After waking up, Ben feels a bit nervous. He is perfectly aware that this is going to be the last day he and his party are going to spend inside the Spiral Archive, and despite having uncovered several important leads, Ben has the sensation that there is more to, like key information his group is still missing. Consequently, he does his best in order to perform his research, and coordinate that of his friend, at the best of his possibilities.
"Today I do not have time to risk anything. Cahal, please help me with those bridges," he plainly admits.
"This is our last day in here, huh? I can't believe we've only run into one other person." Nidhi stays on the ground with Benedictus, focusing all of her attention on researching the texts. She complains intermittently while reading.
Your second day starts early, and you have some early success. A large collection of tablets bound in cloth marked with the Sky Pharaoh’s winged pyramid hieroglyph contains a number of transcribed recollections of several courtiers at Hakotep’s court. These accounts make passing references to the Sky Pharaoh having access to stolen Shory magic.
The afternoon reveals more secrets. A dusty, otherwise unremarkable scroll that Cahal finds contains a lengthy passage about the burial of Hakotep I, with a passing reference to his tomb having wings. The scroll also contains a tantalizing fragment of the confession of a member of a group called the Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather, who claimed that when the Sky Pharaoh was interred, his heart and funerary mask were stolen from his tomb before it was lost to the skies.
These two objects supposedly contained the pharaoh’s soul, but his body was left behind in the tomb. This confession was extracted in ~1560 ar, some 50 years after the pharaoh’s death. There are also references to considerable efforts by Hakotep’s successor, Pharaoh Djederet II, to round up members of the Sacrosanct Order for questioning. The results of the interrogations were recorded on a collection of scrolls called the Scrolls of Inquiry, but that collection is not held within the Spiral Archive.
- - -
- - -
Finally, late in the day, a simple curator’s catalog reveals that the Scrolls of Inquiry were moved to another of the Inner Sanctum’s libraries, the Dark Depository 103 years ago. You have no information on this Dark Depository however. It’s possible that there is information here about it, but dusk is fast approaching, and you need to collect your notes and other things and make haste for the main door to leave - lest you be in violation of the rules, and Tholurtu gets to have his way with you…
No need to return to this library for further research.
- - -
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Know (Religion)
"Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather, huh?" Zilchus scoffs, having somewhat heard of them before. "More like Scrotumsucks of the Blue Featherbrains for all the good they do. A bunch of analysis retentive Nethysian 'whoreders'," Zilchus laughs a bit at his own, very funny taunt.
Zilchus gets up and stretches his legs, looking at the piles of books.
"Are we done here? Is there more or are we out of time?" Zilchus looks ready to go, having learnt what he's willing to learn while being bored out of his gourd.
He looks at Flo and Ben for an answer.
"I was right! I knew it! The Sky Pharaoh stole Shory secrets. This becomes ever more interesting, my friends..."
***
When it becomes clear the time inside the Spiral Archive is over, Ben reacts as a child taken away from a playing ground-he grunts, complains and whines about the injustice of his fate. For more than a moment, the idea of breaking the rules and staying inside beyond the end of their permission crosses Ben's mind, but he eventually gives up on that possibility. Too many risks, and too many people he cares for who could suffer the consequences.
"We are out of time. Let's leave this place...," he sadly answers to Zilchus.
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"Cahal, Zilchus, mind to explain me what is this story about Nethys? You are both complaining about the All-Seeing Eyes for no reason and...What precisely is a...Scrot...Oh, now I get it...," Ben makes a displeased expression, rolling his eyes to the ceiling and such that one usually makes when someone says a pun that is not so hilarious as he had thought.
"No, seriously. Is there something I'm missing? Do you know what this Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather is, apart from bunch of analysis retentive Nethysian ... 'whoreders'?!"
The party gathers their gear as they chat, and heads to the portcullis, passing the now empty reading room as they go. Tholurtu comes out to meet you, "Did you steal anything?" he asks hopefully, looking for a reason to engage the party in heroic battle.
"Cahal, Zilchus, mind to explain me what is this story about Nethys? You are both complaining about the All-Seeing Eyes for no reason and...What precisely is a...Scrot...Oh, now I get it..."
Zilchus shrugs. "I don't know much about them, really. But they are a sect of the Nuthysians. But I mean, who really cares about all the sects of *that* god?"
"Maybe we can ask her majesty if she knows anything about them."
* * *
"Nah, but we took care of one of them Unvisible Stalkery things. Dead...and left the body for you. If you can find it. It's in there. We had a nice time in your library, thanks for being such a good host," Zilchus answers on his way out.
Before the party reaches the ceustodaemon, Ben whispers something to his companions, his tone a little conspiratorial.
"Have you asked yourselves why was that statue there? And what happened to the invisible stalker we injured? And what about the other one? This place still holds many mysteries, and I feel like we will regret not to have solved them, sooner or later..."
As before, in presence of the daemon Ben stays silent. The beast disgusts him, both physically and morally, and he can feel quite distinctly the urge to leave the room where Tholurtu is.
You wait by the door a short while before it opens. The librarians are standing there and gesture for you to exit the Spiral Archives. With perhaps one last look for some of you, an eagerness for others, you leave the chambers behind.
A crowd of scholars and students surround you, and it isn't long before someone asks about the Archive. "What does it look like? How is the collection? What did you research? Did you find what you were after?" Question after question eventually bombards the party with their scholarly excitement.
You wade through the crowd, and the inquiry, and out into he streets of Tephu! Though it is late, it is still hot, the city having suffered a heat wave while you were below among the cool stones. You make your way to the inn where the fans are going over the restaurant. You are greeted warmly by the proprietor, "Welcome back my friends, your rooms have been kept to your liking. Please, please, come in, come in!"
And so the evening passes without further incident with food food, good wine, and good company.
The following morning, Starday 28 Sarenith, 4714, the sun rises hot in the sky and you're sweating by the time you meet for breakfast.
What are your plans today?
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Ben moves as a famous Chelish diva making her way through a crowd of adoring fans. He makes every effort to focus the attention on himself, so that his companions can leave the scene without revealing dangerous information to the public.
"Read my book and you will know!," Ben answers to the scholars gathered around him. "It will be available soon. Inside you will find the answer to all of your questions, and much, much more my estimed colleagues!"
Ben smiles confidently and twists away from the crowd.
***
The next morning, Ben meets with the others for breakfast somewhere private. "So, what are our plans? I would like to know more about this Dark Depository, since it sounds like our best bet so far, but I have no idea about where to start from. I mean, the haughty-a isn't likely to allow us to access the Spiral Archive once again..."
Ben sips his milk, and ensues. "There is something I could do about it, although I don't know to what results it will take us. But I guess it is worth trying. The only problems is that I need what in wizardry is known as a focus component. In this case a silver mirror...and a precious one at that. With it, I could observe the mysterious woman in the library from here, provided that the Spiral Archive are not magically warded against scrying, which it might be the case..."
Zilchus, already having a hot and uncomfortable night, prays for a bit of relief from the Great Crocodile. With the correct prayer, it will feel as if Zilchus swims in the cooling river with the crocodiles though he stands in the burning sun.
At breakfast, Zilchus is much more of himself. It's better than being hungover and better than being trapped in a library. He has things to look at, people to speak with, and women to discreetly ogle.
"So, what are our plans?"
Zilchus shrugs.
"Seems like we should destroy the thing. If it's part of some soul, we should put it to rest. Send it off to Pharasma...you know, do what the Pharmasmooks failed to do all that time ago. We need to send the soul on by destroying the Mask," Zilchus grouses. "Seems to me all we're doing is cleaning up after the Pharasmooks. Don't what they can't. Well, let's do that and be done with it."
Zilchus looks about for a good chopping surface and fingers his adamantine falchion.
~*~*~*~
A crowd of scholars and students surround you, and it isn't long before someone asks about the Archive. "What does it look like? How is the collection? What did you research? Did you find what you were after?" Question after question eventually bombards the party with their scholarly excitement.
Nidhi is glad she thought to reapply her disguise spell before exiting the Spiral Archive. "Yes, yes," Nidhi tries to shoo (but not really) the crowd away. "As the heroes of Wati, we've got more important work to do. Nidhi tries to rile up the crowd with patriotism. "Excuse me. Excuse me. Important and hungry heroes coming through. I know we're cutting you all short, but believe me, Nidhi Aashirya: if the world needs our help" Nidhi strikes a heroic pose:
You wade through the crowd, and the inquiry, and out into he streets of Tephu! Though it is late, it is still hot, the city having suffered a heat wave while you were below among the cool stones. You make your way to the inn where the fans are going over the restaurant. You are greeted warmly by the proprietor, "Welcome back my friends, your rooms have been kept to your liking. Please, please, come in, come in!"
And so the evening passes without further incident with food food, good wine, and good company.
Nidhi excises herself before ordering food so she can reposition the mask. The stores it under her cloak wrapped to her chest by the outer blue silk scarf. It's not comfortable and Nidhi has to adjust her clothing every now and then.
Nidhi sings some folk tale about a gnome who fell in love with an elf. Ale slooshes out of her tankard as she waves her arms to the melody like a conductor. More of the beverage ends on up the ground and table than in her mouth.
"The gnome came to the tavern every night alone.
Sat up on the stool so much, they called it his home.
But one day a tall mysterious traveler came to his place.
Unknowingly the he-elf sat squarely on his face!
It was a nasty shock to both, down to the bone.
But the elf's robes were the same color as the gnome's own.
A neon shade of green so pleasing to a gnome's eye -
He couldn't help but fall in love with the other guy!
The gnome returned with a bouquet of flowers personally sown.
A gift to the handsome elf who received them with a groan.
'Stop! Wait! Don't leave!' The gnome did cry!
So lords and ladies look before you sit or your life may turn awry!"
Nidhi is being silly as she addresses all of the tavern patrons as lords and ladies. She takes a galliant bow and publicly confesses: "I love gnomes! It's all in good fun, am I right?" Nidhi tries to draw up cheers from the crowd.
After her performance, Nidhi retires to their room. As much as she enjoys merriment, she's an early riser at heart.
~*~*~*~
NIdhi wakes up early and practices her acrobatics in the ladies' sleeping room before breakfast. She washes up, eats, and adorns the mask before joining everyone at the table.
"So, what are our plans? I would like to know more about this Dark Depository, since it sounds like our best bet so far, but I have no idea about where to start from. I mean, the haughty-a isn't likely to allow us to access the Spiral Archive once again..."
"Whatever you want to do is fine with me, Ben. You're the scholar after all. Haven't this been the happiest week of your life? I mean... Being in such an exclusive library." Nidhi resists the urge to prop her feet on the table since the others are eating. Instead, she gazes around the tavern/inn.
The party lingers over breakfast discussing options - destruction, further research, and more time with the ever entertained Muminofrah.
Zilchus grunts, not looking forward to more research, but will go along with the party.
”Do you think any of the Nuthingsyans in Wati know anything about the Scotumsuck Featherbrains? If they are there, we might have better connections than here,” Zilchus offers helpfully.
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“I believe Flo is right,” says Ben, smiling in her direction. “We should split. In this way, we will be able to give all the possibilities we have listed a try.”
Ben pulls out a blank parchment out of an interior pouch of his tunic and lays is down on the table. He quickly retrieves his inkpen and inkpot and starts scribbling down his plan.
“Let’s consider our situation. Personally, I think that we have three main options available: the first is to see Muminofra, and ask her some information, and perhaps even another day in the Spiral Archive. The second is to ask some questions to the Nethysians about the Order. The third is to perform more research in the Great Library.”
Ben meditates for a few seconds, staring at each of his companions in turn.
“I’m willing to undertake research together with Ptolomy. The two of us will be enough, I hope. As for Muminofra, I suggest Cahal and Nidhi pay a visit to her. She seemed to like Nidhi’s stories.”
Ben nervously glances at Zilchus, hoping that his friend will see why he is not advocating for him going with Nidhi, or to Muminofra.
“Lastly, Florence and Zilchus could ask some questions to the Nethysians. But please be careful my friends. I’m sure someone else is on our same game, and making known that we know about the Order could put us in danger and earn us some unwanted attentions. Be discreet.”
Eventually, Ben stretches and yawns. “A long day awaits us, mate!” he says to an invisible presence on his shoulder. “But first we need to do something together buddy. We must tie to each other. Come with me.”
Ben stands up and walks to his room, not before wishing his friends luck.
“Listen Ptolomy,” Ben explains as soon as the two are in the scholar’s room, “I want you to become my partner. I promise I will let you mark everything you want as far as it will not put us in danger. And I can also promise you excitement, fun and a lot of knowledge. But in order to share all this, we need to undertake a ritual. It will take long, so we will not perform it today as we have more urgent tasks, but I’m just saying. Be prepared. Chill, it will not hurt.”
On his way to the library, Ben stops by several shops to buy a few items for Ptolomy. He takes advantage of the situation to explain to his next familiar what he expects from him in combat and to familiarize with him.
Upon their arrival to the Great Library, Ben and Ptolomy start their research with a meticulous method: the faerie dragons, while remaining invisible, will look for potentially interesting tomes flying from shelf to shelf. Ben, in the meantime, will study some of the tomes found by Ptolomy, focusing in particular on learning something about the Sacrosant Order Zilchus told him about and any information about the Dark Depository and its location.
_______________________
“I’m willing to undertake research together with Ptolomy. The two of us will be enough, I hope. As for Muminofra, I suggest Cahal and Nidhi pay a visit to her. She seemed to like Nidhi’s stories.”
Nidhi thinks back to the throne of pillows and overall extravagance. "Well, I guuuuuuuuess we could go talk to her again." Nidhi casts a glance over at Zilchus and snickers.
She places a hand on her hip and tilts her head: "But what am I supposed to ask her? Besides for more time in the Spiral Archive." Nidhi blinks and stares at Ben for a moment before continuing: "If I'm being honest, I polished off a whole jar of honey in past 24 hours and I haven't been able to focus."
The party splits up to try and cover more ground.
Benedictus and his new friend head to the library after a stop at a leatherworker for a spring loaded wrist sheath. Or so he seeks. The shopkeeper looks incredulously at his tiny companion however. ”A sheath such as you suggest won’t fit on this little guy’s arm. And if I do manage to strap something on there, it’ll severely limit his motion. No, that won’t work.”
”What I can do is modify one of these.” he takes out a scroll tube, and shows Benedictus the mechanism inside for pushing out a single scroll, wand, or other similar (and light) object. ”We could strap this to his back, between the wings, with straps here.” he points over the shoulders, ”and here. Shouldn’t restrict his movement too much and will largely have the same effect.”
He offers to do the crafting for 55gp.
- - -
Meanwhile, Zilchus and Florence head to the church of Nethys to see what there is to discover. You are welcomed into the high church as there are no services at the moment, but there are still crowds of faithful giving prayer and just simply admiring the architecture - for it is a most beautiful church.
- - -
Finally Cahal and Nidhi walk to Muminofrah’s pleasure barge, hoping to convince her to give them another day in the Spiral Archive.
However, as Cahal and Nidhi are walking along, Cahal catches, out of the corner of her eye, the flash of a cold iron crossbow bolt headed right for her heart! Something drips from the bolt as it flies, and the shooter looks somewhat imposing (image).
plus DC 17 Fort or
As the bolt breezes by Cahal, barely missing, a couple who was walking the other way and sees the fracas, turns around and runs off to the south.
Cahal
Nidhi
Good Folk
Nidhi angles herself to be behind Cahal. As her move action, she takes out her longbow.
Nidhi yells at their attacker: Nidhi casts Terrible Remorse on the assassin.
"Alright then! That will do, monsieur. When will this gadget be ready?"
_____________
Zilchus takes Ben's assignment with some relief, pleased that he doesn't need to see Muminofrah, nor spend time alone with Nidhi. He looks at Florence and nods agreeably.
"Well, I guess you and me are heading to Wati...or wherever the closest Nethysian temple is, anyway."
Zilchus will scarf down the rest of his breakfast and be ready to go soon after.
"Um, excuse me! Is the Deaconess Sekek free right now? We'd like to speak with her if possible,"
Zilchus smiles at the acolyte, trying to seem presentable. As they are waiting to see the Deaconess, Zilchus admires the building, wondering when Wati is going to get a similar temple to the Great Crocodile.
"The Great Croc does not have such a nice temple for prayer. We got into the reeds by the river, and toss in chum to summon the crocs, each of us hoping to be touched by snout or tail. It is a great honor for one of their croc feet to step upon your own. I have never been blest like that."
Nidhi fires off a spell, trying to busy the would-be assassin with his own worries.
vs DC 18
The assassin succumbs to the spell, only just, and smacks himself in the leg with his crossbow.
Cahal then charges in and smacks the assassin in the jaw. He cries out, but something about his voice sounds... weird. In any event, he tries to resist the knockout (will save?)
vs DC 17
He slumps to the ground, dropping his crossbow.
- - -
Deaconess Sekek is in fact available, and joins you soon after the request is made. She sees you and smiles warmly as she walks across the church to you. ”How may I help you today? I’m afraid the haty-a is not here at present, but I can certainly pass along a message, or attempt to get you an audience tomorrow if you wish.”
- - -
”Give me the day.” the craftsman murmurs thinking. ”Might be tomorrow, but I think I can make it work. You’ll need to stay for a half hour or so while I do the final fittings all well, so prepare for that.” he’ll also ask for a small deposit, just 5gp toward the work, for some of the supplies.
As for the ritual establishing Ptolomy as your familiar, I’m fine doing that whenever. Should take but an hour or so - with the right environment and mystical supplies.
Benedictus then heads back to the library and begins his day of research. You’re not very clear on exactly what you’re researching this day, but I'll presume it’s information on the Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather (also more of a knowledge religion check than knowledge history - but we’ll roll with it for now). You learn surprisingly little in fact, and it becomes apparent the library has been largely scrubbed of information regarding the Order.
You do find one hand-scrawled note in an obscure Nethyian text. From that singular piece of information, you learn the Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather is a secretive sect of the priesthood of Nethys dedicated to the collection and preservation of knowledge in all its forms, but with a special focus on arcane knowledge. The order is not necessarily concerned with keeping such information hidden, but secrecy is a useful tool for safeguarding it. The order’s members are also unconstrained by such mortal concerns as morality - the acquisition and preservation of the information is paramount, not the methods used to do so.
Of course that's just one persons view of the organization and, so far, uncorroborated.
Nidhi moves 30 feet to stand beside Cahal. She casts Detect Magic on their foe. "Do you have rope, Cahal? I have a coil in my pack." Nidhi silently thanks herself for buying it at the initial start of their tomb exploration.
Nidhi closes with the assassin and detects magic. There are auras in the area of effect (which likely includes Cahal - so take that with a grain of salt for now).
The poor man tries to resist the many spells upon him.
vs DC 18 (terrible remorse)
vs DC 17 (knockout)
As Desna smiles her loving face down upon you, you'll have an opportunity to tie the man up or coupe de grace him - we are out of initiative. Let me know your plans - the streets are clear of observers at this time, though you hear the shout of "Guards!" coming from the south some ways away so you won't be alone for long.
The first thing you'll notice is that the man has no tongue. It's been cut, cleanly, at the base...
With Florence and Zilchus, she frowns in thought for a few moments. "No... I don't think I've heard of them. Can you give me some clues? What sort of holy order are they? Which god are they associated with for instance?"
"Your speech the other day, on the barge - that was actually pretty inspiring. What led you to The Great Crocodile, if you don't mind me asking?"
Zilchus struggles to recall what he said back then.
"Ah! Why the Great Crocodile? Because I see the weakness in the other 'gods'. Because on the Crocodile promises strength while the others bather and fail to lead their people. If we want Osirion to be strong, we need a strong God, and that is why I call upon the Great Crocodile every morning. And I like to think that he thinks I am worthy because he answers my prayers," Zilchus answers seriously.
* * *
"No... I don't think I've heard of them. Can you give me some clues? What sort of holy order are they? Which god are they associated with for instance?"
Sense Motive -
"Nethys. We thought you might know of them. If you don't, no worries, we're sorry to have wasted your time."
As the Deaconess chats with Zilchus and Florence she seems, to Zilchus anyway, to be quite sincere.
"Ahh, Nethys, of course. I should have guessed as you are asking me after all!" she chuckles at her own foolishness. "I'm not familiar with any sect of that kind associated with Nethys, but then there are many, and I know of only a few. Seems every church is it's own 'sect' in one way or another." she smiles.
"If you like, I'll ask around and see if anyone has heard anything. Stop back in a day or two and I'll let you know what I find." She seems genuinely willing to ask around the church for you.
Nidhi puts away her bow. She'll hold off on binding the unconscious assassin if guards are coming. She assumes they'll provide some kind of justice. Nidhi will reapply her disguise spell to hide her mask and makes her hair appear more lustrous, her eyes sparkle with tears. [ooc]Taking 30.[ooc]
Nidhi clings to Cahal's arm. "Oh! Cahal!" Nidhi raises the back of her hand to her forehead, Nidhi theatrically sways up against Cahal's shoulder. "Oh! I feel so...off-kilter." Nidhi stands up straight,
"We should deliver this assassin to the beautiful Muminofra herself! It's clear someone doesn't want us uncovering the secrets of the Spiral Archive!" Nidhi glances around conspiratorily (just for show.) "All the more reason for why we must stay Nidhi concludes her theatrical display.
"Guards! Don't dally! I'm sure you already recognize who we are. The heroes of Wati. The Saviors against the Undead Uprising! Carry this unconscious assassin. We have matters of grave importance to discuss with Lady Muminofra." Nidhi waves her hand over the assassin's body.
"Let's go. I'll tell you of our tale of greatness as we walk."
"But- wha- you don't want to guards to help? This looks even more suspicious!" Nidhi chases after Cahal with the unconscious assassin bobbing over the brawler's shoulder.
Cahal and Nidhi grab the body and run through the streets (currently no crowd). It's not long before they do see people however, and they're getting some very uncomfortable looks from people as they're carrying a bound unconscious man away from the nearest guard post instead of toward it.
It's not long before they do encounter a passing guard though, who wants to know more about what exactly they're doing. "Ho there, do you need some assistance? You seem to have a man bound there. Perhaps I can be of assistance."
- - -
The Deaconess thinks a moment and replies to Florence and Zilchus, "That certainly sounds like a part of the great library, and I think I've heard the term before. I'll tell you what though. Ask the Curators. If it's a part of the library, they'll know about it and can tell you more. It's familiar, and I think it's a part of the library, but beyond that I'm really not sure what it contains."
It's not long before they do encounter a passing guard though, who wants to know more about what exactly they're doing. "Ho there, do you need some assistance? You seem to have a man bound there. Perhaps I can be of assistance."
Nidhi doesn't want to run from the law because she sees herself as a hero, not anyone who's committed a crime or done something wrong. Besides, running isn't Nidhi's style unless giant bugs, free food, or Cahal's derrière is involved.
Nidhi attempts one of her best dazzling smiles: "Why yes! You can! We were on our way to meet with the lovely Muminofra when we were attacked by this person." Nidhi gestures to the unconscious body.
"We're the - Saviors of Wati. Perhaps you've... heard of us?" Nidhi raises an eyebrow and strokes her chin.
"But you really think all the other gods are weak? Not just Pharasma or Nethys but even the other gods and goddesses of Osirion? Wouldn't at least a few of them have some good points?"
Zilchus snorts.
"Have you seen strength from Pharasma recently? They have one job and they are failing at it. The dead are rising and, not only that, but the long dead seem to be rising as well. They have one job," Zilchus grouses. "I'm willing to accept some minor flaws, but c'mon..."
Zilchus looks around about thinks about Nethys.
"They are doing a less bad job than the Pharasmooks, but c'mon...books? Reading? Knowledge? Boring. I know because I've spent what seems like weeks studying things and we can't even find the answers. And, not only that, their 'special' library is overrun with stalkers. I mean, sheesh."
Zilchus shakes his head.
"No, not all gods are bad. That good one, the fighty one? Gorum? He's bad ass. And so is Calistria. At least she's honest and her followers believe in her and live like her. Yeah, them gods are pretty good."
"What do you think, Flo? You think these Pharasmooks and Nuthinians are great?"
* * * *
Zilchus thanks the Deaconess again for her time (though she seems to know next to nothing) and leaves with Florence. I assume they are going to meet up with the group.
Nidhi attempts one of her best dazzling smiles: "Why yes! You can! We were on our way to meet with the lovely Muminofra when we were attacked by this person." Nidhi gestures to the unconscious body.
"We're the - Saviors of Wati. Perhaps you've... heard of us?" Nidhi raises an eyebrow and strokes her chin.
The man smiles, but is not entirely convinced. "Ma'am, I've not heard of you, but I have heard of Muminofra, and I doubt she'd be interested in such matters."
He's about to continue, when Cahal cuts him off with a controlled shout, at least to him.
Cahal shrugs and adds, puffing up her demeanour as she speak: "This man is a captive. He tried to kill us and we need to bring him to our patron, the royal and regal Muminofra. You'd best help us carry him there, lest your head ends on the pointy head of a stick, watching her collection of exquisite exotic bird with glazed eyes..."
The guard looks shocked at Cahal's claim, and seems ready to deny her, however, "As you wish, but I suspect you're in for more trouble, not less."
He picks up the man's feet, and helps Cahal with the carrying.
After a short walk (though it seems a little longer with such a heavy package), you reach the pleasure barge - or at least the guards thereof. You bluster your way through without too much difficulty as Muminofra catches sight of Cahal and waives you over.
"Done with the library so soon? Where is my Zilchus?" she demands to know, ignoring the body you're dragging with you (who's awake now, but not squirming) once she sees it's not him.
"Done with the library so soon? Where is my Zilchus?" she demands to know, ignoring the body you're dragging with you (who's awake now, but not squirming) once she sees it's not him.
"I'm pleased to see you're looking vibrant and in good health!" Nidhi bows. I hope she invites us to join her for food and cushion seats again.
"Oh, Zilchus? Zilchus was worried you might distract him from his duties to Wati and Tephu!"
"He's one of our most durable members of our party, you see. We depend on his muscle."
"Lovely Muminofra!" Nidhi bows again. "We have so much to do, to research, and not enough time for play. Cahal and I needed a break from those stuffy old texts so we came to visit you." Nidhi gestures to the luxuries that surround Muminofra, "it's difficult to return to our normal adventuring after experiencing your rays of sunlight. Everything around you is bright and wonderful."
Nidhi changes topics: "Might I interest in some tales from our adventures? Since the man himself isn't here, I can speak of Zilchus' feats! Of his brawn and-" Nidhi hesitates. She was about to says 'brains' but catches herself: "bravery!"
"Even when we first met him, it was clear he wore his muscle well. He seemed to already know Abdur before the lottery too. I think he has some noble blood in him. Perhaps that's why you two are so well matched!" Nidhi winks. She's not in any rush to leave. The way she sees it, Ben, Florence, and Zilchus can show up after they've finished their business.