The Four Pharaohs of Ascension (Inactive)

Game Master Peanuts


251 to 300 of 781 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | next > last >>

The hatch is already sliding shut after Lanialiar delivers her demand, before Halistar causes it to pause and open again. The eye flicker to the horned woman and then to Algharud, before returning to Halistar. The brow wrinkles in confusion for a few moments.

"Very well. Wait here." you are instructed, the eyes flickering to Lanialiar again, before the hatch slides shut, and the sound of booted feet moving away carries over the wall.

DC 19 Percetion:
Muffled somewhat by distance and the obscuring wall you catch a comment from the same voice. "Can you believe that freak? Sheesh, what's up with her?"

You are left waiting about 5 minutes before the sound of booted feet returning, more than just two sets this time. They stop in front of the gate, the hatch opens and shuts again before you have a chance to react. You hear the rattle of a key being fitted into a lock, and shortly thereafter the gate quietly opens, greeting you with the sight of 4 men, armed and armored in the same manor as the Crook Bearer's guards at the auction had been (and in fact you recognize three of the four).

"The Crook Bearer has agreed to see you." says the same voice again, which you can now match up to the most senior of the men who looks a bit more grizzled and world-worn than the other guards. He waits for you to enter, gestures for you to wait, and re-locks the gate, before falling in with the other 3 soldiers and escorts you across the courtyard of this large enclosure, to the largest of three buildings. This L-shaped building seems to be the house-proper, while a second building adjacent to it against the rear wall appears to be a stables. The third building is separated from the others by approximately 30 or 40 feet, and appears to be in the shape of a cross, and rests next to a small oasis spring in the South-East corner.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

That sounds about right

"Heh, Heh."

Scarab Sages

Female Ifrit Druid 6: AC 20, FF 14, touch 16; HP 42/42; Init +8(+11Desert); Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +9; Perception +11(+14 Desert);SM+3

Perception Check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Lanialiar flared as heat waves pulsed from her being when she heard the remarks.

They will pay for this insolent abominations


Male Human Sage Wildblooded Sorcerer 6; AC 13, flat-footed 11, touch 13; HP 38/38; Init +2; Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +9; Perception +12

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Hmm... I wonder what's got Lanialiar all hot and bothered?


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Weowh... quite a big house.

Algharud looks distrustful at the guards and tries to keep an eye open on the surroundings.


Looking around on the approach to the manor house you spot another two pairs of guards slowly patrolling the well kept grounds, before you arrive at the doors which are quickly opened before you are lead inside. Two of the guards remain at the doors, while the senior one continues to lead the way, accompanied by the guard who didn't attend the auction this morning, who appears to bee the youngest.

The Crook Bearer's home shows a great age, and sumptuous decorations. It is not gaudy however, this place does not belong to a man who surrounds himself with wealth to show off, but because he enjoys it. You see much art adorning the walls, small sculptures in nooks and alcoves along the hall, and when you arrive at his study, the guard knocks, and opens it to reveal a very comfortable looking room, open and airy to disperse the desert heat, but with lush carpets and fine curtains. The whole thing is an impressive display of well arranged wealth and taste--or at least so it appears to those with a feel for such things. To Algharud and Lanialiar it likely seems at times cluttered, indulgent and wasteful; the clean sands of the desert are banished from this place, replaced instead with human foolishness.

The aged Crook Bearer looks up at you, nodding to the guards in dismissal from where he sits behind a large wooden desk of neatly arrange papers, and a few more small ornamentation, including the stone statue purchased that morning. There are no other chairs in the study, though there are some plump cushions and pillows scattered around the floor.

"'The man from the auction'." he says, gesturing to the cushions if you have not already made use of them. "You were quite successful this morning." he adds, his tone complementary, though he still appears quite reserved at the moment.


Male Human Sage Wildblooded Sorcerer 6; AC 13, flat-footed 11, touch 13; HP 38/38; Init +2; Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +9; Perception +12

Zanos sat on the proffered cushions without comment, waiting for Halistar to talk with the Crook Bearer.


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Algharud takes his seat last, both as a sign of domination and as a security precaution.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"Let me get straight to the point. We have been given to understand that you have a Funeral Mask inlayed with gold and adorned with a headdress of feathers, dyed both red and black. It is believed to be related to the Four Pharaohs of Ascension. We, well, I, would like to examine this mask if you happen to have it in your possession."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

Scarab Sages

Female Ifrit Druid 6: AC 20, FF 14, touch 16; HP 42/42; Init +8(+11Desert); Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +9; Perception +11(+14 Desert);SM+3

Lanialiar refuses to sit. She just stands besides Zanos.


The Crook Bearer nods, not seeming affronted by Halistar's desire to skip the courtesies.

DC 16 Sense Motive:
Bluff: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 14 - 4 = 16
No notice a momentary tick that you interpret as surprise flicker over the Crook Bearer's face at mention of a link to the Four Pharaohs. You realize Halistar may have just tipped his hand.

There is a significant pause before the Crook Bearer speaks after Halistar falls silent "I know the mask of which you speak." he admits "So tell me, why should I allow you to view this item?" he asks, leaning forward slightly in his chair, his expressionless mask still in place.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Sense Motive : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

" Because others surely seek it at this time, and because I will owe you a favor for doing so."

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25


Heh, two 9s for both Diplomacy checks eh? Anyway, you don't need to keep rolling, you succeeded, we're up to the bit where you have to roleplay :p

"A favor. Hmm..." he muses, settling back into his chair again. "and who else do you believe is seeking it?"


Male Human Sage Wildblooded Sorcerer 6; AC 13, flat-footed 11, touch 13; HP 38/38; Init +2; Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +9; Perception +12

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Oh, that was brilliant, Zanos thought, hoping that Halistar could salvage the situation.


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Algharud doesn't pay much attention to the talking. He instead starts eating another piece of candy in a quite bad mannered fashion.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"Do you happen to remember the other person who was bidding against us in the auction, other than the Arch Docent? That was Paracount Julistar. It is he and his entourage who would be seeking it."


"Yes, the Paracount. He's certainly a piece of work." some emotion enters the Crook Bearer's voice at last, distaste. "I fail to see why it concerns me if he is, but very well. You may view the mask." he agrees, his tone growing bored once again as he lifts a bell from his desk. "...for a favour."

At the sound of the bell the door cracks open, and the younger guard pokes his head inside. "Bring me item... #212, in the third cabinet on the left hand side, a golden mask, with feathers." he instructs the guard, the door closing and the sound of measured footsteps moving away. "I must admit you have already done me a favour... I had not known of any connection to the Four Pharaohs, the mask you desire has sat in my collection since the days of my father"

"You do keep some unusual company." he observes as you wait for the mask's delivery, looking rather pointedly at Algharud as he eats his candy.


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Algharud, feeling caught in the act, looks surprised for a moment. After that, he hands his bag of candy to the Crook Bearer and says: Oh sorry. Want some?

What is this favor you wish? Or do you wish to keep it for the future?


The Crook Bearer noticably recoils from the cheap bag of candy. "No. Thank you." he responds to Algharud's offer, waiting until the barbarian withdrew the bag before answering the rest of his question. "Correct, I do not know what favour I wish, I will hold it until I need it."


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Algharud shrugs. Fine for me. ...and eats another piece of brightly colored candy, then whispers:

I like this stuff of you urban dwellers. But the time for a big chunk of meat nears. Need something solid in my belly.

Scarab Sages

Female Ifrit Druid 6: AC 20, FF 14, touch 16; HP 42/42; Init +8(+11Desert); Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +9; Perception +11(+14 Desert);SM+3

Lanialir took something out from her pouch and hands over to Algharud.

Try these

Hands goodberrys to Algharud


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Algharud takes the berry with a sceptical look. He bites one tiny bit of a berry off and chews.

He whispers to Lanialiar:

Sweet. Why does my belly feel so full suddenly?

Scarab Sages

Female Ifrit Druid 6: AC 20, FF 14, touch 16; HP 42/42; Init +8(+11Desert); Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +9; Perception +11(+14 Desert);SM+3

It fills with the goodness of Our Mother. I have been telling you it's better than those candies you are eating.


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Tasty, thanks. But my mother is dead. Algharuds face takes on a bitter expression.

Sense Motive DC 9:
There is clearly something more to Algharud's bitterness than "just" losing his mother.

Scarab Sages

Female Ifrit Druid 6: AC 20, FF 14, touch 16; HP 42/42; Init +8(+11Desert); Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +9; Perception +11(+14 Desert);SM+3

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

I understand I think...my mother gave me up when i was an infant to the desert. I do not know how or what to think of it...the desert is my mother now. Yet sometimes i wonder that too...how did she die Algharud?


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

For a short moment, Algharud seems moved, even thankful for the asking. But then: Not the right time, not the right place. Back to business.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
"Yes, there will be time for that on the road. Mr Crook Bearer, is there any information you wish to have at this time?"


"Just Crook Bearer. The Crook Bearer if necessary." he corrects Halistar, pointedly ignoring Algharud and Lanialiar and their shenanigans.

Halistar:
He's definitely regretting letting you lot in. Or at least not making your 'servants' wait outside.

He looks noticeably relieved ast the sound of footsteps outside the door, followed swiftly by it opening to four guards this time, the oldest/most senior carrying an elaborate, though somewhat faded cushion, laying atop which is the mask. He brings the cushion forward, and at the Crook Bearer's gesture, respectfully offers the cushion to you.


Male Human Sage Wildblooded Sorcerer 6; AC 13, flat-footed 11, touch 13; HP 38/38; Init +2; Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +9; Perception +12

Zanos leaned forward to examine the mask.

He casts detect magic. Spellcraft check (if it's magic): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27


Zanos:
Zanos casts his spell, leaning forward to examine the mask... and is momentarily dazzled as it's aura sparks to life in front of him.

Blinking the spots from his vision he is able to determine that there is a strong, almost overwhelming aura of transmutation, with a strong lawful feel to it. You cannot determine it's true properties, except to sense a connection with something to the south.


Male Human Sage Wildblooded Sorcerer 6; AC 13, flat-footed 11, touch 13; HP 38/38; Init +2; Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +9; Perception +12

Zanos sat back from the mask, blinking his eyes furiously.

"Nice. Thank you, Crook Bearer," the man said as he regained his composure.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Halistar will cast Detect Magic as well
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15


Warned by Zanos' startled reaction Halistar approaches the item more cautiously, but is still slightly dazzled by the force of the aura. He can tell even less about the thing however, having to dismiss his spell before he can discover anything useful.

DC 15 Appraisal:
The mask itself seems to be made of pure gold

DC 18 Knowledge (Arcana):
The feathers of the mask, of which there are 56, seem to have belonged to a Hieracosphinx, the dumbest, and most vicious of the known sphinxes

The Crook Bearer meanwhile is watching the pair carefully, able to guess what they're up to if nothing else. He seems first amused, and then more reserved when Halistar repeats the process with similar reactions. "What is it?"

Just to refresh your memories about the mask

Raegos wrote:

"What he did tell us was that the pyramid of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension was hidden on another plane of existence. I don’t know where, I just knew enough from the scholar’s description to know that it was a horrible place. Imivus explained that the pharaohs thought they would live forever after they crossed into the afterlife, so they designed a funeral mask that would enable them to call the pyramid back to our world once again, in case they ever needed to return."

"I remember the mask well enough. It was inlayed with gold and adorned with a headdress of feathers, dyed both red and black. After Imivus brought us miles to the southeast, to the base of four pyramids exposed by a sandstorm, he put on the mask. There was a great shimmer of light and a gigantic pyramid suddenly materialized in between the other four."


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"Well, it is certainly the item we were looking for."


I've edited some more info into the previous post.

The Crook Bearer simply nods slowly, before gesturing to his guard, who straightens up, still holding the cushion. "Very well, was that all?"


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Appraise : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Knowledge: Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"How much do you know about the Four Pharoahs of Ascension, more specifically, their passing from this world?"


"More than most, but less than some I expect. I am more interested in their aesthetics than their history if truth be told" he flicks his fingers at his guards, who bow and turn, starting to move out the doors with the mask.


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Halistar will gesture to the guard. "Please hold for a moment."

Halistar will have a more serious expression on his face. "We have some information that leads us to believe that that mask is the key to finding and entering the lost pyramid of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension. If you are willing to lend it to us, we can take you or another person of your choosing with us, and will give you first refusal of relics we find in there. Up to a certain percentage, of course."

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35


"Ahh, I see." he nods at his guard who stops, turning back, while the Crook Bearer himself leans back in his chair, relaxing as they finally get to the heart of the matter. He looks across his desk at Halistar, his gaze level and calm as he considers. "I have no interest in risking myself in such a venture, but I could send some of my men along... Do you also require financing, or outfitting for this venture?"


Male Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6

Help is always welcome. Algharud murmurs somehow half-engaged in the conversation.


Male Human Sage Wildblooded Sorcerer 6; AC 13, flat-footed 11, touch 13; HP 38/38; Init +2; Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +9; Perception +12

Uh, oh! thought Zanos. This could get--interesting.


"Indeed..." he agrees reluctantly with Algharud's muttering. "So, is this agreeable Halistar?"


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"Yes, I do agree. What are your terms?"


The Crook Bearer finally seems to find some energy at last, his actions no longer that of a bored noble as he leans forward, engaging Halistar.

"I will provide four of my men to escort the mask, and see to it's proper care. They will bring their own supplies and mounts, the cost of which I will cover. In exchange for their services and the use of the mask, I will take a... I think 20 percent share in any items recovered." he offers, showing little hesitation, only pausing momentarily as he considers his share. He offers an almost predatory smile to Halistar. "If you wish me to fund the expedition as well, then that will rise to 40 percent."


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"I think we have sufficient supplies at this time. The only things we might need would be foodstuffs, but they are easy to come by. I think that we have a deal."

Halistar holds out his hand in the manner to either be shaken or an arm clasp to seal the agreement.

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17


"Very well." he says, standing to clasp your wrist, giving a surprisingly firm shake. "When were you planning to make this expedition, and how long is it likely to take? I will need to make preparations for my men."


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

Does Halistar know how far it is to the site of the pyramids? We would need to add a few days to the number to explore inside it, then double the distance for the total.

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 ?
Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 ?
Knowledge: Geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 ?


Well, as far as you guys are aware, Raegos is the only person alive who's ever seen the place... However rumors are that the items--and their associated ruins--have been coming from the southeast, in a dangerous region known as the Underdunes. If the temple is in this area, then it will be about two to three days travel from Sothis by camel, assuming you can safely navigate the Underdunes without being buried alive...


Male Aasimar (Musetouched) Bard (Archivist) 6 AC:18, Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +6 . . . Perception+9

"Well, the expedition should take no more than 10 days tempting fate here, and I would like to leave as soon as possible. As I said before, I believe that the Paracount would be searching for something such as this, and I would like him to have little chance of getting his hands on it. I would suggest it be as well guarded as possible before we leave."

251 to 300 of 781 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / The Four Pharaohs of Ascension - Gameplay Thread All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.