Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
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.
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.
Lanialiar Redtear |
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
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
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.
Halistar Goldentongue |
"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
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
The Crook Bearer nods, not seeming affronted by Halistar's desire to skip the courtesies.
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.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
"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.
Lanialiar Redtear |
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?
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
"Just Crook Bearer. The Crook Bearer if necessary." he corrects Halistar, pointedly ignoring Algharud and Lanialiar and their shenanigans.
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.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
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.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
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.
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
"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."
Halistar Goldentongue |
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
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
"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?"
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
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."
Halistar Goldentongue |
"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
Halistar Goldentongue |
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 ?
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
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...
Halistar Goldentongue |
"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."