[Nyka location] The Sacred Flame

[Liar]

The Sacred Flame 327 Cook Street Though not the only shop of its kind, the Sacred Flame has become the largest source of Nykan-made candles, incense, idols, religious books, and other spiritual memorabilia. The small storefront sits on the first of three stories, its pinkish stone covered in intricately painted depictions of colorful, curling flames. A painted wooden awning hangs over a door and two windows, each of which is tinted by stained glass that glows in the candlelight of the shop behind. The first floor is showcases a large supply of candles, many of them burning to cast the whole room in bright light. If the heat and color were not enough to assault an entering customer, the various scents are glad to do the trick; such an overwhelming impression can only be expected of the Zenatt family, a wildly passionate lot that deal almost exclusively in the arts of carving and candle making. They swear that their candles can chase away the darkness that would take children from their beds, that each of their idols is specially crafted to speak directly with the powers that be. The colorful selection curves around a large countertop on which the most expensive wares are on display: candles with detailed patterns and forms, as well as fine figures made of wood, stone, and glass, in the shape of the Celestials, other gods, and sundry symbolic shapes. At the end of the long hall, a wrought-iron spiral staircase extends both up and down. Below is a workplace for the resident candle makers, while above is a second story of merchandise. This room houses stacks of cloth, bundles of incense, and all of the statuettes that are not already downstairs. There are also a few bookcases, containing storybooks, a variety of basic religious texts, and information on wards, curses, and spiritual protection. The stairs rise into a third floor, but the door at the top is locked. Though originally owned by the Zenatt family exclusively, the shop grew substantially in the aftermath of the djed storm of 512. Having survived structurally for the most part, the place became a safe haven for local merchants with the same means of living. Second-rate merchandise can be found on blanket stalls lining Cook Street in the daytime, while children of all ages crowd the street with their games. The community is no closer here than it is in the rest of the city, but here is where it seems to be especially visible, and that energy is what gives extra value to the merchandise sold here.   Price List Prices are listed in Laats, but equivalent mizas are accepted. Custom candles, idols, figurines, and embroidery available upon request. Simple Candle 1 L ----- Bolt of Colored Flax 5 L Multi-colored Candle 3 L ----- Bolt of Embroidered Flax 10-15 L Carved-shape Candle 5 L ----- 1 doz. sticks Incense 1 L Candle Snuffer 1 L ----- Zenatt family ward book 7 L Wooden Idol 2 L ----- Book, paper-bound 10 L Clay Idol 4 L ----- Book, leather-bound 24 L Stone Idol 10 L ----- Glass Idol 12 L ----- Porcelain Idol 15 L -----   NPC Zenatt Name: Luke Zenatt Age: 29 Personality: Though some might consider him simple-minded, Luke’s candle making skill is matched only by his passion. He is soft spoken and good tempered, known better for his selflessness than his contribution to the shop. He considers every customer to be a member of his family, even smiling at foreigners before his cousins remind him not to. The only thing he loves more than working in his shop is hearing a story from the life of a friend, and he is forgetful enough to gladly listen to a good story twice. While he can stand his own in a fight, he is of the rare breed that prefers not to. His kindness has earned him a reputation as a pushover, which is becoming precarious for his new position of power. History: It was because of his benignity that his mother, Maria Zenatt, willed her only son the entirety of the shop’s profits and ownership. This came as a surprise to many, who were under the impression that the store belonged to no one person; even with the paperwork to prove it, Luke has come under some heavy fire from families and individuals who see themselves in his place. For now, Luke has been able to use his many friendships to defend himself from any backlash, but there is a palpable tension in some corners of the South concerning the place of the Zenatt family as leaders of wealth within the Quarter. Skills: Carving 58, Candlemaking 47, Sculpting 30, Persuasion 26, Mathematics 23   NPC Prenck Name: Cecil Prenck Age: 25 Personality: Cecil is one of the many individuals who can be found laying out her wares on a blanket on Cook Street in the morning and smiling at passersby through late afternoon. Her merchandise is a talent more than a good; with a small fire and a bit of creativity, she makes candies and sweet cakes out of her family’s famous honey and whatever else a customer brings to her station. Because selling food is illegal in Nyka, it is the preparation that they pay for. Bring a few mizas and some fruit or sugar cane, and leave with a delicious treat. Cecil is generally kind, especially to children, but she has a competitive edge and is not afraid to share her knowledge or defend her family’s trade. Rumor has it that she has taken a liking to Luke Zenatt, and can be caught smiling at him through the window to his shop. History: The Prenck family was hit hard by the Djed Storm. Their shop was obliterated, leaving their surviving members homeless and grieving. When the Zenatt family offered both financial and emotional support, the Prencks were happy to accept and become a part of the greater Cook Street family. Cecil lives with her mother, her brother, his wife, and their two children in a small home rented to them by the Zenatts. They work in the Outlands at the beehives that produce both wax for the Sacred Flame’s candles and honey for the candies that she sells. Skills: Persuasion 45, Cooking 42, Brawling 30, Beekeeping 26