Ziggurat of Lost Souls: Mummy's Mask in the Burnt World of Athas

Game Master Thackery Baxter J Thorington

Dark Sun Conversion for Pathfinder by Bodhizen

map of the Tablelands

Current Map

Faiths of Dark Sun


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The air broils beneath the scorching rays of the blazing red sun. A team of four muls, tethered to a bone palanquin by stout ropes about their necks, march with dead eyes and strong steps down the street. Four more muls, two in the front and two in the back, bearing stout dragon’s paws in their hands hide whips at their belts. They glare at all who dare choke the streets, slowing their master’s path, and shove those too slow or stupid to heed the warning. Laborers toil endlessly, building even grander mansions for their masters’ whims. Street rats and orphans run through the throngs, filching what food and money they can pocket and darting away quick as shadows before any can see. Templars and their soldiers patrol the streets to keep the King’s Peace, but really to browbeat a bribe from any unfortunate enough to attract their attention. A minstrel plays a small flute a corner to the amusement of children and adults alike. None of them notice the children picking at their pockets and purses.

A horn sounds, and a small cart rolls down the street, pulled by a crodlu toiling beneath a driver’s whip. Tied to the platform stands a powerful gladiator, his victories branded onto his arms. He flexes and roars challenges to the cheers from countless onlookers. The cart turns down a different road, and the nameless slave warrior is taken into the arena to live or die for the pleasure of his betters.

It is the 30th day of Smolder in the year of Priest’s Vengeance, the last full day before the 5-day festival known as the Festival of the Highest Sun. Each of you have been commanded to appear before Prince Ninshabur of House Eannatum at noon this day. Ninshabur is not a man to be crossed.

Ninshabur’s palace is a large, square building of baked pink-swirled yellow mudbrick. The artisans were skilled, and worked the bricks so the swirls seems to flow into each other, creating a natural fresco. Beneath the blazing red sun, the yellow walls seem stained with blood. Cold-faced guards in chitin armor stand watch on the walls, obsidian-tipped arrows trained to the streets. Two massive mul guards, again in chitin breastplates, hold razor-edged bone gythkas in their hands. As you approach, one of the guards slams his fist against the door, and the two wordlessly step aside as the doors swing open on silent hinges. Two slaves, bound by ropes of thick giant hair to loops on the inside of the door kneel as the doors open. Once you enter, they stand, and push the doors shut, only to return to their kneeling positions--one facing the doors, the others facing away.

The walls are three paces thick and open to a small antechamber. Thick colored carpets of blue and red weaves cover the floor of the antechamber, and oil lanterns burn in the corners, filling the room with the scent of incense. As you draw near the other end of the antechamber, curtains raise from cords pulled by slaves outside. They quickly release the cords as you cross into the shaded courtyard surrounded by a peristyle leading deeper into the palace. In one corner, three slaves garbed and adorned to emphasize their best attributes dance in fluid and near-constant whirls to a lively tune on a reed pipe. Guards stand ready throughout the courtyard, their lives dedicated to the man sitting on a small divan beneath the shade of a small stand of palms.

Prince Ninshabur of House Eannatum eats a date from a small bowl held aloft by a kneeling slave. He ignores the dancers entirely, instead, he motions with a finger for you to step forward. The sun sparkles on a single golden ring about his finger. His other hand holds a leather leash attached to a large thri-kreen behind him.

He favors you with a blandlook, freeborn and slave alike matter little to this man. ”You five will leave Urik and follow this map.” He opens his other hand and a guard places a stiff leather scroll tube in his palm. ”You will speak to no one. My competitors will jump at every chance to best me in the game. I am curious about where this map leads.” He smirks, and gestures vaguely with the scroll. He waves it in the air seeming to include everyone assembled before him. ”With your.. Skills… you should have no trouble getting there and exploring the region. Anything you find of importance is, of course, mine. Whatever minor trinkets you discover, though, that may assist you in your work are yours to keep. After I have assessed their true value, of course.” He balances the scroll on the slaves head and takes another date.
”You may speak “ He eats again, waiting with bland interest for servants to ask questions.

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

A strangely pale elf with green hair presumes to step forward first and ask the Prince a follow-up question. He presumes because he was chosen to be trained in The Way. He just assumes the other four must be somewhat more... replaceable.

"Though you do not know where the map leads, might you have an idea about what should be found there? Can we know the origin of the map?"


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Despite the broiling heat, the brown-haired woman wearing bone-studded leather seems at ease. A woven scarf hangs loosely about her neck and her hair is pulled back and roped with a leather thong. As no weapons are allowed in the presence of the Prince she stands with one hand on her canted hips and the other at her side.

While she is human, like many humans she has small unique traits, including oddly ragged ears (almost like they have small bites taken out of them) and a slight bluish cast to her fingernails.

She has neither scars nor a particularly muscular physique. While she is attractive, she doesn't quite seem to be a palace pleasure-slave (certainly her armor is not conducive to such a role). Nor does she have the presence of a student of the Way, or the warrior garb of a templar of Urik. Perhaps she is a trader? A household servant in a menial role? Or... something more forbidding?

Rather than bother the Prince with multiple questions at once, she waits patiently for the reply to the elf's query.


HP 10/10, AC 20, Fort +3, Ref +9, Will +3, Init +5, Perception +6 Venom 2/2, Farhand 1/1

The pale white Kreen on the end of the Prince's leash was crouched next to the divan. It helds a small, intricately carved puzzle box in each of its two sets of hands. It appeared to be solving them both simultaneously. When finished, it reset the puzzles and began anew.

It ignored the rest of the room entirely.


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

Rilkus stood motionless and quiet. Like all of the Mul seen, he had spent his entire life as a slave, and the lesson of silence had been beaten into him from a young age. While a free man, he knew that such could change on the slightest whim from a man as powerful as this.

Wearing nothing but hide armor, he had no visible weapons. Not even a bone knife. What marked him as being free was the backpack which he wore (and which carried everything he owned), and the wooden arm-guard he wore. Solid wood, it had been carved to fit over his hand and forearm as a means of protection. It was the most expensive possession he had.

The mul was quite happy to let the elf do the talking. Especially as if he misspoke, there was a chance that he would be the only one to be tortured to death.


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr Al-Urik remained bowed before the Master. His thin frame was covered by a ragged and fraying robe. His face was wrapped with a worn and faded head scarf. Only the sunburned skin around his jet black eyes was visible. He regarded the Prince with a ruthless determination. This will be my chance. This will be my destiny.

Badr silently awaited the Master's orders.


Ninshabur's mouth quirks at Darzus' bravery. "A slave brought it to me. How he acquired it is none of your concern. It leads to a location near the Smoking Crown. I do not know what you will find there. But, I suspect it will be dangerous. You will handle it. You will bring back anythign of interest you find."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Sienna hesitates briefly but perceptibly before she speaks, and she looks at the ground as she does so, saying, "Oh great Prince, has your magnanimous House deigned to provide us with any other tools with which we might improve our chances of success?"


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr bows his head when the Prince speaks. ”As you command, Master.”


Sienna Raindancer wrote:
Sienna hesitates briefly but perceptibly before she speaks, and she looks at the ground as she does so, saying, "Oh great Prince, has your magnanimous House deigned to provide us with any other tools with which we might improve our chances of success?"

Ninshabur smirks. "You have audacity to ask anything of your betters. Ordinarily, I would have anyone who spoke to me in such a way flayed alive. But, I am rather fond of flattery. You may have use of this." The leash slips free of the Prince's hand and floats to hang in front of those assembled before him. "Bug is quite capable, and you may find its skills useful as you carry out my wishes. Ask nothing further of me. I will offer you nothing but my commands: Go to this place. Plumb its depths and uncover its treasures. Return to me when you are done, and deliver to me anything of interest."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Sienna bows low, hands clasped together before her, in a gesture of respect.


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

Rilkus quickly bows as well, knowing how truly fortunate they are.

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

Darzus bows and quickly takes the leash of the bug, and then begins to retreat, hoping that the others quickly follow so that they can make proper introductions and see what this group is made of.


As the others leave, Ninshabur stands and walk out of the courtyard, leaving the map on the divan he sat on. It's angled towards the doors, making the I'm location clear: discuss, but do not overstay your welcome.

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

The elf looks curiously around at the rest of this abruptly gathered group. He takes a very brief several seconds to scan each of them in turn.

"So, I don't know any of you but I suspect we each have a different association to the good prince. I myself was plucked from my prior life and trained in The Way, and in return I must show loyalty and undertake missions such as this."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

"I am a cook. I typically work for the trade Houses, but I was referred here by my normal contact with House Wavir," says the human woman. She rests her shortspear on the ground, idly making small circles with it.


HP 10/10, AC 20, Fort +3, Ref +9, Will +3, Init +5, Perception +6 Venom 2/2, Farhand 1/1

Bug trotted along obediently next to Darzus on four limbs in a strange half-crouched gait that used one set of hands as makeshift front legs, scrabbling in a strange but graceful motion. In it's higher set of hands it was still solving a puzzle box. The second one had been squirreled away somewhere when the leash had passed hands.

It was impossible to tell where Bug was looking. It's rounded, multifaceted eyes seemed to face every direction. Usually Kreen make a habit of aiming their mandibles and antennae toward whatever they were focused on. It wasn't really necessary for them, but Kreen found that giving visual focus cues to the softskins helped everyone get along in mixed species societies. Bug didn't do that at all. Anyone used to those sort of Kreen social cues would probably have assumed Bug was looking at the floor. If it heard, understood or cared about what was being discussed, it gave no indication.


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr nods at the others. "I'm Badr Al-Urik. I'm just a humble slave. A slave with a skill set that may prove useful during this expedition."

He looks at each member in the group in turn and then pauses on Darzus. "As disdainful as it may be, we must learn to trust each other. We will only survive if we work together as a team."

"I suggest we prepare to move out at once. The Prince is not one to be kept waiting."


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

”Name is Rilkus. I’m a free Mul. No cash, no water. But I can pick a lock and break an arm. Figure they figured you lot need some muscle.”


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Sienna abruptly strides to the divan and picks up the map. She glances at it and says, "We should figure out how far this is... so we can make sure we have enough food and water for the trip."

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none
Badr Al-Urik wrote:
He looks at each member in the group in turn and then pauses on Darzus. "As disdainful as it may be, we must learn to trust each other. We will only survive if we work together as a team."

He sighs in resignation at the indication. "Yes, I agree. These differences aren't going to matter when it comes to accomplishing the prince's bidding. We are all at least joined by servitude to him."

Badr Al-Urik wrote:
"I suggest we prepare to move out at once. The Prince is not one to be kept waiting."
Sienna Raindancer wrote:
Sienna abruptly strides to the divan and picks up the map. She glances at it and says, "We should figure out how far this is... so we can make sure we have enough food and water for the trip."

"Yes, we can figure each other out more on the way. Food, water, and does anybody have access to an Erdlu, or something else that could bear extra water?"

Suddenly remembering...

"Oh, and my name is Darzus!"


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

"Does anyone even know how to handle an erdlu?"

Does anyone have ranks in Handle Animal? Otherwise it's just gonna run off in the desert, or get cranky, or otherwise be more trouble than it's worth.


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr only shakes his head. "I have no experience with beasts. We must be prepared to carry any supplies we need."

He then joins Sienna in looking at the map. "What does it say?"


And here's where i forget to give you guys the all-important KNOWLEDGE ROLL SPOILERS
The map is ancient. It's so old that the parchment (shockingly made from what looks to be the hide of a mul) is almost completely faded away in places, and mentions cities that do not exist like Bodach and Waverly. But, the map is fragile, and begins to crumble and crack as soon as it's unfurled.

anyone making a DC 15 Geography check:

From a quick glance, you gather that the ruin is somewhere in the sandy wastes against the eastern edge of the Smoking Crown. It should take about seven days, if you take the road north from Urik. But, then you're going to have skirt the southern edge of the mountains east and then head north. Makla is an obsidian mining town inside the Smoking Crown. It could be used to resupply before heading east, but it's also a day's trek out of the way.

anyone making a DC 15 Survival check:

The sandy wastes around the Smoking Crown are almost completely barren of water. The dunes suck up any moisture faster than a thirsty slave. It'll be particularly challenging to find anything to drink. The mountains will harbor press gangs, raiders, beast tribes, and other monsters. This is not an easy task Ninshabur has set you!


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Sienna takes a waterskin that's lashed to her bag, opens the top, and takes a small amount of water - just enough to form a drop - and touches it to her forehead while she mutters something unintelligible.

Guidance.

Survival, +guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15

"I don't recognize much of this," she says. "There are cities on here that do not exist?" She very carefully regards the map and hovers a finger over one of the aforementioned ancient places. "But it looks like the Prince has tasked us with traveling through the Dragon's Crown. That is an area of desolate wastes. We must bring as much water as we can, and we should expect many monsters under the dunes, as well as raiders."

She squeezes another lone drop of water from her waterskin and flicks it off her finger, then traces the map with her damp fingertip. Strangely, the map seems to knit beneath her touch. Perhaps the water is holding the flaking fragments of parchment together like glue.

Mending.

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

Not trained in this knowledge...

"Any idea how long it will take us to get there? Now I'm really wishing we had an animal to carry extra water. Rilkus?"


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

"Sorry, I misspoke - the Smoking Crown, not the Dragon's Crown. Hah! As if we would climb the mountains and get to the Forest Ridge. I hear those mountains are impassable," says Sienna with a chuckle.

"The Smoking Crown is about seventy miles along the road to the northwest - four or five days' travel if you are afoot, used to traveling through desert terrain, and not an elf. A lone elf could make it in three-quarters of that time... a mul could do it in half if he didn't sleep. But I think we will need to travel together for safety. We should get... hmm, about five or six gallons of water per person if we plan to try to find more water when we arrive. Maybe more - it's always good to overestimate how much water you'll need. The map shows a pond? Maybe there's water past the ridge. If you think you can survive in the desert and find water, maybe less... but it would be risky. And that area of desert is rather barren," she adds.

"I can perhaps fund the purchase of some additional water for this expedition. Consider it an... investment?"

Darzus:
Don't know how familiar you are with the Dark Sun setting, but elves don't use pack animals. Those are reserved only for carrying critically wounded, enfeebled, or pregnant elves. Elf tribes run across the desert at high speed.
Or perhaps your character made that suggestion because he's just weird and different. :)

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

Sienna:
Familiar enough (from 2e, I won’t say I retained every detail). Darzus was orphaned and grew up a city elf, not really belonging that well.


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

Rilkus looked at the map and shrugged. This was far outside of his area of expertise, which amounted to picking up heavy objects, putting down heavy objects, and disarming potentially fatal traps.

"Having water would be a wise investment. We will, of course, pay you back from whatever haul we find."


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Badr looks at the map and shrugs. "I don't recognize it. The Smoking Crown you say? Well, it's as good as any other place."

He nods at Sienna's suggestion and pulls out a meager bag of ceramic pieces. "I know a place where we can get water and some food."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Sienna moves to exit the chamber, as hinted by the position of the map when she first picked it up. She squints slightly as she leaves the room and transitions to the hot sun, pauses outside, points and says, "That way - northwest. There's a small trade road that goes to the quarries, I think. We should be able to follow it. If we can get in with a caravan, even better - mutual protect. Though raiders are more likely to attack a caravan; more spoils." She shrugs. "Up to us to decide as a group, I suppose."

As Badr jingles his small pouch of ceramic pieces, Sienna nods and says, "I'm thinking we will need a lot of water, so I may buy a barrel and fill it partway. That will give us enough to get to the Smoking Crown, at least. Rilkus, do you think you could manage to carry it on your back? We could string a rope through the barrel-handles so you can wear it like a pack. I could carry your blanket for you in my pack."

"If we can manage that, and we can purchase enough food for the trip, we could even leave before sunset today."


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

Rilkus nodded, leased that Sienna was being polite. He was far used to people barking orders at him.

"I've carried heavier for longer. I'll be glad too."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Sienna nods. "Very well. Badr, would you be so good as to lead us to the market that you had in mind?"

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

"A caravan is not a bad idea. We don't have to put in mutual protection at all costs. After a certain amount of trouble we can bail and be no worse off than before."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Typo, should've been mutual protection.


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr leads the group to a local market that he used to frequent. "One of my old guild mates is the proprietor. I'll see if I can get us a deal."

He begins making arrangements for the food and water.


HP 10/10, AC 20, Fort +3, Ref +9, Will +3, Init +5, Perception +6 Venom 2/2, Farhand 1/1

'Caravan.'

Bug knew that word. They were what softskins called a hunting party, or a traveling survival-clutch that roamed out from the main hive to search for food, water, and others to bring into the hive.

She liked caravans. Her antennae vibrated with excitement.


Sorry. my computer decided to not allow me to see anything on my monitor. The problem has been fixed. I think

Sienna calls to the power of the life-giving rain. She can almost see the water falling upon the map, nourishing the dried skin, making it supple and whole once more. It cannot restore the ink, that is lost.
Not even the winter storms can restore the muds scoured away by the wind. But, enough remains of the map that she can see where they must go: a ruined town on the eastern side of the Smoking Crown. Ninshabur's servants carefully store the map in its case and leave the palace, intent on their goal of finding a caravan and water.

anyone making a DC 15 diplomacy check:

Three guards are complaining that Akiya, the merchant they're paid to protect is forcing his wagons to leave, tonight, on the first day of the Festival of Highest Sun. He hopes leaving so early will get him to Raam before the siroccos start.

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Darzus overhears some guards complaining and briefly inquires about their plight. He rejoins the group to report of an opportunity.

"So I was talking to those guards over there, and they work for a merchant named Akiya. He wants his caravan to leave tonight and they weren't expecting this. This seems like as good a chance as any to take up with a caravan. Should I tell them we'll guard the caravan in their stead? We should probably meet with this Akiya briefly and work out terms."


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

"If we're going to the Smoking Crown, Raam is in the wrong direction," says Sienna. "Raam is east, past the Dragon's Bowl. The Smoking Crown is northwest. Two different areas of mountains."

DM, is this just an error, or is the caravan-driver just flavor since he's not going the same way we're going?

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

"Oh, sorry. I'm really quite a city elf. I've not roamed the deserts as my ancestors did. There were always far more pockets to pick here, before my training in The Way." He smiles sheepishly.


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr nods, "The caravan brings safety in numbers, but it can also be a target. Let's confirm with Akiya that the caravan is headed in the right direction."


Sienna Raindancer wrote:

"If we're going to the Smoking Crown, Raam is in the wrong direction," says Sienna. "Raam is east, past the Dragon's Bowl. The Smoking Crown is northwest. Two different areas of mountains."

DM, is this just an error, or is the caravan-driver just flavor since he's not going the same way we're going?

Not an error, he's going up first, and then heading east

Akiya is a solid dwarf, nearly as wide as he is tall, all of it muscle. He looks carved from obsidian. His eyes are chips of alabaster, peering at his caravan from beneath blue turban. His chest is bare, yellow tattoos flash on his chest, signifying his clan, and even his lifequest: wealth and power. Despite his stature, he commands his guards (muls and freemen alike), with sharp gestures from a riding crop.

He arcs an alabaster eyebrow as Ninshabur's servants approach. "Yes?"


1 person marked this as a favorite.
INACTIVE - GAME DIED

"Greetings," says Sienna with a slight bow. "I understand that you are a master of a caravan headed to the Smoking Crown. We," she indicates her group with a gesture - "are hoping to travel there and wondered if you might consider it in mutual interest to travel together. I am a cook with some experience traveling in Wavir caravans, and my associates have a variety of useful skills. If you need extra staff, we could fill the vacancies, and I'm sure we can work out a reasonable deal."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21


M Human Rogue (Knife Master) 1; Perception+6, Init+4, AC 17, HP 15, Fort +3, Ref+6, Will +3; dagger +4 (1d4+1)

Badr joins the conversation with Akiya and attempts to assist Sienna. "We know how to fight and can help you defend the caravan."

Diplomacy (aid other): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

Not being one for small talk, Rilkus stoically stood by, carrying the load of supplies on his back. He had to admit, the human and elf were smooth talkers. He was glad there were comrades here to shoulder that burden.


Akiya looks over the small group. "Fighters, eh?" He gives Rilkus a pointed look. "I should think so." He strokes the small beard at his chin, pursing his lips in thought. "What assurance do I have that you won't try and rob me at night. You can't tell me that that bug of yours understands property".

anyone making a DC 10 Sense Motive or diplomacy check:

Akiya's just posturing for appearances. If he agreed to quickly, it'd look like he was soft in front of his hired hands--and they'd turn against him. Perhaps something could be offered as collateral?


Wounds (4) HP (50) AC (21) Initiative (-1) LoH (25/25) Lvl 1 (4/4) Lvl 2 (2/2) CD (1/1) Insp (1/1) HD (5/5) [CAMPAIGN COMPLETE] Paladin (5) Passive Perception: 12; Passive Investigation: 12; Passive Insight: 10

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Dwarven”You have my word. I have nothing as valuable as that to give, and if it is not sufficient then nothing I can say or give will be.”

Dark Archive

Male Elf Psychic 2 | HP 10/10 | AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 | CMB +1, CMD 14 | Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +2 vs. enchantments | Init +8 | Perception +7, Sense Motive +5 | Speed 30ft | Spells 1st 5/5 | phrenic pool 3/3 | oneiromancy 5/5 | Dream Leech 2/2 | Active conditions: none

Darzus remains quiet but takes a swift moment to manifest Judgement as the merchant finishes his question, so that he can read him better.

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

Realizing that the merchant just wants to save face, he remains silent to let his companions deal with him.


INACTIVE - GAME DIED

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"And go where? We'd never be able to outrun your outriders, especially if you have any erdlus. Maybe the elf, but the rest of us would be easy to hunt down," says Sienna in counterpoint. "Even if we came back to the city, we'd just be fugitives. You couldn't let such a hit to your reputation stand - we'd be spending the rest of our lives looking over our shoulders."

"How about this," she says. "I'll put a personal stake in your caravan. Twenty ceramic? Consider me a personal investor."

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