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Balentiir shutters the windows in his second-story office overlooking the lodge's tranquil gardens and seats himself behind his writing desk. He nods and intorduces a thin, aging Garundi man in an ornately bejeweled and feathered turban. "This is Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage. I trust most of you know of him already. If you don't, know that he has served both the Ruby Prince and the Pathfinder Society for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest agents. He recently approached my colleagues and I with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally. The arrangement is , in fact, rather mutually beneficial." He nods to Amenopheus, signaling the elder man to speak.
"Faithful servants of the past, I bid you greetings," the wizened sage says with a shallow bow. "Our esteemed ruler, the Ruby Prince, recently released me from his service, which has freed me to learn more about a little-known organization to which I belong: the Jeweled Sages, protectors of Osirion's history and chroniclers of its past glories. Quite by accident, I found myself initiated into this group, and have long believed myself to be its sole surviving member. Each sage in the group possesses a unique jewel-a priceless artifact that contains memories of Osirion's golden age." He pauses as if considering how to express his thoughts "For many years, I have sought news of any other members of the Jeweled Sages. My agents recently learned of the Diamond Sage, whom they traced to the city of Eto in the Osirian Desert. At the same time, I received word from a reliable source that several other jewels are in the vicinity. I ask that you travel to Eto, negotiate with my contact in the city for his assistance, and then use what you learn to find the Diamond Sageand these lost jewels."
Venture-Captain Balentiir frowns and adds, "This contact has tried to remain anonymous, but we suspect he is none other then Grandmaster Torch. If you've heard of him-or worse, met him-you may know trading favors is his signature. Regardless of Torch's past treacheries, we need you to deal with him fairly for the information. There is a caravan leaving for Eto in a few hours, so don't delay."
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"Shady dealings, eh? Sounds like fun. Consider it done."
Vyk's hand gently rests on a beautifully crafted scimitar. A gift from a Qadiran priestess of Sarenrae after a particularly debaucherous weekend in Absalom.
"And a hearty welcome to the new blood."
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All the priests in the temples go wee-oh-eeh-oh
Walk like an Osirian
Miko is in het ever cheerful mood, happy to have been out in the gardens.
She dreams off slightly during the introduction about princes and sages, travelling into the desert, she snaps out of it as the discordant 'grandmaster torch' is mentioned.
What is he doing out in the desert?
Jewels. Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Topaz. Uhm. Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Tourmaline...
How many jewelled sages are there?
Happy to rely on others for wiser questions, she turns to the new Pathfinders
Hiya. Miko. Miko Teppen. Not a common name around here, I admit.
I like talking and singing. And not being locked up underground.
This as she points around the room, is Vincent, who likes his hair. Vyk Tyr, who likes, eh.. dropping a silence Qadiran priestesses?, she finally finishes ..a good party, and finally Tuich, who has an invisible friend, who likes dogs.
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Tuich listens attentively to their new assignment, giving Amenopheus a respectful head-dip when he is introduced.
"It's unimportant for this task, but I'd love to learn how this knowledge caching works later, if it's not a secret. And perhaps relevant to our goal, are the gem types unique? Is there only one knowledge-binding sapphire, one ruby, one diamond, and so on?"
She grins at her tiefling friend's comments. "Danger and dirty dealings; the spice of life eh, Vyk? And indeed, even creatures of the dark seem fascinated by Vincent's lush and lovely locks!"
A brief shadow of sadness passes over the oracle's face as Miko mentions her "invisible friend," but she forces a pleasant smile and gives a polite nod to each of the new team members.
"See, Tooley," she says quietly but pointedly when the roc shows affection for its friend, "some companions know how to behave in polite company"...
... shortly thereafter sighing and pushing back the hair blown into her face by a sudden not-breeze.
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Khismia was sitting quiet. Probably she was not willing to interrupt, being very polite, but the real reason is a voice inside her head, felt like a cold drop running over her spine:
- They don't know and anyone else don't knows... You and me are bonded forever and you cannot ever get rid of me
- Stop that! I said, I'm ok with you, just leave me alone for a while..
- Ok, I'll be there, - empty glass fell from a nearby table as someone lightly pushed it from an edge, - and I will be laughing at your worthless attempts to find salvation. Remember, you will ask me for my help even before moon changes. Your only salvation is redemption, burning yourself in holly flames of Saraenrae
Woman shook her shoulders. Khismia was wearing courtier outfit, probably made last season in Katheer. As well she was wearing white gold necklace and big round earrings. Her face was clean and young, with several varisian tattoos, one her cheeks and forehead. She looked 20-years-old or around that.
Near her chair, a girl age of 9, stood politely and silently. Girl was wearing commoner's outfit and high riding boots, but her closing was clean and well made.
- Sabah, I asked you to introduce me, - woman said in clear Common.
Girl answered in quiet fluent Kelish:
- Khismia-hanim, I feel myself not deserved to be speaking in such high society..
- You need to work on your Common and speak it more often
Khismia waved her hand and introduced herself:
"Nice to meet you, my fellow colleagues, and you, honourable Amenopheus! The words of your wise are spread along the Inner Sea but I'm only today am lucky to hear your voice and see you in person. I am Khismia al-Khair, trade princess of Qadira and partner of Aaqir al'Hakam, be his days long.." and night full of joy added laughing voice in her mind.
"Meet my squire.." -Khismia dropped her glass from a hand, as she suddenly felt pain and small drop of blood run from her left ear, "My daughter - Sabah" she showed to hesitated girl, whose cheeks immediately flushed red. Using a moment noone looking, Khismia cleaned her ear with laced shawl, that were laying on her shoulders.
"I have decent negotiation skills and some experience with healing,.." she suddenly stopped, "..not the best one, as Pharasma has not blessed me with much of her divine powers"
Pharasma cursed you the day you were born! And your parents were stupid not to see that! You should never forget what have you done and I will watch over you till the end of your days, that you never touch a pregnant woman again!
Voice inside Khismia's head become strong and disturbing and she stopped talking for a while.
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"Well, greetings to all of you. I am Vyk Tyr, your fellow pathfinder and adventurer. A devilspawn follower of The Drunken Hero, wielder of might both martial and arcane, an accomplished dancer and a novice painter."
As Vyk spoke he had cast a spell on a small piece of paper in his hand. It crumpled up into a rough form of a man. The little paper figure waved playfully at Sabah.
He then smiled at the little girl.
"Alas my only goal is to find a hat that will comfortably fit my horned-head. Would I not look absolutely dashing in a bolero?"
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Hey there Miko turns her attention to the flustered girl, giving a glance at her riding boots do you like horses? Out here, they have big, strange ones. With humps on their backs.
Turning a bit more serious, she says to the gathered group Guys, if it's really this master Torch, we should be careful. He betrayed the society before. It should be easy to recognise him from his magical affliction: he is said to be completely scarred.
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Vyk Tyr's toy was great and Sabah was looking for it, but Vyk's horns and low loud voice made her smile disappear. Tiefling was like those devil of the sands, she heard in an orphanage, so she stepped back and lowered her eyes, behind Khismia's back. She was distracted by Miko's speech, as girls even such strange, with thin eyes, but definitely human, were more common for her. She nodded as heard of horses, and smiled when Miko mentioned camels.
Khismia said:
"Our path haven't cross, but I wasn't dealing much with Society, before I got chance to prove myself worthy in Magnimar some time ago" she nodded to Dylara, "I think we are warned about Torch's persona and now will be carefully doing business with him."
She turned around to see, Sabah looking at Melon.
"- Here, " she put small pouch belt in her hand, "I want you to prepare our horses for the road. We are traveling to Eto, so make sure we have enought water and proper clothing."
Sabah took money, nodded and left the room. Girl stopped on a doorway, turned and shouted "Goodbye!" in loud clear Common, before running away in a street.
Khismia looked a bit ashamed by her child behavior.
"- Kid", she said mentally
"- It could be not your problem, if you been more cautious" answered spirit
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"Desert are known for sand storms, scorpions, snakes, and their extreme heat," Dylara explains to her comrades.
"So I'd like to recommend we stop by a shop on our way there, and pick up a hot weather outfit."
Covering your body from head to foot in light, airy cloth keeps you cooler than baring your skin to the sun. This outfit typically consists of a loose linen robe and either a turban or loose head covering and veil. The outfit provides a +2 bonus on Fortitude saves to resist warm or hot weather. This does not stack with any bonuses gained from the Survival skill.
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Khismia said:
"Thank you for your experience, Dylara. I've been in desert couple times, but Gurat is still not a heart of sand kingdom. I think, we will need to buy those outfits. As well, I'll stop before we leave and ask some of our fellow Qadiran traders for favour. Sabah would be glad for us to buy something new to wear. I'll hurry up to get everything done before caravan leaving."
- To raise a child, you need spend time and love, not your money on it! echoed voice in her head, sending a shivering cold down her spine, You plan to take 9-years-old kid into desert full of scorpions and snakes, what type of mother are you?
- I am one who cares! I'm giving her everything I could and if you not gonna say something useful, please leave me alone to think
- Still, you cannot buy her love!
Khismia left angry spirit without answer and it dropped a book from bookshelf to show how it's disappointed.
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Khismia spend most of her time in Qadiran tent across the street. She quickly found her new dress, light-yellow linen with large thin cloak and hood. She was talking with trader, when finally her squire appeared, dressed in fine linen robe with blue head scarf and thin sandals.
"Oh, Sabah, you look so nice!", said Khismia honestly.
"Khismia-hanim, it's nice, but I'd liked my other clothes as well", kid was totally surprised about sudden generosity of her master.
"Don't worry, you can keep old outfit as well, if you like it", woman was not thinking about such small inconveniences.
"So, you remember, next time you board Qadiran dhow, just show them these coins, and they will understand, that you are working with me. And please, pray Pharasma as you visit Katheer, for ours days be long.." she stopped her speech as sudden stroke of wind threw a fistful of sand in her face.
"Oh, phwew.. It's a training for me before going in a desert"
"Try those jokes about Lady of the Graves once more and you will eat sand until you choke to death.." said troubled voice in her head.
"I'll buy that white laced veil, as you advised", she put another qadiran coin in traders palm, "I change my mind. I expect it might be windy in desert and I don't want to eat sand a lot".
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Sabah nodded and whispered "Thanks" to Dylara.
As they reached caravan, Khismia and Sabah hop on their horses ready to go further.
Khismia's horse was white with black marks on her nose and around hooves, but Sabah was riding great black stallion. His mane was clean brushed and had some intricate braids.
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Before you left the briefing Amenopheus pulls a weathered stone from his robes and strikes it once against the wall to break the stone into two crystalline geode halves. He hands one piece to the party saying, "If you find one of the jewels of my order or the person known as the Diamond Sage, I ask that you contact me. Simply concentrate on the stone and speak a message of a few dozen words. I will hear you and respond with further instructions. It will only work once, so keep it safe."
After introducing themselves to the caravan leader he nods and explains that their passage has already been paid for and that they are ready to head out to Eto. The caravan is mostly made up of heavily loaded camels with a few horses. The journey through the desert is uneventful and after a few day the city of Eto comes into view.
The immense rock walls that ring Eto rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of cravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes. Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.
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"Is this kind of inspection typical? Will we be required to peace bond our wrapons?" Vyk asks the caravan leader.
He then gets an uncertain look on his face and asks, "And, uh, what's the policy of dealing with tieflings, coincidentally?"
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Vincent trudges despairingly along with the rest of the caravan for the several days' travel. The sun is bright, the view is monotonous, and the company is tedious with the possible exception of his fellow travelers.
He has packed away his finery at the bottom of his pack, seeing as the velvets have a tendency to trap the heat against him. Not that it matters anyways, since anything that you wear here gets covered in sand immediately. Sand everywhere! In his clothes, in his boots, and in his hair! In Taldor a nice breeze actually cools you down. Here the wind is somehow hot and carries sand with it.
He asks the caravan master what sort of things the checkpoint is looking for. "Explosives?" he follows with a wry grin, "I doubt they'll mind my vial of alchemist's fire. You should have your cook hide that powder that you put on all your food, though. I found it to be quite explosive." Although he enjoyed the local cuisine's taste, Vincent's body had some trouble adjusting to the different ingredients. He'd suffered some good natured ribbing by the locals as a result.
Vincent waves to the others as he is introduced, flashing a smile at the new members of the group. The smile gives you a feeling that he thinks he's doing you a favor by smiling. Or being in the same room as you. Or maybe even that you should be happy for the fact that he exists. He introduces himself as "Vincent... Blackwood," with some regret tinging his last name. "I follow the path of Gorum. I'm a little light on the armor spikes, but his teachings on greatsword technique are second to none. You can consider me to be the muscle on this trip, as long as the task doesn't involve anything that could result in permanent scarring and/or terrible injury to my face. Or hair. Or clothes, if we can help it."
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"Ah..." Dylara says with a doubtful tone, and gives the other a look when Vincent's done introducing himself. "Yes... O... K..."
He certainly is... unique...?
When the party gets close to the inspection point Dylara pulls the others to the side. "Follow me."
Dylara leads the others some distance away from the inspection point and points at Melon. "Get everything that may be confiscated out, and put it in my backpack. I'll tie it to Melon's barding, and send her into the sky. I'll let Melon know to follow us through the sky, but stay out of sight. Once we're a safe distance past the inspection point, I'll let her know she can come back."
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As caravan travels Khismia spent a lot of time playing with Sabah or teaching her daughter different things. Mostly they practice speaking Common and Sabah is quite good in it already. From time to time, Khismia has spoken with caravan master about specifics of Osirion trade and made some notes in her journal.
As group approached Eto, she took a scroll case of her shoulder and put a wand inside.
"There are some prayer scrolls and wand of divine healing," she said as passed her scroll case to Dylara, "it would be very unfortunate to lose those or pay extra tax for magic items, if such thing is common here. As well, less they know - better.".
After Khismia left, Sabah came to half-elf. Kid held a qadiran doll, made of fine wood and clay, with very nice clothes and even some silver wire on her head.
"Hanfendi Dylara, she is my beloved doll, Salma. Can she fly your Melon, so no one take her?" girl asked, thinking is it worth to give her most treasured thing or better keep it to herself.
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When Dylara's tied her own backpack to Melon's barding, she puts the scroll case Khismia gave her into the backpack.
"Of course, Sabah," Dylara replies to the kid, and takes the Salma from her. "She's a beautiful doll. I wouldn't want anyone to take her from you."
Dylara carefully puts Salma in her backpack. She then turn to Miko and the men. "Is there anything you don't want the people at the inspection point to see?"
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"I'll take my chances as well. But thank you for the offer. Nothing I carry should be seen as illegal."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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When the party gets back they notice that each caravan his inspected by one official who is accompanied by two guards. When their caravan come up for inspection they hear the caravan leader discussing his paper work with the customs official. It appears that since the group are guest travelers they are subject to a separate inspection. Another inspection crew is waved over and a Garundi man with a graying beard and tired eyes approaches the party with his two guards.
"Welcome to Eto, may I ask where you are from and what brings you to our wonderful city?" As the man asks this question the guards begin to search through the parties items.
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Vincent inwardly shrugs. No sense in denying their allegiance to the Society. The wayfinders would give them away immediately. "We are with the Pathfinder Society from Absalom. The Diamond Sage - surely you know of him - requested our aid to help him recover some artifacts. The Society is interested in helping him recover said artifacts and chronicling the event afterwards. Nothing more." He carefully avoids mentioning any possibility of Osirian goods leaving the country. He remembers from his initiation that they tend to be touchy on that subject.