Cookie starts to bounce up on her toes in both excitement and nervous anticipation.
I need a large cleaver! You see...
She pulls out her giant meat mallet mace.
this mallet I have is great and all, but I've realized I'm not used to using it one handed. I'm afraid my smaller arms need something more nimble. I used to have a beautiful large cleaver in my kitchen. So many folds in the metal. It could cut through a whole pig in two chops and still slice a tomato without holding the tomato with your other hand. Sadly, I left it at home. I think I could do much better at fighting trolls out of the troll well in the Yawning Portal with it. Do you have something like that? I'll trade you this giant meat mallet for one!
The owner, eager to restore the shop's reputation for quality and craftsmanship after the earlier incident, nods understandingly at Cookie's request.
"Of course," he says, his voice firm but friendly.
"I appreciate your patience amidst that... unpleasantness. Let me show you what true craftsmanship looks like."
He moves to a display case near the back of the shop and carefully selects a piece wrapped in a soft, leather cloth. Unwrapping it with a reverence that speaks to the pride he takes in his work, he reveals a meat cleaver that immediately captures the party's attention.
The cleaver is indeed beautiful, its blade forged from the finest steel, with a shine that suggests meticulous care in its making. The handle is crafted from dark, polished wood, contoured to fit comfortably and securely in the hand. The balance between the blade and handle is perfect, promising precision and ease of use whether in the kitchen or in combat.
"This," the blacksmith announces, presenting the cleaver to Cookie,
"is one of my finest pieces. It's not only sharp enough to cut through the toughest meats but also durable enough to withstand the rigors of adventuring. I've treated the steel with a special process to ensure its edge remains keen for as long as possible."
The owner, intrigued by the Cleric's proposition, asks to see her mallet more closely. Cookie presents it, and he examines the tool with an expert eye, appreciating its quality and the care with which it has been maintained. After a moment of consideration, he nods in agreement.
"Your mallet is indeed a fine piece, and I can see it has been a valuable companion in your culinary endeavors. I respect the sentiment behind this trade and your appreciation for good craftsmanship," the owner says, his voice conveying a deep understanding of the tools of any trade.
"In light of this, I'm willing to make the cleaver available to you for half its price as part of our deal. I believe that's a fair exchange for both of us. 3 gold pieces for the cleaver, including the trade."
Nootie awkwardly tips his hat to them, shooting a sympathetic look to the first shopkeeper.
"Uh, and I'm in the market fer a hand crossbow if ya got 'em. Don't need nothin' fancy, just to get the job done."
The blacksmith pauses at the question. He gives Nootie a thoughtful look, clearly considering his inventory.
"A hand crossbow, you say? Yes, I believe I have just the thing. Give me a moment."
Turning away for a short while, the owner rummages through a storage area behind the counter, moving aside various pieces of equipment and weaponry. After a brief search, he returns with a hand crossbow in tow. It's a solidly built piece, with a straightforward design that prioritizes function over form. The crossbow is compact, making it easy to handle and conceal if necessary, but its construction promises durability and reliability.
"Here we are," the blacksmith announces, presenting the hand crossbow to Nootie for inspection.
"This should suit your needs perfectly. It's sturdy, accurate, and easy to maintain—a no-nonsense weapon for someone who appreciates practicality. It has seen some use in the past, but I gave it a good going-over after collecting it. It will kill. Because it is not a Keen Edge original, and has seen battle already, I can give you a steep discount from the typical 50-75 gold most armorys would ask for a piece like this. I can sell it to you for 25 gold."
