offer gold, "Lemme see if'n I cannae get whot better deal for everythin' once it's on tha' table."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Osmord selects a battered old shield with a skull etched on the front. He shuffles forward and places is on the counter.
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
"A fine choice!" says the shopkeeper. "That one was made for a certain mercenary band who used the skull as their emblem. The company dissolved and liquidated their assets. I got a handful of them last year, and this is the last one left. As you can see, it's seen a lot of use, but it's still quite battle-worthy. For that one, I'll go 10 gp"
Belkas nods his agreement to Zyllith. If anyone would be able to haggle down the price, it would be her. The shopkeeper would probably throw in a few jewels and feel he got a good bargain.
Belkas closes his eyes and reaches out to Crowley who is still out in the streets, 'Did anyone follow us, Crowley?'
Vernon will turn the fancy hammer over a few more times, carefully looking it over again as he silently prays to Flandal Steelskin to make sure this is the right one. He will place it on the counter after Osmord places the shield.
As you bring the two items forward, the hammer and shield, the shopkeeper nods and says, “That will be thirty dragons, unless you are interested in something else.”
(Dragons are the common name for gold coins in Waterdeep and other big cites along the Sword Coast.)
Zyllith waited for a moment to ensure no one else placed any other purchases on the counter before stepping forward and addressing the shopkeeper, "Aye, didnae seem like we needin' anythin' else, save perhaps if yer willin' ta give our poor kin a slight better deal on tha' lot? Would'nae want ta' have these fine skilled adventurin' types going out in tha' world ta' fight evil without yer quality wares would ya? Would ye' be willing to bring it down closer ta' twenty bits?" The tiefling gave the shopkeeper her best charming smile as she bartered for a better price.
( Persuasion - 10+4 = 14 )
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
The shopkeeper responds with a sigh and an insightful nod. “I can certainly appreciate your enthusiasm for the haggle, and you certainly have a way with words. Love your accent, by the way, one of the more colorful inflections I’ve heard in awhile. The face that you’ve managed to get here from so far away shows that you have tenacity.”
”However, this isn’t some small backwater town in the middle of nowhere, this is one of the busiest districts in all of Waterdeep. Can you imagine just how many travelers, adventurers and would be adventurers pass through here looking for a bargain, expressing the dire importance on me to make sure they’re properly equipped to face untold monsters?”
”Of course, I’m used to it, it’s all part of being a merchant, which is why I build that into the price. I’ll take three dragons off the total. Both items are yours for 27. I get a fair price, and you get the satisfaction of a successful haggle. Win win for both, and you’ll be that much more equipped to face whatever monsters you stumble on put in the wilds. Sound good?”
"Thanks luv, appreciatin' tha' compliments ther'." Zyllith smiled still, keeping a fun casual tone to the negotiations, "Appreciate more yer position and efforts in kind. But at tha' end o' tha' day, ye' wanna sell yer goods, no' simply have 'em shiny on a shelf. Take this hammer 'ere, It's bloody nice! Far too nice fer tha' average smith, yea? This here's meant ta go on adventure, but most adventure types stick wit' swords and tha' like." She patted the rapier on her side to make the point, "Not tha typical bloke whot want ta' use a hammer like this out in tha' world. And fewer still whot come by this shop ready ta' buy it. Most of them cannae spend tha' much coin on a hammer, and those tha' do are like as adventured long enough to already found better. I say far better for ye' ta' have quality adventurers like us about in tha' world, singing tha' praises o' this shop ta' other adventurers we come across. So really I'm offering this for yer benefit. Shave off a couple o' dragons now an' get loads more customers later on. Still I respect yer need ta' turn' profit, no' askin fer much 'ere. How 'bout 25 gold then?"
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Osmord watches with interest. Having only recently engaged with the concept of coin and commerce, this display of haggling is a wonder to behold. The fact that the worth of an item could be lowered by the effective use of words was akin to the mysterious magics in which he dabbles. He feels comforted to be travelling amongst such worldly wise adventurers.
DM - Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Arisa has just been looking at the shop. She looks longingly at a set of breastplate armor that is well outside of what the group can afford; noticing how it would have prevented some of the holes in her own scale mail. “It’s worth giving us a deal as perhaps soon we will be back, with more dragons to spend” she adds.
Vernon will internally pray that the haggling goes well, while also trying to deal with the suspicion that spending less on something Flandal Steelskin told him to do might be seen as less virtuous, while also wondering if Mielikki prefers it that way... which manifests as him standing there observing the hammer.
As the others bargain, Belkas sees someone pause for a moment at the entrance of the store. Adrenaline lurches through his body, and he grips his spear tightly. They are here. They found him. He will not go back into the darkness of whips and pain. Is it an entire hunting party with spell casters? They will kill or capture his companions as well. He was a fool to come into the city where so many people could see him. He should have covered his face. And he never should have kept the distinctive armor. He had grown overconfident with his new powers and new friends. He had relaxed and would now pay the price.
Belkas' heart beats wildly. He takes a few deep breaths to control his thoughts. They would not attack in the daytime. They would not reveal themselves before so many people. Crowley would have warned him if he had been followed. It had just been a bypasser glancing in the store. Nothing more. Nothing more.
Belkas sits down on a stool and wipes off the sweat that had beaded on his forehead.
While Zyllith is stating her case for a better deal, the shopkeeper glances for a few moments as Arisa is admiring the breastplate armor. He then turns his eyes back, and after a brief pause with pursed lips, he says,
"25 gold is a fair price. Mind you that I've come down quite a bit on that hammer, so I will expect that you put it to good use, master gnome, and make this deal worth it. After all, it is a fine piece, and it could live up to its full potential in capable hands. Of course, I've no way of knowing that you'll actually come back, few ever do, but occasionally, some folks surprise you. At any rate, may this shield and hammer protect you against whatever foes you come against... or seek out."
Arisa says”Oh he will, put it to good use- you can be certain. He may look small but he can fight- he helped save the village of nightstone, from Orcs and goblins after all. I will be certain to return if I can. Keep an eye out for a breastplate armor my size!”
The shopkeeper listens with an intrigued expression, his eyebrows lifting in surprise.
"Saved an entire village from orcs and goblins?! My my!! Then I can certainly rest assured that this fine hammer has indeed ended up in the right hands. As I said, it's of fine craftsmanship, and it should serve you well."
"If there's nothing else, then I would thank you for your patronage and wish you well on your adventures. And please do come back, as I acquire new inventory almost every day."
“Thank you!”’says Arisa as she heads out of the shop. She seems to want to get out of the city. She also notices that Belkas is not comfortable. “Are we ready to get on the road?” She asks.
Belkas smiles thankfully at Arisa. "I would be more than happy to leave this city behind us and get back on the open road."