------------- The Longstriders – Sayed ben’Nafis al’Idrisi

Kami sat next to Sayed. They were probably the only two in the room actually dressed, though just barely. She sipped on a cup of hot coffee, nibbling on a sweet pastry left over from Miri’s Feast spell. Sayed sat beside her, occasionally sipping on his own cup. The two had fallen into immediate reminiscing about the Symballan Empire. Having just recently left the Empire, Sayed was the one to tell tales about the latest goings on in New Phoenix. Stories led to comparisons of their knowledge and education which led to scientific theories and historical anecdotes. The geek speak was enough to drive the others to the far corners of the Elven Shrine to engage in more physical ways of getting to know each other.

“I knew there were specialists amongst Thoth’s priests, but had never met a mystic.”

“We are few, truly. Most of us find our path through science and engineering. There is very little evangelical activity amongst the priests of Thoth. Since our popularity is nothing really to compare to the Sisters of Isis, there is little need for priests at temples or tending to the poor or infirmed.”

“So, you became an arcanologist?”

“Yes. I find that my knowledge of things arcane and ancient is more useful in the field, as it were. But your own profession intrigues me. A forensic scientist?”

“Kar’Thane Academy graduate. My Doctorate is in forensic medicine. My job is the Chief medical Examiner for the City State of Syvasgaard.”

“So, you spend your time investigating crimes, murders and such?”

“Yes, though I have developed a keen interest in forensic anthropology. I’ve been investigating bones discovered at a dig in northern Hesterland. I’ve been trying to identify links to the very first vampires.”

“Indeed. Quite fascinating. I must send you some remains from a dig sometime. My own education, from the Symballan Scientific Institute in New Phoenix, is in archaeology and ancient history. I have had no formal employment as an arcanologist as it were, but I did manage to encounter the Longstriders not too long ago in Kaibar and accompanied them on an adventure into the ruins of Khasara al’Settis. My knowledge of things old and arcane came in quite handy. The ruins, you see, were said to be quite destroyed by the Pharaoh’s Silver Gryphon not long after the revolution. However, a new evil has arisen there, still buried beneath the sands. The Longstriders eventually convinced me to leave my books and see the world through my own eyes. I have not yet regretted it. I envy the Sisters of Isis. In this, you are encouraged to get out of the temple and wander the world. A very wise policy, if you ask me.”

Kami smiled as she noted Erelae flipping her hair about in the shadows of the Shrine.

“Perhaps you would like me to demonstrate some of the more worldly knowledge I’ve gained during my time outside the temple.”

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