Cirostis can completely understand why they would not wish to buy things but the last bit seem very confusing he has not offered anything they got from another crew. He has only purchased one item and has shown it no one but the wizard.

And why would they are getting more obtuse as the negotiation goes on he is flabbergasted.

To be clear gentlemen He does his best to be diplomatic.

I offer the Shield Wyrmturner for the Golem.
I offer the armor of the Compassionate Barbarian for either the Ghost hammer or the Axe


If they make a reasonable counteroffer like (give us the gold ring with it and its a deal) he will do that but he is getting tired of their wanting his personal cloak worth 2300 gp for nothing. The armor he is offering them is a +2 breastplate with ability bonuses in a no penalty rage and other goodies and the shield is every young nobles dream who imagines sauntering off to fight dragons - these are worth far more than what he is asking for, and in this city they should be easier to move than a broken dwarven heirloom or a quirky golem that can be stopped with a bucket of water. He may argue that point just a little bit before walking away with no deal.

When he gets to the third scrounger crew he will hear what Aelessuria tells him about the hammer.

Hmmm...that sounds useful. What would you take for it?
and uh -  what's that net for?

ooc:  Actually I got confused a bit between the two breastplate armors.

They will trade the ghost armor for the compassionate barbarian armor, but the golem is worth a little more for them.  (It can do things, the shield can't!)

By the way, there is no possible reason why Cirostis would think that a magic item, especially a rare one, has a particular value.  That's crazy talk.

She was disappointed at not being able to figure out the anklet it was one of the few items that appealed to her strongly. However she was well aware her knowledge had limits and this one simply eluded her. "AH well I was lucky to be able to get the cube. I will always be curious about the anklet though. I can't seem to figure out what this one really will do for whoever wears it beyond what they describe it as."

She was happy to see Solo having a little fun figuring out what the golem did. It's a cute and possibly useful magical item. "Perhaps it can be used to move cargo, furniture, kegs of beer, even clean a floor perhaps with a broom. A valuable thing to a ships captain or anyone in business that requires moving things. It might even be able to help a wizard by holding things, stirring things, time consuming tasks that leaves a wizard to do other things that need doing."

With CIrostis she's cheerful at having figured out the ax as well as the hammer. "I really like the Ax. It's rare that you see a weapon with a strong elemental enchantment. This weapon is perfect against any creature elementally aligned with fire. Be it a fire elemental or a red dragon. The throwing hammer only has a minor enchantment to help it's major ability is that if you throw it the hammer will return to you. So you can continue to use it in battle."

"Cirostis, Scolo, Rita, I best get going. There is a lot to do to day and I don't want to miss the entertainment." Briefly she hugs Rita, Scolo and then Cirostis in a fond good bye. "Good luck with your shopping and have fun!"

OOC: Off to view the entertainment. No way will Aelasuria Miss all Scolo's hard work and Cirrus singing. Theo of course She will bring with her. Plus our Honor guard/ Kyriel.

Cirostis nods, understanding the merchant at last.

Actually, lets simplify this ill give you the armor for the Golem - I need to go now, Ill come back later to discuss the other things. 

Cirrostis walks away whether the guy makes the trade of armor for golem or not.

He goes directly back to the Elves he was working with before.

I'm sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen, my friend ran off with his cloth, but I believe he will come back tomorrow and we may get a deal for you then. For now I have this beautiful White Vellum, as well as 5 lengths of extraordinary Elven silver chain and several pieces of gold jewelry.
Finally in this lovely swan container is a powerful potion I would be concerned giving to the wrong person. It has the ability to block any poison or disease indeed even the power of the undead can be prevented.

How about 1200 gp for everything? Or maybe 900 for everything except the potion?

Cirostis will negotiate for whatever price they are willing to give.

Then he will go to the third Wererat crew and check on the throwing hammer.

How much for the throwing hammer?


To Aelessuria he says:
"Thank you my dear - your help is deeply appreciated, perhaps we will meet again later at the Owlry?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

Eadoin knows Apple Blossom well enough to know when he should just nod and keep whittling.  She says things like this, but it wouldn't surprise him at all if she somehow talked her way into a plow.  And a team.  And harness.  He'll have to talk with her about pickling some things.  Vinegar, salt, brine, or honey.  Selling vegetables is all well and good, but it's finished products, things people can't get locally that bring the best prices.  Wines're good, but spirits're better.

For now, Eadoin follows his winsome lass from merchant to merchant, just being agreeable.  The early winter sun, a clear sky, and the festival all appeal to him.  If Apple Blossom wants to shop for a plow, a harrow, or Mr. Cyrus McCormick's yet-to-be-invented reaper, Eadoin's happy to watch her do it.

As they amble, he muses, "We'll need something folks can't get themselves.  Your papa's oil seeds, for one.  Maybe candied fruit or something, besides."  Eadoin doesn't need to remind her of honey-roasted nuts with a little bit of salt from the festivals, but he does anyway, planting a seed that may lead them in the direction of something sweet in midwinter.

---

Rita is greeted in-kind with an affectionate hug, Riordeg with a smile and a handshake.  "Hello, again.  It's grand to see you both.  Raviniacum is well, even if it's a little emptier now.  Everyone's come along to the wedding."

In reply to Rita's points about finding other Centaurs, Eadoin nods easily.  "There were about a hundred who came, from near Lake Flevo.  The fighting was...hard on us, like it was on everybody.  Anhyhow, this's just the first group.  All the others, young and old, will come in the spring when the going is easier and thr first crops are nearly ready."

He ambles along, making small talk with friends and listening to Apple Blossom joyfully atwitter to Rita about plans for the future.  He's quite amazed at his sense of well-being brought about by his intended's happiness.  When she mentions, dancing, it's not hard at all to get him to go.  In fact, he practically whoops, giving a little prance on the spot.  Wiggly-toes beware!

Afterward, Eadoin and Apple Blossom depart for Clear Fountain Plaza.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

When Aelasuria says she has to leave and gives Rita a hug, Rita eagerly hugs her back. "Before you go," she whispers to her friend. "I have a question for you. I'm not sure what gift to get Riordeg. I can't afford the expensive magic items. I'm thinking maybe a nice pair of boots or a beautiful pendant. Do you have any advice or suggestions?

Riordeg and I will meet you back at the fountain for the entertainment," she promises Aelasuria. "I heard Cirrus is performing, and I can't miss that!"

OOC: What are the prices for: a) a nice pair of boots made for humans, not lycanthropes, and b) a really nice pendant, preferable one with a star inside a circle?

Also, is there a range of prices for the pendants? If so, she will get a smaller one for Cirrus. She also wants to buy a bottle of wine for Melissa.

She eagerly greets Alara, Ovo, and anyone else she knows or has traveled with whom she sees at the marketplace.

"I know that was your dream, to find others of your kind," she says to Eadoin, smiling. "I am so happy for all of you.

Apple Blossom, if there is something here you would like that is not completely out of my price range, just point me in the right direction, and I will get it for you. I can't think of anyone who deserves a gift more than you."

Seeing the two centaurs dance makes her smile.

She cannot help overhearing Cirostis bargaining with the wererats.

"What's this about a potion to block poison or disease or the effects of undead?" she asks, walking up to the dwarf. "How much are you asking for just that potion?"

The wererats are not going to be happy, given she has essentially interrupted their transaction and may cost them the potion. But Rita is in too good a mood to care how they react. They are not evil; they are part of Lucimburic and still loyal to Duke Barstow.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Wed 03 Apr 2013.

OOC: before leaving for the clear fountain.

"Your welcome Cirostis of course I will be happy to meet you at the Owlry later."

Listening to Rita she thinks about it. "Hmm that depends. Honestly I think Riordeg will be very happy just to know you have given him a gift. If his boots are looking worn then a nice new pair of boots is both a practical and caring gift that he will get much use from. The Pendant is a nice though and I am sure he will wear it thinking of you fondly. He will think of you when he looks at it so I think it also is a wonderful gift. You could give him a handkerchief which is clearly yours that he might bear like a knight. Another thought could be a holy symbol that reflects the god or goddess he prays too. Things he loves are also good gifts. If he loves to carve wood, then a carving knife. If he loves to ride then tack for a horse might bring him joy. If he favors the Bow then fine arrows are always in need as old ones break. Perhaps a nice quiver would pleas him. The best gift of all I think will be the fond memories he will have from sharing your company at the festival and here in Lucimburic. I trust he will enjoy the entertainment at the crystal fountain with you."

Rita goes boot shopping.

She can get basic boots between 2 and 30 gp, depending on the workmanship and level of detail, for Human or just about any feet.

The pendant she is looking for will run 25 gp.  Smaller ones run 5-20 gp.

A jug of wine goes for .2 to 2 GP.  That's a clay jug.  Bottles are more expensive, being glass!  They cost .5 gp just on their own, so most people use clay pots.

* * * *

Cirostis spends his time going back and forth across the market, desperately working to finagle a deal that gets him the “Bucket Golem” in the end.

He sells his stuff (the whole list) to the Elves, and acquires the Throwing Hammer, and some change.  He trades the armor for the Bucket Golem and when all is said and done he has:

>No stuff
>372 Gold pieces
>The Bucket Golem
>The Throwing Hammer
>New Socks.  (He just needed those)

At some point in the future he will be playing with Bucket Golem to discover what it can and cannot do.  As he has already learned, its main function is to do repetitive, stupid things, or simple things its designer wizard did not want to waste time on.  It is very basic.  It cannot do any complex tasks- for example, it cannot be told “go find me some grapes.”  It does not know how to find, where to go to find them, how many to find, etc.  It can be told, “pound these grapes into juice” and it will, until told to stop or it runs out of power.  It can polish, it can clean, it can dig, it can work simple mechanisms, turn cranks, etc.  It cannot aim weapons, make decisions, etc.

The Dwarf feels relieved to have finally accomplished what was requested of him. He gives Dunduin the Golem and the Throwing Hammer as well as some of the gold.
Well Sir, for a while there I really thought I could do better for you. But this is at least your first two choices.
He shakes hands with the wizard as well. Thank you for your assistance, sir - here I would like to give you something for your clear advice. He passes some coin to the wizard. He saves some more that he will give to Arctos.

Now that he has completed his duty he picks up a few of the crossbow bolts and he keeps his word to go back to the second guy. He offers his cloak in exchange for the axe based on Aelessuria's recommendation.


When purchasing the bolts, Cirostis notices Rita also interested in bolts.

OOC: Rita, it was a few posts back -I didn't see if you got what you wanted. 

You looking for a crossbow ma'am? I've got an extra with my gear, I bought a nice one some time ago and don't need my standard issue. You'll not find any more stable than the good old general issue crossbow. I get it for you tomorrow if you like.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Thu 04 Apr 2013.

Ooooh thanks!
Scolo says to the Dwarf. He holds up the gold coins to his eyes like binoculars and it seems he is actually seeing something through the coins. He then passes all the coins into his ears like putting coins in a slot machine. He shakes his head as the coins disappear as if to settle it down to his pouch. Ah ... Maybe I can shop too?

While they are still there Scolo looks at the net with a handle and he examines it.
What does this do?



Since Rita and Cirostis are talking crossbows Scolo sees her and asks if she has a moment.

A hem ... I'm thinking of making something for dear Melissa as she is so gorkyfun, do you think something that lets her seem to be someone else when she likes would be nice or insulting? I'm not sure ... I would like her to be safe from ... From her past. But not ashamed no.
The more you change the more you are only yourself...

Dunduin thanks Cirostis profusely and is overjoyed with the new magic items. "Thank you so much. Reaally, Thanks. This is great!" He hands back the 372 Gold pieces along with another 250gp of his own money. "Here please take this and see if you can get yourself something for your efforts."

Scolo's knowledge of unusual arcane things is vast, but in this case, not vast enough.

He can tell the net with the handle is enchanted.  He might assume it is meant for catching something, by the design.

But he cannot identify the particular spell used, nor figure out what kind of powers it might have beyond just a general "better".

PM

The Wizard shrugs. If the Wererat won't tell him anything about it he will move on... He wanders the merchants looking for a potion trader, scroll or book trader and any sign of knowledge ...

Aelasuria offers a lot of good ideas in terms of possible gifts for Riordeg, but at least some of them will take time, which Rita doesn't have. As for what Riordeg likes, there are some things she is uncertain about, such as whether he uses a bow as a missile weapon. Every time they have been in battle, she has seen him in melee.

And she can hardly give him something with her holy symbol, as a new symbol for Proserpina does not even exist yet!

"Actually, I was interested in that potion you have that prevents the effects of poison, disease, or undeath. That could be very valuable, assuming we know how long it lasts and use it only when we know we might be facing those types of threats. Do you still have it, and how much are you asking for it?

A crossbow would actually be useful to me personally, as I do not have a missile weapon other than spells. How much are you asking for it, and do you have any magical bolts, the type that could harm demons?"

This is starting to be too much of a shopping trip for herself instead of a gift buying mission!

"I still need to find a gift for Riordeg," she continues. "If you have any saddles that are nice but not quite as expensive as the ones Aelasuria and Theoderic got, I would be interested in purchasing one for him."

If Cirostis has a saddle at a price she can afford, she will buy it. If not, she will buy him the best, most attractive boots from the elves, the ones for 30 gp. If she can find any wood carvings of Epona or of horses in general, she will get one for Eadoin and one for Apple Blossom.

For Cirrus, she will buy a circle and star pendant. For Melissa, she will buy a bottle of good wine, knowing Melissa likes to drink wine and would enjoy this gift.

Who should she talk to about setting up a fund to rebuild the kingdom as a wedding gift for Aelasuria and Theoderic? she wonders. Lady Babette would probably be a good choice. Ideally, she would like to get started in Lucimburic during the festivities. Even small donations from a lot of people can add up to an amount that could really make a difference.

Cirrostis thinks for a moment... How much for the crossbow? Hmmmm good question, she's a beauty, I've been keeping her oiled. The layered bow is solid dwarf workmanship, the string so waxed it will not fray for years. And the trigger is lo g and open you can use it with a hip shot or a mailed fist. Worth every penny of 25 gold. He he
He smiles then gets conspiratorially quiet.
I'm here to make friends not money, give me five and we'll pretend it was 25 ill deny that in front of the other Dwarves.

He looks back at the bolts the Wererat was selling.
I thought you were going to buy a few of these? These are perfect for demon hunting. I was just going to pick up a few myself.

As to saddles we have no extras. I have one left and it is the one to match what the king and queen were given. I will only sell it if it becomes coveted and valuable after the wedding. There were some casualties sadly perhaps some of the Bergundian cavalry have extra saddles?

While he is finishing up with the trade Cirrostis has a big idea.

Good Wizard! Please can you return for a moment! He asks of Scolo with intrerest.
 He will show the wizard Khorban's hammer again and ask him privately.

I wonder if you could consider for the next few days, if there is any way to put an iron or stone head on this hammer without harming it. This would be a great weapon and tool for my Centurion if it could be whole.

Scolo is most interested in discovering things and maybe supporting his friends, he has his own shopping yet to do - but still, there is something to the little fellow. He looks again at the hammer. He does a brief test with a small piece of quickiron just to see, if by some miracle the quickiron would form to the spirit of the hammerhead. If it can or if he can think of another way he will inform the little man.

Hmmm weapons aren't my thing little friend - I deal in the wonderous and queer. But - ill take a look and maybe I can read you're book sometime when the owls are done yes?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Sat 06 Apr 2013.

"Are you sure?" Rita asks incredulously when Cirostis offers her the crossbow for five gold pieces. "That is most kind of you.

What about the potion? How much would you sell that for?" she asks after completing the purchase of the crossbow.

"Do you want to head over to the were-rat's shop together, so we can each purchase some bolts? I hope they will take money because I don't really have anything else to give them."

Before heading to the were-rat shop, she realizes she has not responded to a question from Scolo.

"Scolo, I apologize. I did not mean to ignore you. You said you want to get Melissa a gift, something with magic that can disguise her or change her appearance. That sounds like wizard magic to me. Perhaps the were-owls might have an item like that. Or even the elves. I wonder is there is such a thing as a cloak of disguise.

I am very glad that you want to get Melissa a gift. The two of you are good for each other, and I believe the gods intended that you two find one another. If there is anything I can do to help you obtain this gift, including some gold, just let me know, and I will gladly do it."

Oh no - I can make the gift - my uncertainty is ... Well... Would it be nice or insulting? Women are not always easy to understand I thought you might have an edge.

"That depends on the reason you are giving it to her. If looking different or disguising herself is something she enjoys or is something that will help her better scout around and obtain information, I'm sure she would greatly appreciate it. Just make sure you are clear that you like the way she looks now and are not in any way implying she would look better as someone else. You are giving her a gift that will bring her joy and help her better do her job without being found out by her enemies."

This advice should really come from a priestess of Venus, not from me, Rita thinks to herself. Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any here. The closest is Aelasuria's mother, and she is way too busy with wedding preparations.

Cirostis makes his Axe/Cloak exhange.  The Wererats seem thrilled.  Secret stuff is always more exciting to them than some obvious, straightforward weapon.*  Then, he pursues the quest for magic crossbow bolts.  It’s trickier than he thought it would be.. everything around here is.  But he’s getting the knack of things by now.  He knows that the Wererats have only the things they have scrounged.  And the Wereowls, well, they could make some.. but they seem difficult.

But they’re not the only source of magic around here.  After checking over his shoulders to make sure that Arctos is nowhere in sight, Cirostis scurries over to a crafts booth manned by Elves.  He knows they have no magic weapons for sale, as they are in the midst of a war and need all they can get… but it’s worth a try.

They have no magic bolts here, in fact, Cirostis quickly learns that Elves don’t have any at all, and don’t make crossbows.  But the Elves see that making crossbow ammunition is not very much different from making magic arrows, and they make magic arrows all the time.

So maybe… if he’s going to be in Lucimburic for a while, they can work something out.  The Elves have a conference, and get in touch with one of their friends at the Elven Mission, Lucimburic’s own little Elven Embassy, and they get in touch with an Elf, who gets in touch with an Elf…

 Word eventually comes back.  (this would be over the course of days.)

The Elves will not sell magic arrows or crossbow bolts to the Cirostis.  They feel that would be wrong, considering all Cirostis and company did for them at Beda.  So the King and Queen of the Elves are crafting a set of freshly made magic crossbow bolts to send to Cirostis as a gift.

*Well, Duh.  From the Wererat perspective:  Your party encounters a pack of Wererats.  One is holding a frost axe.  What do you do?  Every Adventurer In The Multiverse:  “Attack the one with the Frost Axe!”   It is one of the most useless weapons a Wererat could ever think of.

* * * * * * *

Meanwhilst, Cirostis and Scolo look over the Ghost Hammer.  Scolo is at something of a loss… this is too weird, even for him.  He knows that some magic weapons are so powerful they get some kind of spirit to them… but a ghost of a spirit?

But Rita, hanging around them, can offer enough knowledge of the spirit world to figure it out.

The special magic powers of the hammer is based on the fact that it is the ghost of a weapon.  A new head for the hammer would cause it to loose its special ghost powers.  It would be like reincarnating a Dwarf ghost into a new body.  The reincarnated spirit certainly won’t be walking through any walls again.  It may or may not regain it’s old magic powers- this should be done by a master Dwarven weaponsmith who understood the original magic and crafting technique to the extent necessary.

On the other hand, Scolo, having had more time now to study the hammer, is able to clarify something he previously reported:  The hammer’s ability to destroy area spells.

The ghostly incorporeal force of this spell is able to attack and destroy intangible area spells, such as any of the “magic circle” spells, “wall of force”, Invisibility Sphere, various illusions, Anti-magic Field, etc.  Exactly how it does so, he’s not sure.  But knowing how Dwarves think, it’s probably a matter of physically… well… not exactly physically, but intangibly… hitting the spell with the hammer.

No doubt, at some point, they test this theory, and make an astonishing discovery:  the power of the hammer is very straightforward.  The wielder of the hammer has to hit a spell with the hammer to destroy it.  A spell has a “pseudo armor class” equal to its Saving Throw (and a few components Scolo doesn’t know yet, though he’s sure that Permanent spells are harder to destroy) and Pseudo Hit Points = to 5 + 5 per caster level.

* * * * * * *

Cirostis is amazed -
Really? you would, give me ... they will make?
Oh thank you my friend, I tell you I am intrigued by the mastery of your people's craft .. I have you may not know four sons back home and all of us seek mastery in our craft - I myself when not attending to martial duties am a fair BeardCarver - what the men would call a Barber. My eldest is a musician not unlike those from the party - my second son ... well we don't know yet with him he's good at hitting things with sticks and that can be useful in many vocations, more than the obvious. But my third boy, though he is only 12 and we thought him a little odd at first, but he has learned to work with fabric and make a variety of textiles - he showed me examples of elvish work that he was studying for its utility and tolerance for many rough years. I know what he does, that we can learn much from one another - I look forward to these bolts, I'll even treasure the cloth or ribon they come in and take it back to my boy. Please offer my sincerest thanks.

You know - I've got some examples of wonderous Dwarfen design for misiles here, perhaps you would like to look them over even borrow them if you wish...

Cirostis showes the wide cutter bolts, the breaking bolts, his last shatter bolt - he holds it gently and describes how it makes holes in fortifications, and his final wonder the amazing fishing bolts with the crossbow and line design and how they open up to catch the fish - enough to make any maker of arrows interested.

***Rita

He shows rita these bolts as well -
Oh they'll take money that is sure but - since I will be given this special gift I can offer you some of these - I have 2 alchemy bolts that can hold a potion, several breaking bolts that wound and are difficult to heal, one +2 shatterbolt that puts a dwarf sized hole into any stone or wooden construct and five wide cutter bolt to cut ropes from a distance. As well as a score of the ordinary dwarf general issue ammunition. Would you like any of these?

I won't part with my fishing bolts I love fresh fish and usually don't have time to catch the old fashioned way in the field.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Mon 08 Apr 2013.

Dunduin ambles up from seemingly nowhere "Now I wouldn't be placin' healing potions in dem bolts and shooting folks with them. You sure aren't going to be making any friends that way."

---

Later after Cirostis is done with Rita.

"Hey, Cirostis, maybe we should talk to Hoglin about this stuff. He might be able to modify the ammo for the artillery weapons. I can think of a variety of applications."

Why does no one want to answer her questions about the potion? Rita wonders.

"You still haven't answered my question about the potion. You know, the one that prevents the effects of poison, disease or undead attack. If you really want to keep it for yourself, just tell me; I will understand. But if you are considering selling it, please, tell me how much you're asking for it?" Rita yet again asks Cirostis.

"The bolts I really want are those that do damage to demons. I know I've heard those mentioned several times today. With those, I could stay out of melee yet still wound a demon, something that could prove useful.

If the elves are willing to give a few magic arrows, I would like some as another gift for Riordeg."