After Neferteri turns to walk away and Lin makes a counter offer, the merchant speaks up quickly. "I will offer you 21 Platinum for the rights to the ornate chest!" as he shouts to Neferteri. He then turns to Lin. "15 gold is poposterous for the 5 chest. I could buy them new and unused for that price. Not a lot of people looking to buy treasure chest around here right now either. The ornate one, sure, that is an art piece. The regular one's? Not so much. You have 5 of them and it would take me forever to move them, might even have to send them elsewhere to be sold. I will pay no more than 5 gold for the lot." the merchant then turns back to Neferteri more concerned about the ornate chest than the regular ones.
Meanwhile Alexander and Holbrecht after finishing their buisness with the chariot dealer head toward the Tooth & Hookah to have a drink. As they arrive and walk in the door there seems to be some kind of meeting taking place, you find the common room overflowing with adventurers.
Parties Present:
The Crypt Finders: Members of this group hail from all over the Inner Sea region, and include a Chelish cavalier, a Nexian summoner, a Qadiran cleric of Sarenrae, and their leader Falto (male human rogue), a bravo from the streets of Absalom.See other roleplay thread as you have already met them.
The Daughters of the Desert: This all-female adventuring party follows the lead of Sigrun Firehair (female human bard), an Ulfen of the Linnorm Kingdoms who claims to be descended from a genie. The group also includes an exiled Rahadoumi cleric of Iomedae, a barbarian from one of the nomadic desert clans of Thuvia, and two Osirian witches, twin sisters who always wear veils. Sigrun has journeyed south seeking adventure, hoping to pen an epic tale of her exploits to take back north.
Dog Soldiers: This group’s membership is composed entirely of halflings and their pack of trained Katapeshi fighting dogs, led by the loquacious and hard-drinking “Mad Dog” Marrn (male halfling barbarian/ranger).
Sand Scorpions: This party contains no fewer than three rogues, along with a single magus for combat and magic support. Each rogue specializes in a different area of expertise, whether, locks, traps, or, in the case of their leader, a mysterious woman called Black Kiss (female half-elf alchemist),. The Sand Scorpions keep mostly to themselves.
Scorched Hand: Led by a Taldan Osirionologist named Velriana Hypaxes (female human wizard), this group is dedicated to the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge. With the exception of the hired mercenary Idorii (female half-elf fighter/rogue), the members of the party are all devout followers of Nethys, from whom they take their name. Native Osirians Azaz Arafe (male human evoker) and Khelru (male human cleric of Nethys) round out the group.
As you enter a set of bards are playing music in the corner at a very low tone level. Velriana Hypaxes is kind of standing in the middle of the room addressing everyone. She is quite vocal in her disapproval of the Grand Mausoleum’s refusal to assign specific sites to groups that requested them.
Farhaan smiles behind the bar as Alexander and Holbrecht enter.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 4:20 pm, Temperature: 101 degrees
"You are in high spirits this day, madame Hypaxes," Alexander says as he comes limping into the common room, and he raises an eyebrow at Velriana. "I understand your displeasure somewhat, but seeing as the rules are as they are, why not simply offer a bounty to whichever group finds your goal? You could possibly set up an exchange of whatever you want for what you find in your own assigned area."
The old man nods politely to the Daughters of the Desert in passing, and gives them -- especially the two witches -- as charming a smile as he can. "Ladies. 'Tis a wonder you do not name yourselves the Flowers of the Desert. You are a sight for sand- and sun-wearied eyes."
Coming to the counter, Alexander nods politely to Farhaan. "Master innkeep, greetings. It has been a long day. Do you have a pale ale as frosty as your delightful water?"
Velriana turns toward the old wizard....
(Think strong Georgia drawl in a debutant kind of way. Gone with the Wind style.)
"Well, well I'll be. Oh where are my manners." she bows in a curtsey stance holding her fancy flopping hat at the same time and then walks over to stand behind Alexander at the bar.
Holding an outstretched hand "I am lady Velriana Hypaxes." she pauses for effect "Maybe you have heard of me? Famous Taldan Aristocrat Osirionolgist and worshiper of Nethys?" she sees the blank look in your eye.
"Very well then, this lottery as fair as these Pharasma worshipers want us to believe it is does not over rule an adventuring company like mines right to religious sites of their respected deities you see." She removes a silken handkerchief from her pocket and removes her hat long enough to wipe her brow and then she continues.
"You see were I come from we respect the religious sites to the groups they belong to. We don't let others simply trespass where they don't belong. Like me and all my adventuring company we worship our god Nethys, now while researching this dig we learned of a site in the necropolis that was devoted to our god, so we made a simple request for that site. It seems that our petition has been denied to explore a site sacred to myself and our members’ faith, and was instead allocated what turned out to be an ancient brothel."
Her eyes roll in disgust...
Twirling around making eye contact with all members in the room that will look her way and then back to Alexander.
"They gave us a god damn whorehouse they did. And that is where our case lies."
She waits for Alexander's response....
"Alexander Pierpoint, out of Augustana in Andoran," Alexander replies, politely kissing the back of Velriana's hand. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Might I have read an article of yours in the Osirion Quarterly at some time, madame...? Do forgive me if I'm mistaken; the passing of the years wears us all down in time."
Alexander listens to Velriana's complaints, nodding at the right points and showing a clear interest. When the aristocratic Osirionologist winds down, he smiles ruefully. "I am myself a worshiper of Nethys," he says, making the sign of the Broken Mask, "but also of Pharasma, for as you can see, the end of my span is a little closer than yours - and I hope you have not needed to bury as many dear relatives as I have." The sign of the Spiral. "I do understand your frustration, madame, honestly I do. Hmm - might I offer you a beer while we chat?"
Provided Velriana accepts, Alexander nods to Farhaan. "One for the lady as well, please, master innkeep. Now. Lady Velriana, as I said, I understand your frustration. But surely an Osirionologist of note must have found something, some kernel of knowledge worth preserving, even in such a wretched location. As we both know, the knowledge as yet hidden in the Necropolis will be the envy of the scholarly community of Garund, of Avistan, possibly of the whole world!
With such profits in sight, why not risk a tiny gamble? As I said, you can offer a bounty to whoever is assigned your special site, inspiring the utmost care and vigilance, and the transfer of such artefacts and knowledge as you seek to your possession. As a scholar, I assume your main desire is for knowledge; papyri, tablets, the tomes of the ancient priesthood of the All-Seeing Eye. Many of these worthies are more interested in gold and jewels and similar, more easily sold items. Gather your spoils, madame, and offer a bounty where these people gather. You may yet gain what you truly seek for no more than a little light bargaining, using items of lesser importance."
Alexander raises his beer to Velriana and sips again.
Holbrecht tugs at Alexander's sleeve, drawing him closer to remind hi with a whisper, "Alexander, we met this woman and her team while we were researching at the library. They were less than friendly with Nefer. Remember, there were even concerns that it might lead to conflict. Be wary."
His reminder given, he addresses the woman herself, "Now I understand your misguided opinion of the property rights over a church to your deity falling under the purview of its followers, but I beg to differ. You see, the building itself is within the Necropolis, which was mostly abandoned for centuries before the Pharasmins even arrived to cleanse and preserve the contents, many more centuries ago. By the laws often colloquially referred to as 'squatter's rights', the long term inaction or claim of possession by the church of... what did you say?... Nethys right? The site no longer represents a religious site to that deity. The Pharasmins have maintained and almost assuredly consecrated the Necropolis over such a long period of time, and no other deities have produced claim of their own, that the whole of the area is most assuredly the property of Pharasma's church, and they can see fit to do with it as they please."
He continues, adding his thoughts on the lottery, "As I understand the explanation of random selection over sites, falls primarily under the auspices of maintaining an absence of bias during the selection process. Otherwise, people like yourself or others may try to claim that locations, that do not belong to anyone other than the Grand Mausoleum, be granted them in the hopes of amassing things of interest to them. If you were allowed to claim a church of Nethys, then what prevents others from claiming rights to the manor houses which certainly hold riches. Then the whole of the process would no longer be fair to all involved parties, and fall into selfish bickering over who wants which riches more based on their spurious claims of ownership. All the same reason that my companions and I would not be expected to request a library or school, in our search for knowledge and history."
His explanation is far from diplomatic, but he was not trying to be so. He was sharing a rational thought process, which to him should be more powerful than flowery words and flattery. Logic and reason should sway everyone.
As Velriana waits for her ale next to Alexander she listens to Holbrecht's speech in its entirety before responding.
"Oh, it is not even in my grandest wish to keep anyone from the necropolis, oh heavens no, and we certainly are not against it being open to the public, or who am little old I to say who or what faiths can access its treasures. We simply wish that sites could be chosen instead of randomly drawn when it comes to these types of matters my dear. " she then places her hat back on her head...
"Although we easily dispatched the nest of walking zombies that we found in the brothel’s basement and even managed to recover a few minor trinkets from the site the whore's used, we are disappointed with our first foray into the necropolis."
She then looks over Holbrecht, as if she was pleased with what she saw.
Turning back to Alexander (Speaking in Ancient Osirion ) "A pleasure to meet you Alexander Pierpoint, out of Augustana in Andoran. Quite an interesting companion you have here. I guess a worshiper of Brigh would not understand the importance a temple would be, of our faith of course."
"I am quite aware, Holbrecht," Alexander says to Holbrecht before his discussion with Velriana begins, one eyebrow raised. "That is exactly why I am engaging her in conversation. An ounce of diplomacy can spare a gallon of wrath and regret."
Continuing his discussion with the aristocratic Taldan Osirionologist...
Alexander smiles. "My dear madame Velriana, I must ask: what did you find at your allotted area? At the risk of seeming of a salacious mindset, I do wonder what kind of 'trinkets' the ladies of Wati's old nights might have amassed. It could reflect on the kind of market this city had for magic items, back before the Plague of Madness."
The old man sips his beer. "I truly think it would be good for all us adventurers to put our discoveries together. While each separate group could earn some profit, the scholarly benefits from a unified picture of the Necropolis could be of inestimable value! Surely at least some of these people would understand the fame that could be theirs if they participated in the gathering of information for the definitive bookwork on Wati? As an Osirionologist of note, you will no doubt agree that research of mere aspects of the ancient city would not yield as compelling a publication as a book on the whole. Would you perhaps be interested in joining me, madame, in making such an appeal to the adventurers gathered here? Just imagine the kind of publication we might present to the great universities of Avistan!"
Listening to Alexander Velriana again speaks to both of the duo...
"Again, we wish no ill will toward anyone hun, we just want to have the right to that one sight you see. Is that to much for us to ask? " she says almost ignoring Alexander's words as if she only was faintly aware of that which he spoke. She then stands and addresses the entire room. "Watch my dear Alexander, this is how you get the crowd on your side."
"This goes for all of you here. If any of you have learned of an ancient temple or shrine being assigned to any group, or heard any rumors of something called “the Erudite Eye.” then we will pay handsomely for that information. If you have been assigned that site already or in the future we will handsomely pay or trade for the privileged of having that site given to us."
She then walks over and picks her crossbow up from the table where her companions sits and turns back to Holbrecht.
Still speaking loudly "10,000 gold in trade for anyone giving that site to us and 1,000 gold for information that leads to the group that has drawn that site."
She stows the bow back over her shoulder.
"That will buy you a lot of book publications my dear Alexander, maybe even a name on the building where the books are to be kept. Spread the word, ok hun."
She then returns to the table with her comrades and has a seat.
Holbrecht just scowls as the woman continues to speak of her intentions, and as she makes an offer to buy the rights to the location he begins to shake and clench his fists. Finally, he loses his cool, "NO!" He yells, pounding a fist on the table for emphasis, before pointing a stubby dwarven finger at the woman. "I don't care who you think you are or what rights you THINK you have to any specific site within the Necropolis! What you offer and suggest spits in the face of the rules! The rules put into place by the controlling body of the Necropolis, The Pharasmin Grand Mausoleum, not Nethys and by the gods certainly not you! They are there to ensure both fairness and equality amongst all the explorers, two things it seems you think don't apply to you! Well, I'll not stand for it! If you continue on in this manner of blatant disregard for the authority of the Pharasmin church over the method in which anyone is granted access to the mysteries of the past that can be discovered through these expeditions, then I will personally see to it that you will no longer be granted access if I have to! Mark my words, you will not sully this experience for your own ends!"
He ends in a huff, eyes darting nervously, as he realizes his anger came out much more than he expected. Like he didn't realize he said aloud what he was thinking. If it's one thing that gets under his skin, it is the wholesale disregard for structure, balance, and an ordered manner of operations. Strict adherence to outlined methodologies is really all that keeps his scatter-brained thoughts in line. He also suddenly realizes that he is mostly alone with Alexander, and Just having Nulyth or Nefer here would make him feel a little more comfortable.
Lin studies the man, and nods. "His price for the ornate is more than fair; that which I suggested for the five is not." Suddenly serious, she bows her head. "Forgive the disrespect for your business and name that I allowed to poison the noble act and exchange of barter. I would be happy to sell our goods for your price." She stands up, tilts her head towards Neferteri and shrugs. "That's my say, I reckon." Under her breath, she mutters a scrap of Tien doggerel.
"Thank you so much, Holbrecht," Alexander says, sighing. "That almost went a little better than our first meeting with the Scorched Hand."
The old man regards the common room and all the people in it, and sardonically toasts them with his beer.
"As we can all see and understand, there are many strong feelings involved with this chance to explore," he says. "Words spoken in haste may bring us all low, and we should perhaps not take them overly seriously."
Lin frowns and taps her armored leather doublet. "With my share, I wouldn't mind trading in this stifling leather for some cooler mail. And... Kachu's tools are sufficient, but not those of a master. Armor first, I say." She turns. "Nuylth?"
Velriana scowls in the direction of Holbrecht and rises from her chair...
"How dare you take that tone with me you twit! No one here is trying to undermine any authority of anyone. No one is trying to disregard any rules. I simply offer up a simple exchange. Once the random sites are drawn there was NO RULE put in place by anyone that says the sites can not be exchanged between the parties involved. We all have access to the necropolis and have been selected if two groups so choose to exchange their sites then the Pharasmins would not care." she says in a quick response.
"Maybe our little servant of Brigh here needs to be asking this of the itself since he seems to be confused on what the rules actually state and don't state." she says addressing the crowd again.
She then turns directly to the dwarf and says "Tell me little rule man. What is the exact rule that says the sites can not be exchanged? What is the exact rule that says you can not give your site to another company that has access to the necropolis? and lastly.... What is the rule that says you can't earn a prophet by doing so?"
She then laughs and states the following not giving Holbrecht a chance to respond...
"Rule number one.... Remember How This Came to Pass! Rule number two.... Every Slave’s Hut Is a Memorial! Rule number three.... Honor the Departed! And that my dear is the only three rules that have been stated that would get you removed from the necropolis. Outside of that it is open to interpretation." she spits with authority.
She then sits back down in her chair.
Meanwhile the trio of adventurers busy in the market square conclude their business with the chest merchant, finding a buyer for the perfume and the mask were simple enough and soon they had their stuff sold and had split the coin into equal shares. Each member of the group would receive 149 gold pieces and that would be alloted for the best weight distribution of 14pp and 9gp each.
With their shares divided they needed to find the others after asking about the market they headed for the Tooth & Hookah to find Alexander and Holbrecht to give them their share and decide on shopping.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 5:00 pm, Temperature: 101 degrees
"Quite," Alexander says in a neutral tone.
He nods his head to Farhaan.
"I suggest we leave it at that; to continue such arguing would be a disservice to our host's hospitality. This is an admittedly fine inn, and not a debate club."
Nulyth shakes his head in response to their questions. "I am happy with my new shield, I request my share be spread amongst the rest of the group to be used in whatever way they find best."
With their coinage distributed, Nulyth watches the Tian girl and the halfling as they walk along. "Well done with the negotiations. While I am versed in the art of swordplay, I am not skilled at all in the art of goods negotiations." He smiles, patting both of them on the shoulder.
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Neferteri leads his sub group into the inn looking for Alexander and Holbrecht. There, at the bar, drinking up the best of the beer no doubt. I fear they have a head start that we shall not soon catch up to. The halfling points out his other friends but while making his way to the bar spots the Dog Soldiers and, explaining to Lin and Nulyth that he would only be a moment and diverts in the halfling groups direction.
Mad Dog! How did you fair this day? Are you celebrating?
As Neferteri approaches the halflings table he notices that one of the men has a bandage on what is left of his right hand, more a stump now than a hand. All three halfling's armor looks corroded in spots as if being dumped in acid at some point, all three are nursing minor injuries.
Mad Dog is also carrying a sparkling medium sized Long Sword that is obviously to big for his kind. Looking awkward with the halfling carrying it. The blade has a ruby imbedded in the hilt with some runic symbols carved in the handle and along the length of the blade.
As Neferteri approaches Mad Dog places the sword on the table before him and slumps his head into his hands. One of his associates heads up to the bar and orders drinks and the other (With the stumpy hand) takes up a position beside their leader. All three are in a rather somber mood. Unlike the last time you saw the spirited halflings.
The leader of the Dog Soldiers looks up at Neferteri. You are almost certain that his eyes had a trace of tears in them for a moment. He stiffens his posture and then responds to your inquiries.
"Yes we look a little haggard around thee edges. We got assigned a damn old tannery in them their tombs. Lost half my dogs to that jelly cube thing. It took Pauly's hand. We eventually got the better of it though. It's acidic secretions seem to effect flesh and leather and stuff." (Looking down at his armor then over at his companions hand.)
"But apparently metal is immune other than making it real shiny. Found this here magical sword inside it." he holds up the sword.
"Don't know exactly what it does or nothing but looking for a buyer if the price is right. Gotta be worth like a gazillion gold coins. Also looking for a respectable breeder to replace them there Katapeshi fighting dogs we lost to the dad blasted thing."
"You know any breeders round here?"
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Neferteri listens to Mad Dog, concern growing on his face. I high price to pay for even so magnificent a blade. he comments. Speaking more privately now Neferteri says Our group has a wizard that might be able to identify the weapon for you. that way you would have a better chance of getting a fair price. I do not think he would charge for this service since you and I are friends. But you need to know that its not a sure thing he can get it the first try. Magic is a fickle thing and often elusive. If you want him to try, let me know.
Through a toothy grin, Mad Dog feints a grin. "Would be mighty generous of ye. It has got to be worth something after all me dogs."
Having stopped off to buy her armor before coming to the tavern, Lin is exultant at the new freedom, the light mail almost weightless beneath her clothes, the heavy leather armor previously attached to her doublet discarded. She watches Neferteri go, then walks to the bar. "House wine, whatever is open, thanks." She sips it and listens to Nuylth's words of praise and shakes her head. "I proved myself still a novice, I'm afraid; I disrespected him by not considering his shop, a grave affront." She sips again, the heady Osirian liquid pleasantly dark on her tongue.
"But more thoughts on that another day." She looks to Nuylth and gives an encouraging grin. "Tell me something about yourself I do not know."
Nulyth takes another cup of the refreshingly cold water, sipping it slowly as he listens to Lin and nodding his understanding. The paladin felt much the same about his inability to protect Alexander multiple times while in the tombs; however, as the young Tian woman had said, that was for another day.
She looks to Nuylth and gives an encouraging grin. "Tell me something about yourself I do not know."
The angelkin smiles at Lin and watches her for a moment, unsure how to proceed. "Not much to tell, I suppose. As you can understand, I did not have what many would consider a 'normal' childhood." He holds his hand up into the light, turning it this way and that to allow Lin to see the glittering of tiny flecks of gold beneath his skin. "I was born in Wati, and neither of my parents understand why I am the way I am. They are simple, but kind folk. We were a happy family until my brother Hasan was taken from us by an undead in the Necropolis..." He stops for a few moments, staring down into his cup before taking a deep drink.
He looks back up at Lin with a wistful smile. "I love him very much, but since that day I vowed in his memory to protect the innocent from the scourge that is the undead. I learned from the Pharasmites all they would teach me over the past few years. And now I have entered the Necropolis for the first time since that day. So much has changed, at yet it looks just the same as it did all those years ago."
He takes another drink. "What about you, Lin. How is it such a young woman such as yourself finds herself in Wati of all places? And what of your companion, Kachu? He is an interesting little fellow, no?"
Alexander looks at Neferteri over the rim of his beerstein and shrugs.
"Bring him over," he says, his voice a little smoother thanks to the drink. "My leg is giving me hell; I'll give it a try right here."
Slowly, the old man winks. "It won't hurt for others in our profession to see I can provide such services, hmm?"
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The halting nods his agreement and with a smile on his face goes over to fetch Mad Dog. I Have good news. Alexander has agreed to attempt the identification now. Will you come with me?
Assuming Mad Dog brings the sword over Neferteri makes introductions. Mad Dog, this is the scholar and wizard Alexander Pierpoint. Alexander, my friend Mad Dog. His group suffered some serious losses to be able to bring this sword out of the city of the dead and he hopes it turns out to be worth the trouble. What can you tell him about it?
"Mr. Mad Dog," Alexander says without even a hint of irony as he gravely shakes Mad Dog's whole hand. "Let's have a look. Please keep in mind I've had a hard day myself, and I cannot guarantee my results. If you like, I can try again later if it does not work out today."
Alexander makes a gesture and speaks a single Word of Power over the sword as he frowns at the sword, muttering under his breath...
As Alexander checks the weapon over he determines it to be a magical +1 Longsword with the ability to create light through its gem at will (as per the light spell). Alexander also determines that the fair market value for such an item is 1,156 gold pieces.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 5:01 pm, Temperature: 101 degrees
Stifled by the grating woman's logic, Holbrecht just sits in silence trying to rationalize how to defend his stance. Even if it isn't a rule for the groups themselves, it is the spirit of the church's wishes that the dispensing of sites remain unaffiliated and random. Once the others return, though, his thoughts change focus. "Ah, with you returned, and our coin gained would any of you care to join me in purchasing the supplies needed to create the lift I intend to cobble together as a means of getting the heavier items out of the tomb? I would prefer either a strong arm, or a savvy shopper, or both if it's possible."
Lin quickly drinks to conceal a smile. "Forgive me, Nuylth, it's the last of Tien in me... I cannot help but see your skin as... tacky. No 'sult intended." Sip. "I'm sorry about your brother; if some bastard harmed my own I'd burn his insides out." Sip. "Why be in Wati? Where else can a thief be backed by the government? Well, outside o'the Revenoo." Sip. "As for Kachu... interestin' he is. And some day I'll work out exactly how interestin'. For now, we ahve tombs to clear out." Sip.
She looks up to Holbrecht and nods. "There's plenty of savviness left with me; I'll come. Plus I get to see this 'lift' of yours, I'm rather curious..." She puts down her empty cup and nods to Nuylth. "Coming, angel-man?"
"A worthy find, Mr. Mad Dog," Alexander says, holding the sword up. "This weapon has been imbued with magic to aid its wielder in striking true and wounding their enemies more severely. It should be worth roughly one thousand, one hundred and fifty-six in gold coin. In addition..."
The old man passes a hand over the gem, which immediately starts to shine with a bright, chill light. Another pass of the hand, and the light dims.
"As you can see, such a find might serve you well in further explorations of the Necropolis," Alexander says as he hands the sword back, hilt first.
Now that Alexander has shown Mad Dog everything when he regrips the sword it sizes down to halfling size.
"I think I be keeping this one laddie." he says as he sheaths his magic sword.
He then flips Alexander a platinum piece for his services which lands on the counter in a spin.
Before Alexander can object the halfling is gone and he and his men are out the door of the Tooth & Hookah.
Holbrecht nods his appreciation to the young woman electing to join him in shopping, and returns to the carpenter with any of the others taht choose to join he and Lin. "I have returned for some supplies, now mainly with help and some coin for purchase. I will need...." and he begins to list off the componentes required for what he wants to do.
The carpenter listens to Holbrechts plan and begins to sketch out the idea with him. "Yes you will definitely need a pair of block and tackles. Two coils of rope. Some lumber for the platform. Nails. Gonna need a mule to carry your stuff with. A pair of saddlebags and a harness. Yes, I think 3 platinum should cover it."
The carpenter waits for your response.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 5:15 pm, Temperature: 101 degrees
"Do let's," Alexander says after draining his tankard. "Master Farhaan, my bill, if you please. I hope your beer shall sustain me during my walk to the Great Library..."
Paying their bill at the Tooth & Hookah, Farhaan bids the duo goodbye as Alexander and Neferteri leave. A short time later they arrive at the Grand Mausoleum.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 5:15 pm, Temperature: 91 degrees
Getting the curators attention the balding older gentleman comes over to you and introduces himself as a priest of Pharasma named Ptemenib and he ask how he can be of service to you.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 5:16 pm, Temperature: 91 degrees
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Friend Ptemenib, I am Neferteri Sandyfoot and this is my associate Alexander Pierpoint. We are both students of archaeology and are working together to bring important documents from the city of the dead to light. We have been successful in rescuing some valuable and enlightening tombs, but we are at am impasse as to how to best preserve our important find. While we need funds to continue our important research we are loath to sell these documents to street peddlers or rich collectors who would lock away their secrets from academics. We would like to discuss an arrangement with the Grand Mausoleum to purchase some of our more important finds.
Holbrecht thinks for a moment on the supplies needed, before asking "Would we perhaps need an additional mule, and a wagon for them to pull? I not only have to concern myself with getting the supplies in, but the chariot and its crates out, as well as whatever else we may find inside. Then, when all said and done, I will need to remove the lift upon completion so as to not disturb the sanctity of the tomb with a modern tool."
Based on the response and updated price, Holbrecht doesn't feel the need to haggle himself. He leaves it up to Lin to decide on whether he's getting a good price or not. He is ready to pay whatever the end cost is, as long as it's within his budget.
Nulyth listens intently to Lin, shrugging at her comment about his skin. It was the sort of comment he had heard his entire life; some folks were fearful of his oddness while others were overly friendly. "Of course, I'll join you guys."
The angelkin follows along with Lin and Holbrecht, watching the crowds while they walk. He was very interested in watching Holbrecht manufacture the pulley system he planned to use to assist in removing the chariot.
Lin gives the shopkeeper a bright smile and begins to haggle, querying values of each part and making mildly lower offers with justification.
"Please consider, worthty priest," Alexander adds in a soft tone of voice. "The lives of the dead are forever in danger of passing into oblivion as the years pile on and new lives are lived. Mortals fail to rise when they forget the great lessons of the past, and because some evils take unholy pleasure in destroying such wisdom and tales. I can think of no one better suited to preserve the lessons of the dead than the priesthood of the Lady of Graves. The disturbance of the Necropolis is tragic in many ways great and small, but some good might come of it if knowledge and wisdom are once again held up to the light, rather than being consigned to dust and lightless vermin."
@Neferteri & Alexander
Ptemenib listens to the halflings offer and responds "It all depends on what kind of arrangement that you mean. While the Library here is a surely a grand one the resources that keep it going are very limited and as such most of what you see has either been donated or the cost of such items highly reduced. Besides what kind of monetary value can you put on knowledge anyway? It is all subject to the eye of the beholder is it not? One may think a book of great value another may see it as a waste of parchment. If you are looking for another outlet for your finds many other places out in the Sunburst Market would pay more than us I am sure."
He then turns to Alexander and speaks to the aging wizard "Flattery will get you by in a lot of places, however this is not one of them. It all depends on what kind of items you wish to part with and what I can offer. Do you have a particular item you would like to discuss? I surely would need to see it before we can discuss an arrangement."
@Lin Zi, Nulyth & Holbrecht
Reassessing the order " Let's see a pair of block and tackles. Two coils of rope. Some lumber for the platform. Nails. A pair of mules and a light wagon to carry your stuff with. A pair of animal harnesses. Don't need saddlebags with a light wagon. Gonna need to feed the animals so a few days food." he says and then begins haggling with Lin over the price. The offer starts at 100 gold but Lin manages to get him down to 84 gold and throwing in three days of feed for each mule.
Holbrecht agrees to the transaction and the purchase is made.
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Current Location: Wati, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 5:17 pm, Temperature: 91 degrees
In stern silence, Alexander presents the golden books and the scrolls, laying them out one by one for Ptemenib to observe.
"I do not flatter," he says once he is done doing so. "These items are priceless. I would see them well-protected, yet open to serious scholars. I ask no more than a reasonable compensation -- and I would be more than happy to send missives to numerous scholars of my acquaintance, who would flock, flock I said, to the Grand Mausoleum and indeed pay to see such treasures."