Sykala watches Esteban and his companions very intently and is sad to see Jinx go but nods her understanding at his explanation. For a moment she allows herself to be distracted and watches him expertly weave his way around legs and under chairs until he disappears into the crowd. Her eyes come back to rest on the former river boat captain....
"Training? ... Oh, are you also an Osirionologist? You look like a man with a keen intellect."
"Huh?" the dwarf snorts, "Ye're too kind t' one thrice yer age, young lady, but Ah'm fer thankin' ye fer it. If'n ye want t' be aidin' us as an Oh-see-ree-on-ol-o-jist, Ah thought it might be good t' know yer background." It's obvious that the word is not flowing from his dwarven tongue and he enunciates it very carefully. And slowly.
Starting to sweat even though his Keffiyah is magically enhanced to keep him cool, Korian, with as much confidence as he can muster, says "1,400 gold"
Esteban turns to look at you but Paracount Julistar shoots him a withering glance and he turns his attention to the front. The entire party from Cheliax, and probably the entire auction house, stares at the back of the Paracounts head while he sits quietly not bidding on the item. The snakeheaded statuette is yours.
"Training? ... Oh, are you also an Osirionologist? You look like a man with a keen intellect.""Huh?" the dwarf snorts, "Ye're too kind t' one thrice yer age, young lady, but Ah'm fer thankin' ye fer it. If'n ye want t' be aidin' us as an Oh-see-ree-on-ol-o-jist, Ah thought it might be good t' know yer background." It's obvious that the word is not flowing from his dwarven tongue and he enunciates it very carefully. And slowly.
"Thrice?" she says with amusement, looking Ovirid over with curiosity that makes him a little uncomfortable.
"Thrice?" she says with amusement, looking Ovirid over with curiosity that makes him a little uncomfortable.
There's a bit of a blush for those that look closely through the robe's hood and the copious beard beneath, but Ovirid is grinning, "Aye, miss. Ah think we're both fer underestimatin' 'r ages. We c'n be fer leavin' it at that, if'n ye wish. M'name's Ovirid." He will mimic what he's seen as an acceptable greeting in his short time in the city -- brief bow, handshake, trying to do as the Romans do.
With knees feeling more than a little rubbery, Korian breathes a quiet sigh of relief and when the statue arrives, places it securely in his haversack as well.
His nervousness does not wane though for there is still one important item left and the young mage is certain that, for spite alone if nothing else, the Paracount will not let this last item go easily.
while a part of him hears and is amused and pleased for his friend's flirtatious conversation with the beautiful and interesting young woman, at the moment he cannot spare any of his concentration from the task at hand.
The collection of scrolls is put on the auction block and Paracount Julistar, full of bluster, stands and demands to be allowed to inspect them before the auction begins.
Given permission, he walks up to the auctioneer's assistant, gently takes each scroll and carefully examines the papyrus and the text itself.
"These," he intones loud enough for the entire room to hear, "are fakes." He walks back to his party and gestures for them to follow, which they do. Esteban smiles and winks at you as he leaves.
After the party from Cheliax has left, the auctioneer insists that these scrolls are authentic and the auction proceeds. The lovely young woman, Neferet Anu, bids 5 gp. "They could be real! If they are fake, I'd like to study them myself."
Korian smiles neutrally at the woman, his suspicions not yet fully allayed. Yet as she seems to be inclined to remain with the group for the time being, he does not outbid her, instead waiting to see what will happen. If the bid goes beyond her ability to continue, the young mage will bid whatever is necessary to ensure that they the charts leave the auction with he and his friends.
Now that he is for the moment not directly involved in the auction, Korian spares some time to examine the statue, attempting to decipher the ancient script and allowing any of his friends which are inclined to do so access to it as well. However, without directly insulting her, the Keleshite deftly keeps the statue away from the woman as, until he trusts her more, he has no intention of allowing her to get her hands on it.
Linguistics: , Slight of Hand: , Diplomacy:
'Hmmmm, interesting. muses Korian at the runes translations 'We shall certainly have to investigate this item further latter on.'
When whoever of his allies were interested in examining the statue are done with it, Korian makes sure it is put safely away. He then puts his attention back on the auctioning of the final item.
Korian certainly obliges her, but, wanting to keep ownership for himself and his allies, says "Do not worry my dear, I shall purchase this item and be glad to have you help us translate it. One of your expertise and intelligence shall be a great boon."
He bids 50gp and will go as high as necessary. When he gets/wins the item, as the woman still has not yet earned his trust, Korian again takes careful possession of it and places it in the Haversack. He then says to her "I suggest we repair to a more private local to investigate our items, yes? And, if you will excuse for but a moment my dear, I wish a private moment with my friends, yes? Thank you so kindly."
Once she is out of ear-shot, Korian turns to the rest of the group and says "I am not sure yet if I trust this woman, but her knowledge and expertise could be invaluable. I would value your opinions on whether we should include her in our investigations of not."
Moving closer and lowering his voice even more, the young mage continues in a more ominous tone "Also, I think me we have not seen they last of that Paracount and your friend, 'Estabane?' was his name? I would appreciate if, while we make our way back to the headquarters, all would be on their guard. I know they very much wanted these items and I do not think they would stop at much to get them."
Under his breath Korian mumbles (Listen 15)
"...I know I wouldn't have were it me who didn't get them..."
Ovirid looks over the items with interest, if only to confirm his earlier assessment of their value. He especially investigates the "fakes" to see if he missed a valuable clue.
Re-examining the alleged fake items:
Perception:
Appraise:
Knowledge (History):
Listening to Korian's comment:
Perception:
Quietly, "Heh, na laddie, don' ye be fer gettin' all tense now. Better we be fer lookin' relaxed 'n bein' on 'r guard 'n th' inside lest someun think we be up t' n' good."
The dwarf assists with carefully tucking the items away in the Haversack.
Sykala catches everything Korian says, even the mumbles, and nods her understanding. At his statement that they should return to the headquarters she looks crestfallen, "Not see big dead bug now?" She gives Ixius a look that says 'but you promised!' Did she suffer through all this tedious bartering for nothing?!
Ovirid looks over the items with interest, if only to confirm his earlier assessment of their value. He especially investigates the "fakes" to see if he missed a valuable clue.
Re-examining the alleged fake items:
Perception: 1d20 + 11
Appraise: 1d20 + 11
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 12Listening to Korian's comment:
Perception: 1d20 + 11Quietly, "Heh, na laddie, don' ye be fer gettin' all tense now. Better we be fer lookin' relaxed 'n bein' on 'r guard 'n th' inside lest someun think we be up t' n' good."
The dwarf assists with carefully tucking the items away in the Haversack.
Ovirid can't tell if they are fake. If they are, they are good ones.
A woman wearing a veil slips past Neferet and stands amongst you. "I congratulate you on your success at the auction today," she says while unrolling a map of Sothis. "Could you help me? I am trying to find this place."
She points at an area just to the west of the bazaar.
"I believe we are here," she says pointing off of the map to the compass. All of the party recognize the Pathfinder rune in the compass.
"Can you tell me how to get from here to here?" she says tapping both the compass and the area west of the bazaar again.
Smiling at his Dwarven friend's smoothness, Korian turn his smile to the newcomer saying "Yes, by all means, we shall help you however we can. Let it not be said that the denizens of Sothis are anything but helpful of strangers!" Gathering in Neferet with his eyes and a nod, Korian moves to place the Mythral Scarab between himself and Ovirid, trusting his new companions to guard their rear and keep an eye on the scholar.
Ixius whispers to Sykala "I think this she is the big bug." He then follows along behind the others.
As the party exits the market, they can see in the distance the colossal scarab carapace that keeps the center of Sothis shady.
Neferet tags along excitedly. All traces of the coy seductress are gone as she gets excited about the relics purchased at the auction, "Where are we going? These scrolls are interesting. I don't think they are fake. Can I see the charcoal rubbings?"
Koaian, while he inwardly shares Neferet's excitement, is for now focussed on the Mtyhral Scarab and where she is leading them to. He turns briefly to the eager scholar, giving her a calming smile and a 'wait, wait' gesture with his hand.
The Mithral Scarab leads you towards a tattered tent on the edge of the market. It is one of the more run down areas of the market but doesn't seem particularly dangerous.
"Raegos is the only person alive who has been inside the true tomb of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension. He may talk to you," she gestures towards the flap of the tent. "Before you go in though ... he has an unusual condition. You must leave every piece of paper you possess outside of the tent. Bring nothing with writing on it."
The Mithral Scarab leads you towards a tattered tent on the edge of the market. It is one of the more run down areas of the market but doesn't seem particularly dangerous.
"Raegos is the only person alive who has been inside the true tomb of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension. He may talk to you," she gestures towards the flap of the tent. "Before you go in though ... he has an unusual condition. You must leave every piece of paper you possess outside of the tent. Bring nothing with writing on it."
"'is condition -- is it fer bein' somethin' we should be concerned aboot?" Looking at the others, "Ah c'n be fer stayin' outta th' tent 'n 'oldin' yer written materials, if'n ye wish."
"'is condition -- is it fer bein' somethin' we should be concerned aboot?" Looking at the others, "Ah c'n be fer stayin' outta th' tent 'n 'oldin' yer written materials, if'n ye wish."
"I meant, he has a condition before you will be allowed to see him ... but, yes, he has a condition of sorts as well. Perhaps, you'd better ask him about it."
The stipulation, not surprisingly, doesn't seem to phase the druid at all, who you could easily believe has never written a single word in her life nor seems to have any about her person. She seems to be containing the urge to run off to the giant carapace fairly well but does take frequent glances across the city at it until entering the newly introduced tent. Nodding her head in seeming agreement and understanding,"Not like writing either. Many lies hide there. Eyes tell truth."
In perfect contrast, Korian stiffens in panic when he hears the terrible condition. 'Leave all my writings behind! Why, the written word is my Life!'
As his dear friend Ovirid though thankfully offers to remain outside to hold all the papers and such, Korian heaves a sigh of relief. Thanking his friend profusely, the young mage takes some time divesting himself of everything that has writing on it. He takes the most time and care though with the magical haversack that contains his spellbook, the auction items and many others things of importance to him.
When he is finally done, Korian indicates his readiness to the Myhral Scarab and enters the tent when he is permitted. Before he does though he whispers a request to Ovirid to find some way to keep the young female scholar outside.
Before he does though he whispers a request to Ovirid to find some way to keep the young female scholar outside.
"Lass, it'll be fer bein' easier t' 'ave 'nother pair o' eyes watchin' this stuff while me friends're inside. Wouldja be fer bein' willin' t' join me 'n tell me 'bout yer exploits as 'n Oh-siren-ologist?"
Diplomacy
Seeing his friend not quite hitting the right tone with the beautiful scholar, Korian decides to pitch in and aid him. Turning to the woman he says
"Yes, Neferet, please, there are some very valuable items there and we would be glad of your assistance in watching them. Plus, I am sure you do not want to let those rubbings get too far out of your sight, yes?" finishing with a smile.
Diplomacy:
Before he does though he whispers a request to Ovirid to find some way to keep the young female scholar outside.
"Lass, it'll be fer bein' easier t' 'ave 'nother pair o' eyes watchin' this stuff while me friends're inside. Wouldja be fer bein' willin' t' join me 'n tell me 'bout yer exploits as 'n Oh-siren-ologist?"
Diplomacy 1d20 - 2
Ovirid belches as he requests the pleasure of Neferet's company and he immediately regrets the spicy beef and goat cheese on flatbread he ate earlier.
"Korian," says Neferet pleading and grabbing Korian's arm, "Do I really have to stay here with the ... with the ... with the papers."
Ovirid's quite sure she was going to say "with the dwarf".
Seeing his friend not quite hitting the right tone with the beautiful scholar, Korian decides to pitch in and aid him. Turning to the woman he says
"Yes, Neferet, please, there are some very valuable items there and we would be glad of your assistance in watching them. Plus, I am sure you do not want to let those rubbings get too far out of your sight, yes?" finishing with a smile.
Diplomacy: 1d20+4
Korian's belch would earn him a friendly thump on the back from Ovirid if they were in the halls of any dwarven clan. Unfortunately, they are in Sothis, where most people know better than to eat spicy beef and goat cheese on flat bread when you are going to be talking to people.
Neferet positively withers at the smell coming off of Korian. "On second thought, maybe the fresh air will do me good."
She remains outside of the tent, two large steps away from Ovirid. Upwind.
Ovirid belches as he requests the pleasure of Neferet's company and he immediately regrets the spicy beef and goat cheese on flatbread he ate earlier.
"Korian," says Neferet pleading and grabbing Korian's arm, "Do I really have to stay here with the ... with the ... with the papers."
Ovirid's quite sure she was going to say "with the dwarf".
Entering the tent, you see an old man with white hair and skin that has grown leathery with age. Over his eyes he wears a blindfold. You think, perhaps, the Mithral Scarab has taken him a prisoner, but he reaches up and adjusts the blindfold to make sure it is firmly on.
The tent is obviously his home. It has a few cushioned chairs, a cooking pot, a couple of chests, and a bed. Lines run from one piece of furniture to the other making it difficult for all of you to enter the tent. You need to step over some lines just to get all of you in.
"I told you 'no!'," says the man. "I don't want to talk to them."
After a fairly long and uncomfortable interval, Ovirid clears his throat. "Eh, lass? Me apologies fer me manners a while ago, but Ah'm truly interested in what ye've learned of ancient Oh-siren. Ah'm new t' these parts, 'avin' come t' meet me friend." With that last, he gestures over his shoulder at the undoubtedly crowded tent behind them.
Diplomacy
After a fairly long and uncomfortable interval, Ovirid clears his throat. "Eh, lass? Me apologies fer me manners a while ago, but Ah'm truly interested in what ye've learned of ancient Oh-siren. Ah'm new t' these parts, 'avin' come t' meet me friend." With that last, he gestures over his shoulder at the undoubtedly crowded tent behind them.
Diplomacy 1d20 - 2
Neferet moves further upwind from the dwarf but then smiles. "Osirion is fascinating. The writing system is amazing and so many symbols we use today were drawn from it. Pass me those charcoal rubbings and I'll show you!"
"Hehe, we'll be fer sharin' the coal-papers when Korian's fer gettin' back wit' us. No rush there. Tell me some, o' Ah ken be fer guessin'. Ah like puzzles."