The desert wastes of Osirion have always been home to competing clans of nomadic elementals of air and sand, best known for ushering in the blinding khamsin on a seasonal basis. Something changed this year, though, and the elementals went berserk, scouring the desert with tireless fury. Thousands of tons of desert sand shifted, with entire towns buried and valuable oases lost. As a result, the caravan roads have become incredibly deadly. But one man's disaster is another man's opportunity, for in the valleys and canyons left behind by the storms, ancient wonders from fantastic myths have resurfaced. A dozen previously unknown pyramids now miraculously rise from the sand.
Word has psread. Renowned treasure hunters from acorss the globe congregate in Sothis, Osirion's bustling capital, to prepare for some of the most anticipated dungeon delves in centuries. Within this community of rogues, bandits, mercenaries, and tomb robbers, a rumor has spread like wildfire, One of these resurfaced structures towering out of the desert floor is none other than the legendary pyramid complex of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension.
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The Pathfinders have brought you together and sponsored an exploration of the pyramid of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension, in expectation that you return to them a map or journal of your adventure, as well as 10% of the value of any antiquities you find.
The Pathfinder Society's local venture-captain, Jalden Krenshar, is your sponsor. She's also set you up to meet with the Mithral Scarab, a Pathfinder agent in Sothis, who in turn has set you up to meet with a local man named Raegos. Raegos is the only surviving member of a failed expedition into the very same tomb more than 50 years ago.
You are scheduled to meet the Mithral Scarab at an auction.
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The recent khamsin not only uncovered the pyramid of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension, it also unearthed a number of lesser pyramids that were subject to looting. An underground sale of some the finds is currently underway. Local authorities have turn a blind eye to such auctions as long as they remain orderly and don't threaten the peace, and these auctions, ingrained in Sothis culture, make up a significant part of the local commerce.
The auction house is a large white pavilion, hidden among dozens like it, each contributing to the endless maze of tents littering the Malhitu Bazaar. Inside, rows of brightly woven carpets encircle a wooden stage topped with a garish podium.
The Kemesarian presides over this auction. He's a well-known antiquities fence with a reputation for restricting his activities to genuine artifacts. He's guarded by seven eunechs and eight unobtrusive men-for-hire.
Due to rumors of recent finds, the tent is packed with curious nobles, Osiriontologists, and would-be adventurers looking for clues about possible sites for there next expeditions. Of particular note are: Crook Bearer, a collector of repute; Arch Docent, the curator of the Exhibitory; and the Mithral Scarab. Also in attendance is Paracount Julistar, leader of a team of tomb raiders known as Her Majestrix's Expeditionary. He sits in front along with a fellow member of his team, and an entourage of six Chelish legionnaires.
Muttering under his breath, Devlin rode Frulbraut into Sothis. “Stupid society always telling me what to do and where to go.” He complained “Devlin go find this tomb, Ohhh Devlin we lost so and so can you find him, we need you to track down this devious criminal but there is a sandstorm outside. Cant they let an honest Dwarf just go his own way.” He asked more to his camel than anyone else. Frulbraut took this moment to spit a wad of saliva onto a passing cart driver. The drivers yelling and swearing broke Devlin from his rant. Flicking the human off he turned down a side street.
Passing the reigns over a post he told Frulbraut “thanamorn” and left the moody beast sitting in the shade of a dilapidated house. It took a few tries asking people about the auction house before he was polite enough not to offend one them, which still came out “Oii sand for brains, tell me where Kemesarian’s stand is before I run out of patience.” Finally finding his way to the site he took it all in. “Bunch of bookworms, bet not one of them have ever seen the inside of a real tomb.” He muttered to himself none to quietly. Scanning the crowd for his contact his eyes settled on Paracount, spitting on the ground he said “As if it’s not bad enough I have to be in this town, now I have to deal with that pompous twit.” Devlin stomps over to the right side of the seating area, adjusts his weapons and settles in to wait and watch.
From outside boundaries of the auction, the sounds of crashing and startled voices can be heard. It appears a couple of local cut purses have just gotten caught attempting to rob a very large, dark-skinned thug.
"Really, you try to take from me?" he states with a quick, clipped harsh voice. He moves, and suddenly one of the thieves is flat on his back and the other is disappearing into the crowd. "Frikken lowlife bandits." He kicks the one on the ground, then turns and walks towards the auction. On his way in, he stops in front of one of the eunuchs, looks it in the eye, lets his gaze drop down to its crotch, then back to its eyes.
"You dropped sumthin." He then scans the attendees, looking for the Mithril Scarab. Seeing what he is here for, he struts over to The Scareb, stands behind him, and coughs.
Calib has not been this excited since he heard the first rumors about the uncovering of the pyramid of the Four Pharaos of Ascension. Normally when he was walking through the Malhitu Bazaar he would take time to stop and browse the different stalls hoping to find something something the seller didn't know the value of. But this was different. There simply wasn't time for simple browsing today. Something much larger and much, much more important was right before his grasp.
He is wearing his favorite brown vest opened just enough so you can see the scar the mummy left, runnnig down his well trained chest. His trademark whip is belted on his hip next to an expensive looking quiver, wich look rather wierd concidering he is not equipped with any ranged weapons.
As he makes his way through the maze-like streets he walks by a camel riding, rough looking dwarf making a rude gesture towards a cart driver yelling at him. With a shake of his head he put it out of his mind and moves further along the streets. Soon after he finds the tent he is looking for.
He walks up to the entrance where he show his invitation. This isn't like any other auction wich takes place on a daily basis. This is an underground auction, the kind wich is known to host several valuable artifacts, and held by the Kemesarian. A man known to deal in genuine artifacts. This can only be good.
This is not the first auction of this kind Calib has attended. In fact, ever since the rumors began he has been to every auction he could find, spending all of his money tomes and artifacts from newly looted tombs.
He moves through the crowd and spot several known faces he politely nod at, including Arch Docent with whom he has dealt with several times before. Suddenly his expression change and his smile turns to a frown as he spots an old rival; Paracount Julistar.
'You've got to be kidding me... What's that spoiled little upstart doing here? Oh, and look he's brought his minions along. Great. Well Paracount, tonight just ain't your night' he thinks and moves closer, determined not to let him get away with another batch of treasures like it happened at the last auction both of them attended.
Suddenly he realize he's been so caught up in old rivalry that he allmost forgot he wasn't here on personal business. A week ago he was contacted by venture captain jalden Krenshar on behalf of the Pathfinder Society. The Society had heard about Calibs expedition and had offered to finance another expedition to the newy uncovered pyramid of The Four Pharaos of Ascension. After the venture captain had convinced him that it was no joke he had eagerly accepted. That is why he is here now he reminds himself, to meet with a contact called the Mithral Scarab.... And to buy a few valuables of course.
'Maybe the key to the curse is in this very tent tonight. How fortunate would it be?'
With his smile and excitement renewed he settles in a couple of seath behind Paracount and his group.
'Hope mommy and daddy provided you with enough money tonight, jackass, cause this one you won't win so easy'
He reach inside his backpack and pull out a couple of heavy notebooks containing description of various well known artifacts. Each of the books is stuffed with pieces of paper filled with notes Calib has added himself. As he's done looking through his notes he look up and spot the burly dwarf from the street and wonder what such a primitive person might be doing in a sophisticated place like this, surrounded by intelligent people.
'Perhaps he's the bodyguard of a merchant or something like that. He might even be the bouncer'
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One of the first to enter the auction house after it had opened was a tall figure draped in dark robes, the purples and black of the colors made brighter by the shiny sequin like points of silver light that dot the garment, like stars in the midnight sky. Inside the cowl covering his bald shaven head, is a dusky olive complexioned young man, clean shaven with dull gray eyes above thin lips surrounding a sad mouth. A pendant hangs down from his neck, showing a butterfly with colourful wings, a purple background surrounding silver star shapes. Long spindly hands emerged from under the sleeves of his robe picking up and caressing ancient items being displayed. Occasionally after inspecting an object, a hand would drop down and pull out a book from his pocket, the pages flicked through read and a few notes scribbled, before being returned to his pocket.
As the room filled, Dar' finished looking at the wares for sale and drifted towards the back of the tent, keeping himself as unobtrusive as is possible for a 6 foot plus tall man. Taking the ornate bow from his back, he took one end in both hands and let the other pointed end dig gently into the sandy floors loose dusty top layer. He leaned slightly forward and rocked back, pretending to use the bow as a leaning stick. With this gentle rocking motion, Dar' kept one eye on the auction's customers, and one eye on the auction of the items themselves, with more attention being paid to the auction, its winning bidders and the ancient artifacts sold. During the auction he made an effort to recognize Mithril Scarab. As he scoured the mass of people in the tent, he saw Mithral Scarab, a large strong human trying to attract his attention and a dwarf looking very much out of place in the auction. He would think about the implications of what he saw, once he had seen the auctions continue, watching the items pass through the auctioneers hands and the winning bidders emotions on gaining one or more ancient pieces. Had he the money, no doubt he too would have got caught up in the excitement of the bidding races, so he was happy to just sit back and watch, no money to speak of in hand.
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As the auction comes towards it end and groups of people gather in friendship circles, discussing the auction, Dar' moves slowly towards Mithral Scarab. He removes from his pocket his letter of introduction and unfolds it ready to provide proof of his identity to Mithral. He passes by those near to Mithral, with an air of authority and confidence, "Excuse me, do I have the pleasure of addressing Mithral Scarab? I believe we have some business to discuss? Here is my letter of introduction, I am Dar'erthan cleric of Desna at your service."
The Kemesarian opens the auction with a brief greeting, then immediately brings out a piece of bundled cloth. He unwraps it, revealing seven gold coins. "The gold coins date back to the dynasty of the four pharoahs. Let's start the bidding. Anyone?" One nobleman offers ten gold pieces, but is immediately outdone by another. "15 gold pieces!" Paracount Julistar enters the bidding as well, and the three buyers continue to outbid each other until Paracount Julistar finally announces his offer of 75 gold pieces. A few seconds of silence follow before the Kemesarian asks the audience, "Anyone else"?
Grumbles loudly to himself, "Humph 75, I could do 85 gold easy" Which is earnestly picked up by the Kemesarian. "85 gold crowns to the disheveled looking dwarf." he announces. "What, no I just meant that I could do more than 75, fine whatever." states Devlin shooting menacing glares at Paracount as if its his fault.
Mostly interested in books or other text Calib saves his money for other items.
He raises an eyebrow and turn around in surprise as the dwarf enter the bidding.
Paracount Julistar looks at the dwarf, then back at the Kemesarian. "100 pieces," the tomb raider announces. After a brief moment of silence, the Kemesarian announces the coins sold, and they are taken to Paracount Julistar.
A woman covered from head to toe with a veil over her face stands in front of Dar'erthan. She waves off the later. "If it's you, then go through with the signal." (see OOC thread).
The Kemesarian brings out the next item for auction. From inside a scroll case, he pulls out several pieces of parchment. Each is a charcoal rubbing, and as told to you by the auctioneer, details numerous references to the Four Pharoahs of Ascension. A woman makes the first bid of 10 gp.
"25 gold" he announces as arranged, and send a smug smile at Paracount.
'This is it. I just hope the Mithril Scarab won't get confused when i actually start raising the bids for these' he thinks for himself and chuckle quietly
He will also try to appraise the parchments
"350 silvers," announces the Son of the Lion, just to be a jerk.
"55 gold pieces"
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Dar' does as Mithral asks, he coughs loudly twice, makes a bid by raising his colourful pendant and coughs loudly twice again, so the signal is given to start to the rest of the assembled members of the party. After making the bid, Dar' follows Mithral's looks as she follows the bidding, looking at those who bid on this item and might be giving a signal too. Noticing Mithral's reactions to each bidder and following her gaze.
The woman continues her bid, offering 40 gold pieces for the charcoal rubbings, until Calib outbids her. She gives up after Calib outbids her. However, a consortium of sages begins bidding, offering 100 pieces.
'100? That's probably more than these are worth. Oh well, can't put a price on knowledge'
"120 gold pieces"
The woman responds to Dar'erthan, "Wait. I'll let you know when I'm sure."
Calib's bid goes unchallenged, and the Kemesarian closes the bidding on the charcoal rubbings. Just then, the woman who bid first on these sheets of parchment approaches Calib. "Greeting, stranger. My name is Neferet Anu. I make a living as a translator, and I'd be happy to offer my services to help you decipher those writings. Would you be interested?"
The Kemesarian continues the auction, bringing out a small stone figurine. The figure depicts a noblewoman resting with an intricate staff under her arms. Paracount Julistar shows interest by bidding first, and quickly outdone by the Crook Bearer. Julistar returns the favor, but the Crook Bearer doesn't relent, and soon he's offering 80 gp for the statue.
Calib can't believe his own good luck when he first get the parchments, and next get contacted by a woman.
He smiles at her "Well, I am pretty learned in ancient osirion myself, but a little cooperation has never hurt anyone. I'll take you up on your offer, miss Neferet. The name is Calib Anumari" he answer and bow to kiss her hand.
Heydar is getting antsy and is looking for someone to bump into him in order to pass the time.
Neferet is easily one of the most beautiful women you've seen. "So, where are you going after this?" she asks Calib.
The Crook Bearer ultimately wins the figurine for 200 gp.
Next, the Kemesarian brings a bundle of ancient scrolls out into the open. "This collection is the last thing up for auction, today. Each of these holds detailed and accurate information about the planet, Aucturn, if one were to decipher its writings. I'll open the bidding at 50 gold pieces..."
Just then, Julistar interrupts the Kemesarian. "Wait a second! I'd like to examine those." He walks over to the collection, reviewing them intently, before he speaks again. "Just as I thought. These are fakes! You should of noticed these were fraudulent," he preaches to the Kemesarian. "You're slipping." The audience erupts in applauce at Paracount's observation, and the Kemesarian's embarassment shows clearly. A halfling, dressed as an adventurer or mercenary, offers 5 gp for the bundle.
"I think I could use some new decorations for my walls. Fakes or not, those will do. I will bid 15 gold for those scrolls."
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Dar' takes out his notes and looks at those he made about the scrolls.
As the commotion subsides in the auction tent, Dar' comments quietly to Mithral, "Sometimes you can't always believe the exaggerated words of experts, perhaps a fog of misinformation is being placed around these scrolls, I believe you might like to take these for you employers. Your opinion is welcome?"
What did Dar' write about the scrolls, when he looked at the items earlier? Knowledge(History)
Devlin huffs grumpily,"all this hubub over a few pieces of parchment."
No one bothers to outbid Heydar, and its no surprise given Paracount's Julistar's outspoken appraisal of the scrolls. Heydar wins them for 15 gold.
The Kemesarian wraps up the auction, leaving with his guard and his henchmen. When most of the attendees have left, the Mithral Scarab approaches you. "I now know who you are, and you all seem to know who I am. Jalden has tasked me with taking to you to see Raegos. Let us go."
On the way, the Mithral Scarab explains a bit of Raegos' story to you. "During their expedition, one of Raegos companions was turned into a mummy when he read four specific heiroglyphs. The mummy then turned on its former companions, tearing them apart and scattering them into dust. Raegos says he has seen three of the four heiroglyphs, and is terrified that he may accidently see the fourth at any given moment." Eventually, you arrive at a tattered tent on the west side of the Malhitu bazaar. "So, to satisfy his paranoia, you must all leave all pieces of paper outside his tent...including any spellbooks, scroll, maps, and other such things." The Mithral Scarab waits for your response. "Will you comply?"
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Leaving the auction, Dar' takes a moment or two to hang back slightly from the group and scan the area. He cannot get away from the fact that Paracount Julistar had misled the the auction, so surely there was something more to this than meets the eye. In his unease he stops in the shade of a palm, bends down to tighten his sandal. As he does this he takes the opportunity to survey the area, looking for anyone who might be following the group, or more especially the scrolls.
Perception
During the journey to Raegos, Dar' introduces himself to Haydar, "Good Sir, it looks like we are destined to work together for whatever the Pathfinder's have in store for us. Let me introduce myself, I am Dar'erthan, cleric of Desna, journeyman and guide through the sands in Osirion. I humbly ask to know your name and to discuss with you the auction?"Dar' waits for an answer and will make small talk if necessary.
Until Dar' continues, "In my journeys for Desna and the Pathfinders, I have cultivated my interest in the old ways of Osirion. Those scrolls, may I look at them sometime, not now, but later. I am sure that despite what was said in the auction, they are genuine. Please not not yet rid of them, for if you do I will gladly pay you for them and make sure you are not out of pocket. The scrolls should really be studied before any rash action is taken. "
Dar' is taken aback upon reaching Raegos's abode, to be told that he would have to leave all his papers outside. "Mithral, this is indeed a strange request and one that I am not at all happy following. I have private papers, which I am quite happy to keep away from sight in my backpack, but I am not happy to leave them outside. Surely there is a better arrangement that can be agreed, rather than just leaving our documents outside the door. As a last resort, I will talk to Raegos through the wall of the tent, but that is not the best option." Dar' looks to the others in the party for support and ideas to safeguard the documents.
Heydar drops the scrolls into his handy haversack and follows along, listening to Dar'erthan introduce himself, and make small talk. He doesn't ask any questions, but his responses are.
"You can dispense with the sir, I lost that privilege years ago. My name is Heydar bin Asad...the auction, yeah, that chump justicar was clearly up to something. I don't know why he discounted those scrolls and didn't buy them. I figured we would end up in a bidding war with the munchkin, but I guess not. We should keep and eye out though, that a%*&~&+ will probably jump us for them. I hope he does. He probably knows quite a bit that might be turned to a profit....yeah, take a look at them any time. I figured they will be important."
After the Scarab makes his or her revelation about Raegos, he says, "You mean to tell me I have to empty my stuff out here in the open, while some numbnuts cowers in fear of a few words?"
Devlin shrugs and heads towards the flap."Never had much use for paper anyway. Lets see what this guy can tell us and get out of here."
"Actually i can't really say to much about where we are going. We are on a dangerous and important mission for a powerfull employer, that's all i can tell you at the moment." he answer Neferet, trying to sound important and intriguing.
On the way over to Raegos he will chat her up flirting in a subtle (though not indiscreet) way, asking more about who she is and how she became interested in history. He will tell her about his expedition and close to death enounter with the mummy, and show her his scar on his chest.
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Hearing Dar's request to study the scrolls Heydar bought he chimes in
"I too would like a chance to study those. Though astronomy is not my field of study, I am knowledgeable in a broad area of subjects... And i've had dealings with this Paracount before and can smell his dirty cheating fingers all over this. Lying about the authenticity of these scrolls would not be beneath him, though i can't seem to figure out what is in it for him."
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At Raegos
Hw will reluctantly hand over his notebook and scrolls
"I assume these will be guarded somehow? In these books I have assembled notes and knowledge collected through years of study and hard work. If anything were to happen to them I would be most displeased. Pissed off really. But i guess you sometimes have to make sacrifices and take risks in the name of knowledge"
If your all that worried about your precious papers I can stay out here to watch it. Never been much fer words, probably just scare the guy more anyway.
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Dar' is interested in the dwarf's offer, so goes over to introduce himself, "That is a very kind offer sir, and to whom do I have the pleasure of addressing? For I am Dar'erthan, cleric of Desna, journeyman and guide through the sands in Osirion."
He waits for the dwarf to answer before continuing in a friendly manner,
"Yes I would be very grateful if you could look after these papers for me, as I am sure we will become dependent upon on another as we progress in whatever task is set before us. If there is anything I can do to represent you to Raegos, then you need only ask?"
Dar will hand over his papers, carefully bundled together neat and tidy, with the words, "Please do be careful with these papers, they contain much that is of value to me."
Uhmm yeah names Devlin, as for your whole guide deal leave that to me. I'm sure you lot can figure out everything we need from the informant. Sure I'll watch the papers. Grabs the papers and roughly shoves them in his haversack. Anyone else Looks around expectantly.
"These are very valuable," Heydar hands his newly acquired scrolls to the dwarf and then steps inside the tent.
Devlin and the Scarab stay outside, while the rest of the group enters the tent.
Inside this battered grey tent is a home of humble means, complete with a small cooking fire. The tent's hominess is disturbed, however, by dozens of strands of strings, intertwining in a complex web as they run from the various pieces of furniture to the bed at the back of the tent.
An old man sits in a chair, wearing a blindfold across his eyes. "Yes? What is it you want?"
"Are you Raegos? My name is Calib Anumari, osiriontologist and adventurer. We all work for the Pathfinder Society. As you might have heard already the pyramid of the Four Pharaos of Ascension has been uncovered by the elements frenzy in the dessert. We were told you once were a part of an expedition into the very same pyramid 50 years ago, and you might hold important knowledge we would do wise to inquire about before starting our own expedition"
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Despite the man being blindfolded, Dar' goes though the routine of an introduction, bowing his head slightly and touching his lips with his right hand, with a sweeping gesture. "Greetings you must be the reknowned explorer Raegos, I am your humble servant Dar'erthan, cleric of Desna, journeyman and guide through the sands in Osirion. We have come to hear your wisdom and words, so that your story will continue to have life and influence in the continuing stories of others. For we will soon be embarking on our own travels, to a place in the sands that you knew well, the pyramid of the Four Pharaos of Ascension." With that he bows his head once more, awaiting a response.
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Dar' walks over to the young lady by Calib's side, he clears his throat and "Excuse me young lady, but to whom do I have the pleasure of addressing? Would you mind telling me if you are with us on this visit in an official capacity? It would please me to see your letter of introduction, otherwise would you mind leaving to allow us to conduct our business in private?"
Sense Motive on her reply and documentation if she has any.
"Fine." Neferet says, staying outside.
Inside the tent, Raegos responds, "I only agreed to meet with you because the Mithral Scarab asked." He seems indifferent to your company. "All you need to know is that you're all in over your head."
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Dar' escorts the young lady from the tent, and says "I am sure your friend will return to your side when the business inside is done, but it might take some time. It might be best if you waited over there" he said pointing to a small group of palm trees about 30ft away. "It will provide you with a cooler and more comfortable environment whilst you wait." Dar' waits expectantly for the young woman to move off, looking down on here with a forceful gaze.
With a quiet determination he waits to see what Neferet does, before walking swiftly to Devlin and in a low soft voice says, "Watch that one, she is not to be trusted. If you can keep her out of earshot of the meeting, that would be all the better. You are protecting the most precious thing we have, our knowledge on those documents, don't let her near them."
Before returning to the tent Dar' repeats to Mithral the words he spoken to Devlin.
He returns back into the tents to hear...
Nods to Dar' Right After Dar' returns to the tent Devlin shouts Oii las you stay over there or I make you stay over there, got it? as an afterthough he adds Please