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Xûll looks around for some truly fresh fruit. Dried seems to be the most common way to serve it, and with good reason: less spoilage, less weight and... well, it's so easy to dry things in this heat.
"Fresh berries, encased in Iobarian ice!" cries a strangely familiar voice from one of the stalls, "Transported in a bag of holding and guaranteed to be both chilled and tasting as sweet as the day they were picked. A steal at only five gold for a quarter pound!"
Xûll looks over to see a fellow Shoanti hawking his wares. His mouth agape, Xûll realizes that it is someone from his own homeland. "Sörkuhn! It is being strange to be seeing of you here!"
"Xûll! You're f!&&ing alive?" cries his countryman in surprise, "And why are you talking like a yokel? That thinking is so outdated. Most people tend to give better trade deals with someone they consider closer to an intellectual equal, and it's hard to think that the babbling idiot next to you is anything close when they have no grasp over Taldane grammar."
For the second time that day, Xûll stands agape.
Xûll had been sitting sullen in the corner for some time. From the gods-know-where, he produces some perfectly preserved and delightfully red Varisian raspberries from a pocket. They seem to be so cool that they are glistening with condensation! Despite what must be a delicious repast, the man seems to be lost in his thought and his mouth is just going through the motions.
Eventually, Xûll looks up, "You have tasks for us? Fine. I'd rather not talk to you any more than I need to. If you fulfill your end of the bargain, then we might be able to talk about more mutually beneficial arrangements. For now, let's get this uneven farce over with."
No-one has ever heard Xûll refer to himself in the first person before, nor have they heard him speak using regular syntax... ever. Only Delzden Roudanbrash has ever previously discovered that Xûll is perfectly fluent in the common tongue.
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Toorin asks to see the paper and once he has it, looks it over carefully.
Toorin looks Torch in the eye and says, "Write on this exactly what you will provide to us once these tasks are completed and sign it. We will sign it as well. We should have a written agreement. We will be keeping a copy of this, so make a second if you wish one for yourself."
"I can't believe you are agreeing to this farce! I'd prefer to just send him to the hell he belongs in. I mean really - the first one looks like he is planning on framing someone or something worse. The second looks like he's picking up stolen or smuggled goods. The third is your basic extortion. And the final one is for us to play messenger between thieves. I mean, how can anything go wrong here? Can't we just smash him?"
As he talks, his ax moves faster and faster, punctuating every sentence with a sharp thus as some part or other bounces of either his armor or some, probably expensive, piece of furniture.
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Toorin remembers something one of his mentors at the Elven embassy in Absalom told him about negotiating. He suggested that one of the negotiators should drive a very hard bargain and pretend to be ready to refuse to make a deal. Then another representative could step in and talk the recalcitrant partner down, while gaining some trust from the adversary and perhaps allowing a better deal be made. He did not think Warpac was pretending to be upset, but perhaps it would help the negotiations to side with Torch in this instance. Besides, the group had little choice if Torch wanted to withhold his information. He could probably find someone else to do his dirty work. And perhaps there would be ways to achieve his goals while also securing some collateral against him trying to change the terms of the agreement later on.
"Warpac, we have our instructions. Grandmaster Torch has the leverage in this situation. If we find the tasks involve illegalities too extreme to tolerate, we can always refuse to complete the task, but then we have to go back to Sothis with nothing. But if we get a signed agreement, if what we do is illegal and immoral, we can either report him to the authorities or return with evidence that what we were asked to do would have required we pay too high a price. Having his name signed to a document asking us to do these things will give us leverage should any of these tasks be other than what is described."
Toorin is thankful he cast endure elements on himself. His mentor used to also insist that he never let the other side in a negotiation see you sweat. With the steam adding humidity to the heat of the land, he would normally be drenched.
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"Torch, either I want some guarantees that what we are doing is legal. Either that or a different, less suspicious looking list, before I'm willing to add my ax to this venture! In writing! The pathfinders may want this job done, and I may be a pathfinder, but I for one am not willing to sell my soul for this."
With the final statement, the haft of his ax smacks sideways into the door latch and breaks it right off.
"Crap. Not again." ...sigh... "How much do I owe you for the latch?" he says in a resigned voice.
I've really GOT to stop doing that.
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Amarok studies the note carefully and his face falls, Torch is true to form, these tasks are just as unsavoury as before. He watches Warpac's outburst and, while his methods might be different, he secretly agrees. Knowing another person venting his frustrations would not be a help to the situation, he keeps silent, reading Torch for any more signs that he may try to escalate this, readying himself to attempt to hold Warpac back should he go much further.
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"Whether we like this or not is not for us to decide. We aren't murdering anyone in cold blood, and the sapphire needs us. Gird your loins boys, we've work to do.
I'll accept the tasks, Torch. Those of us willing to maintain loyalty to the society can come with me. The rest can go back to the bar and wait till we are done."
Pooka takes the list, and waits to see if Torch will sign it, though the doubts it.
there are other ways to hold a man to his bargain... Pooka thinks, absent mindedly scratching Luna behind her ear.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Grandmaster Torch leans back in the pool, completely at ease. His half-orc guards' interest has peaked once Warpac begins speaking.
At the mention of signing the list, Torch lats out an audible "Tsk" before Xull calms the situation down somewhat.
At the mention of smashing him, the half-orc guards move in a defensive pattern in front of him.
Come now. Vaslin must have really been scraping the bottom of the barrel to send you lot here. You come into my room, ask me a favor, and then have the audacity to threaten me? This will not do. I am a business man. You came here seeking my services and you throw out demands like sweets to peasant children.
"Here is a lesson for free, and I won't do this a second time, so listen well. Power is not in your axe arm, or your lance, or your arcane magics. Power is in knowledge. I know you won't lift a hand towards me. And I know you will all accept whatever I ask of you. Why? Because you have no choice. I have what you want and the only way to get it is from me.
"So your posturing like a proud peacock, your empty threats to make you feel better about being beholden to a scared and broken man; those are all empty platitudes you tell yourself to sleep better at night.
"So the deal is, complete the list. After each task is done, report to me. If you can complete them, I will give you want you asked for.
"And I will expect payment for that door latch. Every. Last. Copper.
"Take it or leave it Pathfinders."
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Korasu remains silent while the others carry on, then through Torch's tirade. Here is a man that knows the ultimate value of knowledge and the power it carries. If only he wasn't quite so ugly in form and soul.
Without waiting to see what others might do to further escalate the situation, Korasu speaks out. "Ah, esteemed Grandmaster Torch, you seem to have made your case and stated your position quite eloquently. It seems that we have little choice but to do as you request. I must commend you, it is not often that the man unclothed comes out on top in a negotiation. Until these deeds are done, we will bid you to your bathing."
He bends towards the Grandmaster in a small bow, then turns to his compatriots and gives them a long stare. Hoping that they all comprehend the position they are all in, he motionins towards the door with bird-like gesture with his avian beak.
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"We are taking it," Xûll says, "Though I am not sure if everyone here will help. You are a shrewd man, so you were already aware that we would not be happy about this deal. Our anger was your very deliberate fault and the expected outcome, so have some grace and do not pout or lecture us any further."
With that, Xûll leaves to wait for his companions.
The other Pathfinders arrive to see Xûll grinding his teeth. He looks up and sighs. "So, might as well do the first item on the list then. Does anyone know where the 'Sinomakti School of Sicences' is? Is anyone here practiced at either subterfuge or legerdemain?"
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Korasu mulls over the Task at hand. "Ah, while I am but a simple scholar, I have, on occasion, found need to return over-due historical texts to their owners without their notice. I do not believe those to be too dis-similar, would you agree?"
Glancing around at the rest of the group, he adds, "This School of Sciences should not be too difficult to locate, as well."
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Seeing a conclusion to their current problems with impetuous rise to anger, Amarok steps ahead of the group and give Grandmaster Torch a short bow, just low enough to be not b seen as rude. He thinks carefully for a moment before speaking.
"Grandmaster Torch, we will endeavour to complete these tasks, although I do hope you will listen to one more request, at the behest of Aaqir Al'Hakkam, of Qadira. He would find it a great favour if you could introduce him to some of your trade connections within Eto."
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Sensing the group has lost its chance to negotiate any aspect of the agreement, Toorin joins Xûll in accepting the terms and leaving, holding onto the list unless it is demanded back. He discourages any discussion or planning until we are well clear of the house of healing and any eavesdropping ears. In fact, he suggests we all keep surreptitious watch for anyone tailing us. "Torch may try to keep tabs on us. Best if we can act without him knowing everything we are doing."
Once we have some confidence of privacy, he suggests, "Let's do what we can within the city, which means we leave the task of smuggling things into the city for last. We should also check with Mahu before we do anything specific. He might be able to give us useful information."
Assuming we have the prayer book, Toorin will look it over, reading as much as he can and looking for a clue as to why it is being placed in Ionacu Lozar's possessions.
"Before we attempt to do anything about Madam Zelekhati, we should do some intelligence gathering on her establishment. I volunteer to do that."
Torch blows a laugh out of his mouth, which makes an odd sound considering he has no lips.
"First you threaten, then you ask for more. I love it! What a wonderful day. I know you don't I? We have met before, right? Wait I know, you're Amarok .... something about walking ..... and sand. Right! Sandstride. One of Al'Hakkam's protegees, I would have expected more from you." He gives Warpac a wiry glance.
"No matter, as I said business is business. You can so something a bit extra. Shouldn't be too tough for one like you.
"And before you say it, I know my old pal Guaril got himself into a bit of a mess. And I know some of you want to help him out. But you have to convince me. Especially after Xull hurt my feelings so. I mean 'this one has feelings that are hurt'. But you don't talk like that anymore do you?"
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At the mention of Aaqir Al'Hakkam, and his own name, Xûll wanders back inside.
"Mockery? I told you not to pout," Xûll chides, somehow managing to do so in a civil tone, "I was hoping to discuss this later, but since you are such a fine mood to have more favors owed to you perhaps now is best. Aaqir Al'Hakkam does indeed need a trade connection or few within the city of Eto. These connections would need to be street savvy.
"As for payment, well, completing all of this list without further complaint or trying to weasel out of anything will be one. Two will be that Trade Prince Al'Hakkam will owe you a favor. Third, we may as well be honest about it, but any contact you give him will likely be a spy working for you - or some poor merchant who owes you too much. You can't argue with that kind of advantage." Xûll smiles broadly as he stares down at Torch, unbothered by his half-orc guards. Yes, I know what you're up to Torch. You may think you are mysterious, but you're a thug. True, your currency is knowledge and not gold - but you're a thug nevertheless.
"My apologies Xull. I did not mean to offend. And I will not deny that I will somehow, someway, benefit from helping you and Al'Hakkam.
"Yet I am not a charity house. A price must be paid for a gift given. Least the rumor spread that Grandmaster Torch will give out information for free. 'Alms for the secret monger. Alms for the secret monger.'. That does not have a nice ring to it.
"Let us be honest, you are a capable man, one that can get things done. For you I will give you a break, and because I like Al'Hakkam.
"Your choice, you can slip another book into Ionacu Lozar's disaster of a caravan, sneak that rod in without those customs officials notice, or and this might be a challenge for this group, that lady, Zelekhati, if you can secure her cooperation without resorting to violence, well that would be a feat indeed.
"What say you? Not too tough is it?"
Torch runs his palm face down back and forth creating small ripples in the water.
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With his intentions state, and the agreement made, Pooka nods wordlessly and exits the healing house.
"Next time we have to talk to that man, keep your thoughts to yourself, dwarf." Pooka puffs out his armored chest, huffing a bit as he speaks.
"We all knew what we were getting into. A deal with the devil to get the information we are after. You made us look like idiots, crying about the law, as if he was one to follow it to the letter."
Pooka turns back to Luna to brush her for a moment, unable to hide the fact that his words are all bluster, and no substance.
"I could have been better as well, I suppose, thinking that I could get him to admit whether or not he truly knew anything about the sage. Bah. Lets get this first task done at the Bazaar. We can worry about the consequences after we have the information we are after."
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Before attempting to open or read the book with the scarab on it, Toorin sets it on a table, makes a series of gestures referencing each of the schools of magic in quick succession, and completes the spell by saying, "draíonta déanta a léiriú". His eyes glow cool blue for a moment, after which he studies the book for auras.
The academic Ionacu Lozar from the Sinomakti School of Sciences is preparing for an expedition to a site in the Pillars of the Sun. I have a scarab-marked prayer book dedicated to the god Khepri that needs to be placed among his personal effects without him suspecting anything is amiss.
The Pathfinders make their way from The House of the White Uraeus, clearly disappointing that they were unable to strike a better bargain with Grandmaster Torch, but still determined to complete the quests in a reasonable amount of time.
As they pass through Eto they really notice what a diverse population it is that makes up this booming trade city. True the majority of the population is made up of Osirion natives, but almost every nation of the Inner Sea is represented in one form or another.
Geographically, Eto sits in a crater which provides the city and its inhabitants protection from sandstorms. Yet this protection also inhibits any sort of breeze. The midday sun beats down in an uncomfortable fashion, and the lack of wind only accentuates the sweaty smell from the multitude of people in the bazaar.
Rickety wooden stalls litter the bazaar, with winding paths shoulder width apart making two-way traffic challenging and uncomfortable. Hawkers cry their wares while small pack of street urchins scamper about.
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"What say you? Not too tough is it?"
"Very well. You get an additional task," Xûll agrees reluctantly, "I think I will likely attempt to secure Zelekhati's cooperation peacefully. However, just in case please give us that extra book. We'll see how well it goes."
Xûll bows politely, trying to hide his distaste as best he can and then strides from the inn to join his comrades. "Now, our tasks do seem to require an inordinate amount of subterfuge. Is anyone here skilled at it, or should we procure some magical aid?" Speaking in proper Taldane is going to take some getting used to...
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Leaving the healing house and making his way to the bazaar with the others, Amarok seems deep in thought, the tasks seemed accomplishable but required a great deal of tact and subterfuge, a most regrettable situation.
"Torch knew how to rile us to get the better deal from the situation, it is his way. No need to beat yourself Warpac, I'm sure all of us felt similar. Now the book, I have some skill in hiding and treading lightly due to training as a hunter, but I have little skill at picking pockets or adding things to them."
He muses their options over for a moment, awaiting others input.
"Maybe our friend Mahu could assist?"
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Korasu almost looks bashful at the talk of subterfuge, slowly motioning with two taloned fingers as he glances around nervously to ensure that they aren't being followed or eavesdropped on after the encounter with Torch. Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean the information is out to blackmail you later...
"Ah, I, ahem." He clears his throat, as if his words seem particularly distasteful. "As I said prior, I am but a simple scholar. However, I do have some small skill at walking swiftly and quietly when needed. Some might even swear that as I walked, it was if I was entirely not there..." He ducks his head. "I, however, have little aptitude at outright trickery when observed observed."
Thinking a bit, he muses aloud. "I do wonder what the significance of the prayerbook is with the regards to our first task. I imagine it holds some sacredness or significance, ensorcellment or means of scrying? And what of these Pillars of the Sun?"
"If we are agreed, I would seek to gain the upper hand over the Grandmaster in our tasks in some small ways when possible. While we must work with him for a time, it may be to our benefit to hold some leverage over in the future."
"Also, do we attempt these tasks today, or the first light of tommorow?"
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"I've thought about the tasks and will memorize a silence spell. I considered a summon monster spell to fetch and the like but am pretty inexperienced with it. I don't think I could even talk to the buggers if I summoned them. Any thoughts on the matter? I thought a charm spell might be useful for any of you arcane types. Was anyone able to crack open the book he wants us to plant and see what might be in it?"
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"Torch knew how to rile us to get the better deal from the situation, it is his way. No need to beat yourself Warpac, I'm sure all of us felt similar."
*sigh*
"I'm not a guy who harps on the law, but how do you talk to a guy like that about morals? Does he even have any idea of right and wrong? I sure hope I don't need an atonement after this! At this point we just have to turn this to good is all."
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"Well, if you are sneaky but not so good at sleight of hand, I think that a scroll of shrink item might be very useful in helping us to hide some of the items then," Xûll smiles, "If we shrink them and hide it well enough, perhaps the customs officials won't even see the items or hold it against the people we're framing. We could also look at ways to obey the letter of the agreement without fulfilling it. Perhaps we could burn or otherwise destroy the book and put its ashes in his backpack. We could also add a note explaining where it was from.
"After all, I gave him the opportunity for us 'not to weasel out of things' but he refused and added conditions." The big Shoanti grins broadly, clearly relishing the idea of f&$+ing with Torch.
Perception check to make sure that we're not being followed, etc.
Knowledge Religion for significance on the Prayerbook, Knowledge Local on the Pillars?
"Also, do we attempt these tasks today, or the first light of tommorow?"
"Maybe our friend Mahu could assist?"
We could also look at ways to obey the letter of the agreement without fulfilling it. Perhaps we could burn or otherwise destroy the book and put its ashes in his backpack. We could also add a note explaining where it was from.
Korasu reflects on the Pillars of the Sun. He remembers one particular text found in some long forgotten tome that did reference the Pillars. Apparently there are multiple lost pyramids there, though which particular one Ionacu is looking for still remains a mystery.
I search of the prayer book revels that it is just a mundane prayer book. Odd that Torch would want it planted. It must hold a different significance.
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"Why would he want the prayer book put on the caravan? I don't know magic, but my guess is it is a focal point for scrying. The man deals in information, correct? What better way than to plant a bug on the people you want to get information from, without having to pay for it. I just recently was on an expedition to eradicate a slave ring that was using slaves as scrying foci. If they can do it to a person, why not a book?"
Pooka walks along with the group as they make their way to the bazaar, chatting about the task ahead as they move.
"I like where your head is at Xull," Pooka muses. "Though if we leave a note explaining the ashes, that would seem to violate the part where he must not suspect that anything is amiss. I don't like to make to many assumptions, but chances are this scrying device is so he can find information and locations that they plan to visit, so that Torch can visit them first. Maybe we can put the book in Ionacu Lozar's personal affects that are no where near where he might discuss the details of his expedition. Or perhaps while we are placing the book secretly, we can suggest that we are offering him the information that Torch is interested in his expedition, and he should be careful about how he handles the details, and who knows about them."
Once they finally reach the marketplace, Pooka approaches one of the vendors.
"Hello friend. My name is Pooka Bladespinner. I am a member of the Pathfinder society, and I have come to Eto to do some research. I have heard that the academic Ionacu Lozar from the Sinomakti School of Sciences is an expert in this area. Tell me, is that true? And where would I find him?"
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"I agree with your assessment, Pooka-Bladespinner," Xûll grins at his old friend, "Yes, the note would violate the agreement. Perhaps a separate missive warning him that there are those who might be scrying on him. Leave it vague as to why or how. That way he can make his own preparations if he wants, or be more circumspect about what he reveals."
Xûll ponders the situation some more, "But suffice it to say that we are going to have to deal with some things that are not strictly legal in order to satisfy the terms of our agreement. The people on this list are likely to be worse off than before we came here. At least we can satisfy ourselves knowing that someone as resourceful as Grandmaster Torch is likely to be able to get these things done with or without our help anyway. We're just his scapegoats. I guess we just don't get caught."
The Shoanti looks far from pleased at the situation but nods along with Korasu. "Yes, I think seeking out Mahu might be our best first move here."
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After leaving the House of Healing, Toorin says, "I suggest we use a code word for GM Torch. If people overhear his name mentioned, it might make things more difficult. We can call him T or GMT."
Before looking the prayer book over, Toorin casts a spell to detect magic on the book. Finding nothing, he reads portions, studying not just the text but how it was written, looking for anything odd in the wording that might suggest coded messages. He also recalls what he could about the religion.
"I have no spells prepared that would help deal with subterfuge, I'm afraid. But I do have a suggestion. We can kill two birds with one ...," he glances nervously at Korasu. "That is, we can accomplish two things with one errand. We need to find this scholar. Let's ask him if he knows anything about the jewel sages. After all, it may be possible to find what GMT knows without going through him. Even if we don't find out the location of the diamond sage, we might get some clues as to how Torch came upon this information. While we engage the scholar in conversation, we can perhaps create a distraction and while attention is focused elsewhere, place the book in his pack."
"As for GMT's purpose, it might be to scry, but why not put something less distinctive? Ionacu will surely recognize it as something he did not pack and study it, perhaps discarding it. That would defeat the purpose of a scrying object. But if not that, then perhaps there is a clue to a ruin in the book and GMT is hoping the scholar will investigate. We could perhaps get a spell cast on the book that prevents scrying."
Once Pooka begins asking around for information on Ionacu, Toorin spots a scholarly looking fellow looking at dusty tomes at a table selling scrolls and small bound books. "Pardon me, sir. I am Toorin Valpamiucon of Kyonin. I need to locate the Sinomakti School of Sciences. Could you direct me, please?" He continues in this way until he finds someone who can tell him the location of the school. At which point he asks, "Actually, I'm looking for articles written by a scholar at the school, Ionacu Lozar. Know you anything about him?"
"Hallo Pooka Bladespinner. What is a Bladespinner without this beautiful garnet bracelet. I am sure that there is some lovely lady that is pining for her hero to return, hoping to find some of that Orsirion treasure to tell all the ladies how brave her man is. Come look at this one. See how they catch the light. For you Mister Bladesipinner, say 200 gold? No? come now, there must be something here that you desire.
"We shall talk about you can look. I hear that your friend, this Ionacu Lozar, well he is in a terrible rush to get his expedition underway. That is not how it is done here in Eto. We hear that he is exceedingly stingy and has no patience for haggling.
"Now what does my new friend want to buy?"
Xull makes his way back to one of the two entrances to Eto. The line is longer than when he first arrived as well as the dry heat that seems to bake a man from inside.
Arguing with a man on a camel, he spies Mahu and his two guards. As Xull approaches, he can overhear, "The tarrif is for all Osirion artifacts. No I do not care that your Brother-in-law is an important man that can have be strung up by my testicles. You pay or they will make you pay."
One of the guards spies Xull and taps Mahu on the shoulder. "Watch him. If he makes a run for the desert slice his waterbags, and only wound his left leg so he die a slow, painful death."
Turning to Xull, "Ah Xull, my dear friend." He kisses Xull on both cheeks. "What can Mahu do for you?" He listens to the question.
"Ah yes. Quite the academic that one. He has no idea how to conduct business here in Eto. He has made some enemies with come merchants, and few merchants who are willing to do business with him are taking their time delivering supplies to his caravan’s marshaling area. I hear he is not a patient man."
Toorin casts Detect magic. The metal scarab clasp begins to glow faintly.
[spoiler=Toorin]the metal scarab clasp acts as a focus for divination spells like locate object and scrying
As Toorin approaches a scholarly man reading under a shade in the oppressive mid-day heat. "Ah Mister Toorin from Kyonin. We don't get too many elves come through here, but it always a pleasure to meet one.
And your friend. He is not very smart. He seems to have angered lots of the merchants by not understanding how Eto works. You have to give a little to get a little. You can usually find him at the school up the hill, but I know he is at the caravan muster area by the Temple of Sarenrae. Don't think you'll have time to read his papers. They are probably boring anyway." he ends with a smirk.
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After leaving the House of Healing, Toorin says, "I suggest we use a code word for GM Torch. If people overhear his name mentioned, it might make things more difficult. We can call him T or GMT."
"Great idea," Xûll grins, "But GMT can be decoded, even T can. How about we call him 'Cutie Pie'? That, if nothing else, shows him we don't take him seriously."
"Thank you, Mahu!" the Shoanti claps him on the shoulder, "You have been most helpful. Your name does indeed carry much weight here in Eto. I am glad to have met the man who owns it. Can you tell me anything about his religious proclivities? Any connection to Khepri that you know of?"
Mahu turns to Xull. "You said Kheri? He is an ancient god, often called the Humble Hand. I know little of that god other than his signet is the blue beetle and many workers still offer humble prayers. I am not sure what the connection might be between Ionacu and the old gods. I am sorry friend Xull, but I must get back to this camel dung of a story. If you need more assistance, I will be here. I should be able to spare the briefest of moments for you." The customs official makes his way back.
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Ah. It does seem most likely that the prayer book is intended as a scry sensor of sort and not merely a religious snub. We are all agreed that we wish to gain an upper-hand over... Cutie-pie," Korasu grimaces, whether at the name or the person is unclear, "Yes? If so, we might be able to place the book inside of a mundane lead box? I have heard stories of this sort, though I am unsure if there is truth to the effect."
"As for the task, I am unsure how well observed this Ionacu's effects might be. Depending on the surveillance, I likely could store them unobserved. A distraction might be of use, if any felt capable and willing to sully themselves in deceit." The last sentence is delivered in a slightly wry chuckle.
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"While placing the book there and then stealing it back might technically meet the letter of the request, something tells me Torch.. aahh... cutie pie, will not accept that. I think it is better that he not know that we had anything to do with what happened to it. The real question here is, how can we use this academic's impatience to our advantage?"
Pooka purses his lips, lost in thought. "Getting the book into his caravan might be easier than I had originally thought. We might only need to slip it in to one of his deliveries of supplies. If he is truly in such a hurry, he might not even inspect his goods, so anxious is he to be off. If To... Cutie Pie is scrying on the book, perhaps we simply place it where the only thing Cutie Pie will see is the latrine." Pooka smiles deviously.
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"Yes? If so, we might be able to place the book inside of a mundane lead box? I have heard stories of this sort, though I am unsure if there is truth to the effect."
"Lead does indeed block scrying, although Cutie-Pie would sense that if he or one of his minions were to attempt to scry as a check of our success. We could of course, claim we did not know it was meant as a scrying focus and that we put it in a lead box to keep the scholar from detecting it, as instructed...., if we are willing to 'sully ourselves with deceit.' I myself prefer to tell the truth but I don't consider it a strict moral taboo to lie in all circumstances. Deceiving the evil to frustrate their evil seems a good act to me. Of course, I'm not sure enabling CP to scry on someone is in itself so bad either. But frustrating his goals seems worth the extra expense of a small lead box."
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Amarok has been fails quiet during the discussions so far but seems to have been mulling over the information and the group's various ideas, it is a while before he sparks and adds his opinion to the throng.
"Is there some way to remove the clasp? Or is it firmly affixed? Our contact" he says, obviously unwilling to use the cutie-pie suggestion, " said nothing about the books method of closing, so we could follow the letter by merely placing the books among his effects without the clasp, placing the clasp seperately?"
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"I'm happy to tell cutie pie we put it in a led box," Xûll says, "He didn't tell us it was for scrying, and he needs to be more specific with his instructions if that is the case. The main issue I see here is that lead will likely add significantly to the weight of his pack and increase its chance of being noticed. How thick would it need to be?"
Xûll agrees with what is going on so far, "I do not think any of us are silver-tongued enough to get a lie past Cutie Pie, so best if we're up front about things. As for distractions... I'd be happy to oblige!" The Shoanti cracks his knuckles and flexes his tattooed arms to show exactly the type of distraction he has in mind.
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"If we're comfortable with a half-truth, we can tell Ionacu that Amenopheus sent us to Eto to do a list of tasks, among them, the delivery of this book to him. We don't mention that the task list was compiled by someone else. We can deliver it in a lead box and suggest he keep it in the box when he's not using it."
"We might also consider how we might use the knowledge that the merchants of the area are upset with Ionacu. Perhaps we can hide the book in one of their deliveries or pay one of them to arrive with a delivery when we are talking to him and create a distraction by calling him over to discuss the contents of the delivery or renegotiate their price. Perhaps they can goose a camel and get it to run amok in the compound."
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"Is there some way to remove the clasp? Or is it firmly affixed? Our contact" he says, obviously unwilling to use the cutie-pie suggestion, " said nothing about the books method of closing, so we could follow the letter by merely placing the books among his effects without the clasp, placing the clasp seperately?"
"I considered that too, but since it is part of the book I don't think we could abide by the letter of the agreement if we did that. I like the idea of using the merchants to get the book into his posession."
"The main issue I see here is that lead will likely add significantly to the weight of his pack and increase its chance of being noticed. How thick would it need to be?"
"I don't believe that putting it among his personal possessions means that it has to be in something he personally carries. Most expeditioneers like him have a LOT of baggage and baggage animals."
"While placing the book there and then stealing it back might technically meet the letter of the request, something tells me Torch.. aahh... cutie pie, will not accept that. I think it is better that he not know that we had anything to do with what happened to it. The real question here is, how can we use this academic's impatience to our advantage?"
"Well, I don't suggest that WE steal it back. I'm just saying that if some light fingered entrepreneur caught wind of the fact that a potentially valuable artifact was in the possession of a timid and incautious scholar, one that is disliked by anyone that might help recover the said item, it might just vanish on its own, without our help mind you, from said person's possession after it was delivered. I get the distinct impression that this city is FULL of entrepreneurs like that."