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Xiaobo listens patiently as the others are talking. Still not sure what to make of the primary payment method being souls or memories.
There are a few memories I would gladly get rid of as a form of payment down here. But how would it work. He thinks to himself while waiting for an answer from the bird.
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Sharna feels that the Nosoi can be trusted, and that he speaks earnestly. "Not quite." he answers Sharna's question with his quirky voice. "She does not app-rove, and that is the reason for my coming here. Souls must be allowed to move down the River of Souls, until they reach the Bone-yard. There, they are judged by Pharasma. None must inter-fere."
"Aslynn? I know of her. I could guide you to her shop. Does she deal in souls too?"
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Refen eases a little. "I think our paths align. We are also in search of retrieving a soul who I think it is not time for them at the Boneyard. It was stolen from us and currently remains in limbo, but not at the Boneyard. That sounds like it aligns with your wishes."
"Showing us to Aslynn would be a step in the right direction of helping us retrieve the stolen soul."
Deities yet again interfering in mortal agenda. At least it's on our side... for now...
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Voros peeks silently at the psychopomp and tries to meld into the crowd. As he finds to difficult to do that, he eventually says with a rasping voice:
"As my companions said earlier, it is not time for the soul we seek to reach the Boneyard. Yet, if you help us to free it, we could return the favor for you, if you like. I can handle... missions to free innocent people." he says with a smile on his face.
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Noro seems to be a little distracted watching the activities of the market, looking for any clues to navigate this place without looking to "touristy".
We still need a bargaining chip to obtain what we came here for. I heard mention "dark favors?" care to elaborate on that? Noro asks not really expecting much of an answer as she was a little distracted watching the marketplace operations.
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"Allow me to guide you to her shop, then, so we can see what is the current state of that soul." proposes the Nosoi psychopomp as it flies forward and to the left in the maze-like bazaar. A few minutes later, you reach an unassuming shop set in a large tent whose gauzy walls ripple in a nonexistent wind. When you step inside, you meet an elf corresponding to the description you've been given of 322. The elf stands among a few display cases holding a variety of unusual goods: tattered books whose script squirms on the pages, glass cubes glowing with a variety of colors, fragments of stone leaking unknown fluids, and numerous other trinkets. However, Aslynn is nowhere to be seen.
322 looks half-surprised when she sees you, but she doesn't make any move to escape or hide. "Pathfinders? I wondered when you'd show up. I guess it was only a matter of time until you did. I am Aslynn's representative here at the Veiled Bazaar. Do you wish to purchase anything? Or maybe you've come to ask about your Master of Spell's soul? I'm afraid a number of other parties are also interested in that particular... item. If you wish to acquire it, you had better offer something of great interest to my mistress, something that would impress her, perhaps. Something sufficiently and acceptably extraordinary would make a fair exchange."
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Sharna similarly remains calm, even if the bird on her shoulder is constantly fidgeting and restless. She bows to the nosoi in thanks for its guidance, turning her gaze on 322.
"The very language you use-- the soul of our Master of Spells-- indicate that you're well aware it's not really Aslynn's to be bargaining with at all. But it is clear that appealing to the rule of law will not suffice; that we must instead pay exorbitantly for something that was stolen in the first place," Sharna says coolly.
"Leaving aside the ethical and legal ramifications of all of this... I know something of creatures such as Aslynn, dealing in dreams and memories and figments. But I do not know Aslynn herself, and you have claimed yourself as her representative, 322. Have you no insights, as to what she might desire? If you feel that any element of this situation-- the targeted and ruthless assassination of an intelligent and learned man, the bartering away of his very soul, potentially to entities wicked and cruel, as though it were a bauble-- is in some way regrettable, then easing our own task might go some way towards setting things right."
Sharna watches closely for any sign her words might be having an impact, remembering what was said about her trying to 'turn her life around.'
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"We really don't want any mistakes with this, we are just trying to get back a stolen soul."
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Noro is not much of a diplomat, being used to just letting her reputation speak for her.
But this place is new, her reputation has to weight here.
She whispers to her closest ally here, Xia, I ain't much for talking and niceties, I prefer to bust heads and intimidate people to give me what I want. Maybe a few broken bones will get the elf to be more cooperative.
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"As much as I dislike it, I think you might be wright." He whispers back to her.
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322 shakes her head at Voross's implications. "What is it to you? I'm with Aslynn now, that's what matters. Or maybe you're one of those goody-two-shoes trying to save every living soul on Golarion? I don't need saving." she spits, visibly quite riled by that sensitive topic.
However, she seems to soften somehow with Sharna's words. She still rebuffs you, but not as strong as you might have expected. Have you managed to reach to her? "This is the Veiled Bazaar. If you can’t find something to pique Aslynn’s curiosity here, then you aren’t trying." At this point, a Vudrani man with a large, drooping mustache and a pulsing third eye enters the tent and proceeds to look over the items for sale. 322 moves to assist him and concludes her business with you. "We have nothing more to discuss until you have something to trade." she harshly states. Then she quickly adds, on a quieter tone, to Sharna: "You seem to know night hags well. Follow your instinct, and look around."
As Noro suggests violence, the staccato of the Nosoi's chirping voice echoes in your ears. "I would ad-vise against it. Yekateri-nos the Obs-cure is watching. He does not ac-cept violence in his bazaar."
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"We are going to have to deal with that icky hag. Might as well try to find it what she might be interested in. Tik, do you have any suggestions? If you'd show me a couple of interesting merchants, we could try to work things out, then we could get out of here and go home!"
Diplomacy Gather Info on Tradable Items.
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Sharna lets Alie do some initial research into possible currencies; she herself converses in Draconic with a few scaley-skinned outsiders (not the dragon overseer himself; Sharna wouldn't presume to disturb him), the reptilian tongue coming guttural and harsh from her own throat as she speaks with the trio of planar kobolds. She enquires if they've heard any rumors about who might want to buy the soul of Aram Zey...
Unfortunately, nobody she talks to knows... or will tell her, perhaps. With an idle frown, Sharna murmurs to her familiar, who takes wing over the bazaar, shrieking shrilly at anything else that seems sufficiently avian.
Ra, with the screeches and harsh cries of a predator bird, demands of an extraterrestrial osprey the knowledge of others who seek the same quarry as Ra himself!
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While Refen can't speak Draconic himself, he attempts to aid Sharna in Common where he can, waiting for a pause in any conversation Sharna has to interject.
"Sorry for my more primitive language, but would you pardon me when I say that finding items for which to barter is of great interest to us. Don't mean to be pushy, but any help you can give is appreciative." He shows as much respect as he can to each individual he and Sharna converses with.
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Alie pats Tik appreciatively after he helps her find a bit of information.
"Alright guys. Here's what we found out, that this icky hag might have an interest in. The traders taht might interest someone with her ...proclivities include the Caulborn, odd creatures versed in memory and sensations, Mr.Null, a creature made of pure darkness that sells various items in his easy-to-spot wagon, and a blonde-haired phase spider. The spider is supposedly looking for people to help her solve a problem, and we might be able to use that for our favor."
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"So let's start with the spider than. It seems that us accomplishing a task might be easier than trying to purchase it."
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A large, gauzy web stretches between two pillars, with several pieces of merchandise—twisted blades, wands that resemble elongated human fingers, and shiny metal discs, to name a few—hanging from the strands. A blonde-haired phase spider crouches at the base of the web, waving you to come closer with one of her front legs. In halting Common, she introduces herself as Beleth. However, you understand that it isn't her favored language. Regardless, she explains her predicament. Pointing to a xill across the bazaar, Beleth says, "See her? That is Kysh. She has a book that I wish to be mine. Though I have many fine items to trade, she will not deal with me due to the unfortunate—let’s call it history— between our two races."
"Normally, I would be loath to even speak with one of her kind, but the book she holds is a great treasure, and this place," her gesture encompasses the surrounding marketplace, "is a place of business, yes? Help me seal the deal and I will reward you. What say you?"
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Noro spent her time browsing the merchant stalls. the setting may be different, but most markets are very much the same.
Despite being a pirate, Noro still is a girl, and thus she looks for some interesting fabrics.
but she is soon with the group at the presence of the spider. I am certain we can find ways to persuade this creature to agree to a trade.
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Sharna listens to the disturbing arachnid with a polite expression, hands clasped loosely before her. "Is there another tongue in which you might find it easier to converse?" she asks the creature-- and switches to Aklo if Beleth offers such.
Considering the xill, Sharna studies it with calculated interest. "No doubt the deprecations the xill have inflicted upon your people make the deal difficult, yes. We are willing to assist, but if you have more information it may help us, honored Beleth. What book precisely do we need to acquire-- and what would a xill wish in trade? From all I have heard of them they are cruel and vicious creatures-- do they demand equally cruel payments?"
She leans down to murmur to Alie: "Do you wish me to take the lead speaking with the xill? You are more charming than I am, but I understand if the close proximity would make you uncomfortable."
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Xiaobo places his hands on Sharna,
"Let's see if we can remember anything more"
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Sharna strokes her chin thoughtfully. "It is possible that well-made weapons, of the sort favored by dextrous warriors rather than strong ones, might carry the xill's favor. I can offer a simple dagger, but it's nothing special. Perhaps as we approach Kysh, we might see something else in the marketplace to catch her segmented eye."
With Ra resettled on her shoulder, Sharna folds her hands behind her back and leads her way through the bazaar's maze of booths and stalls towards the xill-- though she watches as she goes for any weapons merchants.
Spotting the gleam of steel and more exotic metals, Sharna detours briefly to study the strange and marvelous blades presented by their azer craftsman. After some negotiating she purchases a simple-but-deadly blade with the hilt decorated with flame-colored copper and set with garnets. This token in hand, Sharna approaches the xill, her kohl-lined eyes distant and unfocused a moment. Ancestors, favor me with a touch of your luck...
"Mistress Kysh," she murmurs with a bow as she reaches the xill, holding the sword out hilt first. "The color of your carapace would be well-matched by this blade, if you will permit a gift from one of the flesh-born races. I am Sharna al-Subaiyyat, here with my companions whom you see, and if it pleases you, I would like a moment of your time, and perhaps to strike a deal that would be pleasing to us both?"
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Voros, following the group and, most of all, Noro, takes care to listen at the negotiations with the phase spider.
I should be wary of the barbarian. They always bring troubles in crowded places!
Once the tiller has heard the Xills were keen on weapons, he'll start looking around for merchants that seem to suit the need of particular one-handed weapons. Before looking around, he'll drink an extract of Heightened Awareness. As his perception of his environment becomes sharper, he begins his search in the market.
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Kysh is brusque at first when you approach her. "Doesss sssshe sssend you?" she points at the phase spider at the other end of the marketplace with one of her many clawed fingers. "Sssshe's the enemy. Dealing with her kind brings no good to our people, oh noesss. They flank usss, they murder usss, they lays their fithy eggssss insssside usss... Cannot be trusted. Cannot!"
Yet after a few soothing words from the honey-tongued garundi witch, Kysh seems much more open to discussion. "Sssso she wantsss the book called "The Forge of War"? I could trade with her, though it won't be cheap. I know the Enemy possesses malignant blades, a pair of short sssswordsss that would be better off in my care. Ssssee if she agrees to that."
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Sharna's purchase of the sword was all a fever dream! Never mind that.
She listens intently to Kysh, then bows again. "The benefits of trade and mutual profit can surely overcome any manner of past enmities, o fierce and formidable Kysh. We will see what may be negotiated."
She nods at the others, indicating they must now return to Beleth, and again resumes the walk back through the otherworldly market.
"This is an excellent way to get one's exercise, is it not? Alie, are you well? I trust that was not too disturbing an experience," she murmurs with maternal concern. "Beleth may respond unhappily, if these blades are as dear as Kysh seems to think. Your charm would be appreciated there."
When they reach Beleth again, Sharna offers another bow.
"Noble Beleth, we have spoken to Kysh. She ascertained immediately that your... tarsus... was behind the offer, yet she is not entirely unwilling to trade. She has intimated that she thinks you own two blades, called malignant? And that she considers this might be a fair price for the book." Sharna's tone is deferential and half-apologetic.
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In the middle of the journey between the two otherworldly entities , Refen states, "Quite the petty task, isn't it? Such is the situation: 'I don't want to talk to them. Talk to them for me.' And then it is reciprocated. Even if they are mortal enemies, it is strikingly similar to a young lovers' quarrel. Just find it a little coincidental, that's all."
Once they return to Beleth, Refen reinforces Sharna's statement. "She is pretty adamant that the blades in return for the book is a fair trade."