Picking up his backpack from the saddle, he nods to Mithro, and enters the tavern with the rest of the group "Indeed ale and food sounds great. Has anyone been to Waterdeep before?"he asks to the group. "We need to make plans on how long we want to be here, before hiting the road again, and what do we want to do..." he adds.
"You may have to buy some drinks for Carrow and Rixton, my friend. At this rate they will be coinless and we will have every urchin in Waterdeep following us round."
The goliath casts a disapproving look at the urchin, clearly not a fan of the attention given to new arrivals in the bigger cities.
I give Mithro a silver. "This is for your effort," I say. "Did you have a place to sleep last night?"
I clap Vigan on the back. "My sturdy friend," I say, "Don't dismiss them so easily. The urchins are the unseen eyes and ears of a city. They spend their days and nights watching and listening for lack of any other entertainment. Anyway, who is up for visiting some merchants? I would like to see a weaponsmith and, perhaps, a purveyor of magical items."
"Someone selling magical items would be good, I would also like to visit a cartographer." Andor look at the others with a shrug, "I like maps, what an I say..."
Sitting at a table in the Gentle Rest Inn, Vigan finishes his third plate of breakfast, and leans back in his chair, satisfied. "I have a mind to see what the weapon- and armorsmiths of this city have to offer us, who will join me? We should probably stock up on potions too."
The goliath turns to Andor, "While a map could be useful, friend, if we go far enough north, the wind will rip it out of your hands, the blizzards will blind you so that you are unable to read it, and everything will look the same under 10 feet of snow and ice. In those circumstances, it is better to trust in your instincts, and fate."
By asking a few of the local Waterdhavians, the party members learn the names and locations of a few shops that might satisfy their interests. As suspected, the Medusa's Glare in South Ward is mentioned as a fair place to inquire about magical items. So, too, is Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures in Castle Ward. The Medusa's Glare is just down the street; so stopping there first seems reasonable...
The proprietor is an oddly-dressed, purple-haired tiefling. Tiny brass bells are attached to the hem of his satin, green robe. Additionally, one brass bell hangs from the pointed top of his orange hat. So, the tiefling's slightest movement causes at least one--but usually more---bell to ring. "Keeps the shadowy ones away," is the explanation he offers when anyone looks inquisitively at his bell-adorned garments.
The Medusa's Glare is tidy but full of the bizarre and somewhat macabre, which is what one would expect after seeing the assortment of items on display in the front window. Winnowing out the useless things through investigation and conversation with Zo--for that is how the tiefling introduces himself--reveals a few items that might be of interest to the party:
"Purchase two wands, and the third is yours at no cost!" offers Zo.
A few blocks north of The Medusa's Glare, and closer to the stable and inn is Saern's Fine Swords. Riataur's Weaponry, also highly recommended, is just one street to the west. Saern's, as its name implies, deals exclusively in swords. Riataur, surrendering the sword market to Saern, sells everything else.
For swords and weaponry (rather than making an extensive list, which would likely include a bunch of things no one wants), lets just have each character ask/explain what he's looking for.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Those who find The Medusa's Glare to be a waste of time, make the short trek with Vigan to Riataur's Weaponry...
Two things become immediately apparent upon entering Riataur's shop. The first is this: if the weapon exists, then he has one in his shop (excepting swords, of course). Secondly, there isn't anything he doesn't know about weapons. The old fellow may not remember where he placed his glasses, or which day of the week it is, or how old his wife is, but he can tell a customer the name of every bowyer that's lived in the last two centuries.
Vigan:Riatur is asking 25 gps for a standard glaive and 300 gps for a magical glaive (+1).
Rixton: Several shortbows are available (20 gps each); so too are arrows (1 gp for 20 arrows). Riataur has 7 arrows (+1) for sale at 10 gps each. Regarding regular arrows, Riataur currently has 36 in stock.
(If any other character has interest in Riataur's offerings, then please let me know. Will post soon with details about Saern's Swords)
"An impressive selection of weapons you have here, my friend", the goliath says, addressing Riataur. "I am Vigan, a member of the Lord's Alliance, and my companions and I are journeying to the north, on an expedition to ensure the safety of great cities such as Waterdeep, and people like yourself. My greataxe has tasted the blood of many foes, but I feel the need for something with more reach, such as the fine glaives you have to offer."
"I would buy your magical glaive from you, however it seems it is sized more for my human and half-elf companions here, and not for the larger stature of a goliath." Vigan raises himself up to his full 8ft, as if to emphasize the point. "With that in mind, would you consider reducing your price accordingly? I offer a light crossbow and scimitar, taken from the bodies of my defeated enemies, and my own greataxe, in part exchange"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Riataur nods his head a few times, and utters, "Hmmm...a glaive and a goliath...the two seem a good fit, wouldn't you say?" He walks over to the magical glaive, picks it up, and begins to reminisce. "Strange day it was that this came into my possession...been sitting here for years.."
The old fellow then looks over the crossbow, scimitar, and greataxe. "Let me see...let me see..."
Riataur's offering price for the three items:
Light crossbow: 11 (75% of 25 gps = 19 gps)
Scimitar: 12 (75% of 25 gps = 19 gps)
Greataxe: 2 (90% of 30 gps = 27 gps)
"I'll give you 65 pieces of gold for the three...that'll make it 235 gold...no, let's make it 225 gold for the magical glaive."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
And, then, there are the myriad blades on display at Saern's Swords...
Standing at the counter and in a rather heated discussion with a half-orc about the history and value of a longsword that lies between them is a dark-haired female half-elf. Any temptation to think her feminine grace is out of place in a sword shop is quickly banished after hearing her harsh criticism of the half-orcs knowledge of swords. "Jorrick, if this were a club, then I might be willing to listen to your so-called expertise." She then shakes her head in disgust and approaches the other customers.
Blades for sale, quantity, and prices are as follows:
"Hmm, I accept your offer, friend." Vigan places a bag of gold coins in front of the merchant, along with the three weapons, and takes the glaive into his possession. Shaking the hand of Riataur to confirm the deal, he continues, "If I am ever in Waterdeep again, I will be sure to regale you with tales of all the battles this weapon has served me in."
Uncertain that The Medusa's Glare is the place to spend their money on magical items, the party makes its way to Castle Ward where they find Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures...
"If what you're seeking isn't here, then don't fret, friends. In a week's time I may be able to provide what it is that you seek," says the fidgety gnome whose customer service is a bit too close for comfort.
After a few minutes, the party members have compiled a list of what they might be able to afford:
"Good morn, ma'am," I say to the merchant. "Might you be Saern? You have many fine blades here. I am saddened to see no rapiers in your collection. However, I am very interested in this short sword (the +1). I have two scimitars and a crossbow as well as two fine gems (each valued at 100 gp) that I would be happy to include as as well as a hefty sum of gold. Would you go so low as 180 gold for the short sword?"
Persuasion: 6
"As an aside," I say, "If you do find a fine rapier behind the counter, I might change my interest...given that it is of equally fine quality as this short sword."
The half-elven woman shakes her head. "No, I'm Saern's niece, but nevermind that," she says hastily. "A rapier? Hardly qualifies as a sword," she muses.
She sets the gemstones, scimitars, and crossbow on the counter and says, "Give me a few minutes while I think this over."
Pieces of gold offered for Rixton's items:
1st gemstone: 7
2nd gemstone: 12
Both scimitars: 2
Light crossbow: 2
She eventually calls Rixton over to the counter and says, "Truth be told, I can't resist these shiny ones. I'll give you 190 gold for the pair of gemstones. That leaves a balance of 20 gold on the magical shortsword--and, no, I won't lower its price--and the scimitars and crossbow more than cover that amount. You can pay me 20 gold and keep the scimitars and crossbow. Or...I'll keep them and pay you 37 gold. Fair?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Andor
Addressing the gnome Andor examines the wand admiring the craftsmanship and imagining its usefulness to the group. "Sir, I have a passing interest in this item, I have some gold with me but would pay a good chunk of the price with this gem, a tourmaline, as you can see of great beauty, I'm sure this won't be a problem for you will it?"
Offering his most charming smile the sorcerer continues, "Now as to the price, can we manage a little better than 200, I see 150, maybe 160 as a fairer price, what do you think? Do we have a deal?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The gnome snatches the tourmaline from Andor's hand and lowers his glasses from his forehead to his nose so he can see the stone more clearly.
Price the gnome is willing to pay for the tourmaline: 12
After turning the stone this way and that, the gnome looks at Andor and says, "I cannot part with that wand for less than two-hundred gold, I am sorry to say. I do, however, very much desire to have this gemstone." He begins to open a leather pouch tied to his waist and says, "Here. One hundred and fifteen gold. Or, if you prefer, I keep this stone and you give me 85 gold. The wand--a purchase you'll never regret--will be yours!"
At Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures, I inquire with gnome about the Clockwork Amulet. "This is a peculiar piece," I say. "My mother has some notoriety as a scholar in the history of the arcane. How did this item come to be? And would you part with it for 40 gold?"
Persuasion: 6
Seeing the gnome is unconvinced, I press on. I am willing to pay coin for it, even at the listed price.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rixton:
After completing my purchase at Balthorr's, I head back to Riataur's. I chat up the purveyor of weapons for a while before finally striking a deal. "I will take as many of these arrows (the +1 arrows) as my 2 scimitars, crossbow, and gold will buy. It should be at least 10 arrows, but perhaps you'll find greater value in these weapons that your associates at Saern's."
Persuasion: 10
The weapons are worth 57 gold at Saern's if you do not roll a fresh roll on them.
"Peculiar, and precise!" blurts the gnome. "The first one I've ever seen. To be a gnome is to appreciate the precision of such a thing." He holds the amulet to his ear and listens to its inner workings for a moment before saying, "No, forty gold will not suffice. Forty-six?"
Ladrian,
Picking up his backpack from the saddle, he nods to Mithro, and enters the tavern with the rest of the group "Indeed ale and food sounds great. Has anyone been to Waterdeep before?" he asks to the group. "We need to make plans on how long we want to be here, before hiting the road again, and what do we want to do..." he adds.
Vigan
"You may have to buy some drinks for Carrow and Rixton, my friend. At this rate they will be coinless and we will have every urchin in Waterdeep following us round."
The goliath casts a disapproving look at the urchin, clearly not a fan of the attention given to new arrivals in the bigger cities.
Rixton:
I give Mithro a silver. "This is for your effort," I say. "Did you have a place to sleep last night?"
I clap Vigan on the back. "My sturdy friend," I say, "Don't dismiss them so easily. The urchins are the unseen eyes and ears of a city. They spend their days and nights watching and listening for lack of any other entertainment. Anyway, who is up for visiting some merchants? I would like to see a weaponsmith and, perhaps, a purveyor of magical items."
Andor
"Someone selling magical items would be good, I would also like to visit a cartographer." Andor look at the others with a shrug, "I like maps, what an I say..."
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Vigan
Sitting at a table in the Gentle Rest Inn, Vigan finishes his third plate of breakfast, and leans back in his chair, satisfied. "I have a mind to see what the weapon- and armorsmiths of this city have to offer us, who will join me? We should probably stock up on potions too."
The goliath turns to Andor, "While a map could be useful, friend, if we go far enough north, the wind will rip it out of your hands, the blizzards will blind you so that you are unable to read it, and everything will look the same under 10 feet of snow and ice. In those circumstances, it is better to trust in your instincts, and fate."
By asking a few of the local Waterdhavians, the party members learn the names and locations of a few shops that might satisfy their interests. As suspected, the Medusa's Glare in South Ward is mentioned as a fair place to inquire about magical items. So, too, is Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures in Castle Ward. The Medusa's Glare is just down the street; so stopping there first seems reasonable...
The proprietor is an oddly-dressed, purple-haired tiefling. Tiny brass bells are attached to the hem of his satin, green robe. Additionally, one brass bell hangs from the pointed top of his orange hat. So, the tiefling's slightest movement causes at least one--but usually more---bell to ring. "Keeps the shadowy ones away," is the explanation he offers when anyone looks inquisitively at his bell-adorned garments.
The Medusa's Glare is tidy but full of the bizarre and somewhat macabre, which is what one would expect after seeing the assortment of items on display in the front window. Winnowing out the useless things through investigation and conversation with Zo--for that is how the tiefling introduces himself--reveals a few items that might be of interest to the party:
"Purchase two wands, and the third is yours at no cost!" offers Zo.
A few blocks north of The Medusa's Glare, and closer to the stable and inn is Saern's Fine Swords. Riataur's Weaponry, also highly recommended, is just one street to the west. Saern's, as its name implies, deals exclusively in swords. Riataur, surrendering the sword market to Saern, sells everything else.
For swords and weaponry (rather than making an extensive list, which would likely include a bunch of things no one wants), lets just have each character ask/explain what he's looking for.
Those who find The Medusa's Glare to be a waste of time, make the short trek with Vigan to Riataur's Weaponry...
Two things become immediately apparent upon entering Riataur's shop. The first is this: if the weapon exists, then he has one in his shop (excepting swords, of course). Secondly, there isn't anything he doesn't know about weapons. The old fellow may not remember where he placed his glasses, or which day of the week it is, or how old his wife is, but he can tell a customer the name of every bowyer that's lived in the last two centuries.
Vigan: Riatur is asking 25 gps for a standard glaive and 300 gps for a magical glaive (+1).
Rixton: Several shortbows are available (20 gps each); so too are arrows (1 gp for 20 arrows). Riataur has 7 arrows (+1) for sale at 10 gps each. Regarding regular arrows, Riataur currently has 36 in stock.
(If any other character has interest in Riataur's offerings, then please let me know. Will post soon with details about Saern's Swords)
Vigan
"An impressive selection of weapons you have here, my friend", the goliath says, addressing Riataur. "I am Vigan, a member of the Lord's Alliance, and my companions and I are journeying to the north, on an expedition to ensure the safety of great cities such as Waterdeep, and people like yourself. My greataxe has tasted the blood of many foes, but I feel the need for something with more reach, such as the fine glaives you have to offer."
"I would buy your magical glaive from you, however it seems it is sized more for my human and half-elf companions here, and not for the larger stature of a goliath." Vigan raises himself up to his full 8ft, as if to emphasize the point. "With that in mind, would you consider reducing your price accordingly? I offer a light crossbow and scimitar, taken from the bodies of my defeated enemies, and my own greataxe, in part exchange"
Persuasion: 5
Riataur nods his head a few times, and utters, "Hmmm...a glaive and a goliath...the two seem a good fit, wouldn't you say?" He walks over to the magical glaive, picks it up, and begins to reminisce. "Strange day it was that this came into my possession...been sitting here for years.."
The old fellow then looks over the crossbow, scimitar, and greataxe. "Let me see...let me see..."
Riataur's offering price for the three items:
"I'll give you 65 pieces of gold for the three...that'll make it 235 gold...no, let's make it 225 gold for the magical glaive."
And, then, there are the myriad blades on display at Saern's Swords...
Standing at the counter and in a rather heated discussion with a half-orc about the history and value of a longsword that lies between them is a dark-haired female half-elf. Any temptation to think her feminine grace is out of place in a sword shop is quickly banished after hearing her harsh criticism of the half-orcs knowledge of swords. "Jorrick, if this were a club, then I might be willing to listen to your so-called expertise." She then shakes her head in disgust and approaches the other customers.
Blades for sale, quantity, and prices are as follows:
Vigan
"Hmm, I accept your offer, friend." Vigan places a bag of gold coins in front of the merchant, along with the three weapons, and takes the glaive into his possession. Shaking the hand of Riataur to confirm the deal, he continues, "If I am ever in Waterdeep again, I will be sure to regale you with tales of all the battles this weapon has served me in."
Uncertain that The Medusa's Glare is the place to spend their money on magical items, the party makes its way to Castle Ward where they find Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures...
"If what you're seeking isn't here, then don't fret, friends. In a week's time I may be able to provide what it is that you seek," says the fidgety gnome whose customer service is a bit too close for comfort.
After a few minutes, the party members have compiled a list of what they might be able to afford:
Rixton:
"Good morn, ma'am," I say to the merchant. "Might you be Saern? You have many fine blades here. I am saddened to see no rapiers in your collection. However, I am very interested in this short sword (the +1). I have two scimitars and a crossbow as well as two fine gems (each valued at 100 gp) that I would be happy to include as as well as a hefty sum of gold. Would you go so low as 180 gold for the short sword?"
Persuasion: 6
"As an aside," I say, "If you do find a fine rapier behind the counter, I might change my interest...given that it is of equally fine quality as this short sword."
The half-elven woman shakes her head. "No, I'm Saern's niece, but nevermind that," she says hastily. "A rapier? Hardly qualifies as a sword," she muses.
She sets the gemstones, scimitars, and crossbow on the counter and says, "Give me a few minutes while I think this over."
Pieces of gold offered for Rixton's items:
She eventually calls Rixton over to the counter and says, "Truth be told, I can't resist these shiny ones. I'll give you 190 gold for the pair of gemstones. That leaves a balance of 20 gold on the magical shortsword--and, no, I won't lower its price--and the scimitars and crossbow more than cover that amount. You can pay me 20 gold and keep the scimitars and crossbow. Or...I'll keep them and pay you 37 gold. Fair?"
Andor
Addressing the gnome Andor examines the wand admiring the craftsmanship and imagining its usefulness to the group. "Sir, I have a passing interest in this item, I have some gold with me but would pay a good chunk of the price with this gem, a tourmaline, as you can see of great beauty, I'm sure this won't be a problem for you will it?"
Persuasion 16
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Rixton:
I nod to Saern's niece. "I'll keep the blades and crossbow. Here is 20 gold to cover the balance. It is a pleasure doing business with you."
The gnome snatches the tourmaline from Andor's hand and lowers his glasses from his forehead to his nose so he can see the stone more clearly.
Price the gnome is willing to pay for the tourmaline: 12
After turning the stone this way and that, the gnome looks at Andor and says, "I cannot part with that wand for less than two-hundred gold, I am sorry to say. I do, however, very much desire to have this gemstone." He begins to open a leather pouch tied to his waist and says, "Here. One hundred and fifteen gold. Or, if you prefer, I keep this stone and you give me 85 gold. The wand--a purchase you'll never regret--will be yours!"
Rixton:
At Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures, I inquire with gnome about the Clockwork Amulet. "This is a peculiar piece," I say. "My mother has some notoriety as a scholar in the history of the arcane. How did this item come to be? And would you part with it for 40 gold?"
Persuasion: 6
Seeing the gnome is unconvinced, I press on. I am willing to pay coin for it, even at the listed price.
Rixton:
After completing my purchase at Balthorr's, I head back to Riataur's. I chat up the purveyor of weapons for a while before finally striking a deal. "I will take as many of these arrows (the +1 arrows) as my 2 scimitars, crossbow, and gold will buy. It should be at least 10 arrows, but perhaps you'll find greater value in these weapons that your associates at Saern's."
Persuasion: 10
The weapons are worth 57 gold at Saern's if you do not roll a fresh roll on them.
"Peculiar, and precise!" blurts the gnome. "The first one I've ever seen. To be a gnome is to appreciate the precision of such a thing." He holds the amulet to his ear and listens to its inner workings for a moment before saying, "No, forty gold will not suffice. Forty-six?"