A Cup of Klatchian Coffee

 

We live in a multicultural Disc, and yet the easy casting of a spell can take you in seconds from one end of it to the other, allowing you to savor its many cultures. I am really fond of the Agatean Empire aesthetic pursuits and style, but of late I have also being trying some things from darkest Klatch, including the coffee.

Although the great city of Al-Khali may be still out of bounds, there are different places to explore for he who would like to know more about our southern rival's traditions and way of life. More specifically, there is an abandoned wizard outpost, now teeming only with djinns, where one can find some interesting things:

This cavern is sweltering hot and bathed in a flickering yellow-green light.  The colouration originates from a huge furnace by the east wall, which roars with a wholly unnatural-looking fire.  Next to the furnace is an equally oversized stone table, on which sits a set of blacksmithing tools.  The atmosphere in here is grim and oppressive, and compounded by the series of disturbing images that adorn the walls.

There is one obvious exit: south.

Jassi the Inferno is floating here.

An obsidian worktable is next to the furnace.

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l djinn

This is Jassi, the Inferno.  He is a massive ifrit - a fearsome and powerful type of djinn known for their cruel disposition.  His body burns with green-yellow flames and two mighty horns protrude from his forehead.  A wispy tail connects him back to the forge here like a tether - it seems that he and the forge are bound to one another.

He is in good shape.

He is floating here.

There are devious ways of getting the efrit to make some special weapons for you, which I managed with help of Thalic and Ochrion. The gold-veined khopesh was pretty disappointing: it can burst into flames, but they deal ridiculously little damage to others (more so to you).  The bronze-veined keris I have found much more useful...

l keris

This short Klatchian dagger has a fascinating flamberged blade, with thirteen wicked curves along its length and a widened, asymmetrical base.  Rich veins of bronze run throughout the steel of the blade and the minimalist grip is made of pitch-black ebony inlaid with bright white scrollwork.

It seems to constantly shed a faint dusting of sparkling sand grains.  They are almost imperceptible, visible only to those who are watching carefully.

It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.

Close by you may find a dimly lit tannery where a meek djinn has some weapons and jewellery for sale. The jewellery is pretty special, and has some nice uses conjoined to some of Jassi's creations.

Here's what I bought for myself:

A large sparkling crystal sits at the centre of a black gold filigree flower in the wearer's navel, held by a slim black gold bar topped with a much smaller crystal.  Three short chains fall from the flower's petals, each ending in a matching tiny crystal.  Closer inspection of the central crystal reveals that some kind of sandstorm rages eternally within it, just below the surface.

In the midst of the sandstorm lurks a spectral figure.  It is empty-handed and waiting patiently.

It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.

Nearby, in an underground hall at the same settlement, one can find a couple of djinn-managed shops. The most interesting one sells clothing, and that is the one I have explored more fully:

It's hard to tell exactly what purpose this cluttered side room might once have served, although by the looks of the equipment in here, it was multi-functional to say the least.  The charred and broken remains include what looks to have been laundry utensils, a spinning wheel and a stove.  There are more ruined items but it's hard to tell what most of them might once have been.  One large table remains intact and a modest pile of clothing is piled upon it, as if displayed for sale.  A doorway in the east wall leads back to the main hall.

There is one obvious exit: east.

Khambriya is floating here.

A skeleton warrior arrives from the east.

A skeleton warrior succeeds in following you.

You close the east door.

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l khambriya

The scrawny tabby cat nuzzles the evil-looking black cat affectionately.

This is Khambriya, a most unusual looking djinn in that her body is a pale, but fluorescent yellow colour.  Tall and unmistakably feminine, she exudes a quiet sense of dignity despite dwelling in these forsaken ruins.  Her eyes betray her obvious intelligence, always watching, always thinking.

She is in good shape.

She is floating here.

Holding : a small silver needle (left hand).

Carrying: a spool of cotton thread.

I decided to try a burnous, as they look very light and nice against both heat and cold:

l burnous

This distinctly Klatchian hooded cloak is made of high-quality, spun and treated mohair that has been dyed cool white throughout its length.  It fastens across the chest with ebony buttons and forms strong lines down the body before flaring a little to end around knee-height.  Decorative gold klatchesque embroidery runs around the borders and covers most of the hood to give it an almost ornate appearance.  It looks ideal for providing protection from the harsh desert sun.

The hood has been pulled forward, shading your features.

The fine cool white burnous has one inside upper-right pocket, one inside upper-left pocket, one inside lower-left pocket and one inside lower-right pocket.