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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quasqueton" data-source="post: 3606382" data-attributes="member: 3854">This is my point, and I think most have completely missed it.Just because some things are available for purchase, doesn't mean they are sold through any kind of Walmart-like situation.In most campaigns, everything in the PHB equipment list is available without any rigamarole. Player writes "backpack, rope, lantern, oil, holy water, alchemist fire" on his character sheet and subtracts off the gold cost. But no one says that stuff was bought at a Walmart-type store. It is assumed that the PC went to a general goods store, a temple, an alchemist's shop, etc. Maybe he went to several to round up all the items -- the first general goods store didn't have a backpack, so he ended up at a leatherworker's shop for it. The oil was purchased from a street vendor. The first temple refused to sell to a non-worshipper, so he had to buy from another. Etc., etc., etc. But the actual in-game effort is handwaved.It's the same when the PC buys a warhorse or a sailing ship. Few DMs, if any, have a problem with skipping the play of locating a reputable horse trader, inspecting the animal, and then working out the payment method.But if the PC buys a +1 sword, suddenly it's assumed to be just a trip to the local Magic-Mart. Why this assumption? In my games, purchasing that magic item means finding a broker or guild to either find the item or create the item. Or maybe, if the item is cheap enough, it can be found at an alchemist's shop, or at small "magic shoppe" (which also sells non-magical charms and trinkets for the commoners). But it is handled at the table, between DM and Player, just as buying a backpack. Unless there is some kind of adventure to be had in the search and purchase, we don't wasted valuable game time playing Shops & Shoppers. Why can't the purchase of magic items be handwave without this mental stumbling block and vocal complaint about turning things into a Walmart?So, back to my point: If you don't assume that PCs sell and purchase their backpacks, oil, rope, spyglasses, horses, armors, and such from something like a Walmart, why is the Magic-Walmart concept argued when PCs can sell and buy magic items?Again, just because something is "available" doesn't mean it is sitting on a store shelf. Why the double standard of assumptions between mundane items and magic items? Armor and weapons are "available" for purchase, usually without the DM getting involved in the deal, but no one assumes these are on racks in a big store.Quasqueton</blockquote>

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