Chummy's Mask (Inactive)

Game Master chubbs

as long as no one has any more to say-

The next morning the party rises to the sound of a horn about a hour before sunrise. Boaz welcomes you and tells you to get your stuff ready they will leave shortly. You see that thirty or so minutes is all it takes to break the camp and soon you are trekking your way through the desert. passing over sand dunes and rocky terrain on your way to Wati. You see that most of the group then start walking or riding in double to single file line. stretching out several hundred yards. people seem to be walking together. In their different groups.

Neve sits quietly to one side as the group discusses a possible name. She raises an eyebrow quizzically as Sefanit makes her views known, but keeps her peace. It's not so long since she had no time for god's, either, but she's not sure how she'd manage these days without her faith; looking down, she grasps the holy symbol round her neck as she drifts off to sleep...

...

There's something magical about sunrise, and Neve is up early to meet it; she squints in the light as she looks over towards the city that is their destination. Time, perhaps, to find out a little more about her companions - the Outlanders especially.

Drawing alongside​them as they stride through the sand, she tries to get a conversation going. "What brings you to Osirion, of all places?"

Not aimed at anyone in particular, feel free to respond! Also, sorry for lack of posts. Here now.

"Vacation." Gabby says with a smirk, choosing not to delve into his reasoning for leaving his home. "Have you been here your entire life?

I had connectivity issues all weekend I'm thinking others have also.

Rani rises fast with the shouts of the caravan workers. He takes a quick light breakfast and joins the group, he is agreeable with the suggested name. After the reply to Gab's evasion, Rani will calmly state, "Mostly money. It would be good to say, I've a great scholar's interest, and it does sound interesting, but the thinness of my purse encourages me to gain wealth. I'll even admit to some hope of acquiring a few secrets of ancient power as well. This unique situation came along at a good time, along with an old friend's recommendation."

Edit: Still having connectivity issues 5-10 minutes to do anything. And I was busy all weekend.

@neve- because you got up early you notice that the Half elf merc is up early from the scorching hand also, practicing her swordplay away from her main group. you see the she is very skilled with a Khopesh and Kukuri.

Rising early for his turn on guard duty, Teos watches as each of the groups also rise and ready themselves for the day. He reminds those in his section about covering up and proper wearing of their desert garb.

Outages have been savage for me for days.

Badhru rises, not especially early, but not especially late. After he's rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, he takes a few moments with his formula book, mixes together a few pinches of ingredients, and swallows. Here's to another day in the desert, hopefully with a little less gods-forsaken heatstroke.

He listens attentively to Teos' guidance on how to wear these outfits so as to best protect from the sun. There might be days when he can't spare the effort to make an extract to do this, "And besides, no need to stick out any more'n you have to, right?"

"Thanks, big guy," he says as he adjusts his headgear.

Later, when Neve asks her question, Badhru considers for a minute how much to reveal. "No harm in lettin' the truth out."

"I'm here at the behest of one of those most marvelous of creatures: a payin' client," he says with a grin.

When Badru speaks of a paying client, Rani is interested. "A paying client, another possible sponser then? Are there any conditions that would have an effect on us?" Rani moves closer to hear his response.

"I don't know about that, Rani. He's all the way back in Absalom, and he either didn't know about the sponsorship issue, or didn't want to be bothered holding the bag on that." Dhru shrugs in resignation. "I didn't say he was a good client."

Sefanit is up earlier than she'd like to be, but she needs to get things done. First, there is time to be spent with Kush before people are up and around to notice. After that comes finishing Gabradon's manuscript and retuning it to him with comments.

After those tasks, Sefanit gathers her things and prepares for another uncomfortable day of sand slogging and camel riding.

She's not in much of a mood for talking, but when Neve asks around about why people are bound for Wati, she's happy to have the distraction from watching sand dunes and wondering when the heat haze will begin to make the sand look like water.

"It's a very rare thing for something like the Necropolis at Wati to become available for study. For something so long undisturbed to be accessible is amazing. It has been curated all these years, protected from destruction. Of course there are other places of great value that remain undisturbed, but mostly that is because they are too lethal to visit."

"I will probably never have another chance in my lifetime to visit such a valuable, unknown, and relatively safe source of information on Osirion's history. I cannot not go there."

"I did say "relatively safe" for a reason though. If you aren't familiar with the Necropolis's reason for being sealed, it's a grim one. It wasn't just a plague that struck. It was an unholy one. It was created and released by worshipers of Lamashtu. Its effects were terrible. Death by raging fever was assured. But before death came madness, violent fear and hatred of anyone within sight or hearing. As many, perhaps more were killed by the plague victims as died of the plague itself. Another tragic entry in the annals of divine meddling"

"There are some who think the plague might still be present, waiting dormant until new hosts arrive. Such things cannot be known for sure, but a dose or two of antiplague in your equipment is a sensible precaution."

Boaz walks around greeting you, "everyone ok? We should see the gates of Wati by this evening. " he holds out water for anyone that wishes it.

everyone make a fort save mid day for sun exposure. DC 10 or become fatigued. natives get +2 plus any special equipment.

After receiving the book from Sefanit, Gabby prepares himself for the day by mimicking Teos and Dhru putting on their gear.After a while the heat begins to take it's toll.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Theoretically, would it be possible to sneak and plant the book on Namaru with a little note?

@Gabradon and Badhru: Remember the salt tabs will give you +2 on your FORT save.

@Gabradon: Please ask Sefanit if sneaking the book into Namaru's stuff is a good idea.

Sefanit may not like the desert heat, but the Scorched Hand leader seems to truly be suffering. Sefanit offers her one of her salt tablets to help her along.

FORT: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

@Chubbleston: I did claim the native bonus on the FORT roll. Sefanit might not be from the right side of the political boundary, but it's all the same big crappy desert whether Osirion or Rahadoum. Deduct 2 from it of not allowed.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 8 = 19

Teos keeps an eye on the outsiders to make sure none are suffering too much from the desert heat.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Rani carefully arraigns his gear for the heat.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Ways of this desert with an eye to safety and comfort.
Fort Roll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Possible additional bonuses. Mostly if native to Nex desert realm applies; possible +2 from survival, if we are moving at half speed, otherwise no.

Rani is completely untroubled by the heat. Rani will be helpful to others if he is asked or otherwise become aware of their distress.

Fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Although native to Osirion, Neve grew up in comfort and luxury: for all that the desert has a harsh, arid beauty it's mostly just harsh and unfamiliar.

Licking her dry lips, she does her best not to think about past comforts: Cold, marble floors...shady, walled gardens...servants with fans...iced drinks stop it stop it STOP IT...

She listens with interest to the conversations, but doesn't have the energy to say much.

@Sefanit - If he was asking the team it wouldn't be very sneaky, would it? :) and I was just exploring options. I don't think I'll be doing it though.

While Badhru does take the time to arrange his sun gear properly, and is certainly grateful as Boaz comes around with water, Teos (and anyone who boters to pay attention to Dhru) sees that today, the half-orc seems completely unfazed by the sun and the heat.

Hooray endure elements. For now I'll use that.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Better her than me, I guess, Dhru thinks to himself as he notices the short temper the woman is exhibiting.

He listens attentively as Sefanit talks about the plague that consumed the city, and might still linger. He offers up, "I know some alchemy. Give me half a chance and I could probably whip up some antiplague vials. Of course, the catch is that half my gear got smashed to hell on the voyage to Sothis. My lockpicks and my alchemy gear were a total loss, and Lunda is a little busted up. When she's fixed up, Mother Kiya promised she'd have her sent along to me." Badhru sighs in frustrated resignation. Not off to an ausipicious start...

@gabs- yes you could try to sneak it into her bags on her camel.

@sefanit- yes you count as a native.
Velriana stops to take what Sefanit offers, "Thank you, By Nythis he can scourer this land of the world."

@neve- Boaz stops by when he sees Neve having a hard time, with a few quick gestors. he casts endure elements "My lady perhaps you should have some more water." Boaz also soaks a handkerchief before giving it to her. "Place this around your head." it should help. "Don't worry we will soon be there by the end of the day." Boaz then walks off.

"I think someone should introduce themselves to Namaru before we get to the city, we may not get a chance when we get there " Gabby says to the group as they make their way to Wati.

[ooc]He isn't really going to plant it on her. Dhru planted that little seed of doubt in his head so he likely won't bring it up again. (You weren't mean or anything Dhru it just played out well that way.)

Since Sefanit has gotten Velriana to talk some, she figures she should try for more.

"I gather you and your companions are traveling to Wati for the opening of the necropolis. What do you hope to find there?" she asks the woman.

"I think someone should introduce themselves to Namaru before we get to the city, we may not get a chance when we get there."

Badhru nods. "Sensible, Gab. Maybe I'll go talk to Khamid, then? See if I can't make an introduction."

@senfanit- Velriana stops and looks at you, "What we are looking for in Wati is none of your business. Thank you for the salt tab, however. Lets just say we are on the path of a Divine power." With that Velriana moves past Sefanit without another word.

Azaz walks up next to Sefanit wiping his brow and says "I wouldn't talk to her. Your lucky, the first time I met her she threatened to kill me." he says with a smile. Velriana shout back "AZAZ!, Come!." Azaz nods back. " Yes, most beautiful stick I've ever seen stuck up my Ass" he mutters before leaving.

@Badru- Khamid nods and holds out his hand for a introduction paper to take to his mistress. "Please provide your info. And ill be happy to give it to my mistress to see if you are worthy to meet her."

A written note? Okay, sure, I guess. Dhru holds up a finger. "One moment, please."

Badhru quickly opens his journal to a fresh page and starts writing.

Greetings Lady Meshhoten,

My new companions and I have decided to form a company together for the purposes of exploring the necropolis. We find ourselves in need of a sponsor, and I was hoping to discuss with you the possibility that you could do us that service.

If you are open to this idea, my companions and I would be happy to talk this over in the time and manner of your choosing.

Sincerely yours,
Badhru of Absalom

PS - Please pardon the hastily written nature of this introductory note; your man Khamid insisted on this method.

Badhru tears out the page, folds it over, and hands it to Khamid. "Here you go. Shall I wait here for a response, or return to my friends?"

Sefanit smiles at Aziz, taking care that Velriana doesn't see. "She didn't threaten to kill me, does that mean she'll never be my friend?" she quips with a mock pout.

Sefanit returns to her own group and reports the encounter.

"I got about a dozen words out of Velriana. Shrewish, probably some sort of religious fanatic, and egotistical I think. Not really worth our time."

Neve gives Boaz a grateful not, too exhausted to give anything more formal. She concentrates on keeping out of the sun's harsh glare as best she can.

Sefanit's assessment of the other party strikes her as accurate; all the same... "In my experience, everything grows slowly in the desert - but a seed planted now may bring forth fruit in time. You have done what you can, and we must wait to see if it reaps anything with time."

Even talking is tiring. She takes a long drink of water, grimacing as she does so: it's warm. What she wouldn't give for some ice, right now.

An stops by and checks on the group and notices Neve having some difficulty.

"Here Neve, let me help you. I can carry your things for you, if you like."

Rani hears Teos offer help to Neve and wishing to support his new friend comes by. Seeing Neve's grimace and guessing its cause, he will aid with a spell.

"Sorry for this heat, it's unrelenting on this trip, if you cup some water in your hands I'll cool it down for you."

Use Prestidigitation to chill the water. Nice having at will spells.

I know Neve could do this as well but Rani doesn't know that yet, she looks like a warrior.

Rani will do this for anyone that asks, it's an at will spell.

Sefanit shrugs at Neve's comment.

"Yes, I suppose one never knows. Aziz, the young man, seems nice enough."

She offers Neve a salt tab. "You're looking wilty, take one of these."

"My you're popular!" Gabby says to Neve with a chuckle. "Here, let me help too." He continues with a laugh as he grabs a piece of fabric and begins fanning her.

@bedhru- Khamid tells badru, "Thank you, you will be summoned if my mistress has the time."

@Gabradon-

Neve flushes, or perhaps it's just the sun's heat. It's been a while since she was the centre of attention, and it stirs memories - some good, others... less so.

No. She was that spoiled brat, but she has long since left her behind. She hopes.

"Thank you." She hefts her pack. "But the prophets teach us that each must carry their own load."

She squints ahead, trying to see their destination on the horizon. "Shall we?"

Later in the evening the Caravan comes to the city of Wati, the sunset glistens off the stonework making the whole city appear to be made out of gold. As the caravan makes its way up to the gate the guards stop and ask everyone's business in town. The caravan master gives your name to the guards and introduces the remaining people in the caravan. As the noble starts to move forward to be introduced; Velriana steps forward and says "We are the Scorching Hand, and we desire entrance into the necropolis." the guard is taken aback by the impudence of the non-native, but still answers "You will need to register your group with Sebti in the morning, you are lucky tomorrow starts the event. meet her at the main gates in the morning." Velriana counters, "What is to stop some fool from entering the necropolis early?" the guard appears to get annoyed. "There are gate guards and additional assistance on the walls. the necropolis is a dangerous place." Velriana starts "BUT!,.." as Khelru grabs her and pulls her into the gates. Then the noble speaks to the guard for a few moments, and while she does Khamid comes to Badru, and Gabs. "My mistress will meet you. please come to her estate in the morning Sun area of Wati for refreshments" he then gives a bow and follows his mistress as she enters the gate. the Guard then motions your group forward.

"Thank you." Gabby replies, eyes wide and darting around at the new scenery. Being his first real venture outside of Cheliax he wants to absorb everything he can.

"If any of you are wondering why I was invited to the estate of Lady Namaru, it's because I slipped her guard a note about my book." Gabby nearly chokes on his own words getting it out. Beginning to regret his impulsive decision. "I won't make excuses. I made a mistake not consulting the group before making my decision, regardless the outcome."

Rani raises an eyebrow at Gab's admission, saying, "You've taken a gamble, while that may have had repercussions on us, it seems to have paid off with an invitation. It's on you to now to make something of it. This whole venture is a great risk, I'm sure everyone here knows that."

As we approach the guards Rani hangs back a bit, waving his hand forward, inviting someone else to speak for the party. It's hard to tell if he is waving toward Neve, Badhru, or Teos, though.

Before she passes on into Wati, Sefanit asks the guard for directions.

"Could you direct me to Ptemeniib, Priest of Selket? I must call on him this evening. I am to see him as soon as possible after arrival, so either his place of worship or his residence would be appropriate."

@Sefanit- The guard gives you directions. "I don't know of the gentleman that you speak of, however I know there is a place of worship in Asp that still pays homage to the old gods."

With there being a slight pause when the group walks up to the guard that motioned them forward, Gabby speaks up to break the silence, "We are the Scarlet Scorpions! We will be attending the event tomorrow to enter the necropolis. And we have no intention of entering early." He gives a slight wink and a smile with his last sentence as he begins to walk by to enter the city.

Sefanit thanks the guard, then adds "and if you could recommend a place to stay, one with baths hopefully, I would be most grateful."

Teos nods to the guard as he enters the city. Tired from the long trip, he heads towards home, but makes plans to meet the party tomorrow morning.

"The lodging house I stay at might have room if you are looking for accommodations. It is nothing fancy, but is clean and quiet."

@everyone- "Most of the Inns are currently booked, however there is a inn called the Tooth and hookah that still might have rooms, its medium priced or you can try your luck in some of the seedier areas of town that might allow people to bunk. You will need to register tomorrow morning for the event, good luck Scarlet Scorpions!"

I am ok to split people up some DM's don't like it. just be aware that if too many people split up in town it takes longer to post responses. I have posted a map of wati currently the number 10 circle on the second map is the tooth and hookah. now that I know what others are looking for I will add other places. (red star- the alter to old gods)
(Pink star- the nobles house)

Gabby is going to want to snag a room at the Tooth and Hookah before making his way to Namaru's. Is Dhru going to accompany him there? I think we have to find a sponsor by the morning.

Not sure if any of you remember, but Teos has a friend who could act as our sponsor...if you are interested. He can take you to him and introduce the group.

The wati realization.

Rani leaves the caravan and walks into Wati taking in the sights and sounds. Here there are the traders, the shoppers, there the thieves and beggars. It's all so familiar. The ones, like him, dressed eclectically, with weapons and scrolls, adventures. Rani contemplates the future, so much opportunity, so many opportunists. They circle like vultures, waiting for the animal to die, to feed. Am I one of them? He looks toward the tombs, notes their antiquity. The past should be preserved, studied, not just looted by uncaring savages, I can be better than that. Startled by that thought, he slows his pace in thought, idly batting away the hand of a child cutpurse. I can do more here than just do for myself, with the this group, maybe this can be more than legal thievery. I can be a protector of the past, let it be a guide to a better future. What kind of man am it? What kind can I be?

Conversation

Rani says speaking mostly to himself but any can hear. "Thieves and vultures, far too many. We can be better than that, we must be."

To Teos, "My purse is very flat, if I can be squeezed into lodgings, I'd be very grateful. I'd be happy to meet anyone that can sponsor us."

Teos you can take a small group with you to meet your friend. Me and Dhru can meet Namaru. I see no harm in asking them both for sponsorship in case one fails. I don't know if either of them would be willing to give financial aide, but maybe your friend can be our official sponsor and we could use Namaru as a financial sponsor. We can talk about this in character once we make it to somewhere we can all talk and strategize.
Depending on the price I have some gold to spot a few people on room and board. It may be easier if we all stay in the same place.

Sefanit mentions to the others "I also know of a potential sponsor. He is a priest of Selket who I have corresponded with in the past. I should try to see him this evening, which means leaving for the Asp district right away. I just need to know where to find you all afterward."

"If we can agree to use the Tooth and Hookah as a meeting place, I will come there. Also, would anyone be willing to come with me? I don't know my way around here of course, and I suppose this city, like any, can be dangerous."

@Sefanit-
Boaz listens to the talk, and says "I'll be happy to accompany you my Lady. I would also like to check up on the alter. I have been there several times and I know the way." Boaz talks to the Caravan Leader and surprisingly the leader lets him leave without helping them unload or without any argument.

@neve- when you post just jump right into your group you are going with, it appears Sefanit and Boaz are going to the Alter in Asp, Teos and Rani, the tooth and hookah, and Badru and Gabs to the lady noble home.

@Teos and Rani- After just a few short conversations to ask where the inn is you finally find it. that building is a two story affair made out of clay bricks and mortar. a large curtain hangs in the door due to Wood being relatively scarce. The sound of laughter and music drift in the air. It doesn't surprise you that a large number of adventures are in the main room talking , drinking and challenging others to friendly competition. As you enter a thin haze of smoke assaults your senses. to the left of the door a small pond made to look natural has a rather large alligator in it. with people occasionally tossing food to it.

@badru and gabs- let me know if you are doing anything before going to meet the noble.

as you ask around for directions to the lady's nobles house you are eventually lead to a large house near a private oasis. the Meshhoten estate is not as large as some of the other estates you pass. A large house guard stops you as you show up at the door; a fine Khopesh hands from his belt.