"Master Badru, this way seems a good path, but I not sure of the exact placement of our site, if you think that's the best direction, we'll go that way."
Dhru listens to Rani's idea. "Honestly, sounds like as good a plan as any. I'm game to try your way."
Teos waits until the group has decided which way to go. Once they get started he moves to the front.
"Perhaps we should talk about where each of us should be as we march towards the tomb...and once we get there. I have no problem leading the group, if you want..but maybe someone with skill in trap finding might be good out front as well?"
Neve smiles; she too is caught up in the mood of the occasion and her dark eyes shine with the excitement. At last, she feels that her old life is something that she can actually escape from; just as a snake sheds its old skin and leaves it behind for a new life.
Teos' sober words help her stay tethered to reality. "I have no such skills," she admits. "But I can heal any who stumble into one."
Rani and Badhru exchange a glance, Rani saying, "I'm sure Master Badhru has some experience in that area, I can help by keeping a look out for magical traps. So friend Teos in lead, Master Badhru and I folowing, hmm rear guard could be an issue, Scholar Sefanit in the center, Gabs you seem more of a skirmisher than trooper."
Rani's telling the truth again but not all of it, to those you are skilled at picking up such things.
Rani turns to Neve, "Mistress Neve you are armed as a warrior but wield some arts, not having seen your workings, I am not sure of which tradition or blood, is it of the gods or the more worldly mysteries? In any event are you amenable to being the rear guard?"
Badhru chimes in again. "Now, that is something I can help with. Kinda," he adds on, slightly dejectedly. "I learned a fair bit'o that trap business from the old man, but my tools were one of the many casualties of the voyage here from Absalom. So I can spot 'em, but I won't have any way of doing anything about it until I get more tools," he finishes glumly.
Rani appears discomfited by Bahru's statement, "Well, I ... kinda needed some of those tools ... for my research of course, so I do have some items that might work out." Rani pulls out a very worn thin leather case opening it for Badhru's inspection. Inside are a somewhat worn but well-maintained set of rods, punches, awls, wenches,and skeleton keys, well packed.
Rani's statements are fairly obviously a bit off, he seems very familiar with the well-used tools.
Badhru looks over Rani's tools, and does his best to keep a nonplussed facial expression.
"Yeah, lots of folks end up havin' tools like this. Gab, you might know better'n me, but I've heard tell that in the area 'round Kintargo, for instance, they call em clock-keeper's tools. Personally, I suspect there's more folks with those tools than there are clocks in all of Golarion, y'know?"
Smiling, he looks at Rani. "So it'd be all right with you if I borrowed those, should the need arise?"
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"I would prefer not being face to face with anything down there. I'd be more effective somewhere in the middle, furthest from danger. I am pretty perceptive though, so I can see everything just fine from the middle of the group." He says with a little forced smile. Somewhat distraught at the realization they may actually have to defend themselves against something. "I mean, how dangerous can it be down there? It's not like people have died down in these tombs."
Looking over the tools he gives a sly grin, "Yeah... clock-maker tools... or keeper... or whatever. It's definitely not a lock picking set."
Rani replies to Badhru, "Of course you can, we're all in this together." Rani seems grateful to Badhru, less so...
Coolly to Gabs, "It can be turned to many ends at need. And from what I know of tomb building many have died in them. Some in the building of them but often slaves were buried with their masters alive."
Rani turns to Neve, "Mistress Neve you are armed as a warrior but wield some arts, not having seen your workings, I am not sure of which tradition or blood, is it of the gods or the more worldly mysteries? In any event are you amenable to being the rear guard?"
Neve arches an eyebrow at the wizard's enquiry: "I serve art, Master Rani; and I have the goddess's blessing." She touches one finger to the holy symbol of Shelyn that hangs in the hollow of her throat, before dropping down to brush against the hilt of her khopesh. "And sometimes beauty must be defended from those who would desecrate it; and I can do that too. I am amenable to being rearguard."
She looks on as the others converse about what is clearly a set of lockpicks, her face inscrutable. Let them think she doesn't understand.
Once the gates open the party sees a large obelisk made of polished obsidian. that is over one hundred feet tall. near the top is what appears to be a separate small pyramid with weird sigils. Even though due to the distance you cant make them out. Your party sees the Scorching hand walk up to a pathway and stops you see Vel point one direction where others point toward the map and point another direction. Their group then seems to get into a argument with a little pushing and shoving. you also see before they go further into the necropolis Sarita conjures what appears to be a large creature with the head of a eagle on top of a mans body dressed as a Orision. You see after she does this there are several adventures give them a wide berth with a few doing quick prayers.
Your party following Gabs insight on the direction of the tomb start making your way through the necropolis. you see that several buildings have open doors. you also see markings of red. that might be dried blood staining some of the walls. and hanging on doorways. you see broken crockery on the ground and sand pooled into small piles where winds have made small mounds. near your group you see the Mad Dogs Adventuring company consisting of five halflings riding dogs. When suddenly one looks at the map and turns down a street giving a howl of victory before the others charge after the pack leader.
its a survival check for the necropolis to find the tomb due to the map the DC is only 10 to find the Tomb.
Gabs already made the check but a need one person to make two more. (only one person can aid if anyone wants to.)
@rani- you see that once the gates are open several parties rush to where they are designated, others are stopping by the big obelisk to offer up prayers.
Boaz volunteers to take up the rear guard. exclaiming "I'm not a soldier but ill watch your backs. Especially with such a charming lady to walk with. "
The obelisk is called Pharisma needle it is rumored that the capstone at the top fell from the sky. And the lead priest then called it a Sign from Pharisma that they were doing the Right thing closing off the necropolis and reopening the city.
Sefanit had taken a good look at the map as well, and helps with directions to their site when it's needed. Otherwise she mostly keeps to herself, humming softly a little as she walks.
Once the groups of explorers have dispersed in their respective directions, and there are no others around to see, Sefanit opens the flap to a pouch on her belt.
"There is one more of us that you should meet" She says to her companions.
"Now don't panic or anything like that when you see."
She cups her hand and reaches into the pouch. When she brings it back out, a scorpion rests in her palm. She turns her hand over slowly, and the scorpion walks on to the back of her hand. It uses her arm as a ramp, scurrying up it to sit on her shoulder.
"This is my friend Kushifalhikma. Say hello Kushi." The scorpion seems to hesitate for a moment, but then spreads her pinchers out and dips her forelegs in something that looks almost like a bow.
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As the group is trying to figure out which direction to go, Gabby offers a bit more information. He has already had an innate ability to find his way around fairly easily.
The sheer size of the Necropolis has him in awe. Seeing it on a map was one thing, walking through it was an entirely new experience. He immediately pulls out pen and paper and as they walk begins making notes about which groups are entering which tombs on his crude map.
"That's pretty cool. Seffy and Kushi, I like it. You get more interesting by the day Sefanit. Color me intrigued. When we have more time I'd like to get a closer look, if Kushi wouldn't mind." Gabby says back to Sefanit as she reveals her companion. Turning back toward the group now he continues, "Does anyone else have something they'd like to get out in the open before we get inside?"
Rani puts away the tools in his pouch then looks at the obelisk. "That is an amazing sight and useful too."
"Yes the direction to go now is clear with that landmark."
He sees the transformation of the man to hawk man and tries to figure out the spell used.
Rani's struggles to recall the spell or knowledge of the obelisk then gives up.
Rani reacts to the touch of high class command in Neve's voice. "A thousand pardons Mistress Neve, I meant no disrespect." Rani is automatically deferential then seems to stiffen slightly. I don't have to do that anymore now, I'm my own master.
At Sefanit revelation, Rani says, "I thought you a scholar, I didn't realize that you had a familiar as well. I guess some would be put off by such an unusual one."
To Kushifalhikma, "Greetings, Kushifalhikma, I look forward to a new friend."
At Gabs question, "Not really, I had a small term as a scout militiaman, not much good but Master Peren was patient and taught me a few things. I'm a diviner of a classical scholl. Oh, I was always, well almost always, the fastest runner in the 'hood. " His speech drops to a low born guttural at the end for a second.
I need the leader of the group to make a decision- (each one has a cause and effect.)
1. Are you pushing the group to move to the Tomb quickly. To get maximum amount of time to explore the tomb.
2. Are you taking the time towards the Tomb carefully avoiding hazards and double checking your map, as well as taking breaks while traveling.
In addition I Need to know if you are investigating any sounds, while you are traveling. (including but limited to, Shouts of help, Going in any buildings other than the assigned ones, Background noise investigations like rocks falling off buildings, Sounds of battle, Screaming, etc.)
Badhru whistles appreciatively as he eyes up the obelisk. "Pharasma’s Needle, if my notes were correct." Pointing up at the top, he continues, "They say the very top is made from a starstone."
As Sefanit introduces her scorpion, Badhru listens appreciatively. "I know there’s usually a kind of communicative rapport between person and creature in these cases. Can Kushi understand us, too?" He peers in at the small creature. "We should give him a little red hat or somethin’, t’be our mascot," he kids gently.
Straightening up, Dhru says, "Okay, then let’s proceed. We got, let’s see… Teos goes in front, Boaz and Neve coverin’ the back… then I guess I stick a couple steps behind the big guy, and Gab, you take a middle position with Rani and Sefanit? We can at least try it out that way t’start, change it up as we see fit." Looking around the plaza, he says, "At least until we know exactly where we’re going, I think it’d be best if we kind of keep on the cautious side."
Neve looks inquisitively at the scorpion. She has heard stories of familiars, but has never met one. She nods, courteously.
She pays careful attention to Dhru's words. "I agree. Caution now saves trouble later."
"That is agreeable to me as well. Lets get moving...I would love to be inside before the noon sun begins to bake you all!"
Rani says, "I agree as well. The day is half gone already, today is for scouting. After we learn the lay of the land we can better plan how we will explore the tomb."
Rani go to where Badhru indicated but will try to be in front of Gabs and Sefanit.
Rani too pays attention to his surroundings. He also looks for signs of food and water, indications of what creatures might live in here.
The more cautious approach allows you to avoid Fortitude saves vs heat, due to the types of building material and lack of proper facilities you take breaks in the shade.
however because of the cautious approach allows more of a chance on encounters in the necropolis. the normal noises is shouts and yells as people encounter undead and sounds of battle shortly after you enter. You have heard that undead are rampant in the necropolis as well as other hazards. you spend two hours heading to the Tomb, because it is one of the farthest buildings from the gate as you can get. there is a 35% chance per hour for a encounter.
(wow all four rolls under 33, interesting)
"I'm used to the heat, however did anyone think to ask how long we can stay in the tomb? Or when the gate closes at the end of the day?"
Badhru ponders Boaz's question. "I'll be honest, I just kind of assumed we should be back out of here by sundown. I should've looked into that more thoroughly..." Badhru frowns as he thinks about that. "When we get to the tomb, we'll assess how much time we have left in the day. Figure we make back to the gate such that we get back, say an hour before sundown? Anyone got any thoughts on this?"
The question catches Neve by surprise. "I had assumed that we just continue until we are finished, and then return when we are ready. I do not see them coming into this place to fetch us out, after all."
Rani replies to Badhru and Boaz, "No problem with that, I should have thought of that as well. We may need to be quicker back, following this path should make that easier. However I do feel ... this place is more ominous than I expected. I'm not seeing much animal life in this place maybe death is too strong here ... but then why do I feel I'm being watched?"
After Neve's comment, "A good point also but I'm not sure I'd like to spend the night here unless needed. Our water supply is not limitless I only have about a day's worth, does anyone else have more?"
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"No wonder this place has been sealed off. It's creepy as hell. I really hope whatever is down here is worth it. I agree with the sundown limit, I'm surprised they didn't mention it specifically, so it must not be that big of a deal. But I'm also not trying to be here at night. This place gives me the heebie jeebies." Gabby wipes the sweat from his brow as he follows his companions to the tomb. He's beginning to actually look forward to being underground where it is cooler.
"Do not fret about water: I have seen priests create it as needed. And..."
Neve looks seriously embarrassed: she'd rather have teeth drawn than confess this, but here goes:
"I have no more money to pay for the inn. I had rather assumed that we would be camping out here."
Her skin burns hot: it is literally unthinkable that a Khamutep should lack ... well, anything. But she is no longer a Khamutep, she reminds herself; and she is glad of it.
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"I won't let you sleep outside like some kind of animal. You'll have a room at the inn, same as us. My room, with me." He tries to contain a smile for as long as he can before a huge grin comes across his face. "I'm joking. Here. You can pay me back whenever." He pulls out 10 gold and gives it to her. "We're a team now. We look out for each other."
Rani says, "Yes, if Boaz and his god Khepfri are willing to so favor us. Still we would be dependent on one unless others have access to that power and there are no guarantees of safety here for any of us." Rani looks a little sad as he says, "I've had to learn to depend on myself too often to be totally comfortable in that way. Still we all depend on each other."
Ranis' eyebrow raises again at Gabs antics, Does he dare such an insult? But as usual Gabs is just joking however inappropriately.
To Neve kindly, Rani says, "I've already rested on the charity of my companions, with very little coin myself. We cannot waste much time but time invested into care today could pay large tomorrow."
After about an hour of moving through the necropolis you immediately see why the area has been sectioned off from the rest of the city. Smashed windows, crumbling staircases, Broken doors and the silence occasionally broken with the sound of a fireball or other spell effect.
When turning around a corner you see a group of three priests of Pharisma heading towards you. two draw maces, and the third calls out with a booming voice. ", don't draw weapons, and keep your hands where we can see them, Please with one hand, the person that has the token pull it out and show it to me. Please also provide your group name." your group sees that the priest appear very tense and ready to attack at any moment.
Badhru does his best to not set these fellows off. "Of course. We are the Scarlet Scorpions. My name's Badhru, and I've got that token right here," Dhru reaches into his pocket and retrieves the coin to show them.
Relax. It's a joke. Neve forces herself to smile at Gabby; but for a half-instant, a truly gifted observer might have seen someone else peering out of Neve's eyes: someone who has traded favour for favour in the past, with the desperate abandon of the truly addicted...
She's not that person anymore. Taking a deep breath, she prises her fingers from where they are tightly clenched around the holy symbol of Shelyn at her throat.
The interruption by the Pharasmin priests comes at a welcome time. Keeping her hands free and visible, Neve watches closely, ready to support Dhru if required.
Sefanit feels a slight quivering from Kushi as Gabradon and Badhru talk about her.
Yes, very obvious they have no experience with familiars.
"Nope, no hats or cute tricks. Kushi's no mascot, she's a member of this group like me. And yes, she can understand everything you say. So while I will urge her not to sting, I'd suggest you keep your hands to yourself. Her memory isn't short." she says smoothly.
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As they continue onward to their site, the sounds of screaming, yelling, and fighting are a discomforting surprise to Sefanit. She isn't foolish enough to have believed the necropolis is perfectly safe, but she certainly didn't expect that the exploring groups were launching themselves into a necropolis-wide battle when they walked through the gate.
Wide-eyed, she weighs in on what the group should do about sundown. "I think the most important thing is to not be out and about come darkness. Whether that's because we're left the necropolis or sit it out in a safe place, if we find one, matters less. We just don't move after dark."
She's actually relieved to see the Pharasman patrol. It means someone else is walking about and not getting killed. Good to see that.
"Nope, no hats or cute tricks. Kushi's no mascot, she's a member of this group like me. And yes, she can understand everything you say. So while I will urge her not to sting, I'd suggest you keep your hands to yourself. Her memory isn't short." she says smoothly.
Badhru nods in understanding. "O'course, Sefanit. I was just kidding, I hope you understand. The one wizard I ever had any exposure to was an associate of the old man's, and he never got around to makin' introductions like you did. Hell, for all I know that wasn't even a familiar, just a really annoying bird..."
Rani puts up his hands in the sight of the watch, palms forward. If asked he provides his name and otherwise defers to Badhru, drawing as little attention as possible.
Rani does study the nervous patrol leader and his squad, assessing how professional as set of guards they are.
Experienced patrol or new at this?
The head priest relaxes when she sees your Token. she then pulls out a small booklet. and checks the names of everyone in the party and where you are heading after that starts happening the other two priests relax and sheaths the weapons. "We have ran into two groups already claiming to be explorers." she says as she double checks everything.
"You can never be too safe. Because you haven't made it to your assigned area there is no need to currently check possessions. thank you for your time." after a few moments she also adds "there is a pack of ghouls that are going around ambushing people be wary and on alert. May Pharisma guide you."
@rani- they appear to be professional. very wary of thieves inside the necropolis.
"We all appreciate your efforts here. This whole effort would be a madhouse if you weren't keeping things under control," Badhru nods. "We'll keep an eye out for those ghouls, thanks."
Immediately after that, Dhru has a flash of realization. "Oh, before you leave, I've got a question I forgot to ask at the assignment. Is there a specific time of day by which we have to be out of the Necropolis? I assumed we have to be out by sunset, but then didn't confirm that."
"yes, sunset is the when the doors will be shut and trust me you don't want to be out here after dark."
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Badhru nods in understanding. "O'course, Sefanit. I was just kidding, I hope you understand. The one wizard I ever had any exposure to was an associate of the old man's, and he never got around to makin' introductions like you did. Hell, for all I know that wasn't even a familiar, just a really annoying bird..."
Sefanit smiles slightly and replies in a voice meant to be gentle. "You're still not getting what I mean. I'm not the one you should apologize to." She gestures slightly with her chin toward the scorpion on her shoulder.
"Joke or no, it was at Kushi's expense. And if she's like most, my experience is scorpions tend to be rather literal-minded."
Badhru could swear that he sees the scorpion move its right pincher to point at its (several) eyes before straightening the pincher to point at him.
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"Ghouls." Sefanit repeats without enthusiasm. "Let's hurry and see what we can find. Looks like we'll be going back tonight for sure."
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"Joke or no, it was at Kushi's expense. And if she's like most, my experience is scorpions tend to be rather literal-minded."
I'm gonna get my ass stung on account of a scorpion can't take a friggin' joke. I shoulda maybe stayed in Absalom.
"Very well. Kushi, that was just a light jest on my part, and wasn't meant to hurt your feelings." He tips his hat to the scorpion.
"Hah! Like I always said, never work with animals or kids."
Hey, I was a kid.
"Sure, and look where it got me..."
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"yes, sunset is the when the doors will be shut and trust me you don't want to be out here after dark."
"That's what we figured on that count, thank you very much."
Badhru turns back to Neve. "See, Miss Kaleeba, we really don't want to be here after dark. Miss Kaleeba? Neve...?"
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It takes Neve a couple of seconds to realise that Dhru is addressing her, using the false name that she gave; she jumps slightly as he resorts to using her first name to get her attention.
Busted. Think - fast!
"Oh! Sorry, master Badhru, my apologies - I was just thinking that it does indeed seem as though I shall have to take up master Gabradon on his kind offer."
She gives Gabby a dazzling smile. "I assure you that I always pay my debts. Although if we find some valuables today, I shan't have to borrow anything..."
Only Dhru sees the glare that she levels at him, which would - in any fair and just world - leave his charred remains outlined on the wall of the mausoleum behind him.
"Shall we keep moving?"
Letting Badhru deal with the fallout from his jest, Rani thinks over all the implications of being here. This is even more of a hazard than I thought.
As the patrol moves on out of earshot, Rani comments, "That patrol is professional not just thrown together as I both hoped and feared. Their nervousness along with only three of them tells me that the Temple of Pharasma here is straining to provide adequate protection, even in daytime. Yes best we pick up our pace a bit, we'll only have an hour or two to survey our site before hurrying back."
By sun and shadow Rani tries to estimate the time and the time left before sunset.
"Lets keep our eyes open for those ghouls, but we should keep moving. We want to get to the crypt and still have time to do a cursory check before we retreat for the evening."
"Oh! Sorry, master Badhru, my apologies - I was just thinking that it does indeed seem as though I shall have to take up master Gabradon on his kind offer."
Badhru catches the brief flash of non-recognition in Neve’s face, and feels that gratifying sensation of a figurative itch being scratched, as pieces fall into place. Yeah, that always trips folks up; you give an assumed name, then forget to respond to it...
"Hah! Wow, she’s pissed at you now, kid!" Woodrose chortles inside Dhru’s head as the young lady bores holes in him with her eyes. In the brief moment of contact, he flashes what he hopes passes for a non-threatening shrug, little more than acknowledgement.
Acknowledging the calls to keep moving from Neve, Rani, and Teos, Badrhu says, "Yeah, I think we’ve had all the fun we’re gonna have right here. Lead on, big guy." He gives a thumbs-up and a smile to Teos.
As they get underway, Badhru’s mind is spinning furiously, trying to sort through what just happened. Woodrose isn’t making it any easier.
"Watch out for her, kid. That girl is trouble."
And you’re basing that on what? All we know is that she’s hiding something.
"S’like I always said, kid: pretty dames with something to hide always bring trouble."
'Pretty dames wi-'... by the gods, Woodrose, how old were you? Like, was Aroden a nice guy? Before the Starstone, I mean.
With his inner voice giving him no peace, Badhru tamps it down as best he can. He looks over Teos’ shoulder, gripping his crossbow and almost hoping for the chance to shoot a ghoul in the face.
"But why pretend to be explorers and not just sign up? You think they couldn't find a sponsor or are only here to steal?"
He ponders the question a moment. "Couldn't get a sponsor, maybe. Maybe they just think it's eaiser to ambush a chartered group on their way back, after they've done the hard work of getting stuff out of the ruins. Some folks just aren't wired right, Gab."
"So yeah, I think that's an important point. If we do make a score and head on out, we aren't clear and safe until we're out of the necropolis, okay? We'll probably be tempted to lighten our guard a bit, but that could be the most dangerous part of the expedition."
Any ghoul in the necropolis would be well advised to stay out of Neve's way right now, with the mood she's in.
She strides ahead, her anger split evenly between the prying half-orc who's clearly too clever by half; and at herself for not paying attention and being caught by an obvious trick.
Stupid, stupid, stupid...
Teos holds out his arm, baring Neve from passing him.
"I think it might be better is you stay back with the group for now. Don't want you getting hurt before we even get to the crypt."
Teos follows the directions and cautiously moves towards their destination.
Sefanit doesn't pay attention to the little inter-party drama. Time is short, she has work to do, and there are ghouls. She keeps her eyes peeled as they continue on to their designated site.