"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..."
"Thirty-ONE gold!" Douena bids, completely unruffled by the laughter at her expense.
"Thirty-ONE gold!" Douena bids, completely unruffled by the laughter at her expense.
"The bid is thirty-one gold pieces," the Kemesarian calls. "Any more offers?"
"Thirty-five gold," replies the woman calmly from the corner.
"Thirty-five gold pieces. Thankyou.... Are there any more bids? Do I have thirty-six?" he asks, looking expectantly towards Douena.
Garai gives a quiet chuckle at Douena's excitement, but otherwise pretty much ignores the bidding, and keeps an eye on the crowd, looking for any unusual actions, or unusual bids.
Alovin smiles and chuckles a little at the site of the jubilant Douena bidding on the statuette. Content to watch and enjoy the bidding at this point Allovin takes a moment to open the cask in his lap and carefully inspect the platinum inside. Content that everything is happening as it should he says a silent prayer to Iomedae for guidance and goes back to watching the bidding.
Elysia sat on the edge of her chair, fascinated with the bidding process. She doubted that Douena would succeed in bidding for the statue, but it was so much fun to watch her try. Her gaze darted around the room, watching all the participants at the auction, trying to observe all she could about them. This was such a fascinating new experience.
"Thirty-ONE gold!" Douena bids, completely unruffled by the laughter at her expense."The bid is thirty-one gold pieces," the Kemesarian calls. "Any more offers?"
"Thirty-five gold," replies the woman calmly from the corner.
"Thirty-five gold pieces. Thankyou.... Are there any more bids? Do I have thirty-six?" he asks, looking expectantly towards Douena.
Douena smiles, shakes her head, and collapses onto a chair near her companions, breathless and exhilerated. "Oh, that was fun," she comments. "So exciting! I'm glad I didn't win, though. What would I do with a concubine?"
Douena smiles, shakes her head, and collapses onto a chair near her companions, breathless and exhilerated. "Oh, that was fun," she comments. "So exciting! I'm glad I didn't win, though. What would I do with a concubine?"
Garai grins, "Perhaps sell her back to the woman bidding against you for a profit? At least we may hope that this Pharaoh of numbers has no connection to our mission, or at least that the statue doesn't hold any clues....
Seeing that Douena has dropped from the bidding, the Kemesarian gives the room one last chance, before selling the figurine to the unknown bidder.
"A fine purchase, madam," he comments as his attendants deliver the item to her and claim the price. She passes the figurine to the grey-skinned bodyguard, who stashes it in a small satchel he is holding.
"Our next item," continues the Kemesarian, "is a fascinating collection of seven gold coins, each comprising a unique design and breathtaking craftsmanship. Who will begin the bidding on these items, ladies and gentlemen?"
The man sitting alone who Neferet identified as the Arch Docent makes an opening bid of ten gold pieces and this is rapidly answered by one of the three nobles who bid fifteen gold pieces. The Arch Docent responds with a bid of twenty, immediately countered by the noble once more who makes a bid of thirty gold pieces.
"Fifty gold pieces," announces the haughty man sitting at the centre of the front row.
"Thank you Sir," beams the Kemesarian. "The bid is at fifty gold pieces, are there any more offers?...This is a truly unique opportunity, such works of art are only rarely available....Do I hear sixty gold pieces?"
Garai gives a quiet chuckle at Douena's excitement, but otherwise pretty much ignores the bidding, and keeps an eye on the crowd, looking for any unusual actions, or unusual bids.
Garai:
Most of the bidders' attention is focussed on the stage, although the Arch Docent and Crook Bearer occasionally exchange unfriendly stares. The half-orc and halfing by the entrance seem the exception to you, although they are both wearing pins marking them as registered bidders, they are spending more time scanning their competition than they are paying attention to the lots up for sale.
As you look over, the halfling meets your gaze and flashes you a quick grin, although not one displaying any real mirth or friendship. He murmurs some comment to his companion who also looks over, regarding you for a moment before returning to scanning the room.
Seeing that Douena has dropped from the bidding, the Kemesarian gives the room one last chance, before selling the figurine to the unknown bidder.
"A fine purchase, madam," he comments as his attendants deliver the item to her and claim the price. She passes the figurine to the grey-skinned bodyguard, who stashes it in a small satchel he is holding.
"Our next item," continues the Kemesarian, "is a fascinating collection of seven gold coins, each comprising a unique design and breathtaking craftsmanship. Who will begin the bidding on these items, ladies and gentlemen?"
The man sitting alone who Neferet identified as the Arch Docent makes an opening bid of ten gold pieces and this is rapidly answered by one of the three nobles who bid fifteen gold pieces. The Arch Docent responds with a bid of twenty, immediately countered by the noble once more who makes a bid of thirty gold pieces.
"Fifty gold pieces," announces the haughty man sitting at the centre of the front row.
"Thank you Sir," beams the Kemesarian. "The bid is at fifty gold pieces, are there any more offers?...This is a truly unique opportunity, such works of art are only rarely available....Do I hear sixty gold pieces?"
Seeing that the bidding is already too rich for her, Douena leaves her seat and approaches Kimu. Beckoning him down to her level where they can speak in low tones, she whispers, "The rubbings are up next. Seeing as how our new friend thinks they are the prize of the auction, how much do you think we should bid on them? Going all out for the rubbings might mean we don't have enough left for the scrolls, which you thought were most desirable. But then, we at least know that the rubbings talk about the Four Pharoahs. We don't know what might be on the scrolls. They might be the books for Johan's Old Osirion Tavern for all we know, or, worse, they might crumble to dust when we try to unroll them."
Kimu listens attentively to the gnome. "Yes, all very true," he responds, whispering as well. "I'm not sure, but I think that if we bid up to 100 gold for the charcoal prints, we won't be outbid. They look very common, after all, and since they are a facsimile and not an actual artifact, perhaps the demand will not be too high. Hopefully we can afford both the prints and the scrolls. Although I'm not sure how valuable those scrolls may be, I think we could put the rest of our money towards the bid for them--unless you think some of the other items may prove useful in our travels."
The Arch Docent considers for a moment before making his next bid.
"Sixty gold pieces," he announces.
"Seventy five," declares the man in the front row disdainfully. At that the Arch Docent mutters to himself, indicating to the Kemesarian that he is not interested in bidding further. The sale is announced and the auctioneer waits as the transaction is completed before moving on to the next lot.
"Next we have genuine charcoal rubbings taken from the most recently uncovered tomb of Ancient Osirion," declares the Kemesarian. "Such a find will surely amaze scholars and other learned folk for years to come. Who can say what secrets these hieroglyphs may reveal? What am I bid? Can anyone pass up such a rare opportunity?"
Neferet looks at you all, unsure if she should bid or not. Clearing her throat, she eventually raises her hand nervously. "Twenty gold pieces," she calls as the Kemesarian acknowledges her.
"Twenty gold, a bargain by any measure."
"Thirty gold," this from one of the group of sages. Looking over at them, Neferet responds immediately.
"Forty," she says, more firmly this time.
"Fifty," replies the sage who seems to be speaking for the group. Neferet turns to you helplessly.
"That's beyond my ability to pay," she confesses slightly dejectedly. "Is my suggestion acceptable to you? I'll pay a third of whatever you bid and translate it for you free of charge. In return, you'll allow me to make a copy for myself. I have fifty gold available, so provided you dont go higher than one hundred and fifty I can afford it."
The Arch Docent considers for a moment before making his next bid.
"Sixty gold pieces," he announces.
"Seventy five," declares the man in the front row disdainfully. At that the Arch Docent mutters to himself, indicating to the Kemesarian that he is not interested in bidding further. The sale is announced and the auctioneer waits as the transaction is completed before moving on to the next lot.
"Next we have genuine charcoal rubbings taken from the most recently uncovered tomb of Ancient Osirion," declares the Kemesarian. "Such a find will surely amaze scholars and other learned folk for years to come. Who can say what secrets these hieroglyphs may reveal? What am I bid? Can anyone pass up such a rare opportunity?"
Neferet looks at you all, unsure if she should bid or not. Clearing her throat, she eventually raises her hand nervously. "Twenty gold pieces," she calls as the Kemesarian acknowledges her.
"Twenty gold, a bargain by any measure."
"Thirty gold," this from one of the group of sages. Looking over at them, Neferet responds immediately.
"Forty," she says, more firmly this time.
"Fifty," replies the sage who seems to be speaking for the group. Neferet turns to you helplessly.
"That's beyond my ability to pay," she confesses slightly dejectedly. "Is my suggestion acceptable to you? I'll pay a third of whatever you bid and translate it for you free of charge. In return, you'll allow me to make a copy for myself. I have fifty gold available, so provided you dont go higher than one hundred and fifty I can afford it."
Allovin carefully inspects the contents of the small coffer before raising his silver ankh and saying, "Sixty".
Allovin carefully inspects the contents of the small coffer before raising his silver ankh and saying, "Sixty".
Garai carefully nudges Neferet, and whispers "I would assume, pretty lady, that our paladin friend just said 'yes'"
Garai carefully nudges Neferet, and whispers "I would assume, pretty lady, that our paladin friend just said 'yes'"
Neferet nods excitedly, biting her lower lip as she wordlessly returns her attention to the auctioneer.
"Sixty gold," acknowledges the Kemesarian, "the bid stands at sixty."
"Seventy five," announces a newcomer to the auction, one of the three Osirion nobles. There is a slight pause as the sages huddle together, murmuring quietly. Eventually, there spokesperson emerges with their next bid.
"One hundred gold," he says. Allovin opens the small coffer in his lap and carefully inspects his funds, as instructed by the mysterious Mithral Scarab.
"One hundred and ten gold pieces," bids the paladin calmly, causing the sages to once more huddle together, looking over at you occasionally with worried glances.
"One hundred and twenty five," calls the nobleman, undeterred.
"One hundred and thirty," from the sage, quickly countered with a bid of one hundred and forty gold coins from the noble.
"The bid is at one hundred and forty gold pieces," announces the Kemesarian. "Do I have any more offers." Allovin once more performs his ritual of opening his coffer and carefully examining his funds before bidding.
"One hundred and fifty gold," he says. At that, the two remaining bidders both indicate that they will not be going on and the Kemesarian closes the auction.
"Sold to the discerning gentleman for one hundred and fifty," he announces as one of the eunuchs from the stage delivers the charcoal rubbings to Allovin and collects ten platinum pieces from him in payment, Neferet supplying the remaining fifty gold pieces from a pouch at her belt which now appears almost empty.
The next items auctioned is the collection of carved veinstones. The Arch Docent begins proceedings with a bid of one hundred gold pieces and he and the Crook Bearer begin a heated bidding war, the offered price rapidly rising to five hundred gold coins. At that price, the haughty man at the front interjects a bid and the three continue in a furious exchange, much to the clear delight of the Kemesarian. Eventually, the stones are sold to the Chelish nobleman for eight hundred and fifty gold pieces. The stones are delivered to his associate whilst the bearded man passes over a collection of coins.
The bronze sculpture is the next item. Although the Chelish man begins the auction with an offer of one hundred gold, the bidding is once more driven by the Arch Docent and the Crook Bearer. The rest of the room remains silent as the two of them exchange offers in a fierce exchange. Eventually, the piece is sold for six hundred gold pieces to the Crook Bearer, at which point the Arch Docent stands suddenly and stalks out, a dark expression on his face as he pushes his way through the crowds.
Once the sculpture has been delivered to its new owner, the Kemesarian prepares to auction the final piece.
"And finally," begins the Kemesarian grandly, "a collection of ancient scrolls said to have been penned by the Pharaoh of Numbers himself! Imagine the prestige of owning a relic once held by one of the mythical rulers of Ancient Osirion!" as he begins his spiel, the group of Chelish legionnaires in the front row begin noisily standing and preparing to leave, the nobleman and retainer also getting to their feet.
"Gentlemen, I would have thought you would want to participate in this," implores the Kemesarian with a worried frown. At that the aloof man looks over at the scrolls with a disdainful look.
"Save your breath Charlatan," he sneers. "I am a world expert in Ancient Osirion and I could see immediately that those...papers are a fraud, nothing more. The grammar is all wrong, those symbols weren't even in use until a hundred years ago. No doubt you and your lackeys spent many hours developing that aged look... But it's not going to work on those of us with taste. Perhaps someone else here will be gullible enough to buy your forgeries!"
With that, the Chelish contingent leave, the Kemesarian furiously denying the allegations from the stage. Security make a move, as if to stop the bidders from leaving, however it's clear that a brawl with the heavily armed legionnaires is the last thing they want. As they file out of the pavillion, the rest of the registered bidders are all whispering amongst themselves whilst the auctioneer tries to reassure everyone assembled that the scrolls are genuine.
When a semblance of calm is restored, the Kemesarian begins the auction for the final lot, inviting bids from those bidders who remain. It is clear that any interest has waned however, after several requests, the halfling who has loitered at the rear of the private area raises his hand.
"Five gold pieces," he bids with a grin. "I guess I can always write on the back." The Kemesarian struggles to compose himself, the fury clearly visible as he acknowledges the offer.
"Five gold," he calls tersely. "Surely a genuine expert is here tonight. The value of this collection is unmeasurable." Looking hopefully over at the sages, his gaze sweeps the rest of the assembled bidders, inviting you to raise the offer.
"Five gold," he calls tersely. "Surely a genuine expert is here tonight. The value of this collection is unmeasurable." Looking hopefully over at the sages, his gaze sweeps the rest of the assembled bidders, inviting you to raise the offer.
"SIX gold!" Douena bids, delighted that something is once again within her budget.
"SIX gold!" Douena bids, delighted that something is once again within her budget.
Laughter erupts from the assembled crowd, clearly enjoying Douena's enthusiasm just as much as the Kemesarian's displeasure at the turn of events.
"Six gold," he acknowledges sullenly. "Do I have any serious offers? Such a price is an insult to those who braved the terrors of this hidden tomb."
"And finally," begins the Kemesarian grandly, "a collection of ancient scrolls said to have been penned by the Pharaoh of Numbers himself! Imagine the prestige of owning a relic once held by one of the mythical rulers of Ancient Osirion!" as he begins his spiel, the group of Chelish legionnaires in the front row begin noisily standing and preparing to leave, the nobleman and retainer also getting to their feet.
"Gentlemen, I would have thought you would want to participate in this," implores the Kemesarian with a worried frown. At that the aloof man looks over at the scrolls with a disdainful look.
"Save your breath Charlatan," he sneers. "I am a world expert in Ancient Osirion and I could see immediately that those...papers are a fraud, nothing more. The grammar is all wrong, those symbols weren't even in use until a hundred years ago. No doubt you and your lackeys spent many hours developing that aged look... But it's not going to work on those of us with taste. Perhaps someone else here will be gullible enough to buy your forgeries!"
With that, the Chelish contingent leave, the Kemesarian furiously denying the allegations from the stage. Security make a move, as if to stop the bidders from leaving, however it's clear that a brawl with the heavily armed legionnaires is the last thing they want. As they file out of the pavillion, the rest of the registered bidders are all whispering amongst themselves whilst the auctioneer tries to reassure everyone assembled that the scrolls are genuine.
When a semblance of calm is restored, the Kemesarian begins the auction for the final lot, inviting bids from those bidders who remain. It is clear that any interest has waned however, after several requests, the halfling who has loitered at the rear of the private area raises his hand.
"Five gold pieces," he bids with a grin. "I guess I can always write on the back." The Kemesarian struggles to compose himself, the fury clearly visible as he acknowledges the offer.
"Five gold," he calls tersely. "Surely a...
"Twenty gold please," Allovin states calmly after checking the coffer. Though no longer sure of the validity of the scrolls he figured Nefueret wold likely be able to tell and so decided to keep bidding.
"Twenty gold please," Allovin states calmly after checking the coffer. Though no longer sure of the validity of the scrolls he figured Nefueret wold likely be able to tell and so decided to keep bidding.
Douena's head whips around, a shocked and aggrieved expression on her face. "You just bid against me," she protests in a strained whisper. "We could have had it for six."
"Twenty gold please," Allovin states calmly after checking the coffer. Though no longer sure of the validity of the scrolls he figured Nefueret wold likely be able to tell and so decided to keep bidding.Douena's head whips around, a shocked and aggrieved expression on her face. "You just bid against me," she protests in a strained whisper. "We could have had it for six."
Allovin pauses for a moment considering Douena's words before a look of embarrassment sets in.
"I apologize. I got caught up in the excitement of bidding and didn't consider I was bidding against a friend. I'm sorry..." he says looking slightly abashed.
Allovin pauses for a moment considering Douena's words before a look of embarrassment sets in.
"I apologize. I got caught up in the excitement of bidding and didn't consider I was bidding against a friend. I'm sorry..." he says looking slightly abashed.
Douena is immediately mollified by Allovin's sincere apology. She takes a chair near him and pats his hand. "That's all right. Anyone can get all excited."
The Kemesarian tries desperately to entice further offers from the assembled bidders but it is clear that nobody is willing to take the risk. As he declares Allovin the winner, the crowd begin chatting noisily amongst themselves as the auction disbands. A eunuch delivers the scrolls to Allovin and collect twenty gold pieces from him as the security guards efficiently pack up the rope barrier and lift the sides of the pavilion, allowing the assembled spectators to empty rapidly into the bazaar.
As the five of you rise to leave, Neferet is grinning broadly at the results of the auction. Before you leave, a woman materialises from the throng, her face veiled by a white scarf as she approaches Allovin unrolling what appears to be a map of Sothis.
"Excuse me sir," she begins, "I wonder if you would be able to help me find my destination. I'm new to Sothis and I fear that I've got a little lost..."
As she presents the map for Allovin's inspection, her fingers roam to the compass rose at the bottom of th page to indicate the Pathfinder rune hidden subtly within the design. Her brilliant, blue eyes watch you intently from behind her veil. When she is sure you have understood her meaning, she proceeds further with her charade.
"I'm running late for a meeting around here," she continues pointing vaguely toward one area of the map. "Would you be kind enough to tell me where I should be going? Or even to accompany me some of the way, if you have the time?"
Elysia had quite enjoyed the auction. She had tried to be respectful. Really, she'd been quiet as a mouse through the whole thing. She had watched regretfully as the stones had been sold to someone else, but she had known that they were much too expensive for her means. Maybe if she was lucky she could find some stones like that in this place they were going to explore.
She watched with amusement as Douena and Allovin accidentally bid against each other for the last lot. That would make a good story some day.
The Kemesarian tries desperately to entice further offers from the assembled bidders but it is clear that nobody is willing to take the risk. As he declares Allovin the winner, the crowd begin chatting noisily amongst themselves as the auction disbands. A eunuch delivers the scrolls to Allovin and collect twenty gold pieces from him as the security guards efficiently pack up the rope barrier and lift the sides of the pavilion, allowing the assembled spectators to empty rapidly into the bazaar.
As the five of you rise to leave, Neferet is grinning broadly at the results of the auction. Before you leave, a woman materialises from the throng, her face veiled by a white scarf as she approaches Allovin unrolling what appears to be a map of Sothis.
"Excuse me sir," she begins, "I wonder if you would be able to help me find my destination. I'm new to Sothis and I fear that I've got a little lost..."
As she presents the map for Allovin's inspection, her fingers roam to the compass rose at the bottom of th page to indicate the Pathfinder rune hidden subtly within the design. Her brilliant, blue eyes watch you intently from behind her veil. When she is sure you have understood her meaning, she proceeds further with her charade.
"I'm running late for a meeting around here," she continues pointing vaguely toward one area of the map. "Would you be kind enough to tell me where I should be going? Or even to accompany me some of the way, if you have the time?"
Douena's eyes flash with excitement. "Well, I think some of us should definitely help this nice lady find her meeting; however, we also have our new sage friend to consider who, I'm sure, wants to get a look at our acquisitions as soon as possible. Shouldn't some of us go with her and what we won, as well?"
The Kemesarian tries desperately to entice further offers from the assembled bidders but it is clear that nobody is willing to take the risk. As he declares Allovin the winner, the crowd begin chatting noisily amongst themselves as the auction disbands. A eunuch delivers the scrolls to Allovin and collect twenty gold pieces from him as the security guards efficiently pack up the rope barrier and lift the sides of the pavilion, allowing the assembled spectators to empty rapidly into the bazaar.
As the five of you rise to leave, Neferet is grinning broadly at the results of the auction. Before you leave, a woman materialises from the throng, her face veiled by a white scarf as she approaches Allovin unrolling what appears to be a map of Sothis.
"Excuse me sir," she begins, "I wonder if you would be able to help me find my destination. I'm new to Sothis and I fear that I've got a little lost..."
"Why yes mam I can certainly assist you," Allovin says with a smile.
As she presents the map for Allovin's inspection, her fingers roam to the compass rose at the bottom of th page to indicate the Pathfinder rune hidden subtly within the design. Her brilliant, blue eyes watch you intently from behind her veil. When she is sure you have understood her meaning, she proceeds further with her charade."I'm running late for a meeting around here," she continues pointing vaguely toward one area of the map. "Would you be kind enough to tell me where I should be going? Or even to accompany me some of the way, if you have the time?"
"Why I know that area very well and would be happy to show you the way. Besides, I don't know about everyone else, but after the stifling heat of the tent a walk in the cool night air would be quite refreshing."
"Well, I think some of us should definitely help this nice lady find her meeting; however, we also have our new sage friend to consider who, I'm sure, wants to get a look at our acquisitions as soon as possible. Shouldn't some of us go with her and what we won, as well?"
"I would suggest that we pass the scrolls to our new friend Neferet, and arrange to meet her in the morning to discuss her finding, at that point we can look at the other items together. That will give us time to escort this fine lady whilst we go about the other business we have this night."
Garai doesn't really think the scrolls are worth much, so they will keep Neferet out of the way without being a big loss if she does one....
"I would suggest that we pass the scrolls to our new friend Neferet, and arrange to meet her in the morning to discuss her finding, at that point we can look at the other items together. That will give us time to escort this fine lady whilst we go about the other business we have this night."
Garai doesn't really think the scrolls are worth much, so they will keep Neferet out of the way without being a big loss if she does one....
Neferet has been following the interaction with the veiled newcomer with a puzzled look. At Garai's comment, she interjects with a slight look of concern.
"Er...I'm not completely sure that I find that reasonable," she begins carefully, with a nervous swallow. "I mean...I didnt actually bid on the scrolls and given what that Chelish nobleman said I'm not even sure they're genuine. As far as I can see, I paid for a part of the rubbings," she pauses as her eyes flick from person to person, eventually settling on Allovin.
"Our agreement was that I'd pay a third and in exchange I'd be able to make a copy for myself, you would keep the originals," she says. "Wouldnt it be reasonable to allow me to keep a third of them in the interim? As collateral if you like, plus I could get started tonight on translation while you...do whatever it is you're going to do... There's no point in me running off with only a third of them, so you needn't worry about that. This way it at least provides some assurance that I will see you again....No offence intended of course, but please put yourself in my position."
As the woman you presume to be the Mithral Scarab waits for you to reach an agreement with Neferet, she interjects quietly.
"One slight complication," she begins. "The man we are going to meet, Raegos, has a certain...paranoia. He will not allow anyone carrying any parchment, scroll or writing of any sort into his tent. He will not be moved on this. Given he has proven useful to me in the past, I would not be willing to bring someone in to see him who won't comply with that request."
"Any scrolls, paper, books or anything of the sort will need to remain outside," she continues. "I don't know why, but I do know that without that condition, Raegos won't speak to anyone."
"I would suggest that we pass the scrolls to our new friend Neferet, and arrange to meet her in the morning to discuss her finding, at that point we can look at the other items together. That will give us time to escort this fine lady whilst we go about the other business we have this night."
Garai doesn't really think the scrolls are worth much, so they will keep Neferet out of the way without being a big loss if she does one....
Neferet has been following the interaction with the veiled newcomer with a puzzled look. At Garai's comment, she interjects with a slight look of concern.
"Er...I'm not completely sure that I find that reasonable," she begins carefully, with a nervous swallow. "I mean...I didnt actually bid on the scrolls and given what that Chelish nobleman said I'm not even sure they're genuine. As far as I can see, I paid for a part of the rubbings," she pauses as her eyes flick from person to person, eventually settling on Allovin.
"Our agreement was that I'd pay a third and in exchange I'd be able to make a copy for myself, you would keep the originals," she says. "Wouldnt it be reasonable to allow me to keep a third of them in the interim? As collateral if you like, plus I could get started tonight on translation while you...do whatever it is you're going to do... There's no point in me running off with only a third of them, so you needn't worry about that. This way it at least provides some assurance that I will see you again....No offence intended of course, but please put yourself in my position."
"That would be more than fair. Why don't you take the first half of the rubbings and we can meet at the pathfinder lodge to discuss anything you've found and what we want to do with them. I apologize, we don't want to short change you of what you've rightly paid for."
Allovin will give her the first half of the rubbings and hand the rest to Kimu.
Turning again to Neferet, "Come to the pathfinder lodge tomorrow after sunrise and ask for Allovin Dar."
Allovin will give her the first half of the rubbings and hand the rest to Kimu.
"Wait, what are we going to do with the rest of them?" Douena queries. "She just said we can't take them where we're going." She nods toward the Mithril Scarab. "I don't know if dropping them off at the Pathfinder Lodge is an option, but if not, someone's going to have to stay outside with the writings. And if someone's going to have to stay outside, why don't they just take all of them and go with Neferet instead of handing over everything we just purchased to someone we just met?" She smiles sweetly at Neferet. "No offense intended, of course."
Allovin will give her the first half of the rubbings and hand the rest to Kimu."Wait, what are we going to do with the rest of them?" Douena queries. "She just said we can't take them where we're going." She nods toward the Mithril Scarab. "I don't know if dropping them off at the Pathfinder Lodge is an option, but if not, someone's going to have to stay outside with the writings. And if someone's going to have to stay outside, why don't they just take all of them and go with Neferet instead of handing over everything we just purchased to someone we just met?" She smiles sweetly at Neferet. "No offense intended, of course."
"This is a good point. I shall take Neferet and our purchases back to the Lodge and welcome her as a guest. There she can begin her copying and I can enjoy more of her company." Turning to Neferet, "Assuming that is acceptable? I meant to cause no offence by my earlier suggestion."
"This is a good point. I shall take Neferet and our purchases back to the Lodge and welcome her as a guest. There she can begin her copying and I can enjoy more of her company." Turning to Neferet, "Assuming that is acceptable? I meant to cause no offence by my earlier suggestion."
"That sounds more than fair," agrees the young scribe, inclining her head graciously towards Garai as she flashes Douena a sarcastically sweet smile "and not the least bit insulting."
She waits as the rest of you pass over any scrolls, books or other paper to Garai. Having collected everything capable of bearing writing, Garai leads Neferet back through Sothis towards the Pathfinder Lodge as the Mithral Scarab takes the rest of the group to see Raegos.
Garai:
"That gnome...Douena? She doesn't seem to like me very much," comments Neferet as she follows at your elbow through the crowded bazaar. "Is she always like that?"
Elysia, (Kimu), Allovin and Douena:
Elysia, (Kimu), Allovin and Douena:
** spoiler omitted **
Douena is too enthralled by the new sights and sounds she is experiencing to be too much on her guard.
Perception check: 1d20+11=16 (18 for smell & touch)
Garai:
** spoiler omitted **
"Enough of them though, tell me some more of yourself. A pretty lady must have some stories to tell." All of this comes out without too much chance for the woman to speak, Garai is obviously very pleased with himself now. Though he does keep a constant vigilance...
Elysia skips along, totally engrossed in taking in the sights around them. She had learned the value of being quiet when she was working in the shop. You could find out a lot about a person if you just let them do the talking. She had already observed so much tonight about her new friends. Although it was getting increasingly difficult to stay quiet. It was so much more fun to have a nice gossip with Douena.
Garai:
“Well there isn’t much to tell, to be honest,” answers Neferet amiably. “I’ve been studying at the university but there’s only so much you can learn from there. The teachers are not much interested in us, so we spend all our time translating or scribing copies of their books. I think I must know ‘A Treatise on Ancient Osirion Architecture’ by heart by now...”
As the young scribe pulls her face, she continues talking, oblivious to everything around her. More alert, you suddenly get a sense that something is wrong. Whirling to look as you hear a noise behind you, you see that a large, hulking figure has just emerged into the alley behind you. He has positioned a large wall shield, shaped as a sarcophagus, on the ground and appears ready to fire at the two of you through a small slit cut into its centre.
As you prepare to act, you see the figure fire a small bolt at you First shot at Garai. (1d20+7=9) however his shot goes wide and slams into the mortar of the wall beside you.
Elysia, Douena, Kimu, Allovin:
“Raegos,” she calls quietly as you all enter, “I have brought the people I spoke to you about.”
As you enter the battered, grey tent you see a home of humble means. There is a small table and chair, a stove and a walled off section, presumably where the occupant sleeps. The hominess is disturbed, however, by dozens of strands of string which intertwine in a complex web as the run from the various pieces of furniture to the walls of the tent and behind the curtain.
“Hmmph,” grunts a voice from behind the curtain. “Well I’ll meet them, just like I promised. But I don’t have to talk to them.” At that a strange, old man appears, dressed in plain, faded clothes as he makes his way to the chair. He is forced to follow the guiding string he has meticulously tied everywhere as he wears a black blindfold tied tightly over his eyes. As he reaches the only chair in the tent, he drops into it and scowls. After a moment of awkward silence, the Mithral Scarab motions to you, inviting you to speak.
“Raegos knows something about the tomb that you seek,” she says quietly before lowering her voice even more to a whisper. “He’s a little grumpy, but I’m convinced his story is genuine. I know he’s a little strange, but hopefully what he can tell you will help you in your journey.”
“I heard that, girl!” he snaps from his chair. “What, you think I have my ears plugged up as well? Come into my house and call me strange...” he mutters to himself some more, shaking his head.
"I don't think you're strange. I think you're fascinating. All of these strings telling you where to go, that's just so very clever. I bet you've done some truly fascinating things. Oh, won't you please tell us about it?"
Douena plucks the nearest string in fascination, watching the tremors spread along the web across the tent. "If there's a spider, now's when it comes from behind that curtain to eat us," she whispers to noone in particular.
Garai:
** spoiler omitted **
His surprise causes his foot to slip as he turns and he gets off to a bad start, failing to move the man anywhere...
1d20+9(CMB)+2(Improved Bull Rush)=13...Improved Bull Rush means he gets no AOO either :)
Garai:
“Prepare to bleed,” he sneers at you, eyes narrowing. “After I kill you, your pretty friend and I are going to have some fun...”
Behind you, you hear Neferet gasp in horror. “I’ll get help!” she cries, slightly hysterically as you hear her running in the direction of the main thoroughfare. You would imagine she will take a minute or two at least to find a city patrol and return.
Elysia, Douena, Kimu, Allovin: