This document is from the in-game help system. It describes how
our shops work. It specifically applies to the text-only version
of the game which is currently running, so bear in mind that where
this document indicates you must type something that this command
will be handled differently in a graphical interface

USING THE SHOPS
You should find the shops on Empires to be one of the most flexible, easy to
use shop systems you have ever encountered. Buying and selling here is a
relatively painless process that avoids many of the common problems, such as
accidentally buying or selling the wrong item. Here is a rundown on the
features we offer.


COMMAND OVERVIEW
buy, sell, list, value, ask, keep


BUYING ITEMS
buy (object)        - Buys the named object. Will convert among
                      different money types if you don't have
                      exact change. Things like 'buy dagger',
                      'buy wicked dagger', and 'buy dagger 3' are
                      all valid. You may also use the object's
                      number instead. See the ASK command.


SELLING YOUR POSSESSIONS
sell all            - Sells everything you are carrying.
sell (object)       - Sells a specific object you own. Example:
                      sell sword, sell dagger 3. If the object
                      you sell is a container, you will get
                      credit for every item within the container too.
sell (type)         - Sell everything of a certain type. Example:
                      sell swords, sell scrolls, sell knives


sell (object) from (container)
                    - Sell items from within bags. Example:
                      sell sword from bag, sell knife 3 from box 2


sell (type) from (container)
                    - Sell everything of a certain type from a
                      container. Example: sell swords from backpack


LISTING THE ITEMS FOR SALE - THE LIST COMMAND
list, or list all   - Lists everything available for sale.
list weapons        - Lists all weapons for sale.
list armors         - Lists all armors.


In fact, list (type) will work for anything. You can 'list knives', 'list
axes', 'list shields', 'list monkeys', and so on. The singular form works just
as well. 'list weapon' or 'list knife' functions just like the plural form,
listing all objects of that particular type.


APPRAISING YOUR ITEMS - THE VALUE COMMAND
value               - Lists the value of your entire inventory.
                      This shows everything in your containers,
                      not just the containers themselves.
value (object)      - tells you the value of that specific object.
                      If (object) is a container it will show the
                      value of everything inside it too.


BROWSING BEFORE YOU BUY - THE ASK COMMAND
The shopkeepers in all our stores are quite friendly, and eager to help you in
your purchasing decision. You can 'ask (shopkeeper) about (object)' and they
will tell you a little bit about the object, and how much it's worth.


Example: You go to the shop, and want to buy a dagger. You type 'list daggers'
and get a list like the following:


     134: A wicked dagger                           30 copper
      98: A pointed dagger                           2 silver
    2014: A really huge, silver and ruby dagger     67 gold


You want to compare the different daggers, and see which one you can afford.
You are interested in the pointed dagger. You could 'ask shopkeeper about
dagger', and he would tell you about one, but it would be the first one he
found, likely the wicked dagger. A better choice would be 'ask shopkeeper about
pointed dagger'. He would then tell you about that item. But then you decide
you'd like to see that third item. But if you're like me, you really don't feel
like typing: 'ask shopkeeper about really huge, silver and ruby dagger'. That's
where the numbers come in. You can simply 'ask shopkeeper about 2014'. Much
simpler. And if 'pointed dagger' was too long, you could have asked about 98
instead. You can also use the shopkeeper's name instead of 'shopkeeper'.
Whichever's shorter. :)


COST
You can find out the cost of items in a couple of different ways. One is to
list the type items you are interested in. The second is to ask the shopkeeper
about a specific item. See the information on the ask and list commands.


LOCKING ITEMS AGAINST ACCIDENTAL SELLING - THE KEEP COMMAND
It can be pretty aggravating. You spend hours getting that one perfect weapon.
Then you walk into the store and sell the wrong sword. It's gone. Well, guess
what? It won't happen here. You can lock any item against accidental selling.
Simply type 'keep (object)', where object is the item you wish to lock. The
shopkeeper will refuse to buy it until you unlock it. To unlock, type 'keep
(object)' again. Each time you do, it toggles the locked status. If you type
'keep' by itself it will list what items you are carrying that are locked. Type
'help keep' to find out more.

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