Moving the lanterns around doesn't really change the light to the crystal that Amenopheus is trapped in, but one, once held in the Ruby sage's hand, changes one of the crystal columns to a deep red color.
The exchange of lanterns doesn't do anything, but moving one of them to a new location, in this case into the hands of a statue of Amenopheus, causes a different crystal to change to a saphire hue. Two lanterns and two crystals remain, giving off a white light.
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"Amenopheus is imprisoned in a clear crystal.
Around that crystal are four engravings in the likeness of gemstones, set in shallow circular recesses in the floor all around that huge jewel. This must represent the other Sages attending to the Diamond Sage.
Now, Kelris changed one of the columns to red. Then James made one crystal become sapphire blue.
What are the other colors we should look for?"
Walking the lanterns around reveals which statues should be holding them, creating a bright green glow in one column, and a deep amber glow in the next. The four columns shine a new light upon the crystal trapping Amenopheus, melting around the man and leaving him blinking in the light. "My friends, I am sorry. I don't know what happened, or why it did. Let us move quickly before any more guardians awaken." As you move through the opening the statues animate briefly to pass the lanterns back to their original positions.
A broad, simple, flat-topped column of sandstone rises from a deep pit in this circular, domed chamber with a white tiled floor. Though no wind can be felt, particles of sand slowly blow around the pit as if circulated by a lazy breeze, their movement creating a soft, rasping susurrus. The only occupant of this room is a Garundi woman bedecked in the style of an Osirian noblewoman. She stands with open arms, "Welcome home. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage. I knew you, Amenopheus, and the Pathfinder Society as a whole, were searching for the jeweled sages. I'm just surprised you reached here before Kafar and Nefti could with the topaz sage."
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"To be honest, Kafar and Nefti are outside waiting for us. They, decided to have a change of heart after a little bit of persuasion." Morka comments, hoping to shed some light on that point, "How many different people do you think are after the jewelled sages? Seems everyone and their grumpy tavernkeepers know about these things... How long have you been here, Tahonikepsu? What does the Diamond Sage do around here...?" He asks, kicking the dust around the room. Eager to listen and learn, yet truly unaware by how grand this moment is.
"Is that so? Interesting." A politely raised eyebrow and a small smile is all Tahonikepsu gives Morka. "I suppose I should answer some questions. I hope no one else is after these jewels, we need the sage jewels to rise once more. I have been here for...must be at least a century by this point. The sage jewel has been giving me reason to stay in this form for a while now. And as ever, all I want is to rebuild the Jeweled Sages organization."
Amenopheus cuts in at this point, excitedly exclaiming, "I agree completely! We need the Jeweled Sages to return once more." He takes a breath and slows down, preparing for a major discussion with the Diamond Sage.
Amenopheus is cordial but cautious as he questions the Diamond Sage’s decision to remain hidden for so long, and he speculates how much more they might have accomplished in recent years had they met sooner.
First, they talk about the true cause of the Jeweled Sages’ destruction, which evolves into a disagreement about the lost order’s hierarchy. Amenopheus interprets the collapse of the Jeweled Sages as an unfortunate accident driven by outside forces, namely the invasion of Osirion by the Kelish thousands of years ago. Had it not been for this calamity, the Jeweled Sages would have continued to thrive. To Tahonikepsu, the invasion and subsequent purge of the Jeweled Sages reflects a critical weakness in the organization. She posits that, spread out and without a strong leader, the order could not respond quickly and effectively to a new threat. Amenopheus defends the order’s egalitarian organization structure as a key source of strength, allowing each member to act independently when needed. The Diamond Sage retorts that without consistent, decisive leadership, the Jeweled Sages will always be vulnerable and disorganized whenever a new threat strikes.
Second, the two sages disagree on how to rebuild the organization. Both accept that they will need to recover additional sage jewels and recruit new prospective sages. Amenopheus believes that the next generation of sages must be chosen from among the most learned scholars. Not only does this match the founding principles of the organization, but he theorizes that anything less than a well-trained mind would be unable to harness the millennia of memories within each sage jewel. To Tahonikepsu, the thought of populating the Jeweled Sages with cloistered academics might allow for easier retention of historic facts but would undermine the sages’ ability to actually use their knowledge to better the world. The Diamond Sage would rather recruit a generation of active and innovative sages who could act as advisors to powerful leaders, read the current events to predict future decisions, and participate in making history rather than simply recording it.
Finally, both sages have their doubts about each other, no matter how politely they engage in the discourse. From Tahonikepsu’s perspective, despite the Sapphire Sage’s talents, he has lost the trust of Osirion’s ruler. Although his failure is not wholly his fault, the incident may become a liability as the Jeweled Sages attempt to reclaim their place in Osirion. She also believes that Amenopheus’s insistence on embracing a failed model for the Jeweled Sages invites history to repeat itself. On the other hand, Amenopheus is skeptical about Tahonikepsu, for only moments ago she was a complete stranger to him and the Pathfinders. He has served faithfully as the Osirion faction leader for years. Ceding leadership of the restored Jeweled Sages to her seems like an irresponsible gambit, particularly when nobody knows of her qualifications, background, or motives.
When challenged Tahonikepsu steps back from your group and begins rapidly changing. Skin is lost to scales, fangs grow in her maw, mighty wings sprout from her back, and when she is done a fearsome dragon stands before you! “I present my credentials,” she retorts. “Now we are strangers no more.”
Amenopheus bows and offers an apology for sounding rude. He wishes nothing more than the return of the sages. Stating such he invokes a Convocation of Sages, an old tradition of the sages to decide the organization’s future with a vote. Each Jeweled Sage receives one vote, though because you represent the Ruby Sage as a group, each of you receives only a fraction of her vote. Understandably, Amenopheus and Tahonikepsu cast their votes in favor of their own policies.
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"A dragon how unexpected." Kelris says a bit louder than he had hoped. "So we get a choice despite some of us being short lived mortals?" Kelris says. "Tahonikepsu can you tell us more of your species? I have never seen a dragon like you before and I want my vote to be meaningful." Kelris asks with a bow.
Tahonikepsu preens slightly, a dragon's vanity always being a major weak point, and starts to describe her species. "I am what could be considered an outer dragon. We live out in the vast expanses of space and my people in particular are called Time Dragons. Ours is a noble goal, entrusted to guard history from any who may tamper with the natural temporal order. The eldest of us can even move through time to protect it better. Why, my great-great-great uncle Malathraxas once had to move back to stop a kobold from becoming too uppity. A kobold of all things! Can you imagine?"
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A nearly silent TSK! escapes from the mage. We are leaving the fate of the Sages in the hands of..of a...a...mere human. I like this not at all. Granted, the true surprise here was the close-minded response from Merisiel. I would have thought another elf to be more enlightened. No doubt the humans will vote their fears as a bloc. How disappointing. To have been this close to such potential magnificence, only to have it ignorantly stripped from my grasp and cast aside. A true shame.
A close vote, but both of the sage jewels accept the result gracefully. It seems debating their respective philosophical merits has helped the two sages develop respect for one another, and even though each is certain his or her strategy is the better choice, they both agree that they would be willing to work together in the future and honor Tahonikepsu's victory.
With the discovery of another Jeweled Sage and the recovery of a third sage jewel, you have helped Amenopheus recreate the lost Osirian order. Both he and Tahonikepsu agree that the sages shall work with the Pathfinder Society toward their mutual benefit, and they aid you in returning to Eto without further conflict. The Ruby Sage’s power fades from your bodies as you depart the Pillars of the Sun. Amenopheus is uncertain as to whether or not the ruby sage jewel can be restored, but he begins researching the possibility soon.
Kafar and Nefti fully defect from the Aspis Consortium and join the Pathfinder Society, now able to give their new patrons ciphers and secrets known only to the Aspis Consortium, though the Society’s leadership are cautious about trusting the two turncoats too much.
The journey to get to this point was not easy. A lengthy boat ride from Absalom, traveling across the Inner Sea, down the western Garundi coastline, avoiding the Eye of Abendego, and briefly stopping in the Aspis Consortium-run port city of Bloodcove. Your team managed to avoid any conflict with the Consortium while there, and rented a boat to carry you up the Vanji River to your final destination.
The intermittent breeze off the Vanji River provides welcome respite from the jungle’s torrid oppression. The docks in Nantambu seem as busy as any in Absalom, Katapesh, or Sothis. Hundreds of dockhands move quickly to offload exotic cargo from vessels ranging from single-person canoes to fifty-foot-long river barges. All manner of items can be seen entering the city including rare animal pelts, fine linens, and fruits and vegetables from the far corners of Golarion.
Just past the docks, vast open-air markets completely encompass the mosaic-decorated towers making up Nantambu’s inner city. Hundreds of glass chimes and beaded charms hang from the towers’ balconies and windows, casting a kaleidoscopic radiance across the city’s skyline.
Another time, exploration of the jewel of the Mwangi Expanse would be a welcome excursion, however, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine’s words to you from before the journey’s start still ring clear.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the Society recently acquired what we believe to be the very core of the fabled Sky Key. The entirety of the organization is now focused on finding the four remaining pieces of the mysterious, fractured item, as well as finding any information we can regarding Numerian technology.
“We received word than an agent in Nantambu has obtained a copy of A Thread of Silver. The original copy of this book was stolen from the Technic League in Numeria generations ago. Since that time, several copies have surfaced. In each case, however, the books’ owners were savagely murdered and the copies were destroyed by Technic League agents.
“We don’t know if the book that was purchased is legitimate, but the very mention of its name is treacherous. Venture-Captain Nieford Sharrowsmith is off on an important expedition, so the Nantambu lodge is in the hands of our trusted associate, Aya Allahe. I need you to travel to the covert lodge—in the back of Sharrowsmith’s Exports on the outskirts of Nantambu. Take this coin and show it to the guards standing outside the inner sanctum. Tell them that you require an appraisal. They will recognize the coin and let Aya know you’ve arrived. Work with her to make sure the existence of the book remains a secret and see it safely to Absalom. No one must learn we purchased the book or of our operations in Nantambu.”
The Master of Scrolls’s words fade from memory as the early morning sun continues its ascent into the clear Mwangi sky.
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I must hand it to our handlers, they have kept our recent endeavors quite interesting. Hopefully even the humans can appreciate what we are trying to accomplish. A sobering wave washes over him when he thinks about the team. Quite sorry to see Merisiel reassigned. Why can't the powers that be see the value of keeping elves together. Perhaps there are so few and require us to balance out and improve each team. It is the only explanation that makes sense. Ah Kyonin, your branches hang far afield.
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Kelris stands at the port side of the boat, weapons strapped to his back so they are within easy reach. The Sun hits his full on in his full plate armor, sweat begins to pour down his face and back, a mailed hand goes up to swat at the flies that are start to come out in force. "Back to the sweaty Jungle, this place is a nightmare and beautiful all at the the same time. So we are to find Aya, and return a book. I am glad that we won't have to be going into the Jungle itself this time." Kelris says to the group as they gather
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The dwarf is broad-shouldered and bearded, carrying a flagon of ale and a massive rune-carved waraxe.
"Greetings, friends, in Cayden's name! I am Kavor Doan, warrior, wizard, diplomat, and merchant. The word I had from Merisiel was that this group was exceptionally good at, I believe she said, 'hitting things with sharp objects', but that Fethril might appreciate some magical support. He can only cast so many spells at one time. Well, perhaps I can be of assistance.
Though on the, ah, 'scholarly' aspects I will defer your vast Elven knowledge, sir."
The gregarious dwarf can fight, and cast, and negotiate, but he has only a modest grasp of academic topics.
"So I shall be a wizard on this mission, though I still have my axe should hitting things with sharp objects be a necessary solution. Much as I like my armor, it's rather more comfortable here in the Mwangi Expanse to do without it."
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Kavor Doan's education was not entirely lacking, but he was not an enthusiastic student. He knows a bit about most things. He nods along to the briefing and adds a few facts here and there.
"Ah yes, the Technic League, they, um... are very mysterious."
"Oh yes, the book. Incredibly rare. It describes the first explorations of the Silver Mount. The Mount itself is in Numeria, and has barely been explored, but what anyone does know know is found in this book."
"This is one of the largest cities in the Mwangi Expanse. Over 14,000 live here, mostly of the Zenj and Bonuwat tribes. Here you will find the ancient and renowned arcane academy known as the Magaambya. It makes sense that they would have a copy of the book. Very fond of books and learning, the Magaambya folks."
The dwarf seems vaguely annoyed as he says this.
Who could spend all their time reading over books? Have to make time to properly worship Cayden Cailean...
"The Magaambya was established by followers of Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors. Those heroes brought knowledge and civilization back to Golarion after the Earthfall and the Age of Darkness. The humans had suffered a nearly total cultural collapse in that time, but the efforts of Jatembe and others led to a recovery."
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Morka comes in looking excited as he always is, and rushes straight to the newcomer, "Oh you must be Kavor! It is such a pleasure to meet you! My name is Morka - Morka Tuxx, at your service! I hope we will become best friends over our next journey!" He extends his hand, and nearly falls over from being unbalanced with the large heavy bag behind him. To everyone else, he looks mostly the same, if not, slightly more annoying than previous. "Hey Kelris, hey Fethril! How you two been?" Excited to catch up with his friends after the break they had, Morka even forgets he's in the heat of the jungle.
He listens carefully as the venture captain explains the situation, "Numerial technology? I have heard of such things in the many books that I've read, but I don't think I've ever seen one face to face. This is going to make one hell of a story!"
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"Ah yes, Kovan, you know of them too? I'm sure you know then, that the Technique League is a formerly secret society whose chief goal is the acquisition of personal and worldly power through magic and ancient technology. In fact, I've heard that the League is incredibly protective of their secrets and power, and they ruthlessly hunt down those who leave Numeria with technology or knowledge thereof, including such books as A Thread of Silver. Those said to possess such jealously guarded secrets are often brutally murdered to maintain the League’s sole control of such technology. Many believe the Technic League is the true power behind Numeria’s ruler, Kevoth-Kul, who holds the title “Black Sovereign.” Members are said to meld technology into their very bodies, and use it to fuel their magic and vice-versa." He pauses, "We need to be on high alert, everyone! Do we need anything for our journey?"
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Sharrowsmith’s Exports stands on the northwestern corner of the city.
Towering wooden gates stand open, leading to a vast courtyard surrounded by thick, stone walls. Dozens of colorful awnings cover rows of tables and carts, as hundreds of customers peruse all manner of exotic goods.
Two large, vaguely human statues rise from a central fountain. Their faces look up to the sky and their gaping mouths overflow with water feeding into the basin below. Beyond the fountain stands an immense stone building lined with monolithic pillars, behind which is a facade carved with great beasts native to the Mwangi jungles.
Two guards stand watch over the bazaar just inside the gates, and two more stand outside the sealed doors to the inner building.
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The look of disappointment nearly slips to one of disdain. "Ah...yes. Mr. Tuxx. It seems as if you will be joining us after all." The elf pauses, as if about to say more, then just looks for the best direction for reaching the lodge.
The halfling winks at the elf, "Of course! Where else would I be? What would you do without me, ey Fethril?"
The bard waits patiently for the guards to let them through.
The guards lead your group inside the building and ask you to wait in the foyer. Aya Allahe returns with the guard and asks to see the coin, her eyes alight with recognition and warmth. Upon being presented it she directs you to an appraisal room in the building.
“Welcome Pathfinders. It’s good to see that your leaders take your recent acquisition seriously. And I am glad that they have given me some of the best, though it looks as though several of your fellows have been assigned somewhere else. If you manage to see Aura or Sabert again, please say 'Hi' for me." She stops briefly and introduces herself to Morka and Kavor, "Hello. I am Aya Allahe, I am pleased to greet you. Now, if you will follow me, I will lead you to your lodge.”
Aya runs her hand along the wall and presses a hidden catch. The wall slowly recedes, revealing a small room lit by a single torch.
“Please, follow me.” Aya leads you through the door, past a vaguely human wooden statue, and into a warmly lit lounge.
“Please think of this as your home away from home. You will find it currently empty, as Nieford departed several weeks ago and took most of his agents with him. The venture-captain left only Arvellos Rand behind to watch over the grounds until he returned.
“Rand had only just arrived in Nantambu with the item whose discovery prompted your visit here. Now, he has now been missing for two days.
“Your precious book is locked in the lodge’s hidden vault, but I fear it may not be safe even there. Rumors ride the winds that strange mechanical creatures have been seen in the corners of the city and dark shadows stalk the night. I fear that the book’s rightful owners are here in my city and it’s only a matter of time before they find this location—putting my investment and my safety at risk.
“From what I have heard of the Technic League, they will stop at nothing to destroy the book and lay waste to any who would stand in their way. It is important that you find Arvellos Rand and make sure no one can connect a copy of A Thread of Silver to our facility. Should the League learn of its location, I fear the defenses of this lodge would not survive their magical and technological onslaught.”
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The halfling laughs out loud, and then jabs the elf in the ribs, lightly, but just hard enough to pose a reaction, "Ha! Here that Fethril, we're 'some of the best!' Who would have guessed?"
He then listens quietly for the rest of the explanation.
"A secret vault! I do like the sound of that. But wait, one thing I don't quite understand is why you're so interested in the book, it's not like you get to keep it when this is all done and dusted?"
Aya smiles, clearly expecting a question like this, "Your venture-captain and I are business partners in Sharrowsmith’s Exports. It provides a base of operations in the Mwangi Expanse for your Society and provides my people access to your vast trade network. I see it as a mutually beneficial relationship, one which will help my city continue to prosper in these dark times."
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"If we stay subtle, we might not have to face this League. But if they do find out about us?" The dwarf hefts his waraxe. "I'm ready for that too."
"Let's start by asking around about Arvellos Rand, see if anybody has seen him. Do you know where he was last seen? Does he maintain a home in this city, or live at the Lodge while he is here?"
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Fethril feels a a gentle pang of sorrow when Aura is mentioned. Perhaps one day we will be reunited.
"Perhaps it would also be for the best to assign a code word for the text so it can be referred to without giving anything away. Maybe even some local artifact or legend that is unrelated to the League or their book."
He turns his attention to Aya, "You mentioned that Nieford departed with his agents several weeks ago. Do you have roster of names and descriptions of these Pathfinders? Also, I am wondering if Kavor or myself can have access to the book, even for a few moments?"
Aya considers before answering. "Arvellos stays at the Lodge when he is here. Considering the length of time he has been missing I worry for his safety. And if he has revealed who he is then this lodge is in dire straights indeed. There are some in the city who report seeing strange happenings, unusual even by Nantambu’s standards. If the Technic League is indeed in Nantambu, we need to make sure they don’t learn of the Pathfinder Society’s presence or involvement in the book’s acquisition. Maybe you could plant rumors across the city of someone else’s involvement. Perhaps your Aspis Consortium friends in Bloodcove? Whatever it takes to lead the Technic League away from the city."
She pauses again before answering Fethril's question. "I know only that your Venture-Captain left urgently on an expedition south of the city, toward the Bandu Hills. Though we are business partners, Nieford and I try to stay out of one another’s personal business as much as possible to maintain a professional relationship. He said that the “eyes of the Ten” were on him, which I interpret to mean his mission is one of extreme importance.
"If you wish to peruse the book feel free to do so."
Sharrowsmith’s Exports houses one of the most active markets in Nantambu. The open-air bazaar is home to dozens of merchants, many of whom sell their varied wares from beneath colorful awnings. The exterior walls of the compound are made of lightly colored granite and stand 12 feet high. A massive wooden gate in the eastern wall remains open from dawn, when the market opens, until about an hour after dusk, when the merchants begin to close shop.
Beyond the primary structure’s stone doors, the grand foyer of the inner building welcomes merchants from all over Golarion. The room is decorated with Mwangi cultural items and dominated by two large preserved reptiles. A massive compass rose with ivory inlay dominates the center of the floor.
These small rooms serve as private meeting rooms for anyone requesting an appraisal of their trade goods. Each room contains a large wood table and simple yet comfortable wooden chairs.
Reserved for clientele possessing especially rare wares, these rooms are well appointed and spacious enough to appraise large treasures. The northern luxury room contains a secret door in its west wall leading into the Pathfinder Society lodge.
Venture-Captain Nieford Sharrowsmith’s personal office is used to entertain some of Nantambu’s most influential residents. It doubles as a planning room for launching Pathfinder Society activities in the region. A massive oak table occupies much of the room. Several maps lay spread out on its surface, revealing areas of the Mwangi Expanse south of Nantambu.
Sharrowsmith’s desk sits nestled in the corner of the room. All that remains on his desk is a ledger detailing recent transactions consistent with preparing to supply an extended expedition for a large group of agents.
Hanging on the west wall is a 20-foot-wide silken tapestry of a large city on the banks of a vast river. Shimmering silver thread depicts a ruined visage of the city superimposed on the image below, creating the appearance of a city at once both whole and desolated.
You are informed the suit of Zenj ceremonial armor in this room is an animated object that is missing a crucial gem component.
This passage serves as the main entrance for Society members and their allies heading to and from the bazaar. The room is lit by a single continual flame torch and has two exits, an obvious door to the west and a hidden door in the eastern wall.
The wooden statue in here is actually a golem, though it is missing a vital component to be active.
This comfortable refuge contains a pair of couches and a lounge chair for traveling agents to rest and recuperate after exploring the harsh jungles that surround Nantambu.
The Nantambu lodge is famous for its expansive collection containing thousands of volumes on the Mwangi Expanse, rivaled in the region only by the libraries of the nearby Magaambya. A large wooden decagon table with the Glyph of the Open road engraved into its surface occupies the center of the room. A secret door in the eastern wall leads to Sharrowsmith's Office. A better hidden secret door in the room’s southeastern corner leads to the lodge’s secure vault.
large double-sided fireplace is the central feature of the lodge’s kitchen, which is large enough to comfortably hold over a dozen agents.
The pantry, normally stocked to the brink with crates and barrels of foodstuffs, now lies nearly empty with only minimal essentials left behind by Sharrowsmith.
The Nantambu lodge’s armory still houses weapons, shields, and a few suits of armor.
The Nantambu lodge can comfortably host 12 agents at a time using these simple dormitories. Each room contains a bunk bed and private chest for storing personal items.
The privy of the Nantambu lodge earns much talk from agents travelling through the area for its solid ivory construction.
The lodge’s stables, though currently empty, show signs of recent occupation, with the courtyard beyond its gates covered with month-old hoof prints and wagon ruts.
The lodge’s vault is accessible only through a secret door hidden behind one of the many bookshelves in the library. Lined with stone shelves and a small stone table, the vault is home to the lodge’s most precious treasures. The copy of A Thread of Silver lies open on the table. Several other relics line the shelves, including old tablets, pottery and woodcarvings. None of these items are magical, though they’re worth anywhere from several hundred to several thousand gold pieces each.
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With a frustrated sigh, "This is my point exactly. While Mister Tuxx is not renowned for his intelligence, he is not a dolt. If he is making this mistake, then any of you can. Perhaps we should all stop saying 'book'. In lieu of that, when referring to the work in question, I suggest either the term wayfinder, or if planning to implicate the Aspis, the coin." He then addresses the halfling, "Please stop pointing to or otherwise indicating the presumed location of the very same item we are attempting to obfuscate from our foe."
"The object in question is in the open inside the vault if you would like to research with it. I just ask that it remains there."
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Kavor Doan does not actually have a Wayfinder, but if he sees any, he motions to hide them.
The dwarf tries to recall his studies.
"These reptiles are a giant frilled lizard and a pachycephalosaurus. I am sure you were dying to know that."
"Well, let us go take a look at this coin. And let us be certain we are not being tailed on our way."