:)
Alchemy
The potions appear to be a potion of darkvision and a potion of lessor restoration.
As soon as you finish haggling,identifying magical items and return to the city you hear rumors that there is a gathering of other explorers that is happening at the Tooth & Hookah inn.
Scarab Shield
This +1 light steel shield is fashioned in the shape of a scarab beetle—a creature that functions as a psychopomp for Pharasma, guiding the souls of the departed into the afterlife. Scarab shields are especially favored by archaeologists and tomb raiders for the protection
they grant against guardians and vermin frequently found in ancient ruins and forgotten tombs.
Once per day on command, a scarab shield grants its wielder a +2 sacred bonus on saving throws against fear and death effects for 3 minutes. At any time while this bonus is in effect, the wielder can end the effect as a swift action for a burst of healing energy. The wielder loses the saving throw bonus, but is healed of 1d8+3 points of damage.
In addition, a scarab shield can protect its wielder from swarms. If a mindless swarm attempts to enter the wielder’s space, the swarm must attempt a DC 11 Will save. If the save succeeds, the swarm can enter the wielder’s space and attack the wielder normally. If the save fails, the swarm instinctively avoids the space occupied by the wielder, completely ignoring the wielder for 3 rounds. This effect ends if the wielder makes any attacks, but the wielder may use non-attack spells or otherwise act without ending the effect. This ability functions once per day.
Rameth strolls into the inn and plops down at a table.
Anyone else find some delightful items in a tomb today?
Ale... finally.
Hey gorgeous Albus says to a random barmaid. I am dying of thirst here, bring me some ale!
Rameth is resplendent in a shining armor short with a jewel studded cane
come join me Albus!
Just talking about todays adventure, was asking the bar at large if anyone else found anything
Azubah takes a seat next to Dwalindor. He takes in the scene quietly. When he looks about it is with a very pronounced squint that was not so obvious in the dimness of the tomb.
To the barmaid he adds his order "Just some strong tea or coffee, if you have it."
The Tooth & Hookah is a tavern with mud-brick walls and floorboards smoothed with long use sprinkled with fine sand to absorb the inevitable spills from the libations that flow freely.
There aren't any chairs, but crescent shaped pillows surround low round tables scattered amongst the main room. A water pipe, well used and made of brass, sits in the center of the table and the room is lit by low, fat candles, their light permeating the fog of shisha tobacco smoke.
In the corner a stuffed crocodile stands on its hind legs, its head covered in a pharonic scarf and headdress and smoking a hookah
As the last people to arrive the tavern is almost filled already.
The barmaid brings you your drinks. The ale the bring comes in earthen mugs and is the traditional Osirian ale, light and sweet, tasting lightly of dates.
Azubah's coffee is the thick coffee typical across Garund.
Looking around the room you see a number of explorers.
In response to Rameth's braggadocio, a mixed group of explorers loudly claim to have made the best haul, dropping broad hints of battling a mummy.
An all female group of adventurers, led by a striking redhead are cagey about interacting with you at first blush.
A group of halflings sit at one of the tables drowning their sorrows, but one of them holds a sword across his lap and looks at you speculatively in between ales.
There's a group of that huddles together around a table and carefully surveys the other people in the room - their eyes seem to linger on Azubah.
Finally a group of adventurers pay court to a flamboyantly dressed woman with a broad purple hat, who is loudly complaining that the Pharasmans won't assign sites to explorers on request.
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Dwalindor, never the shy type will wander over to the halflings.
"Hey there. I ordered an ale and got one of these fruity drinks. I see they mixed up your order too.
No worries, I will have words with the barkeep and let them know they screwed up your drinks as well. Dwalindor's the name. You can thank me later." the dwarf half grins...or maybe it looks like a scowl as he stands there looking at the halflings.
"It looks as though I am of some interest to those fellows" he says, indicating by subtle gesture the group that looked at him.
The halfling with the sword looked up at you confused.
I thought all Osiriani beer is like this?
The same halfling sticks his hand out politely towards you.
I'm Marrn, of the Dog Soldiers. So Dwalindor, how'd you do today?
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Dwalindor shakes the Halfling's and slaps him friendly on the shoulder.
"Osiriani beer you say? Hah! Lived here all my life and ain't tasted anything with this much fruit punch in it...ah nevermind."
He stops to chug the rest of the beer.
"Maarn, is it? I like you already. Anyway, I used to live out in the wilds not far from Wati. But now I am all civilized like.
As for our dig....we did alright. Nicknacks, doodads...nothin' too special. How about you guys?"
Rameth struts over to the mixed group.
Tell me bout your mummy! He plops down and pours out some whiskey from his flask
Maarn almost tears up at the mention of the exploration he did.
We did...alright. I lost some good friends today.
He pauses and takes a swig of his ale.
We went into a tannery, actually made some good headway in there. Must have been before payday, because there was plenty of loot; but we ran into some sort of blob that just...absorbed things. It grabbed my friends and they couldn't breathe anymore.
He looks sorrowful as he thinks about it, and you can see the tears in his eyes. But he brightens as he thinks of something.
You say you didn't find anything that special and you're from here right? Maybe you can help me! We found this sword, it's just teeming with magic. We want to sell it since it's a little big for us.
The longsword would have to be held in two hands by a halfling, and wouldn't be very well balanced for that purpose.
And if you're around here I'm looking for a good dog breeder! I lost too many fighting that damn blob.
The Varisian who seems to be leading the group looks at Rameth and smiles at this new admirer.
Well I can't tell you too much, the Grand Masoleum doesn't want people disturbing such a prominent house. But suffice it to say that we got the pick of the first day - an incredible mansion of an obviously wealthy nobleman.
He pauses to take a drink of wine before he continues in a lower voice.
There must have been some strong magic in the area because we had to battle a mummy of incredible power. It's only because of our incredible skill that we defeated at all. A lesser group of explorers, at this point he seems to include the entire room, including Rameth, in his gaze, would have fallen today.
He smiles broadly. But it was well worth it! I'd be surprised if anyone at all came away with the sort of riches we did.
Rameth is also varisian
Sm using inspiration
You can tell that the man across from you is wildly exaggerating his accomplishments.
Rameth roars with laughter
Angel Eyes walks to Rameth. Got me some nice new steel b.. mate! Check it out, silversheened! He says pointing at the new sword strapped to his back, too big to be carried in a waist scabbard. Thought it would come handy with undead and all... Now I only need to name her.
I was thinking Neema Sue... scratching his chin. Aziza Lynn or maybe Tammy Krystal. I know, Tammy Lynn!
Lost admiring his new toy Albus dont pay much attention to the conversations around him for a while. We he finally does pay attention he hears Azubah's words an looks around the room. What? Who, those guys? Nevermind them, lets talk to the ladies!
Albus moves and approuches the striking redhead. Hello ladies. This place never looked so good! How was your shopping today? Found anything interesting? The half elf says all smiles.
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"Well Maarn, it ain't never good to see your friends die, especially not like that. You owe it to them to make sure it was for a good reason. Did you kill the blob at least?"
The dwarf pauses, thinking of battle rituals and friends he has lost.
"As to the sword, I am more of an axe n hammer type. But I have friends that may like it. But we ain't exactly flush with cash. I will ask around...about that an the dogs."
For Rameth:
Varisian
How dare you sir? I've heard of some outrageous accusations in my time, but if you doubt me how well could you have done?
He runs out of bluster as he takes in your cocky smile but remains resolute in his conviction that he was the most successful explorer. His companions don't look quite as ready to prevaricate however.
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For Albus:
The tall redhead looks at you amused at your boldness.
Well, I'd say we did just fine. She looks at you boldly for a second and smiles.
My name is Sigrun by the way, and yours?
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For Dwalindor:
That's decent of you Dwalindor. We did destroy that cube, at great cost.
He looks at you specutively.
You really think one of your friends might like the sword huh? It's a good sword!
That said, not many here speak out native tongue so you can live without fear of your reputation. We did fairly well ourselves, a couple of traps went off, we destroyed a giant cobra construct guardian when out dwarf there chopped off its head. Now how about we have some of this whiskey and you tell me what really happened?
I am Albus, people call me angel-eyes too. Delighted to meet you. How about I pay you girls a drink and we can exchange some tomb raiding stories? This here is Azubah The half elf says nodding sideways to the oracle. He is a little strange but a nice fellow.
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"Dog trainers I do not recall any worth mention...least not nearby. As to the sword, don't get yer hopes up too much. But I will ask. Good luck and if ye find a war axe of dwarven make, you let me know...deal? . " Dwalindor will head back to Rameth.
He listens to the exchange, then looks puzzled.
"What ya talkin about here? I cannot understand a word of it...and I only drank one of them weak ales so far, so I know it ain't me . "
Rameth Varisian
At this point the half elven woman in purple joins your conversation.
"Finally, someone talking sense!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
For Albus:
Sigrun smiles at the idea of trading stories.
As it happens I'm trying to write an account of the exploration of the city.
She drapes a hand on Albus's arm as she leans towards him.
Tell me, what were your experiences like?
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For Rameth and Dwalindor:
The woman continues to expound about the unfairness of the selection process.
Can you believe the unmitigated gall of these Pharasmans? We are the experts here, surely we should be able to determine where and how we can explore the Necropolis?
She thumps her fist onto the tabletop and has the look a fanatic shining in her eyes.
I came here to look for a particular location, and they won't let me explore it until it comes up in the lottery.
She looks around speculatively.
What locations did you all explore today?
Remeth pours some more whiskey and tells about what they faced
I wonder who would make whiskey in Golarion since there's not a Ireland/Scotland analogue in the game world?
The Varisian, a bravo named Falto who leads "the Cryptfinders", listens in envy to your recounting of your adventures and the treasures you've uncovered. He blanches though when he hears the name of Ibrahim the Grey.
The woman in purple is unimpressed and tries to dig more details out of you.
This tomb - was it near any shrines or temples? Or did you see any mentions to a temple of Nethys nearby?
Oh, that is nice. Are you ladies with the Pathfinders or something?
I will make you a deal, I will show you mine and you show me yours. He says with a crooked smile and starts to tell the tale of their expedition giving themselfs just the right dose of heroism. His story covers the first floor of the tomb and then he stops, awaiting for what the girl have to share.
"Oh, you are being modest, Albus. Surely they should hear of your phenomenal swordplay when the statues attacked us." Azubah's attempts to sound smooth come across as oddly convincing, given his typically strange demeanor.
As if in protest to his exaggeration, his cup flips off the table of its own accord and spills hot coffee on his leg. Again, his reaction is surprising. "I should have ordered tea."
Sigrun laughs at your bawdy joke, then she and her team tell you of their experiences in what seemed to be a pawnbroker's house.
You're not sure if they're being modest, are interested in you and are trying to flatter you or are being honest but you get the distinct impression that although their exploration may have been lucrative, the tomb was by far more dangerous.
not sure you would have to talk to our new godly type over there. Rameth gestures to Azubah
Downs his booze and pours another
I hope our exploration tonorrow will prove as fruitful!
Albus spends the night with the girls throwing some small talk around. At some point he asks Sigrun to dance.
For Azubah:
The woman in purple, who introduces herself as Velriana Hypaxes, bothers you relentlessly regarding regarding the tomb. In particular she's very insistent that you tell her about any religious symbols in the tomb, particularly if you noticed any symbols of Nethys or references to the "Erudite Eye".
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For Albus:
Sigrun pointedly ignores Velriana and continues talking to you about the tomb.
Albus, I have a confession to make. I'm writing an account of the exploration of Wati and your adventures were by far the most interesting.
I don't suppose you'd be interested in meeting me here again after we come back from our next exploration?
Azubah speaks vaguely of what they found there, referring to "Osirian interpretations of" this or that divine subject. He does explicitly say that none of the symbols were of anything modern folk would recognize as Nethys, however. It seems as if worldliness is finally visiting upon the oracle's sensibilities and he is becoming cautious.
"We did, however, witness remarkable works of magic in the forms of tomb guardians. Thankfully, my companions are dangerous men and they swiftly routed all that opposed them. You should have seen them! It is fortunately that nothing flesh and blood stood in their way."
"Was Nethys represented in your tomb of exploration? Were you confronted by foes of stone inside? What was it like?"
We were sent to a site that turned out to be a brothel! It was insulting, only a few pieces of cheap jewelry and the zombified remains of the prostitutes roaming the halls. Even the safe inside was empty, the owner
She sounds disgusted as she recounts her disappointment at the haul and the implied insult about the site.
And thankfully we didn't find Nethys's markings in the brothel.[b]
She mulls over this for a second.
[b]Well, thanks for talking with me. I'm going to see if I can persuade those idiots in the Masoleum tomorrow to let professionals take over distributing the exploration sites.
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The next morning the sun rises on the explorers gathered around the plaza in front of the Masoleum for the next phase of the lottery.
There's a brief, furious argument when Velriana approaches to get her assigned location, and Albus gets a brief wave from Sigrun as she takes her place.
Finally the Maze Minders are called forward by Sebti the Crocodile. You can tell she's upset.
Maze Minders, you have been given the signal honor of exploring the House of Pentheru.
She glares at you hard as she hands you the brief map.
If you have any problems with that you will be disallowed from further exploration.
Well then I guess that is where we are going... Rameth says a bit confused
Local
The map as well as your previous trip into the Necropolis can easily get to the new site.
At the edge of the crowd you see Ibrahim standing with his men patiently waiting for you, as well as a variety of other porters and workers looking at the other exploring groups and trying to attract their attention.
The competing groups pointedly ignore you however, seeming almost skittish around Ibrahim.
Good...morning, my young friendsss. It gladensss my...heart that you are eager to continue exploring the Necropolisss.
He waves at his men, who are carrying the khopeshs yesterday and now have pouches apparently filled with tiny vials of water.
Our deal from yesterday wasss...mossst profitable for the both of usss I'm sssure. My men would be happy to accompany you today asss well, for our agreed upon rate. Thisss would ensssure that you are able to take any itemsss found immediately from thisss...Houssse of Pentheru.
His smile spreads like an oil stain across his face as he looks at you.
Sssadly my...ready casssh isss a bit low after your lassst haul. However I'd be happy to ssstore anything you have recovered for later sssale to the right buyers?
it worked well yesterday. No need for you men today we will be fine. Sumak is still hanging about I'll see him as a runner if we need stuff carried. As to storage we will see what we find first. Make good money from the other tombs?