It is a hot, breezeless evening in Katapesh. Here, in a meeting room atop Farseer Tower, the curtains hang listlessly even with the windows thrown open. Unfortunately, the only thing hotter than the air is Venture-Captain Wulessa Yuul’s ire.
"Why must I share Katapesh with so-called equals who are incompetent?" She huffs between gritted teeth, pacing back and forth before calming herself. "My pardon. Let me explain. Some months ago, the crypt of Zahari Mahiman—a scholar and sage from the Age of Enthronement—was rediscovered out in the wastes. I, personally, have long sought one artifact reputedly interred with him: the Monadistic Archive, a collection of scrolls from the Jistkan Imperium. Unfortunately," she grits her teeth, "It fell under the purview of the Kotargo Lodge to arrange an expedition. Venture-Captain Dulm took his time getting things underway, in spite of my own requests for urgency and offers of assistance. As a result, by the time his agents got there, the place had already been looted."
"Phlegos Dulm’s complacency aside, not all is bleak. The adventurers who looted the crypt were not scholars; they were simply looking to exploit the wonders of the past. The Monadistic Archive, in particular, was sold to Palhuna Murqual, a merchant here in Katapesh. I believe he bought the archive assuming it was merely a magical storage device, not an esoteric repository of lore indecipherable by him. He has shown interest in selling - at a profit, of course - and I need you to make the purchase. I have an Abadaran promissory note that should cover the price, but he is crafty and may bargain for more. I want the archive, whatever it costs. I can’t pay more gold than I already have offered, but if you can find other means of appeasing Murqual, I encourage you to do so."
[spoiler=Kn Local 15]Palhuna Murqual is known as one of the preeminent vendors of magical and mundane devices created for the specific purpose of restraining and storing living (or unliving) beings.
kidnapped victims within his wares. Troubles with that business recently cost him some of his more experienced servants, and he is said to be looking for agents to ‘get a few things done’.
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Cypher brushes their long hair out of the way, dressed for the heat of Katapesh they cut a dashing, beautiful, handsome figure. Somehow even in this heat they manage to look sensual instead of exhausted. On their shoulder sits a tiny little songbird, which leans in and whispers into Cypher's ear.
Jistkan huh? Powerful magic in Jistkan artifacts.
They frown as the buyer is mentioned.
Palhuna is a kidnapper and a trafficker. A Nasty piece of business. I wouldn't mind making him disappear instead... but this is Katapesh. We can't have the council on our heads if we upset them. So I'll play nice.
They clearly look unhappy about the prospect though.
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Tenibri shares Cypher's concern. "It didn't take much asking around at all to find out about Palhuna's side business. We'll do what we have to do to get this Monadistic Archive... but I'll not be dirtying my hands with his slavery." Tenibri shakes his head, clearly upset at having to deal with a slaver. Why is the Society so willing to turn a blind eye to these things?
That Archive, though, that sounds like an impressive item indeed. These Jistkan magic items often have outsiders associated with them. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to find that's true here as well!"
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Cypher chuckles and nods to Helme.
Definitely shopping. I'm thinking more... this look maybe?
They snap their fingers and suddenly are in a VERY revealing belly dancer outfit. They look down and give a small frown.
Hmm.... do you think more this?
They snap their fingers and are suddenly a very buxom curvy woman that very much fills out the dancer outfit as much as it can take.
Or perhaps this?
They snap their fingers again and suddenly are a very well defined, slim, handsome man who's muscles are very clearly on show in the dancers outfit. Cypher winks.
New magic. It's not just for seeing now... now you can feel the muscles, if you ever want to Helme.
They snap their fingers again and transform back into their original, androgynous form.
Maybe I should stick to the classics. The buxom look just isn't as fun without Eaddy dear to tease.
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Cypher smiles at the Tengu.
Oh, we won't be turning a blind eye to anything.
They state emphatically.
He may be allowed to do these things by the laws of katapesh, but I'll have no part in slavery or worse things. If they try to insist we do so, there are... other, subtle ways to get him to part with the item. We'll just have to be careful not to offend the council when we do it.
Cypher holds out their hand to the Tengu and gives a shockingly beautiful smile.
Cypher Starchild, servant of Aresha and all around pretty face.
They also offer a hand to Hullric.
Either of you may feel free to join me in my morning devotions to Aresha if you wish... they are much more fun when someone joins me.
They giggle and wink at Helme and Tenibri who are very familiar with just what those devotions entail.
But otherwise, I'll be counting on you. I'm not much in a fight, just a sweet talker.
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A burly man of Taldan stock comes in the door. His head neatly shorn on the sides, but tied in a loose tail at the back. He carries a small armory, but it doesn't seem to hamper his movement at all. He walks with an uncommon grace for a man of his size. He drops his pack in the corner and faces the others.
Sorry I am late...I was out if town and didn't get my summons until yesterday. I am Doran, of the Therinors of Cassomir. I was told you needed a strong hand for this mission. Well, here I am. he says as he makes the rounds shaking each of the others' hands.
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Tenibri relaxes. "Good; we're all on the same page. No enabling the slaver. Good."
Tenibri wanders over to the masked man. He draws the hood of his cloak back, revealing the intricate tattooed pattern of white dots that dance across his skin. "The Lantern King, eh? That's one the Eldest, right? How's that work; are you fey? What draws you to that kind of worship?"
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A slaver? Can't we just grab the thing and leave him in the gutter? If the Society needs this, I'll do it....I just hope that the higher up muckety mucks get their heads right. After my last mission I had a bad taste in my mouth...took many drinks to get rid of it. Have to get some new gear though...came into a bit of coin recently.
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Cypher grins at Doran.
We're meant to go shopping first, and the only reason I don't insist the slaver ends up in a gutter with a headache is that this is katapesh, and you do NOT want the council on you, or the pathfinders, and sadly, slavery and such is legal here.
They roll their eyes.
Not that a few harmless jokes might not be in order...
Wulessa frowns at Doran's suggestion. "I would like to remind you that slavery is perfectly legal in these parts. While some may not like it, it is a fact. Murder, however, is -NOT- legal. With that said, please don't. He's a wealthy, and connected man. Nothing good can come from that. I would prefer if the transaction was a legal one."
She then produces a signed paper with an Abadaran mark on it. "Here it is. Ten thousand gold pieces to be picked up by whoever brings this to one of the Abadar banks. It should be enough, but if Murqual is anything like his reputation, he will try to squeeze out more. Again, I'd prefer if he handed the item voluntarily."
She sits down, examines her desk, and looks back at you. "Well, then - If your curiosity is satisfied... Or is it?"
Finding Murqual’s shop is easy enough. A few discreet inquiries lead through the Lower City to a wooden door crowned by a plaque that reads "Palhuna Murqual, Vendor of Fetters, Bindings, and Cages Mundane and Mystic". His establishment defies the stereotype for a shop in the infamous Nightstalls. It boasts a permanent location, instead of one that could be broken down and moved with ease. It is quite lavishly appointed, rather than being a shadowy, smoky hovel, and the air smells of vanilla and cardamom rather than incense. Inside, deep carpeting covers the floor. Chains and shackles, ranging in size from mist-thin links to cuffs that would hold a titan, hang along one wall. Another wall holds an array of mirrors — some reflecting the room and some showing the insides of a bare cell. Lanterns and cages hang from ceiling rafters, and glass cases hold etched gemstones and glass bottles. A central space is cleared of wares, instead sporting several plush seats arranged around a silver samovar.
An obese man swaddled in silks occupies a sofa before the samovar. Standing to his left is a slim, younger man holding a ledger. The fat man makes a series of complicated hand gestures to the standing man, who, after a moment, bows to you and speaks. "My esteemed master, Palhuna Murqual, bids you welcome. Please, be seated. Business should be conducted comfortably." He gestures towards the circle of seats in the central area of the room.
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Cypher walks into the room and sheds their robe, revealing a... well, revealing outfit underneath. They smile warmly at the servant and bow slightly.
Thank you for your hospitality. Please let your master know that we appreciate his welcome and that he is wise in business, for it should be done comfortably, as should as much of life as possible.
Cypher's charm and grace is so warm you wouldn't think that they had just been threatening the man with all sorts of horrible things for being a slave keeper. With a distracting sort of lounge into the seats, Cypher's beauty seems to radiate almost like a physical thing.
Esteemed Plahuna Murqual, I have been advised that we are to conduct a business transaction concerning a item our leader requires. I understand that this has already been negotiated, so I assume this meeting will be a quick formality.
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Tenibri immediately speaks up. "I'm so sorry, but I have a... uh... private emergency. Do you have a... uh... water closet I could use before we begin?" He looks back and forth between Murqual and the interpreter, making an obvious show of not begin familiar with the decorum of speaking to a deaf person.
Tenibri goes into the WC and uses a wand to cast comprehend languages on himself, then returns after using prestigitation to both create an odor in the room, and a fresh scent on himself.
Both men observe the party. The seated man a little more intensely than expected. The man with the ledger nudges him gently before he snaps out of his temporary absence of mind. He quickly turns around and gestures something. The man with the ledger looks at Tenibri. "Certainly. Head down through that hall - second door left.", he points towards one of the doors in the room.
The fat man starts to sign as Tenibri leaves to visit the restroom. The man with the ledger speaks as he is looking at him.
"While master Murqual respects the Pathfinder Society, since he received a higher bid for the item, to sell to you would seem favoritism. And he's not inclined to favor one customer over another—without there being an equal favor, in return..."
"However - since your tongue seems to be made of honey-covered chocolate, he is willing to substitute gold for a more... service-like offer. A little something for something."
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Cypher giggles at the compliment.
Trust me... it's much more fun when it's more than just my tongue that is smothered in honey and chocolate.
They smile at the innuendo and shift positions, emphasizing *Redacted for GMs sanity* as they gently reach over and touch Murqual's hand.
My goddess teaches us to enjoy the freedom of our bodies... perhaps I could convince you to let my friends take it, and you and I can discuss... services in more detail?
The thin man with the ledger is about to respond to Cypher, but looks back at Helme. "I assure you - the words I speak are in Palhuna Murqual's best interests. Whatever I say to you may be considered Master's own thoughts."
The seated fat man merely nods in agreement.
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Clued in by Helme that's something is up, Cypher studies the two carefully.
They roll their fingers softly across the with a soft "Click" of nails.
"Are in Palhuna best interests" you say?
They give a wicked smile.
Then clearly, this man is not who I should be dealing with, is it? The man I should be dealing with is you.
They very purposefully turn, giving the merchant the cold shoulder to focus on his servant.
After all, the master of the house is not always the one who bares the name. Maybe he should dismiss himself so that the real powers can do the talking.