What to see at a mage fair?

[taliesin15]

People don't have respect for demon hordes because they are a kind of worn-out cliche, and secondly because they tend to be run as a bum-rush mosh pit (ala The Who in Cleveland if we're talking 1st edition rules, maybe more like System of a Down today)--I guess it kind of depends on how many demons show up for the shindig, but nevertheless what awful tactics for them to open up a dimension door right where there's a bunch of well stocked high and mid-level mages, ready to take them out with not just their gear, but booths FULL of wands and staffs

This would be a bit like some thugs from Queens coming down here to Texas, going to the Gun Show, muttering under their blunt that they don't get much respect, and attempting to stick up a vendor at the Gun Show--the problem wouldn't be how fast they'd be mowed down by bullets from multiple angles, but how many shots go through them and hit innocent bystanders.

Anyhow, I think most Demons aren't Chaotic Stupid, and often have much subtler strategy. Ala the Bazaar of the Bizarre.

 

[Victor Ograygor]

Let us stay on topic please

I give you a chance to create a tent at my mage fair. Please desribe the tent, what's it is doing there and how is responsible for the tent. Are they selling somthing ore showing somthing stage material. Is the tent dark reed, and smell´s strange. ? Let me hear about your tent ?

 

[Andor]

Draven's Research Aides

Draven, A dwarven wizard of some repute has set up his tent (Cunningly painted to look like stonework in the shape of a tent) wherin he sells implements to aid wizards in their personal spell research. Examples include...

The Eye of Memory A cyrsal ball the size of a tennis ball and colored like a bloodshot eye with a violet iris, it will record a visual record of any spell cast within 30' of it and replay it as an illusion at 1/12th speed. For when you're not sure what just happened.

The Rod of Diminuation An iron and jasper rod about 2' long. Any spell cast while holding this rod has 1/10th range and area. Good for mimimizing collateral damage.

A Book of Many Versions A medium sized tome with covers of glittering Mica. Anything written in it can be copied, moved, or edited magically using the purple glass pen that is kept within it's covers. All old versions of what is written are preserved, and the margins magically hold all notes no matter how copious. Using this book while conducting personal spell research reduces time spent and material costs by 10%. Handy for when you forget what it is you wanted to do in the first place.

The Rug of Safe Practice This large and ornate rug is woven of exotic silks and precious metals. Any spell cast while standing in it's center will seem to funtion as normal but it's effects will be entirely illusory. Great for Spell-Checking.

 

[Nightfall]

Victor,

Hey I personally think demonic hordes in a mage fair do make for good tents! Or at least an interesting day at the fair.

Talisen, so what, I should accept not having demons showing up just because it's "cliche". If that's the case, why not get rid of dungeons and dragons too!

 

[taliesin15]

Nightfall, no, I'm just saying if yr going to use the Demon Horde, just do so more imaginatively than the usual way, i.e. not just a flustercluck/rugby match/gang-bang, but something different. The Fritz Leiber story has the demons posing as merchants. I won't say anything more.

Now, to appease those who think this is off-topic, and as if the Leiber thing is not appropriate enough, here's another idea. A group of barbarians, all riding magnificent steeds, starts setting up a purple and bronze tent at the edge of the fair. They have ice-white long braided hair and deep indigo-colored eyes, and wear only furs, leather and bits of horn as fasteners. The locals are so startled at their odd appearance they start referring to them under their breath as Demons.

On their table for sale is an array of strange looking items, the like of which has rarely been seen in more temperate zones. First up are several score of vials, in which is contained a solution of the herb known as Blue Woad. It is a kind of dye that warriors rub on their bare skin before battle to confer bravery (it induces a Beserk Rage for 3d12 rounds).

Secondly are a number of charms and talismans carved into whale and walrus bone/ivory. Most of these are used as focal points for Divine magic, but other than that have no actual magical properties. However, according to DMs wishes, one might have one talisman that confers protection against cold, say, another protection in stormy weather at sea, and so on.

Third are a number of masterwork spears, each blessed by the priests of the Gods of the north. These operate as normal masterwork spears, unless the wielder knows to invoke the names the appropriate deities, in which case they are +1-+3 spears.

You can also have these Barbarians selling herbs, roots, gems, and other rare material important as spell components. Another idea is they may have a lot of material useful in making the finest vellum. Walrus-skin vellum! Caribou vellum! Use only the finest for your spellbook.

 

[Nightfall]

Tal,

Eh one man's "imaginative" is another man's cliche. But whatever.