Cordir's Auction Rules

[Cordir]

1) When I see more than 15 mortals online, I will auction something fun. (Not mind boggling. Fun. It may be one item. It may be more. Depends on what I managed to random recently / find in my bags. It will be no more than 9 items: 3 leathers, 3 jewels, 3 metals.)

2) If you bid on an item and do not have the funds to back up your bid (thus wasting my time and everyone else's), I will kill you and eat your corpse. No excuses. No waiting. No exceptions.

3) For double the price of the item, or 50,000 gold, whichever is MORE, I will restring any item I sell.

4) If the auctions are interrupted by a mortal selling an item on auction, the auction stops.

5) If an item does not sell, the auction stops.

6) Bids in 1k increments only, please. 5k preferred.

7) I do not like "merchant" characters purchasing the items I sell, with the intent of re-selling them later for profit. This makes me extremely cranky as items are generally sold well below their true value. I hold auctions for the enjoyment of the mud as a whole; not for the profit of an individual. If I believe you are a merchant doing this in one of my auctions, I will likely void your bid at the very least. Additional repercussions may occur.

8) I reserve the right to adjust these rules at any time, with or without warning.

Turn-Offs That Make Me Want to NOT run an auction:
People grumbling that I never sell object XYZ, and then I sell item XYZ, and no one bids or it goes for 5k.

(Updated October 1, 2011: The wiki version was more current than this post.)

[morgaine]

I love the auction format. It encourages people to stay logged in when the numbers are high, and it encourages people to ask others to log in when the numbers are almost there. Also the restring alone is a huge motivation to compete for the item, and theres something that feels good about winning an immortal auction.

Thank you so much,

-Morgaine

[Eathor]

Cordir, you rock.

[Cordir]

:) Glad folks like.

[Cordir]

Addendum For Clarity: "having the gold" means that you have it in your possession or you are standing at Mish waiting to withdraw. It does not mean "it's on mish and I will get to it eventually," or "will borrow from friends, they're on their way to log in," or "Hey, I'm good for it," or .... it means Having The Gold. If you aren't sure: Don't bid.

[Krouk]

I’m looking for some clarification on something I understand to be a recent addition to the auction rules. The following conversation occurred after I purchased a lvl 28 health amulet for 300K given the stipulation that the item is not for resale.

You say (in common), 'just so im clear.'.
You say (in common), 'does no resale also mean no trading?'.
Cordir says, 'Yes.'.
You say (in common), 'ok'.
You say (in common), 'does this apply to all of the items you auction.'.
You say (in common), 'ooo'.
(she just gave me the beautifully restrung amulet – love it btw!)
(Artifact magic) an Amulet of Health bearing a spider sigil
Cordir says, 'Yes'.
Cordir says, 'LOOK WARNING'.
This amulet was created by Cordir. Should it be resold, she will be cranky.
You say (in common), 'so for everyone, not just me right?'.
Cordir says, 'I don't like merchants. Period.'.
You say (in common), 'well the amulet is beautiful'.
Cordir says, 'so anyone who is advertising merchant services, I'm not happy when they buy my stuff'.
You say (in common), 'cause i see other people buying your stuff and reselling it.'.
Cordir says, 'because oftentimes, my stuff goes for way below market value.'.
You say (in common), 'right'.
Cordir says, 'and I am not here to be a profit for someone eles.'.
You say (in common), 'and thats why they buy it too'.
Cordir says, 'else.'.
Cordir says, 'and if I see it, I will not be happy. From anyone.'.
Cordir fades into the Pattern.


You cant, 'ok anduin, i cleared it up. You can't sell or trade that 6con 3hr about body you bought for 100k'.
Anduin cants, 'that was never a stipulation'.
Anduin cants, 'for that particular sale'.
You cant, 'it is always a stipulation.'.
Cordir cants, 'Krouk, as soon as you're my spokesperson, you can make pronouncements on my behalf.'.
You cant, 'i just got clarification.'.
Cordir cants, 'Until then, don't speak on my behalf.'.
You cant, 'well this isn why i just sought clarification from you.'.
Cordir cants, 'I said, I do not like merchants.'.
You cant, 'it is a label'.
Cordir cants, 'And I don't like people making money off the things I auction.'.
You cant, 'the merchanting activity is practiced by everyone.'.
Jashon cants, 'Not everyone'.
Wistom cants, 'well i would love to buy for 100.001k that '.
Ink cants, 'I have an idea... lets bicker to the point where all the fun is drained out of this and Cordir stops doing auction'.
Cordir cants, 'Ding Ding Ding'.
You cant, 'when one char is allowed to buy a +9 at 100k for resale and I am not allowed to purchase for resale it is prejudice against my character.'.
Wistom cants, 'and i wouldn't trade it that is my offer'.
Jashon cants, '/agree.'.
Wistom cants, 'i was joking i am poor as hell'.
Wistom cants, 'and i still love the auctions '.
Anduin cants, 'lol poor Wistom'.
Anduin cants, 'I love you Wistom'.

First of all, I would like to apologize. Cordir is absolutely correct in stating that I am not her spokesperson. Instead of speaking for her, I should kindly ask her to clarify the information for everyone.
If it is her intention that the items auctioned should only be purchased by people who are going to use them, then that is both reasonable and fair. It should however be made clear to the entire realm, as I have witnessed the purchase and resale of such items on numerous occasions.
I am confused, because items are often - and obviously purchased with the intent to resell by other characters. One example is the incredibly potent +6 con +3 hr thuggable about body that was previously purchased for 100k by a mage ranger thief.
Please Cordir, I would greatly appreciate it if you would clarify your statement. I feel as though it is merely a discriminatory action against me and the other 1 or 2 legitimate merchants in the game.

[Bliss]

After reading the above log, I have only one comment: Wistom....you're not entirely broke. Natilena stole 100k from you and gave it to me! Muhahaha! So I have that money for you, consider me a no-fee banker. Sadly, I'm also a no-interest banker as well :(

[Cordir]

Please Cordir, I would greatly appreciate it if you would clarify your statement. I feel as though it is merely a discriminatory action against me and the other 1 or 2 legitimate merchants in the game.

Ok, I thought I was pretty clear the first time, but here goes:



Cordir says, 'I don't like merchants. Period.'.
Cordir says, 'so anyone who is advertising merchant services, I'm not happy when they buy my stuff'.
Cordir says, 'because oftentimes, my stuff goes for way below market value.'.
Cordir says, 'and I am not here to be a profit for someone eles.'.
Cordir says, 'else.'.
Cordir says, 'and if I see it, I will not be happy. From anyone.'.
Cordir fades into the Pattern.

[Krouk]

Actually, a restatement of the ambiguous terms does nothing to add clarity to your auctions.

I asked for this clarity because you frequently sell items that are obviously being purchased for resale. In our previous conversation it is difficult to understand if these limitations are reserved for the people you don't like. I know you say, "from anyone"... but you have only made an effort to limit the purchases I make, and you only place special warnings on the items I buy.

I have been approached by other characters whom share both my curiosity and inability to discern a direct statement from the log that was posted. Even though it may have seemed clear to you, it is still a log that I posted - and as you said, I am not your spokesman.

We are seeking a direct definition of your rule, so that all characters on tfc understand what we are allowed to purchse, and what we are allowed to do with said purchased items. If there is such a rule, then it only seems approptiate to post a concise explination with the other rules stated at the beginning of this thread.

-Krouk

[wish]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am 100% clear on Cordir's auction rules. She sells stuff. We buy stuff. She doesn't like it if we buy something and resell it. Don't do it.

As she states, she especially does not like players who tout themselves as "merchants" because such a title automatically implies that they are looking to make a profit from things they buy. You are at a disadvantage. Would you be better off NOT publically touting the "merchant"moniker? Probably. Life is tough, its your choice. Still, anyone who buys and sells at a profit takes the risk that Cordir will not be happy.

[ink]

I'm with Wish. Its completely clear. I'm not sure if you are throwing a hissy fit because you actually don't understand the rules or because you think they are unfair, but either way its quite childish. I don't think they can be clarified any better.

As for other people buying things that are for resale:
1) I have seen *many* things purchased as gifts for friends or following members.
2) I have seen *many* things purchased because Cordir is also pretty clear about the fact that if no one buys things in her auctions they will not continue.
3) I have seen *many* things purchased for the Pit.
4) I have seen *many* things purchased just for the sake of helping the economy.
5) I have seen *many* things purchased just because people know that Cordir doesn't just hog the gold but uses it toward something fun for everyone (such as a quest).

Wow, those are fun times when you think about all the good that these auctions bring to everyone's enjoyment! QUIT RUINING IT BY BEING A BABY, IT MAKES CORDIR NOT WANT TO BE FUN.

[Cordir]

Original post updated to match the wiki and address current concerns.

[Drizzt]

Pretty cut and dry. You buy it: You own it. You sell it: You risk yourself and the purchaser's time/gear/anger from a Goddess. I'd imagine the Lady wouldn't care if said items were *given* away, but that's the only option aside from keeping it that I currently see.

[boromir]

Hi,

I have a straightforward solution!

If someone is a merchant, then Cordir can give them the option of buying the item at market value - 3%. That way, the item generates more gold for all the stuff Cordir does and the merchant gets an item they can sell and make a profit on.

The merchants' profit margin is down but what the hey ... they can still purchase the item!

If someone finds Cordir's rules too restrictive, then buy items from others players !

Easy! Straightforward!

I await your considered opinoins! ::up::

[Krouk]

As the auctioneer - Cordir maintains the ability to set minimum bids. She also gets to decide when to auction, and what to offer for sale. I completely agree with you Boromir, because I do pay very close to the fair market price for items. My purchases have only ever done just that - increased the amount of gold collected for quests. I increase the competition in the auction, thus making it more difficult for people to buy items at well below market value; however, people also bid me up because they know that I have gold and that I can afford it. In the end, If a merchant is actively participating in the auction the final sale prices will increase. (Creating more gold for the quest fund.)

Here's an inside look at every item I have purchased from Cordir, and the prices I have paid for them:


ac 5 +5 da non metal onbody. - 250K

+1 AC to an item - 100K

ac 4 +4da non metal wrist - 100K

+3da +2dmg ring - 225K

level 28 health amulet - 300K

a pair of scale mail gloves [mm|AC 7 dmg:3 luc:2 7#] - 125K


a random bag of 4 items totaling +20 of the same stat: - 300K
ac 8 5wis metal leggings
ac 9 5wis 3ac metal shirt
ac 6 5wis non metal hands
ac 5 5wis non metal waist


While I profited 100K on the ring, I lost 50K on the gauntlets and much more on the bag of wis.
Given the current item fine code, we win some - and we loose some. We can't buy everything and
we can't hold onto anything forever.

It is my oppinion that the presence of merchants during such auctions are the only way to represent
a free market society and offer stability to whatever effect it has on the economy.

Unfortunately for me, I do not agree with how the complaint against merchants has been presented.
I am not a selfish merchant that hogs all of the profits and drives gold out of the quest fund. I'm
another player on tfc trying to build the best equipment set I can. It's not easy for a single class thief.
People are angry that I DO pay market value, I won a few auctions...and i bid them up on the ones
i lost. (Increasing gold for the quest fund).

The reason I dislike this rule (besides the fact that it is directed at an extreme minority within the
character base) is that It eliminates the real competition and decreases gold intake in exchange for
the ability of those present to purchase Elite items for pennies on the dollar. Because there are so
few people present at a live auction, and many of them are friends or within the same following, and
many don't have a need for the items listed. Sans outside competition some items are gauranteed
to sell far below market value - in the instance of the +6con +3hr about body, just 100k, where the
minimum bid was set.

Frankly, after the outrage over "Mas' toy chest", and the adjustment of limiteds throughout the realm.
It seems strange that rules would be enforced to limit the competition for elite immortal found items.

Krouk

[Cordir]

OK, Krouk, you win.
No more auctions for a while.

[ink]

Sad to see them go and even sadder to see the level of disrespect/lack of appreciation that got us here. See my post above if you still don't understand what exactly we are losing.

[Anduin]

Everyone pk Krouk until we get our auctions back.