"The offer of more food is certainly appreciated, Mr. Lathrat, but I haven't been in the city too long, and I'd really like to drink it before I head out into a desert for who-knows how long!" He once more tips his hat as he bows before Lathrat. "Here's to the beginning of a profitable venture for us both. I'll see you in the morning, but for now, I'm going to see what nooks and crannies of this city has to offer!" Anyone care to join me?" He gives a grin and a wink as he strides out the, offering a casual jerk of his head to indicate that he wishes to speak with the others away from the ears of Lathrat.
EDIT: dice got weird and rolled an extra die for each "+." Going to try again.
Sense Motive:
Diplomacy:
No-one that you talked to knew of him by name, but there was some talk of his establishment. Karisht's Emporium used to be a run-down opium den that catered mostly to the lower classes. But around ten years ago the doors were shut and the den closed for a few weeks.
After then there were days when the place was shut up and quiet, and days that the hubbub of conversation seeped through the walls and onto the street. None had been back inside since it opened, any attempt was turned away by the doorman. One merchant half high on the flower swore he had seen First Speaker Dahnakrist (part of the ruling council that serves as government and advises the Ruby Prince) walking away from it in the early morning one day.
Setesh nods to Lath'rat.
"We are in agreement then. I will be at the rendezvous point in two days. Since we have a day to prepare, would you be able to tell us the exact nature of the supplies that we each have? I would hate to double-up on anything, as desert-crossings favor those that travel light, but competently... Also, who will carry the scroll?"
He then settles-in to enjoy Lath'rat's hospitality, although he steers-clear of the shisha.
"Will you stay for supper?" he calls out to the bowab and he brings in a single platter laden with rice, spiced meats, and chutneys.
"I will stay and enjoy this repast, but I hope you will not leave me to dine alone, Lathrat. Stay and tell me more about yourself. Forgive my curiosity, but I have never met anyone like you before. I am certain you have an interesting story and is food not to be enjoyed with good conversation?"
Jaru spends the next day getting his affairs in order and asking around the caravanserai for recent news of Eto and possible hazards on the route there.
Diplomacy
"I shall be delighted to make use of your hospitality. Let the success of our endeavor be assured by our trust in each other." Tarik will eat and drink graciously, thoroughly enjoying the more exotic flavors of Sothis. If Lathrat will allow it, Tarik will join him in smoking after he eats.
"The scroll will be in the care of Bas'rac, and he will mind it upon the journey. If you care to examine it more closely you can view it upon the ride." he concentrates for a moment and the scroll rolls up and flies back into his voluminous robes. "As for supplies I have arranged for most mundane requirements - a Bedu tent large enough for six with sleeping cloth, food and drink for yourselves and the camel, tools to read the stars and divine direction, torches that burn with a cold and eternal flame, and a smattering of other items that may prove useful in action or in comfort. There are also a few surprises that Bas'rac will take you through in due course."
Lath'rat calls to the bowab and another hookah is brought out for Tarik to enjoy. The reservoir is loaded with charcoal and fragrant tobacco.
The rest of the night passes both slowly and quickly for those that remain. The food is excellent and is followed by a platter of candied almonds served with strong coffee. Lath'rat spins tales of mercantile pursuits both comical and daring, though his talks never stray from tales of Sothis and it's bazaars. He responds equally with probing questions of your past experiences, listening attentively as he puffs on his hookah. After a few hours, Lath'rat excuses himself and bows formally before he exits.
You hear stories from grizzled caravan guards - one shows a scarred leg where a frenzied crocodile from the river took hold; another shaking slightly as he cradled a drink told of a whole caravan lost when the earth subsided and long spined arms writhed forth from the sand; a large Mwangi boasts of slaying camel spiders stalking the night and seeing off raids by gnolls in the hills around Eto.
"I too would be honored by your hospitality. My current domicile is less to my..." Looking around and the fine food and comforts, "Yes, this will do quite nicely till we leave."
In the intervening time, Noor finds a forgotten bale of cotton in a back hallway. Upon the roof, in the full glare of the sun, she learns the pull of her new bow, sending arrow after arrow into the bale.
Setesh will spend his day off trying to research/learn more about the Four Pharaoh's of Ascension, and the Pillars of the Sun (the latter in terms of ruins, strong historical associations, etc.)...
The Pillars of the Sun sit above the key trading hub of Eto. There are no great ruins known in the area, as most focus for exploration has been on the vast deserts. The gnolls and bandits in the area tend to dissuade expeditions as well.
The day of rest passes uneventfully for you all. Those with errands of research and gossip tend to their enquiries, and anyone who seeks to gain audience with Lath'rat is informed by the bowab that he is unavailable.
The sun is ready to rise above the horizon on the second day since the meeting when you make your way to the Southern Gate. You find Bas'rac waiting for you with eight dromedary camels. Bas'rac is attired as he was during your first meeting, bare head and chest and only wearing a pair of sandals and shendyt. He carries no weapons.
Five of the camels have been fitted with saddles, two are loaded with supplies and the final camel is free of any load. Lath'rat was only partially bending the truth as the animals you see are fine examples of camel-flesh.
As you arrive, Bas'rac greets you in turn and asks you to select a riding camel.
When you inquire about when you will embark "We ride once the sun has fully crested"
A thicker set black camel - Melwah.
A taller tan camel with an ornery temper - Addawser.
A white-furred camel with a scarred foreleg - Al Haml.
A lithe long-haired tan camel - Al Midifaa.
Jaru is drawn to the black camel which matches his attire. "Good to meet you Melwah. I hope you won't mind carrying me across the desert. It appears we have the same taste in fashion!" Jaru jokes feeling somewhat excited to begin this adventure.
Setesh casts his eye over the expedition's camels and supplies with an experienced merchant's eye.
Hmmm... He certainly seems to have been true to his word about the quality of the camel-flesh that he arranged...
When Bas'rac tells him to pick a camel, Setesh is immediately drawn to the scarred Al Haml.
"You look like you have been through the wars my friend; no matter, I will make sure that you are well looked after..."
Bazil takes a moment to observe the camels until a glob of spit strikes him in the back, causing him to voice a surprised shout as he wipes it off, grimacing as he inspects the viscous projectile now resting on his glove. Turning around, he grabs Addawser by the reigns and gives a sharp tug, pulling the camel to eye level. For a long moment, he simply stares at the rascal, as i he's trying to psych it out. At length, he speaks.
"You got some spunk, and I like that. Thing is, I'm not so fond of getting loogies smeared all over Tian silk. Look at that!" He thrusts his hand into the camels face, showing the mess on his glove. "Yeah, you did that, and now you're gonna help me get it off." He reaches out and wipes his hand off on Addawser's neck, thoroughly rubbing the mucus into its fur. "I trust we won't have any more problems of this nature?" he asks as he begins to hoist himself into the saddle.
Tarik thoroughly enjoys his meal, wondering what kind of tobacco produces this sort of effect in food. Later that night, he dreams of great adventure. First, he saves a damsel from a dragon single-handedly! Next, braving the deeps of the Mwangi Expanse to find the lost treasures of Xol-Chactlatl. Finally, he explores the Mindspin Mountains, searching for the lost city of Xin-Shalast.
Upon awaking, his head throbs, but Tarik pushes through it. "Adventure does not wait upon the sick or weary. I must have strength!"
He ventures throughout the morning bazaars, enjoying the smells and sights. Breakfast consists of sweet breads and strong coffee, and Tarik buys himself a bag of dates for the road.
As he finally winds his way to the gate, he greets Bas'rac. "Hail, friend Bas'rac! Does the morning find you in good spirits?" Tarik spends little time examining the camels, choosing the classic brown camel for himself. "You are the closest to those mentioned in stories, my friend Fahl, though I expect by the greeting Bazil is getting that he will be our hero, for does not the hero often ride with the most fiery of spirits? I think Addawser will be his match."
Noor watches the others rush to choose their camels. But then she expects no manners from such as them. Each makes their selection, but she only has eyes for Al Midifaa, the lithe and majestic tan camel. A true beauty among beasts. She has not had much experience with them, as the mountains were too rugged for camels. But she did travel with them north, on her caravan trip from home. She looks into the big brown eyes thinking she has made her first friend since leaving home.
As the party assembles and mounts their camels, Bas'rac awaits the sunrise. As it crests the horizon, he faces it arms out and palms forward and allows it's rays to bathe his body in warmth. After a minute of silence, he turns "Come, it is my wish to put some miles between us and Sothis before the heat becomes too much to continue."
The road is relatively clear at this early hour, you notice that most of the caravanserai are still in the throes of waking and preparing to start. Bas'rac sets a quick but steady pace, easily keeping up with the camels despite being on foot, and you see Sothis slowly disappearing into the horizon behind you. Bas'rac makes idle conversation on the march, but stills any detailed talk of the expedition.
After a solid four hours on the march, the heat of the sun is becoming fierce, cascading down to drench you as though you stood under a waterfall of heat. Bas'rac calls a halt and sets to erecting a shade tent carried by one of the pack camels. It is soon up and you are able to sit six in a circle beneath it and avoid the worst of the heat.
"Now that we have some distance, speak your mind. You may find me more talkative than in Lath'rat's abode."
Also, I'd like to make a sense motive check against Bas'rac. Is he just trying to get us to open up so he can spy for Lathrat?
Sense Motive:
Jaru has spent his whole life in the desert heat and is well adapted. He remains quite comfortable as the heat grows. His black robes appear much hotter than they actually are as he wears them loosely to allow the air to circulate so that the heat does not penetrate beyond the dark surface.
Once the caravan stops Jaru refreshes himself with a scoop from the water jar only to find his dark camel nudging him from behind and attempting to push its nose into the jar. Jaru dances with the camel as he tries to keep it out of the water supply and asks in alarm, "Bas'rac, when were these camels last watered? This one seems quite thirsty indeed!"
Bas'rac almost smiles at Jaru's comment "That one always is. Don't worry overmuch, we should have enough to sate his thirst." he pulls out a waxed leather sack from one of the pack camels and sets it on the ground, pouring some water from the jar into it for the camels to drink from.
When you look down you notice that the water level in the jar has not changed despite the amount that has been poured out.
Noticing the magically replenished water in the jug, Jaru smiles. "So we will not lack for water. That is good." Jaru shakes his head as he watches his black camel quickly empty the sack. "Especially as it seems Melwah thirsts for water as I thirst for knowledge!"
"Again forgive my questions if the offend Bas'rac, but I recognize from your gem that you are one of those called the Living Monoliths are you not? How came you to this high station and how old are you? I have heard the Living Monoliths are nigh immortal!"
As the day unfolds, Setesh discovers that Al Haml is a very stoic beast, plodding along uncomplainingly. However, he does have a mind of his own; as the party worked its way out of the city, Setesh had to work hard to keep Al Haml in line with the other camels, as he had a habit of trying to sidle-away inquisitively to investigate interesting smells, and other camels...
...However, once the party was well out of Sothis and into the rolling dunes, Al Haml proved to be perfectly amiable.
As the party travels across the desert, Setesh settles into the uncomplicated rhythm of it all, which gradually lulls him into an almost meditative state, whilst he considers the journey ahead.
Particularly observant people will notice that he does not appear to be sweating, despite the heat, and despite the fact that he is wearing armor...
When Basr'rac signaled a stop, Al Haml immediately tried to wander-off as soon as Setesh dismounted, forcing him to put all of his weight on the reins to hold the great beast in place.
"Whoa, there, my friend; we will be continuing on again before too long; now is the time for rest, not exertion..."
However, to make sure that Al Haml gets the point, Setesh hobbles him to prevent him wandering off...
Setesh nods to Bas'rac, as he pulls a clay goblet from his backpack, and takes a sip from it reflectively (again, observant people will notice that he did not pour any water into it, and it never seems to empty, no matter how much he drinks from it).
"Would it be possible for me to take another look at that scroll?"
Once finished, he turns to Bas'rac and says:
"What can you tell us of our destination?"
To Jaru: Bas'rac chuckles "Aye, my order is older than the sands and sleeps upright in dramatic pose as though a statue. Heh, most of what you may have heard is more based on children's tales than fact. I have been on this earth for almost forty floods, and had the gem in my skull for less than five."
"I crossed paths with the order by either accident or fate - early in my years I was much as yourselves, guarding the caravan that ply these desert. One journey fell foul of the khamsin winds and I was the only one to survive. A sphinx took interest on me as I struggled to escape the desert with naught water or food. He nudged me towards another of my order that was nearby, and I became his acolyte."
Bas'rac retrieves the scroll and passes it to Setesh "Our destination is a cave in the foothills South of Eto. The scroll talks of where we believe the Cerulean Pharoah has placed his part of the key to the Tekritanin vault. The place we are interested in is likely a sealed part of some ruins that will most probably have been overrun in the time they have rested"
"And what do you think Lathrat expects to find there? No one makes such a fuss over first dibs on a single item unless he's got something in mind. I did a little digging on him shop the other night, and he seems to have some friends in high places - I'm guessing he trades in information as well as vice. Think there could be something in there that'd let him spy on people?"
Bas'rac retrieves the scroll and passes it to Setesh "Our destination is a cave in the foothills South of Eto. The scroll talks of where we believe the Cerulean Pharoah has placed his part of the key to the Tekritanin vault."
"The Cerulean Pharoah is one of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension, was he not? I believe his proper name was Anok Fero. The other three were Hetshepsu, the Fiend Pharoah; Ankana, the Radiant Pharoah; and the Pharoah of Numbers, whose true name is lost. Do you believe each of the four had a part of this key to the vault?"
"What does the scroll say, Setesh. I believe I would be using the same magics as you so I will trust your translation."
Noor is pleased with her choice of stead. Al Midifaa proved to quickly adapt to her touch. A good servant, she soon found she needed to do little to keep him on task, leaving her free to concentrate on the desert surrounding. In her desert garb, the worst of the heat is kept off her by layered robes and headwrap. She also knows to take small drinks of water at regular intervals, knowing thirst is not a good first warning of dehydration.
When Noor dismounts, Al Midifaa awaits her command. Dismissed, he wanders over to the water. Noor joins the other as they discuss the scroll. Upon mention of the Four Pharaohs she spits on the ground. "The Four Oppressors is how I have learned of them. Usurpers and despots who overthrew the Children of the Desert."
"Lath'rat is a man of wide interests, and no doubt information and vice are among them. In truth I do not know what he seeks or what may be found. However the time that the Four Pharoahs ruled had Osirion's star shining brightly, so the riches of that time would be mighty indeed."
Setesh nods to Jaru.
"The scroll begins with: 'By the will of Anok Fero let the key to torment lay fallow in the shade of the Pillars until called forth in his name', before going on to detail exactly where one needs to go."
He then smiles faintly at Noor.
"Respectfully, I think we must disagree. The Four Pharaohs were certainly responsible for some terrible things, but they led Osirion at a time when our great nation's star was most definitely ascendant."
"Well, those great monuments were built on the backs of those who came before. My people had little to do with Osirion's cities and monuments, except to build them as slave laborers. As the Pharaohs were ascendant, my people were driven from our oasis homes to scrabble a life among the Brazen Peaks. So I guess the benefits of conquest depends on whether you were a descendant of the aggressors or the defenders...respectively." She states this with calm and crisp diction and even says the last part with more of smile, but her eyes denote that anger is not far below the surface.
Tarik spends much of his ride in the morning reining in Al Fahl, who seems spend all his time attempting to stay out of line with the other camels. He isn't quite as inquisitive as some of the mounts, but simply seems to want to go his own way. Fahl seems to jerk away the very moment Tarik tries to drink.
Tarik wears the garb of Osiriani desert traveler, but unfortunately lacks full knowledge of how to wear the cloth correctly. He chose a lighter grey, for which he is now thankful, but improper style combined with loss water from a headstrong camel means that by the time the group stops to rest in the shade Tarik is already rather fatigued.
He thankfully takes his fill of water, and eyes Fahl with both humor and annoyance. "I will have to be quite adroit to maintain both you and myself, I see. Shall it be a contest then, Fahl?" Tarik stares into the camel's eyes, and anyone else can see that he is quite serious about this.
Noor comes over and sees Tarik a little disheveled. She reaches out, "May I?" She gives his wrap a few tugs and fluffs. "You want these to flow and breath. They are to block the sun but not the air." Her motions are fluid and expert with the sense she has done this often.
She then steps up close in front of him to adjust his head wraps. "You need to gets these folds on side more to the front...your neck has already shown signs of exposure." This close, Tarik gets the strong heady mix of jasmine scented palm oil and old leather,..and maybe camel?
Bazil creases his brow in confusion as he listens to the discourse between Setesh and Noor. He listens to their banter in relative silence, casually cleaning his fingernails with a dagger and occasionally shooting a leery glance towards his camel. After the exchange is finished, he moves to Setesh. "You'll have to forgive me, but I haven't exactly had time to brush up on my Osiriani history. Who were these Four Pharaoh chaps? And what'd that stodgy desert woman mean by "her people?" Did elves used to run things 'round here?"
Noticing Tarik's distress, Bas'rac moves to one of the pack camels and retrieves a grey keffiyeh before handing it to Tarik "This may ease your discomfort"
He smirks slightly at the difference of opinion between Noor and Setesh before adding "We will resume our journey after the sun falls from it's zenith."
After a couple of hours languishing in the shade, Bas'rac calls for the march to continue. He quickly dissembles the shade and re-loads the camel for travel.
The afternoon march passes relatively quickly, and there is more traffic on the road than in the morning. You pass gruff caravanserai regularly as well as a few foolhardy solo travellers on camel or on horseback. None are conversationalists and all you get as they pass is a nod of acknowledgement.
After an afternoon of travel when the sun starts to approach the horizon, Bas'rac calls for a stop and sets up camp. The camels are hobbled and watered and their loads removed for the night. A bedu tent is erected and Bas'rac starts warming food on a dung fired stove.
perception
Jaru points out the travellers leading their camels some way off the road. "Bas'rac, who are they that avoid the road?"
Peering where Jaru has pointed, Bas'rac responds "The bedouin of the desert - there are some that prefer to avoid contact with those from the cities."
To earlier question: "Yes, it is my guess that the suspicion between the Four meant that they would each not trust the other. We may be in search of three more key-stores if we find what we seek near the Pillars."
Setesh smiles at Bazil.
"No worries! I happen to be a scholar of this nation's history, so I should be able to clear-up a few things for you. Osirion has had an often tumultuous past. At one point, this nation was split into four smaller nations, but they united when threatened by an outside force - the Tekritanin League. The Four Pharaohs of Ascension were the leaders of these four nations, and by combining their power, they were able to defeat the League, and usher in an age of prosperity, and magical and technological development, which was at the time unprecedented."
He then shrugs.
"Of course, to build all of the wonders that they created, an enslaved underclass... was required. This largely consisted of citizens from the League, or from other neighbors."
Setesh then smiles impishly.
"Despite what my father might sometimes claim, Elves have never ruled in Osirion; the vast majority of natives are Garundi."
As dinner is prepared, Noor finds Al Midifaa. She checks his feet for damage and wedged stones. Then finds a brush so that she might comb out his coat. She starts with a sweet gentle voice extolling his gentleness, but is soon throwing out some hefty blistering curses as she discovers thick tangles in Al Midifaa's long hair.
After the evening's repast is taken and the sun dips below the horizon the desert starts to cool. After checking on the camel one final time, Bas'rac turns in for sleep.
The night passes uneventfully and as morning comes Bas'rac once again greets the sunrise before packing up camp. "Come, we have yet far to go"
The first few days out of Sothis pass relatively easily, but as the journey continues you tend to live out your days in relative solace apart from your fellow party. Bas'rac proves a steady companion and full of amiable if not fantastical tales and conversation.
One morning, soon after getting back underway - you hear some indistinct shouting just beyond a small rise in the sand that blocks your line of sight.
Tarik sighs in immense relief after Noor adjusts his garb, and mutters a small prayer of thanks to Nethys for magical headwraps.
"I am in your debt, desert princess. Truly, the stories had forgotten to mention the appropriate way to wear your clothing. I am quite glad to have people such as you with me." Tarik bows to Noor and Bas'rac, thanking them profusely before the camp moves on. During his downtime, he simply rests, attempting to get back some strength. This is of course interrupted by Al Fahl attempting to wander off, and Tarik then having to chase him down.
He spends the rest of the day's travel learning the cues that make Fahl wander, so that hopefully he will be able to drink during his ride at some future point. He is quite pleased when night begins to fall, having had his fill of adventure for the day, and sorely wishing to eat and sleep.
Tarik awakens some hours before dawn to Bas'rac's touch. Rousing himself from sleep, he joins their guide in watching the camp. Tarik prepares his spells as dawn breaks, readying himself for whatever might be needed.
Jaru rides along enjoying the cool hours of the morning which wont last long. "Ah Melwah, did you finally get enough water this morning? I believe I can feel you sloshing."
perception
Jaru pulls up with the others at the noise from beyond the ridge. "I hear shouting and the yelps of dogs. At least I hope they are dogs... Quickly over the rise!" Jaru goads Melwah to make speed.
A camel is lying on the ground bleating and you see it's belly is bloodied. It's rider lies next to it grimacing in a sitting position. There is another frightened camel with a standing man holding its reigns while whipping around with a khopesh in hand. The men are dressed in Osirion garb.
Surrounding the camels is a small pack of hyena yipping and circling. One hyena larger than the others and with bloodied jaw is unmoving and staring at the man still at his feat.
Behind the line of camels, Noor does not hear anything unusual, but she sees Jaru break ranks and ride up a crest. She draws her bow and follows, calling out. "Bas'rac you will stay with the spare camels, yes?"
It is then that she hears the barks.."Not dogs. Hyenas! Protect your camel like your life depended on it."
"B@&#*$$s the camels, get those mangy curs off them folk!" Bazils rolls out of his saddle with deftness that belies his stunted frame, hitting the sands in a ready crouch before springing forwards. With a flick of his wrists and a hum of steel, his weapons are in hand. He levels a slender rapier at one of the hyenas and tucks the dagger behind his back. "Off them you louts! Trundle over here and taste the steel of of Avistan!"