The heroes of Wati have saved the city from the undead hordes that Nebta-Khufre and the Cult of the Forgotten Pharaoh unleashed in their pursuit of a powerful artifact they believed would bring about the resurrection of the mysterious Sky Pharaoh Hakotep I. Now the adventurers possess the Mask of the Forgotten Pharaoh, hoping to keep it from the clutches of the nefarious cult as they journey to Tephu to learn more about the pharaoh that has been written out of Osirion history as though he never existed, and about his devoted followers that will stop at nothing to see him brought back to life...
Wealday, the 10th day of Desnus, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very hot (just under 100 degrees) with little or no wind.
Around midday.
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Tephu, known as the city of the reed people, sits at the confluence of the Crook and the Asp rivers - where they join to form the great River Sphinx. The sister cities of An and Wati are seen as lesser by the inhabitants of Tephu, and though the city is not the largest nor the oldest of the three, it is certainly the most prosperous - having made its fortune on the backs of those that work the reeds along the river to manufacture the magnificent papyrus that the city is known for. This is in addition to the Great Library of course, the greatest repository of knowledge in Osirion. In fact, Tephu regards itself as the home of culture - not just in the region, but in all Osirion.
The city itself lies downstream from Wati to the northwest, only a short boat ride away. Fortunately, a ferry ride across the River Sphinx is quite cheap for the adventurers - only 5 silver coins, to be exact. But the large skiffs are crowded affairs as the pilots cram as many paying customers aboard as possible. Farmers, heaped piles of goods and livestock such as chickens, goats and even camels share the space available. At least the chickens only tend to get underfoot, whereas the goats tend to nibble at anything the adventurers are carrying that isn't watched closely while the camels stink badly and tend to spit if you look them in the eye - or even when you're minding your own business, for that matter. Thankfully, the trip only lasts a few hours and is otherwise uneventful.
As is usual for most of the Osirion cities on the banks of the River Sphinx, Tephu is hot, dusty and perpetually busy with streets full of hawkers and peddlers. As soon as the adventurers step off the docks and into the streets, they are offered everything from savory minced lamb, limes, olives, mint tea, carpets (at least one of which is purported to be 'magical' according to the barrel-chested merchant), leather goods, hookah pipes, pesh, pots, pans, camels and even dancing girls and boys. The boisterous noise and shouted offers are on a scale that they've never seen, in fact - with Wati's crowded marketplace seeming quite tame in comparison.
Trying to organize their thoughts and bearings, the adventurers consider everything they've learned of Tephu from various sources, including Farhaan, Sebti, Ptemenib and other various merchants and common folk they've talked to in Wati. Should they head directly to the library itself, or find themselves an inn along with something to eat and drink, or explore the crowded (and sweltering) streets of Tephu with what remains of the day?
Amenhep smiles, admiring the city's sights and smells. "Ah, Tephu. It has been too long since I was here. Last time...goodness, I was a journeyman in the temple of Ra, sent to study his faith at the Great Library. Much may have changed here though. I say we do our best to get the lay of the land before we go right to the library."
Elliander is a bit disappointed they don’t get more support from their ‘employer’, Sebti. He wonders if there might be cause to worry about the politics? At least they still have the ancient mask.
The next day, they make it down to the docks and pay to take the ferry across the wide river. The ferry is crowded and noisy, and Elliander tries to find a quiet place in some shade. It’s hard, but he guesses that barred from having their own boat, this way is likely the easiest one to get to Tephu. Maybe the only one, as the river might be hard to get around or cross elsewhere.
Reaching Tephu, the duskblade is not disappointed though. He has not been here before.
The city seems at least as busy and wealthy as Wati. He looks forward to seeing more of it and visit the Great Library.
Amenhep’s suggestion that they look around first, sounds good.
”Yes, let’s localize the Great Library and maybe find some place near to rest, if it’s not too expensive in that area. We don’t know how long this is going to take.”
The duskblade stretches his neck to see if he can see any impressive building that could be the famous library from where they are standing by the riverside.
Francis pays the 5 silver for boarding and joins his friends on board. He is concerned about taking the mask on such a crowded boat, but things will have to play out however they will. He trusts that Pharasma won't want the thing in the hands of enemies. He does his best to stay somewhere near his friends, even if it means standing for the entire trip. It shouldn't be very long.
Once on shore again he studies the crowds. Never one to enjoy shopping he stays as far as he can from the noisy vendors.
"I agree. Let's look around the area by the Great Library and try to find a reasonable place to stay near it. Clean would also be nice, even if it costs a few coins more."
Farhaan didn't know much about Tephu, but has heard that the Inn of the Desert Winds is quite an attraction for visitors.
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Tephu! Finally Rediz will be able to see this jewel of the desert.
When he was young, uncle Fradak used to be his favourite uncle. When Fradak came around Rediz would sneak into the grown uos cave and klisten to his stories of far away places and wonders.
The young ratling dreamed of spending the noght at the People'S square, watching in awe at the acrobats performing there acts, while tasting foreign fruits and snacks from the various vendors.
Now 15 years later he would finally be able to go there himself. Pf course rediz suggests finding a in in the outer city where the real lifeblood of the city lies, but he is soon convinced that the security of the mask is more important.
Wealday, the 10th day of Desnus, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very hot (just under 100 degrees) with little or no wind.
Around midday.
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The party moves away from the River Sphinx and the levee that runs alongside the earthen embakement, teeming with the traders eager to accost those that have just arrived by ferry or ship. Heading north, the adventurers gaze out past the thick fields of papyrus that grows alongside the river, tended to by the workers that ply the reeds all day long in service to their masters or employers. This district of Tephu that they know is called New City is congested and noisy, though at least it seems fairly clean. Besides those hawking their wares from tents and carts among the countless townsfolk and urchins crowding the streets and alleys there are a few buildings here and there as well - mostly coffee houses, public baths and and smaller merchant shops that seem to be a step above those used by the more prolific street vendors.
Moving along an avenue that heads away from the river in a northwesterly direction, the group soon passes through one of the gates that lead through an inner city wall that separates the New City and Wadjet's Walk districts. The streets in the latter district are far less congested with the chaotic crowds of New City, but there are still a good many people out and about - and there are many more permanent buildings to be seen as well. Simple apartment dwellings made of mud brick or sandstone might crowd together along one street, while another nearby displays lushly landscaped estates. On yet another street, communal granaries might crowd alongside temples, papyrus mills and warehouses that are built alongside the offices of prominent papyrus merchants and bustling markets.
It is in this slightly less congested district, right up against the inner wall separating it from the chaotic sprawl of New City, where the adventurers find the Inn of the Desert Winds. The spacious tavern that makes up the entire first floor is filled with the mouth-watering aroma of roasted waterfowl, grilled fish, baking bread and roasted vegetables from the adjacent kitchen. Stairs at all four corners of the building lead up to the the second and third floors, where rooms for rent must be located. It doesn't have the same homey charm as the Tooth and Hookah in Wati, but the place is certainly busy with a good number of servers tending to the needs of the crowded common room. It's difficult to tell if there are even any empty tables to be had, and the seats along the expansive bar appear at first glances to be fully occupied, though after a few moments of looking you spot here and there a few that yet stand empty - at least for the moment. One of the serving ladies, a dark-skinned beauty with hair dyed a dark purple that matches the kohl decorating her eyelids greets the party as they enter. "You're in luck!" She says with a pleasant smile. "We've got a table that just opened, big enough for the five of you if you'd like. I'll have to pull up a chair, but we can make it work." She adds with a wink at Amenhep.
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PC Health and Adventure Notes
Francis 53/53
Soumral 51/51
Rediz 40/40
Elliander 63/63
Amenhep 58/58
Amenhep returns with a wide smile and nods, "Excellent, my thanks. A round of beer and dinner for myself and my compatriots," he pauses for a moment, pulling out five gold coins and handing them to the server, "One is for you, the rest are dinner for anyone who cannot afford to sate their hunger."
He turns to the party, "Let us eat then, and make merry before we go about out work."
Amenhep seems very enthusiastic about being in Tephu. Finding them an inn with hopefully reasonable prices, the paladin pays for their first meal there. Elliander is both hungry and thirsty after the trip across the river and the walk from the dockside.
Though some similarities with Wati, this city offers so much new to see. The duskblade is aware though that they are on a mission and remembers the warning about a cult following them and wanting the mask. He looks carefully around in the inn to see who is watching them more than necessary.
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"Thank you, Amenhep, do you mind to send me over some of that fresh bread?", Rediz takes to the dinner with an appetite contradicting his small size.
When later discussion turns to the question of plans, he suggests that we first find out a bit about the city. "If what we heard is right, there might be a bit of trouble coming outr way once we start asking questions, and I belive we should know who's who in that place before that happens."
The group eats heartily, and though Elliander doesn't see anyone taking an unhealthy interest in the party, he does notice a rather shifty looking fellow in one of the booths who seems more interested in meeting with other shifty types than in eating or drinking. During their meal, the duskblade counts three people - two men and one woman - who meet with the fellow. He is dressed in the usual colorful desert garb worn by most folk, though his clothes seem well-tailored and expensive. His hair is dark and his face is hawkish, with sharp cheekbones and narrowed eyes.
Soumral has passed through Tephu a couple of times in the past, so the city isn't completely new to her, but human settlements are subject to such rapid change it's hard to know what might still be the same.
She makes a couple of quick stops on the walk from the ferry to the inn, picking up favorite snacks. At one place it's a jar of pickled limes and a waxed bag containing a mixture of pistachios and almonds. At another she buys a jar or dried olives and a some pepper of such a deep red color it's almost black.
Soumral eats only lightly in the heat, mostly consuming water and beer.
"Should I buy a parrot for my room? How long do you think this will take?"
”So, what’s the plan now?”, Elliander asks while still keeping an eye on the three shifty types.
”Get a room, wash up and rest a little until the worst heat is gone? Then go out and take a stroll, find the library, feel the streets?”
"An excellent plan."
"Sounds good to me."
Once they've enjoyed some of the food and drink Francis waves to get the attention of the lady that greeted them.
"As I'm sure you can tell we are visitors here. Do you by chance have rooms available that we could rent, for an unknown amount of time as yet. Let's say for a week now and maybe more?"
"And.... Would you happen to have a map of your fine city that you would sell us? Showing the interesting places that a tourist might be interested in visiting?"
Wealday, the 10th day of Desnus, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very hot (just under 100 degrees) with little or no wind.
Around dusk.
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Elliander heads to the bar and is directed to speak with the owner, a dark-skinned woman of middle years named Thabat Pehta few touches of grey in her black hair but with a ready smile and an infectious laugh. She tells the duskblade that she has only a handful of rooms available, and only the ones that are but single occupancy. Two gold coins a night for the simple accommodations, or three gold coins each night to include a private bath with hot water and a hearty breakfast served during the first hour after dawn. She offers some advice on how to find a few of the popular places to see around Tephu - but nothing that the party has already learned about.
After the party makes their sleeping arrangements for the night (or for several nights, should they so desire), they take their rest until the heat of the day dissipates as the sun sinks below the horizon - though still there is light in the sky and will be for at least another hour or so. The Gate of the Sun, leading into the Old City where the Great Library is found, is guarded by a pair of guards clad in chain shirts and armed with spears and light crossbows. A good number of folk appear to be passing through the gate, but leaving Old City and those that are entering are stopped and questioned as to their business.
If the adventurers try to enter in order to reach the library, they too are stopped by one of the alert-looking guardsmen and asked about their business in the Old City.
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Thinking they need to look washed and respectable in order to be better treated at the library, Elliander recommends they take the option with the bath. Still trying to figure out if you haggle each time or not, he proposes to Thabat Pehta that the five of them will take one room each with bath&breakfast, for three days initially. Since it’s a ‘package deal’, the duskblade tries to get it for a little less and suggests paying just 40 gp for the accommodation, with an option to prolong. He picked up some of the local habits, while talking to merchants and peddlers in Wati, but he’s just not sure if you’re suppose to always haggle over the price or not? Maybe the innkeeper would be offended if he did not at least try?
There is also the issue about their gear. Bringing weapons and armor to a library, seems strange. It’s so hot, Elliander wouldn’t mind dressing lighter. Then again, they can’t risk leaving the mask at the inn and they could get attacked outside by that cult if they’re not careful.
Amenhep seems to know the local customs best. The duskblade asks him about how they shall dress when trying to get into the library.
Thabat Pehta holds firm to the price as she named it. Perhaps there is no shortage of visitors needing accommodations - a possibility that's seems quite likely, given the bustling streets of Tephu. It seems to the duskblade as though there a good many mercenaries and explorers walking about with their armor and weapons at the ready. The soldiers appear to be resigned to the idea - especially since the Ruby Prince opened the tombs of Osirion to those that would plumb their depths for fortune and glory. And even if weapons aren't allowed in the Great Library, it's not hard to imagine their gear would be stowed safely while they visited. Amenhep's personal knowledge seems to echo this.
Amenhep greets the guards in Osiriani, giving them a winning smile as he speaks, "Fellow sons of the River Sphinx, I do not wish to interrupt your vital work, but we come with business of great importance. I am sure you have heard of the troubles in Wati as of late. My companions and myself were the ones who put the necropolis to rest. We seek the wisdom of the Great Library to learn more of what happened there."
Once it is obvious that the price is firm Francis accepts and suggests that the team pay the extra for bath and breakfast. Also, pay for a full week so they don't lose rooms if they happen to be away for a day or night.
Impressed by Amenhep's greeting to the guards Francis stands with him, brushing some dust from his clothing he makes sure that his holy symbol is visible. He doesn't speak Osiriani but adds in common. "While the unrest and undead were put down there are still questions that could not be answered in Wati."
The guards return Amenhep's greeting as they relax their stance a bit and one of them responds. "Yes, we had heard from some that fled Wati that the dead were walking the streets. Terrible business, though you'd never see that happen here in Tephu. In any case, I am afraid your business will have to wait until the morning. The Great Library is open to all, and you are certainly welcome to visit - but the building closes at dusk."
Soumral agrees to the 3 gp rate for the extras without grumbling. She pays ahead for a full week.
"I don't want basic logistics like where I'm staying and how distracting me, better things to occupy myself with. Cities are simple. Pay the cost to not worry about the little things and enjoy it."
Elliander realizes that he has still not mastered haggling (or interacting with people in general for that matter). Francis comes to his aid though and they set up the arrangements. The duskblade is good with settling down in the inn for a week, but he hopes it won’t take that much time to find what they want in the library.
"I understand that the rules must be followed, but can you not see the urgency of the situation we find ourselves in? Imagine the undead came to Tephu as a result of delays to our work."
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Knowing guards in all cities will always be guards and seeing that this man clearly does not believe the city of Tephu could ever be in such a dire situation Rediz suggest they come back in the morning. "I don't belive its worth it Amenhep, the man is only doing his job. Surely we can come back in the morning."
The guard looks at Amenhep skeptically. "I don't know what sort of work you're doing, but I'm telling you the Great Library closes at dusk. Only our esteemed haty-a can grant special access, and you certainly won't be granted an interview at this late hour. Listen to your friend there, enjoy the many forms of entertainment Tephu offers tonight. The Great Library will still be here in the morning."
And with that, the guard's expression indicates the matter is closed and he nods for your group to exit back out through the gate - as you have no business passing into Old City.
Francis shrugs and turns to head back to the inn where they are staying. "We'll just have to be back first thing in the morning."
Soumral keeps her mouth shut until they've walked away, but she's a little annoyed with Amenhep.
"Why were you pressing the point? We're only out for a walk around to get our bearings. At least that's why I came. I didn't have the slightest intention of poking around in the library tonight. Have you ever done any archival research before? What did you think we'd be able to accomplish short of staying up all night there?"
"Things aren't just laying around right at hand. This is going to take time. And of course the library keeps normal daytime hours. You really need to learn to relax, not every little thing is life and death."
Soumral has a couple of glasses of chilled wine before turning in.
Elliander doesn’t see the harm in being prepared or using the time well. While he agrees with the others, he thinks Soumral is laying it on a bit too thick towards Amenhep and at least wants to show some support with the paladin.
“Certainly. If the library is closed, we’ll wait until tomorrow. We could have been allowed through the gate into the Old City though to have a stroll. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a temple in there that is open at this time, and we might have picked up some info there. It’s like the guards thought we’d be robbing the neighborhood or something!” The duskblade shakes his head.
Oathday, the 10th day of Desnus, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm (about 85 degrees) with little or no wind.
One hour after sunrise.
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Soumral and Amenhep, being at least somewhat familiar with the city, know that the guards had barred their entry into Old City because their stated business was not a valid reason for entering at that hour. It seems likely to them, based on their observations, that the guardsmen are charged with keeping Old City clear of those without legitimate business there. The district houses government buildings and the finest townhouses and offices of the Tephu's worthiest citizens. In other words, a blend of public and private buildings that merit a watchful eye. It seems quite likely that there are a good many patrols within Old City as well.
The night passes uneventfully, and though their rooms aren't nearly as nice as the suite they enjoyed at the Tooth and Hookah, the accommodations are comfortable. The dawn promises clear and sunny weather for the day, as usual, with the likelihood of a very hot afternoon again as the temperature begins to rise steadily as the sun climbs in the sky. Breakfast in the common room is quite tasty and there is plenty of food as those staying at the inn begin to fill the downstairs tavern.
The short journey to Old City is likewise uneventful, and after confirming with the guards (not the same ones from the previous evening) that they are here to see the Great Library, they are allowed entrance without any fuss. Making their way towards their goal, the party comes to a stop some twenty yards away from the building as they enter a plaze from a broad street that gives them a magnificent view. Tephu's Great Library is marked by a high blue dome made of turquoize marble, a golden sphinx perched atop the apex amidst the shining gold pinnacles that catch the morning rays of the sun. Huge columns rise from immense footings along the edifice's sheer walls that rise up some sixty feet or so where they meet the base of the great dome. Enormous bronze doors, etched with the images of rampant sphinxes, lead into the library's cavernous interious. Four more guards stand watch in front of the doors, though they don't appear to be questioning anyone who steps past them to enter the Great Library, though they seem to be at least fairly watchful. The library guards are clad in simple chain shirts and armed with spears and light crossbows.
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On the walk back, he says to Soumral, "Not all is life or death, that is true, but I did not take up the mantle that I carry because I wish to bide my time and relax. I see your point, and I do apologize for my insistence. That said, I must confess I was incensed by what seemed like the guard's carelessness. Many do only what they must, not what they should."
With morning comes Amenhep's prayers to Ra, toneless and tuneless singing quite unlike his normally quite proficient singing voice.
He wonders at the magnificence of the Great Library, "Breathtaking. A monument to our people's love of wisdom."
Soumral's thoughts about the library are more cynical.
Typically gaudy. A testament to how much humans love giving all the power and money to someone so they can feel good about letting that person tell them what to do.
"The first order of business is to find someone who can tell us where to start looking."
Soumral shrugs.
"A decent librarian is discreet. But if you don't mind the extra wasted time as we flounder around in here, have at it. Why are we treating this as some big secret though?"
Amenhep nods to Soumral, "An excellent point. Most should have no quarrel with our research and if they do...well, I suppose that just means we've found someone to question about the happenings in Wati."
Elliander is a bit overwhelmed by the grandness of the great library. He bends his neck watching books line the walls all the way up to the ceiling high above them. It’s likely going to take some searching to find what they are looking for here. Some help from a librarian could save them a lot of time.
"We don't tell anyone about the mask, other then possibly mentioning that we seek information about a mask that a cultist mentioned? We need to find out any information about the Forgotten Pharaoh, the one that the cult referred to as Sky Pharaoh Hakotep I. Remember that Sebti said the information might be in the inner sanctum, and that we would need permission from Deka An-Keret, Haty-a of Tephu and high priestess of Nethys. Perhaps Amenhep and I could request to speak with her? Sebti indicated that the church of Pharasma wouldn't have any sway. But representatives of two different churches with a warning about the undead menace? Not requesting assistance other than some information?"
Oathday, the 10th day of Desnus, 4714 AR
Weather is clear and very warm (about 85 degrees) with little or no wind.
One hour after sunrise.
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The party enters the library after a brief discussion of how to proceed, and find themselves in a foyer with a large, ornate desk lit by a magnificent lantern seemingly made of water set in the middle of the entrance hall. Statues of enigmatic sphinxes sit in each corner of teh room, their gazes and impossible mixture of pleasure and defiance. Archways in three walls open into larger spaces, the chambers beyond drowning in books, ledgers, librams, scrolls, clay tablets, tomes and other more obsure forms of record, held in countless shelves and cabinets. The smell of the ancient paper and ink is almost overpowering.
Two curators of the Great Library attend the reception desk, where visitors can make donations and ask for assistance in negotiating the jumbled shelves. The adventurers quickly learn that the knowledge contained in the Outer Stacks (A2a and A3) are free to the public. The area north of the desk is the largest of these, called the Processional of Learning. Two rows of columns run down the sides of this long, high hall. Each archway at either end of this corridor is flanked by statues of wise-looking sphinxes, and the entire hallway has numerous shelves crammed with books and scrolls.
A single library guardsman at the far end stops those that would approach The Great Chamber of Knowledge (A4), explaning that entry requires a 50gp donation to the Great Library. Beyond the archway, the party beholds a vast, breathtaking chamber with pillars that soar upward to a great dome overhead - an eary vasness appropriately painted with stars and clouds. The ring of columns run around the perimeter, supporting a gallery far above, at the base of the dome. Countless shelves divide the chamber, rising so high that ladders are needed to climb them. These shelves are in turn separated by a bewildering variety of boxes, cabinets, cases, and chests. Littered among these towers of knowledge are benches, reading tables, huge desks for spreading maps, and elaborate displays. The flickering light of lamps and lanters mingle throughout the space - and those familiar with magic knows that these sources of flame are predicatably heatless so as not to start a fire.
On the far side of the Great Chamber, an immense, circular bronze door rises amid a wall of huge limestone blocks at the rear of the library. A single hieroglyph of an eye engraved in the center is the door's only feature. The librarians are quite willing to assist the heroes in searching for the information they're seeking - though how much the party is willing to reveal has a direct effect on that.
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Elliander has always been curious and having been searching for information about his ancient sword (and weapons like it) in several places, he has seen a few libraries before. This one is huge though, but there likely is a certain system that the librarians here would know.
Soumral is also anxious to get things underway. She ignores the place's aesthetics to concentrate on what she can tell about its organization. She pays the fee with a smile, but bridles internally at the ridiculous cost. She can't claim to be surprised though. It's just another form of the various kinds of extortion so commonly practiced by most religions.
Amenhep throws himself into researching with gusto. The history of his land and his people fascinated him to no end, and though he wasn't deeply schooled in history, his passion for the subject helps his research.
After a solid half day or so of research, the industrious adventurers find that the Outer Stacks and Great Chamber of Knowledge contain only general information on Osirion's most famous royal dynasties. It also seems to them that there is a lot of missing knowledge that should be there judging by numerous references, but has been deliberately removed for some reason. It also seems that information on the less well-known dynasties and older families is contained in the Upper Stacks.
Asking a few general questions about the Upper Stacks reveals that doing so is a dangerous prospect, save for those that can levitate or otherwise fly among the bookcases some sixty to more than a hundred feet up. The Upper Stacks can be accessed by a pair of spiral staircases, but there are no railings and climbing the ladders to reach those books and scrolls in the uppermost shelves is indeed a daunting task...
The initial search in the library only turned up some basic information, but that was likely to be expected. It’s a large library after all. Old info might be tucked away high up if not often needed. There are likely some other places where the more valuable scripts and tomes are stored too. Well, they have to be systematic, he guesses.
He looks up towards the shelves high up. Seems a bit impractical to not have a secure access to those shelves even so.
”Anyone fancying flying up there and search?”
The duskblade takes out his silk rope, trying to make a simple harness for climbing. "Does anyone has something that can work as hooks to secure a climber?"
Unfortunately, there's really nowhere to secure a harness. The librarians will immediately put a stop to hammering pitons into the walls...
Francis is neither a flyer or a climber. When it seems obvious that the 'better' books are stored high up in an inaccessible location he quietly asks a librarian how others find the information.
He also asks about Deka An-Keret. "How would we arrange for a very short meeting? As Haty-a of Tephu and high priestess of Nethys perhaps she might know the information that we need without having to disturb the tombs above?"
Rediz buzzes around the upper stacks utilizing his newly-acquired wings to fly. In doing so, he finds a papyrus scroll dating from Osirion’s Second Age over 6,000 years ago that references a “lost” pharaoh named Hakotep. The scroll ascribes the epithet of 'Sky Pharaoh' to the forgotten ruler, and recounts his ability to "ride the stars by night." The scroll even contains a crude illustration of the Sky Pharaoh - a figure standing upon a dais surrounded by glass and crystal.
The ratfolk alchemist also locates an obscure index compiled by a previous curator of the library that lists the scroll referencing Hakotep as one of many that were copied from the personal library of the Sky Pharaoh. This collection of scrolls is apparently held in a part of the Great Library’s 'Inner Sanctum' called the Spiral Archive - described as a chamber resembling a vertical scroll tube crossed by a latticework of papyrus bridges.
One of the curators is more than willing to speak with Francis about the Spiral Archive, which doesn't seem to be a part of this part of the Great Library. "Ah yes, the Spiral Archive is part of the Inner Sanctum - an area that is off limits to those without special permission of the illustrious Haty-a Deka An-Keret. I do believe she has a very busy schedule, but you can always request an audience, if you believe your research deserves to be given such permission. You may seek her august presence across the Plaza of the Bright Horizon, in the Sanctuary of Nethys."
When Elliander starts displaying a will to climb up using tools to secure himself, he is strongly (but politely) discouraged to do so by the officials in the library. Luckily, Rediz can fly a little and the duskblade has to watch him buzz around the shelves over their heads like a bee going from flower to flower.
The alchemist soon returns with some information. Not as detailed as they want, but a step on the way. There seem to be more info tucked away at a closed off area.
Elliander looks at the scroll Rediz has found while they think about getting the right access to the rest.