Midnight Market/Merchants

The Alchemist

• Appearance: A middle-aged man of possible Persian ancestry with a rugged, yet charismatic presence. His long, wavy auburn hair is often pulled back into a loose ponytail, while his beard is trimmed but not overly groomed. He wears a tailored black waistcoat over a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to reveal intricate tattoos that swirl around his forearms—each symbol representing a significant event or spell in his life.
• Specialty: Rare brews, powerful elixirs and the occasional tonic
• Hook: Rashid has a penchant for storytelling, and he often weaves a tale about each potion he sells, revealing the lore and history behind its ingredients. However, his stories are known to carry a hidden warning; those who don’t heed his advice on how to use them properly may find their effects unpredictable. Customers must also share a story of their own to earn his trust before he will sell them anything.

The Antiquarian

• Appearance: A tall, statuesque woman in her mid-40s, with sleek black hair pinned in an elaborate bun. Her eyes are sharp, and her hands are always adorned with silver rings. She dresses in a velvet cloak that shimmers slightly in the low light, lending an air of old-world elegance to her presence.
• Specialty: Rare arcane relics, cursed objects, and ancient manuscripts.
• Hook: Valeria speaks in cryptic riddles, never selling her goods without first making the buyer solve a puzzle or pass a test of wit. Those who fail might find themselves paying with more than gold.

The Information Dealer

• Appearance: She is a petite woman in her early 30s, always wearing dark glasses and a heavy scarf wrapped around her neck and shoulders. She seems to blend into the shadows of the Market, and her movements are almost too silent to be natural.
• Specialty: Forbidden knowledge, blackmail material, and high-level secrets.
• Hook: Nia doesn’t deal in items but in secrets. To buy from her, you must trade a piece of your own personal history or knowledge—often something you don’t want known. She keeps what you trade to sell it to others later.

The Smuggler

• Appearance: A scruffy man in his early 40s, with greasy hair, worn-out clothes, and a constant twitch. He’s always glancing over his shoulder, giving the impression that he’s up to no good. His grin is missing a few teeth, and he speaks with a thick, gravelly voice.
• Specialty: Weapons, contraband, and rare goods smuggled in from distant lands.
• Hook: Rat’s goods come with no questions asked, but he’s notorious for setting up buyers with future blackmail. If you buy from him, expect a favor in return down the line—or worse, you might find your dealings sold to someone else.