Noctem
Explorer
The ranger stated his intention. When he got to the actual interaction he did not properly execute his intention. Its called screwing the pooch and it happens. It happens more often to those who aren't paying attention and fail to recognize warning signals.
The ranger stated the intentions OF THE GROUP. Not just his own. The group had collectively decided that they would sell the armor set, not the gauntlet and ring. You need to understand this. He stated exactly what the group had decided: I want this set of armor appraised. Not: I want this set of armor + gauntlet + ring appraised. The DM had previously made it clear the gauntlet and ring WERE NOT part of the armor set. So why do you keep ignoring these points? And what warning signals? The smith asking if he was selling the armor set for the price he appraised the armor set at? How does that warn you that the DM is about to make you sell the gauntlet and ring you previously agreed as a GROUP that you were NOT GOING TO SELL?
The DM didn't "have" the ranger do anything. The sale was role played out. The ranger had the opportunity to pause and ask for clarification but did not do so.
Yes he did. He forced the group to sell items they made it clear they weren't going to sell. He did it in a way that prevented anyone else at the table from understanding what was going on. Not just the ranger or the guy on his cell phone. NO ONE ELSE at the table understood what was going on except the DM who was maliciously screwing them over. He failed them in every way possible, on purpose. Why would anyone at the table ask for clarification when they had expressed their intent and had even made rolled dice checks to fulfill that intent? Basically you're saying they shouldn't trust the DM to honor their stated intent? Should they distrust the DM and be under the impression that he's out to screw them over at every turn?
Yes it was clear the items were not part of the armor, which is why the decision to bundle them together wasn't the best idea.
How the items are carried back to town for 2 days of travel is SO irrelevant to what the DM did that it baffles me that you would bring this up to justify the DM's actions.
Intent <> Execution
A D&D party may intend to do many things. Some of these things may go as the party intended, others may not.
Ah yes, good on the DM to maliciously screw over the party. That's the spirit! Let's hand waive that away and just say it happens! Shucks!
Responses in bold.