The Scholar's Emporium
Type: Vendor (Writing Equipment, Gauntlet Gifts)
Description
Located near the many book dealers waves a banner baring a quill and ink pot. As you draw closer a luxurious tent of heavy felt, dark grey with hints of purple, springs into view. A slow but steady stream of Magi wander in and out, the rich smell of leather and inks wafting on the breeze of their passage. Stepping through the flap reveals several rows of metal and wood shelves, bearing all manner of writing implements offered up to your eye. A thick rug pads the ground and combined with the tents thick material cut out almost all external sounds. Enchanted lanterns glowing brightly are scattered about, making it easy to examine all the goods offered for sale. A soft cough draws your attention to a well dress scholar who has seemingly sprung up next to you from the ether. "Welcome my friends, welcome to the Emporium..."
Background
The Order has a long history of presenting gifts to a freshly gauntleted Magus. Since they are scholars, these gifts are traditionally the tools of the trade. Writing implements and fine inks for new brothers and sisters of a more intellectual bent, while items like pen knifes for those more martial. However for those of means just presenting a gift of common quality is beneath them. For the quality of your gift directly reflects upon you.
The Redcaps, while not alone in the idea, will certainly strive to fulfill this market. While there will be many such merchants scattered across the Order drawing upon the Redcap network to obtain their goods, the best will be the boutiques offering bespoke products. And besides, you might just find that perfect new writing implement for yourself.
Since so many members of the Order wander through, they also serve as a great place for picking up gossip. Players interested in the goings on of the Order can pick up many interesting tidbits, as long as they are friendly with the proprietor and properly weigh their palm.
Personalities
- Vincent of Mercere (Redcap): Baring a mix of the traits you would find in a scholar and a good butler, Vincent comes across as well educated and subservient. Patrons are spoken to as if they were a visiting lord, and he their humble servant ready to bring forth all manner of delights to fulfill their desires. Then he slips into the background, seemingly disappearing entirely until needed again. While a great source of potential gossip, his manner can easily cause those he is serving to let slip something others might find interesting.
[He has Stealth (Shadowing) 5 and Intrigue (Gossip) 5]
There are many of his ken who serve as stockers and runners. They are used to Magi and will be polite if spoken to, though generally leave the selling to him.
Products
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Feathers: These range across all manner of flight feathers, from common but high quality goose to the exotic and rare. Peacock, swan, flamingo, and crane feathers of all colors are available. For those of more discerning taste there are even those from mystical beast. Most are available for silver, though the more rare might cost a pawn of vis.
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Reed Pens: Some Magi rather a nib pen over a quill and these are on offer as well. Single piece or with swappable metal nibs. Bodies made from a range of materials, there are reed, wood, and metal on offer. One or two are even available with an internal reservoir. Most are available for silver, though the most rare might cost a pawn of vis. Custom orders accepted.
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Inks: The selection of inks is specifically focused on exotics rather than usable. Sold in small quantities primarily to serve as a prestigious gift rather than for use in serious work. A few could serve as Resonant components.
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Accessories: Fine quality ink wells, pots, and penknives are all on offer. Writing and presentation boxes take up their own whole section. While all are for sale, they also serve as a representation of the custom work that can be made for that just perfect gift.