DM:** spoiler omitted **Douena:
** spoiler omitted **
Douena:
As Elysia, Kimu, Allovin and Garai reach the bazaar, Douena catches up to you, flushed and slightly out of breath due to rushing through the dry, morning heat. The market is almost as busy as it was last night, with tempory stalls set up hawking everything from semi-valuable trinkets to food to purported relics of ancient Osirion. As well as goods, there are all manner of services available for trade - guides, guards, all manner of craftsmen or personal servants.
Standing at the edge of the enormous, sprawling maze of tents and semi-permanent stalls is quite daunting - noisy, bustling crowds jostling you frequently as you decide which direction looks most promising.
"Little Lady! What are you doing out in the sun so soon? Have you translated the text so soon? And why the rush? Shall we find somewhere private to take a cool drink and hear your story?"
Garai is obviously concerned at the abruptness of Duena's arrival.....
"I'm fine," she assures Garai. "I just wanted to make sure I caught up to you before you wandered off into the market. Kimu," she says, turning to the half-elf, "do you know anything about planets?"
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"I'm fine," she assures Garai. "I just wanted to make sure I caught up to you before you wandered off into the market. Kimu," she says, turning to the half-elf, "do you know anything about planets?"
Garai visibly relaxes, "Thank goodness for that! You do appear to translate quickly Little One. Was there anything interesting? What is this about planets?"
Garai visibly relaxes, "Thank goodness for that! You do appear to translate quickly Little One. Was there anything interesting? What is this about planets?"
"Well," she begins reluctantly. "It turns out that those scrolls don't have anything to do with the pyramids, after all, at least not that I can tell. They're all about a planet called Aucturn -- charts and rituals and things. I thought maybe Kimu might know something about astrology. If it was written by the Pharoah of Numbers, maybe there could be a relationship to finding the pyramids. The man with the spiderweb said the Chelaxian leading his expedition insisted on having ten party members; that sounds like it might have something to do with a ritual of some kind, maybe," she persists hopefully.
"Anyway, I still say that man at the auction claimed it was a fake just so his halfling friend could get it at a lower price. I may not know anything about astrology or Osirian history, but I've read lots of manuscripts, and that one looks authentic to me," she insists. "Even if it doesn't have anything to do with the pyramids, I think it's worth a lot more than twenty gold to the right buyer."
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"Well," she begins reluctantly. "It turns out that those scrolls don't have anything to do with the pyramids, after all, at least not that I can tell. They're all about a planet called Aucturn -- charts and rituals and things. I thought maybe Kimu might know something about astrology. If it was written by the Pharoah of Numbers, maybe there could be a relationship to finding the pyramids. The man with the spiderweb said the Chelaxian leading his expedition insisted on having ten party members; that sounds like it might have something to do with a ritual of some kind, maybe," she persists hopefully."Anyway, I still say that man at the auction claimed it was a fake just so his halfling friend could get it at a lower price. I may not know anything about astrology or Osirian history, but I've read lots of manuscripts, and that one looks authentic to me," she insists. "Even if it doesn't have anything to do with the pyramids, I think it's worth a lot more than twenty gold to the right buyer."
"Ahhh, indeed, that could prove interesting, and I do agree with you about the Cheliaxian's motives. It seemed entirely too staged for my liking."
An expression of worry crosses the gnome's face. "I hope the Pathfinders guard their Lodge well. If that Chelaxian wants those scrolls badly enough, he might send someone to retrieve them. He probably sent the halfling and half-orc after us last night." She clutches her pack more closely to her and glances around suspiciously.
An expression of worry crosses the gnome's face. "I hope the Pathfinders guard their Lodge well. If that Chelaxian wants those scrolls badly enough, he might send someone to retrieve them. He probably sent the halfling and half-orc after us last night." She clutches her pack more closely to her and glances around suspiciously.
Garai laughs a little "I wouldn't worry about the lodge, even the old folks their know their way around a sword and a spell or two. It wouldn't surprise me if the place is magically protected too. Anyone in the lodge should be safe enough."
Kimu:
There have been some sages who speculated that the rapid growth of the ancient Osirion nation stemmed from powers or knowledge gained through visitations by creatures from Aucturn, sometimes known as entities from the Dominions of the Black.
"Well if Douena is done being a grumpypants and the translations are all done, I think we should head that way," she says, pointing in a random direction, "and look through some shops. I really hope what you found was interesting enough to be worth it." She is obviously still miffed with Douena.
"The Pathfinder lodge is safe enough and there isn't much we can do until our preparations are complete", Allovin says with a shrug.
Turning to Elysia with a smile, a sweep of his arm and a small bow, "After you."
As Elysia begins walking Allovin falls in next to her and says, "You mentioned previously that your father was a jeweler. If you don't mind me asking how did he learn the trade and where did he work? What was it like to have a jeweler for a father? My family and I were slaves for a chelish noble in Khorvosa when I was younger and though we've gained our freedom I can't help but be curious about how other halflings born free live. Most of my family has become either farmers or carpenters but being a jeweler is truly a skilled trade."
"My father was born a slave too. He was a slave to a jeweler, a really skilled old man who taught him everything. He needed to you see because his hands trembled because he was getting so old. My father worked for him for many years, and right before the old man died he gave my father his freedom, and the shop and all the inventory and everything. The old man didn't have any family left so there wasn't anyone to object to that. My father taught me all about how to make jewelry from when I was a little girl. I used to love sorting all the pretties and sparklies, especially the rubies. They're like little pieces of flame trapped forever in place."
"I'm fine," she assures Garai. "I just wanted to make sure I caught up to you before you wandered off into the market. Kimu," she says, turning to the half-elf, "do you know anything about planets?"
After listening to Douena's summary of the scrolls, Kimu's eyes animate and he pauses in the street, overtaken by a recollection of knowledge pulled from the files of an encyclopedic mind.
"Aucturn, Aucturn... ah, it is the eleventh planet orbiting in our solar system and comes into conjunction with Golarion every fifty-six years. Sages have linked its conjunction with Golarion to periods of elevated elemental activity. What's more, Douena, is that some scholars have speculated that the rapid growth of the ancient Osirion nation was aided by alien visitors from Aucturn--the Dominions of the Black! As you might imagine, there is a small volume of paranoid literature available that recounts supposed encounters with these Aucturnians, which is widely dismissed as the ravings of delusional rabble--lunatics and hack writers looking to cash in on the paranoid fantasies of others. But who knows, anything's possible," concludes Kimu with a shrug. "Perhaps Neferet is an Aucturnian agent of the Dominion of the Black herself," he says, grinning with mischief at the gnome, then gaping with incredulity, as if he has revealed some shocking truth about their new acquaintance. "Oh gods!! Whatever will we do?"
"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Douena gasps, her eyes wide and sparkling, stopping still in her tracks. At first, it seems she is taking Kimu's jest seriously, but then she continues, "The scrolls do have something to do with the pyramid! Remember what Raegos said? That the Chelaxian running his expedition said they had to get there while a ringed planet was in its ascendency? That was about 50 years ago. And he said it was important that there be ten of them...."
Your group begins moving through the bazaar, inspecting the various stalls and shopfronts which you judge might have any chance of selling a mask similar to the one you are looking for. Very soon though, you realise that such an item would have almost no chance of turning up here.
Most of the 'artefacts' on show are frauds or at best common fragments. If anything of true value were to be offered for sale, such as the mask Raegos described to you, then you would be more likely to find it at an auction similar to the one run by the Kemesarian last night.
Your group begins moving through the bazaar, inspecting the various stalls and shopfronts which you judge might have any chance of selling a mask similar to the one you are looking for. Very soon though, you realise that such an item would have almost no chance of turning up here.
Most of the 'artefacts' on show are frauds or at best common fragments. If anything of true value were to be offered for sale, such as the mask Raegos described to you, then you would be more likely to find it at an auction similar to the one run by the Kemesarian last night.
Douena sighs. "Well, I guess we'll have to wait for the Scarab person to bring us word, after all. No masks here. I guess we ought to get whatever else we need for the trip. If the goddess smiles on us, we may be able to leave at a moment's notice." Her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm.
Elysia will purchase some more glass beads as well as several of the beetle pendants during the shopping expedition.
"Allovin, I'm afraid I never got a really good look at your holy symbol before, but if I get a good look at what it's supposed to be I can make you a new one. I mean, if you wanted me too. It's okay if you'd rather just have a plain one, but I could make one that's really shiny if you like. I'll have a better idea of what kind of materials would be suitable once I see the symbol. I mean, I'm not anywhere near as good at this sort of thing as my father is, but I'm a pretty decent jeweler when I really put my mind to it."
Kimu will ask around about the mask.
As your group travels through the bazaar, collecting the various supplies you are looking for, Kimu chats to the local vendors about genuine antiquities and in particular the mask Raegos told you about. One short wiry merchant, after selling Douena a hammer and chisel, cocks his head to one side as Kimu mentions the golden mask with alternating red and black feathers.
"I've seen a mask like that," he nods with a frown, trying to recall the details. "Where was it...? Yes, that's right...It was in the Sothis Exhibitory. It's been on display for years I think, one of a number of ancient masks they've got on show there." Looking around conspiratorially, he drops his voice to a whisper as he leans towards Kimu. "Although from what I hear, much of what the Arch Docent has in that collection is no more genuine than you can find in the bazaar." "Still," he continues, straightening up "the Sothis Exhibitory - I'm sure they've got something just like that on display."
Elysia will purchase some more glass beads as well as several of the beetle pendants during the shopping expedition.
"Allovin, I'm afraid I never got a really good look at your holy symbol before, but if I get a good look at what it's supposed to be I can make you a new one. I mean, if you wanted me too. It's okay if you'd rather just have a plain one, but I could make one that's really shiny if you like. I'll have a better idea of what kind of materials would be suitable once I see the symbol. I mean, I'm not anywhere near as good at this sort of thing as my father is, but I'm a pretty decent jeweler when I really put my mind to it."
Turning to Elysia, "I think that is a lovely idea and I would be honored. How about I purchase two of them. One as a temporary replacement and the other for you to work on or use a model. What do you think?"
As your group travels through the bazaar, collecting the various supplies you are looking for, Kimu chats to the local vendors about genuine antiquities and in particular the mask Raegos told you about. One short wiry merchant, after selling Douena a hammer and chisel, cocks his head to one side as Kimu mentions the golden mask with alternating red and black feathers."I've seen a mask like that," he nods with a frown, trying to recall the details. "Where was it...? Yes, that's right...It was in the Sothis Exhibitory. It's been on display for years I think, one of a number of ancient masks they've got on show there." Looking around conspiratorially, he drops his voice to a whisper as he leans towards Kimu. "Although from what I hear, much of what the Arch Docent has in that collection is no more genuine than you can find in the bazaar." "Still," he continues, straightening up "the Sothis Exhibitory - I'm sure they've got something just like that on display."
"Perhaps we should make our way to the Sothis Exhibitory and take a look. Thank you sir! May Iomedae bless you."
Douena is struggling with her new purchases. "Oh, this won't fit," she complains, holding the hammer and chisel in one hand and her already bulging pack in the other. "Would you carry it for me, Garai?" she pleads. "You're big."
Garai has been wandering the market, a pace or so behind the others, apparently distracted by this and that, but in honesty eyes darting over the crowd and shop keepers looking for trouble. His staff is held firmly in hand.
Douena is struggling with her new purchases. "Oh, this won't fit," she complains, holding the hammer and chisel in one hand and her already bulging pack in the other. "Would you carry it for me, Garai?" she pleads. "You're big."
bending to take the goods he says, "Of course Little Lady, I would be honoured."
Turning to Elysia, "I think that is a lovely idea and I would be honored. How about I purchase two of them. One as a temporary replacement and the other for you to work on or use a model. What do you think?"
"Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea. Then I can decide whether to use it to make a mold or just cover it with leaf. It might take me some time to get a proper symbol made. I wouldn't want to rush it and make it less than perfect. That would be disrespectful to your goddess and I don't want to do that."
"Oh, yes, we should go see the Sothis exhibit if that has masks. And thank you so very much, sir, for pointing us in the right direction. Oh I wonder what other interesting things we might see there? Let's hurry, I can hardly wait to see what else we might find."
Elysia skips through the bazaar with seemingly endless energy.
The Sothis exhibitory is a large, public building just under the enormous dome of the scarab beetle which dominates the city skyline. As your group makes its way through the streets, the sun is beginning to climb higher into the sky, its relentless heat driving most of the citizens of Sothis indoors. It is a welcome relief when you finally enter the more wealthy district of Sothis, passing under the shadow of the enormous beetle.
The exhibitory is open during the day and you are admitted after a brief wait. The complex is heavily guarded, with regular patrols of soldiers and a tightly controlled exit - the armed guards at the door occasionally stopping people as they leave and briefly searching them or their belongings.
The rooms are loosely themed according to the type of the exhibits it contains. Most of the items on display are inside locked, glass cabinets, although there are also a number of larger items. Sarcophagi, gold plated chariots and other objects adorn the centre of the display areas, visitors kept away by two foot high ropes. One of the rooms is dominated by an enormous statue of some forgotten pharaoh who gazes regally into the middle distance as the crowds file past in front of him.
Another room consists solely of weaponry - predominantly scimitars and short swords with a few khopesh sprinkled throughout. Most of the weapons are heavily decorated, with ornate pommels and intricate gold designs worked through the blades and handles.
DM:
She is also on the lookout for the halfling or anyone she recognizes from the auction, on the assumption that they're probably looking for the mask as well. The best of all possible solutions would be to let them steal the mask and then retrieve it from them. Not even the paladin could object to that.
Perception check:1d20+11=13
DM: ** spoiler omitted **
Douena:
"Keep an eye out for anyone you recognize from the auction," Douena says softly to her companions. "They're probably looking for the mask, too. I don't think it would be here with the weapons, though. Should we ask someone about it, or do you think that would only draw unwanted attention?" She looks around for a docent or someone else who looks like they belong there.
Moving slowly through the exhibitory, you are impressed by the collection. There are many artefacts and relics, most accompanied by a small plaque detailing where it was found and what it's significance is. It is relatively busy, the other people browsing are predominantly sages, nobles and visitors from other nations. There are a number of armed guards who remain relatively unobtrusive, only making their presence felt if any of the visitors cross into a prohibited area.
As you move through the various displays, you come to an entire wall covered with masks and other head-coverings. Near the centre, in a glass display cabinet, sits a mask which matches the description Raegos gave to you. Bright, polished gold with alternating red and black feathers. A small panel attached to the case indicates that it was found around fifty years ago and is believed to have belonged to one of the four Pharaohs of Ascension.
"Well, well Scepter look at this," sneers a voice from behind you, "it looks like some people are too stupid to take a hint." Turning you see the hulking half-orc who was at the auction yesterday evening. He grins at Garai then "How's your arm, little one?" Standing beside him is one of the men who was sitting at the front of the auction. He smiles without any humour as you turn towards them.
"Indeed, Hrokon, they show a rare dose of both stupidity and ineptitude," he answers before addressing you directly, his eyes scanning the five of you. "Are you really still looking for a place in this game? The Paracount is way ahead of you, I'm afraid. Why don't you run back and play with those trinkets you bought yesterday? It's as close as you'll ever get to the real thing, my friends."
"You know, you really need to develop a sense of humor. You take yourselves much too seriously. I mean, really, coming up and tossing around threats in a public place, how boring and unimaginative is that? Exploration requires creativity you know. Do you know what you really, really need? A makeover. Something that will help you take yourselves a little less seriously."
*Casts prestidigitation to turn the helf-orc's hair pink*
"Much better."
"Indeed, Hrokon, they show a rare dose of both stupidity and ineptitude," he answers before addressing you directly, his eyes scanning the five of you. "Are you really still looking for a place in this game? The Paracount is way ahead of you, I'm afraid. Why don't you run back and play with those trinkets you bought yesterday? It's as close as you'll ever get to the real thing, my friends."
Douena giggles at Elysia's trick. "I don't know," she responds to the human. "We're both here at the same time; seems like we're about even to me."
"I don't know," she responds to the human. "We're both here at the same time; seems like we're about even to me."
"That's exactly what I said,"he sneers, looking down at you derisively. "You've lost and you don't even know it." Glancing at Hrokon, he nods towards his companion's hair, indicating Elysia's prank. The half-orc frowns slightly, before peering at his reflection in the display cabinet, his eyes widening with fury.
"You miserable runt!" he yells, swinging his arm in a vicious backhand swipe at Elysia, which she ducks under.
Perception: 1d20+11=23
"Well, well Scepter look at this," sneers a voice from behind you, "it looks like some people are too stupid to take a hint." Turning you see the hulking half-orc who was at the auction yesterday evening. He grins at Garai then "How's your arm, little one?" Standing beside him is one of the men who was sitting at the front of the auction. He smiles without any humour as you turn towards them.
"Bigger, and braver men than yourself have tried, and failed, Orc. How are your ribs today? And are you legs tried from the running away?"
Suddenly, the two members of the expeditionary lunge forward to attack. They leave their weapons undrawn, Hrokon attempting to pound Garai with his fists as Scepter reaches out to grab Elysia.
The enormous half-orc, looking slightly ridiculous with his bright pink hair, swings his massive fist at Garai, attempting to punch him in the nose. However, Garai is untroubled and is easily able to dodge underneath the attack.
Hrokon attempts to punch Garai. (1d20+9=12, 1d3+3=4)
The man called Scepter reaches out and grabs Elysia, muttering an incantation as he does so. The halfling gasps with pain as a surge of electricity runs through her.
Scepter's shocking grasp attack on Elysia. (1d20+4=21, 1d8=7)
Suddenly, the two members of the expeditionary lunge forward to attack. They leave their weapons undrawn, Hrokon attempting to pound Garai with his fists as Scepter reaches out to grab Elysia.
...
The enormous half-orc, looking slightly ridiculous with his bright pink hair, swings his massive fist at Garai, attempting to punch him in the nose. However, Garai is untroubled and is easily able to dodge underneath the attack.
...
Garai moves under the swing and takes the opportunity to put the half-orc between himself and the cabinet with the masks, turning on his heel, he uses his staff to push force him back into the glass....
"Come on pinky, you can do better than that!"