Amir warmly claps Radi on the back, Indeed the elf in question is our stalwart ally and friend, Faelar. He will vouch for us indeed. Amir binds up the slave with an arm around the shoulders meanwhile pressing a platinum piece into the hand of the former slave, I will be fair and honest with you Radi you have my friends on edge. You are unknown to us and we are beset by threats from devious forces. But you are doing good work. Another task then and another mark in your column. Find me bows. Marvelous bows for my newly returned friend. Bring me back word of the three or four that you think are the best deals OR... find me a bowyer of unparalleled skill and reputation so that my friend can commission the weapon of her desires... This, yes. Find me a bowyer. Tell the seer we have Faelar's blessing. Meet us here this evening.
Radi smiles at the coin, bowing and quickly pocketing it. Very well, Sayyid. But these tasks will not take a whole day. Perhaps I can assist you with the um, he looks around carefully, "special thing"? I take it that you are still looking for a buyer. I know many rich merchants.
Amir looks over Radi critically, You are eager. I appreciate that. But your interest in this matter makes my friends nervous. Me? I understand the desire to prove useful and I think you wish to prove that. Look into the bowyer. We will continue our own research. We will meet again later and I will include you in the conversation of our next steps with the item if we do not come to some other conclusion in the mean time.
Confident that his instructions are clear enough Amir waves Radi to go while he turns to the others, To the college then. Let us see what Karethas' former masters think of their student with such an object.
After Radi leaves, Kzrira looks to the men:
I still do not trust that man. Karethas, would you perchance know any spells that might allow you to detect any charms that he might be under? Or able to dispel any magic effects? After all the problem with the b!tch div, I just cannot trust someone who was found living with her, whether it appeared voluntary or not.
"I'm afraid that I do not have any knowledge of that kind of divination, perhaps sometime in the future I might find something like that. In any case, I think his greed and ambition are plenty of reason to doubt his loyalty. We do not need to look for a magical reason that he might not be totally truthful."
After a moment of thought Karethas frowns, "I suppose that I have put this off for long enough. You should probably know the basics of why I left the College of Dimensional Studies. I was expelled from the school for summoning a Djinn beyond my abilities to control. It was a rash, reckless act, and many people were endangered by it. Although, no one was actually harmed, many rare and valuable scrolls, books, and manuscripts were destroyed. I am...uncertain of how they will receive me now."
With some trepidation, Karethas leads the way to the College of Dimensional Studies. It is actually quite close, a short walk around to the other side of the Golden Oasis and over the River Scorpius across the Two Penny Bridge so named for the toll once charged to enter this neighborhood though now the nominal tax is required of anyone passing into the Inner City itself from one of the other quarters of the great city.
The College itself is a grand domed structure with an odd contraption projecting from a section of the dome. The lens at the end of the thing reflects the bright sunlight. It is used to study distant objects in the night sky and tours are sometimes offered for a small fee. The main entrance is actually quite a small area with just enough space for a front desk, a couple classrooms for apprentices, and the stairway to the observatory. Most of the building is only accessible to those with the ability to teleport through space as no doors are provided.
Karethas is relieved to see that the apprentice stationed at the desk is not anyone he knows.
Karethas clears his throat and then steps forward to the desk, "Excuse me, would you please inform Dean Xobhadi that the Hero's of Kelemarane are here to share some knowledge we have ascertained about ancient Nex. We are seeking his expertise."
The apprentice dutifully writes the message on a piece of parchment and places it in a round box. Placing the lid on top, he twists it matching a series of symbols written on top. When he removes the lid again, the box is empty. The young man then sits back staring at you.
"Kelmarane... where's that?"
The awkward conversation is interrupted moments later by the sudden appearance of the Dean. He is just as imposing as Karethas remembers. The dark skinned Garundi stands six and a half feet tall in violet robes. His head is shaved in the manner common among high ranking and religious figures of the culture. His gray beard is neatly trimmed into a goatee.
His eyes quickly scan the party and settle into a deep scowl at the sight of his former student. "I am sorry, I was told heroes were present, not FOOLS! I thought that I made myself clear, young Karethas. You are not welcome here."
Amir striks Karethas on the shoulder with the back of his hand.
Indeed! Karethas! You assured me Xobhadi was known to you! A skilled and powerful wizard worthy of assessing our prize! I wish you would have told me how poor your relationship with the man was! Now we look like fools!
Amir wheels on the Garundi, I had no idea! We will take our questions elsewhere. I apologize... Amir bows slowly and turns to leave. Looking at Varkata as he gestures for them to leave, the rogue goes on, Marzuk Mu'sad will never speak to us now, I suppose we should just go the Night Stalls and get whatever pittance we can squeeze from the wizards there.
Kzrira, with her bow still in hand, although not nocked, sadly shakes her head, but carefully watches the man for any signs of his true intentions.
Not getting much of a reading, but assuming Amir has a plan, she attempts to play along.
Too bad, it was worth a try. He was supposed to be the best.
She then turns to follow Amir.
Bluff(aid another): <-- perhaps he has some Gnoll blood for a FE +2 bonus? :)
The wizard turns a disdainful eye on Amir, "Oh, please spare me the turnip stand bargaining tactics. Not only am I a native of Katapesh, I'd be a poor diviner if I couldn't detect a common merchant's ploys. But what does the witless apprentice have to say?"
Karethas smiles ruefully at Amir's ruse, but does not follow him towards the door. "I am certainly a fool Professor, but I have been to several dangerous places that have not seen the eyes of men for centuries, perhaps for millennia. In one of those places my companions and I found something that I believe is connected to ancient Nex. Knowing that it would be something of great interest to you, I have brought it here. You can allow your well-deserved disdain of me keep you from this opportunity, or you can put it aside and perhaps gain some knowledge from it."
Dean Xobhadi narrows his eyes at Karethas, calculating for some time before reaching a decision. "I would like nothing better than to send you out the door head hanging low once again, but... you have shown some talent in finding things far beyond your ability to handle. Quickly then, show me what you have. It will only take a moment to detect the fraud and send you off once again!"
Varkata carefully eyes the man, her face twitching at his rudeness, biting back the urge to speak, remembering the temple of Abadar Surely, we should all be judged for one poor decision of youth?...
Finally, she says, in an overly calm manner, "I believe that part of the request was to set aside your disdain, if only temporarily?"
Amir shrugs, I have been off my game lately, too many days and weeks spent in bloody battle and not enough plying my turnip stand tactics...
Amir moves to pull the scroll and hand it to the wizard pausing to gesture at Karethas, We are alive today, in part, because of this man's skill. He may have been a poor student, but it does not make him a poor friend or even a poor wizard. Now please, look at this.
Amir hands the scroll case over to the tall Garundi man.
Finally, she says, in an overly calm manner, "I believe that part of the request was to set aside your disdain, if only temporarily?"
Respect is earned, not granted upon request. Destroying priceless tomes and equipment through foolish ambition and making grandiose claims does not earn my respect, madam.
He accepts the scroll from Amir as his eyes contine to bore into Karethas.
"Open the case," he commands and the bone scroll case floats from his hands and the top is removed. Again he commands the unseen assistant, "Remove the scroll and unroll it for me."
Once the strange artifact floats before the wizard, he says a word passing his hand before his eyes and squints at the scroll as if it were a bright light. Another cantrip and then a follow-up spell that causes his eyes to glow blue. Finally, he casts yet another spell and gasps.
"Return the scroll to its case," he states flatly and the unseen servant quickly rolls and stows the oddly crumbling and renewing parchment leaving a small pile of dust on the floor. With the gesture from the wizard, the scroll floats back over to Amir. After a long moment, the intimidating figure finally allows, "Interesting. I will allow that this bears more study."
"Of course, you remain barred from the academy, young Karethas. So we will have to meet at my residence. It is on this side of the Golden Oasis just past the Two Penny Bridge. You may come by this evening."
Amir takes the case out of the air and stashes it in his bag. We appreciate your willingness to look into it. The rogue offers a bow and turns and leaves.
Once outside Amir looks to the others, Anyone else get a good read on the man? He seemed underwhelmed to me.
Sense Motive:
Kzrira stands impassively. Eyes boring into the pompous wizard, but attempting to not give away her thoughts or annoyance.
Varkata says, "I was merely talking about civility... I don't believe I said anything about respect, though now that we're listing ways that don't earn it, shall we add being small-minded and dismissive? Especially now that you're clearly excited about our 'grandiose claim', was it?"
Karethas puts a hand on Varakata's arm while turning to Xobhadi, "Of course Dean Xobhadi, we shall see you this evening. We do ask that you keep this between us for the moment. Some rumors of it have already caused some ruckus among several parties." Karethas gives the Dean a small bow and turns to leave.
Once outside, "Varkata, although I appreciate the attempt to stand up for me, I knew that success was going to call from some humility and eating of crow. The man has always been full of himself, but we want something of him and it would be best to keep our true opinions of him to ourselves. Besides, his opinions of me are my own fault."
The Dean raises an eyebrow at Varkata, but accepts Karethas' apology saying only that his request for discretion is wise before teleporting back to his offices, you assume.
Varkata says, "He wants something of us, as well. His excitement was plain, and I had issue with the thought that he couldn't even be civil... Besides which, I don't think he would fare much better if he were forever judged based on one mistake he made in his youth."
She sighs, and then says, "I apologize. I was sent to train with a Shaman as a youth, and I still bear the scars. But, I will repeat, he's excited about being able to study this, it is not a favour he's doing you."
Kzrira looks to the others.
Well, if we have time, perhaps we can search out a merchant who deals in fine longbows. Or, at least we should get a normal bow so that I have a weapon that feels comfortable in my hands.
Kzrira is keeping up, but she definitely still appears very tired and drained with her near death experience
I sent the ambitious Radi to see if he could find what I could not recall. Let's see what he has done in his attempts to work with us. His ambition is boundless. He says he is from here and he is not so young that I would think I might recall one like him...
The rogue shakes his head in thought as he moves to find the ex-slave Radi and find a bow for Kzrira.
With further discussion of the Nexian scroll put off until evening, Amir leads the others toward the lower city to find Radi and re-arm Kzrira. From the villas and inns near the Golden Oasis, you move deeper into the Inner City past historic monuments, the coliseum and strange towers of the Pactmasters Palace. Through the Night Gate, the city falls away and you are afforded a wondrous view of the Obari Ocean.
The aptly named Lower City lies at the bottom of the great stone and timber ramp that scales the black cliff that holds the sandy bluffs of the original settlement above the sea. A twin ramp from the Day Gate mirrors your descent through the teeming traffic that presses dangerously against the railing that usually keeps anyone from falling to his death. Amidst the moving crowds, carts and temporary tents and stalls offer goods and services even here. Amir is more than passingly familiar with the businesses that mysteriously appear after dark on the Night Ramp.
There is a background buzz heard even over the clamor on the ramp which grows as you descend. The buzz becomes a rumble as you pass the great arcane flame that burns eternally in a multitude of hues above the topmost tier of the ziggurat which serves as the Temple of Nethys. Finally, at the foot of the ramp, the noise is nearly deafening as you are immersed it the riotous colors, smells and cacophonous activity of the Great Plaza markets.
We will ask around, both about Radi and to find Radi. No harm in looking either.... Looking at Kzrira the rogue frowns, You still look pale and worn out. We have yet to spend the money we have made...should we try to make you healthier? Amir looks over at Varkata for guidance.
Varkata says, "I healed the damage to her body... The drain on her spirit isn't something I can do anything about."
As soon as Amir starts asking questions, a flock of street children surround him begging for food or coin and a few actually offer to answer questions or act as a guide.
Amir does the obligatory slapping away of hands that comes in such a situation, None of that, I'm no fool fresh from the sea. Unable to contain a laugh Amir gestures out to the group flourishing a set of 5 silver from unknown parts of his person as he speaks.
Okay, okay! I am looking for Radi he is from here so should be well known. He is on a hunt for me and I wish to find him! I want a guide and a whisper or two. Who can lead me to this Radi and tell me his tale on the way?
There are appreciative ohhs and ahhs from the mob surrounding Amir. "He's a wizard," declares one waif.
"No he's not," asserts another. "He wouldn't need us to help find this guy if he was."
"Yeah, and he ain't dressed right," agrees a third. "He'd look more like him." He points at Karethas which seems to settle the point.
Finally, a confident bean pole of a girl pushes the others aside. "None of you know what you're talking about. I'll take you to Radi. I saw him this morning. This way." With that settled she leads the way through the crowd with long strides turning often to make sure you are keeping up.
"What did you want to know?" she asks Amir. "Can you trust him?" She just shrugs. "He'll make money whatever way works. If it's the shell con, he can do it. If it's delivering curry boxes. That works, too. He doesn't usually stay legit for too long though. Figures there's an easier way to get rich."
At Amir's comment, Kzrira nods in agreement.
Yes, I feel that while most of my physical wounds have been cured, I am still very drained as though my soul and spirit have not been completely recovered.
Until I get whatever healing is needed, I can still fight, but I doubt I will be quite as effective.
Karethas walks pensively along, smiling occasionally at the bean pole's world wise attitude. He does try to look behind the group periodically to check for anyone following.
Varkata nods, "We'll take you back to the temple to have that dealt with."
She nods at the young girl's comment, So, then, not someone to be trusted... no matter what, eventually, someone will give him a 'better offer'
Kaethas doesn't notice anyone that arouses his suspicion in the throngs that surround the party as the teen girl leads you through the markets. Radi appears quite suddenly before you. "Saddah, I am glad to see you. I thought we were to meet this evening. There is no problem however, I have found a shop that might suite your needs!"
He quickly waves off the tall girl and grabbing Amir's sleeve, leads him a short distance to a small structure of expertly carved and joined wood. The entrance appears to be the joined top halves to two giant beautifully shaped bows. Inside, a tall blonde elf whose locks are tightly braided into complicated patterns presides over a row of beautiful bows and baskets of arrows in a wide array of colored fletching.
He nods to Radi in recognition and pulls a pair of composite longbows for Kzrira's inspection. "The finest Kyonin construction," he assures her.
Amir nods at the girl as she leads on. But he is his own man? He is not part of a gang or an employee of others typically? Amir does his best to be nonchalant in the asking if these questions but is keen to hear the answer.
Kzrira takes each of the bows and feels their pull. She then takes each and fires several arrows at the target in the back of the shop noting the flight of the arrows and how the bows feel.
Beautiful weapons, but not what I am looking for. I seek one that can be used by someone of any strength. In addition, I seek a bow enchanted to particularly harm dark creatures from the lower planes. Devils, demons, divs and the like. Would you perhaps have such a weapon?
As she says this, she looks to Amir for some support. -- Kzrira never was a specialist in the social graces of haggling, instead leaving that up to Amir.
The girl squints at the old rogue and scratches at her short rough cut hair. "Like I said, he's not above working for others for a time, but he usually thinks he can do better himself in the end though it usually doesn't work out that way."
*******
The elf looks sharply at Kzrira at the mention of lower planes and their denizens.
Uh...I...uh....yes. Sometimes we fight demons and divs.
Karethas rolls his eyes and sighs quietly. "My friend, what my associates are tryin to indicate is that I have business, " he gestures vaguely towards the College trying to give the impression that he is a legitimate summoner, "that at times brings me into conflict with nefarious creatures. In order that this guard will be able to effectively protect me, she will need an exceptional bow with certain qualities that she has already mentioned."
Karethas seems a bit more comfortable speaking with the exotic elf than Amir. Though the College is across the city and likely couldn't be indicated with a nod, the perceptive elf seems to get the gist of the wizard's business.
"Such ones are very dangerous; I would advice caution. The elves of Kyonin have need of such bows and they rarely find their way out of our homeland. I have arrows that may be of use, but a bow itself I cannot provide. The market is great however, and another may be able to assist you or for such a specific request, a Church might prove more useful."
Kzrira sighs at the elf's inability to produce an enchanted weapon as she seeks.
That is too bad. I have heard great things about the elven bows from the north. I would have enjoyed being able to wield one. Would you perhaps know of another purveyor of finely crafted bows such as yourself in the markets?
Diplomacy: <-- I don't know why I even roll diplomacy checks.
A slight sneer crosses the thin lips as the elf picks up the more powerful of his magic bows. "You will not likely do better than this bow. However, if you seek something so specific then it would likely have to be made for you."
Varkata adds, "Perhaps we should be discussing just such a commission,then?"
The elf strokes his narrow jaw and gives Varkata a begrudging nod. "I do not have the skill to add that ability to these bows, but someone better trained in the magic arts could do so easily. It will take somewhat more time and cost to raise the power of the greater bows though."