User:Soranin/Sandbox

My primary sandbox.

To do

In no particular order.

The Silk Road
French augmented reality tours
- Create/improve [Le Trésor des Templiers], Le Secret de Napoléon Ier, Le Secret de Camerone, L'Armoire de Fer, [Senka], Le Secret des Mines
- See France

Mirage

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In 921, Ahmad ibn Fadlan travelled form Baghdad to central Russia where he met a mysterious Northern people. He was the first Muslim scholar to make an account of their strange habit of burning their dead kings with their ships.

Al-Khawarizmi was a House of Wisdom mathematician best known for giving his name to the notion of "algorithm", his work on algebra (al-jabr), and his diffusion of the Arabic-Indian Numeral system.

The Abbasids were descendants of al-Abbas, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad. This lineage (and their military might) helped them serve as Caliphs, or Muhammad's successors, from 750 to 1517.

Between the assassination of al-Mutawakkil in 861 and the ascension of his son al-Mu'tamid to the throne in 870, four Caliphs reigned from the palatial city of Samarra as puppets of powerful military factions.

The Banu Musa invented a human-like automaton for Caliphal parties. Filled with wine, after a time it would release its liquid onto the person unlucky enough to be holding it, much to the amusement of the other guests!

Hidden Ones operate out of Bureaus. These are hidden from sight and accessible only by members of the organization. Each Bureau is helmed by a Rafiq.

The sprawling offices of the Round City hosted an increasingly centralized administration. As its master, the Vizier was both an essential servant and a potentially deadly enemy of the Caliphs.

Introduced to Baghdad from China and Central Asia at the end of the 8th century, cheap paper quickly replaced costly parchment and lead to the emergence of a strong reading culture in the Abbasid empire.

Animals featured heavily at court: flocks of hunting falcons, silk-clad elephants and a monkey dressed as a general were trained to provide exotic entertainment to the palace guests.

Ascribed to a divine being, the title "Father of Understanding" dates back to Isu times and reflects the Order of the Ancients' mission to guide humanity towards their idea of enlightenenment.

The Muslim calendar starts with the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622. Mirage is therefore set in the 3rd century After Hijra (AH). As of September 2023, we are in 1445 AH.

Baghdad was built from scratch between 762 and 766 at the order of Caliph al-Mansur. At first only the Round City was planned, but soon densely populated areas sprawled beyond its walls.

Abbasid glasswork was considered valuable throughout Europe and Asia. It has been discovered in 9th century royal burial sites in Korea as well as on a Carolingian brooch recovered from the Ballycottin bogs (Ireland).

Far from being the steamy brothel often described in western culture, the harem was first and foremost a space dedicated to child raising, poetry writing, and political rivalry.

The Hidden Ones were founded in Egypt in 47 BCE. Working in the dark to serve the light, the organization aims to fight oppression and to safeguard the people's free will.

A highly advanced civilization, the Isu lived on Earth around seventy-seven thousand years ago and were the original creators of humanity.

Inspired by Indian and Persian literature, the "1001 Nights" was created in 9th century Baghdad. Book critics of the time found it crude and unimaginative, predicting it would fail to attract any attention.

Baghdad was sacked by the Mongols on February 10th, 1258. Killing people and burning books, they are said to have created "streams of blood and rivers of ink", destroying most of the pre-1258 city in the process.

The caravanserai was a "palace (saray) for groups of people (karvan)". But most caravanserai looked more like empty shells in which travelers could find safety for the night, share news … and pay taxes!

Aiming to achieve order and control over the masses through any means possible, the Order of the Ancients was founded in Egypt in 1334 BCE by the Pharaoh Smenkhkare.

Each branch of the Order of the Ancients has several prominent Members. These lead their own sub-branches, and are themselves led in turn by a single Head of the Order.

During Caliph al-Mamun's wedding in 825, perfumed shells containing the names of prizes were distributed to the guests. Whoever received one was then given what was written on it, be it a small item or an entire town.

Poetry schools competed for the attention and the patronage of the Caliphs. The ultimate prize? To have the ruler tear off a part of his silk-embroidered clothing and throw it at the poet!

The Order of the Ancients intend to use these ancient and elaborate pieces of Isu technology to control the population and revive the Isu.

The initiation ritual for becoming a Hidden One involves the sacrifice of a ring finger. Its removal ensures space for a retracted hidden blade, but is also a tribute to Bayek of Siwa, the original Hidden One.

Baghdad's environment was almost devoid of building materials and most of its houses were made of dried or baked mudbricks. This meant that its buildings had to be partially rebuilt after every storm.

In Baghdad, perfume was used in food, ink, and even mosque-building. One of the most sought-after perfume ingredients was Indian ambergris, a solid substance found in the digestive system of sperm whales.

From China to Europe, medieval merchants travelled on a network of routes collectively known as "the silk road". Set in the middle of this network, Baghdad served as one of its main hubs and hosted many of the world's most exquisite creations.

"The Accounts of China and India" recounts the five-month journey of Sulayman al-Tajir from Baghdad to Guangzhou in 850. He is one of the earliest named people to have travelled that far for trade!

Known as Eagle Vision, Odin's Sight, Eagle Sense and other names through the ages, this extrasensory ability is a manifestation of a strong Isu gene concentration in an individual.

The original Hidden Ones had two tenets to their creed: to work in the shadows and to only kill those who deserved it. A third tenet, to never compromise the Brotherhood, was added later.

In the Caliphal Palace stood a large tree made of 1400 kilograms of silver, its branches crowned with mechanical birds. The leaves appeared to move with the wind and the birds to burst into song whenever ambassadors appeared in front of the Caliph.

Arabic language names are based on a chain of names systems, with each part having a meaning. Calling the Caliph Harun al-Rashid "Mr. Rashid" would therefore have been a terrible mistake.

The Zanj were enslaved persons taken from south-eastern Africa and used for harsh manual labor on sugar cane plantations. Their revolt between 869 and 883 decisively weakened caliphal power.

Inventory

Trade goods

Name	Description	Value
Bone Dice	A set of dice made of bone from Nishapur, Persia.	1
Peacock Feather	This colorful feather came from a regal peacock, the elegant bird considered to be a guardian of royalty and often engraved on royal thrones.	1
Flamingo Feather	This pink feather was taken from a flaming. They are born white, gaining their pink color from the algae they eat.	1
Hare Foot	A hare's foot used as a lucky charm.	1
Sumerian Ring	A remarkable old ring from ancient Sumer	9
Emerald Ring	A gold ring set with a beautiful green emerald gemstone. Emeralds have been mined for 3,500 years in locations around Mount Smaragdus in Ancient Egypt.	11
Faravahar	The winged figure depicted by this amulet was understood by Zoroastrians to represent the spirits of humanity. The earliest known examples were found in Iran and date from over 2,500 years ago.	30
Nestorian Cross	A symbol of the Nestorian order made out of bronze, composed of four arms of equal length that narrow towards the center.	22
Bone Button	A button made of bone from Nishapur, Persia.	4
Pendant	A piece of loose-hanging jewelry attached to the necklace with a small loop. Pendants could be used for identification, ornamentation or protection.	15
Anthropomorphic Pendant	A small pendant depicting a half-human, half-anmial creature.	6
Bone Toy Statuette	This child's toy was carved from bone in Seleucia.	8
Horse Harness	A finely-carved horse harness from Nishapur, Persia.	4
Bone Whistle	A Persian whistle made of bone.	6
Oil Lamp	A portable lamp lit with oil.	8
Astrolabe	An ancient device used for measuring astrological data.	14
Babylonian Jewelry	These works of gold craftsmanship were created in Babylon, a city south of Baghdad. It is difficult to date due to its manufactoring techniques being lost to history.	25
Gold Ring	A ring forged of gold, most likely worn as a symbol of status and wealth. Gold appears to be the oldest metal humans have worked with.	40
Ruby	The earliest known trade of rubies was recorded on China's North Silk Road around 2,200 years ago. An astrological belief from the Hindu tradition connects rubies to the sun.	47
Jade Medallion	This striking medallion boasts a green piece of the mineral jade. Known as the "imperial gem", some believed jade was a symbol of serenity and purity.	20
Iron Brooch	A crude brooch made of treated iron.	7
Abbasid Necklace	A piece of jewelry that showcases the fine crafting techniques from the artisans of the Abbasid Caliphate.	54
Silver Ring	A ring forged out of silver, a malleable precious metal that has been know to humans since prehistoric times and, in Egypt, was valued more than gold.	22
Jade Coin	A curious coin made of jade, imported from the East.	18
Pestle	A heavy, rounded tool used for breaking down substances in a bowl known as a mortar. These tools have been used since the stone age.	10
Glass Perfume Bottle	A glass bottle filled with sweet-smelling perfume.	14
Belt Buckle	A belt buckle found on guard uniforms.	10
Tang Dynasty Coin	A Chinese coin prized by merchants on the East Road.	18
Bedouin Bracelet	A bracelet commonly worn by the nomadic Bedouins.
Silver Bracelet	This bracelet is made of solid silver and is engraved with Arabic symbols.	25

Quest Items

Name	Description	Relevancy
Wrapped Package	Given by Al-Hasan, required for the ceremony.	Taking Flight
Lump of Copper Ore	A lump of muddy copper ore found inside a lusterware pot located within a sunken pottery workshop in Ukbara.
Marked Coins	Specially marked coins.	The Marked Coins
Bronze Mirror	A valuable bronze mirror that Dervis covets.	The Bronze Mirror Heist
Panacea Sample	Whatever it is, it carries a potent aroma of mysterious herbs and strong alcohol.	The Botanist
Carolingian Coin	A rare and precious silver coin minted during the reign of Charles the Bald, who was King of Francia at the time when the fearsome Ragnar Lothbrok raided Paris.	The Carolingian Coin Heist
Magic Potion	Farah's flask of what is most likely alchol. Nasrin holds it for her.	The Servant and the Impostor
Eye Makeup	A tincture of herbs that makes the eyes bigger and more luminous.	The Servant and the Impostor
The Garden and its Mysteries	A heavy, well-thumbed tome.	The Servant and the Impostor
Caliphal Palace Master Key	This key unlocks all doors in the Caliphal Palace.	The Serpent's Nest
Damascus Gate Prison Keys	These keys unlocks several doors in the Damascus Gate prison.	Jailbreak
Heron Feather	A feather used by a Hidden One to mark a successful assassination.	All Order assassination missions
Bloodied Heron Feather	A feather dipped in the blood of a Hidden One's target.	All Order assassination missions
Mysterious Shard	This little shard weighs heavily in my hand. It seems charged with a strange energy.	The Calling
Calculating the Azimuth	Endless tables filled with numbers and symbols.	A Life's Work
Comments on Euclid's Elements, Chapter X	Commentaries on Euclid's Elements, along with what appears to be his son's birthdate scribbled in the corner.	A Life's Work
Piece of Fabric	A piece of fabric from a woman's gown found in the dead librarian's grasp.	Follow the Fiery Trail
White Flowers	A posy of beautiful white flowers.	The Hunter
Informer's Orders	I need More names. Do whatever you have to do, but get them. I have something special planned. - Dogan bin Arslan	The Hunter
An Exotic Hairpin	A precious hairpin of ancient Chinese origin, finely ornate, coveted by the Treasurer.	Gilded Butterflies
Dragon Brooch	A brooch belonging to members of The Ivory Coin, an exclusive merchants' guild.	Gilded Butterflies
Transport Routes Ledger	These are the transport routes for the items.
Message	A message for the chief of security in the Prince's Palace.

Resources / Consumables / Materials

Image	Name	Description
	Dirham	In the classical period, a dirham referred to any coin made out of silver, and also shared a name with a small unit of weight.
	Scholar Favor Token	This token can grant you specific services and favors when shown to certain scholars and entertainers. Obtain more by completing Contracts and pickpocketing people on the streets.
	Power Favor Token	This token can grant you specific services and favors when shown to Caliphal officials, like the Munadi and certain guards. Mercenaries and even some rebels will also accept them. Obtain more by completing Contracts and pickpocketing people on the streets.
	Merchant Favor Token	This token can grant you specific services and favors when shown to certain merchants. Obtain more by completing Contracts and pickpocketing people on the streets.
	Steel Ingot	Steel Ingots can be used to improve weapons and equipment by visiting the Banu Musa or a Blacksmith. Obtain more by opening chests, completing Contracts or buying them from Traders.
	Leather	Leather can be used to improve weapons and equipment by visiting the Banu Musa or a Blacksmith. Obtain more by opening chests, completing Contracts or buying them from Traders.
	Components	Components can be used to improve Tools by visiting the Banu Musa. Obtain more by opening chests, completing Contracts or buying them from Traders.
	Elixir	Elixirs can be used to restore limited Health Obtain more by buying them from a Trader.
	Throwing Knife	The Throwing Knife is a small blade that can be thrown at a distance to kill enemies and interact with objects. Obtain more by opening chests in restricted areas or by buying them from a Trader.
	Blowdart	A non-lethal projectile, the Blowdart is used to incapacitate enemies for a limited time. Obtain more by opening chests in restricted areas or by buying them from a Trader.
	Noisemaker	The Noisemaker is a tool used to lure guards to a single location, or to force them to disengage from combat. Obtain more by opening chests in restricted areas or by buying from a Trader.
	Smoke Bomb	The Smoke Bomb is a non-lethal explosive device that emits smoke to conceal movement and disorient enemies. Obtain more by opening chests in restricted areas or by buying them from a Trader.
	Trap	Traps can be thrown at enemies and will trigger a burst of non-lethal sleeping gas. Obtain more by opening chests in restricted areas or by buying them from a Trader.

Dervis' Artifacts

Image	Name	Description
	Aksumite Amulet	A small pouch of magic powder made from leather and worn around the neck. During ancient times, the Aksum Empire was one of the major powers together with Rome, China and Persia, according to the Persian prophet Mani. Its decline started around the 7th century. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Buddhist Votive Plaque	An ornamental plaque used in ceremonies to offer prayers or express gratitude. This one was made during the Chinese Tang Dynasty and features numerous Buddhas. These tablets were brought to sacred caves and shrines as acts of merit and left at the location. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Money Cowrie	Cowries were small molusks shells used as currency in a wide-ranging aread from Africa to East Asia. In some cultures they were used in a fashion similar to gaming dice. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Round Moon Plaque	A piece of metal with cloisonné enamel featuring the moon as a sky goddess. It was made in south-central France during the Carolingian Dynasty. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Tang Censer	An open sphere crafted in Asian craft techniques during the Tang Dynasty. Its interior contains a series of rings that hold the central saucer upright at all times. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Decorated Shell	A finely decorated crustacean shell from the Tang Dynasty that may have been worn as jewelry or an ornament of some kind. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Jade Comb	A Tang Dynasty jade comb embossed in gold. In the Chinese empire, Jade held a significance that was equal to gold or diamonds. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Staurotheke	A richly ornamented box made from silver, gold and enamel. It was made in the Byzantine Empire, displays the Crucifixion and allegedly contains a piece of the True Cross. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Ivory Chess Piece	A chess piece carved from ivory during the late 1st millenium in North Africa. Many of the oldest chess pieces found were discovered along the trail of the Silk Road. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Scandinavian Brooch	A circular brooch from Northern Europe made out of glided alloy and displaying dolphin figures. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Kissi Penny	Initially made in Western Africa, kissi pennies were small rods of iron used as a currency throughout history. They were usually tied together in bunches as their individual value was fairly low. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Olibanum	An aromatic resin used to create incense and perfumes and harvested from a family of trees called Boswellia. Also known as "frankincense", it was one of the three gifts brought to the infant Jesus by the Magi in the Bible. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Glass Weight	A tool used to measure the value of gold and silver coins made in the Byzantine and Arab empires. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Byzantine Bracelet	These elaborately decorated bracelets have richly jeweled exteriors and finely detailed opus interrasile patterns on their interiors. The luminous beauty of pearls was highly prized in the Byzantine world. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Coptic Censer	An Egyptian censer made out of bronze, it features a Madonna whose style is heavily influenced by late Roman and Byzantine styles. Censers were used for events that were both spiritual and secular. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Pyxis	These small boxes made out of rich materials such as ivory were used during the Byzantine era to hold precious materials such as aromatics and cosmetics. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Sillan Christian Cross	A Nestorian Christian cross from the Unified Silla Dynasty, east of China. The Nestorian Cross was associated with the Church of the East. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.
	Small Chinese Box	A Tang Dynasty box used to transport a wide variety of items such as tea, cowries or even incense. Dervis might take interest in this. Bring it to his Fence.