Basim:The symposium should be here. Baghdad's brightest, sharing their wisdom.
He entered the courtyard, crowded with numerous scholars and attendees.
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 asking the kahraman about Fazil's lecture
Basim spoke to the kahraman.
Basim:Pardon me, I am looking for the Great Scholar's lecture.
Kahraman:Fazil Fahim's lecture about the antediluvianantecedents of humanity]] will begin soon. In the meantime, please enjoy our ample stock of exquisite delicacies and tasty refreshments.
Amongst the crowd, he noticed Nehal in attendance.
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.
Basim followed Nehal, who brought him back to Ahmad ibn Musa's workshop.
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?
They entered the workshop
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.
They looked at one of his diagrams.
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.
They looked at another.
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 looking a diagram covered by blue curtains
Amongst the works, Basim noticed one slightly covered by blue curtains and took a closer look, with Nehal behind him.
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 and Nehal talking
They sat down at the nearby steps.
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.
Nehal left the workshop, with Basim following suit as well. Going around, Basim noticed the translator Hunayn ibn Ishaq, whom he rescued at the Scriptorium.
Basim:The Translator! What is he still doing here?
Basim finding Hunayn at the Symposium
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.
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 eavesdropping on Arib's fans
Basim sat on a nearby bench, and eavesdropped a group of civilians near a library entrance.
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.
Hearing this, Basim went to the garden courtyard, where he found the famed poetess Arib.
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.
Basim speaking to Arib
Basim approached the poetess.
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.
Basim returned to the main courtyard. Near the main entrance of the library, he found a scholar who stood out.
Basim:That astronomer might be one of them, though I doubt it.
Basim approached the man.
Basim talking to Al-Farghani
Basim: Sayyidi (Sir), 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 circumference of the Earth.
Basim:Fascinating, sayyidi (sir). I shall read more of your work soon. Wada'an. (Farewell.)
Just behind al-Farghani, Basim saw a door guarded by a gatekeeper.
Basim:Impressive door. Where does it go?
Gatekeeper:Those Who Came Before are...?
Basim:What?
Gatekeeper:I said, Those Who Came before are...?
Basim:Never mind.
Basim left, confused.
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.
Basim:Sounds like the lecture is about to begin. I should return to the Kahraman (chief servant).
Basim returned to the kahraman.
Basim:Pardon me, is Fazil Fahim's lecture ready to begin?
Kahraman:Indeed it is. Head inside, if you please.
Fazil giving his lecture
Basim entered the lecture, already filled with a huge crowd, with Fazil standing in front of a massive astrolabe.
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.
In the back, Arib and Al-Farghani stood together and exchanged dubious glances.
Fazil: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 worshiped false idols?
A woman in the audience shook her head and scoffed at the suggestion.
Fazil:Is it not possible that these giants built marvels, works of wondrous power now lost to us?
Fazil informed of Zahra and Hassan's deaths
Basim made his way to the front of the audience and readied his Hidden Blade as the Kahraman approached Fazil to whisper in his ear.
Kahraman:Zahra and Hassan are both dead, slain by an assassin's blade.
Fazil:They're dead?
Kahraman: Sayyidi (Sir), I urge you to hide until it's safe.
Fazil quickly taking his leave
Kahraman then spoke towards the crowd while Fazil quickly left in a panic.
Kahraman:Apologies people, but our lecture has concluded. Please, feel free to explore the House of Wisdom's many fine chambers.
That moment solidified Basim's suspicion that Fazil was Al-Rabisu, his Order target.
Fazil in his Order mask
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 justice for every soul you savaged for your "Great Work".
He remained astonished at his own findings.
Basim:It is true! Fazil leads the Order in Abbasiyah. I need to hunt him down.
Basim eavesdropping on Arib, Hunayn, and al-Farghani
Basim left the lecture room and sat down on a bench, eavesdropping on a gathering between Arib, Hunayn, and Al-Farghani.
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!"
Basim saw a note on a table across from him.
Restoration Work
Staff,
We are unable to continue the restoration project for the House of Wisdom because we're lacking a complete building plan for the main foyer, particularly the Great Scholar's Room on the first floor.
If anyone finds these plans, inform me at once.
– Kahraman
He looked around to find more clues.
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.
Working off al-Farghani's tip, Basim climbed up to the rooftop and eavesdropped on the gardener.
Gardener:Keep to the roof, I say. Plenty of work to do up here. Safer, too. Avoid dark hallways, especially after the murder in the library. What's this place coming to? And those screams from the basement! Makes my stomach crawl to hear such pain.
Basim pickpocketed the key.
Basim:This key could be useful.
Basim returned to the ground and spoke to the Kahraman from before near the main library entrance.
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.
The kahraman telling Basim about the building's hiding places
Basim:Perhaps a little token of my appreciation will jog your memory.
Kahraman:Most generous. Murders, mayhem, 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:Never mind. I will look around on my own.
Kahraman:As you wish.
Basim left, then returned to speak to him again.
Kahraman:Yes?
Basim:I was asking about underground places in the House of Wisdom.
Kahraman:What about them?
(return to previous option)
The gatekeeper asking Basim for the password
Basim returned to the door guarded by the gatekeeper.
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.
Basim saw a note on a nearby table.
Library Lockdown
Staff,
By order of the Great Scholar, the second-floor library is off-limits. Guards have been stationed to prevent unauthorized entry while our investigation into recent thefts and other crimes continues. The following rules now apply:
* Only the Caretaker of Books may enter * All others will be treated as trespassers * Trespassers will be detained or slain if they resist
–Guard Captain, House of Wisdom
He headed upstairs, settling down on a bench in front of two attendees.
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.
They hurried off into an adjacent room. Basim followed and saw a note pinned outside the doorway.
Basim eavesdropping on two civilians
Staff Entry Only
Entry restricted to House of Wisdom staff only.
He entered, hoping to find a password, and saw guards stationed throughout the library. A notice on a board caught his attention.
Library Etiquette
Remain silent in the library.
Return books to their proper shelves.
Do not take volumes without authorization.
He found a book.
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.
He found a note on a noticeboard.
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.
He read another note.
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
In a stairwell behind him, he read another book.
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.
Basim read another note.
Many Thanks
My friend,
Many thanks for granting me access to the private 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.
Basim located the outer balcony mentioned by the note and found 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 exited the library and returned to the gatekeeper at the main hall.
Basim:Gatekeeper!
Gatekeeper:Those Who Came Before are...?
Basim:...Are Those Who Shall Return.
Gatekeeper:Correct! You may proceed.
Basim:The Great Scholar in the House of Wisdom.
Gatekeeper:No. We are done.
(return to previous options)
Gatekeeper:Again, I ask. Those Who Came Before are...?
Basim:The Folly of Poetry.
Gatekeeper:No. Wrong answer. Goodbye.
(return to previous options)
Basim:I will return with the pass phrase.
(return to previous options)
Basim entered the room, filled a myriad of notes, letters, and works by Fazil. He read Fazil's note to the library workers.
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
He read a letter addressed to Fazil from another Order member.
Threatening Letter
Al-Rabisu,
You consider yourself the great scholar, do you not? And as you will tell anything with ears, Alruh is your great work? Why then, with such an abundance of greatness, is there such lack of progress?
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
He read a diary by the old scholar.
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.
He read a letter from Fazil to the Order member Al-Bahamut.
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.
Basim inside the basement
Basim went down the another door in the room, leading to an underground chamber.
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 eliminated the guards and reached what seemed to be a prison chamber.
Basim:There is a deep wrongness here, a reek of rot and iron.
He read a note on the table.
Robing is Mandatory
No subjects shall enter if they are not wearing their robes. You may find the appropriate garb in the room adjoining the recuperation cells.
Basim:Those robes might help me get closer to Fazil.
Basim entered a small crack leading to a cell, where he found a civilian's corpse inside.
Basim:What have they done to these people?
Basim in the experiment robes
Taking a closer look, he realized he was wearing the robes that he needed to get to Fazil.
Basim:Poor guy will not need this anymore.
He removed the robes from the man and donned them himself.
Basim:This should help me blend in.
Basim passed two captive civilians.
Civilian 3:Please... take me back there, I don't belong here.
Civilian 4Where is my robe? I can't meet the scholar without my special robe!
Civilian 3:This world doesn't look right. Someone, take me back to the bright, shiny place.
Basim approached the guard.
Guard:Next subject, in here now!
Basim in the Alruh's chamber
Basim followed the guard into a massive chamber.
Basim:There are horrors here. But the most terrifying thing is that I have seen it all before. Somehow.
He followed the guard down the stairs into an open space marked with distinct symbols.
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 guard escorted Basim to the site before returning to his position. Fazil's bodyguard called to him.
The Fist of Wisdom:In here, lackwit.
Heeding orders, Basim walked to the middle of the ritual site and kneeled. Meanwhile, Fazil activated the the mechanism.
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 activating the Alruh
He took out a disk-shaped object which he placed in a massive sphere. When activated, it displayed a yellow glow.
Fazil:This is my Great Work. I call it Alruh. It will take you on a journey to another realm. Why did the First 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.
Stunned by Basim's reply, Fazil walked closer to Basim, putting his ear in Basim's direction to listen to his response.
Fazil:No? Then what?
Basim killing Fazil
Basim activated his Hidden Blade and stabbed Fazil in his neck before laying him down on the ground.
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 dipping the feather with Fazil's blood
Fazil died from his wound. Basim took out a feather and stained it with Fazil's blood.
Basim:But in the end, all we see is darkness.
The Corridor's surroundings turned to black and closed further in around Basim. The djinn scurried around the edges and growled at Basim before the vision cleared and he stood in the Alruh's empty chamber.
Basim:I need to get out of here, get back to Tabid.
