Rashid's House of rare antiquities

Place holder:

I'll update this tonight or tomorrow morning. I'll assume that you took Tambu with you (unless you are going to do something else with him).

Go ahead and decide, no more ambushes... for now

You drive back into Cairo and head for the old quarter of the city.  The scene looks like something out of a history book.

There are handfuls of people about as you drive to Rashid's house.  You arrive and, for the moment, you almost think that Fadlala led you astray.





Rashid's 'house' looks like a shack that the poorest beggar would turn his nose up at.  It is very dilapidated and is seemingly tucked in between several other dwellings that look somewhat respectable.

An old, mangy dog sleeps by the door and doesn't even bother to notice you as you knock... you are met by a extremely old and, milky-eyed man that opens the door.  "Who bother's me on a night like this?"  He asks in Arabic

JT speaks in Arabic, "as-salaam 'alaykum. We seek the wisdom of Rashid."

Someone should stay outside with Sgt. Tambu, so since Elliot doesn't speak any local languages, he'll stay in the car with him.

I think he was still in possession of the map fragment, so he discreetly palms it off to his friend JT.

Arcturus2 wrote:Someone should stay outside with Sgt. Tambu, so since Elliot doesn't speak any local languages, he'll stay in the car with him.

I think he was still in possession of the map fragment, so he discreetly palms it off to his friend JT.

If we are done with Tambut, let's drop him off before we go to Rashid's. No point in showing him where we are going. He seems nice and all, but he did shoot at us (even if he was maybe possessed.) he could get possessed again and reveal Rashid's location

Chris wrote:

Arcturus2 wrote:Someone should stay outside with Sgt. Tambu, so since Elliot doesn't speak any local languages, he'll stay in the car with him.

I think he was still in possession of the map fragment, so he discreetly palms it off to his friend JT.

If we are done with Tambut, let's drop him off before we go to Rashid's.  No point in showing him where we are going.  He seems nice and all, but he did shoot at us (even if he was maybe possessed.)  he could get possessed again and reveal Rashid's location

That's actually a far better idea. Can we retcon that in, mr. GM?

whit10 wrote:

Olivia doesn't speak Arabic, but she is watching for any funny business from Rashid.

"Whatever you do, don't eat the dates!"

That's fine (the retcon).  

"Ah, Englishmen, for the last time... this is not a brothel, this is my home and a house of rare artifacts.  Now leave an old man be! Madame Salima's is down the block... she can take care of your needs"  he squints at you the whole time (he really does appear to be blind)

whit10 wrote:That's fine (the retcon).  

"Ah, Englishmen, for the last time... this is not a brothel, this is my home and a house of rare artifacts.  Now leave an old man be!  Madame Salima's is down the block... she can take care of your needs"  he squints at you the whole time (he really does appear to be blind)

JT plows ahead ignoring the slight, "we are not here for women, we are here about an artifact. Fadlala told us you were very wise in the ways of antiquity."

Ok, I thought we were waiting till morning to do this. Interrogate the guy at night, do a full rest to recoup spells and abilities, and go in the morning.

Whatevs.

---

Corbett is silently observing for now, and will use whatever "discern lie" ability time he has left every time Rashid speaks.

he's being truthful as far as you know, though clearly unhappy at being bothered in the middle of the night.

"ah, Fadlala sent you." His demeanor changes a bit... "It must be very important to bother an old man at night. Very well... (back into the house) Abdullah, food and coffee, imshay!"

He leads you into the house... it is far more splendorous on the inside and is full of dusty books, old scrolls and parchments, small ancient artifacts and other objects of antiquity.

There are several pillows and ottomans that you may sit on. Rashid sits and waits patiently for you to sit and for Abdullah (a boy of about 10) to fetch food and coffee.

"So, if you are English (as he's fumbling for something near his favorite ottoman) that means you probably work for the OMP, Hmm?"

whit10 wrote:he's being truthful as far as you know, though clearly unhappy at being bothered in the middle of the night.

"ah, Fadlala sent you." His demeanor changes a bit... "It must be very important to bother an old man at night.  Very well... (back into the house) Abdullah, food and coffee, imshay!"

He leads you into the house... it is far more splendorous on the inside and is full of dusty books, old scrolls and parchments, small ancient artifacts and other objects of antiquity.  

There are several pillows and ottomans that you may sit on.  Rashid sits and waits patiently for you to sit and for Abdullah (a boy of about 10) to fetch food and coffee.

"So, if you are English (as he's fumbling for something near his favorite ottoman) that means you probably work for the OMP, Hmm?"

"I myself have crossed paths with the OMP in the past, however, this is a private expedition."

---

With "discern lies", please report "true" or "lie" when the target speaks. I get that he hasnt been dishonest so far - just want to avoid having to ask you every time he speaks, that could get mucky.

I am keeping that in mind. Don't worry

ok, I honestly forget why we are here....

Chris wrote:ok, I honestly forget why we are here....

To tell us more about the map? Or where to find the other half?


Hey DM, how about a recap?

(to get the map fragment identified and possibly get more leads/clues to why someone would die trying to steal it)

CR3 will sit where he can watch the cars but listen to the discussion of the map.

JT carefully unrolls the map fragment before him, "What can you tell us about this, wise Rashid?"

The old man examines the paper after he finds a very strange pair of glasses (that appear to have crystals where lenses should be, his grandson has brought in tea, coffee and what look like biscuits for you to enjoy)… he quickly looks at it and mutters “what is this?  It could not be…”    He gets up and stumbles around the room you’re in, seemingly looking for something..  “Ah, there you are”, he sits back down with a leather bound scroll case and removes an extremely old map as well as a vial of greenish liquid.  He treats the paper fragment with the liquid and compares it to the map (which also has several hieroglyphs on it).

He looks it over and looks at you with a mixed expression of fear and wonder.  He also shows you the paper that you brought to him that has a symbol on it and a small portion of a map.  The portion that you brought him still has the area of his map that is missing.  It’s not a perfect fit, but it’s very close.






“Do you know what this is?  This is a sign that finally describes the resting place of Thutmoses III.  His tomb was ransacked and, known to few, it was a false tomb by design.  There is an account, recorded here, that Thutmoses, great Pharaoh that he was, was also cursed with a terrible power.  It does not describe what it was, but it was associated with Apophis, god death and chaos.”  He sits for a few moments to contemplate what he just told you.

(I’ll post a map later, those of you that have any sense of Egyptian geography know that it’s not far from the temple at Karnak)

...and before you ask Matt, no, the Colonel does not detect any lies or untruths at all.

"It seems we must contact the Egyptian authorities concerning such an important matter of antiquity," Olivia opines to her companions. "If truly the pharaoh's tomb lies where the map indicates, then the treasure is no doubt of great value to the people of this ancient culture. Any museum would want to gather this map, the accompanying information, and any possible treasure, to be preserved for future generations to come."

The thought of the pharaoh's loot going to the party crosses the witch's mind. Surely, a little gold would go a long ways to paying off the mortgage on her shack on Green Mountain. And a few jewels would relieve the poverty of her community. But no, these ancient treasures must go to the people of Egypt. Perhaps there is a reward in it for them, at least.

Ok, since I can't keep this straight, here is what we have so far....

whit10 wrote:
"I contacted you several days ago because, from the limited information available, there is something brewing in the deserts of Egypt and it involves the Circle of Apophis... (with a brief, worried look) and possibly others......

"This is all that is left from the explosion in the Customs office.  We are unable to figure out what the original map would have looked like, or even how old it is."

whit10 wrote:
"This was found amongst the debris.  There were two operatives of the OMP there to question this man... I can only surmise that he used arcane powers to immolate himself to try and avoid detection of the Circle's activities."

"I believe this might have been a map to some archeological treasure in the deserts outside of Cairo but that is only a guess.  There is one in Cairo that I know would be able to provide more information.  Unfortunately, he is difficult to for me or any other member of the OMP to speak to right now due to a rather unfortunate misunderstanding some months ago..."  He trails off, obviously rather embarrassed.  

"I can give you 2000 pounds with which to negotiate with Fadlala to find someone that can translate or identify what this fragment means.  

whit10 wrote:
“Do you know what this is?  This is a sign that finally describes the resting place of Thutmoses III.  His tomb was ransacked and, known to few, it was a false tomb by design.  There is an account, recorded here, that Thutmoses, great Pharaoh that he was, was also cursed with a terrible power.  It does not describe what it was, but it was associated with Apophis, god death and chaos.”  He sits for a few moments to contemplate what he just told you.

so Circle of Aphosis guy immolates himself magically to hide the map, which shows the final resting place of (undead\mummy\cused by Aphosis) Thutmoses 3.  

our task was to figure out what the map meant and report back to Norris\OMP

Cultural heritage is trumped by preventing the CoA from unleashing an undead\mummy on the world

a good summation.

...when did the witch become Lawful Good?

JT shutters at Rashid's description, "Wise Rashid, is there anything else you can tell us about Thutmoses III? For example, any ways to put his soul to rest if he is indeed cursed by Aphosis?"

(JT politely waits for replies, but for the sake of the forum, I will ask all his questions)

"Are there any active temples of Isis that might be willing to aid us in opposing Aphosis?"

"Would the tomb architects, for themselves, have made any special marking or hieroglyphs to indicate the presence of traps or false tunnels?"

I'm sort of waiting for everyone else to pipe up as well

Elliot leans forward to get a better look..

Is Rashid's map clearly visible to all? It seems he has the larger part, and was missing the piece we have.. is there anything on his piece that is an obvious landmark, recognizable to anyone in the party? Anything that could be used as a reference (or starting) point that we could memorize to make our fragment actually useful?

Otherwise, (debate over whether to hand it over to authorities OR our employer Norris aside) it seems we need to acquire Rashid's map by fair means or foul...

After Olivia speaks her opinion..

Robyo wrote:"It seems we must contact the Egyptian authorities concerning such an important matter of antiquity," Olivia opines to her companions. "If truly the pharaoh's tomb lies where the map indicates, then the treasure is no doubt of great value to the people of this ancient culture. Any museum would want to gather this map, the accompanying information, and any possible treasure, to be preserved for future generations to come."

The thought of the pharaoh's loot going to the party crosses the witch's mind. Surely, a little gold would go a long ways to paying off the mortgage on her shack on Green Mountain. And a few jewels would relieve the poverty of her community. But no, these ancient treasures must go to the people of Egypt. Perhaps there is a reward in it for them, at least.

..Elliot touches Ms. Olivia's arm and whispers to her quietly..

"Best not to say too much here. We'll discuss it amongst ourselves later. For now we just need the information from him.."

Elliot nods along with JT as he asks his questions...

Chris wrote:"Wise Rashid, is there anything else you can tell us about Thutmoses III?  For example, any ways to put his soul to rest if he is indeed cursed by Aphosis?"

"Are there any active temples of Isis that might be willing to aid us in opposing Aphosis?"

"Would the tomb architects, for themselves, have made any special marking or hieroglyphs to indicate the presence of traps or false tunnels?"

Elliot adds

"Mr. Rashid, there are very evil forces at work here.. The whole of Egypt,  and possibly the entire world,  may be in great peril. Anything you can tell us would earn you our undying gratitude."

whit10 wrote:...when did the witch become Lawful Good?

Not really. I just thought it appropriate to pull some Indiana Jones' ethics.




Olivia is fine with doing whatever the party decides. I just think it's funny if we're really trusting of this guy or the guy that hired us.

Regardless, we should definitely take the map with us.


"Rashid, you speak'a some English (Common)? You should go with us." She's staring at her nails and chewing some gum again. The recent fights had scratched her pedicure.

Robyo wrote: I just think it's funny if we're really trusting of this guy or the guy that hired us.

Regardless, we should definitely take the map with us.

"Rashid, you speak'a some English (Common)? You should go with us."

CJC listens intently, nodding thoughtfully in affirmation.

"This is the kind of information that is best kept hidden. We must be careful not to let it escape this very circle. Mr Rashid, are you in condition to travel?"

I was just kidding Rob

You can see the map Elliot, he made it so everyone could see what he was talking about (has anyone thought about 'compensation' for him? just a thought)

Rashid looks at you after the questions and thinking for a few minutes...

"Thutmosis was a warrior Pharaoh. He conquered much of what is now Palestine and Syria. It might explain his great success as a general if he had some kind of dark power.

I am too old to be digging in tombs and wandering the desert for artifacts. I do not know what to tell you about the tomb itself. It is very likely trapped, given the secrecy involved in hiding it's whereabouts. As for Isis, the cult was destroyed long ago by the early Christians but I have heard rumors that they are still in existence, somewhere in Alexandria... but this is a rumor."

"As for it's location, here (he points to a marker on the map, shaped like a crocodile) this marking denotes that there is a slight bend in the Nile here, near Karnak. Then, you go (he does some calculations in his head)... 18 miles, roughly, into the desert and there will be a series of hills and gulleys and that is the route to the tomb.. at least that is what it says here. I would bet that the entrance, if you can find it, is marked by this same cartouche."

"I am not surprised that the OMP and the Circle of Apophis are interested in this."

"Frankly, Mr Rashid, I am concerned for your safety. Your knowledge makes you a target for these cultists, and if they were to...press you...for information, they will not be gentle in their interrogation. It would be in your best interests to join us, or leave the city for respite in a quiet and unknown place..."

"Allah smiles on your concern and generosity. I am sufficiently protected here, however. I have not gotten to this age by being foolish" he laughs heartily....

I will take care of myself, but you... all of you, are now in something that stretches back to the ancient times... these men, these snakes, the Apophites... they are very dangerous and will seek to harm all of you, if they haven't already. Should they come here, I will simply be away from home (he smiles) they will not get in." He says this almost matter-of-fact. "Abdullah, prepare the guest room for these people, and a separate quarter for the lady."

"you are all welcome to rest in my home until morning"

BTW... all of you feel much better if you helped yourselves to his food and drink (gain 10 HP back, those that were injured).

You also gained a level, the encounters should have been harder... not your fault that the GM's dice were crap. You came up with some very good ideas along the way! Nicely done... though the Colonel nearly disrupted things with Fadlala

Very cool. Does Rashid have any scrolls?

JT's dwarven belly has been noticeably empty of late. He will politely indulge in anything Rashid has to offer, burping appropriately per their custom.

Stand by on the scroll question...

whit10 wrote:"Allah smiles on your concern and generosity.  I am sufficiently protected here, however.  I have not gotten to this age by being foolish" he laughs heartily....

I will take care of myself, but you... all of you, are now in something that stretches back to the ancient times... these men, these snakes, the Apophites... they are very dangerous and will seek to harm all of you, if they haven't already.  Should they come here, I will simply be away from home (he smiles) they will not get in."  He says this almost matter-of-fact.  "Abdullah, prepare the guest room for these people, and a separate quarter for the lady."

"you are all welcome to rest in my home until morning"

Elliot has been sipping hot black coffee and nibbling biscuits during the course of their conversation.

When Rashid finishes speaking,  he gives the man a deep nod, almost a seated bow, really, and says to him

"Good Rashid,  thank you for your aid and generosity. I think we would all be happy to stay for the night under your roof."

He lowers his eyes a bit and says almost ashamedly,

"I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe we have much to offer you in way of payment or compensation... but please know, I- we, are in your debt and I will repay the favor, and your hospitality, if ever I am able."

(Elliot hasn't got much money, but plans to leave the old man what he can when they depart in the morning. As soon as he and the others are alone in their quarters, he'll speak to them about it as well, see if anyone else can contribute)

Olivia has some money. She can pay for scrolls too, depending on what they are.

I assume that Rashid departs to bed soon after this...

after the PCs are alone, Elliot will bring up the topic of payment to the old man..

"Mr. Rashid has been kind to us, and I fear that by our visit we may have put him in danger. I'd like to offer some type of compensation to him. I don't have much, but I'll put in the 20£ Norris promised for today, plus another 30£."

He pulls out a battered billfold and counts out the notes.

"That's all I can spare. Anyone else want to pitch in anything?"

JT coughs up 50L too, "T'at seems fair fer room 'n' board, I supp'se"

Chris wrote:JT coughs up 50L too, "T'at seems fair fer room 'n' board, I supp'se"

Elliot nods to his old friend.

"Good man, JT. This information we gained, and the map Rashid has should be far more valuable in the long run. Probably quite a bit of treasure at the end of that road, if we can stomach the danger. And chances are good we can talk Norris out of a 'bonus' for this anyway, seeing as how we had to do quite a bit more than he indicated..."

He grins at the Dwarf, and gives him a bit of lighthearted ribbing..

"And I know just the devil who can talk him out of a'bonus'.."

Coin of the realm doesn't mean much to Elliot, but he's well aware of his dwarven friend's fancy for things that have value.

Arcturus2 wrote:

Chris wrote:JT coughs up 50L too, "T'at seems fair fer room 'n' board, I supp'se"

Elliot nods to his old friend.

"Good man, JT. This information we gained, and the map Rashid has should be far more valuable in the long run. Probably quite a bit of treasure at the end of that road, if we can stomach the danger. And chances are good we can talk Norris out of a 'bonus' for this anyway, seeing as how we had to do quite a bit more than he indicated..."

He grins at the Dwarf, and gives him a bit of lighthearted ribbing..

"And I know just the devil who can talk him out of a'bonus'.."

Coin of the realm doesn't mean much to Elliot,  but he's well aware of his dwarven friend's fancy for things that have value.

JT smiles at his friend's joke, enjoying himself for the first time since all this trouble began. "'oy, I do fancy the shiny shillings, no doubt, but it seems you also fancy leaving me with the tab, haha!" JT sips the strong arabic coffee, "What else 'ave you been up to, since the war?"

whit10 wrote: Nicely done... though the Colonel nearly disrupted things with Fadlala

Everybody has a talent...and mine is disrupting things!

Arcturus2 wrote:I assume that Rashid departs to bed soon after this...

after the PCs are alone, Elliot will bring up the topic of payment to the old man..

"Mr. Rashid has been kind to us, and I fear that by our visit we may have put him in danger. I'd like to offer some type of compensation to him. I don't have much, but I'll put in the 20£ Norris promised for today, plus another 30£."

He pulls out a battered billfold and counts out the notes.

"That's all I can spare. Anyone else want to pitch in anything?"

"hmmmm, here is 50. Mr Rashid has certainly been an excellent host."

Olivia will contribute 50 for the old man.

Waiting to hear from Josh about any scrolls Rashid might possess. She's only interested in witch spells. Olivia would like to store additional spells in her fetish mask.

And since Matt will be gone and somewhat unavailable for a week, plus we're leveling up, I suggest we "pause" the adventure except for any downtime talk and whatnot.


She will sleep on the couch. Volunteers for 2nd watch.

Robyo wrote:
And since Matt will be gone and somewhat unavailable for a week, plus we're leveling up, I suggest we "pause" the adventure except for any downtime talk and whatnot.

A good idea, unless Matt doesn't care if we forge ahead. 1 week is usually less time than 1 fight takes on the forums

or if we wait, I have some other things to discuss with you blokes

Rob, give me a percentile roll please.

whit10 wrote:Rob, give me a percentile roll please.

Result of the throw of dice "1d100" : 47

Robyo wrote:

And since Matt will be gone and somewhat unavailable for a week, plus we're leveling up, I suggest we "pause" the adventure except for any downtime talk and whatnot.
.

Ideal!

I am fine with that as I have some things to get written up for the next chapter of this and I'm going to be busy this weekend, which is going to be a 4 day one for me.

Is that ok with everyone?

Rob, Rashid hands you a cure light wounds and summon Monster 1 scroll. If you had gotten over 75, I would have thrown a 2nd level on their as well.

and per our email, I volunteer to run CJC as a sidecar for combat, if whenever the GM is ready to continue and until Matt returns from the wilds.

Chris wrote:and per our email, I volunteer to run CJC as a sidecar for combat, if whenever the GM is ready to continue and until Matt returns from the wilds.

Thank you sir! Sounds like the GM is tied up for most of the weekend as well, but if for some reason you guys are ready to roll before tuesday night / wednesday morning - have at it.