Lighted Paths
The Lighted Paths is the small, often struggling, New Age book store and supply store that Alli inherited from her Gran. She doesn't know why her Gran left it to her, maybe something important is supposed to happen to her there, she doesn't know, but it's quite possibly the second most important thing in her life (after her cat who may occasionally watch the register for her).
Description:
Pictures: Books * Special Collections * Readings Table * Back Counter
From the entrance, the books section is on the left. It is a sizable collection, haphazardly, but logically, arranged. Everything from astral projection to zen meditation is covered, there should be something for all your New Age needs.
A little further back are the special collections, rare items and books personally selected for Alli's practicing clientele.
The readings table is at the back of the book section. There, tucked off to the side is a small table decorated with the trappings of fortune tellers of old. It's about as cliche'd as it sounds, but this is where Alli can give readings to the curious and open-minded. Or at least those with open wallets.
Over to the right, is the tourist trap where things mass-produced like to shine in the Sunlight. Crystals, incense, Ouija boards, rune packs, and commercial tarot decks can all be found here. There's also a rack of cheesy themed bumper-stickers with crap like: Wiccans do it Wyrd, My Other Car is a Broomstick, and the ever-present Not All Who Wander Are Lost.
The practical items are further back and consist of implements that may be used in Ritual. Chalices made from various materials, short daggers (in a locked case on the wall, thank you very much), and handmade candles. Alli also keeps a list of individuals in the San Francisco area that can custom make just about anything.
The register (manual and old-fashioned, this place caters to the low-tech) is on the back counter and behind it are shelves of herbs and ready-made blends and potions, but they're not accessable without assistance.
There is a locked door behind the register. Behind the door is a hallway that leads to four areas. The first is a closet that's masquerading as an office. The second is a small restroom. At the far end of the hall is the stairwell that leads to Alli's apartment above the shop (this can also be accessed from the back alley with a different key).
The last door is locked. It holds the Special Orders and dangerous items, and anything else that shouldn't be public knowledge.
Neighborhood: Haight/Ashbury
Hours and Opening Rules: 9am-6pm m-f Noon-6 sat. Closed Sundays. Players are welcome to make threads, open and closed during business hours. After-hours or special appointment threads must be closed and made with the permission of the owner.
House Rules: The rules are whatever Alli makes them. But in general, no violence, no five-finger discounts, locked doors stay locked and Alli's personal space is Alli's personal space - stay out. All of these rules can be tossed if prior arrangements have been made with the owner.
Security: The shop is warded (more or less). One of the more interesting decorations on the wall (and Alli won't tell you which one) is actually a gris-gris that, for the most part, keeps the bad out of the shop. Those who mean to cause harm tend to skip over the shop unless they are looking for it, or looking for a specific someone or something specifically inside of it. However, this can be overcome if the big bad is big and bad enough because the magic is old and Alli doesn't know anyone who can refresh or replace it.
There's an electronic security system sign in the window, but the system itself is non-existent. The wizards that drop by keep frying it.
If you ever have any questions about the shop, its content and what Alli will and will not have in stock at a given time, feel free to hit up this post.