"It doesn't sound like he wants to." he whispers back.

Ixius wrote:

"It doesn't sound like he wants to." he whispers back.

Well, the Mithral Scarab isn't going to convince him. Someone want to take a crack at it?

Realizing that the vital information the blind seeming man may have will not be readily forthcoming without some persuasion, Korian steps forward to try his hand at convincing the fellow.

"Esteemed Raegos, I am Korian, a humble yet eager scholar and seeker of ancient artifacts. It is my understanding that you are in a very unique position, being the only person alive who has been inside the true tomb of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension. As such, honoured father, we beseech your aid for it will be invaluable. I beg you, tell us as much as you can about what we may face when we enter the tombs. Share with us your secrets on how to survive and how to delve into and retrieve all of the tombs wealth and knowledge before others beat us to it."

Pausing for a moment to wet his lips, Korian continues
"Know as well, oh wise one, that you will be aiding those who only seek to preserve the artifacts of our forefathers for the benefit and honour of the people, as opposed to those who seek only to honour their own greed and profit."

Glancing to the mysterious woman who had brought here, but not knowing if he should mention The Society or not, Korain ends with
"Surely you must know that your...companion who brought us here would not have done so without the best of reasons."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

C'mon dice! No spicy beef, no spicy beef...

"Esteemed Raegos, I am Korian, a humble yet eager scholar and seeker of ancient artifacts. It is my understanding that you are in a very unique position, being the only person alive who has been inside the true tomb of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension. As such, honoured father, we beseech your aid for it will be invaluable. I beg you, tell us as much as you can about what we may face when we enter the tombs. Share with us your secrets on how to survive and how to delve into and retrieve all of the tombs wealth and knowledge before others beat us to it."

Pausing for a moment to wet his lips, Korian continues
"Know as well, oh wise one, that you will be aiding those who only seek to preserve the artifacts of our forefathers for the benefit and honour of the people, as opposed to those who seek only to honour their own greed and profit."

Glancing to the mysterious woman who had brought here, but not knowing if he should mention The Society or not, Korain ends with
"Surely you must know that your...companion who brought us here would not have done so without the best of reasons."
Diplomacy:1d20+4

C'mon dice! No spicy beef, no spicy beef...

"Ahhhh, very well," the man says, resignation in his voice. "If I don't talk, you'll likely start singing some moving ditty."

The read-aloud text is very long and I don't want to copy it word for word. The summary:

The man is named Raegos.
When he was barely older than a boy he was hired, along with nine others in his tribe, to help an elderly scholar launch an expedition. They were well paid and didn't ask many questions.

This was over 54 years ago, following a period of intense weather. The scholar said it was because "the Ringed Planet was in its ascendency".

The scholar did tell the party that "the pyramid of the Four Pharoahs of Ascension was hidden on another plane of existence".

The key to calling the pyramid was a funeral mask "inlayed with gold and adorned with a headdress of feathers, dyed both red and black".

Once the expedition reached the four pyramids -- the ones that are on this plane and have recently been rediscovered after five decades of being buried in the sands -- Imivus, the scholar, put on the funeral mask while standing at the base of the pyramids. A shimmering green veinsotne pyramid appeared and the party entered.

Warnings at the entrance declared that all intruders would become enslaved monsters and never exit, threatening that anyone who saw the four symbols would be forever transformed.

The party laughed it off and ignored the first two symbols when they came across them on walls or doors; the third troubled them. When one of Raegos' uncles saw the fourth, he barely had time to avert his eyes before he was transformed into a walking, withered husk of a man like that of an embalmed body.

Imivus was the first to die. The others ran while the mummy pursued. Some of the others must have seen the fourth rune when they glanced back because Raegos saw at least three of his relatives transformed. Only Raegos escaped.

He has worn this blindfold ever since. He has seen three of the runes. The fourth will be his death.

Questions?

Questions?

For sure, I had just been giving the others a chance to speak to the man if they wanted to. Ovirid, with your history knowledge you should be in here! :P

Korian is enraptured by the old man's tale, his mind going off on a million tangents and possibilities. Even though a part of him knows better, he can't help himself and he fire's off a rapid string of questions at the only living witness of the Tombs fury and majesty.

"Did you ever hear the scholar mention when next the Ringed Planet would be in ascendancy?"

"Another plane of existence?! Which Plane? Was nothing more needed to get there than the possession and wearing of this mask? And What of the mask? Do you know what became of it?"

"This scholar, Imivrus, what was his full name? Where did he come from? How did he happen upon your tribe?"

"What of the pyramid itself, what was it like inside? What did you find in there before you fled? Did you bring nothing out of the pyramid whatsoever?"

"These symbols, can you describe them? Had you ever seen the like before?"

"How did you escape? What happened to the pyramid when you left it? Had you ever heard of any other who entered after you?"

Having hardly paused for breath in between his questions, Korian takes one now and, his eyes hungry like a starving wolves, he leans in forward slightly as he waits for the fear-blinded man's answers.

The young mage, while listening to the story, had also been racking his brains to try and remember anything he could about the stories and legends he had heard, or if this Imivrus or anything rang familiar to him.
K Arcana:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
K History:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Korian's knowledge (history) check tells him:

The Four Pharoahs of Ascension ruled Ancient Osiroin during the third age of the black sphinx. They struggled against each other but established an uneasy truce. The Four Pharoahs were Anok Fero, the Cerulean Pharoah; Hetshepsu, the Fiend Pharoah; Ankana, teh Radiant Pharoah; and the Pharoah of Numbers, who's true anme is lost to time.

Korian is enraptured by the old man's tale, his mind going off on a million tangents and possibilities. Even though a part of him knows better, he can't help himself and he fire's off a rapid string of questions at the only living witness of the Tombs fury and majesty.

"Did you ever hear the scholar mention when next the Ringed Planet would be in ascendancy?"

"Another plane of existence?! Which Plane?"

"Was nothing more needed to get there than the possession and wearing of this mask? And What of the mask? Do you know what became of it?"

"This scholar, Imivrus, what was his full name? Where did he come from? How did he happen upon your tribe?"

"What of the pyramid itself, what was it like inside? What did you find in there before you fled?

Did you bring nothing out of the pyramid whatsoever?"

"These symbols, can you describe them? Had you ever seen the like before?"

"How did you escape? What happened to the pyramid when you left it? Had you ever heard of any other who entered after you?"

Battling with emotions of both excitement and frustration as the old man answers his questions, Korian ruminates on what he recalls of the Four Pharaohs themselves.

At the man's first question, Korian distractedly answers
"Penultimate? No, no it means 'Next to Last'. Which means we shall never have another chance like the one before us now..."

Turning then to look at the man, even though he knows the blind man cannot see him, Korian says
"You have my many eternal thanks brave Raegos. Already have you provided much that was not previously known. If there is anything we can do to ease your lot, you need but ask. If I may though, I pray you answer just a few more questions. "

"First, what of the other temples, the temples of the Four Pharaohs themselves. Have you or any of your tribe ever entered them? Do you know anything of them? Please, if so, tell us what you know."

"As for Imivus, I ask of him for to know of his origins may give some clue as to where he was from. Perhaps he even has some long abandoned tower or wizard's lab that may contain some of the clues and knowledge we seek. Anything you can recall of him will be helpful."

Finally as he comes to the last and most important part, and striving mightily to hold in his excitement and frustration at this point, Korian speaks as calmly and imploringly as he can as he says
"And last but by no means least wise Raegos, what of the Mask? This merchant you sold it to, surely you must remember something of him? His name, the location of his business, anything that help us find him. For, if what you tell us is correct, and surely it is, without the mask all our hopes are lost. We Must find it!"

Having finally lost his control at the end, Korian coughs embarrassingly and, in a much more polite tone again says humbly
"Ah, please except my apologies merciful Raegos, my passion gets the better of me at times. I humbly beg your forgiveness. Yet the truth remains, without the mask we are finished before we begin."

If anyone can think of anything else to ask, even you Ovirid, please do so here or in the OOC : )and Tarren, I was gonna roll another Diplomacy check, but I was ascared =D
But if you need one, feel free to roll for me, his mod is +4

Battling with emotions of both excitement and frustration as the old man answers his questions, Korian ruminates on what he recalls of the Four Pharaohs themselves.

At the man's first question, Korian distractedly answers
"Penultimate? No, no it means 'Next to Last'. Which means we shall never have another chance like the one before us now..."

heheh ... remember that thread?

"First, what of the other temples, the temples of the Four Pharaohs themselves. Have you or any of your tribe ever entered them? Do you know anything of them? Please, if so, tell us what you know."

"As for Imivus, I ask of him for to know of his origins may give some clue as to where he was from. Perhaps he even has some long abandoned tower or wizard's lab that may contain some of the clues and knowledge we seek. Anything you can recall of him will be helpful."

Finally as he comes to the last and most important part, and striving mightily to hold in his excitement and frustration at this point, Korian speaks as calmly and imploringly as he can as he says

"And last but by no means least wise Raegos, what of the Mask? This merchant you sold it to, surely you must remember something of him? His name, the location of his business, anything that help us find him. For, if what you tell us is correct, and surely it is, without the mask all our hopes are lost. We Must find it!"

Having finally lost his control at the end, Korian coughs embarrassingly and, in a much more polite tone again says humbly "Ah, please except my apologies merciful Raegos, my passion gets the better of me at times. I humbly beg your forgiveness. Yet the truth remains, without the mask we are finished before we begin."
If anyone can...

Sykala shifts impatiently not even trying to follow Korian's constant torrent of words. Finally, unable to contain herself any longer she blurts out, "What of elementals?! They fight. Cause much wind. Unbury py-ra-mid. Where find?"

Sykala shifts impatiently not even trying to follow Korian's constant torrent of words. Finally, unable to contain herself any longer she blurts out, "What of elementals?! They fight. Cause much wind. Unbury py-ra-mid. Where find?"

Looking at the others and says somewhat matter-a-factly, "We go py-ra-mid. See fierce elementals." She walks out of the tent apparently satisfied.

Ixius shrugs at Korian. "We should probably try to find that mask." To Raegos he says "I'm pretty sure it means next-to-last," then turns to follow Sykala out the door.

Hey! You missed my questions about the Merchant who Bought the mask Terran. Was that accidental? Or on purpose? :P Out of the 40,000 or so merchants in this city, without some sorta clue as to who he is, finding him may just be a tad difficult.

After/If Raegos tells them about the Merchant

Hey! You missed my questions about the Merchant who Bought the mask Terran. Was that accidental? Or on purpose? :P Out of the 40,000 or so merchants in this city, without some sorta clue as to who he is, finding him may just be a tad difficult.

After/If Raegos tells them about the Merchant
** spoiler omitted **

"He was a merchant. A street seller. What would I care of his name. I was glad to be rid of it."

Which is about what Raegos knows. ... There are a number of ways of finding the mask. Some of which are more gimmes than others.

Reply is in the OOC for esthetic reason : )

Gathering that you are leaving the man's tent:

"'ere's yer stuff, 'n yers, too. Now, what did th' afflicted man say? What sort o' condition do 'e 'ave?" There's a touch a morbid curiosity in the dwarf's eyes at that last.

Gathering that you are leaving the man's tent:

"'ere's yer stuff, 'n yers, too. Now, what did th' afflicted man say? What sort o' condition do 'e 'ave?" There's a touch a morbid curiosity in the dwarf's eyes at that last.

Hey! You missed my questions about the Merchant who Bought the mask Terran. Was that accidental? Or on purpose? :P Out of the 40,000 or so merchants in this city, without some sorta clue as to who he is, finding him may just be a tad difficult.

After/If Raegos tells them about the Merchant
** spoiler omitted **

Ovirid Thorvirson wrote:

Gathering that you are leaving the man's tent:

"'ere's yer stuff, 'n yers, too. Now, what did th' afflicted man say? What sort o' condition do 'e 'ave?" There's a touch a morbid curiosity in the dwarf's eyes at that last.

"Well, he's not DEAF that's for sure," calls Raegos from inside the tent.

Korian takes his belongings from Ovirid, taking the opportunity to whisper to his friend
"Pray patience just a few moments longer friend Dwarf, I shall tell you all when I can be sure that all ears who hear it can be trusted. What think ye though so far of our convenient and perhaps too beautiful scholar? Can she be trusted?"

After Ovirid's answer, Korian turns to the Mithral Scarab, smiling politely as he says
"You have my great thanks, we would likely never have found Raegos on our own. Do you have aught more for us, or is your part in this now concluded?"

If the Scarab indicates she has given us all the aid she can or the like, Korian will thank her genuinely and begin to lead the way back to lodge.

Also, not really important Terran, but just wanted to check if you caught the part I put in the spoiler, about Korian asking Raegos to mislead anyone else who asks after the pyramid?

Korian takes his belongings from Ovirid, taking the opportunity to whisper to his friend
"Pray patience just a few moments longer friend Dwarf, I shall tell you all when I can be sure that all ears who hear it can be trusted. What think ye though so far of our convenient and perhaps too beautiful scholar? Can she be trusted?"

After Ovirid's answer, Korian turns to the Mithral Scarab, smiling politely as he says
"You have my great thanks, we would likely never have found Raegos on our own. Do you have aught more for us, or is your part in this now concluded?"

If the Scarab indicates she has given us all the aid she can or the like, Korian will thank her genuinely and begin to lead the way back to lodge.

Also, not really important Terran, but just wanted to check if you caught the part I put in the spoiler, about Korian asking Raegos to mislead anyone else who asks after the pyramid?

She doesn't wait for an answer.

Yes. Caught that part about misleading.

"Well, she's no' too fond o' me at th' moment, Ah fear."

What does Ovirid think of her? Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Turning to his companions, Korian puts on a big smile and says
"Well! I believe our business here is done for the moment. I do not know about the rest of you, but after this day's activity so far, I famished! I know of any excellent place to eat, the owner is a personal friend of mine and shall treat us well. If you would be so kind as to join me, it will be my pleasure to treat you all."

Turning to Sykala and Ixius he adds with a smile and a wink
"Oh, and the place I'm taking us just happens to be right underneath that big bug you wished to see!"

"If you will permit me but a moment..." Korian takes the time to make sure his Haversack is well wrapped, concealed and protected underneath his loose clothes and Keffiyah. He also instructs Jinx to sleep on top of it keeping guard again. Once ready he looks up with a smile and says, sweeping his arm out "Shall we?"

Moving to offer his arm to Neferet, Korian smiles at her and says
"So, Neferet it is, yes? I pray, please tell me all about yourself. How did you find yourself in our big city and what led you to becoming a scholar of ancient Orisian?"
Diplomacy:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 crossing my fingers!

Korian will keep up a pleasant conversation with her, yet, while he is interested in her answers, his true motive is to try and get a proper sense of her.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Hey! Before I edited this post, the original SM roll was 13 too. What gives?

Tarren, I'm guessing it's safe to assume Korian knows of an appropriate place to eat under the bug's carapace? Somewhere of quality, where he is on good terms with the owner and they can get a private booth or room or something?

"Well, she's no' too fond o' me at th' moment, Ah fear."

What does Ovirid think of her? Sense Motive 1d20 + 2

Turning to his companions, Korian puts on a big smile and says
"Well! I believe our business here is done for the moment. I do not know about the rest of you, but after this day's activity so far, I famished! I know of any excellent place to eat, the owner is a personal friend of mine and shall treat us well. If you would be so kind as to join me, it will be my pleasure to treat you all."

Turning to Sykala and Ixius he adds with a smile and a wink
"Oh, and the place I'm taking us just happens to be right underneath that big bug you wished to see!"

"If you will permit me but a moment..." Korian takes the time to make sure his Haversack is well wrapped, concealed and protected underneath his loose clothes and Keffiyah. He also instructs Jinx to sleep on top of it keeping guard again. Once ready he looks up with a smile and says, sweeping his arm out "Shall we?"

Moving to offer his arm to Neferet, Korian smiles at her and says
"So, Neferet it is, yes? I pray, please tell me all about yourself. How did you find yourself in our big city and what led you to becoming a scholar of ancient Orisian?"
Diplomacy:1d20+4 crossing my fingers!

Korian will keep up a pleasant conversation with her, yet, while he is interested in her answers, his true motive is to try and get a proper sense of her.
Sense Motive: 1d20+6 Hey! Before I edited this post, the original SM roll was 13 too. What gives?

Tarren, I'm guessing it's safe to assume Korian knows of an appropriate place to eat under the bug's carapace? Somewhere of quality, where he is on good terms with the owner and they can get a private booth or room or something?

Don't know about the dice roller. It doesn't usually act funny.

Neferet tells Korian and the party about her life as the daughter of a merchant. Growing up all over the inner sea, she seldom knew Osirion. Her father told her -- and anyone else who would listen -- unbelievable tales about a world of tombs and treasures and cities of gold in the sand. When her father died and she returned here at the age of 15, she found the mundane reality of Osirion too much to bear. She began to slip into taverns discreetly and hide in the corners so she could listen to the storytellers and expeditionaries. She persuaded a lovesick boy who worked at one of the palace libraries to let her read scrolls allowed only to advisors to the pharoah. She educated herself on Ancient Osirion only because modern Osirion was too much to live with.

Neferet flips her hair and looks sidelong at Ixius to see if he's paying attention. When she does, Ovirid notices something:

Sykala gives Korian a big smile and gives Ixius a look that says at least someone knows how to treat her. That is.... until she takes a dislike to Neferet's look at Ixius. She begins fingering one of her spidersilk and sap tanglefoot bags while glaring at the offending hair being flipped Ixius direction.....

Ixius is paying attention to the story but seems oblivious to the hair flip and the sidelong glance.

Ovirid stares at the beauty for a moment before he falls back half a step to be out of the young lady's immediate view and signals Korian to lend an ear.

"Ah dinnae what might be fer goin' on 'ere, lad, but yon wee lass is the spittin' image o' the statue ye didn't buy back 'ere at th' auction. 'ow can that be?"

Don't recall if I specifically attempted to recall anything about the statue's model.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

I'm really liking the ability to see the thread above the posting window -- where do I go to give kudos for that change? Anybody know?

Ovirid stares at the beauty for a moment before he falls back half a step to be out of the young lady's immediate view and signals Korian to lend an ear.

"Ah dinnae what might be fer goin' on 'ere, lad, but yon wee lass is the spittin' image o' the statue ye didn't buy back 'ere at th' auction. 'ow can that be?"

Don't recall if I specifically attempted to recall anything about the statue's model.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 12

I'm really liking the ability to see the thread above the posting window -- where do I go to give kudos for that change? Anybody know?

I think Ovirid recognized the style of the clothes in the statue to be somewhat out of period.

Does Korian know of any historical reference to a Neferet? Or something similar? I'm thinking of someone 'famous', like King Tut. But if that requires a roll, go ahead, +9

[ooc]PS, is anyone other than myself still checking the OOC at all? >_>

Does Korian know of any historical reference to a Neferet? Or something similar? I'm thinking of someone 'famous', like King Tut. But if that requires a roll, go ahead, +9

PS, is anyone other than myself still checking the OOC at all? >_>

[ooc]I do check the OOC but occassionally miss stuff.

I think Ovirid recognized the style of the clothes in the statue to be somewhat out of period.

Whispering to Korian, "Didjer want t' be fer askin' yer girlfriend if'n she 'as 'ad a career as an artist's model?" The tone is serious, but the mage sees a certain twinkle in the dwarf's eye.

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

I think Ovirid recognized the style of the clothes in the statue to be somewhat out of period.

Tarren: What period did the clothes on the statue appear correct for? That is, was it a relatively modern sculpture of our friend passed off as antique?

Whispering to Korian, "Didjer want t' be fer askin' yer girlfriend if'n she 'as 'ad a career as an artist's model?" The tone is serious, but the mage sees a certain twinkle in the dwarf's eye.

The clothes were correct for the period but the hair was off. Ovirid, being a dwarf with a keen eye for women's fashions, notices these things.

Not able to hold his incredulous look any longer, Korian finally cracks the smile he had been holding and says
"It seems our the young woman has her own secrets, yes? Perhaps we can get them out of her...wait a minute! 'Girlfriend'!??!"

Putting on a mock serious face again, Korian shakes his head at his Dwarven friend.

As they are approaching the edge of the shade provided by the humongous carapace, Korian turns to Sykala and Ixius saying
"We are almost at the restaurant my friends."

Then calling for the beautiful young scholar to join them once again, Korian asks her
"As you say you are knowledgeable in these things, perhaps you can settle an argument for us Neferet? You see, we were discussing the pieces we did not manage to procure at the auction and in particular, that first statue of the woman. Ovirid here was saying that he felt some aspects of the style of the statue were wrong for the period while I myself was saying that the women of that age were much more beautiful than that. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Although he speaks casually, once again, the young mage is keeping a very observant eye on her to try and determine her true reaction.
Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Sense Motive:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"As you say you are knowledgeable in these things, perhaps you can settle an argument for us Neferet? You see, we were discussing the pieces we did not manage to procure at the auction and in particular, that first statue of the woman. Ovirid here was saying that he felt some aspects of the style of the statue were wrong for the period while I myself was saying that the women of that age were much more beautiful than that. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Although he speaks casually, once again, the young mage is keeping a very observant eye on her to try and determine her true reaction.
Perception:1d20+10
Sense Motive:1d20+6

She glares at Korian as if she would like to throw him into a pit of live asps.

Hee hee! Well, looks like she isn't going to be giving up her secrets easily anyway. Fun!

Barely managing to contain his mirth to no more than a polite smile and nod, Korian says
"Ah, perhaps you are right. Still, I think it might be a good idea to try and get our hands on that statue after all."

Then, stopping in front of a large, well decorated and impressive white tent, Korian says "We are here."

Raising his voice, the young mage shouts
"Has the quality of this pig's sty deteriorated even further?! Where is the host? Where are the servants to see to honoured and respected guests who are near to dying from thirst and hunger from the interminable wait!"

The impish grin he turns back on his comrades clearly shows the obvious untruth and playfulness in his bellow.

Tarren

Raising his voice, the young mage shouts
"Has the quality of this pig's sty deteriorated even further?! Where is the host? Where are the servants to see to honoured and respected guests who are near to dying from thirst and hunger from the interminable wait!"

The impish grin he turns back on his comrades clearly shows the obvious untruth and playfulness in his bellow.

Tarren
** spoiler omitted **

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Completely taken off guard by the blow, the young mage is nevertheless still quick to react and he tries to roll with the blow as he worries if something may have happened to his friend.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

See the OOC please

Initiative: 1d20+5

Completely taken off guard by the blow, the young mage is nevertheless still quick to react and he tries to roll with the blow as he worries if something may have happened to his friend.
Acrobatics: 1d20+6

See the OOC please

"Damn you, ... how come you always to be so quick?" says Maleek to Korian with a big grin. "I think you to never even be see that one coming!"

"You bring girlfriends!" Maleek adds looking Ixius up and down. He turns back to Korian, "No ... don't be angry. I see she come with you."

"Come in, come in. Our special today is fried scorpion. Do not be worry. This time we learn better about venom. New cook after what happen to last one."

"Girlfriends? I hope he meant you." Ixius says quietly to Sykala. "Have you ever eaten scorpions before?"

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Ovirid reacts to the attack on his friend, grabbing under his robes for a throwing axe, but he pauses when he hears the proprietor's complaint, never actually revealing the weapon.

In other words, he uses his action to get the axe in hand, but doesn't show it yet.

Laughing, Korian replies easily "No no my mad friend, it is not that I am quick, it is that you keep getting more old and slow!"

Turning to introduce his friends he says "This good Man here is the Mighty Sorcerer Ixius and his Drudic companion, the lovely Sykala. My solid Dwarven friend here, Orivid, is a long lost and recently reunited comrade of years gone by. I caution you though, his patience is not is slow as mine and his axe is much quicker. And finally, this vision of beauty here before you is very new to our group, she calls herself Neferet. Friends, Maleek may indeed be Mad but there are few if any who set a finer table. Come, let us eat and be merry!"

Once things have gotten underway, Zalen calls a servant to hire a runner, slipping the youth two slivers to deliver a message to the Crook Bearer and promising 8 more upon his rapid return and discretion.

"Girlfriends? I hope he meant you." Ixius says quietly to Sykala. "Have you ever eaten scorpions before?"

Initiative 1d20 + 3

Ovirid reacts to the attack on his friend, grabbing under his robes for a throwing axe, but he pauses when he hears the proprietor's complaint, never actually revealing the weapon.

In other words, he uses his action to get the axe in hand, but doesn't show it yet.

Korian has never let Maleek in on the secret of mage armor and thus Maleek has never managed to land a punch.

"And finally, this vision of beauty here before you is very new to our group, she calls herself Neferet. Friends, Maleek may indeed be Mad but there are few if any who set a finer table. Come, let us eat and be merry!"

Ixius wrote:

"Girlfriends? I hope he meant you." Ixius says quietly to Sykala. "Have you ever eaten scorpions before?"

The sudden attack brings forth a animalistic growl from Sykala and she remains wary of the man until she notices the much more observant Jinx, while having noticed the skulking proprietor right away, only yawn and not even bothering to get up from his curled position on Korian. She laughs, "Ah, you play like lion cubs!" She give Ix a quizzical look, "Why it matter friend girl or not?" Not really pausing long enough for an answer to her first question she shakes her head and looks hopeful, "Not eat scorpion. Is good?"