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"Teos dude, you're the man! Awesome job gettin' us a sponsor. I'm buyin' you and Rani a drink, you've both earned it." He says to the pair once he has heard the news. Holding his hand up for a high five from the large man.
He then turns to Sefanit upon her arrival. "Seffy! I'm glad you're back, I was worried. Don't get too down on yourself. We failed too even with my book. Plus you heard Teos pulled through for us. So turn that frown upside down and have a drink with me." He gives her a comforting smile as he motions a mug toward her.
Sefanit wrinkles her nose slightly upon hearing "Seffy". I'll really have to say something about that soon.
"I wasn't alone. I was with Boaz. He's a very good guide." Looking at the priest she tells him "thank you for your troubles. I owe you some refreshment. What would you like?"
To the group as a whole she reports her failure. "I wasn't able to find the priest I mentioned at the Shrine of the Old Gods the evening. There's no time left to try again so I wasn't able to get sponsorship."
Badhru takes in the news from his companions, and it takes the sting out of the unproductive meeting with Lady Meshhoten. "Well that's really good news, Teos. Great job."
"Rani, it probably ain't the worst idea to keep a watch like that. Me, I'll take one of the shifts in the middle. I got the good night eyes," he says.
Badhru raises his drink to the others. "We got here, and we ain't screwed the pooch yet. I'll drink to that. Hah!" His spirits raised, Badhru takes a big swig off his drink. After that one is finished, he says, "I'm turnin' in early, we'll have a long haul ahead of us and we'll want to be fresh for it." As he gets up to leave, he makes a face as though he clearly just remembered something.
Finding Boaz, he says to the man, "Thanks for keeping an eye on Sefanit while we were all scattered like the wind. Things got a little crazy today what with all the makin' arrangements and all that. It's appreciated. What's next for you, anyway? You gonna take one of the caravans back to Sothis, or stay here for a bit?"
While talking amongst yourselves you see all sorts of adventurer groups mingling, and also others that are being standoffish. as it starts getting late you see several group start calling it a evening where others are drinking apparently all night long. A old man comes up to your table and says "Greetings perhaps you would like to try my wears?" with that he opens up his jacket and you see several vials. "Perhaps being not from our area, you would like some Mumia? or perhaps some Kief? or night willow?" The man says before looking to see if anyone is interested.
Boaz after getting back with Sefanit, asks for a simple ale. "May I join your group for a drink." you see that he has a mug in his hands.
Boaz says to Dhru "I don't know wherever the Gods lead me ill go."
For the sake of conviviality Sefanit stays with everyone down in the bar for a drink. But she has been walking since she arrived in Wati, after spending the earlier part of the day walking to Wati, and she is exhausted. A bath sounds far better than drinks to her.
Before too long she bids everyone good night. Tomorrow will start early she remainds them. Then she goes on upstairs to clean up and sleep.
Rani says, "Can't be too cautious. I'll take first watch and wake Badhru in a few hours. Who will take the last watch?" Seems too trusting of a bunch, at least Badru knows something of the chances that thieves abound here.
Rani turns down the purveyor of drugs. "I'll need a clear head, so no thank you."
"I will take the last watch, but I will hope it is not necessary. I have stayed here many times and have never been troubled..but it is better to be safe than sorry!"
After another drink, Teos heads upstairs to his room to sleep until woken by Badhru.
Rani says good night to each of his new friends as the go to bed.
He will keep watch for a few hours then wake Badhru for his shift.
To Teos he says ,"Let's hope that it is so, but there are many strangers in the town now and I am sure that some of them are ill-intentioned. Sleep well, friend, and may the gods watch over you."
Rani will make sure he knows which room each party member is in.
Neve savours the aroma of her mint tea, stifling the bit of her that wishes it was something stronger.
She scowls at the dealer until he goes away, but doesn't interfere with his business. For all she knows, he works for her family.
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"Actually, I think I'll have to pass this time." Gabby says before the peddler can get his words out. "Cool jacket though."
"Dhru if you don't mind I'll take mid watch with you. Rani, if you don't mind waking me up as well I would appreciate it." He says as he finishes his last drink, says good night to those that are left, and makes his way to bed.
Badhru nods, mildly surprised. "You wanna lose sleep, I ain't gonna say no to the company." With that, he gestures to Gabradon's pistol with a slight grin. "Just, if things go down in the dead of night, watch where yer pointin' that thing in the dark, 'kay?"
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Twirling the gun a little he says, "You have nothing to worry about. I've been practicing in my yard for years. I just can't wait to actually get to shoot it! Plus you don't need to be on watch by yourself. Someone needs to be there to run and get help." Gabby gives a half serious smirk after speaking.
the peddler stops and turns.
"Are you sure great sir? Mumia is made out of the flesh of mummy's people believe it gives you gifts of the gods. Kesh gives potent visions, and night willow is gathered from plants that are nocturnal. 500 gp a dose for Mumia, 150 dose Kesh, and 250 a dose for night willow."
Boaz says that he will possibly see you tomorrow he then goes and offers to help the innkeeper with whatever he needs done.
Rani fixes the ridiculous peddler with a cold stare. "Why are you here? Wares of that price are for nobles or at least notables. This place is not where such is like to be found. What do you really want?" Rani is not happy, putting his hand on his staff prepared to guard himself.
Is this a setup? What is happening here?
the merchant says, "I'll be happy to buy any discarded mummy pieces if you happen to run across any."
Rani concedes the likelihood he is dealing with a simple con here. "Ah, true, Gabradon. Peddler! Push your wares with the rich and stupid. You find neither here." Rani is his usual charming self with the peddler.
The merchant walks away muttering to himself, he may already be using some of his merchandise. around the room you can see that most of the people have left. Boaz is sweeping the floor of the place cleaning up after the adventures retire. as several of you go upstairs he nods to you.
(don't forget to minus off 2 gp a night. if you haven't paid yet. I don't like tracking money because we are on the honor system, but I will if people abuse it. not accusing anyone just putting my thoughts on it out there.)
Neve is up early as usual the next morning, before the rising sun has fully dispelled the night's chill. She spends longer than usual on washing and brushing her hair - she has a feeling that once they're in the tombs, there will be little time for such niceties. Also, the visit from the drug dealer yesterday provoked memories that she would rather suppress and she feels the need to be fully clean.
She decorates her face and her eyes with kohl and says her prayers, before padding downstairs in search of breakfast.
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Upon waking Gabby goes to find Nenet, or whoever is tending to the people staying at the Inn, in search of food and a cheap pipe and tobacco as he waits for the rest of the group to wake. He also needs to grab some supplies at some point before heading into the necropolis, either before or after the lottery.
Since nothing of importance happens Rani wakes Badhru after several hours, and goes to bed. If uninterrupted in his sleep, he rises in the morning. He does his morning prayers, and mediation rituals. For today he leaves his spells in wilderness selection except he leaves his slot he usually uses for comprehend languages open, to be filled later.
Rani files out in order to see about breakfast. Seeing Neve he greets her, "Good morning and blessings of the dawn upon you, I trust you slept well?" Rani continues heading for whatever refreshments are offered.
Sefanit wakes early, but not as early as some. Rising before dawn is just barbaric. When she comes downstairs to join the others she is lugging a heavy satchel with difficulty. She drops it on the ground and explains.
"Before I left Manaket I did some reading. We're coming to this rather late, and there have been a number of reports and memoirs of exploration in Osiriani ruins published. I made a list from the readings of the most commonly used tools and equipment, and stocked them to bring along in my luggage. Unfortunately it's quite more than I can carry. I thought perhaps we could divide up the contents so we have it on hand without burdening any single person too much."
She opens the satchel and lays out its contents on the table:
50' Rope
Grappling Hook
Hammer
4 Pitons
Folding Pole
Crowbar
50' Twine
6 Torches
4 Flasks of Lamp Oil
"There!" she exclaims cheerily. "Who wants what?"
Arriving down with the others, Teos looks over the gear Sefanit has brought.
"A very good selection of gear Sefanit. I will carry whatever you like as my pack is rather light. This was more a spur of the moment decision for me, so I must apologize for my lack of proper equipment."
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"Gotta love a woman that comes prepared." Gabby flashes a big smile, almost proud of his companion for being so well equipped for their mission. "I can hold a few things, and pick up whatever else we might need." He says as he eyes the gear laid out before him, and making a mental note of the inventory.
Rani sees the results of Sefanit's shopping. He says to all present,"Excellent choices, Most Learned Sefanit. If our funds were more lavish, I'd have more suggestions but they are way too expensive save one. I would consider adding more water to our load and a few days of food for each. I do have a few coins left but only good for a couple of days in this expensive town."
Rani adds, "I too can carry more, I prefer to remain light on my feet do to lack of armor but, I can certainly carry half a stone or more as needed. Or I could be the pack mule that hauls our massive fortune that we will be bringing back." Rani smiles to show that he is not that serious about the fortune, except that he kinda is to the perceptive.
"Huh, is that because if the woman comes prepared the man can use the extra free time for more drinking with his buddies?" Sefanit shoots a smirking look at Gabradon.
"Yes, it's just the most basic of stuff. I really wish I had enough money to get a pantograph as well. But that will have to wait I guess."
Rani's raises an eyebrow at Gab's apparent confusion. He replies, "Surely you jest, a stone weight is a common measure in most lands, usually 20 pounds, though there is some local differences. But you're from a far land, mayhap it is not used there, so many local customs."
Rani says to Sefanit, "That is a good idea, I hadn't thought of that but we can't haul twenty ton blocks of stone out of there. A sled or small cart would be useful too, but again for later. Perhaps in a few weeks assuming the price of such doesn't grow hugely here."
Badhru eyes up the gear, nodding and giving Sefanit an admiring glance. "The old man used to say, 'Be prepared.' Looking at this kit, he'd have liked you just fine, Sefanit."
"Jus' like you, Rani, I had plans and I even had a little bit o' gear to come with me on the trip here, but a lot of it didn't survive the passage from Absalom." He frowns for a moment at the memory, and continues. "I'd be happy to help shoulder some of this stuff for ya, Sefanit," he says as he hefts the crowbar. "Got anything particular in mind?"
Your group after eating and spreading out the extra supplies. Start making your way down to the gates, right at once you marvel at the huge black double gate over fifty feet tall. With eighty feet walls with armed guards walking on the top. You see over twenty adventuring groups starting to gather near the gates in addition you also see a large pavilion to the left of the gate.
When you make your way towards the gate you see Boaz starting to hail your group making his way through the crowds. "hello friends!"
Neve returns Rani's greetings with a nod and a smile, before turning her attention to Sefanit's trove of useful items. "I can summon light, if required, but I am happy to help with carrying some of the tools." She picks up the hammer and hefts it purposefully.
Once outside, she is cautiously polite to Boaz. She's not sure that he is a friend, exactly; but she suspects that they wouldn't want him as an enemy.
Rani responds to Boaz's greeting, "Hail, Master Boaz, may your god Kreppi bless your labors and may the All-Seeing guide your path. Watching the eager to start their dreams, or find their fate?"
Hmm, Boaz seems a bit attached I wonder ... no watching all these hopeful people and the vultures watching them is making me too suspicious. Everyone has an angle but it doesn't have to be bad. Thoughts briefly play out over Rani's face, a bit guarded then resolved.
"I don't think so, except those we saw on the trip here, Gabradon."
"Wow! I never knew this was so popular! Any of you recognize these people?"
Badhru scans the crowd. "I'd be surprised if I did; apart from the Scorched Hand, I've never heard of any of them." He glances at Rani and chuckles. "Heh, but then again, it's a big world, and anything can happen, eh Rani?"
When Boaz hails the group, Badhru is pleased to see the hard-working priest. "G'morning, Boaz. Are you here on some business of your own, or were you seeking us out?" To the lot of them, he asks out loud, "Where are we supposed to go from here? Is it a queue, or do we just shove our way to the front? I'm hoping the former..."
Rani looks slightly nettled but calmly replies to Badhru, "Greeting of the Sun and the All-Seeing upon you Badhru and yes some interesting coincidences do happen from time to time. Perhaps some of those looking on those about to enter the Necropolis are former subjects of a previous hunt of yours. I'm thinking that one over there is dreaming already of spending what he will steal from the groups." Rani quietly indicates some shady looking individual that could be construed as casing the groups waiting. (Pretty sure there will be a few.) Still to those paying attention the by-play seems to have a deeper meaning.
Sefanit offers a wave and a "Good Morning!" in return to Boaz's greeting.
She walks over to him. "Have you come to see the start of this circus, or are you going in yourself?"
Teos stands waiting as the others looks around. He nods his greeting to Boaz and a few others he recognizes in the crowd.
@gabs- under the pavilion you see a small line of people awaiting to speak with several clerics at a large table. you see that the large table has a giant map of the necropolis.
@Rani- "Good morning to you! may the gods bless you on such a fine clear day." Boaz replies.
@badhru- you can see that there is a least a dozen adventuring groups. you can only tell the difference because each individual group appears to want to be a little separate from everyone else. so they are arranged in small clusters. you see some double checking supplies, others praying in a group, were another is going over a map.
"Good morning, master Badrhu from what i understand you will need to get in line to talk to the head cleric." as he motions towards the pavilion.
@Sefanit- "I spent the night in prayer after working at the tooth, during the night I had a vision. that I believe you will need my help in the necropolis. I saw sand pouring in and covering your faces slowly drowning you all. It could be nothing, or it could be warning from the gods to be carful. I admit that where I'm not much of a fighter I believe I can use Khreppi's gift to heal you. If you wish me to accompany you."
Badhru listens thoughtfully to Boaz's admission, frowning slightly at the recounting of the vision.
"Hah! Probably drew duty cleaning a stable or somethin', figures he can get out of it by taggin' along with you."
Oh be quiet, you old coot, Dhru admonishes the cynical voice in his head.
"Hmmph, can't say I like the sound of that one very much. If you think this is some sorta destiny of yours, Boaz, I'm not gonna object." Turning to the others, he gestures toward the line and says, "If we need to discuss this at length, that's fine, but can we at least get into the line first, before it stretches all the way back to Sothis?"
Rani listens to the odd cleric as he asks for entry to the group. "As neither do I. However I would like to know your expectations of our group. What can we do for you?"
"A most apt point Master Badhru, perhaps we should select someone to speak on our behalf for these occasions. Teos's friend is our sponsor, you have proven insightful on a number of matters and Neve has a silver tongue ..." Rani breaks off and turns to Neve, "Wait you mentioned the abilty to provide light, I thought you a warrior, have you some command of the otherworld arts?" Rani is having a bit of cognitive dissidence.
"Hm, not so sweet dreams Boaz. I'm agreeable to your offer. Things could get weird. Thanks."
@Rani- "For me, nothing. Kreppi teaches that only by helping others in need and to be a productive member of society you are assured a honored place in death. I'm only here to offer my services as a more interesting job of helping your group. better than cleaning bedpans, Hahaha."
@Sefanit- Boaz gives a deep bow to your comment.
@badhru- as you hurry to get into line you see that Khelru, and Velriana are already in line a couple of people infront of you.
Sefanit looks around at all the people gathered for the opening.
"So... Do we get in line or wait for something to happen?"
"It looks like we need to get in line and register our group with those people sitting at the table there."
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Gabby makes his way back to the others to stand in line with them as they wait their turn. "Looks like the crispy fingers beat us here."
He starts growing restless after only a few minutes and starts fidgeting and shuffling his feet in boredom. "Seriously, how much longer can this take? I'm ready to get down there. Wait till you guys see the map. This place is HUGE!"
As your party waits in line for about twenty minutes, you see the Scorching Hand a little in front of you, gets to talk to someone who is seated at the table. Velairina says as she straightens up, "Its about time, I am Velairana Hypaxes leader of the Scorching Hand. I am here to explore a temple of that was dedicated to Nethys the all se........"
"Shut up" the woman sitting as the table says.
"well I n......" she starts to say before khelru steps forward a covers her mouth. as he walks forward, and takes a coin out of the woman's hand.
"Take this number and coin to go along with your group, and speak to the gentleman on my right."
after a few moments the gentleman shows her a map and points towards a place on the map and allows Khelru time to write up directions that the gentleman gives. After they leave you see Velairina shake off Khelru and start talking angrily at him.