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Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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<blockquote data-quote="sniffles" data-source="post: 3807924" data-attributes="member: 30035"><p><strong>A Momentous Evening</strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>Author's note: I'm now inserting the quips & quotes in the text where they occurred, but they're s-blocked.</em></strong></p><p>------------------------------</p><p></p><p>As we remained in the ambassador's quarters awaiting his return, our relaxing sojourn was interrupted by commanding voices from the antechamber. A group of heavily armed efreeti entered the rooms and took up positions throughout Halashan's residence, paying no attention to us. </p><p></p><p>These guards exchanged words with Halashan's aide, but they spoke in the tongue of their native plane and only Erim could comprehend their words. He reported that some mention was made of a privilege having been revoked, a statement that sounded rather ominous to my ears.</p><p>[sblock]Zora: "Are they talking, like, buffet privileges?"[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Halashan's aide approached us and explained that it might be wiser if we repaired to some other location. We thanked him and quickly took our leave of the ambassador's rooms. A palace servant was summoned to guide us to the gates.</p><p></p><p>Having no better place to turn our steps toward, we returned to the inn at which we had stayed our first nights in the city. Fortunately space was still available there. We found that as we passed through the palace and down to the inn, we were met with looks of appraisal or appreciation more so than we had been previously. It seems that Liadan's reputation has spread.</p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Jubilee: "All these evil people make me uncomfortable."</p><p>Devo: "That's about 98% of the population."</p><p>Jubilee: "I know. And I can't smite them!"</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>On the following day at the appointed hour we took carriages to the palace once again. During our journey we observed an increase in the number of djanni in uniform performing military maneuvers. It is impressive to see these beings flying in formation - but knowing what is purportedly the Caliph's intent in forming such an army, the sight is also disturbing</p><p></p><p>We were led by a servant through the palace's many passages to the sumptuous rooms of Minister Jafar. I was surprised that we were permitted in the prince's presence fully armed, but I suspect the many alcoves lining the chambers were occupied by concealed guards.</p><p></p><p>The prince's quarters are ornately decorated with gold and stonework of rare quality. We were conducted into the prince's audience chamber and summoned to a dais, where the prince sat on a throne-like seat. One of his guards stepped forward and announced him with a long honorific in the language of fiery creatures, which of course I could not understand. Liadan then introduced all of the members of our group. </p><p></p><p>He is taller than most of the efreeti I have seen thus far, as well as less condescending in manner. He greeted us pleasantly and with a certain enthusiasm, confiding that he was restless and looked forward to our meeting. Liadan responded by saying that she hoped our visit would amuse him and our gift would be looked upon with favor.</p><p></p><p>When Liadan had presented him with the beholder blade, he appeared to be pleased with the gift and encouraged us to tell him how we came to possess the item,inviting us to walk with him as the tale was recounted. Liadan began the story, and completed it with Nekaya-Re's assistance. Baran, Erim and I merely followed along in silence as the prince strolled through his quarters, nodding and asking many questions about the narrative.</p><p></p><p>I noted that my friends carefully avoided speaking the name of our guide Khai or telling where he came from, and remained circumspect about certain events that had occurred in the eye tyrant's subterranean stronghold. It chafes me to practice subterfuge, but it is unwise to be too open in this place.</p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Devo: "One of the guards is carrying the mouth sword."</p><p>Jubilee: "I hope he doesn't trip!"</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>As we progressed through the prince's apartments, we came to a chamber wherein he displayed his collection of exotic weapons. The prince had cleverly timed our arrival at this chamber to coincide with the conclusion of our tale. </p><p></p><p>His collection is quite extensive, displaying items from many different parts of the world, and likely even from other planes of existence. He has possession already of a weapon such as the one we had presented to him, but it is in poor condition by comparison to our gift. Part of the blade had been obviously repaired. Among the other weapons he showed us appeared a blade that had belonged to a paladin of Torm in Liadan's estimation. It emitted a slight humming sound when the prince approached it. When Nekaya-Re asked how he came by it, the prince told her that it had been recovered long ago after its wielder had sacrificed himself to rescue another person from another dimension. </p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Devo: "In a crystal case you see a bastard sword that clearly is associated with the church of… stalling until I find the name."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>Liadan then asked the prince if his collection contained any items dedicated to Lathander. The prince showed us to a dagger of the variety that may be sheathed on the inner face of a shield or buckler. The blade was clearly associated with the Morninglord, but the grip did not appear to be original to the weapon. Sadly he had no knowledge of the blade's origin.</p><p></p><p>We were then invited to join the prince for refreshments. He led us to another chamber, which like all of the rooms in the palace was out of proportion to our size, though the custom of sitting on cushions rather than chairs alleviated this difference of height somewhat. We were served an assortment of exotic fruits and mulled wine. </p><p></p><p>When we had expressed proper appreciation of his collection, our conversation turned to the system of justice which he administers here. Then the prince broached the subject of our presence in the city and our reason for coming to this place. Liadan expressed our desire to speak with Osaze Mumbai, carefully avoiding any remark that might lead the prince to believe we intend to attempt a rescue - for Prince Jafar is after all the Minister of Crime for the Caliph's court.</p><p></p><p>The prince was most courteous, but he wasted no time in informing us that he believed our goal to be unattainable. But we did not relent in our determination to seek an audience with Osaze. Erim asked if there was any manner by which we could gain the Caliph's favor in order to gain our desire. To this the prince stated that he could think of little we could offer, but perhaps if we remain patient we might find an opportunity, for the Caliph is subject to capricious moods.</p><p></p><p>At this point the Star Ruby we had acquired was brought forth by Baran and displayed for the prince's appraisal, for we hope that this item will attract the Caliph's interest. Jafar agreed that this might be worthy of the Caliph's attention, but that it must be presented at an opportune moment, else the Caliph might see it as a bribe and take offense. The prince then offered to bring it to the Caliph's attention himself. No doubt this will benefit him as much as ourselves, but we will chance this if it will improve our likelihood of gaining an audience.</p><p></p><p>In the course of this discussion, the prince happened to mention that it is he who is the most likely successor to the Caliph. I should not have taken note of this had I not recalled Lord Fwaash mentioning to us that the Caliph's successor would likely be amenable to removing the efreeti army to the Plane of Fire for many lives of Men.</p><p></p><p>Prince Jafar confided to us that it would be unlikely we would have an opportunity to gain audience with the Caliph in less than a week's time, which appreared to us to be quite satisfactory. Our chances of meeting Osaze appeared to have drastically improved. </p><p></p><p>We then parted company with the prince, expressing our gratitude to him for his assistance, and made our exit from the palace once more. </p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Hedrin: "Can we get a doggy bag?"</p><p>Zora: "We all leave quickly and tell the waitress that Pakkin is paying for dinner."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>As a servant escorted us toward the gates, Baran murmured to us through our enchanted rings that we should be doubly on our guard, for we had now revealed that we are in possession of an item of great value. Erim argues that we need not have sought Jafar's aid in gaining access to the Caliph. He believes we could merely have mentioned the jewel to the prince and he would tell the Caliph of its presence within the city. </p><p></p><p>We began to discuss whether we ought to seek out Halashan and inquire as to his status. Erim is also convinced that it was our presence that led to the djinn ambassador's apparent difficulties. The rest of us are not so certain, but we elected not to approach Halashan's quarters and instead continued our progress toward the gate. </p><p></p><p>Another servant then approached our guide, who came to a halt. This second servant then announced to us that an invitation had been extended to us to dine with the Caliph! Shocked and startled, we accepted without hesitation - except perhaps for Erim, who appeared reluctant.</p><p></p><p>The servant escorted us then to a section of the palace we had not visited previously, where we were conducted to a pair of suites even more opulent than any chamber we had visited. We were offered the services of a palace tailor to provide us with suitable attire.</p><p></p><p>As the servant explained to us at what time the gong for dinner would sound, I experienced a curious sensation, which I recognized as the residue of some magical effect. I resisted an attempt by some person to intrude other thoughts upon my own. The servant then informed us that he had been asked to tell us that tonight was not a night for presentations. Baran appeared rather confused by this. Nekaya-Re was obliged to ask him to wait until later so that she might explain the intent of the servant's statement.</p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Zora: "What does he mean by 'tonight's not the night for presentations'?"</p><p>Jubilee: "He said not to bring the laptop and the Power Point. It's not time for that kind of presentation. The caliph hates family video slide shows."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>Erim asked then if someone might elaborate upon the appropriate customs of the court, to which the servant replied rather disdainfully that someone would be sent to us for this purpose. When the servant departed, Nekay-Re explained to Baran the meaning of the servant's advice. </p><p></p><p>Then an efreet who appeared quite aged entered the chamber, accompanied by several humans - among the few we had seen within the palace proper. The tailor asked each of us many questions regarding our preferences in clothing, which he directed his human assistants to take note of. When he had concluded these interviews, the garments appeared at once. I realized that Erim had told us on our arrival in the city that efreet are capable of granting the wishes of other beings. It appears that they maintain human servants of their own for the purpose of making wishes that they may grant! What a curious culture.</p><p></p><p>A courtier had also arrived to explain court etiquette to us, and we were advised that we would not be permitted to wear any type of armor unless we were members of a recognized military organization. Baran was rather put out by the thought of leaving his armor in the room, for he has long worn an enchanted ring that permits him to sleep whilst wearing his armor and he feels most comfortable in its embrace. But he was persuaded that for this occasion he must make an exception to his customary attire. He also learned that he must make exception to his usual lack of need to eat or drink. </p><p>[sblock]</p><p>patv: "I just say I'll take whatever he (the tailor) thinks is appropriate."</p><p>Devo: "So the Princess Leia slave girl outfit?"</p><p>patv: "I don't think anybody would want to see that."</p><p>Zora: "I just don't look."</p><p>Hedrin: "I can blind everyone in a line."</p><p>Jubilee: "Everyone form a line!"</p><p>Zora: "You're aiming too high. I jump up."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>Once we had bathed and dressed in our new princely garments, we took our leave of Pakkin, whom we had determined would do better left behind, and followed more servants to an antechamber to meet the Caliph's other dinner guests. Naturally for this occasion we were obliged to leave all weapons behind, even daggers. Nekaya-Re even chose to have Sunshine remain behind to avoid giving offense. We were each announced as we entered by the names and titles we had given to the courtier. </p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Jubilee: "Did I get something to match my feathered blue <em>cloak of charisma</em>?"</p><p>Devo: "No. But you could have it refitted."</p><p>Jubilee: "No, I don't want to make the tailor mad."</p><p>Devo: "He can do it three times a day."</p><p>Jubilee: "What, he can get mad three times a day?"</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>We found ourselves amid a group of efreet - no other guests were representatives of our kindred, nor of any sort of being other than those native to the Plane of Fire. Ambassador Halashan was conspicuously absent. We spread ourselves about the room, observing that Lord Fwaash was the only guest present with whom we were already acquainted. The murmur of many voices was loud, for the size of the efreet causes their voices to carry further than those of less massive creatures.</p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Zora: "I'm going to stand at the edge of the room and hate people."</p><p>Hedrin: "Rock's all about the hate."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>I stood beside my friend Baran while Liadan and Nekaya-Re made a circuit of the room. It became apparent that Lord Fwaash was casually slithering toward them. They paused to converse with the salamander noble, though I could not quite make out their words. They confided later that Fwaash again brought up the topic of visiting the Plane of Fire. The salamander appears to be quite interested in garnering our cooperation. </p><p></p><p>After some while a servant announced that dinner was served and we were conducted into a vast, opulent dining room occupied by a tremendously long banquet table. We were not seated as a group at the table, but found that each of us had an efreet seated beside us. This made for somewhat uncomfortable dinner conversation, for the efreet appeared unwilling to speak anything other than their native tongue, and it is obvious they consider creatures of the Material Plane beneath their notice. </p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Jubilee: "I'm waiting to smite the guy next to me if he takes the last morsel I want."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>The caliph arrived, accompanied by several female efreet, whose like we had not seen before. The other guests bowed but did not rise, and I followed their example. The Caliph then clapped his hands and announced that the meal should begin. The servants surged forward to offer various viands. The Caliph also announced that in the presence of outlanders it was permissible to speak in the human tongue.</p><p>[sblock]</p><p>Devo: "The caliph has some female efreets with him."</p><p>Hedrin: "Efreetas."</p><p>Devo: "Six efreetatas."</p><p>[/sblock]</p><p>The meal was made up of a variety of exotic dishes the like of which I have never encountered before. I shall not endeavor to describe them here. In truth I have forgotten what most of them were, though Liadan and Nekaya-Re questioned one of our neighbors about the cuisine. </p><p></p><p>The Caliph spoke, and I turned to attend his words as the courtier had advised. He looked toward the far end of the table, and I followed his gaze. Another human attired as a servant had entered the chamber, an older man who moved somewhat stiffly as though suffering from some injury or perhaps the effects of advancing age. He bowed toward the Caliph, to which the Caliph responded by saying, "This lowest of my servants. Make yourself useful." </p><p></p><p>I realized with a shock that this must be Osaze Mumbai.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="sniffles, post: 3807924, member: 30035"] [b]A Momentous Evening[/b] [B][I]Author's note: I'm now inserting the quips & quotes in the text where they occurred, but they're s-blocked.[/I][/B] ------------------------------ As we remained in the ambassador's quarters awaiting his return, our relaxing sojourn was interrupted by commanding voices from the antechamber. A group of heavily armed efreeti entered the rooms and took up positions throughout Halashan's residence, paying no attention to us. These guards exchanged words with Halashan's aide, but they spoke in the tongue of their native plane and only Erim could comprehend their words. He reported that some mention was made of a privilege having been revoked, a statement that sounded rather ominous to my ears. [sblock]Zora: "Are they talking, like, buffet privileges?"[/sblock] Halashan's aide approached us and explained that it might be wiser if we repaired to some other location. We thanked him and quickly took our leave of the ambassador's rooms. A palace servant was summoned to guide us to the gates. Having no better place to turn our steps toward, we returned to the inn at which we had stayed our first nights in the city. Fortunately space was still available there. We found that as we passed through the palace and down to the inn, we were met with looks of appraisal or appreciation more so than we had been previously. It seems that Liadan's reputation has spread. [sblock] Jubilee: "All these evil people make me uncomfortable." Devo: "That's about 98% of the population." Jubilee: "I know. And I can't smite them!" [/sblock] On the following day at the appointed hour we took carriages to the palace once again. During our journey we observed an increase in the number of djanni in uniform performing military maneuvers. It is impressive to see these beings flying in formation - but knowing what is purportedly the Caliph's intent in forming such an army, the sight is also disturbing We were led by a servant through the palace's many passages to the sumptuous rooms of Minister Jafar. I was surprised that we were permitted in the prince's presence fully armed, but I suspect the many alcoves lining the chambers were occupied by concealed guards. The prince's quarters are ornately decorated with gold and stonework of rare quality. We were conducted into the prince's audience chamber and summoned to a dais, where the prince sat on a throne-like seat. One of his guards stepped forward and announced him with a long honorific in the language of fiery creatures, which of course I could not understand. Liadan then introduced all of the members of our group. He is taller than most of the efreeti I have seen thus far, as well as less condescending in manner. He greeted us pleasantly and with a certain enthusiasm, confiding that he was restless and looked forward to our meeting. Liadan responded by saying that she hoped our visit would amuse him and our gift would be looked upon with favor. When Liadan had presented him with the beholder blade, he appeared to be pleased with the gift and encouraged us to tell him how we came to possess the item,inviting us to walk with him as the tale was recounted. Liadan began the story, and completed it with Nekaya-Re's assistance. Baran, Erim and I merely followed along in silence as the prince strolled through his quarters, nodding and asking many questions about the narrative. I noted that my friends carefully avoided speaking the name of our guide Khai or telling where he came from, and remained circumspect about certain events that had occurred in the eye tyrant's subterranean stronghold. It chafes me to practice subterfuge, but it is unwise to be too open in this place. [sblock] Devo: "One of the guards is carrying the mouth sword." Jubilee: "I hope he doesn't trip!" [/sblock] As we progressed through the prince's apartments, we came to a chamber wherein he displayed his collection of exotic weapons. The prince had cleverly timed our arrival at this chamber to coincide with the conclusion of our tale. His collection is quite extensive, displaying items from many different parts of the world, and likely even from other planes of existence. He has possession already of a weapon such as the one we had presented to him, but it is in poor condition by comparison to our gift. Part of the blade had been obviously repaired. Among the other weapons he showed us appeared a blade that had belonged to a paladin of Torm in Liadan's estimation. It emitted a slight humming sound when the prince approached it. When Nekaya-Re asked how he came by it, the prince told her that it had been recovered long ago after its wielder had sacrificed himself to rescue another person from another dimension. [sblock] Devo: "In a crystal case you see a bastard sword that clearly is associated with the church of… stalling until I find the name." [/sblock] Liadan then asked the prince if his collection contained any items dedicated to Lathander. The prince showed us to a dagger of the variety that may be sheathed on the inner face of a shield or buckler. The blade was clearly associated with the Morninglord, but the grip did not appear to be original to the weapon. Sadly he had no knowledge of the blade's origin. We were then invited to join the prince for refreshments. He led us to another chamber, which like all of the rooms in the palace was out of proportion to our size, though the custom of sitting on cushions rather than chairs alleviated this difference of height somewhat. We were served an assortment of exotic fruits and mulled wine. When we had expressed proper appreciation of his collection, our conversation turned to the system of justice which he administers here. Then the prince broached the subject of our presence in the city and our reason for coming to this place. Liadan expressed our desire to speak with Osaze Mumbai, carefully avoiding any remark that might lead the prince to believe we intend to attempt a rescue - for Prince Jafar is after all the Minister of Crime for the Caliph's court. The prince was most courteous, but he wasted no time in informing us that he believed our goal to be unattainable. But we did not relent in our determination to seek an audience with Osaze. Erim asked if there was any manner by which we could gain the Caliph's favor in order to gain our desire. To this the prince stated that he could think of little we could offer, but perhaps if we remain patient we might find an opportunity, for the Caliph is subject to capricious moods. At this point the Star Ruby we had acquired was brought forth by Baran and displayed for the prince's appraisal, for we hope that this item will attract the Caliph's interest. Jafar agreed that this might be worthy of the Caliph's attention, but that it must be presented at an opportune moment, else the Caliph might see it as a bribe and take offense. The prince then offered to bring it to the Caliph's attention himself. No doubt this will benefit him as much as ourselves, but we will chance this if it will improve our likelihood of gaining an audience. In the course of this discussion, the prince happened to mention that it is he who is the most likely successor to the Caliph. I should not have taken note of this had I not recalled Lord Fwaash mentioning to us that the Caliph's successor would likely be amenable to removing the efreeti army to the Plane of Fire for many lives of Men. Prince Jafar confided to us that it would be unlikely we would have an opportunity to gain audience with the Caliph in less than a week's time, which appreared to us to be quite satisfactory. Our chances of meeting Osaze appeared to have drastically improved. We then parted company with the prince, expressing our gratitude to him for his assistance, and made our exit from the palace once more. [sblock] Hedrin: "Can we get a doggy bag?" Zora: "We all leave quickly and tell the waitress that Pakkin is paying for dinner." [/sblock] As a servant escorted us toward the gates, Baran murmured to us through our enchanted rings that we should be doubly on our guard, for we had now revealed that we are in possession of an item of great value. Erim argues that we need not have sought Jafar's aid in gaining access to the Caliph. He believes we could merely have mentioned the jewel to the prince and he would tell the Caliph of its presence within the city. We began to discuss whether we ought to seek out Halashan and inquire as to his status. Erim is also convinced that it was our presence that led to the djinn ambassador's apparent difficulties. The rest of us are not so certain, but we elected not to approach Halashan's quarters and instead continued our progress toward the gate. Another servant then approached our guide, who came to a halt. This second servant then announced to us that an invitation had been extended to us to dine with the Caliph! Shocked and startled, we accepted without hesitation - except perhaps for Erim, who appeared reluctant. The servant escorted us then to a section of the palace we had not visited previously, where we were conducted to a pair of suites even more opulent than any chamber we had visited. We were offered the services of a palace tailor to provide us with suitable attire. As the servant explained to us at what time the gong for dinner would sound, I experienced a curious sensation, which I recognized as the residue of some magical effect. I resisted an attempt by some person to intrude other thoughts upon my own. The servant then informed us that he had been asked to tell us that tonight was not a night for presentations. Baran appeared rather confused by this. Nekaya-Re was obliged to ask him to wait until later so that she might explain the intent of the servant's statement. [sblock] Zora: "What does he mean by 'tonight's not the night for presentations'?" Jubilee: "He said not to bring the laptop and the Power Point. It's not time for that kind of presentation. The caliph hates family video slide shows." [/sblock] Erim asked then if someone might elaborate upon the appropriate customs of the court, to which the servant replied rather disdainfully that someone would be sent to us for this purpose. When the servant departed, Nekay-Re explained to Baran the meaning of the servant's advice. Then an efreet who appeared quite aged entered the chamber, accompanied by several humans - among the few we had seen within the palace proper. The tailor asked each of us many questions regarding our preferences in clothing, which he directed his human assistants to take note of. When he had concluded these interviews, the garments appeared at once. I realized that Erim had told us on our arrival in the city that efreet are capable of granting the wishes of other beings. It appears that they maintain human servants of their own for the purpose of making wishes that they may grant! What a curious culture. A courtier had also arrived to explain court etiquette to us, and we were advised that we would not be permitted to wear any type of armor unless we were members of a recognized military organization. Baran was rather put out by the thought of leaving his armor in the room, for he has long worn an enchanted ring that permits him to sleep whilst wearing his armor and he feels most comfortable in its embrace. But he was persuaded that for this occasion he must make an exception to his customary attire. He also learned that he must make exception to his usual lack of need to eat or drink. [sblock] patv: "I just say I'll take whatever he (the tailor) thinks is appropriate." Devo: "So the Princess Leia slave girl outfit?" patv: "I don't think anybody would want to see that." Zora: "I just don't look." Hedrin: "I can blind everyone in a line." Jubilee: "Everyone form a line!" Zora: "You're aiming too high. I jump up." [/sblock] Once we had bathed and dressed in our new princely garments, we took our leave of Pakkin, whom we had determined would do better left behind, and followed more servants to an antechamber to meet the Caliph's other dinner guests. Naturally for this occasion we were obliged to leave all weapons behind, even daggers. Nekaya-Re even chose to have Sunshine remain behind to avoid giving offense. We were each announced as we entered by the names and titles we had given to the courtier. [sblock] Jubilee: "Did I get something to match my feathered blue [I]cloak of charisma[/I]?" Devo: "No. But you could have it refitted." Jubilee: "No, I don't want to make the tailor mad." Devo: "He can do it three times a day." Jubilee: "What, he can get mad three times a day?" [/sblock] We found ourselves amid a group of efreet - no other guests were representatives of our kindred, nor of any sort of being other than those native to the Plane of Fire. Ambassador Halashan was conspicuously absent. We spread ourselves about the room, observing that Lord Fwaash was the only guest present with whom we were already acquainted. The murmur of many voices was loud, for the size of the efreet causes their voices to carry further than those of less massive creatures. [sblock] Zora: "I'm going to stand at the edge of the room and hate people." Hedrin: "Rock's all about the hate." [/sblock] I stood beside my friend Baran while Liadan and Nekaya-Re made a circuit of the room. It became apparent that Lord Fwaash was casually slithering toward them. They paused to converse with the salamander noble, though I could not quite make out their words. They confided later that Fwaash again brought up the topic of visiting the Plane of Fire. The salamander appears to be quite interested in garnering our cooperation. After some while a servant announced that dinner was served and we were conducted into a vast, opulent dining room occupied by a tremendously long banquet table. We were not seated as a group at the table, but found that each of us had an efreet seated beside us. This made for somewhat uncomfortable dinner conversation, for the efreet appeared unwilling to speak anything other than their native tongue, and it is obvious they consider creatures of the Material Plane beneath their notice. [sblock] Jubilee: "I'm waiting to smite the guy next to me if he takes the last morsel I want." [/sblock] The caliph arrived, accompanied by several female efreet, whose like we had not seen before. The other guests bowed but did not rise, and I followed their example. The Caliph then clapped his hands and announced that the meal should begin. The servants surged forward to offer various viands. The Caliph also announced that in the presence of outlanders it was permissible to speak in the human tongue. [sblock] Devo: "The caliph has some female efreets with him." Hedrin: "Efreetas." Devo: "Six efreetatas." [/sblock] The meal was made up of a variety of exotic dishes the like of which I have never encountered before. I shall not endeavor to describe them here. In truth I have forgotten what most of them were, though Liadan and Nekaya-Re questioned one of our neighbors about the cuisine. The Caliph spoke, and I turned to attend his words as the courtier had advised. He looked toward the far end of the table, and I followed his gaze. Another human attired as a servant had entered the chamber, an older man who moved somewhat stiffly as though suffering from some injury or perhaps the effects of advancing age. He bowed toward the Caliph, to which the Caliph responded by saying, "This lowest of my servants. Make yourself useful." I realized with a shock that this must be Osaze Mumbai. [/QUOTE]
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Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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