A Purfect Collection
Type: Vendor (Magic Animals, possible Enchanted Items, Possible Text)
Description
In a mostly open area at the edge of the fair grounds, a little girls laughing voice calls attention to what at first appears a small camp built around a tree. A sun shade it tied to the tree under which an old and obvious Magus can be seen nodding off in a comfortable chair, his feet kicked up on a large pack baring his bony legs to the knees. Drawing closer a rope can be seen laid on the ground in a circle around it about 20 paces across. Several kittens run and play throughout, with a little girl cheerfully calling out and directing them. They are chasing an array of toys to see to move, leap, and dodge on their own. Leaning against the tree causally keeping an eye out is an armed warrior. A sign drawn in a shaky hand reads "Mag-ical Kittiez for Sale".
Background
Hailing from a Covenant in the [nearest neighboring]Tribunal, the Magus decided to make the trip when he realized that he did not want to keep the litter of kittens his familiar bore for the next several years till their own Tribunal. It also gave him an excuse to travel, trade for a few things, and catch up with old friends.
After a night of too much catching up with old friends however, he has decided to let his young apprentice keep an eye on the kittens while he rest his as much as he can. She painted the sign and is extremely proud of herself for it. His shield grog and familiar are watching over things so he is comfortable that nothing will get out of hand.
The exact lineage of the Hermetic Cats is not listed, though they should all be the same [See RoP:M p.70]. They are as intelligent as humans and make great familiars. However not only do you need to convince them, you need to convince their mother. Imagine picking up a girl for a date and meeting her mother, only her mother can turn into a bobcat with inch long steel claws.
The exact house and specialty of the Magus is also not given in detail, since he can easily be customized as a contact for further play. Give him a specialty close to a PC looking for someone to become pen-pals with. Add something like a high quality text on that specialty resting on his chest as he naps.
Personalities
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Magus Vincent of [House]: An overly skinny man of Germanic decent, he will be mostly napping unless someone attempts to engage him or buy a kitten. For simple questions or if asked a price, he will sputter awake with hums and puffs, before giving an answer and drifting back into snores. If questioned on his specialty he will come awake nearly instantly and focus intently on them. All his tiredness will seem to disappear and he will have an almost manic like energy. He is always looking for those who share his interest to exchange letters and text with.
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Lya (Apprentice): A button cute little girl of Frankish decent, she has mischievous brown eyes and massive dimples. She is missing her front tooth that is instantly obvious with her constant smiles and laughter. Taking her job as serious as only a child can, she will greet all visitors and introduce them to the kittens. Often distracted having to shout at and "rescue" the kittens from trouble, she will begin to apologize only to be interrupted by the next "emergency". Play her overpoweringly cute and friendly, before having the ruthless negotiator come out if anyone actually tries to get a price from her rather than Vincent. Start at double or triple the price, bring out the tears and sniffles, make her devastating. She is intelligent (adult will be Int +4) and totally willing to use her age and cuteness to her advantage.
[Note: Vincent has shared his PM with her, so she is not affected by the Gift] -
Ludia (Familiar): A smooth and glossy pouncer with large gem-like eyes, she will appear mostly standoffish since she is actually the one keeping watch on her kittens and looking for matches. She will attempt to direct people to kittens she feels will work well together. While the kittens can not speak, she can and with what a voice. Think of the breathless voice of Marilyn Monroe. She will attempt to 'up sell' people to buy a kitten their favorite toy as a good way to start their relationship. If needed, she has the Puffed Up & Hissing power along with +3 damage claws.
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Gunner (Shield Grog): A sturdy German man in his mid thirties, Gunner has spent most of his time in service on expeditions and as a member of his Covenants vanguard. He was moved to his current position as a semi-retirement. He is unflappable and casual, having faced great beast and even a (small) dragon. Nearly any interactions with him will be answered non-verbally or with a single syllable. 'Head tilt and stare', "Ahh", "Yep", "Sa Poss"
Products, General
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Hermetic Kittens: Most of the kittens for sale. All are Spring Hermetic Cats, about six months old. There is a mix of males and females. There should be one that fits the gender and personality requirements for any PC looking for a match, though they might have to try out a few. Asking price is 5 pawns of Vis, though Vincent can be talked down to 3 pawns. Lya will ask for 10 or 20 pawns and you would be lucky to get her down to 5. However she will remember those who buy through her and be friendly with them her whole life.
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Satis (Hermetic Kitten): This little girl the the pick of the litter, though she should not be a perfect match for any of the PCs. Lya has already decided that she will take her. Vincent will ask for normal price, while Lya will refuse to sell her and raise a full on tantrum if someone tries to buy her through Vincent. If the PCs buy her they will have to break a little girls heart and gain a motivated enemy that will never forgive them. Lya will still be attempting to cause them trouble a century later.
Products, Special
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Cat Toys (Enchanted Item): There are several enchanted toys that are useful to distract and entertain the cats. None of the ones at the Fair are new, all bearing some wear. See this post for some options. Vincent will throw one in if asked for those who do not haggle over the price of a kitten, but ask 2 pawns for one from those who do. These means a kitten and their favorite toy will be 5 pawns total, haggling or no haggling. Vincent planned this ahead of time, though is tired enough that he will forget to include a toy if not asked.
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Cat Toys (Lab Text): In his pack is a couple of copies of Text on creating the toys. He brought them to offer a friend, but they already had a few of them and so he has them in his pack. If asked about text he will bring up that he has them and ask half market value for them.
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Tractatus: Vincent also has a book or two that he has finished reading in his pack that he was planning on swapping. PCs who engage him about his specialty will be offered to swap text. They are average Quality for your Saga (normally ~8). If he likes the PC than he will even let them take one now with the promise to sent him a comparable text in a season or two. Failure to do this is breaking the Oath and could have bad consequences (Theft of Magical Power).