Khalid Al Ha'zareen |
Khalid, while know full and well this is Zeladiel's teacher, eyes the man with suspicion as he enters the house.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
"Indeed, we do possess the scroll." the inquisitor says still trying to get a read on Rayhan.
Zeladiel Araxyll |
Zeladiel smiles faintly at the well tended garden and bows low to his Master.
"Indeed. Pazhvann himself appeared to us on our way here, requesting the Scroll for Nefeshti. Given the recent failed attacks on both our persons and our reputations by Zayifid, Khalid has decided the article is safer with us."
Nuveril |
"Indeed it is all water. That is the Obari Ocean, one of many such bodies of water that cover much of the surface of Golarion. Sadly, not all of it is drinkable. The oceans are very salt laden. As to the source, other than the gods, I can not say." the inquisitor says, trying to answer Nuveril's questions.
The halfling gives an unimpressed grunt. "Even the water is no good here. Why does anyone choose to live in such a place?"
Rising from the shoreline, a massive copper statue of a horned giant stares menacingly out to sea as if to ward away enemies.
Nuveril points. "Is that also a living statue?"
The door to the main house opens and a very tall bald-headed man steps through. Wearing a simple grey robe, a black raven perches on one shoulder. Perhaps sixty, the man looks still spry and fixes you with a piercing but friendly gaze.
Nuveril's gaze is no less suspicious than Khalid's, but enough of the journey from Kelmarane has been spent warning her not to offend anyone in Katapesh that she holds her tongue as she follows the others into the wizard's house.
Rayhan Xobhadi AKA GM Dan E |
If the old wizard notices your various wary looks he doesn't react, instead waving you through the open door into a comfortable looking sitting room, filled with plush seating, several small tables, an expensive silk carpet, and a large overstuffed couch.
Fine paintings on the walls depict all manner of strange and exotic locations, including a huge dead creature in a swamp whose body has been turned into a fly-shrouded throne, a vast graveyard with a skull-shaped moon in the night sky, an idyllic woodland around crumbling stone ruins inhabited by animals who walk like men, and a gold and silver palace at the edge of a mirror-like lake above which flying women with the lower bodies of snakes play.
The largest of these paintings hangs on the northern wall and depicts a jungle-covered island with a strange ship moored at a short stone pier on the closest beach.
Rayhan normally meets with his guests in this room and it is also here that he lectures to his students, bringing in additional chairs from storage as necessary.
The paintings on the walls are of various locations and sites throughout the Great Beyond: Apollyon’s Throne of Flies, Pharasma’s Boneyard, an agathion conclave on Nirvana, and the Thousand-Mirror Palace on Elysium.
The large painting on the northern wall is new. One of Rayhan's favourites used to hang there but has been moved so the new painting must be special indeed.
Please sit, sit. And forgive me but introductions are in order for some of you. Over-familiarity, it is ever the curse of the diviner.
The wizard greets those of you he hasn't before met in person, treating Grall and Nuveril just as respectfully as Linah. His raven, he names as Abaneshi and as if on cue the bird repeats it raucously.
Caw. Abaneshi. Abaneshi!
The wizard shushes his apparent familiar. Pazhvann, Zayifid. Those are names from legend. Fateful names. Yet a degree of scepticism is warranted. I’ve studied the legend of Kakishon for years and in that time I’ve seen countless shams and forgeries and dead ends.
So let's have it out and see if it could be the real thing.
The wizard is maintaining his reserve but beneath is great excitement that seems to have been stoked as soon as Zeladiel mentioned the two live Templars.
Khalid Al Ha'zareen |
Khalid nods toward Grall, asking the gnoll to be ready should something untoward happen.
Retrieving the Scroll from his bag. "I suspect that Vardishal would not allow me to be fooled by a forgery, nor would we have gathered the attention of the remaining Templars, fallen or otherwise."
Rayhan Xobhadi AKA GM Dan E |
The wizard affirms scepticism but he unwinds the scroll as carefully as if it were the most precious item in the world.
He examines it silently for several minutes with nothing but hand and eye before casting a series of incantations over the scroll, his eyes actually glowing a brilliant blue.
You know your master well enough that you know the spells by rote: detect magic, arcane sight and identify.
Others can try spellcraft as well if the wish.
He grimaces and places a hand to his head as if struck by a headache but he looks up at you excitedly, his hands shaking and eyes wide as he speaks.
I can't tell .. but then nor could I even approach such a forgery. Not for a million gold pieces. It is old definitely, Nexian. It could be, it could be!
He speaks somewhat absently as if his mind is focused almost entirely on the possibility.
The legends say that Kakishon was created by the wizard-king Nex to serve him as a portable paradise and an impenetrable bolt-hole. Much as the more commonplace bag of holding opens into its own reality, the Scroll of Kakishon was said to contain this entire world inside of it — but the scroll was not Kakishon, it was the doorway by which Nex could enter and exit the realm.
Kakishon was said to have been a paradise, a laboratory, a menagerie, a hunting ground, and even a tomb — most likely, it was all these things and more, with each island serving a different role.
The legend falls into increasing obscurity after Nex’s war with Geb began. All signs point to the strong possibility that Nex had grown dissatisfied with Kakishon and had lost interest. When he vanished from the face of Garund in 576 AR, he left the Scroll of Kakishon behind.
Eventually, it was stolen from his castle and the scroll passed through many hands. Some used it as a prison for their enemies, others as a place to impress allies or as a vault for their treasures, the stories say. The closer to the present day we get, the more obscure the rumors grow — no sign of the Scroll of Kakishon seems to have surfaced over the past several hundred years.
The last person to own the scroll, I believe, was a halfling wizard named Andrathi. The accounts of his life are vague and fragmentary, but it would appear that he was the lover of Nefeshti, whose role with the Templars you know.
The Templars fought a dark and shadowed enemy in the mountains near your town. They won but the victory was shadowed in loss. We must assume Vardishal died. No sign of Andrathi or the Scroll of Kakishon remained after the battle. No sign … until perhaps you found it.
Grall |
Most of the talk about magic and great battles go over Gralls head. He keep his eyes on Rayhan and his ears search for the soft sounds of silent feet or other hidden enemies that almost always seem to lurk near him and his friends...
His mind does wonder a little though to the potential meeting with his former owner, Al’ Versa, but he brings himself back to the present.
Zeladiel Araxyll |
"I don't know what to make of it. As you say, little is known and we hoped you may be able to tell us more."
Zeladiel pauses, then sighs.
"I... I did not think this was related. But, now..."
Zeladiel pulls out the letter he received and briefly scans it.
"Master. I don't know."
He shakes his head and offers the letter to his mentor.
Rayhan Xobhadi AKA GM Dan E |
Rayhan takes the letter and starts to read it.
Don't get me wrong, this is a critical find and just because I'm unsure now doesn't mean I will remain so. If you will let me, I would very much like to research this scroll and decipher some of the writings upon it.
And if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, there are protections placed upon it to prevent undesirables from being able to open it and travel to the world within. Yet in time, I feel that I will be able to decipher these writings. You see, before he vanished, the wizard Andrathi went through the same process — yet he must have managed to discover the way to open the scroll. Some of his writings have survived to this day, and as it happens, I own copies of these writings. By building upon the foundation he lays, I am sure that I will be able to duplicate his research and refine it.
It may take days, even weeks, but if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, I will find the key to open it!
And once it is open ... the legends speak of great treasures kept safe in Kakishon, the greatest of which was the legendary Firebleeder, said by some to be a falchion and others a living flame. Sadly, my adventuring days are behind me, but if I find the way, I would be honored to accompany you into Kakishon to find the truth!
You feel as if Rayhan is being honest.
Rayhan Xobhadi AKA GM Dan E |
The wizard folds the letter in his hands.
Another link? Perhaps. From what I know of this Sunset Ship, its sailors would certainly be interested in a way to Kakishon.
But it so happens that I do have some pertinent information for you. The Sunset Ship sailed into Kakishon a week or so ago. It unloaded something, though whether people or cargo I do not know and then sailed out again.
But the dock it used has remained idle since then. As if the ship will shortly return.
Nuveril |
Nuveril's scowl deepens when the wizard makes reference to "undesirables" being prevented by wards from entering the scroll, but as the old man continues jabbering on with the elf, her face grows more thoughtful.
"We are going to the dock?" she asks sharply, when Zeladiel mentions departing.
Rayhan Xobhadi AKA GM Dan E |
Well it will take me a few days to get my notes together and then I could start work on the scroll.
At that point I would need it for perhaps a few hours per day. For security you should keep a hold of it at other times. I have a few rooms spare here that I keep for clients who wish to wait while I work.
You're free to take them and even keep an eye on the scroll while I work.
Zeladiel could tell you though that my table is simple fare, mostly fruit and vegetables from my garden and a little meat. If you want something livelier I recommend the Cliffside Tavern just up the hill.
Zeladiel Araxyll |
Linah makes a pained noise.
We are all in this together Zeladiel. You need help and you need the rest of us.
Besides with Zayifid potentially about, should anyone be doing anything alone?
Zeladiel narrows his eyes.
"I had not intended to draw attention to myself."He sighs.
"Very well. We may be able to learn more from the locals. And while we are about, Grall may wish to fulfil his own obligations. If the city is to know he is here, his actions may at least deflect from other concerns."
DM Dan E |
I've updated the campaign description to include a map of Katapesh (showing Rayhan's villa with a black arrow) and a map of the villa itself.
For the villa, you get a quick look around as you settle yourselves in. On the ground level you have the central sitting room, three guestrooms (north and west of the sitting room and Rayhan's bedroom (to the east of the sitting room).
On the second level you have a dining room, kitchen, bath / toilet.
The entire third level is Rayhan's library which is invitation only (Zeladiel is permitted along with anyone while Rayhan studies the scroll).
The top level is a flat rooftop with skylights into the library. This is by far the quietest place in the villa.
The outbuildings are (working from the top left and going clockwise) a stoutly built storage shed (this is also possible accommodations if anyone feels too claustrophobic in the main villa), the small house of Rayhan's groundskeeper - a mute human man named Eramin Venshaw who is well known to Zeladiel, a locked shed of some sort and a stable currently holding two of Rayhan's horses.
Unless you tell me otherwise I'll assume you divide yourselves amongst the three available ground floor rooms.
DM Dan E |
Rayhan seems pleased that you accept his offer, the diviner mentioning in passing that he will waive his usual fee for such studies given the scroll's potential importance.
You settle into the villa, those who wish to availing themselves of Rayhan's luxurious and seemingly magically enhanced bathing facilities (a two foot deep pool of water magically heats itself in line with rocks placed into several heating bins).
After weeks on the road you all have a restful sleep. At breakfast Rayhan repeats that it will take him a few days to get his notes on activating the real scroll of Kakishon together so it appears you have some free time to yourselves.
Back over to you. If you do fancy gathering information at the docks let me know how you want to proceed (which may be as simple as having Linah try a gather check with possible assists).
Grall |
Grall cleans the road grime off of him as well as the dried blood. He examines the newest scars added to the collection.
It is but a distraction from what his mind keeps drawing him back to. That night he spends some time on the roof, looking out into the city clearing his mind.
The next morning he reminds his friends that they should re-supply while they are here.
assume we will buy and start the upgrade process of our stuff this morning.
DM Dan E |
You are clustered in the courtyard, about to leave the villa when there is a loud knock on the gate. Rayhan's servant, Eramin,hurries to attend, opening the portal to reveal a single male dwarf.
The dwarf is obviously well known to Eramin who lets him right on through.
Over to Emercy for a description. We shall say the dwarven merchant is well known to Zeladiel as a friend and contemporary of his parents.
Emercy Hammertime |
"Eramin! How are ya, me friend? Has Rayhan givin' ya a raise yet?" he asks jokingly, chuckling. The robust dwarf with tanned skin and shoulder length brown hair with a beard to match then notices the group as his laugh dies off. He raises an eyebrow in curiosity at the sight of the gnoll. He cuts his eyes from Eramin to the gnoll and back to Eramin again. "Um... Eramin, I'm not sure if ya know this but...," his eyes then cut over to Zeladiel as he just now catches sight of him. Forgetting about the gnoll a moment, "Well well well, if it isn't me old pal, Z! How are ya, buddy?! Long time no see! Tell any good jokes lately?" he chuckles again, knowing full well the 'joke telling ability' of the wizard. "Seriously though...," he stops and looks around at the rest of the group, thinking the halfling looks a bit out of character for a halfling. Nodding in absolute confusion, "Okay, Ermin, friends of yours?"
Zeladiel Araxyll |
Zeladiel frowns for a fraction of a second.
"Master Hammertime." Zeladiel bows stiffly.
"My companions and I are currently consulting with Master Rayhan on matters of arcane lore."
Zeladiel pauses a moment. And another moment. His shoulders slump imperceptibly.
"Permit me to introduce my companions, the Heroes of Kelmarane. Our leader, Khalid Al Ha'zareen, tactician, warrior and chosen one. Grall, freed gladiator and deathbringer to those who do evil. And Nuveril, gnollslayer, who drove the tribes of the Carrion King fleeing before her. Their skill in battle is matched only by their determination to protect innocents from evil's spread."
Emercy Hammertime |
Shaking his head, yet, grinning, "Okay, Zeladiel, how many times have I told ya, there's no need for throwin' 'Master' out there. Just Emercy. Em-er-cee. That's it. Nooooo 'Master', m'kay? Please? Okay, now that that's settled. A pleasure to meet yerself, Khalid," he nods in greeting. He then looks to the gnoll and then to the halfling with a great deal of curiosity. "Okay, you lot win. I've got ta ask. You've got a gnoll on yer team and ya have a halfling 'gnollslayer' on yer team? How does that work? Why aren't you two fightin' or somethin'?" he asks, completely baffled by it all.
Grall |
Grall waits for Nuveril to finish her interaction before he bows before formally greeting the dwarf,
Masterrr Emerrrcy, I am Grrrall it is a pleasurrre to meet you. I believe the answerrr Nuverrril was looking forrr is that she has grrrown too fond of me too kill me. he chuckles.
Nuveril |
"Fair enough. Anyway, it's right here," he says as he draws his hammer and shows it to her. "Why do ya ask?"
She gives the hammer a cursory examination and nods politely. "If it is part of your name, you must be esteemed among your tribe as a mighty warrior with it. I also have a hammer." She produces the ancestral hammer of the pugwampis. "I took it from the hand of a king we felled in Kelmarane."
Zeladiel Araxyll |
"Ma... Emercy. As a merchant you may be able to assist me. Do you know of the Sunset Ship and the dock it recently used that lays idle?"
Before he can answer, Zeladiel adds, "Forgive me, we were about to breakfast. I would be glad to accommodate you in return for any information. Should my companions see fit."
Zeladiel looks askance to the others.
Emercy Hammertime |
She gives the hammer a cursory examination and nods politely. "If it is part of your name, you must be esteemed among your tribe as a mighty warrior with it. I also have a hammer." She produces the ancestral hammer of the pugwampis. "I took it from the hand of a king we felled in Kelmarane."
As a look of curiosity overtakes him, "Esteemed among my tribe as a mighty warrior," he repeats, taking a moment to figure out why she would say that. "WELL, I don't know about all that but I can tell ya they like me. At least, that's me thinkin' seein' how I happen ta keep 'em alive when things would go south. Don't get me wrong, I love a good fight just as much as the next lad or lass and won't shy away from it but it's not quite me bread and butter." His attention is then diverted to the halfling's hammer, "So! A king, huh? Well I've got ta say that is one nice hammer. Must've been a fine battle to wrest this one away," he says with an emphatic nod, thinking it probably was a great battle.
"Ma... Emercy. As a merchant you may be able to assist me. Do you know of the Sunset Ship and the dock it recently used that lays idle?"
Before he can answer, Zeladiel adds, "Forgive me, we were about to breakfast. I would be glad to accommodate you in return for any information. Should my companions see fit."
Zeladiel looks askance to the others.
Shaking his head and holding up a hand, "Accommodations are not necessary, lad. You'll owe me nothin'. As far as what I can tell ya about the Sunset Ship is not really a whole lot seein' how the name doesn't ring a bell. Can't say that I've heard of it. Unless I'm gettin' it mixed up with another ship that sounds a lot like it."
Zeladiel Araxyll |
Zeladiel frowns.
"Very well... Emercy. If we are all in agreeance, we shall make our way to breakfast."
Zeladiel leads everyone through the streets, something that would be a lot quicker if he would actually walk in front of Khalid instead of beside him and half a step back. The building they arrive at is a fine looking establishment, with silks and curtains adorning the walls, but also serving as walls for smaller areas to grant a degree of at least visual privacy. Low tables are scattered about with plush cushions surrounding each, and soft voices drift through the scented air. Zeladiel hands a few extra coins to a smiling boy who shows them through a small maze of fabric to a table to which no voices carry. The boy quickly returns with drinks and platters.
"Mas... Emercy. I was just discussing with my companions some investigations I am conducting into this Sunset Ship affair. They have their own activities to attend to also, but since it has been suggested we stick together I may presume upon them to accommodate my activities for now. Master Khalid may still wish to list our tasks to undertake over the next few days. As a skilled merchant, Emercy, I would ask that you talk to your contacts on my behalf concerning the Sunset Ship, while keeping my name, and my companions names, unspoken due to some recent misunderstandings with some of the more evil elemental planar forces."
Zeladiel turns to Grall.
"Despite appearances, the position of Master Hammertime can command a degree of respect. Should you choose to have him assist you with what may be prove to be a delicate meeting in the near future, he is unlikely to make matters worse."
Zeladiel takes a sip of his spiced coffee and closes his eyes.