Goblin Market

Morning and evening
Maids heard the goblins cry:
“Come buy our orchard fruits,
Come buy, come buy..."

~ Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti

Once upon a time...

All fae sought to taste the power of human passion by tempting mortals into a deal. The most persistent of these were the Goblins, whose temptations of fruits from the far reaches of both fae and mortal realms could turn the head of most humans.

Goblins, however, are decievers, and their temptations, illusion. Some mortals survive their encounter to warn of the place where seduction of the senses comes at too high a price. Most do not.

Location

In the Fae Lands, the Goblin Market is a place that changes location daily throughout the Fae Wilds. This allows it to be neutral between the Courts and beholden to no ruler, fae or martal alike.

This is because the Goblin King holds the Seat of Kings, the portion of the Stone of Fál that exists in the Fae Lands. This anchor point allows the Goblin Market to exist in the Fae Wilds, but be accessible to entry through the mortal realm. The entrance from the mortal realm can be anywhere. About half the time, it is under the ocean.

Conduct WIthin the Market

Despite the fact that the Market exists to facilitate deals between mortals and the fae, the Goblins are very aware of the exchange of value. Therefore, the Market is difficult to access for those with little magical ability. This gives the Market itself a value, meaning those who visit the Market have already given up much of their bargaining power just to find and enter it.

Currency

Money exchange is rare in the Goblin Market. The currency accepted is that of magic and emotion. Often, a deal will hinge on a kiss or lock of hair, though some fae vendors will deal with more... unsavory transactions.

Children are always accepted as currency, and are welcomed as visitors as well. When children are lost to the Market, they are usually labelled as runaways or replaced with a Changling or a Golem. There are many tales of what happens to the children exchanged at the Market, though, generally, all fae appreciate children.

The Deal

"The deal is written into the fabric of existance.
A deal struck must be completed or renegotiated.
A deal reneged will cost you everything."

~ Bograin the Clever, Contractor of the Goblin Market

There is nothing more sacred to the Fae than a deal struck. In the Goblin Market, that is all there is. Everything in the Market is designed to facilitate the striking of a deal between a Vendor and a mortal, under the watchful eye of one of the many Contractors who ensure the rules are followed, such as they are.

The Rules

1. There is no loyalty, race, or affiliation that trumps the Deal.
2. A deal struck must be completed or renegotiated. Both parties must agree to renegotiating.
3. The deal is written into the fabric of existance. It is upheld by the laws of nature, fae and mortal alike.
4. Payment is due when it is due. No excuse or situation can change that.
5. All rules are agreed upon when entering the Market. Each person is responsible for their own understanding of this.
6. All rules are subject to nullification by the terms of the Deal. The rights of those who strike a deal are the responsibility of no one but themselves.
7. Any issues with a Deal may be brought to a Contractor. In this case, the Contractor's word is final.

The Courts, the Market, & the Deal

The Unseelie Court sometimes acts as though the Goblin Market is part of their kingdom, despite denials from the Contractors and the Goblin King. The Seelie Court prefers to distance itself from the Goblin Market, despite the persistant attendance of many Seelie Fae.

The Market itself never wavers in its insistance that the Market is free from all rule. Even the Goblin King has authority ONLY over the daily location of the Market.

The most important rule of the Goblin Market is that everything, everything, everything must serve the Deal. No hierarchy can force a deal. No ruler can overrule a deal. No war or conflict between groups or individuals can prevent a deal. Ever.

Common Offerings

• Exotic fruits and foods
• Exotic flowers, pets, and jewelry
• Cantrips
• Prophecies and other predictions
• Minor fae slaves/servents
• Golems and Constructs
• Changing destiny
• Wishes (including, rarely, Djinn)
• Magical items and weapons

Alternative Name(s)

The Djinns' Bazaar, The Imp Exchange, Unseelie Mall, The Fiendish Fete, Temptation Square

Type

Trade post

Inhabitant Demonym

Vendor

Location under

Fae Lands

Ruling/Owning Rank

Goblin King