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An unfortunate, but not unexpected, occurrence. I'll say that though my interest is certainly here, I rarely have the time anymore to get a good post in. I'm sure that my own tardiness in posting has been quite a bother, and for that I apologize. No fault of yours. I'll recommend you to any erstwhile player out there.
Working up a response. I believe we were looking to trade this spyglass (which Tarik is totally going to try and steal back, though maybe at a time outside the scope of this adventure) for the strange box?
Tarik reluctantly removes the spyglass from his pack, setting it upon the table. Worry not, friend. I will find you again.
"Well gentlemen, this has been informative. I thank you for your time." He slides 15 gp their way, a courtesy tip for their information. "Enjoy yourselves," Tarik says with a smile. Standing, he goes to retrieve the errant Grynbarl.
"Perhaps this is something we can use then. A straight deal would be preferable, but if the way can be opened with certain...incentives...maybe we could find ourselves with an easier opening," Tarik says with a touch of a smile.
"So, gentlemen, I have something of a quandary. I'm told you've recently sold an item to one Neheb, a collector of antiquities in this fair city. I myself have am seeking something that may have come into his possession recently, and have something I think he may be willing to make such a trade for." Within his own mind Tarik denies his actions. I won't let you go, little spyglass. You are far too valuable to give to some foolish man."
"That would be quite acceptable, I think. We have a bit of business we would like to discuss with you, once you are ready. I'll send your masseuse back this way. I imagine it was the girl who lead us here." Tarik bows to the man, as he ushers the women back out of the baths. Taking a few steps away, he says "Sorry about that. I assumed that you might notice the sign on the door, and perhaps step back. I suppose it's no business of mine if you want to peek, however." He smiles, raising his hand in jest. "I jest with you. Come, let us relax a bit while we wait for them to come to us in more presentable attire. I'll buy."
"Thank you my dear. You may go." Tarik waves her away with a calm hand. Well, here goes nothing.. He firmly opens the door, and steps inside.
"If they are here, then I will certainly wish to meet with them, dear lady. Our business will perhaps take some time, but once it is concluded, I think I shall retire for a smoke. Nothing quite so potent as my dwarven friend is partaking in, but I think a healthy dose of simple shisha is in order." Tarik gives his most winning smile, hoping to project a good image.
Tarik saunters up to the Mwangi men, meeting their gaze. "I see this place has excellent guards. Might we enter, gentlemen?"
My life us mine! Stupid work, you can't have it!! Yes, I am alive. I will try to put myself back into game.
Tarik slaps his forehead with intense prejudice. "I am such a fool! Of course! If he truly understood what he had, I really doubt he would leave it in his home. It could very well be that he knows nothing, or only inklings of what he possesses. This strengthens our position much further. Let us visit the antique dealer we met with upon our arrival. Perhaps he can contact Neheb on our behalf, arranging a deal."
"Wait, wait, wait. It stays in the same place during the day? I don't think he's wearing it, friends. It seems to me that this Neheb may know more about the item than we thought. Perhaps he knows something of its true value."
Tarik looks a bit off at the idea of 'charming' them. "Is it really wise to try and trick them? I mean, couldn't we simply ask them, express some enthusiasm, and hope for the best?"
Grimacing, Tarik says "I would prefer to approach the theater on the morrow, rather than deal with a merchant of such...wares. Only as a last resort."
Tarik looks at both women. {b]"I think any woman is more likely to be looked upon favorably. I must admit, however, that at the Academy in Quantium, we did study some dances, mostly as an aid to political maneuvers. In a nation ruled by wizards, universities often teach politics as well. I can't say I'm any good, but I can try. I doubt Osiriani will be impressed with my dancing, though."[/b]
"That works for me. Honestly, I'd prefer a non-violent resolution to this problem. I've had enough of violent clashes for the moment. So, are we agreed then? We attempt to gain visual confirmation of the key, then move in to bargain."
Tarik jumps about three feet as he suddenly startles out of his trance-like state. Quickly fixing the mess he's made of the table, he apologizes profusely. "I don't know what came over me. As to the question at hand..." He deliberately calms himself. "I believe our plan is to use the wayfinder to follow the stone until we locate its owner. At that point, we can hopefully formulate a more in-depth plan. Admittedly, having someone watch the house itself could prove very useful. I can't really volunteer for the task myself, as my senses are mostly useless it seems."
"I suppose you are all correct. Maybe the heat is getting to me. Shall we head back to Akeema's? I would like to make sure I have all things when we next embark."
"Despite the seeming need for secrecy, I feel a certain urge to simply walk up to the house and ask to see the master of it. It may speed things along quite nicely." Tarik gauges the reactions of his other group members.
Tarik chuckles at Kytana's joke. "I think we might have more trouble than we had bargained for this time. Then again, we've had that since this began."
Tarik takes a drink before responding. "Where to begin? I suppose a name is best. He tells us he is Lathrat Ke'shin, a merchant of some reputation. I believe is a planes wanderer, a jinn of some sort, that takes great delight in procuring the strangest wares for patrons from throughout the cosmic tapestry."
Tarik interjects "He said he wished to discuss the events we had experienced with his order. Perhaps he sees something our employer did not?" Tarik shrugs, unsure of what might motivate a Living Monolith.
"Punishment? I see. Well, Ta'zeer, can you tell us what we have been sent to seek? These stones are hardly talkative. What kind of things will we find in a search for the treasures of the Four Pharaohs?"
"I am as bewildered as you. I knew it was some form of raksha, but I had no idea it commanded such power. Perhaps..." Tarik takes out the spyglass out again, holding it in his hands. Will you answer a few questions, great being?
"Our employer has not been very forthcoming about what we might find there, simply that he desires a certain amount of what we find, and perchance certain objects. Other than that, I can tell you little." Tarik simply asks for water.
Doing his best to hold his jaw shut, Tarik simply nods at Kytana as she introduces herself. Mesmerized, he picks up the spyglass, his attention devoted to it. "Such incredible things the ancient Pharaohs wielded. I can only imagine how they came across such wonders." Gingerly placing the spyglass back in his pack, Tarik thinks to himself that perhaps he should acquire some sort of case for it. Something fitting for such a wondrous being, of course.
Tarik is momentarily confused, before he decides that he should simply give up trying to understand most of what he's encountered in this adventurous job. Was that the spyglass? Huh.
DM: We have come to an oasis in the Shimian-Sekh. We traveled here after finding the treasures of the Fiend Pharaoh's tomb.
Quick question for all: anybody here interested in L5R RPG? Seeing as my Guns of the Dead Wastes game fell apart before it even started, I'm thinking of putting up a recruitment thread for an L5R game.
Tarik falls prostrate before the monster, wishing he knew what it had done. Cursing inwardly, he attempts to speak, but his mouth simply does not open. He grinds his teeth in frustration. DM Voice: Who are you? No matter. Names are nothing right now. A strange being, seemingly made of black scarabs, has accosted us. It currently commands us to fall prostrate and be silent. It is odd, really. It said that the path we followed was for it to take, and it alone.
Tarik tries to guess what such a creature might be, but simply fails. "What in the name of Nex is that? Another of these strange beings after us?"
Tarik sidesteps his foe's strike easily, and counters with simple stab at the man's exposed flank.
"This is madness! I suppose then, I will deal with you sir thug. Setesh and Noor will take care of your overly plump employer." Tarik draws his sword with a swift pull of his arm, magic weaving over it as he draws a mark upon it. That done, he speaks a simple word and magical force springs forth before him to shield him from harm. Gesturing rudely at the man, Tarik says "Come at me, boy lover."
Tarik tries to spot a way through the mess, searching desperately.
Tarik idly browses the many fine items available in the shop. "Such interesting styles! These are certainly more exotic than anything I could find in Quantium. Oh, this is marvelous!" He mostly ignores the banter between Setesh and the proprietor. His overly amazed shopping experience is interrupted as Setesh comments about a commotion outside. Raising his eyebrows, Tarik shrugs, intending to go back to shopping. As his alchemist comrade leaves the shop, however, he sighs in annoyance and after a couple moments decides to follow the man. "For once I'd like to complete a trip to anywhere without some type of incident bothering me." Tarik wanders up behind Setesh as he is acting as a mediator between a fat man and a woman. "I don't like having my shopping interrupted by fools attacking women. Leave her be, or I'll turn you into ashes."
Tarik is after +1 armor and +1 Cloak of Resistance. Are these fine?
"I see no harm in it. The punching daggers were taken from orcs camped in the desert. The skull...Setesh, do you remember? That dagger was taken from a vile beast's den, part woman and part scorpion." Tarik smiles generously at the man. "Quite the risk to get them! I hope the price reflects it."
Leaving his armor behind, Tarik basks in the desert wind. His sword still hangs from his side, as does his spellbook. He is no fool. "I think most of this can be easily taken care of. Some of the oddities are certainly less than pleasant, but in a place like this? I think we will have little trouble." Tarik continues being overly optimistic, given his general lack of experience in these situations.
"The Ebon Scarab, eh? I think that should be our first stop then. Once we've sold these items, perhaps we can spend some time hunting for a few deals?" Tarik winks at his companions.
"Veritably! A grand idea my dear Setesh."
Hexes are the best to me.
"A hearty stew, many vegetables, and I think a crusty bread. Much thanks, young one." Choosing an empty table, Tarik seats himself with a sigh of pleasure. "Veritably, this is quite a delight compared to nights in the desert. I will be sorry to see this go, but our job continues ever onward. So, my friends..." Tarik leans in somewhat conspiratorially. "How shall we go about finding this next gem?"
Tarik gladly hands over his belongings to the young men, eager to wash away the dust and sand from his person. He is oblivious to the attendants, and before long finds himself soaking peacefully in the sauna, wine at hand. "Isn't this wonderful, Setesh? A chance to enjoy some long earned rest, especially after what we've been through"
"I think two room should prove sufficient for our needs, my dear Akeema. Once I tend to my bathing, could you have some wine sent up? I think a well-aged Osiriani vintage will do nicely." Tarik smiles appreciably.
Very true. Noor strikes again! A couple blasts pocketed away for a rainy day could be useful, in case the die roller decides to hate me again. When I actually hit, things die, but so far my best rolls have all been taken by knowledge rolls. I guess it's fitting for a magic teacher who's never actually done this sort of thing before.
Hmm. We kind of need both a straight up smacker and some focused arcane might.
"I agree with our illustrious princess. Let us find an establishment suited for such fine personages as ourselves." And thus, Tarik begins the search for an inn meant for the upper crust.
Casting glances at the wayfinder, Tarik says "I don't like that. Looks like we're going to have some company on this one." And another fight on our hands. |
