[SP-F1] Earning a Living: Appraiser

[Morningstar 0]

Spoiler

Floor 1
<<Earning a Living: Appraiser>>
Party Limit: 2 | 20+ Posts
Repeatable only if changing professions or escorting another player.
Escorting another player will only yield standard thread rewards.

Quest Rewards: 

• 300 Experience Points
• <<Appraiser>> Profession
• Successfully Appraised Item
• Standard <<Merchant>> Shop
• 2500 col

Requirements:

• Roleplay the following:
  • Talking to Drax.
  • Finding unidentified items in the wild.
  • Identifying the item with Drax's guidance.
• Gather three unidentified items.
• Identify those three items in Drax's shop.

Summary:
As you enter the chaotic shop, you can't help but wonder how so much stuff can fit in one tiny space. A man pops out from behind a rack of scrolls, pearly whites of his smile nearly as shiny as the top of his bald head. "Why hello," he greets. "What is it that you're looking for today?" When you explain that you're interested in becoming an appraiser, Drax's smile becomes a scowl. "I don't do anything for free," he shoots back. "You bring me the items, I'll show you how to identify them."

Outline: 

Gather (3) Items and Bring Them to Drax's Shop

• Go into the wild and find 3 Unidentified items. Use a combination of LD/CD on three separate rolls to determine what you find:
  • Loot Dice (1-10) = Uncommon Item
  • Loot Dice (11-17) = Rare Item
  • Loot Dice (18-20) = Perfect Item
     
  • Crafting Dice (1-3) = Weapon
  • Crafting Dice (4-6) = Armor
  • Crafting Dice (7-9) = Shield
  • Crafting Dice (10-12) = Consumable

Identify (3) Items in Drax's Shop

• Make a standard Loot Roll. Specify the item type in the Roll Purpose (must be a Tier 1 item). Use the Loot Die Chart for a Rank 1 Appraiser:
  • Weapons
    • [1-2] = Taunt
    • [3-6] = Accuracy
    • [7-10] = Paralyze
    • [11-14] = Bleed
    • [15-20] = Damage
  • Heavy Armor
    • [1-4] = Regen
    • [5-8] = Heavy Momentum
    • [9-13] = Thorns
    • [14-20] = Mitigation
  • Light Armor
    • [1-3] = Regen
    • [4-6] = Recovery
    • [7-10] = Light Momentum
    • [11-15] = Evasion
    • [16-20] = Mitigation
  • Shields
    • [1-2] = Recovery
    • [3-5] = Taunt
    • [6-8] = Regen
    • [9-11] = Paralyze
    • [12-15] = Thorns
    • [16-20] = Mitigation
  • Consumables
    • [1-4] Vitality*
    • [5-8] Protein
    • [9-12] HP Recovery
    • [13-16] Mitigation
    • [17-20] Damage

* On the event that a Perfect consumable was identified and evaluated with this enhancement, since the slot cap for Vitality is 2, the consumable's rarity is reduced to Rare.

Pick and submit one of the successfully identified items for Evaluation.
NOTE: You keep the item you identified as a reward for completing the quest. You may not keep any additional items, but you will be guaranteed twenty-five hundred col as a reward for completing the quest.

 NPCs:

<<Drax Arnold>>
If you have the col, he has the wares.

 

---

Epilogue:

"I've taught you all I know," Drax states, "which means you know everything. Now, if there's nothing else, I do have other customers."

Congratulations!

You may now open your own shop.

Another sunny day in the Town of Beginnings.

Morningstar stepped out of the inn where he had been staying. It was early and the sky was a mix of red and blue hues. Today, he was on a mission. He wiped his weary eyes and, wrapping himself in a ratty old cloak, he ventured off into the street. His eyes wandered between shops as he searched for one in particular. It took some time but, eventually, he found it.

A small, wooden store sat at the edge of the road. A pair of customers exited just as he got there, talking about a special enhancement they had received on a sword. Morningstar climbed up the short stairs and pushed open the door. As he entered the shop, he stared in awe at the chaos inside. He couldn't help but wonder how so much stuff could fit in one tiny space. A man popped out from behind a rack of scrolls, the pearly whites of his smile nearly as shiny as the top of his bald head. 

"Why hello," the man said, "what is it that you're looking for today?" 

Morningstar, still glancing around the room at all of the strange items, responds hesitantly, "I'm interested in becoming an appraiser and I heard that you could teach me."

Drax's smile becomes a scowl. "I don't do anything for free. You bring me the items, I'll show you how to identify them."

Spoiler

Morningstar | Lv. 28 | HP: 560/560 | EN: 89/89 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | 2 BLD | 1 PAR

Gear:

• Meteor | Perfect Two-Handed Straight Sword
  +2 BLD
  +1 PAR
• In Noctem | Perfect Light Armor
  +36 MIT
  +1 EVA
• Lexa's Light | Perfect Trinket
  +3 ACC

Skills:

• Straight Sword | Rank 5 | Precision | Stamina | Ferocity
  +9 DMG
  +1 ACC
  -2 ENG per attack
• Light Armor | Rank 5 | Meticulous
  +30 MIT
  -2 Stealth
  +1 DMG
• Searching | Rank 5 | Night Vision | Detect
  +5 LD
  +5 Stealth Detection
• Survival | Rank 1
  +10% to healing effects
  +Immunity to environmental effects
• Charge | Rank 1
  +5 DMG (when activated)
  -1 ACC (when activated)
  +2*tier ENG cost to activate
• Energist | Rank 1
  +15 ENG

Combat Mastery:

• Damage
  +9 DMG

Combat Shift:

• TECH Specialist
  +4 to multipliers
  +3 to ENG cost

 

Edited June 20, 2023 by Morningstar
edited font because holy moly i can't do that small text anymore

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar was not surprised by the fact he would have to find the items himself. He had done similar quests in the past and they were never too much trouble. He nodded in agreement and a small white screen popped up in front of him, giving him the decision to accept the quest. He pressed the blue button with a smile, excited to start his journey into appraising. The quest prompt disappeared.

"Be back in a bit," he said to the shop owner, leaving the shop and returning to the busy streets of the town.

As quickly as he could, he rushed towards the front gate. He tried his best not to bump into any other players but it was difficult with the amount of them in the street. The wind rustled through his hair, making it even messier than it had been before. Eventually, he reached the gate, and as he walked through it he looked around, unsure of where to begin his search.

Edited June 20, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

He wandered a while until he was reasonably far from the safe zone. A tower, which had now mostly crumbled away, sat in his path. The first floor remained accessible, so he decided to take a peek inside. It was dark but his Night Vision skill came in handy. He scanned the room from left to right, identifying points of interest and confirming that nothing was about to jump out and attack him.

It seemed clear and he immediately noticed the piece of armor sitting on the table in the center. It was a simple, silver chest piece with no adornments or anything of that sort. It was not his style but it suited the quest perfectly. He tossed it away in his inventory for the time being. It would be of use to him later when he returned to Drax.

He looked around some more, hoping to find more items like the chest piece laying around. He still required two more items before he could head back to the Town of Beginnings and it would work out splendidly if they were all found together.

Spoiler

ID: 212442 LD: 10 CD: 6

Uncommon Armor found!

Total items: 1

 

Edited June 20, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

He searched and searched for anything of value. Broken furniture and shattered glass littered the floor, remnants of a time now passed. Curiosity drew him towards a partially collapsed cabinet tucked away in a corner, its contents obscured by debris.

With cautious movements, he popped open the cabinet door. In the back, untouched for a long while, sat a vial, unscathed and nestled within a small compartment. Carefully, he picked it up, examining the liquid inside. It was hard to tell what it was just by the color.

Happy with his find, he stowed the potion safely in his inventory, excited to discover its potential uses. The damaged cabinet had yielded a hidden gem, a precious resource to aid him on his assignment. He continued his scan of the room. He was one step closer to being an appraiser. He would bring the item to Drax, just like the piece of armor he had previously found.

Spoiler

ID: 212443 LD: 13 CD: 12

Rare Consumable found!

Total items: 2

 

Edited June 20, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

As he explored the tower, his footsteps loud within the collapsed space, he noticed a small glimmer amidst the debris. Intrigued, he approached the pile of rubble and began carefully sifting through it, his fingers brushing against broken stone and twisted metal. With each movement, anticipation grew within him.

And then his hand closed around a solid, cold object. Pulling it free from its hiding place, he marveled at what he had found—a weapon. It was a gleaming silver sword with a beautifully crafted hilt, adorned with intricate engravings. The blade's metal was dull, however, and Morningstar suspected it to be low quality. It would do, nonetheless.

With a stroke of luck, he discovered another item nearby—a worn leather scabbard that perfectly matched the sword's style. A smile spread across his face as he realized that he had indeed stumbled upon a hidden cache of equipment. Gathering the sword and scabbard, he stowed them away in his inventory, grateful for the discoveries that would aid him in his quest.

Energized, he pressed on, back towards the Town of Beginnings.

Spoiler

ID: 212444 LD: 7 CD: 3

Uncommon Weapon found!

Total items: 3

 

Edited June 20, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar retraced his steps, glad to be done with the gathering phase of the quest. He was ready to do more, even if he did not look it. It reminded him of the beginner quests he had done and how tedious they felt to him. This was no different, he thought, but perhaps once the appraising started he would have more fun.

The walk back felt quite a bit longer than the walk to the tower. The sun was higher now and felt far hotter. Morningstar wiped the sweat off his forehead, speeding up his pace. He wanted to return to the Town of Beginnings as soon as possible and quite frankly, walking was getting old.

He wondered what kind of a teacher Drax would be. The man seemed stern to Morningstar but that was not always a bad thing. So long as he had the skill, and he was sure the NPC did, Morningstar was excited to learn from him.

Edited June 20, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar finally arrived at the Town of Beginnings, relieved to see familiar surroundings after his exhausting walk through seemingly endless fields. The bustling streets were filled with players going about their own quests and activities. Morningstar headed towards Drax's shop immediately, eager to begin his lessons in appraisal. The structure stood strong and imposing, matching the demeanor of its owner. Morningstar swung the door open and entered quietly, so as not to disturb the owner if he was busy at work.

Drax's stern face appeared at the entrance to his workshop. His piercing gaze surveyed Morningstar, seemingly searching for any signs of weakness or lack of commitment. Morningstar stood tall, meeting the NPC's gaze with determination.

"You have returned," Drax said with a curt nod. "Good. We have much to cover."

Morningstar stepped into the room, the air thick with anticipation. The room was adorned with shelves filled with books and various weapons displayed on the walls. He placed the three items he had found on a large table in the center of the space, giving Drax an opportunity to look them over.

"Ah, yes. These items will do just fine," he said in a hushed voice, picking up the dull blade.

He ran his fingers across its face before placing it back down on the table. Then, he examined the armor. It was as if he already knew what the outcomes of each item would be before they even began. He lifted the vial of potion to his eye, mumbled something that Morningstar did not catch, and then returned it to its spot next to the other items.

[Morningstar 0]

"Today, we shall delve into the art of appraisal," Drax's voice was firm, "To become a skilled appraiser, you must learn to discern the true worth of items just like these. A keen eye and knowledge of the market are essential."

Morningstar listened attentively, his eagerness to learn growing with each passing moment. He knew that appraising would not only provide him with valuable skills but also present opportunities to grow his wealth and enhance his equipment. He really was quite low on col and his gear was, not to sound too harsh, terrible.

Drax began explaining the intricacies of appraising, discussing different factors to consider, such as item rarity and different enhancements. He demonstrated how to carefully examine each item, detect hidden details, and evaluate their significance.

Hours turned into minutes as Morningstar and Drax engrossed themselves in the art of appraising. Drax's initial sternness softened as he observed Morningstar's dedication and progress. They discussed strategies, shared experiences, and developed a rapport that went beyond the boundaries of what you may expect from a Human-NPC conversation.

[Morningstar 0]

"Now," Drax cleared his throat, "let's begin. Identify the armor to start and we'll see how you do."

The professional sat back, arms crossed, and Morningstar smiled nervously. He lifted the chest piece and placed it down in front of him. Nothing immediately stood out to him. He glanced up at Drax, unsure of how to actually proceed. All the theory-crafting they had done really did not help, now that he was face-to-face with an item.

Accidentally pointing his finger in just the right way caused a small menu to open up. An appraisal menu. That's really all that the art of appraisal was. Morningstar sighed, tapping a single button. Another menu, this time larger and covered with text, opened up.

"Looks like it's Tier 1 Heavy Armor... Uncommon rarity... oh, and it has Thorns," Morningstar said, reading over the list of details.

"I must say, I'm impressed!" Drax announced, giving a short clap to Morningstar's success.

Spoiler

ID: 212605 LD: 9 (Thorns I)

Heavy Armor
Consumable
Weapon

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar was not sure he had done much but he was grateful for the praise either way. There was not much to the profession after all. He continued, this time taking the vial and inspecting it. He tapped away once again, pressing all of the same buttons as before, and read the summary of the item aloud to Drax.

"A damage potion that reduces mitigation when consumed," Morningstar shared, captivated by the potion's unique twist.

Curiosity piqued, Drax inquired, "And what about its quality?"

Surprise flickered across Morningstar's face as he replied, "It's rare."

Drax's enthusiasm soared, his approval palpable. "Very good! Very good, indeed!"

Drax had explained earlier that the rarity of the potion amplified its value and what Morningstar had discovered in the potion was quite a valuable asset. Encouraged by the success, he tried his luck at the third item. He lifted the blade with both hands, taking a moment to appreciate the intricacies of its hilt before beginning.

Spoiler

ID: 212609 LD: 6 (Protein II)

Heavy Armor
Consumable
Weapon

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

He glanced up at Drax, having successfully appraised the weapon. "This blade has the paralyze enhancement. I didn't realize that something like this existed."

The man smiled, reaching out to take the sword from Morningstar. "I'm sure you'll discover many things in this world that you did not know existed, apprentice."

Gently, he placed it on the table and stood from his seat. The formal appraisal was complete, but the journey of knowledge and growth had only just begun. With a knowing smile, Drax decided to impart another valuable lesson to his eager student.

Leaning against the edge of the table, Drax spoke earnestly, "There's another vital skill I wish to teach you, one that is equally important in our profession: how to handle a customer."

Morningstar's eyebrows furrowed in mild surprise. He had been so focused on the technical aspects of the appraisal that he hadn't considered the importance of building relationships with clients.

"Where do we start?"

Spoiler

ID: 212610 LD: 9 (Paralyze 1)

Heavy Armor
Consumable
Weapon

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

"Well, with experience, of course!" Drax said, leading him to the storefront.

Morningstar followed him behind the counter that sat across and to the left of the street entrance. Various wares and trinkets had been placed around the shop with strategy, his most profitable and popular items at the forefront of it all. A few teleport crystals were all that was on the countertop and inside the glass display case beneath it was a beautiful crimson sword.

"What's it called?" Morningstar asked, referring to the weapon.

"Beastslayer," Drax said, obviously proud of his possession. "I'm eager to sell it, although it does look quite nice where it is. It's worth a hefty sum, however, so it must be done."

Drax cleared his throat, continuing. "Anyways, customer service. We start by understanding that every customer is unique, with their own desires, needs, and expectations. Approach each interaction with a genuine desire to help them."

[Morningstar 0]

He paused for a moment, allowing Morningstar to absorb his words before throwing more information at him. "Remember, our profession is not just about objects and their values. It's about connecting with people and building relationships. A satisfied customer is more likely to come back to us in the future and recommend our services to others."

Morningstar nodded. "So, how do you go about connecting with them?"

Drax thought for a moment. Then, he straightened up and began to share his insights. "First, always greet the customer with a friendly attitude, even if you're not in the friendliest of moods. Make them feel," he paused, picking just the right words, "welcomed and valued from the very first step they take into your shop. Things like this go a long way when you're first building rapport with potential customers.

He gestured with his hands, emphasizing his points. "Turning random people into customers is a listening game at the end of the day. Listen actively to what they need and what they're concerned about and there's a good chance they'll buy something. Show some genuine interest in their story and ask questions to better understand what it is they're looking for."

[Morningstar 0]

He picked up one of the teleport crystals and tossed it to Morningstar. "Take one of these for examples. What use do they have?"

"Well," Morningstar said, "they teleport you back to towns and cities."

"Correct; but it goes deeper than that. Why might someone need to teleport to a city or a town?"

Morningstar thought for a moment before answering. "Maybe they're stuck in a dangerous place?"

"Exactly. Your target is someone on the front lines, someone who spends a lot of time in dungeons and risks their life battling monsters."

He nodded, returning the crystal to the counter. "What about unhappy customers? What do you do when they come around?"

Drax smiled as if it were something he had experienced much of in his time as a shopkeeper. "Ah, they can be challenging. I'll admit, I'm a bit hot-headed myself. Just try to be patient; they'll leave eventually."

He said it with a wink and Morningstar could not help but chuckle. The door creaked open slowly, the face of another player appearing before them.

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar and Drax exchanged a glance, silently communicating that the latter would take the lead on this one. The blonde spectated as Drax, with his years of experience and expertise, stepped forward. The room seemed to fill with a slight air of seriousness as Drax stepped forward, his expression becoming more stern and focused. It felt like the opposite of what Morningstar had just been taught moments prior. They spoke for a moment, identifying the customer's problem.

"Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention," Drax began, his voice firm yet composed. "I understand that you've encountered an issue with the sword you purchased and, as the appraiser responsible, I apologize for the inconvenience it has caused you."

His customer service voice was something else. The player was taken aback by Drax's demeanor but allowed him to continue his speech.

"I take quality control very seriously here," Drax continued, his voice carrying a touch of authority. "In order to resolve this matter, I will conduct a thorough investigation into the malfunctioning sword and take appropriate measures to rectify the situation."

[Morningstar 0]

The customer's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and relief evident on their face. "I still need a sword," he said to Drax.

"Of course. In the meantime, I will provide you with a replacement sword at no additional cost." Drax turned, retrieving a basic steel straight sword from a case behind him. He slid it into a scabbard and handed it to the customer. I understand the importance of having a reliable tool for your battles."

The customer's eyes widened, their surprise turning into gratitude. "Well, thanks. I appreciate the help."

"And I, your patience."

The customer took the temporary blade and with a goodbye, left the shop. Morningstar was unsure how to react. Drax had some sort of natural talent for sales, he thought. Perhaps it was NPC magic.

"So," Drax started, "how was that?"

"Good. It was helpful to watch," Morningstar said, lacking the words for a proper response.

[Morningstar 0]

"Pick one of those items you found. I know I said that they were payment but I'll let you keep one of your choice for being so eager to learn," Drax gestured towards the workshop.

Morningstar did so, walking back towards the room where he had appraised the items. He inspected each item once more, identifying which would be of most use to him. He was not one for heavy armor, so that felt like a definite no. He liked to be quick and wanted to avoid over-encumbering for no reason. The sword intrigued him but its quality seemed low, despite the adornments of the hilt. He ran his hand along the blade gently, feeling its dullness. Perhaps a blacksmith could fine-tune it but he was far from that level of skill and it made more sense to purchase a brand-new blade either way.

That left the potion. Or, at least, he thought it was a potion until Drax called out, telling him to pour it onto the table. Hesitant, he did as he was asked. He popped the cork that stopped the liquid from flowing out and tipped it over. Instead of flowing out, like he had expected, it dropped as if it were solid. He glanced into the other room, confused. It seemed the "potion" had been a type of jelly all along.

+1 Protein Jelly | PRO II

Edited June 21, 2023 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

"I've taught you all I know," Drax states, "which means you know everything. Now, if there's nothing else, I'm expecting other customers."

Morningstar nodded and thanked the merchant for his time and knowledge. He tossed the consumable aside in his inventory, sure to need it at a later date. Then, he exited Drax's shop for the final time. There was still plenty of light left in the day so, with a determined stride, Morningstar began exploring the bustling streets of the Town of Beginnings, his eyes scanning the storefronts for a suitable, unowned shop where he could begin his career as an appraiser. He had a mental list of items he desired in a store but, most of all, he required space. He did not need as much as a blacksmith or cook may have but he wanted it to be comfortable, not cramped, so that customers could browse his wares without feeling claustrophobic.

[Morningstar 0]

There were not many stores that were suitable for his needs, unfortunately. In that area, many of the buildings were owned by other players or NPCs and those that were empty were also incredibly tiny. Rather than settle for less, Morningstar decided to hold off on the store for the time being. Instead, he opted to gather inspiration.

His first stop was an ornate blacksmith's shop adorned with intricate metalwork. Morningstar pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside, immediately captivated by the clang of hammers on anvils and the fiery glow of the forge. The blacksmith, a man who could have been mistaken for a burly dwarf if he was but a few feet shorter, greeted Morningstar with a gruff voice.

"Welcome, adventurer! What brings you to my humble forge?" the not-dwarf asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

He was another NPC and yet that did not matter to the blonde, for what he desired was ideas; knowledge of what made a grand shop so... grand.

[Morningstar 0]

He spent some time chatting with the blacksmith, who offered his own advice on how to decorate a place like his own. "It would take time," the NPC told him, "but he would decide on something soon enough."

Next, Morningstar ventured into a quaint alchemy shop, its shelves lined with colorful potions and mysterious ingredients. The air was thick with fragrant herbs and spices, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. The shopkeeper, a wise old man with a long white beard, shared his knowledge of potion brewing and offered Morningstar a taste of his unique concoctions. The store was not to his taste and although the alchemist appeared happy in his environment, it left Morningstar yearning for something more.

Undeterred, Morningstar explored several other shops—a mystical trinket emporium with beautiful jewelry, a bakery with dozens of delectable pastries, and even a vibrant tailor where an elderly woman sold a myriad of clothes and light armor. Each place offered something intriguing, but nothing truly matched his expectations.