Merchant Wars

minor Active Sessions 3–3

Prejudice, economic competition, old guard versus newcomers, family legacy versus personal kindness

subplot

Description

The competition between Vixia's Dragon's Side and Balmon Fruist's Firstlight reveals the uglier side of the capital's commerce: open racism toward non-humans, sabotage accusations, and bitter resentment from a failing business watching a newcomer succeed. Vixia plants seeds of doubt about Firstlight's quality while Balmon hires guards and spews vitriol about 'fiery lizards.' Their daughter Elowen tries to smooth tensions, but her father's bitterness grows with each passing year. This rivalry will come to a head when the Gloaming Guild's explosive candle plot targets Firstlight as the scapegoat.

Key Figures (5)

Vixia Emberclaw protagonist

Dragon's Side plot_device

Balmon Fruist antagonist

Elowen Fruist supporting

FirstLight plot_device

Timeline

Session 3 "Silver flames and darker secrets emerge as the Heroes navigate courtly intrigue, forbidden knowledge, and a brothel brawl."

The Candle Trade

Thomas takes the party to both competing candle shops, revealing the stark contrast between establishments. Vixia's professionalism and subtle marketing stands against Balmon's open hostility and racist insults. His daughter Elowen apologizes repeatedly for her father's behavior, but the damage is done—city guards stand watch outside Firstlight, and Balmon rants about the Redbane Inn explosion being Vixia's fault. The party witnesses firsthand the prejudice that makes the Gloaming Guild's planned sabotage feel justified to the 'little folk.'