Settlements and available magic items

[digitaldave]

I have a question about the availability of magic items in a given settlement, specifically what's the best way to handle the minor/medium/major items that are potentially available above the regular stuff (i.e. the stuff with dice rolls listed next to it). How do people handle this? Do you roll up a random list of the appropriate magic items every time it's needed / someone goes magic item shopping? Or do you roll it up once and then add new items some time after old ones are bought? Or do you just come up with a few specific items that you think the players will want?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm a first time ref running Rise of the Runelords. The PCs are near the end of chapter 1, and have amassed some money and want to spend it. I understand the base value and purchase limit, but I'd be grateful for suggestions about how to handle the random stuff - I'm loath to roll up some random stuff only for the players not to be interested in it (or can't use)).

[Wrath]

I stock once and replace as needed. However, I do tend to try and place a few items that players will want as well. Random rolling will save you time though.

It really comes down to how much verisimilitude you're after in the game. If it needs to make sense then stock it once, and try to choose things that are likely to be in the area. Sandpoint is pretty open in this way, since it's edge of civilised world with a trading port area for shipping in from major centres. It was pretty much designed to have an open playing field in this regard. I'd be tempted to put in magic bows, leather armour stuff, some Shoanti flavoured magic items traded with the local tribes.

The church there is fairly large and well tended, so wands of cure light wounds and potions are not beyond the scope of the place.

If I remember correctly, the article on Sandpoint itself had a whole list of items that were available, is that still in the new version?

Any way, hope that helps.

Cheers

[Gallyck]

im running into the same things but at falcons hollow which doesnt have the advantage of being a trade hub.

[digitaldave]

Wrath,

Thanks for the suggestions, ill try them out and see how it goes.

The stat block for Sandpoint mentions that "additional specific magic items for sale in Sandpoint are detailed in the pages that follow" - I've had a very quick scan through, but can't see any sign of them :-(. Perhaps it's not in the Anniversary Edition...?

[ericthecleric]

Check out the So What's For Sale, Anyway? line by Raging Swan Press. Each book has a great many pre-rolled collections of magic items for settlements.