[NobleNick]

Originally posted by Sever: I must say that this thread seems to have interests piqued across the board. Why is that? In helping NobleNick to enjoy this great game, have we reminded ourselves of why we enjoy it so?

Glad you guys see it that way. I'm beginning to blush a bit at how many posts are in this "newbie question" thread. I keep thinking I'll just start a new thread; but every question I come up with seems to belong here! And in keeping with the theme of noob questions....

I had been salivating over the Grand Master's Mortar and Pestle that lists for 4000 at Nalcarya's in Balmora. Finally saved up enough to get it. Bribed her to mid 90's and bought it for all the cash I had (about 1950). Then, since I was broke and had nothing better to do, I decided to see if she would buy it back for more than I had paid. Sure enough, her initial offer was MORE than she had sold it to me for! And, of course, I bid her up... and bought it back... and, well, to make a long story short: I walked in with about 1950 gold, and left with about 2700 gold, a GM Mortar & Pestal, a Masters' Retort, a Master's Alembic, a Master's Calcinator, about 4 earned levels in Merchantile, and Nalcarya's undying adoration.

Pumped up with this success, I went over to the pawn shop and did the same type of thing to get back some of the Dwemer coins that I had unloaded there. And, sure enough, the Balmora bookseller and Mage Guild Alchemist are also susceptible to my prince charming. Now, every trip back to Balmora includes a round of fleecing the merchants. Then use the cash to buy 10 to 20 advancements in anything I want. Make a short teleport to Vivec to test out the new skills; and rinse & repeat.

So, QUESTION #1: I know that what I am doing has *GOT* to be extremely cheesy, at the very least; but is this a bug? If not, why should you brave all the dangers of the cold and dark Dwemer ruins for 3 lousy cogs that net you 90 gold, when you can just make the rounds of friendly Balmora and pull down an easy 2000 from merchants who bow in deference as you enter their shops and kiss your feet as you leave?

Made it to Vivec; and am trying to get the armorer's contract. Tried to pick the door lock in sneak mode; but got caught. Surprisingly, he did not assault me (I remember that everyone reacted quite violently when I tried to pick the chest lock at Fatleg's); but the Ordinator wanted me to pay a 9 gold fine. So, QUESTION #2: In general, if I get caught picking door locks, is it just a fine (and lose your stolen goods)? It doesn't even affect the proprietor's attitude towards you? If so, I figure I'll drop all my stolen goodies, pick the door lock, turn myself in and pay the laughable 9 gold, and then pick my stuff up and carry on with my devious plans.

[ 11-21-2005, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: NobleNick ]