"I prefer to think of myself as an artist, than an entertainer. You might compare it with the difference between the disciplined warrior, who trains their mind and body to the purpose, and a lackadaisical scofflaw." Neve's tone makes it clear which side of that line she thinks Gabby falls.
Say, what was that thing about humility, again?
Neve bites her lip. Some days you tame the brat, and some days the brat tames you breaks out and shreds whichever hapless youth happens to be in the vicinity.
She waves a hand up at the blazing sun by way of excuse. "It is possible that I - overreacted. I know you meant no disrespect. But as Sefanit says, perhaps you already have the raw material to work with. If all that you require is some editing, then I may be able to assist."
Carefully dusting off her robes, she folds her dress and sits upright, a respectable distance away from Gabby. "Let us proceed."
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"I knew you wanted to help." Gabby says with a huge smile. The insult going way over his oblivious head. "And the pill thing was a joke, by the way. That was only one night, and there wasn't a woman... I gave it to myself." This time speaking to the group. "You guys need some imagination, you need not have experienced it to write about it. I'm not exactly an author either."
He begins dipping his pen and putting it to the paper. Word after word, line after line.
@Rani, Dhru, and Teos- When you go over to talk to the Scorched hand, a half elf woman with a Khopesh comes up to you (see Idorii on caravan pics.) and tells you that Vel currently does not wish to speak to anyone.
They will possibly speak with Rani if your truly a worshiper once they get into Wati. someone tomorrow will need to try the Dip check. for the scorching hand to approach them.
@gabs I think a simple Intellignce check will work. Or if anyone took artistry as their background skill.
Seeing that the youth has things well in hand, Neve gives him an encouraging smile.
She waves languidly at the rest of the group as they return from their futile efforts to approach the Scorched Hand. "I will speak with them and see if we can find some common ground."
Sefanit hangs around a little while longer to listen to Gabradon and Neve as they start working, but it isn't as interesting as she thought it might be. Before long she wanders off to find a relatively private place.
She sits down and reaches into one of the pouches at her side, taking out a scorpion and placing her on her lap. "Very sorry Kushi, I should have been quicker, but there's still some time for you to catch some sun."
The scorpion stretches legs, pinchers, and tail then flops down with all limbs extended to sunbathe. "I'm used to it by now." the scorpion replies in a martyred tone.
"We won't have to do this much longer" Sefanit reassures the scorpion. "In Wati things will be different. You'll be able to stay out. There will be so many people around. I will be just another stranger on the street. The rules will be different. An unexplained scorpion companion won't be remarkable. You'll see."
"And how much longer until we're there?"
"Only a couple of days I think. Three at the most." Sefanit tells her soothingly.
Kushi shifts position a little but doesn't reply. Obviously she's going to insist on being grouchy about the current arrangement. Sefanit sighs and lies back, allowing the scorpion to move up onto her chest.
She lies there, letting the scorpion soak up warmth from above and below, until the sun is gone.
To while away the time Sefanit thinks on any possible scholarly contacts in Wati. Authors she might have read, people mentioned in conversations, who might be willing to sponsor them.
Rani nods thankfully toward Neve's kind offer. "I had hope to discuss their view on the All-Seeing One's take on this en devour as well as nay helpful information they had. However it is not surprising to see them a bit withdrawn, we wizards have to keep up our reputation as brooding and mysterious." Rani tries to pass his disappointment off as a joke but it's clear he expects rejection but still is is bothered by it.
Teos simply shrugs and thanks them for their time.
"Well I guess they want to keep to themselves."
Casting his eyes across the campsite to where Gabradon sits writing, Badhru asks, "Not that I want to put a damper on things here, but are we sure this can't blow up in our faces in any way...?"
@gabs- tomorrow will be fine by the time your done writing the sun has set and it was probably past time to sleep.
@Sefanit- Ptemenib is a full cleric of Selket that lives in Wati, your more recent research into the subject of religion you have started writing him in effort to know more even though you have never met him. You have heard about him from Kushi. (when asked Kushi responds as if everyone has heard of him.)
@Rani- just realized you don't have marked down your bonded object. you have a decent strength a weapon might do good or did I just not see it.
@Teos- You remember that Elki might sponsor you and your group to the necropolis.
After it starts getting close to turn in time a day laborer (camel handler) walks up to your group and says "Greetings, I am Boaz. Arrish ,another of the handlers; said that you are going to Wati to participate in the grand opening. We should be there sometime after tomorrow. Please take this, may you find shade and water." (gold star for anyone who recognizes that line in books). Boaz hands you a large waterskin and waits patently if you have any questions.
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"There's a huge chance it will Dhru. But my mom always said 'if you're going to fail, fail spectacularly'. If I held back for fear of what might go wrong I never would've made it here." Gabby says with just a tinge of worry in his voice, no matter how hard he tried to mask it. Determined to prove to his group that he would be useful on their adventure.
Rani nods to Teos's reply, "That seems likely."
As Rani listens to the plan the others are making he adds, "Much may depend on how it is presented, and how ... sensitive the lady is about public knowledge of such matters, assuming it's accurate." Rani shakes his head, "In any case it should not be me, it would not be ... suitable."
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"I've been working out a few ways to get it to her. Getting the bodyguard's opinion may be the best bet, anyone that would lend me their talent with people would help a lot. If you guys haven't figured it out yet, I'm kind of awkward when it comes to conversation with strangers... And people I know." Gabby says replying to Rani then turning to the group. "Rani you'd be the perfect candidate to just walk up and hand it to her. You're a fine young lad, you might even get lucky." Gabby flashes him a big smile.
After it starts getting close to turn in time a day laborer (camel handler) walks up to your group and says "Greetings, I am Boaz. Arrish ,another of the handlers; said that you are going to Wati to participate in the grand opening. We should be there sometime after tomorrow. Please take this, may you find shade and water." (gold star for anyone who recognizes that line in books). Boaz hands you a large waterskin and waits patently if you have any questions.
Neve smiles softly, and curtsies in reply. "And may the sun never sear your soul, and the cold desert night never chill your heart. Thank you for your good wishes, Master Boaz. It is said that laborers see all and hear all - what can you tell me of these Outlanders, the so-called Scorched Hand?"
She gives him a serene but dazzling smile.
Boaz gives a small bow to Neve, "Milady." and motions towards a seat next to her. (I'm going off the assumption that neve wouldn't turn him down because she tried the dip chk.) after a moment Boaz sits down with a sigh. leaning forward conspiratorially, " Well from what I hear the Scorching hand is a group that worships Nethys. The magic god. Also known as the all seeing eye. Ancient Osiriani texts tell of a God-King named Nethys, whose mastery of magic allowed him to gain unparalleled power. With these abilities he became a god by seeing all that transpired on all planes. However, this omnipresent knowledge also drove him irreparably mad. This dual-edged nature of magic is cherished by his followers and is epitomized in his apotheosis." Boaz pauses before taking a drink from the waterskin continuing. "Velriana Hypaxes leads the group, she from what I hear is from Chelaxaia and a powerful mage. I would have a care she has a temper that can make the sun be cool. Khelru is a cleric of nethys, and his son Azaz is a student of magic, mostly harmless from what I hear, but Velriana seems to be teaching him. Idorii the half elf is a merc from Tehpu. and the last member is Sarita it is rumored that she can conjure a aspect of Horus the god of rulership and the sun. I personally would not like to get on the bad side of that." he says with a grin.
you get the feeling that Boaz Likes to gossip. however it does surprise you that he is so knowledgeable for a laborer on religion and articulate.
Rani sits nearby to listen to Boaz's answers. He pays close attention but lets the others ask their questions. So it appears that this Khelru is the one I should ask for divine wisdom, as well as worldly in this venture. Wonder how approachable he would be?, Rani thinks to himself.
Teos moves over to talk to Rani and Neve.
"Are you both thinking of joining these outsiders to search the necropolis? If so, I might know someone who might be interested in sponsoring us. What do you think?"
Badhru is pretty sure he missed something there between Neve and Boaz, and spends so much time focused on that, that he almost misses something else. At a break in their conversation, he chimes in. "You seem a bit different from the other laborers I've seen here. You talk like someone to whom matters of the gods comes naturally. Or am I mistaken...?"
"Can I see it? Sefanit asks Gabradon.
"Don't feel too much pressure. If she crushes your literary career, we'll still have some other possible sponsors. A couple of others have mentioned possibilities, and I'm acquainted through correspondence with a priest in Wati who might help."
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"Sure!" Gabby replies with a wide smile. Eager to get the first review of what he considered a literary masterpiece, regardless the premise of the book. "I'm not much of an artist so unfortunately there aren't any pictures, but who knows? Maybe I'll get it published in Wati and find one." He says with a hint of playful sarcasm.
@gabs- "She is a nice woman, from what i hear very approchable. however her bodyservant takes his job very seriously and prone to be overprotective of his charge."
@Badru- Boaz laughs and says "Yes, I know of the gods. I was schooled in the Great library in Tehpu." and boaz pulls out a golden beetle brooch that appears to be worth more than a typical laborer could normally make. " This stands for the god Kreppi. The god of workers under the sun."
Teos moves over to talk to Rani and Neve.
"Are you both thinking of joining these outsiders to search the necropolis? If so, I might know someone who might be interested in sponsoring us. What do you think?"
Turning her attention aside from Boaz, who is being ably interrogated by the Outlander half-orc, Neve nods at the burly fighter. "I'm interested in seeing the art held within the necropolis. If you know of a sponsor, I will happily join you to aid where I can. My only request is that artefacts retrieved are kept intact and not broken down."
Rani decides to venture a question of his own, "Master Boaz, I fear I departed in haste as soon as I heard of this venture. I'm not sure I know all the requirements desired of those who wish to enter the Necropolis. Are you aware of those conditions?" Rani arranges himself on the ground patiently listening.
Badhru points at Rani, taps his temple, and points again. Good thinking, kid.
Boaz takes another drink of the waterskin and looks toward who spoke, " Lord Rani, there appears to be several rules but I don't think they are to onerous."
"First, you are to register with your group name, including all members of your group, including your sponsor to Sebti the Crocodile high priest of Pharisma. The sponsor isn't required to pay any fee however, the name is required for whom will vouch for you, and additionally whom will receive and catalog your items found or where you have made any arrangments just in case of a untimely demise. Or notified if any laws are broken, group in jail, etc. they will not be going in with you to the necropolis. "
"Second, Fights between groups are prohibited inside the necropolis. because it is a holy place the church does not wish the groups to fight or bring any misunderstandings back out of the necropolis. However you can take any complaints to the church and they will investigate. Both parties that fight are guilty."
"Third, willful and unnecessary destruction of property will not be tolerated, due to it being a holy place they don't want others desecrating the area unnecessarily. every house is a monument to other who lived there once upon a time."
"Fourth the dead should be treated with dignity and respect, not including undead. the church would not look favorably to people dumping mummy's out of a resting place just to use the coffin as a chest to carry stuff in. they want everyone to carefully put back the dead as best they can. this is to help the economy and restore old pieces and relics not to disturb every body you find."
"Those are very sound, well considered rules. Thank you Boaz."
Looking around at the others with mild concern she adds "Except for the group name requirement. What can we call ourselves that won't be at least a little ridiculous?"
Rani lifts an eyebrow as Boaz addresses him, but waits for him to finish before replying, "Thank you Master Boaz for such a through yet concise summary. I also appreciate being elevated to nobility but I assure you I am no lord, not even a master yet; I'm but a journeyman magi seeking his fortune like so many others."
When Sefanit brings up the trouble with names and Gabradon makes his pitch, Rani nods, "Names are such tricky things, do not wish to upset ayone, but not be bland either. Your suggestion is interesting, though just who's angels are we? And I don't think I've been ever called angelic." Rani continues, "Well, if we desire to be pretentious, The Synchronicity of Fate would do, if we add maudlin, Time is Precious. Or for descriptive and ordinary, The Seekers of Antiquity, boring I'll admit but should offend only truly artistic souls. Or we could abandon all pretense, be mercenary and brutally honest: We Love Gold! Perhaps just too on the nose though. Any other suggestions?"
"We could go cryptic..." Sefanit offers. Pulling paper and charcoal out of her case so what she says will make any sense at all, she holds them up.
"The Glyph Rubbers."
"Keep the book overnight Seffy. I really hope you like it, but I want you to be totally honest."
Sefanit wrinkles her nose slightly at "Seffy" again.
I really should say something. Maybe I will if I don't have to trash his book. I couldn't do both.
"Sure, I'll read it though and let you know what I think."
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"The angel thing is ironic, especially with our ragtag group, but I really like We Love Gold Rani! But it may be wise to incorporate the name of a local with some renown in the city. Perhaps our sponsor, whoever that may be. If a name is a requirement it must have some significance to the event. And if the people know who support us, that may help us gain favor as a group right from the start. Just a thought. But we have plenty of time to hash it out. " Gabby perks back up after nearly falling asleep. Having too much fun thinking over names for the group.
Teos looks over at Neve and then tentatively speaks.
"Perhaps something more respectful and in deference to the old gods. Just a thought, as we are treading into the realm of the ancients."
"Perhaps something more respectful and in deference to the old gods. Just a thought, as we are treading into the realm of the ancients."
Badhru nods his appreciation of Teos's comment. "That's an excellent point," he says, letting his thoughts drift a bit.
By the time breakfast is finished the next morning Safinet has read through Gabradon's work. It isn't terribly long, nothing written in such a short time is going to be a thick volume, and Sefanit is nothing if not a fast reader.
When she gets a chance to catch him alone, she hands the book back over to him.
"Alright Gabradon, complete honesty. You do write well, no doubt about that. I admit I'm not familiar with the genre, to be sure. But as for the content, I feel like something is lacking."
Sefanit fidgets a little, not quite comfortable proceeding. "There is a lot about "who", "what", and "how". My yes, you certainly are inventive and have imagination, I guess?... But yeah, many details, very....precise. "Where" is also well covered, some interesting wheres for sure."
"All that can sometimes be a problem though. It can begin to read a bit like a manual in places. I think the "why" of it all gets a little lost sometimes. Why are the characters doing what they do? Why with the person they're doing it with? What do they mean to each other? I think some rewriting to strengthen the characters and narrative arcs would benefit it, make it more...erotic.
With that said, Sefanit adds a quick and perfunctory "Thank you for letting me read it, I hope I've been helpful" before spinning around and walking quickly away for any number of reasons at the moment.
"Boaz, I had a question best asked of a native Osirian like yourself. Before I left Sothis I visited the home of a priestess named Kiya, an old friend of my late master. In her home I saw the most remarkable sculpture, a serpent with rainbow-feathered wings, and two heads. It was fascinating to me; was it a real creature or the product of some artist's fanciful imagination?"
Addressing his fellow archaeologists-to-be, Badhru asks, "What if we simply approach the matter with Lady Meshhoten a little more directly? Ask her if there's any accomodation that can be reached, her sponsorship in exchange for services rendered. This way, we don't have to wait for the Budding Author over here to find his writing style," he nods over to Gabradon with what he hopes comes off as a playful look in his eye.
Rani considers the points raised but is growing tired as the evening wears on. "Good points all. Well, I'm a follower of the All-Seeing Eye myself. As a mortal he was the God-King of this land and is held in high esteem to this day. Hmm, In Awe of the All-Seeing Eye? Sounds a bit trite to me. In Humble Gratitude to the Greatest Magi, God-King Nethys. Better but long." Rani fails to stifle a yawn. "And with that I shall withdraw to slumber. The caravan guards can watch over us. Or would you prefer to get usest to setting a watch right now?" Rani is slowly withdrawing but will stop if someone agrees that a watch is good.
Sefanit listens in to the conversation about names, and eventually adds "since there are multiple deities that have been put forward, and there is a staunch non-worshiper in the group, I favor not including any divine beings in the name."
"I also know someone who might be willing to act as our sponsor, if you are willing.:
Looking over at Sefanit, Teos bows.
"I am sorry for my insensitivity M'lady. I forgot not all of us have had a religious upbringing. Perhaps something like the Scarlet Scorpions might be better?"
When Teos makes his suggestion Sefanit feels a couple of urgent taps at her waist from inside the pouch there. She can't help but smile.
Alright Kushi, you can choose my vote for me.
Sefanit arches an eyebrow. "I like it! Alliterative, doesn't work too hard to try and explain us. It has my vote!
Timeline is evening still-
@Dhru- "yes, the creature your referencing is a Uraeus it is the size of a normal snake with colorful wings. In ancient times it was rumored that Wadjet sent the Uraeus's to advise pharaohs of corruption and liars."
after a few moment's Boaz claps the backs of several people and says "Sleep my new friends, don't worry the guards will watch for intruders, goodnight. Tomorrow will be a long day."
"How about we meet in the middle and use it as an introduction, then offer out services. She is a business woman, surely she cares about profit."
Badhru grimaces at the thought. "She's also a woman of standing in these parts, and wouldn't want a bunch of nobodies - which is how she'll see us, just sayin' - airin' out her personal preferences. I'm not saying I'm an expert at client negotiations, but I watched my old boss do that stuff, dozens of times if I saw it once. If we trot that out at our introduction, it'll also be our dismissal."
"Okay kid, now leave the door open for him, so yer not all 'no'."
Dhru holds up one hand. "If you really think you got somethin' there, well, work on it. Don't just dash off what you get on paper in one night, make it into somethin'. Then - and I can't stress this word enough - after we've established a working relationship, then you find a way to bring this up. Sound reasonable?"
"Perhaps something like the Scarlet Scorpions might be better?"
Badhru nods in appreciation. "Direct, evocative, as Sefanit said, alliteration usually works well for these things. It's got my vote!"
As Boaz describes the Uraeus, Dhru sits, silently taking it all in, hoping he remembers to make notes later. "That's fascinating. It seems that everywhere I turn in this country, I'm exposed to something I'd never heard of before. Thank you!"
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"There was a plan to be discreet about it, but you're right Dhru, it was a stupid plan and it's a stupid book. I'm sorry y'all. I won't mention it again... Time for me to get some sleep. Good night you guys." He says with disappointment in his voice as he flashes a forced smile before going to his bedroll, not giving time for a reply.