I've already done (some) additions as I also used the document extensively and didn't want to miss it after chapter 5. Since chapter 6 is not played in Cauldron, I skipped that, but starting with ch 7 I've added some items to the list.
Here's what I got:
+1 studded leather, light fortification
Description: This studded leather armour looks rather ordinary. On closer inspection, however, a few torch marks can be found, which hints at someone from a hot place as the previous owner. It is in perfect working condition, though, and will protect its owner just as good as any other armour of that type.
Story: That item was an in-kind payment for a magical scimitar. The person (should I say person?) who traded it, though, was a strange fellow. She had hair like flame and quite some bodily hairiness about her. Her eyes were a smoldering red and she had a faint smell of brimstone about her. I can only tell, because being a Gnome a sensitive nose is part of the package. However, she concealed her unconventional features very well and didn't rise any suspicion. One thing I noticed was a red-lacquered armband, that she wore, which was not at all en vogue in Cauldron at the time she visited. She wanted a magical scimitar and traded a much more valuable item for it, so I can't complain at all about this transaction. As she was leaving, she enquired about Vortimax, since she needed a potion of some description. I didn't bother to ask which one, as potions are not my speciality and it would have been a major coincidence if I had had the appropriate one around at the time.
Side Note: The woman was Aszithef, on a rogue trip into town, shortly after she arrived at Vhalantru's mansion to buy a weapon for Khetru, selling an old armour, she no longer uses due to her shiny new mithral breast plate. If you do use this item and background story, mind that Khetru should change to have the appropriate feats (Weapon focus (scimitar)) and this weapon instead of a greatsword.
+2 Greataxe
Description: This greataxe is forged from ancient steels and has ornaments and carvings that can be dated back at least 700 years. The numerous scratches and dents prove the weapon to have seen not just a few but many battles over its lifetime. Despite its age, it is a perfectly balanced weapon with a mighty thrust behind its dangerous blades.
Story: That weapon came to me at a moment where I was seriously contemplating to leave town as I hadn't sold or bought a single item for two weeks. It was just the morning after the town guard army had returned from Redgorge. A young half-orc from the town guard came into my shop and asked me with a trembling voice, whether I was interested in buying his weapon. I confirmed and asked about why he was selling such an ancient and powerful weapon. He confided in me that he had faced demons on the battlefield at Redgorge and got terribly frightened by something he could not name. His intention was to leave Cauldron and return to his grandparents, who are both human and live north of the great water. He needed the money to pay for the journey and have some extra as his pension funds.
Side note: This item bears a weak curse. Whenever it is used against demons, the wielder must succeed a DC18 will save or become convinced that his current course of action is completely irresponsible and needs to be changed drastically like under a geas. It can be removed with the appropriate spells “remove curse” or “break enchantment”. This curse was wrought by Yeenoghu in collaboration with a powerful wizard and bestowed on a number of items which were distributed during the old days of demonic invasion, which Surabar first got to fight back.
Stone horse, destrier
Description: This item is a massive (6000 pounds) statue of a heavy warhorse, carved from granite. It looks extremely lifelike and could just as well be a real warhorse turned to stone with a spell.
Story: This horse, I would have never owned, if not for my selflessness, when it comes to potential long-standing customers. That one, though, I fear, I will never see again. He came into my shop one morning, a pale man shaved completely bald except for a small forelock in the middle of his brow that looked rather greasy, and asked whether I had any magical weapons that a mage could use, as he was worried, if not paranoid, about someone or something trying to do him in and rob him of his power. I didn't bother asking deeper and showed him a Quarterstaff, which I had acquired from Maavu before he got into trouble in the riots. He really seemed to like the staff, but admitted he didn't carry enough gold or gems on him to pay for it. He then went outside, said something and brought his horse inside. When I tried to stop him, he raised his hand and said another word, upon which the horse turned into this statue that you see here. He pleaded me to keep the horse as a security deposit and promised to return within less than a week to bring the money in and take his horse back. Needless to say, he never showed again. That happened more than 3 weeks ago. I'm starting to believe he was hoping to return during some night, speak the command word to the horse and have it break out of my shop, getting the quarterstaff for free in the process. But I have had to deal with worse tricks and can draw from a long experience. I've asked a friend from the Bluecrater academy to change the command words for the horse, which he did. I also have set alarm spells that trigger on the old command word being spoken near the horse. I'm looking forward to someone trying to steal it.
Side Note: The wandering mage was in fact Thearynn Louvel, so I changed his masterwork quarterstaff into a +2 weapon. If the party is investigating, they can use the stone horse and a legend lore or other divination spells to learn about the horse's previous owner.
Helm of Telepathy
Description: A nicely crafted but only modestly ornated piece of metal. It bears stylized wings on both sides made of alchemical silver. It's one-size-fits-all style approach is supported by the magical energies coursing through the item.
Story: Well, I wish there was more of a story. But alas, be it as it may, it was sold to me by Vortimax, who took it months ago from a potion customer as in-kind payment. I don't know who that customer was, but he appeared to have great need for glibness potions. I guess someone made a transition from interrogator to interrogated.
Side Note: The seller was Gortio, the Doppleganger, Vhalantru works with. If followed up upon, the hook may lead to a late explanation of the puzzling incident about rescuing Zenith Splintershield from the Kuo-Toa temple.
Staff of Illumination
Description: A brilliant piece of woodcraft. The staff is about 6” long and slightly cone shaped. The thinner end is meant to be held down, so that the elaborate carvings near its top end are prominently displayed. The core of the staff is made from lighter wood than the dark exterior and hence, the staff appears to radiate carefully carved sunrays along its shaft. The top has a dome shaped top, also made from the light wood to simulate a dawning sun.
Story: Strange as it may seem, but this item is one of my own. It passed down to me from my father, who built it all by himself. I am forced to sell it, though, as the latest tax increase puts me seriously low on pocket money and if I am to continue this business I need to restock and it sems I have to get some extra cash for new acquisitions.
Side Note: The story is true. Skie is just an inch away from closing down. Fortunately for her, the tax problem is going to be solved soon (by the group killing Vhalantru). Here's a chance for the group to get an extra 5 % discount and a 5 % increase for buys if they confront Vhalantru for that reason and solve the problem and report it back to her.
Any additions are welcome !
Cheers,
Nib
