GM Euan's Mummy's Mask (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

As you enter Abdur’s office, you see a man who wears his muscle well, a clear result of his long hours in the sun. His lacquered 4 plated armor hangs well over his broad shoulders, a matching heavy shield on his arm (when on patrol or duty) or on over his shoulder (when not). He carries himself not necessarily with confidence, but with purpose. He looks like he knows what he's doing and going...if that's true is of no matter.

His weapons are rarely far from him; a falchion, a morningstar, and sturdy dagger. All have seen some usage, but none are quality weapons. It's clear that he prefers to get in close to his opponents rather than attacking from afar.

Standing a good 6'+ tall with brown hair and eyes, he can have a imposing presence, but mostly just doesn't. You wouldn't ignore him, but he doesn't stand out. His tanned and sun-worn face is (mostly) clean shaven and does take some care to keep himself clean.

Abdur Raqeeb al-Shabazz (image) closes the door to his office once everyone has entered. It’s a substantial office to be sure, but you’re a large group and there aren’t enough chairs so a few of you stand. Abdur comes in in last, weaving through you on his way back to his desk. He sits down heavily and takes a deep breath. ”That wasn’t easy. I do hate turning people away, you know? Well now, you are the lucky few. I thank you for your consideration and hope our relationship will be a long and fruitful one - beyond this current short contract.”

He smiles broadly, ”My deal is simple. I pay the fee for the group… and provide the wand of cure light wounds with 42 charges, just like I promised.” he takes out a slender wand from his desk and passes it to the party, closing the drawer with a click.

”In exchange, you show me all the goods you obtain, and allow me to purchase what I want at the going rates. Now there’s an auction planned after the digs are complete, and you’ll assuredly get more from that auction than you will from me.” he stops a moment and looks at you seriously, ”I’m not out to screw anyone over. I won’t be taking all your goods, just the stuff I think fits in well with my shop, or might gather me a particularly high return.”

”You play fair with me, and I’ll play fair with you. I’m investing in your little group, and I hope that you’ll succeed, but regardless, the wand is yours to keep. Or at least for the survivors.” he winks, but there’s a seriousness about him as well.

”Now, you may have questions, and I have conferred with the priests of Pharasma, so I might just know the answers. The lottery is in two days at dusk. You can enter the necropolis at dawn, and the event will last seven days. You’ll have three structures to investigate in that time. After that is the auction, where you can sell whatever goods I don’t buy.”

”What do you need to know? How can I help you succeed? My mind and my shop are open to you.” he spreads his hands broadly, eager to hear what you have to say.

Someone please take the wand and track the charges. It is considered a group item, so it doesn’t count against your individual wealth, but does count toward the party.

Please describe your appearance in your responses.

Zilchus steps from the shadows and into the light, his eyes going over the team that Abdur has chosen. He looks over each one like a horse trader examining auction pieces.

He draws his dagger and holds it blade-in-hand so that he might point and prod as he examines.

"Are you sure these are ones you want, Abdur? They look...they look...interesting," Zilchus blurts, then walks back his outburst. He bows to Adbdur. "I'm sure these are excellent selections. My father said you know people well." Zilchus walks around Prof. Dickens. He uses his dagger handle to prod the Professor's bicep and chest. "Forgive me, Abdur, are you sure about this one? Seems like he'll fade in the sun or faint at the first danger."

"What is your name?" Zilchus asks the Professor. "You have sold Abdur on your abilities, and he is rarely wrong. Are you up for this?"

Zilchus then turns to Florence, prodding her with equal zeal as he did the Professor.

"This one seems a bit stouter. She has arms at least...and its obvious you're not selected her for her looks, Abdur. My dad said you weren't ever picky with your mates," Zilchus smiles to Abdur, then turns to Florence.

"You must be smart. Abdur is wise to include smart ones in this. Are you?" Zilch asks Florence. He almost waits an answer before Augustus catches his eye.

"Ah, Abdur! This one is good. Look, strength! Look, a proud and noble bearing! This is a good one, I can tell," Zilchus raps his dagger handle along Augustus' armor, smiling at the tinning sound of the scales clinking.

"I expect that you can use that blade of yours," Zilchus says, rapping the handle. "Abdur can sense such things."

Zilchus turns to back to Adbur, thinking he is done when he notices the last member of the group...

"Ah! Look at this little wisp of a thing!" Zilchus says to Abdur and pointing at Nidhi. "You have certainly picked an interesting group. Look at that long braid! I have not seen that...well...ever. It's nice." Zilchus offers a grin at Nidhi and steps back.

"I'm sure that if you picked them, that they will do, Abdur," Zilchus says, sheathing his dagger. He seems about to relinquish the floor when he remembers something.

"Ah yes! I am Zilchus Lyghtlode, servant of Osirion and backer of the Ruby Prince. Nice to meet you all. My family has lived and served the Osirion government for generations. It is said that a Lyghtlode has been around at least since of reign of Pharaoh of No Rain, An-Hepsu XI, otherwise known as the Incorruptible Pharaoh." Zilchus looks to see if any of the faces register knowledge of that.

"Some of you smart types might know it," Zilchus taps his noggin with his pointer finger.

"Some of you may know that An-Hepsu XI has an invisible pyramid within the Pillars of the Sun? My father said that if I someday walk among those mountains, I will find the path to the Pillars as such profound memories are past down generations as well. Yes? You know this?"

Zilchus seems ready to give the floor to someone else to speak.

"Adbur, sorry for speaking so much. I'm sure this group will be fine."

Augustus's eyes narrow a bit as Zilchus drags his dagger across his armor and weapon. Waiting for the man to finish speaking Augustus steps forward and puffs his chest out before introducing himself to the rest of the group.

"You've probably already heard of me, but my name is Augustus Voralius III. I was born in Cheliax and grew up in Rahadoum. As you correctly guessed, I am able to use my blade and I'm sure I'll have plenty of chances to tell you the stories of my bravery and skill!" He grins as he says this, his shoulder length hair falling loosely around his shoulders. Augustus is wearing a nice set of scale mail armor that has been very well taken care of, as if he wanted the armor to help attract more attention. He wears a long sword at his waist and has a flail and dagger also sitting in his belt. His shield has a symbol of a cockatrice on it and is strapped across his back currently.

"Regardless of what happens I'll be sure keep you all safe, and when I do don't forget tell the story." He turns to speak directly to Abdur. "So to make money from this excursion we need to bring back artifacts to sell at an auction? If that's the case I recommend taking as much as we can! I don't plan on coming out of this empty handed." Augustus shows his trademark grin again as he considers the potential payout of the necropolis excursion

He steps back and opens the floor to let others speak.

When her name had been called moments before it had been all Florence could do to gather her things and stammer out a goodbye to all the people she'd been sharing a table with before hurrying after Abdur. Although both amazed and ecstatic to have been chosen, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the ones who weren't chosen.

All of them seemed nice enough...and I never did hear how the rider was going to manage with his horse...

As they filed into the office, she glanced at the other three who'd been chosen. She had seen the armored man and the pretty singer earlier but hadn't gotten a good chance to speak with either of them.

At least I already made the Professor's acquaintance. I'll take any friendly face for now, even one that I just met.

Once inside, she listened intently as Abdur laid out the terms of their contract once more though she couldn't help but be curious about the second man who eyed them as if eyeing a herd of livestock. And before she could think of any questions to ask she suddenly found herself being bombarded by them as well as being poked and prodded. Once more she felt like a steer at market - and she didn't like it.

"What, you're not going to check our teeth too?" she scowls as she folds her arms across her chest. "I'll tell you the same thing I said when I spoke to Abdur - I'm a skilled herbalist by trade and I also know a little about magic. There's a lot that I don't know, but I'm a quick learner." A pause. "And my name is Florence, Florence Corvina. This is my companion, Bynx," she motions at the orange cat who had followed her from the common room.

As if on cue, Bynx flops over on his back and waves his front paws in the air for his audience.

Not as fierce as a lion maybe, but I'm twice as charming!

When his name comes out of Abdur’s lips, Benedictus West Dickens, former professor of Osirian History and Archeology at the University of Egorian, is on the verge of passing out. His face turns pale, and he falls off the chair. Now scratching the back of his head out of physical pain as well as embarrassment, Ben somehow manages to stand up, staggering towards Abdur’s office as he gives a quick look at the others. His heart is filled with regret for those who were not selected, but also with enthusiasm for his new adventuring companions.

This is becoming actually true…I can’t believe it!

---

Seeing the unknown man in the office, Ben’s first reaction is to smile at him with a rather void expression, his mind filled with information and new data to catalogue.

Ben looks like an ordinary Garundi young man at first glance, his new clothes revealing little of his actual profession and interests. He has olive skin and brown-greenish eyes, keeps his wavy black hair at medium length and his most prominent facial feature is an aquiline nose separating his slightly slanty eyes. Slender but tall just above average, Ben has a lithe body without any form of musculature.

Picture

Ben wears a still leather-smelling bandolier on his chest, a waterproof black bag containing a bulky tome, two small pouches (one containing coins, the other containing spell components) attached to his belt and a clearly overstuffed backpack.

As the people he had previously met enter the room, Ben gives a quick smile to each of them, trying to appear as calm as he can get. Here they are…Augustus, Florence, and Nidhi. Desna be blessed! I already introduced myself to all of them!

Putting his Chelaxian manners to good use, Benedictus let the women sit as he listens to Abdur’s speech while standing. His heavy backpack rests at his feet.

Slow to trust others, especially those he works for, Ben smiles at Abdur as the man passes the wand to the party. “Mind if I give it a look?” he asks to Abdur. If not stopped, Ben casts a quick cantrip (detect magic) in order to identify the properties of the wand. He wants to ensure that the wand being given to the party does what Abdur says.

---

“Sounds like a fair deal to me”, says Benedictus to Abdur as soon as the man has finished explaining the terms of their cooperation.

“I do have some questions, Mr. Abdur”, chimes in Ben as soon as the man asks for possible questions. “First off, it strikes me as a very peculiar feature of Garundi mindset the way in which this whole exploration is being handled. I mean, in Avistan explorers usually spend weeks if not months researching before actually getting into dangerous places such as tombs or dungeons. But things here are working very differently. The whole lottery idea, in itself, prevents a group from acquiring valuable knowledge about the place it’s going to explore, since the group cannot know which particular site it’s going to explore. Very interesting, and not necessarily worst than the Avistani way. Anyway, I believe we can still benefit from a little research about Wati in general—its history, burial habits and so forth. Would you be so kind as to point me to the closest library or archive? Since we have two days, I have every intention to spend a good deal of them reading something that could prove potentially crucial for our endeavor.”

---

Zilchus walks around Prof. Dickens. He uses his dagger handle to prod the Professor's bicep and chest. "Forgive me, Abdur, are you sure about this one? Seems like he'll fade in the sun or faint at the first danger."

"What is your name?" Zilchus asks the Professor. "You have sold Abdur on your abilities, and he is rarely wrong. Are you up for this?"

Ben stiffens at the man prodding his body with the dagger, but unlike before, in the common room with the others, he’s now filled with confidence from being accepted into the adventuring party, and that makes him much bolder than usual. Frowning, Ben steps back and fixes his clothes. “It’s not nice to ask someone his name without having first introduced yourself. Anyway, I’m Benedictus West Dickens, it’s not-so-good to meet you!” Although he’s trying to be as imperious and authoritative as he can be, Ben’s tone is more like that of a child reacting to a spite. One could think he’s even about to blow a raspberry, but fortunately Benedictus is a grown man, and has learned that others are unlikely to take such a behavior well…especially those using daggers to prod people. Realizing his unusual insolence, Ben hunches his shoulders, way too euphoric to stop. “Of course I’m up for this! And you? Are you up for this or have you been simply tasked with harassing us?”

When Zilchus introduces himself, Ben’s eyes almost turn to fissures in his face out of concentration. He tries to make a mental note of everything the man is saying. Ben is not sold on Zilchus’ tale. Unfortunately, though, his knowledge cannot go as far as to discern lies from a local, especially when obscure pharaohs from the past are involved. Instead, and delighting in the idea of making Zilchus nervous, Benedictus pulls out his journal from the backpack and starts writing down everything. I’ll verify these information later…, he thinks to himself. Without even realizing it, Ben is completely absorbed by Zilchus. The man has somehow drawn his attention, and despite the insolence Ben is showing to him as a form of defense for his harsh judgement, the scholar is clearly intrigued by him.
_______________________________________
Spellcraft check to identify the properties of the wand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Adbur, sorry for speaking so much. I'm sure this group will be fine.”

Abdur watches Zilchus measure up the party with a gleam in his eye and a smile on his lips. When Zilchus makes his pronouncement, he laughs. ”Yes Zilchus, this group will be fine.”

"Regardless of what happens I'll be sure keep you all safe, and when I do don't forget tell the story." He turns to speak directly to Abdur. "So to make money from this excursion we need to bring back artifacts to sell at an auction? If that's the case I recommend taking as much as we can! I don't plan on coming out of this empty handed." Augustus shows his trademark grin again as he considers the potential payout of the necropolis excursion

”Right.” says Abdur clearly, ”Most of your items will indeed be sold at auction, but I caution you from taking everything. I’d like to think that the things that are nailed down, laminated on, etc. are to be left behind. I’d rather not have my team be known as the ones who destroyed their digs for every ounce of copper.”

He turns to you all, ”I want this to be a respectful group - respectful of the dead who’s tombs you’re raiding. This is history, our shared history.” he opens his arms, ”Let’s treat it properly. Agreed?”

“I do have some questions, Mr. Abdur”, chimes in Ben as soon as the man asks for possible questions. “First off, it strikes me as a very peculiar feature of Garundi mindset the way in which this whole exploration is being handled. I mean, in Avistan explorers usually spend weeks if not months researching before actually getting into dangerous places such as tombs or dungeons. But things here are working very differently. The whole lottery idea, in itself, prevents a group from acquiring valuable knowledge about the place it’s going to explore, since the group cannot know which particular site it’s going to explore. Very interesting, and not necessarily worst than the Avistani way. Anyway, I believe we can still benefit from a little research about Wati in general—its history, burial habits and so forth. Would you be so kind as to point me to the closest library or archive? Since we have two days, I have every intention to spend a good deal of them reading something that could prove potentially crucial for our endeavor.”

”Oh, aye, it is unusual - until you think on it a while. The Ruby Prince, long and blessed be his reign, ordered that our crypts and necropolis’ be opened to explorers nearly 7 years ago now. The church of Pharasma, as you may imagine, has some issues with that sort of maneuver. They’ve been fighting him all these long years, trying to limit the decree in any way they can to preserve the sanctity of our crypts.”

”This is their way of keeping access limited. They claim the necropolis is dangerous, and I suspect it is. But I think really the reason is they don’t want anyone looting in there. The Pharaoh is forcing their hands you see. So the church is playing things very close to the chest.”

”Now, do you have any other questions?” Abdur asks, before plunging in to some things he’d forgotten.

”Oh, right, I’ve arranged some rooms for you at the Tooth and Hookah, if you need them. Farhaaan, the proprietor, is a friend and I’ve no public rooms here. It’s also where many of the adventurers are staying - those who are investigating other tombs in the necropolis with you. They’re not competitors exactly as you’ll each have your own patch, but still, I’d be careful about trusting them - who knows what sort may be attracted to this endeavor.”

”I want this to be a respectful group - respectful of the dead who’s tombs you’re raiding. This is history, our shared history. Let’s treat it properly. Agreed?”

Ben nods wholeheartedly to Abdur. "Agreed, Mr. Abdur."

---

Benedictus turns to the his new companions. "Shall we pay a visit to this "Tooth and Hookah"? We should make arrangements for our stay, although meeting the other adventurers scares me off a little. Adventurers are a dangerous lot, and one should never trust them...ehm, except for us, of course", says Ben with an awkward smile.

"Oh, and Mr. Abdur, you forgot to answer my question. Is there any library or archive here in Wait? As I said, I'd like to know more about this city and its history before delving into its tombs. That just sounds...cautious to me."

"Oh, and Mr. Abdur, you forgot to answer my question. Is there any library or archive here in Wait? As I said, I'd like to know more about this city and its history before delving into its tombs. That just sounds...cautious to me."

"Too true, so I did! Good to keep me honest, but it's not Mr. Abdur, just Abdur these days." he grins.

"Well, within the necropolis there's the Archives of the Ibis, a temple dedicated to Thoth, the god of knowledge, literature, and science. But of course you want a more current and accessible location I'm sure."

He thinks a moment, "There are a number of private libraries of course, and I may be able to get you into one or two of those. We have no central library in Wati however. Researchers just head to the Great Library of Tephu down the Sphinx. It's a few hours by boat, if you've the gold it takes to cross, or a couple days over land. You might make the late ferry today if you hurry."

"If you go, do make sure you're back in time of course."

It's Sunday afternoon, the first of Sarenith, 4714 AR. The lottery is on the third at dusk, and the digs begin on the fourth at dawn.

Wait, the Pharasmins oppose this whole thing? Not that that's really *surprising*, but...

"M...er, Abdur?" Florence asks suddenly. "Of course we'll be respectful, but you said that the church of Pharasma has been against the opening of the crypts. What do the citizens think about it?"

------------

Adventurers? Of the five of us I think the only two that might fit the part are the showman and the snooty one.

"We probably should," Florence agrees. "We've got two days until the lottery so we'll need to get settled in and make whatever plans we need to in the meantime...research, picking up last-minute supplies..."

She pauses. "And to be honest, I've barely had any time to look around the city. If Wati is home for the foreseeable future then I'd like to get to know my way around a bit."

"What, you're not going to check our teeth too?...And my name is Florence, Florence Corvina. This is my companion, Bynx," she motions at the orange cat who had followed her from the common room.

Zilchus kneels down to inspect yet another member of the group. He eyes the cat warily, inspecting it, then nods to the cat after he is satisfied with the cat's cattiness.

Straightening to listen attentively to Abdur, Zilchus continues to measure up his new team through the questions they ask of Abdur.

”I want this to be a respectful group - respectful of the dead who’s tombs you’re raiding. This is history, our shared history. Let’s treat it properly. Agreed?”

"Of course, Adbur. This is a gift by the Ruby Prince to his people. We shall not squander it," Zilchus insists, checking the faces of those around him for agreement.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Know (Local)

"Of course we'll be respectful, but you said that the church of Pharasma has been against the opening of the crypts. What do the citizens think about it?"

Zilchus nearly puts his hand to his falchion, so enraged is he by the question.

"The Pharasmites should mind their own business. They have no right to question the Ruby Prince, nor his edicts. If they don't like it here, they can leave," Zilchus angrily inserts his own opinion into the discussion.

So this is where the Gameplay is! Haha.

Nidhi almost topples off her stool when she hears her name being called. What… I can’t believe it. She stands up and gives Cahal ud'Din and Khalid Safar a hug before following the others into Abdur’s office. Perhaps hugging Cahal ud'Din a bit longer than necessary, appreciating the feel of the other woman’s muscled body.

Inside Abdur’s office, a man steps from the shadows and into the light. Nidhi narrows her eyes as she observes the man literally prodding others with his dagger. Who is he? Nidhi wonders.

Ah! Look at this little wisp of a thing!" Zilchus says to Abdur and pointing at Nidhi. "You have certainly picked an interesting group. Look at that long braid! I have not seen that...well...ever. It's nice." Zilchus offers a grin at Nidhi and steps back.

Nidhi doesn’t mind being looked at. She smiles and does a small flourish with her hands, bowing slightly. I wish he’d put his dagger away. There’s no need for that here. She relaxes a little when the man sheaths his dagger.

After Augustus, Florence, and Benedictus introduce themselves, Nidhi tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear and straightens to her full 5’6” height. “My name is Nidhi Aashirya, I work at a tailing shop with my grandmother Jharna Aashirya. I’ve never left Wati or been on any adventures before but I couldn’t turn down this opportunity once I’d heard about it.” Nidhi bites her bottom lip, she generally had a lot of confidence but hearing Zilchus and Augustus speak made her feel like a country bumpkin. I wonder if I’m actually prepared for this.

He turns to you all, ”I want this to be a respectful group - respectful of the dead who’s tombs you’re raiding. This is history, our shared history.” he opens his arms, ”Let’s treat it properly. Agreed?”

”Absolutely, Abdur.” Nidhi nods with a serious look on her face, “a lot of family heritage is within those tombs and it should be treasured and treated with respect.” Nidhi flashes a charming smile.

"M...er, Abdur?" Florence asks suddenly. "Of course we'll be respectful, but you said that the church of Pharasma has been against the opening of the crypts. What do the citizens think about it?"

Zilchus nearly puts his hand to his falchion, so enraged is he by the question.

"The Pharasmites should mind their own business. They have no right to question the Ruby Prince, nor his edicts. If they don't like it here, they can leave," Zilchus angrily inserts his own opinion into the discussion.

Nidhi observes Zilchus’ outburst but doesn’t say anything. He looks strong and powerful with his plated armor.

-------------

Benedictus turns to the his new companions. "Shall we pay a visit to this "Tooth and Hookah"? We should make arrangements for our stay, although meeting the other adventurers scares me off a little. Adventurers are a dangerous lot, and one should never trust them...ehm, except for us, of course", says Ben with an awkward smile.

"We probably should," Florence agrees. "We've got two days until the lottery so we'll need to get settled in and make whatever plans we need to in the meantime...research, picking up last-minute supplies..."

She pauses. "And to be honest, I've barely had any time to look around the city. If Wati is home for the foreseeable future then I'd like to get to know my way around a bit."

“Before we leave, I want to visit my grandmother and tell her the good news. She’s the only family I have. I can meet back up with you all at Tooth and Hookah” She smiles politely, waiting for other opinions and confirmations. “Shall we meet there tonight for dinner? I'd love to hear more about you all.” She wonders what Benedictus' plans are to visit the Great Library of Tephu down the Sphinx.

"We'll meet you there, then, Nidhi." Benedictus nods to the girl as she takes her leave.

Then Ben comes closer to Florence and smile genuinely. "I'm happy you're part of the group, milady. You...Well, you remind me of a famous adventurer I was used to read about when I was younger. Actually, she was my favorite. Her name was Keira Donagall, and although those books were only fictions, well...I always ended up envisioning her as the typical adventurer and you look so much like her...but this is stupid, I know, dungeon delving is not about tales and fiction...", he whispers, his face blushing.

Turning to the others, and perhaps to pull himself out of the embarassing situation with Florence Ben smiles warmly. "Shall we go?"

”Absolutely, Abdur.” Nidhi nods with a serious look on her face, “a lot of family heritage is within those tombs and it should be treasured and treated with respect.” Nidhi flashes a charming smile.

Abdur smiles, pleased that the party seems to align themselves with his desires so cleanly.

You do have time to visit Nidhi's grandmother prior to boarding the ferry, if you're plans include Tephu. Not sure what the party plans are so far - or are you splitting up? I'm sure that's totally safe this early. After all, who's got it in for you already? Surely you've made no enemies so far...

"M...er, Abdur?" Florence asks suddenly. "Of course we'll be respectful, but you said that the church of Pharasma has been against the opening of the crypts. What do the citizens think about it?"

”Oh, I don’t know.” he rubs his hands a little as he talks, ”I suppose folks around here are OK with it, but not thrilled. There is some concern among the more superstitious that opening the necropolis in this way will result in the dead walking the streets! But of course that’s ridiculous. We bury people there to this day, and the church opens the doors to those burials all the time.”

”Overall I think people are uneasy about raiding crypts for cash. They, as do I, want to see things handled with a certain amount of decorum. In that the populous aligns with the church. But I think the common man, if you’ll excuse the expression, is fine with it. As long as it isn’t them that goes!” he chuckles.

When Zilchus reacts so strongly, he just smiles, and adds, "Yes Zilchus, but the church is quite strong and invaluable to many of he people. The Pharaoh is wise to take their council, and they to follow his command."

Sorry, had this response in my notes, and failed to, well, actually post it!

“My name is Nidhi Aashirya, I work at a tailing shop with my grandmother Jharna Aashirya. I’ve never left Wati or been on any adventures before but I couldn’t turn down this opportunity once I’d heard about it.”

At this, Florence's ears perk up.

Another local? Maybe I can ask her to show me around the city later. She seems like she might be easy enough to get along with.

"The Pharasmites should mind their own business. They have no right to question the Ruby Prince, nor his edicts. If they don't like it here, they can leave,"

"Overall I think people are uneasy about raiding crypts for cash. They, as do I, want to see things handled with a certain amount of decorum. In that the populous aligns with the church. But I think the common man, if you’ll excuse the expression, is fine with it. As long as it isn’t them that goes!

Surprised by the sudden outburst from Zilchus, the young woman flinches away and then raises her hands in a calming gesture. "Okay, okay, I was just curious! I didn't mean any offense, I promise. I mainly wanted to know if locals were upset about the whole thing or not in case it comes up in conversation with any of them later."

---------------------

"Your grandmother?" Florence can't help but smile at Nidhi. Although they seemed to be around the same age, there was also something very innocent about the girl's demeanor and the way she carried herself. "You're right, I'm sure she'd be happy to hear the news and I don't think it'll hurt anything if you meet up with us later."

And now's a good a time as any to ask about sightseeing...

"Oh, and um...you said you live here? I know we might not have time today but maybe sometime before the lottery, you could show me around the city a little?" she asks. "Like I said earlier, if this is going to be my home for now I'll need to learn more about it. And...well, I'm sure it would be nicer to have company than wander around by myself."

Less dangerous, too.

---------------------

"I'm happy you're part of the group, milady. You...Well, you remind me of a famous adventurer I was used to read about when I was younger. Actually, she was my favorite. Her name was Keira Donagall, and although those books were only fictions, well...I always ended up envisioning her as the typical adventurer and you look so much like her...but this is stupid, I know, dungeon delving is not about tales and fiction..."

"Really?" Florence whispers, actually feeling a little flattered by the comparison. "I've never read those books but now I think I'll have to if I've got a reputation to live up to," she grins. Then her expression grows bashful. "And thanks. I was really hoping you'd get selected since it seems like the history of this land means a lot to you. I'm glad we both made it in."

"Your grandmother?" Florence can't help but smile at Nidhi. Although they seemed to be around the same age, there was also something very innocent about the girl's demeanor and the way she carried herself. "You're right, I'm sure she'd be happy to hear the news and I don't think it'll hurt anything if you meet up with us later."

And now's a good a time as any to ask about sightseeing...
"Oh, and um...you said you live here? I know we might not have time today but maybe sometime before the lottery, you could show me around the city a little?" she asks. "Like I said earlier, if this is going to be my home for now I'll need to learn more about it. And...well, I'm sure it would be nicer to have company than wander around by myself."

“You all are welcome to come with me to visit my grandmother if you like. I’m going to head over to catch the last ferry afterwards or Tooth and Hookah if I miss the last boat.” Nidhi laughs, her laughter musical. What is meant to be, will be. And with that, Nidhi exits Abdur’s office and heads towards her grandmother’s shop.

If there is time, Nidhi makes her way to catch the last ferry to Tephu where she spots anyone who didn't accompany her to visit her grandmother. Along the way, Nidhi points out any historical monuments and places she likes to frequent, including a small bakery shop. She gestures, explains, and laughs appropriately; proving to be a gracious guide to the small part of the world she understands.

I believe GM Euan said Nidhi had time but just in case:
If Nidhi misses the ferry, she still provides a tour of the local area (if she is accompanied) before waiting at Tooth and Hookah.

"I...er..." Florence looks at Nidhi and then back at the others for a moment. Even though she'd just agreed that securing their rooms would be the best thing to do, she suddenly realized that the last thing she wanted to do right now was sit in another crowded tavern or alone in yet another unfamiliar lodging. "Actually...I'd love to come and meet your grandmother - if you don't think she'll mind, that is. And if that won't be a problem?" she asks as she looks back at the others, particularly Zilchus and Benedictus. "We can still meet up at the ferry to Tephu afterward, can't we?"

Assuming no major objections from anyone else...

Once back outside, Florence turns to Nidhi with an expression of gratitude. "Um...thank you for letting us tag along on your visit. It was nice, it felt like...it almost felt like being back home, in a way." She laughs weakly and wipes at her eyes. "Sorry...I guess I'm feeling a little more homesick than I thought I would. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Now let's hurry and see if we can still make that ferry, okay?"

And I'm out for tonight. I'll catch up with you fine folks tomorrow afternoon/evening!

"The Great Library of Tephu? I would go to see that. It would be a good journey for counting crocodiles and passing the time so we might know each other better," Zilchus nods. "I will do this. If I am stuck in town waiting for auction, I might get into trouble. I have suspended my other works to make room for this."

Zilchus bows to Abdur.

"If I may be granted leave, Abdur? I shall escort those going to the Tooth and Hookah. And tomorrow, we will go to Tephu."

Zilchus gathers his gear, a backpack laying in the corner. A banner of Osirion drapes down the back. He wears it with pride. Before leaving he also attaches his weapon cord from his falchion (laying his his left hip) to his left wrist and rests his hand upon the pommel as he walks.

"Professor? Shall we go?" Zilchus turns to leave before looking back at Augustus. "You coming, Augustus?"

Nidhi would prefer to stay with the group (eat dinner together at Tooth and Hookah and/or travel together to Tephu.)

Augustus waits, somewhat impatiently as the others introduce themselves and ask their questions. He didn't really understand why they needed to ask so much, the job seemed simple to him, but he did like his new companions and they seemed to realize how useful he was.

Of course Zilchus! It was Zilchus right?" Augustus looks at Zilchus as he says this but continues to speak before waiting for an answer. "The Tooth and Hookah has a place for my steed right? I don't like staying to far away from him unless necessary.

Augustus goes to follow the others out shifting his gear into a more comfortable position as he walks. As they exit the Milki Augustus walks over to a large white horse carrying a decent amount of gear.

"Maximus my friend! I apologize for leaving you in the heat for so long. It appears we have a new job though and it'll be quite profitable for us!" Augustus strokes Maximus's mane and give a genuine smile as he does. Maximus seems happy to see his master return and starts to dance around as Augustus talks to him.

"Good! Then let's go."

With the smile of a child who has just received a toy he had wanted for many years, Benedictus follows the others on the outside. He travels through the city with a proud poise, feeling protected by his new allies.

When the group leaves the shop, Ben approaches Nidhi. “You know, your grandmother has some fine clothes in there. Once we get back, I’d be grateful if you could accompany me here again, so that I can buy a decent robe and repurpose these rags I’m currently wearing…”

Abdur bids you farewell, and reminds you to be at the lottery with time to spare in a couple days. ”Wouldn’t do to be absent at the start!” he laughs.

He adds, ”There’s an excellent place to stay called Purusha’s Inn, with an exceptional restaurant attached. It’s in the New City - you should find it without too much trouble.” he continues by giving you directions to the place from the docks and praising their onion and lentil based spicy soup.

You walk to grandmothers as a group, Augustus riding at a slow walk. Maximus seems eager for a trot, but the mass of people on the city streets makes it impossible. On the plus side however, folks do get out of the way of the mighty steed, so Augustus quickly ends up in front clearing a path and getting directions to grandma’s house as you go from Nidhi.

After grandma’s you have a choice, Tooth and Hookah or Tephu as you can still, just, make the ferry.

Not totally sure which way the party wants to jump, but it’s not critical, so…

The group decides the Tooth and Hookah can’t wait another day, and heads there first. A nice evening together to learn more about each other seems like a good plan before heading out to Tephu on the morning ferry.

The sign board (link) to the Tooth and Hookah is a burned-in etching on a large piece of wood - must have been quite expensive both for the artistry and the plank itself.

It’s a cozy place (link) but well appointed, and very nearly full. They do indeed have a nice stables for Maximus, and when it’s discovered by the stable boy you have rooms, the stabling fees are waived. You may, if you wish, leave Maximus here on your trip to Tephu, or bring him along for another 1gp ferry fare.

As you enter the establishment, cooler than the outside for sure as it’s protected by thick mud walls, the proprietor, rushes up to meet you, ”I am Farhaan, at your service! I have a table here, just for you my good friends!” he quickly ushers you to an available table, next to an odd assortment of foreigners having a quiet conversation - a Chellaxian, a Nexian, a Qadiran wearing a prominent symbol of Sarenrae along with a gentleman who’s a bit harder to place, but definitely from the somewhere in the inner sea. They grow even quieter as you sit nearby.

Farhaan asks, ”What may I offer you this evening? Our kitchen is open for dinner, and we have a nice variety of meats and delicacies to choose from. I’m afraid our rooms are all booked - lots of travelers for the opening of the crypts you understand.” he gestures to the many full tables. As he goes over the evening menu, a servant brings bowls of stuffed olives and sets them on the table for you to munch on.

Ben shows his appreciation of the Tooth and Hookah with a nod. “A cozy place, don’t you think? Too bad there are so many people in here, people are so…noisy!”

Ben takes a sit and smiles at Farhaan. “What would you recommend, good sir? I’m eager to taste the specialties of the house, if you have some. The spicier, the better!” The scholar is clearly in a good mood for chat and conversation.

“So many foreigners in here…”, he whispers to Nidhi. “Is it always like this?”

In the meantime, Benedictus tastes a few stuffed olives. “Between these and Jharna’s cookies, I could get used to Osirian flavors very quickly…”

Leaning towards Zilchus, Ben whispers in the man’s ears. “Do you think it would be wise for us to speak here about our abilities? I see so many foreigners in here, and logic leads me to think that many of them will become our ‘rivals’ very soon. Of course I hope we never conflict with other groups, but I’ve read stories. It might happen…Why give them an edge over us, in the unlikely event of a confrontation?”

"I know... I know Maximus! You'll get plenty of time to move about tomorrow. I promise!" Augustus strokes the horses mane trying to comfort Maximus. The horse does not seem pleased to be locked up so soon, he has hardly spent any time with his master all day.

Augustus speaks to the stable boy. "Boy! You there! Make sure you take very good care of my horse. If you do it'll be worth your time!" Augustus flashes a gold coin at the boy before putting it away and puling out a silver piece. He tosses the piece at the boy. "He really likes carrots... and if he tries eating too many don't let him. I don't need a fat horse!" Augustus says this last part with a joking laugh and a grin on his face. The horse snorts as if it understood the joke.

Augustus follows the others inside and does his best to position himself at the head of the group when Farhaan approaches them. "Ah! This is the kind of service I could get used to!" Augustus sits to that he is closest to the group of foreigners. Listening to Farhaan list the dinner items he takes a handful of olives and lucks them into his mouth. "I'll just have the most expensive thing on your menu Farham.... or was it Farhaan? Either way! And bring wine for all of us!" Augustus waits for the others to order and then speaks rather quietly to the group."So friends, how would you all like to hear a story? I have plenty to tell and the night is still very young. If we're going to be working together we should at least get to know each other a bit." Augustus nods towards Ben in particular remembering that he spoke to the man before Abdur chose them all.

Good, if I get him to talk about his boastful and rather unlikely endeavors, the our potential rivals will take us for a band of pompous fools and let us alone...Or perhaps this would cause them to think they could easily steal from us...Either way, Augustus will talk, and will do so loudly. Very loudly. Oh, for Nethys' sake, we're lost...

Ben puts a brave face on and encourages Augustus to speak. "I couldn't help but notice your fiery steed, Augustus. What breed he is?"

"Maximus is a Dort Charger! I bought him off of a merchant right after I set out from home. Actually its pretty good story! You see...." Augustus starts to tell his story but cuts himself off mid sentence. "Enough about me for now. I'm actually interested in who I'll be protecting for the next week or so." Augustus looks at the group expectantly, getting serious for the first time since he joined with the group.

No need to boast AFTER I get the job. Plus if I let others talk every once in a while it does seem to make them like me more.

Ben takes a sit and smiles at Farhaan. “What would you recommend, good sir? I’m eager to taste the specialties of the house, if you have some. The spicier, the better!” The scholar is clearly in a good mood for chat and conversation.

Farhaan smiles broadly, ”I have an excellent spicy lamb this evening on a plate of tadik with onion that I think you’ll like, very much so sir!”

Augustus speaks to the stable boy. "Boy! You there! Make sure you take very good care of my horse. If you do it'll be worth your time!" Augustus flashes a gold coin at the boy before putting it away and puling out a silver piece. He tosses the piece at the boy. "He really likes carrots... and if he tries eating too many don't let him. I don't need a fat horse!" Augustus says this last part with a joking laugh and a grin on his face. The horse snorts as if it understood the joke.

The stableboy smiles widely at the silver and promises, ”I’ll take good care of ‘im sir, you can count on me!” he quickly tucks the wealth into his pantaloons and guides the horse inside.

Augustus follows the others inside and does his best to position himself at the head of the group when Farhaan approaches them. "Ah! This is the kind of service I could get used to!" Augustus sits to that he is closest to the group of foreigners. Listening to Farhaan list the dinner items he takes a handful of olives and lucks them into his mouth. "I'll just have the most expensive thing on your menu Farham.... or was it Farhaan? Either way! And bring wine for all of us!"

”It’s Farhaan good sir, but I’ll answer to nearly anything, don’t trouble yourself to remember my humble moniker.” he smiles. He gestures to another servant and mentions a vintage, sending him down into the wine cellar to produce the bottle. It’s a fine wine, easy to drink, from the north coast of Osirion. There are better foreign wines, but for a local vintage it’s not too bad.

”Fire is the solution to everything!” you hear a man exclaim from a few tables away as he and his little group seem to be engaged in a friendly argument over something or other. He looks around, somewhat embarrassed and lowers his voice, but not his intensity as he makes his case to his fellows one of whom seems somewhat familiar to some of you perhaps?

When the group leaves the shop, Ben approaches Nidhi. “You know, your grandmother has some fine clothes in there. Once we get back, I’d be grateful if you could accompany me here again, so that I can buy a decent robe and repurpose these rags I’m currently wearing…”

Nidhi’s eyes sparkle and she smiles with pride, “She'd love to fit you into some robes. She’s also excellent at repairs.” Nidhi starts to laugh, “And with the way you complimented her cooking earlier, I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to get you to stay in the spare room upstairs while she works on your clothes. She usually rents out the spare bedroom and she and I share the other one.” Nidhi’s seems to be in even a better mood than she was before, humming absent-mindedly as the party makes their way to the Tooth and Hookah.

As you enter the establishment, cooler than the outside for sure as it’s protected by thick mud walls, the proprietor, rushes up to meet you, ”I am Farhaan, at your service! I have a table here, just for you my good friends!” he quickly ushers you to an available table, next to an odd assortment of foreigners having a quiet conversation - a Chellaxian, a Nexian, a Qadiran wearing a prominent symbol of Sarenrae along with a gentleman who’s a bit harder to place, but definitely from the somewhere in the inner sea. They grow even quieter as you sit nearby.

Farhaan asks, ”What may I offer you this evening? Our kitchen is open for dinner, and we have a nice variety of meats and delicacies to choose from. I’m afraid our rooms are all booked - lots of travelers for the opening of the crypts you understand.” he gestures to the many full tables. As he goes over the evening menu, a servant brings bowls of stuffed olives and sets them on the table for you to munch on.

”I would like today’s special. Not too spicy please. And some water. Ahh... and no wine for me please.” Nidhi responds to Farhaan, a small polite smile on her lips.

“So many foreigners in here…”, he whispers to Nidhi. “Is it always like this?”

Nidhi smiles and shrugs, although she doesn’t whisper. ”I’m honestly not sure. My grandmother cooks a lot at the shop. It’s cheaper than going out to eat.”

Nidhi listens to Augustus talk about his horse after Benedictus asks. Nidhi listens intently with interest. She’s never owned a horse.

"Enough about me for now. I'm actually interested in who I'll be protecting for the next week or so."

“When I was little, my father and I used to shoot arrows at sacks of grain in the yard. My grandmother hated it but our chickens loved it!” Nidhi starts to snicker and she grabs her stomach. “It got to the point where grandmother would try to hide the grain but father and I would always find it. She’d hide it in the strangest of places. Once it was hidden under one of the mattresses in the spare room upstairs and grandma forgot to remove it before renting the room” Nidhi gasps out the story between chortles, a tear of laughter streaming down her face, “The renter, a traveling cleric, had to give a sermon the next day. He was so polite but he told her the mattress felt as lumpy of a sack of grain - because - it was a sack of grain. Of course she never told him that, but grandma felt so bad about it she refunded him the money.”

“Anyways” Nidhi tries to collect herself and shakes her head, “I haven’t used a bow since my childhood - my grandmother hated archery after what me and my father did - but I recently picked one up again. I also know a small healing spell. What about you all?”

”Fire is the solution to everything!” you hear a man exclaim from a few tables away as he and his little group seem to be engaged in a friendly argument over something or other. He looks around, somewhat embarrassed and lowers his voice, but not his intensity as he makes his case to his fellows one of whom seems somewhat familiar to some of you perhaps?

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

"You guys" Nidhi addresses the group with excitement, "that person at the table," Nidhi points at Lirgala, trying to be discreet, "Is Lirgala, a fine singer who’s bounced around a few of the pubs in town. Her voice is cool and clear, and enjoyed by many. She’s not ‘famous’ but she is reasonably well known for her skills." Nidhi looks at her companions, "How do I look? I wonder if I look familiar. We should introduce ourselves" Nidhi finishes resolutely.

Zilchus tries to take a chair in the Tooth so that he can see who enters.

Leaning towards Zilchus, Ben whispers in the man’s ears. “Do you think it would be wise for us to speak here about our abilities? I see so many foreigners in here, and logic leads me to think that many of them will become our ‘rivals’ very soon. Of course I hope we never conflict with other groups, but I’ve read stories. It might happen…Why give them an edge over us, in the unlikely event of a confrontation?”

Zilchus snorts and then decides to look around to see if there was anything to worry about. He sees the Sarenaren and smiles, returning this head to bowed reply to the Professor.

"I didn't realize you were worried about trouble from the Sarenraens, Professor," He snorts again, with a bit of mirth. "Is there something you need to tell us? Why might the Sundopes have reasons to cross us? Or is it the opposite I need to worry about?"

"No, I do not think we need to worry about what we say here...especially not when what we say is boastful bragging." Zilchus flicks a look at Augustus.

Zilchus orders whatever meat dish seems fresh.

* * *

"And bring wine for all of us! ... So friends, how would you all like to hear a story? If we're going to be working together we should at least get to know each other a bit."

Zilchus waves away his wine order, wishing no drink this early in the day.

"The drink makes me morose. I'll have no part of it on this day of new friends and new beginnings."

Benedictus suddenly blushes as soon as his mind confirms that what Zilchus is saying is true. Scratching the back of his head in embarassment, the scholar leans toward Zilchus in order to whisper a reply. "I-I...I just failed to i-i...identify them...Such a shame...And I even attended to a Saranrae rite once, would you believe it? Anyway, thanks for the heads-up..."

There's something in Zilchus' confidence that makes Ben feel safer. He instinctively trusts the man judgement, even though he has no rational evidence to judge him as trustworthy. Ben has always had a tendency to trust confident people. And all that prodding with the knife and being eyed as a herd of livestock somehow had convinced Ben that Zilchus was someone confident in his own abilities.

I didn't roll for the Knowledge (local) check voluntarily, since I assumed Ben to be too stunned to attempt the check. I'll do it now, anyway.

Knowledge (local) check (+1 if regarding Osirion or its people): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"So, since it seems like we're free to talk here, I'd like to ask you if there's something in particular you would like to know about Wati and its history. I'll be spending the whole day at the library tomorrow, and I hope to able to find some information that could prove useful for our...task. I usually have too many questions to answer when my eyes fall upon a book, but it has been taught to me that adventuring is also about companionship, so I'm going to put your questions first." With a sincere smile, Ben takes a sip from whatever drink is at the table. Preferably wine.

"W-W-Wait! What?! Why should we introduce ourselves to that...Lirgala? I mean, not that I have any problems in introducing myself to people, especially when they're opposite to me in terms of gender, b-b-but..."

”I would like today’s special. Not too spicy please. And some water. Ahh... and no wine for me please.” Nidhi responds to Farhaan, a small polite smile on her lips.

"Well, avoid the special then!" he laughs. "I'll see if chef can do one up just for you, with a lighter sauce. We'll see you don't burn m'lady."

Benedictus - Lirgala is Osirion, and well known in the Wati pub scene, a city in Osirion, so the +1 definitely applies.

Zilchus smiles as the Professor realizes his mistake. Internally, he is relieved that the Professor has no problems with the Sarenraens (and vice versa). Though he holds to the Old Gods, he recognizes the power of the new gods, especially in Sarenrae. While Zilchus does not hold to Sarenraen ideals, he does respect the might and power of the Sarenraen church.

"Last thing I wanted was an army of angry sundopes chasing us wielding scimitars," Zilchus jests back and turns to his meal and other companions.

""You guys that person at the table is Lirgala, a fine singer who’s bounced around a few of the pubs in town."

Zilchus overtly turns his head to look at Lirgala, to see if he recognizes the name or face.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Know (Local)

"Ah, her," Zilchus says, reaching for his water with his left hand...causing a loud clonk as his falchion hits the table, the cord still attached. Zilchus offers and embarrassed smile and undoes the cord and reaches again. "I've heard of her. I don't recall having heard her play before." Zilchus takes a sip of water and pretends not to be totally embarrassed.

Zilchus has no interest in introductions (no time for romance when there is work to be done) but offers Nidhi a silver.

"For her efforts, Nidhi, give this to me. See if she will play 'Whipers of the Crocodile's Tears' for me. It's a favorite."

"What do you have for someone that isn't fond of spicy food?" Florence asks as Farhaan busies himself taking their orders. "I used to not mind it so much as a child but lately it seems like I've lost my taste for it."

”Fire is the solution to everything!"

As the words ring out from the nearby table Florence shivers, feeling an all-too-familiar tightening in her chest.

Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't think about it.

From underneath the table she felt Bynx rubbing against her legs and once again she was thankful for his presence. He always seemed to sense when she was feeling afraid or upset. She quickly reaches down under the table and gives him a quick pat on the head.

Thanks, Bynx. What would I do without you?

"Oh...and just water for right now, please," she adds, remembering her order. Even with Bynx by her side, she still felt a bit off-kilter. With some difficulty, she manages to refocus her attention on the conversation happening at their table.

"A song with dinner sounds nice, if she'll indulge us," Florence agrees. "And as far as questions go, I can't really think of any off the top of my head. I'm sure that when I finally do think of something, it'll be in the middle of the night - that's usually my luck," she sighs as she glances down at the table. It was also usually her luck to be reminded of the past at the worst possible moments.

Just when I was starting to relax, too. But I can't just excuse myself now; Augustus wanted to know more about each of us.

"Sorry Augustus, I almost forgot about your question," she says as she looks up. "There's not really much for me to tell about myself. I grew up in Cassomir, lived there all of my life until very recently. My family owned an apothecary so I spent a lot of my time learning the trade as I grew up. Like I told Benedictus and some of the other applicants earlier, I'm not exactly experienced in exploring tombs and the like. But it sounds like you and Zilchus both have some experience with it - with good teachers and a little hands-on training, I'm sure I'll be fine. So I'm not all that worried."

Not much.

"What about you?" she asks of the horseman. "I didn't get a chance to talk with you earlier. What brings you to Wati?"

Zilchus leans in to hear the horseman's tale, his own story forming in his mind.

After everyone in the party finishes saying something about themselves, Nidhi stands up with Zilchus’ silver in one hand. She approaches the table with Lirgala and the man who made an exclamation about fire.

“Excuse me,” Nidhi tilts her head coyly and smiles, “are you Lirgala?” Nidhi places Zilchus’ silver on the table and slides it closer to Lirgala. “Do you mind performing Whipers of the Crocodile's Tears? It’s one of my companion’s favorites.” Nidhi curls her fingers and points a thumb behind herself towards Zilchus. Nidhi laughs gaily, finding humor in being a bard requesting another bard to perform.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"What do you have for someone that isn't fond of spicy food?" Florence asks as Farhaan busies himself taking their orders. "I used to not mind it so much as a child but lately it seems like I've lost my taste for it."

”You and the other lass, nice and mild. Got it.” Farhaan bustles off to the kitchen to put in your orders with chef.

“Excuse me,” Nidhi tilts her head coyly and smiles, “are you Lirgala?” Nidhi places Zilchus’ silver on the table and slides it closer to Lirgala. “Do you mind performing Whipers of the Crocodile's Tears? It’s one of my companion’s favorites.” Nidhi curls her fingers and points a thumb behind herself towards Zilchus. Nidhi laughs gaily, finding humor in being a bard requesting another bard to perform.

The woman looks at you, but frowns. Her companions, especially the fiery one, laugh. She darkens a little with embarrassment and mutters, ”Oh dear, that’s very sweet, but I don’t do that anymore.” A tall thin man at the table, with a book which he carefully closes lest you see it’s contents, says ”Oh, go on. You’ve only been an adventurer for a day.” and the other two members of the group laugh again as Lirgala grows more embarrassed.

Pretty soon they’re chanting, ”Sing, sing, sing!” and she finally rises up, clearly a little angry, and agrees. Standing she regains her composure and asks of the room, ”Does anyone here play the ney?”

An Ulfen woman from another table joins her, ”It’s not a ney, but it’s close.” she says as she removes a recorder from her gear. With a short conversation, the two figure out a song they can do together. It’s not Whipers of the Crocodile's Tears, but the deeper tone of the recorder and the lighter tone of the voice blend together nicely and the music is beautiful, though it's clear that Lirgala is the superior talent.

They eventually stop… to a resounding round of applause.

The ney is an Osirion flute.

Ben applaudes the performance with a vacuous smile, his thoughts drifting away in relax. For a moment, he enjoys the rowdy round of applause, the overlapping voices filling the room, the ringing whistles of the roaring crowd. He never had time to actually enjoy the moment. Osirion. This is the place where I was born, these are the people to whom I truly belong, this is the land my eyes saw first.

"I'll add something about me, since everyone here has introduced himself in a way or another". Ben clears his throat and scratches the back of his head. "Ten years or so ago my tutor, a renowned Chelish professor by the name of Beltias Leround, suggested that I should complement my theoretical study with some actual experience on the field. I refused. I thought that as a scholar, my duty was to study what others unearthed for me. Now I know I was wrong.”

Benedictus hunches his shoulders. “Anyway, I’m here now. I can provide the group with the knowledge about Osirion and its history I’ve developed during the course of my years of study. I’m also able to cast a few arcane spells. Nothing too flashy, but they can prove quite useful if cast at the right time. Magic is a rather new field of interest to me, and I’m looking forward to expand my knowledge about it as soon as possible”.

Zilchus bangs on the table with appreciation, trying to catch Nidhi's eye to deliver his silver despite not playing his song. As the applause dies down, he turns his head to the Professor, again drawing his head close.

"Looks like Lirgala has also been drawn into doing some exploring and forming a team for the auction. I'm sure her and her team will represent Osirion well, as will we," Zilchus confides. "Their team could grow once the crowd that Adbur's find their places, I tell you what. But as long as they respect the rules of the Ruby Prince, we have little to worry about."

Zilchus continues to eat and waits for Augustus to offer his story.

"Magic, right?" Florence says as she applauds the fine performance. "I guess we have something in common." Then she thinks back to her journey to Wati and of the little gnome she met along the way. Peony had tried to help her out by sharing what she herself knew of magic. It had been...interesting, to say the least. And more than a little frustrating at times.

"Well, sort of? My methods seem a little different from most...but it works, and that's what matters I guess."

Ben leans toward Zilchus once again. "Competition is an incentive for success", the scholar whispers with a smile. "But I'm curious about these rules of whom you speak. I mean, I know Osirian laws pretty well, at least for a foreigner, but I wonder how strict is the pharaoh in his law enforcing. In Cheliax..." Ben looks around quickly. When talking about Cheliax he had learned to be wary, regardless of the contents of his words. "In Cheliax law enforcement is very strict, so much that even corruption, which is inevitable, has been regulated. Does the Ruby Prince hold a detachment here in Wati, as far as you know?"

---

Ben snaps his fingers and yawns. "I'm starting to feel very tired. It's been a tiring day...Augustus, what about you? We're eager to know more about your abilites! Come on, don't keep us waiting. I, for one, am very curious about your skills...aside from the great endeavors you told us before".

The woman looks at you, but frowns. Her companions, especially the fiery one, laugh. She darkens a little with embarrassment and mutters, ”Oh dear, that’s very sweet, but I don’t do that anymore.” A tall thin man at the table, with a book which he carefully closes lest you see it’s contents, says ”Oh, go on. You’ve only been an adventurer for a day.” and the other two members of the group laugh again as Lirgala grows more embarrassed.

While Lirgala sings, Nidhi continues to stand where she initially approached Lirgala, taking the time to observe the fiery one, the tall thin man, and the two others. In the following order:

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 (fiery one)

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 (tall thin man with book)

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 (Other member #1)

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 (Other member #2)

If any of them catch Nidhi staring, Nidhi smiles and nods before directing her eyes towards the performance. After 10 seconds, Nidhi resumes her Perception. When the performance finishes, Nidhi personally thanks Lirgala and makes sure Lirgala accepts Zilchus’ silver (currently on the table). “My name is Nidhi Aashirya by the way. I’m a tailor here in Midwife. May I ask who you all are?” Nidhi addresses the fiery one, tall thin man and the two others in the party, smiling and trying to look encouraging. Nidhi doesn't use Sense Motive because she doesn’t think they would have any reason to lie.

Regardless of polite or rude responses, Nidhi smiles politely and wishes them Pharasma’s blessing if they plan on entering the tombs. “May Pharasma’s fate be kind to you in all your adventures. Does your adventure perhaps begin with the Pharaoh’s lottery?”

Nidhi gathers as much information she can, trying not to be too inquisitive. If they ask about Nidhi, she responds: “If given the privilege, I plan on exploring the tombs but, before that, I think my companions and I are going to visit The Great Library of Tephu tomorrow.” Nidhi sees no problem with telling the strangers her plans because their initial interaction seemed friendly enough.

Nidhi returns to the table with her companions. I’m hungry. I should've eaten more of grandma’s cookies. Nidhi sits down in her seat. She can’t help but smile. “I’m excited about tomorrow but I’m not sure what I’m going to do while you pour over books all day Benedictus.” Nidhi makes a sidelong glance at Augustus. I can’t imagine him in a library either.

Nidhi turns to Florence: “Do you frequent libraries Florence?”

After a few minutes of listening to the others, Nidhi declares: "Zilchus, perhaps next time you should ask Lirgala to sing yourself. She was more than amiable." Nidhi laughs and asks with a glitter in her eyes: "Or, are you perhaps starstruck by well-known entertainers?" Nidhi gives emphasis to 'starstruck.'

"What about you?" she asks of the horseman. "I didn't get a chance to talk with you earlier. What brings you to Wati?"

"I came here for a job. My previous employer hired me to get him to Wati for the digs. We planned on creating our own team but Abdur snagged me first. He also probably pays better." Augustus gets a sour look on his face as he realizes that Abbe stills owes him some money. He shrugs to himself knowing that he will find the man and get his gold later. "Initially I travelled this way for work and adventure. It seems I hit the jackpot"

As the others talk about Largala, Augustus turns to stare at her. He runs a hand through his hair and waits for her to finish her song before attempting to catch her attention. He stands and tried to make himself look as large as possible before addressing her. Hello beautiful! My friends we're saying that you're a fairly well known singer arounds these parts. Would you happen to know any songs about Augustus Voralius and his daring adventures? If so I think we'd all love to hear them!" He turns back towards his table as he says this with a wide grin on his face.

Not sure if i should be making any sort of diplomacy or charisma roll here since Augustus is trying to flirt with her a bit.

If any of them catch Nidhi staring, Nidhi smiles and nods before directing her eyes towards the performance. After 10 seconds, Nidhi resumes her Perception. When the performance finishes, Nidhi personally thanks Lirgala and makes sure Lirgala accepts Zilchus’ silver (currently on the table). “My name is Nidhi Aashirya by the way. I’m a tailor here in Midwife. May I ask who you all are?” Nidhi addresses the fiery one, tall thin man and the two others in the party, smiling and trying to look encouraging. Nidhi doesn't use Sense Motive because she doesn’t think they would have any reason to lie.

There are four total at the table. The man voicing his love of fire, is in fact a dwarf (which I should have mentioned sooner by the way, sorry) who is, strangely enough, wearing hide armor. He introduces himself as ”Fergrim, at your service.” and seems friendly enough. Though he’s got heavy armor, heavy clothes, and assorted other gear, he’s the only one in the room not sweating - very strange! He’s got a longspear in reach leaning against the fifth chair, loaded with other packs and gear from the group.

The tall thin man carries no fewer than two scroll tubes, and you see another book sticking out of his pack, besides the one he was examining. He’s the quiet one at the table, introducing himself as ”The arcanist Verichi.” He's hard to read. Finally, the third member of the group is rather formidable, wearing a breastplate, and carrying a greatsword as well as a heavy flail. ”Wernan” is all he grunts when its his turn for introductions, and it’s clear he’s uncomfortable at the examination. You catch him staring back at you a few times during the performance.

Regardless of polite or rude responses, Nidhi smiles politely and wishes them Pharasma’s blessing if they plan on entering the tombs. “May Pharasma’s fate be kind to you in all your adventures. Does your adventure perhaps begin with the Pharaoh’s lottery?”

”Yes, it certainly does.” says Fergrim, ”And we aim to do well at that. You in the lottery? Got a sponsor yet? That was the hardest part to be honest. The rest will be a walk in the park!” he exclaims, pounding on the table. Verichi nods in agreement, though he’s more reserved with their chances, ”If your fire is all it’s cracked up to be. I have my doubts.” he says dryly.

Which gets them going again about the refinement and nature of fire. You’re quickly forgotten by the pair as they renew their friendly argument and you drift back to your table. You can't help but shake the sense that they don't know each other any better than your group does. They too are likely newly linked together in this endeavor.

As the others talk about Largala, Augustus turns to stare at her. He runs a hand through his hair and waits for her to finish her song before attempting to catch her attention. He stands and tried to make himself look as large as possible before addressing her. Hello beautiful! My friends we're saying that you're a fairly well known singer arounds these parts. Would you happen to know any songs about Augustus Voralius and his daring adventures? If so I think we'd all love to hear them!" He turns back towards his table as he says this with a wide grin on his face.

She smiles, and her warmth and glow from the performance shines through it. ”Why thank you Augustus Voralius, that’s very kind. I knew a Chelaxian Archaeologist by the name of Vorailus. What was his name… Auric I think. Or Auran. No that’s a language, silly me.” she smiles again. "Did you know him? A distant relation perhaps?"

She presses on, taking a nod or shake of the head to be enough, ”Unfortunately I don’t know any songs about you - yet.” she laughs, but clearly not at you, but rather at her own ignorance.

"Zilchus, perhaps next time you should ask Lirgala to sing yourself. She was more than amiable.Or, are you perhaps starstruck by well-known entertainers?"

Zilchus smiles, embarrassed, yet not.

"I already told you that I have no time for love," he replies, his eyes watching Augustus' confident swagger over to the woman. "You were already going over and I didn't want to bother her. Like I said, no time...need to focus on the important things, you know?"

Zilchus seems content to finish his meal, making small talk, and watching Augustus in case the man's brash manner rubs someone the wrong way.

When that spectacle is over, Zilchus will see about the rooms that Abdur mentioned, taking (or sharing one with others) a room and a bed.

Come the morning, he will be breakfasted and ready to go early after his morning imprecations.

"Do you frequent libraries Florence?”

"To be honest, not very often," Florence admits. "Sometimes we'd have to consult our own books when we'd get an order for a medicine or tonic that we didn't make very often, but that was about it. The rest really came down to practice and hands-on experience."

"To be honest, the last time I really studied a book was on the trip here. I realized that learning the local language might be a good idea, because someone might want to talk to me," she chuckles. "Not to mention it's the polite thing to do."

As they watch Augustus head over to speak with Lirgala, Florence smiles with amusement. "I'm glad you and him aren't shy at least," she nods at Nidhi. "You two could be our ambassadors!"

-------------

Noticing that the hour was indeed growing late, Florence also moves to take her leave from the table. "Guess we've got an early start in the morning then. Sleep well everyone and we'll see you in the morning for breakfast," she says as she gathers up her things. "Come on Bynx, let's go get settled in."

She gets a few steps from the table before pausing. "Hey Nidhi? I figured you'd probably rather sleep in your own home tonight but you also welcome to share with me if you'd like."

Once the matter of who is staying in which rooms is decided, woman and cat take their leave and head off to bed.

"Thank you Florence, that's very kind of you but I think I'll return home tonight. Actually, if you all need a bed, my grandmother rents out the secondary room above her shop. Fair warning: it's pretty cozy."

"Shall we meet back at Tooth and Hookah in the morning?"

After the party enjoys their dinner, Nidhi decides to return to her grandmother's shop for the night.

"You're welcome. I sort of figured as much but I thought I'd offer," Florence replies. "And thank you too but I'll be okay here for now. I'd hate to intrude."

Not to mention Abdur was nice enough to make sure we had rooms. I'd also hate to refuse his generosity.

Ben kindly turns down Nidhi’s invitation, although on their way back to her grandmother’s home, he makes arrangements for a custom-made robe, leaving Jharna all the space to put her creativity at work. “There’s just one thing I need. Pockets. A lot of them.” The scholar lets the woman take his measures and promises to come back in a few days.

After having said goodbye to Nidhi, Benedictus follows the other at Purusha’s Inn, the place Abdur had recommended for their stay. Ben asks for a single room, but if that’s not available, he accepts to share a room with Zilchus and takes the opportunity to show the Osirian his spellbook and his greensting scorpion, introducing the latter as “Stingy. I couldn’t find a better name. Perhaps you can suggest one to me? I’d like something with an Osirian vibe to it”.

---

The next morning, Ben wakes up almost at dawn. Taking care not to make too much noise, he pulls out his spellbook from the waterproof bag and spends some time rehearsing his spells, funny hand-gestures included. After almost an hour, he stretches and lets out a yawn. He washes his face, if water is available, wears his hot-weather clothes and joins the others for breakfast. He asks for milk, if possible, otherwise he settles for whatever the house has to offer. “I’m looking forward to see the Grand Library”, he says to the others as he eats, forgetting his Chelish etiquette for a moment, “What are you going to do while I stay there?”

After eating his breakfast, Benedictus meticulously organizes his backpack for departure. Those who observe him closely notice that the scholar does it very patiently and thoroughly, almost as if the whole process allowed him to relax. When he’s done, after almost ten minutes, Ben stares at the others. “Is anyone coming with me in the Library? I could use some help!”
______________________________
Following on Zilchus’ push and moving the action a little forward, if it’s fine for everyone.

“Stingy. I couldn’t find a better name. Perhaps you can suggest one to me? I’d like something with an Osirian vibe to it”.

---

Ben stares at the others. “Is anyone coming with me in the Library? I could use some help!”

Zilchus smiles as he introduced to Stingy, keeping his hands, legs, and face far away from the creature. He respects the sand scorpion and no desire to feel its sting.

"Stingy is a fine name...a name that inspires fear and pain at those who cross it. Why would you want to change that?" Zilchus says somberly serious. "Would that my name be 'Blade' or 'Retribution', then others would be wary of crossing me, yes? No, Stingy is a good name. A good, strong name."

---

"I shall go to the library as well," Zilchus replies, having nothing better to do.

Welcome to GM Euan’s Recruitment Thread! This recruitment is for the Mummy’s Mask Adventure Path.

Every player should download and read the Mummy's Mask Pathfinder Companion. This is a recruitment for five total players. I have already picked two so there are three spots remaining.

Background
- Please write a detailed description. What do people see when they look at you or even watch you for a moment or two?
- Please write a public background - what would someone with a passing knowledge of you know? Add a little history, a common rumor (true or false), and something possibly embarrassing or at least humorous.
- Please write a background that tells me something about yourself. Speak about what’s essential to your character, goals you may have, people you may know, and a memory of something important to you.
- You might consider having two things in your personality - a reason to do some delving in Osirion, and a desire to help the greater good. I like dissenting voices and creative role play, but in a few areas the AP requires a leap of faith. Feel free to build whatever you prefer, but you should have reasons for being heroic (or at least pretending to be).
- You are beginning in Wati in Osirion - you may be a native, or a visitor. You may even have heard of the planned necropolis exploration and are here specifically for that purpose. I’m happy to help you here if you want to set some roots in the town and need some locations or NPCs to tie into.
- You have recently managed a nice stack of gold - either luckily (gambling, distant relative left you some cash, etc.) or through hard work (recently sold a share of a business you helped build up, recently accomplished some great crafting feat, etc.). You spent some of it already on something ephemeral, but have much of it left.

Build
- You will start at first level.
- Your starting gold will be 250gp.
- Please create your character following the standard Pathfinder rules, point buy system, 20pt buy.
- Hit Points shall be determined in PFS style - maximum at first level, average +1 for all subsequent levels.
- Please limit your race to the core book, though racial traits may come from other sources.
- We will be using background skills.
- You’ll start with two traits, one of which will be chosen from the Mummy’s Mask Players Guide. You may chose a drawback, with my approval, to gain another trait. I take drawbacks seriously though, so make them a solid part of your background and something that will occur - not just something you do for more power.
- I am open to nearly any Paizo source. Some things in the Archives of Nethys will also be accepted on a case-by-case basis. No third party materials. Also, I know there are other sites with Pathfinder rules, but please try to link to Paizo or the Archives whenever possible in your references. If not, I’ll just be searching there anyway, so save me some time please.
- We’re not using gestalt, mythic, or variant multi-classing rules. No rules will be used from Occult Adventures or the Technology Guide.
- No evil, and be careful with paladins and other severely ‘oath-bound’ characters.
- No gunslingers or other ‘tech’ themes (bolt ace is acceptable).
- Please no summoners, very unbalanced, or one dimensional builds. You should build well, but someone who’s only good at one thing, will spend a lot of time waiting as the others play.
- Along the same lines, please avoid ‘save or suck’ effects in your build (like the slumber hex for example). Nobody likes it when the DM takes out a player, maybe permanently, with a single roll or save. My pact is that I will avoid doing so, as long as the party does the same. At later levels it can become impossible to avoid, on both sides, but please don’t build toward it, and avoid it when you can. I’ll do the same - even playing the opposition less effectively as a result.
- There is a free feat available to any who fulfill the prerequisites. Please have a reason for it in your background, if only a mention. Osirionology
- There is an excellent listing of the ancient Osirion gods in book two of the AP. Given that, anyone who has Ancient Osirioni among their languages, may worship one of these deities. If you are selected, I will provide the information you need.

Notes
- Please pay more attention to your background than your build. I am far more interested in who you are than what you are.
- Please don’t worry about who is playing what. Play what you want, based on these requirements, and we’ll make it work.
- I want a brisk game and it will likely take more than two years to finish, so carefully consider your commitment. This is really important. I plan to post at least twice a day, likely more often as needed. I want my players to post twice a day as well, pending interactions and the like of course. If you haven’t posted for 24 hours, I will DMPC you, have you delay, or otherwise fall behind. Likewise, folks that post more often will be more included in the storyline that unfolds. That said, let’s be reasonable. I am not looking for a super-zippy campaign. In my Curse of the Crimson Throne campaign I averaged 3.6 posts a day for just over two years and am averaging 3.3 in my Second Darkness campaign now in its second year. I’m planning for something similar this time too.
- When you introduce your character, please focus on personality, story, quirks, and motivations. I’m not interested in your class or build - I can read that later. Who are you?

<•>

I’m sure you will have questions I have not answered. For even more information, please visit the Campaign Tab. There I talk about what I’m looking for in terms of tone, some discussion of die rolling, etiquette, crafting, and more. Please read through it, it’s important stuff.

Recruitment will remain open until I have selected the players. I don’t know how long that will take, but I expect it’ll be several days at least, likely a week depending on interest, but maybe longer. I will post regular updates and answer questions until there’s a good pool of candidates when I will close recruitment and make a decision. The campaign will begin fairly quickly after that, though there will be plenty of time to tweak characters and make final preparations of course.

Let's have some fun together!
To help a little with recruitment, please feel free to role play in thread. I suggest you visit the Mueaddat Almalaki Wadar Aleamm*, also known as ‘Milki’ in the Midwife District of Wati** just a block south of the Sunburst Market (map #19). The ale isn’t so good, but the wine is above standard, and freely flowing - if you’ve got the coin for it. The proprietor is a rough looking, bronze skinned, fifty-ish human by the name of Abdur Raqeeb al-Shabazz (image), who spends more time dealing in the large attached market than helping in the pub - but his staff is numerous at least if not the most competent. The regulars seem accustomed to asking for things several times, often from different servers, and occasionally they get what they desire.

It’s midday and hot on Sunday, 1 Sarenith, 4714, a little early for heavy drink, but the pub is serving a decent slab of fried goat with small potatoes and large onions, all seeped in garlic with warm flatbread and honey. The floors and walls are covered in multi-colored rugs and other hangings, beautiful and well made. The walls are thick mud and stone - keeping the worst of the heat out thankfully.

Wati endures, or so the local saying goes. The people of Wati, known for their even tempers and shrewd wit, prefer understatement. They have known war and peace, poverty and prosperity, and survived decimation at the hands of a mad god’s cult. But Wati’s people answer each challenge with innovation, tenacity, and the deep bonds of community. They do not endure their hardships so much as grasp them, white-knuckled and screaming, until the world permits them to return to their quiet lives, surrounded by their honored dead.

Dotting. Going to think about and work on backstory.

Dot! Will see what I come up with :)

Definitely interested! Have a few ideas off the top rolling about; I'll post one in a day or two once I flesh one out a bit more.

Putting a dot here, be right back.

Let me see what I pull together. I'll want to put in a bit of development, for sure.

dotting. Thinking a crypt breaker alchemist. That or a an occulist (if you are allowing them, you said any paizo material, but also say no occult rules so I am unsure)

Either or would be focused on finding forgotten lore of ancient empires, and any knowledge therein.

Definitely interested, thinking about a ranger. Have the two people you've picked chosen there class yet?

Thelizardwizard, true I did say, 'nearly any Paizo source', but to be clear, I am not using any Occult material.

Uthraed, don't worry about the others, just pick something wonderful for yourself. If we end up with 5 thieves, we'll just work on our UMD... :)

But remember, background is king. I love characters, builds are secondary.

Dot

Ok, think I will stick with alchemist.. That or an investigator. Not entirely sure which will wind up fitting more. But I'm thinking a noble born scholar, big into history. Not quite enough magical talent to become a wizard, but makes up for it with a bit of science and a healthy dose of disregard to danger.

Dot. I have read the AP, and run portions of books 1 and 4. It's been at least 6 months since I looked at any of the AP, longer for most, so I'm familiar with the broad strokes, but not the fine details. If foreknowledge is a problem, I'm happy to bow out.

Will be thinking about an option that seems fun both mechanically and for story purposes.

Dotting, I have a warpriest of Ra who just needs some tweaking to the build guidelines, he should be up and ready by tomorrow.

GM Lari, I have no problem with foreknowledge as long as your character doesn't act on it naturally. :) It can make the game a little tougher for you, and there will be times when you'll just have to be silent to avoid guiding the party one way or another, but it should be fine.

I will dot this to be sure. I have no idea what I will build for it but I will come up with something in the next day or so, hopefully.

Part of me want to submit a jaded-tough-no-nonsense-yet-religious-cigar-smoking-female-skull-knocker from Bargetown who's decided poverty is for the suckers and to use what Fortune recently brought her to get geared, step forward, and take a piece of the action resulting from the opening of the Necropolis.

Trait would likely be either Trap finder, Undead crusader, or Wati native.

Class... Not sure at all!

One of my favorite APs.
Dotting and thinking hard.

Dotting

Dotting this. I think a friend and I will be applying this evening.

Dot. Thanks for running this AP! I'm interested if the pre-chosen players have classes yet. I'd like to develop something that compliments them or at least doesn't conflict with them.

Have a human desert druid who is from a local nomad group, now getting involved in the craziness of the tomb hunting. Will flesh out the alias and get into the action shortly!

Brooklyn85, don't worry about the classes. As I mentioned earlier, if we get five of one class or other overlaps we'll make it work. There are so many options out there, I'd be surprised if two people had the same thing in any event.

I'm much more concerned about your character - that's more interesting. We can always tweak classes if there's a concern when the party is selected.

I think I will apply with an herald caller cleric.
Are the old osirion gods acceptable?

Helikon, yes, the old Osirion gods are acceptable and even maybe desirable so long as you have Ancient Osirion as a language.

Dotting for interest with this character. Shaedeen has "Foreign Opportunist" written all over her, perhaps having traveled far to the east after a failed stint as a 'hero' in Sandpoint.

I'll try to work up an updated background tonight and tinker with her mechanics as needed.

Dotting. Considering a gnome bard (archeologist) who is obsessed with treasure hunting.

Okay, think I'll go with a Resurrected witch recently arrived in Osirion with a lot of questions and few clues! Will hopefully have her done within the next day or two :)

Interested. I'll start working on a character.

I have an idea (with a good portion of the stats already drawn up, in fact) for a Wordcasting Sorcerer. What's your overall feel about Words of Power? The system is rather complex, but there's a few guides that help clear it up online. (Even better, with a PBP, I can spend as much time as I want developing individual Wordspells without bogging down play!)
Specifically, I have a couple of questions that will influence some of my build details:

Thanks in advance, and good luck to everyone here!

Daedalus, as I'm unfamiliar with Words of Power, I am going to give them a skip for this AP.

I like to be very familiar with something before trying to run it. That's not to say I have to know everything, but Words of Power at first glance look rather complicated. :D

Awesome, one more question, spoiled because it does connect to a bit of knowledge I have:

Too late to delete my dot. I'm dropping out of the running.

Have fun, all those who make the cut!

GM Lari, I'm intrigued. I think that will fit just fine. If selected, I'll give you some additional details about the order (some of which I'll have to make up!) and backstory.

Sorry to see you go Shaedeen! :(

Fair enough. Words of Power suffers greatly from poor writing. A lot isn't said very clearly and can be confusing. I'll try to come up with another character along the same lines, but with more familiar rules. (I had an idea for a sage-blooded sorcerer, using ancient Osirani words of power to shift his reality. A skittish, bookish scholar who held incredible power.)

Dilana enters Milki Dad, I know you want me out in the world but this? I just don't understand why people gather like this.

Barkeep, wine?

Finding herself ignored.

Barkeep wine! I am here don't make this worse for me.

A servant, a young man, likely a slave from his overall bearing and attitude, rushes up to Dilana as she bellows.

”What may I get you my lady?” He seems eager, yet he’s not writing anything down, and asks you to repeat your order slowly so he can remember it. You don’t have high hopes for this one, however hard he tries.

Dilana, can you give me more background? Read what I suggested in my first post under 'Background' carefully. I'm looking for three things - description, a sort of public background, and an even longer, more detailed background to help you develop your character. I've asked some questions in that post - answering them might help you expand your history. Thanks!

Dotting.

Thinking I'll roll with an Inquisitor of Soralyon -- very much interested in preserving and restoring as much of the ancient monuments as possible.

Looks at the servant

Ok you then. Wine and some cold fruit. You can do that right?

Filling it in slowely. I tend to make a lot of changes as I narrow down the character as I write and then proof on a character personality and background. I added some more quotes from her and her neighbors about her.

I've got an idea for a Taldan Archaeologist Bard. Kind of a seventh son of a seventh son deal going on. I'll work on it later.

Got my crunch done. Gonna go get dinner and then put the story down. Just making sure, Unchained Rogue is okay, yeah? I'm looking at a historian and tomb delver that likes to find priceless antiquities and then put a price on them.

Edit: Also need to actually make an Alias for my character.

As Raman enters Milki, his eyes dart between the few occupants. Good. Not too busy yet.

He makes his way to a seat against the thick wall, dropping his heavy backpack on the floor next to him with a loud *thunk*.

He flashes a silver piece at a passing servant and calls, "Get me some goat and a mug of ale!", then returns to watching the strange woman at the bar. I sure hope she's not offering a job.

Hello. This is my submission for the AP. Augustus Voralius III, Human Cavalier.

While I'm fairly familiar with Pathfinder, this would me my first play by post game. I'm actually applying with my friend, TimFrie, who posted up above.

Let me know if there is anything you think I should change or elaborate on and I plan on doing some RP in the thread tomorrow morning.

Zoda sits slumped over at the bar and even though it is only midday he is thoroughly drunk. A half empty bottle of wine sits next to him and another bottle lies empty under his stool. He stretches his long, dark, tattoo covered arms and lets out a loud yawn.

”Have I ever told you about my father,” He asks the bartender doing his best to not slur his words. ”Of course I have Abdur, who hasn’t heard of the famed Boaz Kogala, scourge of the undead, defender of the godssss. *hic* He pauses to take another drink from the bottle and continues rambling on. ”And what have I done thus far in life… NOTHING," He slams his fist on the bar and the bottle begins to topple but he deftly catches is it and places it back where it was without noticing. ”But that’s all about to change Abdur, all about to change. Yesterday this bottle would have been half empty but today it is half full. Have you heard? I have finally done in, I sold my camels and I am finally ready to become my fathers son and delve into the ancient tombs. I just need to find a group who is in need of a guide. Zoda proclaims as if he has uncovered some big secrete. “And what better guide then me, Zoda Kogala, son of a feared corpse hunter and besides no one knows this city like I do. So you see my friend my fortunes are about to change."

Well, I've been waiting for this to appear on the boards for more than a year, so I'll go ahead and dot for now.

Doomed Hero here with my character pitch. It's a little odd but I love the concept of it, so bear with me.

Dilana watches people come and go from the bar noting new arrivals. Truth be told she is not sure how to approach people for this sort of thing.

Well the dwarf looks promising if I am too go into the tombs as father wishes. Dwarves are good for that sort of thing.

I wonder if that drunk smells. listening to Zoda ramble Well he thinks he has information at least. I will sit and listen discretely.

Dilana observes the newcomers thinking herself very sneaky (she is not) and sure she blends in (she does not).

Giuseppe here. This is my submission. Background is in a Googledoc linked in the profile. Also, please take note that the current avatar is temporary. I failed to find something more appropriate, although a link to a full picture of Benedictus is included in his profile.

As far as crunch goes, I'm still working on it. I think I'll go wizard, and I'm considering the scroll scholar archetype from the Pathfinder Society Field Guide, as suggested in People of the Sands. Anyway, according to GM Euan's (and mine) preferences, I'm not so set on a particular class for my PC. The character comes first, and there are a few ways I can make it work using different classes. I'll submit a complete character's sheet in a few days, anyway.

There are a few ortographical errors in the introductory letter I'm aware of, but I've not been able to edit them because I don't have my PC with Photoshop here with me.

Well, what can I say more? I hope to have the chance to get to play under Euan, for this is what I've wished for over the course of the last year or so.

Before entering the Mueaddat Almalaki Wadar Aleamm, Benedictus gives an inquisitive look at his new clothes—a plain beige shirt with a blue sleeveless vest, loose and airy yellow pants, and fine leather sandals. Behind his back is a large, fresh new backpack containing his books and accessories. Well, I know I can’t wear formal suits here in Osirion, but I wonder how does one distinguish himself from the others if he cannot even buy something better than these…unmatchable rags! The Garundi young man shakes his head and smiles ironically. Then he hunches his shoulders, fixes his clothes for the last time and opens the door.

Benedictus has always been afraid of pubs. Well, of all gathering places in general I must admit… To him, places like these are always too noisy and chaotic. But he had decided to win his fears and find someone to adventure with. Not that this made things easier actually, but at least he had a reason to be there.

Benedictus looks around himself for a few seconds, as though still stunned by the sudden wave of noise and smells. Then he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and walks to a table. No, no, no, no, no! Not an empty one, my dear! Ben suddenly stops. His reclusive nature was literally pushing him to an empty table. Come on, be strong. What was father used to say? If you don’t have friends, you don’t have ends. Well, I have a precise end to be in this city so…

Without even noticing it, Ben staggers forward as he meditates, bumping into a staff member. “I-I-I…I’m sorry!” Clumsy as usual with his words not less than with his body, Benedictus staggers backwards, until he feels something behind his knees. A chair… He swallows and sits down. In the meantime, he’s still smiling at the woman he bumped into. A way as any to avoid looking at whoever else is at his same table.

Barkeep wine! I am here don't make this worse for me.

Hearing that voice so close to him, Ben realizes the woman to whose it belongs must be sitting at his same table. He awkwardly turns toward her and smiles clumsily. “Perhaps asking more politely will work…” he tries, hesitantly. Nodding at the girl, Benedictus turns to one of the servants. “Sorry sir, can I have…” Ben is whispering, and not even an elf would hear him in the bustling chaos of the pub. As soon as he opens his mouth, though, a young man is at the table. For a moment, Ben smiles at the girl, proud of his words…Until he realizes that the young servant is there for the girl. I bet he has not even heard me…

As the girl orders something, Ben notices that the young servant asks her to repeat her words several times. Grinning, the Garundi wannabe explorer pulls out a piece of parchment from his backpack and writes something on it.

“S-Sorry, young man, b-before you go…” Starting with his usual hesitation, now Ben tries to gain confidence as he ensues. “Could you also bring me this?”, says Benedictus as he hands out the piece of parchment to the servant.

**Please, bring me today’s special. Whatever it is. Thanks. **

Interested. I'm thinking a worshipper of Sekhmet, maybe a Warpriest, but a Druid is also an intriguing possibility. Lion Shaman seems really thematic there.