2/04/07

Hunting around Hopeless
(A full house, Susan Jane in the big chair, James & Arnold joined by Tony & Grace)

When we last left our heroes, they had been heading to 'Hadiyat's Cantrips and All That' to try to turn some ill gotten gains into something more useful. Ophir was telling Kissa that after such a great day, she should think of something she wanted from the cantrip shop to keep as a momento of the day, a spell for her spell book or something. The pair had been joined by Many & Yuhanna (who apparently had just returned from chasing the Stars. When Ophir crash landed they kept going but they eventually had lost sight of them and headed back to this part of town in hopes of reuniting with their friends). It was decided that Many and Kissa should check out the cantrip shop, gain access to the back room and see what was to be had.

"Get a sense of the inventory," said Ophir. "Ask about something for yourself and then see about other items, I'm mainly interested in invisibility or protection. Ask about cloaks, amulets, rings, boots. Then toss out one of the knuckle bones and gauge a reaction" He handed the small pouch with the spell components to Kissa

Before going in Many used an Identify spell to try to garner a little more information on the apple. He didn't learn much, just that it was a spell component, and fairly powerful but it was beyond his abilities to comprehend much more. They headed into the shop. Kissa entered first, followed by Many. The shop was wide, but not very deep and the pair ignored all the 'ordinary' cantrip items and headed straight to the counter in the rear. Behind the counter stood Hadiyat. He was an imposing figure, freakishly tall at over six feet. The effect was accentuated by the metal tipped spear leaning against the wall an arms length away.

"I was wondering if we might be able to see Amir," Kissa asked of Hadiyat.

"And you would be whom?," came the guarded reply.

"My name is Kissa, I've worked with Amir in the past"

"You?" Hadiyat sized up Kissa somewhat dubious "Excuse me a moment." He swept through a beaded curtain and sounds of a discussion could be heard in the room beyond. He returned a few seconds later, "He will see you, come right this way"

Kissa followed Hadiyat through the beaded curtain. Many motioned to his friends outside that they were heading back and then ducked under the curtain behind Kissa. Hadiyat led Kissa under an archway into the back room. Many noticed that as she passed under the archway the air around her body seemed to shimmer briefly. The nimbus caused Many to pause slightly, before proceeding. He got the same brief aura but felt nothing. The pair found themselves in what appeared to be a comfortable living and working area. A small table sat off to one side with a quill on it and some type of ledger shoved into a slot in its side. The other side of the room was decorated with tapestries and had large pillows all over the floor. Amir sat comfortably atop a pillow. When he saw Kissa the briefest hint of recognition flashed across his face, "you look familiar," he said, clearly expecting Kissa to fill in the gaps in his memory.

"We've had dealings before through a friend of mine," Kissa was deliberately vague.

"Do have a seat," Amir said warmly "What can I help you with?"

The three talked about the treasure hunt and the possibility of Many and Kissa coming into possession of a weeks worth of water rations. They discussed some of the items on the treasure hunt list. For the book he recommended Kumquat's. He told them Hadiyat might know of a map seller. As for the Fairy Star, he didn't seem to know anything about it. He seemed suspicious of the motives behind the treasure hunt. Finally he asked them why they were there and why they were asking about things that were not his area of expertise.

Many jumped in "There are also certain magics we might be interested in, perhaps cloaks, amulets, rings... specifically protection items."

Amir seemed amused "Cloaks would be difficult for those in your caste, but protections can be had. I'd have to check the warehouse of course, but I do feel fairly certain that if you were to win the weeks water ration, we could come to an arrangement for a portion of it."

"What would be the asking price for four items of protection?" Many had a way of cutting to the chase quickly.

"More of that water," Amir said quickly, then he thought for a moment "Four items, six days water rations."

At this point the pair excused themselves, saying they needed to see what resources they could muster. They left Amir somewhat puzzled. On the way out they asked Hadiyat and he said that without a doubt, the best maps could be found at Kumquat's. Just for good measure as long as they were chatting him up, they asked about the Fairy Star. Hadiyat didn't even know what a fairy was, let alone a Fairy Star, oh well, never hurts to ask. Outside they informed Yuhanna and Ophir of what had transpired.

"So for six days worth of water we could all get protection items"

Ophir bristled, "what's with the WE? You seem intent on spending MY money quite freely. I told her," he said gesturing at Kissa, "that she could get something small as a token of the day. I asked you to inquire about protection items for me. I'm not about to spend all that I have to equip everyone. I'm willing to spend my money to help us accomplish our treasure hunt objectives, but there is a limit to my generosity. You were supposed to find out what we could get for the spell components..." He blustered for a while about HIM taking all the risk and THEM reaching into HIS pockets. It was way out of line. Many and Yuhanna seemed genuinely taken aback at this side of Ophir. Kissa was unsurprised. She tried to calm Ophir down.

"Look, when Scarface comes looking for his lost goods. It won't be YOU he is looking for" protested Ophir.

"No, but I will look out for you and defend you," soothed Kissa.

"Not if you know what's good for you! You'll run as fast and as far away as you can get, and leave the whole mess squarely on my shoulders. That's what I'd do." Despite all his talk, Ophir was calming slightly "Did you even pick a spell or a scroll you might like?"

Thrown a bone, the group seemed to momentarily forget Ophir's peevishness. Many and Kissa had been discussing sharing spell books for a while. So they worked together now to choose a spell that might be a compliment to both of their repertoires. Being somewhat short on offense, they settled on Phantasmal Force, or in the event that was unavailable Shocking Grasp.

"Now let me show you how its done" Ophir said overconfidently.

"Wait!" said Many "There is something you need to be aware of." He informed them of the nimbus that surrounded both Kissa and himself as they passed into the antechamber. Clearly it was a magical ward or detection or possibly even a trigger of some sort.

Yuhanna wanted nothing to do with it. "If i found myself glowing, I would run the other direction." She took the basket and she and her dog Ni'Mah agreed to wait outside.

Ophir pondered a moment "The only thing I have that I am worried about has already passed through." He said referring to the spell components "I have nothing to hide."

So the three headed in Kissa in the lead and Many in the rear. Again Kissa shimmered briefly as she passed under the archway. As Ophir passed through... nothing. Many shimmered as well. Clearly the archway differentiated mages from others, but to what end?

"Sorry to keep disturbing you, my name is Ophir and I believe you already know my friends," Ophir said with a sweeping gesture toward Many and Kissa. More perplexed than annoyed, Amir bid them to be seated. "My friends had been talking to you about protections, could I get more details on what you have available?"

"Items," said Amir "I'd have to check my inventory to be certain, but amulets and rings were asked after and something along those lines should be available." Clearly he knew what he had, but doubted the trios ability to pay.

"There is in fact another item that is of a more immediate interest." Ophir continued "What would be the availability of and cost of a scroll containing a transcribable version of Phantasmal Force?"

"That could be arranged," Amir continued "for two days water."

Ophir blew out through his teeth "That's a steep price for one simple spell."

"There is a risk in these things, you wouldn't understand" Amir gestured to Many and Kissa "they do."

Time for Ophir to play his hand. "There is something else that might be of interest to you." Kissa handed Ophir the bag and he fished out one of the knucklebones and laid it on a pillow between Amir and himself. He leaned back and let the full effect sink in.

If Amir was surprised he didn't show it. With one hand he clutched an amulet around his neck and held the other hand a few inches over the bone. The bone glowed a sickly green color. "I would need some time with this, but I might be able to find a buyer."

"How much time?" Ophir was not so much concerned with getting the spell as he was with being rid of the damning evidence.

"TIME," Amir said brusquely "I do not presume to march into the guildhouse of the Keepers of the Undead and say 'I have something for you!'" He pondered for a moment "I would need to hold onto this for a few days. If I can not locate a buyer, it would, of course, be returned to you. I am an honorable man."

"I'd have to trust Kissa on that seeing as how I have just met you. For my own piece of mind I would appreciate something in return as a surety on the value of my item."

Amir spoke something into the air and there was a rustling in the other room. An attendant returned a moment later and pressed something into his hand. He felt a moment and then swiped his two hands together as if separating something. He laid two gold coins on the table, and picked up the knucklebone. "I should be able to find a market for this, provided there are more."

"A few" said Ophir, noting that whatever they were used for, the knucklebones were apparently needed in sets. He picked up the two gold coins. "There is something else..." He pulled the section of golden apple out and laid it on the table.

Again Amir clutched the amulet and passed his other hand over the apple. Green again, but this time rather than a sickly green it glowed a rich emerald green that spoke of life and vitality. "This would be better taken to an herbalist, it is healing magic and of little use to me."

Ophir collected the apple chunk and returned it to the pouch with the remaining knucklebones. "When should we return?"

"Where can I find you?" was Amir's reply.

"I'm usually around Fish Bone Square," Ophir grinned "I don't make myself hard to find."

The party regrouped outside and formed a plan. Spending time visiting an herbalist wouldn't get them any closer to completing the treasure hunt, and since Ophir was going to be stuck with the knucklebones a few days longer, ridding himself of the apple was no longer an imperative. Clearly the next stop was Kumquat's Exquisite Parchment, which offered the possibility of three of the remaining five items they needed. Problem was it was all the way across town and got them no closer to the Fairy Star. They still had no clue what, where, or how to tackle that. It was decided that since the Blue Statue was on the way, it was a good idea to pop in and see if they could get some more information from the owner. If that didn't work Ophir offered to schmooze the daughter to see what she knew. They briefly debated whether Ophir should leave the city and stash the knucklebones and apple somewhere safe, before heading into the upper caste neighborhoods where there was a chance of seeing Scarface. In the end the group decided they couldn't afford the time and they'd just have to risk it.

Basaraam was in the statue yard following a potential customer at a polite distance when he saw the group approach. "Done?" he called out, looking surprised.

"Close" bluffed Ophir shouting, and then turned and sat down on a bench in order to use the time to more closely examine his horde of gems.

Yuhanna made a beeline for Basaraam. She meandered through the yard admiring the statues until she had an opportunity to strike up a conversation. "The workmanship on these statues is exquisite"

"Thank you, they are lovely aren't they? I'm having trouble finding a sculptor who can produce this level of work. It is so hard to find true talent these days." said Basaraam, one eye always following his prospective customer.

"It appears most of these are of the same hand, can you no longer commission works from this sculptor?"

"Most of these are the work of my.. late wife.." he struggled to choke back a sob "It has been so difficult since her passing."

"Her work is beautiful, hopefully there is some comfort to be found in being surrounded by it each day" Yuhanna smoothly intoned. She was good, very good.

He brightened a bit "yes, there is certainly that." then changed the subject "How are you coming on the Scavenger Hunt?"

"Good, we've had successes on some items and some good leads on others. We are having a bit of trouble with the Fairy Star though"

"Of course, I can't help you" he said, walking away slowly enough that she was encouraged to follow, but wanting to stay near his customer.

"I have a trading partner who is coming into the city for King's Day, he stocks a small number of statues."

"Competition?" Basaraam stiffened.

"Maybe in a small sense," Yuhanna replied. "I was thinking more of opportunity. The work is a very similar style to these pieces. While not of the caliber of this work, it is still none the less excellent quality. Perhaps I might be able to find out the name of the craftsman responsible and help put you in touch with a new sculptor."

Basaraam brightened considerably "If that were to work out, you would be well rewarded."

They chatted a few moments longer before he said "I really must go and attend to my customer. Good luck on the treasure hunt. And... I really do wish I could help you with the Fairy Star." He scurried off to attend to business.

Meanwhile Kissa had walked into the shop and found the owners daughter tending the counter, or more accurately staring dreamily off into space. When she saw Kissa she snapped out of it and then immediately began blushing. "Remember my friend?" Kissa said, pointing through the open shutter to where Ophir sat on the bench. Ophir looked up at just the right moment and gave a wave, then went back to sorting his gems... by size, by color... he kept changing his mind. "He can't stop talking about you. I think you made a big impression on him."

"I did" she said in disbelief.

"He keeps talking about you. All he wants to do is win this treasure hunt so he can have a chance to kiss you"

She giggled giddily "Your teasing me"

"No it's true. He's very intent on winning, we have several of the items already. We are having a little trouble with the Fairy Star though."

"Oh, well you'd have to ask my father, I really don't know anything"

Kissa had absolutely no difficulty believing that.

The girl stared out the window at Ophir. "What's he like?"

"My friend Ophir," Kissa thought for a moment... "he's going places."

"I'll bet..."

Out in the statue yard Yuhanna was still pondering what Basaraam had said. It wasn't what he said as much as how he said it. 'I really do wish I could help you.' as if he would if he could... HE DOESN'T KNOW. The man sponsoring the contest doesn't even know what one of the items they are searching for is! That begs the question, who is pulling his strings? She rushed back to the others to share what she'd discovered.

The group thought for a minute or two about this new information. With Basaraam tied up with a customer, there was no opportunity to pursue this any farther right now. So they decided to stick to their planned course of action. They set out towards Kumquat's keeping alert for anyone they knew, particularly some of their more worldly friends who might be able to shed some light on the Fairy Star. Once again, they left the statue shop without determining whether the items would be returned after the treasure hunt was over.

The city was bustling and the streets were crowded, but not with anyone they recognized. Kumquat's was in an upper caste district on the other side of town in an exclusive shopping area known as Sky Plaza. It took far too long to get there through the crowds, by the time they arrived it was nearly 3:30.

The facade of Kumquat's was an electric orange color and a stocky guard in an bright blue tabard stood disinterestedly at the door. It was a choice piece of real estate, centrally located with access from both sides. The shutters flung wide on either side of the shop gave it bright open atmosphere. Yuhanna perused the square (holding the conspicuous basket) while Kissa kept a discreet watch through the open shutters. Ophir greeted the guard warmly as he and Many headed inside. Opulent doesn't even begin to describe the surroundings. Kumquat's Exquisite Parchment looked less like a shop and more like a water caste parlor. Bookshelves lined the walls and the room had plush overstuffed couches and tables organized in a relaxed fashion in the center of the room. A dictionary stand held a large beautifully illustrated volume. On the wall was a very large map of Hopeless. It was the most detailed map Many or Ophir had ever seen. Initially the room was empty but within a few seconds there was the sound of a small bell and a woman appeared from between the bookcases. She was dressed in the finest clothing and wore jewels more suited to a banquet than a retail shop. She eyed the pair and affected the politest tone she could muster, "Good afternoon, may I help you?"

"We're looking for a map," Many blurted out guilelessly.

Ophir nearly fainted, he quickly tried to cover. "Good afternoon," he said bowing low as he kissed her hand submissively, "we're looking for Shar." It was generally frowned upon for members of the lower castes to possess maps, the less they knew, the less of a threat they posed. Many as healing caste perhaps, but Ophir as a member of service caste was certainly not a typical customer for this shop and he felt the need to overcompensate. "You're shop was recommended to me by my good friend Hadiyat of Hadiyat's Cantrips. He spoke very highly of your establishment, but I must say this exceeds even his magnificent description."

"Excuse me a moment, won't you?" the woman said, and stepped into the back room.

A few moments later Shar appeared. He was a small hunched man, thin and wiry with a hooked nose that, when combined with his posture, created the impression of a vulture pecking at carrion. He was flanked by two attendants who walked slightly behind him.

"How may I assist you?" Shar asked, his tones softer than his appearance.

"We came here seeking somewhat more mundane items, but I couldn't help but be struck by the glorious map. It is quite certainly the finest I have ever seen." Ophir intoned.

"It is lovely, isn't it? Of course there are a few inaccuracies or the water caste would not allow it's public display." Clearly Shar was proud of this map.

"While such a glorious map would be beyond my means, it has peaked my interest. I was wondering if you might stock something more modest, a smaller reproduction of this perhaps?"

Shar slowly made his way to a rack full of small pigeon holes. Staring at the rack for a moment he reached into one of the slots and removed a small roll of parchment. He tottered back to the sitting area and motioned for Many and Ophir to sit. He spread the small scroll out in front of them. It was a crude line map, with glaring omissions that were obvious to both Ophir and Many.

"I would be interested in something nicer than this" said Ophir.

"You'll pardon me, but I'm afraid the rest of our goods would be out of reach for someone of your station" Shar said matter of factly.

'Fair enough' thought Ophir 'time to appeal to his greedy side.' He fished a medium sized gem out of his pouch. He estimated the gem would be not quite sufficient to purchase the three items he required, but enough to get Shar's interest and get to the 'real' goods. "There are actually three items I am interested in. In addition to the map, I'm also looking for a book with a red cover and a white goose feather quill. This should cover my needs." He laid the gem on the table between them.

"I've had other requests for the same items. You wouldn't by chance be participating in the Blue Statue's contest, would you?"

Ophir shrugged sheepishly "well, there is that." He felt as if he were naked in the middle of the street.

Shar pulled out a magnifying glass and held the gem up to examine it. Glass is very rare and very expensive and Shar carried a magnifying glass in his breast pocket as if it were a handkerchief. Satisfied with the quality of the gem, he disappeared with his two toadies trailing behind. No sooner was he gone than a heavyset guard in an orange tabard came out from the back and squatted along the wall directly below the map eyeing Many and Ophir.
He returned several minutes later with each of his assistants carrying something. First he spread out the map. It was carefully folded, interleaved with felt and tied. As he unfolded it, it was all Ophir could do not to gasp. It was a gorgeous map, nearly twenty inches wide and very detailed. The map was very up to date, even included the flood damage from the Tajir River. Most remarkably, some of the streets inside the water caste district were labeled (other than the map on the wall, Ophir had never seen these streets even indicated, let alone identified on a map before). Next came the book. It was a small, maybe four inches wide and no more than six inches tall. What it lacked in size it more than compensated for in craftsmanship. It was beautiful with a tooled leather cover and a gold chain and clasp for a closure. Ophir thought to himself what a wonderful spell book it would make for Many or Kissa if the items were returned after the hunt. Many's eyes were wide, clearly the same thought had crossed his mind. The quill was there as well. The items were magnificent, clearly Shar had upped the ante.

"That is a truly beautiful map," Ophir said, and for once it wasn't hyperbole. "I would truly feel honored to own it. What is it going to take?"

"Somewhat more than what you have offered" was Shar's reply.

Ophir laid a tiny gem next to the first one.

"More than that" said Shar.

Ophir replaced the tiny gem with a small one.

Shar nodded approvingly "That will get you the map."

Ophir was taken aback "I presumed we were talking about all three items. When I offered the first gem I indicated I needed all three"

"Oh no, no, no. I took the gem to be a symbol of your intent to examine first quality merchandise. So I returned with goods I thought would better suit you."

"So what would it take to purchase all three?"

Shar thought a moment, then pointed to the medium gem "Two of those, and one of these" he said indicating the smaller gem.

"I couldn't possibly..." protested Ophir "That is more than I am willing spend. Perhaps there is something you are in need of?"

"I could use a ham for my table on King's Day and some fruit, although no dates. I have plenty of dates."

Ophir pondered this. Kissa could probably come up with a ham, she had plenty of friends in the catering business and after all she worked for a family that raised livestock. The issue would be time, there wasn't much left and they didn't even have a lead on the Fairy Star yet. Better just to spend the cash and be done, but not without a little more haggling to get the price down. "I would like to make this work, and I love the map, perhaps we could go to something more modest for the book?"

"I'm afraid that is the last red covered book I have. They have been somewhat in demand today" Shar didn't smirk, but the tone of voice said it all.

"I might be willing to go as far as..." Ophir laid another small gem on the table.

"Perhaps you didn't hear my price," said Shar.

This is where things got weird.

Many nudged Ophir's elbow "Isn't this where they were selling the spell scrolls?" he whispered.

Ophir quickly shifted approaches. Clearly Many knew something he didn't. Perhaps adding another item to the mix could yield a better package price on the lot. "There is another matter of interest to my associate. Would you happen to have a Phantasmal Force scroll?"

Shar balked "You can't even afford what is on the table now."

Now it was Ophir's turn to be indignant "I resent your tone, there's no cause to be rude. I said it was more than I was willing to spend. My resources are far greater than what I am willing to commit to this endeavor."

"I know your situation, you need what I have to offer. I'm free to dictate terms"

"You're also free to keep your merchandise." Ophir held his hands above the gems "These items represent a chance to win a prize, while my gems have a guaranteed value." He paused to let his words sink in. Shar didn't flinch. He scooped his gems off the table and headed for the door, fully expecting a counter offer. Many looked crestfallen. Ophir stormed out the door with an exasperated Many not far behind. Kissa and Yuhanna were smart enough to pretend not to know Ophir and he marched through the plaza blathering on and on about 'not being treated like that' and 'who ever heard of a merchant who wouldn't haggle'.

The group met back up some distance away out of sight of the shop. Now what? Yuhanna knew of another map shop down by the Traders Quarter. Their specialty was maps of trade routes, but it seemed likely they would stock a map of the city. Besides, Yuhanna was interested in talking to her friends within the trader community to see who might be able to shed some light on the Fairy Star. Everyone agreed this was a good idea. Many suggested that they swing by the Healer's Guildhouse. He worked there and 'borrowing' a quill wouldn't be too difficult, besides it was on the way. If they made sort of a loop, they could end up at a bookstore just east of the Trader's Quarter where they could try to get a red covered book. If worse came to worse, Shar didn't know that Yuhanna or Kissa was affiliated with Ophir so they could go in and try again with a clean slate.

Ophir fished in the pouch of gems and pulled out two mediums, five smalls, and three tiny gems. He handed them to Kissa. "I have something I need to take care of. This should be more than enough. Don't spend it all in one place, I expect change. And whatever you do," he said, gesturing over his shoulder, "don't give that jerk any of my money. I'll catch up with you three later." Offering no further explanation he simply took off.

It was nearly 4:00.

 

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