Alchemical Supply Store Suspiciously Well-Stocked With Exactly the Ingredients for Disaster

A new alchemical supply store in downtown Salem has raised eyebrows among local authorities after neighbors noticed its inventory consists almost entirely of volatile substances arranged in increasingly dangerous combinations. The Quintessence Depot, which opened last month in a former Subway restaurant, advertises itself as 'New England's premier source for hermetic essentials.' Its shelves feature mercury in decorative bottles, sulfur in bulk bins, and saltpeter displayed alongside what the store describes as 'artisanal charcoal.' 'We cater to the serious practitioner,' said owner Ignis Fatuus, adjusting safety goggles that he wears 'as a fashion statement, not because of any specific incident.' 'Everything here is for legitimate alchemical research. The fact that several of our products are also key ingredients in medieval explosives is purely coincidental.' The store's loyalty program awards points toward 'The Great Work Rewards Card,' which entitles holders to discounts on vessels, essences, and what the FAQ section of the website calls 'substances that absolutely should not be combined without proper ventilation and a fire extinguisher.' The Salem Fire Department has stationed a truck outside the store as a 'precautionary measure.' The store has responded by offering firefighters a 15 percent discount.