Current In Game Date is the 24th of Pharast 4714 AR, the season is springtime in the desert and the high today was 101 degrees. Night time temperatures are running around 71 degrees. The time is currently 5:00pm.
"Pharasma’s Needle stands proud in Wati’s necropolis, greeting mourners as they come to entomb their loved ones in the famous burial site. Seventeen hundred years ago, while the Pharasmin priest Nefru Shepses began the process of rebuilding the city, along with sealing away the dead part of the city from the living and consecrating the necropolis, a stone from the heavens streaked through the sky, plunging into the cool waters of the River Sphinx. Nefru Shepses decreed the celestial event was an omen of favor from the Lady of Graves, and he ordered workers to retrieve the stone from the riverbed. Stonecutters sculpted the meteorite into a capstone for an obelisk to be set in the city’s new necropolis as a symbol of Pharasma’s blessing for the city of Wati."
When you arrived in Wati, the walls wound like stone rivers, separating the old city from the new. Low buildings, painted white to reflect heat, clustered along wide avenues. Across their roofs you can see the Grand Mausoleum, the city’s temple to the death goddess, and a ruined statue of a sphinx out in the river. From the eastern side of the city rose a hill upon which noble estates sprawled, looking down on the bustling populace.
With the city packed there was but one place to stay so you guys set up shop at The Tooth and Hooka, a modest inn and hookah bar which is best known for its mascot, Toothy—a tiny crocodile that lives in the inn’s well. It's also the chosen lodging of many other adventuring groups, most of which you haven't had the chance to meet yet.. Everyone's just been too excited with the big day coming tomorrow. The priest intend to draw names and assign sites tomorrow, but for now ye have until nightfall to register or miss your opportunity.
Outside of the Tooth & Hookah you can see throngs moving through new Wati’s streets, arrayed in colorful caftans and buzzing with sound and life, while old Wati remains still and silent as the graveyard it is. Moving around in the streets you move past inns and houses, markets filled with brass lamps and striped rugs, and other merchants of all sorts. While Canvas awnings stretched over doorways, casting pools of shade on the avenue.
Most doorways are nothing more than hanging curtains during the day to try and get some relief from the heat. Most establishments are shaded and as dark as possible inside while still allowing just enough light to conduct whatever business is necessary . Most buildings are made with mud-brick walls as well to help ward off the sun. A fine layer of sand covers almost everything.
As you enter the Tooth and Hookah the floorboards rasp under your boots, a fine layer of sand covers the floor. You take a moment to scan the room. You had arrived in Osirion via the city of Sothis, and there you had stayed in an inn catering to foreigners before commissioning river travel to the south. That had been what you were used to when you thought of inns, and this place certainly was not.
Pillows shaped like crescent moons surrounded low, round tables. Water pipes of dinged and dented brass with painted enamel bases sat in the center of each table. Clay bowls filled with the stubs of unlit candles hung from the ceiling. Filtered light from the curtained doorway left the room dim.
It took you a moment to locate the bar among the many counters crowded against the walls. This inn seems more a miniature market than a tavern. Old books overflowed on a table next to a counter covered with cheap-looking necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Wispy scarves embellished with tiny shining coins hung on a rack in a corner. The scarves, so like the ones worn by ethnic Varisian women you think to yourself. You finally locate the bar in the opposite corner: a tall, narrow table, its legs hidden by a cotton skirt patterned with faded yellow palm fronds, its surface covered with colored glass cups, bronze decanters, and an assortment of liquor bottles. A low stone ring at the end of the bar marked an indoor well.
The Tooth & Hookah seemed a popular place. Almost all the tables were occupied, mostly by Garundi that you quickly peg as locals, but a few by foreigners. No one took much notice of you as you entered. A haze of smoke hangs in the air, and you recognize the spicy scent of shisha tobacco. You make my way through the cloud and lean against an open spot on the bar. The fresh, mineral smell of a deep well wafts from the corner. You catch the barkeeps attention as he comes over to stand behind the bar in front of you.
Welcome to The Mummy's Mask! I will be your guide through many an old, dusty tomb in search of riches lost! Except that's not all you'll find for here there be Mummies! At some point anyways..
You can chime in as soon as the group is settled in the discussion thread and I have given the group approval to start posting.
Describe yourself or explore around a little bit. Whatever you like.
Maps and Images:
Tooth and Hookah sign outside of the Inn.
Farhaan the owner and barkeep at the Tooth & Hookah
Tooth & Hookah Map
Current Wati Map with Explored Locations
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You all have arrived at the Tooth & Hookah either by chance or the fact that it is the only place in the city that seems to still have lodging available. The inn's common room is currently almost packed to capacity. There are a few that you peg as locals but most are obviously adventurers like yourself and most are looking to form teams since the priest at the Grand Mausoleum will only allow adventuring companies to sign up for the lottery and not individuals. So deals are being made, adventuring company charters are being signed and the inn is flush with activity. A pair of belly dancing girls perform in one corner as a bard plays some rhythmic concoction on his lute close to them. Servant girls are plenty busy trying to keep up with everyone, Farhaan is behind the bar trying to keep up with the bombardment of questions that are often being asked by various patrons in the establishment. All the activity is easy to figure out by just listening for a minute. It seems the priest at the Grand Mausoleum is only taking applications for the lottery until 8pm this evening and the time is now 5pm so to say that there is a little bit of a rush is an understatement.
Entering the busy tavern, Bjoern looks around for a table with a free chair. Stopping a serving wench he smiles at her trough crooked teeth and says:"A mug of ale please and some stew. It has been a long day and I am hungry and I need some ale to wash it down!"
After a few minutes a serving girl makes her way to Bjoern's table, she is a young girl, probably around 17 or so and has dark smooth skin and her black hair is in tiny braids, she is dressed in a very thin sheer outfit that is both revealing yet tasteful. After hearing your request she looks at you awkwardly.
"Not from around here either are you?" she then slips a small green slate board with chalk writing on it from her apron and sits it on the table in front of the Ulfen.
"We have common ale, fancy ale, pumpkin spice ale, and imported dwarven stout. None of it comes by the keg and it is all served by mug." she says as she points to the chalkboard menu.
she then continues "We also have wine, common, local mixed berry and aged."
she then moves on to the selections resembling stew and continues "Would you like your stew with or without the crusty bread?"
With a huge chuckle Bjoern replies."A huge mug of ale. Um the common ale, yes. Nothing to celebrate now. Maybe later. And if the bread is a tasty as you... I take a double slice!"
The serving girl smiles.... and hurries off to the kitchen area. A few moments later she comes back with a bowl of stew and a mug of common ale.
The food more common fare than anything remotely hinting at upscale. The common Ale rather warm and watered down. Obviously the Tooth & Hookah was a rather low end common joint however it did not hold the ruffians and thugs that one one expect.
"Here at the Hookah we expect payment on delivery for all items from the kitchen area. If you would like to run a tab you will have to see Farhaan up at the bar. He owns the place. My name is Ata and it is a pleasure serving you." she says as she looks down at the double helping of crusty bread on your plate and smiles shyly.
"Your total is 2.5 silvers please." she says as she waits for your response.
A dwarf enters and joins the crowd, finding a seat at a table. Regarding the chalk slate, he tells the serving girl (when she comes around) "Two ales and some stew." He puts a small stacks of coins on the table, three silver plus two coppers for her trouble.
His bald head is deeply tanned and has sweat beading off of it. Still, he doesn't seem to mind the heat, despite wearing armor. While he waits for his food, he scans the room to see who else has been drawn here this day.
@ Dumah
While you are waiting for a serving girl, may take a few minutes as the Tooth & Hookah is almost packed to capacity, you eye the room. There are adventurers of all shape and sizes, some you have seen before like halflings and elves, some you have not, there is some kind of lizardman a cat person and even a rat looking fellow in the inn at the moment. All seemed pressed to form alliances quickly and drawing and scribbling out contracts and the like. As you wait a human ranger looking woman rushes in and tries to nail a sign to the wall with a piton but the rough sandstone wall only gives way as the piton falls to the ground. She quickly picks it up and starts mingling in the crowd showing her obvious recruiting letter.
With only three hours to go before the deadline for registering for the lottery the place is chaotic at best at the moment.
Putting 3 silver on the table Bjoern thanks the girl and starts to work on his food.
The serving girl nods in appreciation and then slips the coins from the Ulfen into her pouch, moving off to serve the next customer.
Arriving at the table occupied by Dumah she takes his order and hurriedly heads to the kitchen, she returns shortly with two common ales and a bowl of stew with crusty bread.
The stew looks kinda thick like it may be close to the bottom of the pot, this might be pretty good.
The serving girl takes the coins from the table and drops them in her pouch. She turns to run off to another patron but turns back around to face Dumah and rummaging around in her apron she pulls out a clean rag and hands it to Dumah.
"For your head Mr. Dwarf, I can help with the sweat part. For the second, I recommend staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of liquids. Guess I can help there, too. But if I was you I would get out of all that heavy armor, the lottery is not till tomorrow and it is way to hot out here to be wrapped in a metal oven."
With that she hurries off to her next customer.
A slender man dressed in fine but practical clothing stepped into the inn known as the Tooth & Hookah, it was here that he would find the allies he needed to enter the tombs. His eyes scanned the other patrons as he searched for those who looked trustworthy. This isn't exactly my kind of establishment he thought to himself with a self-deprecating shake of the head. After a glance around and carefully considering where to start he decided on a table where a bald-headed dwarf who looked particularily tough sat. "Mind if I join you my friend?" he asked with a friendly smile and an outstretched hand.
A slender figure enters the Tooth and Hookah, carrying with difficulty a large backpack which she puts on the floor as soon as possible, sighting with relief.
She is wearing a simple white cloth, with a leather bandolier displaying multiple various flasks.
Pushing away the hood of her cape, the elf woman frees her blonde mane. Looking at the place with curiosity, she takes a few seconds to enjoy the place, its architecture, the scents and colors, the voices and accents of the people.
Then she takes har backpack again, half carrying, half dragging it to a table, and peruses the menu. When her choice is made, she asks to a waitress, in perfect Osiriani, for a platter of fruit and cheese, and plain water.
The serving girl eventually makes her way to your table and then listens intently to your order. Then rushing off to the kitchen and then to the bar where you can see her dip your water from a well located at the end of the bar. She then rushes back over to your table.
Placing down the platter of fruit and cheese you also notice that there are large stuffed olives on the platter as well. She then sits down your water, surprisingly you can see condensation already forming on the cup. The water is actually cold, you think to yourself that the well must run pretty deep to bring water to the surface this cold. It has a strong mineral odor to it that catches against your nostrils before even taking a sip.
The cheese however is warm and *muh* the fruit is an intriguing blend of apple, large stuffed olives, and pomegranate, Also on the plate are pears, peaches, almonds and cherries. Surprisingly fresh and the olives may be the best you have ever had. With only 1 or 2 of each item on the assorted platter it makes each item a delicacy to taste and then they are gone and you move to the next.
In Saedue's exploration of the food she forgot that her waitress was still standing there.
"Will there be anything else?" the serving girl asks.
After finally fishing the last bit of greavy from the bowl using last of the bread, Bjoern leans back and feels quite happy. Looking around and seeing so many people he winks ata to his table. "Thanks Ata, I was hungry. Very hungry. Now I heard the lottery is tomorrow so I will need a place to sleep. I would use the common room, but is there a way to safeguard my belongings?"
Ata hurries over to Bjoern's table as soon as she gets a moment. Listening to his request she replies.
"Us serving girls don't handle the lodging." she smiles.
"You will have to take that up with Mr. Farhaan." she says as points to the man behind the bar.
"He handles all that sort of stuff. We just handle the food and spirits." she says as she buses your table and heads for the kitchen.
"Thanks Ata!" Handing her another silver Bjoern walks over to Farhaan."Master Innkeeper, it seems I require lodging for the night. Now I would like to have a safe place to deposit my belongings but my funds are limited. What can you offer a stranger in your land!"
Saedue nods lightly to the servant and engage in small talk
No I thank you. The fruits look really delicious, and the fresh water is a blessing.I was surprised to be served that quick, with all the clients here.
Saedue take four silver pieces from her pouch and pays the serving girl
Plenty of people here, both from our country and from everywhere...Most have come for the lottery tomorrow, just like me. Do you know if some of the newcomers still search partners? And is there still a room to rent?
The Garundi Barkeep turns his attention to Bjoern's request.
Picture: Click Here
Farhaan lets out a deep chuckle and gestures to a set of stairs half-hidden behind a screen painted with a camel. The artist’s haphazard brushstrokes gave the poor beast a look of permanent indigestion. “Regular rooms cheap, just a silver a night per person, two people maximum, or a suite for more just 3 gold per night per person, but that’s for groups of travelers. Unless you’ve got friends on the way?”
He then pauses for a second before reaching down and retrieving something from under the bar. He then sits a sizable wooden stick cut from hardwood on the table. He has various stains and lacerations along its length.
"The rooms have locks, but they are for the honest type. Me I use old 'Gertrude' here as a attitude adjuster just in case someone thinks my belongings are theirs." he then looks directly into your eyes.
"Our rooms have locks and foot lockers for your stuff. No one is going to mess with anyone's stuff on my watch." he says.
Farhaan then reaches behind the bar and produces a cup onto the counter then pours you something out of a ceramic carafe.
You sip the sharp, clear liquid in the cup. It smelled a bit like roses and a bit like licorice.
Farhaan then looks at you and ask with a smile "So stranger, what will it be?."
Chuckling Bjoern replies: "Master Farhaan, I do like your style. I wish I had my friend with me, but alas, she was called home. So a regular room will be ideal for me! Now I would like to go up and also order a bath. Later I wouldn´t mind to drink some fine ale with you and maybe ask you something about this fine city of yours! Now I will put a gold as tab and just tell me when you need more, please"
Handing over a piece of gold, Bjoern accepts the key to his room and directions for the place to stash his belongings.
The serving girl quickly takes the coins from Saedue and drops them in her pouch.
"The kitchen works really fast and we are so crowded they are making stuff up in advance so we can get it out almost instantly. I fear however that we will run out of everything by this nights end." she says in a polite but direct tone.
"and Honestly Ma'am I think everyone in the entire place is either looking to hire help or signing their life away on those contracts. The priest at the Grand Mausoleum have a deadline that all entries must be submitted by 8:00pm this evening. Which is almost three hours from now so just try not to get over run by all the last minute sign ups." she pauses to take a breath and then leans in closer.
In a soft tone she whispers "I would imagine that there are at least 50 or more teams already signed up. I can't believe our lady of the graves is going to be anything but unhappy with the swarm of brutes stealing from her tombs. I personally can not believe that the high priestess actually is going along with this."
Farhaan gives Bjoern a old metal key with the number 4 etched into it. He then records your tab in a journal.
Returning after stashing his backpack Bjoern adresses Farhaan. "
Pray tell me where I can sign up for the lottery." As he is nno silent man, someone could hear it.
Farhaan looks at Bjoern and nods...
"It is quite simple really, you must have an adventuring company/group or organization of at least four people. You have to designate a spokesman/leader that will interact with the priest handling the lottery. When you have that then you report to the Grand Masoleum to register your group. They then will give you a token. That token will go in the drawing. When they draw your token they will draw a random site token and match those up and that is where your group will be assigned to explore. There will be three drawings, each a week apart so each team will get three sites total and will have up to a week to explore each one in turn." he says now a little winded.
"That about sums it up." he says.
Listening to this words Bjoern ponders for a few moments.
Then he shouts:"I am Bjoern Son of Beodalf from the Ulfen Clans. I am here to seek fame and fortune by entering the lottery. For that I need more comrades, strong arms, wise minds and those who are learned. I offer my shield and my arm, and by my honor swear to uphold the code! Is there someone else who dares to enter the lottery under a common banner? Someone else with true valor? Someone brave enough? By Gorums blood, speak now!"
When the serving girl gives Dumah the rag, he nods in thanks. "You'd think by now I'd be used to it..." When the food and drink comes, he drinks down one ale quickly to cool himself; the other he savors with his stew. He enjoys people watching while he waits for something to happen, and apparently he doesn't have to wait long!
Dumah scoops up his stew and ale and makes his way across the room to Bjoern. "I must admit, I prepared myself well for this lottery in every way expect one: I hadn't realized I would need others to go with me. Looking around, it seems most people are already part of one team or another; perhaps we can find enough stragglers to pull together an entry. We'd best hurry, though."
He puts down his ale and stew, then extends a hand to Bjoern. "I'm Dumah. Most of my gear is back where I've been bunking, but I'll see about getting a room here tonight and bringing it over."
Holding Dumahs arm in a warriors grip Bjoern smiles broadly a smile of crooked teeth. "Well met Dumah. I am Bjoern. Let us share an ale and wait for at least two more. We need to do it soon, in 2 hours time the deadline will be over!"
Malik watched as the large man full of bravado and the stout dwarf clasped arms and joined forces; both looked to be the trustworthy sort and he had to start somewhere. Before the two could return to their seats he approached them "I too lack companions for the lottery," he confessed "And I, Malik Adraza would be more than happy to join two warriors such as yourselves in this endeavour." His smile was perhaps a bit overdone, but his earnest wish to join them shone through.
While lost in your conversations you suddenly notice the bar get awful quite. Looking up from your table you see a very large figure standing in the doorway blocking out most of the light spilling through the entryway. Then into the Tooth & Hookah come a very strange group. Led my a very large fiery red haired woman with very large muscles and pale skin, her battle scared limbs show the signs of a tested warrior. She is followed by another woman that has dark skin, sharp cheekbones, broad shoulders and premature bright white hair. The second woman is also wearing cleric vestments. Following the first two women are two more or should they be called girls since they are a little under five feet in height. Both short in statue and wearing veils that completely obscure their faces and long flowing silk dresses. Judging by their exact same size and dress they could possibly be twins. Chicken feet, and strange feathers hang off their persons and from their belts hang other animal skins and strange oddities.
You can hear a few of the patrons whisper "Witches"
The group of women make a bee-line for the bar, shoving aside any patrons in their way. The large pale woman in the front declaring "We are the daughters of the desert and we seek accommodations for the night." a few minutes later the tone lowers as they are conducting business with Farhaan.
Hearing the dwarf and the big man's conversation, Saedue rises from her sit and comes closer, dragging along her oversized backpack.
I'm sorry, I just heard you talking about forming a group. I seek to join one myself. My name is Saedue, Saedue Menura. I'm an alchemist. i need to be part of an exploration group. This is my country.. or it was. Well, I know a few things about it, anyway. Please? this is really important for me.
Just when she finishes her speech, the self proclaimed "daughters of the desert" walk in and ask for a room
I should get a room for myself too before it's too late...
[dice=Knowledge local, untrained, for facts about the "daughters of the desert]1d20+3[/dice]
"Hello Malik. Are you ready to embark on a journey of fame and fortune and excellent adventure. Glad to have you with us! Take a seat!" As he is about to sit down, another one approches them. "Well met little one. Share our table. I am Bjoern. And this excellent fellow is Dumah and the chap over there is Malik. Sit down, have an ale!" Helping her with the backpack he one more time stands errect."Is there no one, no one else brave... or desperate enough!"
Malik smiled in satisfaction as the group came together, he had expected it to be harder to form an adventuring company. He took a seat at Bjoern's table and voice hushed asked the others "What do you think of these daughters of the desert? They seem to have caused a bit of a ruckus."
I don't drink ale. I find water more refreshing, and soon you'll understand I am right. But i've been living around for a few years now... Thank you for your offer, anyway. I just need to get a room for the night, and i'll come back right away.
Saedue walks to the bar, waiting politely for the Daughters of the desert to get their room. Then she'll ask Farhaan for a room too.
As the daughters of the Desert finish their business they head up the stairs. Farhaan then turns his attention to Saedue.
"Welcome to the Tooth & Hookah" he says with a smile.
After hearing your inquire about a room he responds to your request...
“Regular rooms cheap, just a silver a night per person, two people maximum, or a suite for more just 3 gold per night per person, but that’s for groups of travelers. So what will it be for you tonight dear?" he says as he kind of looks over your shoulder from the direction you came from.
Just a room for myself, please. And a basin with some fresh water to wash myself, if possible.
Saedue gives the inn keeper a silver piece
Sure, I could pay for a bigger room, either for me alone or for the whole group, but I don't knwo them much... and if we explore together, it may well be my last intimates moments.
Farhaan slides Seadue's silver into his pouch.
"The regular rooms do not come with bathing facilities, only the suites. However we do offer hot bath services for a silver. When you are ready you can just pay me and I will have your bath prepared." he says with a smile.
The tall man who came in behind the Daughters was practically unnoticed in the wake of the women's boisterous arrival. He wore practical leathers over layers of simple lightweight cloth that were somewhat reminiscent of bandages. Over his armor he wore a burnoose the color of ivory which covered most of his lanky form.
He lowered his hood as he entered revealing a bald head, clean shaven cheeks and a complexion the color of well treated leather. Clearly the desert was his home.
A round wooden shield reinforced with bronze sat on his back. At his hip hung a two-headed flail with heads shaped like simple metal cylinders. Around his neck hung a sizable bronze ankh on a string of prayer beads.
He scanned the room slowly trying to deduce which groups were still forming. Spying one, he approached.
"Greetings. This one, humbly, is Anset, a seeker of allies for the Prince's Lottery."
A bath is simply too tempting.Do you have some change?
Saedue smiles and gives a gold piece to Farhaan
Farhaan gives Saedue her change and says "I will have your bath drawn right up, Would you like perfumed water? If so please let your bath attendent know. We have Susinum (a perfume based on lily, myrrh, cinnamon), Cyprinum (based upon henna, cardamom, cinnamon, myrrh and southernwood) and Mendesian (myrrh and cassia with assorted gums and resins) available for a extra silver usually but business is so good I think I will let you decide for free." he says obviously in heightened spirits by all the coin coming into the establishment this evening.
Inviting the bald headed man to the table Bjoern smiles. His crocked smile is somehow a bit off, but his tone is sincere. " Once again, I am Bjoern. I am a sailor and hunter and I have hunted the white bear as my test of age. Gave me a few scars that beast, but I won. I offer my strong arm, and my expertise of the wood, the wave and the wind."
Dumah greets each new arrival silently with a nod and with a broad, genuine smile. "This is fortuitous, Bjoern. Your call to arms has drawn together a viable team in short order. I believe we just now need a name to enter. And the sooner the better; I would hate to wait until the last possible moment."
He pauses a moment before he adds "How about 'The Company of the Sphinx'?"
Saedue has an hard time choosing between the three perfumes... Then she don't want to miss the oportunity.. or to give time to Farhaan to change his mind.
Cyprinum will be perfect. I thank you for your generosity.
Malik looked at Dumah quizzically and answered his query "Seems a bit of a... simple name to me my friend, and I for one have little to do with the Sphinxes. Perhaps this gathering of the great should call ourselves something a little more, grandiose?"
He thought for a time before nodding to himself "Malik and the Companions has a nice ring to it don't you think?"
Chuckling Bjoern claps Malik on the shoulder."Little friend, you didn´t recruit us. We all choose to join. But I like your style. And you can make a better case than me. But still. No! I thought about the sandscorpions, but scorpions have some evil name to it. I want something proud. A lion maybe. Lions build prides and we want to be a team. And pride sounds good. How about the lions pride? It has a nice double meaning. And I wouldn´t mind some lion pelt as decoration. My old bear pelt, a well that is a story for another day." ANYEONE else willing to join our excellent band?"
Malik laughs easily, he finds himself liking the large man known as Bjoern. "I won't deny my choice of name was perhaps a little narcissistic," he smiles as if to show he was joking I would have went with it if they had agreed but I would prefer to have equals in this rather than followers. "The Lion's Pride is certainly a strong name," he comments "But perhaps more suggestions before choosing a name would be a good idea." He considers some more before voicing several ideas that came to mind "The Wild Rose, The Eventide Hunt, The Long Road, or maybe simply The Companions?"
Amal wanders into the Tooth and Hooka, his eye's behind his gold-painted metal mask scan the room in search of others to join him in delving down into the tombs, not really picky with who he ends up with. In a few strides he makes his way across the busy tavern and towards a random group sitting at a table as he overhears them coming up with a name for their party. "How about The Chosen Road? The names Amal by the way, and it looks like you all could use somebody proficient in dealing with traps."
Looking up at the last newcommer Bjoern points to an empty seat. "I am Bjoern and I know my way with traps, too. But 4 eyes are better than 2 in that area. The companions, hmm. The chosen road. I would prefer a name worthy of a skalds song, a name to be shouted in battle, a name that opens the legs of all wenches between here and absolom."