SHOPKEEPER PERMIT
You must have applied as an Elsewhere character before completing this permit.
Shop name: WICKéd'sCANDALS (WICKéd's Candles, but misspelled- and note the lack of [space] between words)
Shop Type: Magical Candle, Balm, and Wax Seal Shop
Location: Knockturn Alley
Subforum? If approved, I will take out a Shop Owner's subscription
Short Description (50 words max): Romantic candles with a kick; salves, balms and ointments; protective seals: your one-stop spot for all your wax-based needs!
Long Description (200 words min):The Approach. The entry to Wickéd's Candles is much like any other business in Knockturn Alley- mossy bricks with the occasional blackish film, with the smells of earth and some sort of pervasive unpleasantness that cannot be described in mere words. The owner has done nothing to dissuade customers from the obvious- Knockturn Alley is not the most savoury place to be.
Above the large picture window is a copperplate sign, remarkable only by its 'newness' and interesting paint choice:
The single large window display bears: tier upon tier of candelabra; candlesticks of every ilk (from black wrought iron to some sort of luminescent crystal and everything in between); some resting on pedestals and risers, others hovering naturally in the air.
The simple flames from each of the hundred-odd specimens dance and sway gently, producing a mesmerizing movement of intoxicating bliss. Written on the glass proclaim these products to be low-scent, smokeless, and created using age-old methods. The words across the bottom of the glass proclaim the shop is
Open Monday-Tuesday 10am - 6pm and Thursday-Saturday 10am - 8pm. Closed on Wednesday and Sunday.The Store. The interior of the shop is unusual in its shape due to its location wedged between two larger, more prominent shops. The frontage itself marks the widest part of the room, then stretches back quite a distance to where the back two walls meet. The five-walled room gives the impression of a much longer space because of this illusion- an illusion Mr. MacDonald has taken great lengths to enhance: furniture and fixtures are 20% smaller at the far end of the room, gradually increasing towards the front.
The front of the shop closest to the door is the counter where Newton sits, with a tall barstool off to one side whereupon a client might sit and look through the various colors, styles, and spells available to them for custom order. A small sign attached to the register invokes the rules of the store:
No unauthorized flames.
The use of mass-lighting devices or charms are prohibited.
All sales are final.
A small display of honey candies sits in a closed jar next to the register- moving about like live bees in a provocative little dance. The little sign on the jar proclaims that this dance is to lead the customer back to here. It is important to note that the entire store is lit entirely by candlelight, which surely must be done by hand- a mass-lighting charm would be disastrous in such a place. It is slightly warm in the shop, but less so than would be imagined considering all the open flame.
Along both of the long walls are shelf-upon-tiered-shelf of colorful candles in neat boxes, punctuated on occasion by a display of one sort or another. Little placards divide these areas up by scent, color, and magical disposition.
Through the center is a long table neatly dividing the store in two. On this table are various, more specialized items- candle sets and candle holders of all sorts; sealing waxes and novelty candles hand-carved into prominent wizard's visages; and tea-candles that magically refill any teacup that comes near with a variety of teas. Also here are a variety of cauldrons- an alternative to buying from the stores in Diagon Alley.
The back corner where the two short walls meet is another display featuring several of the more jovial entires- cake-eating candles; singing or chanting candles; pairs of teleporting flame-candles (that magically light their twin when blown out regardless of distance); even candles that don't create shadows. Along the right back wall is a doorway leading to a narrow staircase that leads to Newton's apartment above. Opposite, on the left back wall, is a single unisex lavatory.
The Apartment. Newton's apartment is fully furnished with antique but well-kept furniture, giving it an almost-museum quality. It features a study, a spare bedroom, a spare-bedroom-turned library, a third-story master bedroom, a full kitchen, and a large dining area. On the roof is a small garden and even smaller apiary. A laundry chute leads to the Basement (storage) area below.
All of the artwork here is of places, not people- there is no evidence of family at all. Even a cursory glance would let a person know that Newton doesn't receive much company, and the place desperately needs a woman's touch.
The Basement. At the base of the staircase leading up is a candelabra of seven attached to the wall- if they are blown out in the correct sequence and then the candelabra is pulled, the first flight of stairs leading to the landing collapse, leading to a basement level below. In this room are the equipment for a large-scale mead-making operation and candle-making apparati; along with boxes of supplies. A laundry chute can be used to access the apartment two stories above.
A secret passageway behind some of these boxes leads to a second, larger room fitted with comfortable seats and a fancy table that change from Dining to Pool to Craps to Poker at a command. A well-stocked bar punctuates the far corner, and a hearing tube allows those at the bar to hear not only what is going on in the store above them, but outside on the street as well. In all, the room might comfortably house a dozen people, with up to thirty in a pinch.
Featured prominently behind a glass case in a niche in the wall are three unlit black candles in golden candelabras. No telling sign or significance is given to them, but they are obviously somehow held in reverence.
Another secret passageway leads from here to the Knockturn Alley sewer system.
What purpose will this shop serve other than selling things and being the home of your character? Why would people want to RP there just for fun? In addition to Utility items such as
self-lighting candles,
floating candles, and
person-specific 'locked' wax seals, WICKéd's Candles sells a variety of novelty items: charmed candles to increase emotions, desires, or other attributes; and 'prank' items: cake-eating candles, head enlargers/shrinkers, and potentially more unsavory magicks.
Given Newton's history as an Arcanologist (specifying in Dark Arts artifacts), and his relative neutrality to the idea of the Dark Arts, things of that sort might abound here as well. Also, Newton has begun manufacturing honey-mead in the basement- and is gently reaching out as a potential site for clandestine parties/rendezvous (perhaps Resistance?).
SO: light-hearted prankish fun; customers trying to recapture (or persuade) love, glory, or luck; nefarious/dark meetings; and secretive stuff.
[OOC: The main premise of the items here are candle-based potions, essentially- invoking spells/effects when the candles are lit, similarly to when potions are drank/tossed/etc. Much like potions, the effects are built-in, and must be prepared ahead of time. A candle is created with a specific effect in mind, much as a potion.
it is understood that many prank items require special permissions; this simply provides a vehicle for roleplaying these special situations.] The Charms used in Newt's candles are compulsions rather than demands- they can't force a person to do something against their will. Those kinds of charms require a more practical approach (permission from on high and probably a good thread)...]
