Help Me Understand Craft-Alchemy

[Jacob]

just to add to this rather than making a new thread, if the stuff is made at 1/3 of the market value, do you sell it for 1/2 of the market value (a small amount of difference but when you're a low level and can Take 20 on the checks you can make some money from them)

I say why not sell it at the full value? If other merchants can sell it in full, why can't you? Reminds me a bit of my attempt at getting a shop of mine to run, but as it's already been said, it really is all up to your DM and what he's willing to work with.

 

[Sekhmet]

If you aren't a merchant (Profession, Merchant and Appraisal) there is no way that you'll get full price out of selling to stores. Honestly, with mundane (lit: common) goods, you won't get anywhere close to market value, unless you own your own shop.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

just to add to this rather than making a new thread, if the stuff is made at 1/3 of the market value, do you sell it for 1/2 of the market value (a small amount of difference but when you're a low level and can Take 20 on the checks you can make some money from them)

This is my understanding of how any crafter NPC in the world would operate. spend money on raw materials, produce goods as a result. If the PC had a shop and was willing to pay the appropriate taxes, rent if that applies, etc, etc, I don't see why he/she can't sell at full price. My understanding is the sell at 50% market value is if someone is selling to a shop vendor.

 

[Greenfield]

just to add to this rather than making a new thread, if the stuff is made at 1/3 of the market value, do you sell it for 1/2 of the market value (a small amount of difference but when you're a low level and can Take 20 on the checks you can make some money from them)

Actually, you can't Take 20 on the checks. If you fail the base check by more than 5, you ruin half of the raw materials.

Oddly, as written a non-spellcaster can study Alchemy and gain ranks in the skill. They just can't make anything alchemical with it.

That's not as empty a distinction as it might seem, since you can use a Craft Alchemy check to identify potions, and having 5 or more ranks in the skill gives you a Synergy bonus to Appraise checks for alchemical items.

 

[Dandu]

Oddly, as written a non-spellcaster can study Alchemy and gain ranks in the skill. They just can't make anything alchemical with it.

That would certainly explain the quality of some of my lab experiments...

 

[Vegepygmy]

My understanding is the sell at 50% market value is if someone is selling to a shop vendor.

There is no such limitation. PHB, page 112: "In general, a character can sell something for half its listed price. Characters who want to upgrade to better armor or weapons, for example, can sell their old equipment for half price. Trade goods are the exception to the half-price rule."

Regardless of whether you're selling to a shop vendor or some random guy in the street, the general rule is that you can sell it for half its listed price.

 

[Omegaxicor]

Actually, you can't Take 20 on the checks. If you fail the base check by more than 5, you ruin half of the raw materials.

Oddly, as written a non-spellcaster can study Alchemy and gain ranks in the skill. They just can't make anything alchemical with it.

That's not as empty a distinction as it might seem, since you can use a Craft Alchemy check to identify potions, and having 5 or more ranks in the skill gives you a Synergy bonus to Appraise checks for alchemical items.

two things I didn't know, I'd have to give XP for those but I can't. my players won't be happy about that and I will HATE it when I can't...house rule maybe