~*~ALLERIA LEATHER GOODS~*~

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

Located near the middle of the Svhakkin is Alleria Prime Leather Products. The shop is a moderate sized freshly painted building, landscaped with shrubs. The newly painted sign announces:

~*~ALLERIA LEATHER GOODS~*~
Custom Orders Welcome

Reaching the front steps, you can read the sign posted next to the front door, which is propped open during sunny days.

Owner: Tev
Manager: Fastdraw
Clerks: S'Lon

When one opens the door a bell rings. The shop is clean and neat. The interior is freshly painted. On the large counter are several aromatic plants. Located behind the front counter, mounted just above head level on the wall behind the counter, there’s a glass case displaying ornate leather products with precious embroidered gems. Behind the counter, hanging on the right wall one finds skins, vests, tunics, skirts, dresses, trousers, belts, backpacks, boots, pouches, purses, hats and sashes. Other merchandise is displayed on the many shelves in the front room. A few cupboards contain miscellaneous items.
There is a doorway that leads to the workroom in back.

The Store Manager, a cheerful looking Elf with a smile says. "May I help you?"

Clothing/Apparel:
Belt: 10
Boots: 35
Dress: 35
Gloves: 20
Hat: 15
Head band: 3
Jacket: 45
Jacket, long: 60
Pants: 40
Sandals: 5
Sash: 15
Skirt: 20
Skirt: (short) 15
Suspenders: 15
Trousers: 35
Tunic: 25
Vest: 15

Armor:
Archery Gloves: 15
Full Set Leather Armor (leather cap, leather jerkin, leather buckler, hard leather breast plate, swordsman’s gloves, leather pants): 110
Hardened Leather Breastplate: 25
Leather Cap (head armor): 15
Jerkin (long sleeved): 10
Skirt (armor): 25
Skirt (short, armor): 20
Swordsman’s Gloves: 15
Make armor stronger by adding studs for 15 crowns

Weaponry/Related:
~Weapons~
Cat-O-Nine-Tails: 15
Whip: 15

~Sheaths~
Axe Belt Frog: (holds axe) 15
Harness for any type of weapon: 5-10
Sheath, two-handed sword: 15
Sheath, long bow: 20
Sheath, sword: 15
Sheath, dagger: 10
Sheath, special: 15+

~Quivers~
small, holds 12 arrows: 25 crowns
large, holds 24 arrows: 55 crowns
Ornate: 15+

Travel:
Backpack: 30
Pouch: 10
Purse: 10
Sac: 10
Sac: (Large) 20
Saddle bags, regular: 20
Saddle bags, large: 45
Tarp, small: 10
Tarp, large: 15

~SAddles~
Arabian: 70
Endurance:60
Draft: 110
Racing:115
Show:160
Trail Rider: 50

Other:
Leather pad for Birds of Prey: 10

Embroidery:
Silver: 25
Gold: 30
Coloring: 10

There is a brand new display set up behind the counter, out of reach to anyone but employees and people with money. The ornate glass display cases are shining and well kept, as are all the products in the cases. There is a brilliantly flashy sign in the middle of the back wall that reads:

@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@
Fastdraw Kwikman's...

" e X t R a V a G a N c E ! "

...do you have it?
@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@

As your eyes drift across the beutiful luxury products, the clerk smiles and says, "Have you heard of our new luxury line?" He promply hands you a parchment containing the list of products available from eXtRaVaGaNcE, "If you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask!" The clerk asks nicely.

" e X t R a V a G a N c E ! "

Belts:
~Genuine Aligator Belts~
Belly/Normal Leather Belt: 65
Belly/Hornback Leather Belt: 75 (small horns spike out)
Hornback Bone Leather Belt: 85 (large flashy horns spike out)
Hornback Bone Leather Belt w/ 14" zippered compartment: 95

~Genuine Stingray Belts~
No Stingray White Pearls: 44
With Stingray White Pearls: 49 (small ornate white pearls on buckle)
Stingray White Pearls entire length: 83 (stingray pearls along entire belt)

~Genuine Ostrich Belts~
Leg skin: 65 (very shiny)
Body skin: 99 (naturally has small, evenly spaced holes along length)

~Genuine Snake Belts~
White: 40 (white colored, beutiful pattern)
White/shiny: 47 (metallic like shine)
Brown, outer and inner made of snake skin: 55 (beutiful even brown scales, glossy)

Lady's Hand Bags:
~Genuine Aligator Handbags~
20x10: 179 (3 big compartments 1 inside pocket 1 zipped compartment)
22x19: 289 ( two internal large compartments, two zipped internal compartments and one external compartment)
24x23: 329 (two internal large compartments and two zipped internal compartments)
33x21: 359 (three internal large compartment, one zipped internal compartment, two internal pockets)

~Genuine Stingray Handbags~
16x14/metal handles: 89 (attractive metal handles)
26x16: 120 (two internal large compartments and two zipped internal compartments)
21x19/wooden handles: 130 (one large compartment, one internal zipped compartment, one internal pocket, with beutiful glossy wooden ring handles)
Unique Patterns +15

~Genuine Ostrich Handbags~
24.5x16: 189 (one big compartment)
28x18: 359 (one big compartment, two internal pockets)
33x25: 499 (one big compartments, one internal zipped compartment, one internal compartment

~Genuine Snake Handbags~
30x19: 119 (two large compartments, one zipped large compartment, one zipped internal pocket, two small internal compartments, one pen holder)
32x18: 135 (one internal large compartment, internal zipped compartment, internal small packet)

Men's Briefcases:
~Genuine Aligator Briefcases~
30x22: 399 (two internal large compartments, two zipped internal compartments, two penholders)
38x27: 499 (one large external compartment, two internal large compartments, two zipped internal compartments, two pen
holders, one small pocket and one magnetically clipped folded board with one large document compartment, 7 card slots, one ID card slot. This briefcase locked with the highest quality coded lock)

~Genuine Stingray Briefcases~
35x26: 189 (Outside: 1 zipped compartment Inside: 1 big compartment, 1 zipped compartment, 3 pen holders, 1 small pocket. Closed with one key lock)
43.5x32: 369 (2 large document compartments, 1 small pocket, 3 card slots, 1 ID card transparent slot, one magnetically clasped pocket, two pen holders.

Wallets and Coin Purses
~Genuine Aligator Wallets and Coin Purses~

~Genuine Stingray Wallets and Coin Purses~

~Genuine Ostrich Wallets and Coin Purses~

~Genuine Snake Wallets and Coin Purses~

Lady's Shoulderbag / Backpack
~Genuine Stingray Shoulderbags~
Burgundy 23x24: 129 (one big compartment, one zipped pocket)
Royal Blue 23x24: 139 (one big compartment, one zipped pocket)

[Damon Lycks]

Upon recieving his three items Damon smiled, "Thank you very much partner, I'll certainly come back again!" He left cheerfully.

[S'Lon]

”More products as standard for the shop? Yes that would make sense,” he said considering what he had seen during his time in the shop. ”We have often had special orders in here and if people see something listed then it may indeed remind them of something that they would not otherwise have bought.”

As for the club, well yes if it is a success here in Narim and we can’t see why it wouldn’t be then we want to expand. One of the first places we have discussed is Taralon and we aim to go there after the wedding partly with a view of looking at property there. Robyn knows Taralon very well and with the provincial government there and its visitors, I think it will be a prime location for the next club.”

He considered Fastdraws offer of partnership. ”Actually the club will be mainly Robyns project and where I may wish for help is with the other projects. I’m already backing a dwarf who is out gold prospecting though it remains to be seen how successful that will prove to be.”

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

"Gold prospecting? He's searching for gold? That sounds interesting." He said a bit skeptic.

"I've not the money to start my own business yet but one day I will have saved enough to create something of my own. I had considered, like I said, a club/gambling hall type of building but I haven't yet researched how much it costs to build such an establishment. I do know, however, where I would start that line of business, and thats north through the Khardran Mts. to Candaceburg. It's still close to home too, not a journy at all on my horse. Fastdraw spoke as if it would all happen tommorow.

"Well I do hope to one day partner up in some business venture with the likes of you. You seem to have a good sense about things and I like that. You said might need help on 'other projects,' what might those be?"

[S'Lon]

S'Lon grinned at Fastdraw. ”Well my partner who is doing the prospecting is a dwarf and there are existing gold mines out there, so the chances are that he will find something. The question in my mind is whether or not he will find enough to make it worth while our time.”

He continued with what he had been doing before Fastdraws arrival. ”As for the other things well they are still a little too sketchy to discuss and I’m sure that someone with a similar business mind will appreciate that discussing these things too openly at this point could allow someone else to get in first, so I’d rather not be too specific at this stage.”

“However, how do you feel about a Guild for the city? It seems that there isn’t one operating at the moment.”

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

Fastdraw smirked. "Yes very true, we wouldn't want to spoil any suprise you may have on your 'secret' market." He said with a laugh.

Fastdraw was pleased that S'Lon had brought up guilds. "Ah, I've inquired about guilds before (ooc as well) and I must say that If you want anything to get done around here, you have to do it yourself." He chuckled a bit. "Hopefully you don't already have some partner or plans for a guild, because I'm beggining to believe that I'm a bit late for everything. What did you have in mind friend. You say a guild for the city, what exactly does a guild for the city do? I've been interested for some time about a possible merchant guild in Narim."

He lowered his voice. "...and I'm always looking for ways to make some big money." He said with a playful grin.

[S'Lon]

S'Lon grinned back at Fastdraw. ”Indeed, big money is always attractive.” He wondered what Fastdraw would do with the money if he got it. For himself, the money could be used for a number of things, his wife, the Hall or investing in a private retreat out in the wilderness perhaps.

”Yes, I have secret ideas if you like, but the basic premise of many of them is to work in partnership with people. What I really want to do is to back other people and make them successful, and earn money from their success. If I wanted to go into business full time then perhaps I’d do it myself but my first love is learning to be a Ranger and until I achieve that aim I simply don’t have the time it would take to set up in business for myself.”

“The Guild is one way of doing just that, because I hope by setting it up and setting it up carefully to keep some degree of control and by that I mean the ability to ensure that it supports my financial goals. I don’t expect to make money from the Guild as such but I would only go ahead if the Guild would be able to do something for me. One of the ideas I have in mind for example would be for the Guild to lend money out to new businesses rather than them having to borrow the money from the bank. Now the Guild isn’t going to be able to do that much cheaper than anyone else and I have in mind to work it through one of my own companies but that aside, the Guild could arrange things so that there are preferential treatments for other Guild members, perhaps on pricing that sort of thing. Alternatively, we might see if we can get the Aedile who I think is the one who we have to get to agree to set the Guild up might cut us some deal on taxes or even make all the businesses in the city join.”

He shrugged quickly. ”There are so many possibilities that I haven’t really had chance to sort them through in my mind and come up with a solid proposition.”

ooc: if you really are interested in this then we should punt this discussion over to the Realmcraft and knock it into shape there and then come back here and RP out how we arrive at the proposition

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

"Agreed, I always think partnering is safer than doing it alone, simply because two heads are smarter than one, and frankly I don't have the backing to start my own usually. And for that matter, unfortunaltey I am not able to back everyone I meet and earn from their success, because I am not wealthy enough yet. But the guild looks like a way that I'll be able to solve both of those problems..

Fastdraw thought for a moment. "I could see the Aedile cutting us a deal perhaps. We would be helping the city's economy after all, putting us at a place of power. We need to discuss member dues, benefits, obligations, rules and regulations, and management for starters." Fastdraw and S'Lon sat down with pen in hand, and worked out everything they could think of concerning the guild...

ooc: not only am I interested i've tried to discuss a Guild before using the 'player factions' forum but it seems that whoever is in charge of that area is busy with something else. But it occurs to me this needs to be in Realmcraft if we want to get it moving. Go ahead and start it, make a link here when you've made it. Im excited.

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

After helping some customers, Fastdraw tends to some shop duties.

First he goes outside and tends to the shrubs and the shop sign, trimming and weeding the shrubs and washing the sign's. Fastdraw cheerfully talks to any passerbys he meets. After he finishes with the sign he heads sweeps off the steps and beats the doormat, which was quite dusty. He continues inside to sweep the shop floor, and opens some windows to let in fresh air. After the floor is clean he opens the display cases and polishes and shines every item on display, bringing a pleasing leather aroma to the air. He finishes up and continues on with cleaning the glass cases and windows. Lastly but not least he sets up a brand new display! It consists of mostly luxury leather items with detailed ornate designs and gems. It is positioned near the rear of the store, behind the counter, to thwart off any theaves from gettin in and out without a fight. The case is anchored to the floor and locked tightly. And finally he hangs a small and expensive looking sign with fancy calligraphy over the display that says.

@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@
Fastdraw Kwikman's...

" e X t R a V a G a N c E ! "

...do you have it?
@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@

He decided to sell his own line of products, which would further help him become better at his craft, and at the same time help out the store. Right when he finishes with the new display case a customer walks in and Fastdraw turns with a smile to help...

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

...after helping a sudden rush of people Fastdraw heads to the back to finish some orders. His clerk takes the customers in the front while he starts on a crocodile belt for a warrior, and a snake belt for a beutful elf. Belts really don't take much time at all so he finishes quickly and they gets to work on a three hour project, a stingray briefcase! He has tested and created his own cut-out's for this piece, the briefcase is truly his creation.

[Tev]

There is the sound of a creaking wagon coming from the street in front of the shop. Suddenly the noise stops and woman with a weather beaten face, a corn cob pipe in her mouth, steps into the shop. She is dressed in heavy work clothes and sports a wide brimmed straw hat. Just about then the sound of the wagon resumes.
She steps up to the counter, takes puff on the pipe and says to the person behind the counter, "Serale, it seems like someone perked up the place, Looks OK. Anyhow, I'm here with a wagon load of fresh hides. My son is taking them to the back entrance. Here's a list of what I brought.
8 Horse Hide
8 Cow Hides
4 Calf Hides
4 Hog Hides
After my son unloads them I need someone to sign this. Tell Tev to deposit the payment in my family account.
In about a cycle or so, Zebulon ought to be back and expect he will come here with his usual skins, Buffalo, Deer Snakeskin and most likely some of those overgrown Lizards that take to water."

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

"Serale. Thank you, I just cleaned up recently."

He listened to her speak of the shipment. He let the ladies son through the back door to unload the hides.

"Since we'll be seeing more of eachother, I'll introduce myself. My name is Fastdraw Kwikman, Dra for short. I am the new manager of the shop, it's nice to meet you. Fill me in on everything I should know about your family and it's business with us."

[Tev]

The woman nodded when Fastdraw introduced himself. "So you are the new boss? Well, maybe it was you that livened up this place. It's always been drab and dull. Things have perked up since last time I was here. There's not much to tell about the business we do. Me and the boy bring the hides that we get from farmers. My cousin Zebulon Jukes hunts for game and sells the meat to the Butcher, then he brings the skins here. My sister-in-law, Hepziba Kallikack raises Hemlock and Sumac that you folks use for tanning the hides. I hear tell that the Hemlock is for curing the daintier things like clothing and the Sumac is for toughening the leather while it cures, like for Leather Armor and Saddles. I guess you know all that stuff already. She delivers them in separate loads so they don't get mixed in with each other.

"I guess that tells you about all need to know about us. The rest just ain't your business. I don't need to know anything about you except that you are going make sure that I get paid for all this."

[Fastdraw Kwikman]

"Yes I guess I do..." He says sarcastically to the lady, in regards to her comment.

"Tanning takes its name from the treatment of the hides with the chemical action of tannin, or tannic acid. Tannin is commonly obtained from the bark of trees, tanbark. Oak is favored, but willow and a large variety of other barks are also used, some of them adapted to the production of special leathers. The bark should be taken from trees at least thirty years old, and in the spring, when the sap has risen.

Tanbark is stripped from the tree with a tool called a spud, or peeling iron. It is laid out in slabs to dry and is then ground into a coarse powder to allow for the most efficient extraction of the tannin when it is mixed with water in the tanning pit.

He laughed at the ladies remarks. "Don't worry, you'll get your money, I'm sure you've always been paid prior to this, and Tev is still the man paying you. Thank's for the shipment, I'll be seeing you and your family later im sure." He said, almost distaistefuly.

[Selegon Merith]

Selegon walked into the store and looked around and seen S'Lon behind the counter and Selegon smilied and nodded his head up and spoke. 'How goes it S'Lon, you guys have any Hard Leather Armour? Selegon asked looking around.