The Salticidae Mines
The Salticidae mines are located just outside of the abandoned parts of the city. A slab of stone covered in cracks, slick with moisture and four different entrances. Each entrance is a hole in the wall with no ledge, accessed by two white cords, one for entry and one for exit, and some skillful climbing. Unless one is a Symenestra gaining entry and exit is no small feat. Regardless it is mostly populated by Symenestra as their natural abilities allow them to easily maneuver the caverns, and gain access to rarer stones. While considered a natural structure, aside from the entrance much of the Salticiadae mines were created. New tunnels are a slow make and so far the mines features only four tunnels
The mine itself is only around ten miles long in any direction, giving it a grand total of maybe fourty miles, however, this does include the unexplored portions. These tunnels are also available for exploration at the customers’ own peril.
The four entrances are somewhat straight to lead directly to its center. Each tunnel entrance is roughly fifteen feet long, and around a mile apart. Upon entering any of the entrances, one will be approached by one of the three other workers or one Ochya who infrequently patrol. This person will then escort the customer to Davara’s where they may begin conducting their business.
The largest, and brightest portion of the mines is the crystal deposit. It is covered with a least twenty torches along with the natural glow of opalgloams refracting off the fogged crystal slabs. Near the center of this deposit is a moderate sized kiosk that Dasvara’s mans. The kiosk offers a variety of pre-mined gems, rental and purchase tools, maps with a gem price list, and idle chatter. It is also where any miner will bring their gems for weighing and purchase. On average the mine produces for sales around fifty carats of each stone a season, totaling out to 100 carats per year. The rest of mining production is done by special case-by-case order or through the Aconite Web.
The tunnel themselves are dim, having purposely mined squares to show what is found in the area for most of the tunnels are not mined and showcase only stone. They have minimal natural light and offer torches even five feet to allow for better vision but they are only lit during business hours.
The four tunnels are known by what they offer:
- Agate : Blood, Banded, Blue Lace, Common, and Black
- Arcanite: Green, Purple, and Solid White
- Quartz: Amethyst, Aqua, Pink, and Yellow
- Gypsum: Orange
While each cave does have the listed gems and their listed colors, customers will find that a higher price means the gem is harder to find, and cheaper gems are easier to find.
Buying goods:
| Gem | Un-mined | Loose | Rarity |
| Blood Agate | 2CM per carat | 4CM per carat | Common |
| Banded Agate | 2CM per carat | 4CM per carat | Common |
| Blue Lace Agate | 3CM per carat | 6CM per carat | Rare |
| Common | 1CM per carat | 2CM per carat | Common |
| Black | 2CM per carat | 4CM per carat | Moderate |
| Amethyst Quartz | 1CM per carat | 2CM per carat | Common |
| Aqua Quartz | 3CM per carat | 6CM per carat | Moderate |
| Pink Quartz | 3CM per carat | 6CM per carat | Common |
| Yellow Quartz | 1CM per carat | 2CM per carat | Rare |
| Green Arcanite | 5CM per carat | 10CM per carat | Moderate |
| White Arcanite | 5CM per carat | 10CM per carat | Moderate |
| Purple Arcanite | 5CM per carat | 10CM per carat | Moderate |
| Orange Gypsum | 2CM per carat | 4CM per carat | Rare |
| Crystal | 2CM per carat | 4CM per carat | Common |
| Item | Rent | Buy |
| Miner’s Pick | 5SM | 3GM |
| Sifting Pan | 2GM | 20GM |
| Slide Grease (1 jar) | 10GM | 25GM |
| Stonecutting Axe | 5GM | 90GM |
| Climbing Harness | 2GM | 50GM |
Selling goods: Dasvara does not take gems other than those found in his mine but he will buy used mining equipment for half the price. He will also accept mined gems for their un-mined price or cut the price of self-mined gems in half if half of the mined gems are donated to him.
NPC 1 :
Dasvara Acacia is the youngest of the Acacia Web, taking over his father’s business after his sudden passing in the Djed Storm of 512AV. In spite of his age he is a mentally formidable young man who drives a hard bargain, and is known for his prideful behavior. He does business with any who can pay in some form be it labor in the mines or something of monetary value, so long as they are willing to mine their own gems. NPC 2 :
Demenos Acacia is Dasvara’s grandfather. An ex-tracker getting on in age he mostly helps with ensuring customers do not get lost and can find what they are looking for. He is a shrewd old man who dislikes idle chatter, and cannot take no for an answer. Unlike his grandson he is known for refusing business to anyone who refuses his services. NPC 3 and 4 :
Nesiel and Nesila Scaevola are known as twins though they are a year apart. With their similar looks, personality, and the fact that they are rarely seen without the other. Neither work for Dasvara but rather volunteer, and are known for encouraging Symenestra to buy from the Salticidae mine owner. They are a chatty, curious pair who enjoy startling the customers. They are terrible bargainers and leave the dealing to Dasvara, while they themselves help with the actual mining. Created by Sosicly Magnolia.
