After a few days spent recovering from the group's latest ordeal within the Necropolis, you accept the invitation to the auction being held at the Canny Jackal.
The auction house hosts many of Wati's richest collectors and historians, from local nobles to representatives from An, Tephu, and even Sothis. Auctions traditionally begin an hour after sunset, with a complimentary reception beforehand for the attendees to mingle with one another and enjoy refreshments. This evening, the Jackal is offering cheese-stuffed figs, hard-boiled peacock eggs, onion bread, onion-stuffed squid, fresh and dried fruit, spiced wine , and a sampling of 2,000-year-old honey recovered from one of the tombs.
As you enter you see that several noteworthy members of Wati society have already gathered, and more filter in as the night wears on.
In all roughly two dozen other attendees arrive.
Some of the notable guests include, Baketra one of Wati's richest and most notorious gourmands, Basiflosep a wealthy coffee merchant and avid document collector, Djat Masakhet and Intef Karam representatives of Wati's temple of Nethys, Khammayid Okhenti a young scion of the noble Okhenti family newly returned from his studies in Oppara, Manaat Heshwah the humorless representative of a Sothis trading house and Ptemenib the Grand Mausoleum's representative.
You also spy a few of the other exploration teams you are familiar with including the Dog Soldiers and another team that you had not previously met, a group calling themselves the Four Lanterns. A cocksure band of Andoren explorers who participated in the necropolis exploration and are looking to sell their loot and buy castle forged equipment and practical magic items.
You have some time to mingle before the auction begins...
Kheled works the crowd with his friends, talking to many. He seems to be in his element with the people of import, talking to them about his fathers expeditions and many of the items they found.
He approaches Basiflosep first, trying to garner which item he may be after.
Basiflosep, it has been too long. I knew you would be back as soon as the market improved. Here to pick up something special for your collection?
Amazing how circumstances can get turned upside down in such a short amount of time. Back in Cheliax, I'd be the one serving food and carrying trays of drinks at such an event. Just look at me now, rubbing shoulders with the wealthy and powerful.
In spite of his changed status, Myron felt uncomfortable striking up conversations with any of the potential buyers. Leaving Kheled to work that crowd, he grabbed a stuffed fig, washed it down with a sip of spiced wine and made his way to where the Dog Soldiers were gathered.
Marrn! Fisk! Tippin! Lorn! Good to see all of you again. And your four-legged friends are all safe and sound, I hope? If you have had just half as much excitement as us on your latest delve, we'll still be here swoppin' stories when the sun rises. he calls out warmly.
Diplomacy
Perception [dice]ha, just kidding[dice]
Dumah mingles lightly, enjoying the company of many like-minded people. When the topic of their last encounter comes up, he shuts down some, but defers to Rakara to talk about some of the traps she found and disarmed. He doesn't mention the clash with the other group at all. The main faux pas he commits is spilling bits of food as he thick fingers have a difficult time with the serving utensils.
Elrisiel makes the rounds at the auction, enjoying a well-earned opportunity to relax with a glass of wine.
"Rather nice to see the Pharasmins on board with this auction. At least we'll know these relics are real . You can't trust the veracity of just anything up for sale, no matter how old it looks. A group calling themselves the Silver Chain took me for a fortune on a 'Second Age' chest last year. It looked ancient enough, but it turned out the damned thing had only survived a house fire in An."
"Naturally, the Okhentis will throw their vulgar coin at anything with a blade-if they haven't already spent tonight's share on companionship and liquor, of course."
"It's absolutely dreadful the way the church is opening our history to so many foreigners. I hear Haty-a Oshep Kahmed is going to increase taxes on travelers from beyond the sister cities to recoup the cultural damage."
"Some of the adventurers who went into the necropolis didn't fare so well , from what I hear. They say the Sunrise Fellows were betrayed by one of their own, and some shady low lifes ambushed the Scorched Hand while they were trying to leave the necropolis."
"Did you know that mumia can protect you against mummy rot? I'd never take the stuff myself - it's made from actual mummies, you know, not to mention illegal - but I'm sure some of those adventuring types in the city these days don't have such scruples."
"I haven't seen any of those fellows in the fancy gold masks tonight. My brother says he's seen them running around the necropolis at all hours, but I suppose they're not selling. A pity - they sounded delightfully exotic!"
Basiflosep, it has been too long. I knew you would be back as soon as the market improved. Here to pick up something special for your collection?
The half-elf merchant lightly touches his forehead and bows in greeting. Indeed Kheled! Much too long. Seems you have been busy with all this business in the necropolis. In fact I am here tonight hoping to uncover records about my human heritage. You wouldn't have happened to come across any historical documents in your explorations have you?
Marrn! Fisk! Tippin! Lorn! Good to see all of you again. And your four-legged friends are all safe and sound, I hope? If you have had just half as much excitement as us on your latest delve, we'll still be here swoppin' stories when the sun rises. he calls out warmly.
The Dogs Soldiers are happy to see Myron and crowd around to greet him. We did alright, and yes the hounds are all safe this time. From what we hear you guys hit the jackpot though. The scuttlebutt is that you had a little trouble with another team as well. Like we don't have enough problems to deal with in the necropolis without having to worry about other teams trying to gank us!
Marrn orders another round of drinks and presses Myron to hear about the Sanctum delve.
As Dumah mingles he meets a rail-thin human man with an iron handshake, by the name of Menya, who happens to be ambitious young armorsmith attending the auction to network. He's also looking for a curious centerpiece for his new armor shop. Find anything interesting in there by chance? Or need some work done?
As Elrisiel relaxes with her wine she can't help but notice she has drawn the attention of Khammayid Okhenti. She knows it is only a matter of time before he approaches...
Basiflosep, it has been too long. I knew you would be back as soon as the market improved. Here to pick up something special for your collection?The half-elf merchant lightly touches his forehead and bows in greeting. Indeed Kheled! Much too long. Seems you have been busy with all this business in the necropolis. In fact I am here tonight hoping to uncover records about my human heritage. You wouldn't have happened to come across any historical documents in your explorations have you?
There were several items of interest. We recovered an entire stash of historical documents in there.
There they are over there. They may have some information about what you seek. He points out the historical documents up the auction they recovered.
Elrisiel smiles pleasantly at Khammayid when she notices that she's caught his attention. She decides to wait for him to approach her, however.
There were several items of interest. We recovered an entire stash of historical documents in there.
There they are over there. They may have some information about what you seek. He points out the historical documents up the auction they recovered.
Excellent! Consider me definitely interested! Perhaps I will go have a look at the scope and breadth of your find before the auction begins. If you will excuse me, Basif remarks before moving of to inspect your trove of documents.
Elrisiel's smile is all the encouragement that Khammayid needs. Plucking a pair of glasses of wine from a passing tray, the scion of House Okhenti approaches confidently. Dressed in the latest fashions seen in Oppara, the handsome young man smiles warmly as he offers one of the drinks. Good evening! My name is Khammayid Okhenti, he says with a deep bow. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I find it unconscionable that we have not met previously. May I ask your name?
As Dumah mingles he meets a rail-thin human man with an iron handshake, by the name of Menya, who happens to be ambitious young armorsmith attending the auction to network. He's also looking for a curious centerpiece for his new armor shop. Find anything interesting in there by chance? Or need some work done?
"Nothing interesting, at the moment. However, I do anticipate trying to improve my personal protections in the not to distant future. I worry about the desert heat, though. And the quantity and variety of the undead."
Elrisiel notes the man's Taldan dress with interest. She rewards the man with another smile as he offers her a drink, then motions toward an open seat. "The pleasure is all mine, Khammayid," she starts. "Please, have a seat. Elrisiel Ielessar, late of Kyonin--which is probably why we haven't met yet."
The musetouched elf winks.
Comfortable in the halfling camaraderie, Myron shares the tale of the delve with the Dog Soldiers. He does not go into details about what exactly transpired during the encounter with the Scorched Hand, but confirms that they were ambushed by both the Scorched Hand and an undead tomb guardian, and only narrowly escaped with their lives.
He then buys the next round and presses the halfling adventurers for details of their own exploits.
"Nothing interesting, at the moment. However, I do anticipate trying to improve my personal protections in the not to distant future. I worry about the desert heat, though. And the quantity and variety of the undead."
That's too bad, I had heard your group had recovered a fairly unique ancient shield in the shape of a scarab beetle. I was willing to pay top coin for it.
Please consider me when you are ready to upgrade your own armor. As to your concern, I have had some success in the past having a bit of magic added to armor that wards off the effects of the elements. Keeping one cool even in the mid-day sun.
Elrisiel notes the man's Taldan dress with interest. She rewards the man with another smile as he offers her a drink, then motions toward an open seat. "The pleasure is all mine, Khammayid," she starts. "Please, have a seat. Elrisiel Ielessar, late of Kyonin--which is probably why we haven't met yet."
The musetouched elf winks.
The young man bows deeply again, My distinct pleasure to meet you Elrisiel Ielessar, late of Kyonin! I have been home for only a short time myself. I was away studying in Oppara. He offers his arm to escort you to the nearest chair. What brings you out this evening? Are you buying? Or selling? he asks with a endearing smile.
He then buys the next round and presses the halfling adventurers for details of their own exploits.
The halflings raise a cheer in Myron's name as the drinks are delivered. They spend the next bit of the evening regaling you with their (modest) exploits and (moderate) successes while drinking copious amounts of alcohol. The tales seem to grow more fantastic with each drink consumed.
Kheled will spend the rest of the evening talking with the other buyers and letting them know of the items we have entered into the auction using my second roll (26) if needed.
"Interesting. When I have the means, I do think I will stop by your place of business. But, when it comes to the scarab shield, I have to say I am at a bit of a loss. I have only recently been brought together with this team. Let me introduce you to some of the others. Perhaps they can help."
Dumah leads the armorer over to Kheled. "Kheled, allow me to introduce Menya, an up and coming armorer in the city. He had an inquiry about a scarab shield that he may be interested in acquiring."
As some of you continue to mingle over next hour in an attempt to increase interest in the groups items up for sale, as well as peruse items up for sale by others, the auction begins.
It goes smoothly with most lots finding buyers and the prices are favorable to the sellers, especially considering the usual Wati market these days.
A few of you notice that a half hour into the auction the Pharasmin priest Ptemenib makes his way to the exit...
The young man bows deeply again, My distinct pleasure to meet you Elrisiel Ielessar, late of Kyonin! I have been home for only a short time myself. I was away studying in Oppara. He offers his arm to escort you to the nearest chair. What brings you out this evening? Are you buying? Or selling? he asks with a endearing smile.
"Selling," El remarks, smiling as she takes a seat. "What brought you back from Oppara? Were you studying at the university there?"
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Wati, The Canny Jackal
Map:
Treasure:
Quests: Attend the auction
As some of you continue to mingle over next hour in an attempt to increase interest in the groups items up for sale, as well as peruse items up for sale by others, the auction begins.
It goes smoothly with most lots finding buyers and the prices are favorable to the sellers, especially considering the usual Wati market these days.
A few of you notice that a half hour into the auction the Pharasmin priest Ptemenib makes his way to the exit...
"Selling," El remarks, smiling as she takes a seat. "What brought you back from Oppara? Were you studying at the university there?"
Excellent! I am buying, he says returning your smile. Perhaps you have something... that interests me?
I was in fact studying, but I am done for the time being. I have returned to attend to family matters. Have you been to Oppara?
Dumah leads the armorer over to Kheled. "Kheled, allow me to introduce Menya, an up and coming armorer in the city. He had an inquiry about a scarab shield that he may be interested in acquiring."
Menya nods at Kheled. The pleasure is mine.
Unless something unusual happens, Myron is happy to spend the rest of the evening partying with the halflings. He'll introduce any fellow team members that happen to pass by.
Dumah leads the armorer over to Kheled. "Kheled, allow me to introduce Menya, an up and coming armorer in the city. He had an inquiry about a scarab shield that he may be interested in acquiring."Menya nods at Kheled. The pleasure is mine.
Hello Menya. Well I am afraid that we found the shield a couple of delves ago. We had already sold it in the market. We can give you the merchants name we sold it to?
After Kheled explains the fate of the scarab shield, Dumah adds "But our delves are far from done, Dawnflower willing. Now that we know of you and your interest in such a centerpiece, I can let you know the next time we fortune upon such a relic."
Excellent! I am buying, he says returning your smile. Perhaps you have something... that interests me?
I was in fact studying, but I am done for the time being. I have returned to attend to family matters. Have you been to Oppara?
Elrisiel gives Khammayid a curious look. "I suppose that depends on what it is you are looking for," she says. "I'm afraid my own studies have never taken me up toward Oppara. Is it a place I should visit, do you think?"
Hello Menya. Well I am afraid that we found the shield a couple of delves ago. We had already sold it in the market. We can give you the merchants name we sold it to?
After Kheled explains the fate of the scarab shield, Dumah adds "But our delves are far from done, Dawnflower willing. Now that we know of you and your interest in such a centerpiece, I can let you know the next time we fortune upon such a relic."
The young armoursmith is disappointed but asks that you think of him in the future should you find any other interesting pieces for him to purchase, or should you require any custom work yourselves.
Elrisiel gives Khammayid a curious look. "I suppose that depends on what it is you are looking for," she says. "I'm afraid my own studies have never taken me up toward Oppara. Is it a place I should visit, do you think?"
I am looking for... all sorts of things this evening, Khammayid says flirtatiously. To make a new acquaintance for one. As well as an impressive weapon to purchase to impress my family. I am hoping you can help me with both.
As the auction winds down and the attendees mill about, paying for their purchases and gloating over their acquisitions, Kheled suddenly has a peculiar feeling. A sense of dread as if a wave of energy has washed over him. He has experienced anything like it before. A number of other attendees, mostly priests, seem to feel it as well.
I am looking for... all sorts of things this evening, Khammayid says flirtatiously. To make a new acquaintance for one. As well as an impressive weapon to purchase to impress my family. I am hoping you can help me with both.
Elrisiel smiles politely. "Well, there are a few weapons that I know of that are being auctioned. Are you looking for something in particular?"
Elrisiel smiles politely. "Well, there are a few weapons that I know of that are being auctioned. Are you looking for something in particular?"
Khammayid looks a little disheartened by Elrisiel's response. Something ancient preferably. Something unique. Something mage-touched would be most interesting. Did you find anything like that?
The banging on the door gets louder. As a pair of servants move to open the door, it suddenly explodes, reduced to splinters, as a horde of undead shamble in through the ruined portal, hungry for the blood of the living! The servants are caught in the clutches of the grasping and moaning dead and scream as flesh is raked and bitten from their arms and neck. They are quickly pulled down as more of the zombies pour into the Canny Jackal. Pandemonium erupts in the auction house as most people flee the oncoming horde of undead, while a few others rush the other way.
As the moaning and groaning grows louder as the walking corpses push into the room, screams and shouts fill the air...
Keep them bottled up by the door!
What is going on?
Get back behind us!
Is there another way out?!
Myron draws both his kukri and moves to join the groups other frontliners, looking to form a united front against the oncoming horde.
Dumah smiles in the face of the approaching foes. He draws his newly enchanted falchion and murmurs the words of a prayer, relishing his diety's blessing as it washes over him. As a youth, he fought with chaotic orcish hordes that lacked any sense of tactics. Now, he positions himself near small Myron to coordinate efforts.
Move and ready falchion, cast divine favor.
Form a line, if we can slow them down I can hurt many of them at once and possibly kill the lesser undead!
El scowls at the commotion at the door. Turning her attention away from her conversation partner, her eyes widen in alarm at the sight of the undead bursting into the room. She quickly stands, setting her wineglass aside and glances at Khammayid. "We'll have to discuss that later!" she says as she moves to join the rest of her companions, her hands weaving in the gestures of an arcane spell as she moves.
As the three doors crumble and the zombies begin to push their way into the room, those of the living willing to fight form a rag tag line to try and contain the advance of the horde of walking corpses.
Marrn and the Dog Soldiers form up on the left as your team takes the right. A number of others join the line as well, while yet a few others hang back to see where they might be needed.
Behind you, many of the panic stricken are attempting to take cover in the back area of the auction house.
Marrn yells over the din, the question everyone is surely thinking, Where did all these zombies come from?!
Free action speech, Myron, Dumah, move up into the hole, we can bottle them there and I can do the most damage right where you are Dumah!
Rakara spends her short down time while they wait for the auction to tend to her gear and grab a few supplies, (3xclw, 1x remove fear, 1x hide from undead.), but is otherwise saving her coin for something expensive.
At the auction she is quiet and tries to blend into the background as much as possible. She does answer readily enough when engaged but doesn't seek out any conversation or attempt to hock their wares.
This isn't quite as bad as I thought it would be, there are lots of other delvers not just the hoity-toity upper-crusts I was expecting. She helps herself to the food and drink but leaves the mingling to her comrades, only overhearing snippets of gossip in passing and giving a friendly nod to the occasional acquaintance.
The crashes and screams bring her hand to her waist as she frees her falchion looking for a threat. Her eyes scan the crowd, quickly searching for her team. Seeing Dumah and Myron moving into position she makes her way to them, gratified at hearing Kheled's words giving direction. She realizes she is still holding a drink in her hand and throws it at the undead before grasping her weapon more firmly.
Heartened by not only fighting alongside his friends but the Dog Soldiers as well, Myron moves up as Kheled instructs, slashing at one of the undead with his newly enchanted kukri.