GM Lithrac's Mummy's Mask Challenge (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

Khal-Ib nods. "What a gruesome story. Maybe we should try to look for Panhet and return the ring. That would be the right thing to do. Of course, we should bury this poor fellow's body too." he suggests.

The rest of the afternoon seems to resemble the two brothers' work in the morning: digging and hard labor. In the end, all the remains of the previous inhabitants of the House of Pentheru are properly buried, ensuring a better chance of passing away into the Lady of Graves's Boneyard.

When you search for Panhet in Wati, you can locate the young widow, whose husband disappeared during the last year. Upon the return of the ring to her and news of her husband's untimely demise and certainty that a proper burial has been performed, Panhet gratefully rewards you with 150 gold coins.

It's dusk now, and the streets of Wati are much less busy. It is time for the twins to return to the Tooth and Hookah and eat, rest, share stories with the other tomb raiders.

Level up to 4th!

The next day is one of rest and recreation for the two brothers. They pray, meditate, eat, drink, shop, learn. Anakh-Ka arrives at the smith's workshop with a peculiar request. "Blessing of Torag upon you, smith. I have work for you. Do you see this adamantine flail I've got? I'd like you to heat your forge to match those of Hell itself, so that you could reforge this weapon into a falchion. I'll pay whatever you ask for your work. Deal?"

The smith, a burly bald Osiriani, replies: "Sounds like a challenge! Very well, I'll do it." The next day, your sword is ready. Its long, curved blade shines with a black shade, whereas the pommel is adorned with a coiled Ouroboros.

Anakh-Ka is amazed by the sheer beauty of the weapon, its craftmanship and the energy the smith put into forging it.

"I name you Severance, Stoneblade of Ages, for your adamantine blade will sunder anything in its path, for all eternity." enthusiastically calls out its proud wielder.

Your visit to the Grand Mausoleum is next. The Pharasmin compliment you on the documentation you found in the House of Pentheru, as well as your efforts to give the deceased a proper burial. They agree to buy your historical artefacts, and announce your third venture, a place called the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye. As before, you are given a sketched map to find its location in the necropolis. You leave with the blessings of Pharasma.

The sun beats down on the lonely, silent streets of the necropolis. Dust and sand now cover the once-bustling streets, and buildings that were once homes and shops are gradually disintegrating into rubble after centuries of neglect. Scattered throughout the ruins is the occasional palm tree or shrub, kept alive by the broken remnants of a long-abandoned irrigation system.

Something's not right, you think as you walk through the deserted necropolis streets. It's too quiet. Your suspicions soon prove to be valid when the both of you spot Osiriani thugs hiding in the ruined buildings around you. You count six in all: three on ground level, three on the rooftops. Thanks to your keen eyes, you managed to avoid being surprised! Seeing their cover blows, the thugs attack you.

Two of the thugs on the rooftops throw tanglefoot bags at you, attempting to slow you. However, they're too far to be accurate, and miss their target.
Tanglefoot Bag vs FF Touch @Ka: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5
Tanglefoot Bag vs FF Touch @Ib: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3

Then four arrows fly in your direction, but they all bounce on your solid stoneplate armors.
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d8 ⇒ 6
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d8 ⇒ 3
Longbow @Ib: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d8 ⇒ 8
Longbow @Ib: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d8 ⇒ 6

Ambush in the Necropolis - round 1
1. T, WST
2. Ka, Ib

Anakh-Ka charges the closest archer on the ground, swinging Severance at him.
Severance, PA, charge: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 182d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 + 6 = 16

Khal-Ib asks for Irori's divine favor and seeks cover behind the well.

Anakh-Ka charges with righteous fury and strikes the thug dead!

One of the ambushers on the roof uses the rope tied around his waist to climb down. His net in his hands, he is content with waiting.
Climb DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Meanwhile, another one throws a net at Kha-Ib to capture him. However his aim is off and the net falls on the ground without a prey.
Net vs Touch @Ib: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Finally three arrows fly in your direction, but they all miss their mark save for one that grazes Anakh-Ka's leg.
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d8 ⇒ 3
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d8 ⇒ 3
Longbow @Ib, cover: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 4 = 11d8 ⇒ 6

Ambush in the Necropolis - round 2
1. T, WST
2. Ka, Ib

Three damage transferred to Ib.

The superficial wounds only serves to anger the dwarf, who turns to the thug who just climbed down from the room.
Severance, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 2 = 182d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 + 6 = 18

As Anakh-Ka approaches him, the crafty ambusher throws his net at the dwarf. Ready action going off.
Net vs Touch @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
The Osiriani thugs really lack skill, for the net lands in the well nearby. Anakh-Ka closes the distance, and the thug pays his incompetence with his life.

Once the way is clear, Khal-Ib charges another of the archers.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, DF, Charge: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 241d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

The axe blow is staggering, and the thug immediately drops his bow, raising his hands in surrender as he cries in pain. "Don't kill me, I yield!" he says as he gets on his knees to seek your mercy.

The last net-throwing ambusher climbs down the roof in the same manner his unfortunate companion did, then draws his scimitar.
Climb DC 10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Two arrows fly in your direction, but once more they miss.
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d8 ⇒ 7
Longbow @Ib: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d8 ⇒ 4

Ambush in the Necropolis - round 3
1. T, WST
2. Ka, Ib

Anakh-Ka backtracks to attack the thug hiding behind a corner.
Severance, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 2 = 222d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + 6 = 15

"Face on the ground or you're dead." orders Khal-Ib to the surrendering thug as he trails off to meet the rooftop climber.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, DF: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 111d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

The surrendering thug obeys, not wishing to gamble his life here and now.

Anakh-Ka kills another opponent outright, whereas Khal-Ib's blow lacks precison. The rooftop trapper counters with his scimitar.
Scimitar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The last thug is still sniping from his rooftop, aiming to shoot Khal-Ib.
Longbow @Ib: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 191d8 ⇒ 1

Ambush in the Necropolis - round 4
1. T, WST
2. Ka, Ib

Anakh-Ka turns to the last sniper, treading as steadily as a dwarf can through the battlefield to face him. Double move.

Dodging the scimitar, Khal-Ib strikes back.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, DF: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 221d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Khal-Ib's opponent, hit by the formidable blow, drops his scimitar and also surrenders. "My life's not worth dying for a few coins. I surrender!"

The sniper realizes he's alone to face the two brothers, but keeps his ground to use his tactical advantage. He shoots at Anakh-Ka, but to no avail.
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d8 ⇒ 1

Ambush in the Necropolis - round 5
1. T, WST
2. Ka, Ib

Anakh-Ka reaches the wall and downs an extract of stone fist after dropping his weapon. "If you don't come down now, I'll punch this building down the dwarven way."

Khal-Ib remains where the two surrendering thugs are, and prods the one at his feet to join the other one in the cover of the ruined building. "Move and join your companion. Now."

The trapper complies and hobbles to the other thug while holding his wounds.

As for the archer on the roof, he chuckles at the thought suggested by the dwarf and shoots another arrow at him.
Longbow @Ka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d8 ⇒ 4

Ambush in the Necropolis - round 5
1. T, WST
2. Ka, Ib

"I'll take that as a "no". I actually hoped you'd refuse to surrender. Don't blame what happens on me." he says, throwing a punch at the ruined stone wall.
Stone punch (ignores hardness 8): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Unfortunately, the dwarf misses.

"Looks like you need help, brother." grins the stonelord. "Let's show him what we Pahmet dwarves can do."

With a terrifying warcry, Khal-Ib charges the wall with his axe, invoking his mastery over stone.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, DF, Stonestrike (ignore hardness 8): 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 301d10 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 9
Confirmation): 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 122d10 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 18

The blow is formidable and shakes the whole ruined building. A section of the wall collapses, and the thug on the rooftop has trouble keeping his balance.

"All right, you got me there, I'll come down. Stop this madness."

With the last thug surrendering and climbing down from his shaky rooftop, silence falls on the necropolis.

Anakh-Ka sorts the spoils of war while he motions for his brother to interrogate the ambushers.

"Strange, one of them suggested they ambushed us for coin. Were they paid to attack us?"

We'll take the masterwork weapons and the khopeshes. We'll leave the rest (the armors, nets and arrows).

"That's a fair point, brother. So tell me, did anyone pay you to attack us? See, we have no quarry with you. If you speak, we'll not only let you leave with your lives, but we might leave some of your gear to you. You know your life isn't worth being squandered over something you have no personal interest with."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

One of the thugs complies. "You're right, we only did this for coin. They said you'd be covered in riches you looted in the tombs, but they failed to mentioned you were tougher than stone. As for whom hired us, there were four of them. An Ekujae half-elf, two Garundis and a woman wearing a large red feathered hat, the leader of that band. Can we leave now?"

Khal-Ib extends his hand. "Just one more question and you'll be on your way. Did they mention why they wanted you to attack us?"

Once the thugs have given a satisfying answer to that question, the stonelord allows them to leave with their gear, save for the high-quality weapons they were carrying. "We'll keep those, but you can keep the rest. Now go and know better next time you're hired to do someone's dirty work. There's a reason they didn't want to deal with us themselves, as you surely have realized."

The thugs almost look surprised at the dwarf's mercy. "Eh... thank you, I guess. They only mentioned something about keeping you away from somewhere. a temple of some sort but I can't recall the name." With that last explanation, they run off.

Anakh-Ka chimes in. "That sounds like that band of Nethys-worshipping archaeologists you spoke to a couple nights ago. Velriana Hypaxes, was it? That's what we get for trusting people too much, brother. You may have exposed us."

Khal-Ib shakes his head. "I believe there's more to it. They wanted to find ruins pertaining to their god, Nethys. Is the Temple of the Erudite Eye what they were looking for? Are they there now? We should be ready for a confrontation, they have some explaining to do." concludes Khal-Ib as he hastens towards their next archaeological site.

With your sketched map, you can easily find the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye. Although the Sanctum’s central nave is symmetrical, the rest of the structure does not conform to traditional architecture, with wings and extensions on both sides that, except for the uniformity of the stonework, appear to have been haphazard additions. A large dome over the apse tops the roof at the north end of the temple. The Sanctum is windowless, and the temple’s exterior walls are carved with statues.

(D1) No doors block the grand entrance to this building—a wide flight of steps leads directly up into the temple’s interior. Two humanoid statues flank the stairs, wearing black-and-white masks and holding quarterstaves. Just inside the entry, two rows of columns lead toward an archway in the north wall. Two smaller passages open to the east and west.

As you climb up the steps leading inside, you hear a faint noise of clicking bones against the stone. Six skeletal jackals emerge from the shadows to attack you.

Bite @Ka: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Bite @Ka: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Bite @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Confirmation @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Undead Watchdogs - round 1
1. Skeletal Jackals
2. Ib, Ka

Fortification 25%: 1d100 ⇒ 74

One of the undead jackals takes Khal-Ib completely by surprise, biting him deep with his sharp teeth. Grunting because of the pain, Kha-Ib draws his warhammer and crushes his skeletal opponent.
Mwk Silver Warhammer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 211d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Anakh-Ka shifts his grip and swings to bash one of the jackals with the flat of his blade. Shifting to Bludgeoning damage.
Severance, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 212d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + 6 = 19

Both of the dwarves' targets are crushed and destroyed. The last two jackals join the fight, yet none of the skeletal guardians manage to make a dent in the twins' armors.

Bite @Ka: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite @Ka: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Bite @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Undead Watchdogs - round 2
1. Skeletal Jackals
2. Ib, Ka

Emboldened by his success, Khal-Ib strikes again with his hammer.
Mwk Silver Warhammer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 221d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Anakh-Ka mows down the jackals with Severance, littering the ground with shattered bones.
Severance, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 = 192d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 + 6 = 17

The two skeletons are broken, leaving only two of their kind to defend the Temple.
Bite @Ka: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Confirmation @Ib: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Undead Watchdogs - round 3
1. Skeletal Jackals
2. Ib, Ka

The skeletal jackal manages to bite Khal-Ib at one of the unprotected spots, yet the sharp teeth fail to pierce the stonelord's stone hide. Khal-Ib strikes in turn.
Mwk Silver Warhammer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Seeing his opponent be shattered, he steps forward to offer flanking for his brother.

One more swing and it's over.
Severance, PA, flanking: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 212d4 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + 6 = 17

The last jackal collapses, broken in a thousand shards of bone.

End combat. You can roll your Perception / Knowledge (religion) now. Where to?

Perception, stonecunning DC 15: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
Knowledge (religion) DC 10: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"This building appears to be in remarkably good condition for its age, especially compared to the other structures in the necropolis. Isn't that Nethys?" he says, pointing at the statues at the entrance.

Before venturing further, he heals himself.
CLW wand: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7

"You must be right, brother. Let's check the left wing first." Anakh-Ka suggests. Before leading the way, he downs his mutagen.

(D6) A series of cubicles encircle an open central space here, each separated from the common area by a curtain hanging from a rod over the doorway. This probably was a dormitory for acolytes. From three of the cubicles, rotting undead emerge slowly to attack you. Khal-Ib recognizes these as zombies, and knows slashing weapons should be used to dispose of these slow creatures.

The Z Dormitory - round 1
1. Zombies
2. Ib, Ka

Khal-Ib swiftly ventures into the room and strikes the first zombie with his axe. "Use Severance's blade, brother. They need to be cut down"

Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Aye, they'll taste my blade." nods the warrior, stepping forward into the room and attacking the same zombie.
Severance, PA, Str Mutagen: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 142d4 + 6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 + 6 + 3 = 19

By joining forces, the two brothers quickly cut down the first zombie, while the two others march onto them. One of them slams into Anakh-Ka. The blow hits the Pahmet right on the head, but the wound soon transfers to Khal-Ib.
Slam, charge, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 261d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The Z Dormitory - round 2
1. Zombies
2. Ib, Ka

Misfortune on that lucky hit!

Khal-Ib steps forward to fight side by side with his brother, and takes a defensive stance before striking one of the zombies.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, DS: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 221d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14

Slam, charge, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 181d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
The unlucky zombie's slam bounces off Anakh-Ka's armor. Moments later, he is cut down by Khal-Ib.