Kurigis

Kurigis is the father of Amaryllis, one of Adrian's current attendants. Running a small grocery shop in Margade, he uses this venue as a meeting place for some of the intellectuals who live within the city - an activity that means he is well-connected both with civilised and foreign intellectual currents.

Description
Kurigis was in fact once an official, serving in the Palace at the time of the Seventeen Scholars' Case; in the aftermath of that event, fearing for his life as an intellectual advocate in a violent backlash, he resigned his post, sold all his property and became a simple grocer.

Yet, even as the formerly vibrant intellectual scene in Margade faded away due to the royal affair and negligence, Kurigis continued to occasionally host debates, poetry parties and other meets from his humble abode; these activities helped to keep the scene alive, and also gave Kurigis a reputation as being a lover of talented people which could be very useful indeed.

Acquaintances
Given his position, Kurigis has plenty of contact with those few intellectuals who live within the city. He would be an excellent source to meet these scholars and thinkers.