Skill Check

Trade & Negotiations

artwork of an ancient port city full of trading

Skill Master: Position Vacant, Please Apply here
Rank Range: Rank 1 - 6
Topics: Trade Routes, Money, Bartering, Seafare, Merchants, Piracy, Trade During Conflict, Ambassadors, Diplomatic Relations, Employment
Books: Trade & Negotiations Vol 1.
Where to Go: Course Link


About Trade & Negotiations

Earning money and influence is a tricky thing, even in Isilendor. Whether you are haggling down a merchant for a fairer price or establishing a favourable political position, the skills learned throughout this course are extremely valuable.

Trade: You will learn how to navigate the markets and docks, how to barter and exchange goods or services for the best price, how best to understand trading vessels and routes across land or sea. Perhaps you wish to set up your very own business of alchemical wares, weapons, armour or offering up your skills in exchange for gold.

Negotiations: The political climate of Isilendor is tense at best. To become a great trader, one also needs to be well versed in the stability of the realm. Perhaps you wish to become an Ambassador for a local noble and negotiate terms of an alliance with a rival family. Maybe you are trying to secure a strong position next to the ruling class. You may also combine your negotiation tactics with knowledge of the market and earn riches beyond your wildest dreams.

At the end of the course you will be able to acquire theTrade & Negotiations Mastery Certificate.

Task: Roll for Trade & Negotiations

Complete ONE Trade & Negotiations assignment using ONE of the below prompts.
However, you cannot choose the prompt.
Message Victariah Rauxilfen who will roll a 20-sided dice (d20). The result will determine your prompt.

  1. You reveal exactly how badly you want the deal. The merchant immediately raises their price and refuses to budge. Worse, you accidentally insult their profession in the process.
  2. You are attacked by bandits while travelling on a trade route.
  3. You get scammed by a dodgy dealer. Now you're stuck with an unwanted item.
  4. A warehouse break-in leads to a loss of sales.
  5. You attempt to bluff your way through the negotiation, but the merchant immediately recognizes the lie.
  6. You successfully negotiate a lower price, but overlook an important condition hidden in the agreement.
  7. You reveal information that gives the other party an advantage. They use it to strengthen their position.
  8. You recognise that the merchant is exaggerating the value of their goods, but you don't know enough to prove it.
  9. You negotiate a modest discount by asking the right questions rather than demanding a lower price.
  10. You reach a fair agreement. Neither side gets everything they wanted, but both walk away satisfied.
  11. You get kidnapped by pirates. They try to make you a hostage for money. You escape by getting them drunk.
  12. You realise the person sitting across the table isn't the true decision-maker.
  13. While travelling, you come across a trader just when you needed extra supplies.
  14. You successfully trade something of little value to you for something significantly more useful.
  15. You identify a problem in the proposed agreement before signing it. By pointing it out respectfully, you prevent a future dispute.
  16. You use knowledge of the local market to negotiate an excellent price without insulting the merchant.
  17. You successfully negotiate a complicated trade involving several parties: a merchant, a guild, and a noble patron.
  18. You notice a subtle inconsistency in the merchant's story that suggests the goods may not be what they claim. Instead of accusing them, you use careful questions to uncover the truth.
  19. You turn a seemingly impossible negotiation into an opportunity by proposing an alternative form of payment
  20. You negotiate such a favourable agreement that the merchant asks to deal with you again in the future. You have gained not only profit but a valuable business relationship.


The Rules

  • After you have completed the assignment, message Victariah Rauxilfen.
  • The assignment does not need to be graded beforehand.
  • The assignment must meet lesson requirements (eg. format, questions answered).
  • If you choose a prompt without rolling the dice, it will not be counted for the reward.
  • Entry must be submitted by Monday 24th August at midnight.

The Prize


Wagon
When you have a wagon your home goes wherever you do, so travel about Isilendor with no worries and no fears. Whether for trade, travel or pleasure you'll always be ready to go with your trusty wagon and a friendly beast to pull it for you

For more detailed sources of information, see the following links:
Hall of Attainment
Guild Registry
Trade & Negotiations
Plot Information - Damage Calculator