You recall the Zalanthi were an ancient nomadic people who were skilled in the creation of magic items and there unique stone carvings, like the ones that decorate this office. It is said that they are the ones who taught our ancestor on how to thrive in such a hot land. Unfortunately people wanted their skills at any cost. Some were imprisoned, while others were tortured for their secrets. One day they all vanished, even the captive ones. Some say the Zalanthi escaped to another plane of existence. There are still explorers who hope to find the Zalanthi again. There was something else about the Zalanthi, but you can't quite remember.

Kas sends a mage hand to grab the metallic box before it goes over the edge, brings it down to the desk.  “Sorry, this looked like it was trying to escape.  The Zalanthi, fascinating!  I thought that all of them left our world long ago… do you think there could be any ruins on the land that was left to me?  Do you think … the source of their power, their magical effects and talent … may be still driving the events of today?  You have quite a collection.  I would want to learn more.  For instance, what is so desirous of escape from this box?  Some magical artifact?”

"A vein of emeralds... we should go to this land and find out more. We should also try and create some form of defense there, maybe a small fort to protect us. If we move quickly, we will be safer."

"I will look into how well the land can be defended when we arrive." Duncan says, adding, "It will be interesting to see if any ruins do need remain. Those often can be used quite well."

"The Zanalthi are part of our history and I do believe it still effects us today. Perhaps you will find some ruins on your land. Thank you for picking that up. Yes this is a Zalanthi living artifact." Bishop Brathir opens the lid and you see sand and some small pebbles. "Come now, don't be shy you have visitors". The sand and stone clump together to form a tiny dog. "This creature has a habit of escaping even from a locked room." The stone dog hops out of the box and tries to sniff the party members. "Maybe I should set it free, but it is quite rare. I am not sure what I should do with it."

(Its the same size as a hamster)

Duncan, wide-eyed, chuckles as the sand dog approaches to sniff at him, "Are they tamable?" he asks, reaching down trying to pet it ((animal handling 7))

"Yes I believe it could be tamed. Although I haven't had much luck" says Bishop Brathir. He looks at Duncan "I think you've taken a shine to it. Well you can have it if you promise to take care of it. It eats salt and it loves gems. It was attracted to the temples diamonds" Bishop Brathir hands Duncan several salt cubes

The dog backs a way a bit from Duncan and sits down scratching its left ear. It perks up when it sees the salt cubes.

“I’ve never actually had a dog before,” Duncan says, with a smile. Turning to the stone dog he says, “I’ll call you Shai!” He then attempts ((animal handling 11)) to begin to teach it ‘sit’, now a bit more distracted than he normally allows himself to be.

If no one has any other questions, Bishop Brathir will walk with you to the entrance of the Temple. "Come to me if you ever need aid and may Elistine bless you in your endeavors."

Shail awkwardly sits to Duncan's command and gives him a lick. The Dog feels warm if touched. It then follows Duncan.

"Thank you for your assistance. Let us know if you learn anything about the viscount's plans." Hrathen smiles at the bishop and walks out the door, immediately turning to look for the owl.  Perception:  10

Kasbis pauses, having some additional questions for the Bishop, and also some further things to do.  When the small dog / artifact apparently made from sand and stone appears, Gaz scurries back up Kasbis’s leg, finding his spot in his familiar pocket out of alarm.  He rolls up the deed and places it back inside his inner pocket.  “I suppose we will need to have some means of transportation to get to that area in the desert.  I am intrigued and wish to investigate it further.  It is my only resource now, I must use it to the best of my ability.  I suppose we will need some camels, some supplies, do you have any suggestion where I could find those?  And, would it be good to find some talent to help us with our next steps, someone who is perhaps skilled in mining?  Do you know of anyone I could trust to go on an expedition with us?  And do you have a map that could help us navigate from here to there?”

As he is talking to the Bishop, he opens his backpack and pulls out his disguise kit, starting to alter his appearance.  “Since I know that we are being watched, and likely by a powerful Viscount that means us harm, I think it better that we hide our identity until we leave town, if we can.  Duncan, Hrathen, I need to alter your appearance as well.”  Kasbis starts to change the appearance of his face, hiding the Yuan-ti features about his mouth as he can, pulling out some vibrant fabrics from his backpack and trying to disguise himself as a fabric trader that has taken a pilgrimage to the temple.  He waits to hear any remaining advice from the Bishop about these matters and then leaves, eyes darting around looking for the owl as well.  

"You can find supplies and camels at the Bizarre in the 5 Hills district. Yes a team of seasoned miners would indeed help. You can find them at the Miner's Guild in the EastBank district. You should also be able to find a map at the Bizarre." says Bishop Brathir. He gives you directions to each location and then bids you farewell.

Hrathen does not see the owl.

When Kasbis pulls out the disguise kit, Duncan stands up from giving Shai another Salt treat, and says, "Sir... Though you may be talented in disguising yourself, a man of my stature, in my armor, carrying a large weapon such as this," as he points to his glaive currently balanced up against the wall, "may need a bit more to blend in here..."

Kasbis laughs and nods to Duncan, "You are correct Duncan, that  will be hard to hide.  Nevertheless, we need to try our best to blend in and not call too much attention to ourselves until we can get out of town.  Thank you for the leads, your Grace."  When he exits, he looks around for the owl as well.  

Perception : 12 

The Owl is still there watching from a nearby tree. It seems more focused on Duncan, and it ignores Kasbis as he is disguised.

"Shall we begin in the bazaar to supply ourselves?" Duncan asks. He would obviously have allowed Kasbis to apply makeup to his face should it be helpful, though has no way to cover his armor or weapon. One of the first things that he will look for when shopping though would be a nice large, desert cloak. Both to protect himself from sand, and should he need to cover his appearance again in the future. As they walk towards the bazaar, he would be as always alert, though likely a bit distracted with Shai on his heels, ensuring that the little creature stays close, giving him small bits of salt from time to time to train him to know that Duncan is who he should always follow.

"That makes sense" Hrathen says. "Any chance I could borrow a little money? I'm completely out, and would like to purchase some food for the journey."

(Also consider getting water as 1 waterskin will not be enough for 2 days)

The party arrives at the Bizarre market (Either together or separately) and you see an array of colors from fabrics an clothing. Strong scent of spices. Hawkers calling the deals of the day. There are tea sellers pushing carts filled with rattling cups and steam from freshly brewed tea.

What do you do next?