The Hanging Merchants of Zyan

The Hanging Merchants of Zyan

Malichar
The Pagoda of Malichar is large and lighted by lanterns of colored glass that twinkle invitingly in the darkness. Hanging form the rafters, and displayed on tables and shelves, are wares of a bewildering variety. On one table a gorgeous pair of curved and gilded blades are displayed atop the impossibly long and lustrous white fur of a leopard python. Over another, a queer system of ropes and harnesses for traversing the jungles depths dangle next to overflowing baskets of exotic jungle fruit. Malichar wears a silver mask in the shape of the moon, and damask robes decorated in stars cover his large belly. He has a deep booming voice and a bombastic tone. He belongs to the august clan of the arbitrageurs. The party has struck a deal with Malichar. He is housing them in one of his pagodas and supplying them with food drink in exchange for the right of first purchase of jungle antiquities (e at "customary and reasonable" rates.

Nekalimon
The Pagoda of Nekalimon is large and lighted by fires burning in carved lanterns that project phantasmagorical shadows against the trees without. Within his pagoda, the opulent embroidered fashions of Zyan hang on racks next to glass cases displaying the skins of scintillating jungle snakes, and head-dresses made form the dazzling feathers of jungle birds. Nekalimon wears a golden winged mask, and black robes printed with small yellow flowers cover his lank frame. He has a thin and reedy voice. He belongs to the esteemed clan of the evaluators.

Bulras
The Pagoda of Bulras is humble in proportions and decorations. The smell of animals, and the screeches of birds can be heard as one approaches. From the rafters hang cages housing strange and wonderful specimens from the jungle below. Within one cage a mother bird feeds her young, opening up her gullet to reveal the delicate petals of a fleshy flower from the stamens of which her chicks suckle. In another a pair of serpents, one white and one black, with the heads of glistening beetles, coil endlessly in a hypnotic pattern. Bulras wears a black mask that clings to his face, and unremarkable robes. His manner is direct and unpretentious. He is a member of the clan of gutter-cleaners.

Ulram
The pagoda of Ulram is small in size and undecorated. A pungent and pleasing aroma of drying herbs that hang everywhere from the rafters fills one's nostrils as one steps through the door. On a trellis, vines curl bearing flowers with trembling petals like the jeweled wings of insects. In a terrarium, a plant with hard white protrusions snaps shut its jaws on tiny scampering lizards. On display as well are many tools for cutting, clipping and sawing, strange hooked polearms, alembecs, and baroque instruments of unknown purpose. Ulram serves pungent and envigorating jungle tea in wooden mugs to customers. He speaks little and has a grim wit. He is a member of the clan of cat-catchers.