A Push of the Fates.... Zakhara... You Jewel!

Game Master Insnare

Zairiah ventures out from hiding to see if they are really safe. If nothing attacks, after a while she goes back to sleep.

Aggrammar waits for the scouting from Zairiah, then goes back to sleep. Or watch, if it is his turn.

Zairiah goes off up the ridge at night to see if she the enemies are going to attack again. She finds tracks going back and forth.

She returns back to camp and the group goes back to sleep.

Feel free to add your new levels.

The next day, you pack up and make your way with the caravan and follow the mountain pass you can see that could only be seen from the Krak. This pass should save you two days on your way back to Muluk. The pass winds through a valley that is rarer and much lusher than the desert on either side of the mountain pass. There are trees with apricots and mangos.

Zairiah tries to ascertain whether the trees are wild, or whether this is an orchard of some kind. She asks Sham if he can tell if the place is magically protected. If it seems safe, she picks an apricot, to try it.

Sham says, "It sssseeemmmssss normal to meeeee."

The apricot tastes delicious.

Aggrammar sits down and enjoys a couple of mangos and apricots, then packing some also for the trip - "What a blessing!" - he smiles at his companions.

"Apricots are bad luck. Do your folk not know this? Their sweet taste is a lure to get you to eat them and invite their curse upon your body."

Tell us more Paritosh!

Nura looks at Paritosh as she casually munches a mango. "Tasty bad luck, Id' say."

Paritosh continues, "for warriors among my people, the eating, or even simply the possessing of the dreaded fruit, is an ill omen. You can not find a warrior who will touch or carry them, and many refuse to name them, referring to them as 'cots,' or 'the forbidden fruit,' or sometimes as 'alif fruit.' Farmers and other non-warriors will carry out vicious pranks against the warrior class, but the number of mishaps that have occurred due to this is numerous, and if caught a warrior is within their rights to take 'four legs' as restitution. This is often done as the claiming of a camel, lamb, or goat. My Uncle Dantosh claimed both his second wife and a chicken from his now father in law, who had stuck several apricot stones into his saddle bags. Many is the time I have heard Uncle Dantosh lament that he'd have been better off taking two chickens and been done with it!"

"So a practical joke, Like saying putting an apricot in your saddle bag means you can take from the offender? Or is it just apricots?" Frackit asks curiously as he begins to cut open an apricot.

"And he got a wife out of that?" Frackit says fascinated by Paritosh.

Paritosh gives Frackit a confused look, "of course, this is only true of apricots, their stones, and seeds. Why would it be true of other fruits? Your people have odd ways Frackit."

"And a chicken! The better part of the deal, according to him."

" My people as well gnomes are love ro pay tricks. We have few sacred cows to slay. Especially against our enemies. Like *spit* Kobolds *spits*" he dabs his lips as he eats an apricot.

" The superstition against fruit is weird. Weirder is the raiding someone for wives and livestock...raiding isnt something alot of people from my part of the world fought against! So its hard for me to deal with. Same with slavery. All weird customs here that you all see as normal." he states as he cuts the fruit amd eats it enjoying the stramge taste and flavor.

Zairiah eats a couple more, and then picks a bunch of apricots and mangoes (like 30 each if they are available), and asks everyone to save the seeds... might be able to sell them elsewhere to people who have irrigated areas to grow things, like the dyemakers that she's been trading with.

Of course, you don't have to keep the apricot seeds, Paritosh. We wouldn't want you to suffer a mishap.

Fadilah eyes the apricots and mangoes. So juicy. So delicious.

So dangerous if everyone eats them and they are poisonous or cursed.

She refrains.

Paritosh will gladly have a double helping of mangoes.

GM Rolls

High above you, you hear the sing song voices repeat what you have said.

Bird A: " "for warriors among my people, the eating, or even simply the possessing of the dreaded fruit, is an ill omen. You can not find a warrior who will touch or carry them, and many refuse to name them, referring to them as 'cots,' or 'the forbidden fruit,' or sometimes as 'alif fruit.' Farmers and other non-warriors will carry out vicious pranks against the warrior class, but the number of mishaps that have occurred due to this is numerous, and if caught a warrior is within their rights to take 'four legs' as restitution. This is often done as the claiming of a camel, lamb, or goat. My Uncle Dantosh claimed both his second wife and a chicken from his now father in law, who had stuck several apricot stones into his saddle bags. Many is the time I have heard Uncle Dantosh lament that he'd have been better off taking two chickens and been done with it! Ca Cauuu!"

Bird B says, ""So a practical joke, Like saying putting an apricot in your saddle bag means you can take from the offender? Or is it just apricots?"

And stops with a similar cadence and says, ""And he got a wife out of that? Ca cauuuu!"

Bird A retorts, ""of course, this is only true of apricots, their stones, and seeds. Why would it be true of other fruits? Your people have odd ways Frackit."

"And a chicken! The better part of the deal, according to him."

Bird B says, "" My people as well gnomes are love ro pay tricks. We have few sacred cows to slay. Especially against our enemies. Like *spit* Kobolds *spits*"
" The superstition against fruit is weird. Weirder is the raiding someone for wives and livestock...raiding isnt something alot of people from my part of the world fought against! So its hard for me to deal with. Same with slavery. All weird customs here that you all see as normal."

Bird C says, "Of course, you don't have to keep the apricot seeds, Paritosh. We wouldn't want you to suffer a mishap. Ca Cawwww!!!

Bird A lands on an apricot tree and eats one.

Paritosh points and insists, ”ill tidings indeed! Did I not say so?”

"talking Birds? or do you just repeat what we say?" Frackit asks holding up a mango for one.

"They are just mimics," Nura says. "I saw one in a traveling show once that could carry on a conversation with limited ability."

" Well thats disappointing. I met an owl once that could talk. Called him self How'K. Nice guy, loved field mice, or pocket bacon...and dont ask about the poclet bacon" The gnome said slightly disappointed.

Bird A says, "”ill tidings indeed! Did I not say so?”

Bird B says, talking Birds? or do you just repeat what we say?"

A fourth bird says, [b]"They are just mimics," "I saw one in a traveling show once that could carry on a conversation with limited ability."

Bird B says, [b]" Well thats disappointing. I met an owl once that could talk. Called him self How'K. Nice guy, loved field mice, or pocket bacon...and dont ask about the poclet bacon"

I kinda wanna ChatGPT jailbreak them. I wonder if we can get them to go back and repeat things heard before our arrival, so we can "hear" the conversations of other folks in this area.

Zairiah mentally asks Sham if he can tell what the birds are thinking. And she starts packing up, in case the birds are mad about the fruit.

Sham says, "I am trying to understand what they are thinking but all I get is some emotions and no words."

Zairiah thanks Sham, and motions to the others that they should leave.

Paritosh chuckles softly to himself as he watches his companions give heed to the birds' chatter. He shakes his head with a knowing grin.

"Ah, talking birds," he says, his tone a mix of amusement and caution. "It is a wonder how easily folk forget the oldest warnings. Among my people, it is said that listening to a bird's words is like whispering secrets to the wind—'tis a sure way to invite trouble."

He pauses, looking at the birds with a raised brow, then recites with the rhythm of an old rhyme:

"Feathers that speak, bring havoc to the weak.
Beak that sings, steals your dreams and wings.
Heed the words, you'll be lost to the herd,
For the birds that speak are never heard!"

Paritosh taps his nose knowingly. "Mark my words—birds are tricksters, and those who listen too closely might find themselves following false winds into a storm. Back home, there is a tale of a man who followed a raven’s advice and ended up in a snake pit! There was no saving him after that."

He chuckles again, waving dismissively at the birds. "No, no. Better to trust your camel than a bird. A camel may spit, but at least its words are silent."

As the party moves off, the birds mimic the last phrases that Paritosh says and then they find something more amusing to them to do.

After two hours of traversing the jungle-esque landscape of the mountain pass you find the trail and see the very hard to see opening back to the desert of the Furrowed Mountains. This rough,
arid hill country is verdant in spring but dry and barren
during the rest of the year. It is peopled by the savage
hill tribes and raided frequently by the mamluks of
Qudra for new recruits.

You look back through the passage you had just left and can see how difficult it would have been to spot had you never seen it before. You recognize the mountains and you can see that opening in the range that would take you back to Mahara's home and the town of Talv is only two days ride away.

You stop in the evening and set up camp. And about an hour after you have eaten dinner, two large plumes of purple and orange smoke appear and you see that Diliram and Namered have returned.

"My friends!" says Fadilah with enthusiasm when the genies reappear. "It is delightful to see you again! We are having a humble repast this evening but would be happy to have you join us."

Diliram says, "Mistress, that would be a boon and a third. We are so sorry it took so long to return but we, Namered and I wanted to make sure your commands were met vis a vis other Geniekind which might have been imprisoned within the Astrolabe. We have great news from the Great Caliph of the Djinn, Master of the Clouds, Son of the Breezes Commander of the Four Winds, Defender of the Heavens, Prince of Birds,
Storm of the Righteous, and Master of the Air, Husam al-Balil ben Nafhatal-, may he reign Ten Thousand and One Years!!!! We have heard your companion opine about the ancient sword Zephyr and we have been able to retrieve it. Also, we have a wand of Hailcone with 30 uses and he would also like to bestow upon your group the Turban of Feathers, This magical turban, made of woven peacock feathers, can create a gust of wind up to thrice per day. In addition, it allows him to assume the form
of a wind shadow once per day and to summon a wind
carpet once per month. He also grants each of your group five bars of platinum each. Mistress, assisting us by destroying the astrolabe has made you a true friend of the Djinn."

"The Happy Couple has arrived!" Frackit said seeing the genie and smiling.

"You all deserve rest. Besides you are a happy couple! I swear by the Sparkling Wit, you two are fruitful in love, life and family. Thank you for freeing the unjustly shackled." he smiled a broad smile that showed his pearly whites.

As he does he then looks at the others and smiles.

"Platinum eh? Seems we have capitol and some gear to aid us. The Caliph is most generous, I hope to thank him in person someday"

Nura bows low before the genies. "Please, deliver our humble thanks to your Caliph!"

Diliram says, "We will, when my service to you is up. Would you like us to inhabit a coconut so we are out of your way? We know you adventuring types like to be a bit more nondescript whilst traveling."

A coconut? Would you... prefer that? We would be perfectly content if you wanted to travel in our caravan ... would you like to join us for a meal, as Fadilah suggested?

As Paritosh listens to the conversation around him, his eyes widen in disbelief at the mention of a bar of platinum. He turns to his companions, brow furrowed in genuine confusion.

"A bar of platinum, you say? How much might such a treasure be worth?" he exclaims, shaking his head in astonishment. "Is it truly a sum fit for kings? Or just a bauble for the foolish to chase?"

"Not just a bar but 5 bars each, unless my ears were mistaken, this isn't my first language" he says looking at the Elf.

As the conversation flows, Paritosh turns to Frackit, a contemplative expression crossing his face.

"Ah, Frackit," he begins, leaning slightly forward. "You speak of wealth as if it were the measure of a man’s worth. But I ask you, how much wealth does one truly need?"

He gestures expansively, as if to encompass the vastness of the desert around them. "Is it not enough to have food to fill your belly and keep the sun off your head? A few good friends, a sturdy camel, and the blessings of Najm are worth more than all the gold and silver in the world!"

Paritosh chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I have seen men chase riches and lose themselves in the pursuit, only to find they have lost sight of what truly matters. A full heart and a clear sky are far richer than a chest of coins."

With a twinkle in his eye, he adds, "Perhaps it is the tales we tell and the laughter we share that hold the true treasure, rather than the glitter of gold."

Diliram says, "We do not want to be a hindrance to your goals. We will definitely enjoy eating with you."

"I'm a jeweler, with a religion that sees gold and gems as precious things. So it is a great gift." he says as he than chuckles.

"Besides this will allow me to make a couple great pieces" He says with a wide smile.

"Think about it first I can make these bars smaller for each of us. Or we can maybe have capitol to help us complete more tasks. Which will allow us more journeys in which we can then have more time to banter and live life!" the gnome says as he looks to the Genies.

If you truly find no value in the platinum, or feel that it will impede your ability to appreciate the true value of life, Partitosh, I would gladly take your share, to save you the trouble and distraction of wealth. I find that I have a higher tolerance for such things.

" She makes a solid point." He laughs throughoughly amused at the fact that they could build enough capitol to finance thier journey.

Paritosh shifts impatiently in his seat, his brow furrowing deeper as he glances around at his companions.

"By the sands, has everyone lost their tongues?" he exclaims, throwing his hands up in frustration. "I simply asked about the value of a bar of platinum! Is it such a complex question that it warrants this?"

He leans closer to his companions, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Surely, you must have some inkling of its worth? Is it a small fortune? A king's ransom? Or merely a shiny trinket?"

Paritosh throws back his head and lets out a light-hearted laugh, trying to shake off the irritation. "I do not need the secrets of the universe, just a simple number! A bar of platinum—how much does one need to part with to own such a piece of wealth?"

He gives a resigned sigh, shaking his head. "It is a simple question, my friends! Surely you can indulge my curiosity?"

Ah, well, that's a question. It depends on how much they weigh. Traditionally, one pound of a certain metal is worth 50 coins of that same metal. And in general, 1 gold is worth one-fifth of a platinum. So... let's see. Bars sometimes come in two pound sizes, but the usual weight is 5 pounds. So, if these are 5-pound bars, that's 250 platinum each, which would be... 1,250 gold for each bar, and with 5 bars each that would be the approximate value of 6,250 gold for each of us.

They may weigh much less, however. Let me see if I can get a rough estimate.

Zairiah goes over to examine the bars to get a better idea of what they are dealing with.

Appraising, Trained (Int 13): 1d20 ⇒ 13

Paritosh stands there, mouth agape, as he processes the staggering figure of **1,250 gold** for a bar of platinum.

"A thousand two hundred and fifty gold pieces!" he exclaims, his eyes wide with disbelief. "For a single bar? Do they sprinkle it with the dust of fallen stars or something?"

He shakes his head, almost dizzy with the implications of it all. "And to think I have five of these glorious bars! Why, that is a fortune beyond my wildest dreams!"

His mind races as he continues, "Just imagine the possibilities! With that sum, do you know how many wives I could have? Five, perhaps even six, if I were clever about it!"

He chuckles at the thought, waving his hands animatedly. "What a glorious harem I could build! Not to mention the camels, goats, and feasts I could throw!"

Paritosh pauses, his face lighting up with excitement. "Ah, but how could I ever choose? Each wife would require her own share of attention, not to mention the endless bickering over whose turn it is to choose the evening’s meal!"

With a sigh, he leans back, overwhelmed by the absurdity of it all. "Perhaps it is best I stick to just Jamal for now. She is far less complicated!"

The Sheikh having joined the caravan eyes Zephyr his once prized possession that he had lost in the desert fighting the wind mephits, walks over to Agrammar and says, "Brother Agrammar, methinks thou should have the scabbard so that thou shall not cut thyself for it being free. Upon arriving in Muluk, it may be a wise gesture to show to the Calipha for it is her family's sword."

"I will do so" - Aggrammar nodded - "And if the Calipha wishes it returned to his family, so it shall be"

Zephyr needs a particular scabbard?

'Multiple Wives! That is crazy!" Frackit says as he blinks and then sighs.

"I forget that's normal here. Though you would have plenty of money for them." he says as he strokes his mustache.

'I don't know what I would do with a wife let alone more than one. Though maybe that's why I am here? Spread the word of The Sparkling Wit through lineage?"

'No that's' crazy!! Or its it?"Frackit finally says as he pulls out some copper and begins to fiddle with his necklace project again. Obviously looking to work it out in his mind, along with his copper necklace.

I agree that seems strange. Multiple husbands makes so much more sense. That is the way to a true trading empire, and I hope to aspire to that one day, and choose my husbands well to build up the business. A poor trade by Fatima's foolish husband is what led to poor Ayyan's downfall.

Fadilah can't help but giggle at all of the back-and-forth.

"My friends," she says sincerely to Namered and Diliram, "I am delighted to have you with us again, even if only for a short time. Our fare is simple but your company makes me savor it all the more."

"So Paritosh, have you picked out your wives yet?"