"Miss Sekh-at, know that if I have to choose between saving the young man's body or his soul I shall not hesitate. I shall do it myself. Likewise, should we find that I am infected then I shall leave you, thank you for our time together, go out into the desert and neither you nor anyone else will ever see me again."
Shalina returned Rubani’s artificial smile. ”Who said anything about death? I just said that he could not be allowed to become a ghoul. With the delivery of the medicine it should not come to such melodramatic extremes of you or anyone else being sent to wander the desert. I just wanted to point out that we will not always be able to save everyone…sometimes there are limits.”
Tag?
Being faced with the reality of ghoul fever beginning to take hold in Sheerakh, Shalina hoped that Nadia would arrive soon and be able to help put things right.
If we lose Naomi, then we should probably do something complicated with the treasury to deduct her 'share'.
Amenon stands solidly as both Shalina and Rubani introduce themselves. His gives the usual short bow of respect and honor (he also touches his forehead in the ancient style but he doubts they will recognize it). before answering them, My name is Amenon Rehment. I brought the anti-plauge vials from the market. But I am also here on my own terms. I have been seeking employment in the diggings. Perhaps you recognize the family name? No? Well, we have fallen in the trade the last few years.. His voice trails off , but he quickly masters himself and resumes. “Your group has a good reputation and I have sought you out, hoping to join you. I have many talents, not just a strong back. But also a knowing eye and a mind trained in the business. I offer this and all else to join your company.
OOC: Whether the party goes adventuring or not is up to the party. It seems like they won't go today, which is fine by me.
The saving throws for Rubani and Naomi will be made later this night so any 'diagnose disease' spell will say 'maybe' at this point.
Let's hold off on Nadia coming and saving the day (perhaps?) until tomorrow.
Let's get a little more RPing with regards to Amenon joining the party.
After that, I'll move the action to this evening (saving throws).
Questions?
Game on!
Akhmose returned to the doorway just as the worn and weary wizard arrived. It seemed it was his day to greet strangers. "Can I help you, sir? Are you looking for someone?"
Akhmose prayed they were not too late to help the lad, after all they had risked. He tagged along behind the others. Rubani's cold certainty was chilling, but he couldn't find fault with his arguments. Better a merciful death than a tortured undeath.
Akhmose returned Amenon's gesture. "Do you serve the old gods as I do? Many among my clan do, but I have not met many such humans."
I was thinking about that and how there could be some tension between Amenon's family and Namrut (Shalina).
Amenon, let's here a bit more about your family (timeline) and then we'll figure out what to do with it.
Many centuries ago the Rehment family were the usual grave robbers, tomb plunderers and fences for artifacts gleaned from old tombs.
In this line of work of his ancestors was cursed by a mummy, and has carried in the bloodline since. In Amenon's case it has shown up in his undead bloodrager bloodline.
The curse caused the family to alter their ways and only work with official channels to sell and trade artifacts in a respectful way.
They grew quite successful and prominent in the field for a long time, keeping to the old gods long after most humans have moved on. Their connection to the past remain strong even during wars and revolts in the ancient kingdom.
In recent times however, things have turned sour. As Orsion has opened up, other groups have moved in. Notable the Aspis Consortium but other groups as well that are little above criminal gangs. With no concern for legality or respect they soon pushed the Rehments out of the market and Amenon's brother (and himself) were the last. His brother was killed (semi-by accident) during a shake down. With family fortunes totally ebbed Amenon's goes to the diggings themselves to look for work in 'the trade'.
Namrut overheard Amenon and approached him. He clasped the young man's hand, "I knew your family. Good people and honest business men. I'm sorry to hear that your family business floundered. I thought you had all left Wati given its criminal presence of the last few years."
The old man looked about, "Although it's none of my business how you to obtain the artifacts, I can assure you that Amenon's family was honorable and I expect nothing less from him should he join your group."
TAG?
He looked at Amenon again, "I can always use good honest help either in Wati or taking Osirion's treasure's to other shores. Are you currently employed?"
TAG?
ooc: I'll wrap it up tomorrow and move things along.
Amenon's face filled with pride at Namrut's high estimation of his family. It had always been a point of honor to be from such a family business and in his youth, he had gained some small notoriety from it. But lately....
The muscular young man hung his head, his bare neck showed deep cracks and creases from long hours in the sun. "I am unemployed, good master. As you have noted, times are hard. I have come looking for honest work, and willing to work for it. Have I come to the right place?". Amenon pushed a little hoping for some commitment from the actual adventurers.
Akhmose addressed his companions. "I am the newest, so it's not my place to invite him, but we are short of able-bodied people. Perhaps he could join our next expedition on a provisional basis, with an equal share? Afterwards we can discuss making it permanent." He turned to Amenon. "You look like you can handle yourself in a fight, are you ready if we meet more undead, or constructs, or curses?"
Azghaad idly trails Akhmose, perking up when Namrut speaks up for the porter.
"Hang on, Akhmose."
Turning to the young man he nods slightly
"A good family is an asset without price. A strong back is very helpful. Shalina already has a keen eye, and Namrut a mind trained in the business. How are you in a fight?" He stops, then quickly resumes "Are you one of the Gifted? I can see no signs, but I understand such are often persecuted here. Forgive me if it is so."
"I have seen so much blood in the last few days. I had heard romantic tales of traps and crypt-monsters. I imagined myself burning down some half-rotted guardian and unconvering a stone tablet written by Azghaad himself. The reality is not so poetic. It is blood, and dirt, and death. Vermin, traps, undead monsters and the constant stink of smoke from the burned and burning. Even the treasures - like the ancient construct killing machines - will try and kill you."
"Make no mistake, there's enough treasure in most of these crypts to let you retire. But the lifespan of tomb robbers is measured in hours. I will not lead another soul to their death, even some poor prosaic, for the hope the gold might leave you wealthy."
Azghaad casts some spell upon himself
, and sets himself in a defensive posture "if you would have my vote, then show me you can defend yourself. Hit me..."
"I don't mean to sound callous - but do ghouls share the prodigious strength of zombies? It might be wise for us to restrain those so obviously affected. Last thing we want is someone turning unexpectedly, breaking loose and rampaging through Namrut's house."
Though he is careful not to mention names, his eyes stay fixed on Sheerakh.
Amenon watched Azghaad closely as the man speaks rudely. No one notices the danger signs of Amenon flat eyes, clenching fists or heavy breathing. They are signs his brother always caught, always noticed, always soothed away before violence. But his brother was not here. No one could calm the storm. After Azghaad stopped talking, Amenon spoke, his voice harsh.
“You question me? You think I am merely a another foreigner, come here to plunder ancient wealth? I, who worship the old gods and have worked with these artifacts since I was a boy? You think I am a funeral thief? Or worse, you think I am a coward who will run at the first sign of the restless undead?” His rage built up as he talked. Here he was, on a mission from the Gods (and his brother in the afterlife) and he is being questioned by some smirking wizard. When Azghaad dared the big man to strike, Amenon smiled flinty, teeth bared.
“You want to see if I am worthy? Fine!” With a roar of anger and frustration (aimed at Azghaad though not fully caused by him) the massive man rushes forward. For the first time everyone notices he has no weapon. By the time they seen the giant knotted fists and realizes they are the weapons, it is too late. His voice is a hoarse yell of terror and anger and Azghaad quails from it, instinctively.
Covering the distance fast as a striking snake, Amenon explodes towards Azghaad and throws a massive punch, aimed at the man’s stomach. It is low and fast, with the driving force of Amenon’s entire body behind the surprinsgly elegant movement.
It seemed like the events of last evening were wreaking havoc with everyone’s feelings and ability to think, including her own. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing as Azghaad started to pick a fight with their guest and that their guest started moving towards the wizard. Shalina’s normally pleasant demeanor turned authoritative and her voice took on a commanding tone. ”Not in here! If you gentlemen,” she practically sneered the word, ”insist on acting like boys then take it outside. Azghaad – you have more sense than this - and Amenon, you have claimed to have honor. Destroying your host’s home is neither intelligent nor honorable. In case you have not noticed, we are not currently in the necropolis. But if you insist on doing this then get outside!”
Shalina stood agape as she watched two grown men start a fight in her uncle's courtyard. So much for first impressions, she thought as Amenon charged at Azghaad. He had seemed at ease and at peace when he had been by himself but was now proving to be anything but. It was almost as if a switch had flipped inside him and she wasn’t sure if that kind of instability would be an asset for the group. At the same time, she was curious to see how he would handle himself against Azghaad and part of her was living vicariously through Amenon as he moved in to punch the wizard. She would wait to see how far this would go and then there would be some questions.
Azghaad's spell flares - and fails - in the wake of Amenon's mighty blow. His feet leave the ground from the force of the blow, and he moves a few feet through the air, landing awkwardly and sinking to his knees and hand. He dry retches a few times as his stomach - already sensitive from a night of hard drinking - desperately tries to empty itself while already empty.
He gasps for a air a few times, trying to talk through the pain. He holds up a hand while he tries to regain his breath, and finally stumbles to his feet.
You think I am a funeral thief? Or worse, you think I am a coward who will run at the first sign of the restless undead?”
"I am a Funereal thief... I steal from the dead... I am at peace with that... Not worried you would run... worried you wouldn't when you should." he coughs a few times few his speech and fumbles for his waterskin "So, you can fight. We need that. You'll have my vote." he takes another sip, slowly regaining his composure, so though still shaky and weak. "Last night we went back in to rescue another group. Perhaps you should see what remains of them - then you'll see why I asked."
Turn 048 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Your post is similar so I'll add it to the turn recap. The post is less than one hour old so I can do that.
Game on!
Done.
BTW, I forgot to congratulate everyone on an excellent turn.
Keep up the good work!
Game on!
Amenon, you fit right in.
PS: Please remember to write in 'past tense'.
Azghaad's spell flared - and failed - in the wake of Amenon's mighty blow. His feet left the ground from the force of the blow, and he moved a few feet through the air, landing awkwardly as he sunk to his knees and left hand. He dry retched a few times as his stomach - already sensitive from a night of hard drinking - desperately tried to empty itself, while already empty.
He gasped for a air a few times, trying to talk through the pain, then held up a hand while he struggled to regain his breath, until he finally stumbled to his feet.
"I am a Funereal thief... I steal from the dead... I am at peace with that... Not worried you would run... worried you wouldn't when you should." he coughed a few times through his speech and fumbled for his waterskin "So, you can fight. We need that. You'll have my vote." he took another sip, and slowly regained his composure, though still shaky and weak. "Last night we went back in to rescue another group. Perhaps you should see what remains of them - then you'll see why I asked."
“Your group has a good reputation and I have sought you out, hoping to join you. I have many talents, not just a strong back. But also a knowing eye and a mind trained in the business. I offer this and all else to join your company."
"Good reputation? We have a reputation?"
Rubani was conflicted to say the least. The group had to be doing something right, because Amenon wasn't the first seeking out the Grave Guard for membership. What worried Rubani was that he might not the the last either. The expeditions were dangerous enough the make the party something of a revolving door of comrades. On the one hand he hesitated to put another soul in harm's way. On the other, there was strength in numbers. And the man seemed acutely aware of the danger.
Akhmose addressed his companions. "I am the newest, so it's not my place to invite him, but we are short of able-bodied people. Perhaps he could join our next expedition on a provisional basis, with an equal share? Afterwards we can discuss making it permanent."
The half-elf looked over the group, expecting someone to reply to the paladin. He then realized, with much dismay, that with Naomi bedridden he was the most senior member of the Grave Guard. He was not simply a Pharasmin grave robber; now he was a Pharasmin chief grave robber. The cleric groaned pitifully, but with Namrut vouching for the integrity of the Rehment line Rubani quickly nodded his assent.
"Y-yes, yes. Mr Rehment can join us for our next dig. You can then decide whether this is the... career path for you. And I would agree to an equal share. Wouldn't have it any other way."
It was at this point that the still clearly hungover wizard decided to call out the bloodrager. Sir, what have you been drinking and how have you enchanted your liver to survive it? Rubani couldn't fathom what his companion was thinking. The two men were not exactly equal in stature, and that was no slight against Azghaad. The average water buffalo compared poorly to Amenon.
The cleric only managed to raise a single finger in meek dissent before the bloodrager had smashed his giant fist straight through the wizard's Mage Armor and into his abdomen.
"Um... Mr Glyphstele?" he enquired as Azghaad doubled over. "Do you need my...?"
The cleric was relieved as the wizard coughed. Ah. Good. His lungs haven't collapsed then. He'll be fine.
"I am a Funereal thief... I steal from the dead... I am at peace with that... Not worried you would run... worried you wouldn't when you should."
This was, however, a sentiment that Rubani agreed with wholeheartedly. Perhaps Amenon had knocked the hangover out of the wizard. Or perhaps his faculties had never allowed themselves to be impaired by something as trivial as alcohol in the first place.
"Mr Rehment, I'm going to echo Mr Glyphstele's position. You are clearly a capable man; Mr Namrut even pegs you an honorable man. But judging by your reaction to Mr Glyphstele's light prodding you can also be a... spirited man. The expeditions require a level head..."
For example, the cleric thought, don't wander into a ghoul lair in the middle of the night because of a hyperactive sense of conscience.
"As Mr Glyphstele expressed, sometimes the only pertinent option is to flee. When this happens we need to know that you won't be far behind. We value the lives of our comrades. Um... Other than that we don't have much of a code. We try to treat the interred with as much respect as possible. As a Pharasmin my own role in the lotteries is... convoluted, but suffice it to say that we have agreed to leave the dead to Miss Zeitoun or myself. I originally joined the lottery to preserve the sanctity of the entombed."
"A pack?"
Rubani was much heartened to see Sheerakh stronger and Naomi as strong as ever, but couldn't help but be annoyed at the rogue's query.
"Did Black Kiss have your mortal form packed away there? Your soul, perhaps? No? Well, you came very close to losing both last night. In fact, you still might; you're not cured yet. So don't decry the loss of any material goods. Now lay back and drink this."
As soon as Amenon saw Azghaad fall hard to the ground, he felt his rage trickle away. This wizard is not why his life had been turned upside down, why his brother was dead, why his family was a shadow. He had done nothing, and listening to the sounds from the house, had good reason to be upset. As the rage left, it left that same weary exhausted feeling, much like the break in a fever. Worn-out and weak feeling, Amenons teadied himself for a few seconds.
Then, contritely he hurried over to the fallen wizard and offered a strong, slab-like arm to the wheezing wizard. His face gained a red hue as he blushed with embarrassment at how he had went off at the slightest provocation. This is not what the Old Gods want…or deserve. he thought to himself as he watched the wizard drinks some water.
The shame grew as he heard Shalina’s word echo in his head. He had shamed a man’s house with his clumsy brawling…to betray that sacred hospitality…. Amenon formally stood in front of the woman and bowed low. ”I apologize for my actions. There is no reason for such behavior. I will keep myself under control in the future.” His voice is sincere and deep, with a gravel tone of tiredness in it. But then he looks up, still in mid-bow with a twinkle in his eye, He did ask for it however.”
Then the towering man turns to Rubani, who had already said yes to Amenon’s joining the group and even mentioned the shares. After his little…display however, the holy man was obviously having second thoughts. Just my luck, Amenon thought, I find a group filling to take me on and I blow it with my temper..
Amenon bows to Rubani as well, obviously taking his words to heart. ”I promise to follow orders and if required retreat. I have done my share of running. There is no shame in that. Also, I must thank you for being here, if what you say is true. That you have come here to protect the sanctity of the dead. Perhaps you do not follow the old Gods, but you do their will, weather you know it or not.” he says this in a respectful, philosophical manner not a religiously aggressive tone.
Azghaad took the proffered hand and rose to his feet.
"Don't blame him for it being so one-sided. I intended this to be more of a sparring match than a... " he smiles weakly as he trails off "I used to be quite the brawler back in my pre-apprentice days. I had thought my wards might make up for any discrepancy, make it a fair fight. Apparently in my youth I was a big fish in a very small pond." He still leaned on the big man, as he continued "Amenon here saw me use a magical ward, and could see I was confident. He reasonably assumed I knew what I was doing, and that I had cast something sufficiently powerful to mean he'd need to use everything he had."
He grimaces a little "I stand by the decision to test his combat skills before there were lives on the line. This was a non-lethal chance to do so in a place where there was immediate healing and no danger. I am now confident he'll be an asset to the group, and if we give him a big weapon there'll be someone else to smash the giant stone construct we seem fated to fight. I'm happy to take a smaller share of the treasure if there's a large chance of coming home with it."
"He's obviously capable of working with delicate items given his work as a porter. I suspect he was merely working himself up for the fight, and bears me no ill-will" - he looked at Amenon "Yes?"
"Rubani here has simplified our code somewhat. We respect the dead, help the living, kill the undead, preserve the past as best we can, and record what we can't. While we have all agreed to that, there are times we have argued over the exact priority of those principles."
Action1:
"Mr Rehment, I'm going to echo Mr Glyphstele's position. You are clearly a capable man; Mr Namrut even pegs you an honorable man. But judging by your reaction to Mr Glyphstele's light prodding you can also be a... spirited man. The expeditions require a level head..."
This was where Shalina added her voice to the discussion. ”You are fortunate that my uncle has already spoken highly of your family’s character. It has done much to balance my opinion of you based on what has just occurred. Rubani is correct in that our excursions require some thought before action – not a lot, but some. I have had enough of grown men acting like boys with my brother and his accomplices. My only question for you is, are you able to control yourself when necessary? Otherwise, this may be a liability”
The shame grew as he heard Shalina’s word echo in his head. He had shamed a man’s house with his clumsy brawling…to betray that sacred hospitality…. Amenon formally stood in front of the woman and bowed low. ”I apologize for my actions. There is no reason for such behavior. I will keep myself under control in the future.” His voice is sincere and deep, with a gravel tone of tiredness in it. But then he looks up, still in mid-bow with a twinkle in his eye, He did ask for it however.”
Shalina tried to keep her tone stern but was quickly relenting. ”We have all made mistakes and admitting one’s own is a sign of maturity. There may be hope for you yet,” she said with a wink. ”You have my vote as well. You are welcome to stay here with other members of our group or return to your own residence - your choice.”
Action 2:
It was not like Nadia to not show up when a friend was in need. One thing that would keep Nadia away this long was if she was in trouble herself. This caused anxiety for Shalina. Once the others turned in for the evening, she had every intention on revisiting Sarenrae’s temple to find out.
Thankfully it appeared like Nadia’s help wasn’t needed any longer which was the bright spot that evening. Neither Naomi nor Rubani showed any signs of illness and Sheerakh’s fever had broken.
“Well, who has Black Kiss’ pack? That belongs to me now.”
Shalina’s voice turned cold at Sheerakh’s apparent lack of gratitude. ”Sorry but grabbing Black Kiss’ pack, in the process of saving you from certain undeath and practically carrying you out of a burning building, must have slipped our minds. You have not once said a word of thanks to anyone for helping you but you have the nerve to ask about a bag. Your selfishness is unbelievable. I hope that her pack is burned ash in the basement of that perfumery. Maybe then you will begin to appreciate non-material things.”
Tag Sheerakh
Shalina’s voice turned cold at Sheerakh’s apparent lack of gratitude. ”Sorry but grabbing Black Kiss’ pack, in the process of saving you from certain undeath and practically carrying you out of a burning building, must have slipped our minds. You have not once said a word of thanks to anyone for helping you but you have the nerve to ask about a bag. Your selfishness is unbelievable. I hope that her pack is burned ash in the basement of that perfumery. Maybe then you will begin to appreciate non-material things.”
Tag Sheerakh
Sheerakh breathed a sigh of relief, his mind already trying to figure out how to retrieve his leader's pack. "Well, I just thought that- Of course, I'm very thankful about what you've done with saving me and all."
He took a moment to weigh in how to say what was on his mind, "It's just that the only reason Black Kiss assembled us was to get rich and a significant part of that was in her pack." He groaned as he tried to move and said, "I'd be willing to give you a share of it if you help me retrieve it. Will you help me?"
"The trouble is" sighed Azghaad as he shook his head mournfully "you'd obviously go in by yourself to get it if we let you, and then the 'saving you and all' would have been wasted!" He looked to Rubani "Still, he shows wisdom in seeking help this time. It would allow him to pay back the costs we incurred saving him, and perhaps we could give his comrades a burial before they become something's dinner." In a much quieter tone he adds to Rubani "It's like taking in a stray. Once you rescue it, you have a duty to keep it alive."
Ha, we're cursed! :)
Sorry to see you go Akhmose but I understand.
Everyone: I wasn't particularly impressed with the other character submittal from this last recruitment.
Does anyone know of someone (other players who you play with or DM) who may enjoy our type of game?
If so, then please have them contact me ASAP.
Thanks.
Game on!
He took a moment to weigh in how to say what was on his mind, "It's just that the only reason Black Kiss assembled us was to get rich and a significant part of that was in her pack." He groaned as he tried to move and said, "I'd be willing to give you a share of it if you help me retrieve it. Will you help me?"
"The trouble is" sighed Azghaad as he shook his head mournfully "you'd obviously go in by yourself to get it if we let you, and then the 'saving you and all' would have been wasted!" He looked to Rubani "Still, he shows wisdom in seeking help this time. It would allow him to pay back the costs we incurred saving him, and perhaps we could give his comrades a burial before they become something's dinner." In a much quieter tone he adds to Rubani "It's like taking in a stray. Once you rescue it, you have a duty to keep it alive."
Shalina crossed her arms. Sheerakh’s thanks was obviously too little, too late and sounded more like an after-thought than sincere. She was worried about Nadia, tired, and irritable. ”And I supposed you all want to go back now under the cover of night to collect the pack.” In a sarcastic tone she added, ”By all means, let us leave straight away.”
It was late when Shalina was finally able to slip away to inquire about Nadia. She was drained both physically and emotionally but knew she wouldn't be able to rest until she had checked on Nadia. She kept to the shadows as she quickly made her way to the temple for the second time in days. Because of the late hour, she needed to persistently knock for a few minutes before one of the initiates answered. When she anxiously asked about Nadia, she was relieved to find out that her friend had returned earlier that day but had been sent out immediately by the head cleric. The initiate dug in one of her robe's pockets and sheepishly handed Shalina a crumpled note with numerous apologies. Nadia had entrusted her to deliver the note to Shalina but she had gotten sidetracked and forgot. Shalina snatched the letter out of their hand and was about to angrily chastise them when she remembered some of the things she did when she was younger and how self-absorbed she had been. Instead she curtly thanked the young girl and started for home. When she got back to to her bedroom she opened the note and read
My deepest apologies. I was unexpectedly summoned away from Wati. I wanted to come to help but there was no time. If you still need help I have made arrangements for another cleric at the temple to grant you aide. I will check on you when I return. Nadia
Feeling a sense of peace knowing that her friend was safe, Shalina’s eyes closed in exhaustion from the events of the day and was soon asleep.
Sorry guys but I just received a 'slug' of work and I'll be out of town for the next couple of days. I may be able to recap in the next day or two but no promises. I'll keep you updated though.
Game on!
Sorry it's late.
Turn 049 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
I will be out of town from Saturday at Noon to Monday evening. No internet whatsoever. Sorry but a short vacation is nice! If I have to act- Amenon will be happy to go first into rooms and such then punch things he sees. He'll generally be quiet and leave the planning tot he team so they don't think he is muscling in.
Yes, there is. I've asked a person I play to see if there was interest and there is.
Now, I'm running out of 'in-game' excuses as to why other people want to join the Grave Guard.
Thoughts?
This is fine! I can work with this dwarf.
You'll have to determine your recent history in Wati (NPCs, etc.) but we can get you started.
How about you write your first opening scene with these guidelines:
- your group has deserted you (make up a reason);
- you are still intending to 'explore' your assigned site and are about to 'go in' when...;
- Pharasmin priests patrolling the necropolis see you and tell you that exploration groups must be made up of at least three individuals (too dangerous) so your group is immediately dissolved and your rights to explore the site as well; and
- your are arguing with the soldier/priests and (of course) the PCs overhear this argument so we can all get to roleplaying.
Work in a description of your PC and remember that this is your world as much as yours so feel free to create NPCs, places, etc.
Questions?
Game on!
PS: I've looked at your stats and didn't see any red flags. I'll take a closer look tonight/tomorrow and let you know if any changes are required.
Rurdem was having a very bad day, particularly now that this patrol of Pharasman guards is telling him he can't explore his assigned tomb without more people to go in with him. "So, I finally got me group together only to have one of them, our Shelynite priest Michael, get killed by the first trap that our rogue missed. Poor Mike never saw that blade coming until it was too late, his blood now decorating the walls of the tomb with new art as his head rolled up and stopped at me feet. Then, to make matters even worse, that fool rogue Jenna failed to disarm the next trap correctly, finding herself pin-cushioned by poisoned darts. Finally, the crown jewel of all this crap was the muscle, some crazy barbarian man with some unintelligible name got hiself killed when he tripped on the stairs as we were leavin' and broke 'is damn fool neck at the base of the stairs." He glares at the patrol, "Now, despite those fools failing and getting theirselves killed, I still came out in one piece. Now I ask you, how can I possibly fail to explore the next one meself, I won't be denied. Now, get outa me way so I can get to it."
The guards apparently were unimpressed with the dwarf. All of four foot four with red hair and a red beard that's braided in a way that resembles horns. His stance is belligerent as the sun glints off of his copper colored skin his hands twitching in anger though they never drift towards the war axe he has strapped across his back. He wears a set of travelers clothing and a very well made backpack for his gear. He seems to be a bit of a firebrand, only a a few moments from venting his aggravation on these men who are only doing their job. The guards are completely unimpressed with the stout dwarf, though they do seem unnerved by his rather odd appearance. The leader of the patrol lays his hand on his weapon, though he doesn't draw it, "I don't care sir, the rules are very clear, you must have at least three people to explore the tombs, it's just too dangerous. Your story should prove that to you with out our having to tell you. Now, you will move along and return to the living portion of the city or not only will you be removed there, but your license will be revoked and you will be barred further entry into the necropolis."
Azghaad sighed at the interruption. It was not so much the yelling, it was that it was yelling about dead bodies. He looked at Rubani, sighed again, and headed towards the noise. ANOTHER delay he complained internally, then felt his face heat Have I truly become so callous to death that hearing about some poor man losing his entire team just makes me regret a lost hour?
"Excuse me? Officers? I've been told by a priest of Pharasmin that tomb r...explorers should be buried wherever possible. If these bodies are still within the tomb, then good Pharasmins have a duty to see them buried. While I am no good Pharasmin, my team is and I am sure will be happy to assist in recovering the bodies with this poor dwarf."
He turned to Rurdem "Sadly, I must agree with the captain. I lost an entire team to my first site. I know of another team all but lost a day ago. Regardless of your skill with an axe, it is simply too dangerous for the ungifted to enter alone. The rule is for your own good."
He turned to Rurdem "Sadly, I must agree with the captain. I lost an entire team to my first site. I know of another team all but lost a day ago. Regardless of your skill with an axe, it is simply too dangerous for the ungifted to enter alone. The rule is for your own good."
Shalina quickly made her way to Azghaad’s side as he began to address the dwarf. She inwardly cringed at his words knowing that they may add fuel to the fire in someone already upset. She smiled at the red-faced dwarf while gently elbowing Azghaad in the ribs and said, ”What my friend meant to say was – we are sorry for your loss and can we be of any assistance? I am Shalina and unfortunately it sounds like you have had a typical day in the necropolis when you do not have anyone to watch your back.”
Tag Rurdem (and Azghaad if he doesn't like Shalina elbowing him)