Deserts, pyramids and ancient treasures- well that sounds quite interesting, maybe better than the insect infested jungle of my previous adventure. Not that I have anything against jungles mind you. I had always wanted to see one, but now I have, and well... I don't need to see one again for a while.
Her eyes sparkle with interest, "Many elementals at place. Yes, I want go. When leave?" Already having Fippen's answer she then looks Ixius' direction, "You want go Ix?"
"Bah, ferty years ain't fer bein' so long ago. Why weren't ye fer gettin' what ye wanted outta da peer-ah-mids the first time?"
Despite his statement, Korian obviously has the dwarf's interest.
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All eyes are drawn to the door as a huge man with a strange orange stone imbedded in his forehead enters the room. He holds a large double axe in his hand and upon spotting Khorian, he lays it against the wall by the door and strides towards the group.
"Greetings my friend, I am sorry I am late. I happened upon a black marketeer trying to sell a Pyramidion to a Chelish Merchant for transport away from Sothis and felt it was my duty to intervene on behalf of Mighty Osirion herself." He addesses this statement to Khorion and then turns to the rest of the party.
"I am Asim Hassona, Pathfinder and Monolithic Servant of Osirion and ergo, servant of The Great Ruby Prince. I apologise for my tardiness and assure you that I am entirely reliable. I hope to assist you in your endeavours here in Osirion." He bows his head to each person in turn and once everyone is introduced, you see him relax a little.
Her eyes sparkle with interest, "Many elementals at place. Yes, I want go. When leave?" Already having Fippen's answer she then looks Ixius' direction, "You want go Ix?"
Ixius eyes also gleam. "Yes, I want to go as well." he answers Sykala.
Then he says to Asim: "You must be the Mithril Scarab."
Her eyes sparkle with interest, "Many elementals at place. Yes, I want go. When leave?" Already having Fippen's answer she then looks Ixius' direction, "You want go Ix?"Ixius eyes also gleam. "Yes, I want to go as well." he answers Sykala.
Then he says to Asim: "You must be the Mithril Scarab."
Ovirid's bushy eyebrows raise at the entrance of the large man, but he is otherwise quiet, content to listen for now. He does steal a few glances at the man's weapon when he thinks no one's looking at him, but he doesn't move to look at it closer.
Korian laughs at the entrance and greeting of the large man as he says comfortably "Ah, Asim, always have you known how to make an entrance my large friend. You have not missed much, I have just begun to explain the mission to our other friends here, new and old, and, unless I mistake myself, it seems we have the interest of all."
When Ixius guesses Asim to be the Mithral Scarab, Korian has another laugh again as he claps the sorcerer on the shoulder and answers good naturedly "Ah, haha, no, no my friend Ixius, while there are many who claim to know who the Mithral Scarab is; in truth, there are very few indeed who know the true identity of that famous being. I do not number among them myself. I can tell you though, that the Mithral Scarab is quite a bit more, shall we say, 'feminine' that our large axe-wielding Asim." and as he chuckles again, his natural boyish charm makes it easy for all to share in the joke with Korian.
"I believe though that we do have a mean of contacting her, perhaps you would care to elaborate Asim?"
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Asim looks around the group and picks up where Korian left off. "Of course my friend."
"There is to be an Auction of some Antiquities soon and it is said that she will meet with any Pathfinders who are knowledgable in usin a certain pattern to their bidding. I have received word of this pattern and so I believe has Korian. I myself do not have the means to bid on the items of course, but as long as we make the signs on the set items then she will contact us."
He makes sure that everyone has taken in this information before continuing. Friend korian says he trusts you and as long as you have the interests of Osirion at heart then I too am willing to trust you to partake of this important mission."
He folds his arms across his broad chest as he finishes. The corners of his mouth rise just a hint, barely noticable to the newcomers, but Korian knows this means that he is happy with the situation, about as much admission to the fact that one is likely to get.
"Well said great Asim. If all are in agreement, then I bid you rest and gather your strength for our mission. You shall want for nothing while you are our guests here. At the appointed time, we shall lead you to the auction. I assume though that you shall be wanting to properly equip yourselves for a journey into the harsh deserts and we shall allow time for this and advise you on which items are of greatest necessity. Of course as well, Asim and I are at your disposal for any further questions you may have. Should you have need of us, simply ask one of the servants and they shall fetch one or both of us forthwith. When you are ready, the servants shall lead you to your rooms."
Korian waits for to give any who wish to do so the chance to ask further questions. Should none be forth-coming, he stands up and moves to Asim, bending his head close to the big man as he speaks quietly, presumably regarding some form of Pathfinder business. After he moment he leaves the room, motioning for the large warrior to accompany him.
For All
No real Pathfinder business ;-) Just leaving an opportunity for Tarren to move forward the story if he wishes. I'm happy to RP any further questions anyone has but I'd also be fine with them just being addressed and answered to Tarren directly in the OOC or something as I, the Player, really have as little info at present as everyone else = )
For example, I have one myself- Tarren, Korian has a fair stash of coin now, as you'd hinted you wanted, which I now assume is for the auction. But as for items the others may need for the journey, will the Society be providing for them? Or do they have to buy it themselves? Or will it come out of Korian's funds? Whichever is fine, just curious.
Thank you Korian, your hospitality is most appreciated. Now what do you have to eat?
Catching Ixius' eye, Sykala gives him a mystified look and whispers, "Auc-tion? Ant-i-keys? What is?"
Ovirid's expression, having cleared for a bit, grows a bit dark. Biddin' pattern? Auction? 'n what 'n Torag's forge is a Mithral Scarab?
He sighs and notes Sykala's confusion though he doesn't try to catch her question. At least Ah'm not th' only one 'n th' dark at th' moment.
Catching Ixius' eye, Sykala gives him a mystified look and whispers, "Auc-tion? Ant-i-keys? What is?"
"An 'auction of antiquities' is a kind of sale of ancient treasures. The way in which this 'Mithril Scarab' person signals that she wishes buy one will be how we identify her." Ixius whispers back.
Her look brightens, "Scarab bug take us elementals?"
If any of you hoped to visit the heart of Sothis, the center of the city shaded by the shedded carapace of a gigantic beetle, you'll have to make a trip another time. Although you can see the famed Black Dome from the Malhitu Bazaar, you are far, far from it.
From the behaviour of the long-robed and bronze complexioned men and women trading in the white tents of the bazaar, you get the feeling that some shady dealings are happening just beyond most of the tent flaps. Hundreds of tents selling herbs, spices, digging tools, ropes, canvas, camels, and other perfectly legal goods and not person gives you the impression of being perfectly legal.
Entering through the back of one tent into a square completely surrounded by tents and hidden from the outside, you finally arrive at the site of the auction.
The tent is half-full, with more white robed traders from Osirion and a few foreign adventurers slowly trickling in. More than a few of the patrons look like they'd as soon cut your throat as outbid you but enough of the toughest look like they are there to make sure the auction runs smoothly. No one attempts to take your weapons away but disrupting the auction would probably end badly all around.
There are seats both in front and at the back. Where do you sit?
Dwarven merchants often wear the comfortable flowing robes but there are no dwarves in this tent currently.
Dwarven merchants often wear the comfortable flowing robes but there are no dwarves in this tent currently.
Ovirid will ask the "local" members of the party in a whisper, "'r we supposed t' be fer sittin' in th' front? Ah'm inclined t' be 'eaded fer th' back row, meself."
Fippin's along for the ride. He doesn't really have any money to spend at an auction. He leaves his bow and other gear back at the lodge, and carries only his shortsword and dagger. He looks around taking in the scene.
Unless they heard something to indicate otherwise in the descriptions of how to bid to get the Mithral Scarabs' attention, Korian will also be inclined to sit in the back, for all the better to be able to see all that goes on around the auction as well...plus being nearer to a speedy exit should the need arise is never a bad thing in the former Rogue's eyes.
Once they arrive at the auction site, Korian unobtrusively takes an good look around (1d20+10=15), trying to pay particular attention to anything that seems odd or out of place. He uses his fairly extensive knowledge of the history (1d20+9=29) of the auction and local (1d20+9=21) rumors and traditions to aid him in this
As the dwarf enters the hidden area with the others, he keeps his eyes open for anything of interest. He also uses his knowledge of history where applicable.
Unless they heard something to indicate otherwise in the descriptions of how to bid to get the Mithral Scarabs' attention, Korian will also be inclined to sit in the back, for all the better to be able to see all that goes on around the auction as well...plus being nearer to a speedy exit should the need arise is never a bad thing in the former Rogue's eyes.
Once they arrive at the auction site, Korian unobtrusively takes an good look around (1d20+10=15), trying to pay particular attention to anything that seems odd or out of place. He uses his fairly extensive knowledge of the history (1d20+9=29) of the auction and local (1d20+9=21) rumors and traditions to aid him in this
Korian is able to identify many people at the auction. If he shares this information with the rest of the party, they can look under the spoiler:
Kemesarian, the auctioneer, seems particularly excited today. The crew eight of eunuchs who handle the antiquities work quickly setting crate after crate gently on the raised dias. The seven thugs who watch the crowd without excitement are mostly relatives of Kemesarian, not because he trusts his relatives, but because he knows where there mothers live and can always threaten their families if anything goes missing.
You also recognize various mostly inconsequential nobles: Tlattanuh of the Morning Rays, Yinhaha X, Mistress of the River Gates, and Blessed Erham, Secretary of the Captain of the Guard.
Many of the merchants in attendance seem more interested in two particular patrons of the auction. The Crook Bearer, a notorious private collector, sits at one table with a heavy chest in front of him. Guards surrounding him make it clear that the chest contains gold. Arch Docent curator of the largest museum in Sothis eyes The Crook Bearer with outright hostility.
There is one group that sits near the front that you don't recognize. Their clothes mark them as foreign.
Fippin's along for the ride. He doesn't really have any money to spend at an auction. He leaves his bow and other gear back at the lodge, and carries only his shortsword and dagger. He looks around taking in the scene.
As the dwarf enters the hidden area with the others, he keeps his eyes open for anything of interest. He also uses his knowledge of history where applicable.
Ovirid share with the others, "See 'at 'alf dozen wit' th' uniforms at th' front? Ah'd be fer sayin' they be soldjers fer Cheliax 'n they be guardin' 'at group they be wit'. Ah've 'eard 'at th' Chelish 'r gettin' interested 'istory o' these parts -- but mostly 'n th' power o' th' pharoahs."
Ixius takes a seat next to Korian and saves a spot for Sykala.
The auction square begins to fill up as people enter from the backs of tents on all sides. For a secret auction, a lot of people know about it. There must be over 110 people in the square ... only a dozen of them women.
The auctioneer begins by drawing a small block of wood from a larger box. In it are set seven golden coins. "From the Dynasty of the Four Pharoahs!" announces the auctioneer. "Untouched by human hands in thousands of years! Who will give me 40gp?"
After taking a seat, Ixius looks around studying the crowd.
After taking a seat, Ixius looks around studying the crowd.
Amongst the group from Cheliax that Ovirid pointed out is a person that catches your attention. His or her back is to you, but the animated gestures seem familiar somehow. Too bad they are sitting in the front and you are at the very back.
The lot of coins is bidded on lazily by a few of the merchants and finally goes to the group from Cheliax for 75gp.
The next item pulled from crates is described by the auctioneer as "a stone figurine of a lovely noblewoman slumbering; in her arms, she holds an intricate staff, perhaps of magical origin."
The large man at the center of the party from Cheliax offers 100gp for the piece.
Accepting the seat Ixius offers Sykala watches the auctions with initial curiosity but coins and nick-knacks do not hold her attention for long. Her eyes begin to wander the crowd, taking in the clothes and mannerisms of all these odd people. With a hopeful look in her eyes she leans close to Ixius, "We see big dead bug when auc-tion over?"
Ovirid more or less just sits and watches, only speaking to share in hushed tones something he's noticed in the crowd or something he's heard about the piece being auctioned.
Tarren:
Mainly out of curiosity at this point to see what the other bidders will do, Korian raises his hand and calls out just loud enough to be heard "150."
The excitement continues to build in the young man, for this was a very special moment and event for him. If he was right about some of his suspicions of the items up for bid, this could end up being a very exciting day indeed! Sensing his master's excitement, Jiix pokes his head out from the fold of Korian's robe he had been sleeping in and his beady little intelligent eyes peer up questioningly at Korian. The young mage lovingly pets his familiar but his entire focus for the moment is on the auction.
Realizing he isn't going to get anymore attention from his master at the moment, the always active (when not sleeping) weasel climbs out fully and moves down Korian's arm. Perhaps sensing some sort of affinity, the weasel unconcernedly moves across Ixus's lap and over onto Sykala's peering up at the druid curiously as he chitters at her. Korian, with an apologetic smile on his face, glances over quickly to gauge his new friends reaction to the uninvited furry visitor, and is ready to call Jinx back, but the majority of his attention is still clearly occupied by the auction.
A laugh of delight comes from Sykala's direction. She holds still allowing the weasel to sniff and familiarize himself with her. With the weasels appearance the rest of the world seemingly has ceased to exist for Sykala. She intones a short prayer to Gozreh and apparently is involved in a rather lengthy conversation with the animal. She looks over at Korian at one point and tries to stifle a laugh at something Jinx has apparently told her about his companion. She strokes, pets, and helps the curious Jinx examine all of her clothing, herbs, and equipment.
Accepting the seat Ixius offers Sykala watches the auctions with initial curiosity but coins and nick-knacks do not hold her attention for long. Her eyes begin to wander the crowd, taking in the clothes and mannerisms of all these odd people. With a hopeful look in her eyes she leans close to Ixius, "We see big dead bug when auc-tion over?"
""I assume so." Ixius keeps a close eye on the familiar person in the Chelish group.
There are some people milling about the edges of the auction betting on whether the Crook Bearer or the Arch Docent will win a particular lot. The rivalry between these two is obvious.
Rumours are spreading quickly regarding the lots that are expected to be sold today. They include:
Seeing that Sykala seems to be pleased rather than bothered by the attentions of Jinx, Korian smiles and moves his full attention back to the auction. He does glance over briefly at the sound of her laughter, a look of slight perplexity on his face as the woman actually seems to be conversing with Jinx. 'But no, that can't be, even I can't speak with Jinx...yet. Or, perhaps she knows of that spell which allows one to speak with animals? I have meant to research that spell, if she knows it perhaps she could aid me...'
His attention once again being consumed by the auction though, thoughts of Jinx and the Druid fade from his conscious thoughts. As no one else had yet over-topped his bid on the stature of the woman, Korian whispers to the others that he was heading to the front for a few minutes and any who wished to accompany him were welcome. Standing, he moves to the front to get a better look at the item which may soon be his, as well as the other items on display. The item he was most interested in, the charcoal rubbings, was not up for bid yet but there were some other items the young mage was certainly curious about and he needed to see them up close to fit them in with his historical research. As he moves to the front he takes a quick subtle glance at the group Ovirid had pointed out, trying to determine if any of them looked familiar to him..
Ixius is happy to accompany Korian. When he gets to the front he takes a closer look at the familiar looking person in the Chelish group.
Seeing that Sykala seems to be pleased rather than bothered by the attentions of Jinx, Korian smiles and moves his full attention back to the auction. He does glance over briefly at the sound of her laughter, a look of slight perplexity on his face as the woman actually seems to be conversing with Jinx. 'But no, that can't be, even I can't speak with Jinx...yet. Or, perhaps she knows of that spell which allows one to speak with animals? I have meant to research that spell, if she knows it perhaps she could aid me...'
His attention once again being consumed by the auction though, thoughts of Jinx and the Druid fade from his conscious thoughts. As no one else had yet over-topped his bid on the stature of the woman, Korian whispers to the others that he was heading to the front for a few minutes and any who wished to accompany him were welcome. Standing, he moves to the front to get a better look at the item which may soon be his, as well as the other items on display. The item he was most interested in, the charcoal rubbings, was not up for bid yet but there were some other items the young mage was certainly curious about and he needed to see them up close to fit them in with his historical research. As he moves to the front he takes a quick subtle glance at the group Ovirid had pointed out, trying to determine if any of them looked familiar to him..
Ixius is happy to accompany Korian. When he gets to the front he takes a closer look at the familiar looking person in the Chelish group.
Ixius can make a stealth check to cast detect magic without being noticed to do so. He should also make a spellcraft check to do so after the surprise of seeing that his old friend Esteban is the familiar figure in the Chelish group. You decide how surprised Ixius is to see Esteban and set the DC accordingly. Esteban is all smiles, kissing up to the thug-in-silks who is obviously the leader of that contingent.
Ixius is so surprised he forgets about the casting of any spells and rushes back to tell Sykala that Esteban is at the auction.
Ovirid accompanies Korian and Ixius to the front of the auction and is quite surprised when Ixius rushed back past him to talk to Sykala. He will examine the items on display, as permitted, also.