#5-21 The Merchant's Wake (1-5) Play by Post on Roll20

[Richard Loh]

White pondered on the letter for a while and started to think hard on what he had learned through his travel. He take out his Jaded wayfinder, offer a prayer to Abadar and began to search his memories. He shared what he had remembered and points to the best possible gift.

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Whilst the rest of the party scatters throughout the merchant district, al-asahari instead directs himself to the special craftsman district.

"I need the brightest craftsman to aid me in identifying a mystical object!"

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The noon Sun bears heavily down on you as the throng of people increases...
"Hey, good sir! I will help you in identification!" A Keleshite man dressed in robes, with a well decorated curved blade (also called a scimitar) comes over. Spying a chainmail underneath his robes, you can't help but notice a symbol of a sunburst concealed just beneath his robes.

"Though I am not a craftsman, but Sarenrae guides my blade."

(Al-Asahari) "Ah praises be! Her divine light indeed reveals the way." Al-asahari leads the man back to aid in him in identifying the final object "well good and faithful servant of the lady of light, what is this artifact?

Shaking his head, the cleric of Sarenrae beams. "This is a very powerful item that you have, my friend... It is even concealed from Sarenrae's eyes."

(White) Speaking to his allies who are around him. "At dusk, we are to leave presents that would best suit the recently deceased. I know little of the trade prince, thus I can only guess, with my little knowledge, the Blade or Shield would be the best. Let's see what information the others gained."

Thorkam went over to the gather the rest , " hey guys, what have you guys find out?"

(Al-Asahari) "My thanks to you good friend. May we perhaps meet again." Al-asahari turns to address the party. "I have gained much knowledge about our gifts. The blade and the ring are but blessed with minor enchantments, though the shield is blessed with powerful abjuration. A gift fitting to protect the princess in her journey through the afterlife." He pauses. "I must say we lack the proper information on funeral rites however, we know little of the deeds of the princess and should work towards getting a better understanding at the funeral".

(White) "Aye. "

(Thorkam) "yup, sound like shield the way to go" ,Thorkam chuckled beneath is hairy hair..
"Who will be carrying this shield?"

White looked at the other three, thinking who would be the best and who would be most unlikely to draw the shield when they are being attacked. He always found himself in danger, especially in the funerals of a high ranking person. Thieves, robbers and revolutionaries always rise. He sighed and stood up. "I will do it"

(Thorkam) "if no one is carrying this, I will. "
Thorkam look at White...

(White) He reasoned to himself that any spells would have less effects on him and who will want to fight against a dwarf with a musket, and in the Paladin Order of Abadar, especially in a city of trade.

(Thorkam) "okay, you can carry that.."

Al-asahari chuckles a little.

Seven Snowbeard nods at Thorkam

(Thorkam) "2 dwarf fighting over a shield look ridiculous, hohoho"

(White) "That it is young one, that it is." White laughs.

(Thorkam) "Thorkam respect the old"

[Richard Loh]

Pake Jake is silently in agreement that they present the shield, but he does not say anything. certaunly he is no judge in which dwarf gets to carry the shield, they can sort it out on their own. waiting for them to be done deciding and intending to be part of the group presenting themselves to the trade prince at the funeral. trying to remember also what he learnt about Zarmina and sharing with the Qadiran what he knew, so he could give a proper speech later. Pake Jake isn't the speak softly sort so the rest could hear too.

(Thorkam) "Shall we get moving?"

Al-asahari claps twice to gather everyone's attention. "Alright my friends, let us get a move on. Onwards!"
He guides the party northward, towards the noble's district

Thorkam will take note how the people going the funeral dress.

White request for a simple cloak of the appropriate color from the butler, one they would fit his size and cover over his well polished mithral short. He heard of stories that a used armor means a better fighter, but he always laugh at that.. To him, there are always time to maintain ones equipment... And he dares anyone to call him a lousy adventurer.

With the cloak draped on, he followed Al-asahari to the noble district.

Pake Jake follows. if Al Asahari or White gets any ornamental seeming cloak or other from the gardener, he would ask for same b4 heading off

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The old man obediently presented clean white cloaks for the Pathfinders to wear to the funeral, but not before mentioning that he hoped the Pathfinders would return it to him after the funeral.

Along the way, Thorkam noticed that most of the funeral goers have at least some white in it. However, you also notice most notably foreigners, who being ignorant of Qadiran customs, dress up in their own style going towards the estate. Interestingly, they are neither turned away nor frowned upon.

Upon arrival at the Zarmina estate, servants of the estate quickly attends to you & directed you to a study, where you finally get the chance to meet Trade Prince Aaqir Al'Hakam, your faction leader from the Exchange. A quick glance at the area shows the arrival of many funeral goers but those who are not of note are not granted entrance into the manor grounds itself.

Dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam stands behind a desk in this small study. He spreads his arms wide in welcome, though his face speaks to his fatigue and grief. “You are a welcome sight, Pathfinders, and I trust you are here at the behest of the esteemed Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As you can tell, this is not a day to uncover fresh secrets. Rather, it is one of mourning for Zarmina Bahjari—a noble trade princess, my mentor, and the reason I ever became a trade prince. I am here to see to her estate, act as executor of her will, and carry on her commercial interests.

“It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion, but trade happens quickly in Qadira; my late aunt by marriage would actually be disappointed were I not to wrangle her vulture-like competitors into submission. Even so, it would be unseemly for a member of Zarmina’s family to conduct business at her wake.

“Though I have inherited much from my mentor, I do not intend to sit idly and live off her successes. It is still my intention to strengthen trade routes with throughout the Inner Sea while making the Pathfinder Society my chief ally. I want you to stand as an example of what we have to gain by continuing to work with the western nations.

“For that reason, I requested the Society’s aid because we have only a brief window of opportunity to speak with our rivals and convince them instead to become our allies. There are five in particular that I would benefit from your attention, and I understand several of them maintain their own rivalries with one another. Win over as many as you can, and I shall speak with them afterward to negotiate any details. Is that agreeable?”

[Richard Loh]

Al-asahari nods in agreement. "Perhaps you'd like to share with us the background of the five?"

White grins at the welcoming speech and stepped forward. We will be honor that you would like to make us your chief allies and we we be glad to speak to those five. On a side note, have you heard of the Exchange and would you like to join us.

White starts speaking about the exchange if the trade prince is interested in it. Afterwards, White will ask for more information about the five people.

(White) Any quirks that they have and what they do would he a good start to any business dealings.

(Aaqir) “I or one of my assistants shall point them out as they arrive. Their names are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential.”

Trade Prince Aaqir smiles at White. "It is apparent that you are new to the faction. I am aware of many agents in the Society itself, but my dear dwarf, I FOUND The Exchange."

Pake Jake listens with respectful interest. "well esteemed lords and ladies no doubt. perhaps some innfo about their interests, both professional and personal, might provide an edge in negotiations? if such information might grace our good Prince's mind in this sombre time."

(Aaqir) "As mentioned earlier, we are all rivals and as such, I do not know very much about them. You, on the other hand, my dear friends are in a better position to understand them as you are a third and therefore a neutral party." He beams. His perfect pearly whites showing.

(Jake) "certainly lord Prince. if so, should we prove unable to sway their rivalries in your favor but are able to uncover such interests that might be of some use to the Exchange, it might be some sort of consolation success perhaps?"

White is thankful for his lush beard for he did not want his Faction Leader to see him blushing. He was recruited not long after his paladin training, and it was not really that long ago.

"Ho ho! I see. The people of Tian Xia, my recruiter must have gabbled your name badly. Think can we attempt to recruit the 5? I'm sure once we are in the same team, they will be happier to help"

(Thorkam) Nod.."understood, we will do what we can. As thorkam bow respectfully. He knew who he was. " do you know where we could find them? "

As fellow merchant, thorkam trying to understand what goods are the 5 merchant trading. And maybe their trading style.. Heard about them when travelling through the market.. But before that, he wan to understand by when they need to get the name list?

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Aaqir turned towards Jake, his smiling countenance looked like it has been there for a long time, the crow's feet on the corner of his eyes starting to show. "Yes, indeed. From the message that I have received from Dreng, your name is Jake, yes? As you are all members of the Exchange, yes, all information pertaining to them can be used by me. Even if I cannot use it immediately, but over time, I might find a use for it."

(Aaqir) "My good dwarf, that is exactly why you are asked here. To show your sincerity & your ability to negotiate. Is that not why I requested for four members of the Exchange to be here? That you can showcase your excellent skills to me?"

White unfortunately does not know any of the aforementioned five merchants other than their names.

Pake Jake cannot help but notice that the Trade Prince's smile seemed a little forced as he tries to struggle with Thorkam's comprehension skills. "The five merchants will be coming to this estate in due time & my servants will most certainly inform you of their presence when they finally arive. Shall I remind you of their names once more?"

(Aaqir) "They are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential. I do hope you can find some way to use that information.”

[Richard Loh]

Glancing over to White, Thorkam ask" So, shall we head over to Metella Rauger? A fellow dwarf brother, "
It the most logical person to go to, Thorkam thought..

White look and Thorkam and nodded. "Let's. Between the two of us, I am sure we can convince Metalla to aid us"

Jake would try to groom himself a bit, ditch the helmet, arrange the beard and maybe even head out to find some info on the important merchants. probably Jakti since hes from Qadira and this is Katheer. and Passad only because they had somewhat less info on him than he would like. perhaps see if any merchants or important people from Druma to ask.

Thorkam gathered the rest of the pathfinder, who were all deep in their thoughts of deciding what to do next.
"Gentlemen, as you know, the 5 of them are Pellius Melkior, Doritannia Raffella , Temel Passad, Jakti al'Awar and Metella Rauger.

"I have long heard about them through my years of experience in my trade and travel"

"Pellius Melkior is an Andoran and Andorans are generally known to be freedom loving & hate slavery of all kind. Maybe there are trouble or unjust that he see that we could assist in"

"Doritannia Raffella is from Taldor & Taldor is an old & decaying empire, famous for their operas, high fashion & pompiness of their nobles. Things I could not understand.. Maybe our charming AL could bring him to our side " looking at Al with a smirk smile..

Thorkam continue, " Temel Passad come from Druma, where a lot of merchants follow the Prophecy of Kalistrade in which sexual contact & handshakes with the prophet's hand is forbidden, unless the prophet is wearing a glove, in which case, it is permitted. if we were to make contact with him, do take note not do make contact without a glove! " Thorkam speak in a stern tone, with a serious look in his eyes.. at everyone across the room.

Looking at everyone ensuring that they are listening , he continue," Jakti al'Awar is a local merchant from Qadira. A nation of trade. They are fierce & extremely cunning traders, for i have meet and heard stories of many. Do be careful. Katheer itself is also famous for trading & dealing in genies. Does anyone here experience dealing with genie? "
"hrmph.. hopefully we know someone who deal with genie and can strike a conversation with him"

Taking a breath and a sip of water before continue, Thorkam spoke, " Last but not least, is Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. The proud Dwarven Kingdom where they rarely venture out into the open but when they do, they do trade mainly with their weapon n armor, often of high quality. It not secret that dwarven craftsmanship is highly sought after. After all, who can beat US in our craftsmanship. " As he spoke proudly and louder than the names before, with pride beaming from his face, if you can see them.

Looking at White with a smile and a arm around him, " It might be possible that White and I could convince a fellow dwarf. Who know, a few drinks, maybe some arm whestling, could help solve alot of problem.. Hohoho...!"
After sharing his experience, Thorkam look around the room of pathfinder, giving them a few minute to absorb everything they just heard before continuing " so anyone else has anything to add? if not, do you guys has a plan on how we should convince them?"

Thorkam remain seated , although looking slightly restless with a twitching beard, and tapping foot, waiting for someone to come up with some idea or more information. He is excited to meet the 5 trader and at the same time anxious to know how to convince them because he knows well, he cant do this alone.

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Jake spends a little bit of time grooming & eventually succeeded in making himself look presentable. Unfortunately, as he attempts to leave the manor grounds, the mourners gathered outside the crowd increases in intensity preventing his egress. Occasionally, the gates open to allow an esteemed guest or two into the grounds.

A quick glance around the estate reveals the following. Its half dozen buildings have ample space to sprawl across the family’s land. The largest building is the manor house, a two-story structure made of whitewashed stucco over stone. The home has several wings that fan out through well-maintained gardens to accommodate visiting merchants and other businesspeople. Most of its ceilings are 10 feet high, and the doors are made of strong wood. The entire manor is furnished, though the spacious rooms sometimes make the interior seem rather empty compared to that of a typical Absalom townhouse.

[Richard Loh]

Aaqir Al'Hakam calls you to join him as he introduces you to the rest of his family & some friends. Several of these guests are only now arriving from abroad, though the Bahjari family has provided rooms for many out-of-town visitors who are already mingling in the manor’s entry hall. Aaqir al’Hakam accompanies the you for several minutes to make the appropriate introductions to his family, including his spouse Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three daughters. He also points out Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment; al’Hakam notes that she is busy with preparations and might be available to chat later. Once he is sure that you are at home, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of.

Most of the guests have arrived whilst you completed your final preparations & meeting with Aaqir & they are now busy chatting with each other. They are scattered throughout the manor's entry hall & the estate is big enough to have it's own temple & here, some of the guests are at the southern half of the temple.

The wake begins with a reception & refreshments, providing guests ample time to arrive & everyone opportunity to chat & renew old friendships.

As the merchants arrive, some servants point out the five notable merchants that you must converse with.

They are:

- Temel Passad (Druma)

- Doritannia Raffella (Taldor)

- Pellius Melkior (Andoran)

- Jakti al'Awar (Qadira)

- Metella Rauger (Five Kings Mountains)

Roughly gauging the time from the itinerary on the schedule board, you figure you have time to either spend a lot of time on one person or time for two people before the next event comes in.

[Richard Loh]

You spy Temel Passad & Doritannia Raffella standing together on the first floor, Pellius Melkior & Metella Rauger on the second floor & lastly, Jakti al'Awar walking in to the temple on the second floor with his two bodyguards.

They are making light conversation with the people around them but it is obvious that it is just for the sake of passing time.

[Richard Loh]

White spied his target with Pellius and quickly beckoned Thorkam to follow. With luck, they would be able to convince two for the price on one. He made his way to the second floor, offer a prayer to Abadar and purposefully head toward Metalla.

(White) "I hope we would meet at a more joyous occasion, Metella of the Five Kings Mountains. My name is White Snowbeard, and has come on behalf of myself and the Trade Prince. I am sure you have heard of the Exchange and we will be delighted if someone of your calibre could join us."

(White) "At times like this, it is generally not a good idea to speak of business, but I am sure the Late Princess would actually encourage us, especially if we could aid one another and the Trade Prince, whom she had groomed up so well, to further greatness."

-----

(Metella) "Hey yourself, fellow dwarf. Tis' good to see a fellow dwarf here. It is not too often I see dwarves coming to such sandy environments willingly."

(Metella) "I have had some excellent experience with a world wide league of adventurers called Pathfinders. Are you one of them? I do not see many people openly displaying one." As she points towards White's jade wayfinder.

[Richard Loh]

Al'Asahari taps Jake on the shoulder. "Let us make ourselves known to Jakti shall we?"

Pake Jake nods "agreed. let me be your bodyguard and announce you as well." discusses a short while with Al-Asahari to get some details before letting him take the lead.

As they approach, Al'Asahari once again reminds jake "call me the Devirat in training, heir to the shahzadas Shajir. That should impress him."

Pake Jake nods and as they approach, he bows towards Jakti and his bodyguards "salutations, good lord Jakti. my master Al Asahari, devirat in training and heir to the shahzadas Shajir, has heard of your good name and seeks to promote mutual understanding and future cooperation." stepping slightly aside with a slight flourish so as to present Al Asahari to Jakti.

Al'Asahari bows "As-Salaam Alaikum, great one.i humbly request just a moment of your time."

(White) "Aye! This a jade wayfinder. There is no reason to hide a the sign that I'm a Pathfinder and I am from Tian Xia. Might it be you are interested with the Pathfinders"

(White) "Also, let me introduce my fellow Dwarf friend and Pathfinder-in-arms." White looked at Thorkam, allowing him to introduce himself.

(Thorkam) " good day,

" I am Thorkam, hail from the north, land of the mammoth lords.. So. Of ThorHui. We travel far and please to be in your presence. " Thorkam smile as he greet her with respect n a bow.

" As my friend here has mentioned, we are pathfinders but at the same time, we would like to promote harmony and peace between the races. Have an established trade with us & the prince will help strengthen it. As a fellow dwarf, we will like to be the go between in making it happen. I personally like to see our proud dwarven craftsmanship being promoted n showcaseed to the rest of the world. And eventually dominate and expand in other places and let our proud dwarven culture flourish!" Throkam said it enthusiasticly..

" I have personally been in battle against the demons n beasts of the north to know how well our dwarven craftsmanship are! " as he say this, he tap his dwarven warhammer on his breastplate proudly..

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(Jakti) "A daivrat, you say? Hmm... Tell me, young princeling, have you travelled abroad for some time or have you remained in Katheer all your life?" His words carry a slight tinge of Osirion accent and none of that of a Qadiran. Glancing at Jake & turning his focus back on Al'asahari, "I suppose you might have. We don't get many Ulfen barbarians in this part of the world. Say, have you noticed how warm this place is? I am feeling a little unused to this manor's stuffiness & yet the servants seems less willing to open additional windows to let in more air. If you can do me this little favour, I will be in your debt." With those words, he gives a curt bow, his tall & muscular frame slightly hunching over even Jake.

(Metella) "Ha! Dwarven Pathfinders! What luck! I was once escorted by a group of Pathfinders who sent me through dangerous regions & I have yet to see them again. You heard of the Pathfinders Natilda, Sam, Teeny or Zyra? Mayhaps you had, but yes, I was engaged in some trade with Trade Prince Aaqir & the deals we made so far are fair & just. I might be open to the idea of making more deals if you can do a little favour for me."

Speaking in a low conspiratorial tone so that Pellius does not hear, "Temel Passad pisses me off greatly, pardon my Elven, & I would look favourably upon your actions if you can but do me a lil favour." She winks.

(Metella) "What is more funny than by replacing Temel's snuffbox with itching powder? Tis' just a harmless little prank! He have a guest room in the east wing & his current supply isn't enough... So what say you? Either to replace those in his room or if you are good enough, steal off & replace his snuff powder while he isn't noticing? Ya might say dwarves don't do tis but it'll be for a good laugh! What say ya?"

(Metella) "In return, I will think carefully over what your companion here has to say", as she glances over at Thorkam, slightly impressed by the mountain of beard.

[Richard Loh]

Pake Jake bows once more both to Jakti and Al'sahari "certainly, my lords. we shall see what i can do to rectify the matter of your comfort, good lord Jakti." making it sound like it was a matter more for his attention so Al Asahari could choose to stay or go as was proper for someone he claimed to be his master. keeping himself bowed as he stepped back, he would try to locate someone who could help him with delivering a message to the servants before actually making his request known.

Pake Jake would attempt to locate a member of Aaqir's family who was not too busy and politely ask him or her (probably her as due to being introduced to the Trade Princes daughters and wife earlier) the following "if mu dear lady might be so kind, one of the esteemed guests of our lord Trade Prince Aaqir has indicated that he finds the air circulation somewhat wanting in view of not being used to these hot climes, and it would be much appreciated if the servants could open more of the windows to let in more air"

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Jake found one of Aaqir's daughter by herself. A young child by the age of ten, she wanders the halls alone, having led a sheltered life, she feels that nothing could harm her within the compounds of the estate, even that of a tall, smelly fisherman.

The child cannot help herself but poke a little fun at Jake's expense. "You smell funny... Is that why you want to have the windows open?"

[Richard Loh]

Pake Jake laughs back cheerfully at her but tries to keep his mouth facing away from her. "ah yes probably, too much fish" he gives a nervous laugh. "i cant smell myself but oh well a breath of fresh air might help all the guests, especially those not used to the warm climes here." saying it a bit loud maybe she or a responsible nearby servant might take the cue. worth a shot maybe

White listened to the request and grinned. He truly believe what Metella requested was just for fun an giggles and of no harm. Of course, it's a deal of sorts. Render a service for goodwill and trade promise. "I do not know any of them, but that doesn't means they are bad or something. More than likely, as the Pathfinders is a large group, we have not the chance to cross path. Also, I don't understand elven, and don't wish to. So no harm done there" White grinned.

(White) "Hmmm.. A prank with itchy powder.. It bring back memories. I wonder if we can procure some around here." He pondered as he strokes his beard.

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The little child, whom is called Nur'Helmi, grins, her dimples deepening as she calls out to a servant. "Please open the windows of the manor, good sir! The big, smelly fisherman here needs more air." Bowing hurriedly, the servant scuttles off to obey the wishes of his young mistress.

Metella's hand reaches into her pocket & quietly slips a small packet into White's hands. It is sized like a teabag with it fully filled with itching powder. "Don't get any of them on your hands." She grins.

[Richard Loh]

Thorkam nod and smiles at Metella. " We will be discrete about it. I will love to are some fun n laughter too. To liven up theis solemm ceremony. Trust the princess will be too. " as Thorkam gives Metella a wink.

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(Metella) "Very well! Off you go! Shoo shoo!" as she chases you away. "And don't mention my name!", she whispered as you start to leave her.

[Richard Loh]

Pake Jake bows deeply to Nur'Helmi in appreciation "thank you so much my kind lady Nur'Helmi! i will see to it that lord prince comes to know about your kind favor upon all our esteemed guests. and in meantime im sure all those who can smell me also thank you as well." he smiles sheepishly as he backs away and goes back towards Jakti and Al asahari.

Al-Asahari laughs warmly as Jake opens the windows for the Man. "Pardon my rudeness, i am but still fresh in the world, and my studies have just begun. Perhaps in the future I shall become of some merit though what will happen, will happen." He turns to see Jake return, having accomplished his task. "The deed is done, great one." Al-Asahari comments, bowing.

----------

Smiling, Jakti bows in return. "Thank you for doing this little favour for me, young one. I am gratefully in your debt. What I would like to discuss is this..."

And he goes on talking about his interest in religion, and for a while, Al-asahari & Jake chatted with him & you realise that he is genuinely interested in what you have to say. He warms up very quickly & congratulations! He is now friendly to you & you have scored 5 Influence points with him.

Jake feels that with a little push, he might be willing to commit even more to the Trade Prince's cause.

[Richard Loh]

Thorkam give White a nod, and head towards the direction where Temel Passad room is. Casually scouting from a distance, he want to see if there is any guard outside the door.

White watched Thorkam moved started muttering softly under his breath "one arem zay, two arem zay.. Three arem zay.." Then he ask for guidance and followed along.

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Seeing that it is unguarded at the moment, White tries for the door & the door handle does not move. It is locked...

[Richard Loh]

Since there was no guards, White glance around for any servants that might have a key or some special ability (like disable device)

(White) "my good neighbour. I was persuaded to get something to Tamel. Would you be so kind to allows to put it into the room? It's quite embarasing to hold the gift.. Imagine me, a big dwarf caught holding that!"

Thorkam stare blank at White,jaw drop as he start talking to the door.. Thorkam was dumbfounded, "WTF just happen???"

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The servant stares blankly at White. "Sir, these chambers are guest chambers. Perhaps, you would like to give it to him yourself? I cannot simply allow another person into the room without any authorization. I hope you understand." His sandaled feet rustling the lush carpet of the corridor as he moved off.

[Richard Loh]

Al-Asahari blushes in embarassment as the focus of the conversation shifts to the topic of religion. "I'm afraid my religous knowledge is sorely lacking.I have so much more to comprehend."

----------

Ever polite, Jakti dismisses your concerns and deflects the topic off religion where you shared many stories of geniekind & he in turn, tell you of many anecdotes from Osirion.

Congratulations! You scored a total of 6 influence points with Jakti. You think that he is firmly behind you in your endeavours now.