Add a "Gem Trader" NPC

[Gippy]

Add an NPC that buys gems at full price/sells gems at just under full price so that they can actually be a viable alternative to gold and not just another 12 gold pieces for that rare diamond, or what have you.

[The Crimson Magician]

Hey Gippy, if you sell gems at full price, and buy them for just under full price, isn't that exploitable?

[Gippy]

Err. I meant to say buy them for just over full price. Just a very small gap in sell/buy.

[DangerousDan]

I like.

[johanmaxon]

This sounds very good, as actually GEMS, was used alot for trading, just like gold in the times of NWN, around 1300 bc or whenever it was.

[Garem]

This sounds very good, as actually GEMS, was used alot for trading, just like gold in the times of NWN, around 1300 bc or whenever it was.

You mean this stuff actually happened?! Sweet!

(I couldn't resist. Give me a break, I troll like... once a never.)

[Egon the Monkey]

Hell yes. That would mean we could get stuff like the piles of plunder from the old Tomb Of Jubal Quest that you could sell for gold, rather than all gold being found or paid.
It would mean that the Jergali Crypt would have to have some of the gems removed though, as you'd end up making a ridiculous amount off there if you got tomb-robbing.

[IxTheSpeedy]

This is a very cool idea.

[Luke Danger]

Al-Haza (or whatever his name is) the Trader could easily fit this purpose, he already seems to be an artisan, and maybe he just so happens to be a gemsmith as well?

[Kotenku]

Hell yes. That would mean we could get stuff like the piles of plunder from the old Tomb Of Jubal Quest that you could sell for gold, rather than all gold being found or paid.
It would mean that the Jergali Crypt would have to have some of the gems removed though, as you'd end up making a ridiculous amount off there if you got tomb-robbing.

Given the IC stigma against tomb-robbing, I'm not actually certain that it should be changed. Nevertheless, I like this idea, though things like "Plunder", "Pile of Gems" "Treasure" etc may require a clumsy implementation, because there doesn't seem to be a base item for misc medium (2x2 sized) gem/loot items. That is, he may either end up buying beetle bellies, or not buying "Pile of Plunder".

[efuincarnate]

Given the IC stigma against tomb-robbing, I'm not actually certain that it should be changed. Nevertheless, I like this idea, though things like "Plunder", "Pile of Gems" "Treasure" etc may require a clumsy implementation, because there doesn't seem to be a base item for misc medium (2x2 sized) gem/loot items. That is, he may either end up buying beetle bellies, or not buying "Pile of Plunder".

The Stigma is far less then one would imagine, except for a few holyier then thou types :P

[Cluckyx]

This is a fantastic idea. I'm honestly surprised no one thought of it sooner. It makes for an interesting tandem to gold.
 Gold I feel always feels slightly disconnected from the game. And it would be much more interesting to hand someone a Precious gem as reward than generic gold coins.

[Egon the Monkey]

Nevertheless, I like this idea, though things like "Plunder", "Pile of Gems" "Treasure" etc may require a clumsy implementation, because there doesn't seem to be a base item for misc medium (2x2 sized) gem/loot items.

Nah. I remember that that exact quest dropped a (I think 2x2) "pile of gems" item (it's the one used in Hordes of the Underdark for luring mimics as I recall) that you used to be able to sell to the trader for some good money. Also some single use Hideous Laughter "crystal skulls" which did the same.

[Semli]

I like it, but it should be implemented very carefully so no one gets an obscene amount of gold right after the NPC gets implemented.  Some of the regular NWN gems sell for a buttload.

[Egon the Monkey]

Well, since a few people are probably hoarding gems in anticipation of this, I'd suggest implementing a few new types of gems for him to buy and leaving the current ones set to 12gp for a good while.