Owner: Cornelis Strijder, a man of dubious morals but undeniable charm, Cornelis runs The Devil’s Tincture with a careful balance of secrecy and brazenness. Tall and slim, with neatly combed graying hair and dark, sunken eyes, he’s known as a fixer for Seregon’s seediest elites. Cornelis is always immaculately dressed in velvet and silk, his well-tailored attire hiding a sharp intelligence beneath a veneer of charm. He’s a master of dealing in vices, both physical and political, and his stall in the Grand Bazaar is infamous for offering forbidden pleasures, dangerous secrets, and poisons that can topple a dynasty.
Located in a shadowy corner of the bazaar, hidden from casual onlookers by heavy black curtains, The Devil’s Tincture is filled with risqué artwork, the scent of exotic drugs, and murmured conversations between Cornelis and his many well-connected customers. Cornelis maintains a facade of respectability with a curated selection of potions and curios, but everyone knows that his real business is for those willing to ask for it. The Seven Sins thugs are notably absent from his stall, though rumors suggest Cornelis has cut a deal with them to operate without interference.
Notable Wares and Services at The Devil's Tincture (Revised Prices)
1. Risqué Artwork for Perverted Regents
“The Secret Feast of Lysandra” – 3,000 gp
- Scandalous art with historical and blackmail value makes this a high-demand collectible.
Marble Statues of the Sensual Nymph – 1,500 gp
- Exquisitely crafted enchanted statues make these luxury items for collectors and nobles.
“The Duke's Secret” (Oil Painting) – 2,000 gp
- Blackmail potential adds significant value beyond the artwork itself.
Fey Seductress Tapestry – 6,000 gp
- The enchantment to charm viewers makes this not only rare but dangerous, ideal for scheming nobles or collectors of cursed art.
2. Drugs
Black Milk – 250 gp per vial
- Rare narcotics with magical and addictive properties command a higher price.
Faerie Dust – 750 gp per pouch
- Sourced from the Feywild, this is an exotic drug with powerful effects and high risk, raising its value.
Demon’s Breath – 150 gp per inhalation
- Enhancing senses while being addictive and dangerous makes this more valuable to reckless users.
Lotus of the Dreamer – 500 gp per petal
- Its prophetic visions and extreme risks make it a premium narcotic sought by mystics or gamblers.
Shimmer (Quicksilver Potion) – 1,500 gp per vial
- This rare and highly magical substance is coveted by spellcasters, raising its cost significantly.
3. Bootleg Unrefined Seregon Serum
- Unrefined Seregon Serum – 25 gp
- Despite its dangerous nature, its life-saving (if horrific) effects justify a higher price even on the black market.
4. Poisons
Wyvern’s Sting – 1,500 gp per vial
- The potency of the poison and its paralysis effect make it highly valued by assassins and hunters.
Midnight Tears – 5,000 gp per vial
- A slow-acting poison used in high-profile assassinations, with its price reflecting both rarity and effectiveness.
Spider’s Kiss – 750 gp per dose
- A reliable paralytic poison with utility for kidnappers and spies.
Tears of the Fey – 8,000 gp per drop
- Its madness-inducing effect and rarity as a Fey-crafted poison justify an exceptionally high price.
5. Services
Forgery of Residency Paperwork – 250 gp
- Expertly forged documents are valuable in a city with strict bureaucracy.
Forgery of Signet Rings – 750 gp
- The craftsmanship and utility of forged signet rings, often used for high-stakes deception, warrant a higher price.
Maps of Sewer Systems and Estate Layouts – 1,000 gp
- Detailed and clandestinely acquired maps are worth more due to the risks of obtaining them.
City Watch Patterns on Specific Nights – 750 gp
- Critical information for heists and covert missions makes this a highly valuable service.
Wanted Poster Removal Service – 500 gp
- A niche but dangerous service warrants a higher cost, especially given the risks to the operatives involved.
6. Half-Price Potions from Iron Knot University
Potion of Healing (Mostly Works) – 50 gp
- Even with reduced potency, its life-saving properties make it slightly more expensive.
Potion of Invisibility (Unstable) – 150 gp
- The potential for invisibility, even with flaws, is highly valuable in the right circumstances.
Potion of Fire Resistance (Flickering) – 100 gp
- Fire resistance, despite occasional failure, is still sought after, especially in volatile environments.
Potion of Speed (Backfiring) – 200 gp
- The significant utility of enhanced speed justifies a higher price, even with the drawback.
7. Souvenirs for Collections
Armor of General Valenstahl – 20,000 gp
- Legendary historical armor with a +2 AC bonus and significant prestige makes this a priceless artifact.
Lute of Erendil the Bold – 12,000 gp
- A powerful magical item tied to a famous bard, capable of casting Inspire Courage, increases its value.
Gladiator’s Spear of Aelios – 7,500 gp
- A +1 weapon with historical and symbolic importance commands a premium price.