The shopping thread ...

A short, wide tower looms above you as you approach, a sign on the building declaring, "Nishka's Workshop: items of all sorts contstructed, ready-made and bespoke, including enchantments and dweomered items."  There are buildings below the tower, arranged in a way that they appear to have an internal courtyard from what you can see from outside.  They are of heavy, dark, wooden timber-framed construction, with rough white walls between the massive structural supports.  Multi-paned windows adorn the walls, with fresh flowers lining the gravel path up to the great double doors, and the edges of deep thatching show as you look up toward the roof.  A smaller door off to one side has a sign on it that reads, "Offices of the Agent, Always Open."

Low sounds of activity can just be heard as you open the door, and the interior of the space is absolutely crammed full of a variety of items which defy the mind to fully take in.  Barrels of swords on the left, racks of suits of all manner of armor on the right, racked bows and crossbows beyond, cases of arrows and quarrels, shields aplenty, clothing in cuts and colors both familiar and unfamiliar, chests, basketry, leather goods, tools, cooking utensils, tack, saddles (some for body shapes you couldn't name with a knife to your throat).  Even more wondrous, there are some weapons that glow with an inner light in locked and barred display cases, along with wands, staves, and other obviously magical items, behind a huge wooden counter.

From behind the counter a dark-haired, human-looking woman looks up as you approach.  Her eyes are entirely black, with what appear to be a series of spiderweb-fine cracks in them, as if they were made of glass that had been starred by a sudden impact.

"Welcome to Nishka's.  I am Her Agent.  I understand that you have some credit to spend here.  What are you looking for today?" she inquires.  It is only at that point that you realize that there are armed invidivuals all about, obviously watching the goings-on here, and they have not only amazingly high-quality weapons and armor, but most look to be carrying wands of various sorts as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Mon 11 July 2022.

"I am browsing today.  I truly have nothing specific in mind.  I thought I should come and see how the frequented shoppes fair.  You know that my herbal rememdies offer a good chance for recovery at a most reasonable price....."

She pats her iron flasks in bandoleers...


"Anything that a brew master must have for sale?"

The tiefling had excused herself for a moment while she wrote some notes into her journal. Several times her eyes strayed to the injured guard realizing that her own protections had been lacking. It was then that she understood what she needed to get in order to improve her defenses.

Arriving shortly after Esmeralda, the factotum greeted the Agent respectfully and waited for the brewer to finish her request. "Oh and can I ask if you have an enchanted darkwood shield... a big one." Jackie asked, adding "And perhaps some thistledown padding?"

“Do you perhaps have troll’s blood?  I could always brew up some troll oil and styptic?”

"We're well-familiar with your brews here, and at the request of The Keeper, we direct any locals who seek them to you," The Agent tells Esmerelda, "and yes, we have a supply of troll's blood which I would be happy to provide to you."  After a pause to think, during which time the shatter marks across her gleaming black eyes seem to rotate and twist, she continues.  "You might also be interested in a set which my mistress recently finished.  It is made up of a salamander, alembic, cauldron, mortar, and pestle, all enchanted to assist with the craft and trade of one such as yourself.  I have it here, if you would like to examine it before making a purchase decision."  In a sudden, yet completely natural way, the set is right next to her elbow and she points it out to Esmerelda.

The Agent turns to Jaqueline, seeming well able to split her attention in a way that seems as if she is giving her full attention to each of the women before her.  "We do happen to have a larger, enchanted darkwood shield here, along with the thistledown padding.  Together they will come to 1662 of your 2000 GP credit.  Would you like to inspect them?"  She gestures behind to her in a way that particularly points out one specific shield behind her, glossy black and chased with mithral.

OOC:
The set (salamander alembic, cauldron, mortar, and pestle) provide a +2 competence bonus to Craft(herbs or similar), Craft(alchemy) and Profession(herbalist), for 1200 GP.


This message was last updated by the player at 14:26, Mon 11 July 2022.

“Ha!!  looks like you lot know your customers!!  I could use a traveler’s anytool as well, seems I can never get the right tool in hand when I need it. It’s the blasted pitchfork I can never find.  A couple stubborn nails and the balance in trollsblood?”

She looks around the shop a bit more

“I assume delivery is part of the deal, if not the wagons can come and pick it up.”


Edited shop to show troll oil/styptic being made….
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Fri 24 June 2022.

Jackie was quite surprised by the prompt availability of her request, this being the first purchase at the Emporium. The corners of her mouth went up as she saw the exceptionally well crafted gear. "Thank you, that would be appreciated." the tiefling replied to the agent's suggestion, moving over to inspect the items without any additional comments.

"Jaqueline, would you perhaps like to visit my shop as I make arrangements for the items to have a new home?"

The tiefling examined the items to the best of her ability and decided they were of good quality, if not outstanding. Picking up both shield and padding Jaqueline nodded in confirmation and told the agent "Thank you, these will do nicely."

Facing the brewer she gave the shorter woman a strange look "Um... there are quite a few notes I need to add to my journal. Is there anything you need help with?" she wondered, not completely understanding where Esmeralda was coming from.

"No worries deary.  I need to get the brewery fired up again, it has been too many days already I have been shut down, the mushrooms and pears will surely rot or feed the goats if I do not get back to brewing."


Satisfied with the shopping Esmerelda heads home....

"I'll drop by later, if that's alright with you." the tiefling said with a nod as the gnome left. Then she picked up her own stuff and went back to her place, already formulating what she would add to her journal.

Have we finished shopping?  Matt?

Hi there.

Matt looks around, unsure what to buy.

uh - can I get my weapon or armor enchanted? or something to keep me from getting hurt by drunks and monsters?

“Oh yes drop by anytime can’t promise I won’t be busy.”


Once Matt shows up..
“Poor dear probably had to check in and file a report….I should write something for the threats to the realm archive….at some point.”

The Agent sees a questioning look in Matt's eyes.

"Were you looking for something specific, something in general, or were you looking to have some item enchanted?  How can we be of service to you?" she asks.

OOC:
Yes, you can have items enchanted here, including weapons, armor, clothing, jewelry, and so on.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Mon 11 July 2022.

oops - I thought I posted again...I'm trying to think what he should get with 2k gold... Can he get his chain mail made better to be the same stats as breastplate or Lamellar? then a +1 enchantment?

So current chainmail 150gp sold for 75 MW Lamellar armor bought for 300 MW then +1 enchantment for 1k total cost 1250 in standard prices, then maybe add a crystal or two such as lifekeeping least and restful for a total of 1950 gp and my armor is +6/+3dex/-3 and +1 saves vs drain attacks.

If crystals not allowed then get brute gloves and or a brooch or amulet...

Another idea might just be a little better Lamellar or Breastplate without magic, then a cloak of resistance and then reach gloves or something.

Should I just pick and pay prices from MIC or am I trying to figure out what is available.

I think my armor could be improved...Matt says unsure of what to ask for - either that or my luck...

"We have several options for the improvement of the protection which armor provides.  Perhaps you would like to step behind the counter and consult with one of our armor and enchantment experts?" The Agent half states, and half asks.  She motions to a small room that is behind the counter, and looks to have a large table and several chairs in it.

OOC:
I'm good with as much or as little role-play as you like here.  As far as I know, everything in the MIC is fair game, and all of it is within the capabilities of the shop.  If your total is 1950, we could throw in a potion of cure light wounds to round it out to 2k, if you like, or enlarge person, or other similar first level spell.

*grin* someone had better explain what the MIC is ....  BUT it is  about time that I learned how a few more items worked, I suppose. I am usually quite restrictive in my own game.  Here, I am less worried  :P

Magic Item compendium.......

Thank you

OOC:
If you're not familiar, weapon and armor augment crystals are essentially floating enchantments, bound to the crystal in question, which can be affixed to masterwork (for "least" crystals) or magical (minimum +1 item for "lesser" crystals, minimum +3 item for "greater" crystals, bonus only, not including bonus equivalents like "shock", "flaming", or "bane") weapons, shields, and items with provide an armor bonus to AC.  Affixing them or removing them is a move-equivalent action, and they take (or loose) effect immediately.

The lifekeeping (least) crystal Matt is referencing must be attached to masterwork better armor, and provides a +1 competence bonus on saving throws against energy drain, inflict spells, death spells, and death effects.

The restful crystal must be attached to masterwork or better armor prevents the wearer of the armor from becoming fatigued when sleeping in the armor, when the crystal is attached to masterwork or better armor.

Yeah - that would be great - I think Enlarge person is just the ticket for Matt!
Thanks

Matt seems to wake up a little from his fatigue and he steps inside and follows directions - he shares openly with the Lady, or Agent...he was hit with some attack and it drained him and he's worried he won't be able to rest or he'll be caught without protection. The fright of the conflict and his losses is with him and this moment may be the only time he can share his vulnerability.

Thank you - this could give me an edge to stay alive

I'm happy with all that - I can spend my 2k and put it on the sheet - I think these things would address Matt's fears after that fight as best he can at this wealth level.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Thu 14 July 2022.

Thank you.

Matt sits with an artisan who is dressed in a leather apron, and who takes notes with chalk and makes sketches on a pile of slates.  When they're both satisfied with Matt's requests, the artisan asks The Agent to come in to approve the final set of workorders and price.

For her part, The Agent quietly glances over what the pair have come up with and simply nods her approval.

"You'll be able to pick all of this up in the morning," the artisan tells Matt, "and I'm quite sure you will be very happy with it."

OOC:
Just some flavor for what we came up with.

Does anyone else still want something here?

ooc: I'll need more gold before I can look at another purchase, I'm good. Thank you :)

OOC:    I think that is everyone spent up

When you get back home you all find some minor changes have taken place.  Jaqueline's apartments  in Lilianne's tower have suddenly become a lot more comfortable - with a big fouur-poster feather bed, deep carpets and well crafted tapestries on the walls.  Esmerelda finds a new stream and pond, and a small sized watermill all set up to crush pears for her cider  brewery!  OK, It needs halflings to work it, but there are enough of those living on Netherworld.  Matt finds that some of the weapons in the NSA armour have become masterwork, and now gleam brightly and have nice engravings along them.




OOC:  I'll start up a new adventure thread in a week or so

Changes are exciting.....

Looking forward to it.  Maybe mash is part of what I feed my goats....
The hard part will be keeping people from swimming in the water....

ooc: Just an idea: Matt, get yourself a weapon with reach, a longspear or guisarme; Jaqueline can interpose herself if necessary and go 'full defense', which would improve her AC to 25. Matt could attack whatever is standing before her without risking to get attacked.

Matt uses a Ranseur but of course NSA might have different guards for different missions.

In reply to Nether Security Agency (msg # 30):

Makes sense to me.  Any official roster of the guards yet?
It might be fun to have some "specialists" in play....
Like one for pest control who has the rat-catcher feat and the bellis honey harvester trait, just a guy who is not bugged by bugs/vermin swarms....

In reply to Esmerelda Najeet (msg # 31):

Right now Ive got Matt who is mainly a bouncer, and a half orc chain fighter...I was going to make an old investigator but yeah I like the beekeeper ratcatcher idea that's great.

I hope to get a look at the roster when it comes out.

I like building those types of things, just a little different, and just for fun times.

I would love to see an inquisitor type, like the hard boiled PI who is just intimidating and looking for the trouble makers.....

I remember where I saw that type of thing, I remember now it was the different assignments of the roles of the character classes in the Players handbook 2....

It showed feat progressions to show various roles.....


One of the pathfinder suppliments did a very similar thing with town guards, and other NPCs...

A goblin with a long tail, but a fully-equipped adventurer enters the emporium and starts looking around.

The interior of the space is absolutely crammed full of a variety of items which defy the mind to fully take in.  Barrels of swords on the left, racks of suits of all manner of armor on the right, racked bows and crossbows beyond, cases of arrows and quarrels, shields aplenty, clothing in cuts and colors both familiar and unfamiliar, chests, basketry, leather goods, tools, cooking utensils, tack, saddles (some for body shapes you couldn't name with a knife to your throat).  Even more wondrous, there are some weapons that glow with an inner light in locked and barred display cases, along with wands, staves, and other obviously magical items, behind a huge wooden counter.

From behind the counter a dark-haired, human-looking woman looks up as you approach.  Her eyes are entirely black, with what appear to be a series of spiderweb-fine cracks in them, as if they were made of glass that had been starred by a sudden impact.

"Welcome to Nishka's.  I am Her Agent.  Is there anything I can help you find today?" she inquires.  It is only at that point that you realize that there are armed invidivduals all about, obviously watching the goings-on here, and they have not only amazingly high-quality weapons and armor, but most look to be carrying wands of various sorts as well.

The Agent seems completely at her ease with a goblin customer, and has a somewhat-distracted, yet entirely professional air about her.

Greb nods an acknowledgement and says "I was looking for an upgrade on this shortbow that I carry, perhaps higher quality and a stronger pull, but then I noticed your guards.......nice sneaking, by the way......and I was wondering if there were higher grades of craftsmanship that do more than improve the edge of a blade, or the ease of moving jn armor?"

"We have shortbows in a variety of levels of quality, from run-of-the-mill to those made by master craftsmen, and at the full range of draw weights.  They are available with or without enchantments, and we have the full range of augment crystals for them, as well as for other weapons and armor.  Is there any specific item you're looking for?" she asks while gesturing to the racks behind her, filled with beautiful and high-quality weapons, then she moves to indicate other weapons in barrels and on display in the area which Greb has access to.

"In addition, your armor appears to be of sufficiently fine quality that we can enchant it on its own, should you wish, and we offer several enchantments which will make it easier to move in."

OOC:
Since your sheet looks like a Pathfinder character, we can get you a size small masterwork composite shortbow (+2 STR) for 525 GP.  You have to have a masterwork weapon to add an augment crystal of just about any type, and your mithril armor should take the entry-level augment crystals as well.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:26, Mon 15 Aug 2022.

Greb asks "Augment crystals? That's new to me. What are they, pray tell? My last two jobs barely paid, so I can only afford a better bow right now, and maybe a mastercrafted backpack as well. Beyond that, I'll have to wait until I can deliver a sarisfactory conclusion to my current commission."


OOC I have enough to cover the MW Shortbow (Str+2) and a MW Backpack (50 gp). Plus a little left over as a hiring inducement.

"Augment crystals are enchanted items which lend their magics to the item to which they are attached, if the item can handle it.  The least of these require the strength of a weapon or armor made by a master craftsman, and may even occasionally not work in some worlds or dimensions.  On their own they do nothing, but when paired, sometimes with mighty or legendary items, they can do quite a bit," the strange woman explains.

She goes on to show her customer a variety of heavy-draw, finely crafted bows, looking to see if any of them are what he's looking for, along with thoughtfully made packs designed for a variety of purposes by makers who truly understand their art.

OOC:
Augment crystals are a leftover from the 3.5 Magic Item Compendium, so you'll need to check with your gamemaster to see if they're allowed in your game.  Beyond that, you can readily find the bow and the masterwork backpack you're looking for here.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:11, Thu 27 Oct 2022.

Greb pays 575 gold and says " I'll look into those when I have more to spend " He'll return to the In after looking for a training salle.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:44, Thu 18 Aug 2022.

A young woman enters the establishment and purposefully strode toward 'the agent'. The woman looked quite unremarkable with brown hair and brown eyes, standing at average height. However, the presence on some slight bumps, which might become horns one day, spoke of her non-human heritage.

"Well met, Agent. I have come to call in the remaining credit of mine. My next mission calls for a weapon, perhaps a scimitar of masterwork quality." she told the woman, tempted to add 'if you have' but somehow was convinced the answer would be 'of course we do'.

"As you have surmised, we have several, but I feel compelled to mention that your companion, Tremaine Allard, is also an accomplished weaponsmith, and has some few items of that same quality available.  I will be glad to sell you whatever you require, but will also ask if you have checked with him to see if he has something that is suitable to you.  The credit provided will cover any purchase from him as well."  The Agent delivers this in her somewhat distracted way.

OOC:
As always, we try to encourage custom with PC crafters first, when possible, but if you'd rather do business here, or if Tremaine doesn't have one ready for sale, then I'll be glad to sell you one.  He hasn't hung up his shingle yet, and just arrived, so he might not have much available inventory.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:11, Thu 27 Oct 2022.

ooc: Jackie's credit was with Nishka, if it is good for purchases from him, I'll talk to him first.

OOC:
Yes, the credit is good with him as well.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:11, Thu 27 Oct 2022.

Breonna enters the Emporium, and seeing transactions already happening, waits at the back with her WOlf until someone approaches her

Garret follows and looks around oooh hi doggy
he says looking up at the animal.

After some moments and a lull in the activity at the counter, the robed woman with eyes like shattered glass spheres approaches Breonna, small folds in the space around her accompanying her movement, as if the world were a bedsheet which had been creased in strange ways as she approaches, and flattened back out when she passed.

"Welcome to Nishka's Emporium.  I am Her Agent.  How may we be of assistance today?" she asks, while smiling down at the wolf.

Breonna bows slightly to the Agent and says "I a Breonna, and this wolf is Ulfric" as she says Ulfrics species, she flick a glance at the man who had called him a go.

"I would like to buy some thing to aid my protection from physical harm - specifically a ring of Protection if that is the sort of thing you have to sell?"

The odd woman smiles down at Ulfric, then growls and whines in a way that seems to defy the anatomy of a humanoid mouth.  Ulfric's ears perk up, his tongue lols, and his tail begins to wag, accompanying an answering whuff from him.

"Ulfric says good things about you," the woman observes, "and I will be happy to show you our stock of rings bearing protective dweomers."

Agent Maralen turns and gestures for Breonna and Ulfric to follow her, then gestures toward a portion of the glass display cases which contains hundreds of pieces of jewelry.

"The third box from the left in the second row from the top contains protective rings.  The least levels of enchantment are on the left, and the greatest on the right.  They begin at two thousand pieces of gold, and go up to over 50,000, with a very few even more than that," she explains as they approach the case in question.

Dozens of rings, some with carvings and inscriptions on them, some with gems inset, some completely plain, and made of all manner of metals and other unknown substances are displayed on a velvet backing.  Some few are made of bone, horn, twisted bits of what appears to be plant matter, and two of which appear to be made of various types of plaited cured hide or flesh.

OOC:
What kind of bonus are you looking for?  A simple +1 bonus will run you 2000 GP.

Garret looks around, to see if there are any boots in this shop, Boots of Agile Leaping in particular, or other wondrous items like an artificer's monocle.

Garret looks around the place, finding plenty of footwear, boots included.  All are clearly labeled with small, stiff, paper tags, and the script on them swims before his eyes before resolving into readable words.  Each label declares the list of magical enchantments on each pair, although some few are not enchanted, and are simply fine examples of excellent craftsmanship.  The Boots of Agile leaping have a listed price of 600 pieces of gold.

Garret finds the monocle in question, with a pricetag of 1575 pieces of gold, right next to a display of useful constructs.  One appears to be a dog made of iron, another an animated crossbow, and a third a chest with arms and legs.  The tag on the monocle cautions potential buyers that only individuals with very specific training, from some place called Eh-burr-ron, will be able to use it, under normal circumstances.

OOC:
The artificer's monocle is an ECS Artificer-specific item.  If you're an Artificer (base class), it might be of use to you, but otherwise won't (unless your GM says otherwise).
This message was last updated by the player at 00:06, Sat 22 Apr 2023.

In reply to Artifex (msg # 52):

Garret tries on the boots of agile leaping and salsa round and takes a jump. He looks at the doorway.

This is an item I have a specific future interest in as well, so if there is a ruling that only an artificer can use it, I would very much like to be in the know.

While the others are browsing, the blond-haired man comes in, hair plastered to his head from sweat. He looks for the Agent after acknowledging the other two patrons. "Hey, Agent. Listen, is Nishka able to transfer an enchantment from one item to another, so long as both items are of a quality sufficient to hold the enchantment? If so, how much would she charge?"
He glances at the boots and gloves sections. "By any chance does she have Gauntlets of Ogre Power? Maybe some rudimentary items for deflection like rings or amulets?"

Garret looks around some more checking the vests, he finds a vest of resistance +1, one with lots of pockets in a muted mustard color suede.

Ooooh, it's so soft! and look at all these pockets...

He goes to the Lady...Lady, please - would you be willing to take this, in exchange for the boots (600gp) and the vest (1000gp)?
And he begins to empty everything from his pack, specifically

A few weapons including a Rapier 20gp, Kukri 8gp, crossbow 35gp with 40 bolts,
1 bottle of fine wine 10gp
a magic Wand of CLW with 18 charges          270gp
1 potion of Barkskin,                        300gp
1 potion of Levitate,                        300gp
and
1,000 gears (gp)

Well, my-lady ... what do you think?

As Garret is looking at the monocle, the Agent leans in next to him and attaches a small card to it, which reads:

"New!  Works for all casters, arcane, divine, psychic, and primal, as well as psionic manifesters, augmenting their basic mystical detection spells and powers!"

"My apologies for the confusion.  Nishka has recently worked up a formulation for these which is not dependent on the training in that particular dimension," she says to Garret as he looks on.

Garret gets a good look at the door, and the guards around it, while testing out the boots, which work exactly as well as expected.

"Yes, that collection looks excellent, although you're short about 100 gears.  Are you able to come up with the difference, or were you considering a line of credit?" she asks.

------

"While we can transfer enchantments, the process is significantly more expensive than most are willing to pay for.  The gauntlets, on the other hand, we have in several styles and sizes," the woman with the shattered-glass eyes says as she turns to John D'oh to answer his question, while directing him toward a set of shelves filled with magical gloves and gauntlets.

OOC:
I did a closer inspection of the 3.5 MIC (p.72) and it says that the item uses the Artificer's "artificer knowledge" class feature OR the detect magic spell.  Sorry for the confusion here.
This message was last updated by the player at 00:06, Sat 22 Apr 2023.

Would transferring '+1, Animated' from a small shield to a large mithril shield cost more than 9000 gold?

Garret looks at the treasures he's already offered...He lays out oil of bless weapon.

That's worth about 100. he says, but he knows at a glance that this lady will hold him to account carefully while it is worth 100 she will likely consider it to be somewhat less.

He empties his pouch revealing two halves of a broken button, some feed corn kernels,
a shiny black rock, and 6 gold teeth.
results of some pick pocketing in the past...
Oooh, those gold teeth must be worth a gear or two! ... so - how much more do I owe?

Finally pressed he counts out the remaining gold pieces that she requests, he has enough but he looks up with sad eyes as he gives over each one.

remove from character sheet:
A few weapons including a Rapier 20gp, Kukri 8gp, crossbow 35gp with 40 bolts,
1 bottle of fine wine 10gp
a magic Wand of CLW with 18 charges          270gp
1 potion of Barkskin,                        300gp
1 potion of Levitate,                        300gp
1 bottle of bless weapon                     100gp
and
1,050 gears (gp)

unless she wants to take the gold teeth and shiny black rock for anything?

Gain vest of resistance with lots of pockets and boots of agile leaping

"The oil of bless weapon and the additional gears will be sufficient," the Agent tells Garret, carefully sliding the rest of his proffered items back toward him.  She takes the coins and items presented in trade, writes out a short receipt, ensures that Garret has his boots and cloak, and asks that he sign for them, concluding this particular purchase.

------

"You'll find," the Agent tells Alton, "that selling your existing shield, which will gain you 4,805 pieces of gold in the current economy, will offset the price of 10,521 pieces of gold for the heavy mithral shield with the basic defensive enchantment and the 'animated' quality, which is normally 10,521 pieces of gold, down to 5,716 pieces of gold."

She give a long look, then continues, "Now, I'm not telling you how to spend your gold, but that is a fair deal less than 9,000 pieces of gold, and were I in your shoes, I'd rather keep more of that 9,000 pieces of gold for other uses."
This message was last updated by the player at 15:40, Sun 16 Apr 2023.

John responds "given that I can fashion the base item for a lot less, hmmm normally 340 instead of 1020, tack on 5 percent more for raw materials and we get a base cost of 357 gold. The +1 and Animated costs, also at +5%, are an added 9,450 gold. This makes the final cost 9,807 gold. Selling the current Shield nets me 4805, leaving me to pay the 5,002 gold difference. I think what I am asking is if the cost of transferring the enchantments is less than the 4,655 gold I would be spending otherwise?(5002 less the 357 for making the Shield)"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:32, Sun 16 Apr 2023.

"The cost of transferring the enchantments is significantly more than simply placing them on an item in the first place.  Nishka has very rarely done it, and most frequently in the case of an independently intelligent item, transferring it whole-cloth, if you will, to another item," the Agent explains.

"If you are capable of crafting the base mithral shield yourself, then that will defray some of the cost, and Nishka will be happy to simply add the requested enchantments to it once you have the shield ready."

John nods. "I'm having a full set of plate armor coming over later. How much to enchant it to the second tier of deflection? Is that 4000, or 4200 gold?"

"That will run 4200 pieces of gold," the Agent confirms.

Breonna examines the rings, but balks at the price. She waits until the AGent is free and says "The price is steeper than I expected. WOuld it be possible and cheaper to get some enchanted hide armour?"

"An enchanted set of hide armor will definitely be cheaper, at the lowest level of enchantment.  The enchanting portion of the work runs half what the ring does," the Agent responds, then cocks her head at an odd angle, as if listening to some other, unseen person.

"Do you have a set of armor you'd like to have enchanted?  If not, we have several excellent options in hide here that I can show you."
This message was last updated by the player at 14:28, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

Breonna looks at her armour and says "This set isn't good enough, so I would need a new set as well." She pauses before remembering to add "Please"

In reply to The Agent (msg # 64):

John nods and goes back to the forge. There was something else he had to work on.

"Please take a look through the suits of armor here," the Agent tells Breonna, walking her a short distance to where a wide variety of armor sets, with and without helmets, stand on display.

"These are our as-yet-to-be-enchanted suits, and generally run 160 pieces of gold each.  They are all suitable for the level of enchantment we discussed, and vary principally in terms of the type of hide and dimensions of the wearer's body," she continues, while pointing out several differences between the 20-odd sets here.  Some are made of bullhide, some of boarhide, a few from aurochs, and others from more exotic animals.  There's even one from a huge bird called a "Moa" here.  Some are decorated with feathers, quills, teeth, claws, or bones, and some are simply sturdy, heavy leather.  Some still have the hair attached, turned in or turned out.

Breonna looks through the various hide armours, looking for something which looks most natural - ie would likely blend into a forest or grassland type area - or at least not stand out too much in those sort of settings.

Assuming she finds one, she asks how much it would cost

"That one?  It will definitely blend in well in most forests.  That will set you back 160 pieces of gold, in enchantment grade," the Agent explains while also pointing out the layers of coloration and materials.

Breonna nods and says "Excellent. And how much would the enchantments cost, please"

"The initial enchantment itself will cost 1050 pieces of gold, and should you desire the second order defensive enchantment, it will add 3150 pieces of gold, for a total for 4200 pieces of gold for the enchantments, plus the cost of the armor," the Agent tells Breonna, breaking the costs down for her.

OOC:
160 gp for the masterwork hide armor
+1050 gp for a magical +1 enhancement bonus to AC
+3150 gp beyond that for an additional +1 enhancement bonus to AC, for a total of +2

Totals:  +1 hide armor = 1210 gp
         +2 hide armor = 4360 gp

Breonna nods and says "I will only take the first enchantment please"

ooc
+1 Hide armour at 1210 gp

The Agent smiles in her odd, distracted way, but completes the transaction, letting Breonna know that she can expect to be able to pick up the armor later today.

Breonna thanks her and leaves the Emporium, rejoining her comrades

ooc
Do I need to RP returning or can that just be assumed OOC? If the former, how long should I wait before posting that

In reply to Breonna (msg # 76):

Breonna, it's all good. No need for further posting. It was assumed this took place before you took off for The Red Hand of Doom adventure.

In reply to The Chronicler (msg # 77):

thanks

Some time later, John comes in with a pair of sacks that clink. "Hey, Agent" , he says, "I've some gold I can spare from my current projects. I need a pair of Gauntlets of Ogre Power, and a simple Ring of Protection. 1st tier deflection, please. If my math is correct, that should be 4200 gold for the gauntlets and 2100 gold for the ring, correct?"

"Your math is indeed correct, sir," the Agent says as she turns to her most recent patron, partially stepping through a brief crease in the fabric of the plane as she moves up to inspect the valuables he is presenting.

"Are you looking for anything specific, stylistically, or are you prepared to simply buy 'off the rack', as it were?" she asks.

John chuckles. "Off the rack is fine. I'm more one for function over style, though I can see the appeal. I may try something with my armors and shields if the embellishments won't interfere with the function. I've counted out the gold. Each sack contains the amount for the item." He puts the heavier sack on the counter, saying "4200 for the gauntlets" . He then puts the lighter sack beside it, adding "and 2100 gold for the ring."

The Agent cocks her head at an odd angle, looking almost is if her neck should break, and examines the two sacks intently, but without opening them.  She nods shortly.

"That will do nicely," she says, then fetches several sets of gauntlets and several rings from behind the counter.

"If you would try these on for size?  I don't always seem to be able to get the fit right with just a glance," she tells John D'oh.

John nods and starts trying out rings. He says casually "I thought that magic rings resized themselves to fit the wearer, which is why a magic ring that a halfling wore could be worn by a half-orc afterwards." He finds a simple silver ring with filigree that catches his eye, and he tries it on. It slips into place, and he nods in satisfaction. He turns to the gauntlets and chooses a pair of kid leather that slides on like a second skin. "Perfect fit!" he says in satisfaction.

"Some of them do, but not all of them," the Agent tells John.  "We specialize in a variety of items, and for some people the ability to customize their equipment and accoutrements takes a higher priority than the ability for other - possibly unknown - individuals to use it.

"Also, the gods of the many dimensions, multiverses, and planes have been known to cause this type of thing to happen in their worlds, and others have forbidden it."

John replies "interesting. Good to know if I get into magic crafting myself. I'll take these two, and I'll be back another time to deal with enchantments on my new armor and shield."

SOME TIME LATER .........


John, after a week or two of work, enters with three heavy sacks. Unpacking two of them, he lays out a full set of mithril plate armor. The third sack has a noticeable clink of coins when laid on the table. He says "okay, the armor is prepped. As agreed, here is 4200 gold for a 2nd tier defensive enchantment. That will take a couple of days, right?"

The Agent turns from an examination of one of the upper corners of the room to look the proffered armor over, checking the quality of its construction.

"Yes, this should do quite nicely.  This is some excellent work here.  You can pick it up tomorrow evening," she says, seeming more than a little distracted by the small details of the plate.

OOC The Agent will notice small patches of leather and cloth under the chain mesh areas that muffle the sound of walking in plate. There are also added pieces of fine work inside the helm at eye level.

It is a couple of days later when the Agent brings the armor out from her Mistress's workshop and places it in a secure extradimensional space at the front counter.

After this, she busies herself, looking over the stock on the sales floor with odd movements of her body and head, as if checking things in directions and dimension that others can't normally see.  At various moments, parts of her disappear through cracks or folds in the space around her, and those parts appear elsewhere in the shop, perhaps adjusting something on a high shelf, touching an object several paces away behind her, or appearing inside of a locked glass display case.

She continues to putter about, straightening stock, adjusting displays, dusting, and making note of items that might require maintenance.

John enters with a gleaming full shield made of adorned mithril. He lays it down on the counter and takes a look at the armor. He puts a few pieces on to test its flexibility and examines the glowing aura of its defensive enchantments. "Excellent!" he declares as he removes the pieces and packs them in his haversack. Turning 5o the Agent, he bows and says "flawless work, as usual. Now, please examine the Shield. Nearly pure mithril, embossed with my family's crest. As I mentioned to Nishka before, I need the same enchantments as my old shield had. First tier deflection, and the Animated quality. As it is difficult to transport large amounts of gold, I have her payment in perfect peridots, 189 to be exact." He hands over a sack of 189 50-gp peridots, for the agreed on amount of 9450 gold for the job. "It'll take 9 or 10 days, right?"

"My mistress works more quickly than most, but yes, it should be available in just over a week," the Agent responds, while carefully examining the work on the shield.  She looks the gemstones over, smells the group, tastes one to ensure that it is, in fact, what it appears to be, then nods in confirmation.

"This will be adequate."

John nods. "Thank you. If you have need of superior quality weapons or armor, I can provide them at a discount. After all, I make more from adventuring than I do from my shop, so I can afford to undercut any competition. Especially for friends." John takes the armor and tries it on. When all is secured he leaves, and it is noteworthy that the armor does not 'clank' as much as a standard suit of plate would.