”Barkeep, one meal, and a room for the night.”
The Barkeeper smiled.
"Sure thing honey. That'll be two silver pennies; and for one more I'll throw in some lamb cutlets." He offered, smoothly moving a glass of honeyed water in front of her.
Nimaethep graciously took the seat offered to her and accepted the drink. "Thank you. May I have the pleasure of your name?"
She took a sip of her drink "Please accept my condolences on your losses. Were you close with them, or simply business acquaintances?" she asked, trying to get a feel for the type of people she would be working with. She casually looked over at the other two sitting with the serpent man, the Garundi man was heavily armoured and had what looked like a serpent tattoo visible on his wrist and disappearing up along his arm under his sleeve. The Kaleshite was an older woman with grey just starting to dust her red hair. She had a more scholarly look about her.
Sliding three silver coins across the counter Asa takes the glass and turns her back to the bar. Sipping her drink she lets the breeze waft the conversations towards her, drinking in the overheard gossip along with the refreshing hydration of the honeyed water.
Someone here must be looking to hire. I'd be surprised if there's a team out there who hasn't lost a single member.
The boisterous sound of the barkeep sharing the tales of the lottery with a desert walker drift down the bar. She focuses on the table in question as a young catfolk joins them.
They've lost four. We'll, let the kitten test the waters, see if the brew is viable. Then, if they're shopping, I can make an offer.
A momentary updraft tousles her hair as a look of predatory excitement flashes across her face and is gone once again.
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The large dark-skinned man glowers at the official's retreating backside as Cerastes crushes the scroll in one of his large hands. Seemingly losing his appatite he tosses down a greasy hank of meat onto his plate, "May the sands take him...but not before he finds that he has slept on a fire ant hill in the night." He looks from beneath his cowl at his companion Sirusk, "We must find new members so these thieves don't make off with everything." He hands Sirusk the crumpled scroll.
The big cowled man seems content to let his reptilian companion do the talking and slowly drinks from his mug while giving her an appraising look. As Nimaethep moves to take her seat, she finds that it shifted without her noticing causing her to miss.
Nimaethep stumbles as she goes to sit but manages to catch herself before she falls as her chair is mysteriously re-positioned. She casts a quick look about the room for the perpetrator before nonchalantly putting her chair back in place. This time she curls her tail around one of the chair legs as she goes to sit to warn her if the chair is moved again.
"There seems to be a prankster about." she says casually. Without looking around she says in a quieter voice "The man with the falcon seems to have taken an interest in your group, though I am more inclined to suspect the woman with the tattoos at the bar who is also watching us. Her hair seems to move in a breeze I do not feel in this room. Possibly a manifestation of an ability to move things with an unseen force? Do you recognize either of them?"
"Ah yesz I agree Cerastes", Sirusk simply says that seeing the scroll. [b]"Who wasz that man? Anyone of consequence?" That one I will have to watch more carefully I think...
As Nimaethep gracefully catches herself from the fall, Sirusk snaps back into focus wow much grace with that one, yesz , "Forgive my mannersz Nimaethep. I am Sirusk, this here is my friend Cerastes, Oracle of Battle, and my other friend the esteemed wizard Infernis.
"Thank you for your kind wordsz for our former colleagues. Some were close to each of usz. I am the newest member, just joining up a couple of days ago in time for the second lottery. Rose was a good friend, and despite our differences she will be miszed by me for sure. The othersz were closer to Cerastes and Inferis.
"As you have seen, we are scertainly in a bind. Do you think thosez other two are looking for a group asz well? I suppossz it can't hurt to ask.
Siruk makes eye contact with deadly looking slyph and strong man with the falcon. He nods them over to the table.
Nimaethep graciously took the seat offered to her and accepted the drink. "Thank you. May I have the pleasure of your name?"
She took a sip of her drink "Please accept my condolences on your losses. Were you close with them, or simply business acquaintances?" she asked, trying to get a feel for the type of people she would be working with. She casually looked over at the other two sitting with the serpent man, the Garundi man was heavily armoured and had what looked like a serpent tattoo visible on his wrist and disappearing up along his arm under his sleeve. The Kaleshite was an older woman with grey just starting to dust her red hair. She had a more scholarly look about her.
Inferis glowers at the buerocrat as he walks away. She slowly rubs her thumb up and down on her glass of wine as Sirusk and Cerastes talk. A low burning anger is simmering as she silently weighs the groups need versus the affront of merely replacing friends.
As Nimaethep approached, her brooding was broken momentarily as she put on a smile as full as any mask; however, it lasted only until the catfolk spoke. At Nimaethep's question, Inferis' hand absently went to her throat and lightly touched her wind pipe. She listened to Sirusk's comments disagreeing with his sentiments at the perceived empty platitudes being expressed. "Speaking for the dead, whether we were close or not is irrelevant. They lost their lives while joined with us." Her smile replaced by a scowl, "We are in need of more companions but I must say that I am given pause by your comments Nimaethep. There is death in those ruins. We don't need someone who is here just for his or herself. We watch each other's backs and expect the same for anyone with us."
Inferis takes a slow, long breath. Steadying herself, she sips her wine and looks to her companions. Pressing her lips tightly together, she tries to recompose herself and put on a smile. "Perhaps I speak out of turn. Death is just so final.....usually."
Concentrating the first round, you Detect the presence of Evil in the 60' cone area.
Akil-Khalid will continue till he knows who is evil. After the nod he will move over to the Nagaji with his drink and bows. (If no one on the table pings evil)
"May the sun shine over all your travels and banish the shadows on the dark roads your feet walk. My name is Akil-Khalid! I just came to this fascinating city."
Nimaethep's ear flicks for a moment as Inferis's words touch on her earlier reservations about approaching the group.
"I did not mean to offend, I merely meant to divine whether your group was borne of convenience or comradery.
To address your concerns, On the matter of death and what lies in the Necropolis. I am familiar with death, the dead and the undead. When at the temple I carry out Anubis' work, preparing the deceased according to the ancient traditions. I have studied the books of Life and the books of the Dead and I have been to the Necropolis, and other tombs, and experienced the dangers within.
As for the matter of protecting each other, to honour Bastet I have trained in an ancient style unique to the catfolk which emphasis the protection of others in my care. If it is within my power I will guard the members of this group from harm.
Finally, on the matter of motives. When I was younger I plundered tombs for their wealth without regard and was called a tomb-robber. The thrill of finding gold or jewels is what drove me. Today when I excavate tombs I do so as respectfully as I can for the knowledge of the past contained therein and I am called an archaeologist. The prospect of recovering lost fragments of Osirion's past is why I wish to travel beyond the wall."
Nimaethep speaks gently "While death may be final, usually as you say, it is not the end. It is simply the door between life and the afterlife through which we will all step one day. From one journey to the next."
She takes a sip of her drink as she watches the man with the hawk approach the table.
"May the sun shine over all your travels and banish the shadows on the dark roads your feet walk. My name is Akil-Khalid! I just came to this fascinating city."
"Yesz, we scertainly need some shadowss cleared from our path. We have had much unluck lately and our other companionsz paid the ultimate price. While we all knew the risks, it doesn't yet dull the sadness of their fate. Making the throb of a dull spoon to heart worse, as they say, is that we must complete our exploration of the Erudite Eye or losez our charter. You see quite capable knight Akil, yesz? Siruk reflects a moment and turns to Cerastes, "Perhapsz our fortunes are turning after all, friendz."
Akil-Khalid shrugs for a moment then nods."I do know how to use the blade and sling, that is for sure. And my faith in the Falcon headed master of sky and sun does give me some moderate powers over the living and his fury on his brothers foul creations, the unliving."
Power is from 0 to 20, + is good, - is evil.
Sirusk looks over at Akil and Asa, "Friendsz, sit if you are looking for company. We ourselves are in need of some new warriors. What is your interest?, the hooded nagaji says warmly.
Khalid takes a seat and smiles at the others. He reaches into his vest and procures a little piece of meat. The falcon on his shoulders hops down and gobbles it down.
The sylph steps up to the table with a careful grace that belies her awkward gangly appearance. She carefully smoothes her dusty tattered robes and holds the chair as she sits. Taking a sip of her drink she finally speaks up. "Please pardon my eavesdropping, I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help it. Besides, it's always best to know all you can about a situation before entering it." As she speaks her hair flutters in a subdued breeze.
"I think introductions are in order. My name is Asa Basmerit. I am a practical Osirionoligist and healer with a specialty in alchemical remedies. I understand the fatal dangers of the ancients." Her hair flies wildly for a moment. "Unlike those tin plated, overstuffed..." Whatever wind had taken to her hair calms and it falls limp for a moment.
She bows her head and closes her eyes for a moment, then looks up again. "Sorry, I spent my morning digging what was left of my previous team from a pile of rubble. I told them it wasn't safe, I was overruled." She sighs. "I'm pretty sure that they lost their charter by now. I'm looking for a way to recoup my investment." She smiles warmly at the assembled group. "And from the sounds of it, you are hiring."
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Cerastes places his mug down heavily upon the table and places his thick arm on the table emphasising the shiny plates of scalemail sheathing it, "Asa, is it? Am I to be mistaken for one of these jʕn?" He holds up his hand to forestall a response before continuing in a deep rumbling voice that commands the conversation even speaking as softly as he is, "Perhaps it is not their failings that you are so upset with but your own at being able to convince them."
His gaze turns to take in both Nimaethep and Akil-Khalid, "The Falcon and Jackal are both welcome...but how do you feel about the Snake? As I have been..." he pauses for a moment searching for the right word, "...'blessed' by the serpent."
Raising his eyebrow Akil Khalid replies.
"Speak of Bastet in reference, she is not the jackalheaded, but the Queen of cats! And her favor is most welcome to all who fight the unliving!"
Asa is somewhat taken aback by the large man's revelation. "They chose not to heed the warnings given and instead put their trust in their honor and their steel to save them. With no respect for the ancient ways the necropolis is a dangerous place."
With a nod of thanks to Akil-Khalid she continues, "As long as your serpent is of Wadjet and not Apep we shall have no issues. Besides, నీ పక్కనే ఉన్న స్నేహితుని కన్నా నీవు పాపము తక్కువగా ఉన్నావు.
'
Nimaethep looks to Akil "Though I honour Bastet it is Anubis' work that I pursue. That is the jackal he speaks of."
She takes another sip of her drink "Asa's question is one that I wondered myself, the theme of the serpent is prominent with your group, both in appearances and in name. As long as you are not servants of Apep I have no qualms working with you."
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Cerastes says to Nimaethep, "Yes Miw.t, you have the right of it." He scowls and turns back to Akil-Khalid, "I have nothing but respect for Bastet. Who are you to command me?" His scowl breaks as he slaps Sirusk on the back and says with a grin, "How come you didn't tell me you already hired our new leader?! Look, he's taking to it like a camel does to spit!" He doesn't wait for a response before continuing on to address Asa's and Nimaethep's question, "I am not certain but I suspect Wadjet, as the snakes form was that of the Cobra." He turns so you can see the back of his cowl where the distinct cobra-hood pattern has been embroidered. "Well, that and... I don't really see the point to destroying everything like Apep would probably want. Though I am no expert."
You sense 9 sources of evil (out of around 90 people in the area).
The strongest being a civil guardsman, power -4.
His partner, another civil guardsman, power -1.
A noble vizier leading his wives and servitors, power -3.
A card player at a table with other diners, power -2.
One of the Sand Snakes adventurer's company, power -1.
A passing woman, hooded and veiled, power -1.
A smiling waiter, delivering drinks to patrons, power -1.
A passing tinker, his cart filled with various knickknacks for sale, power -1.
A law clerk, frowning as he reads a legal brief and drinking cafe' at a table, power -1.
All of these are well within human norms.
Bear in mind that none of this is considered legal proof in a court of law.
Making a mental note of those he deems utterly untrustworthy.
Looking at Asa he replies in Ancient Osiriani.
"I am for sure no snake. I am a falcon!" As if to underline his words the little falcon on his shoulder lets out a warcry!
"In any case I am deeply honored meeting you! You speak of a charter?
What does it mean? A charter for what?
Inferis tries to puzzle out the words, "You know I get a little but I'm more of a current Osiriani speaker." Turning to Cerastes, "I hope you haven't given away my share as of yet."
Nimaethep's ears perk up a bit and she raises an eyebrow in surprise and replies to Akil's question.
"You do not know? By decree of the Ruby prince, the riches of the Necropolis are to be recovered. To keep the proceedings orderly, the church of Pharasma is overseeing the efforts. They provide charters to teams that they feel are capable of handling the dangers that lie beyond the wall while still being respectful of those that are interred there. In the interest of fairness, specific sections of the Necropolis are assigned to teams at random by a lottery."
Sirusk, lost in his own jumble of thoughts, only partially follows the conversation while staring at his drink.
What are they ssspeaking I wonder. I need to sstart working on this language...
Well, friendsz is seems like we may all benefit from coming together. Shall we sset back out in the morning to the Erudite Eye then?
Asa grins and holds up her glass. "Well met all, may the light of a new day bring fortune to out company. Tomorrow we journey once more into the necropolis and maintain your charter's claim."
And tonight I spend some time with the sewing needle. She thinks as she fingers one of the tears in her robe.
Nimaethep turns to Sirusk and his group, "Is there anything else you would like to ask? If not we should finalize which of us will be joining you and inform the Pharasmans of your updated roster so there are no complications in keeping your charter."
When Asa proposes a toast she holds up her cup "Fe sahetek, good fortunes" and finished off her drink. "Is there anything else you need? If not I will take my leave and prepare for tomorrow. Would you prefer to meet here or at the gates?"
Inferis glowers at Cerastes before sipping on her wine. With a wink she adds, "You'll have to do a lot more work before you get 'my share." Turning to the rest, "I don't have any more questions. Just a warning that we expect everyone to stand together in this or you can expect to be another body in those tombs."
Akil-Khalid shrugs and nods.
"It sounds interesting. But what are your terms? Equal share of all items found?"
"Thisz one would ssay yesz. Though potionsz, scrollsz, wandsz, and whatnot split up to those that can uze them. Thisz one wants to explore and fight and is not super picky on treasure," he adds, "but perhaps othersz will feel different"
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Cerastes nods, "We are not looking for members who just want to make a quick gold piece and run. We are looking for members that work well together and wish to make a long prosperous run of it...so items that we find that help us find greater treasures and survive more difficult trials should be split up where they will do the most good. That being said, we still try and be as equitable as possible."
Akil-Khalid seems content with the words.
"I agree, still there have to be rules to a company. Let us go to the priests and adjust the charter!"
Going to the Clerks and Notaries of the Grand Mausoleum, you have your changes and addendums to your charter approved and properly stamped.
The Church of Pharasma guards will now allow your whole company entry through the gates of the Necropolis.
Akil-Khalid thanks the priest and nods to the others."I think I am ready for the tombs!"
After meeting with the Pharasmans to update the charter, Nimathep headed home for the evening. As she approached her door she noted the glow of a lamp through the small shuttered window and the smell of cooking fish. With a smile she entered.
Her apartment was a simple affair provided by the church. A single room with a table and a pair of chairs took up most of the space. A small fireplace was inset into one wall. A pair of shelves held cookware and a few pantry items. The bedroom was a small nook just big enough for the simple bed. It was separated from the main room by a curtain of beads.
At the fireplace, tending a small pot suspended over the flames was Sekhemib. He rose upon hearing the door open ”So, how did it go?”
Nimaethep sat at the table ”It went fine, I am now a member of the Serpent Society”. She ran a hand over some deep grooves in the tabletop, each one idley scratched into the surface by Khepri during those rare times she had come by needing help.
Sekhemib ladled a bowl of stew for both of them and set them on the table before taking the other seat. ”So what are they like?
Nimaethep had a couple of spoonfuls of the hearty stew before answering ”Well, their name seems to be quite apt. Sirusk seemed the most outgoing. He is a serpent man, I’ve never seen his kind before. Cerastes communes with a serpent spirit, though he seems somewhat uncertain about its nature. Inferis was their third member. She seemed to be deeply affected by the loss of their former companions. I fear I may have offended her.”
She ate a few more spoonfuls before continuing. ”The interview was much briefer than I expected. In fact it seemed they were willing to take anyone expressing an interest. I was joined by two other people as new recruits in the Serpents. A element touched woman named Asa and a divine touched man named Akil.
Asa had just recently lost the team that she was with, though she seemed to have a low opinion of them. Akil didn’t even know about the lottery which was interesting. As a follower of Horus maybe he was guided here for a purpose?
Anyway, it seems to be a very eclectic group of individuals. We are to head back into the Necropolis in the morning.”
Sekhemib finished his stew ”Good, now that that has been dealt with, I can go back to chastising you for your irresponsible decision to head into the Necropolis in the first place.” He grinned as Nimaethep gave him a stern look. ”Look, just be careful ok? You don’t know these people and you are going to be placing your safety in their hands, that’s all I’m saying. I should be off. Have a good evening and good luck tomorrow”
Nimaethep bid Sekhemib goodbye as he left. She finished her stew and considered the fact that he had left all the dirty dishes for her to clean up. At least the stew would make a good breakfast tomorrow before she head out.
Just before dawn the next day Nimaethep arose. She finished off the stew from the previous night and cleaned the dishes, putting each one neatly in its place on the shelf. Then she spread out her equipment on the table, inspecting each piece before carefully putting it into her pack. The pack was a remarkable item, imbued with magic that allowed it to carry more than its appearance would suggest and its weight never changed regardless of how much was packed inside. Even more remarkable, whatever she wanted to retrieve from the pack was always conveniently on top.
After carefully packing her equipment she headed to the temple of the Osirion gods. The sun was just starting to brighten the sky at that point, though it had not yet crested over the horizon. At the temple she went to each of the shrines in turn, offering her prayers to each one in order as she had done so many times before. This time, however, her ritual before the shrine of Bast was more involved. She lay strips of prepared linen before the statue and as she anointed them with scented oils she asked for the strength and wisdom to protect those in her care from harm. While intoning a prayer she wrapped the linen about her palms and forearms.
Finally she stood before the altar to Anubis. Here she spent the most time, presenting offerings and prayers. Asking for protection and guidance as she walked among the works of the earliest practitioners of his holy works.
With her morning observances complete, Nimaethep said goodbye to the priests and headed to the gate to join her new group for their foray into the Necropolis.
Asa makes a quick inventory of her gear, spends some time prepping reagents and replacing used extracts from the day before, and readies herself for what is ahead.
A quick offering to the ancient Osirian gods. Bastet grant us knowledge of the secrets we require. Anubis forgive our trespasses and watch over us should we fall. Osiris grant us success where we tread.
She hefts her massive pack and heads to meet the others at the necropolis gate.
Sirusk wakes to the morning sun peeking through the window. Rising out of bed, he sheathes his weapons, takes inventory, and heads to the tavern for some spice hash and ostrich eggs.
You pass through the gates with dawn's early light and set foot in the Necropolis of Wati.
The sounds of the bustling city fade to silence as the gates shut and you are again the only living creatures in a city of the dead.
You know in your thoughts that other exploration companies are present somewhere else here, but your hearts are certain that you are alone here.
With the only sound the crunch of grit under your feet, you pass by the empty windows of the ancient buildings until you see again the elegant form of the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye.
Stepping forth, you enter the shadowed halls...
Akil -Khalid moves a step forward just to stop and look at the others. "What did you already explore, and is one ofyou good with traps and able to take point?"
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The oracle weighs his options before undoing the leather thong behind his shoulder and pulling a finely-crafted razor sharp spear from its place across his back. The man literally bristles with weaponry; a longbow lies alongside the space the spear just vacated with a quiver of arrows, a solid looking warhammer hangs from his right hip beneath which five sharpened foot-wide flattened rings of steel lay over one another like dragonscales, a longsword with a hilt formed from two intertwinning cobras is sheathed on the left hip, and folded in half with both head and handle attached to his belt behind the longsword sheath; a heavy flail that favors brutal function over artistry whose metal glimmers almost diamond-like in sun and torchlight alike. He points the spear off to the left, "We have explored most of that wing. There is still one door we have yet to open toward the back of the building." He looks to the left and lowers the butt of his spear to the floor, "That direction we have not been at all."
Nimaethep waited patiently by the assigned gate and greeted each of her new party members as they arrived. Once they were given permission to enter the Necropolis by the gate guards she took up a position near the front of the group, alert for any dangers.
Once they arrived at the structure known as the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye she spent a few moments taking in the old building. She responded to Akil's question while still studying the place "I can accompany someone in the lead, I am adept at finding ancient traps. I will just need a moment to prepare myself before we enter."
She takes a bone wand from her pack and speaks "Anubis guard my body"
When nothing happens she looks a little abashed and apologizes "I'm sorry, this is a difficult trick, I may be a moment. and tries again.
Finally managing to trigger the device, she is briefly surrounded by a faint blue glow before the magical armour fades to invisibility.
"I would suggest exploring the final door before delving into a new area."
As Asa and her new companions pass through the gate and under that watchful shadow of Pharasma's needle, she glances over at the fresh ruts in the sand. Turning her back on the recent past, she follows her team into the far past.
She listens as Cerastes explains what they've explored so far and as Nimaethep prepares. "I also have some passing familiarity with traps of this era. I can walk with her."
"I believe we have a room in the north-west corner that we have not looked into. We should progress there."