Temple of Elemental Evil (Inactive)

Game Master Thomi Gallowshade

Velcore will skip the Trading Post and go to the Church to pray. Turning to his compaions."I will be a the Church and meet you at the Inn later."

After tagging along with the group to the Trading Post, I stay in the background looking and listening and trying to help if need be.

Aid Appraise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Trane looks over the goods, seeing if his experience is helpful.
Aid appraise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Eric looks at the goods, and the merchants,

Aid appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Aid Sense Motive: 20 + 1 = 21

Talks to Edgar Do you see anything good?

Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Edgar rummages through the inventory Crap, Crap, passable, crap, toothpick, crap, only for mirror, crap, water boiler, crap, passable, aand crap.

How the hell do you even stay in bussiness? He says shocked to Rannos

"Shopkeep, over here please, I'd like to examine these fine weapons more closely."
Who actually appraised what and how many assists are allowed?

Garm has the best hunch concerning the Sense Motives, and Trane has the best hunches concerning the Appraises.

I need someone to post (perhaps in the discussion area) a specific list of what you are going to sell, so we can get a starting price established.

Rannos goes to the back of the shop and unlocks the weapon rack. So, fine sir, is there anything here in particular that catches your eye? Judging from your appearance, I would suspect you may be interested in this fine blade, he says, and he draws forth an elven curve blade that appears to be of master craftsmanship.

He hands the sword, in its scabbard, to Cananthir: Here, draw it and judge for yourself.

A picture of the blade has been added to the group.

Do a Die-Hard stunt. Pin him to the wall, put the blade under his throat and ask him what is his connection with the bandits. We can play good cop - bad cop. :P

Give me a few and I'll post a basic spreadsheet with accumulated wealth and gear. Use if you choose.

*edit - posted on FB TOEE group

Not wanting to arouse any suspicions at this time, I walk over to the cabinet and eye the gnomish hammer closeley.

Gnomes often chafe when forced to use bland or standard issue armor and weapons. Wide-reaching superstition among gnome warriors holds that heading into battle with gear that hasn't been personalized invites bad luck, and most remain nervous until they’ve had a chance to do something about the problem, even if it’s as simple as applying some paint or tying on decorative fabric or favors.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 What kind of specilization does the hammer show?

I have a terrible feeling about what happened to the owner of this weapon. If I can discover their fate perhaps we can get more of an insight into what's going on at this Trading Station.

How much for this old hammer? I emphasize "old" as if mildly disgusted.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Haggling the price down.

Carefully drawing the blade Carp motions Trane over to offer his opinion and then addressing the shopkeep:
"Rannos, before I ask your price, what are you offering for our items of sale?
Pausing and waiting for Rannos' calculated response, Carp turns toward Trane holding the Elven curved blade for inspection.
"What do you think Trane? Is this blade worth my time?"
Aid Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Rannos: Well, let me see...you have various armors, and an assortment of weapons...all look to be in fairly good shape... He appears to be doing some mental calculating... How does 520 gold pieces sound for the entire lot?

Rannos (to Garm): You know, I don't know much about this weapon, except that gnomes such as yourself are known to carry such. We have had this in stock for a very long time...I bought it from a traveling merchant several years ago, more as a curiosity piece than anything else. Never had a serious offer to purchase it before. It is exceptional quality, however, as it is forged from a single piece of steel and well balanced to use either end. Here, see how it feels... and he hands Garm the hooked hammer.

I wander around the shop looking at various things, then head to the counter where Gremag is doing bookkeeping. I ask him, Sir, do you have parchment and a scroll case? as I lean way over the counter to get his attention.

Gremag looks up from his ledger book and finds himself staring at Kalizama's...voluptuousness.

Ummm...ahem!...yes, yes, and may I say...ahem...ummm...that it is wonderful to see such a...refined customer to visit our humble store. Here... He sorts through a stack of parchment laying on his desk, and hands her 10 sheets, then reaches behind him and pulls a simple wooden scroll case from a shelf. How about 1 gold piece for this assortment? And, if you run out, please visit me again...I have a fine selection of inks, quills and blank ledger books as well!

Trane smiles:
"I think you can make us a better offer. Your shop can be the shop Elmo and the local heroes frequent. Or did the offer include throwing in the elven blade?"

Why yes, that will do nicely I think! I take the parchment and scroll case in one hand and give him one gold piece with the other. With a big smile at Gremag, I say Thank you so much, Sir! It is good to know you have these supplies. I am sure I will need them in the future.

I turn from the counter and place my purchases in my backpack, then head toward the door. On my way out, I say to my nearby companions I am heading to the tower and will meet you back at the Inn later.

Trane tries to get Kalizama's attention before leaving. "Please stay, Kalizama."

They seem to be distracted with her. It may help.

"Maybe we are trying to accomplish too much. How much would you pay for a single suit of armor--this very stout splint mail here?"

According to SM's previous post about loot, our plunder sells for half price and after subtracting the two crossbows:
Total Loot GP value: 1299, Half = 650
Offered Loot GP: 520
With a solid Diplomacy roll we could successfully haggle, possibly increasing the offer.

We keep only one crossbow.

Trane looks at the blade and replies:
"This is fine work Cananthir. Master crafting and a difficult weapon to forge due to its curved blade. Probably worth around 350 gold or more."

Trane looks at Elmo and asks: "Would you prefer a suit of splint mail. It is rigid and leaves less room to maneuver than chain, but the protection it offers is significantly better. The two armors are close in value."

Trane takes one of the light crossbows and slings it over his back. "Although I prefer to mix it up in close quarters, this may make hunting easier and there may be times our enemies are out of reach."

Trane you don't say that! You say that it's barely worth its iron. Our purpose is to pay less, not more!

Hearing Rannos' opening offer for the hooked hammer, I frown.

It is true that this weapon is favored by my people's warriors. I however am a poet first and warrior second. I shall think well on your words...and price before making a decision.

Purposefully within earshot of Rannos, I mutter to myself, It might lift my home town's spirits to bring home such a weapon reclaimed from the wild. I am letting him know I am still interested. My coin purse is insufficent even at the haggle price unless we can make close to the baseline selling value of our loot: 831 gp. See my discussion post calculation for how I came to that number.

Hearing the offering price for our gear to sell, my face gets red.

That's highway robbery! Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 To see their reaction to my statement

Why this gold chain is worth at least 220 gp! And these fine crystals are a matched set! They'd make great cufflinks for a gentleman or earrings for a lady. 55 gp for one but 105 gp for both as I can hardly bear to see them seperated.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 Aid another for Rafael for attempting to get as close to the baseline cost of 831 gp as we can. The extra 10% I tossed into the price is just the start of the haggling process.

While Rannos is talking to Garm and Gremag is "overwhelmed" Carp attaches the scabbard to his belt, feeling its weight with blade in and blade out.

Rannos: No need to get upset, my friends. I made you an initial offer of 520 gold pieces, which I think is fair. The Splint Mail...well I would probably offer around 75 gold pieces for it by itself.

You are probably correct about that gold chain, although I am not certain those gems are really worth that much. As with most things, an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay, don't you agree? And I must have some sort of profit margin to keep this shop open. But, just to show you how kind hearted I am, and appreciative of the services you are rendering to our village, I will take the value of the gold chain into consideration, and offer you 620 gold pieces for your goods.

Elmo: This chainmail suits me just fine, but thanks for asking.

Trane nods at Rannos:
"I understand your reluctance to deal in the gems and the gold chain."
Trane pockets the gold chain and the two jewels.
"Back to 520gp for just the armor and weapons. I am sure these baubles will probably fetch more elsewhere."

Rannos: Splendid, 520 gold pieces it is, for the armor and weapons! Gremag, count out their money for them while I put these goods into storage until we can display them properly!

Gremag disappears into a back room, and after a few minutes he comes carrying a heavy leather bag, which he places on his desk, and he begins counting out your gold pieces.

Gremag: Come over here and count with me...don't want anyone saying later that I tried to cheat you in any way...(he starts making stacks of 10 on the counter)...10...20...30...40...

Rannos (to Cananthir): What do you think of that fine weapon? Isn't it nicely balanced and shaped? It's not just a weapon...it's a work of a smith's art, that's what I'm thinking...a beautiful thing to see.

Price?

I will have to come back later for the hammer. I am needed at the inn this evening for a performance and I really must get in some practice. I will however be interested in purchasing a sturdy grappling hook and your finest silk rope. I think about 50 ft. of length should suffice.

"Great! We can both be happy about that deal."

He pulls out the gold chain and the jewels.
"Now how about we swap these baubles for that elvish blade?"

Trane pulls out his scimitar.
"It is curved like my scimitars, but only one of the fairer folk would appreciate that blade. I know, I know, those elven ones have an weird look to them, but how many want them?"

I hear Trane's request to stay just before I walk out the door and take a step back into the room and shut the door. I walk over to where Trane is negotiating with Rannos, and Garm and Carp are also negotiating with Rannos. I slowly move back and forth between Rannos and my 3 companions, looking at the elfish blade and the gnomish hammer, then looking more closely at the gold chain and the jewels that Trane holds, and then at his scimitar. I say to nobody in particular, Nice!

So you are one of those girls...

Leaning against the door frame and toying with the elven blade Carp enjoys the bartering banter.

One must know when to shut one's mouth Carp thinks.
A hard learned lesson while in servitude to the priests of Calistria...somewhat learned at least.

"What impresses the ladies?"

Rannos (to Trane): I am willing to trade the Elven Curve Blade in exchange for the gold chain, the two gems, and 150 gold pieces...and you are robbing me at that price.

"Too much. See you later."

To the others:
"Not worth it."

Trane heads back to the inn.

Taking the Elven curve blade back to Rannos and gently placing it in his hands.
"Too bad for you sir, this blade is of fine quality yet with your measly offer for our goods and exorbitant price for this I fear you may have made a dent in our future relations. We will rid this area of bandits,"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
you may share in the fruits of our vicious labor or be 'removed'. Your decision could cost you and your cohorts dearly."

Edited below after probable intimidate success:

"With that said, what do you know of the bandits surrounding this town? Furthermore, sell me the Elven blade for what you paid for it."

Accept below statement if they do not cooperate with Carp's questioning and suggestion:

Turning his back on Rannos and Gremag, Carp quietly waits for our crew to leave. Ensuring he is the last to leave Carp states with venom,
"Oh, and know this, I will be 'removing' heads with that blade soon. One way or another..."
"Good day gentlemen."

Not for sure if this works but Carp is trying to convey our suspicions of Rannos and Gremag's collusion with the local bandits.

Don't leave yet! We should interrogate him. You rolled high, use it!

Thank you Rafael.
See previous posts' edits, if permitted of course.

The Intimidate was successful.

Rannos: What? What are you talking about? I am trying to make you an honest offer! I paid plenty for that sword! But, it appears I have offended you in some way, and we do desire to have a cordial relationship with those who may continue to be good customers. I will accept the gold chain and two gems as payment in full, if the blade means that much to you. I make no profit on the blade, I assure you, with that transaction!

What do I know about bandits? What does anyone know? They hide in the hills and prey upon honest people traveling the byways of this area. It hurts us all when such predators lurk about, as it disrupts trade to a high degree! Why do you think we have a man-at-arms here? It's to protect us from just such attempts at thievery.

Ahh, but it didn't hurt everyone, did it? Think about it. The bandits raided everyone in a 10 mile radius. That means no caravans, no merchants. Only you left to profit from the blockade. I mean, an elven blade, a gnome hammer, here? Quite unlikely. Do you want to know what I think? I think that there is something you keep from us. It's ok, you can tell me, I can keep a secret.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 to play the Good Cop

Rannos: What do I know about bandits? What does anyone know? They hide in the hills and prey upon honest people traveling the byways of this area. It hurts us all when such predators lurk about, as it disrupts trade to a high degree! Why do you think we have a man-at-arms here? It's to protect us from just such attempts at thievery.

Not really having much to do, and not having significant money to spend, Bryce keeps to the background, listening intently to Rannos' explanation.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Rannos: Look, we're just honest businessmen, trying to make a living in this village. We buy and sell to whoever comes through the door, and we don't ask questions about why they want to buy something, or where they got the things they have to sell. We do happen to be the only merchant in this small place that has such a wide variety of things for sale...but that's why we are here! People know they can get weapons and armor, feed for their chickens, a bolt of cloth to make a dress, nails to build a barn...we carry a little of everything.

Have we purchased goods or materials from someone who may have obtained it through an act of dishonesty? Well...probably. How can we verify that what a person has to sell, he has the right to do so? That's not our business, you know? We trust that travellers, merchants, and plain folk come here to engage in trade, and we do our best to meet that need.

The door to the Trading Post opens, and the village Elder enters the shop. He sees the group and says, There you are, I've been looking for you. I need to talk to you all. Please join me at the inn.

Ok. Wait us there.

To Rannos Where were we? Oh, yes. I think you know something more than that. A merchant of your caliber must have kept contact with these people.

After tell Terjon of the bandits and praying for a while Velcore makes his way to the Inn to meet up with his companions.