Tarren
If/when it's appropriate, you can add this in:
-Heading back to the lodge, before they reach there Korian suddenly comes to a decision and stops short. Completely serious, he turns to face Neferet and says "Ok Neferet, if that is your true name, No More Games. I wish to trust you but as yet I do not. I you truly desire to be taken into our circle, you will tell us here and now Who you Really are, what you are after and what is True purpose in befriending us. If you do not convince me of your truthfulness sincerity you can turn around now and never show your face near me again."
My purpose for this is because, while I can see that you intend to have Neferet be a part of the plot for now, which is great, at the moment Korian is not even very close to trusting her and he would never bring someone he doesn't trust into the Society lodge. So this is my attempt at a fix. If you have some better way around this though, please feel free to completely disregard the last paragraph.
PS, the runner doesn't have to return to the restaurant. Not knowing how long it would take, Korian gave him instructions to show up at a store near the Lodge (a front the Society uses for strangers-it's connected through a hidden backway to the Lodge itself-is this OK with you?) and ask for him there if they were already gone from the restaurant.
"Hey, little hairy man, no be worry! I never to hit my friend Ko-ree-an. I to try but he is move to quick or something. Maybe is magic?"
"Ah've thought once 'r twice t' be fer puttin' 'n ideer 'n 'is 'ead wit' m' fist, meself. Never does seem t' be fer workin', though."
Once inside, Ovirid tries to maneuver into a seat with a view of as much of the interior of the place as possible. It takes him a while to relax, watching for threats to himself or his companions. As a result, he's less conversational than usual, finally listening with interest to anything the others wish to share, especially the lovely Neferet, whom he does not try to sit next to.
Neferet turns on Korian and begins to speak softly, but gradually gets louder, "I offered you my services. I didn't ask for much pay. Just a chance to learn. But you've whispered behind my back; you've left me out of meetings; you've shot glances, nudged, and passed things around when you thought I wouldn't see. You've been rude! If you don't trust me, I'll go."
She crosses her arm as if she's going to wait for an answer but then begins again to Korian, "Are you always this mean to girls who like you?"
Neferet turns on Korian and begins to speak softly, but gradually gets louder, "I offered you my services. I didn't ask for much pay. Just a chance to learn. But you've whispered behind my back; you've left me out of meetings; you've shot glances, nudged, and passed things around when you thought I wouldn't see. You've been rude! If you don't trust me, I'll go."
She crosses her arm as if she's going to wait for an answer but then begins again to Korian, "Are you always this mean to girls who like you?"
"Lad, ye've certainly got a way wit' ye today. Yer friend th' cook tries t' take yer 'ead off, th' lass is 'bout t' walk off on ye."
"Lass, Ah've got n' skill fer words, this ye already know, but Ah 'ope ye'll 'ear me out. Ye'll 'ave t' accept that we're about somethin' that we dinnae expect n' 'elp fer. Yer offer of assistance seems a touch unusual 'r mebbe too convenient. 'ow kin we know yer 'oo ye say ye 'r 'n that yer really fer wantin' t' be 'elpin' us?"
Diplomacy:
Neferet turns on Korian and begins to speak softly, but gradually gets louder, "I offered you my services. I didn't ask for much pay. Just a chance to learn. But you've whispered behind my back; you've left me out of meetings; you've shot glances, nudged, and passed things around when you thought I wouldn't see. You've been rude! If you don't trust me, I'll go."
She crosses her arm as if she's going to wait for an answer but then begins again to Korian, "Are you always this mean to girls who like you?"
"Lad, ye've certainly got a way wit' ye today. Yer friend th' cook tries t' take yer 'ead off, th' lass is 'bout t' walk off on ye."
"Lass, Ah've got n' skill fer words, this ye already know, but Ah 'ope ye'll 'ear me out. Ye'll 'ave t' accept that we're about somethin' that we dinnae expect n' 'elp fer. Yer offer of assistance seems a touch unusual 'r mebbe too convenient. 'ow kin we know yer 'oo ye say ye 'r 'n that yer really fer wantin' t' be 'elpin' us?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2
"What? Like a test? ..." she thinks for a moment. "What if I came back with a scroll from the royal archives. The boy I knew is still a guard tehre."
At the beautiful young woman's comments of being enamored of him, the young mage blushes although he tries mightily to hide it
Sense Motive 14
one gets the impression that, despite his intelligence and confidence, the young man perhaps does not have very much experience in the more...subtle matters concerning the opposite sex
As his Dwarven friend steps in Korian smiles in gratitude at him, and then he relaxes even more once Neferet agrees to a test. Turning his smile to her he says "Yes, perhaps that will do, you see, the fact of the matter is that we are involved in some...very sensitive matters and so must be be very careful with whom we decide to trust. I'm you can understand. Once you have the scroll come to (Korian describes the store that serves as a front) ask for us and someone shall come to meet you promptly. I..ah, that is we hope to see you again soon."
Korian waits for Neferet to leave, then, once sure she is gone, he looks around carefully to make sure no one else if following them, Perception: and then leads the group on a circuitous route back to the Pathfinder Lodge.
Ixius picks at his food, trying to find something he can eat, nd washes it down with copious quantities of ale.
Ixius doesn't trust the woman very much, and is not sure why Korian is letting her hang around.
Well, and also, because, you know, She's Hot. ;-D
Well, and also, because, you know, She's Hot. ;-D
But if any of Korian's chosen companions were to make a case for getting rid of her, they wouldn't have to make to strong of an argument. If no one says anything though, he'll probably let her in. If things go wrong? Well, it's not like he'd be the first guy ever hornswoggled by a pretty face : )
PS: so we should be back in the lodge now. Does anyone need or want to do anything specific?
When you are ready to act on it, the runner will return with an invitation to visit him at his family mansion.
While he waits in the security and comfort of the Lodge for news of the arrival of the messenger boy or Neferet, Korian finally pulls out the items purchased at auction and goes over each carefully, sharing and passing them around with any of his comraddes who are interested.
As well, knowing that his partner Asim will want to see the items, as the warrior had had to leave the auction early to attend to business of his own, Korian sends a servent to see if he has returned yet and if so, to inform him of Korian's return as well.
Neferet has not returned by the time the messenger boy returns with the invitation. Your plans?
Ovirid pours over the items, studying them closely.
Linguistics for rubbings:
Linguistics for star chart:
Ovirid pours over the items, studying them closely.
Linguistics for rubbings: 1d20 + 8
Linguistics for star chart: 1d20 + 8
The dwarf mumbles to himself, lost in his studies. "Hmm, interesting... OK, I see..."
The dwarf mumbles to himself, lost in his studies. "Hmm, interesting... OK, I see..."
The dwarf mumbles to himself, lost in his studies. "Hmm, interesting... OK, I see..."
Neferet has not returned by the time the messenger boy returns with the invitation. Your plans?
Your plans?
As they pour over the items and relax in the comfort of the Lodge, Korian inquires of his companions if they have need of any specific supplies or items before heading out into the desert wastes.
As they pour over the items and relax in the comfort of the Lodge, Korian inquires of his companions if they have need of any specific supplies or items before heading out into the desert wastes.
Ixius would certainly like to visit the Sothis market.
As they pour over the items and relax in the comfort of the Lodge, Korian inquires of his companions if they have need of any specific supplies or items before heading out into the desert wastes.
The message invites you to come by "after the supper hour". That still gives you time to go shopping. Neferet has not returned.
Sothis has no shortage of healers and the market is well-supplied in potions of CLW, CMW, wands, etc. I hope you're okay not role-playing this part.
As the rest get immersed in their various tedious studies Sykala slips quietly away to someplace private to go flying over the city and big beetle shell in eagle form.
At the appointed hour, Korian makes his way to the estate of the Crook Bearer with any of his companions who wish to come along. Whether his friend the Dwarf wishes to or not though, Korian makes him, not giving up his asking until the Dwarf agrees.
Ixius gladly comes long to visit the Crook Bearer, curious to see what a "crook bearer" is.
At the appointed hour, Korian makes his way to the estate of the Crook Bearer with any of his companions who wish to come along. Whether his friend the Dwarf wishes to or not though, Korian makes him, not giving up his asking until the Dwarf agrees.
Ovirid will just listen to Korian's entreaties without reacting until he can't suppress his smile any longer. "Lad, if'n ye think Ah woulda let ye go widdout me, ye're crazier 'n Ah thought."
|
As well, knowing that his partner Asim will want to see the items, as the warrior had had to leave the auction early to attend to business of his own, Korian sends a servant to see if he has returned yet and if so, to inform him of Korian's return as well.
Asim smiles as he receives the message from the servant that Khorian has returned. He makes his way to meet him and clasps hands with the Wizard, appologising profusely for his disappearance.
He spends some time being filled in as to what happened and examines the objects bought at the Auction. He seems particularly interested in the snake-headed statue and spends a little more time on it than the others.At Korian's suggestion that they go shopping in the market, he offers what meager money he has left to him towards the purchase of Healing Wands for the party.
Glad to have the mighty Asim with them once again, Korian looks to his companions saying "Well, if you all feel you are sufficiently equipped for our trek into the dessert, then let us move on to our appointment with the Crook Bearer and we can see about that statue that bears such an unusual resemblance to the eager young scholar, Neferet.
While flying over the city, Sykala notices a building shaped like an ankh. It stands out amongst the buildings, if only because few of them were designed to be as appealing from above as from street level. Not that Sykala finds cities very attractive...
Welcome back.
Let me know when you make up your mind about your purchases. Take care of the gold.
You arrive at a walled compound that you know to belong to the mysterious collector known as 'The Crook Bearer'. His family name has long been forgotten as Sothans enjoy the sense of mystery more than they enjoy solving them. Anyone well informed in the black markets of Sothis know that this 'Crook Bearer' is at least the third to go by that name, all of whom have lived in the same family compound, although it has grown much larger over the years.
Three Sothan guardsmen politely greet you at the gate and usher you into the courtyard. To the right sits an ankh shaped building. To your left is a large manor house. As you came on foot, you have no need of the stables that sits between them.
A tall lean man of about fifty years of age but in obviously good health walk out of the house using a long crook to gently shove aside the dogs that come barking at his feet.
"Am I to make money from that young beauty so quickly? She is lovely and rare so I hope you have deep pockets!" he calls in a friendly voice.
Just before reaching the compound, Korian called over another messenger boy, slipping him several silvers to have him run to the store front Neferet had been meant to meet them at with instructions to wait for her there and, when she arrived, to direct her to the Crook Bearers to meet the party there.
As the Crook Bearer comes out to greet his guests, Korian smiles but then as the man steps right into his bargaining patter, the young mage puts a look of confusion on his face as he replies
"Oh? I...perhaps there has been some mistake oh great and noble Crook Bearer. For I and my friends have come for that cheap and blatant forgery your rival had so basely tricked you into bidding for. When we continued to hear the laughter in the streets, as surely you yourself must have by now, we came straight away. It was our thought that, as we have no great reputation to sully, nothing like the glory of your own, oh Collector of Collectors, we would take it upon ourselves to relieve you of such an offensive item, that you may banish the taint of it's possession forever from your otherwise shining reputation as the illustrious collector of artifacts in our great city. For to base beginners such as ourselves, to even own an item once possessed by the Crook Bearer himself would be something to take pride in."
"But if we have been mistaken and you have already disposed of the trash, than we shall save what little gold we have and bid you a most excellent day." After which he bows and looks to his companions as if ready to leave.
The Crook Bearer laughs, "You negotiate like a born merchant ... a merchant born in my grandfather's day. Deceit and falsehood will not get you a better price, nor will flattery. If they laugh at me in the streets, they will be less cunning in their duplicity and reveal their hand too soon. Now, do you wish to purchase the statue or not?"
Grinning honestly in return, with no shame whatsoever, Korian replies "Well, fool I am indeed to even think I could put one by the master himself, but surely you understand that one had to at least try?"
Sighing somewhat and now looking at little embarrased, Korian continues "The truth of the matter is that we really do not think that piece to be genuine, but, a curiosity has popped up regarding it that we wish to investigate further. As well, after our recent purchases, our coffers are nearly empty and I do not know if we will even be able to match what you paid for it. If we cannot come to some agreement on price, is there any way we might even be allowed to examine the item in detail for a few moments? I would be willing to undergo whatever security measures you felt were necessary."
As he says this last, Korian glances behind him, hoping that Neferet might still be able to arrive in time to see them examining the statue.
Ovirid, knowing his poor aptitude for social endeavors, simply waits stoically for the negotiations to wrap.
Neferet doesn't show up.
The Crook Bearer seems more receptive to this proposition. Gesturing to the ankh-shaped building: "If you do not object to leaving behind your arms, I would be happy to show you the statue ... and perhaps a few of the other things I have collected."
Untrained Sense Motive check:
The dwarf waits for his companions' decision regarding the offer, but it sounds reasonable to him.
Looking to make sure none of his companions object first, if none of them do, Korian says "Yes! By all means! You have my great thanks Crook Bearer."
And will proceed to follow the man into the ankh-shaped building.
Ixius has no objection.
"... Now, this vase on the other hand dates back 270 years earlier. You can tell by the stipling beneath the horizontal stripe. You'd have seen that before the 'Rise of the Fallen Pharoah' era, would you? No, I don't think so ..."
The Crook Bearer, though quite a menacing figure in the shady blackmarket tents of Sothis turns out to be a bit of an old professor type when he gets you into the ankh shaped building that serves as his lecture hall and vault.
He went in first to 'take care of the wards and alarms' and invited you in afterwards.
The building is full of broken sarcophagae, fragments of sunken relief stone walls, a dozen brass scorpion riding shirtless warriors a foot and a half tall, a mask inlayed with gold with a feathered headdress, dozens of statues (some bigger than life), a scroll case 12' high by 20' wide almost completely full, and the statuette you saw earlier. As the Crook Bearer guides you through, he points out the well-made fakes and the verified artifacts once believed to be fakes.
"Now, this piece here, ..." says The Crook Bearer finally getting to the statuette. "Both is and isn't a forgery. Tell me why? Anyone? Do you need a clue?"
He pauses long enough for one of you to answer.
Ovirid has been very quiet, taking all this in, and pauses before answering, finally saying (somewhat quietly for him), "'er 'air is wrong fer th' period stated at th' auction, Ah believe. Ah'm wonderin' if'n it be right fer 'nother era..., so it be a 'fake' fer 'at era, but not a fake fer th' other." Then he quickly adds, "But Ah'm n' expert, it be jus' a theory o' mine."
Ovirid has been very quiet, taking all this in, and pauses before answering, finally saying (somewhat quietly for him), "'er 'air is wrong fer th' period stated at th' auction, Ah believe. Ah'm wonderin' if'n it be right fer 'nother era..., so it be a 'fake' fer 'at era, but not a fake fer th' other." Then he quickly adds, "But Ah'm n' expert, it be jus' a theory o' mine."
"You are almost correct!" enthuses the Crook Bearer. "Can anyone tell me where he went wrong? No? Okay, then. The statue was authentic. The hair has been changed! This was a statuette of 'The First Mistress of the Emperor's High Clerk' ... quite a famous subject of artisans for scandolous reasons that don't bear repeating right now ... but someone has removed her long, rich, curly, oiled locks and replaced them with this much shorter, modern style. Honestly, I didn't notice from my seat and paid more than I should have. ... However, there is an element of mystery here, hmmmm? That's worthwhile ..."