Yule Sale

Fidget's Magic Shoppe, midday

Inside this shop is a battle of order against chaos, there are nice orderly shelves with single items displayed proudly with (crudely) handwritten signs explaining what the device is and how much it costs, and on the other hand, there's just a pile of assorted 'stuff' behind a sales counter, and a disaster of magical crafting tools strewn across the counter. Fidget herself is definitely on the side of chaos, having decided to run a sale to get more people to come by and visit her store, she hadn't entirely planned for them all to arrive at once, so this normally empty, small room that gets one or at most two visitors at a time is now bustling and she's at a loss for how to manage all this.

She was clearly partway through making something when this happened, and she's off explaining to one potential customer that "If you accidentally activate that orb, then your next of kin bought it, and everything within 5 feet."

Mikilos enters quickly to shut the door against the cold, then pauses, letting his eyes adjust and trying to not bump into anything. Or anyone. Stepping aside to let others in (or out), the tall elf peers arond with open curiousity, absently rubbing his hands together from the lingering chill. Or maybe against the urge to touch something.

Ah, magic. Magic is by its very nature chaos. Sometimes corralled, sometimes channelled, but tamed? Good luck with that. Even Telamon knows better. And so the absolute -swarm- of people visiting Fidget's shop draws his attention. The half-elf steps in shortly after Mikilos, looking less fazed from the chill but more bemused at the crowd. "What the..." he says slowly, starry eyes widening a touch. Dressed in a long-sleeved, ruffled white silk blouse over black leather trousers and intricately embroidered boots, he looks amazingly out of place.

How long had there been a shop attached to the Tarrace? Clearly the small makari was in a rut, considering they had not stopped coming to the bathhouse and tavern, yet had failed to notice the place. Perhaps looking for some new was just the thing she needed.

The small makari had managed to cram herself into one corner of the room, balanced on the tip of their toes with surprisingly little effort, not that it helped too much to peer over anyone really. "Now what is actually on sale here?" They wonder out loud.

The sign outside had said "Sale! 5 off things that stab, explode or incinerate. 3 off all the boring things that don't do that."

As Merith steps through the door, the half-sil is met with a scene he was quite unprepared for. A dazzling array of people and objects all precariously crammed into this tight space. He starts to mutter, "Maybe this is a bad..." before catching himself, plastering a smile on his face and making his way slowly and carefully towards the shopkeeper.

Fidget does have trouble keeping track of all these people in the store, it's doubly hard to manage people when your head is at crotch height for most of them. She convinces that one customer to put down the orb, which they do very slowly and gently. The goblin laughs quietly to herself as she walks back to the main counter, they'd been holding a Pearl of Power. Valuable, useful, and not something you can accidentally activate not blow yourself up with.

To gain some height advantage so she can actually see and be seen, she clambers up ungracefully onto the shop counter, from where she can observe, scheme, and if necessary, yell at people.

Then Merith comes over and she beams a wide razor-toothed goblin grin at him, "You're new! Welcome to my shop! I've got many things that'll help you solve whatever problem you've got, or give other people new problems!"

Mikilos is in his typical Grey robes. A chaotic magic shop is one of the few places he -doesn't- look out of place. Looking over the selection with professional interest, he glances to the uppity g-.... 'the goblin who climbed up'.... and inquires; "Did you build these things yourself?"

Telamon has been in more than a few shops of high quality before, and he's deft enough to avoid brushing up against anything... especially expensive things. At one point he looks like he's trying to calculate an escape plan, but thanks to a couple people shifting next to him, winds up shoulder to shoulder with Merith. He turns to apologize, then does a double-take. "Say, are you related to Benvarius Glaur'ranala, by any chance?" The half-elf's face is open and cheerful.

Eztli continues balancing on her toes, using her tail to stabilize a bit as well. The sorceress blinks, and waves to the shopkeeper once she can actually see them. "Nice selection!" They offer, turning to look at the other newcomer. "Hey Telamon, you know them?"

Merith says, "I... Don't think so?", as shock briefly flashes over his face. Then, briefly considering what would be involved in this stranger knowing someone in his family. "Who is that?" he continues, looking the well dressed man over, and having completely forgotten Fidget's offer.

GAME: Fidget rolls knowledge/local: (17)+10: 27

"Most of them, yep. A few I needed help with - magic of the divine refuses to conform to proper arcane theory, so I need a cleric-y type to assist." Then she adds with a deliberately ominous tone, "...for now." and she gives a little grin at her probably-a-joke.

"He's a diplomat guy, I think?" she offers to Merith's blank expression, "From the Mythwood." she's a little surprised that bit of knowledge stuck, it doesn't seem like stuffy elf bureacrats are worthy of memory-space, she makes a note to replace that knowledge with something more fun later.

"Yep!" she replies to Etzli's compliment, "And as the sign over..." Fidget looks a little lostly around "...behind that huge Makari over there says, I can make most things to order, too. Almost anything you need!"

It's Telamon's turn to blink. "Huh." He tilts his head, looking at Merith. "I assure you it's not an insult. You look a lot like him is all. Maybe a distant relation?" He shrugs lightly with an engaging smile. "But where are my manners, sir? Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon at your service. Though..." He looks around at the crowd, "I don't think I'll be able to help with this crowd anytime soon." He waves to Fidget and Eztli. "Good day! What's the occasion?"

Mikilos nods in understanding, somewhat lacking in divine magics himself. Turning focus to Telamon and company, the tall elf eyes Merith a few moments and shrugs. "Ben Glaur'ranala? I can see it. Though I think is mostly just the same haircut."

"Beats me, I'd trust the others answer though, they're pretty smart." The small makari shrugs, only to stop, blink, and huff. "I don't know if Aelwyn's been lying to other people about average heights, or he put you up to that to make me feel better. Thanks though." They snort. "No occassion, just seems they're having a sale, and I thought I'd have a look! Seems to be popular enough, here."

"Oh, not an insult. I'm sure it's a compliment. He doesn't sound like someone I'd have met." Merith says as he and makes a mental note to look Benvarius Glaur'ranala more at a later date. "Good to meet you, sir. The name's Merith, and I'm fairly sure I don't have any family around here. I've not been here for long myself."

Then, with his curiosity temporarily sated, he turns back to the Goblin, "Hey, nice to meet you also. I've heard good things about this place. I'm sort of planning to run into something dangerous soon, an adventure-y sort of thing, haven't decided what yet." He catches his conversation wandering and finished, "So. What sort of stuff would you recommend for that?"

"With the winter festival coming up, people talk about the magic of the season. I figure they should try some actual magic!" The purple gobbo beams, "Plus what better gift to give someone than fire in the palm of their hand" she does a flourish and a tiny flash of flame bursts from her fingertips, "or the ability to snow indoors", and another flourish and a coin-sized snowflake appears on the tip of her finger, "Or just that you've eaten too much and you don't want to walk all the way to your pantry to get a drink.", and she gestures towards a bottle among the pile of 'stuff' in one of the corners and it floats over into her grasp.

To Merith's question, she pauses, "Not dying is also a pretty great gift to get yourself.", Fidget ponders, "Best thing for an adventurer on a budget? It would depend on what sort of adventuring you plan to do - are you, perhaps...a bard? A sorcerer, like Telamon here?" she's looked him up and down and cannot get a good feel for his battle style.

Mikilos says, “A magical light source tends to be useful and inexpensive, but most first purchase a magic weapon or armor. Handy in any sort of battle, which is where most adventurers get hurt. I generally reccomed thinking of a situation you can't currently deal with, aand try to shore up that weakness. others prefer to be very very good in their chosen area, and let other teammates make up the lacking area.”

"Ahh. Well, don't be a stranger. I try to keep an eye out for other half-sil here when I can." Telamon turns his eyes from Merith to Fidget, staring with a raised eyebrow. "A... little excessive, for the holidays. But she does have a good point. Spending cash on equipment now is much better than having full pockets and being injured -- or worse." He nods to Eztli. "Potions and elixirs of healing, or other effects, are good in a pinch. Enchanted blades or armor, or perhaps blades wrought of unusual metals -- not every creature can be wounded with steel, after all. It's all in how you approach your goals."

Eztli finally stands back down, and taps one horn a few times. "Healing potions. grab a couple, more that one to be safe. Not like they have an expiration date as far as I know, and you don't want to be caught with not enough." They offer. "Course, some better arms and armor might mean you don't need them too, but, hard to say. Might be time I got some of my rings and things updated, just in case something unpleasant tries to stab me or anything of that sort."

Merith is quite impressed with the wealth of experience he's benefiting from having tried this magic shop. He wonders if there's this much to learn all the time in this place.

Addressing Fidget: he says, "No, I've not yet worked out how to do this magic thing, or at least not intentionally, it's on my list of things to study when I get a moment though. Currently I'm mostly just planning to get in there and hit things, I've got a big sword back where I'm staying."

And then to the others he continues, "I think I might not quite have the funds for any of the fancier weapons or armour just yet, but I'll be back when I do and I think I'm sorted for light sources currently. Healing potions sound like a lifesaver though." turning back to Fidget, "Would those be more on the divine side?"

Mikilos nods to Merith. "I'd also reccomend planning out what you want eventually, and get starter versions of that. If you want a holy flameing greatsword, don't get flameing hammer just because it's discounted a little. Cheaper in the long run to save, than to try an find a buyer for a hammer you don't actually want. That said, don't be afraid to re-evaluate your plan as you grow in experience."

Eztli sighs, and rests their head against one hand. "When you say not intentionally, what'cha mean by that? Most folks usually have an idea if they've got a knack for magic at some point in their life." The small makari wonders. "Just asking since you know, pretty sure she's a wizard, he's a wizard, he's a sorcerer that I'm pretty sure does demonstrations at the college, and I dabble a bit in the arcane myself, so if it's something you're thinking about trying out, could just ask any one of them, you know?"

"Yes, healing potions, unfortunately, are one of the things I can't create. I am working on a theory to fix that, but it's still in the theory stages. I can, however, recommend a few shops and people who can help you with that." Fidget says, pointing at a sheet of paper and floating it into her hand, while the other rummages around in her petticoats for a writing implement. She scribbes with a pen on the paper, writing down a few names and addresses for Merith. It's just about legible.

"Might be a little expensive for most of the holidays, but that's what the sale is for!" she points out to Telamon.

"Many magical items can be augmented as well. Armor and weapons especially. It's expensive, obviously, but not -as- expensive as purchasing a whole new weapon or suit." Telamon runs a finger along his chin. "Don't skimp on nonmagical options, either. Alchemical tools and weapons aren't as flashy, but I've seen some very clever uses for flashpowder, thunderstones, and tanglefoot bags." He pauses, and looks wry. "I brought a fair number of those when I came here a couple years ago, because I didn't know what I might need. But they pack well and keep well. Oh! When you do get enough coin, invest in a bag of holding or handy haversack. Those things are -always- useful."

Merith takes Fidget's note, flips it over, and writes down Telamon's suggestions in notably better handwriting than the other side, adding an interrobang to the cheaper items and a small picture of a money-bag for the more expensive ones while saying, "Yeah, sometimes when I'm hitting things there are some interesting visual effects. I'll find out more I suspect as time passes."

Turning his attention back to Fidget he adds, "Uhh, I feel strange leaving without buying anything. And you've all been so helpful. How about: what's the cheapest thing you can sell me that will give someone else a problem to deal with?"

Mikilos nods to Telamon. "Haversacks are pricy, but ever so handy to have. Though I tend to shy from one shot items. Intellectually, I know they're a worthwhile investment. On a gut level, I dare not use the thingie now, what if I -really- need it later?"

Telamon grins at Mikilos. "Well, that's why you buy two, just in case. But it is a tradeoff. And there are some potions that can be handy in a pinch, much like scrolls or other devices." He pauses, looking thoughtful. "In the meantime, actually, let me look at something. I don't know if I need a specific -device-, but I might want to buy some supplies off you, Fidget..." He steps out of the press to talk to the shopowner for a bit.

"Well, noted. I guess you'll figure out things in time." Eztli chuckles quietly, mostly to herself. "I'm not sure if I'm just feeling restless and trying to justify some abrupt purchases, but I'll think about it. If I'm in a position a couple of percents are going to make a difference in a purchase, well, maybe I should rethink the thousands of gold I'm spending."

"Still, some more clothing stuff is always good, I hate shopping for those. Maybe some new sleeves?" They continue wondering out loud.

"Hmm, the cheapest thing that would be good for you in those situations..." Fidget ponders, rummaging through her mental list of items of significant use. "Probably the cheapest would be a low-level potion that's useful in combat. Perhaps an Enlarge potion? They'd only work for a brief moment if we were trying to minimize price, though. If we were talking about sleeves, one of the first things I made here in Alexandria was some Sleeves that I made for myself. Not very useful for combat, but..." the goblin fiddles with the sleeves of her outfit, and it magically transforms into an entirely different outfit - this one a monochrome, gothic-style sleek gown. "...you look like you like to be stylish."

Merith takes Fidget up on the potion, "I wasn't planning on being the problem in question, but that suggestion makes a lot of sense." and then turns to the other three, "Thanks Telamon and... I don't think I caught a name for you two. It's been helpful and delightful."

Mikilos smiles. "Mikilos Mithralla, I run the magic shop up on the Mountain Road, under the giant sword. Nice to meet you."

"Yes, yes, exactly those!" The small sith-makar enthuses. "Gods, do you know how horrible finding clothes is? anything made for makari, and thats already rarer by default is most likely to be twice my size, and anything small, well, scales shred through anything made for a gone usually." They continue with a quiet huff. "You hace any ready, or is it a made to order thing? I'll leace Telamon there for now since he's probably spending more."

"Oh, names Eztli, nicee to meet you!" She greets, realizing she had not introduced herself. "Figured I'd give my two copper if it wasn't unwelcome."

Merith smiles at the two of them. "See you around", he says before waving goodbye and heading out the door.