As you recall your venture both the sage and Seif-al-Din ibn-Subhi listen attentively, one out of curiosity and the other out of self preservation (I would assume). The sage interrupts you periodically, asking for particulars like the exact smells, the color of the water, the writings on the wall of the temple. Anything that will help him get to the bottom of things. At the end he dispenses both knowledge and his deductions.
"Centuries ago, a hospice and healing temple dedicated to Sarenrae the Dawnflower was erected within an oasis set along a now-defunct trade route. Fed by a dozen cold springs, the Deep Well of Paradise was a dear boon to those innocents who suffered in the unrelenting heat. The sanctuary at the Deep Well of Paradise aided all who came to its door seeking succor for many years."
"Eventually, though, a foulness not even the Dawnflower’s minions could purge crept into the temple, leaving many priests dead and leading the oasis to be abandoned. Based on your reports of the writings in the ruined temple I am able to confirm that it was corrupted by Rotaimvei of Geb, a devotee of Urgathoa and servant to the Cinerarium, a necromancer of evil power and darkest cruelty. Perhaps the priests attending the Deep Well of Paradise had somehow offended the Blood Lords of Geb, perhaps the Gebbite sought some mystical artifact within the walls of that place, or perhaps he snuffed
out their lives purely for the love of spite. I cannot say."
"For a time, the Deep Well of Paradise was the demesne of a clever and monstrous two-headed giant called Kasim-Qahar. The awful hulking thing dwelled within the oasis by night; by day, the ettin wandered far and wide devouring all he laid eyes upon, and brought a swift end to any further travel along the dust-choked road. There have not been any reports of the Ettin for a long time. Again, my assumption is that the skeletal ettin you encountered was Kasim-Qahar."
"Here comes an interesting part of the history. Some decades ago, a youthful paladin of Sarenrae journeyed forth into the haunted oasis to end the mysterious curse of that place and re-open the temple within the Deep Well of Paradise. To that end, she borrowed a potent holy blade from her church. She never returned. My guess, from your description, is that she is the specter you encountered. Probably not a coincidence, but that is also the time when reports of the ettin ceased."
"A great lammasu calling himself the Lion of Five Heavens has recently taken up guardianship of the oasis. A devotee of the fierce Empyreal Lord Ragathiel, this potent creature called Assad Ashraf-Asim allows no mortal entrance to the Deep Well of Paradise. I am very surprised the guardian allowed you to enter. It is quite fortunate, at least for me, that you did, though you were lucky that none of you perished."
"Based on what you were told by the Lion of Five Heavens, and the fact that the four Imams, the Ettin, AND the paladin live on as undead, and the fact that the Immans simply raise back to undeath after being slain, I strongly suspect that there is a mighty curse on the place that will turn any that die there to undeath, and, even if you destroy them, they will rise again."
"But, though of interest to me, I suspect your interest is more of a practical nature - how would you cleanse this place. THAT I do not know, at least not now, and this is how I will earn my pay. Give me a day or two to do some research. If you tell me where you are staying, I will send a messenger to you when I have your answers. I have to warn you though, without exact replicas of the writings in the temple all I will be able to offer you is generalities. If you want more specifics you may have to return with exact replicas of the writings."
Listening intently as the sage tells the tale, Gnasher imagines the things they'd seen nodding his muzle as the sage pieces it together. Furrowing his brow when the sage admits that he may need 'exact' replicas of the writing. As he begins to rise he tells the sage, "Tribe staying at Rayhan’s villa." Then he looks to his companions, wondering, "Tribe return to Oasis to copy writing?"
"I don't think we can go for the writing until we finish with what we are doing at the villa." Malgrim says.
Nodding in agreement with Malgrim, Gnasher turns to the sage, "Contact tribe when ready." As they leave he asks, "Tribe need anything before returning to villa?"
So as Urah is left to his own devices, the lot of you stick close to the Villa, enjoying the books of the bath or even the food. Though leaving upon occasion is inevitable and it is during one of these jaunts, perhaps to a tavern, you are approached by an aristocratic looking fellow. Without preamble he introduces himself.
Greetings adventurers. I am Marsuk of the Mus'ad merchants. I have heard a rumor that you have come into possession of a rare and unique artifact. If you have a little time, I would like to discuss the possibility or purchasing the item, should the rumors prove true."
Looking up from them the Meze appetizer he'd ordered, Gnasher puts a Falafel in his mouth, watching the young man while he chews it. Swallowing he answers, "Tribe find many rare artifacts, already sold things to sell." He lifts his light ale taking a sip to wash down the dry falafel, letting out a low growl. "What tribe keep, not for sale."
Malgrim looks over the man and tries to gauge how dangerous he might actually be. Malgrim nods and says, "Gnasher is correct. I am afraid we have nothing to offer you at this time."
The man shrugs and is about to leave when he turns around and makes an offer.
"If the scroll turns out to be what you suspect, I am willing to offer a small fortune for it. Fifty thousand gold. Just let that rummage around in your heads for a bit."
Having been raised by a merchant, Gnasher was better at math than most gnolls. Hearing the man's offer, he leans in. "Once we return from wherever the scroll leads, maybe we can contact him then."
After finishing the dishes on the Meze, Gnasher takes the last sip of his ale and asks, "Where to now?"
Tarak just gives this Marsuk a blank stare as the group interacts with him. The kind of stare that might make one wonder if he was sizing the man up for a lightning bolt, just in case.
At the sum offered, his eyes lighten some and he begins to ponder, but doesn't speak.
After the man leaves, the former pirate growls, "If he be offering such a sum, I'd wager its worth a lot more."
At Gnasher's suggestion, he answers, "If we be selling our loot, I have an item I'd like to pick up. When I be in animal shape, its too easy to get hit, I hear there are magic bracers that might still work to protect me even when I'm wildshaped. I don't know what quality I can afford, but I want to look into it.
Having sent the fellow on his way, and other day passes before you get notified that the sage has some Information for you.
"Legends say that the pool once produced a shower of pure holy water whose curative powers could soothe even the most potent of ailments. From shat you have described, the magic of this spring has been tainted to infect one with ghoul fever, which is my guess as to how those lacedons came into being. I believe there is something in the pool that is tainting it. To cleanse the oasis you will need to remove or destroy the tainting magic."
"The lamassu mentioned 4 creatures that he combats and respawn. If cleansing the pool does not get rid of them too, you will probably have to find out where they lair and cleanse it as well."
"The paladin and ettin in the temple are more tricky. I need more information on them and the temple to be able to determine how they might be defeated, provided you have not already done so. Hopefully that is the case."
On your way back you are once again approached by someone interested in the scroll.
"Greetings, I am Tamir, an associate of the One Source Merchants’ Guild. I locate new prospects and exotic artifacts that they might be interested in. I understand you may have come into possession of an item they might be interested in?"
At this point he pauses to wait for a confirmation.
Malgrim frowns at the man and says, "If we had something we wanted to sale, we would let people know."
Nodding at Tarak's responce, Gnasher wonders, "Maybe sell scroll after we return from hidden land." As they walked Gnasher listened as Tarak explained about the gauntlets and his animal shape, nodding, he added. "Tribe learn what sage say, then go to market."
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Having been contacted by the sage, the tribe returns to his house by the temple. Sitting down in the small parlor Gnasher listens as the sage answers some of the questions. As the sage wraps up his information, Gnasher nods, "Tribe kill Paladin and ettin, once tribe kill again." He shakes his muzzle and asks. "Something in spring? How tribe learn what is? Should tribe swim in water to find out?" Confused he looks towards their newest member, Seif. "Cat-Man, Should tribe buy potions to allow going under water? What else help?"
-----------------------
As they head back to the villa Gnasher glares at the second merchant. Nodding his head in agreement with Malgrim, he growls "Tribe find many rare artifacts, already sold things to sell. What tribe keep, not for sale."
"I am uncertain what it might be, but it will be magical in nature and dedicated to the evil god, of that I am sure."
"Well, if we come up with something magical and dedicated to an evil god that we are willing to part with we will keep your company in mind." Malgrim says with a hint of exasperation in his voice as he turns to continue on.
One final street encounter...
You are once again approached by someone (named Badra) interested in the scroll. This time it is an intense looking man of wealth, who not only expresses interest in the scroll to the tune of 35,000 gp, but mentions that "I would not trust the rif-raf out there. Were you to sell to me I could assure your safety and the completion of the transaction without issue. I fear that if you sold to anyone else you might find yourselves in a predicament."
Once the man is gone, Seif quietly notes:
"Word of that which you have brought here has certainly spread fast. Ones like that man are easy enough to dodge, but you should be on your guard.
Katapesh is a place where people do not ask too vigorously about where something (or someone) has been sourced from, once they have it in hand.
I am certain that there are any number of truly unscrupulous individuals who would be only to eager to relieve you of your burden... and your lives in the process, given the sums being bandied about.
Life in Katapesh is, by comparison to such a relic, considered to be so cheap that it would be practically worthless."
Nodding at the sages response, Gnasher wasn't surprised, they'd had many experiences dealing with evil.
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Barking a laugh at the offer of thirty-five thousand gold pices, Gnasher glares at the third merchant growling "Tribe find many rare artifacts, already sold things to sell. What tribe keep, not for sale. Tak your threats elswhere."
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Nodding in agreement with Seif, "Cat-Man right, but Gnasher not seen anyone as scary as mute girl yet." As they walk he asks, "If tribe go under water, what magics tribe need?" He pauses for a moment remember seeing an odd pair of shoes in a shop once. He continues asking, "Tribe buy shoes, make feet look like frog fins?" Furrowing his brow he continues, "What weapon best for fighting in water?"
Seif frowns.
"Generally speaking, piercing weapons like spears and tridents are best when fighting underwater. Unless you have special training, or are moving freely due to magic, bludgeoning and slashing attacks do not work well.
If you need a way to swim in the ocean, I would recommend the Cloak of the Manta Ray. It gives you the ability to breathe underwater, and swim easily. If you want an option that works at all times under any liquid, there is the Hem of Underwater Action, but it is more than thrice the price.
Of course, you get what you pay for. The more expensive option *is* better."
A thought then occurs to him.
"That said, if you only need it for a few minutes per day, in an emergency, a Pirate's Eye Patch would be an option."
Tarak ignores the man threatening them and lets the group's talkers take care of it, though as he thinks about it, his hair starts to raise sligtly as his annoyance brings some of the fury of the storm to the surface and the urge to turn the man into a black ashen smear on the cobblestone increases, but he pushes it down.
At Gnasher's quetion, the druid pipes in. "If we have a day to prepare I do have some magics that will let ye manouver underwater and even breathe under water, but time would be limited and it would stress me magics. I can always wild shape, meself."
After a few days of being accosted by both well meaning and not-so-well meaning interested parties, Rayhan confides to the PCs that he is growing increasingly certain that the artifact the PCs have is legitimate. Over dinner, Rayhan asks the PCs what they plan on doing with the artifact if it does indeed prove to be what they all hope it is. Do they eventually intend to sell it?
"I am not sure that anyone who wants to buy an item because its tainted by devils is someone I want to do business with." Malgrim says.
The confused sage asks, "Tainted by devils? Whatever do you mean?"
Being a creature of the desert, Gnasher ad not heard of many of the things on Seif. Making a mental knot to purchase a lucerne hammer, Gnasher, having been raised by a merchant who was a skinflint, asks Seif "Are there potions or wands that do same thing?"
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Trying to stay at his best 'table manners' Gnasher listens as Rayhan confides about the scroll being authentic. When asked if they intend to sell it, Gnasher picks up the bone from his steak, biting it with a loud crack. As he chews the crunchy bone, he shrugs. "Gnasher think tribe wait, see what find in 'secret dimension' then decide." He looks around at the others wanting to see what they think.
Malgrim frowns at the sage and says, "Eh...I think one of them said it was associated with an evil god. Evil god...devil. Not much difference in my way of thinking from someone who wants it so badly. I agree with Gnasher. We need to know if it does have this plane and if so what it holds before can figure out what to do with it. Although I am inclined to vote against the guy who threatened us if we sold it to someone else just because that is bad negotiating there."
Seif raises an eyebrow, but nods to Gnasher.
"There are certainly potions that work for a minute at a time, and only cost 50gp. If you want to use your own power, there are Pages of Spell Knowledge, too."
"Oh, no, no evil god. Nex was an archmage who specialized in planar travels and creations and in the fabrications of beings such as golems. This is not the only demi plane he created or reached and, as a matter of fact, not the most well known which would be the Refuge of Nex. There is no evidence he trafficked in evil gods. Of interest to you might be that he got his start as an adventurer, much like yourselves."
He pauses in thought for a moment.
"Even though you may or may not sell the scroll, I believe it would be prudent to entertain interested parties. There are a number of good reasons to invite them over for a dinner party. Katepesh, as you may know, is the best place to sell such a rare artifact. Pricing such a thing is tricky business. Such parties are a bit of a tradition in the city when expensive sales are in the works and if you do decide to sell it would give you the opportunity to find out what it is really worth if we can get them into a bidding war. Just to make sure things remain above board we should invite a cleric of Abadar. They thrive on such things and make sure there is no deceitful conduct. The even provide security if requested. Besides, it is best to keep the church informed of big dealings in the merchant world — not hosting a diner party (and thus not inviting a cleric to put any rumors of misdealing to rest) would arouse the suspicion of the Pactmasters themselves, which could, no, would result in trouble we don't want. If you don't I fear interested parties and officious bureaucrats will continue to harass you as you go about your business."
Realizing Seif had probably forgotten more about magic and magic items then he'd ever known, Gnasher, in a very human-like fashion, raises an eyebrow. "Pages of Spell Knowledge?" Shrugging he continues, "Gnasher have few spells, but come from inside, not books. Potions or wand maybe work best." His mind wanders to the scroll for a moment. "Tribe make purchases for oasis after exploring scroll dimension."
-----------------------
Having been raised by a merchant Gnasher was familiar with the idea of entertaining possible buyers. He'd just never considered having something worth bothering over. But Rayhan's idea was a good one, nodding in agreement with Rayhan, Gnasher adds, "Party for auction good idea, tribe wait until after explore dimension." He looks around the room, first at Rayhan then the others. "What tribe need to be ready to explore scrolls dimension?"
"There is really very limited information on the demi plane is that it was used as a retreat to get away and relax by Nex. I'm hopeful that it will be a pleasant experience."
Famous last words.
"It sounds like people made it their home, or at least spent a large amount of time there. So beyond some basic security how many dangers would they really want to live with." Malgrim says.
Listening as Rayhan and Malgrim discuss how pleasant it may be, Gnasher considers some of the people he'd see in his short life. Most of them seemed to do something that made someone else uncomfortable. Shaking his head he joins the conversation, "Maybe easy, Maybe Geb sadist. Tribe should prepare for worst."
The dinner party is relatively small and will include the three merchants you encountered already, plus a few others. It is scheduled for sunset and Rayhan plans to have Eramin handle most of the preparations, though as the sellers the PCs are expected to provide some form of post-meal entertainment to the guests. He leaves it to you all to determine what sort of entertainment should be provided.
"I don't know. One of the buyers mentioned a dark god. If we are going to talk to all of them first then maybe we should do it before we go in. It might help us prepare for whatever actually is inside." Malgrim says as he is still caught on what the one man said.
Realizing the dinner party was a neccesary evil, Gnasher contacted the local church of Abadar and asked them to have a priest attend the small gathering. Knowing they would be responcible for the entertainment, Gnasher asked the still recovering Urah, who was still the most charasmatic person who'd been there tell the tale of how they found the scroll, starting with the rescue of Kelmarane.
Once the dinner party was started Gnasher tried to stay on his best behavior, staying seated and eating little. When it seemed like the merchants were done eating, he waived at Eramin to serve the baklava and coffee. As the dessert was served he nodded to Urah. Having recovered enough to tell the tale, Urah told of how they became the hero's of Kemarane and traveled to the Pale Mountain and the once massive temple where they defeated the Carrion King and found the scroll.
As Urah finished Gnasher watched the merchants, seeing the greed in their eyes, he stood, taking out the scroll and laying it on the table. Growling in a low tone. "Here is desired object, not for sale, not till tribe done with it. What do Merchants want it for?" He then looks at the three different merchants who'd bothered them the previous days.
Table some of those actions for later as I have some boxed text and plot development to deliver...
Urah is delighted to play a part in the celebrations and stocks up on illusion scrolls so he can tell the story in vivid color.
The guests start to arrive as early as an hour before sundown, and it falls to the PCs to keep them entertained until the meal starts. The guests are as follows...
Marzuk: Marzuk arrives dressed in an expensive white outfit with a silk turban. He enjoys these parties and is likely to take an interest in attractive female PCs, offering one of them a tour of his “family grounds” later in the week. He grows increasingly loud and drunk as the evening progresses, much to Badra’s disdain and Tamir’s delight.
Badra: Badra is dressed in a decorative red silk dress and gold silk scarves. Her attitude is one of grim endurance—she sees these parties as something to be endured, rather than enjoyed. Much of what she says seems critical (the food is overcooked, the wine too bitter, the companionship too loud), with the exception of the Hoon painting of Kakishon, which impresses her greatly and about which she has many questions.
Tamir: The halfling Tamir doesn’t dress quite so extravagantly as the other guests, opting instead for comfortable (but clean and well-tailored) clothes and a constant smile. He jokes often, and may challenge a PC into a game of one-upping jokes with increasingly lewd or scandalous punch lines.
Kazim: As the official representative of the Church of Abadar, the beautiful Kazim (LN female human cleric of Abadar 6) wears an elegant but simple white and green robe. She is observant and quiet at the party, but when she speaks (usually to compliment someone or to make an observation that is relatively obvious), the other guests listen attentively and agree with her in an almost exaggerated manner
Fester: An interesting fellow who seems more interested in hobnobbing that actually bidding on the scroll. He is well known by the others and likes to attend these things for the free (and interesting) food, meeting new folks, and the party atmosphere. He is expensively, but sloppily dressed and carries ceremonial weapons that would be pointless in a battle, but talks a good talk weaving stories of past exploits blatantly exaggerated, but amusing and fun to listen to.
Anyone any of you would like to approach?
Note: Seems I originally introduced Badra as a male. She is, in fact, female.
Seif-al-Din makes a point of speaking with each of the guests in turn, since it would be rude to do otherwise.
However, when he talks with Kazim, there is genuine appreciation in his voice, as he attempts to convey his gratitude for her presence, whilst at the same time dancing around the fact that he likewise appreciates her forbearance, given the... antics... of some of the attendees. Notably, he does not fawn over her, simply treating her with respect.
Realizing this would be a perfect time for an attack, Gnasher kept his eye, ears and nose pealed looking for the Div, Synthia. As each guest arrived he waited at the door. Standing head and shoulders taller he hovers over them, smelling them; attempting to recognize the woman he'd known as the mute slave girl. Not finding enough evidence to accuse any of them, he moved one of Rayhan's cushioned chairs into the corner. Sitting down he watched them carefully for any untoward actions.
Kazim is polite and hospitable with Seif, and asks him some probing questions about his role in all of this.
"So, may I ask, how did you become involved with the group?"
Seif-al-Din inclines his head, and smiles faintly.
"I was originally retained to provide some advice regarding the healing of a colleague of theirs, but what they were involved in piqued my interest. As they did not have any clerical support, and I was interested in it myself, I was more than willing to aid them, when they asked me to join with them."
"May I ask where you derive the source of your healing powers?"
"Of course!"
He then holds up a gold holy symbol.
"I venerate Sarenrae, the Everlight. However, I know she has a good relationship with the Lord of the First Vault, and in any case, I enjoy meeting with others of faith; for me, whom you believe in is less important than simply *having* belief."
Watching Seif casually talk to the merchants, Gnasher is a little jealous, the humans were never as friendly with him as they were each other. But when the woman who called herself 'Kazim' asked Seif about his powers, Gnasher instantly became suspicious, remembering when the mute girl spied on them to learn their strengths. Feigning interest, Gnasher got up from his chair and moved closer, knowing that if the 'priest' was really the mute girl he could get his paws on her.
Malgrim will approach Fester around the food tables and say, "Good evening, how has your day fared?"
"Better and better! Reminds me of the time that Pathfinder Society opened a new lodge in the area. Goodness, they know how to throw a party and schmooze. Didn't even mind that the party was attacked by that demon. Luckily for them I was there..."
Between bites he describes his heroic exploits as he, seemingly, subdued the demon with a silver dinner knife.
"Are there many such gatherings here? It seems if demons were regularly crashing parties, they would not be so popular." Malgrim says
Sticking close to Kazim and Seif, Gnasher keeps an eye on the servants hoping they would begin to serve the food soon.