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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default How to build a planar trader?

    DM wants me to build a second character. One character will handle adventuring part of the campaign while the second handles economic, politics and the likes. We use something similar to elite array (15,14,13,12,11,10).

    I want the character to administer an inter-planar trade company. So it will need some means of planar travel and social skills. It doesn't need much combat capability.

    I have two ideas but I don't really like any of them:
    1) Human bard using portals to travel. Bard covers skills easily and it can use portals to trade... the problem is so can everyone else and the character can't prevent them from doing this. Or is there a way for a bard to covertly transport a lot of goods?

    2) Human Cloistered Cleric with Dynamic Priest feat, Trickery and Travel domains. The same skills as Bard but can handle planar travel on it's own with Plane Shift... starting level 9 which is a bit late.

    Could you help me with this? It would be perfect if there was an item or race that allows planar travel before ECL 9. I don't need it very often - even once a week would be enough.

    Or maybe you could give me tips how a bard (or any skill monkey/party face) could hide location of a portal he uses from others?

  2. - Top - End - #2
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    MindFlayer

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    You are essentially building the Trygalle Trade Guild?

    A group of psions could do this with the Astral Caravan spell (as far as I know, the soonest you will get some form of inter-planar travel)
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    Deth Muncher's Avatar

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Pertinent question: Are there pre-established portals? Like, just open portals between realms that you can use? Because that's incredibly relevant. If you don't need to cast your own planar transport, it makes everything easier.
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  4. - Top - End - #4
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    SolithKnightGuy

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Very cool idea, I love planewalking.

    Nomad Psion is certainly unbeatable in terms of early access to the Planes.

    Apart from that, be sure to pick up the Mercantile Background feat from FR. You'll make fantastic amounts of money if this trader fences the loot that your other character gains. ^^
    Let me give you a brief rundown of an average Post-3E Era fight: You attack an enemy and start kicking his shins. He then starts kicking your shins, then you take it in turns kicking until one of you falls over. It basically comes down to who started the battle with the biggest boot, and the only strategy involved is realizing when things have gone tits up and legging it.

  5. - Top - End - #5
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by Asheram View Post
    You are essentially building the Trygalle Trade Guild?
    Hmm I don't know Trygalle Trade Guild but as I understand it's transporting on the same plane - I want to trade with different planes.

    Starting with little things (I'm sure some rich people will pay to taste heavenly/hellish food) later maybe magic items, services, souls, rare creatures, ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Asheram View Post
    A group of psions could do this with the Astral Caravan spell (as far as I know, the soonest you will get some form of inter-planar travel)
    I'll have to convince my DM to allow psionics first... He thinks it' overpowered (and he let's us play full casters). But thanks I I can get this it will do just the thing

    And if I don't... do you know how much would cost custom item of Astral Caravan 1/day or 1/week?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deth Muncher View Post
    Pertinent question: Are there pre-established portals? Like, just open portals between realms that you can use? Because that's incredibly relevant. If you don't need to cast your own planar transport, it makes everything easier.
    There are. For now virtually no one knows about them. But if I turn them into profit I'll need a way to monopolize them.

    Quote Originally Posted by Firechanter View Post
    Apart from that, be sure to pick up the Mercantile Background feat from FR. You'll make fantastic amounts of money if this trader fences the loot that your other character gains. ^^
    Thanks for that one it fits really nice with the character.

  6. - Top - End - #6
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    I asked about Psionics and the answer was "No" :(

    Oh well. Could you help me build something effective for maintaining monopoly over a portal at ECL 5-9? Currently only idea I have is using WBL-mancy to setup traps/strongholds over the portal but that doesn't seem effective.

  7. - Top - End - #7
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    SolithKnightGuy

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Is there perchance any Cleric Domain that gives access to Plane Shift at level 4? I don't know any, but I've lost track of the plethora of domains long ago...
    Let me give you a brief rundown of an average Post-3E Era fight: You attack an enemy and start kicking his shins. He then starts kicking your shins, then you take it in turns kicking until one of you falls over. It basically comes down to who started the battle with the biggest boot, and the only strategy involved is realizing when things have gone tits up and legging it.

  8. - Top - End - #8
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    It would be wonderful but I also don't recall any domains with Planeshift.

  9. - Top - End - #9
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    Deth Muncher's Avatar

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by ahenobarbi View Post
    I asked about Psionics and the answer was "No" :(

    Oh well. Could you help me build something effective for maintaining monopoly over a portal at ECL 5-9? Currently only idea I have is using WBL-mancy to setup traps/strongholds over the portal but that doesn't seem effective.
    Er, are you trying to say "I need a way to make it so that I, and only I, can use a given portal?"

    Because the answer to that is hirelings.

    Alternately, if you were the one CRAFTING the portal, you could make it where you have to have a keystone to open (check the Forgotten Realms books for more), but that requires you to be a much higher level.

    You might ask your DM if you could maybe have found a portal with a keystone?
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    You all are a terrible species. I'm going back to my fortress of misanthropy now.

  10. - Top - End - #10
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deth Muncher View Post
    Er, are you trying to say "I need a way to make it so that I, and only I, can use a given portal?"

    Because the answer to that is hirelings.
    Yes I mean that. You mean Hirelings as in "hirelings guard the portal" or "hirelings go to trade while I sit on top of the portal making sure only people I want to use it"?

    Quote Originally Posted by Deth Muncher View Post
    Alternately, if you were the one CRAFTING the portal, you could make it where you have to have a keystone to open (check the Forgotten Realms books for more), but that requires you to be a much higher level.

    You might ask your DM if you could maybe have found a portal with a keystone?
    Crafting portals requires level 17 and access to 9th level spells. And they are extremely expansive (So buying one is impossible I think).

  11. - Top - End - #11
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Deth Muncher's Avatar

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by ahenobarbi View Post
    Yes I mean that. You mean Hirelings as in "hirelings guard the portal" or "hirelings go to trade while I sit on top of the portal making sure only people I want to use it"?
    I mean, either one really. Probably leaning more towards the having them guard the portal end of things, but y'know.

    Actually, when you hit Lv.6, get Leadership, and that way you don't even have to pay for hirelings.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Xyk View Post
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    Quote Originally Posted by tyckspoon View Post
    ..thank you, Deth Muncher. My life is richer for being aware of this. And weirder. ("You destroyed my friends! I will have my vengeance! Face the fury of my pelvic thrusts!" "Oh yeah? LAZOR!")
    Quote Originally Posted by golentan View Post
    You all are a terrible species. I'm going back to my fortress of misanthropy now.

  12. - Top - End - #12
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    Der_DWSage's Avatar

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Well, if your DM allows the cost of the item to be hand-waved, you could always get a character with an Amulet of the Planes. It does have a chance of failure, but it also has no use limit, so you can reliably get to where you're trying to go eventually.

    Just...pick up another item to protect you when you inevitably end up in the elemental plane of fire.

  13. - Top - End - #13
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by Der_DWSage View Post
    Well, if your DM allows the cost of the item to be hand-waved, you could always get a character with an Amulet of the Planes. It does have a chance of failure, but it also has no use limit, so you can reliably get to where you're trying to go eventually.

    Just...pick up another item to protect you when you inevitably end up in the elemental plane of fire.
    No he won't hand weave the cost :(

    However 1/day version would cost "just" 24'000... still a bit too much.

  14. - Top - End - #14
    Titan in the Playground
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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by ahenobarbi View Post
    No he won't hand weave the cost :(

    However 1/day version would cost "just" 24'000... still a bit too much.
    If he isn't handwaving the cost of the amulet, why do you expect him to handwave the cost of the portal? If you've got sole access to a portal that's equivalent to owning it, and would cost 200,000gp out of your WBL.

    If you want early planar travel and can't get it through Nomad, Artificer can do it at level 7 with a scroll of Plane Shift.
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    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by Urpriest View Post
    If he isn't handwaving the cost of the amulet, why do you expect him to handwave the cost of the portal? If you've got sole access to a portal that's equivalent to owning it, and would cost 200,000gp out of your WBL.
    Let's say I know my DM and I think it's quite likely he will not include portal in my WBL as it's a plot device (because it's preexisting portal... if I wanted to craft one I'd have to pay) but he will not (probably) give me an amulet for free as a plot device.

    One reason is that an amulet is easier to abuse (by selling it) and some players would do it (and he wants to treat players equally).

    [QUOTE=Urpriest;14105473]If you want early planar travel and can't get it through Nomad, Artificer can do it at level 7 with a scroll of Plane Shift./QUOTE]

    This would cost a bit over 1100gp a travel (both ways) so I think this could work, thanks

  16. - Top - End - #16
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    I talked to my DM and I will use a portal for trade. I will take Landlord feat, use the money to build my company (money will be fluffed as coming from it)

    So what build would you suggest for planar trade company manager? I think he will need max skills in Appraise, Bluff, Diplomancy, Forgery, Gather Information, Knowledge(Planes), Sense Motive. And some ranks for UMD and Speak Language. I think first level in Rogue would be good to get those x4 ranks for UMD and Speak Language but after that I don't know...

  17. - Top - End - #17
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    Flumph

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by ahenobarbi View Post
    I talked to my DM and I will use a portal for trade. I will take Landlord feat, use the money to build my company (money will be fluffed as coming from it)
    Or you could, you know, get rich people and banks to invest in your company. Sure, they get company stock, but it ultimately saves you a feat. Just maintain a controlling share in the company (51%) and let the rest be publicly traded.

  18. - Top - End - #18
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by Slipperychicken View Post
    Or you could, you know, get rich people and banks to invest in your company. Sure, they get company stock, but it ultimately saves you a feat. Just maintain a controlling share in the company (51%) and let the rest be publicly traded.
    Thanks for the suggestion, I'll talk to my DM and see if I can get it. I don't really need the feat (it would come form "primary" character who is Focused Conjurer 3/ Master Specialist 4 (planned Focused Conjurer 3/Master Specialist 10/Fate Spiner 4/ ?? 3)) but why throw away perfectly good feat slot

  19. - Top - End - #19
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    MindFlayer

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Talk to your DM and see if you can set up shop in Sigil. If you know the right contacts with the right gates you're in business.

    Ofcourse that assumes that you do have the right contacts or Sigil becomes a very well-guarded prison.
    Last edited by Asheram; 2012-10-27 at 08:53 AM.
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    Flumph

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by ahenobarbi View Post
    Thanks for the suggestion, I'll talk to my DM and see if I can get it.
    Shouldn't be too hard if he understands how businesses actually work IRL. Getting people to lend you money (or buy company stock) is pretty much the only way start-up businesses can acquire the capital to, you know, start up. Unless you devote your life savings to it, or are fabulously wealthy yourself.


    Also, have your character write out a business plan before making his proposal to banks/investors (complete with long-term objectives divided up into time periods, target markets, research, etc.), using his ranks in Profession (Businessman). Investors looooove business plans, and will give you better loans if you have a promising one.
    Last edited by Slipperychicken; 2012-10-27 at 09:10 AM.

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    PirateCaptain

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    If your DM allows you to, take the feat mercantile background. You can sell adventuring goods at 75% and once a month buy something at 75%. You could also go for a super high diplomacy and use the haggle rules for selling things at an insane price! Combine it with Landlord and you can get some insane stuff. Like buy a keep at 50% of the price, wait a good month and buy the ability to make it plane shift for 50%. Then use that as your base and storage unit. Or buy that super powerful sword and then resell it at like... twice the price!
    Last edited by Magnera; 2012-10-27 at 06:46 PM.

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    nedz's Avatar

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    You could always go for a Jann

    6 RHD +5 LA is ECL 11 for starters, but the skill points are solid.

    The Plane shift has limitations which are not mentioned in the SRD, so you need to check this in the MM.
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  23. - Top - End - #23
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    Flumph

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by Magnera View Post
    once a month buy something at 75%.
    Two words: Currency markets.

    Buy money. Buy LOTS of money. Make >33.33% profit every month. Watch your investors s*** their pants
    Last edited by Slipperychicken; 2012-10-27 at 09:36 PM.

  24. - Top - End - #24
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kobold

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    Default Re: How to build a planar trader?

    Quote Originally Posted by nedz View Post
    You could always go for a Jann

    6 RHD +5 LA is ECL 11 for starters, but the skill points are solid.

    The Plane shift has limitations which are not mentioned in the SRD, so you need to check this in the MM.
    Unfortunately they get limited Plane Shift at ECL 11 (2 levels after cleric). Bu I think I'll use a portal anyway - this gives me more freedom with character creation

    Quote Originally Posted by Magnera View Post
    If your DM allows you to, take the feat mercantile background. You can sell adventuring goods at 75% and once a month buy something at 75%. You could also go for a super high diplomacy and use the haggle rules for selling things at an insane price! Combine it with Landlord and you can get some insane stuff. Like buy a keep at 50% of the price, wait a good month and buy the ability to make it plane shift for 50%. Then use that as your base and storage unit. Or buy that super powerful sword and then resell it at like... twice the price!
    Quote Originally Posted by Slipperychicken View Post
    Two words: Currency markets.

    Buy money. Buy LOTS of money. Make >33.33% profit every month. Watch your investors s*** their pants
    Now that's some plan

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