Magic Mel

Magic Mel was a gnomish shopkeeper in Vagueland. A lifelong resident, he was a graduate of the Exotic Items Mastery Program at the Bardological Society. Using his knowledge of enchanting, he was able to open and run a moderately successful store for adventurers. (Take note, Vagueland doesn't have many self professed adventurers. They use the term "eccentrics" or the phrase "in the wandering business". Mostly it is a way to distance their culture from that of the city of Jenerica.) His shop, Magic Mel's Midnight Emporium, is the location of the Vagueland Fiasco.

His nickname "Magic" was given to him during his youth. Mel had seen a traveling bard and wanted to mimic his sleight of hand based magic show. Mel bought outlandish and gaudy clothing, learned a few card tricks, and changed his name from Melvert Hoppykins to Magic Mel. The magic show however, was an absolute failure. When Mel realized that he had no aptitude for dexterity based things he focused instead of learning the arcane arts.

Questionable friends and the Midnight Emporium
Magic Mel was rumored to have friends in The Unmentionables. Supposedly he kept his shop opened at night to provide a safe house for them to use and would occasionaly launder money or fence items. These claims have never been proven.

Mel kept up on paying city taxes and member dues to the local chamber of commerce. Even if he had any shady leanings, the Midnight Emporium was still considered a reliable source of enchanted wearables and trinkets. After the Vagueland Fiasco, his shop was sold to another gnome, and they enjoyed an uptick in business as a tourist spot.

An unusual plaque was placed on the exterior of the building in honor of Magic Max after his death. Rumors say it was put there to appease the ghost of the former shopkeeper. It is commonly considered though to add to the tourism market.