Shops in Aberon

Blacksmiths-

• Hammer and Anvil: Here we go. A newly built blacksmiths shop owned by a young Aaracockra and Kenku pair named Hammer and Anvil. The Aaracockra (Hammer) does the smith’s work whilst Anvil does the enchanting. They are firmly new though have some skill in their craft despite ekeing out a living and trade through a mixture of sympathy and ridicule. They can enchant +1 weaponry and armour though it is important to note that it is not a pretty job and the weapons and armour come out scratched and looking like shit when given to the players though they will mechanically work. As a note Hammer is the talker and Anvil is, well, a Kenku.
• The Tuned Blade: The Tuned Blade is more of a collector than a smith as it is owned by an elderly High Elf and former bladesinger named Aether Stillstream. A female who was raised for a significant time amongst a tabaxi bladesinger tribe(note here a bladesinger is another name for a college of blades bard). Her skill with a blade is incredible and she offers ‘duelling’ lessons to nobility in the area and credits herself for the Vallean royalty’s skill with a blade. (In short if the party train with her for long enough they can go the duellist fighting style). She doesn’t build weapons but has a keen interest in weapons and is a collector of unique weapons whether it is for aesthetic reasons or mechanical reasons… GO IN DEPTH WITH THIS CHARACTER IN THE DESCRIPTION OF WEAPONS, MOST WILL BE BLADES BUT THERE ARE ALSO SOME OTHER WEAPONS THOUGH THEY ALL NEED TO LOOK UNIQUE, BEAUTIFUL OR WEIRD AF. She will often have jobs for mercenaries to head into ruins or to a court etc to buy, trade for or find ancient interesting weapons.
• The Mage’s Bane: A store set up by a half orc eldritch knight who firmly believes in becoming the enemy to defeat the enemy and so he specialises in anti-mage gear and is very good at his job. This includes armour of resistance, spell slicing blades, equipment that dispels magic and equipment that imparts the mage slayer feat… it’s expensive but reliable if fucking up a mage is your go-to.

Alchemists-

• The Stirred Cauldron: Owned by an eladrin hags apprentice named Phehiri Grow’vir they are from the summer courts and are so rather fiery for an alchemist and are extremely passionate in their craft. This alchemist deals in a wide variety of potions as well as some homebrew pieces that are pretty powerful, she is an incredibly skilled alchemist and… with the right level of convincing… can show off her poison collection to those interested.
• The Night Vial: Owned by a pair of Human teens who were raised to be alchemists by their mother but came to the city to be cocktail makers instead...see Taverns for more information

Taverns-

• The Night Vial: Owned by human twins called Matt and Marisha. They became fully trained alchemists from their mother, but they wanted to find their own path in the city. Originally from Amwend. Their potions alternate as drinks; healing potion = coffee/water, potion of firebreath = firebrand whiskey, potion of etherealness = absinthe etc.
• Crown Blossom Resort and Spa: Super fancy hotel on the outskirts of the city by the coast to make the most of the natural resources. Owned by a high elven non-binary person (Aymer Ilyra). They are very proud of their work and holds their staff to a very high standard.The hotel has a very modern aesthetic to it; a lot of glass and natural lights and plants. The entire hotel has a magical stream that runs through it (think like Buddhist temples) with lotus flowers and blossoms (hence the name)
• The Prince Wilfaerd Inn: Named after Faith Vallea’s great-great-great uncle who was once 3rd in line for the throne and started a chain of inns throughout the country (think your average Spoons). Known for average quality food and cheap drink. Arguably the best place in the city for the atmosphere, and will occasionally run an underground fighting ring for the right price and with the right questions. Owned now by a gruff dwarven man named Kornon Bluntbrow, with a very Hagrid-esque appearance.
• Ye Olde Seagulls: A proper dive bar located down by the docks. Run by a young human man named Treeve Hendra. All his life he wanted to run the finest establishment in Vallea, but his parents passed away when he was younger. His dad was a fisherman/sailor who died during a pirate raid and his mother died of illness when Treeve was 12. Treeve’s parents left their savings to their son who invested it all into this bar. It’s not a lot, but has steady business mainly with wisened sailors and dock workers.

Magic Item Shops:

• Of Hearth and Homebrew: owned by a fairly young brass Draconic sorcerer half elf named Lulia. Her store has a simulacrum of her who's scales are opposite as though she summoned the simulacrum through mirror and she has 15 to 20 pseudo dragons that clean and organise the store for her and carry her items when she is dealing with customers. She sells up to very rare items of all varieties as well as a VERY limited stock of weapons, she is also the most exclusive and expensive of the magic item shops. The shop looks homely and kinda unorganised with a sofa and fire going and home items mixed with things for sale with only a price tag differentiating them.
• Curious Curio's: owned by a young female Tiefling named Curious a great old one warlock that constantly hears whispers of direction that are both maddening and peek her curiosity. She sells strange magical items and components and is an option for a side quest of the party to escort her to research a local creature or location.
• Warmaidens: owned by a trio of former adventurers, all women, who arent wizards and artificers (barbarian Jaqee dwarf, paladin Lorelai Aasimar and fighter Sarael Human) but through their adventuring are well aware of what makes a magical item useful in combat. They are collectors and take long gaps to go on adventures to 'replenish their stock' or hire other mercenaries to do so. Their stock is slightly used as they have attuned to and tested it themselves.