I'm a relatively new DM - I ran some games back in the early 80's, basic dungeon crawls and we had a great time. Today, I'm starting with some of the intro 5e campaigns. I'd like to get an opinion on this scenario:
My party is doing well with talking to NPC's using persuasion and intimidate and moving the story along by obtaining all the necessary information. They will be coming upon a rather strong adversarial NPC that where they will use the same techniques (instead of killing) and will likely convince this powerful NPC they are friends.
The NPC has a treasure chest with a key item to the story that can easily be handed over. The treasure chest also contains some nice items that the party would benefit to have. If the party and NPC are on friendly terms, what (if any) method or role play should be used for the NPC to hand over the other items (assume no killing)? The NPC is friendly, but, he certainly wouldn't hand over his magic items or the sum total of his wealth in gold pieces.
The NPC is initially very adversarial and will fight if necessary. Assuming the players roll intimidation and succeed, then, the NPC will be intimidated and not fight. Not friendly per se, but, willing to talk.
Once discussion begins, the NPC will give them an item to move the story along. There is nothing necessary for the story in the treasure chest, just all "nice to have".