Christaph walks into the house to take a look around. His psicrystal will also come out onto his shoulder to take a peek.
The Caravan guards secure the looters and stride into the broken down house. Inside the looters' makeshift headquarters, they can clearly see, even without Jim's assistance, numerous trade goods strewn about the room. This is obviously a way-station for stolen goods that the ophiduans were pilfering during the chaos of the earthquake.
While the others are investigating, Neils stands over the ophiduans. Tapping his foot lightly he says "So, are you finally ready to tell me what you've been up to?"
"We should call for city guards," says Aidan seeing the result of their interference. "Lest we get in trouble ourselves."
He then quickly scouts the surroundings for any guards and if he finds some, he describes what happened and guides them to the location.
Squirm begins, slightly less subtly than it intends, to have a look through what has been stashed.
"...rugs, pots, flour... No eye for quality those lizards..."
"So, are you finally ready to tell me what you've been up to?"
"We just thought, the boys and I, well people were just leaving the stuff. So we took it. Better in our hands, than someone else's." The Ophiduans look at their captors. "Cut us a break man, we will bring the stuff back. Just don't involve the city."
The group sees a small cluster of Arbil city watch helping some locals in the distance.
"You preyed on people when they were at their most vulnerable, just to turn a quick buck. I can't say I have any sympathy for you whatsoever."
"Yes, if they are not taught their lesson now, then they will repeat their actions again. Call those guards over!"
Aidan runs up to the guards to describe the situation.
"Hey! We could your help, we found some looters."
The guards quickly approach. After hearing the story, they quickly apprehend the looters and take stock of the contents inside the broken down house.
Replacing the lock, secure that it would deter most would-be-thieves, the Arbil watch thank the caravan guards and depart with their prisoners.
One guard lags behind and answers the questions of the group. "First time looters, probably lose a hand. Who knows, might be a bit less lenient since they were preying on the helpless. Regardless, they knew the law and chose to break it. Can't say that I have much sympathy for them.
"I'll make sure to note your names and how helpful you were. Just be careful, best leave us to deal with these types next time. Take care friends."
"Thank you sirs."Kazushi thanks the guards, nodding at their warning without sincerity.
The caravan guards continue to help the populace move debris, and clear walkways, except for Squirm who continues to pantomime helping in the hopes that others will do the heavy lifting.
As they progress through residential neighborhoods, they come across an unique house. Nicer than most of the houses in the neighborhood, a small plaque besides the door proclaims this to be the house of ‘Finnigan, Third Generation Seer’. Seeing as this is a city of seers, the placard seems odd.
"Does he want to stand out in a city full of seers?" wonders Aidan.
"What's that? Oh! I hadn't seen that. Maybe we could ask?"
Kazushi looks at the plaque and gives the house a closer inspection, obviously curious.
"It does seem odd Aidan. Being a seer, I think of that as some kind of mysterious gift from fate or a deity, not something that is inherited. Perhaps the plaque was put their by Finnigan's grandfather, I mean if they are all so good at prophecy. Or perhaps the first generation seer is the one alive now, and he has foreseen his son and grandson will be seers also.
Kazushi, noticing nothing out of the ordinary other than the sign, informs the group. The Companions decide to investigate a bit further to gain a better understanding of Arbil and one brave soul knocks on the door. The flimsy door opens inwards with each successive knock, and they can clearly hear from inside a voice, "Come in, come in. Welcome to the House of Finnigan, or as my friends call me, Finnigan III." The companions see an aging man, whip-thin with luxurious black hair streaming down to shoulder length. His robes are made of a fine silk, brightly colored as all are the furnishing in his shop. There is a counter with items for sale behind, mainly an odd assortment of potions and crystals.
The man quickly advances around the counter and motions to a small table and chairs. "Come sit. Introduce yourselves and listen to my tale of woe. You see, I have been a seer my whole life, like my father and grandfather before him. Yet I find myself in a most terrible predicament. My powers seem to be failing. You see, someone of my prestigious bloodline can make it through this with just a little help. I need someone one, or a group such as yourselves, to find an artifact for me, my little help. If you are able that is."
"Greetings Finnigan, I am Kazushi." The Kitsune takes a seat and introduces each of the group to their new acquaintance, then continues "Please, tell us of this artifact and your troubles in full. And exactly what you mean in saying you are a seer. We might be able to help. However, in my understanding artifacts are rare, prized, hazardous and anything but easy to obtain."
"Well met, Kazushi. I haven't seen you in these parts before. Welcome to Arbil if it is your first time. As a seer, I am able to see future events. At times. Lately, it is rare that I can. Coming from my pedigree though, I can predict enough, or matter of factly, make a prediction vague enough to generally be acceptable.
"But that cannot continue. What I seek is a device that the ancients used to divine the future. Tales are still told of individuals that used a ball made of crystal. In this ball the ancients could scry without psionics. Incredible I know.
"Now, if it was found out that Finnigan III had lost his gift, or that I was using such a crude device, well I am sure that I don't need to tell you what would happen to me and my business.
"Recently, I had my eye on buying a particular crystal sphere I had seen in the market, but unfortunately it isn’t there anymore. A human named Kelpa, living in the civic quarter has beaten me to it. Kelpa is a crystal carver, and it is anyone's guess what he is going to use it for.
"Here is some money that I have squirreled away, most of my savings. Do you think you could find it in the kindness of your heart to try and get me this crystal?" He looks imploringly at you all as he holds a leather pouch.
Kazushi looks at the coins and counts them quickly, saying cautiously "We could approach this Kelpa and try to but the crystal. But if it is an artifact properly speaking it is not going to be purchased easily."
"And if it is a genuine artifact, this Kelpa isn't likely to sold it."
Squirm listens to the back and from with little interest, the house is fascinating. The dromite hobbles about, prodding this, picking that up and turning it over in its hands.
"Why. Mr Finnegan, Why is the word that first finds itself on my lips. Why do you seek our assistance in this, we untrusted few in a city where you must surely have people you trust? Why, more pressingly, should we help you maintain your sham position in society, decieving and conning the populous? Why are you so important in this city full of seers?... Why, Mr Finnegan?"
"Why, Mr. Squirm, let me explain a bit about Arbil first, so you know why this must be kept from public knowledge. Arbil is a psionic city, founded by psionics. Mosephi founder, ruler, and seer created Arbil for those who wish to focus on clairsentience, over the other five psionic disciplines."
"As a third generation seer, I knew it was my destiny to come to Arbil and set up shop. And I did fairly well for a time. For some unknown reason of late, I cannot fully see the tapestry of my clients destiny. My psionic powers are failing. What am I to do? Close shop? Go out of business? Destroy my family name and business as a seer that cannot see into the future?
"I have done a little research, nothing illegal mind you, and I came across an ancient technique for someone to use magic" he scrunches his face as if he bit into a sour fruit. "I fear that it is the only way to actually inform my clients of their future until I can find a way to get my powers back.
"So what I would like for you to do is to get this crystal for me. I tried to buy it, but Kelpa the Carver beat me to it. I cannot go to Kelpa and ask for it, or try to buy it from him, without exposing myself and my lack of current powers. And as for my friends, a wise man once said the best secret ever kept is the one that is never told. Even the best of my friends might one day use this information to ruin me.
"You seem like good fellows, and are out-of-towners if I have not missed my mark. You could talk to Kelpa for me to acquire the crystal without too much fuss.
"In this pouch is 100 gp for you. To do whatever you want with, if you can bring me back the crystal. What say you?"
He looks excitedly at you all.
"It seems to me like 100 gold, is an extremely small sum to pay to save your family's reputation, keep you open for business, AND keep your secret safe! Alas, by the time we split it up among ourselves it would be a paltry sum indeed!"
Finnigan III looks at Christaph, "That may be a paltry sum to you all, but that is my life's savings. If you choose not to help me, that is your choice, but pray at least be kind about it." As the seer ends, the guards can tell he looks crestfallen.
"I don't think it would hurt to seek out this Kelpa and see if we can purchase the item from him. This man faces ruin. If we can't obtain the crystal I would be in favour of giving him his 100 gold back. But Finnigan, it may well not work. If Kelpa won't well we are not going to kill him and take the crystal. Gentlemen?"
"I don't mind," agrees Aidan. "It won't hurt to talk to him."
"Yeah!" nods Neils
"Little point in taking Mr Finnegan's paultry life savings either way. Leave the man his gold. If we can retrieve the item he needs then he will be indebted to us. The debt of a high flying seer with a secret to keep is worth rather more than a few gold coins if you ask me."
Squirm is still more interested in the various items around the store than the man himself.
As Squirm inspects all the brick-a-brack in Finnigan III's store, he beams at you all for attempting to help him out. He tosses the leather pouch to you before exclaiming, "Thank you, oh thank you! You really are my saviors.
"You can find the crystal, and Kelpa, living in the civic quarter.
"Oh thank you so much!"
The Caravan guards stride out of Finnigan's Shop and head over to the civic quarter. There many structures show only minimal damage, and the populace seems to be calming down after the morning traumatic episode.
They come to a large house, more like a cross between a warehouse and a home. Long and narrow, a sign swings in the afternoon gentle breeze Kelpa's Krystal Karving.
Pushing open the door a crystal wind chime tinkles creating a melodic sound. The retail space is clean and bright with high windows and mirrors reflecting the light around the room. Crystal sculptures of animals, cut glass goblets, and other beautiful decorations toss prisms of light all around.
A burly man in glass spectacled overalls wipes his hands in a towel before rounding a counter. "Good day good sirs. In the market for anything in particular? Almost all my stock has survived the earthquake so we should have whatever you are looking for."
Before leaving Finnigan, Kazushi gets a comprehensive description of the crystal he wants and she says:-
"I am an odd one to be called a savior. Best hold on that, we have to obtain the thing to qualify. We shall try."
"Good day to you too," Aidan greets the burly man. "We are looking for a crystal ball. Do you happen to have any?"
The man scratches his bread. "Yeah, picked up one the other day. Been thinking about what to do with it, mermaid, possible a dragon with its wings unfurled, skeleton graveyard. Lot of options. You care to commission something?" the man rubs his hands together.
Kazushi looks around to see if there are crystal carvings on display, how good they are and if they have any prices on them. She scowls in fairly obviously feigned offence at the group being referred to as "sirs" then replies:-
"Perhaps we could have a look at the ball. I would like to see the size and quality of the crystal before we commission anything, and we would have to see if it is something we could pay for of course."
"Yes, as the kind" and pausing and putting emphasis on the word as he gives the man a stern look, here says the quality of this ball would matter, as well as seeing about the price."
As the caravan guards spread out, and check out the wares in Kelpa's shop, they notice there are numerous items on display, all of a very fine quality. They think that Kelpa must be a fine craftsman, further supported by the fact that none of the items have listed prices on them.
"My apologies, my lady. I did not see you behind these others. So you want to have a look at the uncut crystal ball, um sure." a bit bewildered that these potential customers are focused on the before product rather than the after product his usual clients inspect.
Kelpa disappears into what the guards assume is a back workshop and emerges with a beautiful crystal ball. "So what are you all thinking about? How much were you looking to spend?" comes the savvy business owner's reply.
"Mr Kelpa, we want this crystal not any other, not cut, just this. But please understand that our hearts are not set on it, we will give you what you paid for it, plus a little for your trouble. Or we walk away. Up to you, do you want to make a little money today and gain the favour of a group of out of out of towners who are about to attend a meeting with your cities founder?..."
"May I have a look at it please? I wish to see its qualities upclose for myself."
If permitted Christaph will take the sphere into his hands and give it a close examination over all its surface.
He will also try to remember anything he knows about 'magical' crystal balls.
He wishes to make sure we are getting the correct sphere, and is wondering if there is any way he can ascertain that this is indeed a 'magical' crystal ball. Once done looking at it he will hold it out, "Do any of you wish to examine it to see what you think?"
"It looks... good," Aidan shrugs. "I think."
He never really took interest in such things.
'Mr. Squirm, what you have to understand is that this ball, uncut, is far less valuable than it is after I sculpt it. So your offer to buy it for a little more isn't very tempting.
"And you say you are going to meet with the Overseer today. Interesting, but how will that help my business?"
Squirm gives the man a jovial frown
"Small is a relative term Mr Kelpa. One such as I comes to realise that. But forgive me, I was speaking colloqialy thinking we could resolve this without descending to common bartery. Very well... Let me think, a wise man such as yourself... Paid say 40? No 50! No more, certainly... We could give you, say, double my lower guess, 80gc? How does that strike you? And as for how the favour of a agent of the overseer could help your business, if I need to tell you that then you are not the shrewd operator I had judged you."
"80 you say? And you will put in a good work with the Overseer? Done and done." Kelpa spits in his hand and and extends it towards the dromite to seal the deal.
Having secured the crystal ball, the guards head back to Finnigan III's shop.
He greets the group warmly and delicately takes the crystal ball into his possession. "Outstanding! I cannot thank you enough. I will make sure to tell all my friends what a great group of people you are. Good day and good luck!" With that he heads back into his shop to work out the particularities of magic.
As the caravan guards move towards the Overseer's house, they notice that despite the destructive earthquake, the city of Arbil seems to be getting back in order. Taking a bit of time, the caravan guards decide to find out what they can about the Overseer.
Reaching the Overseer's house they notice A beautiful three story building, the villa overlooks the city’s reservoir and the ocean beyond.
The caravan guards knock on the door and are admitted inside rather quickly. They enter a sparse room where, across from Mosephi, still unconscious but miraculously alive, sits Zorotaer. Mosephi stands as they enter the room, and ushers them to sit in the now-vacated couch.
"I am glad to see you. I have heard that you were prophesized to avert the end of the future, hm? Yes, I know all about it; Zorotaer said he has been dreaming of it for days – though the specifics of the situation had escaped him until, obviously, he wandered into the market.” He sighs, and runs his hand over his head, “Normally, I would look into the future and see what he meant by it. But, also like he predicted, the future is broken, missing, obscured. Search the Flow around you, something is wrong. And doubtlessly it is tied to this quake.”
“I will be busy here for some time, as will the guard, assuring the citizens that everything is in hand. It seems only fitting to ask you to be emissaries to the kobolds of the mining village of Vensnak to the north. Hopefully they will have more details as to what the quake actually was, being the experts of the earth that they are.”
“And while there, perhaps you can discover why they have stopped their shipments of ore.” finishing his long plea, he sits down and looks worriedly at you all.
As the group is walking along, heading towards their meeting with the Overseer, Christaph asks a passer-by, "Excuse me, I was wondering if there is anything you could tell me about the Overseer please kind lady?"
"I thank you kindly! This is much appreciated!"