A Faceless Feather was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories relived through the Animus.[1]
Description[]
Basim returned to the Karkh bureau to inform Rebekah and Roshan of his findings.
Dialogue[]
Basim entered the bureau in Karkh.
- 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?
The Hidden Ones discussing the clues gathered
- 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.
The invitation to the auction, given to Basim by Kong
Basim took out his auction invitation given by Kong.
- 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.
Roshan took her leave.
- Rebekah: Not a lot is known about this person. Underestimating your opponent is a fool's folly.
- Basim: Worried? I will tread carefully.
Roshan telling Basim of the plan to eliminate the Treasurer
Basim left the bureau and made his way to meet with Roshan on a roof near The Bazaar.
- 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 handing a feather to Basim
Roshan handed Basim a feather.
- 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).
Roshan left the location, while Enkidu flew down to Basim's arm.
- Basim: Do you think we need luck?
Enkidu let out a cry before flying off.
The Treasurer in her Order outfit and mask
- 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.
Outcome[]
Basim is tasked with unmasking and assassinating the Treasurer at the Dai'rat Al-mal.
Gallery[]
