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Bahir's suprised look quickly changes to a frown as he hands the snow globe back to the halfling as his demeanor quickly changes to one of formality to Mah'ysa in his embarrassment, "I apologize Radiant One." Refocusing his attentions on the headband he haggles half-heartedly before agreeing to their price and saying he will return with the gold.
Looking at all the regents, Efreat makes a note of what he needs and checks it against those available. Once done, Efreat makes a note of what is left and starts working on his headband. During the process, Efreat keeps an eye on his host and the scroll taking note of any magics used.
Bahir and Mah'ysa:
One Halfling takes the globe back and places in carefully back on the display shelf, your expression making it obvious you aren't interested, while the other shows a couple of headbands. "Sure, we can hold it for you until tomorrow if you need to come back." And with that you depart the tent and head on to find out more about the slave trade in Katapesh.
Continuing further into the lower city district, you stop into several places to ask around about the slave trade and Amwyr's business in particular. What you learn you find disturbing. While slaves are perfectly legal in the realm of Katapesh, it appears that the City of Katapesh seems to be the epicenter of the slave trade in this region. Merchants and general citizens alike seem to find the fact that some individuals being owned by others perfectly normal, though you believe that many just don't want to buck the system. Several ships arrive daily with slaves taken from different regions and many more depart with slaves back out. There are numerous slave trading businesses within the city, the biggest being Lord Clarion and his family shipping business. Amwyr's business would not even fall in the top 10 of slave traders as his business specializes in love slaves. The most slaves are bought and sold to perform general labor work. And since nothing any of these traders in doing in against the law, there isn't much you can do.
One of the unique locations that you visit while digging for information is the Slave Block. This open area seems to come together at a long, rectangular block of stone with a set of wooden steps leading up to it that serves as a platform for slaves to be displayed for sale. You arrive as a slave auction is in progress. Numerous traders fill the area, watching and waiting for the slaves they wish to bid on to be auctioned off. Talking with those in the crowd, you learn that a member of the Auctioneer's Guild runs these daily sales and it is protected by two squads of the Pactmaster's elite guards, the Zephyr Guards, to ensure that there is no trouble from the crowds or the slaves. You find these guards around the stage, above on the roofs of the nearby buildings, and behind and on the sides of the crowds. The force seems rather excessive. But when asking further, you learn about a group of Andoren freedom fighters known as the Steel Falcons operates in Katapesh. They try to disrupt the slave trade business by carrying out assassinations of slave traders, plus sabotage and guerrilla attacks designed to destroy their business operations. The Pactmasters have offered huge rewards for the capture or information leading to the capture of any of their operatives.
Spending some time watching the slaves go up for trade, you notice that all forms of intelligent life may be purchased here. A couple of the slaves that go up for bid include an orge and a troll. Leaving the area and moving on, you come across another slave market called Extraordinary Slaves. The trader, a blind, noseless gnoll named Y'aalay Quam, shows you his stock of beasts for sale. He states his inventory moves quickly, so come back often. Caged up, you see several beast-like animals that you clearly would not like to meet when they weren't caged and subdued.
As you continue to search for answers, the places you find yourself in are becoming more seedy. Numerous times during your visit in the lower city and docks, Bahir's evil detection shows faint evil auras around the locals. But there are so many people and so many of these faint auras that you don't feel safe taking any actions. You come across a strange place called the House of Whips. But you don't stay long when you learn this is where those with enough money come to get their jollies off being beaten by the lady of the house who calls herself The Red Lady. She is adorned head to toe in tight-fitting red leather and carries a bloodstained whip. The shop is a maze of mirrored chambers hazy with incense burning in censers, though it just seems to be masking the strong smell of blood and sweat in the air. The prices range from 1 gp for a few strips to 50 gp for a session of near-fatal strapping. When you balk at the idea of being whipped by her, you learn that she also keep submissive slaves on hand to satisfy the needs of those who would rather do the whipping rather than the receiving. Apparently, these slaves actually act as if they'd enjoy getting whipped.
You manage to escape without taking a lashing and find your way to a place called Trillia's Bathhouse. This place is a much nicer find after some of the places and people you have been meeting down in this section of Katapesh. This tall, narrow building has a copper tub sign over its doors. The owner, a half-elf woman named Trillia, maintains over a dozen private bathing chambers where a dirty traveler can enjoy a hot relaxing bath with scented oils and aromatic soap. It is 1 sp for a 15-minute bath, though specific soaps, scented water, and other amenities may be obtained at an extra fee. When you bring up the subject of slaves, Trillia is quick to denounce such things. If you are looking for such things, there are over a dozen brothels in Katapesh that you can choose from. But once you assure her that you are not interested in such things, she calms down and seems to be happy to talk. She seems to be a wealth of information as she talks with all kinds of travelers, both seafaring and across land, as well as many locals. She hears all the local gossip in Katapesh and the surrounding hinterlands.
Leaving the filthy and disturbing lower city and docks behind, you head back up to the inner city to find the Temple of Sarenrae. You are nearly there when a man stops the two of you on the street. "Excuse me, I am Marzuk, one of the sons of the Mus'ad merchant family. Are you with the group from Kelmarane that just arrived in town the other day?" This human man is well-dressed and shows no signs of being evil to Bahir.
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Daumari and Pae:
"Suit yourself." says the old man to Daumari before turning back to the Halfling. "What additional business would you like to discuss? Are you interested in additional girls?" When Pae explains that he'd like to purchase the other two halflings, the man replies, "Certainly. We still have both of them, but they are not cheap. I can sell you them for 1,200 gold each."
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Efreat and Hazreem:
Everything at Rayhan's seems to be quiet. The man is nearly a hermit, keeping to himself and hiding upstairs in his study, pouring over tombs of material and examining the scroll as he reads different sections. Around mid-day, Eramin comes inside, carrying a basket of vegetables harvested from the garden. He carries them into the kitchen and gets started on making lunch. He never says anything or respond to any question except in simple gestures, though he doesn't appear to mind your presence. He prepares a vegetable stew and bakes some bread. The oven and stove catch your attention as magical as Eramin places a chuck of wood in the bottom of the oven and closes the door. Suddenly, the wood ignites itself without any other ignition method.
Examining some of the books in Rayhan's collection, you notice that they have all been painstakingly organized, alphabetically by subject, then author, and all seem to focus entirely on matters relating to astronomy, the planes, and other dimensions. There is also a good section dedicated just to Nex's hidden realm of Kakishon. This is the section that Rayhan has been pulling books out of recently.
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Bahir mulls over what he has learned and then breaks his silence as they leave the lower city and docks behind, "I thought maybe I had an opportunity with Amwyr to kill two gnolls with one spear. If I could show him the Path of Truth and Light perhaps he would consider changing his business from one of slavery to one that would give shelter and honest work to the former slaves. After all, his current occupation got him almost killed." He sighs, "Greed is a powerful force and one that runs rampant here. The only way I see of impacting the trade is to become one of the ruling council here....or a Pactmaster..." His thought is interrupted by the man addressing them and he bows in greeting, "I am Bahir al-Asim Abdul Shihab, Abbot-Protector of Kelmarane. How may we assist you Marzuk, Son of Mus'ad?"
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"oh yes Yes rystal is working out just fine" Pae says and gives the old slaver a grin that could suggest he had an enjoyable evening.
"Actually I came by to see if it would be possible to purchase the other two girls as well..I tend to be busy and I think Crystal might appreciate the company."
"Shall we say oh 1400 for the pair of them" he suggests hoping that Amwyr won't be inclined to haggle too hard
"Ah, the famous Bahir al-Asim Abdul Shihab. Then I have found the right man. I was hoping to catch you outside the temple, and here you are." He returns your bow and turns to walk along side you as you slowly continue towards the temple. Marzuk starts off with some small talk, asking about your journey from Kelmarane, but quickly jumps to business. "I understand that you have come into your possession a rather rare and valuable artifact. My family has quite a collection of such items and such a relic from the past would go wonderfully with the rest of our collection. I can only assume that you have come all the way to Katapesh to sell this wonderful item to the highest bidder. I'd like to add a bid for it." Reaching the entrance to the temple grounds, Marzuk turns to you and states, "If you have verified the scroll's authenticity, then I would be prepared to offer you fifty-five thousand in gems and coin for it."
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"1,400 for both?", Amwyr scoffs, "That's what they normally go for each. I was giving you a discount at 1,200 for each of them. It costs a lot of money to train and maintain these girls. But since you did save my life, how about 2,000 for both?"
Mah'ysa is too astonished at the offer to say anything.
"Realize also, flesh peddler, that though all in our party were promised compensation some of our number have decided not to claim a slave. Certainly, you should consider the entirety of the effort expended to ensure you remained in one piece, as well as the coin you are saving in not having to provide each of us a servant." Daumari's face remains calm and emotionless; it's clear the inquisitor has no real interest in the proceedings, but he wishes to support Pae all the same.
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Bahir hardly reacts at all having fully expected the offer and having previously received even a larger one, "I will certainly take your offer under consideration. Where might I be able to contact you? It may take a little time as we have it's authenticity checked by local experts but as you can imagine, matters of this magnitude should not be rushed." Bahir maintains a friendly smile as he awaits the man's response.
Marzuk nods to Bahir's response and says, "Yes, of course. You can generally find me over in the bazaar." He gives you directions on where to find the bazaar located in the Great Plaza not too far from your current position. It is a bowl of noise in the center of the inner city, one of the most popular shopping areas in Katapesh.
Amwyr looks ready to scoff again at the Halfling's counter offer, but looks up at Daumari when he speaks. Slowly, the scowl erases from his face and a slight smirk appears instead. "1,750 for both. Yes, I think we have a deal. Come," he waves you to follow as he starts to move further into the building. "Let me go write up the papers for the girls. There are refreshments in the lounge. Please, make yourself comfortable while get them ready." He leads down a hallway and into a small side room filled with comfortable looking chairs and a couch. There is a small table along one wall filled with water and other beverages along with snacks that include samosas with a spicy dipping sauce. The old man departs, leaving the two of you alone in the room.
Marzuk gives you both a quick bow and thanks you for your time before turning and walking away. He heads away back in the direction he indicated that the bazaar was where you could generally find him.
You turn and head into the Temple of Sarenrae. The outside of the temple is lined with sunflower plants and other flowers with large golden flowers. After passing several statues dedicated to different saints, you find your way to the large sanctuary with an open ceiling, the sunlight shining in brightly. Golden looking mirrors line the top of the wall and seem to reflect the Dawnflower's light towards the alter, though not so much as to blind anyone standing there. The far wall behind the alter is covered with a large painting of a sun-motif along with images of white wings and images of doves. Once inside, you find it a welcome escape from the experiences of the day. Soon after entering, one of the local clergy approach you when he see you praying to the Dawnflower. He is dressed as a priest of Sarenrae with a scimitar hanging from his side.
The priest waits patiently until you are done praying, then approaches. Apparently, your dress also identifies you as one of their own, but not recognizing you he asks where you are from. "Welcome. I am Kamal, a servant for our Goddess." He extends his hand in greeting to each of you. "Are you new in town? I don't believe I've seen you before."
Time passes as you wait. But in what seems like an eternity, the old man returns with some paperwork. "It's all been taken care of. I just need your payment and your signature on these." He lays out two copies of similar papers to what you saw before when you took Crystal. But this time the names on the paperwork have different registration numbers and the names Daisy and Malva instead of Crystal. "The girls are getting ready to leave with you as we speak. It's the same deal as last time, but here it shows the cost to purchase." He points to spots on the contracts. "Selling price is 805 each, but taxes here are 70 for a total of 875 each. You also have 5 days from today to take this to city and pay the registration fee." He waits patiently for you to sign the documents with the provided ink pen and provide payment.
Mah'ysa courtsies gracefully.
"Grace of the Dawnflower, I greet you Father. I am Mah'ysa Alandir, Abbess Protector of Kelmarane. I used to be a Novitiate here, but have been gone for more than a year. Oh, excuse me, this is Sir Bahir, my escort."
crafting my items, crafting my items, crafting my items....boy this takes a while.
The priest bows his head towards Mah'ysa. "Well, welcome back Mah'ysa." He turns and bows slightly to Bahir. "And welcome Sir Bahir." Turning back to Mah'ysa, he addresses her, "What brings you back to Katapesh?"
Bahir: Some additional information you learned about slavery in Katapesh. Approximately 70% of the population in the metropolis of Katapesh are free citizens. Of the remaining 30%, 25% are permanent slaves while 5% are temporary debt slaves or criminals serving time as slaves. When you were talking with the owner of the Bathhouse, you also learned about a place called the Cattle Market down in the slums, an area rumored to be much worse than the section you visited, and it is infamously known as the greatest slave market in all of Katapesh. On the street to get there, the streets are lined on each side by uncountable cages, pits, prisons, lock-ups, holds, and pounds. At the end of the street, the Cattle Market is a large crumbling amphitheater where slaves are sold and auctioned. Slaves that don't sell are often given over to the Grand Coliseum to battle to the death for entertainment. This slave market is a popular with the gnolls who tend to bring hordes of chained slaves in to sell.
Paying the old man 1,750 gold pieces and signing the paperwork, Amwyr heads back and returns a few minutes later with the two women. They are wearing the same outfits you saw them in yesterday. "Oh, hello. It's you again" says the one you believe was Daisy.
Following you out of the slave market, you lead them back out of the city wall and into the River Inn. When you open the door, you find Crystal sound asleep on the couch in the central living area of the suite. She wakes when she hears the voices of the other girls say in unison, "Crystal!" They is a momentary reunion as the girls hug and then turn back to look at you.
Grabbing the paperwork for Crystal, you get all three girls together and head back out. You work your way across town, all the back towards the other side of the city through the inner city this time. All this trekking back and forth is taking quite a bit of your day and the two new girls start complaining. "I'm tired, do we have to keep walking like this?" But soon you reach your destination. You find the office where you need to register the slaves. It is within a stone's throw of the Temple of Abadar where you cashed the depository note just this morning.
Inside, you find a long line that moves rather slowly. There isn't a line dedicated to slave registration. You have to wait in the same line as all the other transactions, including business permits, document notarization, and scale calibration certification renewals among other things.
Finally, you reach the front of the line as last afternoon approaches. You provide your paperwork for all three girls. After scanning them over, the man at the counter states, "That'll be 33 gold pieces."
Your day at Rayhan's villa goes by fairly quietly. Rayhan busies himself in his library/study for most of the day working tediously over many tombs and the scroll. He takes few breaks and they are generally to get coffee or at meal times.
In your exploration of Rayhan's home and villa grounds, you find in the bathroom that the walls, ceiling, and floor are decorated with white porcelain tiles, with other ornate adornments that make the place seem to be more of a royal bath chamber than anything else. A large, two-foot-deep pool in the room's center and several braziers and bins for heating polished oval rocks complete the image. You recognize minor magic coming from both the pool and a small wood-burning stove to heat the rocks. Discussing with Rayhan, he states that the porcelain sides are magically linked to the temperature of the rocks in the bins, so that when the bins are heated, so is the water in the pool. The stove has magic to purify the smoke, preventing the room from becoming too smokey while the rocks are heated to create a sauna-like atmosphere. "You are welcome to use it while you are here. This is one of the main reasons I bought this place."
With the bald man back to work, Efreat settles in to start work on crafting some new magic items himself. He finds that Rayhan has most of the magical supplies that he needs on hand as he does this kind of work himself. He provides them to Efreat at the cost he purchased them and will simply replenish his supply the next time he is in town.
Mah'ysa smiles at the priest.
"Oh, we are simply here to make our devotion to the Dawnflower at her holy cathedral. Certainly; if the Bishop had any questions about the events in Kelmarane beyond our dry reports, we would certainly be at his disposal."
She opened her mouth to speak of the scroll, but stopped. Nothing had been authenticated of the scaresley believable tale as yet.
Efreat works a long time. Once Rayhan is done with the scroll for the day, Efreat returns it to the case. He spends his evening taing in the heated bath.
Nodding in response, the priest smiles back and says, "Of course. I will let him know you are in town. And I will leave the two of you to your prayers. May the sun light your way." And with that he turns and casually heads back the way from which he came.
You are both left alone as you complete your prayers and express your devotion to the sun goddess. After spending some more time at the template you head out...
Handing over coin valued at 33 gold pieces, Pae states, "As soon as you have those notarised I want three sets of Manumission papers drawn up.." He looks down at the small Halfling with the three Halfling girls and simply shrugs. "That'll be an extra 5 gold per slave." Hanging over the extra 15 gp, now 48 gp in total, you wait while the man behind the counter finishes up the paperwork.
Once the paperwork is complete, you head back out to do a little shopping. The girls seem a little uneasy. They've done a lot of walking today, something they are apparently not used to, and they are not sure yet what is in store for them. Happy to be free, but not sure what to do. So they simply follow you.
The markets here are vast and you can find pretty much anything here. You make your way back up out of the lower city and cross through the Great Plaza. Here you find several vendors along two narrow streets who are buying and selling gold, silver, gems and jewels. After haggling with several of the merchants, you managed to get one of them to accept your price of 130 gp.
Moving on, it isn't too difficult to find a vendor selling quality, magically enhanced weapons. Pae trades in his crossbow for a new one as well as his dagger, getting the going price for such items. But the place seems to be out of magical rapiers at the moment. The shop owner states that there just isn't much demand here for rapiers in the size you are looking for. He states he can place an order for one for you, but it would take a couple of days to create. You provide the man with 1200 gp down. You'll trade in your current rapier when the new one is ready.
Searching some more, you find a couple of stores that cater just to customers of your smaller stature. There is clothing of all sorts as well as a vendor selling smaller suits of armor. Daumari finds himself ducking frequently as he follows Pae as the place is clearly not designed for tallies. Here, you are able to trade in your studded leather for 87.5 gp and you find they do have +2 studded leather in stock in your size that fits really well. It runs you 4175 gold to get it. While you are browsing the shops, you run across a strange, red silk vest that appears to be sized really small as if for a small monkey. The vest has tiny pearl buttons and gold colored thread and looks like it could be really nice if cleaned up, but it is unbelievably filthy and smells pretty bad as if it had been worn by a monkey for years without being washed. The price tag on it states 10 gold pieces.
While you are in that part of town, you stop by Duncan's shop as Daumari finalizes the paperwork on his new meteor hammer purchase. And while you are there you arrange to sell off your masterwork breastplate that you are no longer using for 175 gp.
With the shopping done for the day, you work your way down towards the docks with the girls in tow. When you get down by the piers, you see a massive copper statue standing around 40 feet tall depicting a horned, bearded man glaring menacingly out to sea as if to ward off evil. He holds a large trident in one hand while his other is balled into a fist and rests on his hip. Numerous seagulls have taken roost atop its head, shoulders, and the many other nooks and crannies along its surface. Weather and seagull droppings have not been kind to this large status and you see a pair of men out trying to clean it up. A passerby notices your gaze and comments as he passes, "It represents good luck and safety at sea for them, but I think the birds are winning."
Many shipping vessels line the docks as well as others that the one of the girls recognize as a slaver vessel. Sitting just off the piers is a cantina that appears to be rather busy, so you stop in there. The place is filled with attractive statues, bright flowers, and tables covered in blue and red tablecloths. There are several minstrels in the corner playing lively music. This place seems to be rather popular with its plethora of ales, beers, and wines available.
Seeing a group of four halfings walk in, three of them rather attractive women, you are quickly greeted by the owner of Jerikal's Ales, a halfling named Jerikal Ashworth. He is a rather friendly fellow who is happy to talk and tell you about his previous life as an adventurer where he was a priest of Shelyn. He gave up that life and turned to being a brewmaster here, but the decor of the place still reflects his Shelyn past.
Jerikal listens to your story and he seems genuinely interested in your adventures. When you mention you are here to find passage for the girls back to your home town in Osirion, he says knows someone who may be able to help. He leads your group over to a couple of dwarfs downing large mugs of ale with several empty ones already on the table. Jerikal introduces you and explains your need. After a brief refusal stating they don't take passengers, the offering of more ale gets them to change their mind. "I could take 'em, but it'll cost ya. 50 gold each and we're not heading out 'til tomorrow."
The place is really quiet as Rayhan is busy in his study, Efreat is busy working on crafting a magical headband, and the groundskeeper has yet to speak a word to you. Hazreem looks forward to getting out into the town tomorrow to do some shopping of his own.
After putting in his long day of crafting, only about a quarter done, Efreat takes Rayhan up on his offer and relaxing in the large tub. The water is extremely warm and very soothing to the muscles after the long trek across the desert.
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Pae nods.."150 gold it is then" he says and pays the dwarf.The group then enjoy some refreshment before he sets off back to the Inn..but seeing the girls are getting tired he hires a palanquin for them.
Arriving back at the Inn he sees the girls settled into their accomodation then adresses them as a group.
"I'm sending you to my mother..since my sisters have all married and moved away she could do with some feminine company.She will look after you until you feel ready to strike out on your own..and she'll keep you out of trouble too"
He hands Crystal a letter.
"This is a letter for her, it explains who you are and what you were.You will find that things are very different for our people in Osirion"
"Just one more thing Crystal..give me the name of the man who used you so badly"
Daumari's face turns grim when Pae mentions the halfling woman's former master, and the inquisitor's hands tighten around his hammer's chain. "We must not forget to pay him a visit."
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After Bahir completes his prayers he seeks out Kamal and bows in greeting once again, "Your Radiance, I hope to assist the church in stopping slavery in this city. Please tell me what is being done to change this corruption. Those who run the 'Cattle Market' in particular are very much in need of The Dawnflower's cleansing flames."
A half smile forms on Kamal's face as Bahir brings up the topic of corruption and slavery. "That, my good friend, has been a dream of the church for a long time. We do our best to redeem those that we can one soul at a time, but those are just the symptoms of a greater illness plaguing society. In order to cure the real problem, it would require a wholesale change of the Pactmaster ruling class. There are many stories about how the Pactmasters came to be here, but none have ever been verified. Few have even seen one of the masked ones. All they care about is ensuring that commerce happens freely and that taxes on those transactions are paid. You could kill someone in this city and only received a token fine. But try and steal something or avoid paying taxes, and they'll throw you in prison, make you a slave, or even execute you. But alas, we are greatly outnumbered here and would easily be overpowered by the vast number that benefit from this system. Especially with all the powerful guilds that control all the markets here."
Kamal starts walking as he continues to talk with you. "We've talked about trying to take the system down covertly, but secrecy is just not our way. You take the Cattle Market down, and three more will pop up in their place. And the slavery is only a small portion of the problems here. There is much crime here as people scrounge to make a living. And there is a section of the city that is rightfully called the Sweat Town. Endless streets where vast populace slogs away everyday in the sweatshops there, creating many of the simple trade goods available for sale here. Clothing, tools, armor, weapons, and such. A good portion of the slaves traded are sent there. We've had to focus on salvaging those that can be saved and looking at the greater evils in the world. The word around the church is that you and your friends have been doing some of that yourself." Another half smile forms on his face as he looks up at you again.
After paying the dwarf, he gives you a hardy slap on the back of the shoulder. "It's good do'in business with ya. We be leavin' shortly after sun up in the morn'in. Pier 17, the Dragon's Pride. Ya can't miss the lady." He turns back to the ale and takes another hardy drink.
Down here by the docks, you are able to find a covered palanquin that are typically available for the more well-to-do that arrive by ship. For only a pair of gold coins, four strong men raise the girls into the air and carry them back up and out of the city walls and to the River Inn. Once inside you explain what is going to happen to the trio of Halflings. Tears form in Crystal's eyes and a rare smile forms on her face. She struggles to get a few words out. "No one has ever been so kind to me before. Thank you." But when asked about him, the smile quickly disappears. She swallows hard and looks at the floor for a while before finally speaking again. "I had to call him master, but the others all called him Anton. I don't know his last name. Him and all his buddies were always down in the Nightstalls." She wipes her eyes before looking back up at the two of you.
Pae nods slowly.."Anton in the Nightstalls..I promise you this Crystal..He'll never hurt another girl again..not if I can help it."
Crystal stands and approaches Pae, wrapping her arms around him as she rests her head on his shoulders. You hear through a soft sob a weak thank you.
Efreat spends the evening in the hot baths and in the library enjoying some leizure reading.
Hazreem, concerned about word of the Scroll's location leaking out to unsavory elements, stays close to Rayhan's study watching for any attempts to enter it.
After Bahir finishes talking with the priest, Mah'ysa and Bahir head back to Rayhan's villa to check in with everyone else. They find Efreat relaxing in the bath tub and Hazreem keeping an eye on the man's study.
As the evening progresses, Rayhan's comes back downstairs and joins you as Eramin gets dinner ready. He invites you up to the dining room to join him. "Your welcome to join me. It's not much, just some soup and vegetables from my garden. If you need something more, I'd recommend the Cliffside Tavern just down the way."
The six of you sit down for the light dinner, the four of you plus Rayhan and Eramin. Idle conversation fills the room at first, but soon moves toward the scroll. "I'll have to say, this is looking promising so far." says the wizard between sips of his soup. "I haven't see anything that would discredit it as a fake. I'm looking forward to continuing tomorrow again."
The rest of the evening goes by uneventful. With only three beds, at least one of you has to sleep on the floor. (unless you hot bunk it with a watch.) The next morning comes soon enough.
About an hour after dawn, Pae and Daumari arrive at the front gate looking to be let in having just returned from dropping the three Halfling girls off at the docks. Rayhan has already gotten up early and is busy digging through more books up in his study.
Mah'ysa will stay to guard the scroll and explore the wonderful estate.
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Pae enjoys a leisurly second breakfast and then approaches Bahir and Mah'ysa
"The man who owned Crystal..his name is Anton..and we can find him in the Nightstalls if we care to go looking for him..and I do care to go looking for him.I would be happy if you wished to assist in the...shall we call it chastisement..of that..creature..I won't dignfy him by referring to him as a man.Daumari is already in favour of teaching him a lesson..possibly a fatal one..though I would rather see to it that his punishment lasted longer in the world of men""
Efreat spends the day working on his magic items and keeping one eye on the scroll.
Daumari spends most of the morning in prayer, considering the fates that he might visit upon Anton. Around noon he seeks out Pae to discuss a trip to the Nightstalls.
Eramin gladly makes breakfast for Rayhan and his guests. And afterwards, Hazreem and Bahir head out first to do a little shopping.
Bahir heads first to obtain his coin before heading back to the shop where the headband he was looking for was being held. Only Trill Jangley was in the shop at this morning hour. "Ah, you have returned. I have your headband right here" he says. He heads back to the back on the tent and withdrawals the item that you and Mah'ysa looked at yesterday. Bahir hands over the coin to cover the agreed upon price and you receive your charisma boost item.
"It's good doing business with you. Is there anything else you might be interested in?" He glances at Hazreem when he asks this question. But when Hazreem asks about the item he is looking for, the halfling only replies, "Nope, haven't seen one of those in ages. In fact, I don't think we've ever had one for sale either. But I did just get this in last night. What do you think?" He holds up a three-inch long jade sculpture of a lizard. "Hold it, it's really warm." Placing it in your hand, you find that the figurine is pleasantly warm to the touch. A quick scan shows that the lizard statue radiates faint transmutation magic.
Heading out, you scan the markets for druid vestments. After several hours of searching, you come up empty handed. But you do come across a merchant who finally seems to know what you are talking about. And he knows someone who can create such an item for you. He states that this person can even make it with a desert motif if you are so interested. Thanking him, you follow the directions given. You make your way through the inner city to find your destination.
Before you is a strange and unusual clothing store. The owner of the shop looks up as you walk in, a dark-haired half-elf who is working on mending a cloak of some kind. Racks of cloaks, hats, and other outfits line the store. "Can I help you?" You explain that you were referred to him and that he may be able to create the vestments that you are looking for. A broad smile appears across his face as he stands. "Absolutely, but it'll take a few days to make. Here, let's look at a few patterns that you can choose from." He takes you over to a rack outfits and starts going through them, showing you several.
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Back at Rayhan's villa, Eramin comes into the house a couple of hours after the others have left. He walks up the stairs and heads up to the library. Moments later, Rayhan comes downstairs with Eramin behind him. "Apparently, there is someone at the front gate." He opens the front door and heads outside into the bright, hot sun. In the two days you've been here, you still haven't heard the groundskeeper speak a single word to you.
Following the home's owner outside, you see a well-dressed human woman standing on the other side the iron gate. "I'm Rayhan, what can I do for you?" says the wizard. Your eyes are drawn to her elaborate facial jewelery as she speaks, "Good day, my name is Badra." She curtseys slightly. "I am actually looking for several travelers that are rumored to be staying with you." She looks back at those of you who came outside when she says this. "I own a small speciality item trade business around the Inner Sea region and I understand that you've come into possession of a rather rare item. The word on the street is that these travelers have come to Katapesh to sell this item and I'd like to be the one who buys it. I'm hoping that these rumors are true." Rayhan turns and looks at you without saying anything first. The expression on his face shows that he is looking for guidance from you on this one.
Hazreem looks over the styles provided to choose from, and finally selects a desert motif, with swirls of sand along with several dunes painted on the fabric. When told of the down payment, he nods slowly. "That will be OK, I just need to go over to that temple which handles the moneychanging stuff, and return here later. Will that be OK?"
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Bahir nods grimly at Kamal's words, "There must be a way to make a difference. If what is valued is coin than the value of having a slaveless society must be shown." He bows his goodbye to Kamal as he says, "You have given me much to think on."...
...Bahir takes the headband from Trill, places it on his head, and looks at Hazreem with a sideways smile, "So what do you think? Or should I have gone with something plainer?"
Hazreem smiles, "I think it looks very good on you Bahir, but I think there is someone else you should check with as well. We would not want her to be upset, would we?"
"Absolutely, I'll be open all day." The half-elf takes the selected style and walks with it to the back. "Is there anything else that you might be looking for?" he says as he returns.
Mah'ysa exchanges glances with Rayhan and Efreat, then steps forward with a bright smile.
"Goodness! So many people interested in buying those old mathoms. First Marzuk of Mus'ad and now yourself. Oh! Forgive me my lady, I am Mah'ysa; Abbess Protector of Kelmarane here consulting with the Master." She courtsies gracefully, in a manner indicating rough equality.
Diplomacy:
Mah'ysa will natter on, trying to milk her for what information she can get about what she knows and how she learned it.
Her gracious smile disappears from her face momentarily as Mah'ysa mentions others and Marzuk. But she quickly recovers and the smile returns. She curtsies once again while looking at the cleric. "It is a pleasure to meet you Mah'ysa, Abbess Protector of Kelmarane. Apparently, it was too much to hope for that I might be the first one to place an offer on such a rare and precious artifact. And it doesn't surprise me one bit that Marzuk has beaten me to it." She turns to look at Rayhan. "May I come in?"
Rayhan seems to fumble with his keys as he unlocks the gate and swing it open for Badra to enter. Closing and locking the gate behind her, he leads her into the common room of his house where he offers her a seat.
The trader continues once everyone has come back inside and the door has been closed. She looks at Rayhan and says, "Do you know if the artifact is in fact the Scroll of Kakishon?" Rayhan glances at the four of you first before replying, "Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag now. I'm currently trying to verify that, but so far I haven't found anything that would indicate otherwise." The smile on the woman's face grows with anticipation. "That is wonderful news. The scroll has been the stuff of legends and to actually have it in your hands must be a thrill."
Mah'ysa jumps in and the conversation continues for a while before Mah'ysa starts dropping a few questions her about how she learned the scroll. "I have scouts working for me all around Katapesh looking for those rare and usual items that will bring in top dollar. Word actually got to me a few days ago, but it took me until last night to learn that you here. I received a message from an employee of mine in Kelmarane who says that word of the scroll is the buzz on the street there. And that the famous saviors of that town were traveling to Katapesh to sell it. They say you found it up in the mountains. Is that true? But last night word was spreading on the streets that a couple of outsiders matching your descriptions were walking around the city yesterday. It only took a little bit of digging to find out where you were staying. I stopped by the River Inn this morning, but they stated you were here. And given Rayhan's knowledge, I'm surprise I didn't figure it out myself."
When asked about what she knows about the scroll, "I know it will fetch a pretty gold piece if I can put it up for auction. I have several bidders around Golarian who would be willing to put down quite a bit to get their hands on such an item. You say Marzuk was interested. If I may ask, how much did he offer you for the scroll?" She looks up hopefully at Mah'ysa.
Badra doesn't seem to notice the halfling's comment and continues to look towards Mah'ysa. A strange silence fills the air after the question about how much the offer was before Rayhan jumps in.
"You've had other offers on the scroll?" he says with a surprised look on his face.
Mah'ysa continues.
"Oh, Marzuk mentioned a lot of money, but really! We could not in good conscious even begin to entertain offers until we know exactly what we have. They could be some of those skilled forgeries I've read about, to fool collectors such as yourself. It's why we're here! Once we do, well, we'll certainly consider your more than kind offer. Do you have a card?"