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"Pentheru?" Zilchus' head cocks, trying to think.
Know (History)
When the party is ready, Zilchus will lead the party to see Abdur.
Yet again, he will let the party take the lead in speaking to Abdur
It's just after lunch.
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Augustus lets the others take care of reporting their findings in the tomb. Instead he tries to spread the new tales of Augustus and his many feats in the tomb, leaving out some of the more embarrassing details. Surprisingly he does mention his party in his tale, something one might not expect from the man.
"... and then I cut off its head of course! As if a snake could down the mighty Augustus Voralius!" Augustus grins at the small group in the church and return to his party, waiting for the m to finish so he could eat.
As they leave the Church of Pharasma, she glances up at the sky. "Looks like it's about midday...let's go see what Abdur has to say about our finds and then we can go from there. I don't know if we'd want to try and get started on our next site right away or if we'll even have the time before the sun sets but maybe we can at least go and give it a look and see if we'll need to bring any special supplies...like a shovel," she says as she thinks back to their troubles in getting the door to Akhentepi's tomb uncovered.
”I’m glad we’re going to see Abdur. I’m hungry for some lunch.” It’ll also be nice to see which items Abdur is interested in. Nidhi walks with the rest of the group.
"Maow?"
Nidhi giggles at the cute furry animal. Nidhi is really happy to be back outside in the sunlight and fresh air.
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"... and then I cut off its head of course! As if a snake could down the mighty Augustus Voralius!"
Nidhi doesn't look bothered by Augustus' tale and instead looks intrigued. He has a way with telling stories. I wish he would include all of us though... Nidhi frowns after that thought.
Nidhi smiles and gives a small wave towards Abdur's direction in an attempt to get his attention. "Abdur, come see what we've found." Nidhi pulls out the items she is carrying, including the ancient weapon
Nidhi waits until Abdur has looked over the items before asking, "Abdur... what do you know about Pentheru?"
Once everyone has had their say, Zilchus will explain (possibly again) about the mirror and how it might be the true prize from the tomb (along with the Professor's doll on a stick).
"If you want us to find a way to get it out, it might really be worth it. It might cost a bunch, but it's fantastic...branded these guys with hilarity, really," Zilch chuckles at those who remain branded and remained such in front of the Pharasmooks.
"I figure we'll need a few craftsmen or masons to get the mirror out without breaking it? Or some nice magics. Not really sure."
He will babble on and wait to hear what Abdur has to say.
Abdur greets you in his usual effusive manner. ”You survived!” he cries as he escorts you into his small pub, pouring the first round of drinks himself. He ushers you to a table, where more than a few of the locals eavesdrop. ”Tell me everything, are you all OK? What happened!”
Nidhi smiles and gives a small wave towards Abdur's direction in an attempt to get his attention. "Abdur, come see what we've found." Nidhi pulls out the items she is carrying, including the ancient weapon
Nidhi waits until Abdur has looked over the items before asking, "Abdur... what do you know about Pentheru?"
Abdur admires the bow, grinning, "Very fine." He shakes his head at the name though, "Can't say I've ever heard that name, sorry. What is, uh, it?"
"...and what about the mirror, Abdur? What do you think about that?" Zilchus won't shut up about the damn mirror.
"Now, Abdur, did you want us to sell the goods in the auction? Or is that something you'll handle? Also, I expect we'll need more and different gear for this next one. Maybe a shopping trip this afternoon might be smart."
Benedictus shows his notes to the Pharasmins with a little of reluctance, still clinging to his scholarly education, where one usually does not share his discoveries with the others before claiming the discovery for himself. Anyway, the former Professor knows that he can't avoid sharing the information he gathered and patiently reported on his journal with the Church of Pharasma, and therefore he complies with his duty, although he tries his best not to reveal his insight and overarching theories about Akenthepi's tomb.
When the group finally leaves the meeting with the Pharasmins, Benedictus' thoughs are already focused on the group's next task. He nods at Florence speculations, sharing her enthusiasm. "I look forward to it as well. It has been a wonderful experience down there in Akenthepi's tomb, and I'm eager to repeat it in a new site."
When the party arrives at Abdur's, Benedictus greets their patron kindly, and shares a few details of their exploration with their founder. "As it turns out, Akenthepi was a renowned warrior of the past. He likely served the pharaoh, and he was buried with a good deal of his wealth."
Later, after the debriefing with Abdur, Benedictus gathers his companions. "I think it would be wiser to wait and explore the next site tomorrow. Personally, I need to have a little rest. Too many things happened today, and I don't know if my poor mind would resist to more. I'm concerned a little more with my body, anyway. I definitely could use some rest. Besides, I need to memorize some new spells for the next exploration, but in order to do that, I need to get some sleep and ease my mind."
_______________________
"...and what about the mirror, Abdur? What do you think about that?" Zilchus won't shut up about the damn mirror.
"Now, Abdur, did you want us to sell the goods in the auction? Or is that something you'll handle? Also, I expect we'll need more and different gear for this next one. Maybe a shopping trip this afternoon might be smart."
Abdur smiles, ”The mirror does sound fascinating, but the church is very careful about allowing folks into the Necropolis. I think we may need to leave it where it is, as a warning to future grave robbers. But it is quite interesting!”
”As I mentioned earlier, I’m happy to purchase whatever goods you wish to sell to me, at the current rates. You’ll get more from the auction, but that’s being handled by the church, I have nothing to do with that, but I will store whatever items you wish until then.”
"Thankfully, we all made it back in one piece...more or less. Your wand really made the difference though - without it I'm positive we couldn't have explored the entire site in one day!"
"We found all sorts of things and tried to bring them all since we weren't sure what you'd be interested in," she explains. "Besides the little wooden doll and the uh, mirror, there was a chariot that might sell well to a collector or a museum. Oh, and Pentheru is who owned the name of our next site...we uh, decided to check in with the Church of Pharasma before coming here and they gave us our second dig site."
”Ahhh, good. I’m glad my investment has paid off!” Though he hasn’t even seen most of what you brought back from this trip as yet, he’s excited about the new dig site. ”Ahhh, Great! I wish I knew who that was, but I’m afraid I cannot help you there.”
”Let us take a look at what you have, shall we?” He gets up excitedly and carefully looks over the many and varied items you brought back from the tomb. He’s like a child in a candy store, so excited about each piece. As he holds them, and examines them, he insists on finding out where each item came from, how you found it, everything.
When he gets to the chest, he whistles low. ”What’s in this? It seems to still be locked?”
"Be careful Abdur, that chest is trapped. I can try to unlock it if you like."
Nidhi turns the chest towards her and pulls out her masterwork tools. Nidhi takes her time with the lock. Examining it again before trying to disable the trap.
"Hmm..."
"Careful..."
Nidhi lets out a long breath.
While keeping an eye on Nidhi as she attempts to unlock the chest, Benedictus takes a sip from his glass of water and turns to the others. "Anyway, our man", says the scholar with a blink, hoping that his companions will get his reference, "was one among many minor nobles around the time of the plague. He was very likely to own a piece of land, thus responsible for its administration, including overseeing the farmers who worked his land and ensuring the proper taxes were paid to the local authorities...which, at the time, identified with the Keleshit sultan in Sothis."
Zilchus seems disappointed that Abdur doesn't see the value of the mirror.
"...did I mention that, in addition to the funny brand, that you see his likeness in the mirror with you? Like an unhappy ghost? It's amazing."
Zilchus will eventually let the mirror go, but it's clear he considers it a lost opportunity.
"I'm going to stand over here...way over here while you do that, Nidhi," Zilchus says as Nidhi addresses the chest. He moves a distance away and places his hand on his falchion should it be needed.
Unfortunately the trap triggers on Nidhi's first attempt!
A small blade juts out and catches her on the hand.
plus DC 13 fort save or be poisoned!
The poison does 1pt of Con damage per round for four rounds. You get a save each round, and the first save ends the effect. Please go ahead and make all your saves until the poison runs its course or you resist it.
As soon as the blade strikes you, Abdur leaps to his feet and disappears into his shop. He returns on the second round giving you a draught of Antitoxin allowing you a +5 on your third and fourth saving throws if you get that far. He looks at you, worried for your health.
You are able to disable the trap (or even reset it if you wish though you'll need fresh poison) and open the chest with your subsequent rolls.
The chest contains two potions of cure light wounds and another potion of lesser restoration. Also inside the chest are two books with thin, gold-plated metal sheets for pages. The first is a brief biography of Akhentepi, and the second is a list and description of the various military campaigns conducted by the nation of Osirion between 2350 and 2450 AR. Each book weighs 25 pounds and is worth 300 gp.
Nidhi jerks her hand back in surprise. "Ouch!" Tears of pain appear at the corners of her eyes.
"Looks like I won't need an antitoxin anymore."
"I'm hurt and need to be healed. Seems like you can add poison to the blade and reset the trap if you want. The trap and chest are still functional." Nidhi holds her injured hand with her non-injured one.
Nidhi peeks inside the chest. "Oh, look! There's stuff inside!" Nidhi is afraid touch and risk dripping blood on the artifacts until she has been healed. "What do those books say? Someone should read them aloud," Nidhi suggests. Nidhi looks around the table. Nidhi would offer to read them but she's still a little shaken from the triggered trap.
Zilchus reacts to Nidhi's sting with a start of his own, flinching his hand away from his falchion as if it were about to sting him.
"Ah, crap," Zilch says as he moves forward as if there is something he could do to help.
* * *
Later that day...
"I guess we need a shopping list? More rope, right? What else? Uh...more pitons and a shovel. Oh! And a crowbar! What else?"
"Maybe some more pitons for disabling traps," Nidhi adds, rubbing the hand that had been injured. Nidhi looks back at Abdur, suddenly remembering something. Perhaps it was making a shopping list for the next tomb raid that reminded her. That's interesting. I thought Abdur or someone else would have asked about the word written on my companions' foreheads. Nidhi touches her own blemish free forehead thoughtfully.
Benedictus has finally finished working on scribing his scroll when Zilchus asks the party about what items they might need. “Well, let me think about it…As Abdur explained to us, selling our loot now would result in us getting less profit due to the glut on the market right now. As such, I think it would be wiser to wait until the prices raise again. In the meanwhile, I propose we sell only a few items we found in Akenthepi’s tomb, in order to fund our new purchases, and leave the rest of the loot to sell later. What do you think about it?” Then the scholar turns to Zilchus. “I would add a few arcane scrolls, since I don’t have enough time to scribe them myself before tomorrow. I’ll be paying for them myself, of course. Also, I could use some devil’s blo…I mean, alchemist’s fires or a few flasks of acid. ”
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Zilchus looks around as if remembering something after listening to Ben. He begins to rummage through the loot. He offers a gasp of 'Ah-HA' as he finds what he is looking for.
"This should be enough for us, right Professor?" Zilchus holds up the sack of 500 gp, jingling. "Maybe we can make do with this for now and not sell anything?"
"I, personally, don't need much. Maybe this will do."
"Good thinking, Zilchus. That should definitely do for us, and that way we don't even lose anything to increased offer on the market. Sometimes you're so shrewd that I think you would have made a great Osirionologist!" Ben smiles at his friends and turns to the rest of the group. "Zilchus has a very good point. Let's try and stay below the amount of gold contained in the sack."
"Remember, I have the right to pick items prior to the auction." he says with a twinkle in his eye.
"I'll not bankrupt you by any means, but I do think I might lay claim to these books. Most impressive." he adds as he holds one up to the light, its gold glimmering in the afternoon sun.
"Come, let us gather the rest of your items and secure them." He summons some servants who help carry the other items to a storeroom within his shop. He supervises as the various goods are carefully stacked and secured.
He holds up the potions, "Are you sure you don't want to keep these? I doubt they'll sell for much at auction, and they may prove to be useful."
When you're done, you have the afternoon to do as you wish before dinner at the Tooth and Hookah. Benedictus is cloistering himself in his rooms and writing a scroll. Any other plans?
Zilchus will sharpen his falchion, clean his armor, and be ready to go shopping for tomorrow's supplies.
"I'll not bankrupt you by any means, but I do think I might lay claim to these books. Most impressive." he adds as he holds one up to the light, its gold glimmering in the afternoon sun.
Nidhi is a little surprised at Abdur's statement. "The books? You don't want to donate them to the church of Pharasma? Or perhaps the Great Library? What do you plan to do with the books? They're an important part of Wati history!"
Nidhi is a little surprised at Abdur's statement. "The books? You don't want to donate them to the church of Pharasma? Or perhaps the Great Library? What do you plan to do with the books? They're an important part of Wati history!"
Abdur looks a little surprised, ”Well, all of this is an important part of Wati history." He holds up a funerary mask. "Were you going to donate it all to the church… to the library? Accept nothing for your efforts, but do it all for the greater good?” he smiles earnestly.
You can find pretty much anything you’re looking for in Abdur’s shop, though he doesn’t have beasts of burden. He can recommend someone who won’t rob you. Feel free to make any reasonable purchases you like, we don’t need to play out every crowbar or shovel bought I don’t think.
Benedictus stiffens as he sees Abdur putting his hands on the tomes. Dammit, of all the things he could've chosen, he had to pick the books! Not wanting to create tension between his group and their patron, Benedictus refrains from objecting anything in public, but can't avoid approaching the man in private. "Mr. Abdur, I was wondering...Would you consider the idea of picking something else instead of the books? They would be unvaluable to me and for my studies...We unearthed many valuable things, after all..."
---
Later, regardless of Abdur's answer to his request, Benedictus takes stock of the equipment matter. "I think we should keep the potions as well, my friends. Perhaps it would be wiser to split the healing potions among those who can't heal themselves. Nidhi, Zilchus, Augustus. I think you should take them. As for me, I will take the other one and use it when the need arises."
__________________________________
Depending on how the conversation with Nidhi goes...
"The way between us would grow sour, and I would feel, eventually, as though you had cheated me. I do not want our relationship to be lost in that way, can you not see?"
He continues in a relaxed tone, "These two items, of all the treasures you collected, I am claiming, and in fact paying you for. Handsomely too if you consider the cost of the wand and other expenses I've incurred on your behalf. But you see, that is our agreement. And I am proud to honor my end of the bargain."
"Are you not proud to honor yours?"
Go ahead and total up the gear, and we'll pay it out of group funds on the sheet for simplicity. Basically you'll pay for 'em out of the next haul. Wont' be much with your current list, and I don't want to worry a lot about it. :)
And yes, if there's time, and there is, you can fill it with whatever you like - including crafting. Just post what you make when you make it so there's a record. Thanks!
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”Well, all of this is an important part of Wati history." He holds up a funerary mask. "Were you going to donate it all to the church… to the library? Accept nothing for your efforts, but do it all for the greater good?” he smiles earnestly.
Nidhi contemplates Abdur's words. She had wanted to go on this expedition not only for the glory of Wati - but also for the glory of her family name. Donating everything to 'charity' - after putting her life on the line - didn't sound appealing to Nidhi. Nidhi begins: "I think the written word is more important than trinkets. Drawings of the funerary mask and the tomb can be done but it would be nice if the books could be transposed onto newer parchment before their sale. ...Maybe... I suggest Abdur, that you perhaps make copies? You could make more money that way too - selling copies. Of course, the original would fetch the highest price. Yet... copies may bring interest as well." Nidhi smiles coyly at Abdur, a fantasy coming to mind. She shares the thought aloud in an enthusiastic voice (perhaps the saleswoman in her coming to the surface) and moving an outstretched arm to span the area around her: "Imagine! Mysterious ancient tomb. Unearthed after hundreds of years! The perils faced to retrieve such knowledge!" Nidhi continues in her normal voice, serious again: "I hate the idea of hording knowledge. Knowledge should be shared, sung, celebrated... and I wouldn't mind giving those books a read myself."
"Okay, great - so for sure we'll pick up some pitons, a shovel, a crowbar, and some sort of mule to help haul things," Florence says, ticking each item off with her fingers. "Anything else that we need? If not, we can probably get everything picked up pretty fast and that'll give us the rest of the day to...well, do whatever we want, I guess."
Nidhi thinks of two things: food and her grandmother. Nidhi had eaten breakfast with Jharna Aashirya, but the day's adventure made it feel a lot longer. Nidhi imagines what her grandmother could be doing right now. Probably sewing or hemming something. Or perhaps Jharna was taking a break to eat lunch. Nidhi's gaze is unfocused as she stares forward, her attention inward.
Augustus spends his time tending to his armor and weapons making sure they are clean and ready for the next tomb. He also tends to Maximus who is not happy that he spent the majority of their adventure in a single room.
At some point Augustus does try to buy a strip of cloth to cover the brand he received from the mirror in the tomb so he doesn't have to cover it with hair. If Abdur doesn't have anything like that in his shop Augustus will go to the market to look for it.
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In the afternoon, Zilchus will go the markets with whomever is coming to purchase supplies for the morrow.
He will return to confirm final things with Abdur for the morning and then retire back to the Inn for a meal and rest.
In the morning, he will be ready for breakfast and more graverobbing thoughtful requisitioning of the priorly interred.
Abdul laughs, "My but you are all so concerned about me! Please, fear not. I have been a merchant a long time in one form or another. I know how to make a profit."
"I do not yet know exactly what I am going to do with the books, but I do appreciate your suggestions. Thank you."
Augustus finds a rather nice head-scarf in Abdur's shop. It covers well, and looks decent.
The party whiles away the afternoon, some crafting, some shopping, some just relaxing. That evening they again dine at the Tooth and Hookah, and it's packed with adventuring parties from the tombs - everyone talking about their day.
Within a short while, you get a sense of some of the groups from their excited chatter.
The Cryptfinders are from all over the Inner Sea region and include a Chelish cavalier, a Nexian summoner, a Qadiran cleric of Sarenrae, and their leader Falto, a bravo from the streets of Absalom. They are drinking to their health and wealth from the day.
Then there's the all-female group, the Daughters of the Desert following the lead of Sigrun Firehair, an Ulfen of the Linnorm Kingdoms who claims to be descended from a genie. The group also includes an exiled Rahadoumi cleric of Iomedae, a barbarian from one of the nomadic desert clans of Thuvia, and two Osirian witches, twin sisters who always wear veils.
Also present are the Dog Soldiers, composed entirely of halflings and their pack of trained Katapeshi fighting dogs, led by the loquacious and hard-drinking “Mad Dog” Marrn.
Then there are the Sand Scorpions lead by a mysterious woman called Black Kiss, they're rumored to be a group of thieves - each with their own specialization.
Finally, you again see the woman in purple with her team, the Scorched Hand. She's apparently a Taldan Osirionologist named Velriana Hypaxes and this group is dedicated to the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge. With the exception of the hired mercenary Idorii, the members of the party are all devout followers of Nethys, from whom they take their name.
Ben wasn't expecting such an answer from Abdur, although he knew perfectly the terms of their agreement. Swallong his anger, the scholar nods to Abdur. "Very well. Have it your way, Mr. Abdur." With that said, the scholar brusquely leaves, without offering further explanations.
Shaken and confused, Benedictus follows the others and buys what he had planned to. Fortunately, he had already written down a list of what he needed, because otherwise he wouldn't have been able to recall anything at all. It's clear that Benedictus is upset from the outcome of his attempt of convincing Abdur to choose something else instead of the book. He stay silent for most of the time.
Perhaps I...I can convince him to let me study the books before actually selling them...
Even at the Tooth and Hookah, Benedictus is more silent than usual. He utterly ignores the chatting noise around him, and his emotional status brings back memories of how much he hates noisy, chatty adventurers. Ben orders something simple, and at least for the moment, he appears to be too shaken to do anything more than drown his sorrows in a glass of wine. His eyes scan the crowd of adventure, preparing swift mental notes to resort to in the time of need, should it ever come.
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Nidhi addresses her companions. ”I would like to pick up some armor but before that, I need a drink and a good meal.” Nidhi pauses before continuing, ”If we don’t plan on exploring the next tomb until tomorrow, shall we meet back here tomorrow morning?” With that, Nidhi nods and smiles a farewell to her companions (if they choose to leave to make their purchases at the market. Feel free to rejoin Nidhi after making purchases.)
After the stress of exploring the tomb, Nidhi decides to sit for a drink and a meal. She eyes the all-female group, Daughters of the Desert, curiously. Finding the all-female group most appealing, Nidhi approaches and gives her most encouraging smile. ”Hello, may I join you ladies?”
”My name is Nidhi Aashirya; I’m a tailor at my grandmother, Jharna’s, shop. I’m part of the group that explored the tomb of Akhentepi today. We’re sponsored by Abdur. May I ask who your sponsor is and which tomb your group explored today?” Nidhi smiles politely, pulling up a chair to join the table of ladies. Nidhi motions over to a tavern worker, calling out loudly: Nidhi flashes a silver or two to try to get the worker’s attention. I think a second drink is well deserved.
Nidhi listens intently to their responses before looking over at Sigrun Firehair, who appears to be the leader of the group. Whispering gossip: ”Do you know who that lady in purple is? She and Abdur were fighting the other day!” Nidhi leans back in her seat after hearing the response.
In her normal voice, Nidhi continues: ”I have to admit - I’m a bit jealous. I would have loved to have been selected for your adventuring group. How was your first day? Rather easy? My group found itself in a few rough patches but we managed to escape with all our limbs.” Nidhi laughs musically, shaking her head. It was wonderful to be out of the horrendous death trap of a tomb. Surviving the toil makes Nidhi feel all the more alive.
Nidhi takes a swig of her drink, letting others speak if they wish. ”There was actually a sarcophagus that almost sealed away and killed one of our party members. We just barely freed him before he ran out of air! And then the tomb was infested with spider-like creatures – imagine our surprise! I mean, that tomb was supposed have been sealed for hundreds of years yet all sorts of vermin still managed to find a way in there!” Nidhi shakes her head in disbelief. The day’s events feel unreal to Nidhi, but speaking of them seem to help cement Nidhi's reality. Thank the gods for drink!
Nidhi traces the wood grain of table with an index finger, deep in thought. After a minute, she looks up speaking in hushed tones ”Do you think we’re doing the right thing? Disturbing the dead in order to boost the economy. I mean, we’re rediscovering our heritage, but at what cost? Do you think the gods approve of the living and the dead mingling? I always imagined the walls surrounding the Necropolis were meant to keep us apart.” Nidhi directs her statements mostly to the exiled Rahadoumi cleric of Iomedae. Some of Nidhi’s superstitious conflict with her ambition. She feels torn, into two separate beings arguing about the sanctity of the dead. Wati locals, Nidhi included, respected the dead with celebrations and not disturbing the graves inside the Necropolis. Nidhi thinks of the Ruby Prince and his decision to open the tombs. He's a bit disrespectful of the dead, Nidhi frowns. And I'm helping him. Nidhi takes a long and audible gulp of her drink. Her stomach warms from the liquid courage.
”I apologize for such a serious topic. ...Perhaps we should talk about ourselves?” Nidhi lifts an eyebrow at the barbarian from one of the nomadic desert clans of Thuvia, appreciating the woman’s muscles (if they’re visible.) ”What made you decide to join in on the glory? Honor? Family? Curiosity?” Nidhi looks around at the table, ”All of you. I’m quite curious. You see, for me, I’m just a simple tailor but I’m a native to Wati. I felt – still feel – like it’s my duty to make the Aashirya family name known and to preserve our heritage. You can blast down my silly beliefs if you want, but nobody else is going to take care – or respect - if we don’t do it ourselves.” Nidhi waggles a finger back and forth from herself to the ladies sitting at the table.
Nidhi’s mind feels a little fuzzy but her insides are warmed from the alcohol. Nidhi rubs both her arms, and lets out a contented sigh, listening to the other women speak. Nidhi picks up her mug for another sip. Nidhi nods and smiles when appropriate; being slightly inebriated didn’t leave Nidhi ignorant to basic social etiquette.
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Zilchus drinks at dinner, then drinks a bit more. He feels he's earned it...more than earned it, really, he nearly *died* for it. So he drinks. And drinks. And drinks in celebration. To inebriation.
After picking up or overhearing the book ordeal...
"You know what you shhhooould do, Proffeshor? You shhhooould buy the books back from Abdur. That's what you shhhooould do," Zilchus says, beginning to feel the effects of his celebration. "That way it'sh a completely different transacshhhhon. It's a new deal." Zilchus offers his thoughts freely as he drinks.
"We did good today. Let's have a toasht!" Zilchus raises his mug and waits for others to do likewise.
"To USH!!" He drinks. He has little desire to socialize with the others, but 'waits politely' (translation: drinking alone) while it is done.
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Ben gives Zilchus a woebegone hunch. "I don't have enough money for it, I'm afraid. But sooner or later, I will buy those books back, I promise". Ben is still shaken, but a few drinks help him get in a little more positive mood. "And next time, Florence, I won't simply be copying the books before showing them to Abdur. I will hide them, and never reveal we found them, so that he can't pick them. I know, it's not a honest thing to do, and Abdur has been honest with us this far, still...*Mph* I don't think he sees any value in those books apart from their monetary value."
For his whole life, Benedictus has been told, countless times, that he was boring-always talking about history and archaeology, and never enjoying the delights life has to offer. But this time is different. I'm among friends, and I feel this time is different. For real. I want to do something stupid. Having no other model to emulate around him than Zilchus, the scholar shrugs and orders a few more drinks for himself, in the hope of getting drunk enough to forget about Abdur and the books.
The drinks have their effects in a matter of minutes, since Ben is not really used to drinking heavily. "Oh, yesh! A toooassht! Let's drink to our...our...great sss...shuccessh! Augushtush, come on, join ush!"
Drinking makes Ben much more extroverted than usual, and the scholar puts his arms around Florence's and Zilchus' necks, looking at them with a conspirational face. "Do you shee that woman, over there? Wee ssshould be keeping our eyesh on her...and her group. Oh, and alsho on thoshe Shand Schorpionsh...You know, they have a nice name and all, but you shee...they're rumored to be a gang of thievesh! They could shtole our treashuresh!"
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She eyes the all-female group, Daughters of the Desert, curiously. Finding the all-female group most appealing, Nidhi approaches and gives her most encouraging smile. ”Hello, may I join you ladies?”
Sigrun smiles, and welcomes Nidhi to join them, gesturing to the amazonian barbarian to manage a chair from somewhere. ”Welcome - I saw you at the tomb assignments. You fared well?” she asks by way of greeting.
”My name is Nidhi Aashirya; I’m a tailor at my grandmother, Jharna’s, shop. I’m part of the group that explored the tomb of Akhentepi today. We’re sponsored by Abdur. May I ask who your sponsor is and which tomb your group explored today?”
”Oh, we sponsored ourselves - which was a little tricky. The church is very particular - but we’ve been here months preparing and persevering for this event!” she nearly shouts at the end and the ladies all take a drink in celebration of their victory.
She continues, ”We had the house of a wealthy pawnbroker to explore. We encountered many traps, but little else in the way of opposition. How did you fare?”
Nidhi takes a swig of her drink, letting others speak if they wish. ”There was actually a sarcophagus that almost sealed away and killed one of our party members. We just barely freed him before he ran out of air! And then the tomb was infested with spider-like creatures – imagine our surprise! I mean, that tomb was supposed have been sealed for hundreds of years yet all sorts of vermin still managed to find a way in there!” Nidhi shakes her head in disbelief.
The barbarian smiles with a slight look of concern, grunting, ”Were any of you bitten? Some of the vermin of these deserts can be quite deadly.” The cleric adds, ”I may be able to help in that regard if any of you continue to suffer the effects. As Sigrun mentioned, we were mostly lucky. No poisons in our veins today!”
Nidhi listens intently to their responses before looking over at Sigrun Firehair, who appears to be the leader of the group. Whispering gossip: ”Do you know who that lady in purple is? She and Abdur were fighting the other day!” Nidhi leans back in her seat after hearing the response.
The whole table sets down their glasses and turns to look at Velriana. You imagine it’s quite obvious, if short. Luckily, Velriana is deep in conversation with her bodyguard, complaining about the way the raffle is being handled and doesn’t seem to notice.
The group shakes their communal heads, ”No, we don’t know her. She, and her group, were there this morning though. Strange that she’d be fighting with Abdur, he has quite the reputation as a fair and honest man.”
”And he does so much to help the slave population.” the cleric adds.
Nidhi traces the wood grain of table with an index finger, deep in thought. After a minute, she looks up speaking in hushed tones [smaller]”Do you think we’re doing the right thing? Disturbing the dead in order to boost the economy. I mean, we’re rediscovering our heritage, but at what cost? Do you think the gods approve of the living and the dead mingling? I always imagined the walls surrounding the Necropolis were meant to keep us apart.”Nidhi directs her statements mostly to the exiled Rahadoumi cleric of Iomedae.
Strangely, it is the witches who answer, each finishing the others sentences, often mixing words as they go. Add to that the veils, and it becomes impossible to know which witch is talking at any particular point. ”The dead are nothing but bones and dust. They have passed beyond our sight and need not concern us.”
”The walls are to protect you from the undead and other foul things lingering in the Necropolis. Beware lest you depart from the path!”
The barbarian chuckles, but the table is quiet a moment before Sigrun picks it back up with a disarming smile, ”Yes, well, we all do our part to respect the dead at least. That’s as much as any of us can do for them now.”
”I apologize for such a serious topic. ...Perhaps we should talk about ourselves?” Nidhi lifts an eyebrow at the barbarian from one of the nomadic desert clans of Thuvia, appreciating the woman’s muscles (if they’re visible.) ”What made you decide to join in on the glory? Honor? Family? Curiosity?” Nidhi looks around at the table, ”All of you. I’m quite curious. You see, for me, I’m just a simple tailor but I’m a native to Wati. I felt – still feel – like it’s my duty to make the Aashirya family name known and to preserve our heritage. You can blast down my silly beliefs if you want, but nobody else is going to take care – or respect - us if we don’t do it ourselves.” Nidhi waggles a finger back and forth from herself to the ladies sitting at the table.
The barbarian smiles, ”I’ve worked for Sigrun for a long time. We have travelled the world investigating ancient sites and burial grounds such as this.”
”Well, not the whole world.” adds the cleric.
”But we have seen more than one continent.” adds Sigrun smiling. ”You see, we’re adventurers. We go to far away places, usually, to dig up old and dusty stuff, and sell it in other far away places. Really we’re merchants of the past.”
”Have you already gotten your next assignment? We left our house too late, and must wait for morning to discover what’s next for us.”
Nidhi is pleased to have brokered pleasant conversation with the Daughters of the Desert but isn’t sure how she feels about them taking the relics from Wati. Nidhi is amazed and impressed that the group was able to fund themselves for the excursion.
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”But we have seen more than one continent.” adds Sigrun smiling. ”You see, we’re adventurers. We go to far away places, usually, to dig up old and dusty stuff, and sell it in other far away places. Really we’re merchants of the past.”
Nidhi frowns slightly. "Far... far away? Well, I'm glad you all respect history and seek to share it." Nidhi adds politely, not wanting to offend.
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”Have you already gotten your next assignment? We left our house too late, and must wait for morning to discover what’s next for us.”
If the statement seems benign, Nidhi leans in to whisper: ”At first light, my companions and I are traveling to Pentheru. Do you know of it?” Nidhi listens intently, eager to trade knowledge.
If something in the question seems amiss, Nidhi will shrug and say "We're in the same situation as you. We'll know tomorrow morning."
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"Well I hope you all do well tomorrow." Nidhi flashes a genuine smile around the table. "I hope to talk with you ladies again soon. Hopefully with everyone in good health like tonight!" Nidhi takes a moment to turn to the cleric, "Thanks for offering to heal poison. I'll keep you in mind in case something bites me or my companions. And if you all find something interesting - perhaps a book - my companions and I may be interested in a trade with something we've found."
Nidhi stands from the table with one last smile to the Daughters of the Desert. Turning, Nidhi searches the room for her companions and soon spots Zilchus and Benedictus drinking deeply from their mugs. Nidhi laughs to herself and heads over to join them.
Once Nidhi has sat at the table with her companions, she lifts an eyebrow at Florence as if to say: You think they're going to regret drinking so much tomorrow morning? Nidhi doesn't have much room for opinion. She is buzzed herself but not quite drunk. Nidhi plops an elbow onto the table and rests her chin in the palm of her hand. "You all having fun?"
"Did you learn anything? It's pretty neat to see an all-women group in the lottery!"
"Women, huh?" Zilchus suddenly takes a bit of notice of something other than his mug. "How are they doing? Maybe..maybe I should go give them the Zilchush charm. I bet they will open right up to me." Zilchus smiles his not-so-pretty charm and looks around for women who could use his 'charm', of which there is little.
Nidhi nods at Florence, more inclined to take Florence seriously over the other party members because she isn't inebriated. "I spoke to the Daughters of the Desert. Apparently they're been in Wati for months preparing and persevering for this event. They funded themselves you know... imagine if we had been able to do the same!" Nidhi looks wistfully into her mug and sighs. "Sigrun and the barbarian are apparently quite adept to this sort of thing. Rediscovering and redistributing history, I mean. Today they explored the house of a wealthy pawnbroker." Nidhi smiles, leaning in so she can speak a bit more quietly, "Although I think we got the better deal."
Nidhi leans back, wanting to change the conversation to something lighter. "Zilchus, maybe you should try your swagger on the lady in the purple hat," Nidhi teases. Then Nidhi remembers Augustus' fling with the lovely bard. "Augustus," Nidhi begins, "What ever happened to Lirgala? From the way you two were staring into each others souls I would 've sworn you'd have rode off into the sunset by now!" Nidhi laughs musically, covering her mouth with one hand. Her other hand taps the table jovially, unable to contain her humor.
After having a good laugh, Nidhi turns to Benedictus and Florence. "Do either of you have someone special back at home? Or does someone in this tavern perhaps spark your interest?" Nidhi waggles her eyebrows at her companions, feeling playful.
"Right, I'm sure a little 'Zilchush' charm is just what they need after a hard day out in the Necropolis,"
Nidhi gives an unlady-like snort into her ale at hearing Florence say "'Zilchush' charm."
"And a good friend. He helped me get here to Osirion in the first place."
"So you two traveled together for some distance then? He must really care about you. Where did he go after you arrived in Osirion? Did he have other business to attend to?" Nidhi sits up, attentive to Florence's story.