Though not gifted in subtleties of conversation or the probing involved with interrogation, Krakan finds himself toward the front when they enter the establishment. He holds his hands together, fingers wiggling back and forth as he takes in the sights, he sniffs the air and looks at the surroundings with curiosity. When Hassen al-Mu'allim addresses them, he says “Ah, good day to you. My name is Krakan and these are my companions, we are here today about another matter. First, let me say, your studio is amazing. We have heard tales of your calligraphy, of your art, your precision… I see why that is the case now. But we are here for a much more serious subject. Your friend, who recently passed away, Malik. We are here to talk to you, to gain any insight or knowledge that you have about what happened to him. When was the last time you saw him, do you recall? What do you think happened to him?”
Krakan backs up a few steps making way, allowing the others to step forward and ask their questions, likely with better skill. In the meantime, he weighs Hassan’s answers and watches his emotions and facial expressions, trying to decide if he is telling them the truth and whether he has anything that he is not sharing with them…
Insight : 13
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Lucan discusses this on the way to the artisan's area, "Did Hassan set Malik up using their friendship to Hassan's advantage? Such a friend might do that. Mmmm Hassan obviously has money, maybe power or maybe he was pressured. How can we get the truth from Hassan my friends?"
"I'm fer hopin' his mate from afore 'll be wantin' truth to be telled. If'n he's to act squirrely with some question'n then we're to know he's not fer trustin'."
Salty followed the party to the next stop. He had hope that Hassan would produce a good lead, and that he would prove trustworthy.
Hassan looks at the motley party "You are here because of Mailk. Hmm ... I see then may I ask who are you? I don't believe you are Shurta. Well to your questions it is obvious he fell to his death. Poor Malik he was a dear friend. I last saw him on the day he died at Bayt al-Dhahab. Did Malik owe you some unpaid bill. If that is the case than I will settle the bill. Please do not disturb his mother. She is still deeply grieving."
Salty you cannot tell whether he is telling the truth or not.
Krakan you get a vague sense that Hassan may be telling the truth. You cannot tell if he is hiding something.
Salty considered the man and his words carefully. He really isn't particularly bright in terms of formal education, but he is street smart, and got no vibe of dishonesty.
"Twas his ma' what sent us. Salty is me name," Salty says. With a look of saddness and a shake of his head he goes on, "A kind woman, if e'r there was one. Her heart's fer knowin' more o' her son's happenin's afore his passin'. Know ye anything 'bout his last job, or if'n anybody wished him ill fortune?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"How grief has taken her to unseen alleys to now hire travelers. I truly feel for her. Malik would not go into any particulars, but I know he was working on a case involving someone in the Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices. They regulate and monitor spice production, shipment, and quality. A very powerful organization. I am not sure how that would ease Madam Salma al-Hakim's mind. For those wishing him harm that is a long list as he was a legal advocate. I don't know any that has not crossed someone somehow by either losing a case or winning rubbing someone the wrong way." says Hassan in a voice tinged with concern. As he speaks, he starts tapping his fingers on his desk a habit of his. "Malik as smart as he was never known when to back down"
Samir leans in slightly, watching Hassan’s fingers tap a rhythm of worry against the desk. His voice is steady, but measured, aware that he’s stepping carefully into a fragile web of memory and danger.
“Hassan… when Malik was working on that case, do you remember if anyone from the Board of Spices ever visited him directly? Or did he mention names, threats, anything unusual… even in passing?”
He lets the question hang there, not accusing, just gently probing. If there were enemies, they had faces. And we need faces.
A moment filled with the drumming of his fingers passes and then Hassan says "I don't remember anyone from the Board visiting him, though Malik seemed stressed ... no Malik was consummate professional and would not talk about his case. I only knew about the Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices because I saw a parchment with their letterhead poking out of a cased file carried by Malik. Maybe you can find out more if you can find his old case file." Hassan's brow is furrowed as he continues to think. Then all of a sudden, he stops tapping his fingers on his desk. He gazes at the wall of awards and to the empty gap. Hassan then he clasps his hands together and begins slow but continues with confidence "No, I do not know of any specific person or anything unusual mentioned by Malik"
"Yes, he had a legal aid Kamran al-Rashid. I hear he found a new job at Almanar Legal Consultancy near the courthouse." says Hassan. Still clasping his hands together.
Krakan is examining the room, looking around at the awards, the artsmanship, the craft… he walks slowly to the opposite wall from Hassan, looks at what is on the wall, what he is staring at… then decides on a different tack. “Dear sir, it is rare that we are in the presence of greatness in the calligraphy world..might we have a sample? A small sample? Or perhaps an autograph to remind us of this day. Your hands, so adroit, so dexterous… forgive me for admiring.” He waits to watch what Hassan will do, watching his hands and face, looking to see if he pulls out quill, ink and parchment.
Something is bothering this man. I don’t know what it is, I can’t tell, but there is more here than he is letting on….
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Anyone else can also roll Perception if standing close to Hassan's desk
on Pass
You notice on Hassan's desk, tucked underneath some papers with flowing scrip a flyer. You can make out some of it. Event of the Year----------- Grand Sigil of the Emir -------------- Sponsored by Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices.
Then you look back at the empty spot on the wall of awards.
"Ah of course. Please wait a moment as I gather the necessary materials." he prepares the ink, quill and parchment. He flexes his hands as he gets ready and writes in calligraphy.
Jabal al-Samt (Mountain of Silence) stands tall—yet it's not the height that lingers, but the shadow it casts.
"You've looked at the wall a few times now; does something there (or not there) remind you of Malik? You've said you didn’t know anyone from the Board visiting Malik. But you haven't said you don't know people from the Board and that flyer under your papers and that empty spot on your wall they seem to agree. What happened to that award?”
Salty tries to follow Samir's line of questioning. He had noticed the empty spot on the trophy shelf and assumed that the talented young man planned on winning another one. He had no idea what Samir was talking about and glanced down at the papers on his desk but still doesn't notice the flyer. For the moment he just listens, struggling to make the connections that guided Samirs line of questioning.
***OoC: perception 8***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Hassan looks puzzled. "I have been chasing the Grand Sigil of the Emir for years now. Though I have not won it, yet I feel this year will be my year."
Anyone can roll Insight DC 15
on pass
For a flash of a moment Hassan's expression reads as a passionate ambition and then the placid look of someone who is indeed hiding something in regard to Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices
Something about Hassan's reply didn't sit right with the young orc paladin. He kept quiet for now, there was too much going on that he didn't understand, but he would discuss this further with the others. Salty didn't like mystery, he liked simplicity, and there seemed nothing simple about this situation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"Suren ye do fine work," Salty says, looking at the samples of his work and numerous awards. "If ye don't mind the askin, who pushes a prettier quill stroke then yerself? Can't say I've ever seen yer equal." Salty says with all due sincerity. The bulk of his reading has been duty orders and warehouse reports, all barely legible by any standards.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Krakan takes the parchment with the saying on it, Jamal al-Samt with a smile and a hrmph as he folds it every so gently and puts it in his backpack, then stands with arms crossed, biceps bulging and tattoos rippling, he drums his fingers on his forearm near his elbow as he considers the man.
Insight : 15
“This Grand Sigil of the Emir… what does it allow you to do? What power does it give you? Please speak plainly.” Krakan tilts his head, looking now with suspicion, taking a second look at what may be on his desk. “The Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices - - what would they have to do with this? Are they helping you to gain this Grand Sigil? How was Malik involved with the Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices? Were they a client? Please… you seem to have some knowledge…” big grin, bowing his head toward the man, “something further that you wish to share with us?” He tilts his head ever so slightly, encouraging further enlightenment.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
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Though not gifted in subtleties of conversation or the probing involved with interrogation, Krakan finds himself toward the front when they enter the establishment. He holds his hands together, fingers wiggling back and forth as he takes in the sights, he sniffs the air and looks at the surroundings with curiosity. When Hassen al-Mu'allim addresses them, he says “Ah, good day to you. My name is Krakan and these are my companions, we are here today about another matter. First, let me say, your studio is amazing. We have heard tales of your calligraphy, of your art, your precision… I see why that is the case now. But we are here for a much more serious subject. Your friend, who recently passed away, Malik. We are here to talk to you, to gain any insight or knowledge that you have about what happened to him. When was the last time you saw him, do you recall? What do you think happened to him?”
Krakan backs up a few steps making way, allowing the others to step forward and ask their questions, likely with better skill. In the meantime, he weighs Hassan’s answers and watches his emotions and facial expressions, trying to decide if he is telling them the truth and whether he has anything that he is not sharing with them…
Insight : 13
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Salty
Lucan discusses this on the way to the artisan's area, "Did Hassan set Malik up using their friendship to Hassan's advantage? Such a friend might do that. Mmmm Hassan obviously has money, maybe power or maybe he was pressured. How can we get the truth from Hassan my friends?"
"I'm fer hopin' his mate from afore 'll be wantin' truth to be telled. If'n he's to act squirrely with some question'n then we're to know he's not fer trustin'."
Salty followed the party to the next stop. He had hope that Hassan would produce a good lead, and that he would prove trustworthy.
***OoC: insight 7 - honesty of Hassan's reply***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Hassan looks at the motley party "You are here because of Mailk. Hmm ... I see then may I ask who are you? I don't believe you are Shurta. Well to your questions it is obvious he fell to his death. Poor Malik he was a dear friend. I last saw him on the day he died at Bayt al-Dhahab. Did Malik owe you some unpaid bill. If that is the case than I will settle the bill. Please do not disturb his mother. She is still deeply grieving."
Salty you cannot tell whether he is telling the truth or not.
Krakan you get a vague sense that Hassan may be telling the truth. You cannot tell if he is hiding something.
Salty
Salty considered the man and his words carefully. He really isn't particularly bright in terms of formal education, but he is street smart, and got no vibe of dishonesty.
"Twas his ma' what sent us. Salty is me name," Salty says. With a look of saddness and a shake of his head he goes on, "A kind woman, if e'r there was one. Her heart's fer knowin' more o' her son's happenin's afore his passin'. Know ye anything 'bout his last job, or if'n anybody wished him ill fortune?"
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"How grief has taken her to unseen alleys to now hire travelers. I truly feel for her. Malik would not go into any particulars, but I know he was working on a case involving someone in the Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices. They regulate and monitor spice production, shipment, and quality. A very powerful organization. I am not sure how that would ease Madam Salma al-Hakim's mind. For those wishing him harm that is a long list as he was a legal advocate. I don't know any that has not crossed someone somehow by either losing a case or winning rubbing someone the wrong way." says Hassan in a voice tinged with concern. As he speaks, he starts tapping his fingers on his desk a habit of his. "Malik as smart as he was never known when to back down"
Samir leans in slightly, watching Hassan’s fingers tap a rhythm of worry against the desk. His voice is steady, but measured, aware that he’s stepping carefully into a fragile web of memory and danger.
“Hassan… when Malik was working on that case, do you remember if anyone from the Board of Spices ever visited him directly? Or did he mention names, threats, anything unusual… even in passing?”
He lets the question hang there, not accusing, just gently probing. If there were enemies, they had faces. And we need faces.
A moment filled with the drumming of his fingers passes and then Hassan says "I don't remember anyone from the Board visiting him, though Malik seemed stressed ... no Malik was consummate professional and would not talk about his case. I only knew about the Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices because I saw a parchment with their letterhead poking out of a cased file carried by Malik. Maybe you can find out more if you can find his old case file." Hassan's brow is furrowed as he continues to think. Then all of a sudden, he stops tapping his fingers on his desk. He gazes at the wall of awards and to the empty gap. Hassan then he clasps his hands together and begins slow but continues with confidence "No, I do not know of any specific person or anything unusual mentioned by Malik"
Salty
"Was he fer havin' a helper with 'is labors? A lad or lass fer filin' papers n the like."
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"Yes, he had a legal aid Kamran al-Rashid. I hear he found a new job at Almanar Legal Consultancy near the courthouse." says Hassan. Still clasping his hands together.
Krakan is examining the room, looking around at the awards, the artsmanship, the craft… he walks slowly to the opposite wall from Hassan, looks at what is on the wall, what he is staring at… then decides on a different tack. “Dear sir, it is rare that we are in the presence of greatness in the calligraphy world..might we have a sample? A small sample? Or perhaps an autograph to remind us of this day. Your hands, so adroit, so dexterous… forgive me for admiring.” He waits to watch what Hassan will do, watching his hands and face, looking to see if he pulls out quill, ink and parchment.
Something is bothering this man. I don’t know what it is, I can’t tell, but there is more here than he is letting on….
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Krakan please roll Perception DC 15
Anyone else can also roll Perception if standing close to Hassan's desk
on Pass
You notice on Hassan's desk, tucked underneath some papers with flowing scrip a flyer. You can make out some of it.
Event of the Year----------- Grand Sigil of the Emir -------------- Sponsored by Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices.
Then you look back at the empty spot on the wall of awards.
"Ah of course. Please wait a moment as I gather the necessary materials." he prepares the ink, quill and parchment. He flexes his hands as he gets ready and writes in calligraphy.
Jabal al-Samt (Mountain of Silence) stands tall—yet it's not the height that lingers, but the shadow it casts.
Krakan Perception : 11
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Samir Perception: 15
"You've looked at the wall a few times now; does something there (or not there) remind you of Malik? You've said you didn’t know anyone from the Board visiting Malik. But you haven't said you don't know people from the Board and that flyer under your papers and that empty spot on your wall they seem to agree. What happened to that award?”
Salty
Salty tries to follow Samir's line of questioning. He had noticed the empty spot on the trophy shelf and assumed that the talented young man planned on winning another one. He had no idea what Samir was talking about and glanced down at the papers on his desk but still doesn't notice the flyer. For the moment he just listens, struggling to make the connections that guided Samirs line of questioning.
***OoC: perception 8***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Hassan looks puzzled. "I have been chasing the Grand Sigil of the Emir for years now. Though I have not won it, yet I feel this year will be my year."
Anyone can roll Insight DC 15
on pass
For a flash of a moment Hassan's expression reads as a passionate ambition and then the placid look of someone who is indeed hiding something in regard to Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices
Salty
Something about Hassan's reply didn't sit right with the young orc paladin. He kept quiet for now, there was too much going on that he didn't understand, but he would discuss this further with the others. Salty didn't like mystery, he liked simplicity, and there seemed nothing simple about this situation.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Insight: 13
Samir doesn't fully believe that is simply the extent of it, but takes his word. Perhaps he has been close to winning a few times...?
Salty
"Suren ye do fine work," Salty says, looking at the samples of his work and numerous awards. "If ye don't mind the askin, who pushes a prettier quill stroke then yerself? Can't say I've ever seen yer equal." Salty says with all due sincerity. The bulk of his reading has been duty orders and warehouse reports, all barely legible by any standards.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Krakan takes the parchment with the saying on it, Jamal al-Samt with a smile and a hrmph as he folds it every so gently and puts it in his backpack, then stands with arms crossed, biceps bulging and tattoos rippling, he drums his fingers on his forearm near his elbow as he considers the man.
Insight : 15
“This Grand Sigil of the Emir… what does it allow you to do? What power does it give you? Please speak plainly.” Krakan tilts his head, looking now with suspicion, taking a second look at what may be on his desk. “The Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices - - what would they have to do with this? Are they helping you to gain this Grand Sigil? How was Malik involved with the Shahr al-Layali Board of Spices? Were they a client? Please… you seem to have some knowledge…” big grin, bowing his head toward the man, “something further that you wish to share with us?” He tilts his head ever so slightly, encouraging further enlightenment.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.