Miteke's Legacy of Fire

Game Master miteke

Blinking at Seif's question, Gnasher wasn't sure what a nom-de-guerre was. But he had heard others refer to Urah as Urah, it had just never dawned on him that he should as well. Nodding his head, he affirmed the question, "Gnasher not know Gnome-du-gare," Gesturing at the sick Urah. "Firestarter is Firestarter."

Giving a toothy smile at Seif's answer, he nods approvingly. Looking towards Tarak and Malgrim, like he'd just solved a sphinx's riddle. "Cat-man come with tribe!"

Relieved that Urah would be cared for and they would have a healer along, Gnasher turns towards their host drawing out the scroll case. Handing the case to their host he asks, "Can Rayhan explain?"

"It is how Gnasher has always referred to him. Although, I have not seen too many fires while traveling with them both. There is also the undead that did this to Urah that we should deal with. They are a danger to caravans. Do we need to do anything else with this scroll or is it safe here now?" Malgrim asks.

Rayhad is a bit curious "You had mentioned an important scroll in your story. Is it some official document or something?"

Rayhad is a bit curious "You had mentioned an important scroll in your story. Is it some official document or something?"

Relieved that Urah would be cared for and they would have a healer along, Gnasher turns towards their host drawing out the scroll case. Handing the case to their host he asks, "Can Rayhan explain?"

Extending the scroll case further, Gnasher nods, "Scroll in case, tribe not know what it mean."

"It was suggested that we come to see you and that you might have some idea of what to do with it. It seems to be drawing every evil thing around to come and try and take it." Malgrim says.

Tarak manages to pay at least a little attention to what’s going on and nods, ”Aye, whatever this scroll be, it’s got power and draws evil like flies. I would love to be rid of it, but somehow think that’s not in our stars.”

Rayhad takes the scroll almost dismissively, then do3es a double take. He examines it silently
for several minutes, first without aid, and then with the
assistance of magic, using detect magic, arcane sight, and
identify. When identify fails to give him concrete results, he
looks up excitedly at the PCs, his hands shaking and eyes
wide as he speaks

"This scroll is highly intriguing. I’ve studied the legend of Kakishon for years, and in that time I’ve seen countless shams and forgeries and dead ends. But this scroll… this could be the real thing. The legends say that Kakishon was created by the wizard-king Nex to serve him as a portable paradise and an impenetrable bolt-hole. Much as the more commonplace bag of holding opens into its own reality, the Scroll of Kakishon was said to contain this entire world inside of it—the scroll was not Kakishon, but the doorway by which Nex could enter and exit the realm. Kakishon was said to have been a paradise, a laboratory, a menagerie, a hunting ground, and even a tomb—most likely, it was all these things and more, with each island serving a different role."

"The legend of Kakishon falls into increasing obscurity after Nex’s war with Geb began. All signs point to the strong possibility that Nex had grown dissatisfied with Kakishon and had lost interest. When he vanished from the face of Garund in 576 AR, he left the Scroll of Kakishon behind. Eventually, it was stolen from his castle and the scroll passed through many hands. Some used it as a prison for their enemies, others as a place to impress allies or as a vault for their treasures, the stories say. The closer to the present day we get, the more obscure the rumors grow—no sign of the Scroll of Kakishon seems to have surfaced over the past several hundred years."

"The last person to own the scroll, I believe, was a Keleshite wizard named Andrathi. The accounts of his life are vague and fragmentary, but it would appear that he was the lover of a genie named Nefeshti, the leader of a group known as the Templars of the Five Winds. Legend holds that the Templars fought somewhere in the mountains against a cruel efreeti warlord named Jhavhul, and that while the Templars of the Five Winds managed to capture Jhavhul inside of Kakishon, the defeat was shadowed in loss. No sign of Andrathi or the Scroll of Kakishon remained after the battle. No sign… until today."

"This is an important find. If you will let me, I would very much like to look into this matter, to research this scroll and decipher some of the writings upon it. And if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, there are protections placed upon it to prevent undesirables from being able to open it and travel to the world within. Yet in time, I feel that I will be able to decipher these writings. You see, before he vanished, the wizard Andrathi went through the same process—yet he obviously managed to discover the way to open the scroll, even if it meant his doom. Some of his writings have survived to this day, and as it happens, I own copies of these writings. By building upon the foundation he lays in his writings, I am sure that I will be able to duplicate his research and refine it. It may take days, even weeks, but if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, I will find the key to open it."

"But once it is open, I will need your aid, should you be willing to provide it. The legends speak of great treasures kept safe in Kakishon, the greatest of which was Jhavhul’s own weapon, the legendary Firebleeder, said by some to be a falchion and others a living flame. Sadly, my adventuring days are behind me, but if I find the way, I would be honored to accompany you into Kakishon to find the truth!"

"If you agree, I will waive my usual fee."

Listening as the scholar expounds on what they'd found, Gnasher looks occasionally towards the others, looking for any reactions. As Rayhad makes his final observations and eventually his proposal, Gnasher ponders the opportunity to find that sort of treasure. Fortunately, the 'Study time' Rayhad would require should allow them to deal with the undead they'd fought and learn how Seif-al-Din would compose himself.

Shifting in the comfortable chair, Gnasher nods his head and gives a toothy smile. "If tribe is willing, Gnasher is willing"

"I am intrigued by tales of these treasures. I would be willing to try and pass through this doorway if it exists. But you should know there is a strange, shapeshifting, demonic woman who is following us and warping the minds of those around to get their hands on the scroll. She will certainly target you or those around you to get it as well." Malgrim says.

”Ye had me at treasure.” Tarak responds, eyes glazing a bit at the idea of massive piles of wealth just laying around.

With Malgrim's pronouncement, Rayhad looks a bit nervous.

"I'm not surprised that there might be those after the scroll. In fact, I would be surprised if there were not. How many know of its existence? Anyone here in town besides this creature you speak of? Has anyone tried to take it from you?"

Hearing Rayhad ask 'how many knew of it's existence' Gnasher looked around the room, assuming the folks involved in the conversation didn't count. He thought back, all of the guards with them knew about it and several folks back in Kelmarane. Realizing he had no idea how many folks actually knew about it, he gives a lazy shrug. Answering what he could, "Guards with Garavel know. Three times different folk try to steal scroll. Mute girl biggest threat."

Interested in getting back to the fight at the oasis, Gnasher looked at Seif-al-Din gesturing at the lion as he asks. "Cat-man, how soon you and Cat travel."

Seif smiles politely.

"Immediately. Being a traveling devotee of the Everlight means that I have to be ready to move on at a moments notice. Not everywhere is... welcoming... to the followers of the Dawnflower."

"Maybe that is not such a good idea. If this scroll has attracted as much attention as you suspect, I fear that it may continue to draw attention. I am but a scholar and no warrior. Do you think you cold put that venture of yours off until this business is done and stick around. Besides, from what you said that lammasu reported, it might not be as simple as destroying everything. I think you should do some research on the shrine. Find out what happened and what needs to be done to cleanse it."

@Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi
You were not here when they told their story so you know only a little about what has happened so far. Basically enough to determine that it was a specter that did the damage to Urah.

Seif raises an eyebrow.

"Lammasu? Shrine? What is the honorable effendi referring to..?"

Breathing a heavy sigh, Gnasher sits up and tries to explain the best he can in the common tongue. "Oasis, called "Well of Paradise" Guarded by Lion of Five Heaven, Guardian let tribe investigate. Tribe learn oasis infected by undead." He pauses, moving his lips oddly to pronounce the difficult word. "Temple belong Sarenrae, spoiled by Urgathea. Temple where creature harmed Firestarter." He gives a light shrug. "Tribe retreat, Guardian saw injury to Firestarter, Guardian not let tribe go back. Said tribe need to 'Research malady and come back with plan." Giving a wolfish grin, Gnasher gestures towards Seif "Plan let Cat-Man kill undead, cleanse temple."

Gotta love Gnasher plans.

Seif smiles lightly.

"That is certainly a direct way of dealing with things. However, I agree that it would be worth investigating the history of the oasis. After all, there is no guarantee that simply destroying the undead will truly cleanse the place."

He then taps his chin thoughtfully.

"There is no public library or school of history, per se, in the city, but the Pathfinder Lodge over in Twilight Gate might know something. They usually do, when it comes to ruins."

Note that it is getting late and, unless you plan on doing your research at night, you might want to explore the house and figure out where you are bedding down.

This is an enormous city and there are bound to be scholars the specialize in thee kinds of things. in fact Rayhad makes a suggestion...

"I do know of a scholar that specializes in such things. Akeem Al-Harin knows his local histories and specializes in Sarenrae. I can give you directions and a letter of introduction, though if you are willing to spread a little money around the letter is probably unnecessary. Anything else you are interested in doing while in the city?"

Like sell that uber-expensive weapon you said you wanted to unload.

@Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi
Though wealth resets to WBL at every level, you can pick up loot that can give you a temporary boost in wealth until the next reset.

As you settle in for the night, you have a number of places you might check out.
A1) Villa grounds
A2) Stables
A3) Tool shed
A4) Garden
A5) Storage shed
A6) Servant's house
A7) Common room
A8) Guest Rooms
A9) Rayhan's Room
A10) Dining room
A11) Kitchen
A12) Bath
A13) Storage
A14) Library
A15) Rooftop

"I suggest that you keep the scroll the majority of the time and keep it well protected. I feel it will be safer with you. Occasionally I will need to examine it, but most of the time will be spent doing research on what I have already observed. Also, keep this quiet. The fewer people that know about it the better."

Seif heads straight for the library to do some research.

@Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi

This entire floor of the building consists of a single, vast library. Wooden shelves heavy with books, scrolls, bits of statuary, and stone tablets covered with runes line the walls. Additional shelves stand in the middle of each wing, further increasing shelf space. A round table heaped with books and papers sits in the middle of the room, attended by a few padded chairs. Two opaque skylights in the ceiling help somewhat to open up the room’s otherwise claustrophobic feel.

The books are painstakingly organized—alphabetically by subject, then author—and focus entirely on matters relating to astronomy, the planes, and other dimensions. While relatively small, the section on Nex’s hidden realm of Kakishon is nonetheless well represented. Taken as a whole, these books grant a +10 circumstance bonus to any Knowledge checks made relating to the subject matter of the planes, other dimensions, the cosmos and stars, and associated magic.

Appraise: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25.

Seif-al-Din whistles in appreciation as he gets a grip on the true worth of the collection.

"Truly, this is an awe-inspiring sight. Not the largest collection of books I have ever seen, but the quality and depth of information available on the target topic is truly impressive."

@GM: With Scrivener's Chant, would it be possible for me to copy the books on Kakishon?

Also, I 'love' how the AP apparently gives us the option to *loot* the person we are meant to be asking help from. Truly, the writers assumed that we would be murder-hobos :-/

Sure, though you would need the materials and it still takes one minute per page and your full concentration. Now, now, just because I put a value on things doesn't mean it is supposed to be stolen.

Nodding, Gnasher accepts the scroll back from their host. "Tribe keep quiet." Turning to his companions, Gnasher gestures towards the roof. "Gnasher go to roof, look around." As Seif heads to the library Gnasher finds the stairs to the roof. Taking his time, he instinctively looks beyond the compound for possible threats. Then inspecting the roof itself and the skylights. Eventually finding a comfortable chair, he sits, dozing.

"I will go with you. We should check his room first in case she is lurking under his bed." Malgrim says.

Tarak shakes himself out of a daydream staring out the window at Gnasher's words, "Aye, the roof would be nice. Then a bath might be in order, it has been a while."

The flat-topped roof is strewn with gravel to aid in footing during rain. Two large glass skylights are set into the floor, opening up to the floor below. A six-inch-high rim runs along the roof edge, and shallow gutters run away from the skylights to funnel water through several tiny gargoyles perched along the edge. The two skylights are fitted with huge panes of frosted glass that are reasonably clean The glass is thick enough that a Small creature can walk on it, but a larger creature would crash through it. The skylights are fixed and cannot be opened.

Oh, I appreciate that it will take time. Just making sure that it was an option. I'll keep it in mind. I can certainly afford it. 'Blank book' is not exactly an item on the equipment tables, but I imagine that 'blank spellbook' would be a reasonable comparative example for a sturdy blank book, which is only 15gp per volume. Ink costs 8gp per bottle, too, so it should be doable to an extent, even with the paltry sums that I have left.

Note that it is getting late and, unless you plan on doing your research at night, you might want to explore the house and figure out where you are bedding down.

Feeling fairly confident that nothing was approaching the Villa, Gnasher nods to Malgrim and Tarak, "Gnasher believe tribe safe here, Tribe return to guest rooms on first floor?"

As he heads back downstairs he ponders where their new friend got off to. Stopping at the third floor he opens the door to the library. Taking only a brief second to admire all the books Gnasher ask Seif."Cat-Man going to bed now or later?"
---------------------
As he continues descending the steps, he pauses long enough to peer into the dining room. Making a mental note of where the food would be in the morning, he continues to the first floor. Gesturing towards the three doors their host had indicated were guest rooms Maybe? he volunteers, "Ghost, Storm-Blessed and Cat-Man take rooms, Gnasher sleep here" as he indicates the soft chair in the living room. Pausing, remembering all the times they'd been attacked at night, he moves closer, asking, "Should tribe keep watch?"

Sorry if it's too much narrative, happy to stop and talk, just wanted to get ready to move onto the next day if everyone is ready.

Malgrim nods and says, "That works for me." He will enter one of the rooms, but leaves the door open.

Seif frowns slightly.

"Is this sort of defensive-minded behavior normal, or do you expect us to have to repel waves of intruders?"

Nodding his head at Seif's question, Gnasher initially answered, "Yes, watch normal." He couldn't remember a time, as a merchant guard or as a member of his new tribe, when they didn't have a guard. Except when they were sleeping in their own beds in their own homes. And because of the Pairaka's attacks even their own homes hadn't been safe.

Twisting his lips around his canines, forming the difficult words he continued. "Mute girl a div called Pairaka. messes with head, gets in dreams." He looks towards the others, "Maybe sage's house have magic to stop, Gnasher not know. Not like taking chance."

@Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi
That is a good question. How long do you stay in the library before retiring, and will that be routine for you?

@Tarik
You headee to the bath before bed?

@folks in general
What time do you generally plan on retiring to the guest room on a normal day?

Say 3-4 hours after dinner.

@GM: Assuming we spend our evenings here (after doing *other* things during the day), I would aim to spend 2-3 hours per day copying.

Seif nods.

"Very well. Is simply keeping a watch enough, then? If we feel that this place might be attacked, I see two things that will need to be guarded: The Scroll, obviously, but also the Sage whom we are hoping will uncover its secrets."

To move things along, I will assume that Tarak takes advantage of the bath and then retires. Nothing happens that night, but you know how THAT goes.

The walls, ceiling, and floor of the bath room are decorated with white porcelain tiles, with other ornate adornments that make the place seem to be more of a royal bath chamber than anything else. A large, two-foot-deep pool in the room’s center and several braziers and bins for heating polished oval rocks complete the image. The small wood-burning stoves bear minor magics that purify smoke, preventing the room from becoming too smoky while wood is burned to heat the rocks needed to create a sauna-like atmosphere. The pool itself also bears minor magic—its porcelain sides are linked to the temperature of the rocks in the bins, so that as these bins are heated, the water in the pool heats as well.

So, what are your pursuits on the next day?

Ah, the luxury of a hot bath in a fantasy world!

Seif turns to the others.

"Did you want to go see Akeem Al-Harin?"

Rousing at dawn as, sadly, had become his Habit, Gnasher get's ready for the day. Finding what bones or offal he can in the kitchen, Gnasher munches and crunches happily as they talk. "Seeing Akeem Al-Harin wise. Tribe should ask Rayhad for letter to introduce."

Is Rayhad around and generally approachable?

"That does seem like a good way to start the day. We could also tell our guards that we are not leaving anytime soon. They may wish to return without us." Malgrim suggests.

Whether Tarak enjoys his bath or not, the night passes peacefully and you are able to get directions to the sage.

Unlike Rayhan, Akeem Al-Harin has a modest townhouse connected to the bigest church of Sarenrae in the dity, Finding it does not pose a problem, though the sheer size of the city makes it so you take an hour to get there. Rayhad sends you on your way with out a letter of recommendation, stating that there is no need for such a thing and would not serve a purpose. It's not like they have a personal relationship so this will be pure business. When you get there you find him at a cluttered desck pouring over some old books. He glances up and puts his research to the side and asks "How may a lowly scholar such as myself be of assistance."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1.

Seif smiles politely.

"Oh, do not sell yourself short, Effendi. You are no lowly scholar - you are an accomplished man of erudition. That is precisely why we have approached you for assistance. We recognise your skill."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34.

He smiles broadly and rings a bell. A servant comes in with tea and he ushers you to a table where some pleasantries are exchanged before he gets to the point.

"So, what is the matter you wish investigated. I assume you are aware of my areas of expertise?"

Apologies, its been a week.

Sense Motive, untrained ... somehow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Relatively clean and rested, Tarak follows the group's plan without complaint and lingers behind the group as they chat with this scholar,, knowing keeping silent is typcially his best bet.

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Moving comfortably through the familiar city, Gnasher finds himself at the modest townhouse connected to the biggest church of Sarenrae in the city. Raised by merchants, Gnasher isn't surprised when he sees the man checking the size of their purses. Letting the very polite Seif initially do the talking, he shifts his bardiche to one shoulder as he rests his paw on his belt near his pouch.

As the servant enters with the tea, Gnasher rests his bardiche against the wall taking a seat in one of the wicker backed chairs. Nodding his muzzle he answers, "Rayhan tell tribe you expert on Sarenrae." He motions casually toward Tarak and Malgrim. "Tribe find Oasis called "Well of Paradise" Many undead there. Find Temple belong Sarenrae, spoiled by Urgathea." He shrugs lightly, patting his purse, "Tribe pay to learn how to rid oasis of undead."

"Mmmm Hmmm. So tell me what you DO know of the oasis and I can fill in the blanks. But first, we need to negotiate a fee. My fee is 20 gp per day."

Appraise: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5. Eek! That was *far* too close for comfort!

Seif smiles, showing his pearly-white teeth.

"Come now, it is perfectly permissible to ask for the Heavens, but we all live down here on the earth. To balance that out, I suppose that I should counter with an offer that would be more appropriate for the Hells. 10gp, although I am open to being convinced otherwise."

appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 9
knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Blinking at the priest as he asks them to 'tell what they know' Gnasher gives a very human like smile as Seif, counter's the offer with an appropriate response. Taking a sip of the tea, he looks towards Tarak and Malgrim, then taking a deep breath, he turns towards the priest and again tells everything he knows. ""Tribe find Oasis called "Well of Paradise" Many undead there. Find Temple belong Sarenrae, spoiled by Urgathea." He looks back towards his companions to see if they are able to expound.

"10 gold! Why my mothers wig cost more than that! 13 gold and not a copper less!"

Eventually you all decide on a fair price, but with the WBL we do for this game it is mostly irrelevant so I'll cut to the chase though you are encouraged to add any further RP to the negotiations.

"So tell me what happened there, in detail. What you encounters, what they looked like, how they acted, everything"

May I assume you spill your guts to the best of your ability?

Malgrim will chime in with what he remembers and what he saw without holding anything back. "The place was shrouded in evil. Even with what little we scratched it nearly took the life of one of our companions who has since decided to seek a more peaceful endeavor."