Chummy's Mask (Inactive)

Game Master chubbs

"You guys hear that? She's wanting a specific tomb. Remember yesterday when she was askin' about sneaking into one before the lottery? There's something in particular she wants real bad here." He says, suddenly interested in finding out more about Velairina and the crispy fingers.

Badhru winces, then chuckles a bit as the Scorching Hand gets rebuffed. "Whoever's got the section with that temple's is gonna have their hands full. I'll betcha a silver the Hand tries to find that temple and loot it out from under the other team."

He turns to Teos. "So I'm sorry Teos, I didn't get a chance to ask. Who is this guy that'll be sponsoring us? You know 'im well?" He pauses. "Is it even a 'he'? I'm making assumptions."

Teos smiles and claps Badhru on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

"It is not a problem friend Badhru. In all the rush it is quite understandable. Our sponsor is a good friend of mine. A merchant from the city here you specializes in funerary good and antiques. His name is Elki."

Neve is unable to completely suppress a smile as Velairina is so swiftly dismissed, after the rudeness she showed on the journey in. "As the prophets have said, 'what goes around comes around,'" she murmurs; not quite loudly enough to be heard.

So the Outlander is interested in the temple of Nethys - good to know. Part of her training in what she now calls (when she has to remember it at all) the 'family affairs' involved taking note of what motivates others, of what they are interested in. You never know when you might need leverage, and this Velairina has revealed something potentially useful.

Her good mood restored, she is able to smile at Gabby's enthusiasm. "Patience, Master Gabradon. Things move slowly here in Ancient Osirion - as the prophets say, 'time crumbles all things.' I think Mistress Velairina would have done well to bear that in mind."

She takes a sip of water from her canteen, and does her best to stay out of the sun's heat.

To Boaz, "Fair enough, far from me to step between a god's will and a man, but the phrase 'a worker is worthy of his hire' comes to mind. But I welcome your aid."

Rani speculates, "It appears the Scorching Sands leader may know something or believes she does, of paramount importance that lies within that place. I admit to being curious but have no desire for unnecessary conflict. We should take what we can get and make the best of it."

Rani looks puzzled at the lack of response to his desire for the issue of leadership to be worked out but lets it go for now.

Sefanit follows along, mostly looking around and taking in the sights and people around them. If the chance comes, she will give Azaz a covert wave. He seems nice, but she doesn't want to get him yelled at.

She doesn't give the idea of a spokesperson much thought, she certainly not interested in the role. "If we need to choose a leader or whatever, perhaps it should be one of us who's local? I can see that being an advantage. Anyone want to volunteer?"

"Great idea Seffy. Teos and Neve, I think you two would be great choices. Rani you're cool dude, but I think the other two are a bit easier to approach, and Teos did have the connections to get us sponsored." As they approach the front of the line Gabby’s heart starts pounding as thoughts of exploring and adventure fill his brain. A random smile fills his face upon the realization that he had successfully left his old life behind and the beginning of a new life had just begun. The possibility that anyone would ever come looking for him never even crosses his mind.

With the picking up of the discussion for leadership, Rani continues, "Cool dude, don't think I've ever been called that but I'll take it. And no one is more aware of the fact I'm not the best person to influence others. For now at least it may be mostly a formality but it may soon come to be more than that."

Rani still looks around but more at the crowds than the other participants. Particularly he looks for those that are taking more than a casual interest in them.

Neve gives an elegant shrug, if such a thing is possible; and does her best to fight down her inner spoiled brat, who has perked up at the prospect of having minions to order around. "It seems to me we all have our areas of expertise: I am good with people, but no tactician; and I would trust Master Badhru's eye for trouble over my own. I would prefer to be a companion than a follower; or a leader."

Badhru raises an eye at Teos' description of his friend's line of work. "Funerary goods, eh? Let's just hope we don't need his professional services for a good long time, then," he grins.

As the idea of a group spokesperson gets tossed around, Dhru sees what he assumes to be a general reluctance to assume authority over others. When he sees an opening in the conversation, he says, "If no one else wants to do it, I will. But I ain't nothing more than a name to sign the papers and a face for the client to yell at," he jokes. "The old man trained me in how t'be a detective, not a manager. If any of ya sees the situation is turnin' to yer strengths, I hope t'Verity you'll jump in. Does that sound reasonable?"

"I was talkin about a face, not a general. My judgement is the only one I trust and the last thing we need is a hierarchy. Decisions that effect the group need to be made by the group." Gabby says as just the thought of someone giving him orders irks him more than it probably should.

Teos looks relieved as Badhru steps forward as leader.

"Sounds good to me. I am not much of a leader, but I am a good team player."

Badhru nods. "That's what I'm tryin' t'get at; sorry if that wasn't clear."

Neve does her best to stamp on her inner brat, who is throwing an epic tantrum about being "usurped" by a "horrid half-breed Outlander"... Forcing those thoughts to one side, she gives Dhru her most dazzling smile and is about to say something gracious about being happy to assist and advise when she can - but is interrupted by Gabby.

Giving the youth her most imperious glare, it's not without a sense of relief that she gives full voice to her inner brat - keeping it in check all the time is tiring. "Master Gabradon, it would appear that trusting your own "judgement" has resulted in you ending up hundreds, if not thousands, of miles from home, in a dusty backwater city, forced into relying on a handful of strangers. Maybe listening to the judgment of others would not be such a bad idea."

"You confuse an alliance with reliance. And you assume I'm not exactly where I want to be. This may have been your only option, but I chose to come here. Seeing we are all here, "relying on strangers", as you say, it would seem our judgement is quite alike." Gabby says back somewhat condescendingly with a smirk that slowly turns to a full on smile.

He turns to Dhru realizing he may have come across brash if not outright hostile.
"Don't get me wrong, Dhru, I like you and you seem to have a decent head on your shoulders, but there is a big difference in leading a team and being the face of some ragtag group. It's not that I don't trust you, it's that I don't know you. It takes more than people skills not to get us killed. And if we are all gonna die I'd rather it to be a group effort, for now. I can't in good conscience put my faith in a stranger. I don't have any problem following you into the necropolis, but we make decisions together."

While the others bicker over what attributes a leader should have and... well, she doesn't know what else because she's not listening, Sefanit takes a set of papers from one of her storage tubes.

She puts on the pince nez that hangs around her neck, and looks through them. They contain a set of hieroglyphic conversions. The symbols may change little over time, but the meanings can differ between ancient Osiriani and its current form. Keeping those differences straight is surprisingly difficult for Sefanit. As a native speaker of Osiriani, current meanings come to her reflexively and she must always check herself to be sure her immediate interpretation is the correct one. It could be deathly important today.

Rani says, "I'll certainly support Master Badhru, his range of experience will be of benefit I'm sure. For the us to make decisions as a whole, when there is time, that is good, when there is not, well either we act then as a mob or as one. We have no time to learn to work together before we will be tested so each of us will have to depend on all of us at moments of crisis. May they be few."

Rani grows less interested in the by-play and is looking for those outside the group that are paying attention to them.

@Gabs and Neve- "Now , now mistress and gentleman. Kreppi teaches that there is always a Devine hierarchy and that there must be a master and a servant, and in this case you simply should follow your heart on who you would listen to. There is no shame to say that in some ways a person whos council you trust is your leader in that respect."

@rani- Your conversation in your group are having the effect that some other groups are snickering at your back.

The Robed lady sitting now gets to your group. "please provide your group name, your signature of all in your group, and the name of your sponsor"

"In addition do you have any questions about the Necropolis; ignorance will not be tolerated. My name is Sebti, I am in charge of the process." she says the last bit as she looks up at your group.

Wish we woulda thought to have that conversation sooner, the half-orc thinks to himself. It's a shame we had to have that little to-do in public, but what's done is done.

Badhru shrugs, puts on his "business face" and addresses Sebti. "Hello ma'am. We will be registering our group, the Scarlet Scorpions. Our sponsorship will be through the merchant Elki; my colleague Teos can provide the necessary details," Dhru gestures toward his friend.

"I do have one question involving site security. If we find someone meddling in the area assigned to us, what is our recourse? I would assume we come to you or one of your people to lodge a complaint, yes?"

Badhru signs the document, "Badhru of Absalom", and dates it.

DM: not exactly clear who's addressing us?

Her eyes flashing, Neve draws herself up, taking in a deep breath, ready to deliver a blistering rebuke to whoever is impertinent enough to interrupt her, and to remind everyone in earshot exactly who they are dealing wi-

Yeah, no. Not a good idea. In hiding, remember? Telling the entire crowd that the blood of pharoahs runs in your veins is a good way of not keeping it there. Or worse, if any news gets back to your family - is that what you want? To be dragged back to that life?

She shivers, despite the heat of the desert air; and draws her cloak around her, pulling the hood up as far as it will go; and remains resolutely silent. She recites one of the mantras of the prophets to herself, an exercise that Father Reptahar taught her as a way of trying to maintain control.

Yea, though I speak with the tongues of angels and men, and understand all things and can see all paths, but have not love, then I am nothing; though I give all that I have to the poor, and heal the sick, but have not love, then I am nothing; though I walk the path of righteousness up to the heavens, but have not love, then I am nothing...

Neve, unless I missed something, that's Sebti, the priestess running the process of registering groups and assignments to sections of the Necropolis.

If I keep this up I won't have to worry about leadership cause they'll boot me from their group. Gabby is thinking as he regrets another exchange with the group. His thoughts and his words have never quite been in unison.

A flashback hits him like a ton of bricks as he's imagining being on his own once again. One of his grandfather berating him after a few poorly chosen words in front of his guests.

After snapping back to reality he signs the document while his shoulders hang in regret. "I apologize for the outburst. I was the instigator, but it won't happen again. Thank you and the city for allowing us the opportunity to help uncover the secrets of the necropolis. I assure you we will all treat everything inside with the utmost respect." A rare formal structure finds his words as he tries to change Sebti's first impression.

"I'm sorry." He whispers as he passes by Neve, not looking to see her reaction.

Rani silently signs the document. At this point best to be quiet and bore the priestly bureaucrat. He nods to Teos to give the needed information to the busy priestess.

Many possible questions to ask but none of special import so I'll leave it to the better prepared to ask.

Teos gives the priestess all their information and signs the document with his cartouche.

Since she asked, Sefanit has several questions for Sebti.

"I will be making copies of of inscriptions and paintings as I find them. Does the church want copies of these for its records?"

"Does the church have plans to make the neocropolis open to the public at any time in the future? If so, does it wish to be informed of sites and finds that should be considered for special treatment and preservation?"

@neve- Sebti is addressing your group.

@badhru- "People trespassing into another's assigned area is prohibited, and there is great leeway on how it will be handled by the church. We would prefer you lodge a complain if found, however many of the church believe those that do are committing a crime tantamount to Grave robbing which will be very harshly enforced and some are ok with the perpetrators being executed on the spot. We will be taking investigations of this sort very seriously. Unfortunately where there will be church guards patrolling the streets for extra protection; everyone that enters is at your own risk. Because they might not be readily available."

@Sefanit-
1. "the church will always be interested and would appreciate any copies you make or have and will give you a fair price on this. Anything to help with the history of what you are exploring for our chronicles."

2. " Yes, the church will expect to be informed, and there will be church priests at the gate at the end of the day to speak to anyone regarding the treasures found."

3. "Unfortunately no, many people believe that because of the great plague some areas are off limits, and that opening up the necropolis might cause more harm than good."

Boaz comes forward and writes his name and then stands off to the side.

"So when do we find out which area we have been awarded and when can we begin exploring it? And if we complete one area quick enough could we explore another?" Gabby asks after Sebti answers the other questions. "Who would you recommend for supplies that we may need?"

Rani thinks well of each question asked still leaving them to others. Well it appears that we will be thought of as fools, that may work to our advantage in the future but also inspire others to mess with us. Best to wait and see.

Rani simply maintains a watchful eye for now.

Neve is suddenly aware quite how much attention she has drawn to herself; she nods silently, accepting Gabby's apology with a murmured apology of her own.

Looking around, she is conscious of the crowds. "Are we done here? Where shall we proceed next?"

In response to Neve's query, Badhru clamly replies, "Soon as y'sign yer name t'make it all nice and legal, I think we go and get our assignments, right?"

Wow, thinks Badhru. Something's got that girl wound pretty damn tight. But now ain't the time or the place to ask about that.

He instead waits for everyone to sign off, and takes his cues from the priestess.

Sefanit signs after thanking Sebti for her answers.

Sebti answers your question Gabs, "You may only go the your assigned area provided, the penalty to wander around is the same as grave robbing; Death. You will receive that assignment when you talk to Sargo......, NEXT!" she calls out for the next group of adventures to step forward as she motions your whole group towards another man dressed in the black garments of a priest of Pharisma sitting down at another table under the pavilion. Next to the person named Sargo are two assistants that look like clerks. Once you step up to the table the seated gentleman "Sargo" tells you that your group will be exploring the Tome of Akhentepi .One of the helpers then gives your group directions on a small document (a Sketched out map to it). While the second shows you where on the map in relation to the front gate where the tomb is. Your allowed to quickly scan the map before a guard comes up and moves you out of the way.

those with ancient Orison Language can read some of the map.

Sefanit notices the areas on the map marked as undead threats with wide eyes. She takes particular care to remember exactly where in the neocropolis those are located.

"A tomb. I was hoping for a public building of some sort, but a tomb is a good start. Akhentepi was probably some kind of minor notable."

K History: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Rani becomes very interested as events start to move quickly. On being informed of where they are to being their exploration he starts to think about that but his attention is swiftly drawn to the map that they are shown, since he see others being shooed away he notes that their time is limited and tries to memorize what he sees.

Memorize map: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Apply to INT roll +4 or K:Geography or K:Local +8 as needed.

He is a bit taken aback by just how little time they get to see the location as they are hustled away.

"Anyone else see where we go and things are? I think I got a bit."

I'll think later on the history try to remember where everything is.

Before and after he speaks, Rani is quietly reciting memory aids in Ancient Osirion.

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (17) + (1) + 7 = 25

Badhru's face brightens as he hears the name. "Akhentepi? Wait, I know who that fellow is. Or was, I guess. He was a general, I think, from before the plague. Records I saw weren't quite clear if he was buried with Mrs. Akhentepi, if ya know what I mean," Badhru grins.

"Anyone else see where we go and things are? I think I got a bit."

(Guessing for what check would relate to reading the location of the tomb on the map, but for now I'll make a check as if it's Knowledge (local).)

"I got a pretty good eyeful, Rani." Badhru gets a faraway look in his eye for a moment. "The old man always used to drill me with stuff like that, make me look at a map or a drawing, then make me tell him details o'what I saw. We'll get there just fine..."

Dhru I gotta say it is nice having someone so well studied as an ally. Before we head in I'm going to buy a few things we may need. The last thing we should do is go in ill prepared." Gabby says after seeing the map and listening to the information Dhru provided. Looking through his pack he begins making a mental note of what may be needed in the tomb.

"I may have gone a bit overboard, but I'd hate to get down there and not have the tools we need."

Know: History: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Indeed this man is also known to me. A great general with a "wife" as dangerous as a desert asp. A good place to start our delving!"

Knowledge history: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The name doesn't register with Neve, who is too busy trying to avoid signing her own full name. She hastily scribbles something illegible and then preoccupies herself with the map. Ancient Osirian is not a problem for her, and she translates it readily. "It seems that not all of the dead are peacefully resting. We shall need to be on our guard."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

A Priest soon walks up to you group, after you leave the pavilion walking up he quitly says "Who is in charge of this group?"

After someone answers no matter whom "I need this person to write their name legibly otherwise the guards walking around that decide to stop you wont have all the names in your group. and will take into custody any person not mentioned. Oh and it appears you weren't given your token before leaving my apologies." with that the priest gives the leader of the group a single Platinum coin. on the coin is a skull with five teardrops. "you show this with your group name to any guard that stops and speaks with you."

Baoz says "If you need help milady, I can assist if you give me your name."

I just wanna say I cant wait til our first fight... I am practically quivering with anticipation, I tried too hard to set up the mood and give backgrounds I probably should have had one fight. but I wanted to let everyone know. this AP is fast paced fight after fight But just not yet, lol.

Gabby quickly points at Dhru, assuming they'd done something wrong he quickly responds, "Him!" After hearing why they were stopped, Gabs breathes a sigh of relief.

Gabby looks at Boaz, then at Neve with a confused expression after hearing his offer of assistance. "Neve you don't know how to write?"

After receiving the coin Gabby continues following the group to their destination in the Necropolis.

It's tempting - very tempting - to pretend to be illiterate. But her pride won't wear it. Besides, she's just admitted she can read the Ancient Osirian map.

Flushing slightly, Neve glances at the priest. "Oh - the pen must have blotted, and I didn't notice. Here."

Easy enough to invent a surname on the spot - it's not like anyone will check. She settles on Kaleeba: her mother's ancestral name.

When Gabradon tries to rat him out, Badhru looks over at his comrade with a raised eyebrow. Really?

He watches the scene play out between the Priest, Neve, Gab, and Boaz. Attempting to lighten things up, he says, "She probably got all distracted by that big lump of breakfast you still got stuck in your teeth, Gab."

He glances at the sheet as Neve re-signs it, and as he takes the coin, Dhru makes a mental note to be sure to find time for a brief private conversation with Neve.

A huge smile lights up Gabby’s face at Dhru's comment before he can't help but let out a chuckle. "I was savin' it for later."

"Now let's go exploring, shall we?" He says as he begins walking at a brisk pace, almost skipping as joy and excitement fills his body.

Earlier

Rani says to Gab, "All equipment will be useful soon enough, I'm sure, thanks for bringing it."

Now

Rani starts paying a bit closer attention to Neve. Thinking over her earlier behavior and this instance, Rani thinks, That error seems unlike her, I wonder ... it seems she is hiding something about herself but I'm sure she is not from beggars and thieves like me.

"Yes, let's see what Akhentepi, may the All-Seeing watch over his spirit, has to offer us. But I'd slow the pace a bit, it's not going to get cooler and I hate to see you race into the dens of the undead, Gabs. The tomb has waited for thousands of years, it can wait one more hour." He warning is a little robbed of force though as his excitement is clearly rising as well.

"Still, this will be a slow process. There is much to do, so we should make haste to begin. Wasted time is wasted life" adds Sefanit

With his weapon at the ready, Teos walks out into the dead city with the other members of the Red Scorpions.

After some time in the market, realizing it must be nearing noon, The Red Scorpions make their way to the Grand Mausoleum. The bustling desert city of Wati is near bursting with excitement. Adventurers from every corner of the Inner Sea region have assembled here beneath the hot Osirian sun to explore the tombs of the city’s necropolis, waiting only to be assigned their first sites for exploration. Surrounding the participants, the public has gathered to observe the ceremony as well. There is a festival-like quality in the air, and numerous street vendors are hawking goods and refreshments to participants and spectators alike. Some merchants have even brought what can only be considered adventuring gear to sell as last minute convenience items to explorers, while others advertise that they’ll buy recovered treasures and antiquities from those who visit their establishments.

In front of the imposing edifice of the Grand Mausoleum, an immense awning has been erected between decorated pillars in the market to provide shade for the priests of Pharasma overseeing the lottery. Beneath the awning, two urns sit atop a table elevated a few feet above the ground on a wooden stage constructed for the event. The high priestess of the Grand Mausoleum, Sebti the Crocodile, sits behind the table, while two acolytes confer with her at either side.

Sebti finally leaves the Pavilion and walks to where a small Stage has been set up off to the side of the gathering. Taking a deep breath she begins.
"Although many of you have requested specific sites to explore, we must leave these matters to fate. The Lady of Graves is a far better judge of destiny than we of this mortal sphere. The gates of the necropolis will open at once. when your name is called you may move forwards through the gates. Prepare yourselves for the task ahead. Let these rules guide you in your endeavors.
Remember how this came to pass. The Plague of Madness was unleashed upon the city of Wati while religious authorities were engaged in infighting. This rule is a reminder that the necropolis remains a holy place, and those who engage in needless conflict and banditry are not only criminals, but accursed.
Every slave's hut is a memorial. Every structure within the necropolis is a testament to the people who lived and died in the city. Explorers must not desecrate or vandalize standing structures and tombs, but preserve them as the memorials they were intended to be. Some structures may be trapped or decrepit, but willful and unnecessary destruction will not be tolerated.
Honor the departed. The dead should be treated with dignity and respect. If the interred need to be disturbed to recover an antiquity or relic, they should be returned to their resting places carefully. It is understood that the ancient dead are often brittle, but there is no need for the contents of a sarcophagus to be summarily dumped on the ground. This rule does not apply to the undead or other abominations.
Failure to comply with these rules can result in, but is not limited to, expulsion from the necropolis, a ban on continued exploration, seizure of recovered valuables, and arrest and prosecution by local authorities.
May you go with the Lady's Blessing”

she then starts calling out names in order off a scroll.
"The Cryptfinders, The Daughters of the Desert, Dog Soldiers, The Sand Scorpions, Chaundren's Champions, The Amethyst Dragons, The Flickering Four, The Scorched Hand, and finally, Red Scorpions." she then finishes off with another ten groups. but you are quickly swept up by the surge of people wanting to explore as fast as possible.

I have updated the campaign info tab, I recommend that everyone read it if I post I have updated it. sometimes valuable reminders and additional info can be gleaned. As well as it will help focus your group. I have also started a necropolis slide including a look at the entrance.

"Easy, Gab. You ever hear the one about the young bull and the old bull? Let's walk, and get 'em all," Badhru smiles as he stands there, excited at the opportunities sure to lie ahead of him.

The crowding and swift flow bothers Rani. "This crowding is difficult we should win free of it as soon as possible."

Rani attempts to find the way to their assign area by a path with least crowding.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 See a path.

Geography: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Where we are going.

Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Where going and how people are acting.

Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 How architecture and Osirian building styles effects choice of a good path.

"Master Badru, this way seems a good path, but I not sure of the exact placement of our site, if you think that's the best direction, we'll go that way."

Gabby slows his pace, "I can't help it. It's pretty exciting. I can't wait to see what it brings. Good luck you guys." He follows Dhru and the group taking in all of the other sites as they pass them, making notes in his journal and drawing a rough sketch of a map as they travel.