Coin, Corruption and Tea was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories relived through the Animus.
Description[]
Basim decided to look into an old friend.
Dialogue[]
Basim headed down the street, where he found his old friend Kong, a Chinese merchant arguing with another merchant named Luca.
- 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...!
Kong turned and prepared to leave when Basim spoke to him.
- 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 trying to make Kong recall him
- Basim: Kong! It is me, Basim.
Kong gave Basim a puzzled look.
- 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!
Basim looked around in confusion, before Kong eventually dropped his pretense.
Kong taking Basim to his shop away from Luca's
- Kong: Wah, Basim! Little finch, look at you all dressed up! Come, come. Follow me to my stall, away from this terrible man.
Just Kong said that, he turned back and looked at Luca, who flipped him off. Kong did the same and escorted Basim to his store across the street opposite of Luca's.
- 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 looked at his crates of tea leaves.
Kong asking Basim to help recover his tea crates
- 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 finding Kong's crates of tea leaves
Basim left Kong's store and headed down the street to a nearby storehouse, guarded by the Abbasid soldiers. He managed to get onto the second floor, where he found Kong's crates of tea leaves behind a shelf.
- Basim: This must be Kong's crate of tea leaves.
He carried the crate out of the warehouse.
- Basim: Looks like this crate is still intact. Kong will be pleased.
He returned the crate to Kong's store.
- Kong: My leaves! Praise be to you, little finch!
- Basim: Where shall I put it?
- Kong: Come, come! Put it here.
Basim returned with Kong's tea leaves
He put it inside the store ground.
- 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 showed Basim a map on the wall, which noted the trade routes, with a cross drawn on the southern road.
- 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 offering to help Basim in exchange for helping to free his wares
- Kong: Some stupid nonsense, I do not know! But they spoil my business, that I do know! Now I just sell 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 offering to provide clues to Basim
Basim left Kong's store, noticing Luca leaning behind a pillar near the store.
- 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.
With the location given, Basim headed to the warehouse.
- Basim: The warehouse Kong mentioned. I need to find out more about this Harbormaster.
He sneaked into the site, eavesdropping on the guards.
- Soldier: Greece... India... anything out of Baghdad. If I want to keep my head, I better be sure to check them all.
In one of the buildings, he read a note on the table.
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 looking for notes in the warehouse
- 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?
In another building, he read another note.
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...?
He read another of the notes, showing a list of goods, including those from Kong's.
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.
In the same building, he found a note mentioning codenames used by the Order of the Ancients.
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.
He concluded his investigation.
- Basim: There is nothing more here. The Harbormaster is waiting.
Basim assassinating the Harbormaster
Basim made his way to the Harbor Camp where the Harbormaster was based in.
- Basim: Another wall between the people and power at play. I hope the Harbormaster is not expecting me.
He sneaked into the site, overhearing the Harbormaster reprimanding his men.
- Al-Kullulû: La'anakum Allah! (May God curse you!) One artifact, and no one can find it.
Basim assassinated the Harbormaster and returned back to Kong's store.
- Basim: Kong! I have good--
Basim finding Kong armed with a broomstick
He found Kong armed with a broomstick.
- 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 handing the note to Kong
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 poured a cup of tea for Basim.
- 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.
Basim and Kong discussing Basim's search
- 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 handed Kong a scroll with the auction invitation.
Kong joking about planning to smuggle Basim in a box
- 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.
Kong left his store.
- Basim: Someone influential is looking for the hairpin, but let it slip. Now the only chance they have is at the Grand Auction. Hmm...
(If Of Toil and Taxes has not been completed)
- Basim: Now to look into the other lead.
Outcome[]
Basim received an invitation to the Great Auction.
Gallery[]
