Chummy's Mask (Inactive)

Game Master chubbs

"It looks like Lady Namaru is doing quite well for herself." Gabby thinks out loud as him and Dhru approach the estate. "How about you do the talkin'." He says as he is slightly intimidated with the entire situation.

"Thank you Boaz, you are very kind."

Actually Sefanit is disturbed by Boaz's offer to come with her. it has become increasingly clear over the last couple of days that Boaz is not exactly what he seems. It's not that she thinks he may be something mundane like a rapist or murderer, rather he knows too much, is too helpful and kind, he is more than he seems to be.

She wonders if he might be a Pure Legion agent. On one hand, she thinks it is almost egotistical to think the Pure Legion would devote such resources to just following her around. On the other hand though, it is hard to shake off what has been a fact of life in Rahadoum for as long as she has been alive.

Refusing his offer, if he is who she fears he might be, would not be a good idea. She has already said where she is going and who she is meeting. Ambiguity about the meeting would look bad, suspicions could arise, circumstantial evidence accumulate. She has admitted to corresponding with a priest as well, it paints a bad picture. Much better to let him see directly that she only wishes to get a sponsorship, no personal interest in Selket on her part. She thinks she can make the bad impression so far look innocent. Just a bit of business for the sake of research.

As they walk Sefanit finds the situation too tense to bear. She knows she will never get the truth if he is a Pure Legion agent, but she does want to hear him account for himself.

"So Boaz, let's speak of the elephant in the room. It is not hard to see you are no simple porter. Why do you work as one when your talents are more of the mind than the strong back?"

"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."

Neve shrugs slightly at Gabby's confession. "The prophets say that 'fortune favours the bold' so let us call your actions 'bold' rather than 'foolish' - this time." She gives a small smile aimed at taking any sting out of the words. "I should like to accompany you once I have freshened up."

She will seek lodging at the Tooth and Hookah, before joining with Gabby and Badhru.

Oh, Teos, I actually had missed that you had another possible sponsor lined up, I'm really sorry. If our appointment with Lady Meshhoten doesn't go well, we could try that next? I'd feel stupid going to the trouble of setting this appointment then saying "Oh, nevermind." :)

Upon hearing Gabradon's confession, Badhru closes his eyes tight for a moment and takes a deep breath.

"Trust a damned Chel to act without thinking 'bout the consequences."

Not now, please. And if he was really being so Chelish about it, he wouldn't have stepped up like he did.

Having finished his little argument with himself, Badhru opens his eyes and looks at Gab. "OK. She's still agreein' to see us, so unless she really likes tellin' folks to flip off in person, we might still have a shot at this. The key's gonna be to wait for her to bring it up, and take our cues from her reaction. If she's outraged, we eat crow, 'That was unbecoming, won't happen again, yadda yadda.' Even if she liked it, though, yer bedtime stories are not our main priority, y'know? We need someone to secure a sponsorship, and she seemed a good candidate fer that. Business comes first."

Badhru looks around the group, making a conscious effort to not direct his next sentence solely at Gabradon. "Lesson learned here: if somethin' can blow back on the lot of us, we all have to be in on it, ok? We've all got to be on the same page when we're makin' important decisions, or we'll never make it in there," he jerks his head in the direction of the necropolis.

"I should like to accompany you once I have freshened up."

"That sounds fine, Neve. I'll never say no to being accompanied by a local, 'specially a pretty one," he grins.

"Kid, yer embarrassing yourself, stop."

Oh be quiet. I'm just trying to be friendly to a new colleague, okay? Sheesh, I'm starting to see why you worked alone, you old coot.

"I’d also like to go get a room, and maybe splash some water on my face b’fore we meet the Lady Meshhoten." He turns to Sefanit and Teos. "If the two of you both know folks that might sponsor us, you think you could at least go and make contact with them? I don’t know if you should flat-out ask ‘em yet; if this thing with Lady Meshhoten plays out, we’ll be set, and I don’t wanna ask for a favor we don’t need, you know? Teos, you know this town well ‘nuff that the two of you are safe together, or maybe take Rani too; three are that much less likely to be jumped than two."

Apart from securing a room and making himself as presentable as possible, Badhru would be intent on heading to his meeting with Lady Meshhoten.

(side note: Dhru thinks the crocodile is effing awesome)

When the three of us are ready to walk up to the Meshhoten Estate…

Badhru approaches the gate guard openly, and says to him, "Hello, we have an appointment to see the Lady Meshhoten. My name is Badhru of Absalom."

@sefanit- Boaz answers the question with a shrug "My services are much in demand, In a way, so I have very much leeway in what I do. Most people will give me what I ask for and expect nothing in return. Have you ever heard of Khepri?"

@Badru, neve, and gabs- (see Teos and Rani description of the tooth and hookah)

The guard nods and welcomes the three of you to the estate on behalf of his mistress. he leads you up to the door and walks in taking you down the hall and into a waiting room. the halls are decorated with artifacts from all over Orision. Including several somewhat risqué pieces. the guard ushers you into the room. and asks ya'll to relinquish any weapons on your person. He does not insult anyone by searching you and strictly taking you at your word. After he takes any obvious weaponry he asks each person separately if they have any weapons. (rather than a search check it will be a bluff check vs sense motive) the guard however does appear to be surprised that even though you have cleaned yourself up that no one is in a nobles outfit for the audience.

Rani looks over the scene at the inn, then finds the proprietor. To Teos he says, "Looks like the innkeeper is over there. Do you already have lodgings here, perhaps I could be added to them cheaply? Let's find out."

Resolve the above as needed to move the scenes along.

After cleaning up, (assuming things go well) Rani says, "Best we meet with your prospective sponsor as soon as possible, either tonight or tomorrow as available."

In looking over is there anyone that is especially interesting or out-of-place even for the weird crowds now in town?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Interesting?

Sefanit shakes her head. "No, I have never heard of Khepri. Who is that?"

No need to roll, Sefanit is untrained in K Religion and can't make the DC

At the Tooth and Hookah Gabby inconspicuously pays for Rani's lodgings, overhearing his financial situation and asking the proprietor to tell him his had been comped.

"She sure has interesting taste.
Bet you never seen one of those huh, Dhru?" Gabby says to Neve and Dhru as they make their way through the estate being escorted by the guard. Attempting to lessen the awkwardness and uncomforability of the walk through the artifacts with a few scattered jokes and innuendos.

"Here's everything I got, but I must say my greatest weapon is my pen." He laughs at his own joke as he hands over all of his weapons, not seeing reason to hide anything.

GM: As Teos has traveled to Wati many times before, I was assuming he knows the town and would have accommodations that he usually kept. The Tooth and Hookah sounds like the perfect place for a traveling guard, so can I assume he knows the proprietor? Also once settled he will head down to see Elki at his shop.

Neve ducks her head, acknowledging Dhru's compliment while at the same time doing her best to deflect it: "The prophets remind us that Beauty and Virtue are not related - praise belongs to good deeds, rather than to good looks."

Knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Neve has done her best to look presentable, but is aware that she no longer has the clothing for such meetings. She has rather avoided the nobility of her old life, and is grateful that Wati is so far from what her family would consider civilisation that she's unlikely to run into any who can identify her as a Khamutep.

She courteously offers up her khopesh for safekeeping, but has left her other weapons (including her sling) in her room at the Tooth and Hookah. She can therefore answer the guard with full honesty.

"The prophets remind us that Beauty and Virtue are not related - praise belongs to good deeds, rather than to good looks."

"Of course. Sorry, didn't mean nothin' improper by it," Dhru smiles politely at Neve's deflection. Wow, there's somethin' going on there. He decides not to press the situation for now. Verity knows it'll be interesting to keep an eye on her...

Later at the Meshhoten estate...

"Gab, I can honestly say no to that for pretty much everything. So far, Osirion has been a crash course in things I never seen before. I love it," Badhru says with a grin. "Just, y'know, not so much with the sunstroke."

Badhru hands the guard his dagger and crossbow. He catches the guard's meaning that they might be a bit underdressed for the occasion, experiences a brief surge of panic, and closes his eyes for a moment. "If you are, then you are. Don't sweat it now, Kid, it's too late for that. You let how you're dressed get in your head now, you're gonna flub this interview."

When he opens his eyes, he does his best to assume an unfazed air, determined not to be rattled.

@Rani you smell a cheap tobacco in the air called Shisha. you look around the room and surprisingly you see three members of the scorching hand here sitting at a table, Khelru, Azaz, and the Half-elf. they appear to be talking quietly. with occasional glances among the room. you also see a Halfling standing on top of a table bragging about how he will be the one that brings in the most expensive treasure in the necropolis.

@Sefanit- Boaz shrugs and says "I'm not surprised you appear to be from the outer areas of Orision.(not Gruandi)" he tells you further, "Khrepi is the god of the common people, he is god of the sun, freedom, and work. In a way that is why my services are of so much value and demand, you see I'm a priest of Khrepi. It is my solemn duty to work daily and my pleasure. Me and my fellow priests , which there are not to many. Don't ask for money and live a aesthetic lifestyle we go around and train others in carpentry, stone working, farming, anything that the poor and lower class do daily. because we don't ask for anything for our services I'm not employed by anyone and can come and go as I please. people in most cases give us any of our daily needs if asked because in most cases they get threefold back whatever they give in hard work. For example, I just simply left with the caravan and they simply accepted me as being there. "

@gabs- "Names Nenet by the way", the proprietor says before continuing talking to Gabs, " It is roughly two gp a person to stay here. base meals are included along with a bath each night. If you would like something special prepared or drinks those are extra." after gabs asks he says certainly he will keep it to himself that bas is paying for Rani room.

@teos- yes the proprietor is Nenet. and the Croc is the unofficial mascot of the inn called Toothy. I am assuming you go alone? or do you want someone to go with you.

@Neve, Gabs and Dhru- After a few minutes wait you see the noble lady walk through the door, you can see immediately that she has changed out of her road clothes and is dressed in a very filmy silk dress the color of yellow , cream, and white with a Golden Corset around her middle and Khol around the eyes. followed close behind is her bodyguard. she takes a seat and asks for a more through explanation of what you wished in the letter Dhru and more info about gabs letter. she takes in your clothes with a quick inspection and says "Well you MUST be adventures that are going into the necropolis."

Rani eyebrow raises again as he sees the Scorching Hand hanging out here. Odd I had the impression that they were the type to go to a carriage trade type place, unless this is all that's left. And if so why?

Rani sees Teos, saying "I'll secure quarters and meet you at once. We can go meet your prospect." Rani is surprised that the room is paid for and assumes that Teos took care of it.

Ready to go sponsor hunting.

"A priest?" Sefanit looks at him with surprise. "Then you are my first, at least that I'm aware of. You know, I am sure, of Rahadoum's laws."

She gives him another look over. "Do you carry a token of your devotion? A symbol of faith? May I see it please?"

She doubts a Pure Legion agent would go so far as to actually carry a religious symbol, even for the purpose of deception. Besides, she's convinced his accent is not fake by this time.

"Well you MUST be adventures that are going into the necropolis."

"Okay, kid. Now, show me you were paying attention all those times I had a client in the office."

Badhru smiles a pleasant, down-to-business smile. "Yes madam, that we are. I hope you can forgive our rather modest appearance. As I packed to come here from Absalom, my thoughts were on the sorts of clothes I might wear for the task to which I was set. It was an oversight to not account for the possibility of being in a setting as fine as this."

If Badhru senses she'd like to get right to business, he'll make his pitch:

"Is the Lady aware of the rules surrounding exploration of the necropolis? All companies are required to have a sponsor, a local who will vouch for them at the temple of Pharasma. There is no monetary cost to you for this service," Oskar goes on for a bit, relaying the arrangement as Boaz explained it to the group (and trying to emphasize the minimal outlay of time and trouble this will cause Lady Meshhoten).

"When we saw you in the caravan from Sothis, I thought perhaps a successful businesswoman such as yourself might see fit to help some others get started in their own pursuits. Do you think some manner of arrangement could be made…?"

I’ll just leave these here for your use, GM. if there is a Diplo check to be made, I’m going to preemptively throw an inspiration die at it. Neve, Gabradon, any checks you want to make to aid the process?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (9) + (3) + 8 = 20

As he enters the Inn, Teos calls out a greeting to Nenet.

"Greetings my friends! A drink for me and my companion to wash the desert from our parched throats! Ah toothy! I did not forget you my friend!"

He rummages through his pack and takes out several large strips of dried meat. One by one he feeds them to the croc.

"I hope you kept my room warm, dry and vermin free while I was gone! My friend here will also need lodgings..my treat! So what news has there been on my absence?"

I believe Rani is still with me??

@ Teos and DM. Yep! Still there.

Rani doesn't need to assume, since Teos did openly take care of the room.

"Thanks, Teos, I'll pay you back when the funds flow in from our venture."

Rani takes the drink gratefully and will take a short break in the room to freshen up, including shaving his head and all hair but eyebrows and lashes from his head. With this crowding, lice will be an even bigger problem. Must take care.

Rani says to Teos, "Is your plan to rest this evening and wait for the others to tell of their results or to seize the moment and try at once to follow any and all? Might be better to have too many sponsors than too few."

"Might be better to have too many sponsors than too few."

Regardless of how my character feels about this, the more I the player think about it, the more I think you're 100% right. Get on out there! :)

"Just cleaning up before visiting my friend for dinner. I will send a boy to inform him of our arrival. We will be eating at an establishment he and I have visited many times before. It is traditional fare, so I hoe you will be ok with that! Their date cooked goat is fabulous!!"

Teos calls a urchin from the street and gives him instructions and a silver piece to inform his friend of their meeting this evening at the tavern. He will wait for a reply then take Rani out and show him a bit of the city before they end up at the tavern for dinner.

"We would be more than honored to represent you with our venture into the necropolis. I believe it to be fate that caused us to cross paths on our journey to Wati. Just as it was fate that drew this group together. We plan to respect the artifacts of the necropolis, we are not here solely for financial gain and notoriety." Gabby gives his part of the pitch following Dhru's lead, mimicking his body language and tone. Attempting to gather all the information he can from hers.

Don't screw this up. Don't screw this up. Don't screw this up. Repeating over and over in his head.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 1

OMG. Apparently doing all this while picking his nose and paying more attention to naked statues.

@teos- once Rani leaves to clean himself up Nenet pulls teos close and whispers. "Another young man paid for the room already. Teos my friend." Nenet give a description of Gabs, and says it was supposed to be a secret.

@teos and Rani- later that evening you meet up with Elki in your favorite drinking spot that you normally go to share gossip. "The Gaudy Oasis"; this one story sprawling tavern is located mainly outside with trees and bushes mixed in with tables to give a illusion of privacy while normally not busy during the day it is well known for the stargazing at night. "Teos !, so good of you to join me for a drink I'm surprised your back so early I thought you decided against this necro-looting that was going to take place when you left with the caravan." he gets up and motions to the serving wench before getting up to give you a hug and arm clasp.

@sefanit- "Sure, my lady." Boaz says as he pulls out a golden Beatle necklace with rubies for eyes. You cant help but think that it is a little rich for a guy claiming to not care about money, or you can think that this golden Scarb is precisely the type of holy symbol a guy that cares nothing for money would wear. "actually I would think that someone that must be blessed by Selket himself would know a little more about old gods." as he motions to your scorpion in your pouch.

@dhru, Gabs and Neve- "Yes I am aware of the rules of the necropolis, and where I would love to help such a imaginative group at gaining my attention. (winking at gabs) I currently am sponsoring another group of adventures in the necropolis called the Daughters of the Sands. I believe it would be a conflict of interest for me to sponsor more than one group. however if you happen to run across anything that might be valuable that you think would interest my taste in art ill pay you well for it."

"Speaking of art, maybe you would like to buy my book. We could use the extra coin for supplies and the better prepared we are the more likely we are to bring you something of interest. You have to admit, that first page got you hooked." Gabby says back to Lady Namaru, hoping to gain something from the endeavor.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

Anything from you, Neve?

Sefanit's blood chills at Boaz's implication. She's suddenly not so sure of her judgement about the man. "I don't know what you mean. I have corresponded on the subject with Ptemenib, thus this visit. But we have only discussed certain historical facts regarding the goddess's worshipers. I know nothing more about her."

Sefanit quickens her pace slightly and says nothing else about it.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 16 1d20 ⇒ 18

Betrayed drawback: roll x2 on Sense Motive, take the lower roll.

Fidgeting nervously Rani waits for Teos to bring up the vulgar topic of money. It's like nothing has changed, still begging for money.

When invited to do so, Rani adds, "Greetings Master, I'm Rani Doompalm, I'll be contributing my learning in history and magic to this endeavor."

@gabs- The lady nods and says "I can tell it is your first piece, but sure I'll pay it'll be worth more if you don't make it out alive." she says with a smile that you cant tell is serious or not. (she pays you 10gp.)

@sefanit- Boaz allows you to continue with your thoughts not talking once you go silent, when you get to the small church to the old gods. you see that all the gods are represented. and that the church can hold probably about 50 people. currently there are only about a quarter full. including several acolytes. there are four large statues representing the most powerful and popular gods. Anubis the god of dead , Osiris the god of living, Isis the queen of the gods, and Horus the god of rulership.

@Rani- "Glad to meet you" Elki gives a small bow "I am Elki el-Abbar, caravan master and merchant. So what do I owe the honor of your visit today my friend." Elki says as he is looking at Teos.

Sorry, work has been manic

Neve's discomfort at suddenly being surrounded by the trappings of nobility once again has caused her to leave the talking to Gabby and Dhru. She realises her mistake as soon as they have finished speaking, but it's too late by then.

She curtsies to the Lady. "Of course, you have your own interests to attend to. We respect that. What can you tell us of the Daughters of the Sands?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Sefanit wanders around the shrines, looking for one that depicts a female and scorpions in some manner, figuring Selket's shrine will be most easily recognized by those things.

She keeps a lookout for a priestly attendant for it. If there seems not to be one, she just asks another priest if she can find Ptemenib there at the present.

She also keeps an eye on Boaz tracking what he does.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

The following can be considered "held" until Neve's finished her discussion re: the Daughters, but I wanted to be sure to get something posted.

When it's clear there's no more business to be conducted, Badhru rises. "Well madam, we'll have to be off, as tomorrow we'll have business to see to. We thank you for your time, and hope you and the Daughters see a fruitful return on your efforts."

After they've left, though, the half orc's tone with his companions is a little less poilte. "Sheesh, what a friggin' waste of time that was. She really had to have a meeting with us to tell us that? How hard would it've been to have Khamid tell us yesterday, 'Sorry, my boss says she's already sponsoring someone else'?" He shakes his head in aggravation. "My suspicious half tells me she was wasting our time on purpose. Dunno why she would, and I don't know if I'm just talkin' crazy here, but don't mind me, just thinking out loud," the young half-orc mutters as he stomps through the streets of Wati. "I hope the others didn't take my advice and went to go see their propsective sponsors..."

As the negotiation takes place, Rani's mind drifts back. His mother is building a fake ulcer on his arm. She says, "A bit of honey and the oil of skunk, that will look and smell horrifying. Otherwise you look to big and healthy and no one will give alms." Da yells drunkenly from his noisome pallet. "Better bring some silver this time boy, or you won't be faking a cripple." The trick worked for a while, coins, a few silver he collected. When another beggar blew the con out of rivalry, Rani fled again. The family moved again from the wharf to the gates to try again...

Rani gives a slight start and once again pays attention to the old friends talking.

Not sure what I can do in the negotiations yet, so a slice of the past.

@neve- "They are a all female group, lead by a desert druid and her Gaint scorpion companion. her name is Valashe. I know that they also have twins from chelaxia that are both Witches."

@Sefanit- looks around and catches the attention of a acolyte and after a few moments they both come over Boaz introduces him as "Dales" a cleric of Horus. he give's a quick bow and asks "How may I serve you milady." you also see that there is a smaller statue of Selket as a half human half scorpion. with a sun in his palm. he also adds "If you would be more comfortable to talk in a side room I can have one set aside. Boaz here says that you would probably be uncomfortable in here." you also see that Boaz gives you a reassuring smile.

@Badru- I looked at it that even if she wasn't going to sponsor you to offer to buy stuff you find might be of interest to a merchant Plus a face-to-face so to speak.

Oh, sure. Just Badhru being suspicious, is all. :)

"Well you know that I was not that interested in this adventure business. Well most of that was because I could not think of anyone else to join me....well other than some other guards, and I don't trust most of those desert raiders. Anyway, this last trip I ran into this group of people who have the skills needed to maybe pull this off...or at least get out alive. All we need is a sponsor. What do you say? Will you sponsor us tomorrow at the opening of the necropolis?

As they leave the estate of Lady Namaru Gabby replies to Dhru, "I think she meant it to be polite instead of looking like she was just blowing us off. But if it means anything I thought you did a stand-up job being the face of our group. Neve, I notice you kind of froze up there, what happened? She make you nervous?" He says with a playful smile.

I sure hope Seffy's alright, I hate she went off on her own with that stranger, Boaz. Maybe I should go look for her when we get back to the Tooth. He's thinking to himself in the back of his mind as they leave the estate.

Neve blinks at Gabby's perception and hastily concocts an excuse. "Forgive me - I am not, uh, not used to being in the presence of nobility and I was conscious of not being dressed for the occasion. I assure you that I will keep my composure next time."

Get it together, she mentally admonishes herself.

Looking around, she searches for a change of topic. "Perhaps we should go in search of Sefanit. This land is not forgiving of strangers who wander away."

@Teos and Rani- Elki looks at you and takes a long drink, "Well, sure as long as you can vouch for the members of your group. I'll be happy to help where I can. I just need all your info, and for you to buy the next round. " and with that he takes out a pencil and paper to write down all the necessary information. After you are done(and let me know if you are lying to him about anything.), he looks at you and says "By the way there are some people looking for you for some reason. I don't know who they are, I just heard through the grapevine."

Sefanit bows slightly to the new priest when he introduces himself.

The people here seem rather stiff and formal...

"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am looking for Ptemenib, priest of Selket. It was suggested to me that I might find him here. Do you know if he is present? I am bringing a matter of business to him, and time is limited."

She ignores the room offer for the moment. There is no need if the priest isn't there.

"Thank you Elki, you will not regret this! I will personally pay you back anything you expend on the red Scorpion's behalf. So someone is looking for me...any more info? Maybe its for a job? Well anyway, I am too busy now for any contracts."

Teos calls over the waitress and orders another round for the group.

"They're nothing to lose yourself over.
People like that are always going to find something to judge. I think it makes them feel more secure. You did great, though. I didn't mean nothin' by the comment." Gabby says back to Neve in his ever friendly tone.

"I was just thinking about Seffy, actually. Errr... I mean I was wondering if she was okay. Hopefully she's made it back to the Tooth when we arrive, if not we should go find her." His face turns a little red as he stumbles over the rest of his sentence.

Rani will describe the group as best he knows, leaving out only the minor points of his history, but describing the thoroughness of his magical training proudly; he will describe Neve as a warrior and Sefanit as a helpful scholar.

As I recall both Neve and Sefanit have concealed their magic and Rani has no reason to know of that as yet.

"My thanks as well Master Elki and I'm sure the others will be grateful and all will repay you as you wish. I'm sure the details will be of interest of those no present though so I would like to go over them if you would grant that boon. I do not know the exact amounts required to gain legal entry, and of course you should receive adequate recompense for your generosity. If there is an area of particular interest to you, we would be pleased to endeavor to satisfy such."

How much in GP is he putting up, what interest or reward for this is he expecting for this, what should we know about this venture from him?

Rani is slightly perturbed at Elki's vague pronouncement, barely lessened by Teos's airy assumption that it is more good news. My new friend is an optimist. Charming but unrealistic, I wonder what it is about but I much doubt is for our good. Still, I know little of his past, but vague warnings usually turn out for the worse. Must keep alert.

@Sefanit- "Ptemenib is not here currently I'll be more to happy to get another priest if needed. I can also deliver him a message if necessary next time he comes by."

@Rani and Teos- Elki gives you a sheet of paper after writing out the necessary info. "This should be sufficient to gain access. just give it to Sebti the crocodile. there is no need Rani there is not money involved mainly just a voucher that you will abide by the rules."

Rani bows to their new patron and says, "Thank you, we shall not disappoint you."

After making their departure, he talks with Teos, "Well that went surprisingly well, I wonder how the others are doing? We should see about them, I suppose at your friend's fine establishment."

"I think she meant it to be polite instead of looking like she was just blowing us off. But if it means anything I thought you did a stand-up job being the face of our group."

Badhru nods. "Yeah, yer prob'ly right. Suspicion's just part of my job description, I guess," his face breaks into a slight smile. "And thanks. Hope I didn't come across as bossy or nothin' like that. You ever think I need correcting, go ahead and tell me. Just, not in front of a client," he winks.

"Perhaps we should go in search of Sefanit. This land is not forgiving of strangers who wander away."

"Souds pretty reasonable to me, Neve. Do we know exactly where she was going? Should we check in at the Tooth first?"

"Thank you for your kind words, Master Gabradon. But you were correct - I am supposed to be your local guide and that involves speaking with anyone we meet. I assure you that I shall not stumble like that again."

Keen to put it behind her, she looks at Dhru as he asks his question. "Ordinarily I would say that an Outlander such as her would be easy to spot, but Wati is currently full of such types. Let us return to the Tooth and ask around."

Diplomacy, gather information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Oh, I see" Sefanit says with disappointment.

"It isn't a religious matter that brought me here. I came to ask Ptemenib to do my companions and myself the honor of sponsoring us for the exploration of the necropolis, which begins tomorrow. It would be awkward to make such a request of someone with whom I have no prior acquaintance."

Sefanit lets her dilemma hang there without saying more. It would be awkward, but if this priest is willing to come to her rescue with suggestions about who else to approach, she would do it.

@sefanit- the priest says that he agrees and wishes you well on your journey. Boaz leaves with you and you head back to the Tooth to check in with your companions. let me know if you leave a note, or if you leave your name and where to find you.

@Rani and Teos- you make your leave to your firend after having a few more drinks. then head back to the Tooth.

@Neve, Dhru, and Gabs- after a short talk with the noble your group decides to head back to the Tooth to check with everyone.

It would be terribly rude to not leave a message for the priest. To not do so would imply she came to see him only because he might be useful to her. She leaves her contact information and asks that we send word about when he would generally be available to receive visitors.

Returning to the Tooth to meet with the others, she is downcast.

"I had high hopes for getting Ptemenib to sponsor us. I hope someone else did better. Our time is up."

Rani sees the sometimes concealed but still glum looks on his new companions as they sit drinking listlessly. He comes up to the group with animation saying. "I gather events didn't go as well as planned. However do to Teos' connections a Master Elki will vouch for us. No money involved, it seems he is staking his reputation for our good behavior. We promised not to disappoint him."

He sits down and in a much quieter voice continues, "We should take care, Teos carries the paper that authorizes the Scarlet Scorpions entry. With the number of desperate but bold people about we need to take care. We need to take shifts tonight. At least one of us and mayhap two should be awake at all times. Rest would be good but one theft and we are undone." Rani looks around at the inn's other clientele, assessing them for their danger.

Arriving back at the Tooth, Neve orders a hot mint tea, sweetened with as much honey as she can afford (like many former addicts, she avoids intoxicants but has replaced her addiction with a sweet tooth). Her spirits rise slightly at Rani's news. "That is good - well done, both of you. Our hopes were dashed when she said that she is sponsoring another group: the Daughters of the Sands."

She smiles. "Let us celebrate our good fortune. The first round is mine."

Teos enjoys a drink with his new teammates, but the news that someone is looking for him still worries the warrior. None the less, tomorrow they will enter the necropolis and whoever is hunting him will have to wait until they emerge once again...hopefully richer and more experienced!