"'Fairy dust', huh?" Kessintra figures it is a typical drug. Considering the general mood in Barovia, it's no wonder the substance seems so popular. "Depends on the price. And the side-effects."

Insight: 9

He chuckles. "5 gp per pouch. It just gets you high. Real high. Then again, you should probably research it before buying." He looks to the ground for a few moments. "Then again..... I'm not gonna police you on what you should and shouldn't do."

"How kind of you. Fine, one bag." Kess hands over 5 gp. She isn't interested in using the substance for its intended purpose, but it might come in handy later. With her business complete she will find somewhere to sit and trance for one hour.

((Oops, meant for that to be in the PM thread ))

Ada stands guard while the others tend to the business of selling the goods they took from Fiona's house. She's never even been to a black market before and doesn't approve of many of the illicit transactions she witnesses, but cracking down on smuggling and petty drug deals isn't her purpose here in Barovia. She just sighs and waits for the others to return. Since it seems like Razz is doing the same thing, she nods to him.

"So what do you make of all this so far?" she asks.

Razz shifts slightly on the rooftop, cracking one eye open as Ada speaks. He stretches, wings buzzing just enough to shake off his drowsiness, before looking down at the black market below.

"Well, it’s certainly... something. A place where fortunes change hands as quickly as knives, where secrets are worth more than gold, and where nobody asks too many questions—until it’s too late."

He tilts his head, considering.

"It’s impressive, in its own way. The people here survive in a world that wasn’t made for them to win. That’s very Fey, in a way—making deals, stacking the odds, living by wits instead of strength. But..."

He lets the thought linger, watching a vendor quietly swap out an item for something less cursed before finalizing a deal.

"There’s a difference between survival and surrender. Between making the best of a bad world and just accepting that this is all there is. The people here, they’re surviving, sure... but I wonder if they even remember why they’re doing it anymore."

Then, with a smirk, he stretches back again.

"Also, I’m fairly certain at least half of these people would sell their own grandmothers for the right price. So, you know. There’s that."

At the market Chipper is curious to see if there's any purveyors of the arcane. Either in scrolls with possible spells to add or the fine inks necessary to do so.

One shady figure is selling ink for 8 gp per ounce.

Razz and Ada may take short rests.

As Kess re-enters the barbershop, she overhears the barber mumbling about how no one wants spiky hair. When she enters the forge area, the blacksmith gives her the shortsword. The silver now coats the sword and is carefully engraved in the metal to form a picture. On one side is artwork of a dragon flying over a small city. On the other is a mage studying in a library.

Kessintra studies the engraving curiously. "Beautiful work. Do you know of any real dragons or mages, perhaps?"

The goes back to his work as he answers. "No, but I've seen pictures. Mostly on blades and hilts."

"Interesting. Thanks for your work. I or my friends may visit again in the future." She gives a small wave and steps out to go rejoin the others, feeling a sense of relief as she sheathes her silvered blade.

Upon finding the others, Kess tells them about the silvering merchant in case they are interested. "He's in the backroom of the barbershop for some reason. The barber looked disappointed I didn't want his type of cut. They certainly seemed...attention-grabbing. I also picked up some uh...'fairy dust'." She looks toward Razz with a slight grimace, only now realizing the possible implications. "I doubt it's made from real fairies. We haven't seen any around, after all...I was just thinking that maybe Garrick could tinker it into one of his devices to 'distract' enemies."

Razz flits beside Kess, arms crossed as he eyes the so-called "Fairy Dust" with exaggerated skepticism. He leans in slightly, voice dripping with dry amusement.

"So, Fairy Dust, huh? Yeah, because that’s a real thing. What’s next? Bottled pixie laughter? Genuine unicorn tears? Maybe an authentic ‘Feywild timeshare deal’?"

He shakes his head, still staring at the powder.

"Because as an actual fairy, I can tell you—I do not just float around shedding magic glitter like some overexcited festival decoration. So unless this vendor has been wrangling particularly fabulous bugs, I’ve got questions."

Before Kess can respond, Razz’s thoughts drift to the nearby barber that Kess mentioned had some truly questionable haircut goals. His wings twitch slightly as he weighs his options.

"Alright, so I could spend my time exposing fake fairy-related crimes... or—and hear me out—I could let a complete stranger with bold artistic vision do something wildly irresponsible to my hair. Gotta say, I’m torn."

He finally grins, giving Kess a dramatic shrug.

"Alright, let’s do it. But I have one rule—if I walk out of here looking like a particularly festive chicken, we’re gonna have a real problem."

"Well it's relief no real fairies are being harmed." Kess tucks the bag away, giving a small smile at Razz's interest in the barber's services.

"Chicken...No, but he seems to like hair pointy. I think it would suit you to be honest. I try not to stand out, but you're...well, a shiny light, like you said earlier."

Razz flits into the barber’s shop, dramatically running a hand through his hair as he surveys the options. He taps his chin, eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Alright, my good artist of questionable grooming decisions—I want something bold. Something sharp. Something that says, ‘Yes, I am a creature of radiant fey divinity, but also, I might stab you just a little bit.’"

He leans forward, grinning.

"Give me points—high points, sharp points. I want people to look at me and wonder if my hair is a fashion statement or a concealed weapon."

The barber's eyes gleam as his jaw slowly drops. He shrieks, "FINALLY!!!!!!!" He rushes over to examine your hair. "Hmmm.... Smaller than I'm used to...... My tools probably won't work..... One moment." He runs out of the barbershop. Literal seconds later, he runs back in with thieves tools. "Ok, not hair cutting tools, but it could work!" For the next half an hour he attends to your hair. Finally, he gives you a mirror. "Now, look upon the perfection that is your head!" 

Congratulations. You now have Cloud Strife's hair.

😂😂😂

(( Why did I assume that was the haircut already lol. That or Gojo mid fight lol ))

Razz flits up slightly, running a hand through his newly sharpened locks, tilting his head just enough to admire the peak aerodynamics of his new look. With a wide grin, he turns back to the barber.

"My friend, you are truly a visionary. This isn’t just a haircut—it’s a statement. It says, ‘I am both an agent of celestial radiance and a dramatic windstorm given form.’"

He gives an approving nod, wings fluttering with satisfaction.  He glances in the mirror again.

"Ah yes, the perfect balance of style and pointy intimidation. Now if only my spells could look this good."

Kessintra gives a smile as she watches Razz. To be so... happy, while at the same time letting the barber live his dream, is...heartwarming despite the chill of Barovia.

Ada smiles as Razz shows off his new hairstyle. His enthusiasm for life is contagious. She'll give him that much.

"It looks good, Razz," she says. "And if you're in a tight spot, those spikes look sharp enough to poke an eye out."