Rayhan says, "I have people looking for Haleen but no success yet. You must remember this is a city of over 200,000 as of the last census, so it will take some time. In the meantime, I will be in my room with the Scroll, if you allow me, starting my research. You may join me if you feel bored, but till then, please enjoy my pool, food, and rooms if you wish to sleep. If you like the ocean, there is a trail out back that will take you down to the beach. Sand Stalkers, Mahath, I take my leave of you."
The afternoon passes uneventfully with you entertaining yourselves as much as possible. Though Rayhan appears to be financially secure, the only living attendants in the home are the cook (Lola), groundskeeper (Eramin), and guard (Sevim) at the front gate. It seems the rest of the time he is surrounded by Unseen Servant spells.
At around 9 pm, after you have enjoyed a delicious dinner, Sevim appears at the door. Rayhan answers and appears a few seconds later in front of the party, "Sand Stalkers, you have a guest. Marzuk Mus'ad, son of a prominent merchant family here in Katapesh. Says he would like to discuss some business with you. If you are so inclined to take the meeting, please use my Library." Rayhan returns to his room to continue his study. The man enters and bows before the party. "Will you do me honor of hearing me out?" He is dressed exquisitely and very refined.
Mahath casts Mage Armor on himself before going to meet Marzuk.
As he walks to the library, he ponders the name. Marzuk Mus'ad. Why does that name sound familiar?
Does Mahath have any knowledge of Marzuk or his family beyond the fact that they are a merchant family?
Knowledge Local
Knowledge Nobility
He remain quiet when entering the library, letting one of the Stalkers take the lead.
Ty also attends the meeting, remaining silent and alert as he enters the room.
Does Mahath have any knowledge of Marzuk or his family beyond the fact that they are a merchant family?
Concerned that every two-bit art dealer must know the exact whereabouts of the Sand Stalkers, meaning Zayflid also knows, Eli goes to join their guest. He gives Jamenna a glance, inquiring through the look her sense of the visitor. With a motion the holy warrior indicates the man is not an immediate threat, but Eli cannot not shake the feeling that Zayflid appeared as a confident to them and that he could easily be manipulating and using anyone in Katapesh to reach the Sand Stalkers. It doesn't escape Eli that their new companion summons upon his powers of defense and he agrees mentally that this meeting should be taken with extreme caution. Eli allows the silence to be a powerful tool as everyone joins Marzuk Mus'ad in the library waiting for the household staff to serve the tea and leave before speaking, all the while watching Mus'ad for any signs that might indicate his "tell" or his purpose. After a time Eli speaks, "Well you have our attention friend Muzark, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?"
History
Local
Nobility
Marzuk smiles, as he takes a sip of the tea, "Ok, straight and to the point, I like it. It has come to our attention that you and your merry band may have acquired the legendary Scroll of Kakishon, at least that is what the rumors say. And now that you are here, in the legendary diviner, Rayhan Xobhadi's home, is only further corroboration of that rumor. My family is in the business of collecting rare and valuable magic and we would like to add the Scroll to our collection, once Rayhan legitimates its authenticity, of course. I have been authorized by my family to offer you 35,000 gp for it, in gems or coin, whatever you decide. Would you be tempted in parting with the Scroll for my most generous offer?" Marzuk smiles and sits back, waiting for a response.
"Do you always makes such loose financial offers based on the rumors of street merchants? It seems to me you should do better research. Please, tell me how you learned this tale.
That's a whole lot of coin. What is this scroll they found, Ty asks himself, surprised at the generous offer.
"Eli, if I may be so bold to call you by your first name, do you think me a simpleton? If the rumors were not true, then why would you be at a diviner of Rayhan's prestige then? I know for a fact that Rayhan is a man of serious temperament, who is a scholar and who himself has an avid interest in the Scroll. I read people well, their subtle tells, it is my gift and I could see the joy in his eyes and his step, when he greeted me at the door. He is excited about something. This only further confirmed that the Scroll you possess may be legitimate. As for the rumors, they have circulated around the highest levels of Katapeshi society. I believe they started with some prophet in the streets. With an item of this fame, I would have been remiss to not do my research. I am certain I will not be the only bidder for the Scroll, but I did my damn best to be the first and I believe I have succeeded. If my wealth does not interest you, just say the word and I will leave you alone, but who could pass up such sum?"
Every soul in Katapesh seems to know where we are, and what we have found. It must only be a matter of time before someone - Zayifid or another soundrel - tries to take it by force or stealth, Jameena thinks to herself, as she stands besides the other Sand Stalkers, looking splendid in her new gleaming mithril breastplate.
Quzman shifts slightly from his position along the wall, where he has been listening attentively, "I am sure you are no simpleton, good Marzuk. However, you must realize that that my companions and I have spent little time in the city only to suddenly have everyone want to know our business is a little disconcerting. We have spent a long time in the desert, and have lost much along the way. We have learned caution, and are trying not to rush into anything without our own information." After having his say, Quzman settles back against the wall intently watching the merchant.
"If you have heard the rumors spread by a street prophet then I am sure you have heard the tales of our exploits as well. Would it not seem plausible that the Sand Stalkers would have developed a relationship with a historian such as Rayhan, and is it also not feasible that he would be excited about any ancient artifact that we may have uncovered? It is true we are here learn about such a device, but to leap to the conclusion that it is this Scroll of Kakishon seems a bit premature for one as intelligent as yourself. Why, we have only just ourselves learned about the Scroll due to this fast spreading rumor, though it's tale is indeed intriguing. Perhaps you would like to share with us any history, myth, or legend you know about the Scroll and offer to fund an expedition to locate and recover it for you and your family. Of course, we must finish our business with Rayhan first."
Marzuk relaxes at hearing Quzman's words. "I am sure you have been through much. I apologize if I am stressing your lives or intruding on them. I am here to solely make an offer on an item of value that I am reasonably certain you possess. I am not demanding that you accept my offer. I know that tactic does not work well in business and especially, not with people who face death on the battlefield every day. I have made a generous offer and now it is you who decide whether that is something that interests you."
Upon hearing Eli's words, Marzuk smiles then sighs. "Obviously, then, my offer does not interest you, especially if you do not have the Scroll as you say. Thank you for your offer, Eli, I do not wish to fund any expedition. I am sorry for having wasted your time and my own. If you change your mind and suddenly come upon the Scroll and wish to discuss this business seriously, a representative of my family can be found at the Bazaar every day. Good evening." Marzuk gets up, bids farewell to Rayhan and each of you and leaves.
Once the group is alone Eli will share is concerns, "I do not like the fact that everyone in Katapesh seems to know our business and that everyone knows we are here at Rayhan's. Zayflid is up to something letting everyone know we have this Scroll, pulling all the interested parties out of the woodwork to harass us to sell it, or if that won't work steal it or take it by force. If what Rayhan says is true, even good men may opt to kill us for what the Scroll may offer them. We know that Zayflid wants it, and we know he wants everyone to know we have it. I say we get the rumor out that what we have is indeed a fake. If we can get the movers and shakers of Katapesh to forgo the efforts to locate it, then maybe we will be able to see our true enemy in this matter."
After Marzuk has left the room, Jameena gives voice to the concerns she have been harboring.
"Everyone from the lowest street peddler to the Pactmasters themselves must know that we are here by now. Certainly, someone - Zayifid or some other scoundrel - will come her and try to take the scroll for themselves. We must look to the defenses, and be on constant guard.
I suggest we set up a watch rotation, just as if we were in the wilds, and maintain a constant guard on Rayhan's study chambers. None of us should go alone, since that would mark us as easy target for an invisible assassin like Zayifid.
Mahath, we could dearly use your magic spells in this. We need to be able to detect invisible enemies and enhance our own skills. What aid can you offer us?"
When you express concerns over security, Rayhan is more than willing to give you a complete tour of his 3-story home and the grounds outside. Rayhan is usually studying the Scroll in the Library or his room.
A1 - Villa grounds (10' stone wall with metal gate and guard)
A2 - Stables
A3 - Tool shed
A4 - Garden
A5 - Storage Shed
A6 - Groundskeeper's home with wife
A7 - Common Room
A8 - Guest rooms (where you will be staying)
A9 - Rayhan's room
A10 - Dining Room
A11 - Kitchen
A12 - Bath
A13 - Storage (Linens, towels, cleaning supplies)
A14 - Library
A15 - Flat-topped roof with 2 large glass skylights
The grounds are not lit at night.
I cannot make claim to any exceptional powers of observation, but I am certainly willing to help see the the security of the villa as you all see fit.
The grounds are not lit at night.
As the Sand Stalkers discus the plans to guard the building, Jameena asks Eli,"I had a thought....we know Zayifid is out there, spreading his tales about us in his guise as a holy man. As one of the original Templars, there must be many stories about him - why not see if we can spread some of them, and let it be know that he is walking around in Katapesh asking for the scroll? That might shift some attention to him and draw him out."
"As one of the original Templars, is there a chance that some sort of magic can track or locate him? Maybe we could find him and pay him back for his treachery."
"We seem to be finding ourselves in that proverbial stuck between the rock and a hard place. We can sit here and wait, we can go out and try to do something about it. Either way we are at the disadvantage. I agree with Ty, we should see if we can try to track our foe down and exact some payback. If I go out into the city in disguise, with Tyronel for added protection, the rest of you can prepare the villa's defense. I can see about spreading some rumors that the Scroll is a fake and maybe find some leads on to where Zayflid may be hidding, as well as try and turn popular opinion against him."
"That sounds like a plan. Also, as Jameena mentioned, perhaps you know something about this Templar that might be able to spread as rumor to help keep him silent, or perhaps at least concerned. In the mean time, Dhalky and I can see about gaining familiarity with the grounds and scents of those who have actual business in the household."
"Sounds like a solid idea. I'll lose my mind just sitting here doing nothing. I'd rather try to take the fight to him."
A sound tactic, Master Wynnstock. Perhaps we can take the rumor a step further. Since we do not in fact know that it is the scroll everyone seeks, perhaps you can suggest that the one spreading rumors that the true scroll is here actually has it and is trying to deflect attention away from himself. And perhaps if we made motions of preparing another expedition to seek the scroll in a rumored resting place… I know those two ideas are at odds, but the rumor mill will do what it will with either or both ideas.
The night passes uneventfully with Eli and Jameena taking guard duty (Mahath needs his sleep for spells). Morning comes and Rayhan's cook prepares you a delicious breakfast.
Eli will ask to borrow some clothes from the household staff and will try to work up some disguises for himself and Ty. He works to make them look nondescript, like a typical tourist fresh off the boat and a local street porter. Once they are ready he says, "Alright, we start near the docks where out of country visitors will be arriving on the ships and we might be able to fade in more. Then we will work our way in towards some of the finer established inns. We should stick together, no sense in trying to trick people into thinking we are not. I stand out, as a non native so I think we should go under the ruse that I am a visitor from Absalom and I have hired you as my local guide. Are you ready?"
"Let's do this. Perhaps we should agree to return at a certain time, so that if something strange should happen to us, the others will come checking up on our little mission."
Mahath will change his spells overnight and take a pass at learning some spells from Dumahs book. I will make some rolls later when I am back at a computer and not using a phone. He may have to step out to buy some special ink (unfortunately he cannot afford to copy most at the moment.) He won't go anywhere without seeing if Rayhans servants can do it for him or seeing if someone can escort him. Since at least two people are out spreading rumors, he will try to stay there until they get back to keep the scroll protected.
Around 11 am, the people on guard on the roof see a gathering of people congregating (around 20-30, mainly lower class, some homeless) near the front gate to the villa. The guard comes to the house to alert Rayhan and he goes outside to investigate. You can follow along if you wish. When asked what they are doing there, the people in the crowd say, "We were told that a powerful item of great worth would soon be on display here...the Scroll of Ka...something or other and that it would be worth our while to be here when its power was revealed. So, we are camping out here." When Rayhan starts to complain, the crowd members state, "We are not trespassing so we are doing nothing illegal." They start sitting outside, passing out water to the participants.
When she sees the crowd approach, Jameena says to Quzman and Mahath.
Stay out of sight and keep a close watch. This could be a trick to distract us. We must not leave the scroll unguarded.
She follows Rayhan to the gate and carefully scans the crowd for signs of evil before speaking.
REQUESTED ROLLS
After using her divine vision to make certain that Zayifid is not lurking in the crowd in disguise, Jameena waits for Rayhan to finish speaking with the crowd. When the people begin to settle down, she steps forward and addresses the gathered group, her bright, clear voice carrying over the entire area.
After Jameena's speech, one of the men, rather meagerly dressed, in the crowd stands up, "All the Church of Sarenrae cares about is to fill its coffers with more and more gold to erect more statues of the goddess. Never before has it put coins in our pockets! And so much coin that some of us would never earn or take a month to do so. No, it just asks for donations and more donations. So, if you want us to leave, holy warrior, match the prophet's offer and pay us four gold each. If not, go back inside that we don't mind the heat!" The crowd cheers. Chants start: "Pay, pay, pay!"
A woman approaches Jameena, "The Prophet said a holy warrior would be present. He told me to give you this." She hands Jameena a note. It contains writing that Jameena does not understand.