"I shall join you, Aldebert, on the promise that we stop by an alehouse when we are done. A nice, rousing, good time for weary travelers!"
Otah walks alongside the halfling, cutting his gait to a relaxed stride to keep the halfling from rushing more than he wants.
"I have most of my shares from our previous adventure available Aldebert, if you need it. Just remember where it came from." The dwarf grins. "I know where you sleep." The grin turns to a frown, "Of course, you've got those damned cats..."
* * *
"Brother, I hope that you will join me - it would be good for you to be in a proper city again." he grins, "And I may need protection."
Ami nods slowly, not liking either option. He would prefer to avoid the City, but not staying close to his brother and scroll would be even worse.
He goes with his brother, but promises not to enjoy a moment of it.
"Gnome, do you still speak to Sarenrae? Would she hear your prayers if you gave them? Can you ask her questions for me? I would have answers for the questions that linger over this scroll confuse me and not even Vardishal answers my queries."
Pent listens the half speak the half-tongue, brushing off the rudeness, and likely futility, speaking in front of their host in a tongue meant to confuse him, when Rayhan is likely a man of many, many languages. The gnome humors the half, speaking back at him with the same words he prefers.
"You half to ask, eh? Every day I bring Sarah's blessings to our group means I'm speaking with Her every morning. She listens to all who worship her beautiful, beautiful face. But you know that already. You're looking for more concrete answers to questions you bear personally. Go ahead and tell your questions to Aldebert, and he and I will talk them over, then I'll speak with Sarah in the morning."
...
He doesn't mind sharing the room with the dwarf, at all. He has several lint balls he's accumulated over their travels, and knows to wait about a half an hour, before Otah begins his snoring. He spends ten to fifteen minutes trying to balance the lint in the air geyser, snatching out of the air before it touches the spittle around his lips. Ruins the lint ball. He's had time to learn from his mistakes.
Just because they're in a nice villa doesn't relax the group's overall tightly-wound stance on protection. Guards posted every night- Otah/Pent, Ami/Aldi, Mahdi solo. Pent rises early morning, every morning, to greet Sarah and ask for his gifts.
As for washing, well... Pits and Parts. As for soaking, Pent prunes quickly, so avoids hot, steamy baths.
Pent looks forward to a quick expedition into Katapesh, but tries hard to avoid the lure of the big city. He's been there before, once. He prefers to remain in the Villa, and borrow books, and keep track of Rayhan's study.
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Ami's eyes light with a bit of a fervor.
"We must know if Sarenrae wants us to pursue the unraveling of the seals on the scroll.
It is one thing to know that it is precious,
It is another thing to open it;
It is one thing to know that janni are jealous,
It is another thing to protect it;
It is one thing to know we should guard it safer,
It is another thing to undo the cypher."
Ami looks to see if the gnome understands.
Pent looks Ami over carefully. This is the most words at one time uttered by the little guy to the bigger guy, and the gnome mulls over the cryptic triptych of words. one thing to know... another thing to...one thing to know... another thing to... one thing to know... another thing to... He slows the words down, understanding that the half is trying to makes his words sound important. 'Sarenrae' is utterly important, while 'scroll' and 'janni' are less so, but still so important. The way the half speaks, almost sounds reverential. The way the half speaks, almost sounds... familiar. He loses focus for a moment, then returns fully to the moment.
"Alright, I get you, loud and clear. You fear and shroud. We have something of a mystery, and history has little to tell us of what lies in our future. We can consult Sarah over your concerns, but I'll need you to focus. These questions to which you seek answers, they need to be excellent. They need to be reflective. They need to be refined. They need to be resonant of deeper truths. Give it some time. Meditate on them. Go soak your head. Relax in the bath, then talk with your brother. He'll certainly provide clarity. Then tell him to come get me. I'll be grooming my camel."
He doesn't understand at all.
He tries again, this time being very simple and short with the short and simple gnome.
"Just ask if we should pursue unlocking the scroll or not. No soaking. No bathing. No camels. No brother. No bother."
Ami looks the gnome up and down, wondering what he will say next.
Pent senses the impatience, so relents. "Alright."
He smiles until the halfling leaves.
Looking intrigued at the gem, Mahdi casts a quick spell and studies it. ...but the enchantments escape him for now. He would happily stick a rusted nail into his toes before he admitted that aloud to Rayhan, however, so Mahdi simply nods sagely as if the gem made total sense to him.
Mahdi goes to make himself comfortable in a room, and he is very much looking forward to a bath, oh yes.
"Day #"
1) (List number with answer.)
2) (List number with answer.)
3) (List number with answer.)
4) (List number with answer.)
5) (List number with answer.)
- Questions for easy reference -
1)Where are you sleeping? (toss your token in a room)
2) Are you posting guards? (Agree with Pent's suggestion?)
3) Are you alone or do you spend time with other PCs or NPCs? (Confirm Mahdi's room suggestions.)
4) Are you going to take advantage of the baths in the villa to relax? 5) Do you make a habit of raiding the food stores for midnight snacks? Do you have trouble sleeping or early risers?
Otah looks at the note, quickly reads it, and hands it to Aldebert.
"Looks like we were able to help with the mine after all."
He guides the others to the market place and looks for their tent.
Otah shares the contents of the note with the party.
"Seems the gnolls have abandoned the mine we were interested in. We should see what else Gramwell needs from us."
* * *
He guides the others to the market place.
Ami chitters at his brother as they walk through the market. Part of it is nervousness, part of it that he's not been in too many markets.
"Brother! Should I buy something as well? Do I have money to spend? Yeen could use more bones! He's like that...and oh! Can we get Yeen a fat supping goat? That would be good. He'd like that." Ami pats Yeen's head.
Ami chats with his brother on what to buy in the market.
"Oh yes, a fat goat. That would be good."
"Of course Ami, you have vast moneys you may spend. A fat goat is well within your abilities. I'll arrange it."
He takes out a small ledger and goes over the sums for his brother. At the end he says, "Though if you've any money left over from shopping, I'd like to borrow some. My armor you see."
He gestures to his scale armor. Though he cares for it, it has seen much, and was cheap when he bought it.
"I need new armor, and I have dreams of a mithral suit covering every inch. Nigh impenetrable." his eyes glaze over a bit as he describes his new, not yet purchased armor. Eventually he comes down to earth.
"But I'm a little short. So if, after you get everything you need, I can take some of the extra, I'll pay you back on fair terms of course." he smiles, trying to make his brother understand.
The vast array of tents take up an open area between well established market buildings. Cooking foods of tastes you've never encountered mingle with smells that are much more familiar. Together they simply smell wonderful. The crowds are just beginning to thicken as midday threatens to heat the market area an unbearable amount. Though everyone tries to make way for one another, the crowd is thick. Yeen does seem to garner a bit more respect from the crowds, apparently animal kin are typically caged when brought to market and larger mounts such as horses and camels are stabled at the market's edge, for a fee of course.
As Gramwell beckons the group loudly, simply signally his location, a human male confidently approaches your group. The white turban he wears upon his head is held in place by a fine gold broach with a luminescent blue gem set in its center. The blue is reminiscent of cool ocean waters and is matched by a single feather held by the broach. His handsome face is framed by a neatly trimmed beard, dark like the ash of a fire. HIs robe is of fine cool silk, matching the feather and jewel. A pair of attendants follow him closely, deftly insuring his robe stays clean. He offers a slight bow of respect.
"Greetings travelers. I am Marzuk, the eldest son of the renowed Mus’ad family. I offer you welcome. Might I offer a moment of hospitality away from the crowds? I believe we may have mutually beneficial business to discuss?
Ami and Yeen pace and sniff as Aldebert negotiates. He knows better than to interrupt and instead passes time by guarding and looking for things to hunt.
"Greetings travelers. I am Marzuk, the eldest son of the renowed Mus’ad family. I offer you welcome. Might I offer a moment of hospitality away from the crowds? I believe we may have mutually beneficial business to discuss?"
"Excellent. Well. Good sir, we are at your disposal. A moment of hospitality would indeed be lovely. Thank you." Aldebert responds graciously. He follows the man where he might lead, though he keeps his thoughts on possible Janni influence...
Marzuk not only bows, but seems quite taken with Aldebert's bearing. As the group nears a well kept building at the perimeter of the gather of tents, he lets his pleasure be known. "I must say. From the rumors I'd heard I did not expect such cultured individuals. I am looking forward to our time together."
Otah deftly excuses himself, promising to return shortly. "Let me insure my dwarven kin of this happy encounter. I will be back shortly.."
Marzuk smiles broadly, "Of course master dwarf. One of my attendants will wait and show you the way."
One of Marzuk's attendants remains near the doorway to the building while everyone else enters. The interior is simple with separate areas where merchants go about their sales within semi private areas. The guards posted in the hallway nod in Marzuk's direction and step out of his way as he guides everyone upstairs. He pulls a key from the folds of his robe, it is solidly fastened on a length of chain, and unlocks the door near the top landing of the stairs. Beyond the door is a finely appointed sitting room with a low round table surrounded by fine pillows in a wide array of colors. A smaller room is not far.
"Here I may be frank. It is rumored that you and your fellows have found something quite valuable. I trust you aim to keep it safe so I will not ask to see it, but if you might describe the item to me after we make our introductions I can share what I have to offer." He turns to Aldebert, as if anticipating that he will make the introductions.
Panic crosses Aldeberts face briefly, and his hand slides closer to his blade at the mention of the scroll. He half stands, ready to assume a battle stance. When nothing is imminent, he settles back down in his seat, though his blood races.
"You understand, if we were to have such an object, we'd hardly be in a position to speak of it. Too many already seek it, and too many have died in the process. I cannot imagine how you'd have heard of such a thing in any event."
Aldebert, unable to restrain himself, does in fact stand. He doesn't shout, or act hostilely, he just can't sit casually for this conversation.
"What is your interest?" he says, while concentrating on the man.*
"Here I may be frank. It is rumored that you and your fellows have found something quite valuable. I trust you aim to keep it safe so I will not ask to see it, but if you might describe the item to me after we make our introductions I can share what I have to offer."
While others might be able to lie and bluff and hide feelings, Ami is not one of those. He reacts...poorly to the question of the scroll, a snarl on his face (hidden by the scarf of course), but his body language (soon mimic'd by Yeen) show one of distrust, fear, and anger. Yeen's tail spikes and waves ominously, and Ami stares at Marzuk like he is about to join Yeen in a mighty (and vicious) pounce.
They only wait a sign from Aldebert.
Marzuk looks on with surprise, "I am sorry for your trials. I am afraid to say that those most interested in what you may have know. I simply approached you, hoping you might be who I think you are. To make an offer. A generous offer, in my opinion. But I understand. Please, feel free to leave at any time." With a nod the remaining attendant emerges fully from the small room nearby with freshly cut fruit and a large decanter of water. Marzuk says nothing more, but simply begins to to pour water for everyone gathered.
Aldebert relaxes a little when his senses suggest honesty in the man.
"Ami, wait a tick. This man is not evil. He is not the Janni."
Never a great judge of character (too trusting by far!) he has trouble reading the man.
He lingers over his response, and settles on, "You understand we mean no disrespect. And I apologize if we've offended as that is not my intent. One question though, how did you come to hear about it?"
Marzuk carefully considers his words. "As you might guess much barterring goes on in the city. This building is owned by my family. Those who wish to do business away from prying eyes may do so. It came to my attention that a guild within the city was working to procure an invaluable object. A few of its members began arrangements to secure a room here, to barter. This is how the object came to my attention. "
"Ami, wait a tick. This man is not evil. He is not the Janni."
"How can you be sure, Brother? Does he bleed? We should see if he bleeds red blood. Then we will know."
"Brother!" he gestures to him to stay seated. He hopes like hell he will.
None the less, Aldebert grows more concerned not less... "A whole guild knows what we have come to possess?"
This is horrible news!
Aldebert, still standing, turns back to face Marzuk squarely. "You say you have an offer. It seems we are, to some degree at least, at your service. What is your offer? I can only say that I'll convey it to the group and we will discuss it seriously, for clearly you are a man to be reckoned with."
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Ami flinches from Aldebert's sharp tone, his face turning to a snarl.
I knew we should have never come to the city. This is a bad place.
Ami and Yeen pace behind their brother, as if Aldebert's presence is the only thing keeping the pair from mauling the man.
Marzuk looks with disdain at Ami, "I will not permit such talk in my presence. If it were not for your brother you would be only moments away from being aquanited with the guards. I trust I have made myself clear. Smiling easily, Marzuk looks toward Aldebert I am glad that you are willing to consider my offer. If the object proves to be authentic I will pay an amount worth 55,000 gold pieces, gems, coins, whatever it is you wish. I will be here if you wish to further discuss these terms."
Aldebert is shocked, both at the brashness of the offer (though he did ask for it!) and the amount.
"That's a very generous offer. I thank you and assure you I'll make the offer clearly to our cadre. I think we shall retire now though, if you don't mind the rush. I'm afraid our adrenaline is up and we'd make for poor guests."
With that he pushes/walks Amiamble and Yeen back outside to the street, where he starts sweating profusely.
"Let's find the others. I don't feel much like shopping just now..." he murmurs as he heads back to the villa to seek out Mahdi, Pent, and Otah whereupon he tells all he can of the meeting.
Marzuk nods, "A wise choice." He watches Ami closely as you all depart. Moments after you depart the room the guards seem to receive a signal and close ranks in front of the upper stairway while they watch you all leave. Other than the watchful eyes, no conflict comes.
Upon departing the city you are greeted by the familiar sight of Garavel on horse back, the wagon, and guards. They seem to have been on their way out of the city. A well appointed woman on horseback has intercepted them and is currently talking to Garavel. As you near their location the woman turns her horse and begins riding back toward the city gates. Once she enters the city Garavel speedily catches you all on horseback.
"I don't know who knows what, but it appears a powerful merchant is seeking your attention."
He hands Aldebert a sealed note.
"Thank you Garavel. Do you know the woman? How do you know she's a powerful merchant?"
He tucks the note in his pocket and goes to seek the group. When he finds them, he adds,
"And I have here a note from some woman called Bandra. She wants to meet with me also about business of some kind. Might be nothing to do with the object, but I bet it is..."
"Everyone seems to know!" he is not pleased.
Garavel responds with some concern, "Her dress made me suspect and when she introduced herself my suspicions were confirmed. Somehow word came ahead of us. This woman found us at market. We avoided her. She followed. She knew we traveled together. She would not accept my denial."
Pent fragments off from the group almost as soon as they cross the Dawn Gate. He agrees to meet up with the others at a later time, possibly as Sarah's Light sets.
As he parts, his clothes shift into something more humdrum, and his height changes. His beard also disappears, and his skin darkens. His normally bright blue eyes become kahve-colored.
...
He knows Katapesh. In his travels to and fro, Gringlib had made sure to pass through, along their route, several times a year. His time was spent largely insuring healthy trade, and negotiations and errands with clerics of Abadar in simple contracts.
Now, he's free!! All the things he's heard of- Annexa Palanthea's Fishy Menagerie, Jerikal's Ales, the Grand Coliseum, the Azure Star... so much to visit, so little time!
Today, he contents himself with two trips- the Slave Block, and Zandrek's Pesh Palace. The morning is reserved for reacquainting himself with old business associates on the Block. The afternoon is reserved for reacquainting himself with an old friend.
"Everyone seems to know!" he is not pleased.
"Brother! We should leave here! It is not safe!! This city...it is evil and wrong!! Let us buy some magics to protect the scroll from being found then hide in the sands! We can go! We can leave here and never come back!" Ami hounds his brother once they return to the compound, dragging along the fat supping goat that he had purchased for Yeen.
Aldebert sighs, not sure his brother is wrong. However, "Let us delay a bit brother. There is something sinister here to be sure, but we need to get to the bottom of this thing and that means working with Rayhan a few days at least."
"Also, I'd like to get my armor if we can before leaving town." he frowns.
"If we leave now we'll know no more than when we arrived - and the others will simply follow us. Track us down wherever we go. No. We need to face this, and the only way to face this is with knowledge."
"We must give Mahdi and Rayhan time to research this. Then we will know what to do." He doesn't sound convincing.
You waken early. Reading several requests from Sarah and ask Garavel to wait until you've returned from your day at market before he and the guards depart for Kelmarane.
You head to the Slave Block, using the Hat of Disguise to alter your appearance several times over.
It is clear the slavers have been active. You can see that from the crowds of chained and bound individuals. Ironically there are very few gnomes among them. You notices only two female gnomes that have not already been contracted before their arrival. Strangely enough, a fellow gnome notices your interest.
"Friend, I cannot help but see you preference for livestock. Might we retire to the tavern to discuss your purchases?"
The fellows name is Cozat. He speaks quickly, explaining that he works for a broker that has had some trouble placing several female gnomes recently.
"Might you be interested in seeing these prospects?"
"Might you be interested in seeing these prospects?"
Pent flusters a little, realizing the reversal of positions. Here he is, standing with a gnome, talking of slave trade. He understands the transaction. He's been on the other side of it many times over. Cozat is a facilitator, and a broker in trouble is a broker in the mood for decent negotiations. Even if Cozat is less than truthful, he must begin in truth to have the ring of it.
"Absolutely." Sarah tells me so. "Let's imbibe and elaborate. I have the means, if you have the meat." He understands the speak, though it wrinkles his gullet a wee bit.
...
In the tavern, Pent purchases the drinks, and listens intently to purchases and prices.
Ami doesn't accept Aldebert's pronouncement...yet. He still has questions, questions that he hoped Pent would help answer (he might in time, but what halfling can know the mind of a gnome?).
Ami does, however, take the matters into his own hands. While Yeen is mauling and eating his fat supping goat in the back yard, Ami takes out his mouldspeaking staff, using it's power to ask the servants of Sarenrae for help and guidance.
Ami knows the scroll is important.
Ami knows that he needs to protect the scroll.
What he doesn't know is...
Ami watches Yeen ripping flesh from the now dead goat. He walks up and whispers a question into his cat's ear and awaits an answer.
high is good (need 14 or better)
* * *
"What I have on my hands are some poorly matched mares. Three are nimble enough for the work they must do, but not as sturdy as the seamstress would like. The other, I am afraid was put out to pasture too soon. The lady of the house is most dissatisfied with her performance. But I think you'd be best to judge for yourself. Might you wish to meet these four?"
"I might at that." Pent finishes his brandy, then stands. "Let's not overdo the booze. We've got business to conduct." The gnome, currently slightly sunburnt and blond-haired, shifts a little, allowing his Sleeves to take on a deeper purple color.
On their way to visit, Pent asks Cozat if he's happy with his current lot in life, and what lies beyond the Slave Block for him, if he's thinking in terms of beyond.
Quickly Cozat leads you to the perimeter of the market area, to a larger building where wagons bring fine fabrics and leave with a wide variety of needlework, embroidery, and tasseled robes in a kaleidoscope of colors. Within are many women working. Cozat expertly leads you through the closely packed work areas. He gestures toward two women, whom you had already noticed.
Meji and Mig look the most out of place of all the gnomes working in the place. Though their clothing is worn and dirtied by their work, like all the others, it is clear their station used to be much better than it is now. Likewise, the quality of their seam work stands out from the others, even as they struggle to make due with missing fingertips. It is clear from their resemblance that they are related, sisters most likely.
Walking further into the work area, Cozat waves at the head seamstress. She looks hopefully toward the gnome, but he carefully remains composed. He quietly points out another gnome who seems to be but a blur of needle and thread.
Prig works quickly, less careful with her sewing than she might be. Though she takes the time to correct the worst of her mistakes, she lets many of them go by. Clearly the head seamstress doesn’t have the keenest of eyes as she checks off her work as completed when she receives a pile. As break is signaled for her are, she eats with the others, but doesn’t eat as much. Your keen eye catches her saving bits of bread in a pocket she has cleverly sewn into the seam of her apron.
As Cozat leads you out of the working area into a quite storage area he turns and speaks to you quietly and frankly. "Have any of these three caught your eye. Perhaps you have pastures that they might tend to?"
Pent turns to Cozat, remembering him very differently in his dream. He allows himself time to compose his thoughts, then affirms his intent to welcome these women home. "Cozat, I think they will do nicely. Let's not waste time. Let me know how much we'll be needing, for I have much to do today."
Pent sits quietly, and works through the contracts, and produces the money when necessary.
When the transaction is complete, he gathers the women together, and speaks. "I am very pleased to meet your acquaintance, each and every of you. I intend to see you safely to Kelmarane, my new home. I hope you'll find it to your liking. If you don't, then speak plain, and we'll make it so."
Pent spends the later part of the morning securing new wardrobes for the women, and transportation in the form of a wagon, horses, and an armed guard to accompany Garavel's own crew. He arranges for all of them to meet at Rayhan's villa, for a late day departure.
Pent's next stop- the Zandrek's Pesh Palace. For a brief moment, a grey experience, until he stops at a smallish booth selling glass vials. Her voice resonates a sultry alto, and the gnome is immediately enthralled. He drops all illusion, choosing to meet this beautiful gnome woman merchant on equal terms. He's fairly sure she is unadorned with illusion herself, but he doesn't rightly care.
For the time he shares with her, he understands the dream. Sarah could have illuminated the girl with searing light, and it wouldn't have been any more obvious. A mutual understanding of kindred souls, and an agreement is made. Sarah guided him well this morning. The two find their way to the light of day, and Pent taps her on the nose, while bringing Sarah's Soar to them both. Flying for a while, they alight on a quiet rooftop, where the gnome weaves his next gift of the day. He performs their Ceremony, with the rooftop birds and Sarah as their witness.
Returning to the mundane world, Pent makes sure to visit clerics of Abadar to sort out the necessary contracts. Only then do they return to the villa, and the buzz of the day's revelations.
...
Returning to the villa, Pent escorts his new acquaintance to meet with the others. Next to the gnome stands a redhead of a gnome woman. Behind her eyes lies an obvious intelligence. "Gentle men, this is Hyami. We married today, and she's going to escort my harem back to Kelmarane this evening. Now, where were we?"
Prig jumps at the chance to speak as she takes in your word of welcome and plain speech. "Sir, I beseech you, she does her best at seeming to approach a royal heir, something she has no idea how to do, as she kneels and approaches awkwardly. my brother. Please save my brother. He'll starve without me working for his food."
At the word of your willingness to obtain the contract for her brother Prig cries with joy and hugs Pent.
Satisfied with the paperwork and calmly surprised at Pent's generosity, Cozat leads the motley crew to a large estate. An errand boy of Cozat's is there waiting, apparently summoned earlier. He hastily hands over some paperwork, which Cozat signs. A simple wagon with guard that sits at the periphery near the estate nears and the gnome nods. "Your party may rest here while we enter, bonded guards, everyone will be safe." He leads you into the fine manor.
In the storeroom Cozat gestures toward a single female gnome slowly stacking spices in a container to bring upstairs. There is the slightest hint of sadness in his gaze as he introduces here. "This is Bini, a fine maid she is. Just on the mend from a frightful stumble down the stairs."
Bini never wanted to do what he asked of her. He was rough and he smelled bad. She tells you as much even though you do not ask. It is clear that she has been beaten recently. Her limp is quite pronounced, but does not seem permanent. The head of the house keepers has grown impatient with the gnomes work it seems. There seems to be very little understanding for the fact that it will take time for her to recover from her injuries. This is likely why the Cozat suggested you meet with her owner. It is likely they aim to recoup their losses.
At word of your interest and willingness to take on her contract she walks hurriedly from the manor, finding the waiting wagon at Cozat's whispered directions. With the paperwork finalized, Cozat leads you back out of the manor.
"Now, that will be 225 gp in all. The young boy you understand is not of much use so the contract price was reduced by the seamstress, she sends her appreciation." The wagon and bonded guards have been contracted until morning as a courtesy. Cozat explains they will be returning to the Slave quarters to pick up your other two purchases.
Pent will insist on comfortable work clothes, warm weather outfits, and a set of elegant formalwear for each of his new gaggle.
As for transportation, Pent will want to outright purchase the wagon and horses, as it will serve the women for local travel needs as Kelmarane becomes busier.
...
"If we leave now we'll know no more than when we arrived - and the others will simply follow us. Track us down wherever we go. No. We need to face this, and the only way to face this is with knowledge. We must give Mahdi and Rayhan time to research this. Then we will know what to do."
"Whoa, we're known? The Scroll's known? How'd that happen so fast? Well, we're not the only resourcefuls around here, I suppose. Damn janni could have just as easily jumped ahead of us. I agree with Aldi. We are probably in the best spot to learn the most about the Scroll." Pent is quietly relieved that Garavel departs this evening.
...
Pent remains in the Villa most of the day. He has plenty of pesh, and a new hookah. Also books.