The PCs (as they usually do) just toss a load of treasure in a bag known as the party pot, essentially any item that isnt immediately usable (a system I started as a player that has just been done in all other parties)
Every one in the party has missed the roll recognizing the brooch, I SHOULD have just said "you recognize this as the queens brooch thats been reported stolen, but I didn't. It is now riding at the bottom of the bag. Everyone missed anything near a decent roll to appraise it so no idea what it could be worth. They aren't in the immediate habit of fencing loot, so What should I do to get them back on track?
I knew this would happen with this group.
They have talked about looking into the Seneschals death (way early for that), they've talked about investigating the king's death, but I played up how un liked the king was, and so most of them don't really care. The urban barbarian does want to know if the queen is taking new suitors?
any thoughts?
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The first merchant they try to sell it to immediately recognizes it and instead of keeping mum and under-paying for it, has a bit of a panic and refuses to buy, intending to tell the guard. Make it obvious, and the PCs will hopefully ask what's going on with him. Then he can inform them about what they're actually carrying and the players hopefully get more careful and inquisitive about the things they pick up. ;)
The first merchant they try to sell it to immediately recognizes it and instead of keeping mum and under-paying for it, has a bit of a panic and refuses to buy, intending to tell the guard. Make it obvious, and the PCs will hopefully ask what's going on with him. Then he can inform them about what they're actually carrying and the players hopefully get more careful and inquisitive about the things they pick up. ;)
So how does he get them to sell it in the first place? That seems to be the problem.
The first merchant they try to sell it to immediately recognizes it and instead of keeping mum and under-paying for it, has a bit of a panic and refuses to buy, intending to tell the guard. Make it obvious, and the PCs will hopefully ask what's going on with him. Then he can inform them about what they're actually carrying and the players hopefully get more careful and inquisitive about the things they pick up. ;)So how does he get them to sell it in the first place? That seems to be the problem.
exactly, they aren't GOING to any merchants.
Find a new hook? Let them reroll - "as you read the description of the brooch on the flyer, roll to see if a light-bulb goes off"?
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3 options:
1) Obviously they will now search for something to do. Enroll them in the korvosa guard. A flyer announces that the guard is hireing men to help during this trouble time.
2) make them poor. Steal them, or kidnapp one relative, or make them pay some taxes. they will need money, so they will sell the brooch.
3) Use Zelara to send them on the brooch tracks, for one or another reason.
i hope this help
Since it is still early in the campaign, have someone offer them something for sale, a magic item the really want, but can't pay for without selling their loot.
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How about rumors. When they hit an inn or a crowd have them do diplomacy checks for gather information. One of the rumors they hear is that the guard is actively searching for the Queen's Missing Brooch.
Otherwise you could just skip the brooch.
Cressida could have them hauled in. Sort of play up the guards showing up and demanding they accompany them. Have Cressida then thank them for dealing with something that she was unable to do and offer them another job...if they could just take care of this traitor for her...you know and after that there might be other things the party could handle.
I would then have them meet the queen. Either they figure out about the brooch or Cressida has them meet her for a reward. Don't let them miss meeting the queen now. It is so cool to meet her early in the process.