Don't Feed the Eldritch Lantern

Earnest and intense, she interprets everyday troubles through ritual and portent. Her speech is careful and solemn, though comfort can make her unexpectedly candid.

Veyra is a local Flesh Whisperer and one of the nearby cultists. She has become a regular at the shop because Orris’s abyssal coffee eases the side effects of her mental instability.

Pragmatic and watchful, he weighs rules against what keeps people safe. He is direct, economical with words, and notices the condition of every shield in the room.

Malket leads the town guard and knows some of Orris’s merchandise is not strictly legal. He turns a blind eye because Orris’s repaired shields can protect the guards from mental attacks.

Patient and observant, he thinks in textures, stresses, and useful outcomes. He speaks plainly, with a craftsman’s precision and understated warmth.

Orris is a gifted maker who can perceive the temper of dangerous materials and hear their inner voices. At the story’s start, he is trying to keep his repair work and general store running while serving the unusual people who depend on it.

Stolid and courteous, he focuses on practical details and treats maintenance as a serious duty. He speaks in measured, formal sentences without fuss.

Harrow is a headless adventurer whose armor and neck seam need regular attention. He is a familiar customer at Orris’s shop, where he brings the wear and tear of the road.