Kimu squints at the parchment, but is distracted by the hubbub of gathered personages. He scans the room, to see if he knows anyone gathered or can recognize some of the more famous, elite citizens of Sothis.
Garai falls right away into his accustomed roll as "Guard", hefting his staff, and trying (hopefully succeeding) to make himself look the match of the other groups of guards here.
As the group moves around he casually says, to noone in particularly "I would be surprised if we do not see some of these people again in the coming days, the half-orc and his little friend, and the scholars in particular." He mostly leaves the looking at items and bidding to those more knowledgeable though.
As the auction approaches, the pavilion is filling fast. There are hordes of onlookers behind the ropes, under the close eye of the heavy security. Within the restricted area, a number of chairs have been set out in front of the stage, however most of the prospective bidders are preferring to stand, dotted around the area in small groups as they murmur quietly amongst their small groups. The exception to this is a haughty, finely dressed man with a neatly trimmed beard who sits right in the centre of the front row. His robes are richly appointed and he holds an ornate, metal rod casually as he makes the occasional comment to the companion at his right. This second man is smaller, with dark hair. He wears no armor and cradles a strange wooden device, decorated with fine metalwork. He seems to be attending to the taller nobleman and the two of them are flanked by half a dozen Chelish legionnaires.
Continuing to look around the restricted area, you see a woman with the hood of her robe pulled up, despite the heat, standing off to one side with her hulking bodyguard. The large, bare chested man wears a small gemstone on his forehead. His skin seems grey and leathery, almost appearing to be a statue when he stands still. Not speaking to his mistress, he remains close, his gaze continually sweeping the room, moving to intercept anyone who seems to be approaching his charge.
DC 10 Local Lore:
** spoiler omitted **DC 15 Local Lore:
** spoiler omitted **There is a loud group of three nobles, together with half a dozen retainers, who have congregated together, laughing loudly and boasting of their intention to buy everything on offer at this evening’s auction. All...
Allovin will spend his time inspecting each of the items up for auction and will take a good look at the scrolls, the statue of the god, and the green discs. Is there anything to note about the scrolls upon closer inspection?
Elysia seems particularly taken with the green disks, but that's hardly surprising considering her interest in jewelry and all things sparkly.
Douena walks slowly from one lot to the next, whispering prayers to Desna for supernatural perception.
Kimu squints at the parchment, but is distracted by the hubbub of gathered personages. He scans the room, to see if he knows anyone gathered or can recognize some of the more famous, elite citizens of Sothis.
Kimu:
Kimu:
You aren't able to make much sense of what's actually written, however they do seem genuine hieroglyphics to you and based on some elements of style you would date them to be during the third age of the black sphinx.
Garai falls right away into his accustomed roll as "Guard", hefting his staff, and trying (hopefully succeeding) to make himself look the match of the other groups of guards here.
As the group moves around he casually says, to noone in particularly "I would be surprised if we do not see some of these people again in the coming days, the half-orc and his little friend, and the scholars in particular." He mostly leaves the looking at items and bidding to those more knowledgeable though.
Garai:
Allovin will spend his time inspecting each of the items up for auction and will take a good look at the scrolls, the statue of the god, and the green discs. Is there anything to note about the scrolls upon closer inspection?
Allovin:
The scrolls seem ancient and very fragile. One is available for inspection, it includeds diagrams, geometric patterns and a mess of hieroglyphics and numbers. It doesnt mean very much to you.
You don't notice anything special about the veinstone discs, the statue appears to have three tiny hieroglyphs delicately carved into its chest.
Douena walks slowly from one lot to the next, whispering prayers to Desna for supernatural perception.
Douena:
Kimu:
Douena:
Elysia seems particularly taken with the green disks, but that's hardly surprising considering her interest in jewelry and all things sparkly.
Elysia:
Know; Local...1d20=17, Perception...Grrrrr 1d20+6=9
"The man with the stone in his head could be dangerous if we ever come across him in a fight...He is sworn to protect, I would assume the lady." Garai mutters as he follows the others around...
"ooooh, those green sparklies are really rare and valuable," Elysia whispers. "I wish I had more money with me. Dad would love to get his hands on even one of those, I just know it."
"ooooh, those green sparklies are really rare and valuable," Elysia whispers. "I wish I had more money with me. Dad would love to get his hands on even one of those, I just know it."
Douena sidles up next to Elysia; the green stones struck her, as well, as the most desirable item in the auction from an aesthetic viewpoint. "I can't afford a thing here," she sighs regretfully. "Oh, well," she adds, brightening up (it's not in her nature to sorrow long over things that can't be changed), "maybe I can still place a bid at the early stages before the prices get too high. Come on, let's find Kimu and the paladin and see what they think our group should try to get."
Monty:
Monty:
** spoiler omitted **
"Untrained: An untrained Knowledge check is an
Intelligence check, but you cannot make any check with a
DC higher than 10."
This seems to suggest to me that you can make an intelligence check (ie an untrained knowledge check) provided the DC is 10 or less. Obviously it contradicts the "Trained Only" designation, however it makes sense to me - I think of DC10 things as the kinds of things you may have heard about in everyday life, even if it's not an area of interest for you.
I appreciate any comments like this, btw - I'm relatively new to PF, so may well slip up from time to time. Cheers.
"ooooh, those green sparklies are really rare and valuable," Elysia whispers. "I wish I had more money with me. Dad would love to get his hands on even one of those, I just know it."Douena sidles up next to Elysia; the green stones struck her, as well, as the most desirable item in the auction from an aesthetic viewpoint. "I can't afford a thing here," she sighs regretfully. "Oh, well," she adds, brightening up (it's not in her nature to sorrow long over things that can't be changed), "maybe I can still place a bid at the early stages before the prices get too high. Come on, let's find Kimu and the paladin and see what they think our group should try to get."
"I am thinking that whatever it is we are shown we should bid on, will be an item of great value to us."
Douena skips up to Kimu and Allovin. "Well, what do you think? What do you think the Pathfinders would want us to spend their money on? I don't like that snake-man at all. It looks evil, the kind of creature Lamashtu would treasure. Plus, it would take nearly all the Pathfinders' platinum to buy it."
Kimu laughs at Douena's comments about the snake idol. "Ah, I haven't had a close look at that one, but it does look sort of foreboding, doesn't it?" The half-elf squats so as to be more on the level of face-to-face conversation with the gnome and halflings. Resorting once more to a whisper, he tells them, "I say we bid on the collection of scrolls firstly. If we have enough platinum, which I suspect we might, I'd also suggest a bid of up to 10 platinum pieces on those charcoal rubbings. I can't make sense of the hieroglyphics at all, being nothing of a linguist, but from what I know of history, it seems like the writing could very well could be from the Third Age of the Black Sphinx, which I believe is the same era as the rule of these four pharaohs that Jalden spoke of. Now, if the rumor reported by the attendant who took our entry fee is correct, and the collection of scrolls is somehow connected to the Pharaoh of Numbers--well, again that reinforces my opinion that this should be the focus of most of our bidding."
Douena skips up to Kimu and Allovin. "Well, what do you think? What do you think the Pathfinders would want us to spend their money on? I don't like that snake-man at all. It looks evil, the kind of creature Lamashtu would treasure. Plus, it would take nearly all the Pathfinders' platinum to buy it."
"Indeed I would expect it to be Just the thing the Pathfinders would want!"
Kimu laughs at Douena's comments about the snake idol. "Ah, I haven't had a close look at that one, but it does look sort of foreboding, doesn't it?" The half-elf squats so as to be more on the level of face-to-face conversation with the gnome and halflings. Resorting once more to a whisper, he tells them, "I say we bid on the collection of scrolls firstly. If we have enough platinum, which I suspect we might, I'd also suggest a bid of up to 10 platinum pieces on those charcoal rubbings. I can't make sense of the hieroglyphics at all, being nothing of a linguist, but from what I know of history, it seems like the writing could very well could be from the Third Age of the Black Sphinx, which I believe is the same era as the rule of these four pharaohs that Jalden spoke of. Now, if the rumor reported by the attendant who took our entry fee is correct, and the collection of scrolls is somehow connected to the Pharaoh of Numbers--well, again that reinforces my opinion that this should be the focus of most of our bidding."
"Friend Kimu, are we not to be instrcuted in what to bid for by the Lady we are here to meet? It was my impression, that we had no choice in the matter and that we would not be taking the goods even should we win them...."
Kimu looks confused at Garai's assertion. What's that? No, no, that's not what Jalden said at all." Again, he lowers his voice to discuss the details. "She said that we are to make ourselves known to our contact through the manner of our bidding, remember? But she did leave the choices of what we bid on to our judgment as to what will be beneficial to us in our expedition. Now she did say that we will not be keeping any artifacts that we acquire in this way. They are simply to be used as tools for the duration of our exploration, and then handed over to the Pathfinder Society once we have successfully completed our charge." Kimu looks around at the others for support or acknowledgment. "I am not misremembering this, am I?" he asks the halflings and gnome, raising his eyebrows in what seems to be a characteristic expression of his.
Kimu looks confused at Garai's assertion. What's that? No, no, that's not what Jalden said at all." Again, he lowers his voice to discuss the details. "She said that we are to make ourselves known to our contact through the manner of our bidding, remember? But she did leave the choices of what we bid on to our judgment as to what will be beneficial to us in our expedition. Now she did say that we will not be keeping any artifacts that we acquire in this way. They are simply to be used as tools for the duration of our exploration, and then handed over to the Pathfinder Society once we have successfully completed our charge." Kimu looks around at the others for support or acknowledgment. "I am not misremembering this, am I?" he asks the halflings and gnome, raising his eyebrows in what seems to be a characteristic expression of his.
"I think the half-elf is right. It was my impression that the Scarab person wouldn't even approach us until after the auction was over." She pauses. "It seems like a strange way to distinguish ourselves, though. Is it really that out of the ordinary to examine one's funds closely before bidding? Although maybe all these people are so rich they don't even wonder whether they have enough." She laughs. "Should we examine each coin like we're afraid we've been the victims of a counterfeiter? Elysia, I don't suppose you have one of those jewelers' eyegoggles from your father's shop? We could really attract some attention that way."
"I think the half-elf is right. It was my impression that the Scarab person wouldn't even approach us until after the auction was over." She pauses. "It seems like a strange way to distinguish ourselves, though. Is it really that out of the ordinary to examine one's funds closely before bidding? Although maybe all these people are so rich they don't even wonder whether they have enough." She laughs. "Should we examine each coin like we're afraid we've been the victims of a counterfeiter? Elysia, I don't suppose you have one of those jewelers' eyegoggles from your father's shop? We could really attract some attention that way."
Elysia giggles at that thought."Actually I do have one in my pack. I keep it with my jewelry making tools. It's ever so handy when you're trying to work with the small stones because you have to be so very, very careful to get them set just right. But it would look very silly if we used it to look at these things. No," she said, regretfully eying the green stones, "I think we'll probably have to bid on the scrolls or the rubbings. That's what is most likely to help us with our mission."
Kimu looks confused at Garai's assertion. What's that? No, no, that's not what Jalden said at all." Again, he lowers his voice to discuss the details. "She said that we are to make ourselves known to our contact through the manner of our bidding, remember? But she did leave the choices of what we bid on to our judgment as to what will be beneficial to us in our expedition. Now she did say that we will not be keeping any artifacts that we acquire in this way. They are simply to be used as tools for the duration of our exploration, and then handed over to the Pathfinder Society once we have successfully completed our charge." Kimu looks around at the others for support or acknowledgment. "I am not misremembering this, am I?" he asks the halflings and gnome, raising his eyebrows in what seems to be a characteristic expression of his.
"I believe you are correct Kimu. That was my understanding as well. I'm inclined to bid on the scrolls and the rubbings as they look like they might be of most use going forward..."
"I believe you are correct Kimu. That was my understanding as well. I'm inclined to bid on the scrolls and the rubbings as they look like they might be of most use going forward..."
"Ah, I must have miss understood. I shall leave the bidding to you, and try to keep a watch for our competition."
As you discuss the items quietly amongst yourselves, the single woman who was lingering apart from the other sages moves over to speak to you. Waiting politely until you acknowledge her, she steps forward with a smile and bows her head slightly. THe slight woman introduces herself in Taldane (common), with a noticeable Osirion accent. She seems fairly young, wearing well-made but plain clothes and very little jewellery. One exception being a silver ankh pinned to her tunic, indicating that she is a registered bidder at the upcoming auction.
“Greetings Sir,” she begins formally, addressing Kimu. “My name is Neferet Anu, a translator recently from the university and currently seeking retainer. I noticed you were interested in the ancient writings and wish to offer my services, should you end up the lucky winner in tonight’s auction.” Pausing slightly she gives a slightly self-deprecating shrug.
“I must confess I intend to bid on those items myself, however looking around at who is here this evening I’m not very confident that my resources are going to suffice. I would be prepared to work for a token fee if you would also permit me to make a copy for my own use.”
“Greetings Sir,” she begins formally, addressing Kimu. “My name is Neferet Anu, a translator recently from the university and currently seeking retainer. I noticed you were interested in the ancient writings and wish to offer my services, should you end up the lucky winner in tonight’s auction.” Pausing slightly she gives a slightly self-deprecating shrug.
“I must confess I intend to bid on those items myself, however looking around at who is here this evening I’m not very confident that my resources are going to suffice. I would be prepared to work for a token fee if you would also permit me to make a copy for my own use.”
Kimu smiles at the woman. "That's very kind of you! As I was just telling my companions here, I am not a linguist, so although these copies interest us, I'm afraid we would be somewhat at a loss were they to end up in our possession. Thank you for introducing yourself, Neferet. Please, let's talk more after the auction, if indeed my associates and I do end up with the manuscript." He pauses to consider the situation. "Might I ask--should you be the high bidder on the copies, would it be possible for us to consult with you about them in the next few days? We can work out the details after the auction, depending on the outcome."
As you discuss the items quietly amongst yourselves, the single woman who was lingering apart from the other sages moves over to speak to you. Waiting politely until you acknowledge her, she steps forward with a smile and bows her head slightly. THe slight woman introduces herself in Taldane (common), with a noticeable Osirion accent. She seems fairly young, wearing well-made but plain clothes and very little jewellery. One exception being a silver ankh pinned to her tunic, indicating that she is a registered bidder at the upcoming auction.
“Greetings Sir,” she begins formally, addressing Kimu. “My name is Neferet Anu, a translator recently from the university and currently seeking retainer. I noticed you were interested in the ancient writings and wish to offer my services, should you end up the lucky winner in tonight’s auction.” Pausing slightly she gives a slightly self-deprecating shrug.
“I must confess I intend to bid on those items myself, however looking around at who is here this evening I’m not very confident that my resources are going to suffice. I would be prepared to work for a token fee if you would also permit me to make a copy for my own use.”
Douena blinks up at her. "Can you read them, what they say, right now?" she asks, pointing to the rubbings. "The part that's on top that we can see, I mean." She shrugs at the rest of the group. "If she can, it might give us an idea of how helpful they might actually be to us. No point in spending a bunch of platinum on an ancient tavern sign or advertisement."
As you discuss the items quietly amongst yourselves, the single woman who was lingering apart from the other sages moves over to speak to you. Waiting politely until you acknowledge her, she steps forward with a smile and bows her head slightly. THe slight woman introduces herself in Taldane (common), with a noticeable Osirion accent. She seems fairly young, wearing well-made but plain clothes and very little jewellery. One exception being a silver ankh pinned to her tunic, indicating that she is a registered bidder at the upcoming auction.
“Greetings Sir,” she begins formally, addressing Kimu. “My name is Neferet Anu, a translator recently from the university and currently seeking retainer. I noticed you were interested in the ancient writings and wish to offer my services, should you end up the lucky winner in tonight’s auction.” Pausing slightly she gives a slightly self-deprecating shrug.
“I must confess I intend to bid on those items myself, however looking around at who is here this evening I’m not very confident that my resources are going to suffice. I would be prepared to work for a token fee if you would also permit me to make a copy for my own use.”
Sense Motive check on Neferet Anu (1d20+4=16)
"Welcome. My name is Allovin Dar, servant of Iomedae, and as friend Kimu stated, if we should happen to win the scrolls then we could most certainly use someone with your talents. Tell me, I was informed that these scrolls are from a time that scholars have little knowledge of. How would you go about translating them? Do you have experience working with artifacts like these?"
Kimu smiles at the woman. "That's very kind of you! As I was just telling my companions here, I am not a linguist, so although these copies interest us, I'm afraid we would be somewhat at a loss were they to end up in our possession. Thank you for introducing yourself, Neferet. Please, let's talk more after the auction, if indeed my associates and I do end up with the manuscript." He pauses to consider the situation. "Might I ask--should you be the high bidder on the copies, would it be possible for us to consult with you about them in the next few days? We can work out the details after the auction, depending on the outcome."
"Given who else is here, it will be a miracle if my meagre funds secure me such a find. However, if that does come to pass then I would certainly be willing to provide you with whatever information I can glean, for a price, of course. After all, this is how I hope to make my living," the young woman inclines her head graciously. "We'll speak again, I'm sure."
Douena blinks up at her. "Can you read them, what they say, right now?" she asks, pointing to the rubbings. "The part that's on top that we can see, I mean." She shrugs at the rest of the group. "If she can, it might give us an idea of how helpful they might actually be to us. No point in spending a bunch of platinum on an ancient tavern sign or advertisement."
"Alas no," answers Neferet, "the eunuchs would only permit me the briefest of looks. They seem like genuine hieroglyphics from a tomb, to me."
"I couldnt be certain, however from what I did read, I believe they contain at least passing reference to the four Pharaohs of Ascension. I'm sure you've heard the rumours that their pyramid has been uncovered. Such a discovery would reveal such knowledge! And such fame for the sage who would translate that knowledge for today's world," continues the young girl with an unabashed grin.
"Welcome. My name is Allovin Dar, servant of Iomedae, and as friend Kimu stated, if we should happen to win the scrolls then we could most certainly use someone with your talents. Tell me, I was informed that these scrolls are from a time that scholars have little knowledge of. How would you go about translating them? Do you have experience working with artifacts like these?"
"I have spent the last three years studying the language and history of ancient Osirion," replies Neferet. "It would take me some time, I'm sure. But I am confident I would be able to learn at least something from them - provided they're genuine, of course."
Allovin:
Graia tries quickly to turn attention away from talk of the pyramid...."You seem to know some of the people here? What can you tell us about those we may be bidding against?"
Graia tries quickly to turn attention away from talk of the pyramid...."You seem to know some of the people here? What can you tell us about those we may be bidding against?"
"To be honest, I don't know that much," confesses the young woman. She indicates the man sitting alone. "That is the Arch Docent, curator of the Sothis Repository. And he," she continues indicating the man in dark robes with the seven bodyguards, "is known as the Crook Bearer. He's a private collector. He keeps to himself on a small estate, just outside of Sothis. Both of them have far more wealth than I could ever hope to match." Continuing to look around at the other bidders, she indicates each group in turn, beginning with the group of three nobles.
"I don't know who they are - they arrived a few days ago, from Totra, I think. The sages I do know, they were visiting the university from the monastery at Tar Kuata. To be honest," she admits with a smile, "they would be far more qualified to translate ancient Osirion texts for you than I would be - although far more expensive too, of course."
"I don't know her," she continues, indicating the veiled woman, "nor the two misfits by the entrance. Those two guys with the army from Cheliax call themselves 'Her Majestrix's Expeditionary'. Apparently they're well connected with the house of Thrune."
"And what about you? Since I may well end up working for you, if you're lucky of course..." she laughs. "What brings you here? You dont look like the average collectors."
"And what about you? Since I may well end up working for you, if you're lucky of course..." she laughs. "What brings you here? You dont look like the average collectors."
"Very interesting, I expect that anything we can know about those who may bid against us could prove useful, as well as the questions being an excuse to extend your presence with us" at this Garai grins, "would you join us for the duration of the bidding?"
"Very interesting, I expect that anything we can know about those who may bid against us could prove useful, as well as the questions being an excuse to extend your presence with us" at this Garai grins, "would you join us for the duration of the bidding?"
"I would be honored," replies the young woman with a smile. "Although I'm not sure that I can be of much more use regarding the others. My field is linguistics, not local gossip." She pauses for a moment before continuing.
"In fact, with regard to the charcoal rubbings," Neferet continues delicately. "perhaps by pooling our resources we may increase our chances of success. I'm not much interested in the rest, although the scrolls are a curiosity to me. Would you perhaps be interested in partly funding my bids on those? Or in me part funding yours? I'm sure we could come to some arrangement...How about I pay one third of the purchase price if we're successful, you get to keep the originals, I can make a copy at no charge. What do you think?"
As you are talking with the young sage, attendants enter the private section and begin circulating with trays of cool, iced water. The heat in the pavilion is becoming stifling now as the mass of people behind the rope barrier warms the large tent faster than the ventilation can cool it. Four more attendants file in with large fans which they begin to lift slowly up and down, standing at each corner of the bidders' enclosure as they try and provide some relief from the oppressive heat.
"In fact, with regard to the charcoal rubbings," Neferet continues delicately. "perhaps by pooling our resources we may increase our chances of success. I'm not much interested in the rest, although the scrolls are a curiosity to me. Would you perhaps be interested in partly funding my bids on those? Or in me part funding yours? I'm sure we could come to some arrangement...How about I pay one third of the purchase price if we're successful, you get to keep the originals, I can make a copy at no charge. What do you think?"
Kimu beams at Neferet, nearly exclaiming, "Excellent idea! I was thinking something very similar! Perhaps we should find some seats and total our funds?" Returning to the woman's previous question, Kimu says, "Pardon us for not introducing ourselves earlier. This capable man here," he says, indicating Garai, "is Garai Neferhotep. And the two bundles of energy are..." Kimu pauses as he considers Douena and Elysia, pondering which is indeed which. "Er, Douena and Elysia," he says, slightly flustered and indicating the two as a pair, but not distinguishing one from the other. "Our designated bidder and chivalrous champion is Allovin," he says, unable to remember the paladin's last name either. "And I am Kimu Zharket, independent researcher," he concludes, then looks over at his companions, wondering if they would like to introduce themselves in more detail.
"Very interesting, I expect that anything we can know about those who may bid against us could prove useful, as well as the questions being an excuse to extend your presence with us" at this Garai grins, "would you join us for the duration of the bidding?""I would be honored," replies the young woman with a smile. "Although I'm not sure that I can be of much more use regarding the others. My field is linguistics, not local gossip." She pauses for a moment before continuing.
"In fact, with regard to the charcoal rubbings," Neferet continues delicately. "perhaps by pooling our resources we may increase our chances of success. I'm not much interested in the rest, although the scrolls are a curiosity to me. Would you perhaps be interested in partly funding my bids on those? Or in me part funding yours? I'm sure we could come to some arrangement...How about I pay one third of the purchase price if we're successful, you get to keep the originals, I can make a copy at no charge. What do you think?"
As you are talking with the young sage, attendants enter the private section and begin circulating with trays of cool, iced water. The heat in the pavilion is becoming stifling now as the mass of people behind the rope barrier warms the large tent faster than the ventilation can cool it. Four more attendants file in with large fans which they begin to lift slowly up and down, standing at each corner of the bidders' enclosure as they try and provide some relief from the oppressive heat.
"I cannot speak for the others, but that does sound a sensible idea to me." Garai says as he takes a cool drink. "Ice! This is a rich affair."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Neferet. I'm Elysia. I don't think friend Kimu did such a great job introducing us. I think he forgot which of us was which," she whispers with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I don't know much about scrolls and parchments and what-have-you. I've always been more interested in sparklies and shinies, but it's truly fascinating to see all the people who are interested in such dry things. They're all so different. And I bet they each have interesting stories if they would only tell them. I bet you have an interesting story too. I hope I get to hear it someday. I love to learn about new people and make new friends."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Neferet. I'm Elysia. I don't think friend Kimu did such a great job introducing us. I think he forgot which of us was which," she whispers with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I don't know much about scrolls and parchments and what-have-you. I've always been more interested in sparklies and shinies, but it's truly fascinating to see all the people who are interested in such dry things. They're all so different. And I bet they each have interesting stories if they would only tell them. I bet you have an interesting story too. I hope I get to hear it someday. I love to learn about new people and make new friends."
Neferet smiles at Elysia's torrent of words. "That's exactly why I spend my time with scrolls and parchments, you can hear stories from people even though you'll never get to meet them. Famous people who shaped the world."
Neferet smiles at Elysia's torrent of words. "That's exactly why I spend my time with scrolls and parchments, you can hear stories from people even though you'll never get to meet them. Famous people who shaped the world."
Douena rolls her eyes at Neferet's earnest pronouncement. The gnome's enthusiasm has seemed definitely dampened since the sage joined the group.
As the pavilion fills with both potential bidders and curious onlookers, a commanding, smiling man appears on the stage with a grand flourish. He is impressively tall, head completely shaved, wearing ornate, richly appointed robes. One of the attendants introduces him as the Kemesarian and he makes his way to the centre of the stage, addressing the expectant crowd in flawless Taldane.
“Good Evening, ladies and gentleman,” he begins in a deep, authoritative voice “and welcome to this evening’s auction. I am the Kemesarian and it is my great pleasure to present to you for sale the most recently discovered treasures from the Ancient Osirion Empire! Sealed away from mortal eyes for thousands of years. Who knows what ancient knowledge may be revealed by studying their hidden secrets? Who can say what clues to further treasure the studious observer could glean from careful inspection…?”
“You have all had the opportunity to examine the lots and I’m sure you are all keen to begin,” he says with a smile. “Allow me to present Lot One – a beautifully carved stone figurine, said to be a perfect likeness of the famed Pharaoh of Number’s favourite concubine! Which discerning buyer will start the bidding?” Looking out over the guests, most of whom have made their way to the chairs arranged for their comfort, the Kemesarian invites the assembled bidders to call out their bids. As the auction proceeds, a Eunuch presents the offered object for display, standing beside the auctioneer and turning the statue around so that everyone can clearly see what is on offer.
The Crook Bearer has left his guards to one side and come to sit in the provided seating as have the group of nobles and the sages. The mysterious woman in the hooded robe remains aloof from the crowd, as do the halfling and half-orc who continue loitering near the entrance to the private area. Looking slightly bored, the well dressed, bearded man at the centre of the front row lifts his metal rod and places an opening bid.
“Ten gold coins,” he announces in a disinterested tone.
“Ten coins, thankyou Sir,” acknowledges the Kemesarian. “A fine judge of ancient art who clearly knows a bargain when he sees one. Any other offers? The bid stands at ten gold coins…”
“Twenty gold,” announces the hooded woman standing to one side. The Kemesarian peers at her until she presents the silver Ankh marking her as a registered bidder.
“Thankyou madam. Twenty coins,” beams the auctioneer. “Who else will bid? Such a fine piece could be worth ten times that amount to the right buyer!”
One of the Osirion nobles makes a private remark, causing his friends to laugh uproariously. “Twenty five!” he calls, the Kemesarian confirming the bid with a gesture.
“Twenty five gold pieces,” he proclaims. “Any further offers…?”
“You have all had the opportunity to examine the lots and I’m sure you are all keen to begin,” he says with a smile. “Allow me to present Lot One – a beautifully carved stone figurine, said to be a perfect likeness of the famed Pharaoh of Number’s favourite concubine! Which discerning buyer will start the bidding?” Looking out over the guests, most of whom have made their way to the chairs arranged for their comfort, the Kemesarian invites the assembled bidders to call out their bids. As the auction proceeds, a Eunuch presents the offered object for display, standing beside the auctioneer and turning the statue around so that everyone can clearly see what is on offer.
"Oh! Oh! Twenty-SIX gold!" Douena cries excitedly, hopping toward the stage.
"Oh! Oh! Twenty-SIX gold!" Douena cries excitedly, hopping toward the stage.
A pained expression crosses the Kemesarian's face as he peers forward to check that Douena is indeed a registered bidder. With a sigh, he acknowledges her bid.
"Twenty-SIX gold coins," he announces, "clearly the lady is watching her coin carefully this evening!" There are a few chuckles at his remark before the woman in the hooded cloak once more makes a bid.
"Thirty gold," she bids quietly.
"Thirty gold pieces, thank you once more madam, you have impeccable taste. Any more bids? I have thirty gold coins..."