Tariq discerns that the figure is meant to be Hakotep - clearly he desires people travelling through this portion of the crypt/pyramid/fortress to do homage to him as they pass.
”If paying homage is the key to open a portal then we may have to submit. This may be the only way to find the mad man and finish this. “
Since Noonan is closest to the ground (next to Dwal) he kneels with a big cracking of knees.
Tariq watches the painful sight with a grimace of pain for the old man
”If this works I will follow. I expect the rest of you to do likewise. “
Kneeling, Noonan is able to shuffle forward by crawling through the chamber. After he finishes he stands up, knees creaking, on the other side.
A large room waits before him as impatiently waits for you all to cross.
Tariq follows and waves Shad to follow
”Alright then. And Ozy do not let Dwalindor run away. “
To be clear everyone is crawling across the chamber?
Nothing happens as you crawl across the floor and you stand up, less dignified perhaps but none the worse for wear as you brush dust off you clothes.
Before you lies a grand chamber is hazy with the aromatic smoke of incense, and four fat columns covered with carved hieroglyphs support the ceiling. At the center of the room, a simple bull hieroglyph is painted on the floor in shimmering metallic gold, and large humanoid statues with the heads of longhorned bulls stand in alcoves to north and south. A crystalline topaz pyramid stands in the western end of the chamber, pulsing with a bright amber glow.
Near the pyramid stands a figure painful to look upon: it appears to be a woman, but every inch of her skin is horribly burned by acid and covered in suppurating scabs. She wears a broad skirt of rich red silk that drapes down to the f loor, decorated with dozens of small gems and dizzying designs in gold thread. An elaborate black wig of classic Osirian design sits on her head. When she sees the PCs, she smiles, her pearly teeth a stark contrast with the angry black and red of her burnt flesh. She speaks in Ancient Osiriani, “Please tell me that all my suffering was not in vain.”
You speak of suffering, which we can see is significant. Who caused you suffering that we may bring them to justice?
Shad is hesitant to trust the woman just yet, so watches and waits as the woman or whatever she is responds.
"I am a sworn priestess of Osiris, imprisoned here and tormented for millennia by the Set-worshiping Sky Pharaoh for the supposed heresy of
my faith. Are you his servants? You do not appear to be, tell me are you here to stop the attempted resurrection of the Sky Pharaoh?”
We are indeed here to stop the Sky Pharaoh. How can we assist you or can you assist us with our task?
He looks for any signs of shackles or restraints.
Noonan, can you cure her of some of these burns at least?
If the lady wishes my aid, I shall endeavor to do so.
The burned priestess shakes her head.
"No, my appearance may shock you but it is of no consequence compared to what you need to do: I beg you to destroy this pyramid!”
Stopping the Sky Pharaoh is indeed our goal. Noonan looks at the others to see their reactions.[/b]
”What my overzealous shaggy friend means to say is simply we arrived here with the purpose of stopping thr Sky Pharaoh and ending the menace of his pyramid. We have deduced some of the controls to operate the pyramid but any additional information would be greatly appreciated. “.
"Alas I know nought of its operations. But I can help you by channeling the power of Osiris against the Set-fueled magic of the pyramid's operation!"
Tariq raises a discerning eyebrow
Shad tries to fathom if this even makes sense.
Noonan naps.
Shad knows that the magic in the last pyramid, and really and Shory derived magic, is strictly arcane and has nothing to do with Set.
Ozy is sure that the priestess is lying about something but what she doesn't know.
Noonan is slightly suspicious but Tariq is eager to help.
Dwalindor ignores this whole thing until he figures out who to hit next. Preferably everyone.
How about we put our heads together to find out more about this?
”Fortunate you would still be left alive. I was not aware Set was involved in powering this pyramid nor calculated into any part of the Sky Pharaohs plans. What exactly did you say your relationship with him was? “
”If she is willing to help us, what does it matter? “ Tariq looks to Shad questioningly.
Shad, you believe the woman is a handmaiden devil - cloaking herself in the guise of a normal human woman.
She begins to weep.
"How could you say such a thing, Set cursed me for refusing to submit to his will.
Shame on you Shad!
Shad scowls at Noonan before staring directly at the creature
”Shame on me? Shame on her for the ruse she is playing. Seems unlikely for a devil to help us at all. “
The creature finishes casting her spell. Her skin erupts in swollen, pus-filled bumps and she smiles sickeningly.
"Now you will pay for interrupting the Sky Pharaoh's resurrection! For Hakotep!"
The woman moves deftly trying to avoid Shiberus's attacks - only two land.
Shiberus take meanwhile takes acid damage as his attacks cause the pustules to rupture, spraying bile over the summoned beast.
Tariq decides for a more tactful approach, letting the two bruisers do their thing.
Baset - stand back.
He casts lead blades.
Shad likewise decides distance from the crazed denizen of the hells is prudent.
She seems to be filled with the acid. This may help.
Casting communal resist energy - acid (30) for the party he can see/reach.