User:Soranin/Sandbox4

Coin, Corruption and Tea

00:06 - 02:38 [152]

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• Basim: This must be Kong's crate of tea leaves.

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• Basim: Looks like this crate is still intact. Kong will be pleased.

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• Kong: My leaves! Praise be to you, little finch!
• Basim: Where shall I put it?
• Kong: Come, come! Put it here.

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04:42 - 06:43 [121]

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• Luca: Hey, you! Kong's friend. I may have something you would be interested in. Come closer.
• Basim: What can I do for you?
• Luca: This is about what I can do for you. Did Kong ask you to enter a warehouse?
• Basim: Just say what you have to say.
• Luca: That Kong is always trying his luck. Well, it's his lucky day because I happen to know where it is. All I need is something in return...

(Offer token to Bribe)Never mind.

• Basim: Tell me what you know.
• Luca: Follow the road, cross the bridge on the right. You'll see the warehouse on your left, past the river.
• Basim: That narrows it down. Thank you.

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• Basim: The warehouse Kong mentioned. I need to find out more about this Harbormaster.

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• Soldier: Greece ... India ... anything out of Baghdad. If I want to keep my head, I better be sure to check them all.

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Instructions from the Harbormaster

To All:

A blockade is to be erected at the harbor. Seize any foreign exotic artifacts and keep eyes out for a Chinese hairpin. There can be no room for error. I know where all of you live. I know your families. Do as you are told. No questions asked.

Javed

• Basim: Instruction to search any and all foreign goods ... for an artifact. An ancient Chinese hairpin, specifically. This all starts at the harbor.

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• Soldier: Did you hear that Javed is in trouble? Maybe I can be the next Harbormaster.
• Soldier: Rather you than me. Whose head do you think will roll next?

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The Grand Auction Advertisement

THE DA'IRAT AL-MAL, NOT TO BE MISSED!

Ever dreamt of owning the world? Well, now you can have a taste of what it might be like! The Da'irat Al-mal is here once again - prepare to be awed, dazzled, and amazed by the selection we have for you! Rare porcelain, precious stones from around the world ... we have it all! Join us and revel in the splendor!

• Basim: The Da'irat Al-mal. Ceramics, exotic wares, and rare goods. All on display.

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• Soldier: Marha! These tea leaves from the East are worth more coin than my night of work. Hmm. What if I...?

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Goods in Holding

THESE GOODS ARE NOT TO BE RELEASED UNTIL THOROUGH CHECKS HAVE BEEN MADE:

Silks from Santo's Smooth Silks
Three-headed Dog Statue from Kinako Porcelain
White Peach Oolong from Kong's Tea Parade

These goods can be released once this note is shown to the respective guard.

• Basim: A list of exotic foreign goods seized. Most from out of Baghdad. There are Kong's things. Vases and some expensive tea leaves. This should be what Kong needs.

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Sweetly Scented Letter

Al-Kullulu,

I loathe mistakes. I only had one request and somehow you managed deny me what I seek. You know how much I wanted the hairpin - did I not make it clear when we last spoke? We might need to have another meeting for you to understand.

For now, it seems I must take things into my own hands at the auction.

N

• Basim: A strongly worded letter to the Harbormaster. He let a hairpin slip through their fingers and someone is not happy. There is a scent on this letter ... and a familiar symbol. Al-Kullulu. Looks like the Harbormaster is part of the Order. The Harbormaster has set up this blockade for foreign wares, especially for ancient artifacts from the East.

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• Basim: There is nothing more here. The Harbormaster is waiting.

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• Basim: Another wall between the people and power at play. I hope the Harbormaster is not expecting me.

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• Al-Kullulû: La'anakum Allah! (May God curse you!) One artifact, and no one can find it.

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21:09 - 23:00 [111]

Of Toil and Taxes

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• Civilian: She's done for. She should have paid them off the first time they threatened her.
• Civilian: Do you blame her? I find myself only scraping by with this new "tax" on our stalls.
• Civilian: Business is not easy...

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• Civilian: Broken, completely destroyed! Those guards, they know no mercy.
• Civilian: This is nothing. Do you know what they are doing to the perfume merchant?

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• Merchant: Do not touch those bottles! They're a special import! I just need more time, please...
• Soldier: You have wasted enough of ours. Now, stop begging. How about we take a walk instead? Somewhere far away...
• Perfume Stall Guard Captain: This is taking too long! I have somewhere to be, and this is hardly worth the coin they pay me.
• Soldier: Cut off a finger. Maybe that will loosen her coin purse.
• Perfume Stall Guard Captain: No coin, no safety. You know this. Or, we can just take your perfume as payment.
• Basim: As-salamu 'alaikum.
• Perfume Stall Guard Captain: This is not your concern. Move along.

(Offer token to Bribe)Never mind.

• Basim: Maybe this can free your time.
• Perfume Stall Guard Captain: Hmm. Perhaps it can.

The captain turned to his men and started to lead them away.

• Perfume Stall Guard Captain: We have worked hard, men! Time for a rest.
• Soldier: What? Wait we are still--
• Perfume Stall Guard Captain: Do not question me. Let's go!

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• Basim: What did yo do to incur such aggression from the guards?
• Merchant: I did nothing! I ... I'm only short of coin. Business is business, but I do not have the means to pay their tax.
• Basim: Are your wares moving slow?
• Merchant: No, but in recent times they have increased the coin requested. Therein lies the trouble.
• Basim: Not just for you, but for others as well?
• Merchant: Mostly for people like us who are not from here, or not of the same faith. We find it's hard to feel safe in Karkh. I have a shipment that's late. I fear my goods and camels might have been seized by the guards. They should have arrived with some merchants bound for the Da'irat Al-mal. If I could ask a favor, my friend, please look for them.
• Basim: Very well.
• Merchant: They should be along the road that leads to the south gate of Baghdad.
• Basim: Ah! I might catch them at the watering hole along the southern road.
• Merchant: Thank you, sayyidi (sir).

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• Basim: The road beyond the south of Baghdad... I should see if I can find those stranded merchants.

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An Apologetic Draft

I just need a few more days, please. I will get the coin and pay my debt. The perfume that I stock is important and cannot be touched... I implore you to understand. The recent spike in tax has-- (the rest of the letter is incomplete)

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• Basim: The merchants should be down this road, perhaps near a ridge for shelter. That camp must be where the merchants are.

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• Merchant: Halt! Who goes?
• Basim: As-salamu 'alaikum. I was sent by a friend of yours who was worried for your safety.
• Merchant: As you can tell from the horse's head, she was right to be. We do not know what to make of this...
• Basim: Let me help. Perhaps I can find out what happened.
• Merchant: We would be grateful.

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• Basim: The culprit must have left a clue.

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• Basim: Footprints ... and a blood trail. The horse's head was carried to the center of the camp.

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• Merchant 2: My horse, my sweet Legume! Malaka! Who would do such a terrible deed?
• Merchant 3: Do not cast your eyes on me. I did no such evil!

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• Basim: The head is cut clean. Must have been a sharp blade.

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• Basim: Was this your horse?
• Merchant 2: He is claimed by Hades now! Not only do I have to worry about Baghdad's ridiculous thirst for coin, now I must be concerned about my livestock! Malaka! Rest in peace, Legume...

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• Basim: What happened here?
• Merchant: It happened in the dark of night. I could not see well ... but... I saw someone. I think... I cannot be sure.

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Guard Instructions

ATTN: Guards

Coin Collection from:

Anka's Perfumery
Wei's Exotic Mears
Bubble Pop Soap

NOTE: Must I do your jobs for you? Stop their supplies if you must, but do what you need to do to secure coin. Do not forget the extra taxes for the dhimmiyun - if they want to bask in the richness of Baghdad, they must pay the right price. Do whatever you must.

Al-Anqa

• Basim: I think I know what happened.

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• Basim: This is a work of intimidation. Someone is trying to prevent your arrival.
• Merchant: La! (No!) Who ... who would do such a thing? I have no enemies, no bad blood...
• Basim: There could be worse fates if you continue down the road. Let me escort your crew to the gates.
• Basim: You would do that for us? Shukran! (Thank you!) God bless you. Quickly, get us away from here!

Let's go.Not yet.

• Basim: Let us move. The city is not too far.

• Basim: Come, we should leave this place. Quickly.

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• Merchant 2: Should have stayed home. Hmph.
• Basim: Where is home?
• Merchant 2: I come from a place called Greece, west from here across the water. With my horse Legume, we carried goods to and from Baghdad. Oh, the cities we visited! Al-Quds, Basra, and even Samarra!

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• Basim: Your merchant friend tells me that these goods are bound for the Da'irat Al-mal.
• Merchant: Nai. (Yes.) The Great Auction is a big event, and that meant bigger demands.
• Basim: So you are attending, then?
• Merchant: Attending? I only wish I had the coin to spend! No, we are just providing stock for the preparations.

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• Soldier: Found them! Argh!
• Basim: Who sent you?
• Soldier: You cannot run or hide! To enter Baghdad you have to pay the price!

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Letter of Execution

The merchants must be found. One knows where I am, and for my safety he must be silenced. Kill the rest too, they are of no consequence. From what I gathered they should be enroute to the west of Baghdad. Find them before they arrive and report back - a prize of coin awaits the ones who succeed and return.

Al-Anqa

• Basim: The guards report to someone called Al-Anqa. This confirms my suspicions.

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• Merchant: Good heavens, could they have been sent to kill us?
• Basim: Likely.
• Merchant: This is not surprising. We've been vocal against the Caliphate and unfair taxes. It can cost us our heads. But the silent sheep is an ally to corruption.
• Basim: They do not like this opposition.
• Merchant: I would not be surprised if they made an example out of us to others who might try the same.

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• Basim: Baghdad. You are safer now.
• Merchant: You are wonderful! Thank you!
• Basim: Here we are.
• Basim: A thousand thanks, ya sayyidi. Baghdad is not safe. Rumors swirl through the markets of merchants dragged from their stalls. Have you heard of such injustice? Who would do this? Rumors say they target the dhimmiyun (foreigners), traders who are not from here. The Abbasids want a stake in all businesses. As long as there is coin, lives are secondary.
• Basim: The note dropped by the guards was from someone called Al-Anqa. This person is the one behind the attack.
• Basim: Hmm. I overheard the guards refer to the Tax Collector as Al-Anqa ... which was odd because is the Anqa not female?
• Basim: Tell me his name, and where I can find him.
• Basim: Suhail lives in a mansion west of Karkh. Be careful, freiend. I doubt he works alone.
• Basim: Thank you, friend. Waffaqaka Allah.

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• Basim: The Tax Collector is due a visit.

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• Al-Anqa: Where are they? They should be back with the coin! My head will roll if we do not deliver it. How hard is it to shake the coin from those fools, hm? Greece ... India ... China ... hmph. No partiality, not even to their own kind.

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• Basim: The taxes have been paid.

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The Toll of Greed

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• Basim: There might be more information I can find around here.

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My Second and Final Letter

Al-Anqa,

Coin is becoming scarce. Have you increased the taxes like I asked? I hear that you might be experiencing a few ... obstacles. The shipment of perfume is also late.

I thought perhaps since you are a local you might fare better than I would, but I have been wrong before.

I do not usually send more than one letter about something I want done. I never send a third.

N

• Basim: The Tax Collector does not work alone. Someone not from Baghdad controls the strings. There is a scent on the letter... Perfume. Rose, with ... iron? Hmm.

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Orders to Increase Taxes

Suhail,

Here are the proposed tax increases. Please act accordingly.

Grains: One twentieth
Foodstuffs: One tenth
Textiles: One tenth
Ceramics: One fifth

And according to the laws, the dhimmi shall pay extra, so charge each non-believer another tenth on top of the given tax.

N

• Basim: Orders to increase taxes. More coin tricking into their hands.

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Approved Blockade Funding

The agreed upon amount was taken from the tax fund for Karkh and allocated to supplement the Harbor's Blockade as instructed.

• Basim: The blockade at the harbor is funded by the coin of the people.

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• Basim: I am done here. Nothing else. Roshan and Rebekah will be waiting back at the Bureau.

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A Faceless Feather

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• Roshan: Our prodigal Hidden One returns.
• Rebekah: Finally, you found the path back. What do you have for us?
• Basim: The one we are looking for is a dhimmiyun (foreigner), someone out of Baghdad.
• Rebekah: You are certain?
• Basim: I found proof. They were working with the Tax Collector and the Harbormaster. One used the guards to harass and extort coin from the dhimmiyun (foreigners), the other seized goods at the docks.
• Roshan: Extortion, I understand ... but seizing goods? More objects from these ancient beings they worship?
• Basim: They are looking for a rare hairpin, imported from the East Road. It will be up for auction at the Da'irat Al-mal.

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• Rebekah: An official invitation into the auction. Now, we have a way in. Well done.
• Roshan: Our target has to be someone connected to both Al-Anqa and Al-Kullulu. Someone working closely with the officials.
• Rebekah: Informers heard whispers of the Caliph's Treasurer. In recent times they have been quite involved in the businesses of Karkh.
• Basim: Someone like that will no doubt make an appearance at the Da'irat Al-mal.
• Roshan: We should prepare, so I will scout ahead. Meet me near the souq when you're ready.

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• Rebekah: Not a lot is known about this person. Underestimating your opponent is a fool's folly.
• Basim: Worried? I will tread carefully.

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• Roshan: The plan is simple. Enter the auction as a merchant, wishing to bid on exotic artifacts. We know they want the hairpin, and we know they will be at the auction. They already let it slip through their fingers once.
• Basim: When the hairpin appears, I will watch the crowd and make sure to obtain it. That will secure a meeting with this Treasurer.
• Roshan: I am fully confident they will bid on it, whatever the cost.
• Basim: Yes. I will gather as much information as I can about this Treasurer before the auction starts.
• Roshan: For someone in their position, there will be no lack of whispers.

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• Roshan: The first feather without a head. It is your duty to find the right one. Do not let yourself get distracted. Focus on the mission at hand. It does no one good to linger on things that do not exist. This is real.
• Basim: I understand.
• Roshan: Silence is better for the wise, and how much more so for fools. Hazzan muwaffaqan. (Good luck).

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• Basim: Do you think we need luck?

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Gilded Butterflies

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Assassinate The Treasurer Sitting at the top of Karkh's web of power is the Treasurer. In controlling taxes and extorting the merchants of Karkh, The Treasurer is succesfully funding the Order at the expense of the people's livelihood. Coveting a rare hairpin form the East, the Treasurer seizes the imports of any foreign artifacts at the harbor, causing great distress for various businesses. Having hidden themselves successfully in the shadows, the Treasurer's identity is known to few. It is time to draw back the veil. LOOK FOR intel to expose The Treasurer's identity

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• Basim: There is a rot in Karkh, Treasurer. Property stolen. Merchants extorted. Foreigns tormented. Corruption is rank, and everywhere ... but you are at its heart. Even now, your poison spreads along the East Road to lands untouched by the Order's venom. I hear you hunger for a hairpin, one up for auction at the Da'irat Al-mal. I will play the rival for your heart's desire and draw you from the shadows.

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• Civilian: Refreshing to see the bazaar so lively. The traders only bring in the finest spices I want during the auction!
• Civilian: It is a time to buy the exquisite, to mingle with elite, and to dress in your finest.
• Civilian: Yet we still have persons dressed in a hood...

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01:31 - 02:30 [60]

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• Civilian: Ceramics and textiles from the East! Took a while to get past the blockade but they made it for the auction.

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• Civilian: I assume you hear about the commotion a few stalls down?
• Civilian: Do not tell me it's Kong and Luca again...
• Civilian: Oh, not them this time. Another pair of traders fighting to get a stall near the auction.

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• Basim: This must be the stall Kong mentioned. Now, to find that plate...

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• Basim: Trust Kong to own a plate like this. Now, maybe he will tell me what he knows about the Treasurer.

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Our Time to Shine

Get yourself ready boys, the Grand Auction is finally here! The guards will be busy so this will be our time to finally reward ourselves with their gold. Join me on the roof and we commence ... unless you decide to run with your tails between your legs. Chicken.

• Basim: Hmm, suspicious activity on the rooftops...

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• Merchant: Ahlan, Ahlan! (welcome, welcome!) Come upstairs and look at my wares, ya sadeeqi! Things you have never seen before in Baghdad! Exotic Chinese artifacts, here only! Nowhere else! Don't be shy! Come closer and be amazed at my selection upstairs!
• Basim: As-salamu 'alaikum. You mentioned Chinese artifacts?
• Merchant: Yes friend, welcome, welcome! You will surely find something of interest here!

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• Merchant: Longing for the exquisite, ya sadeeqi? I have ornaments that hail from the far East on auction! Rare vases, delicate tea cups ... but the hairpin is my prize! One of a kind, a beauty even the Treasurer asked about!
• Basim: Wait, the hairpin? Where is it?
• Merchant: It's going to be up on auction! If you wish to purchase it, make sure to bring a good bag of coin!
• Basim: A hairpin, from the East. This must be the item Al-Kullulu was after for the Treasurer. I must look out for it at the auction.

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• Qabiha: Tardiness is not something the Treasurer appreciates.

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• Perfume Supplier: ... not something we can rush, ya sayyidati (my lady).
• Qabiha: The Treasurer will not be happy. Neither will I.
• Perfume Supplier: I know that. The perfume creation is complex. We are already doing our best.
• Qabiha: Your best is not enough.
• Perfume Supplier: Come, we talk elsewhere. There are ears in the walls.

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• Basim: That woman mentioned the Treasurer. I should keep my ears close.

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• Qabiha: The Treasurer is fond of the Qina', as you know. No one is more unhappy when three dozen bottles go missing.
• Perfume Supplier: With the harbor witholding our supplies, production has been slow, ya sayyidati. Certain ... incidents there have also made our situation difficult.

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• Qabiha: You are not telling me exactly what it is we are missing.
• Perfume Supplier: The ... blood, my lady.
• Qabiha: The blood is essential in the scent. It is what makes the Qina' perfume special. We must have it.
• Perfume Supplier: I will talk to the Caliph, see what we can do. The Treasurer will have to wait for her supply.
• Basim: This perfume on the Tax Collector's letters ... I thought it smelled like iron. Was it blood? This woman could be from the Caliph's inner circle. She knows the Treasurer ... I must speak to her.

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9:16 - 10:38

• Basim: So, the Treasurer is a she ... and her name is Ning.

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• Basim: Here.
• Kong: Little finch delivers once again! Just the very thing I need to complete my set!
• Basim: I thought this was yours...
• Kong: It is now! Anyway, listen close... I was having my usual afternoon tea when I overheard two ladies speaking about an order they fulfilled for the Da'irat Al-mal. They made a beautiful robe for the Treasurer with intricate eastern embroidery. Open your eyes to that!
• Basim: Eastern wear? Thank you, Kong.

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• Basim: The Treasurer is likely a foreigner from the East.

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• Basim: The auction should be starting soon.

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12:27 - 14:57 [150]

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• Cvilian: Did you see her? Her calmness, her grace ... like a lone, shining star against a sark night. If only I could speak to her.

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• Rich Merchant: I have an appointment with the Treasurer. Move aside.
• Soldier: Apologies. My instructions were clear. No brooch, no entry.
• Rich Merchant: Do you know who I am? I need to speak to the Treasurer! I was called, summoned!

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• Basim: As-salamu 'alaikum, I am here to see the Treasurer.
• Soldier: On what business?
• Basim: I have a gift for the Treasurer, if she will see me.
• Soldier: Only members of The Ivory Coin are allowed to enter. No brooch, no entry.

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• Merchant: This is proof that I am of the Merchant's Guild! Look! See!
• Spice Merchant: With respect, that does not entitle you to three bags of saffron, two of vanilla, and a bottle of honey without a single coin.
• Merchant: Impossible! Bah, this is a waste of my time!

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• Spice Merchant: Hello, spices for you?
• Basim: Trouble with customers?
• Spice Merchant: No more than usual. These people from The Ivory Coin think themselves touched by God himself.
• Basim: The Ivory Coin?
• Spice Merchant: I ... I should not speak about it. I do not know much, really.

(Offer token to Bribe)(Offer coin to Bribe)Never mind.

• Basim: Whatever you know can help me.
• Spice Merchant: Well ... it will not hurt to tell you what I know. The Ivory Coin is an exclusive merchant's guild. They have a brooch that grants them access to certain places.
• Basim: How do you obtain this brooch?
• Spice Merchant: I hear only respected merchants are part of The Ivory Coin, and that you can only be invited by another member. They think their status gives them permission to take goods without coin. Hmph. Have you ever seen such vanity?
• Basim: This is expected in Karkh. Thank you.

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• Soldier: No brooch, no entry. You know how this works.
• Civilian: Yes, but I left my brooch in there! Do you not see the problem here?
• Soldier: No brooch, no entry.
• Civilian: La'anak Allah!

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• Basim: An exclusive union for the merchants of high society. I should have expected this to exist.

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• Soldier: I do not care what you have to do! Burn them, or murder their dogs if you have to!
• Soldier: Understood, sayyidi. We will retrieve your coin from the merchatn's stall on the morrow, at all cost.
• Soldier: Why not today? Gah. You lot are getting more incompetent by the day. Useless.

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• Basim: This must be The Ivory Coin's brooch. Shiny.

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• Basim: I have both trinkets. The guard will have to let me in now.

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• Basim: As-salamu 'alaikum.
• Soldier: You again. What is it now?
• Basim: I have something that she wants. A Chinese hairpin, form the auction. I also have my brooch with me, here.
• Soldier: Very well. You may enter.

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• Soldier: This way, sayyidi.
• Basim: I have been looking forward to meeting the Treasurer. It is an honor.
• Soldier: Indeed, sayyidi. She is busy and her time only allows for a few rare appearances.

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• Basim: I have never seen so many treasures in one place.

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• Ning: This is of inferior make. I wonder if you really are the expert you claim to be.
• Civilian: This plate is priceless, I swear it! Treasurer, Ning, if only you--
• Ning: Go. Leave the vase, but get the plate out of my sight. Perhaps the dogs in the souq can use it for their meals.

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• Civilian: Her standards are too high. One has to be careful not to get bitten in there.
• Soldier: Please refrain from speaking about the Treasurer inappropriately.

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• Soldier: You may enter.

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• Ning: You are a new face.
• Basim: My name is Basim. New to Baghdad, but not to trade. I deal mostly in fine antiques and collectibles.
• Ning: You must have a good eye for detail then. What have you brought me, Basim?
• Basim: You know what I brought.
• Ning: A man not to be toyed with. Come, show it to me!

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• Ning: Exquisite. Ever seen something like this? So perfect, so delicate.
• Basim: No, but I am surprised that you have not.
• Ning: I do have a penchant for them. When I was but a child, my sisters and I would tie our hair with sticks, adorn them with stone. I pretended they were the rarest gems. We had nothing, but we felt that we had it all. There are many reasons why people see me. For advice, a taste of power, and most often to win favor. Why have you come, Basim?
• Basim: As a fellow collector, I have heard much about you from others. Your extravagance, your taste. I wish to learn.
• Ning: Did they say I was lucky? I loathe the word. When I first arrived in Baghdad I was one of many seeking my fortune. Now, I have even the East wrapped around my fingers. I clawed my way here when many gave up, preferring to spare their nails. But me, I don't mind a few scratches, a bit of blood.
• Basim: Surely there have been connections, the people you met that helped you get where you are.
• Ning: No matter what others say, you only have yourself. No one else.

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• Ning: "Everything prospers when family is harmonious." Family? The word has no meaning. The notions even more so. Only the self hears the deepest whispers of your soul and accepts you whole.
• Basim: No one lives alone.
• Ning: But we die lonely. In the end, we are absolutely, simply, truly alone.

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• Basim: The ... the jinni ... again... I ... I should return to the Bureau.

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• Soldier: The Treasurer, she's dead! Guards, help! Someone killed the Treasurer!

Missing

Coin, Corruption and Tea

00:06 - 02:38 [152]
04:42 - 06:43 [121]
21:09 - 23:00 [111]

Gilded Butterflies

01:31 - 02:30 [60]
09:16 - 10:38 [82]
12:27 - 14:57 [150]