User:Soranin/Sandbox5: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:56, 29 October 2023

My quintenary sandbox.

Status

Assassin's Creed: Mirage memories
Main Quests
Before Baghdad
The Master Thief of Anbar - A New Beginning - Taking Flight
Harbiyah
Baghdad Bound - Follow Nur's Lead - Contact the Rebels - Zeroing In - Jailbreak - A Delicate Alliance - First Order - Branching Out
Intermezzo
Old Wounds
Abbasiyah
Fire and Wisdom - House of Wisdom - Find the Missing Brother - Follow the Fiery Trail - Report to the Rafiq - The Great Symposium - A Job Well Done
Karkh
Coins and Daggers - Coin, Corruption and Tea - Of Toil and Taxes - The Toll of Greed - A Faceless Feather - Gilded Butterflies - A Grand End
Sharqiyah
Blood and Shadows - The Hunter - Like Father, Like Son - The Raptor and the Demon - The Hunt - Bird Trap - To Catch a Demon - The Chase - Den of the Beast - The Return
Round City
The Head of the Snake - The Fox and the Hunter - Judge and Executioner - The Servant and the Impostor - One Final Counsel - The Serpent's Nest
Alamut, again
The Last Journey - In Pursuit of Truth
Side Quests
Dervis' Artifacts - The Calling - Al-Jahiz's Lost Books
The Forty Thieves
A Dance with Thieves - Secrets, Spoken and Unspoken - Meet the King
Tales of Baghdad
Holy Mission - Leap of the Faithful - A Life's Work - Blade In The Crowd, Tool In The Shed - Treasure Hunt - Curse Of The Si'la'
Contracts
The Weapons Dealer - The Concubine - The Slave Merchant - The State Official - The Informant - The Slave Trapper - The Marked Coins - The Perfume Trader - The Traitor - The Trade Delegate - The Fake Message - Orion's Belt - The Boat Heist - The Satiric Poet - The Botanist - The Bronze Mirror - The Kidnapped Scholar - The Carolingian Coin Heist - The Dancer

Assassin's Creed: Jade memories
The Exile's Plan - Battle at the Wall

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood of Venice memories
Apocalypse
Sequence 1
Bitter Conduct - Chasing the Rabbit - Seek and Do Not Destroy - Bombs Away
Sequence 2
The Mission - Fear and Loathing in the Valley - Hold the Fort! - Another World
Sequence 3
Snakes Get Madder - Into the Dark - The End (BOV) - The Fall of Man

Assassin's Creed: Odyssey crossover memories
Those Who Are Treasured
No Rest For the Misthios - Not All Treasure Should Be Found - A Message Delivered - Power Corrupts All - A New Horizon
Side quests
A Kind of Treasure Hunt

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla minor memories
Ravensthorpe
Petra
Archery Contest
Tarben
The Baker's Plaint
World Events
Norway
Rygjafylke
The Plight of the Warlock
England
Essexe
The Boar with the Golden Nose - The Gleewoman - The Prodigy
Grantebridgescire
Degolas the Beautiful - The Doom Book of Cats - The Infinite Noise of Men< - The Walloper - Winchell the Robesfree
Ledecestrescire
A Skald's Lament - Skal to Your Wealth - The Twit Saga, Part I
Lincolnscire
King of Shitsby - Little Victories - Stray Naps - The False Ealdormancy - The Ignominious Bandit - The Twit Saga, Part II
DLC
Oskoreia Festival
Hunting for Honor (Homeward - An Honorable Death - Riding for Glory - Veiled Threats) - A Measure of Respect
Dawn of Ragnarok
Main Quests (short)
Seeking Shelter - Crystal Cave
Smida
Hár Smida (Gullnamar) - Gullinbursti Smida (Vangrinn) - Draupnir Smida (Vangrinn) - Gungnir Smida (Svaladal) - >Mjolnir Smida (Svaladal) - Skidbladnir Smida (Svaladal)

Red (#ff3030) links mark the memories not transcribed at all or those which I'm still working on.
Orange (#e3830a) links mark the memories partially transcribed, i.e. those with choices or those without descriptions, only dialogue.
Green (#34df19) links are fully transcribed but not yet incorporated into the respective pages.
Fully transcribed items that have been incorporated are removed from the list.

Mirage Main

Harbiyah

First Order

[]

Roshan: Come, Basim.

[]

Roshan: An Order member is within our reach, Basim. And like those before and those yet to come, Al-Ghul's death will be just. This is a man who preys off the desperate and the disenfranchised. And such atrocities will only continue, for Al-Ghul is but a cog in a larger wheel. One that spins destructively. So long as it does, we Hidden Ones will make it our mission to slow it to a stop. Today you will lend your hand, your blade, to that very mission. And while Al-Ghul is your first target, he will not be your last. I have great belief in that. And in you. Through all my stoicism, my harsh lessons, know that you have impressed me, Basim. The Order's presence in Baghdad and beyond rests on shifting sands so long as you remain at the tip of our spear.
Basim: And that is where I intend to remain. Beholden to your guidance, Master.

[]

Basim: As busy as a bee hive.
Roshan: Come. Set your sights on the trial that awaits you.
Basim: Merchants. Livestock. Caravans from all walks. And I thought Anbar's markets were disorderly.
Roshan: Where there is disorder, there is chaos. And chaos can bring opportunity. See what avenues present themselves. Be reactive, but patient. And trust your instincts.

[]

Basim: That is Mas'ood, on the balcony. Just as Ali described.
Roshan: I see him.

Roshan handed Basim a feather.

Roshan: Go now. Wet it with the blood of the slain. I will find you when it is over.

[]

Basim: You think your cruelties are well-hidden, Al-Ghul, for you chose those with little voice whose cries you knew would go unheard. They dug at your bidding, died at your hand and were cast aside like so much refuse. All to scour the desert for some artifact. Even now you haggle for flesh, safe in the Caravanserai. You prefer your victims chained and starved. It is time you faced a man unbound.

Assassinate Al-Ghul

Al-Ghul, revealed as Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob, is a member of the Order who preys on the desperate and disenfranchised, forcing them to dig in the desert for reasons unknown.

One way he achieves this is by using his public status as a soap mill owner to quietly acquire migrant laborers eager for the promise of a livelihood. The caravanserai is where he conducts such dealings.

LOOK FOR distraction opportunities to lure Al-Ghul out

Roshan: The stage is yours, Basim. I will be watching.

[]

Civilian 1: What is the delay?
Civilian 2: I am not certain. Some guards came poking around and ordered us all to wait.

[]

Basim: What delays your departure, friend?
Caravan merchant: Someone by the name of Mas'ood saw fit to inspect my wares and so, here I wait. Who does he think he is?

Basim: What is it you are carrying? I ask only so that I may collect it for you.
Caravan merchant: Would you do that? I would take great joy in seeing that man in a fit of anger. It is a crate of silks and spices.
Basim: Ready your camel. I will see what I can do.

Basim: If I can get that merchant to leave, his abrupt departure may lure Al-Ghul out.

[]

Basim: A crate with spices and silks. There cannot be too many of those around.

[]

Basim: Hmm ... pungent. This must be the caravan merchant's crate.

[]

Caravan merchant: Is that what I think it is?

[]

Basim: Is this your crate?
Caravan merchant: Ah! It is indeed! The guards returned it to you?
Basim: In a manner of speaking.
Basim: Very good, very good. I must repay you. You seem like a man who enjoys a good meal. Care for some spice?
Basim: Not today, no. But I will ask that you loudly proclaim your departure. Make sure Mas'ood notices.
Basim: Ha! We share the same mind. My thanks to you, ya sadeeqi.

[]

Basim: Al-Ghul deserves a fate far worse than the one at the edge of my blade. My message will reach the Order, loud and clear.

[]

Civilian: You there. Come over here, quickly. Get us out and I will make it worth your while. Please! We were promised steady work and fruitful returns. Now we're being made to slog in the desert! We were deceived. Please, you must help us!

Basim: Tell me what I can do to help.
Civilian: The man who brought us has a deed that binds us to Mas'ood. If he has not collected his fee he should still be here.

Basim: If I can relieve these men of their duty, it will not be long before Al-Ghul catches wind of his disbanded work force.

[]

Basim: Well met, traveler. The caravanserai is rich with wares today. I was wondering if you had any goods to sell.
Merchant: I only deal in dirham, and what I sell are not goods, boy. Though I suppose that depends on who you ask.
Basim: I am not sure I understand.
Merchant: I sell men. Laborers. But my lot is spoken for.
Basim: Could I change your mind? I have coin to spare and could use men such as yours.
Merchant: Fifteen thousand.

Basim: That is absurd. Who has the means to pay so much?
Merchant: It is better to keep that question to yourself. Be on your way now.

Basim: If I am going to free those laborers, I will have to steal the deed.

[]

Basim: Now to free those men.
Merchant: Oh, where... where is ... wha... The deed! Have I dropped it? No, no no. No!

[]

Basim: I have claimed the deed from your handler. You are bound no longer. Go!

[]

Basim: The laborers run amok. Al-Ghul will take notice. I must be ready to strike.

[]

Civilian: We have come with the promise of work. Why bind our hands like this?

[]

Basim: A strange thing to happen upon. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage?
Civilian: How dare you speak to me that way!
Civilian: If you want me to stop then you should move along. If not, I will gladly raise my fists in place of mincing my words.
Basim: Those two men are having a loud dispute, but not loud enough. How might I push them over the edge?

[]

Basim: Word will surely get to Al-Ghul. Come out and spectate, coward.

[]

Basim: There he is. Now is my chance.
Al-Ghul: What is happenning out there?
Basim: This ends now.

[]

Al-Ghul: La'anaka Allah. (May God curse you.)
Basim: Turn your hate inward, Mas'ood. It is your wickedness that has led you here.
Al-Ghul: Wickedness? To whom? The unenlightened? The feeble who have cast their lot? It is our divine will to rule over them. Our duty to exact their contribution.
Basim: Contribution to what?
Al-Ghul: To what could be. The very knowledge of which lies buried beneath these sands.
Basim: Some things are meant to stay that way.
Al-Ghul: No, no no no... These ... are gifts. Destined to be recovered. They speak to us. As you well know...
Basim: Me?
Al-Ghul: Oh, yes. A Hidden One you may be, but not just...

[]

Basim: Nehal?
Roshan: Basim!

[]

Roshan: Clear your mind.
Basim: (deep breath)
Roshan: Al-Ghul's relentless pursuit at the expense of human lives has come to an end. It is a day of victory. Not only for those spared of his cruelty, but for the Hidden Ones. The Order's grand plot in Baghdad may still be a mystery, but we can at least be certain Al-Ghul's role in it has been vanquished.
Basim: I believe what he sought to uncover were more strange objects like the one I took form the Winter Palace. What does the Order want with these relics of the past? And why guard them with so much effort?
Roshan: You are beginning to ask the right questions, Basim. We shall find the answers together.
Basim: Lately all I have are questions.
Roshan: What do you mean?
Basim: Nothing. Forget I said anything.
Roshan: How am I to guide you if you will not speak openly?
Basim: I have... I have... struggled with nightmares. In these dreams a jinni torments me until I wake up panicked and soaked with sweat. In Alamut, I had nearly forgotten about it. But when I killed Al-Ghul, I felt its presence again. And I am left asking why. Why here? Why now? Why me? Piling questions and no answers. I meant to tell you, but...
Roshan: You were afraid I would think you weak of mind.

Basim nodded.

Roshan: We are only as weak as we allow ourselves to be. To shed a weakness, you must do what is necessary to men that which causes you pain.
Basim: Will you permit me a brief respite? I wish to seek out an old friend.
Roshan: Nehal? I remember. She is important to you, isn't she?
Basim: She is, but last we spoke I led her to believe otherwise.
Roshan: This causes you pain. Then go and heal this wound without delay. Find me at the Harbiyah Bureau when it is settled.

[]

Basim: If that was indeed Nehal, I have not a clue where she went. Back home in Anbar, maybe.

Intermezzo

Old Wounds

[]

Nehal: Basim...? It's really you...
Basim: Nehal, I...

[]

Nehal: Say nothing, ya sadeeqi, I am as sorry as you.
Basim: I have so much to tell you.
Nehal: And I you. We will grant each other an audience. But first, I must know something...
Basim: What?
Nehal: Why are you dressed like a peasant?
Basim: Perhaps I have less to tell you than I thought.
Nehal: I think I can surmise what our time apart has been like for you.
Basim: And you? You have not been living here, I hope?
Nehal: Less living, more working.
Basim: On what?

[]

Basim: Why do I know this?
Basim: Because you have seen it. On the object we found at the Winter Palace. I have been trying to remember the specifics of its design.
Basim: You have spent all this time obsessing over this symbol? Why?
Nehal: Because I too have seen it before. I know not where or when. Only that I have. Whatever it is, it calls to me. I intend to unravel its mystery. And so should you.

[]

Nehal: Ah, but of course, duty calls.
Basim: Stop. I will bear in mind if it means you will spend more time outside these musty walls than you do within.
Basim: You really do spare a thought for everyone, don't you, Basim?
Basim: Araki Lahiqan.

[]

Basim: The Order of the Ancients are far from defeated. Master Roshan is certain to have a plan brewing to uproot them. ...and perhaps I should look into Nehal's obsession.

Abbasiyah

Fire and Wisdom

[]

Basim: Ah, I see our new Abbasiyah Bureau is well-guarded by an alert and active Rafiq.
Tabid: Basim! You startled me, I was just enjoying some poetry.
Basim: Oh, whose?
Tabid: The court poet, Sayyida (Lady) Arib. Her words chirp like the birds of paradise.
Basim: Ah, yes. I have read her works. My friend Nehal and I used to sneak into the House of Wisdom when we were young. Hours we spent, reading of gods and jinn. I always enjoyed this place.
Tabid: The House of Wisdom is not what it once was.
Basim: Is not our friend Ahmad ibn Musa there? He went to his workshop, as I recall.
Tabid: Yes. I sent a message for him to come and help set up this Bureau. But he never replied. My spies could not contact him. A week has passed, and he cannot be found.
Basim: So one of the famous Banu Musa is missing in the House of Wisdom.
Tabid: Yes. Venture there and learn his fate.
Basim: It shall be done.

[]

Basim: Tabid, I would like to ask you something.
Tabid: Please, go ahead.

Basim: What can you tell me about Ahmad ibn Musa?
Tabid: The son of a famous astronomer, Ahmad and his brothers excel at mathematics, invention, and scholarship. Together, they wrote the Book of Ingenious Devices, describing their wonderful clockwork automata.
Basim: What made him join our cause?
Tabid: The Banu Musa were once close to al-Mutawakkil, but grew disgusted with the Abbasid Caliphate.
Basim: What happened?
Tabid: They refuse to discuss it, so I cannot say.
Basim: There are many reasons to be disgusted with the Abbasids.
Tabid: Was there anything else?

Basim: What is important in Abbasiyah?
Tabid: This district is the heart of learning in Baghdad. All the world's knowledge can be found here.
Basim: Any key places to investigate?
Tabid: Follow the trail, wherever it leads. Besides the House of Wisdom, there are other vital landmarks. Be sure to visit the Four Markets, the Observatory, and the Dome of the Ass.
Basim: I remember the Observatory well. I met the great astronomer Al-Khawarizmi there when I was young.
Tabid: Excellent. Finally, if you need to soothe sore muscles, a steam bath at the splendid Hammaam of Abbasiyah is a joy.
Basim: After a night of clambering across rooftops, that sounds good.
Tabid: Was there anything else?

Basim: Any hint on what the Order might be doing in Abbasiyah?
Tabid: No, my friend, not more than what I've told you. Although ... no, it is probably nothing.
Basim: What is it? Any little bit may help.
Tabid: Before he left, Ahmad ibn Musa said something about books going missing from the House of Wisdom.
Basim: I will keep that in mind.
Tabid: Was there anything else?

Basim: Tell me more about yourself, Tabid.
Tabid: Me? Oh, not much to say. I love poetry, is that enough?
Basim: Come now, do not be so modest.
Tabid: As you wish. I come from Nubia, a dry land south of Egypt. My father sent me to Cairo to study Islam. There, I learned a fiery sense of right from wrong. And the corruption in Cairo was very, very wrong. We revolted. Our revolt failed and I fled to Baghdad. The Hidden Ones took me in and ... here I am.
Basim: Someday you should tell the whole tale.
Tabid: Was there anything else?

Basim: Thank you, Tabid. That is all for now.

[]

House of Wisdom

[]

Basim: Smoke from the House of Wisdom. What does it mean?

[]

Civilian: Who burned our precious books? This is worse than the loss of the Great Library of Alexandria!

[]

Fazil: People, calm yourselves! The fire was small and has been contained.
Civilian: Allah's wrath is upon us!
Fazil: Most of our books are safe. The danger has passed.
Basim: Old man! How did this fire start?
Fazil: Old man? Fazil Fahim is old. As old as the House of Wisdom, which he commands!
Basim: Forgive me, ustadhi (master). I spoke in haste. Can I help?
Fazil: No, the fire has been quenched by the Water Master's bucket brigades.

Basim: Who started these fires?
Fazil: Ruffians, I suppose. Enemies of the Caliph, to be exact.
Basim: What sort of books were they burning?
Fazil: It is too soon to tell.
Basim: Perhaps the Caretaker of Books would know.

Basim: I am searching for Ahmad ibn Musa.
Fazil: Ah yes, he has a workshop here, but I have not spoken to him lately.

Basim: Peace be upon you, elder. I shall go.

[]

Basim: I still need to find Ahmad ibn Musa, but I should also speak to the Caretaker of Books in the library.

[]

Find the Missing Brother

[]

Basim: Greetings, ya 'amm (uncle). If I may, where is the scholar Ahmad ibn Musa?
Kahraman: Ah, yes, the most adventurous of the Banu Musa. His workshop is right behind me.
Basim: Thank you, ya 'amm.

[]

Nehal: Basim! Hey, Nine-Fingers! Over here!
Basim: Nehal. What do you have there, Sneak-Thief?
Nehal: A book, I managed to save at least one from the fire.
Basim: If they catch you stealing...
Nehal: They cut off a finger. No, wait. A whole hand!
Basim: That is not funny.
Nehal: Then don't laugh.
Basim: All right, you are in a mood, and I have things to do. Nothing that concerns you.
Nehal: Oh, secret Hidden Ones stuff! What are you doing this time? Stabbing? Stealing? Stabbing and then stealing?
Basim: That is your specialty, Nehal..
Nehal: Just because you lost a finger does not mean you've lost your touch!

[]

Basim: All these tools and books, looks like Ahmad's room. But where is he?

[]

Basim: The letter says these books are for Ahmad.

[]

Basim: Another book of poetry by Arib. Tabid would love this.

[]

Basim: Measuring tools, like my father used to own. But these are Ahmad's.

[]

Basim: Ahmad always signs his work. This is definitely his doing.

[]

Basim: Ahmad seems to be working on something new. But what?

[]

Basim: Diagrams, machine tools, and other oddities. This is definitely Ahmad's workshop. But where can he be?

[]

Hamid Al-Haleem: Pardon me, may I help you?
Basim: I am looking for Ahmad ibn Musa. Do you know where I can find him?
Hamid Al-Haleem: I may be able to help you. Follow me.

[]

Hamid Al-Haleem: Is this your first visit to the House of Wisdom?
Basim: No, a friend and I used to sneak in as kids. We taught ourselves to read in your library.
Hamid Al-Haleem: All young people should follow your worthy exemple.
Basim: The caretakers who chased us out of the stacks everyday did not think so.
Hamid Al-Haleem: Merely doing their jobs. And what did you study in the House of Wisdom?
Basim: I loved poetry and heroic tales. My friend ... preferred pagan gods and dark magic.
Hamid Al-Haleem: Interesting. And did you follow your youthful passion and become a scholar?
Basim: When the whole world awaits? No, you might say I am a man on a mission.
Hamid Al-Haleem: Ah. Well, what about your friend?
Basim: No, no, she ... still searches for something, though what that is, I do not know.
Hamid Al-Haleem: A shame! It's not far now. Hurry, hurry.

[]

Hamid Al-Haleem: Guards, help! I'm under attack!
Basim: What? You lie!

[]

Hamid Al-Haleem: Please, don't hurt me.
Basim: You led me into a trap! I should slay you where you stand.
Hamid Al-Haleem: Spare kindly Hamid!
Basim: Then tell me, where is Ahmad ibn Musa?
Hamid Al-Haleem: Please, sir! I don't know where he is. Truly, I do not!
Basim: Then why lead me into an ambush?
Hamid Al-Haleem: He ... he made me do it!
Basim: Who is he? Not Ahmad, surely.
Hamid Al-Haleem: I don't know his name, for he always wears a mask.
Basim: And what does this masked man want?
Hamid Al-Haleem: He commands me to keep everyone away from the House of Wisdom's dig site. Or else...
Basim: Or else what?
Hamid Al-Haleem: He will hurt my head! Like with the others. Please, spare humble Hamid.
Basim: Where is this dig site?
Hamid Al-Haleem: It's in the wilderness, outside of the city. Here, let me draw you a map.

[]

Basim: The map should lead me to the dig site.

[]

Basim: Such a massive dig. What are they up to?

[]

Basim: Impressive work, my friend. Are you digging up something for the Caliph?
Digger: Never you mind all that.
Basim: The remains of past empires intrigues me. Do you mind if I take a look around?
Digger: Look at the old rocks all you want, but don't otuch our tools and chests.
Basim: I would not dream of it.

[]

Civilian: This heat makes me ill. I want to vomit.
Digger 2: What ever you do, don't ask for Doctor Hassan.
Civilian: I know, I know. I'd disappear, just like the others.

[]

Basim: Mercenaries guarding the site. They must have found something important.

[]

Mercenary 1: When do we get paid, captain?
Mercenary 2: We will get paid. One way or the other.
Mercenary 1: They don't have much to steal. But it's something.

[]

Basim: Are you the leader of this battle-scarred band of war dogs? You must get paid well.
Mercenary 2: Not as much as we want to get paid, I tell you that.
Basim: Care to do a little work for me?
Mercenary 2: Maybe. What's this job then?
Basim: See those fancy Caliph's men over there? I might need a hand.
Mercenary 2: Hmm. Let's work something out.

Basim: Spoken like a true mercenary. Here is a token of my appreciation.
Mercenary 2: Hey, it's honest work.

[]

Soldier: Why does that fool of a scholar travel with so many chests?
Soldier: They are so heavy, I swear they are stuffed with rocks.
Soldier: I only need my blade, my waterskin, and my bedroll. Fool of a scholar.

[]

Basim: Hmm, nothing. I should see if there are any more chests around.

[]

Basim: This chest has Ahmad's signature seal on it. Must be his.

Doctor's Note

Brother Ahmad,

Exciting news! The artifact you helped us uncover at the ruins hums with remarkable power!

I have conceived of a device to repair it, but I am no engineer and require your assistance.

Find me at the Bimaristan. Hurry, history awaits!

- Doctor Hassan

Basim: Interesting. A letter to Ahmad from a Doctor Hassan. Ahmad must be at the hospital, working with this doctor. But what is a famous inventor doing with a doctor? It must all link together somehow.

[]

Basim: The Bimaristan, where the best healers in Baghdad gather. Finding Doctor Hassan should lead me to Ahmad.

[]

Nurse 1: Another one from the dig site. This time with a broken finger.
Nurse 2: It is best never to speak of these things.

[]

Doctor Hassan's Office

No admittance without proper authorization. Please look for the head nurse if you need any help.

Basim: I need to find a way into Doctor Hassan's office.

[]

Basim: The symbol of the Order. This all but proves that Doctor Hassan is one of them.

[]

The Efficacy of Our Discovery

My dear Al-Rabisu,

Work on the device progresses wonderfully. The engineer will unwittingly provide us the key to unlock its infinite potential.

The new parts I mentioned last time are en route to the House of Wisdom. The Hour of our Order is at hand.

- Al-Azhdaha

Basim: This letter proves it! Hassan is neck-deep in the Order.

[]

Doctor: I have some burned scholars here. Some scholars from the House of Wisdom got burned trying to save the books. We need that room for the patients.
Doctor 2: No, that's Doctor Hassan's private laboratory. It's locked, no one must go inside.
Doctor 1: So we just leave the burn victims outside? Will someone answer me?
Doctor 2: Please, use your indoor voice. You're upsetting the patients.
Basim: Doctor Hassan keeps his laboratory locked up. I wonder why.

[]

Doctor Hassan: There is nothing wrong with my methods, only the mechanism itself. It needs more subjects. More work. I certainly do not need some useless inventor meddling with the Great Work. Am I not the great and dreadful Al-Azhdaha? Maybe I should not say that out loud. Focus, Hassan. Focus.

[]

Window Repairs

I demand immediate attention to the broken window above my laboratory! There are adequate material in the storeroom to effect the repair immediately.

If I catch a fatal chill due to your negligence, you shall answer to the Caliph. Personally.

- Doctor Hassan

Basim: A borken window. Could be a way in.

[]

Doctor Hassan: Hey, you're not allowed in here. Guards!
Basim: I am here for you.
Doctor Hassan: Guards, hurry!

[]

Basim: The doctor is dead. Now to find Ahmad and solve this bloody mystery.

[]

Ahmad: Basim, what happened here?
Basim: Where were you, Ahmad?
Ahmad: I was around. I'm always around. Would you tell me what happened?
Basim: Are you aware this man works for the Order?
Ahmad: He called on me a few weeks ago, after they found something in the desert. An ancient mechanism of some sort. They needed me to--
Basim: And you asked no questions?
Ahmad: I never ask questions when it comes to work. Do you?
Basim: Tell me about this mechanism.
Ahmad: It opens a path. In the mind. A path to the ancient world. This mechanism, somehow, seems to open ... the doors of perception.
Basim: Have you seen this for yourself?
Ahmad: No, but I heard the stories of those who have. They are lost, Basim. Because they think what they saw is reality. They think they belong to this ancient world. I knew nothing about the Order being involved. If I did, I would have come to you. I just ... I got caught up. You know me. You know me, Basim...
Basim: You will leave this place and return to the Bureau. I will not tell a soul if you do not.
Ahmad: How shameful it is that knowledge always ends up in the wrong hands. Isn't it, Basim?

[]

Basim: A bloody mess. Head bandages. But this is a hospital, after all.

[]

Basim: I should continue investigating the library.

[]

Follow the Fiery Trail

[]

Civilian: Where is Hunayn? He owes me money.
Civilian: I don't know, ask the Caretaker of Books.
Civilian: Somebody posted guards around the library.
Civilian: What is going on these days?

[]

Missing Books

Please locate the following books and return them to the Southwest Wing as soon as feasible:

Kitab al-Hiyal
Kalila wa-Dimna
Kitab al-Azif

You must also return the ancient manuscript written in an unknown tongue.

Basim: A partial list of books that have been burned or gone missing. What is "an ancient manuscript in an unknown tongue"?

[]

Basim: I should check the second floor.

[]

Basim: The library is guarded. Something must have happened.

[]

Soldier: What a bloody mess.
Soldier: That's nothing. I saw worse in the eastern campaigns.
Soldier: But this is a library! We should do something.
Soldier: They don't pay me enough to care.

[]

Basim: The Caretake of Books!

[]

Basim: He's dead! But he wrote "mansakh" (scriptorium) in his own blood. I wonder...

[]

Basim: Something in his hand. Fabric, torn from a woman's gown. But whose?

[]

Basim: Strange fires and a dead caretaker ... horrifying. I should hurry.

[]

Soldier: Attention! Prepare the prisoner on Zahra's orders.
Basim: A prisoner, here? That guard might have the key.
Soldier: Have a heart. The man's not had a good meal in days.
Soldier: We got our orders. Nobody goes in to see the guest.
Soldier: Poor guy locked in with a bunch of books. I'd go mad.

[]

Hunayn: Books will only bring you sorrow, mother said. Go into business! Get a market stall, be happy. If only I had listened! How right she was!

[]

Hunayn: Don't kill me! Please, give me more time, I ... I almost cracked it!
Basim: Don't worry,, I'm not here to kill you. What are you trying to crack?
Hunayn: The book! I said I couldn't. This is not a language that I know. But she gave me no choice.
Basim: Who?
Hunayn: A woman named Zahra, one of the scholars here.
Basim: What is this book? What is it called?
Hunayn: The only thing I know is that it is written in a script unlike any other and I have seen hundreds... The way Zahra talks, it's more of an artifact or relic than a book. I lied about my progress so they wouldn't kill me. I can't read a single word. I don't even know if it's a language.
Basim: Where can I find Zahra?
Hunayn: I don't know, she could be anywhere in the city. I ... I just want to go home.
Basim: All right. Get to safety before the guards return.

[]

Basim: Must be something here to help me.

[]

Hunayn's Note

Zahra,

I have tried every language I know, every trick in my translator's bag of tricks. But this ominous book resists all efforts to translate it. What else can I do?

- Hunayn the Translator

Basim: This book makes me unconfortable. I will leave it here.

[]

An Orderly Poem

To my Al-Zarik,

Demoness green and yellow too,

My dragon's kiss I leave upon you.

Asthe wise Poet Arib once wrote,

You are my law, you are my Order.

- Al-Azhdaha

Basim: This Order letter mentions Arib. An innocent reference, or something more sinister?

[]

Basim: This peculiar machine. I saw something like it in Ahmad's workshop.

[]

Book Deliveries

Zahra wants the additional books taken from the House of Wisdom to be delivered directly to her personal residence at the Scholar's Estate. Do not bring them here.

Basim: This letter gives the location of the scholar Zahra's estate.

[]

Basim: Time to visit Zahra's estate and see if she's involved with the Order.

[]

Basim: Zahra's estate, but nobody's home. Now is my chance to search her place.

[]

Basim: Another book of poetry by Arib. She is definitely popular in certain circles.

[]

A Humble Request

Zahra,

I hear that the priceless artifact you hold is nearly ready to reveal its secrets. You know of my searches for the traces of Those Who Came Before and the care with which they are effected. Once your academic interest is sated, I should like to have the manuscript in my keeping. It would be treated with supreme reverence and safeguarded against all peril.

- Al-Ghul

[]

Incriminating Letter

Al-Zarik,

The Order is pleased with our accomplishments within the House of Wisdom. The future will sing tales of our glorious deeds and the prospect of our rule.

I trust you are on your way back to the city to await further instructions.

- Al-Rabisu

Basim: Zahra is definitely tied to the Order. Along with somebody named Al-Rabisu.

[]

Basim: Learned all I can. Better get to high ground and get ready Zahra might return any minute.

[]

Zahra the Scholar: Servants! Prepare a glass of date juice on ice. And serve it with a plate of honeyed bread and pomegranates. Then prepare the bath salts! I am utterly beat.

[]

Zahra the Scholar: Paradise is where you find it.

[]

Zahra the Scholar: That old fool tinkering with his worthless ancient disc and helpless patients. Bah!

[]

Soldier: Of course, sayyidati (my lady).
Zahra the Scholar: The real answers are in books. They are always in books. Am I not right?

[]

Translation progress

Al-Rabisu,

Thanks to your masterful deception with the fire at the House of Wisdom, the prisoner is translating the nameless book as we speak.

He shall not set foot outside the Scriptorium until his work is done.

Once we have the proper insight to the artifact's inner workings, we shall get our "Great Work", Alruh, functioning.

- Zahra

Basim: Zahra thought that strange book would get their "Great Work" functioning. Good thing Hunayn could not translate a single word. I should return to the Rafiq.

Report to the Rafiq

[]

Tabid: Basim! Join me on the roof.

[]

Tabid: Basim! I knew it was you. You are not the only one with eyes that see afar.
Basim: So, Tabid. You have filled the streets with eyes and spies?
Tabid: Such is the life of a Rafiq. Without my knowledge, where would we be?
Basim: Knowledge is a tool, a weapon. It can be used for good or ill, and the Order is using it for ill indeed.
Tabid: What have you learned?
Basim: Rot runs deep through the House of Wisdom. They are using some ancient book, hoping to build a wicked device.
Tabid: I have heard rumors of this blasphemous contraption. They call it their "Great Work."
Basim: The Order is experimenting on people. Lethally. I have stopped them for now, but someone called Al-Rabisu is running things at the House of Wisdom.
Tabid: Any idea about who this Rabisu character could be?
Basim: I have my suspicions about the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.
Tabid: That fragile old man?
Basim: The clues I have gathered tell me so.
Tabid: Hmm, it could be. The House of Wisdom will be hosting a Great Symposium soon. An informal gathering of scholars. A lecture, refreshments, chatter. Even the great Arib will attend! Go, spy out this Fazil with care. But do not draw your blade at the Symposium. We don't want to show our hand just yet. But if Fazil is guilty and alone, then like a viper, strike! But you must be sure.

Tabid handed Basim a feather.

Basim: Before I act, I will be sure.

[]

The Great Symposium

[]

Basim: The symposium should be here. Baghdad's brightest, sharing their wisdom.

[]

Scholar: I am excited about Fazil's lecture! He will share the wisdom of the universe.
Scholar: Nonsense. We have already learned everything there is to know. Nothing more will be discovered.

[]

Basim: Pardon me, I am looking for the Great Scholar's lecture.
Kahraman: Fazil Fahim's lecture about the antediluvian antecedents of humanity will begin soon. In the meantime, please enjoy our ample stock of exquisite delicacies and tasty refreshments.

[]

Civilian 1: Where is Arib Al-Ma'muniyya, the poet? Where is Arib? I hoped to catch a whiff of her magnificent aura. So rare to see her outside of the Round City.
Civilian 2: The beloved is in the garden, ruminating upon the perfection of nature.
Civilian 1: Oh, to be a flower held in her discerning hands, inspiring such languid verse.
Civilian 2: She must be relieved to be free of her wealthy patrons for a change.
Civilian 1: Oh! Perhaps she leads an exciting, secret double life, slipping out of the palaces to find inspiration in common life.
Civilian 2: I doubt it.

[]

Basim: The Translator! What is he still doing here?

Basim approached him

Basim: Hunayn. You should not be back so soon.
Hunayn: I know, I'm still nervous, but ... I couldn't stay away from my books.
Basim: I guess we must always do our duty.
Hunayn: Wada'an.

[]

Basim: That astronomer might be one of them, though I doubt it.

Basim approached the man.

Basim: Sayyidi (Sit), I am honored to make your acquaintance.
Al-Farghani: Good to see more young people enjoying the House of Wisdom.
Basim: Do you think the Great Scholar will give a good lecture?
Al-Farghani: Do not waste time listening to his nonsense. I have written many more edifying and practical books instead.
Basim: On which topics?
Al-Farghani: I have written extensively about sun-dials, astrolabes, stars and planets, and the circumpherence of the Earth.
Basim: Fascinating, sayyidi. I shall read more of your work soon. Wada'an. (Farewell.)

[]

Ode to Al-Bahamut

We are borne upon the back
Of Bahamut below.
All that bars us from the black
Is Bahamut below.

All should fall to chaos but
For Bahamut below.
Our weakness would betray us but
For Bahamut below.

Far too great for mortal eyes
Is Bahamut below.
And so the ignorant despise
Al Bahamut below.

Yet those wise enough to love
Al Bahamut below
Shall ever shepherd those above
Al Bahamut below.

Basim: There is that poet Tabid loves, whose work keeps turning up in unexpected places.
Arib: Spirit of the sands, pilot of desert ships, from distant lands, bring to our ears... From your wind-touched lips, the mirage's song, the kiss that grips.

[]

Arib: Yes?
Basim: Symmetry of sky and sea, but only in thine eye do these two planes meet.
Arib: You have read my work. And who might you be?
Basim: A lover of poetry, nothing more. And of order ... or should I say chaos?
Arib: I know only one living poet who loves chaos that much, Ali ibn Muhammad. Are you a fan of his pedestrian work?
Basim: The rivalry between you two is legendary, it enhances the craft. I cannot choose.
Arib: You are most diplomatic, but I would rather seek inspiration among these lovely blooms. Good day.

[]

Kahraman: Attention, Symposium attendees! The Great Scholar's lecture will begin after a short delay. Meanwhile, enjoy our bounteous snacks and the sparkling wit of your fellow guests.

[]

Nehal: Hey, Nine-Fingers! Over here! I told you I'd see you around.
Basim: Indeed. And what brings you back?
Nehal: I want to show you something.

[]

Nehal: These House of Wisdom bores collect the wildest trinkets and gadgets.
Basim: I have been here before, Nehal. This is Ahmad ibn Musa's office. Have you been sneaking in there?

[]

Nehal: Ahmad and his brothers are capable of designing some fantastic devices.
Basim: Not all of his ideas are that practical, I'm afraid.
Nehal: Don't be so smug, the world is full of wonders.

[]

Nehal: Does this remind you of your nightmares?
Basim: No. More like something from the Bimaristan. Or a training chart of the Hidden Ones.
Nehal: Ah, yes. The swift ways to kill silently. Death in seconds.

[]

Nehal: It gives me a tingle down my spine. Like I'm nearing a cosmic secret.
Basim: You read too much about magicians and lost cities buried beneath the dunes.
Nehal: You don't read enough. Perhaps there are other worlds, other people, out among the stars.
Basim: Nonsense.

[]

Basim: This. I have seen this before. Is this what you wanted to show me?
Nehal: Yes. It reminded me of that object we found at the palace. What is it?
Basim: A drawing from an ancient book.
Nehal: There is something you are not telling me.
Basim: You do not want to know what happens behind closed doors.
Nehal: Why? Because you do not know either?
Basim: Because, as Dervis says, sometimes it is better not to know the truth behind the things we must do.
Nehal: The truth, Basim, is that everything is here, in front of you, but you refuse to look at it. This is about you. It has always been about you, ever since that night...
Basim: I took an oath, Nehal. To leave my old life behind and walk this path of shadows.
Nehal: And maybe some day you will find the light. But until then I will walk behind you, every step of the way, to remind you not to forget who you are.
Basim: Is that a threat?
Nehal: I do not know.

[]

Basim: Sounds like the lecture is about to begin. I should return to the Kahraman (chief servant).

[]

Basim: Pardon me, is Fazil Fahim's lecture ready to begin?
Kahraman: Indeed it is. Head inside, if you please.

[]

Fazil: Welcome, one and all, to the House of Wisdom, center of learning in Baghdad. Indeed, of the entire world. I am Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa, first scholar of the House of Wisdom, wisest of the wise. Today I will shock you with what may sound like outrageous blasphemies. Do not fear, good people. Though I am old, my mind remains sharp as steel. Today I speak of mysteries, of creatures from the antediluvian age. Do not the ancient prophets tell us about giants from before the flood, who forsook Allah and worshipped false idols? Is it not possible that these giants built marvels, works of wondrous power now lost to us?

Basim made his way to the front of the audience and readied his Hidden Blade, as Kahraman approached Fazil to whisper in his ear.

Kahraman: Zahra and Hassan are both death, slain by an assassin's blade.
Fazil: They're dead?
Kahraman: Sayyidi, I urge you to hide until it's safe.

Kahraman then spoke towards the crowd while Fazil left.

Kahraman: Apologies people, but our lecture has concluded. Please, feel free to explore the House of Wisdom's many fine chambers.

[]

Basim: You call yourself "the Great Scholar", Fazil. You who burn books and hope the smoke will hide your crimes. How many did you sacrifice in your search for knowledge? How many did you use, damage and discard in the name of discovery? Now you hide within the House of Wisdom, the house you led astray. But I will find you, and I will exact jsutice for every soul you savaged for your "Great Work".

[]

Assassinate Fazil the Great Scholar

The leader of the Order in Abbasiyah goes by Al-Rabisu, an ancient Mesopotamian word for "demon". Now he stands revealed as Fazil al-Kemsa, the Great Scholar of the House of Wisdom. From ilicitly acquiring valuable books to conducting unholy experiments on human subjects, he is a living example of the perversion of knowledge. The Great Symposium has revealed him. Now it's time to strike.

LOOK FOR intel to uncover Al-Rabisu's location

[]

Basim: It is true! Fazil leads the Order in Abbasiyah. I need to hunt him down.

[]

Al-Farghani: The old fraud Fazil went into hiding.
Arib: How exciting! What do you think frightened the Great Scholar?
Al-Farghani: The old fool must have imagined one of his antediluvian creatures. He's an absolute disgrace.
Arib: But where did he run off to?
Hunayn: There's rumors of hidden passages beneath the House of Wisdom. Maybe he hid down there.
Al-Farghani: I have heard the rooftop gardener mention these places, yes.
Arib: What a colorful detail to include in my verse! "The scholar by secret tunnels fled, chased by delusions of deities who want him dead!"

[]

Scholar: Where is the Kahraman? I wish to complain about the shortness of the lecture. I remain profoundly unedified!

[]

Scribe: Did you see the powerful terror on the Great Scholar's face?
Architect: He looked like somebody about to get his skull drilled.
Scribe: How revolting!
Architect: Forget I mentioned it.

[]

Basim: Pardon me, but I heard a rumor about a hidden basement beneath the House of Wisdom.
Kahraman: A secret basement? You must be joking.
Basim: No, not at all. Surely, such a large building must have basements and cellars to store books and inks.
Kahraman: I am aware of no such locations on these premises.

Basim: Perhaps a little token of my appreciation will jog your memory.
Kahraman: Most generous. Murders, mayham and bonfires. It's time for me to depart the House of Wisdom. Father has a fine carpet shop in Samarra. He always wanted me to take up the family trade.
Basim: A wise choice. Now, about any hidden cellars?
Kahraman: Oh yes, of course. Forgive me. Now that you mention it, there is a basement hatch in the northwest courtyard.
Basim: Thank you.

[]

Basim: Gatekeeper, let me pass.
Gatekeeper: Those Who Came Before are ...?
Basim: What are you talking about?
Gatekeeper: Those Who Came Before are ...?
Basim: Let me get back to you.

[]

Civilian 1: I've lost Fazil's greatest work.
Civilian 2: What do you mean you lost the Great Scholar's masterwork?
Civilian 1: I'm sorry! I was distracted by the presence of the famous poet, Arib.
Civilian 2: Forget the poet! We better find Fazil's book or we're both dead.
Basim: Sounds like part of a passphrase.

[]

The History of the Great Scholar

"...After Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa was appointed as the Head of the House of Wisdom, conditions improved immediately. Rare books from around the world were gathered. False scholars were dismissed and a virtuous new circle of educated and enlightened leaders led the House of Wisdom into a brave new era..."

This is an excerpt of a long work extolling the scholarship and virtues of the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.

Basim: That book looks out of place, wedged behind a desk like that. A History of the Great Scholar and His Magnificent Reforms of the House of Wisdom by Fazil Fahim. Not sure if this is the correct volume.

[]

The Lovers’ Rendezvous

Dearly beloved,

Fazil's work, despite its flaws, has inspired me to bravery. Meet me on the stairway down the hall. I'll be waiting with our favorite piece of literature.

- Aisha

Basim: Looks like somebody left a book in the stairwell.

[]

Caretaker Instructions

Caretaker,

I have new instructions regarding the library's book collection. Books authored by the Great Scholar Fazil must be held in a special collection for security reasons.

Specifically, the title of his book on astronomy is being used as a coded phrase.

Burn this note upon receipt.

- Guard Captain,
House of Wisdom

[]

The Folly of Poetry

"...Furthermore, poetry distracts young scholars from their proper and primary duty of soaking up the wisdom dripping from their superiors. Students must behave like sponges, absorbing knowledge, not like foolish barnyard animals, their passions aroused by useless verses..."

This is an excerpt of a short work questioning the value of poetry, written by the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.

Basim: The Folly of Poetry by Fazil Fahim. Does not sound too romantic, to be honest.

[]

Many Thanks

My friend,

Many thanks for granting me access to the privace reading balcony in the northwest. I find it ideal for my discreet astronomical observations.

I may have left Fazil's astronomy text there. Did anyone find it?

- Shabir the Star-wise

Basim: This letter mentions a private reading balcony. Might be where the reader has taken the book.

[]

Those Who Came Before are Those Who Shall Return

"...The many stars in the sky offer a riddle, a puzzle, but one that should only be considered by great scholars gathered in a luxurious House of Wisdom, protected by guards, well-funded with the latest instruments. Only in such lofty conditions can these heavenly mysteries be fully contemplated, free from the superstition and dogma of the ignorant masses...”

This is an excerpt from a work of astronomy written by the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.

Basim: An impressive volume, written by Fazil Fahim. Could be his masterwork. Its title is "Those Who Came Before are Those Who Shall Return." That has to be it.

[]

Basim: Gatekeeper!
Gatekeeper: Those Who Came Before are...?

Basim: ... Are Those Who Shall Return.
Gatekeeper: Correct! You may proceed.

[]

The Great Scholar Commands

Staff,

Yes, it is true our scholars need a clean work space. But do not disturb me with trivia about cleaning, dusting, and lost books. Show some initiative!

I am busy with my Great Work in the basement. Further interruptions shall result in a flogging.

- Fazil Fahim
Great Scholar of the House of Wisdom

[]

Threatening Letter

Al-Rabisu,

You consider yourself the great scholar, do you not? And as you will tell anything with cars, Alruh is your great work? Why then, with such an abundance of greatness, is there such lack of progress?

You gave assurances. I expect you to honor them.

- Al-Mardikhwar

[]

To Taste the Infinite

Al-Rabisu,

I hope your progress this month on Alruh has been superior to your previous performance. The device is essential to our goals. I myself yearn to try it again, to taste the infinite, to experience that unworldly rush of incipient paradise once more. It is ... exquisite.
I urge you to redouble your efforts to complete your Great Work.

Yours in the Order,
Al-Ghul

[]

Fazil's Diary

l am so close I can taste it. I just need more time, better research subjects - and a translation of that damned, nameless book!

But once I get the Great Work functioning, I will be able to probe the depths of the human mind. This will unlock the secrets of the universe. It must!

Power beyond all comprehension. Miracles undreamed of. All the secrets of the alchemists, at my command.

Basim: The scholar's notes... He believes in these ancient beings, the masters of memory.

[]

To the Head of the Order

Al-Bahamut,

Greetings from the House of Wisdom. As I pen this letter, it is with great pride that I present you with a progress report.

The fire we set provided the perfect cover for the theft of rare and valuable books to aid in the translation of the mysterious volume.

Meanwhile the fresh batch of research subjects have proven quite fruitful in our quest to unlock the secrets of the human brain.

However, such work is labor intensive and expensive. Have you reconsidered my request for additional funding?

Yours in the Order,
- Al-Rabisu

Basim: No question about it. Fazil was neck-deep in the Order.

[]

Soldier 1: Nobody's putting me in that thing. Not ever.
Soldier 2: Don't worry, we've got plenty of volunteers.
Soldier 1: You can pull out my teeth with hot irons before you get me in there.

[]

Basim: There is a deep wrongness here, a reek of rot and iron.

[]

Robing is Mandatory

No subjects shall enter if they are not wearing their robes. You may find the appropriate garb in the room ajoining the recuperation cells.

Basim: Those robes might help me get closer to Fazil.

[]

Basim: What have they done to these people?

[]

Basim: Poor guy will not need this anymore.

[]

Basim: This should help me blend in.

[]

Civilian: Please ... take me back there, I don't belong here. Where is my robe? I can't meet the scholar without my special robe! This world doesn't look right. Someone, take me back to the bright, shiny place.

[]

Guard: Next subject, in here now!
Basim: There are horrors here. But the most terrifying thing is that I have seen it all before. Somehow.

[]

Fazil: Who dares meddle with my Great Work? Killing my allies and spoiling my lecture, it's an outrage.
The Fist of Wisdom: It looks like the handiwork of a trained assassin.
Fazil: Must be some faction in the Round City. Or one of those jealous brutes in Sharqiyah.
The Fist of Wisdom: These killings were too subtle for mercenaries.
Fazil: No matter! Once I understand how the mechanism works, I will prove myself to Al-Bahamut.

[]

The Fist of Wisdom: In here, lackwit.

[]

Fazil: You are new, aren't you? I don't recognize you. They promised you gold when you volunteered, yes? No matter, what you are about to behold surpasses all worldly riches. Don't be afraid. Are you afraid?

[]

Fazil: This is my Great Work. I call it Alruh. It will take you on a journey to another realm. Why did the Frist Ones leave this world behind filled with fools, I wonder? And make so few of me? We call this the House of Wisdom, but its foundations are unsound. For beneath the House of Wisdom lies the Dungeon of Ignorance. And upon such dark secrets we build our philosophies. Science is the noblest purpose. Knowledge is the greatest power.
Basim: No.
Fazil: No? Then what?

[]

Fazil: Argh...
Basim: Justice.

[]

Fazil: This may be the place. It may be here where lies absolute knowledge. It ... it is not how I remember it. Behind the doors. It looked ... brighter.
Basim: But in the end, all we see is darkness.

[]

Basim: I need to get out of here, get back to Tabid.

[]

A Job Well Done

[]

Nehal: Basim ibn Is'haq.
Basim: How did you find this place?
Nehal: Easy. I just followed the trails of blood.
Basim: You should not be here.

[]

Nehal: Do you talk to him?
Basim: Sometimes. Yes.
Nehal: But he does not answer. I do. We have drifted apart since ... since that day. But what we have seen, back at the palace... This light. These sounds. You cannot have possibly forgotten.
Basim: Unlike you, Nehal, I keep the past in the past.
Nehal: You call yesterday the past? And this jinni of yours, this repulsive shadow that crushes your chest ... has it crawled back into the past too?
Basim: No, it is still here. Sometimes, even in the day, I feel its breath on my neck. The nightmare invades the real world. Or has always been part of it.
Nehal: This is part of your reality, Basim. I am a part of yuor reality too. I m your past. Tell me ... will you leave me there? In the dark corners of your memory?

[]

Basim: I will not.

[]

Tabid: Now if you could invent a mechanical rug-sweeper... Basim.
Basim: It is done.
Tabid: And how did it all play out?
Basim: I am afraid this is a tale for another day. We will save it for one of our campfires.

Basim handed Tabid the bloodied feather.

Tabid: You have done well, my friend.
Ahmad: Better get back to my work. You know how easily I get bored. Thank you for what you did, Basim.

[]

Tabid: It is the truth, you have done well. One last thing. Arib? Was she ... involved?
Basim: Not that I know, but we must remain vigilant.

[]

Karkh

Coins and Daggers

[]

A Mysterious Note

Hidden One, if you have the time there is a .. commodity on the streets you should know of. It is called "Secret Spice", and rumor has it that people are almost out to kill just for a sample. No one really knows it's [sic] origin, but I have a feeling you'll be able to find out. Perhaps the spice stall at the Great Bazaar can provide some answers.

[]

Roshan: Basim! Over here.
Rebekah: Hmm. You seem shorter than I remembered, Basim.
Basim: And you still have not grown a single digit, Rebekah.
Roshan: Now, we're not here as enemies.
Basim: No, but we never held back on the training ground.
Rebekah: Roshan tells me you are a local here.
Basim: In a manner of speaking. I lived here a time before I left for Anbar.
Rebekah: This place is no different from the places I'm used to. The rich wipe their shit with the clothes of the poor.
Basim: That is the Karkh I remember.
Roshan: It is your Karkh no longer. Rebekah has uncovered a district tainted by corruption ... stronger than usual.
Rebekah: Rumors of harassment from officials, and goods being controlled and seized. We think someone here has a hold over the district.
Basim: Let me guess. The Order.
Rebekah: A grand auction is happening, the Da'irat Al-mal. An annual show of silk robes comparing their golden spoons. No surprise, but this event is invite only. There is a high chance one of our targets will attend.
Basim: So, gain entry into the auction and find the one behind this.
Rebekah: Mumtaz! (How delightful!) You catch on quick.

[]

Basim: Finding it hard to keep up?
Roshan: There might be clues if we trace trouble to the root. I can show you where they are brewing. Join me outside when you're ready.

[]

Basim: What else do you know about the Da'irat Al-mal?
Rebekah: A specially curated place, one for the rich to display their bounty.
Basim: Does an event like that happen frequently here?
Rebekah: If the local merchants are to be believed, it happens once a year. But I'm sure there are no shortages of parties for the wealthy. What else?

Basim: What have you learnt about Karkh? I want to see it from fresh eyes.
Rebekah: Nothing that I'm not used to. Corruption, poverty... But the souq is vibrant. The spices, the materials... and oh, the tools! So many things I could experiment with.
Basim: Already thinking about taking a break?
Rebekah: Oh, calm down. I know where my focus lies. What else?

Basim: You know a little bit about me and where I am from. What about you, Rebekah?
Rebekah: Since when do you want to know more about me?
Basim: Come now, we are on the same side. Does not hurt to get to know who you are working with.
Rebekah: Hmph. Well, I'm not from here but let's just say my parents would not be out of place at an event like the Grand Auction.
Basim: You came from riches?
Rebekah: Shamefully so. As a child I never enjoyed the glamor, the dress up, and the manners. It was all so suffocating. It all changed when I stepped outside of our gates one day and saw the world for what it really is. I've never turned back since. What else?

Basim: No more questions. Shukran (Thank you), Rebekah.

[]

Basim: Master.
Roshan: Are you ready, Basim? Karkh awaits.
Basim: Ready. Leu us move.
Roshan: Follow me.

[]

Roshan: Ever thought you would return here, to Karkh?
Basim: No. Much of my childhood was spent along these streets, finding friendship with rats and roaches. Some memories are good, most are bitter.
Roshan: Memories only serve to distract us. The Order has spread their influence into every crack in the city, turning Baghdad into their farm.
Basim: That will change.
Roshan: Responsability lies heavy on our shoulders. The Order's blight falls over Karkh, and we are the only ones who can cure it.
Basim: How has Rebekah been adjusting to Karkh?
Roshan: She does not like the politics, but she has to fulfill her duty. Karkh is an acquired taste. Businesses at each other's throats, the obsession over money, perfume...
Basim: People here are happy to be lost in their own paradise.
Roshan: A paradise that can only be afforded by the wealthy, and often, corrupted.

[]

Roshan: Come, we're nearly there.

[]

Roshan: Welcome back to Karkh.
Basim: Spice still clings to the air.

[]

Basim: What was it like, the first time you took a life?
Roshan: I barely recall. It was a man I used to know well. Before all this. Before the Hidden Ones.
Basim: You do not remember...?
Roshan: My memories are buried next to him. I refused to let his death haunt me, the way his breath haunted me when he was alive. I own't let the past define me. This is why I now consider myself the daugther of no one. If we do not quell the storm within us while awake, it takes us in our dreams. Like with you ... and your jinni.

[]

Roshan: Now. The souq. Like Rebekah said, some guards came through recently. Breaking bottles, smashing crates.
Basim: What caused this aggression?
Roshan: Let's find out. I've also heard they're seizing foreign goods, mostly from the East Road.
Basim: The East Road? I believe I know someone who can help. It has been an age, hopefully he's still around. I would be happy to see him again.
Roshan: Do not let nostalgia cloud reality, Basim.
Basim: I will not. I know nothing stays the same.

[]

Basim: It has been some time... I wonder what has changed around here. Maybe I could first pay an old friend a visit.

[]

Coin, Corruption and Tea

[]

Kong: Lies! You reported my crate of beautiful leaves, I know it!.
Luca: Go away, Kong. You are old and full of fear and piss. It is sad.
Kong: You...!

[]

Basim: What fresh brew do you have for me today, Kong?
Kong: No brew until Luca returns my crate! But if you have come to buy tea, I have many recommendations...

[]

Basim: Kong! It is me, Basim.
Kong: Ni shì shuí ā? (Who are you?) Who?
Basim: Uh ... Basim... ?
Kong: I am not an idiot! Everyone claims to be someone I know. Answer me this. What tea did my Basim like?
Basim: Ginger, with some turmeric.
Kong: Wrong! Basim does not like tea!

[]

Kong: Wah, Basim! Little finch, look at you all dressed up! Come, come. Follow me to my stall, away from this terrible man.

[]

Kong: So, little finch! What have you been up to, ah? So many years...
Basim: Just here and there. I ... had to leave Baghdad for a while.
Kong: Ah, youth!
Basim: What about yourself, Kong? What have you been doing these years?
Kong: Doing what I do best. Making coin! Although with some difficulty of late. The guards are on high alert, and that Greek merchant has taken it in his stride to report me at every chance. I know it in my ripe old bones that he waits for me to die of starvation. Or worse, go out of business. Ah! But here you are, little finch. Remember the dazzling duo we used to be? How about helping a friend out, for old times!
Basim: Ah, just like old times. But I need to speak with you after this. There is something I need as well.
Kong: Of course! After you fetch my confiscated crate of beautiful leaves. It must be over there, where the guards are. Go forth!
Basim: Fine. But I have something to ask of you, after this.
Kong: Yes, yes, of course!.

[]

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

[]

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

[]

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

[]

Kong: Basim delivers once again! Many thanks, little finch!
Basim: Where are these from? India?
Kong: No, this is all the way from China! Dali, my hometown, produces the best leaves! I also import leaves from India, and even Persia.
Basim: Moving up in the world, Kong.
Kong: Karkh first, then the world. I am now selling my goods at the Grand Auction. Have you heard of it?
Basim: The Da'irat Al-mal. Yes, I am trying to get in.
Kong: Why? What kind of business are you doing, little finch? Why not share it with me? We worked so well together!
Basim: The kind of business that could get you into big trouble. Do you think you can help me get into the auction?
Kong: Ah, that is my Basim, always with the secrets. But do not play around, huh? Karkh is much more dangerous now than before. The auction is very exclusive. It is not easy to get in. I can help you, little finch. But first, I have a request.

[]

Kong: See, there? Blocked. The guards are stopping everything that comes in from the road and river. It is as if they are taking orders from someone higher up. These days, they do not even accept my bribes.
Basim: They must be looking for something. An object, or...
Kong: Some stupid nonsense, I do not know! But they spoil my business, that I do know! Now I just ssell dumb leaf water. I hear that they keep the items in the Harbormaster's guarded warehouse, somewhere east of here...
Basim: Let me guess. You want me to help you free your wares in exchange for entry into the auction.
Kong: The warehouse is decorated with banners, around some cranes. My items for entry into the auction. Sound like a good deal?
Basim: Sounds like a deal.

[]

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...

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.

[]

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

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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?

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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

[]

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

[]

Basim: Kong! I have good--

[]

Kong: Shuí ā! (Who!) Who goes there! I have a weapon!

[]

Basim: Just me.
Kong: Ah, the little finch returns to the nest! Empty-handed!

Basim laughed and handed Kong a note.

Basim: It is here. This can help you get your wares out from the harbor.
Kong: Hah, I never doubted you for a second! Come, let us enjoy a cup, for the memories. I will even make your favorite.

[]

Kong: What did you find there? Who was behind it?
Basim: A man, by the name of Javed. He was working for someone, looking for an artifact. An exotic hairpin. It is important, somehow... I need to find out why. I must.
Kong: You have changed, little finch. Or should I just say, finch? When we last met, you were a street thief. Now... I hope you know what you are searching for. Sometimes it is best to leave the thorn in, lest you bleed dry.

[]

Basim: Now, for what was promised to me?
Kong: An invitation to the auction. It is only given to esteemed guests. Do not ask me where I got it from, unless you want lies.

[]

Kong: With that scroll you can get in without having to fit yourself in one of my boxes!
Basim: That was your plan?
Kong: Men have endured worse to reach their goals.

[]

Basim: Someone influential is looking for the hairpin, but let it slip. Now the only chance they have is at the Grand Auction. Hmm...

[]

Basim: Now to look into the other lead.

[]

Of Toil and Taxes

[]

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...

[]

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?

[]

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.

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!

[]

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).

[]

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

[]

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)

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

Basim: The culprit must have left a clue.

[]

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

[]

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!

[]

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

[]

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...

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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!

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

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

[]

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!

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

Basim: The Tax Collector is due a visit.

[]

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.

[]

Basim: The taxes have been paid.

[]

The Toll of Greed

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

A Faceless Feather

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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).

[]

Basim: Do you think we need luck?

[]

Gilded Butterflies

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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...

[]

Kong: Basim! Lái! (Come!)
Basim: Should have known you would be here, Kong.
Kong: Hah! You know me. Come, let us chat.
Basim: I do have something to ask of you... Do you have nay information about the Treasurer? Someone who works for the Caliphate.
Kong: The Treasurer? Hmm, I do have something but, you know, it hurts to give precious information for free...
Basim: What job do you need now?
Kong: Hah! Already know what is on my mind, eh? You see, little finch, the Da'irat Al-mal is not only an important event for the upper-class of Karkh, but also for the thieves.
Basim: Did someone take something of yours again?
Kong: A precious ceramic saucer. Luca has it. He has always been jealous of me.
Basim: Where do you think it is?
Kong: I knew I could rely on you, little finch! You should be able to find it in the crates near the stall.
Basim: Be right back.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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

[]

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...

[]

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!

[]

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.

[]

Qabiha: Tardiness is not something the Treasurer appreciates.

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

Basim: As-salamu 'alaikum, ya sayyidati.
Qabiha: Wa 'alaikum as-salam.
Basim: I could not help but overhear, sayyidati, about the perfume...
Qabiha: It is not courteous to eavesdrop. Seeing as you are an admirer, you are pardoned. My name is Qabiha, the woman behind the Qina'.
Basim: It has a unique scent.
Qabiha: Rose, honey, sandalwood ... and if you heard, a sliver of blood.
Basim: Blood ... I should have guessed. I had thought it might be iron.
Qabiha: Blood is born from iron, is it not? But because of that detail, it proves difficult to bring in large quantities.
Basim: If it is so exclusive it must be popular amongst officials I think I caught a scent of it near the Treasurer...
Qabiha: Ning uses the Qina'. She is quite taken with its rich mystique, as are many. Curious. You do not look like one who is interested in the art of perfumery.
Basim: It is unwise to judge someone by how they look.
Qabiha: Indeed. Did I not catch your name?
Basim: Basim.
Qabiha: Basim.
Basim: I must not waste any more of your time. I wish you a wonderful time at the Da'irat Al-mal, ya sayyidati.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

Basim: The auction should be starting soon.

[]

The Host: Marhaban, As-salamu 'alaikum, Yassas, ni hao, hello! It is the time of year again to fulfill your deepest yearning, to listen to your heart's desire and purchase what God has shown us! It brings me great joy to welcome all of you esteemed individuals to our annual Da'irat Al-mal!

A woman walked on stage carrying an elephant statue and placed it on a table near the host.

The Host: First on our exclusive, captivating list of exotic odds and ends, we have a stunning statue from India. Made of ivory and crafted by the finest artisans, it will be a perfect addiciton to any home!

A man in the crowd raised his arm.

The Host: Oh, what do we have! One bidder already.

Another person raised their arm.

The Host: No, two! Calling once, twice...

Qabiha raised her arm as well.

The Host: A third! Would anyone like to best that price? NO? Sold! This piece goes to the lovely lady.

[]

The Host: Next, we have a one of a kind ethereal beauty. This hairpin hails from the East, and look at the detail on the dragon! Perfect as a colletible, and even better as a gift for a certain lady friend you might have.

The host noticed Ning had just arrived on a balcony overlooking the auction.

The Host: S-so, what is this piece worth to you, ya asdiqa'i (my friends)?

Ning whispered to one of her companions, who raised his hand.

The Host: O-one! For the Treasurer who graced us with her presence.
Basim: Ning, the Treasurer.

A man in black also raised his hand.

The Host: Two! Any others?

[RAISE A HAND (150)]

The Host: We have a third, there!

The man in black raised his hand again.

The Host: Ho! Two owns it again! Number three, what will you do? How much do you want this, my friends! Reach into your heart, listen to your desire!

[RAISE A HAND 500]

Basim: No one? Then, sold! To the handsome bearded man! This hairpin belongs to you now, sayyidi. Now, for the third item...

[]

The Host: ...and we thank you, once again, for making the Da'irat Al-mal a success! May your purses be ever full, and your hear ever longing!

[]

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.

[]

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!

[]

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.

[]

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!

[]

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.

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.

[]

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!

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

Soldier: You may enter.

[]

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!

[]

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.

[]

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.

[]

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

[]

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

[]

A Grand End

Roshan: Basim! How did you fare?
Rebekah: The streets are alive with talk about the auction.

[]

Basim: Rumors spread quickly... It was this woman. Ning.
Roshan: A woman holding the reins. She must have angered many.
Rebekah: Angered and enthralled, in equal parts. It is no wonder she kept her identity hushed.

[]

Rebekah: Now the upper eschelons of affluent louts are soiling their silk robes, wondering if they are next.
Roshan: The Order will not stop here. If they have reached the East then there is no telling how far they will spread.

[]

Roshan: Did you see it? The jinni...?

[]

Basim: It ... it is gone now. It is gone.

[]

Roshan: Rest while you can. Our work is not done yet.

[]

Sharqiyah

Blood and Shadows

As Basim approached the door to the Sharqiyah Bureau, he overheard an argument.

Ali: They took them in broad daylight and executed them! They will die for this, every one of them! It is time we fight!
Fuladh: Your anger is just, but you will not win a war, Ali.

Basim entered the bureau.

Fuladh: Basim! Good, you are needed. Mercenaries have taken some rebels and executed them in the square.
Ali: And your Rafiq would have me hide like a rat while they hunt my men openly.
Beshi: We must at least return the dead to their families.
Ali: Do you still fear to fight these devils, Beshi?
Beshi: My only fear is that we become like them.
Fuladh: There is more to this than it seems. The Caliph would not risk war. This is the work of the Order.
Ali: Then I will find those responsible, and slaugther them like dogs.
Fuladh: The Order will find you first. It's likely they are looking for you and Beshi already. You are well known to them. Basim, however...
Basim: Ali, I will find who did this, and I will kill them all. You have my word.
Fuladh: Basim is right. Let him do this. When those responsible lie dead, you will receive the credit.
Ali: All right. Everyone must know it was me. I will return to Jarjarya, but I will not wait long. I will meet you at the gate, Basim.

[]

Beshi: And I will make sure the bodies are returned to their families for burial.

[]

Fuladh: That might have gone badly.
Basim: You think this is the work of the Order?
Fuladh: Yes. As you know, Sharqiyah is run by Turkic mercenaries paid by the Caliph, who himself is only a puppet for the Order. Spies tell me at least one of the mercenary commanders in Sharqiyah is with them.
Basim: Tell me who, and I will find him.
Fuladh: We must tread carefully. Sharqiyah stands on a razor's edge. The rebels are armed and growing in number. They could attack at any time. A misstep here could start a war that threatens even Alamut.
Basim: What do you advise, Fuladh?
Fuladh: Go with Ali to Jarjaraya and look around. Someone there must know something.

[]

Fuladh: And Basim ... work quickly. You see what is at stake.

[]

Basim: I have some questions, Fuladh.
Fuladh: I hope I have answers for you.

Basim: What do the rebels want?
Fuladh: You yourself know well the divide between rich and poor. Many have grown tired of the injustice, and want change. In the beginning it was mostly slaves, but now tradesmen, the wealthy, and even some nobles support Ali's cause.
Basim: And Ali inteds to lead them in overthrowing the Abbasid Caliphate?
Fuladh: Ali believes the most qualified should rule, not just hte wealthy or highborn. Ironically, he considers himself the most qualified, and claims descent from the Prophet's own family to support it.

Basim: Tell me of the Zanj.
Fuladh: It is a bitter story. The Zanj are peoples stolen from their homelands in the Horn of Africa, and brought here to work the fields for the wealthy.
Basim: So they are slaves?
Fuladh: They are paid, but they are not free. Like all men, they desire to be masters of their own lives.

Basim: What do you know about Jarjaraya?
Fuladh: It is a small village to the south, home to a divided population of rich and poor. Most of the Zanj are there. It has also become a refuge for those who came to Baghdad looking for work, and failed.
Basim: No wonder Ali has gained support there.
Fuladh: Yes. In few other places is the divide between those who have everything and those who have nothing so sharp.

Basim: What of yourself, Fuladh? How did you come to the Hidden Ones?
Fuladh: That is a story that should be shared around a good fire after a long meal.
Basim: Will you tell me nothing?
Fuladh: I was the child of my father's concubine. His favored wife, worried I could claim inheritance, threw us both out. I grew up in the desert alone. My friends were the animals, particularly birds. We understood each other.
Basim: That explains your love of eagles.
Fuladh: After I grew to manhood, a Hidden One saw me hunting with my birds. He brought me to the Brotherhood, and I stayed.

Basim: Shukran, Fuladh. That is all for now.

[]

The Hunter

[]

Ali: Basim!
Basim: Ali.
Ali: Are you ready? We must go.
Basim: Let us go.
Ali: We must leave for Jarjaraya!

[]

Ali: You Hidden Ones are strange. You give weapons you don't want me to use, then give me credit for your victories.
Basim: War would be bad for everyone, especially you.
Ali: That is your masters speaking.

[]

Ali: Does it not bother you that those you obey are the same ones who make the rules demanding your obedience?
Basim: They do not control me, I am free. I fight so that others are free as well.
Ali: Everything you do serves the Hidden Ones. That is a strange kind of freedom.
Basim: The Hidden Ones are my family. There is no contradiction.
Ali: If you say so.
Basim: Once, I lived on the streets and answered only to myself. But I was not free.
Ali: Now that others tell you who you are, are you any freer?
Basim: You could not understand.
Ali: I understand better than you.

[]

Civilian: There's another one. Who is he? I've never seen him before.
Civilian: Where are all these strangers coming from? Jarjaraya isn't safe anymore.

[]

Civilian: Ali, you are here! Alhamdulillah.

[]

Civilian: Ali, I know you will avenge us!

[]

Ali: If you are truly free, why the struggle within?
Basim: What do you mean? There is no struggle.
Ali: I see that what you think is at war with waht you feel. You will never find truth if you are not first truthful with yourself.
Basim: No man can see what another thinks.
Ali: No normal man. But look at me. I obey no one, I am ruled by no one. I am free.
Basim: I want to look around before Beshi arrives in Jarjaraya with the bodies.
Ali: That would be wise. People here are already angry. Things will be worse after the burials. There is a teahouse nearby. Tea drinkers talk. You might hear something there about who is taking our men.
Basim: What will you do?
Ali: I have my own inquiries to make. Meet me back here if you discover something.

[]

Tea House Owner: Marhaban! (Welcome!) Please, find a seat. Or perhaps view my unparalleled selection of teas. The finest in all Baghdad!

[]

Basim: This looks like the teahouse Ali mentioned.

[]

Civilian: How is your tea, ya sayyidi?
Elder: This is cold! Get me another, and heat it this time!
Civilian: Yes, sayyidi. A thousand apologies.
Elder: Perfectly good Zanj slaves go missing, yet incompetents like you remain. No! Stop talking. Just get my tea!

[]

Civilian: You work and work and what do you get? Nothing! Damned slaves! I treat them well, I pay them well, I feed them ... and then they disappear. And no one's left to work!
Basim: He might talk ... if I can sober him up.

[]

Basim: Time to sober up.

[]

Civilian: Enough! I'm better!
Basim: A teahouse is a dangerous place to be drinking. You could have been arrested.
Civilian: I've just had a lot of trouble lately.
Basim: You said some of your slaves have gone missing.
Civilian: Did I? I don't remember. Not just missing, they disappeared!
Basim: People do not just disappear.
Civilian: These did! Last night two of mine did not come back from the fields. No one saw anything. They just disappeared. Poof!
Basim: So you thought you would get drunk in a public teahouse.
Civilian: Well ... yeah. Oh, my head. Look, do not tell anyone. I have to go home and fall over.

[]

Basim: Someone who loves tea would find this irresistible.

[]

Basim: I overheard you mention that slaves have gone missing.
Elder: What? Who are you? How dare you talk to me. Go away!

Basim: You are obviously a man of taste. I would be willing to part with a brick of tea for a moment of your time.
Elder: I thought I .. wait, tea? All right, but be quick, before anyone sees me talking to you.
Basim: You mentioned Zanj slaves have been going missing.
Elder: I don't see what it has to do with you, but yes. A stranger, one of those rebels, has been disturbing the slaves. After he spoke with them, they disappeared. No doubt he's an acquaintance of that troublemaker Ali ibn Muhammad. That's all I know. Now leave before someone who matters sees me talking with someone like you.

[]

Tea House Owner: Hey! Over here! This way!

Basim approached the man.

Basim: Did you want something?

The teahouse owner whispered to Basim.

Tea House Owner: Not here, there are too many ... ears, if you take my meaning.

Projecting his voice, he continued.

Tea House Owner: Ah, yes sayyidi! Our special teas are kept in the back. This way, watch your step!

He began leading Basim away from the open courtyard.

Tea House Owner: Follow me. Act casual.

[]

Tea House Owner: All right. It's clear.
Basim: Well, we ... seem to be alone. What did you want?
Tea House Owner: Sorry for the melodramatics, but you never know who is watching. And this sneaking about is all rather exciting! I saw your red sash and heard you talking about missing slaves. Another has disappeared form a farmhouse near here.
Basim: how do you know of this?
Tea House Owner: I am friendly with the family. The husband was one of those executed. Now the son has gone missing as well. His mother is beside herself with worry. I thought you might be able to help her.
Basim: Tell me where this farmhouse is.
Tea House Owner: A little to the west. Slaves don't trust easily, but if you can do anything for her, I would consider it a personal favor.

[]

Basim: I should return to Ali and tell him what I have discovered.

[]

Ali: Did you know I can hear what men think?

[]

Beshi: We should not do this. It will only make more trouble for us.
Ali: More trouble than executions?

Ali slapped the bound man.

Ali: They slaughtered our brothers. How do you not understand?
Basim: Ali, what is this? This is not what we agreed to.
Ali: I do what must be done. I do not need your approval. Did you discover something?
Basim: Slaves are disappearing from all over Jarjaraya, one from a nearby farmhouse. I will go there, and see what I can find.
Ali: Good. Our friend here has been spending his mornings at the harbor, meeting with one we think is informing for the Caliph. You could find this informant and follow him. See where that leads. Meanwhile, Beshi and I will loosen our friend's tongue.
Beshi: This is a mistake, Ali.
Ali: Let us see...

[]

Basim: I should look for the informant, and help the widow find her missing son.

[]

Basim: This is the harbor. The informant is here somewhere.

[]

Basim: There is the mark. Now to keep them in my sights, and avoid unwanted attention.

[]

Informant: Hmph. No notes today. I should get going. It's almost time.
Basim: Time for what, I wonder? I should follow him, but I cannot let him see me.

[]

Informant: I've got new information.
Soldier: What have you got for me?
Informant: Apart from that slave kid I already told you about, someone's been sniffing around Jarjaraya, asking questions.
Soldier: Is it the one we reported last time, that troublemaker Beshi?
Informant: This one is new. No one seems to know anything about him.
Soldier: What are you doing then? I'm carrying letters for the boss, and you're wasting my time! Come back when you've got a name.

[]

Basim: These two were gathering information for someone called Dogan bin Arslan. I must find this Dogan, but first I should help the widow with her missing son. Perhaps it is connected.

[]

["Like Father, Like Son" takes place]

[]

Ali: You return at last.
Basim: What have you done?
Ali: What I had to do.
Basim: Is this what your freedom looks like?
Ali: I do not follow your creed, nor do I answer to the Hidden Ones. This is the price of war.
Basim: Beshi would disagree...
Ali: Beshi does not lead this rebellion! He does his part, and I do mine. But enough. What have you discovered?
Basim: The missing slaves were taken at the order of one called Dogan bin Arslan. Something big is happening soon. I do not know what.
Ali: I do. This one said my men are being interrogated, and are to be executed by their leader afterward at the villa.
Basim: Ali, the informant mentioned Beshi by name. They are looking for him.
Ali: Let them look. Go free my men. I will prepare our attack on the villa. Meet me near the farm when you are done.

[]

Basim: This looks like the farm where Ali's men were being held.

[]

Soldier: These stupid slaves are going to be sorry they didn't just do their work.
Soldier: The boss won't go easy on them. He loves his work.

[]

Rebel: Alhamdulillah! We thought we were dead.

[]

Rebel: Get me out of here.
Basim: Ali is waiting just outside the farm. Go quickly.

[]

Basim: The widow's son is not here.

[]

Soldier: I heard the kid is the son of one of those executed rebels. He came looking for his father's killers.
Soldier: Well, he found them, didn't he? He'll go the same way as his father now.

[]

Basim: Your mother is waiting for you.
Widow's Son: I'm not going back yet. They killed my father. I will fight with the others!
Basim: You are brave. Fine, meet Ali outside the farm.

[]

Basim: That is all of them. I should meet with Ali.

[]

Basim: Is everyone here?
Ali: Dogan bin Arslan dies now. We wait only for you.

(Accept - Let's begin the assault)

Basim: I am ready. Let us go.

[]

Ali: They stole you from your homes when you were free, and brought you here to die in their fields as slaves. They slaughtered our brothers like dogs in Sharqiyah. Now they have taken more of us.
Rebel: No!
Widow's Son: No more!
Ali: I promised you a new life. I gave you my word. More join us every day, from the least in Baghdad to the greatest. Allah is with us. Our cause is righteous. Our justice is destined. God is great! God is great! There is no God but God, and God is great!
Rebel: There is no God but God!
Ali: There is no judgement but by God!

[]

Dogan bin Arslan: You rebels need to learn your place!

[]

Dogan's Orders

Dogan,

I want a full report of your progress this week. AI-A'eshma in particular has questions about the stranger nosing around Jarjaraya recently. I suggest you make extra effort to provide answers - for your own sake. Al-A'eshma, more so than me, does not like to be disappointed.

We will expect you at the Officers' Club in Shargiyah, as usual.

- Al-Rukh

[]

Ali: When word gets out of this victory, many will join our cause.
Basim: Dogan bin Arslan was carrying orders. He was to report to superiors at the Officers' Club in Sharqiyah.
Ali: Those superiors may be who ordered the executions. Does it name them?
Basim: It uses codenames. Al-Rukh and Al-A'eshma. Only the Order uses such names. I will go to this club and see what I can find.
Ali: I wish you luck. I must return and wait for Beshi.
Basim: Be careful, Ali. The Caliph will be hunting you both after this.
Ali: There are things we cannot hide from if we are to be truly free.

[]

Basim: I should go to the Officers' Club in Sharqiyah.

[]

Like Father, Like Son

[]

Zanj Widow: Not my son as well! I cannot lose him like his father!
Civilian: Maybe he's safe somewhere. He could be lost.
Zanj Widow: No. He is gone. I haven't even had a chance to gather flowers for my hisband's funeral and now my son is gone too.
Basim: This must be the place. Excuse me.
Zanj Widow: Who are you? What do you want?
Basim: Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you. The teahouse owner told me of your trouble. Perhaps I can help.
Zanj Widow: I do not see how. I don't know you.
Basim: You need flowers for your husband's burial. I too once lost those close to me, but could not bury them. It would be an honor if you let me do for you what I could not do for my friends. I will gather these flowers.
Zanj Widow: My husband often brought some White Savory to me. If you bring me some, I will leave them at his grave once he is buried, as my final gift.
Basim: It will be done.

[]

Basim: The flowers will be nearby. I should look around.

[]

Basim: These look like the flowers I need.

[]

Basim: These are beautiful flowers. My friends would have approved.

[]

Basim: I brought the flowers, with my sympathy.
Zanj Widow: They are such elegant flowers. My husband loved them. Thank you. Is there something I can do for you?
Basim: I am trying to find who is taking slaves from Jarjaraya. I know your son is missing.
Zanj Widow: Yes. I lost his father. It would be more than I can bear if I lost him too.
Basim: Can you tell me what he was doing before he went missing?
Zanj Widow: When his father was taken, he became very unhappy. He started going out at night. Last night, he never returned.
Basim: I will look around. There might be something here that tells what happened.

[]

Basim: I could pick up her son's tracks around here.

[]

Basim: There are a lot of tracks here. The tracks lead to that small building. I need to find a way inside.

[]

Basim: The oil is low. He was working late.

[]

Son's Letter

I have seen mercenaries go in and out of that farm. They must be the ones who took Father and the others.

Basim: A letter! He mentions a nearby farm. I should let his mother know what I have found.

[]

Basim: I found a letter from yuor son. He was looking for the men who took his father.
Zanj Widow: That foolish boy!
Basim: He mentioned a nearby farm. Do you know what he was talking about?
Zanj Widow: Oh no. That is Dogan's farm. It is crawling with mercenaries. If he went there... Please! Find my son!
Basim: If he lives, I will send him back to you. You have my word.

[]

Basim: Dogan's farm will be heavily guarded. I should return to Ali and discuss the next move.

[]

The Raptor and the Demon

[]

Basim: The Officers' Club. Now to find a way inside.

[]

Soldier: They trust me with the key to their special room. That's something, right?

[]

Al-Rukh: Did you see that woman whose husband we took?
Al-A'eshma: It is not unlawful to make her your slave. Oh dont look at me like that! Allah has favored us, Jasoor. Or should only the mighty Al-Mardikhwar enjoy such blessings?
Al-Rukh: Do not speak his name, not even here! Of all of us, he scares me the most. You know what he is like. If he learns of my past and finds fault, where can I run? I do not have the luxuries of your ships, Nadir.
Al-A'eshma: You may have taken liberties with truth in the past, but you have proven your loyalty many times. You executed those rebels, recently. That was a task more cold-blooded than his ordering of it. Perhaps he shoud fear you.
Al-Rukh: It is your voice I hear, but the words are those of the Shaytan (Devil) himself. Do not jest. I want no trouble when he returns.
Al-A'eshma: Shaytan! That is high praise coming from you! It is as I told you. We are favored, and need not fear anything.
Al-Rukh: Where is Dogan? He is late.
Al-A'eshma: As always, my friend, you worry too much. Which is why you are merely Al-Rukh, and I am ... Al-A'eshma.

[]

Soldier: My apologies, Generals. Dogan bin Arslan has been murdered, and we fear there is an intruder. We must get you to safety.
Al-Rukh: I knew something was wrong! Dogan is never late.

[]

Basim: Those two are with the Order, and they serve a third they call Al-Mardikhwar. But now, I need to find a way out.

[]

Basim: I am safe. I should return to Fuladh.

[]

The Hunt

[]

Fuladh: Good, you are here. You have kicked many nests. Mercenaries are everywhere, like angry ants.
Ali: It explains Beshi's absence. He's avoiding the mercenaries.
Fuladh: I hope the trouble was all worth it?
Basim: I have discovered two of the officers are working with the Order. And there is another, their leader.
Fuladh: Three! That would explain the Order's reach in Sharqiyah.
Basim: The first two go by the names Al-Rukh and Al-A'eshma. The third, they call Al-Mardikhwar.
Ali: They hide behind pompous names like prideful children!
Fuladh: Do not mistake the Order's vanities for childishness. They are the real power behind the Abbasids. Did you discover anything that would identify them?

Basim: The one named Al-Rukh was called Jasoor by his companion. He is hiding from his past, and lives in fear because of it.
Fuladh: Jasoor, yes. That must be the Arab General Jasoor ibn Basil.
Ali: I know of him ... a coward who stole credit for victories on the battlefield won by others.
Fuladh: A past he has gone to great efforts to hide. Jasoor has a villa at Qasr Salih to the west. You could look for him there.

Basim: The one called Al-A'eshma, his real name is Nadir. He has command of ships, and is not timid like his companion. Arrogant, in fact.
Fuladh: Nadir...
Ali: That must be Admiral Nadir ibn Havid. A boastful fool, concerned more with his ships than his own man.
Fuladh: Ah yes, the Admiral. Boastful, perhaps, but brilliant. He has created several new warships for the Caliph. The Order's reach has grown if they have recruited Nadir. You should look for him at the Lower Harrbor, to the north.

Basim: As for their leader, Al-Mardikhwar, I learned only that he is away from Sharqiyah, and expected to return soon.
Fuladh: This one I do not know. It is the first time I have heard the name.
Ali: If he is their leader, he ordered the death of my men. He's the one you must find.
Fuladh: Yes, and for other reasons besides. Our best hope of finding him is through the first two.
Ali: Find this Al-Mardikhwar, Basim, as we agreed. I will wait for Beshi.

Ali: I am grateful for your help freeing my men. Take this token, with thanks.

Ali left.

Basim: I will find Jasoor and Nadir, and unmask their leader.
Fuladh: They will be wary now, protected within their strongholds. You may have to lure them out. Thread carefully, Basim. These are dangerous men.
Basim: So am I.

[]

Bird Trap

[]

Civilian: What is happening? Why are the soldiers patrolling?
Civilian: There was an attack in Sharqiyah. Everyone's on edge.
Civilian: Sounds like trouble. Let's go home.
Basim: The whole area is on high alert. I am expected.

[]

Soldier: What's wrong with the General? He's in a panic, screaming for reinforcements we don't have.
Soldier: Something that happened in Sharqiyah has him worried... More than usual, I mean.

[]

Basim: A key. There must be a door it opens.

[]

Al-Rukh: Stay alert! They broke into the Officer's room. If they break in here, it is all your heads!

[]

Short Letter

Al-Rukh,

I've heard troubling rumor that your celebrated past accomplishments were somewhat exaggerated. It seems you have been telling lies.

I expect you at the Great Garrison when I return. We have much to discuss.

-Al-Mardikhwar

Basim: There is a note. Al-Marrdikhwar had questions about our friend's past. Smart. He was ordered to a meeting at the Great Garrison.

[]

Basim: One down. Now to deal with Al-A'eshma.

[]

To Catch a Demon

[]

Basim: This is the harbor. Now to find Admiral Nadir.

[]

Basim: This is a detailed diagram of a strange-looking ship.

[]

Shipment Notice

Shipments bearing the Warlord's insignia are to be sent directly to the camp south of River Tigris. No exceptions.

- Admiral Nadir

Basim: A note directing all shipments to a location just south along the river Tigris.

[]

Basim: This shipment is headed outside the city.

[]

Soldier: It's just my luck to be sent to the biggest dung pile in all of Sharqiyah.

[]

Soldier: This camp is the worst I've ever seen in all my years as a soldier. Rats live better.

[]

Guard Orders

No torches are to be taken near the prototype. Any man found doing so will not only lose a month's wages, he will spend a week in the Great Garrison at the pleasure of the Warlord.

- Admiral Nadir

Basim: Admiral Nadir is very concerned about keeping fire away from his prototype ship.

[]

Soldier: The admiral is all talk. I've never heard bluster so much and do so little. Not even you.
Soldier: Shut up! If the Admiral doesn't beat you to stop your complaining, I will.

[]

Soldier: The Admiral cares more for tis precious model ship than his own men, and look at it. I'm surprised it floats.
Basim: It would be a pity if that little ship caught fire.

[]

Soldier: No, no no! Put it out! Hurry! He'll take our heads!

[]

Al-A'eshma: Guards, lock down the camp! Find the one responsible! No one who dares raise their hand against me escapes. I didn't survive a hundred ocean battles to suffer insult! I want the dogs found! Bring them to me, or you'll feel the bite of my lash yourselves!

[]

Angy Missive

Al-A'eshma,

Yet another shipment of military supplies has gone missing. That is the second time in as many months. I do not need to tell you what the consequences would be if the Caliph were to discover the contents of those shipments.

The harbor and everything in it is under your control.

Basim: A letter from Al-Mardikhwar about missing shipments belonging to the Turkic mercenaries. The Admiral was stealing.

[]

Basim: That is two down. I should return to Fuladh.

[]

The Chase

[]

Fuladh: Wait, Ali. Let us hear from Basim, first. Were you successful in your tasks?
Basim: General Jasoor and Admiral Nadir are dead.
Fuladh: Did you find anything to identify Al-mardikhwar?
Basim: Not exactly. General Jasoor was commanded to meet Al-Mardikhwar at the Great Garrison. It seems his past finally caught up to him. Admiral Nadir was questioned about missing supply shipments meant for the Turkic military. Al-Mardikhwar was not happy.
Fuladh: So ... Al-Mardikhwar is at the Great Garrison, overseeing supplies for the Turkic mercenaries. There is only one officer of sufficient rank who fits. Warlord Wasif al Turki.
Ali: Wasif! This makes sense. There are few others who could have taken Beshi.
Basim: Beshi has been taken?
Ali: He never came back.
Fuladh: Wasif just returned from an excursion for the Caliph, and is at the Garrison. If he has Beshi, that is where he will be.
Ali: Then that is where I am going.
Fuladh: Wasif controls half of Baghdad. If we challenge him and fail, it could start a war that reaches even Alamut. You need Basim.
Ali: Fine. I will meet Basim near the Garrison before I move. But do not take long. I am finished waiting.

Ali left and Fuladh gave Basim a feather.

Fuladh: Enter the Great Garrison and kill Wasif. He must not escape, and it must look like Ali did it. The safety of Alamut depends on it.
Basim: It will be done.

[]

Den of the Beast

[]

Basim: Ali. Are you ready?

[]

Wasif: And who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do?
Muhammad: There is more at stake here than your pride, Wasif. We walk a narrow path.
Wasif: Enough! Take care what you say when we next meet, Governor. I will not suffer such insult twice.

[]

Ali: That's Wasif and Baghdad's governor, Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tahir. He gave Wasif an order. The warlord did not like it.
Basim: The Governor of Baghdad has no authority over the Warlord, unless... Could he also be with the Order?
Ali: Muhammad? I don't believe it. He is not just Governor, he is a poet, and a scholar. The man has spirit. I hoped to make him an ally.
Basim: Well, I hope you are right. Wasif is enough to deal with. I just have to find a way inside the Garrison.
Ali: One of the stewards inside is loyal to me. You will find him near the cookhouse. When he sees the red sash, he will help you.
Basim: What will you do?
Ali: I will find Beshi, and then free other rebels being held in the prison. Wasif I leave to you.

[]

Basim: Warlord. You cloak yourself in the Caliph's colors so you can kidnap and kill at will. You are a plague upon the land. Its soil is red with the blood of those you have butchered. All because they sought their freedom ... or because you feared they would. You think yourself untouchable, surrounded by your soldiers. But we will storm the Garrison, free Beshi, and see your reign of terror end.

[]

Basim: Those walls do not look climbable. I will have to find another way in.

[]

Civilian: Those garrison walls are useless as they are. Have you seen the holes in the Garrison walls? What's the point of having walls if they have holes in them?
Civilian: You mean the construction? There are guards everywhere. No one's getting in or out of that place without being caught.
Basim: There might be a way in along the northern wall. I should take a look.

[]

Garrison Cook: Bring the Narbaj (pomegranate juice stew) and the meal when it's ready. And forget your knives! We've got a lot more to take to the barracks. You're going to need both hands for carrying.

[]

Basim: There is a steward here loyal to Ali. He will be somewhere near the cookhouse.

[]

Soldier: I'll bet he's left the key in that mess of a room.
Basim: Where there is a key, there is a lock ... or a gate.

[]

Steward: Over here!
Basim: You are Ali's man?'
Steward: I saw your red sash. We must be quick. Wasif is in the inner garrison. I can get you through a side entrance, but we cannot be seen together. Follow me at a distance, and stay out of sight.
Basim: I understand.
Steward: Tell me when you're ready to go.
Basim: All right, let us go.

[]

Steward: I will walk in the open to avoid suspicion. Follow me at a distance, and stay in cover.

[]

Steward: Try to stay in the shadows.

[]

Soldier: Have you heard those screams? It's like ghosts or something. I heard the prison is haunted.
Soldier: Something's happening down there that isn't ... right. I heard the same thing at Damascus Gate. You don't want to know.

[]

Steward: I hope they fix the walls soon.
Soldier: You and me both. My patrols will be shorter, for one thing.

[]

Soldier: Warlord Wasif is back, so no shirking on your patrols. Do the full round, all the way to the construction. If I catch any of you shortcutting, you'll lose a week's pay and be on latrine duty for a month.

[]

Steward: Everything seems quiet enough, my friend.
Soldier: I'm not your friend. Be about your business, and be quick.

[]

Steward: So far, so good. We're half-way. Remember, stay hidden. If you fail, I will not be able to help and you must find your way.

[]

Basim: This is the barracks. Wasif's room is probably further inside.

[]

Steward: Finally. This door will lead you to Wasif. Now, I must get back.

[]

Basim: Wasif's room. It is surpringly bare for a man of his rank.

[]

Dusty Memoir

I was a boy when they took me, and sent me to the blacksmith, That bastard beat me, but I made myself strong just like you taught me.

As soon as I was big enough, I broke his neck with my hands. I squeezed until I felt it snap. There was no anger in his eyes then. The only thing I saw before they filled up with blood was fear.

You would have been proud of me, Mama.

Basim: This is an elaborate shrine. Wasif must have loved his mother.

[]

Soldier: Stand straight and eyes front! The Warlord is arriving and will tolerate no disorder!

[]

Wasif: Better. The heft is good, the balance too. The hilt is still a bit tight. Let us see if the edge is better. "Whoever bears arms against us is not one of us." You chose the wrong side, my friend.
Beshi: Judgement belongs to Allah! Not you!

[]

Wasif: It's still sticking. Make the blood grooves deeper.

[]

Soldier: Time to put the dog down!

[]

Basim: We should free the others. Then you can lead your men outside. I will deal with Wasif.
Ali: Outside? Don't be foolish. This is the perfect beginning. We are going to pull this place down.

[]

Rebel: The Warden has the key to our cells. Be careful! He is more dangerous than he looks.

[]

Basim: Thereis the Warden.

[]

Basim: Key to the cells. Now to releaase the others.

[]

Soldier: Stay alert! There's been word of strange noises.
Soldier: When are there not strange noises?
Soldier: Just keep your head on a swivel.

[]

Rebel: Here! Alhamdulillah!

[]

Rebel: You have our thanks! Ali will lead us to our revenge. For Beshi!

[]

Basim: Your men are free. Now I must find Wasif.
Ali: There is a signal fire just above here. Once lit, it will raise an alarm throughout the Garrison. The guards will come to us.
Basim: And I will find a way into his room while he is alone. All right. We will light the fire.
Ali: Do not forget our agreement.
Basim: I have not forgotten.

[]

Soldier: What do we do? We are surrounded.
Soldier: Be silent! Take this down, quickly. The Zindeeq (heretic) Ali and his rebels have attacked the garrison. Request reinforcements. Seal the letter. When the door is breached, find a way through and deliver it to the Caliph. On your life!
Soldier: Y-yes, sayyidi!

[]

Basim: Composed and silent, even when trapped. Al-Mardikhwar indeed. .

[]

Wasif: A feather... isn't that ironic? Was it taken from an eagle who fell out of the sky?
Basim: A symbol of freedom. A word you did not use often. And never will again.
Wasif: Oh ... so this is freedom? Yet, I do not see any way out...

[]

Ali: Argh!

[]

Ali: We will have to fight our way out. Our revolution begins now. With me!
Basim: This may not be good.

[]

The Return

[]

Ali: This is a great beginning!
Basim: Why do they fight? Their Warlord lies dead already.

[]

Rebel: Allah fights with us!

[]

Basim: That is it. Let us get out of here.
Ali: Follow me. Stay close!

[]

Basim: Is this what you mean by freedom? Brawling our way out of a garrison?
Ali: Why? Do you lack the stomach for an honest fight?
Basim: No, I just prefer ... an honest assassination.

[]

Basim: I hope you trained your men better than the Warlord trained his.
Ali: Can you not see for yourself? The fight is almost over already!

[]

Basim: We made it! That was close.
Ali: Not close, inevitable.

[]

Ali: More guards!

[]

Ali: You fight with a venom. Perhaps our cause appeals to you more than you admit?

[]

Ali: That is the last of them!
Basim: Let us go out the same way we came in.
Ali: Oh no, my friend. We are leaving through the front gate. Keep up! We are close. The victory is ours!
Rebel: We are with you Sahib az-Zanj (Chief of the Zanj)!

[]

Ali: This is a good day! I will meet you at the Bureau.

[]

Ali: Our fight begins! We will have freedom, or death! God is great!
Rebel: There is no God but God!
Ali: God is great!
Rebel: There is no God but God!
Ali: God is great!
Rebel: There is no God but God!

[]

Basim: I should return to Fuladh at the Bureau.

[]

Fuladh: If you mention the cat, it will come. And here he is.
Basim: Go softly, come softly, so the cat does not gore you.

Basim handed Fuladh the bloodied feather, which he puts away before Ali enters the room.

Ali: You have honored your word. Wasif lies dead, and all who hear of it, hear of me.
Basim: I regret we could not save Beshi. He was a brave man.
Ali: Already they tell his tory throughout Baghdad. He will free more by his death than he did in life. Freedom has a price. The only question is whether we will pay it. Beshi was proud to. I have much to do. I would wish peace upon you both, but ... we know that is not in your future. Nor mine.

Ali left.

Fuladh: I fear Ali is right. Nothing will stop his rebellion now.
Basim: Maybe nothing should. The things he says...

Basim shook his head before continuing.

Basim: At the Garrison, we saw Wasif arguing with Governor Muhammad ibn Tahir.
Fuladh: Muhammad? That is odd. I will keep eyes on him. Araka Lahiqan!

[]

Basim: (ragged breath)

[]

Nehal: Easy, Basim. I am here.

[]

Nehal: Basim, tamahhal (slow down).
Basim: i cannot keep them waiting.
Nehal: Are they aware, your companions, that their hunter is hunted in his sleep?
Basim: If it were in my sleep alone I could bear it. But it followed when I fled Anbar. Now it stalks me when I slay those I hunt.
Nehal: The ones from the palace ... in the masks.
Basim: Four are dead at my hand. The last, the Head of the Snake, will join them soon.
Nehal: Why slit its throat when you could loosen its tongue?
Basim: What? Why would I...
Nehal: The jinni only struck in sleep. It never dogged you by the day until you reached into that chest. The masked ones prized what lay within, the ancient object that woke at your touch. They may hold more answers living than dead!
Basim: I hunt my enenmies, I do not break bread with them. I took an Oath, Nehal.
Nehal: How can you hunt when you are hounded? If you could walk the dark unburdened, you could better serve the light.
Basim: I stay my blade from the flesh of the innocent. Not from the Order of the Ancients!
Nehal: If you will not ask your foes, then at least ask your friends what slept in that chest... and why they sought it.

[]

Basim: My companions wait for me at the Harbiyah Bureau. Clear your mind, Basim. Focus on the task before you.

[]

Round City

The Head of The Snake

[]

Roshan: You took your time.
Basim: Did you wait up, Master?
Roshan: I wait for no man. You look tired.
Basim: Nothing a little adventure won't fix. What news?
Roshan: Ali thinks the time is right to attack the palace. The 'Uyun (spies) are distracted and the people divided.
Basim: Divided how?
Roshan: Some are claiming the new Caliph stole the throne from Abu 'Abdallah, son of Al-Mutawakkil. What do you know of him?
Basim: Little. He was there at the palace, the night his father... The night I reached into that chest. Master, have we learned anything more about the object within?
Roshan: Why do you ask?
Basim: It seems a shame we know so little about something the Order prized so much. Should we not seek to know our enemies better, the better to defeat them?

Fuladh entered the Bureau.

Fuladh: Marhaban (Welcome), Basim! Have I interrupted?
Roshan: No. We must turn to the task at hand.
Fuladh: Of course, Abu 'Abdallah. Rebekah tells me you have met his mother, Qabiha?
Basim: I did. I think she could be first among our foes. She, or Arib the Poet, or Muhammad the Governor. All three had ties to our enemies.
Fuladh: Muhammad ibn Tahir... His cousins govern the land on which Alamut sits.
Roshan: Their protection is all that shields us from our enemies.
Basim: I cut our enemy's legs beneath them, Master. Let me strike while their stumps are bloody. I will unmask them and learn their intent.
Fuladh: Basim is right. We must act swiftly.
Roshan: Go to the Round City. Investigate all three, but take no further action. Report back to me atop the House of the Privy Seal.

[]

Basim: Fuladh, my finder of facts, my fielder of questions.
Fuladh: How can I be of help, Basim?

Basim: Tell me about Arib. Her words were as scripture to members of the Order.
Fuladh: A gifted artist and poetess, Arib won her freedom through her skill. Tabid tells me she keeps a luxurious home in the Round City. Anything else?

Basim: What do you know of Qabiha? She had ties to the Treasurer.
Fuladh: Born to slavery, Qabiha rose to become Al Mutawakkil's. [sic] favourite concubine in the Harem. Yet her son was not made Caliph, leaving her future uncertain. Anything else?

Basim: Tell me about the Governor. I saw him give orders to Wasif Al-Turki.
Fuladh: Muhammad is one of the Tahirids, powerful viceroys of the Caliphs in Persia. He governs all Baghdad from his seat at the Courts. Anything else?

Basim: Where can I find our suspects?
Fuladh: All three live within the glorious Round City, the power center of the Abbasid Caliphate. Anything else?

Basim: Shukran, Fuladh.

[]

Basim: Poet, politician, and concubine. I will soon know which one wears the mask.

[]

The Fox and the Hunter

[]

Basim: What beautiful homes ... far different from the slums of Anbar.

[]

Basim: The home of the poetess.

[]

Basim: Adoring fans? They are very well-armed if so.

[]

Basim: Let us hope she is home.

[]

Arib: You will not bar mme from my guests! This is my house!
Patron: Bought with my generosity!
Arib: Bought by my genius!

[]

Patron: For tokens, favors, and personal dedications, you may find Sayyida Arib in the garden after her recital. Good day.
Basim: You must be her patron! It is an honor, sayyidi. If I may, I seek a private audience with the poetess.
Patron: Do you.
Basim: I have been moved beyond words by her ... words. "Symmetry of Sky and Sea..." I only wish to express my sincere admiration.
Patron: Pretty words. Nearly as pretty as hers. And just as false. We both know what mask she wears, don't we?
Basim: Mask, sayyidi?'
Patron: Enough, "sayyidi". I know what you are, and I know why you've come. You think I haven't seen you skulking in the shadows? She is no longer party to your plots. Your secret meetings, your foolish nicknames. I have scrubbed her clean of them. For I have set a watch on her door. My men dog her recitals. Every letter she's had of you, I have shredded or sent back!
Basim: Sent back?
Patron: Youll find them piled at the Postal Bureau. Burn them, bury them, do what you will. You can choke on them for all I care.

[]

Basim: Foolish nicknames, secret meetings ... the patron may have thought me a member of the Order of the Ancients. The piles of letters at the Postal Bureau may reveal more... Let us see what mask you wear, Poetess.

[]

Basim: The Postal Bureau. I will do as the 'Uyun (spies) do, sift through strangers' mail and sniff out conspiracies.

[]

Basim: There must be mail here from every corner of the Caliphate... Now to find Arib's.

[]

Payment Overdue Letter

Please note that your payment of fifteen dinars is overdue and must be remitted no later than 20 Safar or you will be subject to an additional fine.

Basim: "Please note that your payment of fifteen dinars is overdue and must be..." No.

[]

Treasonous Letter

Abu 'Abdallah is the true Caliph and will soon reclaim his stolen throne. The time is near at hand. Wait for my signal.

Basim: "Abu 'Abdallah is the true Caliph and will soon reclaim his stolen throne..." I will leave this one for the 'Uyun.

[]

Admirer's Letter

Dearest Arib, your poetry has touched me deeply. You are my oasis, lush and plentiful, your words soothe my weathered soul. Tell me you feel the same.

Basim: "Dearest Arib, your poetry has touched me deeply. You are my oasis, lush and..." Ya lalqaraf. (Yuck.)

[]

Threatening Letter

You jape and jig for the base pleasure of your betters and pave their path to ruin. Silence your song of sin or I will do it for you.

Basim: "Silence your song of sin or I will do it for you." How kind. Moving on...

[]

Strange Letter

After the honey drips from her lips, Al-Tha'lab leaves the garden and follows the mouse.

Basim: "After the honey drips from her lips, Al-Tha'lab (The Fox) leaves the garden and follows the mouse." Secret Order correspondence? Bad poetry? A bit of both? Arib could be Al-Tha'lab. The patron spoke of a recital in the gardens... I could give this letter to Arib and see where the vixen leads me.

[]

Basim: I will go to the garden, give Al Tha'lab her letter, and follow where she goes.

[]

Arib: "Rage as the ocean, I'll sweeten your storms. Scorch as the desert, I'll bathe in your heat. Strike as the cobra..."

[]

Arib: "Be you ocean, desert, cobra, dove, all shapes and humors will I embrace."

[]

Arib: Hello there .. have we met? Come, don't be shy! I rarely bite and I never leave a mark.

[]

Arib: It seems there's no privacy in the public eye.

[]

Arib: How came you by that letter? Who put you up to this?
Basim: I work in the dark to serve the light.
Arib: I've met the men who "serve the light". It seems its glare oft leaves them blind. Are your masters so blinkered and bumbling?

[]

Patron: You were warned, you son of a dog! Come, Arib! We wll set no tongues to wagging here.
Arib: Yours is the tongue that will not still itself, even when I beg for silence.
Patron: You spurn the counsel of he who raised you and without whom you would still be nothing!
Arib: I raised myself. I authored myself. I have written myself into history. You are banished from my pages, now be gone!
Patron: How could I leave you to wolves such as these? You're a woman alone, unharmed...
Arib: Words are weapons enough for me.
Patron: Than let us see what defense they offer. Take her.
Basim: There is somewhere the sayyida needs to be. And you are delaying her.
Arib: It seems that words can summon shields.

[]

Basim: We will need to make this quick.

[]

Basim: Arib has left for her secret meeting. I must hurry.

[]

Basim: The letter commanded Al-Tha'lab to leave the garden and follow the mouse. Perharps Arib is not lost to me yet.

[]

Basim: How far will the fox flee?

[]

Basim: Yet another painted mouse.

[]

Basim: Another crumb to follow. I am growing tired of this chase.

[]

Arib: "Follow the mouse." Really?

[]

Sara: You should bring him before the Mazalim Court!
Arib: But he thinks only of my reputation, Sara! To safeguard success I must be palatable. Discreet. He fears I am too proud.
Sara: You? Never.
Arib: I write that love is feral and free, unbound by stricture or statute. Should I not practice what I publish?
Sara: Practice makes perfect. It also makes enemies.
Arib: So be it, but let me choose them. Courtiers, Caliphs, patrons, partners, so many men have tried to decide my enemies ... and friends. Though Allah knows I once chose poorly.
Sara: He hid himself well. And a poet needs patrons, even one so great as Al-Tha'lab.
Arib: Well, I have my pick.
Sara: Good. There's troubled times ahead.
Arib: I will be fine. I have survived six Caliphs. I will survive--
Sara: Six more.
Arib: Don't worry, Sara. I'll kiss the rings I need to kiss but I will not be bound again. Not by anyone.

[]

Basim: Secret meanings, coded names... There is no trace of the Order here. Still, she has her pick of patrons... Maybe the Head of the Order is not Arib herself, but an admirer.

[]

Judge and Executioner

[]

Basim: The Mazalim courts are close. Dervis once told me it is where the commons can appeal when justice itself is dealt unjustly. My father once said, to know the measure of a man, ask those who work beneath him. These judges must know the Governor better than most.

[]

Basim: Greetings, sayyidi. I wonder if I could ask you some questions about the Governor, Muhammad ibn Tahir.
'Adil ibn Munsif: I am not underpaid to answer questions. I suggest you make this worth my time. Otherwise...

He motions for Basim to leave.

Basim: Would you accept this token of appreciation from a humble citizen?
'Adil ibn Munsif: Hmm. I would. As a start.

[this should be inside the other tabber, but i'm not looking for that code rn]

Basim: You drive a hard bargain. Too hard.
'Adil ibn Munsif: Wait. A rival has uncovered documents that could see me dragged before my own court. Bring them here and I'll answer your questions.
Basim: I will see what I can do.

[]

Civilian: Abu 'Abdallah should be tried for treason. If her were in my court, why I... Well, it is better left unsaid.

[]

Basim: A little ill for a greater good. But it leaves a bad taste.

[]

Basim: I have what you asked for.

[]

Basim: Now ... what do you know about the Governor?
'Adil ibn Munsif: He's feared. Respected. Dedicated to the rule of law, order.
Basim: That is all you know? You were here. Muhammad ibn Tahir keeps office at the courts!
'Adil ibn Munsif: At the Shurta Courts, not the Mazalim. He does keep spies here. One scuttles back to his office every day at noon. Goodbye now.

[]

Basim: That messenger could lead me to the Governor's office ... and whatever secrets he buries there.

[]

Basim: There you are, just as I thought.

[]

Messenger: Stay alert ... something is amiss.
Soldier: Yes, sayyidi.

[]

Basim: Good. Now stay where I can see you, would you?

[]

Basim: Dervis always warned me I would be dragged to the Shurta. Who would have imagined I would walk in willingly?

[]

Soldier: Has the governor returned?
Soldier: I am not sure. I did not see him go upstairs.

[]

Soldier: It's been mad in the streets today. If it's not Abu 'Abdallah's thugssowing chaos, it's the damn rebels!
Soldier: It's all we can do to keep riots from breaking out. The Governor has a plan. He will see us through this storm.

[]

For the Governor's Eyes Only

Some still clamor for the claim of Abu ‘Abdallah. They are not many, but they are loud and determined to drown out any voice of reason. It seems that every time the outcry ebbs and the dust threatens to settle, an unseen hand rakes itself through the dirt, clouding our sight and prompting fresh outrage. Whose hand I cannot guess, but I would stay it and staunch this chaos.

[]

Basim: Muhammad ibn Tahir's office, at last.

[]

Resignation of Abu 'Abdallah

With a heavy heart, I, Abu 'Abdallah, swear allegiance to our Caliph regnant and avow that I will not seek the throne while he is living.

Signed Il Shawwal.

Basim: Abu 'Abdallah swears allegiance to the Caliph, and that he will not seek the throne himself...

[]

"Ocean, Desert, Cobra, Dove"

Rage as the Ocean,
I'll sweeten your storms;

Scorch as the desert,
I'll bathe in your heat;

Strike as the cobra,
but plunge in my breast;

Soar as the dove,
but alight in my nest;

Where you go, there I'll go;
Where you rest, there I'll rest.

Basim: "Ocean, Desert, Cobra, Dove." It seems he is an admirer of Arib the Poet.

[]

Letter from the Tahirids

Cousin, per your request all terms with Alamut are hereby voided; our pledge of protection revoked; our offer of asylum rescinded.

Abdallah ibn Tahir

[]

Basim: A man who puppets the powerful, who seeks to purge the Hidden Ones at Alamut... I have seen enough.

[]

Muhammad: You can tell your masters I've had copies made. Shred that page, slit my throat, our bargain stands.
Basim: My masters?
Muhammad: The masked cabal, the Order of ... I don't care. Are you not in their service?
Basim: Are you not in their service?
Muhammad: I serve the Caliphate. I serve Allah. And I do it without hiding my face. Now, if you'll excuse me.
Basim: Why were you giving commands to Wasif Al-Turki? A member of the Order?
Muhammad: The brute was stoking the fire of a thousand rebellions. Thankfully someone spared me the trouble of putting him down. A Hidden One, I heard. Are you the one to thank?
Basim: I read your letters. You forced your cousins to remove their protection from Alamut. You sold us out to our enemies!
Muhammad: And brought peace to Baghdad. You've already helped yourself to the receipt.
Basim: Abu 'Abdallah's Oath of Allegiance? What does he have to do with anything?

[]

Muhammad: His ambition would have torn the Caliphate apart. I offered the Order Alamut, they gave me assurance he'd threaten us no more.
Basim: So to trap a fox you loose a wolf? The Order will see Baghdad burn, Governor! History will judge you for this.
Muhammad: History can hang me for it! I'll leave this world knowing that there is courage in compromise!

[]

Basim: There is also cowardice!

[]

Muhammad: How old are you? Twenty? I was your age when I came to this city. Righteous beyond reproach.
Basim: What happened?
Muhammad: I grew up. If you really wish to spare Alamut, turn that blade on your enemies.

[]

Basim: Give me their name. The one you brokered the deal with.
Muhammad: I could. But if you fail, then I die ... and I'd prefer not to . Now, I have things to do. No hard feelings.

[]

Muhammad: Guards!

[]

Basim: So the day ends with me fleeing the Shurta after all.

[]

Basim: Letter or no, Governor Muhammad is no friend to the Hidden Ones.

[]

The Servant and the Impostor

[]

Basim: They say the Harem is home to hundreds, secluded and kept from sight of men. This place may be more secret than Alamut.

[]

Basim: They say no man may enter the Harem unless he is a Eunuch ... or the Caliph himself. I am neither, so this could be interesting.

[]

Farah: Her influence wanes, her followers dwindle by the day!
Makira: Qabiha is a great woman, Farah.
Farah: Hm, she was, while Al-Mutawakkil lived. But her son did not suceed him, and her time has come and gone.
Nasrin: When her tide ebbs, will you be swept with it to the sea?
Makira: I do not like to get involved in politics, Nasrin.
Nasrin: Please. We know what you are.
Farah: Enough. The new Eunuchs will be arriving any minute. Meet them at the gate, Makira, and try not to make a mess of it. Come, Nasrin.
Basim: New servants mean new faces in the Harem... If I had a Eunuch's uniform, I could slip in among them.

[]

Basim: That man seems happy to bask in the sun... Perhaps I should spare him the trouble of dressing for duty.

[]

Eunuch: No, no, no! Give that back!
Basim: We will all be naked on Judgement Day, brother!

[]

Basim: A bit tight across the chest ... and gut.

[]

Basim: Hopefully this will work.

[]

Abbas: Tamahhal! (Slow down!) Do I know you?
Basim: I doubt you would, this is my first day. I would hate to be late!

[]

Basim: Makira! As-salamu 'alaikum!
Abbas: You know him, Makira?
Makira: Um. I...
Basim: What? You have forgotten me already?
Makira: No, no, I ... I'm sorry, it has been a long--
Basim: That is all right, fair one. My face is quite forgettable. Unlike your own. Farah is expecting me. Between us, she terrifies me! Please do not make me late for her.
Makira: Let him in, 'Abbas.

[]

Basim: Baraka Allah feek (May God bless you), sayyidati.

[]

Makira: What are you doing?

[]

Basim: Makira! I was just--
Makira: ...breaking into Qabiha's office. You are no Eunuch. Leave now or I'll tell Nasrin, I'll tell Farah!
Basim: Tell them what? That you let me in here? I cannot imagine they will be pleased about that. You are a qahramana (stewardess), no? You serve the concubines' every need. When is the last time someone asked what you needed? Someone who would not judge. Someone you forget was ever here. There must be something you need, Makira ... or want.
Makira: There is something. Abbas at the gate ... he ... he has eyes for Farah, the Umm Walad. He doesn't look at me. But Farah uses a paint to make her eyes bigger ... and if I could have some, I think he might...
Basim: Say no more, I am at your service. Where can I find this paint?
Makira: The storage room, but ... no one is allowed in, apart from Nasrin. Farah trusts her with everything. Even her magic potion.
Basim: Farah has a magic potion?
Makira: She has Nasrin carry it, tells her when she wants a sip. It makes her breath foul. Still, I'd give anything to try it myself!
Basim: And so you shall. And in exchange, Makira? What will you give me?
Makira: The key to that office.
Basim: Eye paint and magic potion. Your wish is my command!

[]

Basim: Eye paint and magic potion ... seriously?

[]

Basim: Bigger eyes might add to my disguise ... No, focus, Basim. You need the key.

[]

Basim: So what is this magic potion? ... Ah. I see. Alcohol.

[]

Basim: Here you are.
Makira: Oh, thank you! The others say I'm too young for paints and potions, but I'm not too young to know why they use such things.
Basim: Of course not. Now, the key.
Makira: They only know more than me because they've all read this book, "The Garden and its Mysteries". It's all about biology, the body, its secrets. It is quite infamous. Have you read it?
Basim: No.
Makira: Farah keeps it in the Caliph's quarters, they're on the roof, and strictly forbidden.
Basim: Makira, we had an agreement.
Makira: Please! If you could just get the book and bring it to my room. It's in the east corner, on the left...
Basim: Fine! But then, the key!

[]

Basim: Paint, potion, now she has me fetching bawdy books. I meant to play a servant, not be one.

[]

Serpents in the Sanctuary

When they took me from my mother's arms, the only consolation was the promise of sisters. Of a world of women who would be my sanctuary and strength. And so they were, for a time. But a sickness has spread. The cruelty and ambition that dominate the world beyond root within our walls. My sisters have become serpents. I would not turn predator, bur neither will I be prey.

[]

On the World to Come

Sisters,

Farah the Umm Walad forbade us to speak of the rebels, but can you not conceive of the future they promise? We could walk in the world beyond these walls. No man here would dare to hold us. We could dance unbidden, sing when we're moved to, read whar we care. to, no man's vassal or vessel. No longer any man's to own, our bodies, our choices, our fates our own.

[]

Farah: Abu 'Abdallah's ambition knows no bounds.
Civilian: But Farah, he cannot still believe he will take the throne?
Nasrin: Have you met his mother?

[]

A Word from the Fallen

Young one,

My rivals will soon oust me. I had urged ambition, caught them to climb. I cannor complain at being outstripped.

You can only rise or fall: there is no clinging to the wall. If the wind does not knock you from your perch then others will on their ascent. Do not lose your footing: the maw of chaos gapes below. I suffered its jaws. I'd spare you the same.

- Qabiha

[]

Farah: You. Qabiha might have been lax about lateness, but I am not so lenient as she.
Basim: I am sorry Farah, it will not happen again.
Nasrin: Farah? To you she is sayyidati, or Umm Al-Walad. Go about your duties.

[]

Child: Why do I need to learn algebra? I am never going to need it!

[]

Elder: You! Tell me you have read Al-Kindi.
Basim: I am sorry, sayyidati.
Elder: Does no one read anymore?

[]

Basim: Quarters fit for a Caliph.

[]

Basim: "The garden and its Mysteries." Not much spice to the title. I guess that was the idea.

[]

Basim: There you are. Enjoy. Let us hope she does not come up with any more tasks. I think I have created a monster...

[]

Basim: The book is in your room. Now--
Makira: So? Are my eyes bigger?
Basim: Huge. Makira, I need the key!
Makira: This potion it ... it gives you confidence! I feel like I could take on the world!
Basim: Yes, I am ... familiar with this potion. We had a bargain, Makira. The key, now.
Makira: Wait, you have to return the potion to Nasrin! If Farah finds out it's gone, she'll be furious! Then the key is yours, I swear!
Basim: Fine. Drink some water while I am gone, will you please...
Basim: This is the last time, Basim. Put your foot down.

[]

Basim: Back where you belong. The potion is put back, all is right in the world. Now I will get that key from Makira if I have to pry it from her hands.

[]

Poet Concubine: Perfect timing! I need an honest opinion on my poem. I'm having trouble with the twenty-third stanza...
Basim: What is a stanza?
Poet Concubine: Never mind. Philistine.

[]

Basim: It is done! I am done!
Makira: Thank you! Funny, I have a bit of a headache. What happens now?
Basim: You give me the key.
Makira: Oh, right! Erm...
Basim: You do not have it? You are afraid of Qabiha? What?
Makira: No, no. Her star is fallen, they all say it. It's just ... I was having fun! Here it is.

[]

Basim: Finally! Now, to find my answers.

[]

Basim: I remember this perfume... I smelled it in the Bazaar. And perhaps in the Harem ... but on who?

[]

Basim: A hairpin .. Ning's. When did Qabiha get it?

[]

"Ocean, Desert, Cobra, Dove"

Rage as the Ocean,
I'll sweeten your storms;

Scorch as the desert,
I'll bathe in your heat;

Strike as the cobra,
but plunge in my breast;

Soar as the dove,
but alight in my nest;

Where you go, there I'll go;
Where you rest, there I'll rest.

Basim: A signed book of Arib's poems: The Ocean, the Desert, the Cobra and the Dove.

[]

Basim: A map of the Caliphate ... and Alamut.

[]

Basim: Yet for its grandeus, the room is all but empty. Things look to be missing ... including Qabiha herself.

[]

Abbas: What is this? What did you give her?
Nasrin: She always drank from it, she asked me to give it to her. It's harmless!
Abbas: You call this harmless, Nasrin?

[]

Makira: You should go, now. Give me the key.
Basim: What happened to her?
Makira: Me. You really shouldn't have left me alone with that flask.

[]

Abbas: I'll search the rooms. You, with me.
Nasrin: I did nothing! I did not hurt her!

[]

Basim: What did you do?
Makira: Relax, no one is looking at us. They will be far too busy with the book they find in Nasrin's room.
Basim: Nasrin's room?
Makira: "The Garden and its Mysteries." Nothing bawdry, just a study of native herbs, their properties medicinal, poisonous ... cosmetic. Belladonna. Deadly nightshade. It does make the eyes look lovely, in small doses. Shame I had to waste it all on her. What? You saw them, Farah and Nasrin, dripping poison in everyone's ear. Spreading lies and rumors about my mistress.
Basim: Qabiha.
Makira: One dead, the other disgraced. No one will hear them now.
Basim: Ya si'la' (treacherous hag), what are you?
Makira: Loyal. In Qabiha's absence I defend her throne from those who would supplant her.
Basim: Her office is empty. She has abandoned you, Makira. You serve a faithless mistress.
Makira: She will return from the Palace when the danger has passed.
Basim: You really should not have told me that.
Makira: It makes no difference. You will never find her. Now, play nice, those are children present.

[]

Makira: Nice uniform, by the way. Suits you.

[]

Basim: I can do nothing for Farah ... but if Qabiha is the Head of the Order, I could still spare those who have yet to suffer at her hands.

[]

One Final Counsel

[]

Basim: I have seen enough from my three subjects. Time to seek Roshan's counsel, and end this once and for all.

[]

Roshan: Basim. Have you investigated your three subjects? If not, then your work is not complete. You appear decided, Basim. What have you learned?
Basim: Arib is innocent. The Governor, less so. He made a deal with the Order and removed his cousins' protection from Alamut.
Roshan: Tabban (damn it), just as we had feared. We've been bared to our enemies.
Basim: Yes. In exchange for Abu 'Abdallah renouncing his claim to the throne. He cedes his crown to suit the Order, led by--
Roshan: His mother, Qabiha, is the head of the snake. Where is she now?
Basim: Fled to the palace. If we act now, we can spare Alamut. Give me the feather, Master!
Roshan: Qabiha will meet swift justice. And I will be the one to deliver it.
Basim: What? What are you saying?
Roshan: That a more seasoned hand is needed. The last time you entered a palace, you left it in disarray. To put it lightly.
Basim: Have I not proven myself since? Master, I have earned the right--
Roshan: Earned what? The right to kill?

[]

Basim: No, no, that is not--
Roshan: A blow from one of us is a blow for all of us. Or does your ego demand the honor?

[]

Basim: It is not ego, Master. It is duty. I took an oath to leave my life behind, to walk the shadows and to serve the light. I mean to.
Roshan: Qabiha is more dangerous than her underlings. Strike quickly and end this. Do not hesitate.

[]

Nehal: Blood from a stone. Who is she to keep you from Qabiha, or to tell you when to strike?
Basim: My Master and mentor, without whom I would be nothing but a corpse in the streets of Anbar. You spy on me now?
Nehal: Always. So you will swallow your questions, strike at her enemies, serve without complaint... and live your life dogged by a jinni in the hovel you once hoped to escape! You know where to find me when your "duty" is done.

[]

The Serpent's Nest

[]

Basim: So many dead, or disappeared. And each trail of blood leads back to you. Al-Bahamut. The last mask to be lifted. You set Wasif on the rebels, unleashed Al-Ghul, sold your son's corwn to seize Alamut. And all for what? Some worthless token of a long-forgotten age? No matter. I will see you at the palace. And I will cut the Head from the Snake.

[]

Basim: It seems Ali decided to attack the palace after all. His rebels could distract these guards.

[]

Rebel: You! Hidden One. Do you think you can help us pass these gates? They're barred from the inside.
Basim: You appear primed for a fight, brothers. I will see what I can do.

[]

Basim: I must be quick and quiet, Qabiha will be on her guard.

[]

Basim: Chaos be my friend. Mask my steps.

[]

Basim: Finally. Now to find Qabiha ... and save Alamut.

[]

The Traitor's Journal

Sayyidi,

Your rival Abu 'Abdallah was slow to conceal his journal from me yesterday and I discerned the following words within: "The stranger couched the object, light bloomed and strange figures appeared, crying in foreign tongues... I told my mother. I have never seen her so excited, so pleased, not for any deed or word of mine..."

Does this mean anyching to you, Sayyidi?

[]

Soldier: They are breaking through! We need more men!
Basim: Ali's rebels are at the gate.

[]

Basim: Well, well. If it's not a familiar face. We have to stop meeting like this.
Makira: I could not agree more.
Basim: Where is Qabiha?
Makira: If I knew, I would not tell you.
Basim: Do not play the fool, Makira.
Makira: Why not? It woked the last time.
Basim: Do you know what Qabiha is? What she really is?
Makira: More than anyone. I am more child to her than her own son, that fool who let his father die before his eyes. You have no idea who you are dealing with. But I do. And I say to you kindly, leave this place.

[]

Basim: Makira will warn her mistress. Let us see where she leads.

[]

Basim: The library. Qabiha must be within.

[]

Makira: La'nat Allah Alaik! (God curse you!) Can you not leave me alone?
Basim: You? Gladly. But your mistress...
Makira: Do what you will, you will not find her! I have nothing more to say to you.

[]

Basim: There must be a room beyond this one ... but how to reach it?

[]

A Calling

Do you dream of a world where rulers lead not by accident of blood or birth but by wisdom and by strength? Do you question trifling truths? Do petty mores drudge your days? Do you serve when you should master? Do you tire of forcing your knees to bend? Then come and seek us among the books Rise a shepherd to an errant flock A shining beacon of order and light.

[]

"Ocean, Desert, Cobra, Dove"

Rage as the Ocean,
I'll sweeten your storms;

Scorch as the desert,
I'll bathe in your heat;

Strike as the cobra,
but plunge in my breast;

Soar as the dove,
but alight in my nest;

Where you go, there I'll go;
Where you rest, there I'll rest.

Basim: What was it Arib recited? "Rage as the ocean, I'll sweeten your storms... scorch as the desert, I'll bathe in your heat ..." Many volumes by Arib. Qabiha is an admirer... Blue, Black, White and Yellow tomes...

[]

Basim: Which book would Qabiha choose to mark her path? She had Arib's book in her office...

[]

Basim: Someone took great effort to hide this place.

[]

Qabiha: Hidden One!

[]

Qabiha: So many years spent searching... Combing ancient tomes and tombs ... tracing forgotten histories. Snatching at rumor and at myth. When all I needed to do was wait...

Qabiha came from behind, putting her dagger to Basim's neck.

Qabiha: ... for you ... to come to me.

[]

Qabiha: Our prodigal scion ... has arrived. Yet he knows not what he is. Have you not wondered at your future? You who see more, who know more...

[]

Qabiha: Even my son knew to ask what you were ... when he saw your hand touch and wake the Ancient's Gift.
Basim: What am I?
Qabiha: Something more than man.
Basim: Enough riddles, speak plainly!

[]

Basim: Why speak what can be shown? Come with me to Alamut. Beneath its Temple walls lies all the knowledge that you are heir to. Your so-called brothers would sooner die...

Qabiha pushed away Basim's Hidden Blade.

Qabiha: ... than see you claim it. But take heart, Basim. We will prepare the way. And set you free.

[]

Basim: No!

[]

Roshan: What poison have you lapped at her lips?
Basim: She said I was something more than man. What did she mean, Roshan? What lies beneath the Temple?
Roshan: That is forbidden ground. There is nothing there for you.

[]

Basim: I told you of the nightmares, the jinni- You called it weakness. Told me to mend it. I tried and tried but you hid the way- You let me struggle alone!
Roshan: Not alone! You are not the first to walk the shadows broken, Basim. Stitch your shattered pieces into a whole. Pour your pain into the Brotherhood. Purge yourself of the poison she dripped and come home to us. No more than a man. But no less than our brother.

[]

Roshan: Or is it too little for you?
Basim: What if it is?
Roshan: Follow the path she laid out for you. And I will kill you myself.

[]

Return to Alamut

The Last Journey

[]

Basim: I have to get out of here. I have to tell Nehal what I have learned.
Abu 'Abdallah: Guards! Guards! To me!
Soldier: You will not escape justice!

[]

Basim: Alhamdulillah. Again, I have escaped with my life ... and left things broken behind me.

[]

Nehal: Basim? Are you well? Basim...
Basim: I ... I do not know, you ... you were right, Nehal. My enemy, Qabiha ... she held the answers.
Nehal: What did you learn?
Basim: That there is more to who I am. A truth Qabiha tried to tell me. A truth my Master sought to silence. That truth lies at Alamut.
Nehal: So we ride for Alamut.
Basim: I will go, Nehal. I alone.
Nehal: You need me.
Basim: I need you safe.
Nehal: I am safe with you. And you with me.
Basim: I may find find nothing there but danger and death. This is my fate. I will not turn back from it but neither will I have you face it.
Nehal: Where you go, there I will go. Where you rest, there I will rest. I will walk behind you every step of the way. You are never alone. Now get packing. We will not leave Alamut until you have found the answers you seek.

In Pursuit of Truth

[]

Basim: Yah ! Imshi (Go)!

[]

Basim: Yah Yah ! Yalla (Let's go)!

[]

Basim: NEHAL?!

Basim was kicked in the chest by a soldier.

Basim: (pained gasp)

[]

Basim: R-Roshan...?

[]

Basim: (gasp) Nur?
Nur: Not the welcome you were expecting, eh? Well, at least you had the fortune to be elsewhere when the Tahirids came for us.
Basim: What happened?
Nur: I ... fear Alamut has fallen. I was tasked with finding help. I went into the desert, to find other patls. Then I found you.
Basim: Were there ... others? With me?
Nur: No. Only you.
Basim: Then Nehal lives. And Roshan?
Nur: I had hoped she would be with you.
Basim: Come, brother. We must head out. Find any survivors, and cleanse Alamut of its infestation.
Nur: I ... fear I cannot.
Basim: How bad?

[]

Basim: I will make every last one of them pay.
Nur: Vengeance is not our way, brother.
Basim: Our way? You sit bleeding to death and still cling to this ... foolish dogma! And for what? Our Creed could not protect Alamut. And neither could I.
Nur: Nor I. But ... our beliefs are why you still draw breath. And are why you must save any of us who may yet live.
Basim: On that we can agree. You have my word.
Nur: Waffaqaka Allah, Basim. There is nothing left to say, brother. Go. Save who you can.

[]

Basim: Steady ... steady, girl. All is well. All is well. Your master left you in my care. Our temple... Whatever lies beneath, I must see it for myself ... no matter the cost. All this blood ... and death ... is this what Qabiha meant by "preparing the way"? Nehal, please be safe, wherever you are.

[]

Basim: Some of my clan still live. Mentor Rayhan among them.

[]

Kabeer al-Jund: For all your reputation, I must say, I expected a far stronger response to our presence here. "Mentor", they call you. Is that so? And what exactly is it you teach here, eh? All I see are dead men and women. Men and women who thought you had something to offer them. To teach them.

[]

Rayhan: Basim! What... Alhamdulillah! I do not see any others. Come, help me out of these restraints.

[]

Rayhan: Basim, how... I thought you were in Baghdad. Where are the others? Roshan?
Basim: I came alone. For the same reason these men did. I know the truth, Mentor. About the temple and what it shelters. Our enemies told me as much. They urged me to seek it, because only I could.
Rayhan: You...? Thus the Order used the Tahirids to decimate Alamut. Because you ... you are their key.
Basim: To what? What are you protecting that is worth all this bloodshed?
Rayhan: Ancient ground. For generations, it has been our duty to watch over it. Defend it from the Order, who seek to exploit its secrets. The Temple houses its entrance but, Basim, even though it is forbidden ... I have searched. There is no means to access it.
Basim: Then I will find a way myself.
Basim: You must not. It is what the Order wants, don't you see? If what we protect should fall into the wrong hands...
Basim: It will fall into mine. Look around you. At what the Order is prepared to unleash upon us. If I gain the knowledge they seek, it can be what finally gives us an edge in this endless war.

Rayhan nodded.

Basim: This is the way forward. For the Hidden Ones.

[]

Hidden One: Shukran, Basim.

[]

Basim: The Temple... Let us finish this. Nothing and no one shall get in my way. Not now. Not when I am this close.

[]

Basim: It will take more than you to stop me.

He continued on.

Basim: More of them ahead. Suffice to say I am on the right track.

[]

Soldier: We should not be here. Our orders were to secure the temple, not to--
Soldier: Not to enter it, I know! Damn the orders! You saw what we've fought through to get here. The men we've lost!

[]

Basim: Now, to see if I can achieve what those intruders could not.

[]

Basim: What magic is this? Wait ... I know this symbol.
(deep breath)

[]

Roshan: I warned you what would happen.
Basim: (deep breath)
Roshan: Last chance.

[]

Roshan: Very well.

[]

Basim: So it has come to this? Killing each other? Is this your idea of a brotherhood?
Roshan: The brotherhood is unified. There is no place for those who would set themselves above it.
Basim: Is that what you think I am doing?

[]

Basim: Last chance.

[]

Basim: I trusted you! I gave you everything I had and you lied to me. You knew. Since the night we fled Anbar, you knew my truth.

[]

Basim: Yield!

[]

Basim: Yield.
Nehal: Basim! Leave her. Come.
Basim: I never wanted this. But I need to know.
Roshan: I do not want to lose you to what you may find in there. You do not have to look to the past, to know who you are. Who you can be. You can choose, Basim! Put your faith in me.
Basim: I tried. And in the end, you thought it best to control me. No different than our enemies.
Nehal: Basim. Over here.

[]

Nehal: I ... I know what this is.

[]

Basim: The key...

[]

Nehal: She will follow.
Basim: No. She cannot. You saw it yourself.

[]

Basim: More of those objects. I wonder what truths lie within. What stories they serve to tell...

[]

Basim: Whatever lies within carries grave importance. For the Hidden Ones, for the Order of the Ancients, for me. What have we walked into? Where has my path brought me?
Nehal: You do not want to know why anyone was brought to this place.

[]

Basim: Are my eyes deceiving me? Are you seeing this? Nehal?
Nehal: I am ... I am here.
Basim: Wherever we are, it was built long ago. To serve what purpose, I do not know.
Nehal: I do.
Basim: How?
Nehal: I ... I do not know.
Basim: Nehal ... you are worrying me.

[]

Basim: Nehal, look in here.

[]

Nehal: (shaky breathing)
Basim: Nehal, please, talk to me...
Nehal: No... No, no, no ... no ... no!

[]

Basim: I know this place... Nehal? (gasp)

[]

Basim: Ugh!

[]

Basim: It ... it cannot be.

[]

Basim: Why do I know this?

[]

Nehal: This is part of your reality, Basim. I am a part of your reality too.
I will walk behind you every step of the way.

[]

Basim: You killed them!
Nehal: It was your idea to steal from the palace!

[]

Nehal: Hrgh! Enough! Let me out of here!
Basim: How... What ... what are you?

[]

Nehal: Look! See for yourself!

[]

Prisoner: srræsnos! dű hm làygw r zàrhàsi!.
Guard: Seylos!

[]

Basim: That is...

[]

Basim: No!

[]

Basim: Show yourself! You dare to hide from me now? After all you have put me through! Where are you?

[]

Basim: The jinni in my dreams. The figure from these visions. They are one and the same... Is this what I have been seeing? The memories of a life long ago? Are they mine? Is that why the jinni feels so real? My tormenter. The source of all that ails me. If this is so, then I must face you.

[]

Basim: No... Why am I seeing this?

[]

Basim: This space... As I move through it, I see nothing but the memories that stir my soul. In these moments of adversity is when I felt the jinni nearest. That unrelenting fear. Paralyzing me in my weakest state. I never understood what it was born of, or why it haunted me so. But I am beginning to remember. I am in a cold cell. Begging for it all to stop. Who I once was may seek retribution. But if I am to move beyond this pain, then what I want is peace. It is time to put an end to this.

[]

Basim: The cell. My cell. I am nearly there. No going back...

[]

Basim: Agh!

[]

Basim: The jinni ... I can hear it.

[]

Basim: (tense breathing)

[]

Basim: (steadying breath)

[]

Basim: I know you know. I see you for what you are. A crippling memory from a past life. (Steadying breath) And that is where you will remain.

[]

Basim: (deep calm breaths) It is over.
Nehal: ... No, Basim. It is only the beginning. For us. For what lies ahead. A deeper understanding of the world we left behind. And our place in it.

Basim turned to face Nehal and walked towards her.

Basim: All my life I wrestled with who I was. Who I was meant to be. And there you were. All this time. The side of me I resisted. A reflection of who we ... once were.
Nehal: Of who we shall be once more. There is so much that awaits us. A new world. Let me show you...
Basim: I will never see you again, will I?

Nehal shakes her head.

Basim: Will I be ... alone?
Nehal: You are never alone.

[]

Basim: (gasp)
(catching breath)
H-how? How long has it been?

[]

Roshan: It is done. You made your choice. Now I make mine.

[]

Rayhan: Wada'an (farewell), Roshan bint-La'Ahad. It was an honor.

[]

Rayhan: Come, Basim. We have much to discuss.
Basim: That we do, "Mentor".

[]

Basim: This memory I buried of this place, this prison, the torture I suffered here... It festered for years, in darkness and dreams... masked as a jinni, to haunt me and hollow me until it consumed my waking life. But I have faced my past. My pain. Embraced it. I shed my skin once, in another time, another place. But I am whole again. I remember. And as for those who thought to bind me... should any of the still walk the earth, I so look forward to our reunion. But until that day... a new world awaits.

[]

Side Quests

Dervis' Artifacts

Basim: You mentioned needing my help, Dervis. With keeping the rebellion alive, I presume?
Dervis: Indeed. Coin goes a long way in securing that. But coin is hard to come by without the right ... assets. Have a look. I hear that a number of rare and unique items line the pockets of our citizens. Bring me their burdens, Basim, and be rewarded.

(Return 3 Artifacts)

Basim: I have this for you.
Dervis: A good harvest! Nicely done.

(Return 6 Artifacts)

Basim: I have something for you.
Dervis: A fine haul! Well done.

(Return 9 Artifacts)

Dervis: You have been a fine treasure hunter, Basim. Now you can look the part.

[]

The Calling

[Basim will say one of these when nearing a shard:]

Basim: A Tha'abeen member is near.
That person looks suspicious. I should investigate.
There, one of the Tha'abeen members. I should investigate.

[When pickpocketing or killing them, he'll say one of these:]

Basim: A small strange shard ... yet it weights heavily in my hand. What is it, I wonder?
Another shard.
I should find a use for all these shards.

[]

Al Ghul's Letter

We need more workers at the southern site. Stop your excavations and bring them to me as fast as you can. Until you find a way to reach the chamber under the oasis, the shards should not be left unguarded. The Tha’abeen will carry them at all times.

Yours in the Order,
- Al-Ghul

[]

Basim: Excellent, the shards work. Perhaps I can use some more?

[]

Tales of Baghdad

Holy Mission

Monk: Holy father, grant me guidance!

Basim approached the man.

Basim: What grief moves you to invoke your god so openly?
Monk: Ah! Perhaps my prayers have been answered. Could you help a humble monk pay his respects?
Basim: You are well armed for a monk.
Monk: I was a violent man in a former life, who now seeks to atone in service to God. Though I will admit, some of my old skills have served me well in performing His work.
Basim: I can respect a warrior who has found a higher calling. What is your need?
Monk: I seek a holy man buried in one of the older overgrown graves, but I cannot read the epitaphs written in your tongue.
Basim: A simple enough task. I will see what I can find.

[]

Basim: "Benedict the Dark. A man of great appetites." I do not believe the Christians sanctify gluttony.

[]

Basim: "Jon of Shiraz. He gambled more than he gained, but always shared his winnings." A generous man, but not one worthy of worship.

[]

Basim: "Theodore the Bold, who held nothing sacred but remained consistent in his actions." Admirable to some perhaps, but he does not have the sound of a saint.

[]

Basim: "Leo the Enlightened. His wisdom was only exceeded by his piousness." Ah, here is one deserving of some reverence.
Basim: Monk! I believe I have found your saint!

[]

Monk: God be praised! I must retrieve the bones before we are discovered.
Basim: I thouhgt you were here to pay respects, not rob a grave.
Monk: There is no theft. His bones belong to the Church and will do more good among the faithful than rotting in the ground.
Basim: If your church has no objection, then who am I to judge?
Monk: There is only One whose judgement matters, and I trust He will be forgiving.

[]

Soldier: Hey! Stop what you are doing!
Basim: Unfortunately, the Caliph's men are not so tolerant of unlicensed gravedigging.
Soldier: Explain yourselves, you filthy shits, or die!
Monk: They are guilty of worse crimes. God forgive me, but there are times when violence is the only answer.

The monk readied his weapon, as did the guards and Basim.

Basim: On that, we are agreed.

[]

Monk: You know not what you do!

[]

Basim: There was no other way to resolve this. These kinds of men understand only violence and cruelty.
Monk: You have performed God's Will, my friend. He will surely bless you with good fortune.
Basim: I answer to another calling ... but I will not turn down a bit of extra luck.

Leap of the Faithful

Child 1: You will break your neck!.
Child 2: You are going to get caught!
Young Eagle: Stop shouting at me!

[]

Basim: Who is the brave little squirrel up there?
Child 1: He is not a squirrel, his name is "Young Eagle"! We should not have dared him to go up there, but he was being so boastful! Now we're all going to get in trouble!
Basim: I will get him down.

[]

Young Eagle: Give me a moment!

[]

Basim: That child looks like he has gotten himself into a tricky situation.

[]

Basim: The boy is quite a climber.

[]

Young Eagle: If you come close, I will jump!

[]

Basim: My name is Basim, and I climbed up here without thinking it through. Do you think you could help me get down?

They looked at each other before Basim continued.

Basim: When I was your age, I did all kinds of foolish things to impress my friends.
Young Eagle: I did not do it for them, I did it for the Hidden Ones.
Basim: Ah. The Hidden Ones.
Young Eagle: Not everyone believes in them, but I do. They're the true protectors of the people. They were the ones who avenged my mother. Not the Caliph or his men. The Hidden Ones did that.
Basim: I see. And you thought this would get their attention? Climbing up here?
Young Eagle: I heard they can dive from great heights and not get hurt. But I cannot do something unless I see someone else do it first.
Basim: Do you think you can do it if I showed you?

[]

Basim: You see? I am unharmed! Now, you go!
Young Eagle: I cannot!
Basim: Yes, you can! Do not overthink it! You simply need to have faith!

[]

Young Eagle: I am ... fine! Gimme a second...
Basim: Are you hurt?

[]

Young Eagle: No ... nothing broken.
Basim: You are a fast learner!
Young Eagle: I told you. I can do anything if only someone shows me first.
Basim: That is a valuable talent. Be sure to have a good teacher next time you try something risky like that.
Young Eagle: You could teach me.
Basim: I am no teacher. I still have much to learn.
Young Eagle: No, you are a good teacher. You teach by example. A-are you.../
Basim: Seek me out when your voice begins to break. Then we will talk.

[]

Child 1: Wah, that was amazing! Come on, Hytham! Before the mu'azzin catches us!
Young Eagle: I am coming!

[]

A Life's Work

[]

Al-Mahani: Oh please, not yet, not yet! The pain is unbearable!

[]

Al-Mahani: My heart, ya sadeeqi, it fails me.
Basim: Let me find you some help. Perhaps there is a doctor I can take you to?
Al-Mahani: Too late ... yet there are still many things I must do. My life's work, a treatise upon the heavenly stars... I must get it to the House of Wisdom before my rivals claim it and steal my glory!
Basim: If you wish, I can deliver the treatise for you?
Al-Mahani: And then ... there is my beloved son. Today, he and I argued. Most bitterly... Without his forgiveness, I cannot...
Basim: I will fetch him so that you can make your peace.
Al-Mahani: No, the treatise first! Help me retrieve it. Please!
Basim: I shall do so. My father was an architect. He too had his glory stolen by a rival.

[]

Al-Mahani: Ah! My heart!

[]

Basim: Sit. I will find the treatise.
Al-Mahani: It has ... three pages, each separate from the others... Please find them for me.

[]

Basim: The wind is picking up.

[]

Basim: Its profundity weights heavily on my hands.

[]

Basim: There you are.

[]

Unsent Letter from Father to Son

My dearest son,

Some things are best written rather than said. Perhaps if I had taken this approach earlier today, we could have avoided our argument.

I want to make something clear to you. My studies are indeed my life's work. But they are not my life's joy... No, it is you who are my true joy. Please believe me.

After the passing of my beloved wife and your most cherished mother... Well, life has not been easy for either of us. Each has sought his own escape from the grief. Two lost and isolated souls.

Yet as your father, it was my duty to be there for you... I was not in the past, but I am now. Let mine be the shoulder that you rest your head upon, and upon which you find solace.

Whenever you are ready, come to me and together we shall heal ourselves.

Your ever-loving father

[]

Basim: These numbers are beyond my understanding. That is all of them. I must return to the astronomer.

[]

Al-Mahani's son: No, no ... this is not how it was meant to end. My father ... he has passed from this life.
Basim: Ahsan Allahu 'aza'akum. (May God console you.)
Al-Mahani's son: The spirit left him before I arrived, though his body remains warm to my touch. We argued earlier. It was my fault. I came to make amends. But I was too late... And you? Who are you?
Basim: A momentary friend. I retrieved your father's treatise and now I offer it to you. He said it was his life's work.

[]

Al-Mahani's son: His ... his life's work?
Basim: Those were his words, yes.
Al-Mahani's son: I see... And me? What did he say of me?

Basim: He love you. Truly he did ... but it was the treatise that mattered most to him.

Al-Mahani's son turned to his father's corpse.

Al-Mahani's son: La'anaka Allah! (May God curse you!) Your work will never see the light of day! It dies here. As does the love I felt for you!

He threw the pages away.

Basim: He begged me to seek you out ... but I ignored him, and chose to secure the treatise for the sake of posterity.
Al-Mahani's son: Posterity? La'anaka Allah! (May God curse you!)

He pushed Basim.

Al-Mahani's son: I am his child! And you denied me my final moments with him! Just go. The sight of you makes me sick... Let me grieve my father in peace.

[]

Blade In The Crowd, Tool In The Shed

[]

Naaji: Is that you, Basim?

[]

Naaji: It is all right, I know you.
Basim: I cannot place your face, but you bear our mark.
Naaji: I am Naaji, one of Mentor Rayhan's informers. I asked for a more difficult assignment but maybe I should not have.
Basim: Tell me the problem.
Naaji: I tracked a pair of corrupt guards to the place where they take their bribes, but I do not think I can handle both.
Basim: Well done so far. Between us, we can finish the job. Follow my lead.

[]

Naaji: (surprised grunt)
Soldier: Look out! We're being attacked!

More gaurds showed up.

Basim: Oh... This job has just gotten a whole lot harder.

[]

Naaji: Oh, Basim, you ... you have done it?
Basim: Congratulations! Your first official assignment as a Hidden One is complete!
Naaji: I could not have done it without your help.

Basim: You do not have the steady nerves to follow through on your targets, but you did show intelligence in tracking them. Maybe you could still serve the Hidden Ones. Not with your blade, but with your mind.
Naaji: You mean by helping to identify and locate targets? That sort of thing?
Basim: Exactly! Our actions must be guided by knowledge, and some are simply better at gethering it.
Naaji: Thank you, Basim. I shall report back to Mentor Rayhan and see what he says.

Basim later found Naaji outside of the Abbasiyah Bureau.

Basim: So, Naaji, it looks like everything worked out in the end.
Naaji: The Bureau agreed my talents were better suited to preparing the hunt than making the kill.
Basim: You have a keen mind, Naaji, and the more you hone those skills, the sharper they will be.
Naaji: Thank you for setting me on the right path, Basim. Take this as a token of my appreciation.

[]

Treasure Hunt

[]

Tiferet: Open up, you stupid door!

[]

Tiferet: What are you gawking at?
Basim: You sound like someone in need of help.
Tiferet: I will take it when I can.
Basim: Then I shall offer it. What is the problem?
Tiferet: This house belonged to my mother before she passed away. It holds an object of great value. A treasure you might say.
Basim: A treasure?
Tiferet: Hah! Suddenly he's all years.
Basim: Treasure intrigues me, but it does not rule my heart. Nor my ears.
Tiferet: Anyway, unless I find a way inside, the treasure is lost forever.
Basim: As a child I was quite the treasure hunter. Now is as good a time as any to renew that interest.
Tiferet: For a fee? So be it. After the job is complete.
Basim: Where exactly will I find this treasure?
Tiferet: My mother, a potter by trade, hid it inside a blue lusterware amphora.
Basim: Lusterware? That is a treasure in itself.
Tiferet: After her death, my grief was great, and I could not bring myself to enter the house and claim my birthright. Now I return only to find the place has sunk... Please, bring me what is mine.
Basim: Your birthright shall be restored.

[]

Basim: Hopefully the damp has not damaged the treasure.

[]

Basim: Here is the amphora... No way to open it other than to break it. Whatever it contains must be of great value.

[]

Tiferet: Have you found the amphora yet?

[]

Basim: So much for your mother's fine work.

[]

Basim: And since when was a lump of copper considered a great treasure?
Tiferet: Your ignorance betrays you. With this copper I will make a hundred lusterware vases. Now, here is your fee. And a little extra for not running off with my treasure when you had the chance.

[]

Curse Of The Si'la'

[]

Ma'bad: Beware the Si'la'! Saty clear of this place!

[]

Basim: What troubles you?
Ma'bad: My friends, my neighbors ... all dead! Slain by an evil spirit.
Basim: Evil spirit?
Ma'bad: I saw her! A si'la'. A most deadly creature.
Basim: You saw her? Are you certain?
Ma'bad: Yes, I ... I am certain.
Basim: With your true eye or your mind's eye? The latter cannot always be trusted.
Ma'bad: Tabban, no matter the eye! What else could it be? To take so many lives so quickly?
Basim: It would not be the first demon I have met. Nor will it be the last.

[]

Basim: Flesh blistered, almost melted in places... A most unnatural death.

[]

Basim: The emblem of the Caliph's palace...

[]

Basim: Chinese markings.

[]

Basim: The air ... its burning touch gnaws at my skin. Is this the breath of the Si'la'?

[]

Basim: The crystals within this jar... My guess, sal ammoniac. Or something like it. I should not linger. The poisoned vapor from the crystals has grown weak, but could still prove deadly.

[]

Basim: Something heavy was dragged along here...

[]

Basim: Men with wagons came from that direction.

[]

Basim: Merchants stopped here. Watered their animals at the river.

[]

Basim: Something was offloaded. The tracks suggest it was the villagers' doing... Was the wagon's owner even aware?

[]

Basim: I must share my findings with the survivor.

[]

Ma'bad: I am glad the Si'la' did not get yuo! Was it a hard fight?
Basim: Not at all. Which is usually the case when the opponent does not exist.
Ma'bad: Of course she exists!
Basim: There is no demon! Not here! It was the desperation of your friends that led to this tragedy.
Ma'bad: What? Are you sure?
Basim: Chinese merchant passed through, pausing to water their animals ... correct?

Ma'bad nodded.

Basim: At this point, your friends decided to steal a chest of jars... ...not knowing they held a harmful vapor. Most likely something the Caliph's alchemists requested for their studies. When your friends opened the jars, the poison killed them within a few heartbeats.

[]

Basim: I know that look. Shame. Guilt...
Ma'bad: The jars! It was my idea to steal them. I ... I thought they might hold something we could sell.
Basim: I am sorry, truly I am ... but now you must live with the consequences of your actions.
Ma'bad: What have I done? I have caused the deaths of so many... How can I ever live with this terrible burden?

[]

The Forty Thieves

A Dance with Thieves

[]

Hidden One,

My name is Murjana. An old friend by the name of Beshi pointed me towards you. He told me that you shadowy figures are trustworthy and so I hope you can help me with a delicate and possibly perilous matter regarding my father, Ali Baba. You have no doubt heard his name. Meet me outside the gates south of Baghdad with haste.

- Murjana

Basim: A request for help from Murjana, the daugther of Ali Baba. A trader, rich beyond measure. What could the daughter of a famed merchant want? It says to meet her outside the gates of Baghdad.

[]

Murjana: Do you take me for a dog's ass? These appleas were selling at half the price yesterday!
Civilian: Yesterday is yesterday, no? Do you think coin rains freely from the skies? I have people to feed!
Murjana: There needs to be balance in the market, any respectable merchant knows that. If my father sees this...
Basim: Murjana, daughter of Ali Baba?
Murjana: Who asks?
Basim: Call me Basim. We received your letter back the Bureau.
Murjana: Ah, the Hidden Ones, yes! Well if I waited any longer, camels would have sprouted wings on their humps. We can skip the prattle. Come, time is running and so shall we.
Basim: Wait. Where are we going?
Murjana: To find my father.

(Accept - I'm ready.)

Basim: Lead the way.
Murjana: I prepared the horses.

[]

Basim: How did you find us?
Murjana: One hears many things in Baghdad, especially when your father knows every trader in the city.
Basim: Ali Baba. In your letter you mentioned he was in danger.
Murjana: Without a doubt. Have you heard of the Forty Thieves?
Basim: The notorious bandits, led by the King of Thieves. Legend says he wields a flaming sword. The boys I grew up with would not stop talking about him. I thought it a legend, a tale told to children.
Murjana: My father has been involved with them. For thieves, they are surprisingly skilled at trading.
Basim: Your father was meeting them on their territory?
Murjana: A terrible idea. I have told him a thousand times not to deal with the likes of thieves, but my words are the wind. Now look where we are. Me, working with Hidden Ones to make sure he is safe.
Basim: You must love your father if you hired a Hidden One to play guard.
Murjana: We travel together, and I am the protector of his caravans. I have responsability for his well-being ... and a daughter worries. These thieves are not to be taken lightly. You are my reserve should I need aid. The plan is simple. We keep watch from afar, and should anything happen ... follow my lead.

[]

Murjana: We're near.

[]

Murjana: Oh, no! Tuffaha! (Apple!) My father's horse! La'anakum Allah! (May God curse you all!) I'm going to tear their limbs for rats!
Basim: Wait, Murjana. We do not know what transpired yet.

[]

Ali Baba's Final Testament

If you find this letter, presume I have passed on. I have uncovered many of the secrets of the Forty Thieves, but not all. What knowledge I have gathered I have recorded in my diary, secure in my study.

Use the knowledge I have gathered to defeat this plague of Thieves. And May Allah bless you.

[]

Murjana: There! We need to get down there, now!
Basim: What happened to watching from afar?
Murjana: The time for watching is over! My father's life is at stake. I'm going--
Basim: No, wait, I will take them, quietly. We are on their grounds now, it pays to practice caution.
Murjana: Fine! Show me how you do it, but hurry.

[]

Thief: Ha-ha! You hear what he said? "We had a deal! You gave me your word!" Ha-ha!
Thief: Does he not know to never deal with thieves?

[]

Basim: No fuss.

[]

Basim: Murjana...
Murjana: Yes, I'm here...

[]

Murjana: No!

[]

Basim: Ad'u Allah an yudkhilah al-Jannah. (I pray to God that he may enter Heaven.)
Murjana: Thank you.

[]

Basim: I do not believe that this is the last of the thieves. There must be more. We must go.
Murjana: Yes.

[]

Murjana: My father is to be buried and remembered, the way it should be. Meet me at my home near the bazaar. I will make payment for your services there.

[]

Secrets, Spoken and Unspoken

[]

Basim: This estate could hold a hundred horses and camels. I never knew dealing with thieves could be so lucrative.

[]

Civilian: Allahumma ighfir lahu warhamh wa'fu anh... (Oh God, absolve him of his sins and grant him mercy and forgiveness...)

[]

Basim: You are a good daughter.
Murjana: I was not the child he expected. I wanted to see the world, heed the call of the chase. Steel meeting steel, hearts into battle... For him, someone who enjoyed the simple, diplomatic life would be a better fit. Despite that, he loved me all the same. The only time we disagreed was due to his dealings with the Forty Thieves.
Basim: It can be difficult to resist the lure of coin, especially when you are accustomed to a certain way of life.

[]

Murjana: I thought that as well, but that was not the only reason. Look... I found drawing and notes among his belongings. They speak of a wondrous cave, full of coin and jewels. He wrote about fulfilling my desire to see the world. Somehow, the Forty Thieves were the key to this cave. There was still so much I did not know about my father. I could have helped him ... or figured out a plan...
Basim: Sometimes we keep secrets, especially from the ones we love most.

[]

Murjana: The Mark of the thieves! They still live.
Basim: This means you have been targeted. Now they know where you are, and more will come until you lie still.
Murjana: Is taking my father's life not enough?
Basim: We shook them up. If we mark the other houses, I can intercept the thieves before more lives are lost.
Murjana: I cannot let them touch my father's body...
Basim: I will go.

[]

Basim: Would not want to endanger innocents... Marking a few empty houses will throw them off.

[]

Basim: One here.

[]

Basim: Two.

[]

Basim: One more mark. I should hurry. The thieves could appear at any moment.

[]

Basim: Last one. This should confuse them. Now to wait somewhere above.

[]

Basim: The thieves should be here soon.

[]

Thief: What ... what is this? I swear I marked only one house! Why are there more than one? Was it this one? Or that one? They all look the same!
Thief: Spread out! Find the right house, quickly!

[]

Basim: I hope Murjana is safe.

[]

Thief: This does not have to be difficult!
Murjana: Difficult for who?
Thief: Drop your sword!

[]

Murjana: Back not a moment too soon.

[]

Murjana: Thank you. They danced well and took the wind out of me. Ugh...
Basim: Your injuries are grave.
Murjana: We have bigger concerns.

Murjana sat down on the bench.

Murjana: I overheard them before they found me. The King of Thieves was the one who ordered my father's execution, and now mine.
Basim: What does he want with you?
Murjana: He knows I have knowledge about this cave of theirs. After killing my father, I am just a loose end. He also knows he will not have a moment's peace with me alive. Neither will I, as long as he lives. My father's blood is on my neck.
Basim: Then we must hunt him first.
Murjana: No, I will not ask you for more. I have yet to pay you for your services...

[]

Basim: I am not fond of leaving a task unfinished. We can talk payment after this is over.
Murjana: I will go with you.
Basim: No, let me go on ahead. Lay your father to rest, then look for me.

[]

Murjana: Wait. I found this amongst my father's things...

[]

Basim: "Iftah ya simsim..." ("Open Sesame...")
Murjana: A watchword. It could be a key to what my father wanted to find ... their real hideout, the cave. Thank you, Hidden One. I will meet you there...

[]

Basim: Time to end your reign, King of Thieves. I will find you.

[]

Murjana: Go, Hidden One. I will find you once I regain strength.

[]

Meet the King

Basim: Back to where it all began.

[]

Basim: Now, a door. It cannot be hard to find.

[]

Basim: Hmm... Iftah ya simsim.

[]

Basim: That worked. Even the Banu Musa would be impressed. Now, to find the King of Thieves.

[]

King of Thieves' Commands

Ali Baba is dead. Clean up the loose ends and make sure the hideout's secrets stay hidden.

Basim: A man's life is not a loose end. The King of these Thieves shall pay.

[]

Basim: You bismirch the name of kings and thieves.

[]

Thief: La! King! La'anakum Allah!

[]

Murjana: I'm sorry, I took longer-- He is...
Basim: Gone.

[]

Murjana: It was all just smoke and mirrors. Clever tricks, illusions... He had us all fooled.
Basim: Not for long.
Murjana: The blood has been paid. I thought I would feel lighter.

[]

Murjana: Here, payment for your services.
Basim: What will you do now?
Murjana: I will join a caravan to Samarkand. When my father was alive, we saw many cities and partook in the joys life had to offer. Now, he is dead. I have nothing to stay for.
Basim: Your father's wish for you came true in the end.
Murjana: That it did, but not at a cost I desired. But I will go this road alone, and meet my father when it ends.
Basim: I wish you well, Murjana. I hope we find each other again, some day.
Murjana: You will find me, but I doubt I could find you, man of the shadow. Wada'an (Farewell), Hidden One.

[]

Basim: Goodbye, Murjana. May Allah light your path.

[]

Contracts

The Weapons Dealer

[]

Basim: Beshi sent me. I am here to help you to safety.
The Weapons Dealer: I do not know you. Am I just meant to take you at your word?
Basim: Do you have a choice?
The Weapons Dealer: Fine. I know a way out of the city. And remember, I have eyes in the back of my head in case you plan to stab me from behind.

[]

Basim: Look, a threat to be met. Preferably by you.

[]

Basim: The course is clear.

[]

The Weapons Dealer: There's trouble ahead.

[]

Basim: The course is clear.

[]

The Weapons Dealer: Have you know the rebels long?
Basim: Long enough to believe in their cause.

[]

The Weapons Dealer: Look, a threat to be met. Preferably by you.

[]

Basim: The course is clear.

[]

The Weapons Dealer: We are safe now. You have my thanks ... and my trust.

[]

Basim: A fine finish.

[]

The Slave Merchant

[]

Basim: Done to perfection.
It is done.

[]

The State Official

[]

Basim: There he is. Some freed prisoners might take care of him for me.

[]

Basim: It is done.

[]

Basim: Well executed.

[]

Basim: Time to leave.

[]

The Informant

[]

Soldier: Where is that ugly two-faced dog! He is hiding somewhere!

[]

The Informant: Achoo... Achoo... ACHOOO!
Basim: That noise demands a closer look.

[]

Basim: Are you hurt?
The Informant: Yes. My legs ... I cannot walk.
Basim: Then I will carry you.
The Informant: We are up against some very dangerous people... I had no idea.
Basim: I am sure Ali will be most interested to hear what you have learned.

[]

The Informant: The spices in that pot. Ya lalqaraf! (Yuck!) They tickled my nose. (sneezing)

[]

The Informant: (sneezing)

[]

Basim: Done to perfection.
The Informant: Thank you. You can go. I will be okay now.

[]

The Slave Trapper

[]

Basim: That is the mark. Lead on. Show me where I need to go.

[]

Basim: There you are. Just as I thought.

[]

The Slave Merchant: Finally, I am here. What? The auction has not yet begun?
Rival Slave Merchant: Your old friend, the trapper, is still preparing his wares in the garrison.
Basim: The slave trapper must be in the garrison. No doubt tending to his "cargo".

[]

Basim: It is done. Time to leave.

[]

Basim: Done to perfection.

[]

The Marked Coins

[]

Basim: A curious choice for a meeting place. Do you have the marked coins?
Hidden One: They are waiting for you at Damascus Gate.
Basim: What! Is this some kind of trick?
Hidden One: No trick. A race! I believe I am fast enough to outrun your reputation. See you at the gate!

[]

Basim: I should retrieve the coins at Damascus Gate before someone else does.

[]

Basim: A good effort, but no matter how loud the wind howls, it will never move the mountain.
Hidden One: Today you were lucky. Tomorrow, perhaps not?

[]

Basim: I have the coins. Now to make hast and deliver them.

[]

The Trade Delegate: I appreciate the service, but you are late. Please be a little quicker next time.

[]

The Perfume Trader

[]

Soldier: The chief left in a hurry. I could almost smell the fear on him.
Soldier: Maybe that is why he wears so much of his wares, huh? Anyway, come on. Time for a break.

[]

Basim: This does not look good for the perfume trader, but I need more proof.

[]

Basim: Now I have all the proof I need to connect the perfume trader to the bandits. I should go before they catch my scent.

[]

Basim: Done to perfection.

[]

Basim: Your suspicions were on the nose. The ledger and marked coins connect the perfume trader to the bandits.
The Trade Delegate: Good work. And I appreciate you getting the job done in a timelier fashion on this occasion.

[]

The Traitor

[]

The Perfume Trader: You have secured the merchandise? Nothing has been tampered with?
Soldier: Everything is locked down tight.
The Perfume Trader: Keep your eyes open for anything suspicious!
Soldier: Calm yourself. We are professionals.

[]

Basim: A bloody end to some bad happenings. Well executed.

[]

The Trade Delegate

[]

Basim: Signs of a struggle ... there was violence here. Though probably not deadly violence.

[]

Basim: These marks on the ground suggest someone was dragged away. A kidnapping, perhaps?

[]

Basim: Most likely the delegate was taken somewhere nearby... I must find him before it is too late.

[]

Basim: Here is the spot.

[]

The Trade Delegate: About time. Promptness is clearly not your strong suit.

Basim opened the cage and picked the man up.

Basim: Are you injured?
The Trade Delegate: No, I always grimace when I'm having fun.

[]

Basim: The danger has passed.

[]

Basim: They were keeping you alive for a reason.
The Trade Delegate: It seems the perfume trader you killed was not the mastermind behind all this. Instead, they intended to bring me to the person he reported to, though for what reason I do not yet know.
Basim: Whatever the reason, that meeting would have ended badly for you.
The Trade Delegate: Which is why I'm grateful for your intervention, belated though it was. Now I must go. But I will contact you soon.

The Fake Message

[]

Basim: There you are. Now lead on.

[]

Basim: So this is where the messages are sent. I must be discrete when it comes to making the swap.

[]

Basim: I have swapped the messages and my task is complete.

[]

Basim: A fine finish.

[]

Orion's Belt

[]

Alnitak: Our brother was careless. He took too many risks. That is what got him killed.
Alnilam: Perhaps, but we have taken a risk ourselves by coming here together. Something about that message makes me suspicious.
Alnitak: Then let us go. You keep an eye on the docks, while I see to the men.

[]

Basim: Twins! Or should I say triplets? Until recently... No matter, both of these wretches must die.

[]

Basim: One more to go.

[]

Basim: The brothers have been reduced to nothing.

[]

The Boat Heist

[]

Basim: I will need to clear the way to get the boat out.

[]

Basim: Now to get onto the canal.

[]

Basim: Should be smooth sailing from here.

[]

Basim: I am in the clear. I will dock near the drop-off.
Done to perfection.

[]

Basim: Dervis' men will recognize the boat. My part is done.

[]

The Satiric Poet

[]

Basim: You are the poet with the foolish tongue?
Satiric Poet: My sense of outrage got the better of me. Who knew words could come at such risk?
Basim: Few things are more dangerous than the wounded pride of a powerful man. Lead the way and I will shield you from his wrath.

[]

Basim: The course is clear.

[]

Satiric Poet: That's my nephew over there. I trust him to keep my presence secret, but I fear he might take it to his grave.
Basim: I will release him from that conflict.

[]

The Nephew: Thank you! These mercenaries surely have been the end of me.

[]

Basim: The danger has passed.

[]

Satiric Poet: You see those Turk sell-swords? I believe they were sent to hunt me down.
Basim: They certainly do not look like students of poetry. I will deal with them.

[]

Basim: It is safe now.

[]

Satiric Poet: Some friends will meet me here. Baraka Allahu feek. (May God bless you.) I will write a poem in your honor.
Basim: Poetry is like music to my ears. All the more so when I am the subject.
Satiric Poet: Then you shall have your music, and your valor will be remembered long after we have both passed from this earthly existence.

The Botanist

[]

Basim: A list of what is inside these jars would make my search easier.

[]

Basim: This sample should suffice.

[]

Soldier: I am glad we are just guarding these jars and not handling them. Did you hear what happened to Hakeem?

[]

Basim: I have all the samples I need. Now to drop them off.

[]

Basim: Who would think to look for these samples in a planter? Only those in the know.
Done to perfection.

[]

The Bronze Mirror Heist

[]

Soldier: Can you believe all this? I thought officers were supposed to be more disciplined.
Soldier: It's the opposite from what I have seen. Corruption rises up the rank...

[]

Soldier: Good to see you!
Help yourselves to refreshments! I insist!

[]

Soldier: Make sure the guests have plenty to drink.

[]

Basim: The key is plucked, now on to my prize. I really should attend more parties.

[]

Basim: A nice piece of work, but I have no time for idle admiration.

[]

Basim: Done to perfection.

[]

Basim: Here is the drop-off. I trust the right person finds it.

[]

The Kidnapped Scholar

[]

Basim: They are not expecting trouble. I could likely slip in without any bloodshed.

[]

Basim: I am here to get you out.
Scholar: Alhamdulillah! (Praise be to God!) There is only one small problem. I have suffered some injuries and I am not sure I can walk.
Basim: Why did the bandits kidnap you?
Scholar: They uncovered an ancient legend concerining a great treasure in this region. And given that I am an hsitorian of some renown, they assumed I might be of use in locating said treasure.

[]

Basim: A fine finish.

[]

Basim: You are safe here. Now, about this treasure...
Scholar: Treasure? Ha! There is none. At least not of the golden variety. Of course, I could not tell the bandits that. Otherwise they would have slit my throat and moved on.
Basim: So, if not gold...
Scholar: It is the water that flows beneath our feet. In a barren land, that water is more precious than many armfuls of gold.
Basim: I see... Alhamdulillah. (Praise be to God.)

[]

The Carolingian Coin Heist

[]

Basim: I have seen floor stones like this. They move under great weight.

[]

Basim: There are no more heavy jars nearby. I should look elsewhere.

[]

Ingredients For Alcoholic Beverages

Mucky Monk Mead - honey, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, fir cones

Nun's Delight - angelica, hyssop, juniper, myrrh, saffron, thyme, coriander, vanilla, orange peels, honey, nutmeg

The Abbot's Tipple - cinnamon, lemon balm, dried hyssop flowers, peppermint, thyme, arnica flowers, angelica roots, cardamom seeds

The Last Sip - arsenic, hemlock, wolfsbane, mugwort, mandrake, henbane, belladonna, oleander. Fungi may also be added. I reccomend fool's funnel, destroying angel, death cap, funeral bell, and angel's wings. Sweeten with honey. LOTS of honey!

[]

Basim: Vow of povery my eye! This could blind one with greed!

[]

Basim: The Carolingian! I see why Dervis would covet this coin!

[]

Basim: I am tempted to keep this coin, but I could never cross Dervis.

[]

The Dancer

[]

Basim: Yasmeen?
Dancer: Softly now, or the guards will hear you. Yasmeen might be in the reception room on the second floor.

[]

Basim: Yasmeen?
Dancer: Yasmeen? I'm not certain. You could try the next room.

[]

Basim: Yasmeen?
Yasmeen: At last! My prayers are answered! You look like you could help me to safety. Now, follow me.

[]

Yasmeen: They are coming. You deal with the guards while I unlock the door down this corridor.

[]

Basim: It is safe now.

[]

Yasmeen: They are searching the garden. Take care of them.

[]

Basim: The danger has passed.

[]

Yasmeen: We're almost free!

[]

Basim: The course is clear.

[]

Yasmeen: I cannot believe I am free! Is there some way I can repay you?
Basim: Your safety is payment enough.

[]

Jade

Battle at the Wall

[Memory description:] Yang Duanhe is in Tulu Pass, between the Great Wall and the Frontier. For Chu Huan, for Jade Spring, you must settle the score with him... [protag arrives at Great Wall Junction]

Wei Yu's disciple: Prince Modu said he sent Yingying this way as well, she should be nearby.

[approaches her]

Yu Ying: It seems that heir collusion goes way back...

[she notices protag]

Yu Ying: There you are! I've been searching for Jingjing but she's proven to be rather elusive.
Wei Yu's disciple: She said she didn't want to get involved with us. Maybe we should leave her be.
Yu Ying: I'm just worried... either way, Modu sent me a message to get here, and I found something way worse... That man, Duanhe, he's here. And they've smuggled a hill's worth of oil barrels to blow up the wall.
Wei Yu's disciple: These people know no loyalty. A Qin soldier blowing up the wall, and colluding with the Xiongnu...
Yu Ying: Whatever it is they've planned isn't good. We have to stop them.
Wei Yu's disciple: What they did to our village, we can't let that happen again.

[goes to destroy the explosives at Tulu Pass, sees Qin soldiers and Xiongnu fighting there.]

Qin soldier: You will never strike us down! The Qin will defend our territory.

[enters a warehouse and destroys some of the explosives] [helps the Qin]

Qin soldier: Barbarians! Strike them down!

[destroys some more]

Wei Yu's disciple: They've already transported some barrels to the wall. I should destroy those as well.

[climbs up, destroys those, but hears/sees an explosion]

Wei Yu's disciple: Was I too late? Yingying might be in trouble.

[goes to the source, finding Yang Duanhe messing with the explosives] As you approach Yang Duanhe, he recognizes you and promises to kill you as he killed Chu Huan. He throws an explosive your way but before it reaches you, Yu Ying appears from above and kicks it away, endangering herself as it explodes. In the smoke, Yang Duanhe flees and an injured Yu Ying implores you to follow him. [jarring scene transition to an exploded section of the wall, where the protag goess to fight Yang Duanhe]

Wei Yu's disciple: I swear, on the memory of my brother, today will be your last.
Yang Duanhe: Big talk for someone who lost to me before. Let's see how you fare against my bombs, I've been itching to test them.
Wei Yu's disciple: Why did you attack our village? Who do you serve?
Yang Duanhe: Hah, and why would I tell you anything? You are but an ant in the grand scheme of things.
Wei Yu's disciple: You will regret messing with the Youxia.
Yang Duanhe: Oh here we go again, with the righteous talk. You people are sickening.
Disgusting worm, don't you know when to give up? Stop getting in my way.
Wei Yu's disciple: Quit running, you coward! I will chase you till the ends of the earth even if I have to.

[he escapes, protag climbs up the wall after him, having to deal with guards along the way]

Purple sergeant: Stay back! Come no further!
Wei Yu's disciple: Your purple garments only fuel my anger. I remember how you slaughtered the weak.

[keeps going towards Duanhe]

Purple sergeant: Don't you know who you're up against?
Wei Yu's disciple: This is for what you did to my village!

[keeps going towards Duanhe]

Yang Duanhe: Argh... I can't... anymore...

[i think there was another voice here, but it all mixes together and there's no subs for that]

Wei Yu's disciple: The Fox huh, seems like even Duanhe answers to someone.

You overpower Yang Duanhe and drive your blade through his chest. As Yang Duanhe brethes his last, a figure in a fox mask attempts to assassinate you, but quick reflexes allow you to parry the incoming blade, giving you the chance to engage them in combat. [fight begins against the "Masked Person"]

Wei Yu's disciple: So, you're the one in charge... the one pulling the strings under the Grand General's nose.
Fox: Hmph. What do you know? You're just a pathetic Youxia. Stay out of my way.
Wei Yu's disciple: You pit the Qin and Xiongnu against each other, for what end? We are not your pawns!
Fox: There are only two types of people in this world, the sheep or the slaughterer. What are you?
Wei Yu's disciple: I'm your slaughterer!
Fox: A slaughterer takes. A sheep gives. You, who so boldly claim to take, are no better than the rest of us. Do not act righteous when your hand are soaked with the blood of a thousand sheep.

Your next move knocks the Fox's mask off, revealing Nie Jing's face. Yu Ying and Meng Tian arrive and Nie Jing pulls out the stolen treasure from Yangzhou Palace. A magical shield deflects your blades, shattering and dazzling you. When the stars fade from your vision, she's gone. [protag follows Meng Tian and Yu Ying, while Cyf does not stop opening the menus to make my work harder]

Wei Yu's disciple: My search has led me to believe that the Department of Immortality has been manipulating the Xiongnu. I found a written agreement between Toumman Chanyu and Yang Duanhe.
Meng Tian: An agreement signed by Duanhe is not enough evidence to persecute the court official in charge. I have looked outwards for far too long... and now the foundations of our empire crumbles. But I won't stay idle, not when my family's position is threatened at court and this country rots from within. I have news that the Department of Immortality has dealings in Shangjun. I seek an eagle. A swift and wary hunter to keep track of a fox that has long evaded my sight.
Wei Yu's disciple: Then an eagle I shall be, and I will not stop until the fox [sic] has paid the price of betrayal.
Meng Tian: Good. Head to North Shangjun Garrison and Fushi Clay Mine. Find out whatever you can.

Odyssey

Valhalla

Apocalypse

@@ Line 2,890: / Line 2,890: @@
 ==Side Quests==
 <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="clear:both; text-align:left">
-===Al-Jahiz's Lost Books ===
-[]
-*'''Basim:''' ''That is a lot of books.''
-*'''Al-Jahiz:''' ''Do not think I am a librarian. I am a writer! Many of these are my own works. Though I do collect, it is true. This city hides ... other rare and ancient tomes. If you should find one, bring it here. I'll make it worth your time.''
-[]
-*'''Basim:''' ''Not as yet.''
-*'''Al-Jahiz:''' ''Perhaps next time we will both find more than idle words and disturbance!''
-[]
-*'''Al-Jahiz:''' ''Do you have something for me?''
-[]
-*'''Al-Jahiz:''' ''Wonderful! No need to tell anyone about all this. We wouldn't want any unfortunate accusations of plagiarism ... again.''
-[]
-*'''Al-Jahiz:''' ''Do you have something for me?''
-*'''Basim:''' ''I found this stange book. Does it interest you?''
-*'''Al-Jahiz:''' ''Oh, do you know what that is? It has many names. I knot it as Kitab Al-Azif, the Book of the Dead. It is death to all who read it! ...if you believe the stories. I myself do not. But it will remain on my shelves where it can do no harm ... just in case.''
-[]
 ===Dervis' Artifacts===
 *'''Basim:''' ''You mentioned needing my help, Dervis. With keeping the rebellion alive, I presume?''