Professors at the Theorem Magistrum are often required to take on additional duties in service to Magistrum City, as befitting their talents and skills. For Enigma, this manifests most often in detective work and information gathering, as that is where he is most inclined.

While Volpes occasionally assists in that mission through the network of contacts he accumulated during his tenure as a crime lord and resistance leader, that is not where he can best contribute to the better of the city and its populace. He is, before all else, the best alchemist that the Theorem Magistrum has ever produced. Such talents are best suited for Market Day.

While general stores and supply shops are often most days, for customers who need a steady supply of fresh ingredients and materials, most specialty goods are more easily acquired during Market Day. At the end of each week, artisans both student and professional, as well as traveling merchants and vendors from outside the city, set up a bazaar in the city square, just outside the main campus of the Theorem Magistrum.

For those looking for more unique, custom made, high quality goods, this is the best opportunity to conduct business. And yet, because student artisans and vendors from outside the city take part, it is necessary to establish a form of quality control. Professors with knowledge of the products being sold are often called in during the event in order to make sure that prospective buyers aren't being swindled, or being sold something potentially dangerous.

Since no one knows more about potions and potioncraft than Volpes, he often finds himself taking part in these inspections. He's both seen and brewed enough street medicine that often he can tell whether or not something is safe or effective with a glance and a quick whiff. There are very few ingredients native to the plane that he hasn't seen or used at least once before. He can tell when a fraud is selling glorified placebos or poison, though the latter is usually unintentional.

For the citizens and students of Magistrum City, it is a relief to see Professor Volpes making the rounds. For merchants of ill-repute, it is terrifying to watch the hulking fox scrutinize their work.

For Volpes, it is a responsibility he is more than happy to take on, making use of skills he's honed through decades of experimentation and study.

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This YCH from  Marsel-Defender was the perfect excuse to engage in a bit of casual world-building, both for the Magistrum and how it handles mercantilism, and Professor Volpes's place as a Master of Alchemy.

Please favorite the artist's submission here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/64311699/

Art by  Marsel-Defender
Volpes and lore belong to me.