"REALLY! Wow" He says shocked.
"So you mean no bacon, or salted pork, pork buns, or pork belly. No sausage or ribs! Wow" Frackit says as he taps his chin.
"You know I must find something that holds these rules to know what I am getting into here. Back home Pork is a staple."He strokes his mustache and then grabs some fruit.
"Well, you could ask a priest of the Faith Moral, but they are notoriously stringent, to the point that they make sure to enforce these rules on everyone they come across. That is why so many establishments, such as this one, adhere to these rules: If they do not, the more zealous priests might take matters in to their own hands, perhaps violently," Fadilah explains.
"It is not so everywhere, but in many places. The same is true of the fermented alcohol of the grape–wine–and donkey meat."
"I would um... not recommend seeking out one of these priests for the strictures. Perhaps one of the more relaxed priests of the Faith Pragmatic. They could explain the rules to you without an expectation that you will follow them, as you are an outsider. The Moralists... would likely try to impose their standards upon you."
Zairiah enjoys the meal, enhanced with bites of the delicious apricots.
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After eating you pay your tab and you make your way to your ship to check on Raschad, he tells you that the ship is in good order although there had been an attempt to destroy it about three weeks after you left, he thought it was Yodfah's agents that he recognized from the winery.
Paritosh chuckles, leaning back slightly in his seat and eyeing the lavish spread. "A truly splendid meal!" he exclaims, picking up a bite of something savory. "Though, I must admit, I think I would have appreciated a little rice with saffron," he adds with a playful wink towards Fadilah. "Perhaps next time you’ll think of me and my desert cravings!"
As he takes another bite, he continues, "It’s amazing how food can feel like such an adventure. From the sweet fruits to the rich meats, it’s a journey of its own, wouldn’t you agree?" He gestures toward the spread with a nod, then looks at his companions with a thoughtful expression. "So, now that we’ve savored this fine meal—what’s next for us? The world’s buzzing with opportunities. Should we chart a course, or simply let the winds decide?"
He pauses, glancing pointedly at the others indulging in apricots, a sly grin crossing his face. "Though, I must say, all this talk of apricots makes me nervous. You know, the fruit of temptation often carries a curse. Keep eating too many of those and I’m sure we’ll attract bad luck. Just mark my words, we’ll see who’s left standing after tempting fate with too many of these sweet little morsels." He winks, clearly enjoying the playful moment but hinting at his usual superstitions.
Nura belches loudly, then excuses herself. "Sorry, I shouldn't eat so fast or so much, but by the Loregiver it's been a long time since a meal like that."
Paritosh chuckles, leaning back slightly in his seat and eyeing the lavish spread. "A truly splendid meal!" he exclaims, picking up a bite of something savory. "Though, I must admit, I think I would have appreciated a little rice with saffron," he adds with a playful wink towards Fadilah. "Perhaps next time you’ll think of me and my desert cravings!"
As he takes another bite, he continues, "It’s amazing how food can feel like such an adventure. From the sweet fruits to the rich meats, it’s a journey of its own, wouldn’t you agree?" He gestures toward the spread with a nod, then looks at his companions with a thoughtful expression. "So, now that we’ve savored this fine meal—what’s next for us? The world’s buzzing with opportunities. Should we chart a course, or simply let the winds decide?"
He pauses, glancing pointedly at the others indulging in apricots, a sly grin crossing his face. "Though, I must say, all this talk of apricots makes me nervous. You know, the fruit of temptation often carries a curse. Keep eating too many of those and I’m sure we’ll attract bad luck. Just mark my words, we’ll see who’s left standing after tempting fate with too many of these sweet little morsels." He winks, clearly enjoying the playful moment but hinting at his usual superstitions.
Fadilah chuckles as she picks at small bites of dessert. "Hah, Zairiah's a sweet little morsel." She grins impishly as she brings back their previous joke about skipping Paritosh's harem and going straight to being wives. "But seriously, I think after this perhaps once we have worked our way through the afternoon fatigue, it is time for Zairiah to visit the markets and see about haggling over the price of jewels. We have found some good wealth and perhaps we can turn it into some usable coin!"
Paritosh nods thoughtfully, finishing his bite with a satisfied hum. "Ah, the coin," he muses, wiping his mouth delicately. "I can certainly appreciate the idea of acquiring some wealth, but what truly matters is what that coin can *buy*," he adds with a knowing look. "I do hope we're not all talking about haggling for trinkets and baubles, though. It's the goods, the services, the opportunities that come with the coin's value that truly make the difference."
He adjusts his posture and looks around at his companions, a playful glint in his eyes. "It would be good to get something *useful* for our efforts, wouldn’t you agree? Perhaps some fine quality gear, or better yet, provisions for the road ahead. If we’re to chart a course to wherever the winds blow, we should be ready for anything."
He leans back slightly, his gaze shifting to Fadilah with a wry smile. "As for the jewels... well, I suppose even the best bargain might not outshine the practical needs of a group like ours. But I’ll leave the haggling to you, Zairiah. You certainly know how to twist a deal in our favor."
"Best way to carry wealth is by wearing it" Frackit says eating some of the dessert. Despite the others eating a larger portion then them.
"Though I am Bias as I am a jeweler. Well was a jeweler I am more a freedom fighter to save those being captured and made into slaves of the Zhentarium! Its a despicable and evil act to do so. Though also fought to reclaim my homeland form their clutches aswell." He says looking at the toehrs and then stretching.
" I will say you all have great food and hospitality. What about getting some fresh clothing? or someplace to clean it"
"If we have time, we could visit a tailor and have new clothing made," offers Fadilah. "Also, it would be trivial for my gen to fetch some spells to clean clothing."
"I was more hoping for a Laundress!" He says with a chuckle.
" So what wonders does the southern lands cities hold? Mystery, Intrigue, Adventure" he says as he looks about.
"Your Fashion is different"
You wander around the city taking in the sights, sounds and smells. The bustling city is awash with people walking around clothing in the all different shades of purple.
You find a laundry and Frackit gets his clothes cleaned and is told that they will be ready for pick up afternoon the next day.
"I see, well before I turn them over, lets find me some clothes to replace them. Any recommendations, and do any wish to aid me in finding dress more appropriate to this climate" Frackit asks the group and the Laundress.
Paritosh chuckles lightly, placing his empty plate down. "Ah, a laundress, indeed. How practical, Frackit. I must admit, I’m curious to see what your ‘fashion’ is like here in these southern lands. As for clothing, I have no objections. New garb is often a wise investment, especially when the local attire is so... different." He glances over the bustling city streets and the sea of purple, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"I’m happy to accompany you, Frackit. A little exploration never hurt, and perhaps a change of wardrobe is just what we need for the adventure ahead. After all, a well-dressed party is a party that’s ready for whatever the day might throw at us!" He gives Frackit a playful grin. "Lead the way, my friend. I’m sure the local fashion will be an experience all on its own."
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"Are we all going... clothes shopping?" Fadilah says, looking starry-eyed.
" Um...I do not know what fashion is here? I would like another set of travelling clothes and work clothes. Nothing fancy"
Zairiah looks for a nice clothing shop (not the very nicest, but one where she thinks the quality is above average and the prices hopefully reasonable). She goes in and asks for a bulk discount to outfit their caravan.
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Nura accompanies Frackit and the others, mostly out of boredom, but does show some interest in looking over clothing.
You spend the rest of the afternoon, making Frackit look presentable as if he were a Mulukese native, his purple fez and pointy shoes look amazing gotten at a great deal.
At the appointed time you go to the Mosque of Zann and are quickly escorted inside. Hanoushin smiles at you and says, "Your book has already started to slowly shake the bedrock of the narrative of the story of Muluk, it is quite interesting. We have unleashed Pandora"
He then has a large teak chest with the money you are promised in it and motions for you to take it.
"You have done a great service to Muluk and its history. I wonder, would you be able to help out one of my parishioners with a delicate issue?"
Zairiah bows, accepting the chest. When Hanoushin asks about a further mission she responds
That depends on what is needed. We have many constraints on our time already, but we are more than willing to listen to the details and to see if it is compatible with our larger list of obligations.
Hanoushin nods and says, "Understood. Well let me invite the man who is looking for help into the room."
He then opens the door and talks to his assistant and tells him to bring a man named Karaji Baba the assistant nods and in two minutes a man in his mid-thirties wearing the robes of a merchant at the mosque in his best.
Hanoushin says, "This man Karaji Baba is one of my parishioners, he has a specific problem that has a delicate nature, that can only be solved by a group people with varied skills."
He introduces all of you to Karaji and then says, "I will leave you to it."
Karaji Baba says, "Hanoushin has told me of your skills and candor. Praise be Zann and the Loregiver. Might I tell you the tale of how I need your help?"
We would be delighted to hear the tale, although our assistance is not guaranteed. Shall we sit?
Zairiah finds a place where they can sit to hear what she guesses is a long tale.
He nods for you to sit at a table in the library of the mosque.
He sits on the floor in front of you in an exasperated manner and says, "I, Karaji Baba, am a beleaguered rug maker, cursed by Fate with the ability to weave beautiful as well as magical carpets. Everyone, it seems, wants a carpet made by Karaji Baba, including the Calipha of Muluk, may she reign One Thousand and One years! When delivery was delayed by a month, for my works of magic and art cannot be rushed, me a lowly carpet maker was given a summons to the
palace and ordered, on pain of death, to finish the Calipha’s carpet before the next full moon, in time to be presented to Princess Hadra at her birthday celebration, she turns five and twenty and it is rumored that she has chosen a husband. Inspired by the ominous threat, I, Karaji, labored for three weeks and wove a true masterpiece."
He stares at the heavens and gives a quick prayer to Zann in his Mosque and continues...
"As I was putting the finishing stitches in the rug’s golden trim, a young man in desert robes entered my workshop and offered to buy the Calipha’s carpet for an exorbitant price. For normal customers, it would have been somewhat tempting but my head would surely be permanently removed from my neck were I to think of such a betrayal of our glorious Calipha, the magnificent. I was forced to turn the customer down gently, but the young man left my shop muttering warnings and curses under his breath. The
next morning, I awoke to find that the Calipha’s carpet had been stolen."
" These magic carpets dont eat people do they. Heard a story from a friend about attack rugs that smother you then deposit the dead in a space under them." Frackit asks curious
" Id want one that tells funny puns"
The carpet maker frowns slightly and shrugs and says, "I could probably either one of those after some practice. Would your group be so kind to help me find my missing carpet so as I will still be counted amongst the living?"
Paritosh raises an eyebrow at Frackit’s comment about carpets. "Well, I’m certain we don’t want a rug that turns into a murderous smothering device," he says with a slight smirk, "but if it’s magic, it might have more tricks up its sleeve than just decorative purposes."
He glances back at Karaji Baba, his tone turning a bit more serious. "Of course, we’ll help. I’ve never been one to leave someone in peril, especially when it’s a matter of both life and limb, not to mention such... valuable craftsmanship."
Paritosh leans forward slightly, his usual casual demeanor replaced with a quiet intensity as he speaks to the rug maker. "We’ll find this carpet, Karaji Baba. And I’ll make sure that whoever stole it will regret their decision, whether they were cursed by Fate or not."
With a grin, he adds, "Besides, a carpet that’s part of a royal gift? That sounds like an adventure, doesn’t it?"
"I've never ridden a flying carpet before!" says Fadilah excitedly.
"If it can be found, we'll track it down," she says, quite confident. "But it also sounds like time is of the essence."
" Id figure who ever stole it wother has a personal grudge with you or the Calipha, or maybe nees it for so.wthinf else. Like a theft" He says stroking his mustache.
He then says, "Praise be the Loregiver! You should come to my shop to see the crime scene. Will you come? There is about five days until the party."
Zharis nods. This seemed to go along with the tasks they already had, and either way it would be over quickly. She accompanies Karaji Baba to his shop.
Nura shrugs and accompanies the others. It wasn't as though she had anything better to do, and besides, a magic carpet? It's not every day that you get to see one of those!
Karaji leads you out of the mosque and you walk about four blocks there to his workshop and store. He informs you that he has left his workshop in the same condition as it was this morning when he discovered the carpet missing. Karaji’s carpets have been scattered
about the room, pulled into a chaotic heap.
Nura will make a search of the area.
Paritosh too shall search.
Frackit busts oit his "jewelers tools" first are his special googles with multiple lens to begin poking around with a strange tool.
He also taps the tool now and then to listen and try to hear it anything is off.
Zairiah/ Maybe Frackit
Nura and Paritosh
the floor inside the shop. Some fish scales, brushed off on some of the carpets on the floor.
No one picked these locks. Looks like it had to be someone with access... are there other people with keys?
I suppose it could also be a magical ability perhaps, which wouldn't leave physical indications of a break-in. Fadilah, can you tell if magic was used to break in? I don't know if there is a spell for that... detecting leftover magical aura or something?
The owner of the shop says, "Why no, I have never given anyone the key for my shop."
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"Perhaps, though the magical energies of such spells tend to wear off quickly. I wonder if it was possible for the carpet to flee on its own? Slip under the door and fly away?" she muses.
Taking a few minutes, she fetches a detect magic spell to analyze the area for residue.
"Perhaps consider... if you were going to commit this crime, how would you do it? How would you enter? How would you find the correct rug? How would you leave with it, without being noticed?"
GM Rolls
Fadilah
Paritosh carefully examines the scene, his sharp eyes catching a few of the more subtle clues left behind. "Hmm, this coin," he mutters, holding up the freshly minted copper piece from Hiyal. "It’s too new to be of any particular value beyond its coinage. But its presence suggests a connection to somewhere or someone from Hiyal."
He places the coin down gently, then points to the yellow powder and fish scales. "And these..." he trails off, looking at the powder on the floor, "I’ve seen similar substances used in certain crafts. Possibly a rare dye or material, though the smell is... unsettling." His fingers briefly hover over the fish scales. "And these scales... intriguing. I would wager they’re from a larger, more exotic fish—perhaps part of the thief’s disguise, or maybe an artifact of their journey."
He looks up, his expression thoughtful. "No matter how they entered, these clues should point us in the right direction. Let’s be thorough in our search."
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Nura nods sagely as Paritosh explains his theory, but keeps investigating the shop. When Fadilah poses her question, Nura looks up. "It seems obvious that the thief did not enter by the door. If magic is present, I could conclude that either they used magic to enter or they were here, perhaps invisibly, waiting for Karaji to close up and then exited." She turns to Karaji. "Was the door locked when you arrived this morning?"
@DM: Are there other means of entry/egress from the shop? Windows, or perhaps a chimney?
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"Invisibility still requires the caster to traverse normally. if I were to turn invisible I would need to still open the door or window. Just I wouldn't be seen." He says as she strokes his mustache.
Would the genies know more about this? They are pledged to us for a while yet... we could ask?