In the morning, Nidhi eats breakfast with her grandmother before heading out to meet with the others. Jharna wraps some flatbread, cheese, and fruit in a handkerchief for Nidhi as a snack.
Nidhi looks around Tooth and Hookah (and/or Purusha's Inn) until she spots her companions.
"All set to go? What specifically do you need help with, Benedictus?" she asks, rolling on her heels. Nidhi is bright-eyed and awake. Her long hair is French braided as usual and rests behind her. "How was Purusha’s Inn? Did you all sleep well?"
"And is Abdur fronting the 5 gold for our passage? I don't have a lot of money."
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She smiles, and her warmth and glow from the performance shines through it. ”Why thank you Augustus Voralius, that’s very kind. I knew a Chelaxian Archaeologist by the name of Vorailus. What was his name… Auric I think. Or Auran. No that’s a language, silly me.” she smiles again. "Did you know him? A distant relation perhaps?"
She presses on, taking a nod or shake of the head to be enough, ”Unfortunately I don’t know any songs about you - yet.” she laughs, but clearly not at you, but rather at her own ignorance.
Augustus grabs a nearby chair and pulls it up next to Largala. The back of the chair faces her and he sits on it so that he is resting his arms on the back of the chair facing her. ""I've never heard of of any Auric or Auran or anything. In fact I haven't met most of my family. Just my father Augustus II and my mother Cleometria."
Augustus leans in towards her before he continues speaking. "You know, I thought for sure the tales of my deeds would have spread to your country by now... and a talented singer such as yourself would sing so beautifully it would make both of famous!" Augustus leans back quickly as he says the last part. Leaning forward again he reaches to take Largala's hand. "If you want I can spend the rest of the night telling you stories you'd never dreamed could be true." Augustus gets the same charismatic grin on his face as he waits for her answer. Not putting her hand down until after she speaks.
If Augustus is successful he will try and take her up to his room where he will legitimately attempt to tell her stories until they fall asleep. If she does try anything with him he doesn't stop it.
In the morning Augustus comes down and immediately goes to check on Maximus in the stables. "Maximus! I hope you slept well! I did pay to make sure you were the number one horse in the stable last night." Augustus strokes the horses mane as he speaks to him. "I promise we'll get out more today, I do need eat however so behave yourself until I return."
Walking back into the tavern he spots his companions and heads over hearing them talk about the library.
“Is anyone coming with me in the Library? I could use some help!”
"Not sure I'll be of much help in this library of yours. Is there anything else we need to get done before the lottery? Either way I think Maximus and I will at least head towards the library with you all. No point in being left behind if we can help it!" Augustus then sits down and orders some food from whoever is nearby.
If Augustus was succesful with his diplomacy and also sees Largala while eating breakfast he will attempt to approach her and talk some more before leaving with his companions.
Lirgala smiles, but begs off, "I'm sorry Augustus, but perhaps another time. Tomorrow night? Tonight I must converse with my companions here so we can be ready for the necropolis. But I will make time tomorrow night for you. Perhaps we could dine here again, say an hour after dusk, when the cool breezes are just beginning?" her smile tells you she's not just avoiding you, simply occupied.
Augusts - the late ferry back from Tephu won't get you back until closer to 10pm, so if you plan to make your date, you might need to skip the library... ahhh a tough decision.
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The group spends the evening getting to know each other - and a few others around the room to boot! All in all it’s a very pleasant night, and as it cools, Farhaan closes the shutters and warms the fire to keep the desert chill at bay. Eventually you all tire, and find it’s time to retire. Those of you who are staying here, find that Abdur has secured two of the larger rooms upstairs (link) for you. It’s a little cramped to put the three men in one, but you make do as of course Florence should have her own room.
You rise early and have a leisurely breakfast as the ferry doesn’t leave first thing. As you’re munching on your breakfast (and yes milk is available), Farhaan drops a small bit of meat into a small well at the end of the bar. On closer examination, it’s not really a well at all, though it was built here to look much like one. You hear some splashing, and a tiny crocodile (image), just a couple feet long, pokes its head out, looking for more breakfast of its own. Farhaan reaches out and pets the small creature and gives it another small slab, laughing.
Toothy, in the flesh…
You make your way through the winding streets of Wati to the docks, which stretch all along the confluence of rivers that bound the city’s northern shore. Near the shrine of Wadjet, the large ferry is already loading up with supplies, beasts of burden, and people. It’s actually got two decks, an upper and a lower deck. People cram onto the lower decks where there’s less of a view, but there’s some measure of shade. The smaller upper deck is loaded with various crates, barrels, and other large sacks and satchels - as well as a few of the poorer passengers who pay only a few silver, but must make the journey in the sun...
You pay the ferry master your fare, and climb on board, crammed in with the others on the main deck. The boat fills quickly, and before long, you’re off, out into the river Sphinx.
The three hour journey is slow and easy as the large barge moving steadily down the sluggish Sphinx using broad sails fastened to the upper deck and a pair of somewhat substantive large masts. You can move around if you like, but there are no chairs, though many do sit on the deck during the passage. The movement does create a slight soothing breeze as you travel so the heat of the morning is almost bearable.
*BLUAAARGH!*
Benedictus cleans his mouth with a piece of cloth from his hot-weather clothes. "I...I'm not exactly a sea wolf", he explains to the others with a smirk, before putting his head in the wooden buckle he asked for at the start of the journey. Anytime he put his feet on a deck, it was the same old story. Seasickness and nausea. "It usually lasts for half-an-hour only...", he comments between a retching and the next one.
After about forty minutes of travel, Ben has adapted to the fluctuating ground below his feet and can put the buckle aside. "I'm sorry for the unpleasant show", he says, embarassed.
"Anyway, can you believe it? We're going to see the Grand Library of Tephu!", he exclaims with dreamy eyes.
__________________________
Lirgala smiles, but begs off, "I'm sorry Augustus, but perhaps another time. Tomorrow night? Tonight I must converse with my companions here so we can be ready for the necropolis. But I will make time tomorrow night for you. Perhaps we could dine here again, say an hour after dusk, when the cool breezes are just beginning?"
"Excellent! I'll see you tomorrow night." Augustus then return to his own party before retiring for the night.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
After eating breakfast with the others Augustus get up and starts walking towards the stables. "I think I will just pick up supplies and let Maximus spread his legs today guys. If there is anything you need let me know about it now and I'll make sure to get it. My haggling skills are just as deadly as my sword skills after all." After listening to any requests Augustus goes back to the stables and gets Maximus saddled up for the day.
When Nidhi discovers Abdur isn’t covering their trip to the library she decides not to travel to Tephu. ”It would be against Pharasma’s fate for me to go on a trip I can’t afford and I wouldn’t feel right about borrowing your money Florence. I’ll stay in Wati today and work the daylight hours before our adventure begins.” Nidhi smiles and waves to the departing party members. “Don’t be late to the lottery! I’ll be at grandmother’s shop if you need me.”
Jharna smiles, "There will be a many other opportunities, my Nidhi. This trip wasn't part of your destiny. Now work! With you gone I'm going to have twice as much to do." Jharna taps on the table Nidhi's sitting at with her cane.
Consequently, the city houses the largest academy of scribes in Osirion, who have preserved a massive catalogue of records from the time of its founding in -1605 AR by Djederet II, pharaoh and cleric of Nethys. Tephu's current leader is the preservationist governor: Haty-a of Tephu Deka An-Keret.
Augustus and Nidhi, feel free to let me know your plans for the day while the others are at the library. You can go into as much or as little detail as you’d like. I’ll try to make the library trip a quick one, but it is an enormous space. While they're there, we can have fun in Wati if you like.
- - -
Like most Osirian cities on the banks of the River Sphinx, Tephu is hot, dusty, and perpetually busy. Its streets are full of hawkers and peddlers, well known for their stubbornness, sham charm, and inability to hear the word no. You are immersed in this world as soon as you step off the ferry - you’re offered everything from savory minced lamb, limes, olives, mint tea, and water to carpets (some of which the sellers claim to be 'magic' carpets), camel hide leather goods, hookah pipes, pesh, pots and pans, and even camels and dancing girls and boys.
The propositions don’t stop until you are well away from the docks, though some more persistent merchants follow you along the byways throughout the city.
You exit the barge and clamber off the docks into the New City district. This crowded and chaotic area has grown up between the river and the Old City. The New City is the center of trade in Tephu, and the streets of the district are congested and noisy - even late into the evening. This district caters to visitors, who can find welcoming coffee houses, take a deserved bath in a hammam, or barter for commodities such as dates, olives, carpets, and of course papyrus - for which the city is known to scholars the world ‘round.
The New City is separated from the River Sphinx by an earthen embankment. East of this levee - which teems with traders, guides, and children - are the papyrus fields, filled with carefully tended plants guarded jealously by their owners and hired workers. Sturdy piers stretch into these reeds, allowing moorage for harvesting boats, and further out, where the river is deeper, providing safe harbor for shipping vessels and the barges of visiting dignitaries.
Just upriver from the city of An stands its sister city Tephu: City of the Reed People and home to the Great Library of Tephu, the greatest repository of knowledge in Osirion. Tephu is an enigma, with secrets shrouded behind an innocent facade. The gently waving reeds hide the black-scaled hetkoshu, just as the smiling face of the Outer Sanctum conceals an empire of knowledge with lurking secrets and outrages. Some say the library is a living thing that winds through the city, ever-shifting and loath to give up its secrets. In truth, the full extent of the Great Library is a mystery known only to a handful blessed enough to walk its stacks and pluck knowledge from its branches.
Zilchus rises with just enough time to gather his gear, wolf down breakfast and meet the team at the ferry. He pays his way and seems happy to be doing something.
"Anyway, can you believe it? We're going to see the Grand Library of Tephu!", he exclaims with dreamy eyes.
Zilchus snorts, examining his own feelings.
"Maybe. I agreed to this so I might know each of you better and to kill the day before tomorrow's excitement. I have a feeling we'll be busy tomorrow...and maybe the day after and want to be ready."
Zilchus thinks more.
"I do wish to see Tephu, Ben...may I call you Ben? Or Dict? Or Professor? Or do you prefer Professor Dict Dickens?" Zilchus waits for the answer before continuing, keeping an eye on the water, searching for blessed crocodiles. "I haven't seen enough of Osirion yet...still too busy trying to make a living to do too much. But that will change soon, I expect. Hopefully, this job will open up some opportunity for travel. I was at Tephu a while back...10 or 15 years, so long ago that I've forgotten most of it and what I haven't forgotten is likely to have changed."
Zilchus snorts again, looking at Bynx, wondering how the cat will handle the travel and trying to understand if Bynx is a good rendition of a cat, or a superb one. He has yet to make up his mind.
"Zilchus, it doesn't look like the trip is bothering you any. Are you used to this sort of travel?"
Zilchus smiles his not-pretty smile, glancing at the Professor's bucket.
"I've been enough up and down the river, enough. Mostly to count crocodiles and guard duty. Crocodiles have long been the plague and blessing of this river...they tend to keep most predators away, of course, that means if you fall into the water, they are likely to be first reach you. I'm not able shipman, but I don't have the same digestive reactions as the Professor."
Though in medium armor, Zilchus doesn't seem too bothered by the heat...probably another reason that he finds this trip more enjoyable than the Professor does.
"And you, Florence? Travel much? And has the cat always accompanied you?"
“Ben is fine”, says Benedictus to Zilchus with a warm smile, “I don’t have many friends, to be honest, but those few, they all call me Ben. And I can understand why…Benedictus is such a long name!” Ben laughs. He has many flaws, but he’s never taken himself too seriously. “Anyway, if we need to scare off a group of rival adventurers, perhaps Professor Dickens would do the trick…Or perhaps not, scholars are known to be physically weak and with a tendency to run away in front of danger. But I’m not like that, of course. See how strong am I?”, says the scholar as he shows his thin arms, “let alone my renowned bravery!” Ben laughs again, then quickly regains his composure.
“I feel just like you, Zilchus. Some people are intrinsically xenophiles, myself included. I think xenophilia is inscribed in human nature. That explains why some of us find themselves more drawn to exotic places, people and things instead of appreciating those belonging to their own culture”. Ben shrugs. “Of course that doesn’t mean this is the reason why you have not seen enough of Osirion yet. But knowing you have all of your life to do so somehow gives us a justification to focus on other things. For example, I’ve never visited the Asmoden Cathedral in Egorian, although it is generally regarded as one of the best samples of the new Chelish architectural style.” Ben pats Zilchus on his shoulder. “Perhaps we will see the wonders of Osirion together, who knows!”
---
“The City of the Reed People” enthusiastically comments Ben as soon as the ferry reaches its destination. “I’m planning to buy a good supply of papyrus before we leave…Anyway, let’s go!”
When near the docks, the bustling chaos of the streets fills Ben’s mind as the scholar tries to focus and listen all the overlapping voices. After a few seconds, though, he gives up on that impossible mission and settles for something easier—finding someone willing to sell him a satchel within which to keep Stingy, his scorpion familiar. If he finds a peddler offering what he’s looking for, Benedictus will go ahead and buy the satchel.
When the group reaches the New City distict, Ben makes a quick stop to buy a few sheets of Tephu-made papyrus. He also insists on visiting a shop selling some souvenirs. “I want to buy something for Augustus and Nidhi. A present. Florence, perhaps a women’s touch could help me out. I’m terrible at choosing presents, but I love to make them. My father was used to bring me something from the lands he visited anytime he returned. I think that’s the reason why I’m in love with Osirion, actually, since most of those presents were bought here. Any suggestions?”
As soon as Florence indicates something in the water, Ben quickly puts himself between her and the (actually very distant) possible danger as to prevent his ally to move forward, and explains. “Beware, for these waters are home to the mighty hetkoshu! Giant crocodiles known to swallow even the largest warrior whole…With that, I’m not saying that a hetkoshu is necessarily what you saw, since I saw nothing to be honest, but…well, being cautious is always better, isn’t it?”
With that said, and trying to stay as far as possible from water (“I told you I’m brave, Zilchus, didn’t I?”, giggles Ben), the scholar tries to get a feel of how to reach the Great Library.
__________________________
- - -
Benedictus has trouble finding something suitable to protect his friendly Stingy. Most are made of reeds and are more for show than protection. The few he finds of wood are both expensive and still not suitable - either too large or too flimsy. He struggles on for now, without said protection.
He does find plenty of papyrus though, the city is nearly papered in it, and every hawker claims to have the best, most smooth, easiest to soak up the ink, etc. He finds some excellent pieces however - none of it is poor grade.
The group feels their way to the Gate of the Sun, piercing the eastern wall of the old city. Two gates allow access into the Old City - the Gate of the Sun, which faces the river, and the Gate of the Moon, which faces the desert. However, countless alleys and passages have punctured the old walls over the centuries, leaving the surrounding wall riddled with holes that allow people to pass into the Old City. While beggars and pilgrims are not turned away from entering the Old City, peddlers and hawkers are actively and aggressively removed. The area is diligently patrolled by the Tephu watch, who aren’t known for their patience.
You pass under the glorious high arch, covered in ancient hieroglyphs, and into the Old City proper.
The original city of Tephu was built at a distance from the river to avoid the worst of the annual flooding, with stone walls to keep out the rest. Throughout the Old City, remnants of the past stare mournfully from sandstone walls worn by time. Sandstorms over the ages have worn away many of the features of the dozens of statues and hieroglyphs that populate the plaza; some are known
only because of diligent record keeping by the scribes of the Great Library.
The Old City is built around the Great Plaza, which was built upon the ruin of the old palace. This airy, open space amid the bustle of the city is home to both the Sanctuary of Nethys and the Great Library. In the plaza’s atmosphere of calm, sisters of Nethys shuffle past temple guards, wealthy merchants, and scholars. The library’s Outer Sanctum stands at the heart of the Great Plaza, surrounded government buildings and the finest townhouses and offices of Tephu’s worthiest citizens.
Making your way through to the Library is difficult in the throng of people but you manage to reach it without incident. It’s nice to be in an area without the shrill merchants of the New City.
The vast blue dome of the Great Library looms over the Great Plaza. The walls of the building are propped up by enormous footings, and a massive bronze door allows access. The building actually houses only the Outer Sanctum, the public part of the Great Library; access beyond that is granted only by the haty-a of Tephu (a sort of local governor).
You dare enter the great bronze doors, etched with the images of rampant sphinxes and pass, somewhat humbled perhaps, into the Great Library (link) itself. You pass four guards as you enter, two to each side, who carefully watch those coming and going, but stop few.
A large, ornate desk lit by a magnificent lantern seemingly made of water stands in the center of this entrance hall. Statues of enigmatic sphinxes sit in each corner of the room, their gazes an impossible mixture of pleasure and defiance. Archways in three walls open into larger spaces, the chambers beyond drowning in books, ledgers, librams, scrolls, clay tablets, tomes, and other more obscure forms of record, held in countless shelves and cabinets. The smell of old books is almost overpowering.
Two curators of the Great Library currently attend the reception desk, accepting donations and assisting visitors in negotiating the jumbled shelves of the Outer Stacks. One is currently occupied with an older gentleman, arms overflowing with notes, but the other, a studious looking woman (link) sets aside a scroll as you enter and looks up at you. ”How may we help you today ladies and gentleman, for I think you’re all together, are you not? What knowledge do you seek?”
"Maow?"
Are you just going to stand there or are you going to pet me?
Zilchus reaches down to gingerly pet the cat, careful not to scritch too hard. He offers a few friendly pets, having no issues with the Old Cat God, nor her furry earthbound servants.
Zilchus looks into the water then back at Florence, his hand leaving the cat. Know (local)
"Cassomir, oh...oh yeah..." Zilchus says not really remembering Florence mentioning it or not. "She seems like a good cat. Hopefully, she'll stay out of trouble tomorrow."
---
“Anyway, if we need to scare off a group of rival adventurers...See how strong am I? Let alone my renowned bravery!...Perhaps we will see the wonders of Osirion together, who knows!”
Zilchus offers his not-so-good smile as Ben shows off his arms, a laugh escapting.
"I see Augustus is rubbing off on you," Zilchus comments on the man's bravery and bravado. "Don't worry, I won't mess with you. I promise."
“Beware, for these waters are home to the mighty hetkoshu!"
Zilchus stops what he is doing to run to the railing to look.
"Where? WHERE!?" Zilchus asks, straining. "I've longed to see one of those 'hetkoshu'! For there is no greater symbol of Osirion's might than those beasts, I'm sure. That we share the waterways with them counts for our bravery and how they respect the might of rule here."
Zilchus points past the city, past the walls to the north and west.
"See there? That way...very far away...? Do you see? That way lie the Pillars of the Sun, where I will someday travel to where my forefathers worked and built for the glory of Osirion. I will go back there one day, and this city, Tephu, will be a step in the journey," Zilchus says in a dreamy voice. "The first step will be working learning more about excavating and dangers tomorrow, of course, but I know where my path will eventually lead."
----
”How may we help you today ladies and gentleman, for I think you’re all together, are you not? What knowledge do you seek?”
Zilchus gulps, takes a breath, then takes in the woman, starting at the top and moving down to examine some ankle. He blushes, unable to speak.
He turns to Professor.
"You got this, boss?" Zilchus says in a dull tone.
“They could be everywhere, for they dwell in these waters”, says Benedictus with solemnity, “Although I don’t know if what Florence saw is actually a hetkoshu. They’re huge. Very huge. I’d love to see one as well, anyway. Better if at a safe distance, though.”
---
“These names sound so evocative…”. Ben stands mouth agape at the pillars, enchanted by the hieroglyphs of the glorious arch. One day, I’ll study you as well, don’t be afraid…
---
Once the group gets to the library, Ben can hardly push back his wonder. His errant thoughts are suddenly interrupted by a woman’s voice. The former professor of Egorian University smiles at the woman and nods at Zilchus. “Benedictus West Dickens, Osirionologist and...Enthusiastic of all things Osirian, especially ancient ones”, he formally introduces himself, “And these are my friends. Yes, we’re all together here”. As he speaks, Ben’s eyes linger on the wonderful structure. He feels a strange feeling inside of him, comparable to the amazement he felt upon entering the Museum of Sothis for the first time. “We’re here to research about the city of Wati and its history”. The tear in the woman’s robe makes him wince for a moment, before his eyes set on something less sinful. “V-V…V-very nice mace you got there. Is that the symbol of the All-Seeing Eye?” he says, trying not to betray himself. He’s actually really interested in the mace, since Nethys is the God he respects more than any other, but the tone of his voice is so uncertain and hesitant that he almost seems as he was trying to divert the attention of his interlocutor. Realizing his social clumsiness, Ben blushes and makes an effort to sound convincing and…respectable.
“I’d also like to peruse some arcane tomes, if you have any. I know some institutions charge a fee for that service, and I’m willing to pay it. I’m looking for beginners’ tomes, nothing more. I’m just a dabbler in magic”, he explains without shame. “Anyway, our primary focus is the history of Wati. We’re especially interested in Wati’s burial rites, actually. Oh, also something about Wati’s most renowned crypts would come in handy”.
Then the scholar puts his backpack on the ground and starts digging through it, taking care not to disrupt the order in which he had meticulously arranged his belongings. “Oh, here they are. Here, madam. This is just a small donation for your wonderful library. This place is…amazing. Thank you for keeping it so beautiful and well-kept”. There’s emotion in the scholar’s eyes as he says so.
_________________________
Once the group gets to the library, Ben can hardly push back his wonder. His errant thoughts are suddenly interrupted by a woman’s voice. The former professor of Egorian University smiles at the woman and nods at Zilchus. “Benedictus West Dickens, Osirionologist and...Enthusiastic of all things Osirian, especially ancient ones”, he formally introduces himself, “And these are my friends. Yes, we’re all together here”. As he speaks, Ben’s eyes linger on the wonderful structure. He feels a strange feeling inside of him, comparable to the amazement he felt upon entering the Museum of Sothis for the first time. “We’re here to research about the city of Wati and its history”. The tear in the woman’s robe makes him wince for a moment, before his eyes set on something less sinful. “V-V…V-very nice mace you got there. Is that the symbol of the All-Seeing Eye?” he says, trying not to betray himself. He’s actually really interested in the mace, since Nethys is the God he respects more than any other, but the tone of his voice is so uncertain and hesitant that he almost seems as he was trying to divert the attention of his interlocutor. Realizing his social clumsiness, Ben blushes and makes an effort to sound convincing and…respectable.
”Welcome friends.” the priestess of Nethys says invitingly. She watches Benedictus place 10gp in the till, and further advises, ”I’m sorry sir, but to access the stacks, you will need to commit 50gp total to the library. Per day. For that however, you not only get access to the stacks, but also our assistance from time to time should you need it. Especially in your early days here - we have quite a collection.” she smiles, waiting for further fees to be deposited.
Feeling very small and a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of the library, it takes Florence a moment to stop staring in wonder and actually address the curator in question. "Oh, um...yes, what Ben said. And uh..."
This is your chance to do some research of your own, take advantage of it!
"...um, maybe a book or two on the gods and goddesses of Osirion, please? I think if I start there first it'll be a little easier for me to understand its history."
She nods sagely, ”Of course, we accept a single fee for the group currently as we have the room. If the library is crowded though, we reserve the right to charge individually. We wouldn’t want anyone to feel overly rushed or hemmed in!”
You can't imagine a space this large overwhelmed by a crowd, but there are dozens of researches, just in view from the desk.
It’s a slow day and Nidhi only makes 4 silver working in Jharna’s shop.
-----
In the evening:
As the sun sets and the sand begins to cool, Jharna locks the doors to her shop and she and Nidhi sit down for a meal. They drink water and eat flatbread made of millet, filled with goat cheese, cabbage, and a small amount of preserved meat. For dessert, the two women split a pomegranate.
After dinner, Nidhi kisses her grandmother and slips out the backdoor of the shop, locking it behind her. Nidhi has all of the inventory except for her bedroll. She makes sure her hood is firmly covering her head as she walks, adjusting the hood if any gust of wind attempts to push it down. Nidhi hears many people still laughing and enjoying dinner at the local taverns and pubs as she walks towards her destination. Nidhi holds her Everburning Torch for light.
When Nidhi reaches the Golden Lake, she says a prayer to Pharama before observing the water, looking for white crocodiles. She stares at the water, strolling along, enjoying the night air and serenity of the rectangular artificial pool for at least 30 minutes.
After spending a good 30 minutes at the Golden Lake, Nidhi meanders towards the Grand Mausoleum. Her grandmother, Jharna, is a huge supporter of the temple’s new high priestess, Sebti the Crocodile. Nidhi would prefer to live more comfortably but still finds the pleasure in life’s simplicities, and generally supports Sebti. Nidhi leans against one of the building’s pillars to see if a council meeting is still going on or ending. I wonder what the town officials really think about opening the tombs inside Necropolis.
Nidhi observes the Grand Mausoleum without going inside for another ten minutes before walking back towards her grandmother’s shop. If there is a commotion at the Grand Mausoleum, Nidhi decides to stay longer and observe.
On an impulse, instead of returning home, Nidhi passes her grandmother’s shop and continues walking. She approaches the gate of the Necropolis, her intention to assess the security and see if any people have gathered by the wall. Nidhi stands near the gate, still in Midwife, looking in the direction of Pharama’s Needle .
Nidhi has a relaxing day, busy with a variety of tasks that keep her occupied and tire her fingers. Happy to stretch her legs, she enjoys a warm Wati evening…
The Golden Lake is as serene as usual, especially as the day winds down and folks pass through from the Sunburst Market on their way home. Other districts pick up, but here there’s always a nice bit of peace as people walk quietly by. No one approaches Nidhi, though there is a keeper some distance off who eyes you briefly and decides you’re not there to cause trouble. You do see a few white crocodiles, having recently been fed, soaking up the last warmth of the day on the large flat rocks that rim the pool.
Nidhi moves off to the church. At the setting of the sun, there was a service, which is just letting out as you approach. Many wear black bands on their sleeves, and you quickly realize it was a funerary service. It must have been someone of some minor note, as the small throng makes their way to the Necropolis for burial. You follow along, and see the doors to the Necropolis opened (link) for the dead.
The mourners turn away at the gates, making their way in small knots into the city. Only the pallbearers enter the necropolis, escorted by a squad of temple guards and a priest. They are not within the walls long, and you suspect the body is stored somewhere nearby for a more proper burial when the light of the day makes it easier to see - and safer to traverse.
You linger some little time as the gates are resealed, and a pair of, at least for now, attentive Pharasman guards remain behind keeping the Necropolis safe from intrusion... or more likely there as an early warning should the dead try to depart!
50 gp?! Learning sure is expensive.
Zilchus looks at the Professor, not knowing if he has the 50gp fee to get in. Zilchus certainly doesn't (at least not now).
Zilchus keeps his mouth shut for the moment.
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When the gates are resealed, Nidhi approaches the guards, “May Pharasma’s fate be kind to you.”
"So tell me, have there been any incidents recently? It can't be just the living who are getting riled up from the excitement." Nidhi looks knowingly at the guards, using her best acting skills to appear in-the-know.
"I'm glad such strong guards as yourselves are keeping watch over the gate." Nidhi waits for a response.
If the guards respond favorably towards Nidhi:
"My name is Fatima by the way. Are you two new to the post? I don't recall ever seeing you before. Anyways, I was late to the funeral service and didn't get a chance to say my farewell."
Nidhi tries to look unfazed despite knowing her bluff was a long stretch from the truth. Maybe I shouldn't say anymore...
"Do you think you could let me in just for a minute? To pay my respects."
Zilchus smiles appreciatively at Florence.
"Thank you. I...uh...I would have paid it if I had the money, but I...I'm out right now."
"Well, Ben, don't look too shocked. Let's learn what we can learn, huh?"
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Augustus spends the majority of the day exploring the city with Maximus. No one needed any supplies so he tends to just wander around telling random strangers about his so called past adventures. Eventually He makes it to the market area and looks around for a desert outfit in case he needed to travel linger distances in the desert. Finally finding a vendor that looked decently trustworthy Augustus steps up to the shop and speaks to the vendor.
"Hello friend! I require a decent hot weather outfit. Something that will keep me cool enough if I need to travel across the desert. I learned on the way to Wati that traveling in my armor is a very bad idea." Augustus shudders as he remembers the harsh conditions that he endured on his way to the city from Eto.
"So how much for the outfit? I assume it can't be too expensive since they must be a necessity out in this desert heat."
Finally settling on a price Augustus wanders the city until later in the afternoon. He then headed back to the Tooth and Hookah to prepare for his dinner with Lirgala. Getting to the stables he leaves Maximus with the stable boy offering another silver coin for the horses treatment. "Remember Maximus, behave yourself! I'll check in on you in the morning my friend."
Augustus then heads to his room to clean up before dinner taking extra time to clean the sweat and grime of the desert from his hair and face.
"Oh, thank you, milady", hurriedly says Ben as he pulls a few platinum coins out of his belt pouch. "It is expansive, but I'm sure it's worth it" says the scholar turning to the others. As soon as he sees Florence trying to cover the rest of the fee, Ben shakes his head and takes the hand in which the girl holds the coins. "Yours is a very kind thought, Florence, but I insist. We're here because of me, and I consider your presence here today as a honor", says the scholar while also looking at Zilchus, "Libraries are my home, regardless of which country they're in. All scholars have a cosmopolitan heart. Please, let me to act as a good amphitryon and allow me to cover the entirety of the fee. I...I'd really like to do that, Florence. If I could pay 10 pieces of gold to ensure every person in the world would enter a library and nourish his culture, I would" Ben's behavior stems not only from his Chelish mannerism, but also from the real joy he finds in the idea of having someone else sharing his passion. He had always visited libraries alone. "Please, Florence", says Ben with an encouraging smile.
After the issue has been solved, in a way or another, Ben nods to the priestess. "Shall we go?"
_______________________________
When the gates are resealed, Nidhi approaches the guards, “May Pharasma’s fate be kind to you.”
"So tell me, have there been any incidents recently? It can't be just the living who are getting riled up from the excitement." Nidhi looks knowingly at the guards, using her best acting skills to appear in-the-know.
"I'm glad such strong guards as yourselves are keeping watch over the gate." Nidhi waits for a response.
If the guards respond favorably towards Nidhi:
"My name is Fatima by the way. Are you two new to the post? I don't recall ever seeing you before. Anyways, I was late to the funeral service and didn't get a chance to say my farewell."Nidhi tries to look unfazed despite knowing her bluff was a long stretch from the truth. Maybe I shouldn't say anymore...
"Do you think you could let me in just for a minute? To pay my respects."
The guards are largely bored, and so willing to chat some little while. ”Oh, no ma’am, no incidents. We keep the necropolis sealed tightly at night and purge it of undead with regularity. Sure, there may be some areas of unease, but it’a all pretty safe overall.” You’re not sure if you believe them, but they don’t seem to be lying either.
When you try to make entry, ”Sorry, but that’s not permitted. You’ll have to take it up with the church if you want in. No one enters what they’re not supposed to. And that includes you I’m afraid. Take it up with the church though, and perhaps they’ll let you in tomorrow morning to say farewell.”
Augustus spends the majority of the day exploring the city with Maximus. No one needed any supplies so he tends to just wander around telling random strangers about his so called past adventures. Eventually He makes it to the market area and looks around for a desert outfit in case he needed to travel linger distances in the desert. Finally finding a vendor that looked decently trustworthy Augustus steps up to the shop and speaks to the vendor.
"Hello friend! I require a decent hot weather outfit. Something that will keep me cool enough if I need to travel across the desert. I learned on the way to Wati that traveling in my armor is a very bad idea." Augustus shudders as he remembers the harsh conditions that he endured on his way to the city from Eto."So how much for the outfit? I assume it can't be too expensive since they must be a necessity out in this desert heat."
”OH! My new found friend! Please, please, come in from the heat, please. My shop is cool, and the garments even cooler. Why you’ll shed pounds of sweat in that outfit you have on now. Please, sit!” he snaps his fingers and a servant brings a cool drink - water with a little pomegranate juice - just a hint - for flavor.
He excitedly shows you all that he has, and he has a lot. You spend a little while with the scurrying little man as he strips you, fits you, and lingers over your excellent form. He sells you a hot weather outfit* for 4gp, after haggling down from 6gp naturally.
It’s very fine, and you look good - ready for your date with Lirgala. Lirgala shows up, just a few minutes after the hour, wearing a cascading garment of blue silk. It has the look of a performers outfit, but it’s very fine - and while your new clothes are an improvement over what you had, her’s are a leap above.
She smiles warmly when she sees you and approaches your table. ”May I sit?” she smiles again and joins you for a lovely dinner.
Lirgala happily spends a relaxing evening with Augustus, and though her hair is long and thick, about half way through the after dinner drinks, Augustus catches a glimpse of the top of her left ear. A half-elf! You had no idea, assuming she was just rather thin, and perhaps a little tall. He emerald eyes are not unheard of in Osirion, but again, another pointer that now makes sense.
She notices your gaze, and pushes her hair back over her ear, and blushes deeply. ”I’m sorry, but it’s true. My father was an elf from the north. An archaeologist, here from Kyonin, far from home and lonely after studying the desert tombs. I’m a woman bound by two worlds, but often accepted by neither.”
Meanwhile, back at the library, the curator accepts your money with a smile, and shows you, in hushed tones, around the library. The two wings immediately east and west of you contain long benches for research. There are maybe a dozen or so scholars, some with servants or other assistants in this area. The towering shelves lining these rooms hold a vast repository of knowledge that is but a fraction of that held beyond in the Great Chamber of Knowledge and the Upper Stacks, but much of what you need on Wati and the Osirion religion may be found here she suggests.
She then takes you down the Processional of Learning. Two rows of columns run down the sides of this long, high hall covered in hieroglyphs. The corridor terminates at each end with a wide archway flanked by statues of wise-looking sphinxes. As elsewhere in the library, shelves crammed with books and scrolls line the walls.
Finally, you are lead to the Great Chamber of Knowledge. Wow. This breathtaking chamber is a vast, pillared hall soaring upward to a great dome overhead, an airy vastness appropriately painted with stars and clouds. A ring of columns runs around the perimeter, supporting a gallery at the base of the dome. Countless shelves divide the chamber, rising so high that ladders are needed to climb them. These shelves are in turn separated by a bewildering variety of boxes, cabinets, cases, and chests. Littered among these towers of knowledge are benches, reading tables, huge desks for spreading maps, and elaborate displays. The flickering light of lamps and lanterns mingle throughout the space - though no smoke trails from the cold flames.
She smiles, and waits, while you take it all in. ”I suggest you avoid the Upper Stacks unless you must. The ladders can be somewhat rickety, and we’ve lost some scholars to the fall.” The upper stacks are 60’ above the floor ringing the dome, and you must admit, it does look somewhat treacherous up there.
”Please let me know if we can be of any assistance in your research.” she smiles and heads back to the curator’s desk.
You also see, on the far side of the room, an immense, circular bronze door rising amid a wall of huge limestone blocks at the rear of the library. A single hieroglyph of an eye engraved in the center is the door’s only feature. It is firmly closed, and presumably leads deeper into the library. The whole time you’re here, no one approaches that door.
If you fail the initial check, you learn nothing of substance that day. You could literally spend a lifetime here on research.
Like a man starving to his death suddenly offered a bountiful feast, Benedictus West Dickens stares wide-eyed at the huge collection of the Great Library of Tephu. His eyes wanders even more sinfully than before (when they had fallen on the priestess’ robe tear) on the leather-bound tomes. The smell of dusty parchment, the sound of pages being turned, the ushed voices of the studying scholars, the smooth surface of the desks. A sensorial rapture.
Ben shakes his head, suddenly coming back into reality. The smile on his lips a legacy from his ecstasy. He nods to the priestess and thanks her for her guidance with a gesture. “We’re finally here”, he whispers to Zilchus and Florence with an enthusiastic tone. “When studying, it is important to understand that you cannot focus on too many things at the same time. The narrower the subject, the better the results, used to say my tutor. As such, I suggest we choose together a precise and possibly narrow field for our research, so that our mental energies may be channeled into the right sources. Any suggestions?”
"I'm sorry, but do you mind refreshing my memory: are locals granted free access into the Necropolis to leave offerings by Pharasma's Needle? And for a deeper exploration, one may pay for a guide?"
"It's been a while since a family member died." That part was true.
If the guards appear unhelpful, Nidhi says a polite goodbye and heads towards the church. She takes her time, not in a rush to get anywhere (perhaps stopping to look at a storefront or gaze at a laughing couple and smile.)
Nidhi - no commoner is permitted, under normal circumstances, in the Necropolis. Only priests, guards, and other church officials generally gain entry. Sometimes those officials may escort someone into the necropolis, but it usually requires some pull with the church... or deep pockets and a 'donation'.
For one thing, it isn't considered safe, whatever the guards might suggest (likely official Pharasma guidelines). For another, it is a vast tomb, and they don't want robbers. It's too large an area to successfully patrol, so they simply lock it all up.
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"...blahblah...mental energies...tight focus...."
"Of course! Just tell me where to start..." Zilchus says in a committed tone.
Zilchus tries really hard to help do research. It's clear that is heart is in it, but his mind and his eyes tend to wander...mostly to the ankles of the curate, but also to the other books and the ladders.
He tries. He really does try. He had a volume of something in front of him, and he tries to read and tries to stay focused...but, in the end, his eyes begin to glaze over.
After the first hour, he's mostly flipping through the books looking for scandalous drawings and images of priestesses and various rites in less-than-full clothing. After the second hour, that's pretty much all he's looking for.
By the end of the third hour, he's asleep in his chair.
"Wati is perhaps too wide...let's try with Wati's crypts. Our goal will be to discover as much as possible about the most renowned crypts of Wati. Perhaps we'll be assigned one tomorrow, after all. At work then!"
With great enthusiasm, Ben does what he's best at: study! Unfortunately, though, this is not the best day for him to study. His attentions are too focused elsewhere, and as any scholar knows, one needs to get used to a place before being able to actually concentrate in it. This is twice as true for libraries. The process of choosing the books eats away about half of Ben's time, and the scholar spends the other half trying to write down some notes which eventually prove unsatisfactory.
When his head starts to ache, Ben knows he has reached his limit. He's clearly not used to have so little time to study. Only drafting a bibliography, including a list of sources he would absolutely need in order to master a subject, usually takes him about two weeks.
The scholar shrugs, a little embarassed for not having the chance to prove himself good at the only thing he actually believes himself to be good at. Eventually, though, he consoles himself with the thought that this visit was supposed to be a tourist one, even for him.
When the group leaves the Library, Ben is very tired and speaks little. Perhaps upset by the bad impression he thinks to have made on his new companions, he keeps mostly to himself, clearly demotivated.
_____________________________
You may all assist the Professor, or investigate your own questions as you desire. Let me know and I'll go into more detail pending the outcome of your rolls. That is unless Zilchus sleeps all day...
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Know (History) -
Zilchus tried to learn something before his attention flagged, failing, which shows that learning by osmosis is a poor way to learn.
"What? Are done already? We just got here!" Zilchus says, startling awake after his loud snore wakes him.
Nidhi takes a swig of water from her flask.
If still open, Nidhi decides return to the church of Pharasma.
If too much time has passed and the church is closed, Nidhi makes her way to Tooth and Hookah. Her Everburning Torch is out if there isn't enough light from the surrounding buildings in Midwife.
- Nidhi and Jharna share dinner.
- Nidhi walked to The Golden Lake and observed white crocodiles for about 40 minutes.
- Nidhi then walked to the Grand Mausoleum, where she observed and followed (what appeared to be) a funeral service.
- Nidhi converses with 2 Pharasman guards protecting the entrance of the Necropolis.
Nidhi - yes the church has closed. You’ll reach the Tooth and Hookah a half our or so ahead of the group from Tephu.
Library Crew
Though you know there’s more to learn, your research at least lands you two partial texts on Wati’s Necropolis. Each confirms the other, so you’re sure of your knowledge at least.
The Necropolis of Wati is the section of Wati that was sealed off starting in 2953 AR, by the Church of Pharasma. This area had previously been essentially abandoned during the almost 500 years since the Plague of Madness in 2499 AR. You don’t find any texts on the Plague of Madness, at least not this day.
Entrance to this section of the city is highly regulated by the Church of Pharasma, and the priesthood reconsecrates the necropolis each year as part of a weeklong festival surrounding the Day of Bones. Astute locals know that this ceremony provides little actual protection from the dangers hiding in the necropolis and have in past years pushed for more troops to go in during the ceremony to kill anything that moves.
You also find a brief note that the necropolis is to be opened for a weeks time, by order of the Ruby Prince. Presumably it refers to the lottery, and though no dates are given, the papyrus is fresh.
But, as Florence reminds, the ferry waits for no one. You hurriedly thank the librarians and hustle through town to the docks, nearly slipping on the occasionally slick wood among the reeds. You just make it on board with little time to spare. You find that the evening trip north is populated largely on the roof, while the baggage is under cover. You don’t make the roof, but you do find a reasonable spot near an edge, and see why the roof is so popular.
A couple hours into the journey, the sun has well set, and the stars are out. You’re miles from any settlement, and the lights of the barge are kept to a minimum - revealing the entirety of the starry night above your heads. As impressive as the library was, the whole of the night sky may very well take your breath away.
You reach the docks shortly before 10pm, and rejoin Nidhi, and possibly Augustus too, in the Tooth and Hookah for a late night supper…
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Zilchus wearily calls for a table as they reach the Tooth, tired from his day of lazing and napping. He realizes that that's odd, but sometimes tiredness is more readily felt through minimal action and boredom than through direct activity.
Zilchus sits, ordering the same meal as last time (so he doesn't have to think of it), and opining something to the Professor.
"Ben, you saw that relatively new papyrus about the opening of the Necropolis? Yeah, that one?" Zilchus says, bringing one of his annoying, repeating thoughts to his lips. "Well, that was so new...and it seems to me that there is no book at all about *this* opening of the Necropolis, nor any storying of it at all. Might be that *someone*..." Zilchus clearly means the Professor... "...someone should write and publish and account of it. You'd be the first. The only. I mean, it hasn't happened yet, but you'll be there."
Nidhi sips a glass of water as if it were wine and chews slowly on an olive. Her evening walk made her hungry for a late-night snack. While Nidhi sits and snacks on olives, she takes her time to look around Tooth and Hookah for the group she spoke to yesterday. Nidhi also observes the room for anything unusual but she’s sleepy and inattentive from her long day. Despite the long walk, her feet and legs feel normal. Nidhi is used to long walks through Midwife and enjoys the bustling streets.
If Nidhi spots Fergrim, Verichi, or Wernan, she'll give a friendly wave and smile but stay seated at her table.
If Nidhi notices any of her adventuring companions come through the door, she'll beckon them over to her table. ”So what did you find out?" Nidhi smiles with closed lips and one inquisitive eyebrow. She’d practiced lifting one eyebrow for hours as a child and was proud to be able to utilize the skill now.
Nidhi plans to leave the Tooth and Hookah at 10:30ish so she can go to bed. "I'm pretty tired from today. I'll meet up with you all tomorrow morning. You can decide where we meet if Abdur hasn't specified a place." Nidhi stands up and yawns before leaving Tooth and Hookah for Jharna's shop.
It’s very fine, and you look good - ready for your date with Lirgala. Lirgala shows up, just a few minutes after the hour, wearing a cascading garment of blue silk. It has the look of a performers outfit, but it’s very fine - and while your new clothes are an improvement over what you had, her’s are a leap above.
She smiles warmly when she sees you and approaches your table. ”May I sit?” she smiles again and joins you for a lovely dinner.
Augustus is surprisingly speechless as he sees Lirgala enter the dining area. Her beauty mixed with her outfit causes Augustus to blush slightly, actually second guessing his own attire.
They dont have women like this back in Azir. I better use all my charm on this one!
Augustus collects himself as she approaches the table ask him if she could sit. "Of course you can! Ah... excuse my manners!" Augustus stands up and pulls her chair out for her before returning to his own seat nervously running a hand through his long dark hair.
"You look beautiful! I've never seen a woman with such perfect features!" Augustus quickly settles into his usual confident self as the night progresses and he tells Lirgala all about his travels leading to Osirion.
Lirgala happily spends a relaxing evening with Augustus, and though her hair is long and thick, about half way through the after dinner drinks, Augustus catches a glimpse of the top of her left ear. A half-elf! You had no idea, assuming she was just rather thin, and perhaps a little tall. He emerald eyes are not unheard of in Osirion, but again, another pointer that now makes sense.
She notices your gaze, and pushes her hair back over her ear, and blushes deeply. ”I’m sorry, but it’s true. My father was an elf from the north. An archaeologist, here from Kyonin, far from home and lonely after studying the desert tombs. I’m a woman bound by two worlds, but often accepted by neither.”
A half elf! I've hardly interacted with elves... I wonder how different they are. Either way it just makes her more desirable.
"Exotic as well as beautiful. Not only that but you're a talented performer. It seems I've found the perfect treasure!" Augustus smiles at her before continuing. "So I've told you my story. What brings a beautiful Half Elf like you to Wati?"[b]
Before jumping on the ferry, Benedictus swallows the peppermint oil capsule Florence had given him that morning. “I hope that works”, he says with a faint smile. And actually, it works. For the first time in his life, Ben is immune to seasickness. During the course of the journey back to Wati, Ben does not speak much. It is clear enough that he’s disappointed by his performance in the Library, although him and Florence at least managed to uncover some general information. Lost in his though, Ben contemplates the wonderful night sky, meditating about the various forms of life dwelling in the multiverse and wondering if sometimes they felt as thwarted as he feels now.
“Z-Zilcus, F-Florence….I-I…I’m sorry about that. I should have known that I would not ever be able to perform a proper research in just one day. Anyway, I hope you appreciated the excursion and the library itself, regardless of the results we managed to obtain…”
---
When the group enters the Tooth and Hookah, Ben quickly follows Zilchus and seats next to him and Florence. He orders something not too difficult to digest, since he plans to be at the best of his form tomorrow, then listens to Zilchus’s idea. As the Osirian speaks, Ben’s lips slowly form a smile again. “That…That’s a wonderful idea, Zilchus! I’m quite fond of writing books, and I’ve got a blank journal I’m eager to fill. Yes, that seems like a great idea. I’m definitely doing it. Thank you, my friend! You restored my happiness!”
As Florence quickly details the information they were able to uncover during their visit at the library, Ben nods, a smirk on his face clearly betraying his frustration. “Not a great success by any means, but at least we tried. We would have needed much more time. Anyway, it’s always better than nothing, isn’t it?” With the gust of optimism deriving from Zilchus’ idea, Ben looks with much less delusion at their results.
“So tomorrow is the great day. How do you feel? I’m the only one who’s feeling a little anxious? I mean, all my knowledge and magic are valuable allies, just like you are as well, but you know…Tombs and crypts are usually perilous places, where danger lurk behind any corner…”
A few minutes later, Ben’s eyes go wide as he realizes he has missed something. “Oh, Nidhi, Augustus! Here, I bought these for you. Souvenirs from Tephu. Florence helped me out in choosing them”, the scholar says with a kind smile as he produces two hair ribbons for Nidhi, one blue and one green, and a sphinx-like accessory to affix behind the saddle for Augustus.
"So I've told you my story. What brings a beautiful Half Elf like you to Wati?"
"Oh, I was born here! Wati is more or less, all I know. I mean I know songs and stories sure, but I've not even been to Tephu. Can you believe it!" she giggles happily, realizing you don't think less of her for being a half-elf.
"My father didn't stay long after my birth unfortunately. He, I think, still lives, doing digs all over Osirion. I never did have his wanderlust, but I must have inherited some of it as I'm going into the Necropolis, huh?" she says somewhat nervously.
"My mother passed away just last season, during the rains. She was old, it was just her time. I suppose part of my desire to enter the Necropolis is to to visit her grave site." She suddenly stops and looks somewhat horrified, "But don't tell anyone of course! We're not allowed to wander around at will in there, we'll be given maps." she leans in conspiratorially and her sweet perfume wafts over you, "But my team has agreed to a little side journey to visit her grave. I have a flower for her, that I've saved for the occasion." she smiles wistfully.
All in all, the evening goes very well indeed, and the two of you talk well into the night. Farhaan starts to grow a little impatient for his own bed, and you realize you're the only ones still here!
Lirgala laughs, a little embarrassed again, and suggests, "We should call it a night. I cannot have dinner with you tomorrow as we'll be planning our trip into the Necropolis, but perhaps when this is all over, perhaps then we can do this again? I think I'd like that very much." she smiles, and manages to look shyly at you through her thick lashes.
Augustus - please feel free to join the others as well as continue your date in spoilers. Don't want you to fall behind, and don't want to lose this opportunity either. :)
- - -
The group assembles in the Tooth and Hookah for a fairly brief nightcap before going their separate ways to sleep. The evening passes uneventfully, and you rise - the day of the lottery!
You are to meet Abdur at his shop/pub, Milki, for an early dinner. You'll then go together to the church of Pharasma where the lottery and a celebration of the dead, will be held at dusk.
Do you do anything special that day?