People come into my shop for one of three reasons: they know they want to buy something, they're bored, or they have to go to the bathroom.
The people in the last group are the most fun to watch.
- Basen Koh, unprompted
A merchant's guild worker called Reid's name as he stepped off the lift into the trade floor. Reid recognized the man as the guild official he'd worked with to set up selling the binding potential necklace.
"Good morning and great timing, Mr. Aveno. Just got word back that your appointment time is set for this afternoon, third bell."
That was sooner than Reid expected, but it was great to hear.
"Thanks for the quick turnaround! Where is the meeting? Here?"
"Indeed. You'll take the lift to the fifth floor, where we have meeting rooms. A guild official will be present to record the sale and contract completion, but they won't take part in the negotiation. Just come with the item and your negotiating face."
Reid didn't think he had a negotiating face. Maybe he could work on that at the shop later. Kris seemed pretty good at seeing through people's false faces.
"Perfect. I don't think I asked, but if this happens again, what happens if I don't stop in before the meeting? Like, if I hadn't come in this morning? Would it get rescheduled?"
"There's a whole policy. We ask for a few times from both parties and pick out a couple that work. We'd send a runner to your listed home and workplace to let you know. If no one can contact you beforehand, we will inform the other party about the appointment change. They do hear about the initial meeting time in addition to the change, so it's often wise to make sure that you can receive and check messages at home or work. Avoiding rescheduled appointments keeps your deals moving and your customers happy."
"That's good advice. Thanks. I'll be back this afternoon."
The man nodded and recorded his response.
Reid passed Tassis sitting at a table instead of the usual bench near the wall. Reid didn't greet the corva, as Tassis was bent over a large tome—their beak nearly brushing the page. The remainder of the trade floor was empty, save the guild officials preparing for their day.
Before looking at the notice boards, Reid found a paper notice taped above the regular notices. A notice about notices? A notice notice, perhaps? Reid stopped trying to think of a better way to describe the document before the word "notice" lost all meaning to him.
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Guild Notice
The Royal Avennish Merchant's Guild is looking for help with the upcoming Curio Auction. Guild assistants will help set up and tear down the auction space, register and distribute information to participants, and handle the storage of auction items.
Payment is based on guild rank and time worked, with a baseline of four merits per hour. See the main desk guild clerk to sign up.
For more information on the Curio Auction, see the board notice or inquire at the main desk.
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"Curio Auction?"
Reid hadn't heard of that. He found the related posting on one of the other boards. It was similar to an item wanted notice.
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Auction Item Listing Notice
Any Star Rating
Any Aspect
The Royal Avennish Merchant's Guild is opening up item listings for the upcoming annual Curio Auction.
Item eligibility will be assessed by guild officials, but the spirit of the auction is in the sale of unusual magic items.
If an item provides a rare or unique ability, contains a rare or unique aspect, or has an artifact descriptor as assessed by a certified identifier, it is likely eligible for sale at the auction.
Items will be held in trust before and during the auction, with security provided by the Dusk Guild.
20 Merit Listing Fee + 5% Guild Commission on auctions
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Reid pulled the notice off the board, and a copy of the paper appeared in its place. The post didn't tell him when the auction was, but he was interested in both sides. They could potentially sell a couple things, and Reid was interested in working the event, even if it was just to experience it from behind the scenes.
A quick scan of the remaining boards didn't give him anything new. Tassis was still busy, so Reid headed downstairs. Kenagavis hadn't been at the desk when he'd arrived—the first floor had been completely empty—but the orkenna was tidying up stacks of papers when Reid returned to the lobby.
"Good morning, Reid. I heard there was a bit of a stir at the arena yesterday."
"Yeah. Basen and Desmond Sands fought an exhibition match. I might have encouraged Basen to do it."
"Well, he's certainly the topic of conversation today. I'm not sure everything I've heard is good, but whatever happened certainly outshone conversation about the original duel."
Kenagavis noticed the paper in Reid's hand. He nodded at it.
"Is there something I can help you with this morning?"
"There is. What's this Curios Auction? I might be interested in signing up to assist if the timing works out."
"Of course," Kenagavis said, sitting in his chair. Even sitting, he was nearly as tall as Reid standing. "The Curios Auction is an annual auction where we ask for the most unique items people can find. It's more lasting tradition than beneficial event from a guild perspective. The items up for auction are valuable to collectors and often come from private parties rather than merchants. It was meant to serve as an in-road between our merchants and magic item collectors, but that has never developed into a substantial connection."
"So now it's just tradition?"
"More or less. The guild does make some proceeds from the listings, and we build some considerable goodwill. The auction is open to the public, and there's usually quite a crowd of watchers who want to see the unique items being sold. Those make it worthwhile to host."
"When is it?"
"In a month. The event is a two day affair, held just outside the eastern gate. If you're interested in assisting as a guild member, simply let me know within the next two weeks."
Reid nodded. "I'll think about it. Thanks, Kenagavis. Is there a time limit on listing items?"
"They simply need to be registered and verified before the auction begins."
This was another thread that Reid had to keep track of. For all that his Ledger provided a wealth of information at a glance, it couldn't remember everything for him. He pulled out a sheet of paper on which he'd written his list of tasks.
Right below "Ask how much our stall in the Grand Market costs," he wrote "Ask Basen if we should sell anything at the Curios Auction."
Reid waved farewell to Kenagavis and headed to the shop.
When he arrived, he wasn't surprised to find the shop closed, but he was surprised at the line of people waiting in front of the door. Six people waited, lined from the door to just past the bay window. Two people pointed at things in the front display and chatted, excitement evident in their faces.
Unsure what to do, Reid stopped behind the last person in line.
"Hey, uh. Sorry. What are you waiting in line for?"
The young woman hooked a thumb over her shoulder toward the shop.
"This is Basen Koh's shop, innit? Waiting for it to open."
The woman hadn't said she was waiting to see Basen but for the shop to open. Hopefully, they wouldn't be too disappointed with him instead of the True Mage.
"Oh! I can help with that."
Some of the others heard and turned toward him.
Reid swallowed a little nervous energy. He walked past the group and spoke in a clear voice.
"I'm Reid, and I work for Basen here at the Immaculate Collection. Please come in and explore what we have to sell. I don't know when Basen will be in, but don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions!"
He reached the door and managed to unlock the door without fumbling. He opened the store and walked in. He flipped the sign in the window. The group looked uncertain.
"Please, come on in!"
They filed in. Reid sat behind the counter and smiled to himself. There were people in the store! Not just one person either, but a whole crowd.
Two groups of two and two individuals spread out to look at the items on offer. Reid studied them to get an impression. The pair who had been pointing through the window earlier were laughing and chatting, pointing out every new and interesting thing they saw. Reid liked their enthusiasm, but they didn't look as serious about buying as they were about exploring the space. That was alright. Reid knew Basen's name would attract gawkers and people who didn't want to buy anything.
The next pair looked at the items more carefully. It was a man and a woman, around the same age—mid twenties, Reid guessed. They would read descriptions, and occasionally, the man would lean over and point out a particular item to the woman. She would look it over and think for a moment before shaking her head.
They would be spending customers, he thought. The woman was trying to find something that appealed to her, and the man was trying to help her choose. Reid would ask her for her story when they finished their first loop.
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The individuals were harder to read because they didn't reveal anything about themselves by communicating with another person. They rounded the shop and examined items. A middle aged man in humble but bright clothing picked up a flute, and his eyes lit up. Reid should probably tell people about his mark when they enter the shop. Or at least put up a sign. The man studied the flute intently, and Reid brought up the information from his Ledger. The shop had only one flute, so finding it took only a thought.
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Lesser Magic Flute of Performance
* 2 Star Musical Instrument
* Bindable
* Binding grants the ability to play this instrument with advanced skill.
* Once per day, the binder can enhance their playing ability, becoming an instrumental virtuoso for one hour.
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The flute was one of those items that wouldn't help a mage with power. Reid loved the idea of being able to play a musical instrument without practice. He'd left a guitar in his room when he left Glarrus, resigned to the truth that he would never take the time to learn how to play it. Perhaps his little brother Eric would pick it up.
"Excuse me," someone said, snapping Reid out of his brief distraction.
The woman he'd first spoken to outside stood at the desk holding a small mirror.
"Good morning! What can I help you with?"
She held up the mirror.
"How much for this?"
Reid took the mirror and read the description.
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Lesser Magic Mirror of Looking
* 1 Star Utility
* Bindable
* Grants the binder the ability to see behind themselves.
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This was one of the items that Reid had spent some time pondering. He felt like the ability was better than some two star effects. Great awareness was a valuable thing to have. At the same time, one star made sense. All the magic did was let the binder see a little more. Sure, people didn't know the binder could see behind themself, but it was also magic that could essentially be replaced by simply turning your head.
As for price, this item was one star with no aspect. Reid priced those at two gold to start, but he valued the utility of this item pretty highly. He glanced up at the woman. Her face betrayed nothing. It was exactly the kind of expression Reid thought he should wear during negotiations. He couldn't glean anything from her.
Except, perhaps, that she knew there would be a negotiation. Either she didn't care too much about the price, or she didn't want to give anything away. She'd found this item quickly. Too quickly? Reid didn't know. Maybe she was testing him. If she thought he was a pushover, then maybe she'd find something more valuable and really try to squeeze Reid.
He could deflect and ask what about the item appealed to her, but that question didn't seem appropriate for an item like this. Reid knew he was getting lost in pointless conjecture and assumptions, so he settled on a high opening price.
"This is a real gem of a utility item. I'd be willing to part with it for three gold," he said with a smile. He set down the mirror on the counter between them.
She studied his face for a moment, then let some confusion and annoyance bleed onto her face. The shift had been quick enough that it might have been a natural response, but he'd bet she was trying to read him.
"For a one star item? Psh. One gold is more than fair," she said, pulling out one gold coin and setting it on the counter. She slid it toward him.
Reid set a finger on the coin and slid it back. One gold was insulting. Reid wanted to make it clear that he was willing to negotiate, but he wouldn't be dragged down out of sheer stubbornness.
"One gold might be appropriate if this item granted a limited ability, but it does not. Two gold, ninety silver."
The small haggling concession was slightly insulting, but he saw them on more equal footing now.
The woman shook her head. She withdrew a stack of silver.
"It's useful, but it's not the power to see through walls. One gold, fifty silver."
She set the coins down and waited.
She'd come up more than he'd expected. If she really was playing him, Reid guessed that the woman realized she'd pushed too hard and made him wary. The half gold increase was meant to appease. He'd come down half a gold, then she'd come up another quarter and tell him she couldn't go any higher.
Reid didn't like that. He thought he could sell this for two gold, maybe a little more. Time for an ultimatum.
"I can't go any lower than two gold, sixty silver."
"Two gold is as much as I'd pay," she said without missing a beat.
Reid shook his head. He could drop again. She might even go for it, having come up so much, but Reid wanted to maintain a consistent selling practice. If he said he couldn't or wouldn't go lower for something, then that was his floor. It wasn't his absolute floor, but it was his floor for that customer at that time. If people found they could just keep bending him, eventually, they'd find the point where he broke.
"I think we're a little too far apart on the mirror. If you change your mind on it, do let me know."
The woman didn't look upset. She collected her money and continued browsing. Reid kept the mirror on the counter. Part of him kicked himself for missing a sale, but two gold wasn't a make or break amount. He could test his principles for that.
The other customers had continued their examination of the items. The man interested in the flute returned to it three times.
"That's an interesting item," Reid said when the man picked it up again.
The man started and turned around.
"You know it?" he asked, walking up with the flute.
"I was tempted to bind it myself. I'd love to be able to play with such ease."
"I had a little wooden flute when I was a boy—this one is much nicer. I was never any good at it, but seeing this reminded me of how I always dreamed of performing for people."
Reid smiled at the man. "That's lovely. You know, one of the reasons Basen brought his items here was to help people follow their dreams."
The man scratched his chin. "Surely, such small dreams are beneath his notice."
"Not at all! He told me he wants to match people with magic that helps them bring their dreams to life. No dream is too small."
Reid noticed the woman he'd spoken with hovering nearby. She tried to make it look like she was examining an item, but he'd spent enough time trying to eavesdrop as a kid to know what it looked like.
The man with the flute wavered again. "Maybe. But I don't want to take an item away from someone who might use it to grow."
Reid gestured broadly. "We have more than enough to help anyone looking to become a mage to do that. This flute is a treasure, but in terms of magic, it doesn't have much magical utility. Who would take it but those who would use it? If you think it will bring you joy, that's all that matters."
The man's mouth quirked into a half smile, but it fell away again. He furrowed his brow.
"How much is the flute?"
Reid tapped his chin. This was a good match. He believed the man's sincerity, and this was exactly the kind of matching of magic and common folk that he and Basen wanted to perpetuate. That said, they were running a business. Reid ignored some of his rules and presented a straightforward offer to the man.
"I think this is a great match. A straight, no haggling price. Two gold and the flute is yours."
"That is a reasonable price," the man said, looking a little conflicted. "But it's a lot of coin for me. Would you take a part trade?"
Reid wanted this deal to go through. It was less about making money and more about making his customers happy, but he wouldn't give discounts because he felt bad. If the trade was fair, then he'd accept.
"What do you have?"
The man pulled out a small knife in a leather sheath. The handle was made from dark oiled wood and ended in a small metal cap.
"I've had this for a while, but I barely use it. It's supposed to stay sharp," he said, handing the knife to Reid.
Reid pulled the knife from the leather that protected the blade. It was about five inches long and tapered on one side. The edge was clean, smooth, and looked sharp. It had a faint glow, and Reid could sense unbindable magic in the item.
"Can I identify it? It'll leave a small mark and allow identification on touch, like the flute."
"Sure."
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Lesser Magic Sharp Knife
* 1 Star Utility Knife
* Artificially Enchanted
* Unbindable
* Regular use does not dull this knife
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"Is this a factory made item?" Reid asked. To his knowledge, he'd not marked a factory made item, and he guessed that was what the "Artificially Enchanted" label implied.
"Ah, maybe? I'm not sure, really. Got it from a friend when we went hunting a while ago, and he told me to keep it."
Reid valued items in the shop at one gold per star plus anything extra for usefulness, aspect, or binding requirements. Factory made items didn't fit in his system, and he was confident he could find a knife like this in Terrance's shop down the street. Reid could at least offer something for it. Worst case, he would buy it from the shop and have himself a knife that he'd never need to sharpen.
"I'm not sure what it's worth, but as part of the trade, I'll take the knife and one gold, seventy-five silver for the flute. Deal?"
The man shrugged. "Sounds great."
Reid collected the coins and put them in a pocket. Basen didn't have a proper money box, and Reid wasn't about to open the safe every time he sold an item.
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Merchant's Mark Growth Conditions
* Sell 200 unique marked items
* 6/200 Items sold
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The man smiled at his new flute and, with a pulse of magic, bound the item. He held it up to his lips and played a few scales. The sound was pure, and the notes rang bright and clear. He finished his scales and played a short, happy melody.
"Worth it?" Reid asked the man when he stopped playing.
"I love it. Thank you, young man! I can't wait to show my family."
The man played his new flute out the door. Reid waved farewell and turned his attention back to his other customers. The excited pair were still looking through things, but they had slowed and kept glancing to the front door—no doubt hoping to see Basen.
The other pair of people were each holding an item and still browsing. Before he could look up what they had, the woman he'd refused to make a deal with returned to the desk.
"Something else catch your eye?" he asked.
She held up a thin green book. The shop had several spell books, but Reid couldn't tell them apart on sight.
"I did find this. It was just what I've been looking for," she said, setting down the book.
Reid doubted it was just what she'd been looking for, but he picked it up.
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Magic Tome of Abundant Growth
* 3 Star Spellbook
* Bindable
* Binding grants the ability to cast the spells [Abundant Growth] and [Natural Stability]
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Reid still couldn't see spell descriptions, but Basen had explained all those available in the shop, and Reid and Kris added them to the identification cards on each item. He opened the book and looked at the card tucked behind the front cover.
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Abundant Growth
Strengthens the target and encourages growth. If used on plants, the growth and strengthening effects are permanent. If used on any other living being, the effects last a limited time.
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Natural Stability
Corrects unstable growth when used on plants. Grants grace and balance to any other living beings.
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The spells were more valuable to a farmer than a combat focused mage, but they could still be used. The real price driver of the tome was that it taught two spells instead of one.
Reid would be happy to get four and a half gold for the item, but he was still wary of the woman. Something didn't sit right with how she'd approached him and haggled. If possible, he didn't want to sell to someone who would turn around and try to resell the item at a higher price. Not unless she paid a premium.
"A nice find. Might I ask why you're so interested in these spells over our other goods?"
"I'm a farmer," she said. "I haven't ever found an item that might help me do my job before. It's pretty exciting."
Reid didn't think questioning what she told him was a good idea, even if he didn't believe it. He wanted to run a friendly business and help people. He'd sell it if she was willing to pay.
"That's wonderful. I would love to sell this to you for six gold."
She just stared at him for a long moment. "You only charged that last guy two gold. Why is this so expensive?"
"Because he was buying a two star flute that served limited purpose, while this spellbook has much more flexibility at three stars."
And I don't think you're being honest with me, he added silently.
"Four gold?"
Reid breathed out and picked up the book again.
"Five and a quarter."
The woman rubbed her chin.
"Seven and a quarter for the spellbook and the mirror?"
The offer caught him off guard. He tried to hide it, but she was looking right at him. He pulled over the mirror and put it next to the book. Seven gold and twenty-five silver for both was a solid price in his estimation. She seemed a little more earnest about the book, and she must want the mirror.
"Do you mind if I ask why you're interested in the mirror?"
She shrugged. "I think it would come in handy. It pays to keep an eye out on the farm. That and I'm always setting down things and looking around for them later. Maybe if I can see behind myself, that won't happen."
That was fair. Reid might have misjudged the woman. Maybe he shouldn't spend so much time questioning the motivations of people buying items that weren't powerful or dangerous.
"That's not a bad idea. Seven and a quarter gold for both, deal."
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Merchant's Mark Growth Conditions
* Sell 200 unique marked items
* 8/200 Items sold
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She counted out her money and slid it over. As she was collecting her items, Reid thought to ask a question.
"How'd you hear about the shop?"
"There was a poster on a board outside my sister's house. Caught my eye, and I thought I'd stop by."
Reid felt the information settle into his Ledger, and he resolved to ask every customer that came in.
Reid thanked the woman for her business, and she left. Reid felt conflicted. It was like he'd had some intuition about a person that proved completely wrong, but he didn't know for sure. She might have left right after he priced the mirror unfairly, costing him a sale. She might have been making everything up. He needed to figure out if that actually mattered.
As if summoned by his consideration of a new question, Basen arrived.