Nexus Spring Market Fair

[varnished_truths]

Seemingly overnight, one of the grassy areas edging the Forum has been taken over by a spring market and fair. Part state fair, part craft fair, part Renaissance faire, there are attractions for all comers. Tents and booths of every size, shape, and color are lined up more or less tidily, sometimes with wide avenues between them and sometimes with paths skinny enough to crowd a single person. Goods and treats from the far-flung corners of infinity are on display. The general organization has magic and alchemical goods grouped together and slightly separated from the other tents; arts and crafts fill the area around it. Goods such as clothes and jewelry, plants, and vintage and antique items are in the back. Food is front and center, between the entrance and the rides. This is perhaps not an ideal placement.

To one side is a brightly-lit collection of rides and games familiar to anyone who's been to a state fair. A ferris wheel, flying swings, and all manner of reasons to regret that last funnel cake are blaring tinny music and sporting blinking lights. Remember: rides first, then eat. Classic games that test strength, agility, and luck offer plush prizes sure to delight anyone until the fur rubs off. There are also some animal rides near the exit.

In the back of the roughly-fenced-in area are the exhibits. There's a petting zoo with creatures mundane and more exotic, all promised to be tame; practical demonstrations of new magical and technological wonders; a juried art show; and a stage hosting a variety of performers changing on the hour.

((This is an open event. If your character wants to have a booth selling wares or food, set one up. If your character wants to perform or provide other services, go for it! Please note what sort of service you're providing, if any, in the subject line of your top-level comment. Basically, just run with it and have fun!

I offer pictoral inspiration and ask that any pictures used in comments not be more than 300 px tall (and it looks better if you can keep it about the same height as your text). Code to have your text wrap around your picture below.))

<img src="blah.png" height="300" style="border: 0pt none; float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px">

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Schön's Potions

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Prominently placed among the hawkers of magical goods, a kiosk under a colorfully-striped awning (whose colors are never seen to change, but differ every time one looks upon them) bears a brightly painted sign. Under it leans a smiling man in well-tailored suit and a sharp hat, his silver-headed cane leaning against the back of the stand.

The shelves of the kiosk are crowded with bottles, bearing calligraphied labels describing a variety of effects, with price labels ranging from "5 gp" to "5,000 gil," with a number of other currencies represented.

The sign, not to be mistaken for the Sign, reads:

[POTIONS]
[Clearance ~ Prices Reduced]
[All Currencies Negotiable]

The lower portion of the sign is taken up by a gold filigree pattern, although closer examination reveals that the pattern is also writing, etched and painted with gilt.

[Removal of a vessel or its contents by any means from this display constitutes implicit agreement between the party of the first part (the remover of the bottle or contents thereof) and the part of the second part (this establishment's owner and proprietor, known throughout the Nexus as one Schön W. Freund) to render the displayed price or an agreed-upon substitute within three (3) Nexus days of the vessel or contents' removal. If the party of the first part does not render the agreed-upon price within the specified time, the party of the first part will be Found In Breach by the party of the second part, who may issue all appropriate penalties and engage any appropriate means of redress, pursuant to the Breach.]

To one side, another sign hangs over a shelf of varied, unlabeled bottles.

[Mystery Bottles!]
[Free if consumed immediately.]
[Management not responsible for any effects.]

((LOL ALERT! The mystery potions' labels have fallen off. They might be ordinary potions, they might be something stronger, they might be something strange, or they might have spoiled. Drink one if you're feeling brave, and I'll roll for effects or you can choose your own. I will check with you in messages before settling on one, just in case.))

[losthunter]

It is the colors and the different bottle shapes that more attract Hunter to the booth. Then of course, knowing it is Schön's booth, makes it so much easier to linger.

Hunter is a little curious about the potions, but he is a little hesitant about making any purchases right now. At least, not without knowing more about them.

He lingers at the mystery bottles, a little confused by the sign underneath.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"Hunter!" Schön flashes the young artist a bright grin. "How pleasant to see you! Enjoying the fair?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Hey, boss." Verity doesn't try to sneak up on Schön. She knows when she has a chance, and that she really doesn't. What she does have are a smile for him and a pair of Italian sodas; his is vanilla root beer and hers is something fruitier.

"This isn't going to be like the candy bars, is it?"

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"Verity!" Schön flashes his favorite employee a grin. "How good to see you! Ah, thank you, I was just getting thirsty." He sips at the drink she's brought him with savor.

"Honestly? I don't entirely know. The mystery bottles are just that--mysteries, even to me. The condition on their price is so I can find out what they do. I hope you're enjoying the fair?"

[thepizzalord]

A large kiosk of potions is a great way to draw a wizard's attention. Though he's dressed from neck to toe in futuristic black armor, the well-worn leather duster over top of it speaks to less technologically-advanced origins, as does a handcarved staff topped with runes that he carries in his gloved left hand. A silver sword is strapped to his back, and the compact pistol on his hip is just as futuristic as his hardshell armor.

Harry Dresden stops in front of the kiosk and raises an eyebrow at the signs. "Y'know, if I didn't know better, I'd be surprised you could get away with selling mystery potions without some kinda regulations on that. Talk about schmuck bait."

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

((How much magic is Harry able to perceive, or see through? I understand from cultural osmosis that he's had some dealings with the fae in some of his books, but I'm not up on the details.))

"The Nexus is surprisingly regulation-light," the thin man points out. "As you are aware. May I interest you in something, sir, or are you here to gawk at the brave and curious?"

Hunter's Art Booth

[losthunter]

The little art booth can be found near the craft fair. There is a large canvas hanging outside the booth itself, calling attention to the artist inside.

The picture itself is a shadowed-woman, with rose petals scattered along the canvas -- like it was blown by the wind. The rose petals themselves are glued in place, giving the picture a true 3-D texture to it.

There is an assortment of artwork for sale today. A variety of canvas sizes and choices. To appeal to the crowd, most of the pieces are realistic landscapes -- mountains, beaches, forests, parks. But there are a few portrait pieces available too. There is also a little area set up for those who want to commission a portrait place, where they can sit and get their face sketched.

Hunter himself is sitting at a pottery wheel, working on creating a clay vase at the moment. He is dressed in a muscle shirt and sweats, so the tattoos and scars that cover his body are visible on his face, neck and arms.

[brave_heart_verity]

A great artist needs to have keen observational skills, so as to understand the true nature of things. But does this great artist have the observational skills to notice he's being watched? Ver's keep careful in her approach, quiet and keeping out of places where her sudden shadow might give her away. Mostly it's the weight of her gaze or the soft sound of her breathing that might be noticed.

[losthunter]

It will take him a moment... especially since his consideration is on the pottery wheel. But when he pauses in his work, wiping his brow (and getting clay on his forehead), he does realize that someone is close by. A good friend.

"Hey there!" He smiles at her.

[william_kent]

Wil has never really been a big fan of rides and carnival games. But some of his siblings wanted to go, so he has to tag along. He walks down the row of craft booths, and stops when he sees the painting. He hasn't seen much of Hunter's work, but it certainly looks familiar.

As does the tattooed man behind the pottery wheel. Wil gives him a little wave the next time he looks up.

Khajiit has wares if you have coin <3

[apeddlerofvarnishedtruths]

If Ravari had no hand in the sudden appearance of the market, passers-by would be hard-pressed to tell: she's staked out an excellent spot for herself, right on the corner of two of the larger paths crossing through the magical goods vendors. Her tent is set back from the foot traffic, leaving room for her to sit and keep an eye on her wares. As is traditional for Khajiit merchants, she sits cross-legged on a rug at the entrance to her tent with her tail swishing behind her and her ears swiveling to keep track of any approaching (and departing) sounds. As ever, she is polishing a collection of cut gems and examining them in the sunlight.

In the spirit of the season and her own cat-like need for change, in addition to her usual goods, Ravari has several carved drinking horns and a collection of seedlings and cuttings. Some of the plants are decorative, but many are labeled "alchemical". Sample at your own risk, or be prepared to pay through the nose for the antidote she has stockpiled.

.

[tenthdoc]

There is a doctor visiting the Nexus fair, well not just a doctor, The Doctor. With a jump and a skip in his step, he has a big, pink, fluffy thing of candyfloss in one hand, and what appears to be a banana shake in another. "This is just brilliant!" He shouts to nobody, as he's all smiles.

And nothing quite catches his eye like a shop being run by cats or erm a Khajit. With his new found respect for cats still in full swing, The Doctor heads over to the tent to pay it a visit. "Aaaah, what do we have here?" He says as he looks at Ravari with his bright smile still on his face. "And don't mind me! I'm just here to browse, and just maybe I might find something to buy."

[fractured_agent]

It's been a long time since Jack's met any kind of cat-person, and he doesn't bother to hide a delighted smile as he spots the Khajiit merchant's tent. "Oh, now this is fantastic. Hey there, lovely day."

Wares? Over theres.

[gate_crasher]

Shade-Seeker is pleased to see someone familiar at the fair, and approaches with a smile. "Ah! Daro'Ravari, how pleasant to see you! I trust you are well?"

[nostagesplz]

Trixie had closed up her own shop for a bit to go take a wander and see what wares the other merchants had. Seeing Ravari out in front of a tent of goods made her ears perk and a smile cross her face as she trotted over to say hello and see what the other had for sale.

"Hello! It's been a while."

Swindle's Black Market

[dealsnotwar]

Swindle never misses a chance to come make a profit. And here is back complete with his pride and joy, Swindle's Black Market. If one is looking for exotic parts for a spaceship, weapons, pets, or anything else one might have trouble finding at home this is where one ought to look.


He has found a nice place for his stall among the rest of the merchants with a large enough tent to allow him ample room to access and display items from his home universe. The metal crates and cages are well stocked. His table has a display of the best items he was able to get his metal mitts on. Oooh the joys of living on a planet that still are dealing with the aftermath of an unpleasant civil war. And Swindle knows there has to be people here who have a bone to pick with someone in their own universe.


Swindle himself is sitting besides his tall stand that's showing off a heap of wires and other space debris he had scavenged. And with a smug look on his face, Swindle tries to see if he can find anyone he met before or someone new to befriend. "Come one, come all to the finest market on all of Cybertron! I've got t-cogs, I've got blasters, and I might have a Pentallian drive hidden somewhere to offer at a great price!"

Love that picture! Great choice. :)

[brave_heart_verity]

((Before I tag in: Ver's got a truth-sensing curse stuck in her that she can't turn off. She knows when people are lying and she can see through illusions; she doesn't know what the truth is or have psychic powers. More details here. If you don't want to deal, let me know, I know it can get annoying.))

The Hunter of Bargains

[onemorebounty]

*Although tall for a humanoid, Samus is dwarfed by most Cybertronians. Still, the more technological pieces tucked in among the flowers and sweets of the spring fair catch her eye, and she lingers to browse.*

What do you have in the way of drive components? I'm thinking of overhauling a ship soon, and I'm weighing my options.

This took me far longer to write than I want to admit to... XD

[caelum_ignis_draconigena]

Skyfire had picked a quieter point in the day to wander around the fair, not wanting to have to worry as much about the crowds of smaller people about. He was just looking around mostly, making the odd trade or purchase here and there, only to stop short as he heard someone mention Cybertron.

It didn't take him long to track down the place where Swindle is set up, and he looks a bit unsure of himself once he finds it. He'd honestly not seen another Cybertronian since he'd crashed so long ago, and he's not sure of the reaction his new form would cause.

He honestly didn't know how much of him was still Cybertronian after everything, and he wasn't sure he wanted to find out either, but... This was the shape he was stuck in, for better or worse, so he might as well go find out what kind of reaction he'll end up getting...

((ooc: If it comes up at all, he'll still be recognizable as mostly Cybertronian from a scan, but generally not at first glance. Feel free to ask whatever questions you need about the head canon and bs I spun to make him into a dragon AU XD Swindle will likely have a very easy time selling him all sorts of junk and scrap, jsyk.))

Trixie's Wagon [Magic Supplies, Enchanting and Enchanted Items.]

[nostagesplz]

Trixie's wagon has a few tables near it, set up under the awning to provide shade. She's got baskets of flowers and herbs for sale on one side of the cart and clearly labeled jars on shelves with samples of many components for potions or enchanting. Above the jars are signs that clearly read 'Samples', ask for prices.

On the tables, she has a book with a list of enchantments that she can provide, ranked by difficulty and component requirements. Among the listed are minor security wards, bags of holding, anti pest wards, self cleaning horse shoes... and the list goes on and on... really one would be better off asking her if one has an idea of what they want.

There are also a number of pre-enchanted items. Bags of holding made of various materials... (none are leather, but a few are made of dragon skins or scales... Either shed or freely given) Hair brushes that will never pull out hair, while others will create a temporarily change of hair color. Self inking quills in various colors and plumages, of various prices. Even small statuettes of various creatures made of different materials...

She really does have an eclectic mix of things for sale.

[robotunikorn]

A robotic unicorn gallops through the festival, rainbow-colored mane and tail streaming behind it. It slows as it sees Trixie's wagon, and the wares on offer - many things not built for humans and their analogues, as is the usual case here.

It slows further, circling back to investigate, and finally stops in front of the table, looking at the items on display.

Dragon Flights! [and a few carvings for sale]

[caelum_ignis_draconigena]

Skyfire doesn't have a lot for sale in the way of items, but what he did have was very well made. There were a few, almost lifelike animals carved out of what looked like marble, and a number of fancy bowls and boxes carved from wood.

The biggest attraction though is a large slab of a tree trunk with the words 'Dragon Flights' carved into it, making a very interesting looking sign. He came to the Nexus with very little, so he'd decided that perhaps he could earn a bit of local money or trade for goods with the few things he had available to him...

[brave_heart_verity]

She shouldn't tease. She shouldn't tease. She shoul--

"How're your landings these days?" Her tone is friendly and teasing when she calls out to Skyfire with a wave.

But it looks like it's the carvings, not the flights, that have drawn her attention. She starts by the bowls and boxes, but her eyes keep flicking over to the animals.

[twelve_not_fourteen]

A space pirate walks up to the largest plot at the fair. It seems like it would kind of have to be large, as far as Han can tell, to accommodate a creature that large. And wow, is it large. It might be the biggest he's ever seen.

He studies the layout of the attraction for a while. He can see a selection of carvings, that ... to be honest, he wouldn't have much use for. Not to mention his life generally doesn't allow for him to acquire a large volume of things. Though he sees the word flying and that's a word that does often pique Captain Solo's interest. He ... presumes the big guy, is the dragon.

"Theoretically speaking," Han murmurs with head set at its usual slightly cocky tilt, "how much does one pilot a dragon versus just being along for the ride?"