Getting the point that there will be no services paid for tonight, Sylva wanders off leaving Alexander to his new found friends. Farhaan nods at Alexander's offer to talk again and then goes down to the end of the bar to help a group of halflings that have just entered the inn. The halflings all wear matching emblems across their backs that read 'The Dog Soldiers'
"A thief from Tian Xia, I said. In a land of ninjas, noblemen do like spreading all kinds of traps throughout their homes. Nightingale floors, hidden crossbows, locks and alarms... I can get past them." Lin turns her head away from the belly dancer and shuts her eyes in mock pain for a moment, trying to drown out the butchering of the common tongue. Shaking her head, she opens her eyes and looks back. "Savant Guard is far from the worse I've turned down, and I mostly turned down the rest because we wouldn't have worked well together. You fellows seem decent, and I'm fine with no tomb 'raiding'. Like I said, I'm going straight. Time to appreciate all that archeoshmological researchy stuff. And whatever bit of gold I get for it."
She turns her head and nods to the halflings. "Damn, tailors work fast in this city; this must be a very good week for them."
Holbrecht just raises his eyebrows and shrugs, "The name doesn't mean anything to me, let alone tell me what you do. Either way, you seem to likely have some use in a tomb." He turns to look at the halflings that sparked her comment, "I'm guessing they may have come up with their name and group much earlier than we have, and may have had time to have them made. I'll ask."
With that he moves over to the closest of the group of halflings, "Where did you get your emblems done, and how long did it take. We may be in the market for something similar, once we agree on a name... and who all makes up our group... and if we do it in time to enter the lottery..."
Looking at the dwarf the leader of the Dog Soldiers responds.
"We come prepared, been waitin' fo' a oppo'tunity like this hyar fo' ages. Me an' mah brethren haf allus gone by thet name. Yo' see we raise Katapeshowdy-doo fightin' houn'dogs an' we aim t'ride them into th' tombs. Some of our kin back home made th' emblems fo' us. Right fine ain't they. he says as the rest of his group give rapid cheers behind him.
Holbrecht nods along, his answer coming towards the end, but another question answered on the way there. "So you didn't come by them here, ..so that won't help us here... and the name is not because you yourselves are 'dog' soldiers, ...as I had wondered... but your dogs are soldiers, and you are dog soldiers like a horseman is a man on a horse. see the name has a connection to them and what they do... that's what I mean."
"Nope didn't come by them hyar. Don't knows if yo' haf time t'git enny made cornsiderin' thet yo' hafta register fo' th' lottery by jest a few hours fum now an' they draw t'morry an' we git t'go inside th' day af'er. Thet'd be some purdy quick turnaroun'. " the halfling replies.
The halfling then turns to Farhaan and orders 5 Dwarven Stouts for his group and tosses two gold up on the counter.
"Not t'be rushin' off but me an' mah min got some celebratin' t'do. Ole bessy done gone an' had puppies." he says through a toothless grin.
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Entering on the heels of the halfling group is yet another halfling. This one is obviously not with the Dog Soldiers group but seems to be trying to catch up with them. He is dresses as a Wadi local and wears somewhat nicer middle class clothing. He is armored in what looks to be expensive leathers under a traveling robe and cloak. He is armed with a dull black morning star and the bow over his shoulder matches his stature and looks well warn.
As the The Dog Soldiers order their stouts Neferteri presents himself to them. Gentlemen and fellow halflings. he says with a flourish. Might I introduce myself? I am Neferteri Sandyfoot, of the Wadi Sandyfoots, a strong line that goes back on my mother's side at least 600 years, and I am an archaeologist. Do you already have an archaeologist in your group? I did not think so. I have studied in the famed libraries of Absalom and have apprenticed with the Pathfinders themselves. I am equipped and self sustaining and propose that I join with you for this lottery. I have ben told I am quite lucky and will prove handy to have around I can assure you. Why I even have local lodging that I could offer for a meeting place. What do you say?
Speaking with the newcomer in halfling.
برادر سوال این است که اگر شما می توانید به ما بپیوندید، سوال این است که می تواند شما را افزایش Katepeshi مبارزه با سگ به مبارزه و پیروزی نیست.
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Responding in Halfling.
لدي أعترف بأنني لم تتح حتى الآن من دواعي سروري ان ركوب مثل هذا الوحش يرام، ولكن أشعر أن الآلهة أنفسهم أن تنتبه ويهتف لي على وأنا في محاولة للقيام بذلك.
I have admit that I have not yet had the pleasure of riding such a fine beast, but I feel the gods themselves would take notice and cheer me on were I to attempt to do so. [/b]
Continuing the conversation in halfling/
"خوب زمانی که ما به پایان رسید نوشیدن از تمام آل این حفره گه ما خواهد بود بیش از رفتن به اصطبل و کار با سگ های ما است. ملاقات با ما را بیش از وجود دارد و بعد خواهیم دید که اگر شما کردم آنچه در آن طول می کشد تا سگ سرباز."
Completing the statement Mad Dog and his men move over to a side table to enjoy their ale. Already waving for the servant girl for another round.
Looking back over his shoulder in says in common to Neferteri.
"Don't fo'git t'brin' yer ridin' gear." he hollers.
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Ridin gear? What would that be? Neferteri wonders as both tries to spot said gear on the other halflings and recall what it might be.
As the halflings turn away from him to finish their drinking he takes in the bar fully for the first time, taking note of the various groups forming up and the negotiations between them. He quickly spots the raven banner and wonders about it.
You do spot one of the halflings with a riding saddle strapped to his back and a animal harness.
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Not recognizing the banner Neferteri does take note of the attractive human girl talking the the men that fly it. [i] Too tall for you Nefer my boy. [\i] he thinks to himself as he makes his way to the bar to talk with Farhaan. Good business. he notes to the bartender as he eyes the room and over pays for water. Leaning closer he asks in a low voice in Osirion Any of this bunch strike you as more competent that the others? I am looking to join up with one.
As is customary for Farhaan he waves off your payment for water.
After listening to your question in responds in a low serious tone that you have not heard him take before.
"Nefer my boy, you can't be seriously considering going in there? Do you remember that night you had a little much to drink in here and I told you the story of the one time I went in there and what happened don't you? Well I can tell you no good will ever come from it." he sighs not waiting for an answer.
"Let these fools go treasure hunting, you stay safe and keep your head down. Don't get messed up with those halflings. When those priest find out they are taking an entire pack of dogs in those tombs they will never hear the end of it. You know they are just gonna trash the site and you know the Pharasmins won't be having that. One of the rules of the lottery. " he laughs.
Doing his best impression of the high priestess.."Every Slave’s Hut Is a Memorial: Every structure within the necropolis is a testament to the people who lived and died in the city. Explorers must not desecrate or vandalize standing structures and tombs, but preserve them as the memorials they were intended to be. Some structures may be trapped or decrepit, but willful and unnecessary destruction will not be tolerated."
He then looks at you.... "What do you think those dogs are going to do?"
Farhaan then looks about the room.... "About the only legitimate group forming in this room is that old wizard type there with the flag, his intent seems noble and not just tomb raidery."
"If you must see about going through with this, then I would talk to him, but watch out for that girl, she's a looker and as silver tongued as they come." he says as he dips you another cold mug of water.
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Nodding his thanks, Neferteri takes the water. I'll take your advise then and stay clear of the dog riders. They may not get in the lottery anyway. Besides I never rode a dog and even if I could bluff um for a minute or two, even my luck cannot hold out forever. But I gotta make a name for myself, else those bloody Pathfinders won't ever let me join hop proper. So... He tips his cold water in salute to the bartender and heads over to the Raven table.
Gentlemen, and lady. he says in greeting as he draws near. My good friend Farhaan has informed me that you are forming a team for the lottery in the morning and that you do not yet have a archaeologist? Is this true? The halfling bard goes on to list his credentials, finishing with and I am sure you will find me handy to have around.
Lin runs her eyes over the new arrival- it doesn't take long, there isn't much of him- and shrugs, turning to the armored angel-man, letting the others speak with the halfling. "So-" she says, catching his attention with a mock-punch to the arm "Tell me I'm not going to be the only one in this group with a book for a brain. Do you want in for the ar-key-oh-logickal value, for the gold, or did you promise your Ma that someday you'd delve a tomb in her honor?"
Alexander looks Neferteri up and down, his expression sober.
"I am, myself, a scholar of history and archaeology," he says in a dry tone of voice, "but I would not object to having someone else with a similar skillset in our ... merry little band. It could only be beneficial to the eventual publishing of our findings if there is more than one name on the transcript.
Are you published?"
Holbrecht cocks his head with a questioning look at Alexander and says, "Really? History and Archaeology? I didn't know. My interests lie with History and Architecture, and I dabble in Religious studies, well, as they relate to the first two.... I mean.... I guess I'm more religious than that.... but Brigh isn't too demanding for a goddess.... granted her churches, when found, make for great places to study...."
Turning to Neferteri he adds with a nod, "I too would welcome another scholar. Men, ... okay not just men.... women too... okay how about mankind... that works... Mankind can accomplish great things when like minds come together towards a singular goal." He indicates the collected members, "We were actually discussing a group name. He had suggested 'Merry Ravens', or 'Alseta's Mask'. I offered 'The Savant Guard'. There have been no other suggestions from the other two. We should make haste, however, as we are running out of time to register I believe."
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Lin runs her eyes over the new arrival- it doesn't take long, there isn't much of him- and shrugs, turning to the armored angel-man, letting the others speak with the halfling.
A pleasure to meet you too miss. Neferteri says in a polite, but almost confrontational tone as the rude girl fails to even introduce herself and turns away. Hmm. Just a pretty face then he thinks. I had hoped there would be more there.
To Alexander the halfling responds, I have submitted small handful of chronicles to the Pathfinders, along with my application to their esteemed group, but, no, I must admit that I have not yet been published. I have hopes that this very endeavor might change that. I am only recently out of University and have returned home to try to make a name for myself. And I agree completely that multiple names on a transcript can only add to its credibility. It would be a pleasure to work with a fellow scholar. I fear I did no catch your name. he says offering his small hand in meeting.
To Holbrecht he smiles broadly at the dwarves' welcome. Thank you good dwarf. I already feel welcome. Might I have your name? He offers to shake hands with the dwarf as well. As to a name, well I do suppose we'll have to have something to put down on our application, yes? And I see the challenges of agreeing to something among a group that has only just met. How about something like "The New Companions" or simply "The Seekers"?
"Alexander Pierpoint," Alexander replies, gravely shaking Neferteri's hand. "The Pathfinders... Very well. My own publications have been fairly modest to date, but the tombs of Ancient Osirion shall change that, I am certain."
He frowns a bit at Neferteri's suggestion, then says: "Indagatores. Draconic for 'investigators'. How's that?"
Holbrecht takes and shakes the proferred hand, "Oh, yes... forgotten introductions again... I keep forgetting what others consider social norms.... Holbrecht. I mean my name, my name is Holbrecht."
He shrugs, offering his assessment, "Though I like the sound of it, I don't speak Draconic, and I don't know just how many of us do. Let alone, who knows how much of the local populace does? It would lose some of its meaning, or translation, I wonder if that's where the term came from... makes sense... lost in translation... I would be more amenable to 'The Seekers', despite it being a little vague.... and again may not apply to all of us..." He indicates the other two, their guide and 'thief'.
Nulyth answers Alexander's question first. "It is true I have not been in the tombs; however, I have seen the abandoned streets of the Necropolis with mine own eyes. I know firsthand the dangers that lurk its streets and have trained to combat them. I studied with the Voices of the Spire and will keep you safe while you explore the tombs."
The aasimar turns at Lin's words and the punch to his arm. "Nay, young one. I'm less interested in the archaeology and more concerned with the still walking members of Wati that died hundreds of years ago..." He pauses a moment. "And revenge to have upon them."
"Revenge, you say," Alexander says, one eyebrow and one corner of his mouth rising, both with equal bitterness. "And what did the undead do to arouse your ire, if I may ask?"
Nulyth turns back to Alexander with a grim look upon his handsome face. "They murdered my little brother, Hasan."
Alexander's face spasms, and his hands tighten on the edge of the table. When he finds his voice to speak again, it comes out hoarse: "Understood."
A quiet, uncomfortable moment passes before the old man speaks again: "The question of a name is apparently becoming something of an issue. Nulyth, Lin Zi; if you have preferences or suggestions of your own, please state them forthwith. We would not wish to miss the deadline."
Nulyth recognizes the pang on loss that passes across Alexander's face, yet he says nothing. If the older man wished to speak of if, he would. When the question about a company name is raised, Nulyth thinks a moment. "I am amiable to 'The Seekers' as I believe we all have something that which we seek within the Necropolis."
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It is two for The Seekers then. the halfling says with a bright smile. I am Neferteri, in case you missed it. And I fear I did indeed miss your name. He once again offers his hand in greeting and friendship.
Later he changes the subject Your sword will be most welcome warrior, but can you explain how you can hold all undead responsible for the death of your brother? Is that not like saying all of Cheliax must die because some conjure devils? His question is not adversarial, only seeking to understand the moral ground Nulyth stands on.
Nulyth shakes Neferteri's offered hand. "Where are my terrible manners? My name is Nulyth Shenir, paladin in the service of the Dawnflower, Sarenrae.."
"Your sword will be most welcome warrior, but can you explain how you can hold all undead responsible for the death of your brother? Is that not like saying all of Cheliax must die because some conjure devils?"
"It is very simple, Neferteri. Undead are abominations and the living must not suffer them to live. They exist to feast upon the flesh and souls of the living. That, little one, is how I justify blaming them for the death of Hasan. Cheliaxians are misguided but they can still be redeemed... Zombies, wights, ghouls, just to name a few cannot. They will suck the life essence from your body and turn you into one of their own. Just remember that, Neferteri."
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The little halfling listens intently to the paladin, mentally taking notes. He recognizes that this man is a near fanatic and does not point out that there are some undead that are not evil, or so they taught him back at the academy. And he is not sure about the state of their souls, even if they are not evil, so he just nods, his eyes large. I am sure that sums them up quite well. It will be my pleasure to help you put down whatever undead we might encounter.
Looking to the others he asks Well, do you agree with The Seekers? Or do you have a name you wish to prover?
It is two for The Seekers then.
Holbrecht looks at all the members worried and confused, "Wait, hold on! Who voted, was it me? I might have voted aloud... did I and not remember... no I don't think so... a vote is a formal event with systems and rules in place for fairness.... no, I didn't vote, I'm certain of it. We need to formalize this process. Without recording it, there's a chance for too much loss of clarity."
In his frustration, he draws a mostly filled sheet of parchment from his pack, and a pen and ink from his pouch. Laying them on the bar he begins to write, in an unused corner of the parchment, the rest of it covered with equations and measurements, for any number of imagined creations,
Proposed Names:
Place your mark beside the name you vote for.
"There. Now we can vote in an semi-official capacity. The blank spaces are for any more write ins, in case.... Lin!.. or.... Nulyth you said?... want to offer another. I say for the sake of expedience, that we three scholars offer no more. Otherwise, we may be here too late to register." he explains.
"With respect, I shall stand on my own suggestion," Alexander says, placing an 'X' next to Alseta's Mask. "As I said, the old girl is a bit obscure. It seems fitting for a group that is going out to discover things lost to history."
Holbrecht nods in understanding, "I see the trend, as I too like my own suggestion. We may be locked up, if the other two come up with and vote on their own."
Proposed Names:
A brief smile flitters across Alexander's face. "In the case of a tie-break, we can always name ourselves the Five Signs, and divide a single flag in five squares."
"Ehh..." Lin takes a sip. "Mark me down for Savant Guard." She turns her head towards the golden warrior. "Can't fault you there. I never met an undead that didn't want to put me in the ground in its place." Sip. "Whatwasyourname... Neferererteri? Neferteri? Hi." Lin reaches a hand down to shake. "Lin Zi, thief going straight and trapmaster for this mission. And depending how knowledgeable you fellows are about money rather than knowledge, I might be who you want negotiating for you all."
Nulyth ponders the options for a moment... "I must remain with my initial choice... The Seekers." He pauses and looks at Alexander. "Though I must say... The Five Signs does seem to have quite the ring to it."
Holbrecht looks at the list, furrowing his brow, as he crosses out the non-contenders "Well, we have a two way tie. We can either have Alexander offer the tie breaking vote, or...maybe it would work.... which first... clearly the title... of an organization... why not
What about combining them? Something like 'Seekers of the Savant Guard'?"
Proposed Names:
Place your mark beside the name you vote for.
"What about 'the Five Signs', since a tie-break has indeed occurred?" Alexander suggests. "It could come in with two votes, should Nulyth be willing to reassign his vote, and it sounds... catchy. Neferteri, Lin Zi? What do you think?"
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Hmm. Savant has two meanings to me. It can mean a learned person, but also refers to a syndrome in which a person with a mental disability demonstrates profound and prodigious capacities far in excess of what would be considered normal. Which definition do you feel is implied with the name? the halfling says innocently.
Holbrecht shakes his head, "Savant is learned like a sage, but a specialist in anything, not just a knowledge specialist. The other meaning you are talking about is only when combined with the word idiot. It isn't a syndrome unless it begins with the word idiot. Since I didn't use the previous word, it means savant."
The Tien girl shrugs. "No name on the table is absurd, and I want to be a part of this group because you seem fair and good guys to work with, not because of any name. Up to you all. Though, mister Ark-ee-olly-gist" Lin looks down at him with a small smile "I wouldn't bet on most folks knowing ONE meaning of the word 'Savant', let alone getting confused between two or three. But then you might stick the name on one of your fancy essays where a whole bunch of bookbrains like you will read it and know it."
While lost in your conversations of picking a name for your group you suddenly notice the bar get aweful quite. Looking up from your table you see a very large figure standing in the doorway blocking out most of the light spilling through the entryway. Then into the Tooth & Hookah come a very strange group. Led my a very large fiery red haired woman with very large muscles and pale skin, her battle scared limbs show the signs of a tested warrior. She is followed by another woman that has dark skin, sharp cheekbones, broad shoulders and premature bright white hair. The second woman is also wearing cleric vestments. Following the first two women are two more or should they be called girls since they are a little under five feet in height. Both short in statue and wearing veils that completely obscure their faces and long flowing silk dresses. Judging by their exact same size and dress they could possibly be twins. Chicken feet, and strange feathers hang off their persons and from their belts hang other animal skins and strange oddities.
You can hear a few of the patrons whisper "Witches"
The group of women make a bee-line for the bar, shoving aside any patrons in their way. The large pale woman in the front declaring "We are the daughters of the desert and we seek accommodations for the night." a few minutes later the tone lowers as they are conducting business with Farhaan.
Lin surveys the new arrivals with interest before cocking her head back to look at her group. "'Daughters of the desert'- that refer to anything specific?"
Sense motive
"Rough bunch," Alexander mutters under his breath. "Oh, well."
Holbrecht once again shakes his head in confusion, and almost repeats himself. "Savant does not mean idiot. Why would they think that, if it's not what the word means. It's like saying they would call a cow an elephant, just because female elephants are referred to as cows. Sage is also an herb, but people know that a person called sage is a scholar."
"Besides, even when someone is called idiot savant, the savant is a recognition of great ability. It is saying that, although the person is an idiot, they are at least a savant in one area. It is an advanced title. Regardless, savant does not, nor ever has meant idiot."
To Alexander he explains, "That's not how voting works. You can't have selected options, and say in case of a tie, we choose an option not on the list. It's like if two people ran for Mayor and tied, so the government decided to put someone not even running into the position. We could add it to the list, but we had already voted. There is only one proper way to break a tie. A tie-breaking vote, or sharing the position, ...which in this case is a title... or a name... of a group"
"Maybe... since Nefer is explaining why he doesn't prefer Savant.... maybe I should state my case in the reverse..... yes, that may help.... Back when you said Seekers, I thought it may be too vague. We may all be seekers, but look at the collection of people here in the city for this event. They are also seekers. Almost by the very nature of this being allowed into the Necropolis, people have come seeking entry or treasure, or fame, or just to ride their dogs through the tombs. Everybody here is a seeker of something. Calling us simply seekers means we don't stand out from any of the rest, and does not really define us as a group."
Holbrecht notices the women as they enter, but as he is wont to do, he only judges them by their function as opposed to assigning any meaning or purpose behind it. He does look to see if he can put a name to the priests religion, by first trying to spot a symbol or markings, and if not those than distinguishing characteristics of the religion.