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<blockquote data-quote="Al" data-source="post: 75616" data-attributes="member: 2486">The balance has to be struck, however, between a realistic level of security and a realistic level of power for the shopkeeper.It is unrealistic (and downright stupid) to make the general store merchant a 20th level elite combat wizard with an arsenal of Minor Artefacts, Chain Contingencies and a legion of double-HD iron golems out the back. However, if the store is now stocking +5 longswords, the DM must step back and reconsider.&nbsp; These item are hugely valuable, and are top military-grade hardware for the DnD game.&nbsp; It is highly likely that whilst he may probably be a high-level expert (he is likely to be a rich experienced merchant with that sort of capital) he may well have some retired adventurers as mercenaries and guards.&nbsp; Thus, the million-hp shopkeep is silly.&nbsp;&nbsp; The canny merchant will a level of security proportionate to the value of his items is not.And besides, if the PCs do go around killing shopkeeps and looting shops, it won't be long before the local militia are contacted.&nbsp; And if they're not too tough, the national army may be called in.&nbsp; There's nothing like the king's personal assault troops teleporting in and annihilating the miscreants to stop troublemakers.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Al, post: 75616, member: 2486"] The balance has to be struck, however, between a realistic level of security and a realistic level of power for the shopkeeper. It is unrealistic (and downright stupid) to make the general store merchant a 20th level elite combat wizard with an arsenal of Minor Artefacts, Chain Contingencies and a legion of double-HD iron golems out the back. However, if the store is now stocking +5 longswords, the DM must step back and reconsider. These item are hugely valuable, and are top military-grade hardware for the DnD game. It is highly likely that whilst he may probably be a high-level expert (he is likely to be a rich experienced merchant with that sort of capital) he may well have some retired adventurers as mercenaries and guards. Thus, the million-hp shopkeep is silly. The canny merchant will a level of security proportionate to the value of his items is not. And besides, if the PCs do go around killing shopkeeps and looting shops, it won't be long before the local militia are contacted. And if they're not too tough, the national army may be called in. There's nothing like the king's personal assault troops teleporting in and annihilating the miscreants to stop troublemakers. [/QUOTE]

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