Suddenly realizing that her stomach feels like she had not eaten in weeks (literally), Kzrira smiles at Amir.
Yes, food sounds good. And lots of it. Then we kill that b@tch div. I wanted to put an arrow in her head in the tannery, except Faelar wanted friends.
Kzrira grimaces as a ghost feeling of the axe slicing through her is suddenly experienced. Once this passes, she once more attempts to sit up, making it on the third try with some help from her friends.
Food then rest. Tomorrow we can discuss cursed roads and unholy divs.
"Of course, rest first and then see me if you are interested. A few more days or weeks will make no difference."
Knowledge(geography) possibly?
--> for info on the road
--> apparently the raise dead wiped Kzrira's knowledge, just like the alcohol did to Varkata
Kzrira can focus on little in her current hungry and fatigued state. She dives into the tasty fare at the inn. Varkata is inclined to be a bit more social and learns some basic facts from the merchants at the bar.
The road was laid out centuries ago to cross the wastelands between Katapesh and Ipeq. The most famous stop along the route was a large oasis known as the Well of Paradise. There was a shrine to Sarenrae there with priests to provide assistance and healing to travelers. It fell through some unknown misfortune and the road was closed soon thereafter.
Finding a space to sit and srink Amir looks to Varkata, We have a history of getting mixed up in old Sarenrae affairs and it seems where the sun worshipers have trouble, Abadar is there to add to the issue.
Amir contemplates Kzrira and ruminates for a moment before continuing, Safe roads that might help Kelemerane seems a fine enough thing, though I wonder what the church has invested in the situation to suddenly care....
Amir's eyes settle on Karethas But what about this scroll? Is it something we look into authenticating and selling or is there a chance this is important enough we don't dare let it out of our sight?
Amir hears much the same before he is interrupted by Radi returned from his errand. Sayyid, I have scoured the city for these Pathfinders as you asked. They are plentiful here it appears. I heard of at least three lodges: one that scours the markets for artifacts, one to store their treasures and one that finds lost lore. Idid not know which one you wished to contact.
Varkata says, "I can't really offer a suggestion about that. I don't even really quite know what it is. However, considering the interest it seems to have generated, I've gotten a sense of 'don't let it fall into the wrong hands', for certain."
Amir pauses and greets Sayyid, Through, my thanks. Perhaps we will start with the one that focuses on lost lore. They will have a sense if we need to involve the others. Is this something you feel comfortable acting on now or do you wish to take a break? I have some things I need to discuss with my companions in private, you understand. Amir offers a congenial smile but is firm in his suggestion.
Kzrira looks rather confused as she glances up from her fourth bowl of stew.
Do I know you? I don't recall anyone named Sayyid.
Do I know you? I don't recall anyone named Sayyid.
My name is Radi, memsayyid. I do not deserve such an honorific. I will set an appointment with the Farseer Tower, Master Amir. Radi bows deeply backing out the door.
When Radi has left, Kzrira looks to the others:
Who was that man? Seems rather strange, almost too formal.
In one of our confrontations with the div he was a slave that was left alive. We freed him and brought him here at which point he has attempted to get into our good graces. I am trying to determine if he is ambitious, grateful or attempting to worm his way in with us for some unseen reason...too many deceits by the div have made me paranoid...more paranoid at least...
Amir's eyes settle Karethas But what about this scroll? Is it something we look into authenticating and selling or is there a chance this is important enough we don't dare let it out of our sight?
Before the young wizard can reply, you are interrupted again by a muscular woman in metal studded leathers to match her numerous piercings holding precious metals and stones. You are the ones selling the Nexian artifact. I am Badra. I will offer you an honest price for it. My clientele includes several powerful wizards that would be most interested. I have heard that the Ma'sud clan has already made an offer and let me be clear that I would take it as a direct affront should I not be allowed the first chance to bid on the item. You cannot help but notice the richly ornamented scimitar she wears easily at her side.
Kzrira raises her eyebrow at Amir's comment.
Was this slave, Radi, around before the attack? And who told him such specifics about whatever item you are discussing? Has no one thought that his enthusiasm seems a little . . . too high?
Is it possible that he is in fact charmed by the div? Or worse, actually is the div? Remember how easily she fooled Faelar.
Varkata says,"We were attacked by your friend Div, I believe, while Radi was in sight. Of course, if it's as tricky as you say, it's possible that we saw a decoy."
Karethas gives Badra a small nod of his head, giving her a show of respect, but knowing that she will expect more. She is obviously prideful. Let her stew over my disrespect rather than the honesty of my words. "Greetings Badra, we appreciate your clients' interest, but I fear that word of our finding has been exaggerated. We found a minor Nexian artifact, but the interest has far outreached the reality. The object is still being examined by the experts we have retained. Once we have their findings, then we will contact you with what we have found."
Karethas shakes his head at Kzrira and refuses to talk about the artifact until later in the night, after everyone goes to bed. He wakes Amir in the early morning hours and they sneak to the room of the women. "I'm afraid we have underestimated the importance of this artifact. The attention it has garnered has me afraid that someone will soon seek to steal it, or worse kill us for it. If wizards are interested, then scrying spellls are a concern. Radi is also a concern, as you have expressed Kzrira. His motives are certainly suspect, but he may be useful to us yet. We may be able to use him to misdirect those searching for the scroll. That will give me time to research what it's significance may actually be. I suggest that we hide it for a period, keeping it out of others' hands. I have an idea to hide it. Tomorrow we should send Radi with Amir to find a lead lined scroll case. At the same time I shall look for a gift for my father, something to commemorate my return to the city. What I find will be hollow and will be lead lined. We will place a false scroll in the case, and the real one in my father's gift. Then we will visit an expert to discuss the scroll, leaving Radi outside. He will assume we have showed the scroll to the expert and still have it on us. Afterward I will visit my father and leave my gift, and the scroll, with him. From there we will be free to further research the origin and abilities of the scroll, without worry that someone will attempt to steal it from us. Although we will still need to be concerned about those who will take it by force."
The powerful looking woman leaves saying only, Make sure that you do.
The adventurers meet secretly later to discuss their plans.
-------
Kzrira is confused.
Why would you want to place your father at risk by sending him a fake scroll? If we were to simply put it within the bag of holding, would someone be able to detect it in there?
Varkata nods at Karethas' statement and says to Badra, "Do you have a means by which we should contact you when we know more?"
Karethas nods slowly, "I hadn't particularly considered the danger to my family. Placing the item in a bag of holding may have some efficacy versus some divination spells, but it does not keep someone from taking the bag from us through force or from attempting to steal it from us. If we hide it in lead and place it someplace nondescript, then it will make it that much harder to find."
Badra gives an address in the Dawn Gate as she leaves assured that Karethas is true to his word.
My bag is uncommon in construction and not commonly known to be a bag of holding. I could keep the real one and have you carry the fake one. Or I could carry both but keep the fake on on me not in the bag...
Still rather confused, Kzrira nods at the suggestion.
Yes, that might be wise. You hold it Amir, and I can carry the real bag, heck, it has been carrying me for a while.
Suddenly something dawns on Kzrira.
Where is Tempest? What happened to the bow?
Well the bag is Karethas' but you could carry the fake scroll...
Amir gives Kzrira a blank look for a moment and then reluctantly produces the pale longbow. As the risen archer reaches for it however, it suddenly recoils sending out a frosty shock to the rogue and warrior. The object twists a moment and straightens as it falls at Karethas' feet now a helical crystalline staff.
Kzrira looks rather bewildered as the bow blasts her with cold and then morphs into a staff on the ground:
What exactly have you all been up to while I was gone?
The bow held some trace of you long after your body grew cold...apparently it now wishes to serve in another way. Luckily we are in the great city. We will find you a bow worthy of your skill.
Kzrira looks even more confused.
Held traces of me? How would it do so?
She pauses for a moment:
I have strange half memories of fights that I do not believe I was involved in. But, they are cloudy remembrances at best. Perhaps this is tied to that of which you speak.
Varkata says,"There are a few ways it may have done so.... The most likely would be that it imprinted on you... Basically, think of it as having taken a wax impression of you while you used it..."
She frowns and says,"Though that wouldn't explain memories.... "
Amir offers a shrug, and looks at Varkata, That is for the likes of your ilk and the wizard to ponder. All I know is the bow shot like her and now she is back and the bow is now a staff. Just as long as Karethas does not start acting like Kzrira. I love this girl dearly but I think I have survived this long only because she is balanced against Karethas' more...ah...sunny disposition. The rogue offers a smirk but does not look at the archer directly.
Kzrira rolls her eyes at the old thief.
Karethas' brows furrow in confusion. "I suppose Tempest has made it's choice." He shrugs helplessly. "Regarding the scroll, Amir is right, his haversack is of a nonstandard design. Let's keep the scroll in there, but keep a fake scroll in my haversack in a lead lined case. It is a simple subterfuge, but it might turn out to be very effective."
Karethas takes up the flighty staff which is cold in his hands, but not uncomfortably so. He is at a loss to explain what has happened to his companions. It will take a bit more study to reveal more of the nature of Tempest. At the moment, his doughty companion needs to be rearmed and a lead case bought for the ruse. There is also the question of discovering what the Kakishon scroll actually does.
The stalls are as best a place to start as any other on the issue of a weapon for Kzrira and a lead lined case. What of the scroll itself? Do we know of someone who could aid in unveiling its abilities that aren't potentially on someone else's payroll?
Amir can think of several discreet wizards that he has met or heard of through his dealings in the Nightstalls, but whether they would have the knowledge or skill to handle the Nexian artifact is dubious. It is likely that something of such history and potential power requires a sage or great scholar, not one of the hexers, necromancers or demonologists that lurk in the shadowy markets.
Amir wonders if Karethas might know of someone better suited from his rather short time as an academic.
Karethas, you must know someone we can go to some might best understand what we are dealing with?Q
After taking another bite of her food, her appetite apparently insatiable, Kzrira looks up at the thief with a surprised look.
There is something you cannot find in the night stalls? I am amazed. I thought you know that area like the back of your hand.
Oh yeh, and if you know of any quality bowyers about? I worked for a few when I lived here, but not with the skill to make magical bows.
Kzrira's jibes dig at the master merchant's pride as he considers her request.
Kzrira continues to nibble on some fruit and bread she's brought to the room as the ore-dawn discussion continues. Though her wounds have been mended in her miraculous return to life she still looks exhausted and weak to Varkata's eyes. The men don't notice as they ponder their respective problems.
"Well, if we were just looking for someone with a knowledge of history and the arcane arts, then I would probably be able to match most of those in the Night Stalls. No, I think we are looking for someone who has studied Nex extensively." Karethas sighs and looks somewhat pained, "Of course, there are some professors at the College who have pursued such studies. They would be overjoyed to see an artifact that was associated with the great wizard, but they may be less than enthusiastic that I am among those who possess it."
Karethas feels a bit of gastric distress as he suddenly recalls that Dean Rayhan Xobhadi's specialty is ancient dimensional magic, in particular Nexian works.
Amir also looks a bit uncomfortable as he realizes he has had few dealings with bowyers. Glossing over that, he assures Kzrira he knows just the place secretly hoping to bump into something in one of the weapons markets.
"So the plan is going to the market, and then....the college?"
With a preliminary plan in place, the heroes return to their respective quarters to give Kzrira more rest before they run errands on the morrow.
The next morning, no sooner have you left the Sand Dragon than Radi approaches Amir. Sayyid, I have spoke with the Pathfinder seer. She was not very helpful however. She wanted to know how you had acquired the artifact and I told Her it was a prize of the Heroes of Kelmarane from their victory over the Carrion King in the West. She said that they had a member there and if this elf Pathfinder would vouch for you then she would meet with you. Do you know of an elf in Kelmarane?
Radi bows low speaking from a bent over position, I am sorry that I have failed, Sayyid. Perhaps your humble servant can be of use in a simpler task. What are you seeking this day?