Trinket Depot

It was a frigid, blustery day when the depot appeared. I had been in a foul mood and was looking for a distraction. As I walked through an empty district, a swatch of bright colors caught my eye. It seemed so out of place among the gray, empty buildings.   I approached the shop and noted the flashing 'open' sign above the door. The streets were empty and I was seemingly the only patron that day. Through the windows I could see a warm, inviting space full of trinkets and oddities.   I didn't have much money at the time. The owner was friendly enough and let me wander the expansive displays to my heart's content. I eventually left with a small ornate music box.   When I had more income, I returned a couple months later. The shop was gone.
    A curious shop ran by a curious man, the Trinket Depot appears in the most random of places. It never stays for long. As far as anyone is aware, there is only one shop. It comes and goes seamlessly through the use of various magics.    

Building Description

  The depot appears in many different places. The main outside structure depends on what building is being occupied at that point in time. There is always a neon open / close sign above the entrance. A wooden plaque with the shop's name is hung by a metal wire. Locations used are always empty and / or abandoned.  
I never disrupt or displace anyone with my shop. Each location has been out of use for a while. I find beauty in giving old things life again, even if for a brief amount of time.
— Gizmo

Structures Used

  • Warehouses
  • Homes
  • Shop Fronts
  • Caves
  • Ruins
  • Ships
  • Factories
  • Schools
  • Farm houses
  • Temples / Churches
  •    

    A Maze of Wonder

      Just like the outside, the building's interior is always different. The main foyer where the cash register is located stays stationary, however. Around the front desk are various small displays and bookshelves.   Attached to each wall of the main room are oak doors with different patterns carved into the surface. They lead to an always changing series of halls and more doors with many rooms to explore. It is easy for patrons to get lost. Gizmo always assures them that they will find their way back to the entrance when their adventure is done. One must simply think of leaving or speak their intentions before opening the next door to be brought back.  

    Items That May be Found

     
  • Gemstones
  • Silverware
  • Fancy rocks
  • Statues
  • Books
  • Postcards
  • Old furniture
  • Jewelry
  • Sewing supplies
  • A variety of clothes
  • Skeleton keys
  • Instruments
  • Type
    Antique / Oddity Shop
     
    Location
    Everywhere
    Always changing
     
    Year Built
    Unknown
     
    Current Owner
    Gizmo
       

    Items of Note

  • Ozax's Radio


  • Cover image: by Krzysiek

    Comments

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    Dec 29, 2021 12:25 by Theo

    Very nice! One quick note- I think there's a typo in the heading 'items of note', as it says 'itesm' instead of 'items'. Otherwise very good article and a very interesting premise.

    Dec 29, 2021 13:12 by Ezra Aldrich

    Thank you! And nice catch, I'll go fix it. c : Between finicky keyboards and being ill with a head cold still, my tendency to swap letters around has noticeably increased this week (I've def caught myself doing it a lot more while writing lol).

    Jan 4, 2022 14:25

    This is an adorable little shop. I love the extract at the top, it really helps you get a sense for the place even before the article begins! It's also neither too long nor too simple to be dull, and I enjoyed reading it the whole way through.

    Jan 4, 2022 14:37 by Ezra Aldrich

    Thank you! This was one of my favorite articles to write during WE. I've always enjoyed places of this nature and have been meaning to insert at least one into my world. I adore it so much and have hopes of potentially writing some short stories around its owner and his life story.

    Jan 20, 2022 00:01 by Starfarer Theta

    I like the idea of a shop that always changes and can be anywhere. Seems like you would find anything in such a place.

    Jan 20, 2022 20:27 by Ezra Aldrich

    Thanks! Indeed, Gizmo's collection of wares is quite vast and he seemingly always has at least one item destined to be with each patron. c :