While Neferteri busies himself making friends with the Scorched Hand, Alexander starts looking for the section on genealogies and the Ancient Osirian version of "Who's Who?", in search of the name of Akhentepi. From behind the cover of a bookcase, he mutters a quick cantrip, then glances around at the Scorched Hand...
Should Alexander find he can not find the right book, he goes to find one of the priests of Pharasma and politely asks if they can help him with his search. Always politely...
After the barrage of questions and all the talk of alliances and the like Velriana now turns her attention directly onto the curious halfling that so far she has been very diplomatic with.
"Now then honey, since we done gone and got all the fancy introductions out of our way, why don't ya let me ask you a simple question darling, Neferteri was it? Well you seem to want to know a hellava' lots about our site. Coming over here all curious like. Perhaps you could tell us what site you and your friends done gone and drawn? You want to talk up this here alliance but you just ain't offered us a dang thang in return." she says as she walks around Neferteri.
Glancing at her comrades "You see Idorii here." pointing at the tall half-elven woman.
"She be child of mixed heritage, Idorii is a heaping blend of Garundi and elven grace. You she is the martial arm of the Scorched Hand and resident expert in this here disarming traps and other hazards that we might come across. More mercenary than devotee, she is paid extra to protect the group’s leader, That would be little ol' me. She is my personal guard, and if she thought for a minute that you were trying to get one up on me." she pauses for effect as Idorii takes a step toward Neferteri.
"Heaven only knows what she might do to such a person of small stature like yourself." she pauses again for effect as Idorii takes a step back.
"But now we all be good neighbors and all since we all rooming up at that inn so I know you would never dream of such backstabary with your new friends, so I'll ask you again. What site did you draw honey?" she says as she squats down to your eye level.
At first you definitely detect the presence of magic, then the number of Auras comes into focus. Eleven. Eleven magical items on the four members of the scorched hand.
Next you manage to pick out the strongest aura as all the rest are faint. In Velriana's pouch there is something that has a strong universal aura.
Concentrating on the other auras on Velriana there is also faint enchantment coming from her pouch, her bracers detect faint evocation, two wands in her belt one detects faint evocation (fire) the other faint abjuration (force), she also has multiple scroll cases hanging off her belt. She's definitely a spellcaster you think to yourself.
Next moving to idorii you detect a faint evocation magic on her leather armor.
Next moving onto what appears to be the cleric, you can visibly see multiple scroll cases on his belt as well along with a wand that detects with a faint aura of conjuration (healing)
Next moving to the unknown male human, two auras coming from his pouch one in faint conjuration (healing) and the other is faint abjuration. Two wands in his belt one detects with faint conjuration and the other with faint illusion (glamor). He also has scrolls everywhere on his belt.
To some it all up you believe they all are casters of one type or the other except for Idorii.
Alexander's search for the right history books is successful. There are a lot of records from that period and will take some time to go through. Most of the books are nothing more than moldy tombs that are very fragile and incomplete but it's whats available.
Her attempts at helping Alexander research having stalled, Lin looks up from the chair she'd been dozing on to survey the confrontation between Neferteri and the baggy-panted woman. Picking up a weighty tomb to hide her hand movements, she mutters a syllable and points at Velriana. The Taldan woman hears a whisper in her ears- He's not the only one with protection, you know; just sayin', keep it in mind
"I have found," Alexander starts to say as he returns from the stacks, carrying an armful of books as gently as if they were infants. He stops as he notices the tense situation and very carefully puts the books down on a table. "My goodness me. Is something the matter?" he asks in a mild tone of voice as he strolls closer to Velriana, his cane clicking on the floor tiles.
Holbrecht also pores over the books with Alexander, trying to pick out a selection that he may deem as useful. When he too returns with his selection, he looks up only long enough to see what they are all talking about over with the collected others. As Alexander walks over to check, Holbrecht just quietly offers a reminder, "Needless violence in the Necropolis is illegal due to it being holy ground, so remind them that it would likely be more so here in the Grand Mausoleum."
Beyond that, he returns to looking through the books.
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After the barrage of questions and all the talk of alliances and the like Velriana now turns her attention directly onto the curious halfling that so far she has been very diplomatic with.
"Now then honey, since we done gone and got all the fancy introductions out of our way, why don't ya let me ask you a simple question darling, Neferteri was it? Well you seem to want to know a hellava' lots about our site. Coming over here all curious like. Perhaps you could tell us what site you and your friends done gone and drawn? You want to talk up this here alliance but you just ain't offered us a dang thang in return." she says as she walks around Neferteri.
Glancing at her comrades "You see Idorii here." pointing at the tall half-elven woman.
"She be child of mixed heritage, Idorii is a heaping blend of Garundi and elven grace. You she is the martial arm of the Scorched Hand and resident expert in this here disarming traps and other hazards that we might come across. More mercenary than devotee, she is paid extra to protect the group’s leader, That would be little ol' me. She is my personal guard, and if she thought for a minute that you were trying to get one up on me." she pauses for effect as Idorii takes a step toward Neferteri.
"Heaven only knows what she might do to such a person of small stature like yourself." she pauses again for effect as Idorii takes a step back.
"But now we all be good neighbors and all since we all rooming up at that inn so I know you would never dream of such backstabary with your new friends, so I'll ask you again. What site did you draw honey?" she says as she squats down to your eye level.
The little halfling swallows hard looking up at the martial beauty. I was near my charming best and still got this "warm" reception. he thinks to himself. Good lady, I assure you that my intentions are only honorable and my desire only to provide mutual benefit. Of course I will share with you our draw. I do not think it was intended to be a secret. We will be exploring the Tomb of Akhentepi. Perhaps if you share with me what you are looking for I could help you find it as I search for information on our tomb. I am a trained scholar and archaeologist after all. He offers.
Nulyth remains close to his more studious comrades while Neferteri wanders over towards the other group. The young man can't help but notice the attractive, if very colorful, leader of that group. He simply watches over the halfling until he spots the threatening gesture by the half-elf warrior.
His protective nature kicks in and he approaches them alongside Alexander... two very different men. One older with a limp, the other younger, bristling with weaponry and holy righteousness. He means to speak, however allows Alexander to do the talking and simply stands by with his comrades, prepared to bring the fight if so required.
Velriana looks puzzled for a moment and then looks around.
"Heavens no we didn't mean to imply that you were dishonest little one. I just simply was simply clarifying your intentions and stating that we should be mutually beneficial to one another if we are ever going to form an alliance now or in the future." she states as the other members of the Seekers approach.
After Neferteri tells her the assigned site of the Seekers, she ponders a moment. "I can not say that even I recognize any importance to the name Akhentepi. Most interesting. Most Bizarre. Again if you happen to find anything especially old records or informational journals on who he was while being there in the tomb I would be highly interested in purchasing them from you and that might even stir the pot toward this alliance you keep referring to."
She then turns to her associates and says, "Put this stuff back up where it belongs. We need to be getting back to the Tooth & Hookah, we need plenty of rest, six in the morning will come quick and I plan on being at the gates when they open at six."
Turning back to Nefer now "We are looking for something called the Erudite Eye, which is a site within the necropolis. If you happen to hear who draws it or if your team draws it we will pay top coin for it or information leading to it."
Searching through book after book you use every resource of knowledge that the library has to offer in an attempt to recall any scrap of information about this Akhentepi. First off the Seekers find that the name itself had little meaning. They still wasn't even sure if Akhentepi was a man or woman, how or when they died, or much else beyond their burial in the city. The name itself wasn't a common one, but not entirely unfamiliar, a few important historical figures bearing it. But none of those would have been buried in Wati, or if they were it was news to even the record books. Some of the group had decided to find out a little more about the high priestess and as it turned out Sebti was an easier problem to tackle, everyone in town having something to say about the young priestess. Her birth was a common one, not entirely unusual within the church, and as such she was a strong proponent for the people. Over the past five years there was numerous records where she has butted heads with the city council on multiple occasions, winning much acclaim and love from the citizens of Wati, but little from the politicians and powerful merchants. It seems like after the rebuilding of Wati after the plaque records were kept quite complete, but before that time they are vague and incomplete at best.
"I did not care for those people at all," Alexander remarks halfway through the research session, his voice and expression sober. "Correct me if I'm mistaken, but that woman only seemed to become diplomatic because the rest of us were there. You might have been in trouble otherwise, Neferteri."
A pause, and then he continues: "Also, it seems to me that she admitted she would flout the rules governing this event, just to get at this 'Erudite Eye' of hers. I can't say I care for that, either."
Finally, when closing time comes and the books have been returned to their proper places, the old man concludes: "You spoke of finding allies among the other adventurers thronging for this event, but I would suggest that we be careful that, though we might prefer not to, we may find enemies among them as well. Not everyone who claims the title of adventurer is a stalwart champion of what is right. Just... be cautious, is all I ask."
Nulyth watches the members of the Scorched Hand walk away, something about them made his hackles rise. He waits until their backs are to him and then he concentrates on the leader. He activates his ability to detect evil in an attempt to discern something about the woman...
Holbrecht is disappointed to not find any information of worth from their studies, but is actually seeing a silver lining, "For as little information as we found, any that we find within will be all that more useful. I suggest we offer what we find to the Grand Mausoleum first, see if they want to buy it. Maybe let them have it for cheaper... I'm certain they will show it more respect... and may even add it to their museum...temple... mausoleum.... then others can study and learn."
As they talk of the others, he adds his assessment, "I agree, simply that their own need for secrecy lends the idea that they have something to hide." His brows furrows in a deep scowl, "If they are willing to break the rules, especially before they even begin, it just adds to their inability to be trusted."
Chapter 1: The Half-Dead City
Part 1: The Tomb of Akhentepi
Date: Pharast 25th, 4714
Time: 8:00pm
Tempature: 87 Degrees
Goal: Prepare for first site exploration
Leaving the lottery behind and the library research out of the way, the Seekers returned to the Inn in which some of them were staying, intent on doing what work they could to best prepare themselves for the coming day. All around them the city seemed to be buzzing with life, a hive of activity and energy as nearly everyone seemed to have some stake in the outcome and fate of the Necropolis. In exhuming their long honored dead, the sleepy city of Wati seemed more alive than it had been in a century, countless merchants and traders flooding back to the town and bringing with them a wealth of goods and hard currency, all supported by the burgeoning presence of the town.
After doing what work they might, the Seekers now shared a few drinks with some fellow patrons staying at the Tooth and Hookah. For the most part they were merchants and the like, though there was a trio of belly dancers come some from the city of Tephu.
After a while and full bellies the group now sat at a corner table alone to plan out the next day. Cautious to watch their alcohol intake any further as to be alert and ready and waiting at the necropolis gates when dawn struck. And 6am will come very early. Lin Zi was checking over her supplies, while Alexander was studying his spellbook for just the right incantations that might be needed. Holbrecht said prayers over their journey to come. Neferteri was busy checking the feathers on his arrows and making sure they would be at their best. Nulyth was not even his usual self for facing a living opponent in training was much different than what they might face as the sun comes up. With an training opponent you knew what was coming and what challenge awaited you. He did not know what would await them in the tomb for he had never been in one before, at least not one that the priest had not setup for training purposes. Nulyth laid out the map that was given to them of the necropolis and of their location, looking at the route the priest had marked off. It was the most direct route. It probably was not safe to wander around were you wasn't invited anyway. They also was wondering if they should be in the necropolis if night fell on them. It was a long way back to the living city and if it were dark it would be even longer. Would they sleep in the tomb and wait for the sun if necessary? So much left to do, so little time to do it......
Looking at the route to the tomb of Akhentepi, it was the farthest away from the necropolis gate. Almost to the back wall. It would take the best part of an hour to reach once the gates opened at six in the morning. They needed to be there waiting at six. If they made good time they could get there before the bad heat started while the morning was still bearable and then once underground the heat would not be a factor.
Night fallen, Lin lies back in bed, stretches her arms and closes her eyes. "Bring it on" she softly whispers.
Alexander spends part of the evening in prayer; the contradicting, balancing prayers of Nethys before he took to studying his spellbook. In the end, he opted to change one of the cantrips he had imprinted in his memory.
'The risk of attack by mortal creatures is not insignificant, but neither is the attack by the undead, after all.'
After that, Alexander chants the stark, grim prayers of Pharasma while he checks his equipment. His rope; his dagger; the slender blade secreted in his cane. Finally, the old man finds a spot to sleep that won't hurt his back and nods off.
After retiring to his room for the night, Nulyth kneels and whispers a prayer to Sarenrae for strength come the morrow. He asks for the courage to stoutly face his enemies in battle and to not balk in the face of fear... When he lies down to sleep, he leans his scimitar against a post of his bed within reach and drifts off to sleep.
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Neferteri asks the gathered group. We are a new team. Are there tactics we should discuss in advance if we find ourselves forced to fight? I fear I am not overly strong in melee but know a few spells, and can shoot this small bow to be quite an annoyance. I have both sharp and blunt arrows, but I do not have arrows of special materials yet. I do have this. He shows his morningstar of Cold Iron. I do seem to be lacking any way to do slashing damage should we need it. Perhaps I should buy a dagger? Thinking about what we might face tomorrow I am quite concerned about traps. But we are better prepared than most groups in this regard, as we are blessed with two of our five that can disarm traps. Lin, we should support each other as best we can to make sure to avoid every trap we can.
"I am not a strong combatant," Alexander says, sleepily. "I am merely competent with the blade. I know a little bit of magic, which might be useful in a pinch, but it is really only very little. Should a fight break out, let me attack first; I have a battle-spell prepared which will shoot a cone of fire. You do not want to be caught in it.
Neferteri, when you buy your slashing weapon, get a dagger for tight spots, but also get something bigger. And don't make it all cold iron. Some things are weaker to silver. If a fight breaks out and you need a slashing weapon, come see me. I'll let you borrow one of mine."
Before Nulyth retires...
Nulyth listens to the suggestions by the archaeologists, as they know quite a bit more about this sort of venture. When talk turns to that of combat though, he pips in. "If we allow you the opportunity to use your spell, Alexander, I shall. Otherwise I will take the front line and try to hold any enemies while you all support as best you can. As far as clearing rooms, I believe it would be best for me to lead the way through any doorways first. I can go in with my shield first in the event of an ambush... The rest I will leave up to you."
Lin sits cross-legged on the floor drawing for a moment as the others speak. Eventually smoke bursts up, and from it emerges a small black-and-blue furred monkey with a glowing rune on its head. "This is Kachu, my Eidolon. He can climb like a monkey, pick locks with a feather's lightness, hide like a shadow and disarm traps like a mofo." The little creature waves to the group. "I'm a summoner; I point, suddenly there's a pony or a dog or an eagle. Should something nasty jump out at us I'll stay at the back as something from my menagerie goes to work." She yawns. "Anything else?"
Spending the night at Nefer's before a big day like the one that was coming was not exactly what everyone in the newly formed group had expected, while not exactly in the seediest part of the Asp district it was in the poorer section. The residence of Neferteri was a large room that had been curtained off to form two sections that was on the second floor of a four story community building that had about 20 residences, the sign out front said it was called the Hightop Community House. The room actually had a window to the outside which was unusual for lodging that was in this price range, which was obviously on the cheaper scale, even if the window had no glass in it and a makeshift blanket that served as a curtain. The residence was however fully furnished if yet meagerly and the building had a shared private bath and a shared eating area and a small outside area for yard games when the heat allowed. Obviously the building was once a large inn but was in disrepair and repairs looked to be seldom made.
With a group of five people bunking inside the residence and only one small window the warmth of the night air kept the Seekers awake a little longer than they had planned. However it was rest, and sleep was eventually found soon enough, save for the occasional outburst of raucous cheer from the streets below and throughout the city, dying down with the rising sun.
As anticipated, the trek to their plot was a long one. As the Necropolis doors opened, they began to wind their way through the silent and serene streets. They had first stopped just after entering the gates at a site that was clearly marked 'Pharasma's Needle' and stopped just long enough to read the plaque that has been placed upon it.
Picture of Pharasma's Needle
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Soon after the Pharasmins arrived in Wati to rebuild and consecrate the city, a burning rock fell from the sky into the River Sphinx where Bargetown now floats. Nefru Shepses took this as a sign of approval from the Lady of Graves, and ordered the black stone dredged from the river’s depths and carved into a capstone for a sacred obelisk, erecting the monument just inside the gates to the necropolis. Today, mourners interring their loved ones inside the necropolis still stop at Pharasma’s Needle on their way to the gravesites to gain the goddess’s blessing for the deceased’s journey to the Boneyard.
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Then the group known as the Seekers continued through the necropolis toward their destination. It was an odd feeling, like stepping into one of the great museums of Absalom, or a Pathfinder showroom. The necropolis was two millenia in age, architecture, art, and everything frozen as the part of town had been walled off and preserved. Where once people had come and gone, had lived their lives surrounded by family, was now silent save for the occasional echo the dry winds sweeping through the buildings and the clash and exulted cries of fellow treasure hunters.
The tomb of Akhentepi was easy enough to find. A rectangular stone mausoleum sat alone in what once was a cemetery, trunks of dead trees rising from the sand and dirt about the tomb. In the wind their dried and brittle branches rattled about like the clacking of bones, the sun rising only higher in the clear blue and cloudless skies above Wati. On the northern side of the structure, a set of massive stone double doors stood as the only entrance to what was likely a mostly underground facility. Beneath the facade bearing the likeness of an Osirian name was carved a name, Akhentepi, and a pair of dates. 2416 - 2488 AR. Windblown sand was heaped in great piles around the crypt entrance, partially burying the double doors that lead within.
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Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 7:00 am, Temparture: 87 degrees
"Wait a brief moment," Alexander says, his voice dour. "Traps sometimes begin at the very doorway."
The old man intones a brief Pharasmin lay-prayer, and then raises his cane and utters a single Word of Power.
Nulyth is tense and alert during the entire trek to the tomb with his shield already strapped to his arm and hand on the hilt of his blade. His eyes constantly roving, seeking out potential threats... including from other adventure companies. The hints of evil coming from that woman leading the Scorched Hand had left a warning on his senses.
Once they arrived at the tomb he draw his scimitar and took a protective stance directly in front of the tomb doors while the others checked it for traps or other magical surprises. "Be careful..."
As they talk the night before about tactics, Holbrecht offers his insight, "Since I focused my religious studies in other ways, the abilities granted by Brigh are varied. I still have a decent dwarven knack for combat with this here hammer, and would be fine following up right behind Nulyth. Other than that, I have a few spells I can cast. One will be used to ensure we have plenty of water... just in case.... we are in the desert... and food is easier to carry, and the other I can use to detect if there is poison present. Other than that I have the ability to give us all a little boost in a fight. If all else fails I can still conjure up magical healing, but it's best used away from the enemy after a fight. ... I was not careful before... nothing worse than healing an enemy, while you're still fighting them."
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After the doors open, Holbrecht wants to stop and examine the Needle, but he recognizes the group's need for haste. Maybe he'll get to take a long hard look at it some other time. Arriving at the Tomb of Akhentepi, he follows up Alexander's action with his own detection spell, looking for signs of poison. Then he looks the doors over for any other signs of trouble.
After confirming whether it looks safe or not, he too lends his hands and back to moving the sand away from the front doors. "We should have gotten a shovel, ... didn't think of that myself... must not be part of normal archaeology work.... I asked and no one said anything. Come on everyone, this will go much faster if we all help."
Lin bends over and starts scooping the sand away with her hands; Kachu carefully runs his gaze over the tomb, climbing up onto the roof for completness' sake.
The two massive stone doors towered nearly ten feet into the air, smooth slabs worn by the passage of time and the fierce desert winds that had built up sand around the base of the door. Neferteri and Holbrecht looked at the thing from every angle they could, but saw not any sign of a handle or locking mechanism. Indeed all the could find was what looked to be dried and flaking mortar that had once been set into the crevices between the door and the frame it was built into. Whoever had constructed the place had sealed it, intent on its contents never being opened again. Yet the chipped and missing mortar pointed to just how lofty a goal that was, the open lip between the door and frame large enough that one could easily fir the tip of a crowbar.
Alexander's ability to detect things that were magical had turned up nothing, not even a glimer of any magic auras on the doors or within a sixty foot radius of them, he also looked down at the loft task of clearing away the huge mounds of sand that now obstructed the paths of the doors. Likewise Holbrecht detected no sign of any poison
Lin Zi meanwhile sent Kachu up on the roof of the structure but there in found only solid ston block construction, however it did provide a good lookout for the group.
Of the group, Holbrecht and Alexander was the only with the proper expertise when it came to construction and engineering of this type. There knowledge of such things was put to good use, knowing that such massive doors were likely built on concealed hinges that only swing outwards away from the tomb, meaning that indeed if they wanted in they'd not only have to find some way to force the monoliths open, but also clear away the huge mounds of sand that now obstructed the paths of the doors.
With that the group began to dig. Without a proper digging instrument it took the group over an hour to get the sand free and with much effort. Having to work in short shifts and the sun rose and the temperature along with it. Some of the members would dig while the others cooled themselves with water on the shady side of the building and then they would switch out. Every member of the Seekers was now covered in sweat and sand. The sand seemed to reach impossible crevices beneath their armor and clothes.
The mound of sand lessens with each passing moments, moving the sand by hand with makeshift tools exerted a great toll on them under the hot sun of Osirion, chests heaving and beads of perspiration running down their faces. Within the necropolis there seemed to be a strange smell that pervaded every nook and cranny. They had expected to be surrounded by the scent of death and rot, the usual scent one might attribute to the land of the dead. Yet it was not this odor that caused their noses to twitch, but something far more pleasant.
It smelled like nature. Here and there weeds and bushes had crept back into the world, small prickly cacti sprouting in the edges of houses and desert flowers blooming in the shade provided by old shops. Though the life of man had long since left the place, the world had not forgotten it, all kinds of wildlife having reclaimed much of the Necropolis. Even so close to the rivers, it was a rare sight to see such fertility so close to a bustling metropolis.
And like the grueling task had begun, it was now done....
As Holbrecht used his magic to refill the waterskins Kachu alerted from up top the structure. Strangers were approaching from the south. Three of them. The middle member dressed in deathly black robes and a Nubian female warrior flanking on both sides. The warriors wore leather armor which was fitted specifically for the heat. Only covering the most vital areas. They carried long spears in their hands, a mace on their belt and a ceremonial scabbard on their hip. As they approached closer to the groups position more details could be made out of the man robed in black. He had a shaved head and wore two bandoliers crisscrossed over his chest. Twelve vials of clear liquid attached at various points on them. The sybol of Pharasma emblazoned upon each one. All three wore the symbol of the Lady of Graves on a chain around their necks.
Nulyth whispered to the group... "Voices of the Spire"
As the group approached the man dressed in black robes looked at a piece of parchment in his hand and then called out.
"Seekers, what is going on here?" after seeing for himself what the group just finished doing he continued.
"I see we are having a little trouble with the site that was assigned? Please be careful and don't damage any of the building stonework. We make rounds regularly through the necropolis and will be making sure all the rules are enforced as per the high priestess orders."
With that said he continued "I will let you carry on then." and the group goes to move off.
Holbrecht
Alexander
Neferteri
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Current Location: Tomb of Akhentepi, Date: Wealday, Pharast 26th, 4714 Time: 8:15 am, Temparture: 93 degrees
"Yes," Alexander says with stone dignity as the Voice of the Spire addresses them. "We shall have to purchase a spade, and perhaps a broom for the finer work. We definitely do not wish to do any damage; thank you for your concern and all your hard work. Some of the groups involved in this venture seemed rather rough around the edges, so it is good to know that Pharasma's finest are on the case."
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Crowbar still in hand Neferteri studies the door. Picking just the right spot he maximized leverage and heaves on the crow bar. At one point his feet come off the ground and he swings back and forth. It seem that the little archaeologist is just not strong enough, or heavy enough, when suddenly the doors begin to swing open.