Helix: The Rosy Quartz Jewellers & Moneylenders.

[Spearmint]

The Rosy Quartz Jeweler and Money Lender.

The Pawnbroker's are signposted by a three balled monkey, (not a literal monkey with extra testicles but a traditional pawnbrokers wrought frame). It is just off the Market Square. A stone built building with solid barred windows and armed guard by the entrance door.

This is the shop of Gir Huwen, the village's jeweler and money-lender. Huwen provides several services for adventurers, including the appraisal of gemstones and other precious treasures, exchange of these items into gold pieces, banking services, and lending. He is aided by a gnome associate Horace who is most often found in the vault sorting good pearls from bad.

They can also offer a limited banking service, deposits for charitable causes are held here, for example the Cromm Cistern repairs organised by Golgarth. They have secure personal vaults for high value goods and charge a commensurate fee to keep them safe.

The Rosy Quartz Jewellers & Moneylenders

May 22nd 1066

Sven walks into the shop with a handful of items to be appraised.

"Gur! My main man! Sorry, gnome! How are things lately, friend?"

He shows the jeweler his wares, hoping for a good price on at least one of them.

Two sapphires
Two large egg sized diamonds (from helm coffer)
Amethyst gem (appraised later circa 80gp)
Silver ring (faceless elf)
Plain gold signet ring (cobra room)
8 pair of decorative bracelets of mini cubic zirconia stones and shaped silver bells that tinkle softly (skeletons)

"So, what can you do for me on these?"

[Spearmint]

Gur Huwen

"Ah, our bravest and wealthiest client returns from more grave robbing." he says, dubious regarding where you acquired such relics.

He puts his spectacles on and peruses the goods, checking them under a fine multi-lensed monocle.


Two sapphires. "Lack lustre, need cleaning up on the facets. That would cost two days labour each, then mounting to add 'glitzy pazazz'. As is, Probably 300 gold each, give or take a little."

Amethyst gem (appraised later circa 80gp) "Used to crush these and add them to elixirs to overcome err, poor performance as it were. Not so much now. Folk eating spicy beef patties all of a sudden. Deep purple, no flashing, nice vein of colour. Good size, could be cut and shaped to mount in several fine pieces. Two hundred, maybe a tenth more."

Silver ring (faceless elf). "Engagement ring? Slim, lightweight but polished, single Maple leaf engravings. Been to the Thornswild have you? Twenty gold, and that's pushing it."

Plain gold signet ring (cobra room) "Chipped here. Nicked probably from a blade. Didn't cut a finger off did you? Heavyweight, at least 22 carats, nicely crafted though a plain shield, no actual heraldry or image. So you could craft your own. A lion, witch on a broomstick, a wolf's head? As it is 40gp."

8 pair of decorative bracelets of mini cubic zirconia stones and shaped silver bells that tinkle softly (skeletons) "Ceremonial wear or a traditional dancing group. Ankles and wrists, bells tinkle softly, strike a sound chord. Some loose insets, clasp damage. Small stones, probably shavings from larger works, usually Zirconia is around 50gp for a flawless pea sized gem. Probably each bracelet pair would sell for 80gp."

Two large egg sized diamonds (from helm coffer)
"My. Two hot potatoes these. Soul gems. Somebody's spirit trapped inside? Cannot tell, they don't radiate any benevolent or maleficent aura. My vault does not keep sufficient coins, export to the Citadel with these. Would think they could appraise two thousand each for a quick sale."

He hands them back making sure his valuations and advice are not overheard by other shifty customers.

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven looks around a bit nervous after the last two items values are reported. He takes everything back except for the Amethyst and the 8 pair of decorative bracelets.

"I prefer to call it liberation. This stuff does no good to anyone sitting out there under a mound of dirt, right?"

"I'll keep the rings and the eggs, but I would sell you all these bracelets for 650 gold."

"And I would agree to 220 gold for the amethyst, if that suits you. That should leave a little meat on the bone for you, as they say."

[Spearmint]

Gur Huwen

Settles with Sven. It is a bit more than he wanted but the mage brings a steady stream in and with Duchy Taxes and Inland Revenue due, the items can sell at a quicker but smaller profit and cover costs.

+870gp

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven takes his leave to go pay off the others.

"Always a pleasure, Gur!"

[redwarrior]

Isvand enters his favorite shop, whistling cheerfully. Gur, a pleasure to see you again. A few weeks back I asked you for the costs to cut a few gems, but I was light of coin at the time. I've remedied that to some small extent, and would like to make these pretty!

Carefully unwraps the Uncut Sapphire (100gp as is) and Uncut Emerald (400gp as is)

[Spearmint]

Gur Huwen

receives the halfling entrepreneur Isvand.

You had this discussion before.

He talks regarding gemcutting. It is a specialised service and takes an inordinate time to shape the crystals with flush facets, highlighting inner sparkling veins and diminishing flaws. Mounting on gold rings or set in designer ware bling.

He assesses that a semi-precious gem usually gets 'cut' for around a third of the uncut appraised value with the hope to increase the finished value to at least double the base value. With precious stones like the diamond and emerald, the cutting costs around half the base value but increases the finished product, depending on customer wants (mounted in a gold ring, inset into a pendant, presented in a unique item like a tiara or crown, left as a neat gem), to at least double but usually triple and possibly much more.

In his own business skill level, he could theoretically triple value. Citadel artisans chiselling it with fine kryptonite edged cutters under sterile laboratory conditions might take six months labour at full base value cost but produce a sparkling gem quintupled from initial base estimates.

(There is an opposed skill roll the cutter is faced which increases value according to how successful they work.)

Pitfall Pete' diamond is already cut, you might squeeze out a bit more with some refining.

I try to note uncut and cut gems so you can figure approximate potential and actual values.
The sapphire skeleton gemstones have a set 100gp value each.

As to the emerald, "Nice, green blaze and radiant hues, Chip on that facet edge needs grinding. I'll make you a good offer." 400gp

Is the Sapphire one of those taken from the Sapphire Skeletons? If so their value is set at 100gp and not able to be increased.

The uncut sapphire (if not a skeleton gem) can be cut for 33gp, takes a week and should, subject to skill roll increase value by double.

The emerald can be cut for 200gp, takes two weeks and subject to roll, increase value two or threefold plus, depending on your choice of mounting the gem and other preferences.

"What would you like to commission?"

[Quonundrum]

May 22nd 1066

Moriartus enters the shop and places three items onto the counter. A large golden ankh of several pounds weight, a spool of thin gold filigree, and an emerald that sparkles brilliantly in the early morning light. "I am interested in your appraisal of these, sir. I may also be willing to consider a sale of one or all three."

[sastaz]

Gerdal enters the establishment 1 day ahead of Moriartus, so they don't meet here, but in the Strumpet.

"Good day to you sir. I have question for you, since you are into moneylending. Do you also issue usherer's notes, and in that case, are they servicable at full value in nearby cities and settlements? The reason I'm asking is of course that it's not safe for a woman like me to be carrying a lot of valuables, should I happen to stumble across any in the mounds. A note ushered to my very person though is of no interest to hoodlums and robbers."

[Spearmint]

Gur Huwen receives a steady stream of tomb robbers each eager to cash in on saleable assets to get some pocket money and funds for other investments.

Moriartus is the latest, bringing a trio of lucre from the grave goods of the Mummy Mound.

Unrolling the delicate thread, the length is calculated, tested for brittleness, thickness and carat purity. Muttering in his usual way, tutting here and there he scribbles a few notes.

"Around 65 gold a yard. Need to cut a little slack as it will probably need hammering into something more suitable and that artisan labour is the main factor. "

The heavy Ankh is placed in the counter with a loud thud. It gets weighed, the proprietor adding a few grams and ounces to the scale until equilibrium is reached. "Just like a newborns weight. Over six and a half pounds. My, imagine the wife pushing this baby out. Well if any baby is worth its weight in gold, this beau come in at $1,322 gold and 7 silvers. Call it 8 to avoid the coppers."

He takes the last item, appraising it under his multi-lensed monocle and gemstone apparatus. "Oriental corundum, refracts a little darkly, casts a shadow not bright colour. Fracture on this corner. Dug out with a pointy blade probably. Convex underside and faceted on top. Not sure if thirteen facets mean much. Still it can be trimmed and mounted well. Equal to the lump of gold I would say."

[Spearmint]

Gerdal enters enquiring regarding other facilities.

"We do offer limited banking. Our vaults here and legitimacy to trade helps underwrite the gold standard reserves in the Duchy Mint.

So your savings stored here my be accessed by promissory note elsewhere at a reasonable fee. With all characters treated on merit, lowly adventurers and speculators, whilst turning in many artefacts and recovered gems are often a less attractive proposition than the ranch owner with his acres of grain."

The Moneylender chats regarding various options to transfer money assets or keep things safe. Of course presenting a note to the citadel bank to 'Pay Gerdal X amount of cash' is not as simple as just turning up at a counter with a letter of demand. But parchments of sealed instructions are available for large amounts.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus strokes his chin in thought, considering the appraisals offered by Gur Huwen. "I can appreciate the labor involved in such delicate work. The emerald I will need to consult with my partners as they are leaning towards a sale in Ironguard." He gazes at the gold filigree and ankh for a moment before continuing. "However ... I could be convinced to part with the gold thread and the ankh if you cut me some leeway on the filigree. Say ... 80 gold per yard?

Charisma (17): [4d6]=18

[redwarrior]

Gur Huwen

receives the halfling entrepreneur Isvand.

The uncut sapphire (if not a skeleton gem) can be cut for 33gp, takes a week and should, subject to skill roll increase value by double.

The emerald can be cut for 200gp, takes two weeks and subject to roll, increase value two or threefold plus, depending on your choice of mounting the gem and other preferences.

"What would you like to commission?"

Isvand I would like to cut the emerald, and the price is fair, now that I have some coin. Isvand will hand over the requisite coins, paying up front.

Seaching through the forum, I'm pretty sure that the Sapphire IS a skeleton gem - I've changed how it's noted on my character sheet, so I'll quit trying to get it cut! , 200 GP deducted for Gur's fine work!

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo tags along with Moriartus to see the process. This is all new stuff for him and he's curious.

[Spearmint]

However ... I could be convinced to part with the gold thread and the ankh if you cut me some leeway on the filigree. Say ... 80 gold per yard?

Gur Huwen and Moriartus trade offers, trying to settle on a good price for the fresco filigree. His final offer meets in the middle, offering you 72gp 10sp, per yard which times seventeen yards comes to +1,232 gp,10sp.

Isvand .

The emerald can be cut for 200gp, takes two weeks and subject to roll, increase value two or threefold plus, depending on your choice of mounting the gem and other preferences.

just make a note of when you expect the work to be finished.(June 6th+)

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

It's a bit below what he'd like to get for the filigree, but Gur Huwen offered slightly above what they field appraised the ankh, so all things equal, he's unlikely to receive a better offer in Ironguard for raw gold. "You drive a hard bargain, sir. I like that about you. It's a deal."

+1,232 gp, 10 sp for the filigree.
+1,322 gp, 8 sp for the ankh.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo stops in, "Hi I'm Durgo..I have some interesting gems and jewelry items of possible interest."

Durgo's doing his best to raise the interest in the Harpies jewelry hoping to get a fair price and perhaps there might be a hidden gem that was overlooked. In the back of his mind though he knows no matter what he'll be better off no matter the price offered. He's just happy to be getting any offer. It's not like he's a mage or jeweler in the work. His dad always told him if you're going to be stupid you better be strong.

[Spearmint]

The Rosy Quartz

Gur Hirwen the gnome appraiser looks over the collective of Agates, Harpy trinkets, gold nuggets and other recovered trove.

1450 silver pieces, ten gold nuggets, a blue crystal decanter, a sack of bazaar standard 'Harpy Jewellery', 14 x large uncut Agate gemstones, three jars of assorted copper, silver and gold coins. The jars contain 3853cp, 5367sp, 3922gp.

if you wanted to 'cash in' the combined haul at the Rosy Quartz, the total amount would be worth 5089gp.

so I fast tracked this to an approximate amount and the money has been shared out equally already. You can remove the sack of Harpy jewellery from your inventory.

The gnome does take from Durgo a large gemstone which he appraises and sticks in a vault used by the Cromm Cistern project. The charitable donations are mounting up and halfway to the initial fundraising target. Horace colours in the charity 'thermometer' to show interested people how far the project has been supported.

Durgo takes the coins division explained in the Expedition thread and shares out the plunder.

"Always money in the maze to be made." the gnome quips. "You know what the holy books say, 'the Wealth of the wicked being stored up for the Righteous'." he comments on your finds and alludes to more treasures hidden in the labyrinthine crypts and unexcavated barrow mounds.

"Gemstones we have, pawned securities from absent adventurers, rings we have and the village has plenty of maidens all too happy to wear one. What we are in short supply of are pearls. Pearls of great price, not pearls of wisdom from the church, not pearly white teeth or pearly kings who sequin shiny buttons into their custom garb. No pearls. From the freshwater clams harvested in the Moorwash reaches between the Old Dwarf Bridge and the Moor. Clam fishers are undermanned and subject to banditry from the brigands or outright murder from the froglings. Or drowning from Ole' Beaky or other aquatic dangers.

Pay a good price for quality shells brought in."

The gnomes offer a line of seasonal work.

[Cwreando]

The Rosy Quartz

Gur Hirwen the gnome appraiser looks over the collective of Agates, Harpy trinkets, gold nuggets and other recovered trove.

1450 silver pieces, ten gold nuggets, a blue crystal decanter, a sack of bazaar standard 'Harpy Jewellery', 14 x large uncut Agate gemstones, three jars of assorted copper, silver and gold coins. The jars contain 3853cp, 5367sp, 3922gp.

if you wanted to 'cash in' the combined haul at the Rosy Quartz, the total amount would be worth 5089gp.

so I fast tracked this to an approximate amount and the money has been shared out equally already. You can remove the sack of Harpy jewellery from your inventory.

The gnome does take from Durgo a large gemstone which he appraises and sticks in a vault used by the Cromm Cistern project. The charitable donations are mounting up and halfway to the initial fundraising target. Horace colours in the charity 'thermometer' to show interested people how far the project has been supported.

Durgo takes the coins division explained in the Expedition thread and shares out the plunder.

"Always money in the maze to be made." the gnome quips. "You know what the holy books say, 'the Wealth of the wicked being stored up for the Righteous'." he comments on your finds and alludes to more treasures hidden in the labyrinthine crypts and unexcavated barrow mounds.

"Gemstones we have, pawned securities from absent adventurers, rings we have and the village has plenty of maidens all too happy to wear one. What we are in short supply of are pearls. Pearls of great price, not pearls of wisdom from the church, not pearly white teeth or pearly kings who sequin shiny buttons into their custom garb. No pearls. From the freshwater clams harvested in the Moorwash reaches between the Old Dwarf Bridge and the Moor. Clam fishers are undermanned and subject to banditry from the brigands or outright murder from the froglings. Or drowning from Ole' Beaky or other aquatic dangers.

Pay a good price for quality shells brought in."

The gnomes offer a line of seasonal work.

Durgo

"Why that sounds excellent although I wonder if I might need more than just me for the job? I'm interested in the work Gur Hirwen. I'm committed to another expedition for the moment, but I have 2 weeks I believe before we head out again. I'm also making a spider silk run which will take a couple days to complete."

[gurusql]

Cadeweed

Cadeweed will attempt to purchase 3 stones (not hung up on the type) worth approximately 100 gp each from Gur Hirwen.

(300 gp removed from the sheet, will adjust if there is a transaction fee)