Donovan finds that this is a Robe of Eyes, a POWERFUL magical artifact that gives the wearer perfect clarity of vision, be it in darkness or against illusions or invisible foes. From the legends he knows that it also gives the wearer an intense weakness to bright lights, but if the stories are to be believed this is an incredible find, even if it turns out that the magic in it has faded over the centuries.
This robe would be incredibly useful...but also incredibly valuable to collectors. This artifact could make you staggeringly wealthy, even when split four ways, or indebt kings to you for life.
Ugash drives the vehicle, not sure if they will stop on that small town or go directly to a more civilized lands.
When Dorla puts on the robe, everything becomes brighter.
"Wherever is fine. We should make a pit stop back at the town so I can pick up my ride though."
"Sure. Make sure you clamp down on something though because I am not the best driver!" Thetsu says with a laugh.
Ironpointe is the nearest large city, and a bustling hub of industry. While being disadvantaged by being in a dry, rocky area far from the ocean, the town makes up for it by being a land rich in ore of all kinds. Trade is their lifeblood, as agriculture is difficult here.
The city is one of the most diverse on the planet, though Humans are still the predominant species (comprising about 30% of the population), closely followed by Dwarves and other deep races (the Duergar and Svrifneblin), many of whom work the numerous mines of all varieties that dot the landscape surrounding the city.
Most who don't work in the mines work with the smelters or factories, melting down ore or riveting the finished product together into the vehicles used by much of the population to get around.
There are several people and groups who would love to get their hands on a magical artifact.
Tungdir Steelbones is a Dwarven iron baron, having made his fortune when the city was just starting out. He now owns almost all of the iron mines and most of the steel production in the city, and funnels most of his excess wealth into growing his collection of magical items. He could make you rich men indeed, and is a good man to know if you plan to spend a lot of time in or around Ironpointe.
The Ironpointe Society for the Preservation of Magical Findings (ISPMF) finds, collects, and as the name might suggest preserves magical artifacts. They're largely viewed as eccentric, but harmless. Their funding is not the greatest, but they have an uncanny knack for uncovering the locations of lost magical sites and items.
More generally, it's almost certain some more unsavory types would love the specific item you have.
The Psionic and Alchemical Reasearch Lab would love to study it, and try to replicate its powers. They would pay well, but likely in Psionic items and potions rather than gold. The main downside here is the research process usually destroys the item.
"The way I see it, that's your robe, Dorla." says Donovan. "It's not an usual find, though... Are you sure you want to give it to the giant syndicate?"
"Well... It's your choice..."
Well, you're easily able to find the place.
It's a large building, very professional looking. Nothing too odd about it.
Inside the lobby,a woman sits at a desk.
"State your name and business please. Do you have an appointment?"
"Well, Dorla..." she pauses for a moment to give you the chance to tell her your last name "I'll see what I can do for you. Would you like to have a seat while I speak with someone from appraisal?"
Whether or not you take her up on that offer, she spends about 15 minutes concentrating n a small crystal rod.
After that time is up, she tells you "Fardel will be with you shortly."
A few more minutes later, and a gnome appears, with greenish skin, red hair, and eyebrows so long they almost trail to the floor. Despite his somewhat silly appearance, he's all business.
"I heard you had something you wanted us to see? If it's magical, follow me. if it's not, I'm not sure why you wasted my time." and with that, he walks off, leading you to a small room with a high metal table and shelves full of various alchemical supplies. Fardel stands on a ladder that puts him at perfect height for the table.
"Have to use Michael's room for now and it's a bit of a pain but it'll work. Now, pace the item on the table." he says.
Thetsu stands to the side as to not be in the way, smiling at the magnanimity of the accomplishment that was acquiring the magic item which he assumes is a big deal.
A seasoned warrior would be able to tell that he is ready to spring should the organization try to take advantage of Dorla.
Fardel finished identifying the robe and makes a grunt of appreciation.
"This is a powerful piece of equipment. I'm surprised adventuring types like you wouldn't want to keep it. What are you asking for it?"
"Hm. I'll have to take this up with someone else, but it sounds reasonable to me. Why don't you come back tomorrow? "
Fine -And Now we only need to prepare for when they try to steal the cloak
"Of course... But we are keeping the robe until then." says Donovan, obviously untrusting.
Fardel rolls his eyes.
"Yes, yes, distrustful adventurers, how original. Keep it, I had no plans to take it before your payment was settled regardless."
The receptionist chats with you for a bit (anything specific you wanted to say?), and Fardel arrives soon after, leading you to a different room, this one more of a meeting room, with comfortable chairs. The desk is low, fitting his size this time.
"Your offer has been deemed acceptable. Just give a list of specifications to me, along with a list of what potions you would like, and we;ll have them to you as quick as possible."
He pulls a stack of papers from a desk drawer.
"Now sign here, here, here, and here, initial there, there, and there, and sign here one last time and we'll be done. Payment will be handed to you on your relinquishment of the Robe."