Hello. Albus says looking around with some suspicion.
"Just examining these reanimated corpses. I assume you were sent to handle this threat?" the raven-haired woman asks as she dusts off her robe and stands up.
"I am Takara, the local embalmer." She extends her hand towards Albus as he seems less worrisome.
"Being around death as much as I am. You pick up a few trips, though I wouldn't mind having some company while I investigate what is causing these bodies to rise again." Takara states, clearly not wanting to go much further into the Necropolis without help.
Are you sure ya dont want to be on the other side of those walls miss? This place can get real nasty and its already hard enough to keep only those two out of trouble as it is... Albus says looking at the women with some suspicion.
"I have a few ways to keep any problems at bay and the embalming business doesn't quite pay well if the bodies are being stolen and used to kill everyone who would pay me." states Takara.
"I will just follow you as you seem to have some idea of where to go. I admit that this part has stumped me."
As you move towards the Amushet you see a number of interesting scenes - some undead hacked to pieces by weapons, a few dead monsters - possibly driven above by undead waking to terrible purpose.
But something in a square is unusual.
You see a number of bodies with crossbow bolts, as well as acid splashes around them and it just seems - off.
You're pretty sure all the attacks came from the corner of one roof in the square.
For a dead city this place is pretty crownded. Albus takes cover out of the sniper's line of sight. We could try to talk to whoever is there and gather some more info about what has being going on around this parts. If he does not shoot us on sight first...
There's a pretty easy path up the side of the building that a decent climber could scale that would keep mindless undead from reaching the top of the building. (DC 10)
A door, firmly shut, leads to the interior of the building.
You hear the clattering of dice, and a high-pitched voice within.
Unbelieveable Shad! 7's again! How do you keep throwing sevens!
I understand I keep throwing snakes...Yes I know I am already in debt.
Dice sounds again.
Oh come on! Again! You're cheating! I know it!
No no. Relax. Just tell me how you do it? Come on please? Just think we could own the inns of this town, once we get what we came for!
Really? Just like that? Oh Shad you are a friggin' genius!
"Sounds like there are two of them?" Takara states quietly to Albus and Calin.
"If we can surprise them, it would put us in a position that could lead to beneficial negotiations. Can you open the door, Albus?" Takara asks the man.
Albus follows behind Dwalindor.
Nope, only way I can open it is if I kick it in. Maybe its not locked... The magus whisper.
Takara casts two spells that coats her skin in dark energy. "Let's subdue him and see why he is sniping in the Necropolis."
Right now Dwalindor can hear the voices - although it sure seems like everyone thinks they can.
Did you want to knock on the door or try forcing it down?
"We should take the element of surprise..." Takara whispers to Albus as Dwalindor relays that there might be two people in the building.
"I will be behind you and I can mend any wounds you may take, provided you are still breathing..." Takara states as she urges Albus to lead the way into the building.
The heavy blow slams into the wooden door, but it remains partially intact - you'll have to hit it again to break it down.
You bash through the door and find...an empty room.
There are two piles of copper coins on the floor, one of which is bigger than the others.
Suddenly from the corner of the room a man with wild hair pops up from behind a bookshelf.
A dwarf. You don't seem undead...what are you doing here?
In his hand is an exquisite small crossbow, and in his other is a nice shortsword. He is wearing padded armor with a blue-grey silk shirt on underneath. At his waist are a variety of vials and odd pouches. Everything is oddly strapped down with a bizarre assortment of straps, which seem to keep the gear from clanking.
Shad, I have a feeling that if they are in, then we can now get out. But whatta you think? Should we see if we can't find some of what we came for?
He stops and listens...
Well of course it depends on if they try to kill us right now. That seemed obvious. Assuming they aren't planning on killing us.
He turns to Dwalindor. You planning on killing us? I don't think you are, but Shad here seems to think that you might be interested in that. Now I figure why would you do that, when there are plenty of things out there that would be happy to give you a fight.
Thorrpe is my name. I come from Katapesh. Shad is right here. He points right next to him.
Now Shad behave, stand up straight and tall.
To Dwalindor. Sorry, sometimes he slouches. Is that better
Now that we just got ourselfs rid of Azubah that is just what we need, another straitjacket, great! Albus whispers to the dwarf. Tuening to the newcomer.
Hi, this is Dwalindor. I am Albus, that is Calin and...ta...Takara. He says pointing one group member at the time.
Well I assume that means we are not going to be killing each other. Great! Let me collect here...
He moves to the dice and coin piles and collects them... Yes Shad I'll keep yours separate.
So did you all come here for treasure too?
With that he unloads the hand crossbow and puts that and the sword away.
|
"treasure would be nice, but spending it is a problem with all these undead running loose. So figure we're protecting our spending power by clearing them out. "
Dwalindor lowers his hammer but keeps looking around occasionally, trying to catch Shad.
"So long as you are willing to earn your share, you can tag along. Just no funny business. And if I find out Shad is stealing from us or a ghost or something...well it won't go well for him. And he ain't gettin a share unless we see him helping!!! . "
Oh Shad is very useful, helps me figure out what thugs do, pick targets and if I behave he helps protect me in combat. We haven't worked with anyone since master died
We are with the city guard. The magus says flashing his badge . The living are suppose to be at the other side of the walls, what are you doing around these parts Mr Thorpe?
Playing dice with Shad obviously, trying not to get killed, you know the usual.
Ok. Albus shrugs.
Things are about to get really hairy, dont say I did not warned you later...
Wait we aren't going out, but deeper in? Great! Hold on let me get ready.
He takes out a wand and starts monkeying with it
There we go, ok Shad lemme borrow some armor. those watching close, almost think his Shadow moves and straps on dark shadowy armor
Leta go! he loads his crossbow and begins to move quietly keeping towards shadows or crouching low behind Dwalindor
Albus nods.
We are working with the Temple of Pharasma to help clean up this cluster%#$* of a mess. So yea, not out, we are going in.
You approach the area on the map and find an unsettling and ominous structure, the round, fortress-like building called the Cenotaph of the Cynic stands apart from the other tombs in Wati’s necropolis, separated by 100 feet of flattened rubble on all sides.
The Cenotaph was originally built in honor of those who had fallen to the Plague of Madness, but when the Pharasmins created the necropolis, they repurposed it to house the atheistic dead of Wati. In the years since the Cenotaph’s construction, an atheist sect of lamias called the Amushet claimed the building. Originally part of the Lamashtu cult that spread the Plague of Madness, the Amushet fared poorly in the plot, and the survivors pledged to shun the capriciousness of the gods and offer sanctuary to anyone with the same common sense.
local
In theory the Lamias inside should offer us sanctuary...as long as we don't worship any gods. Not sure what a lamia is, something like a llama I expect.