[Nyka location] The Nine Staves

[Liar]

The Nine Staves 010 Wheat Street This small, unassuming building used to be at the front of Wheat Street, one of the busiest paths in the Southern District. Over half a century ago, it was a mysterious stain on the otherwise wholsome market street. When a person could not avoid it entirely, they made protective gestures around it and held their lucky pendants. Since then, other, more constructive buildings have narrowed the street in front of it, leaving it accessible only by back alleys, thus putting it sufficiently out of sight from citizens’ superstitions. Those who remember it is there may still mutter under their breaths when they pass, but it has been otherwise forgotten. The curse of the Nine Staves is that it serves as the meeting place of a so-called coven of mystics who, according to rumor, would like nothing better than unleashing the woes of the world on the Mother City. The name of the little house is also the name of the group who call it home; the Nine Staves were originally nine men and women who thought the world of magic was more complex than scholars and their books could ever fathom. They deal in fortune-telling, intuition training, and enchantments; in fact, many of the blessed charms that are sold around the city are first enchanted by these people, from whom the Nykans would protect themselves. Despite the face of superstition, there are many people who whisper secret belief in the powers which the Nine Staves claim to know. The exact number of members has fluctuated since its founding, but their beliefs and practices remain the same. Some call them evil-doers who interfere with powers that should be left alone; others call them quacks who would rather talk about the unknown than do anything productive. Whatever the case, they answer the door with more kindness than the rumors would have a person believe. Anyone who knocks is invited in for a palm reading, a friendly debate, or just a cup of tea. The dim-lit front room contains a crowded mess of shelves and tables and chairs, donned in faded books, half-melted candles, and stones at various levels of ‘enchantment’. The strong scents of mint, wormwood, peony, and other incense hang thick on the air, but it is insisted that they protect the room rather than cover any secrets. Soft, inviting cloths are draped on the walls and over most surfaces, dyed dark with reds, violets, and oranges and shining with gilded embroideries. The desk that is most often cleared for readings is the circular one at the center; it is riddled with the carved initials of visitors who were not afraid of it, for the ‘Staves believe such an act gives it power. There is a small donation bowl to one side, for the use of pleased customers. The back rooms include a few public bedrooms and a kitchen. NPC : Name: Reneis (Ren) of the Staves Summary: Her face has been described as like a memory, with little to distinguish it from any other stranger’s—perhaps intentionally so. They say she is the last remaining of the original Nine, though she seems far too young; most infer she must be a daughter of one, for she is the person the rest seem to follow. Though she is talkative, ready to encourage anyone who asks (or doesn’t) about the truth of her beliefs, the conversations she leads are convoluted, full of riddles and unnamed secrets. Every word could mean another, but so is each as friendly and patient as the last. Despite her eccentricities, her knowledge of her pseudo-religion has lent her at least an air of wisdom that few can deny. Skills: Fortunetelling 60, Herbalism 55, Morphing 49, Meditation 45, Cooking 36, Teaching 30 . NOTE: To buy/receive an enchanted item, you must request a moderated thread.