Airshark says:
... Just thought it would be nice to not knowingly carry around an expensive object ...
That is indeed a cool concept. I expect we can do that as well, with any item, but, of course, it is more cool when it is an item that has some history (like being given by a friend).
Airshark says:
... If it has to be something that improves roald's life now ...
It does not have to be, it does not have to be anything mechanical at all —take
Albert's booze :)— but
Phil thinks it is a worthy reward for your saving her life, so don't insult her. :)
Airshark says:
... guns ... I don't think we encountered one before, so those are probably very rare. ...
And the ammo and powder are even rarer. If we are interested in seeing more guns, then we can have them be a bit more prevalent in the new area we are going to? It is up to you guys.
Airshark says:
... probably more effective in scaring people away than doing actual damage ...
They do the same damage as bows and such. Their value is mainly in the fiction, as you say: loud noises are scary. Their 'cost' is also mainly in the fiction since it is relatively easy to make new arrows, and even shot ('bullets') can be made without too much trouble, but making gunpowder is currently beyond your abilities, so that will have to be rationed very carefully till you find a source, it is also dangerous to transport.
That said. A gun with a little power is well within the bounds of what Phil might have for you, if you want it. Just don't accidentally blow your own head (or even foot) off while learning how to use it. :)
Airshark says:
... So a bow for Roald please. ...
Sure, if that is what you want. And we can have it turn out to be more than meets the eye at some point.
Airshark says:
... Roald still has his glowing sword and dagger ...
And he still has Armour, which was half of your starting gold. So I don't expect replacing backpacks and cloaks (maybe Lady also has a special cloak for you? Feel free to add that.) and such to come anywhere near exceeding your 'budget'.
We can also treat this a bit like
Adventuring Gear in
Dungeon World:
Adventuring gear is a collection of useful mundane items such as chalk, poles, spikes, ropes, etc. When you rummage through your adventuring gear for some useful mundane item, you find what you need and mark off a use.
So you can declare later that there is something in the stuff you got that is useful to solve the problem you face now.