"Zilchus, I was thinking about that suggestion of yours about wearing an armor. Today I memorized a spell which will create a magic armor on me, without hampering my movements. You'll see! Magic is such a wonderfully wide field of study and research. "
"I said what about what? Zilchus replies, looking confused. "I did? Oh, yeah,I remember...armor is a good thing. It keeps you alive. And alive is good. But, you say it's a spell? Hmm..." Zilchus ponders that for a moment.
"Hmm...I'm not an expert on spells or magic or hygiene or manners but don't spells end? And can't spells be dispelled? Trusting magic isn't like trusting the gods...trusting magic might get you killed. You should probably look into getting some nice chained armor. You know, nothing too heavy...30 or 35 pounds, just in case. Much safer and you can still move around in it."
Sense Motive
"Isn't it a bit weird that your magic comes from 'nowhere'? Does that cause concern? I know that the few blessings that I have are from the Great Crocodile that Protects Osirion. I speak to him, he speaks to me, we come to an agreement, see?" Zilchus explains. "I can see that the Professor has picked up some nice tricks and sleights of mind from his studies, and that's cute and nice. But at least we know where they come from...but you don't know, Florence? That's weird."
* * *
"Don't be alarmed Florence, but sometimes faeries sneak into peoples' bedchambers at night and steal teeth. Then, they blow on the hole where the tooth used to be and a fake tooth appears. With the fake tooth, the person gains mysterious powers!”
Zilchus snorts at the far-fetched story. He knows better.
"That's not how it works, and you know it Nidhi...and you know it. When your teeth fall out, good parents will take them and throw them into the mighty Osirion rivers in hopes one of the crocodiles within will eat those teeth, and carry the prayers of the parents to the Great Crocodile...prayers that their child will grow big and strong. My parents did this with me...and it is why I am so blessed." Zilchus explains the obvious truths, not crazy fey conspiracies. Zilchus poo-poos and waves off any protestations that this is not how it works...because clearly it's how it does. "This is why many crocodiles hang out near the windows of small children and under beds, so that they might be the ones to carry the prayers to the Great Crocodile. They are the greedy ones...but the smart crocodiles know how to do it: grasping the teeth from the roils of the river. That is how it works."
"That's not how it works, and you know it Nidhi...and you know it. When your teeth fall out, good parents will take them and throw them into the mighty Osirion rivers in hopes one of the crocodiles within will eat those teeth, and carry the prayers of the parents to the Great Crocodile...prayers that their child will grow big and strong. My parents did this with me...and it is why I am so blessed." Zilchus explains the obvious truths, not crazy fey conspiracies. Zilchus poo-poos and waves off any protestations that this is not how it works...because clearly it's how it does. "This is why many crocodiles hang out near the windows of small children and under beds, so that they might be the ones to carry the prayers to the Great Crocodile. They are the greedy ones...but the smart crocodiles know how to do it: grasping the teeth from the roils of the river. That is how it works."
Nidhi doesn't argue with Zilchus about his explanation. She nods, wholly accepting Zilchus' words about the crocodiles. Why wouldn't it be true? It sounds real enough. Nidhi nods in agreement become especially fervent when Zilchus talks about the crocodiles carrying the teeth as prayers for the children to grow up strong. Yes, yes, that's exactly how it happens. Sounds logical. 100% factual.
"But Zilchus, what about the teeth that aren't thrown into the river?" Nidhi asks. "Not everyone lives near a river and crocodiles like we do." Nidhi points out logically.
"The people who don't live here... Tooth faeries come out at night with their tiny pliers and pull teeth so they can wear them as their own! I met someone who swears to the tale!" Nidhi stares at Zilchus with her hands grasped together near her heart. "Do you not believe in such tales Zilchus? Do you not believe in the" Nidhi looks left then right, "supernatural?" Nidhi says 'supernatural' dramatically, stretching her arms outward again for effect.
"Florence, Benedictus, you two believe right? In magical little creatures that fly around stealing teeth? I mean, teeth are really important. Can you imagine what they must to with them?" Nidhi is clearly interested in talking about the supernatural and tales that may or may not be real.
Benedictus stiffens as Zilchus presses Florence into revealing something more about the source of her magic. Feeling instinctively protective of her, Ben can't help stepping in the conversation. "You know, Zilchus, sometimes the source of one's magic is unknown even to the very person who wields it. Wizardry consists in learning magic in a traditional way, and you're not wrong when you say that it's far easier for non-spellcasters to understand where the arcane powers of a wizard come from, just like in my case." Benedictus shrugs and ensues. "But take sorcery, instead. We spellcasters usually define a sorcerer as an arcane spellcaster whose magic is innate in origin. Well, ask a sorcerer where do his power come from, and he's very likely to answer that he doesn't know." Benedictus is clearly trying to bore Zilchus' attention away of the topic. "There's still a lot of work to do in order to properly comprehend magic and its sources. It is commonly believed that ancient spellcasters had a much deeper knowledge of magic than we do today. Take the runelords in Varisia, for example. Or the wizard kings of Garund, or even the same Nethys himself, who is believed to have been a wizard before ascending to godhood...Magic is a complex matter, I know..."
---
"35 pounds of armor you say!" Ben laughs and pats Zilchus on the shoulder. "I've never heard better jokes than yours in all of my life, Zilchus! Seriously, you're very good at jokes!" Ben suddenly stops laughing and gives a concerned look at Zilchus. "Because you have to be joking, right?"
---
Ben gives a quizzical look at Nidhi when she starts talking about "magical little creatures that fly around stealing teeth". For a moment, Ben is about to burst in a laughter, thinking that Nidhi's is only a joke, but he eventually finds himself quite uncerain about the girl's intention and he decides to take the matter seriously, at least to avoid offending her. "I...I...Well, the world is full of strange creatures and all, so I can't see why couldn't there be...Yeah, you know...Flying little creatures whose occupation consists in stealing teeth..."
Your conversation is cut slightly short as you finally arrive at Abdur’s Milki. A servant is waiting at the entrance, and guides you into Abdur’s chamber without even knocking.
Abdur is in close conversation with an athletic female Garundi in her late thirties. Her tousled, thick, and ever rebellious dark hair shows early signs of graying, but her face has kept a hint of the defiant youth she once was. Perhaps it is the slight slant of her light grey eyes, her aquiline jawbone and nose, or the teasing shape of her pink pouting lips, that make her so attractive, yet so frightening? Or perhaps it is simply because her soft movement and toned body unconsciously bring to mind the ancestral predator?
Hard to know for sure, but Abdur is, at least for now, captivated. As you enter, he turns to you and says, ”Bad news I’m afraid. Augustus came to me last night in a bad way. Something about his kin, but I don’t know if he meant family or just someone close to him. Either way, he begged to be let out of his contract, and asked me to apologize to you on his behalf. He was in quite a rush.”
Abdur gives a full moment of respectful silence for the departed before moving on, his tone brisk as if he’d only stopped for a second.
”I’ve spent the night tracking down some of the others who had an interest, and finally caught up with Cahal here - and lucky I did! I think she’s just what you need.”
He gestures to the woman and you get a closer look. Choosing mobility over protection, Cahal favours a simple and light suit of armour that allows her to move freely. The armour is really nothing but an apron of bronze plates, protecting her legs and lower stomach. She tends to favour linen shirts cut at the shoulders. Those shirts were once white, but sweat, sun, and worse have long ago shifted their colour to more ochre shades.
”Cahal, this is Nidhi, Florence, Zilchus, and the good professor, Benedictus. I’m hiring Cahal to be a part of your team, if you’ll allow it, as Augustus has had to bow out.”
Nidhi's jaw drops open when she sees Cahal standing in Abdur's office, but she quickly reels it back in, continuing to stare unabashed. I should have kept my mouth shut. I hope the others don't remember what I told them last night. Nidhi turns a little pink in embarrassment, but she can't help but feel giddy. I can't wait to see her in combat. Nidhi forgets about Augustus.
For a moment, she seems lost in thoughts, but then she winks and smiles, reminding you of a jackal: "Looks like your warrior likes his sand with a dab of water. I'm the one you want. I'm the one you need. I'm the one who'll keep you safe while you explore. But for this I want to be recognized as a full member of your team. I want an equal share... Of what we will find, but of what you have found as well! I heard you did well for yourselves so far..."
Nidhi swallows hard when Cahal says "I'm the one you need." Mhmm. Nidhi didn't doubt that for one moment.
"Abdur." Nidhi says faintly, then redirects her gaze to Adbur and speaks in her regular voice: "Abdur, what a wonderful surprise. A good choice! The best choice you could make, in fact!" Nidhi gushes, paying Abdur the highest of compliments she can currently think (while she's still reeling from shock.)
"Don't you think so everyone? And of course - we're all splitting the loot evenly after Abdur has his pick. Anyways, it's terrible that Augustus is gone but perhaps we should continue moving." Nidhi doesn't sound like she minds that Augustus is gone. Don't want to give Zilchus, Benedictus, or Florence any time to tease me. "The day is getting away from us after all - and with this detour we're really behind." Nidhi sweeps the room with her eyes, looking at everyone for confirmation. Nidhi moves to stand next to the door.
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"Because you have to be joking, right?"
Zilchus gives the Ben a serious look, he wasn't joking.
"I'm only serious of you want to stay alive, Professor. You've seen some of the things hiding in the places. Sometimes they are going to get by and around me, and if we don't have Augustus around, then you might find yourself face to face with them. You'd feel better if you had armor on. Maybe a shield. And a sword. A good sword."
* * *
"But Zilchus, what about the teeth that aren't thrown into the river?" Nidhi asks. "Not everyone lives near a river and crocodiles like we do."
"Well, not everyone has strong parents who love them enough to take the teeth to a nearby crocodile infested river. Those parents want their children to grow up to be weak, sniveling, whiny little brats. We usually call them 'Qadirans'. Haw haw." Zilchus laughs, thinking he is hilarious, which he totally is.
"The only thing more sniveling than Qadirans are Pha--..." Zilchus' voice trails off as they reach Abdur's...then are ushered inside.
”Cahal, this is Nidhi, Florence, Zilchus, and the good professor, Benedictus. I’m hiring Cahal to be a part of your team..."
Zilchus barely waits for Abdur to finish before turning to the Professor and pointing at Cahal. "See? She wears armor. See? Armor. It's good to wear."
Zilchus barely waits for Abdur to finish before turning to the Professor and pointing at Cahal. "See? She wears armor. See? Armor. It's good to wear."
Nidhi frowns at Zilchus' statement. Benedictus just said he learned how to use magical armor... and I doubt those tooth-stealing faeries wear armor. The thought it still in the back of Nidhi's mind. "Benedictus, I can't wait to see this magical armor. I'm curious to see what it can do," Nidhi admits honestly. She found magic and magical items intriguing although she'd never had a gift for it herself.
--------------
Once the party has left Abdur's office, Nidhi adjusts her walk so that she's next to Cahal. "So Cahal, do you remember me? Because I defiantly remember you." Nidhi eyes the woman again, smiling. "I can't believe Abdur didn't choose you in the first place! In my opinion, you would have been the first picked for exploring these tombs." Nidhi waves a hand in the air, motioning towards the Necropolis.
"I remember all of you, of course. So... We have an agreement then?"
"Not sure that you're asking us...or if you are asking us, that's something for Abdur to decide. I work for him," Zilchus says, looking at Abdur to see what the man wants.
"Are you ready to go now? If not, we can pick you up tomorrow likely, but we got to get moving. We're losing daylight," Zilchus asks Cahal.
"Also, I'm Zilchus, by the way." Zilchus offers a hand to shake and his not-so-good smile as well.
Ben enters Abdur’s room with a sense of tension, anticipating a bad news concerning Augustus. And when that bad news is eventually spoken by Abdur, Benedictus can’t help but shake his head, his eyes fixed somewhere on the ground. Oh, Augustus…I hope you’ll be alright… The scholar is so deeply immersed in his pain for his friend’s sudden departure that she barely notices that Cahal is also in the room. His mind had already taken note of the woman’s presence, and offered a simple explanation about its cause—Cahal was going to replace Augustus, Ben had no doubt about that. He was so sure about it that when Abdur’s words certifies it, Ben just nods, absentmindedly. “I…I need to do something. Pardon me” And with those quick words, Benedictus leaves the room.
He searches for a table, and as soon as he finds one, he sits down, pulls a sheet of parchment out of his backpack together with his scrivener’s kit, and starts writing down his farewell to Augustus.
---
“Dear Augustus,
I’ve just heard from Abdur that you had to leave because of something about your kin. I hope that things are going to work out for you. We only shared a few days together, but I was starting to get attached to you, to the boastful tales of your deeds and the joy you brought among us. You will be missed, my friend. Sooner or later, I hope that we’ll meet again. Until then, good luck, my friend.
Yours sincerely,
Ben”
---
After finishing to write the letter, Benedictus folds in and uses some kiln to seal it. Then, his eyes still full of retained tears, Ben enters Abdur’s room once again. The scholar approaches his patron with the letter in his hand. “Mr. Abdur, if it’s not too much, I would like to ask you to contact a runner for me in order to deliver this letter to our friend, Augustus.” Ben then digs through his belt pouch and produces a golden coin. “Is this enough to pay for the service? I have more, in case the service is more expansive than I think.”
---
Only after he feels to have given his friend Augustus a proper farewell, Ben focuses on the new recruit. “I’m sorry for the way I left, ma’am. There’s no excuse for my behavior and I humbly asks for your forgiveness.” Ben smiles sadly and makes a quick bow. “I’m Benedictus West Dickens, the brains of this rickety bunch”. The introductions was supposed to sound fun, but Ben’s sadness almost made it sound like an incredibly haughty praise to himself. “I mean, I’m an Osirionologist. But you already know that, don’t you? We met in this very place just a few days ago”. Ben remembered everything about that day, including Cahal. He can remember her talking with Nidhi and Hudjefa, and he recalled all too well the way in which she treated him. "I am a little weary of accepting new members. Unless they can prove they can hold their own a bit in the ruins. Do you have a sword? A shield? I mean no disrespect, but you look like you'll just be more trouble than I can manage...” Those words kept echoing in his mind.
Although he can’t tell if it’s because of the fact that Augustus had to leave so suddenly and Cahal was his substitute, or because of the harsh words which she had told him a few days ago, Ben feels uncomfortable in front of the new recruit, if not a tad hateful. Ben also remembers all too well what Nidhi had told them about Cahal and her lust for her. Too confused to bring some order to his thoughts, Benedictus does not even answer to Zilchus’ remark, which now seems like offending to him. Not that there was something wrong in Zilchus’ words. It’s just that his remark is very similar to those Cahal made to him before, and for which he feels an ill-concealed hate towards her.
“Whenever you’re ready to go, you will find me outside Milki”, quickly says Ben before leaving the room.
"You know this might be dangerous, right?" Zilchus cautions Cahal, just making sure things are clear. "We ran into some trouble...and most of us almost lost our lives, and some of us lost their dignity." Zilchus' eyes flicker to any of the brands that still might be on foreheads.
Zilchus looks forward to getting to the tomb, and hoping this new hire works out better and longer than the last one.
"I remember all of you, of course. So... We have an agreement then?""Not sure that you're asking us...or if you are asking us, that's something for Abdur to decide. I work for him," Zilchus says, looking at Abdur to see what the man wants.
Abdur smiles, ”Oh, I was quite hoping that you would all share and share alike. Same agreement going forward works quite well for me.”
After finishing to write the letter, Benedictus folds in and uses some kiln to seal it. Then, his eyes still full of retained tears, Ben enters Abdur’s room once again. The scholar approaches his patron with the letter in his hand. “Mr. Abdur, if it’s not too much, I would like to ask you to contact a runner for me in order to deliver this letter to our friend, Augustus.” Ben then digs through his belt pouch and produces a golden coin. “Is this enough to pay for the service? I have more, in case the service is more expansive than I think.”
Abdur looks up, ”Aye that should be plenty, and if not I’ll cover any slight difference. I’ll see to it Augustus gets your missive - if he can be found.”
"Are you ready to go now? If not, we can pick you up tomorrow likely, but we got to get moving. We're losing daylight," Zilchus asks Cahal.
Abdur adds, ”Quite right. You’ve lost some time already, and I do apologize for the rushed introductions. It would be good if you had more time to work out the interpersonal relationships before diving into what may well be a risky endeavor, but there’s nothing for it.”
”Do you need anything for today’s searches? I asked around a little about Pentheru, but no one seems to know much about him - other than what you already know. He was a landowner of some repute and it made him wealthy. Also, his house fell near or during the Plague.” he shrugs.
Before leaving the room, Ben stops in the doorway and turns on himself to look at Abdur.
"Yes, Abdur. There's something I'd like to know, although it does not directly concern our site. Do you know anything about ‘The Erudite Eye’? It should be an exploring site in Wati. Do you know if it was assigned to someone? It seems to be pretty important..."
Zilchus looks at Cahal, then at Abdur, then again at Cahal.
"I wasn't taking you for a fool before, but I might start now," Zilchus replies. "What I said to you was neither challenge nor insult...hopefully, you'll know when I insult you." Zilchus seethes back, his rankles rising.
"I just mentioned that it was good that you wear armor, but that you wear armor does not mean you are ready to have it used against your will. I just wanted to make sure you understood the dangers."
Zilchus looks at Cahal, then back at the rest.
"If you're going to take everything I say to you as a challenge of your manh--...uh, skill, then maybe we need to measure spears right now," Zilchus' hand hovers near this deadly falchion, then retracts, not wishing bloodshed and realizing he is adding to the heat of the moment than that diffusing it. Zilchus shakes his head, stepping back.
"Yeah, you can stand next to me. I don't mind. I just want you to recognize the dangers that may come."
Zilchus looks at Nihdi and Florence with wide eyes as he walks by them and out the door...indicating that he can't believe that he got that response from his query and warning.
Zilchus frowns, not wanting to think of what they faced before...especially the sarcophagus that nearly ate him and Augustus.
"Hard things. Hard things that snap and bite and grab," Zilchus says. "There was a sarcophagus that knocked me out cold, ate Augustus, and seemed to resist weapons. That was the hard one...the easy one was the metal snake that resisted swords...and then the little dolls who struck at us. Everything wanted to kill us, it seemed."
"Oh yes," Abdur smiles, "You're going to do well together. You are already challenging each other to greater understanding of the problem." he laughs.
"I don't think you can afford it yet, unless you sell that mask perhaps, or the armor, but Adamantine weapons tend to do well against the sorts of things you're mentioning." he adds. "Though it is very expensive." he warns.
Before leaving the room, Ben stops in the doorway and turns on himself to look at Abdur.
"Yes, Abdur. There's something I'd like to know, although it does not directly concern our site. Do you know anything about ‘The Erudite Eye’? It should be an exploring site in Wati. Do you know if it was assigned to someone? It seems to be pretty important..."
"Strangely that doesn't ring any bells, and it should. It sounds intriguing. Quite intriguing."
"If you don't believe me, then find another turtle like yourself!"
A sudden burst of "Pfft!" escapes before Nidhi is able to contain herself. She has to bite her bottom lip to keep from laughing further. Haha! Zilchus just got called a turtle! How utterly uncool. Nidhi looks at the uncharismatic man and Nidhi's face colors from the effort it takes her to hold back laughter.
"What I said to you was neither challenge nor insult...hopefully, you'll know when I insult you." Zilchus seethes back, his rankles rising.
I bet he's upset about being compared to a turtle. Nidhi pulls out a container of mixed nuts and dried fruit to snack on as she observes the two go back and forth. Nidhi takes a seat nearby while she eats and observes. She offers some to Florence (assuming she's watching the comical banter as well.)
"Hard things. Hard things that snap and bite and grab," Zilchus says.
It sounds like he's describing himself... like a... turtle. Nidhi smiles. Zilchus did sort of seem like a turtle. Hard on the outside with squishy innards. Turtles were bald and not the most handsome of creatures, but they did have an interesting appearance. How many other creatures could boast they traveled with their home of their back? ...Well hermit crabs could, Nidhi supposed. Maybe clams too. Perhaps Zilchus was more of a hermit crabs? No, hermit crabs were bottom feeders and their homes weren't self-made.
Finishing the snack, Nidhi stands up and motions to the door leading out of Abdur's office, "Shall we?" Nidhi smiles, trying to look encouraging. She tilts her head slightly, licking her lips delicately of any remaining salt from the trail mix. "I'm eager to see what new treasures await us today."
Seeing that everyone seems ready (save for the Professor's lack of armor), Zilchus will guide the group to the next area as indicated on the map.
As he walks, he leads Florence's ass mule by the lead, happy to have the nearly unladen beast to tarry treasure out of the tomb.
While he's walking, he tries again to connect to Cahal.
"Cahal, where did you say you were from?"
Zilchus looks around, his hand facing up.
"Wati, as well. My family and their family has been here for generations. Generations," Zilchus answers will pride as he walks. "It is a good place to be from."
Benedictus walks at a distance from the group, still unable to get over his aversion to Cahal. Her snooty words keeps floating in his head, echoing over and over and over...Tsk, despite her trivial opinion, Abdur has chosen me and not her, originally...She's here only because Augustus had to leave. And I don't care about where she comes from. Not at all.
Ben gives a point-blank nod to Florence when she mentions that they're the only foreigners of the group. Treating her like that, giving up on a possible conversation with Florence, is like stabbing his own heart, because Benedictus really enjoys talking with Florence. But this time, his mind is too filled with bad feelings to just ignore them.
As the group makes its way to the next site to explore, Benedictus tries to slowly let his thoughts flow to something else. Indipendently from how I feel, we'll need to cooperate if we want to get out of the site alive, assuming it will be a dangerous place just like the first one. I will show both her and Zilchus the true power of magic...They will understand that armor and weapons are only a toys if compared to true magic. I will show them! Oh, I will!
It's late-mid morning as you finally arrive at the Necropolis.
You show your teams second token to the guards, and your group is let in. ”Don’t lose that or we won’t let you out again.” the guard jokes, repeating from yesterday. A simple man.
The sturdy stone buildings of Wati’s necropolis were once part of the living city, and even now could still be mistaken for apartments, estates, shops, or tenements if not for the faded paint and desert sand piling up in the streets. Separated from the rest of the city by high stone walls inscribed with prayers and blessings, the necropolis has an outward appearance of peace and repose. The dusty streets are mostly empty of life as before. However this time, you are alone - as the other teams have already entered and made their way to their respective locals.
As you enter, you see Pharasma's Needle (link) directly ahead of you. Your path takes you a pretty direct way to area '10' on the Wati Map (link). You're less than 5 minutes from your destination.
"Really!? Where in Wati? I don't remember hearing you clanking around Bargetown..."
Clanking around? Zilchus smiles, he does clank.
"Bargetown? You mean down by the Calistiran walk? Nah, I don't spend much time there. But if I did, I'm sure you'd hear me even if you were on your back."
Zilchus checks their position against the Pharasman Needle, then the direction of their location. "I think it's this way..." Zilchus leads on.
Nidhi walks next to Benedictus, keeping him company. She's in a chipper mood so she smiles, enjoying the surroundings of Wati and appreciating the view of Cahal's butt.
”Don’t lose that or we won’t let you out again.” the guard jokes, repeating from yesterday. A simple man.
"Haha, good one! We won't!" Nidhi winks playfully. What a beautiful day! The sun is out! The weather is nice! Nidhi's mood perhaps directly contrasts Benedictus'.
When the group reaches Pharasma's Needle, Nidhi stops to say a silent prayer of thanks and asks for protection during their time inside the Necropolis. What will be, will be. May my fate be kind.
"I think it's this way..." Zilchus leads on.
Nidhi feels a wave of paranoia wash over her. Is it the armor again? Nidhi wonders. She turns to look behind herself. "Benedictus," Nidhi lightly touches the man's arm. "Do you sense that we're being watched?" Nidhi continues looking around, on high alert. Maybe this armor was a bad idea.
You travel a short while into the Necropolis and come upon what you think is your target. It certainly looks impressive at first glance.
Sandstone walls ten feet high enclose this estate, affording those who once lived inside some privacy. A two-story stone house is visible beyond the walls, adjoining the rear wall of the property. In the center of the estate’s southern wall stands a pair of tarnished bronze gates hanging partially open. A pair of statues flanks the gate. Dusty hieroglyphs are carved into the wall at eye level to the left of the gate.
The statues depict two men with a regal bearing and dressed in loose, short robes and traditional Osirian head cloths. A close examination reveals small hieroglyphs on the statues’ bases that likely identify the figures.
The bronze gates are decrepit and appear to have been broken open long ago. There is no means to secure them, and they would not stand much punishment. You’re a little uneasy even opening them for fear they’ll fall off their hinges.
Ben's feelings instantly fade away when his eyes meet the House of Pentheru. A smiles appears on his face as he delights in the sight. This is what I came here for!
The scholar's attention is immediately magnetized by the dusty hieroglyphs carved into the southern wall and the statues flanking the bronze gates. Ben seems about to inform his companions about the meaning of the hieroglyphs, but finds himself forestalled by Cahal. Ben sighs and raises a skeptical eyebrow at the woman. I wasn't expecting her to be able to read Ancient Osiriani. I mean, it's actually pretty close to modern Osiriani, but as far as I know not every contemporary Osirian can read the Ancient tongue. Ben nods his confirm to Cahal's statement and adds with a somewhat "professorish" tone, "Pentheru the Elder and Pentheru the Younger", nodding to the statues.
"Something tells me that, unlike what Akhentepi's crypt originally suggested, we're not the first to enter this place. And if no one managed to get out of this place with all of its trasures, it means that there's something inside that has prevented them from doing so. Ergo, we would do better to be careful once we open these gates..."
Although the implications of his reasoning are not so ensuring, Benedictus finds himself swallowing his fear in an attempt not to seem in the eyes of the newcomer.
Zilchus pauses by the front door, mindful of the press of bodies near him.
"Maybe after you check for anything amiss with this door, we'll spread out a bit? I don't like that the gate is nearly broken off. Might indeed mean that someone has been here before us...which could possibly make it more dangerous," Zilchus expresses his concern, remembering they body they found in their initial decent yesterday.
When others are ready, Zilchus examines the door for traps/weirdness, then checks to see if it will open or is locked. He instructs Cahal on how the team has (mostly been doing things).
"This is how we've been doing it, Cahal. If you have any suggestions for improvement, please offer them. We trust everyone to keep an eye out for traps...we had a lot of traps in the last place...when I will...or you will open the door. So far, we've been pretty good about avoiding some traps." Zilchus demonstrates.
Perception - door, porch
"If something comes and attacks us, the Professor will yell a warning that will likely not give you time to react and then we'll fight for our lives," Zilchus offers a teasing smile to Ben.
"Something tells me that, unlike what Akhentepi's crypt originally suggested, we're not the first to enter this place. And if no one managed to get out of this place with all of its trasures, it means that there's something inside that has prevented them from doing so. Ergo, we would do better to be careful once we open these gates..."
”Here, let me take a look,” Nidhi offers. Nidhi approaches the door, standing behind Cahal and Zilchus, trying to get a good view of the door for traps. Nidhi holds out her Everburning Torch while she examines the door.
Nidhi also takes time to examine the statues. Nidhi attempts to Detect Magic in the area.
"Maybe after you check for anything amiss with this door, we'll spread out a bit? I don't like that the gate is nearly broken off. Might indeed mean that someone has been here before us...which could possibly make it more dangerous," Zilchus expresses his concern, remembering they body they found in their initial decent yesterday.
Nidhi nods, "Yes, and perhaps we should check the perimeter of the building before we go inside. I'm curious to know if there are any other ways to enter and leave the premises."
----------------
If there is a trap, Nidhi will alert the others so they have the option of standing back before she attempts to disable it.
Nidhi and Zilchus find no traps on the tarnished bronze gates. Further, no magics are found, other than what little the party carries with them.
If you check the perimeter, what you can get around as there are joining structures, you see little but the tall walls and small high windows of the interior building. At one point, you thought you heard a shout or scream in the distance - probably another group stumbling into something.
However, it is quiet in your area.
"I don't think there are any traps. Let's go inside!" Nidhi suggests. Nidhi follows closely behind Zilchus or Cahal.
"Unless you want to try and find the source of that scream?" Nidhi could go either way.
Zilchus either ignores the screams from afar or cannot hear them over the clanking of his own armor.
He opens the gates and looks in.
You shift the outer doors and peer into the compound. Dust and sand cover the ground of this small courtyard. To the east and west stand pairs of columns, once brightly painted and now bleached from the sun, which support stone archways leading to other section of the property. Tarnished bronze gates hang open under both arches. To the north, a small flight of steps leads up to a pair of closed but very ornate doors in the south wall of the house between another set of columns.
Nidhi steps inside the open space and peers around. "Well this is a cute little courtyard. I bet it was once quite charming." Raising an eyebrow, Nidhi motions to the ancient sun-bleached paint. "What do you think Cahal? Perfect honeymoon location?" Nidhi laughs at her own joke while gauging the other woman's reaction. Nidhi isn't serious in her suggestion.
Nidhi looks up the stairs and towards what she assumes is the front door to the complex.
Nidhi uses Detect Magic.
If Nidhi doesn't sense any traps or magic, she approaches the door. "Want to see if anybody's home?" Nidhi teases, pointing a thumb behind herself towards the stairs.