Seif nods to the guard.
"That is quite curious. Where can I find the Arch Docent?"
Assuming he is given directions, Seif then heads off to find him...
Anum is off gathering information as well along some of the less reputable places of Sothis, looking for information on the Crookbearer
Dianora moves to another area of town where she continues to try to learn more about this Crook Bearer, smiling as her efforts seem to pay off better.
No matter where you seek information on the Crook Bearer the same response is given. He will see you at his private villa outside of Sothis, if you make it worth his time.
____The guard points Sief inside, where he will find the aged Arch Docent at the front desk.
Seif hails the Arch Docent.
"Greetings. My name is Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi. I was wanting to have a talk with you, but I understand that there was a rather curious break-in? I am concerned by this, because I was wanting your help in tracking down a particular ornate burial mask, dating from the time of the Four Pharaohs..."
Seif hails the Arch Docent.
"Greetings. My name is Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi. I was wanting to have a talk with you, but I understand that there was a rather curious break-in? I am concerned by this, because I was wanting your help in tracking down a particular ornate burial mask, dating from the time of the Four Pharaohs..."
The aged man looks up from a scroll and smiles at Seif. "Greetings to you Seif, your reputation proceeds you. Yes, we did have a rather curious break-in last night, but it appears that everything is accounted for. It is possible that something spooked the would be thief before they could take anything of value. Just a couple of broken cases and an overturned sarcophagus. If they were looking for the mask, as you say you are, then they came to the wrong place," the gray-haired Kelishite's voice turns sour, "because that particular mask is not in our collection, despite many attempts to obtain it, and of course the replica that has been seen floating around."
____
Seif smiles.
"I hope that you have only heard good things. I am glad to hear that nothing was stolen. Tell me, where *is* the mask, then, if it is not amongst the collection here?"
"That horrid man the Crook Bearer has it, locked away in his private collection at his manor north of the city. Such a piece should be on display for the public! He has all sorts of pieces that the museum desires, but he refuses to sell them, even for the benefit of the public."
Seif frowns.
"That is troubling. Our rich history should be either left undisturbed, or put on display, for the edification of all; not locked away in some private hoard..."
He then bows to the Arch Docent.
"Thank-you for your information. If I come across anything that is worthy of this fine repository, I will let you know."
Seif then returns to the tavern where everyone was supposed to meet, in order to compare notes...
The tavern you return to is just you would expect of a place Belgaren picked - elaborate, intimate, and specialized in serving fine wine instead of crude brew.
You find your companions sitting at a table, tucked in a corner, with a veil of thin blue Vudrani silk hiding the alcove.
The tavern you return to is just you would expect of a place Belgaren picked - elaborate, intimate, and specialized in serving fine wine instead of crude brew.
You find your companions sitting at a table, tucked in a corner, with a veil of thin blue Vudrani silk hiding the alcove.
Bel waves you over. "Let us talk in private lest we be overheard." Bel says something under his breath and points to you each in turn. You hear Bel's voice in your mind, "Thats better. Basically I learned that The man we're looking for is known as 'the crook bearer' and his home is indeed to the north. He's powerful in some way I have yet to determine, but apparently if we ask politely and wait he does take visitors. What did you all learn?"
Seif raises an eyebrow, but is otherwise unperturbed.
I, too, learned that 'The Crook Bearer' has the mask that we seek. I also learned that someone broke into the Sothis Grand Exhibit Hall - a few cases of funerary masks were broken into, but nothing appears to have been stolen...
Seif raises an eyebrow, but is otherwise unperturbed.
I, too, learned that 'The Crook Bearer' has the mask that we seek. I also learned that someone broke into the Sothis Grand Exhibit Hall - a few cases of funerary masks were broken into, but nothing appears to have been stolen...
"Perhaps our Chelaxian friends were looking for it."
I concur. Hopefully, they are not too far ahead of us...
I concur. Hopefully, they are not too far ahead of us...
"We should make haste to the crookbearer then."
"Very well. Let us see if we can acquire the mask through diplomacy. If that fails, we can decide whether we should take it through stealth or violence. Keep your eyes open, gentlemen, for any defenses this Crook Bearer may have at his home."
If we are to try the diplomatic angle, it would probably be best if only one of us went; otherwise, if diplomacy fails, and we are required to 'retrieve' the artifact, we will all immediately be fingered for the theft.
If we are to try the diplomatic angle, it would probably be best if only one of us went; otherwise, if diplomacy fails, and we are required to 'retrieve' the artifact, we will all immediately be fingered for the theft.
"Admitedly Diplomacy is not my strong suit. At best I can very calmly suggest that if he doesn't comply I will bring his mansion down around his ears."
"It may make sense for at least a second of us to go, perhaps posing as a servant. I would be willing to undertake such a deception if you wish."
"I recommend underdune does the negotiating. He has shown some skill at it in the past. Perhaps Dianora can go with and act as one of his underlings from the church. We can stay in telepathic contact in case you need Seif or myself. We'll be close by. Of course we will most likely be used to cause a distraction should you need it to escape."
"I recommend underdune does the negotiating. He has shown some skill at it in the past. Perhaps Dianora can go with and act as one of his underlings from the church. We can stay in telepathic contact in case you need Seif or myself. We'll be close by. Of course we will most likely be used to cause a distraction should you need it to escape."
"I would be honored to go. With my position with Abadar it is unlikely he would refuse me. Dianora can come with and if diplomacy fails we at least can scout the place out. And my ability to travel Abadar's vault may come in handy in such a case."
Anum will change into his finest Abadar clothes and and request an immediately audience with the Crook Bearer using his position with Abadar in the request.
"I recommend underdune does the negotiating. He has shown some skill at it in the past. Perhaps Dianora can go with and act as one of his underlings from the church. We can stay in telepathic contact in case you need Seif or myself. We'll be close by. Of course we will most likely be used to cause a distraction should you need it to escape.""I would be honored to go. With my position with Abadar it is unlikely he would refuse me. Dianora can come with and if diplomacy fails we at least can scout the place out. And my ability to travel Abadar's vault may come in handy in such a case."
Anum will change into his finest Abadar clothes and and request an immediately audience with the Crook Bearer using his position with Abadar in the request.
"How would one request an audience in this instanace and is there a way to expidite the process? Time is a factor. We may need to forego certain amounts of propriety."
"How would one request an audience in this instanace and is there a way to expidite the process? Time is a factor. We may need to forego certain amounts of propriety.""I recommend underdune does the negotiating. He has shown some skill at it in the past. Perhaps Dianora can go with and act as one of his underlings from the church. We can stay in telepathic contact in case you need Seif or myself. We'll be close by. Of course we will most likely be used to cause a distraction should you need it to escape.""I would be honored to go. With my position with Abadar it is unlikely he would refuse me. Dianora can come with and if diplomacy fails we at least can scout the place out. And my ability to travel Abadar's vault may come in handy in such a case."
Anum will change into his finest Abadar clothes and and request an immediately audience with the Crook Bearer using his position with Abadar in the request.
"I was thinking of showing up in my finest and using my position to gain entrance. And doing this immediately."
"I was thinking of showing up in my finest and using my position to gain entrance. And doing this immediately."
"Perfect. Haste is suggested. "
With things settled, you head out into the desert north of the Sothis. After a short ride on camel back (or other ways, as you deem fit), you arrive at the Black Reliquary - the personal estate of the Crook Bearer. The walled complex appears to be made of marble, with gray walls fifteen feet high surrounding the white-stone villa and a separate stable. To the North-East corner is yet another building, this one of black marble. A small oasis sits in the center of the estate.
Upon arriving at the gate a bored looking youth dressed in fine armor straightens, does his best to look alert, and looking at Anum says, "High Priest, I assume. Welcome. My master is awaiting you inside, if you would follow the path into the villa please."
Dianora will, finding some privacy, shed her weapons and equipment, assuming the guise of a servant. She'll hand the equipment to Anum to hold on to while they're in the manor.
"I believe you have a way to store these so that you can keep them with us if we end up needing them inside?
:
Dianora, appearing as a filthy child, keeps in step behind Anum while the rest of the group waits in the distance - hidden from view but telepathically listening.
The pathway leads up to the villa itself, which has strong white walls, immaculately clean despite the orange sand that permeates the area. You walk through the front doors where a mute slave girl simply points you into a large room that is obviously designed for hosting guests - complete with an elaborate buffet of fruit and large plush chairs arranged around a pearl inlaid table. The marble floors are covered with rich rugs and a cool breeze drifts through the room from some unidentified source. At present the room is empty save the two of you.
Dianora, appearing as a filthy child, keeps in step behind Anum while the rest of the group waits in the distance - hidden from view but telepathically listening.
The pathway leads up to the villa itself, which has strong white walls, immaculately clean despite the orange sand that permeates the area. You walk through the front doors where a mute slave girl simply points you into a large room that is obviously designed for hosting guests - complete with an elaborate buffet of fruit and large plush chairs arranged around a pearl inlaid table. The marble floors are covered with rich rugs and a cool breeze drifts through the room from some unidentified source. At present the room is empty save the two of you.
Anum will sit and enjoy a piece of fruit (making sure to use purify food). Anum will let Dianora know telepathically that she should stay near the door with her head slightly lowered and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If things go south I will take her with me through Abadar's Vault.
Dianora maintains the pose of a servant as she waits by the door. However, she looks around, eyes wide, as if she were awed by the splendor of the room.
"Accompanying you on this trip hardly benefits me if I don't look around while I'm here, Underdune."
Dianora spies several unusual paintings throughout the room, which seem almost too life-like. The paintings depict scenes from the history of Osirion.
After what seems like an eternity of waiting, a massive, bald man makes his way into the room. Gaudy rings adorn every fat finger, and his coal-lined eyes squint as though he is looking directly into the sun. The man wears a deep blue robe in the current Osirion fashion. He smiles at Anum as he enters, not even taking a second look at Dianora as he waddles past.
"Julistar! A pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance, your reputation as the leading Osirionologist proceeds you. I've read many of your works - along with those of your teacher, Imivus. I'm honored to have such an expert come to look at my collection." the Crook Bearer rumbles.
Dianora spies several unusual paintings throughout the room, which seem almost too life-like. The paintings depict scenes from the history of Osirion.
After what seems like an eternity of waiting, a massive, bald man makes his way into the room. Gaudy rings adorn every fat finger, and his coal-lined eyes squint as though he is looking directly into the sun. The man wears a deep blue robe in the current Osirion fashion. He smiles at Anum as he enters, not even taking a second look at Dianora as he waddles past.
"Julistar! A pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance, your reputation as the leading Osirionologist proceeds you. I've read many of your works - along with those of your teacher, Imivus. I'm honored to have such an expert come to look at my collection." the Crook Bearer rumbles.
"With such an amazing collection that you have, how could I not miss your great works you have collected." Anum lets him lead him while he motions Dianora to collect his gloves from him and to follow.
Sensing "Julistar's" excitement, the massive man turns on his heels and waddles out of the room, never turning to see if Anum and his "slave" are following him.
The Crook Bearer exits the villa, lifts his bulk unto gold-inlaid litter, and has four well-muscled eunuchs carry him to the large ankh shaped building - the Black Reliquary, which houses his collection.
A second litter waits for Anum and Dianora.
The trip across the villa's lawn (if the sandy terrain can be called that) literally takes only two minutes.
When the litters stop in front of the reliquary, the obese man (now sweating from all the work of moving his bulk about) pulls a large wrought iron key from around his neck, and unlocks the front doors. Several glowing runes activate as the man unlocks the door. The double doors are then pulled open by the slaves, whose skin gleams in the desert sun.
"Welcome, to ..." the Crook Bearer takes a great puff of air in, the exhales, "To the Black Reliquary... what was it you were looking to examine ... my friends ? ..."
"Well done, but be wary.'Bel thinks to the group"This seems too easy."
1d20+8
"I have great interest in all things from the past." Anum pauses a moment as if in thought,"How about something from the Third Age of the Black Sphinx? I am always fascinated with objects from the time of the four Pharaohs"
"A large part of my collection is dedicated to that time period. Unfortunately, I have never gotten around to sorting out my collection, but there are labels with basic information on everything. You sure to find something in every corner of the building. Take you time browse around. I need to sit."
And with that, the Crook Bearer moves his massive bulk to a over stuffed chair, and plops himself down. The chair creaks under his weight.
"A large part of my collection is dedicated to that time period. Unfortunately, I have never gotten around to sorting out my collection, but there are labels with basic information on everything. You sure to find something in every corner of the building. Take you time browse around. I need to sit."
And with that, the Crook Bearer moves his massive bulk to a over stuffed chair, and plops himself down. The chair creaks under his weight.
"did he just give you free reign of his collection? Excellent luck!"
"did he just give you free reign of his collection? Excellent luck!""A large part of my collection is dedicated to that time period. Unfortunately, I have never gotten around to sorting out my collection, but there are labels with basic information on everything. You sure to find something in every corner of the building. Take you time browse around. I need to sit."
And with that, the Crook Bearer moves his massive bulk to a over stuffed chair, and plops himself down. The chair creaks under his weight.
Anum will browse the collection looking for a certain mask
Perception
Dianora, playing the role of the servant, will aid him.
It takes mere seconds to spot the mask, and even Dianora, though distracted, sees the mask prominently displayed in a glass case in the center of the building.
As Anum and Dianora approach the mask, the servant that was posted at the gate of the villa enters, flushed as though embarrassed, and runs up to the Crook Bearer. He frantically begins conversing with the bloated noble in a hushed voice, and occasionally points at Anum and Dianora. The Crook Bearer's face reddens as well, and he turns his beady eyes on his guest, rage plastered across his fat face.
What do you two do?
It takes mere seconds to spot the mask, and even Dianora, though distracted, sees the mask prominently displayed in a glass case in the center of the building.
As Anum and Dianora approach the mask, the servant that was posted at the gate of the villa enters, flushed as though embarrassed, and runs up to the Crook Bearer. He frantically begins conversing with the bloated noble in a hushed voice, and occasionally points at Anum and Dianora. The Crook Bearer's face reddens as well, and he turns his beady eyes on his guest, rage plastered across his fat face.
What do you two do?
"Say the word if you need a distraction."
edit: readying action to cast spell
"Let us see if Anum can resolve this diplomatically before things go too far. If it is in fact the Chelaxian priest now at the gate, be ready to make sure he doesn't intervene if we must resort to violence."
"Let us see if Anum can resolve this diplomatically before things go too far. If it is in fact the Chelaxian priest now at the gate, be ready to make sure he doesn't intervene if we must resort to violence."
"Dianora get near me and be ready to grab the mask if I tell you to. I don't want to have to take this, but we don't have the time."
Anum turns to the Crookbearer and asks, "You seem upset, is there a problem?"
"Who are you, a thief? I do not take kindly to those who wish to steal from my collection!" The Crook Bearer roars.
"Who are you, a thief? I do not take kindly to those who wish to steal from my collection!" The Crook Bearer roars.
"If I had to guess the Asmodeans are outside. Would you like a Distraction now?"
"Who are you, a thief? I do not take kindly to those who wish to steal from my collection!" The Crook Bearer roars.
"I don't understand why you think I am a thief. I am looking specifically for an item of yours, and I had to verify you even had it. Of course as a representative of Abadar I am here to bargain for it, and make sure you are rewarded well for it. So are you willing to listen to what I have to say and have a chance to add to your collection?"
To Dianora Anum says telepathically, "Be ready, I prefer to bargain for this, but our need is great so if he will not consent, grab the mask and I take us through the Vault, which will be a little disorienting to you."
"You have my interest ... now, what is your name?"
As he asks the question, the doors to the reliquary swing out again, and standing in the doorway is High Priest Julistar, as always, dressed to the nines and followed by the down-trodden yet immaculately groomed slave-girl Neferet.
"I see you have some other guests Crook Bearer. I certainly hope they were invited and didn't have any plans that they would regret." Each words slides from his mouth dripping with venom, yet his face is serene and his composure well kept.
"You have my interest ... now, what is your name?"
As he asks the question, the doors to the reliquary swing out again, and standing in the doorway is High Priest Julistar, as always, dressed to the nines and followed by the down-trodden yet immaculately groomed slave-girl Neferet.
"I see you have some other guests Crook Bearer. I certainly hope they were invited and didn't have any plans that they would regret." Each words slides from his mouth dripping with venom, yet his face is serene and his composure well kept.
Anum turns to Julistar, "High Priest Julistar, good to meet you again. "
Anum then turns back to the Crookbearer,"My name is Anum, Blessed Balaced Scale of Abadar. My reputation, as well as my ability to conduct business is beyond reproach as you well know. My need is great as well as my ability to make it worth your while. Let us go and talk in private.", Anum glances at Julistar with a grin.