Skie loves to hear and recount herois stories about magical items she is purchasing or in turn selling to adventures. I thought it would be a good item to come up with some brief history/stories about the items in Skies Treasury that DMs could use when 'selling' the items to the players.
Make the 'story' as short or long as you wish.
For example -
SHORT VERSION
Cloak of Protection
Description: Twilight blue with white wolf fur lining and silver clasp resembling a wolf.
Story The galant Alek Tervical sold this beautiful prize to me. He told me he took it from a orish shaman in the jungles to the north.
LONG VERSION
Small Longsword +1
Description: Dark iron blade with an ivory hilt carved to resemble a Zorn with outstretched arms creating a cross gaurd and with the blade emerging from the zorns 'mouth'.
Story: Skie - ' I was sold this remarkable blade from Cauldron own heros known as the Stormblades. Have you heard of them? After battling through the deadly catacombs beneath the city and slaying countless yapping bloodthirsty kobolds they faced off against the leader of the tribe - a monsterous kobold with red scales and long horns. After yipping a command at its bodygaurds the leader drew its gleaming blade and attacked.
During the ensuring combat one of the Stormblades, the firey redhead, slapped the devilish leaders blade from its grasp and with one quick motion caught the blade in her off hand and trust it into the astonish creatures heart.
This is that very blade.
In any event if you can come up with a description and story for any of the items in Skie's Treasury or if you can't remember wants in the story jus t make up a story about any 'weak' magical items she may have secreted away.
Anyway looking forward to your responses
Delvesdeep
Here is the list of what Sky is selling and can I just add that that wand of cure lights wounds is the buy of the century!
+1 banded mail 1,400 gp 1,260 gp
+1 chainmail 1,300 gp 1,170 gp
+1 dagger (Small) 2,302 gp 2,072 gp
+1 kukri 2,308 gp 2,077 gp
+1 heavy steel shield 1,170 gp 1,053 gp
+1 leather armor (2 1,160 gp each 1,044 gp each
available; one Small)
+1 light mace (Small) 2,305 gp 2,075 gp
+1 longsword (2 avail- 2,315 gp each 2,084 gp each
able; one Small)
+1 scimitar 2,315 gp 2,084 gp
+1 spiked chain 2,325 gp 2,093 gp
Arcane scroll of flame arrow 375 gp 338 gp
Arcane scroll of ice storm 700 gp 630 gp
Arcane scroll of levitate 150 gp 135 gp
Arcane scroll of mirror image 150 gp 135 gp
Bag of holding (Type 1) 2,500 gp 2,250 gp
Cloak of resistance +1 1,000 gp each 900 gp each
(2 available)
Divine scroll of dispel magic 375 gp 338 gp
Divine scroll of lesser 150 gp 135 gp
restoration
Divine scroll of raise dead 6,125 gp 5,513 gp
Divine scroll of silence 150 gp 135 gp
Divine scroll of speak 375 gp 338 gp
with dead
Golembane scarab (flesh) 2,500 gp 2,250 gp
Hat of disguise 1,800 gp 1,620 gp
Heward’s handy haversack 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Potion of cure light 50 gp each 45 gp each
wounds (8 available)
Potion of cure moderate 300 gp each 270 gp each
wounds (3 available)
Potion of haste 750 gp 675 gp
Potion of owl’s wisdom 300 gp 270 gp
Ring of feather falling 2,200 gp 1,980 gp
Ring of protection +1 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Rope of climbing 3,000 gp 2,700 gp
Sleep arrows (2 available) 132 gp each 119 gp
Wand of cure light 375 gp 338 gp
wounds (25 charges)
Wand of cure moderate 1,980 gp 1782 gp
wounds (22 charges)
Wand of Melf’s acid arrow 900 gp 810 gp
(10 charges)
Delvesdeep
Neat idea. I'll have a go.
Heward’s Handy Haversack
Description: This backpack is made of a fine red leather and bears an eight-pointed star symbol on the left strap.
Story: Skie - 'A few years back, a spry young man passing through Cauldron came by to purchase a scroll, which I happily sold to him. I sensed that he was looking for somthing else, though. As he spoke, his eyes wandered over many of the items I had on display. I thought I saw his eyes glimmer when he spotted something, but I'll never know what it was. When I came in to open the office the next morning, I found him dead in front of one of my display cases. The town guard, at the suggestion of Lord Vhalantru, granted me possession of his items.'
If asked about the eight-pointed star symbol, Skie replies 'I tried researching that symbol, but it doesn't seem to mean anything in particular. At least, not in these parts...'
If asked what the young man wanted to purchase, Skie answers 'I don't think I'll ever know. The display case I found him at is where I place my rings. But I thouroughly checked them, and they held no special properties other than what they were intended to hold.'
If asked how the man died, Skie says with a twinkle in her eye, 'Well, it's a dangerous business, sneaking into a person's business."
Divine Scroll of Lesser Restoration: This scroll bears a water mark of a stylized cross.
Story: Skie - 'This scroll? It certainly has an entertaining tale behind it... I commissioned it just last week from the Church of St. Cuthbert!"
Great story, even the scroll. Not every item will have a heroic story infact many items come straight into the store from Maarvu's wares but any item with a story, as you have illustrated here, is always more interesting than one that doesn't. Just for my own curiousity the star is a Seeker Star right?
Delvesdeep
+1 dagger (Small)
Description: A small stiletto bladed dagger with a deadly sharp tip and a crescent shaped crossbar. The hilt is bound with black, soft leather and the base embedded with a small emerald.
Story: A member of the Last Laugh claimed this dagger in a duel with a group of Alleybashers who attempted to ambush her on a rooftop. She was able to duck, weave and tumble past their series of awkward attacks before taking them down with a flurry of pinpoint strikes. A dark gnome offered the blade in exchange of his life. The Last Laugh assassin took both.
+1 heavy steel shield
Description: A large rectangular shield blanketed with small spikes.
Story: This shield has been in Skie’s possession for years. Sold to her from an adventuring ban that has since left for Sassarine (Vhalantru). As far as she can recollect, Skie remembers the shield was once owned by a crazed half orc mercenary that was struck down in a bar brawl by none other than young Sylar Krewis. Skylar had been forced to kill the man when negotiations turned sour and the mercenary struck down two of his team.
Anyone else?
Delvesdeep
Just for my own curiousity the star is a Seeker Star right?
Yep. I thought it would be fun to make an allusion to AoW.
Just for my own curiousity the star is a Seeker Star right?Yep. I thought it would be fun to make an allusion to AoW.
I like the idea. I see Skies as another perfect way to foreshadow future NPCs and adventures. Do you have any more?
Delvesdeep
Wand of Melf’s acid arrow 900 gp 810 gp
(10 charges)
Description: Clear, thin, crystal 2’ in length that appears to be half full with yellow bubbling liquid.
Story: Another of Alek’s treasures is the deadly wand called – Molten. It was taken from a venerable, reclusive ogre mage who lived in the Cauldron Environs, west of city, in the jungles close to Redforge.
Alek servery burned his arm, leg and lost his metal shield to the ogre and the wand when the stooped giant raised its item and, laughing with delight, sprayed the paladin with yellow sickly acid. Alek managed to cast aside his smoking shield and strike out at the Ogre, severing the creature’s arm holding the wand with the blow.
Alek dragged himself towards the prone giant and watched in surprise as the creature’s arm began to grow back before his eyes and it began to cast a fearful incantation at the injured knight. Before it could complete the spell Alek mustered his strength and drove his blade deep into the monsters chest, killing the evil giant and claiming the ancient horde including this prized wand of acid.
Delvesdeep
+1 leather armour (small)
Description: Stone grey coloured with a symbol of a black rearing horse carved into its chest and on each shoulder.
Story: Skie – This mystic armour was found by a farmer who chanced upon a halfling lying dead by the road with not a mark upon him wearing the treasure. The farmer swore he saw a strange ghostly fish like humanoid floating away from the corpse at the time but the old fellow is know for his theatrics so take the story with a grain of salt. But on the other hand he did say he found it not 20 miles from what we know in these parts as the Haunted Village…so who knows.
What I can be sure of is the strength and craftsmanship of this fine armour. Just make sure you avoid ghosts cause even magical armour isn’t going to protect you from them!
Delvesdeep
Ring of protection +1 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Description: A thick steel band crafted to resemble a snake curled around on itself and biting into its own tail. The snake’s eyes are small red gems.
Story: A captain of a troop of Sassarine soldiers sold this delicate marvel to me some years back after retrieving it from the jungles west of the mountains. The captain took the ring from a creature he described as part man part snake and said he had lost half his been to the ambush the creature had led.
The captain recounted how from the trees and ground itself swarms of tiny and giant snakes set upon his patrol and if it was not for the fire obsessed war wizard he had accompanying the troop the rest of them would not have survived.
Delvesdeep
Cloak of Resistance +1 (red) 1,000 gp each 900 gp each
Description: Long deep ember coloured with a myriad of white symbols covering it. A white thin roper tie encircles the neck with both ends finishing in a white pearl.
Story: Skie – This magical wonder was sold to me by a wandering wizard in exchange of quick cash. He claimed to have secreted it from right out of Hookface’s overflowing horde as the massive red dragon slept. I was a bit sceptical myself until he produced a red shield sized scale to verify his claim. Dragon or not the cloak symbols sometimes glow with power. I believe this cloak hold more magic than it has initially revealed. Perhaps all it needs is the right owner…
Cloak of resistance +1 (blue) 1,000 gp each 900 gp
Description: Waist length, twilight blue with white wolf fur lining and silver clasp resembling a wolf.
Story The gallant Alek Tervical sold this beautiful prize to me. He told me he took it from an orcish shaman in the jungles to the north. The shaman had gifted the item to Alek after he rescued his familiar from a pair of trolls wandering the region.
Just out of curiousity when did people start introducing other magical items to Skie's? Did you have a formula?(ie followed typical treasure list in DMG etc?)
Delvesdeep
I am going to try and replace the magic items sold at Skie's with magic items that can make life easier for the DM. I try to automate as much of a campaign as I can. The following is a list of some of the items from the DM's Guide and a magic item in this month's Dragon.
Earing of the Wolf - so the characters can hear whats going on when they split up.
Muryland's Spoon - so they can eat without having to buy rations.
Some Periapts (Health and Wound Closure).
Various Manuels and and Tomes - characters always appreciate skill improvement.
Daern's Instant Fortress - insant home.
Maybe some elven cloaks and boots - I like em'.
Boat, folding - instant watercraft.
Rope of Climbing - always need rope.
Bags of Holding - good for loot, and I won't have to worry about encumbrace.
Various Figurines - everybody loves pets.
Heward's Handy Haversack - I really hate calculating weights and penalties.
I am going to try and replace the magic items sold at Skie's with magic items that can make life easier for the DM. I try to automate as much of a campaign as I can. The following is a list of some of the items from the DM's Guide and a magic item in this month's Dragon.
out of curiosity, how do these items make life easier for you as a DM?
With some of the items, logistical concerns such as health, food and shelter are addressed without having to be accounted for (i.e. subtract one days rations, subtract 2 torches used).
This will save time during the campaign - speed up the story = less bored players - and might even extend the life of a player character's sheet - less erasing and adding.
Automatic ropes and hiding equipment let players help characters become stealthy when needed - they are good substitutes for rogue like skills, which are not that popular in our group.
Other items let the players spend gold, and a lot of it, to permanently improve their skills. Most players won't pass up an opportunity to improve their ability scores. The key here is to spend the players gold. First, they will continue to appreciate the gold they earn. Second, this lets me "control"
the players spending habits - i.e. they will not try to purchase +5 swords of critical, mass damage, spell immunity when they are spending their gold on these "necessary" items.
I think there are a lot of powerful bonus items which, when added up, create monty haul campaigns. I try to limit the amount of these items any way I can. Hopefully, by providing alternate choices for treasure gathering, there is a subtle control vs. overt, no you can not buy that this century control.
Ring of feather falling 2,200 gp 1,980 gp
Description: Gold ban moulded to resemble tiny overlapping stylised feathers.
Story: Skie –‘Strangest thing, this ring came into my possession in the most peculiar and mysterious of ways. I came to work one morning and there it was silently sitting on this very counter with a small note lying by its side.
The note itself was dusty and cracked with age as if it had been resting undisturbed there for centuries. Written upon the parchment in a broad hand was a simple message faded with time – ‘Tree of Chains, City of cages, Circle of feathers, Key of pages…’
‘Never did find out what the message meant nor how the ring or message was left in my shop’ adding more to herself than any who listen she whispers ‘particularly with all the traps and guardians I have guarding my wares.’ Remembering herself Skie winks at the adventures and states – ‘I suspect this little ring is more valuable than it seems but I’ll still be happy to part with it for a pouch of gold or jewels to the right buyer…’
Delvesdeep
Hat of disguise 1,800 gp 1,620 gp
Description: Floppy leather artist hat adorned with a blue peacock feather.
Story: Skie –‘ Would you believe Lord Vhalantru himself sold this amazing hat to me. Just strolled in one day and told me an adventuring group gifted him the item as a parting gift before descending beneath the city and never returning. I remember asking him why he did not use the item himself and he mentioned something about being out of fashion and too small for his head. I never thought he had a large head but I certainly wasn't going to argue. Incredibly hat none the less, I’ve even used it myself a few times when I see annoying family members on there way to visit…’
I left something out at the end of this entre(the side note) which is fairly important to the item. Sorry about that. Just out of curiousity, is there anyone reading this thread?
Ring of feather falling 2,200 gp 1,980 gp
Description: Gold ban moulded to resemble tiny overlapping stylised feathers.
Story: Skie –‘Strangest thing, this ring came into my possession in the most peculiar and mysterious of ways. I came to work one morning and there it was silently sitting on this very counter with a small note lying by its side.
The note itself was dusty and cracked with age as if it had been resting undisturbed there for centuries. Written upon the parchment in a broad hand was a simple message faded with time – ‘Tree of Chains, City of cages, Circle of feathers, Key of pages…’
‘Never did find out what the message meant nor how the ring or message was left in my shop’ adding more to herself than any who listen she whispers ‘particularly with all the traps and guardians I have guarding my wares.’ Remembering herself Skie winks at the adventures and states – ‘I suspect this little ring is more valuable than it seems but I’ll still be happy to part with it for a pouch of gold or jewels to the right buyer…’
Side Note: The underside of the ring has been cut or marked with a small series of indentations. These ‘cuts’ form an uneven pattern. This item is a key to Fetors (or any other of the Cagewrights, of your choice, spell, diary or secret books) Lore book. Placing it into the circular indentation upon the cover of the tome unlocks the book.
Delvesdeep
Just out of curiousity when did people start introducing other magical items to Skie's? Did you have a formula?
I guess I started at the beginning of the AP. If a player was looking for something specific, I gave it a flat 15% chance that she had one on hand as a recent procurement.
If not, she could use a sending to a contact in Sasserine, and could usually get the requested item in two weeks.
By the way... great descriptions on your items. I'm not running Shackled City right now, but I'm going to use some of your ideas for Age of Worms.
Oooh... and your description of the Ring of Feather Falling could fit in with the story of the seeker's Haversack!
Thanks Big Jake. It's nice to know someone is not only reading this thread but also using parts of it. Do you have any more item descriptions yourself? I've added your 'Seekers Haversack' story and description to my list to use with my party.
The list is getting short now of what hasn't been written up so I'm thinking of putting up a alternative/2nd list - with slightly more advanced items for sale (ie geared at say 3rd or even 5th level characters. Some of the items will remain the same but others will be replaced.
Does anyone have an idea of other more advanced items that could be written up?
Delvesdeep
Rope of climbing 3,000 gp 2,700 gp
Description: Silken black rope with a blue pattern of a vine climbing and weaving its way up the item
Story: Skie – ‘One of the many marvellous items sold to me by Maarvu the magical merchant from this city. I believe he told me he purchased this item from Sasserine but told me little else about the rope. I have tested it out myself though and I was able to scale my shop with the rope as easily as climbing stairs. An amazing item indeed.’
Sleep arrows (2 available) 132 gp each 119 gp
Description: Midnight blue feathers, white shaft and tipped with a rounded, sandstone blunt tip. A trail of glittering sand marks the arrows flight when fired.
Story: Skie –‘I’ve had these arrows only a short time. They were sold to me by a academic and wizard from the BlueCrater Academy (sorry if this is not the correct name) They are a new type of magical weapon. A far more civilised method of combat, I suggest, than using convential weapons. The battles could be won without a drop of blood being spilled!
If you want more of these spectacular arrows I’m sure I can get them for you...for the right price of course.
Delvesdeep
delvesdeep, I hope you won't mind, but I think these item backstories are so cool that I printed the thread as a pdf and posted it on the SCApresources page to archive it. I really think this is my favorite roleplaying resource I've found.
I'll try writing one or two myself after Iget a few more projects off of my desk. Keep being creative and thanks!
Thanks everyone! I'm overwealmed by your comments. I wasn't expecting such responses but it's really nice to hear them.
Have any of you guys got any ideas for items? Even if you have a item that may appear in Skies as the Path continues I'll be happy to try and come up with something for it or better yet, love to read your description/story for it. Big Jake did a great job with the haversack story which I've added to my list so if you have one yourself (big or small) I would love to hear it :).
Anyhow here is my next description attempt -
+1 banded mail
1,400 gp 1,260 gp
Description: Beautiful Armour with alternate bands of silver and gold, etched with depictions of majestic eagles. Along the arms of the armour are gold wings while the gauntlets are crafted, and fingertip slightly pointed, to resemble birds talons. The full-face helm is toped with a golden eagle poised to take to the air.
Story: Skie – ‘I’ve had this beautiful armour for years and have grown quiet attached to it. A few gaurds have enquired about it but I turned them away. Armour like this deserves to be worn by a hero, not a common soldier… ‘
Side Note : Skie purchased the armour years ago when the Hatil noble family were executed for treason and their estate was divided up. The armour was sold to Skie for a fraction of its worth but since that time she has found it extremely difficult to sell it. The truth is that most of Cauldron locales know of the items past and are reluctant to buy the banded mail in fear of getting bad luck themselves or worse still – have the Hatil Family ghosts come back to get it from them….
DMs Note: There is no actual mention of a 'Hatil Family' in the SCAP so feel free to change the name to descents of one of the existing nobles or one of your own if this seems more appropriate for you.
Delvesdeep
delvesdeep, I hope you won't mind, but I think these item backstories are so cool that I printed the thread as a pdf and posted it on the SCApresources page to archive it. I really think this is my favorite roleplaying resource I've found.
I'll try writing one or two myself after Iget a few more projects off of my desk. Keep being creative and thanks!
koramondo, I'm more than happy for you to include this thread's information on the SCApresources page. I'm actually a newly joined member myself.
Just a question though - I intend on regualrly updating this thread as my party advance and Skye sells and buys new magical treasures. Is this going to pose a problem with what has already been included on the site or are you happy to periodically update what has been newly written when you have time. I'm not the most computer literate individual so I fear I would have trouble doing this myself.
In any event I happy you thought what had been written up so far was good enough to warrent a place on the site.
Delvesdeep
...I intend on regualrly updating this thread as my party advance and Skye sells and buys new magical treasures. Is this going to pose a problem with what has already been included on the site or are you happy to periodically update what has been newly written when you have time...
I'm more than happy to continue checking here and updating the file posted on the resource page whenever you make an addition. Feel free to post in the forum on the resource page, too, or email me directly with your new additions if you like. I'll send you my email address privately.
My group is just about to begin Chapter 2 in the adventure path and according to the write up on Skies Treasury this means that she purchases an additional 10,000 gp worth of equipment in addition to replacing an sold items.
My group bought a number of items and I rolled randomly to see how many items were sold to other buyer in between their visits. Basically sold items came to another 10,000 gp worth of items.
So here is my chapter 2 inventory. All items were rolled randomly and are minor items. New items are highlighted. -
Sky's Treasury - Chapter 2
+1 banded mail 1,400 gp 1,260 gp
+2 Breastplate 4350 gp 3915 gp
+1 dagger (Small) 2,302 gp 2,072 gp
+1 Heavy Crossbow of Frost 8302 gp 7472 gp
+1 kukri 2,308 gp 2,077 gp
+1 heavy steel shield 1,170 gp 1,053 gp
+1 leather armor (2 1,160 gp each 1,044 gp each
available; one Small)
+1 light mace (Small) 2,305 gp 2,075 gp
+1 longsword 2,315 gp each 2,084 gp - Small)
+1 spiked chain 2,325 gp 2,093 gp
Arcane scroll of flame arrow 375 gp 338 gp
Arcane scroll of ice storm 700 gp 630 gp
Arcane scroll of levitate 150 gp 135 gp
Arcane scroll of mirror image 150 gp 135 gp
Bracers of Archery 5,100 4590 gp
Cloak of resistance +1 1,000 gp each 900 gp each
(2 available)
Divine scroll of dispel magic 375 gp 338 gp
Divine scroll of lesser 150 gp 135 gp
restoration
Divine scroll of raise dead 6,125 gp 5,513 gp
Divine scroll of speak 375 gp 338 gp
with dead
Divine scroll of Bulls Strength 150 gp
Dust of Illusion 500 gp[ 450 gp
Golembane scarab (flesh) 2,500 gp 2,250 gp
Hat of disguise 1,800 gp 1,620 gp
Heward’s handy haversack 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Potion of Cat's Grace 300 gp 270 gp
Potion of cure light 50 gp each 45 gp each
wounds (8 available)
Potion of cure moderate 300 gp each 270 gp each
wounds (3 available)
Potion of haste 750 gp 675 gp
Quaal's Feather Token(fan) 200 gp 180 gp
Ring of feather falling 2,200 gp 1,980 gp
Ring of protection +1 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Rope of climbing 3,000 gp 2,700 gp
Sleep arrows (2 available) 132 gp each 119 gp
Wand of Magic Missiles (1st) - 39 charges 750 gp 675 gp
Wand of Shocking Grasp - 43 charges 750 gp 675 gp
Wand of cure moderate 1,980 gp 1782 gp
wounds (22 charges)
Wand of Melf’s acid arrow 900 gp 810 gp
(10 charges)
Below are the items that were either bought by my party or were sold to other buyers -
Potion of owl’s wisdom 300 gp 270 gp
Divine scroll of silence 150 gp 135 gp
Bag of holding (Type 1) 2,500 gp 2,250 gp
+1 chainmail 1,300 gp 1,170 gp
+1 longsword 2,315 gp each 2,084 gp - normal size)
Wand of cure light 375 gp 338 gp
wounds (25 charges)
+1 scimitar 2,315 gp 2,084 gp
Once again these are just changes for my campaign so do not feel pressured to use them. Feel free to change the invenory depending upon your party and personal choices. If you think there is any items I should exclude or alternatively, include to this list, let me know.
Delvesdeep
+1 Heavy Crossbow of Frost 8 302 gp 7472gp
Description: A intricately carved bone crossbow with a crossbar blanketed in tiny overlapping silver scales. It’s string is deep blue colour and is blanketed in an array of icicles. The underside grips have thick mammoth fur to protect the hands.
When a bolt is placed in the crossbow it instantly freezes.
Story: An adventuring group that once frequented this very store many years past, claimed this great bow from the great Frost Giant Jarl known as Khurok. After battling a myriad of monsters, not the least of them being the tribe of frost giants and their stone and hill giant allies, the Greenswords faced the great Jarl ridding his ancient white dragon.
From the aftermath of the battle the giant threat to the region was averted anf this mighty bow was claimed. The amazing ability of this bow does not just lie in its firepower but also in its size manipulation. The bow attunes to the wielder, no matter what the size, and grows or shrinks to fit their hand accordingly.
The item has apparently changed hands many times since this famous event but I recognised the item instantly when Maavu showed it to me. Don’t mention it to him but I got it for a steal and now you can have it for one too!
Side Note: Giants of the region look upon this weapon as sacred and gain a +1 morale bonus to attacks and damage verus characters wielding the crossbow.
+2 Breastplate 4,350 gp 3915 gp
Description: Black coloured, shaped to appear like a muscular torso. A symbol of a blazing hammer infont an ice-capped mountain is inset into the chest.
Story: A bald dwarf named Xoden sold me this armour to me in exchange for the chainmail I had on sale a week or so a go. Great deal as far as I was concerned so I didn’t probe him to much, lest he wake up and realize his mistake.
He mentioned something about being a bit big for him and how the symbol upset the orcs he was working with too much. I thought he was joking so I blurted out – ‘Dwarves and orcs working together that’ll be the day!’ but he just scowled at me in response and quickly left with his chainmail.
His loss and our gain I say. You won’t find armour as good as this much around these parts, especially crafted by dwarves…
Hello Delvesdeep,
Isn't there a 3000 gp limit in Cauldron ? I thought the players had to go to Sasserine for expensive magic items...
Bran
Hello Delvesdeep,
Isn't there a 3000 gp limit in Cauldron ? I thought the players had to go to Sasserine for expensive magic items...
Bran
That's interesting. In the SCHC it indicates that Skie's item value limit increases by 10 000 gp a chapter whic would mean by the end of chapter 12 the value will be 12 000gp. My guess is that the party will be carrying around items and money in excess of 3000 gp before long and that there are other exceptions to the rule sprinkled all over Cauldron.
If you are a stickler for the rules then just have Skie describe the item from a list, catologue etc and have her ship the item in later. Either way rules are meant to be bent and even broken in some instances. As long as it doesn't compromise the balance of the game, I never let rules get in the way of good fun.
In my opinion that is exactly what I am trying to do with this thread. Create an aid that promotes fun role play and just simple, good fun.
Delvesdeep
my turn
Wand of Shocking Grasp - 43 charges 750 gp 675 gp
Description
A wand made of dark ebony, set with 3 small copper bands. Each of the bands have been etched with small runes. The wand appears to be static, as small flecks of dust cling to it. Close inspection of the wand reveals small bite marks allong one side
Story
This particular wand was found in the dwarven ruins under Cauldron. The bite marks are from a goblin infant, who, believe it or not, used it as a rattle!
Delvesdeep wrote : "That's interesting. In the SCHC it indicates that Skie's item value limit increases by 10 000 gp a chapter whic would mean by the end of chapter 12 the value will be 12 000gp. My guess is that the party will be carrying around items and money in excess of 3000 gp before long and that there are other exceptions to the rule sprinkled all over Cauldron.
If you are a stickler for the rules then just have Skie describe the item from a list, catologue etc and have her ship the item in later. Either way rules are meant to be bent and even broken in some instances. As long as it doesn't compromise the balance of the game, I never let rules get in the way of good fun.
In my opinion that is exactly what I am trying to do with this thread. Create an aid that promotes fun role play and just simple, good fun."
This thread is indeed very useful and I find it all the more interesting as it adds colour and flavour to a place PCs will probably attend a lot. I do agree with you too when you say rules may be bent sometimes. However Cauldron experiences many economical difficulties during the campaign and I wish to reflect that in the goods available to the PCs. That will help them to understand that something is rotten in the kingdom of Denmark...
Despite those facts I find your initiative very helpful and I will certainly steal it to my own profit for Skies' cousin in Sasserine ;o)) Keep it coming ! As an atonement for my stupid question I will also add my two coppers very soon...
Bran.
Arcane scroll of flame arrow 375 gp 338 gp
Arcane scroll of ice storm 700 gp 630 gp
Arcane scroll of levitate 150 gp 135 gp
Description
These three scrolls have been scribed on the same parchment. All of them bear a wax seal, stamped with a sigil depicting a mountain crested by a sun and stars. One of the scrolls (levitate) has a circular hole on it's edge, barely touching the arcane writing.
Story
I bought these three scrolls off young sir Splintershield, before he became the master of the Malachite Hold. Says he found them in a grotto beyond his ancestral home, deep within the mountain. They where in a small frayed sack burried under a caved-in section. Sir Splintershield told me he found the grotto in a most peculiar state. Secions of the wall apparently melted away, unnatural cave-ins everywhere, as if it was the site of a great battle. He never did find out what exactly happened there, though...
DM's Notes
The scroll of levitate is slightly damaged. It has a 10 percent arcane spell failure chance. The scrolls where scribed by the wizard member of a band of adventurers named the Wayscouts. The adventurers where one of the first to be ambushed by Vhalantru. Vhalantru made liberal use of his disintegrate eye-ray in that battle and hit the wizard as he was digging out a scroll. Vhalantru cleared out the cavern after that, but missed the three scrolls. One of the statues in Vhalantru's manor may bear a sigil on his gear identical to that on the scrolls.
This thread is indeed very useful and I find it all the more interesting as it adds colour and flavour to a place PCs will probably attend a lot. I do agree with you too when you say rules may be bent sometimes. However Cauldron experiences many economical difficulties during the campaign and I wish to reflect that in the goods available to the PCs. That will help them to understand that something is rotten in the kingdom of Denmark...
Despite those facts I find your initiative very helpful and I will certainly steal it to my own profit for Skies' cousin in Sasserine ;o)) Keep it coming ! As an atonement for my stupid question I will also add my two coppers very soon...
Bran.
Thanks for you praise Bran and your imput will be much appreciated. I had another look at the city summary of Cauldron in the hard Copy and they said the amount was 15,000 gp. Perhaps they changed it ? Either way I'm sure as we go along and the items increase in power every chapter this will be exceeded in any event.
If you are still worried about this maybe have Skie use illusions of the more expensive items to display and then order them from her 'cousin' in Sasserine.
In any event I'm glad you find what has been written so far useful.
Delvesdeep
Arcane scroll of flame arrow 375 gp 338 gp
Arcane scroll of ice storm 700 gp 630 gp
Arcane scroll of levitate 150 gp 135 gpDescription
These three scrolls have been scribed on the same parchment. All of them bear a wax seal, stamped with a sigil depicting a mountain crested by a sun and stars. One of the scrolls (levitate) has a circular hole on it's edge, barely touching the arcane writing.Story
I bought these three scrolls off young sir Splintershield, before he became the master of the Malachite Hold. Says he found them in a grotto beyond his ancestral home, deep within the mountain. They where in a small frayed sack burried under a caved-in section. Sir Splintershield told me he found the grotto in a most peculiar state. Secions of the wall apparently melted away, unnatural cave-ins everywhere, as if it was the site of a great battle. He never did find out what exactly happened there, though...DM's Notes
The scroll of levitate is slightly damaged. It has a 10 percent arcane spell failure chance. The scrolls where scribed by the wizard member of a band of adventurers named the Wayscouts. The adventurers where one of the first to be ambushed by Vhalantru. Vhalantru made liberal use of his disintegrate eye-ray in that battle and hit the wizard as he was digging out a scroll. Vhalantru cleared out the cavern after that, but missed the three scrolls. One of the statues in Vhalantru's manor may bear a sigil on his gear identical to that on the scrolls.
Great work Chef! Great to have some help. I like your description of the the wand and scrolls. The story with Zenith and Vhalantru are fantastic also - exactly the theme I am trying to follow. Plenty of mystery, foreshadowing and links to the city.
Keep up the good work.
Delvesdeep
Bracers of Archery 5,100 gp 4590 gp
Description: Two thick silver arrows curl around upon themselves and through a stylised eye. The bracers are blanketed in tiny etchings of an eye pierced by an arrow. The tip, feathers and eye are made of gold and rest upon the topside of the bracers. The underside of each are completely covered in a strange array of spidery symbols.
Story: Maavu purchased this item in the Drunken Morkoth Inn a few months past. An elderly adventurer apparently just gave the item to him after sharing a hot mug in front of the fire. The old fellow was an adventurer in these parts who had fled with his group after some of their group was assassinated.
The old warrior told Maavu he had claimed these bracers from one of the assassins bodies. He had returned to Cauldron to find out the employer of these assassins believing that these bracers held the clue but, as his health sliped away from him, he said he now realized his search had all been in vein.
The next morning Maavu said he went to return the bracers to the old fellow in the room he had been staying in or at least pay him some compensation but the elderly adventurer had vanished.
Great item all the same. Maavu assures me you can shoot a fly down in a storm using these brilliant bracers!
Side Note: A disguised Meerthan gave this item to Maavu when he and the rest of the Striders first tracked the Cagewrights to Cauldron. Meerthan had learnt that Maavu was part of a strong good aligned organisation and he hoped by giving this item to him it would spark his curiousity and, in turn, his organizations, about the sinister group. Meerthan then would use the gift as a future catalyst to an alliance against the Cagewrights. Unfortunately Maavu was far more the merchant than investigator or moral crusaders and had sold the bracers before giving the ‘old mans’ story much more than a fleeting thought.
Meerthan is still embarrassed about the incident but may recall the story for characters who he particularly trusts particularly if they now possess the item.
A few questions -
Just wondering if anyone has used any of this material in there game as yet?
If so, how did you use it?
What was the players reactions?
Delvesdeep
Divine scroll of raise dead 6,125 gp 5,513 gp
Divine scroll of silence 150 gp 135 gp
Divine scroll of speak 375 gp 338 gp
with dead
Description: Large ash coloured parchments rolled and sealed with a red wax seal - stamped with the symbol of death and magic. At the top of each opened scroll is the glaring symbol of Wee Jas whos eyes seem to follow the reader wherever they move. The writing is a red spidery script which glows and disappears once read.
Story: Skie – ‘Not much of a story here I’m afraid. I commissioned these scrolls from the Church of Wee Jas and had to pay through my teeth to do so. But not to worry, they are all in mint condition, never been opened in fact and were created by Ike Iverson. Most importantly to you, I won’t be passing on the high prices I payed to get them! Must be in a good mood today...
Side Note: Hastily penned in one corner of the Raise Dead scroll is a small note -
The three shifted to Plain of Cysts. Contact Jesters.
Ike hurriedly wrote down this message as he began preparing to create the scroll when Embril sent him an unexpected Sending. He later overlooked the small scribble, used the parchment to create the scroll and then sold it with the others to Skie not realizing his mistake. The message refers to the three Pelor clerics who were killed and then Plane Shifted to the Plain of Cysts, near Skullrot, by Embril. The rest of the sending was written on another parchment and destroyed later by Ike.
Wand of Magic Missiles (Special) - 39 charges 950 gp 855 gp
Description: Gold capped, deep ruby coloured wand covered in small gold runes. A noticeable crack sits halfway along the shaft.
Story: A fellow by the name of Pockets wandered in here with his great big dog he called Patches a week or so past. Patches was standing by his masters side one minute and the next he was sniffing away at me heels. Scared the ‘begeebers’ out of me to tell the truth – a dog disappearing and reappearing all over the place, couldn't keep an eye on him. Seemed a smart dog, but with big teeth though.
Anyhow Pouches brought in this wand and asked how much I would part with to own it. He told me it had been acquired from a ruin of an enclave of six armed sorcerors or some such thing that but was obviously damaged. I tested it out myself and found it quiet powerful yet obviously temperamental. For the price I willing to sell this, you won’t find a wand as powerful as this one, especially in this, or any shop in Cauldron.
Side Note: The wand is a standard wand of magic missiles that fires a single missile without any changes or problems. The strength and weakness of the wand lies in its ability to fire 2 or even 3 missiles at a time (2 missiles = 2 charges, 3 missiles = 3 charges). Because of the crack though, every time more than 1 missile is fired there is a chance the wand will explode doing the user 5d4 points of damage and destroying the wand. Firing off 2 missiles has a 20% chance of this occurring while firing off 3 missiles the chance rises to 40%.
Some old and some new....and some very cheap too ;)
Quaal's Feather Token(fan) 200 gp 180 gp
Description: A small circular pure white coloured feather that, when held, causes a light breeze to gentle ruffle a persons hair and clothes even on the calmest of days.
Story: This item was part of Maavu’s stock. It is rather a simple item but invaluable on the high seas or during a wind swept storm. Nice on a hot day too, I’d imagine.
Dust of Illusion 500 gp 450 gp
Description: A small deeo purple pouch with gold drawstrings opens to reveal a glittering mound of ever changing, coloured dust. The dust seems to be in constant motion, altering its colour and shape continuously, forming and blending tiny images and shapes.
Story: Skie –‘That handsome fellow Keygan Ghelve sold this treasure to me only recently. He told me he needed the money to help pay for his legal expenditures. I assume he was referring to his…um…well, incarceration and up coming trial after that unfortunate misunderstanding about the kidnappings. He told me his grandfather gave him the dust when he lived in Jzadirune as a child.
I hope it all goes well for him. It’s hard to find an intelligent and charismatic gnome in these parts, especially a 'tall' one like Keygan….
great stuff, keep it up
great stuff, keep it up
Thanks Quex UI, I'll keep trying though there is only a limited amount of items that can be bought in the shop. Eventually I think I will run out.
But until then.....
+1 kukri 2,308 gp 2,077 gp
Description: Heavy, curved dagger with a razor-sharp edge made of glittering mithril on the inside of the curve. Soft black leather is wound around the handle with a pattern of white linked hands imprinted into the leather.
Story: Skie – I purchased this exotic beauty for my more discerning, worldly customers. It takes a masterful fighter to wield such a blade, one versed in abilities and skills rarely seen in these parts. A different breed of warrior is exactly what we all hope for in our little city and this blade would make the perfect tool for just such a hero…
Side Note: Skie has had a great deal of trouble finding a customer even interested in this item let alone one who wishes to buy it. As soon as someone shows even a glimmer of interest she pours on the 'salesman pitch' and hero talk in an effort to have the customer purchase the blade.
+1 light mace (Small) 2,305 gp 2,075 gp
Description: Spiked diamond-shaped head sits upon a short silver shaft. The maces head is gold coloured contrasting with the weapon handle and grip. The base of the weapon depicts a smiling halflings visage and a horn. Etched along the silver shaft in a flowing hand is something written in halfling. The shaft and head of the mace seem strangely mismatched.
Story: Skie –‘Just another one of Maavu's wares so you will have to thank him for this one, he might even know more about the weapon but I doubt it.
Perfect size in my opinion. I had the writing translated. It reads –
‘ Strength in Life, Faith in Mirth,’
Lovely don’t you think?
Strange thing with this weapon is that only the shaft is magical, almost as if the head and handle were put together later and don’t really belong together. Maybe its part of a much more powerful weapon, who knows? I would be keen to purchase the weapon on promise alone, let alone the fact that it is a powerful mace in its own right. All it needs is a wielder with the right potential and stature…
Side Note: The shaft is one half of a powerful weapon known as ‘Last Rite’ - a Mace of Disruption created by the church of Yorlanda (sorry about the spelling – I’m refering to the halfling deity). A lich from the Haunted Village region defeated its previous owner and attempted to destroy the weapon but only succeeded in dividing the weapon into two parts. He then had his followers disperse the head and shaft to different ends of the land, believing this would ensure he would never come in contact with the item again.
The head of the weapon has the second half of the poem –
‘Peace in Death, Promise in Birth.’
Bringing the two parts of the weapon to a skilled weapon smith will reform the weapon. Skie can direct the party to such a smith if need be.
DMs Note: The head can be found in any number of locations preferably as part of an existing weapon perhaps wielded by one of the villains such as Ike. While Triel is probably an ideal owner for the ‘head’ of the mace I recommend discovering the item later in the Path due to the power level of the weapon.
+1 spiked chain 2,325 gp 2,093 gp
Description: Long thick black length of chain with wicked curved spikes thrusting out of each link and permanently stained a coppery red colour. Red worm-like symbols and runes are imprinted into each link. These begin to glow and squirm when the weapon is wielded.
Story: A strange stooped figure shambled into my shop one rain swept evening, cloaked in a heavy hooded robe and dragging one leg behind him. In a raspy voice the figure asked for the owner of the shop and I quickly blurted out that I was the one he sought. The figure slowly drew something out from beneath its robes which rattled and clinked disconcertingly and then held the item aloft for me to behold. The act reminded me of a tyrannical general holding aloft a defeated victims head in triumph to his blood thirst army.
The object dangled down and swayed like it had a life of its own. Lowering the weapon down upon the counter the figure said it had heard I enjoyed hearing stories about the history of the objects I purchased. I replied, in little more than a whisper, that this was true.
With a cruel smile the figure began to describe the hundreds of brutal deaths the chain had inflicted upon creatures in the past. He recalled with glee and delight how it had ripped people apart, how it had teared away their flesh, how it had dismembered and disfigured. With each story the figure became more animated and more excited. He sickened and frightened me at the same time but I could not muster the will to stop his verbal onslaught.
For all my contempt I could still see a profit to be had and offered the figure a pouch of gems for the weapon. Smiling with an overcrowded mouthful of rotting sharpened teeth, the figure snatched up the pouch and slipped from the shop and back out into the rain.
This is not a weapon of grace or honour, but it is definitely a weapon of fear and death. I fear to say, but I believe it is a weapon that will have a place in Cauldron future too. Weapons like this often do. What that role will be is only for the gods and heroes such as you to unravel…
Side Note: This weapon will disappear at the end of Chapter 2 if it is not bought before this time. An Alleybasher will purchase the weapon and, sneaking a peak out the window and onto the rain blanketed street, Skie will see the rogue fearfully hand it over to a black armoured red head outside. This is Triel who will later give the weapon as a gift to Takilar, the undead gnoll Ebon Triad leader from Chapter 3.
Due to this purchase, it is very likely the party come in to contact with the weapon during the next chapter and see it used to full, terrifying and brutal, effect.
Golembane scarab (flesh) 2,500 gp 2,250 gp
Description: Black, beetle shaped pin with pearl eyes and white tipped legs. The white underside is warm, soft and distinctly flesh-like to the touch.
When the user activates the scarabs detect ability, the beetles eyes change from white to black the closer a golem approaches. Similarly, when the scarab is used to bypass a golems damage reduction, the beetles legs begin to scurry as if it is attempting to attack the golem itself.
Story: This little fellow was part of a collection commissioned by a group known as the Tomb Rats who recently sold of all their adventuring possessions in Sasserine. The recently retired party were famous for researching, locating, exploring and plundering ancient tombs, cities, cairns and pyramids in the region.
After undead, undoubtedly the most numerous and dangerous guardians they combated in these ruins were golems. To better prepare themselves for such encounters, the group had a collection of scarabs created, each attuned to a different type.
This one was specifically designed to combat the terrifying, zombie-like golems made of corpses body parts - flesh golems. Horrific to see they are even more horrific to battle. Few live to see the other side of combat with such shambling nightmares.
That is of course, unless you have a secret weapon such as this on your side….
Potion of Cat's Grace 300 gp 270 gp
Description: A tall, thin, slightly curved, crystal tube containing a thin grey liquid. The stopper is shaped to resemble a black cat with its head popping out the top of the vial.
Story: A panic stricken young fellow fled into this shop and week or so past, wanting a quick sale. He hurriedly pulled this vial out of his vest and asked me what I would give him for it. Of course I asked him where he had got the strange looking potion but rather than tell me he got quiet irate, telling me it was none of my business. He constantly glancing over his shoulder and hoped from one foot to the other during the tirade.
When I voiced my suspicions and refused to buy the item for his over inflated asking price without further clarification, he began to threaten me. At this I had a guess at his occupation and source of terror, and mentioned that the Last Laugh were valued customers of mine. His face went from a ruby colour to ashen in half a heartbeat. His attitude quickly changed and so did his price and with that I happily passed over the money and he ran from the shop.
I later mentioned the strange youth to Skylar Krewis but he didn’t know anything of the fellow. Something tells me he was in trouble whichever way you look at it.
Anyhow I’m not sure if he knew what he had. One sip of this potion will make you quick, agile, fleet and dexterous.
Side Note: The misguided youth was attempting to escape the Last Laugh where he was a new member by stealing from one of his team as using the finances to gain assistance from the Alleybashers. Fleeing down an alley towards the Alleybashers Safehouse, he never saw the figure hiding in the darkened doorway.
As the old saying proclaims -' The Last Laugh always gets the last laugh...'
I have already posted all of Chapter Three in the RPGResources Site if you wish to get all the new item descriptions and stories immediately. Otherwise I will be gradually posting them here over the next week or so.
Delvesdeep
Skies Treasury (Chapter Three)
By the start of Chapter three Skie has increased her goods quantity and value to 70,000gp. During the Flood Festival Skie reduces her prices by as much as 50% so expect the party to have a buying frenzy.
During each Chapter there is a 25% chance that an item is sold. This usually occurs why the party is out adventuring but may even occur while the party is browsing in the shop or worst still attempting to buy the same item!
New items are highlighted blue. Items with descriptions and stories are bolded as above -
Inventory & Prices
+2 Breastplate 4350 gp 3915 gp
+1 dagger (Small) 2,302 gp 2,072 gp
+1 Heavy Crossbow of Frost 8302 gp 7472 gp
+1 heavy steel shield 1,170 gp 1,053 gp
+1 small steel shield of Blinding 4000 gp 3600 gp
+1 leather armor (2 1,160 gp each 1,044 gp each
available; one Small)
+1 light mace (Small) 2,305 gp 2,075 gp
+1 longsword 2,315 gp each 2,084 gp - Small)
Arcane scroll of flame arrow 375 gp 338 gp
Arcane scroll of ice storm 700 gp 630 gp
Arcane scroll of mirror image 150 gp 135 gp
Bracers of Archery 5,100 4590 gp
Cloak of Charisma (+2) 4000 gp, 3600 gp
Cloak of resistance +1 (red) 1,000 gp 900 gp
Divine scroll of dispel magic 375 gp 338 gp
Divine scroll of lesser 150 gp 135 gp
restoration
Divine scroll of raise dead 6,125 gp 5,513 gp
Divine scroll of speak 375 gp 338 gp
with dead
Dust of Illusion 500 gp 450 gp
Hat of disguise 1,800 gp 1,620 gp
Horseshoes of Speed 1900 gp 1710 gp
Pipes of the Sewers 1150 gp 1035 gp
Potion of cure light 50 gp each 45 gp each
wounds (8 available)
Potion of cure moderate 300 gp each 270 gp each
wounds (3 available)
Potion of haste 750 gp 675 gp
Quaal's Feather Token(fan) 200 gp 180 gp
Ring of feather falling 2,200 gp 1,980 gp
Ring of Ram 8600 gp 7740 gp
Robe of Useful Items 7000 gp, 6300 gp
Sleep arrows (2 available) 132 gp each 119 gp
Wand of Shocking Grasp - 43 charges 750 gp 675 gp
Wand of Melf’s acid arrow 900 gp 810 gp
(10 charges)
Vestment, Druid’s 5,800 gp 5,220 gp
Below are the items that were either bought by my party or were sold to other buyers –
+1 banded mail 1,400 gp 1,260 gp
+1 kukri 2,308 gp 2,077 gp
+1 spiked chain 2,325 gp 2,093 gp
Arcane scroll of levitate 150 gp 135 gp
Cloak of resistance +1 (blue) 1,000 gp 900 gp
Divine scroll of Bulls Strength 150 gp
Golembane scarab (flesh) 2,500 gp 2,250 gp
Heward’s handy haversack 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Potion of Cat's Grace 300 gp 270 gp
Ring of protection +1 2,000 gp 1,800 gp
Rope of climbing 3,000 gp 2,700 gp
Wand of Magic Missiles (Special) - 39 charges 950 gp 855 gp
Wand of cure moderate 1,980 gp 1782 gp
wounds (22 charges)
Once again these are just changes I made for my campaign so do not feel pressured to use them. Feel free to change the inventory depending upon your party and personal choices. If you think there is any items I should exclude or alternatively, include to this list, let me know.