Aelux: Magic Market

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<img src="https://iastate.box.com/shared/static/8asjbzzn918ryk4uakawpksvp8e2ilm1.png" width="900" height="700" alt="TitleCard"> [[Enter the Market|Context]]

You are completing your daily sweep of the market stalls when your boss yells down from the office. "Dakota! Get up here!" You sigh, spotting a few kids loitering near one of the stalls by the entrance. You wave your hand, and a gust of power boots them out the front door. Wondering briefly what you could have done to piss off your boss, you [[climb the stairs|mission]].

You sit down across from your boss, who's rifling through a notebook and looking surlier than usual. You wait for a couple of minutes before speaking up. "Uh...Gallagher? Gallagher? GALLAGHER!" "Don't shout, Dakota," your boss snaps, not looking up from the notebook. He spends another moment crossing things out, before pushing the notebook toward you. "[[Take a Look]]" he says.

<img src="https://iastate.box.com/shared/static/jkdopf7nz4bgptmn88d5gnsih1cb6u25.png" width="500" height="500" alt="MarketMap"> "Our vendor chart? [[So what|Your Mission]]?" you ask.

"So what?" Gallagher yelped. "Every blue stall is empty. We need at least eight more vendors by the start of the season to make sure we're bringing in money for ourselves." "What should we do?" you ask. "Not we - you. Get out around town and find some businesses that could use a place in our weekend song and dance. Make sure you hit up magical and non-magic sellers. Any sellers you can get - any way you can. " Five minutes later, you have a stack of market ads tucked away in your backpack, and you're [[waiting for the train]].

As you wait on the train platform, you look down at the map of the city. You are idly circling a few promising candidates, when you hear a whistle. You turn to see a guy you recognize from the University. "Hey Dakota!" he says, sauntering up. "What's going on?" "Doing some market stuff...er...." "Max," he reminds you. "I know a couple of people who might want in on your little market game." You know who he means. Nearly everyone in the city has hit up the black market at some point. You're thinking it over when the train pulls in. [[Stay]] and talk with Max. [[Board]] the train and head through the city.

Double-click this passage to edit it.

"I'll holla at you later, Max," you say, jumping onto the train. He shrugs. "Whatever." The doors close, and you stare up at the city map as the train rumbles and jerks east toward [[City Hall District]]. <img src="https://iastate.box.com/shared/static/wpp6jt9cvwjcnijtidhi0s7s8y360ogd.png" width="800" height="800" alt="City Map">

You hop off the train at the City Hall District station, and head out of the northern entrance toward Torkleson Road. You spot the sign for the salt shop and [[make your way in|Salt Shop]].

The owner nods at you and says, "Good morning. Can I help you find anything?" "No, I was actually hoping to speak with you," you say. "My name is Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market." "Oh yeah. My wife shops there sometimes." You take a flyer out of your bag and slide it across the counter to him. "We were wondering if you would like to rent vendor space for our Saturday market." He grunts as he looks over the flyer. "I don't know.... Transporting salt samples clear across the city takes time and money. I do a pretty good business here. Why would I need vendor space?" "[[We're a pretty fun bunch|PathosFail1]]," you say. "Saturday markets aren't just about business - it's social enough to make some new friends." "[[The transportation cost would be cancelled out|LogosPitch1]] by the extra sales you make. There's heavier traffic at our market than in the City Hall District on Saturday mornings."

He shrugs. "I'm too old to be worried about fun. If there's nothing else I can help you with, I need to get back to inventory." You watch dejectedly as he tosses the flyer in the bin. As he has gone back to the shop books, you realize there's no other choice but to [[continue to the next shop|ToyShopS1]]

He nods for a moment, and does a few figures in the corner of the page he's reading. Finally, he says, "I suppose we can afford it for the summer - to see how things go. Let's see the paperwork." One fee, a receipt, and a invitation to a salt tasting later, you're headed down the street to the [[toy store|ToyShop2]].

You wander down the street to the side street next to City Hall. The bells jangle merrily as you walk into the towering toy shop. At first you don't spot the owner, as there are puppets and model planes popping out from walls and dangling from the ceiling. You jump when a merry voice shouts, "Hello there!" A swarthy man roughly the size and shape of Santa Claus comes lumbering toward you. "Pete the Puppet Master!" he says, shaking your hand. "Can I interest you in any of our new monster marionettes?" "Uh, no...thanks. I'm Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market. I was wondering if you would be interested in renting vendor space for our Saturday market." "Hmmmm...." He scratches his black and grey beard as he [[thinks it over|TIO1]]

"I hear that market of yours is run by a bunch of magic folk," he says, hesitantly. "None of my toys have your kind of tricks." "[[You'll fit right in|PathosPitch1]]!" you assure him. "We have non-magical vendors too. And magical kids can still play with your toys." You wave a hand, and a few of the monster puppets start to dance. "[[We have about five (5) non-magic vendors|LogosFail1]]," you explain, checking your notebook. "We're looking to have about 15."

He lets out a booming laugh as the puppets dance. "Is that so?" he asks. "In that case, I'll take a space in your market." Encouraged, you wait while he fill out the paperwork. Once he's paid, and insisted you take a chocolate bar, you're on your way to the nearby [[clothing store|ClothesShop2]].

"I'm not sure I'll fit in. I don't think I'm the type you're looking for...but...." "Yes?" you prompt, hoping he's still considering. "You might want to...erm, talk to a friend of mine. Name's Colton. Wirey little guy with bright red hair. He's up nort of town. Sells pets." You're wondering why he's talking so low, and why he's looking around. But the northern part of the city is known for hosting black market hubs. "[[Okay|Visit Colton]], I'll go talk to him. Thanks." "Right.... Well, I'll keep him in mind. I need to visit [[one more shop|ClothesShop1]] first."

Double-click this passage to edit it.

Five minutes later, you're standing in front of one of the poshest shops in the district. Fleur Apparel is a long shot, but it's worth a shot. You take a flyer out of your bag and head in to talk with Marcel, the manager. "And who might you be?" he asks when you approach the counter. "Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market. I was -" He sniffs and sneers down at the flyer you're holding. "Let me guess - you're looking for vendors? I wouldn't tarnish our name by selling at such a...common venue." "[[You'd raise the caliber of the place, for sure|PathosFail2]]," you say, hoping flattery will at least soften whatever heart Marcel might have. "[[Actually, the Royal Gardens hat shop and the Royal Gardens rugby outfitters sell with us|EthosPitch1]]. We're not completely common," you say, hoping the annoyance you're feeling isn't too audible.

Marcel gives you a LOOK. "Do I look like I can be bought through a few nice words?" You know you've hit the wrong notes. With a flick of his fingers, he sends a burst of magic at you; propelling you out into the street. You lie on the sidewalk and stare up at the skyscrapers for a moment. Magical expulsion is never fun, and your ribs already feel like they're on fire. You struggle to your feet and limp back toward the station. Three strikes? You need a sandwich and a nap....

There's a pause, and Marcel looks a little less snooty. Maybe. It could just be the lighting. "I suppose it could be a good way to get our summer line out there..." he mumbles. "Fine. How much?" You collect the money and pass him his receipt, stall number, and the market schedule. You thank him, and are about to leave when he calls to you. "Young Dakota? There's a map maker down the road named Kesinee Adams. You should see her about the market too." "Thanks!" Marcel regains his snooty expression. "Yes, well...if I must go, it would be nice to have a friend there. Shoo," he says, waggling his fingers at you. A gentle gust of magic scoots you [[out of the shop|MapMaker1]].

You walk two shops down and find the map maker's store. You like this one - everywhere you look, maps of the city, country, and world surround you. Some are made to look old - clearly decoration - but the modern looking ones have enchanted ships and planes moving across them. "Good morning," someone says from your left. "Hi," you respond. "I'm Dakota, from the West Aelux Market. I'm looking for Kesinee?" "You found her! Interested in a map then, Dakota?" "[[Actually, I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming a vendor|LogosFail2]]. We're looking for at least seven more people to add to the Saturday lineup. You should make about one and a half times what you're making now, with the concentration of shoppers." "[[I wanted to see if you were interested in becoming a vendor|ELPitch1]]. It's a good opportunity to make extra money on Saturdays. Marcel sent me over - he just joined."

"We could do with the cash, but we don't have the manpower," she says, handing the flyer back to you. "Maybe next year." You make your way back up the high street, and notice a few wisps of purple smoke floating toward you. They coalesce into Gallagher's face. "Get back to the market. We need help with installing new gates for the stalls." You sigh, knowing you're in for a bollicking after striking out today, and make your way back to the train station.

She smiles and nods. "I think we can spare one of the sellers for a morning each week. Especially if Marcel is going to be there too." Ten minutes later, paperwork and fee in your bag, you wander back up the high street. The day didn't end too badly. Gallagher can't be mad at two out of four. You'll try again tomorrow.

Double-click this passage to edit it.

Five minutes later, you're standing in front of one of the poshest shops in the district. Fleur Apparel is a long shot, but it's worth a shot. You take a flyer out of your bag and head in to talk with Marcel, the manager. "And who might you be?" he asks when you approach the counter. "Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market. I was -" He sniffs and sneers down at the flyer you're holding. "Let me guess - you're looking for vendors? I wouldn't tarnish our name by selling at such a...common venue." "[[You'd raise the caliber of the place, for sure|PathosFail3]]," you say, hoping flattery will at least soften whatever heart Marcel might have. "[[Actually, the Royal Gardens hat shop and the Royal Gardens rugby outfitters sell with us|EthosPitch2]]. We're not completely common," you say, hoping the annoyance you're feeling isn't too audible.

Double-click this passage to edit it.Marcel gives you a LOOK. "Do I look like I can be bought through a few nice words?" You know you've hit the wrong notes. With a flick of his fingers, he sends a burst of magic at you; propelling you out into the street. You lie on the sidewalk and stare up at the skyscrapers for a moment. Magical expulsion is never fun, and your ribs already feel like they're on fire. You struggle to your feet and limp back toward the station. At least you got one.... You need a snack...and a nap.

There's a pause, and Marcel looks a little less snooty. Maybe. It could just be the lighting. "I suppose it could be a good way to get our summer line out there..." he mumbles. "Fine. How much?" You collect the money and pass him his receipt, stall number, and the market schedule. You thank him, and are about to leave when he calls to you. "Young Dakota? There's a map maker down the road named Kesinee Adams. You should see her about the market too." "Thanks!" Marcel regains his snooty expression. "Yes, well...if I must go, it would be nice to have a friend there. Shoo," he says, waggling his fingers at you. A gentle gust of magic scoots you [[out of the shop|MapMaker2]].

You walk two shops down and find the map maker's store. You like this one - everywhere you look, maps of the city, country, and world surround you. Some are made to look old - clearly decoration - but the modern looking ones have enchanted ships and planes moving across them. "Good morning," someone says from your left. "Hi," you respond. "I'm Dakota, from the West Aelux Market. I'm looking for Kesinee?" "You found her! Interested in a map then, Dakota?" "[[Actually, I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming a vendor|LogosFail3]]. We're looking for at least seven more people to add to the Saturday lineup. You should make about one and a half times what you're making now, with the concentration of shoppers." "[[I wanted to see if you were interested in becoming a vendor|ELPitch2]]. It's a good opportunity to make extra money on Saturdays. Marcel sent me over - he just joined."

"We could do with the cash, but we don't have the manpower," she says, handing the flyer back to you. "Maybe next year." You make your way back up the high street, and notice a few wisps of purple smoke floating toward you. They coalesce into Gallagher's face. "Get back to the market. We need help with installing new gates for the stalls." You sigh, but head back to the station. Two out of three isn't terrible.

She smiles and nods. "I think we can spare one of the sellers for a morning each week. Especially if Marcel is going to be there too." Ten minutes later, paperwork and fee in your bag, you wander back up the high street. You whistle as you walk. Three out of four? The day didn't end too badly.

You wander down the street to the side street next to City Hall. The bells jangle merrily as you walk into the towering toy shop. At first you don't spot the owner, as there are puppets and model planes popping out from walls and dangling from the ceiling. You jump when a merry voice shouts, "Hello there!" A swarthy man roughly the size and shape of Santa Claus comes lumbering toward you. "Pete the Puppet Master!" he says, shaking your hand. "Can I interest you in any of our new monster marionettes?" "Uh, no...thanks. I'm Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market. I was wondering if you would be interested in renting vendor space for our Saturday market." "Hmmmm...." He scratches his black and grey beard as he [[thinks it over|TIO2]]

"I hear that market of yours is run by a bunch of magic folk," he says, hesitantly. "None of my toys have your kind of tricks." "[[You'll fit right in|PathosPitch2]]!" you assure him. "We have non-magical vendors too. And magical kids can still play with your toys." You wave a hand, and a few of the monster puppets start to dance. "[[We have about five (5) non-magic vendors|LogosFail4]]," you explain, checking your notebook. "We're looking to have about 15."

He lets out a booming laugh as the puppets dance. "Is that so?" he asks. "In that case, I'll take a space in your market." Encouraged, you wait while he fill out the paperwork. Once he's paid, and insisted you take a chocolate bar, you're on your way to the nearby [[clothing store|ClothesShop4]].

Double-click this passage to edit it."I'm not sure I'll fit in. I don't think I'm the type you're looking for...but...." "Yes?" you prompt, hoping he's still considering. "You might want to...erm, talk to a friend of mine. Name's Colton. Wirey little guy with bright red hair. He's up nort of town. Sells pets." You're wondering why he's talking so low, and why he's looking around. But the northern part of the city is known for hosting black market hubs. "[[Okay|Visit Colton]], I'll go talk to him. Thanks." "Right.... Well, I'll keep him in mind. I need to visit [[one more shop|ClothesShop3]] first."

Five minutes later, you're standing in front of one of the poshest shops in the district. Fleur Apparel is a long shot, but it's worth a shot. You take a flyer out of your bag and head in to talk with Marcel, the manager. "And who might you be?" he asks when you approach the counter. "Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market. I was -" He sniffs and sneers down at the flyer you're holding. "Let me guess - you're looking for vendors? I wouldn't tarnish our name by selling at such a...common venue." "[[You'd raise the caliber of the place, for sure|PathosFail4]]," you say, hoping flattery will at least soften whatever heart Marcel might have. "[[Actually, the Royal Gardens hat shop and the Royal Gardens rugby outfitters sell with us|EthosPitch3]]. We're not completely common," you say, hoping the annoyance you're feeling isn't too audible.

Marcel gives you a LOOK. "Do I look like I can be bought through a few nice words?" You know you've hit the wrong notes. With a flick of his fingers, he sends a burst of magic at you; propelling you out into the street. You lie on the sidewalk and stare up at the skyscrapers for a moment. Magical expulsion is never fun, and your ribs already feel like they're on fire. You struggle to your feet and limp back toward the station. At least you got one.

There's a pause, and Marcel looks a little less snooty. Maybe. It could just be the lighting. "I suppose it could be a good way to get our summer line out there..." he mumbles. "Fine. How much?" You collect the money and pass him his receipt, stall number, and the market schedule. You thank him, and are about to leave when he calls to you. "Young Dakota? There's a map maker down the road named Kesinee Adams. You should see her about the market too." "Thanks!" Marcel regains his snooty expression. "Yes, well...if I must go, it would be nice to have a friend there. Shoo," he says, waggling his fingers at you. A gentle gust of magic scoots you [[out of the shop|MapMaker3]].

You walk two shops down and find the map maker's store. You like this one - everywhere you look, maps of the city, country, and world surround you. Some are made to look old - clearly decoration - but the modern looking ones have enchanted ships and planes moving across them. "Good morning," someone says from your left. "Hi," you respond. "I'm Dakota, from the West Aelux Market. I'm looking for Kesinee?" "You found her! Interested in a map then, Dakota?" "[[Actually, I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming a vendor|LogosFail5]]. We're looking for at least seven more people to add to the Saturday lineup. You should make about one and a half times what you're making now, with the concentration of shoppers." "[[I wanted to see if you were interested in becoming a vendor|ELPitch3]]. It's a good opportunity to make extra money on Saturdays. Marcel sent me over - he just joined."

She smiles and nods. "I think we can spare one of the sellers for a morning each week. Especially if Marcel is going to be there too." Ten minutes later, paperwork and fee in your bag, you wander back up the high street. You whistle as you walk. Three out of four? The day didn't end too badly.

"We could do with the cash, but we don't have the manpower," she says, handing the flyer back to you. "Maybe next year." You make your way back up the high street, and notice a few wisps of purple smoke floating toward you. They coalesce into Gallagher's face. "Get back to the market. We need help with installing new gates for the stalls." You sigh, but head back to the station. Two out of four - you'll try again tomorrow.

Five minutes later, you're standing in front of one of the poshest shops in the district. Fleur Apparel is a long shot, but it's worth a shot. You take a flyer out of your bag and head in to talk with Marcel, the manager. "And who might you be?" he asks when you approach the counter. "Dakota - I work for the West Aelux Market. I was -" He sniffs and sneers down at the flyer you're holding. "Let me guess - you're looking for vendors? I wouldn't tarnish our name by selling at such a...common venue." "[[You'd raise the caliber of the place, for sure|PathosFail5]]," you say, hoping flattery will at least soften whatever heart Marcel might have. "[[Actually, the Royal Gardens hat shop and the Royal Gardens rugby outfitters sell with us|EthosPitch4]]. We're not completely common," you say, hoping the annoyance you're feeling isn't too audible.

Marcel gives you a LOOK. "Do I look like I can be bought through a few nice words?" You know you've hit the wrong notes. With a flick of his fingers, he sends a burst of magic at you; propelling you out into the street. You lie on the sidewalk and stare up at the skyscrapers for a moment. Magical expulsion is never fun, and your ribs already feel like they're on fire. You struggle to your feet and limp back toward the station. Two out of four isn't too bad.

There's a pause, and Marcel looks a little less snooty. Maybe. It could just be the lighting. "I suppose it could be a good way to get our summer line out there..." he mumbles. "Fine. How much?" You collect the money and pass him his receipt, stall number, and the market schedule. You thank him, and are about to leave when he calls to you. "Young Dakota? There's a map maker down the road named Kesinee Adams. You should see her about the market too." "Thanks!" Marcel regains his snooty expression. "Yes, well...if I must go, it would be nice to have a friend there. Shoo," he says, waggling his fingers at you. A gentle gust of magic scoots you [[out of the shop|MapMaker4]].

You walk two shops down and find the map maker's store. You like this one - everywhere you look, maps of the city, country, and world surround you. Some are made to look old - clearly decoration - but the modern looking ones have enchanted ships and planes moving across them. "Good morning," someone says from your left. "Hi," you respond. "I'm Dakota, from the West Aelux Market. I'm looking for Kesinee?" "You found her! Interested in a map then, Dakota?" "[[Actually, I was wondering if you'd be interested in becoming a vendor|LogosFail6]]. We're looking for at least seven more people to add to the Saturday lineup. You should make about one and a half times what you're making now, with the concentration of shoppers." "[[I wanted to see if you were interested in becoming a vendor|ELPitch4]]. It's a good opportunity to make extra money on Saturdays. Marcel sent me over - he just joined."

"We could do with the cash, but we don't have the manpower," she says, handing the flyer back to you. "Maybe next year." You make your way back up the high street, and notice a few wisps of purple smoke floating toward you. They coalesce into Gallagher's face. "Get back to the market. We need help with installing new gates for the stalls." You sigh, but head back to the station. You'll try again tomorrow.

She smiles and nods. "I think we can spare one of the sellers for a morning each week. Especially if Marcel is going to be there too." Ten minutes later, paperwork and fee in your bag, you wander back up the high street. You whistle as you walk. It wasn't a bad first day of recruiting.