You even have a genie!!"
"Well, Sayyid Aukan. Sadly, I've had to make my own luck. Wait, that's not true. Desna is my luck. Sometimes she gives me a lot, sometimes very little. Through hard work, of mine and others, I've survived. But not at the thriving you seem to. Your fortress is almost lavish. Your women beautiful. And you got all this from adventuring?" Davod questions, sounded hard pressed to believe.
I was excommunicated from my tribe for wanting to know more. I always talked to the traders and explorers that would come through our mountains. To build was my favorite pass time and they would always destroy it. The elders would tell me it is not my place to learn the ways of outsiders or to even learn of this thing, this force, they call magic. Yes I was one of their best fighters, no not a hunter, or a rager, but fighter. No one could stand in my way with my edged hammer. No one passes me or my defense. I am strong like the mountain and it holds me in place. They tell me that I should not play with such things. Though when my curiosity got me a wand that a wizard had left. Soon with the chief’s daughter’s home was in shambles and the flames had passed, I was taken by force, tied up and tossed before the elders. I had saved the chief’s daughter and her mate, which was my place though he weaseled his way into her life by charming her with the magics that they charge me with. They could not have truly taken me by force but I allowed them to take me, knowing that I would get a fair trial, that by me staying it showed my innocence or at least my naïveté of the item that I had used. No I was aghast to find out that a similar spell, a ball of fire had incinerated the chief’s home as well the same night, they charged me with both acts. I know the truth, I know the moltings of who I once called brother and the male I pulled from the chief’s daughter’s home was not him. They would not have listened to me even if I had not been gagged. The new chief had me brought to the fringes there they tied me to the largest tree they could find and they left. Soon after he returned, no more than a few hours, he was invisible and showed if off to me by becoming visible in front of me. His words that continue to ring in my core, ”Thank you brother, you have made taking over the village easier than I had hoped. I know you understand how to use some items, though I know how to wield the force of magic itself. I give you one last gift, banishment by that force you so desperately wanted to know.” At that point he teleported me away. Though I was able to say his name as a curse before being shunted away, "BALTHAZAR!"
I know magic now, not to cast it but to bend it to my will. I hope to be able to cast it, or to have a master of its ways to help me get back home to make things right, by might or whatever means necessary. Though now I have made my home.
That was my first life and one that I loved dearly. I found many adventures through my years. Treasure, magic, technology, and the love of so many. My life was great, filled with danger and success...
Grim volunteers for the 10pm to 6am shift.
Grim delicately pulls out the Tome of Leadership and Influence V, and begins to peruse it.
Volunteers for standing guard:
10 pm to 6 am, Sasha and Grim
6am to 2 pm, Aukan and Davod
2 pm to 10 pm, Alexandria and Nima.
AND Zephyr offers to watch over both his master and everyone else who is keeping watch because Zhyen don't need to sleep :)
Engrossed by her new tome, Tiesa reads voraciously. Only when Rayhan joins them does her attention rejoin the group. “Sounds fair,” she responds to the scholar’s suggestion for payment. They are already entrusting him with the scroll, and his knowledge of Kakishon would be useful while they are in the demirealm. “Only thing I’m worried ‘bout’s this Jhavhul.” The half-orc relays what Rayhan told her about the scroll’s history and about Kakishon. “If Jhavul’s captured inside Kakishon, we don’t wanna risk lettin’ ‘im out. We need ta make sure that openin’ the portal won’t let ‘im escape.”
While Rayhan conducts his research, Tiesa continues to help as best she can to speed up the process. Being near the scholar and the scroll all day, she feels no need to stand guard like the others, though she does ask her cat familiar Qita to help patrol the grounds during the night shift (6am to 2pm). She also wards the house with a couple alarm spells each day.
At about noon after having the massive brunch, there is a knock at the front door. Aukan and Davod have a visitor.
"Greetings I am Marzuk, the middle son of the Mus’ad merchant family. My family would very much like to add the scroll to our collection of rare and valuable magic items. If the scroll is proven to be legitimate, I am prepared to offer you a sizeable pile of coins for it. Now if you want particulars allow me in and we can speak with refreshments or we can walk down to the nearby tavern."
middle son of the Mus’ad merchant family, Marzuk is the
primary negotiator for the family’s business dealings. He
is known as a skillful haggler, as well as someone other
merchants can trust to stick to an agreement. His family’s
interest in the Scroll of Kakishon is not motivated by trade,
but by prestige. They would very much like to add
it to their collection of rare and valuable magic
items. If the scroll is proven to be legitimate,
Marzuk is prepared to offer the PCs up to
55,000 gp in gems or coin. If his offer
is rebuffed, Marzuk informs them that
he is usually present in the bazaar and
they are welcome to see him again if
they change their mind.
Aukan looks over at Davod but takes point, "Greetings I am Aukan. What scroll do you speak of? We are on duty now, if you would go and wait at the tavern we can come see you after dinner?"
----
As the merchant walks away he asks Davod, "What do you think of him?"
He steps forward and whispers, "The scroll of Kakishron."
Stepping back he says much louder, "No worries I shall meet you at the Cliffside Tavern down the hill after dinner, until then have a wonderful day!" The merchant puts on a good face showing good disposition.
"What do you think, Aukan?" Davod questioned, looking up at the goliath. "Think he had a legitimate request, or was it a failed opportunity for him to assess our defenses?"
He merrily relays to Davod, "I feel if he wanted to assess our defenses he would have been more insistent on coming in to say his proposal. I think he really is a merchant looking to buy it. Should we sell him one of the counterfiets? I wouldn't sell the real scroll for wealth, maybe millions. Ha!"
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Vivi is engaging in a massive workout regimen, as spoken to in the manual of strength.
As Aukan and Davod head towards the inn, with maybe others. A woman in breastplate and chain runs into Aukan. "Oh so sorry! Thanks for catching me. Oh wait you are them! The holders of the scroll. I am Badra a merchant and business woman. Would you do me the honors of having a meeting with me?"
other than her could endanger the PCs’ lives. She is willing
to make a first offer of 35,000 gp
Before heading to the inn, he walks with Davod around the grounds keeping watch but checks in with most of you, maybe not Tiesa unless she is about for a bite to eat, and let you know about the 'offer' and his 'idea' of selling one of the fakes.
Before heading to the inn, he walks with Davod around the grounds keeping watch but checks in with most of you, maybe not Tiesa unless she is about for a bite to eat, and let you know about the 'offer' and his 'idea' of selling one of the fakes.
"I think we all know my position, but I will state it for the record: if we can find some rube dumb enough to buy one of the fakes, we should let them buy it. Done."
"I shall support whatever the group decides", Davod offered.
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Before heading to the inn, he walks with Davod around the grounds keeping watch but checks in with most of you, maybe not Tiesa unless she is about for a bite to eat, and let you know about the 'offer' and his 'idea' of selling one of the fakes.
He is walking with Davod and they run into anyone that they run into,
"I shall support whatever the group decides", Davod offered.
"I have no experience with forgeries, but I'll back whatever gambit you want."
Having spoken with Grim and Djyn, as the others seemed a bit preoccupied or could not be found, Davod and Aukan head out of the compound.
---
Having walked a fair distance but before getting to the tavern they run into Badra. He looks up at Davod and stammers, "I... uh... I am glad you are okay."
"I am fine, miss. Thank you." Davod looks to Aukan. "Aukan, we shall talk later." The suli bows to Badra and leaves for the bar.
Aukan excuses himself, "Sorry I have a meeting to be at. Perhaps another day."
Barda, does let Aukan leave without an answer to her question or suggestion.
Once you have eaten and drank with Marzuk he begins to get down to business, "The scroll? How would the tune of 40,000 gp in gems or coin?"
But in reality, Davod whispers, "I'm afraid if we ask for more, Marzuk will not be interested. I'm going to whisper for about a couple more seconds then you tell him it's a deal." Davod then pulls away and gives a solemn nod to Aukan.
Marzuk and his dozen mercenary body guards move with you out of the tavern and to Katapesh proper. There he leads the group to one of the three primary banks within the fine city. He does tell you, "My uncle runs this branch so any paperwork will be easily handled. Do you wish to have a contract written up or just a receipt?"
Aukan consults with his aide before responding. Marzuk patiently waits.
Vivi does not know about any cunning shenanigians, but can be seen doing handstand pushups with one of Aukans spare armors as extra weight.
CUKA BLYAD, whats next on this regimen, piledriver a Vavakia into an active volcano? Yikes. She swears as she takes a break.
Oi, Grimoin, you feel like sparring a bit?
Unless there is other business Saieffe dismisses his nephew and his associates. After the scroll is handed to Marzuk. Marzuk hands it over to his uncle.
Aukan explains that the knowledge of the scroll is up to Marzuk and his family, though please leave out my and my associates names. Marzuk takes that especially well and bids you ado.
For those who are listening to the rumors and gossip on the street it seems knowledge of some great scroll holding the directions to Kakishron is now in the Mus’ad merchant family's treasury. It will be the focal point of their next ball putting it on display during the ball which will happen at the end of the month in two weeks.
Barda does swing by the estate to ask for Aukan or Davod. This is likely during the heat of the day and anyone may be at the front gates.
Grim looked up from the book, marked it and closed it with a snap.
"Aye lassie, I feel the need ta move about a bit." Grim said, slamming fists together.
** spoiler omitted **
For those who are listening to the rumors and gossip on the street it seems knowledge of some great scroll holding the directions to Kakishron is now in the Mus’ad merchant family's treasury. It will be the focal point of their next ball putting it on display during the ball which will happen at the end of the month in two weeks.
Barda does swing by the estate to ask for Aukan or Davod. This is likely during the heat of the day and anyone may be at the front gates.
Jyn appears ... having been practicing flying invisibly.
"Lady, what an honour! It is great to have you here. Who shall I summon? I know you are not here to speak to me ...
Tiesa divides her time between helping Rayhan and bettering herself, be it by reading her newly acquired tome or by studying her spellbook. She does venture out a couple times: once, to purchase a couple scrolls to scribe in her grimoire, and again, to sell her cargo of pesh. While out on the streets she overhears gossip about the Mus’ad family’s acquisition of the scroll of Kakishon.
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Jyn appears ... having been practicing flying invisibly.
"Lady, what an honour! It is great to have you here. Who shall I summon? I know you are not here to speak to me ...
Barda seems a little surprised by the now visible flying person. She quickly recovers and states, "I am looking to have a meeting with Master Aukan and/or Counselor Mohidoon."
Rayhan confides to your group that he is growing increasingly certain that the artifact is legitimate. Over dinner, Rayhan asks, "What do you plan on doing with the artifact if it does indeed prove to be what they all hope it is. Do you eventually intend to sell it? If so, Katapesh is indeed the best place to sell such a rare artifact and that pricing such a thing for sale would be tricky business."
Word of the assault on the Mus’ad merchant family's treasury floats upon the streets of Katapesh as if a wild fire through a dry and ready to be harvested wheat field.
Tiesa roams the streets to learn what happened with the Mus'ad family, then reports her findings over dinner. "No theft. Just like with us, the heist was foiled and some of the thieves were handed over to the authorities. They had Kazim and the Zephyr guards investigate."
At Rayhan's question Tiesa simply looks over at Aukan and Alexandria. They're the ones in charge of the scroll, after all. Besides, didn't they already say that they wanted to activate the scroll to visit Kakishon?
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"Lady, what an honour! It is great to have you here. Who shall I summon? I know you are not here to speak to me ...Barda seems a little surprised by the now visible flying person. She quickly recovers and states, "I am looking to have a meeting with Master Aukan and/or Counselor Mohidoon."
Barda's high-pitched voice alerted the suli to the visitor. As always, on his way to the main entrance, the practiced thief kept observing the architecture, always looking for an escape route.
When Davod found Djyn and Barda at the front gate, the suli put on a large smile and his best foot forward."Good afternoon, Madam Barda. Please come into the shade. The subject of your visit must be important for you to come out in midday."
Barda smiles and states, "It is the most acceptable time to not be seen by many. I have a few offers on the table that I am sure you would like to hear. My friend an arcanist of some note believes that you sold the Mus'ad a really well made forgery. She would like a donation so that this information does not get out. She is sure most others would not be able to see it. As I have said I am but a humble messenger. Though if you need to sell the scroll discreetly I am your woman."
He simply replies at the comment of selling the scroll, "Our hope is to use it, likely keep it among our other treasures." He looks at the greatsword.
Barda smiles and states, "It is the most acceptable time to not be seen by many. I have a few offers on the table that I am sure you would like to hear. My friend an arcanist of some note believes that you sold the Mus'ad a really well made forgery. She would like a donation so that this information does not get out. She is sure most others would not be able to see it. As I have said I am but a humble messenger. Though if you need to sell the scroll discreetly I am your woman."
Davod's smiles changes slightly to something more ..predatory. "Well, Madam Barda. Your 'friend' can think whatever she wishes to think. The scroll sold by Syid Aukan was a genuine article. But if we do have need of an agent to help us sell anymore scrolls in Syid Aukan's collection, we will keep you in mind."
At that rebuff, she frowns and simply says, "opportunities lost, I hope we have a positive future relationship." With little other to say she curtsies and moves to leave.
Rayhan finally discovers how to activate the scroll, although he certainly won’t do so until your group is at hand to witness the wonder.
Once you gather in his upstairs library he lays the scroll out flat, casts a few spells, He touches the seven major island regions on the map in the proper order, naming each in turn: "Serpent Isles, Khosravi, Khandelwal, Ismaizade, Aliskiren, Isles of Night, Kakishon. This done, the Scroll of Kakishon should begin to glimmer and glow, and the map itself would resolve into something more akin to a window looking out over Kakishon at a great height, and by pointing to one of the many Wayports, a person would be whisked away into the world within."
But something seems wrong. Smoke starts to curl up from the map, and the smell of sulfur and burning leather fills the air. A few moments later, an incredible blast of fire and smoke explodes from the map. With a sudden explosion of light and sound, the world becomes engulfed in fire. The ground itself seems to give way, and suddenly you are falling, falling through a vortex of fire, plummeting into the throat of a volcano. The pain tears through your flesh, yet still is strangely less overwhelming than what one might expect of a cataclysm this all-encompassing. A sense of vertigo overwhelms even the fire and noise, and the sensation of falling grows into a tempest of burning wind.
And then, in the flaming clouds and firestorm around you, shapes begin to emerge. Men and women made of fire and smoke—adorned with glittering jewelry and wielding scimitars made of fire, their faces twisted masks of glory and cruelty—rise up through the firestorm just as you are falling. Some of them seem to notice and mock you as you fall before they surge upward and out of sight.
And then comes the last of them, a towering, burning warrior with great horns and a cruel, curved sword. This immense figure notices you as well, and even takes the time to smile sardonically as he bows in mockery, as if thanking you for a service you provided. And then, with a flash, he is gone as well, trailing behind him a noxious plume of burning ash and searing cinders.
After they pass, the your horrific descent continues. While locked in the vortex, you are helpless to take action, but as they fall, things
that are familiar to them form out of the fire as well, as if phantoms and memories from the real world are trying to take form. Characters pulled into the vortex without their gear find themselves suddenly outfitted for adventure. Animal companions and cohorts and familiars who may have been elsewhere are suddenly at their side. Even those who decided to avoid the triggering of the Scroll of Kakishon find themselves suddenly plummeting into the vortex.
Kakishon is not without pity, it would seem, and while you are being pulled into a prison, that same prisonis providing you with everything you need to survive.
As suddenly as it began, the vortex of fire is no more. For a moment, you can see nothing, hear nothing, feel nothing. But then, sensation slowly returns. The sound of waves crashing on a shore; the feel of a warm breeze and the grit of a bed of sand; the smell of salt air and strange exotic flowers—all these and more slowly fill the world. As your vision clears, you behold an idyllic tropical bay. Behind you rises a hilly junglescape rife with birdlife and snakes and strange flowers. Across a shallow inlet, more of the island rises, its slopes covered with jungle as well.
Above, the sky is cloudless and blue while some distance down the beach stands a pier and a small stone hut—the only signs of civilization. Of the vortex of fire itself, there is no sign.
The suli shakes his head in hopes of regaining his senses.
"Great Desna! What happened?!!" Davod spoke weakly.
Tiesa groans and winces as she slowly rises to her feet. Brushing the sand off her clothes, she turns to Davod and shrugs her shoulders. “Dunno … ‘least, not fer sure. But I’ve got a theory. Remember when I told ya Jhavhul was captured inside Kakishon? Well, I think Rayhan was sloppy opening the portal and released him from his prison … and trapped us in here instead.”
“I guess there’s not much use sayin' I told 'im so.” Without much choice, the wizard accepts her fate and slowly surveys the surroundings. “Could be worse though. Not so bad fer a prison.” The half-orc cracks a toothy smile as she leans down to pet the cat rubbing up against her legs. “They even let us keep our pets.”
She jerks a thumb towards the pier and stone hut. “I s'pose that should be our first stop in fig'rin' this all out?” Her eyes gently glow as she scours the area for magic.
From the darkness, Grim felt the warm tropical breeze...
Eyes popping open, he heaved himself to his feet, scattering a sand drift as he does so. Spinning about he sees no enemies.
"What..." He said dumbly, looking around for anything familiar.
"Abadar's Vault! This.. this isn't Katapesh! Where are we?" He asked aloud.
Still mistrusting appearances, he used Detect Evil in all four directions.