Krystallos: Shibbati

Game Master JGray

This thread is for gameplay of Krystallos: Shibbati.

Would you guys like to continue the bar RP from the recruitment thread?

I have no issue doing so

Gil Odalis enters the bar slowly, taking in the room as he does so. Once he spots his charge he approaches the table making sure to nod to any new faces along the way.

"Master Raphiel" he says, drawing a bundle of papers from his letter bag "here is a copy of the finalized contract. As long as there are no issues we can continue at your discretion."

Bastion gives the gruff man a nod and a salute. Gil was a useful and upstanding recruit, one who showed great potential. Bastion reclined in his chair pleased at the information given. " Good work Private Odalis, I have recently acquired a more than sufficient collection of individuals for our journey. Each have their own area of expertise but for this day you have shown resourcefulness I admire, I shall reevaluate your current wages for the better next time. Let me look over the specifics while you get yourself familiar with your new compatriots " Bastion scans the paper while motioning to the rest.

" As you know, when traveling with possible dangers with new soldiers it is customary to learn much of each other. These may be the people who save your life. a Divided Unit will collapse. "

"No reason ta set the bar so high"[/i] thinks Gil "I just delivered some papers is all..."

[b]"Err...right." responds Gil, somewhat uncomfortable in the face of all of this formality. Regardless he introduces himself to those others gathered around the table. "Mah name is Gil, Gil Odalis. I work with the Breakers Guild and am here on their behalf to assist Master Raphiel should he actually win the lottery...".

He suddenly coughs dryly before that last bit got a chance to set in. "I'm mostly here to evaluate the possibility of any future guild projects involving the Necropolis, though I'm sure I'll have more than my fair share of heavy lifting to do. Just think of me like your friendly neighborhood liaison!" he finishes with an awkward smile still trying to downplay Bastions high praises.

Dorian enters the bar, looking about a bit nervously, until he sees Bastion sitting at a table. He heads right over there and seats himself.

"Bastion, this is going to be a bit of excitement, what?"

Dorian half stands, and shakes the hands around the table. "I'm Dorian. Just got in. We'll be great pals"

Gameplay begins!

3rd of Diamond, year 54 of the Age of the Great Invasion

A view of Shibbati the Half-Dead City from the nearby cliffs

The bustling desert city of Shibbati is near bursting with excitement. Adventurer from every corner of Krystallo have assembled here beneath the hot Citrine sun to explore the tombs of the city's necropolis, waiting only to be assigned their first sites for exploration. Surrounding the participants, the public has gathered to observer the ceremony as well. There is a festival-like quality in the air, and numerous street vendors are hawking goods and refreshments to participants and spectators alike. Some merchants have even brought what can only be considered adventuring gear to sell as last minute convenience items to would-be explorers, while other advertise that they will buy recovered treasures and antiquities from those who visit their establishments.

In front of the imposing edifice of the Temple of Opal, an immense awning has been erected between decorated pillars in the market to provide shade of the Clerics of Opal overseeing the lottery. Beneath the awning, two urns sit atop a table elevated a few feet above the ground on a wooden stage constructed for the event. The High Cleric of the Temple of Opal, Sebti the Crocodile (long may she serve the Totem's will), sits behind the table while two acolytes confer with her at either side. The urns and the Clerics are well guarded by six armed members of the Host of Bones, who stand ready to deal with any who dare approach or who might try to cheat by influencing the lottery.

Sebti the Crocodile.

Roughly one-third of Shibbati is the walled off necropolis. That's a large area, so each adventuring company that has entered the lottery will randomly assigned three sites. They must clear out one site to the satisfaction of the Clerics of Opal before receiving their next assignment. Your adventuring party is one of perhaps three dozen entering the lottery.

The following information is available to you if you meet the prerequisites or beat the DC.

The Surveyor Group, as put together by Bastion, should all be present for the lottery. Feel free to RP and establish yourselves or ask any questions I might be able to answer before the lottery begins.

Gil sits off to the side in a shady area sipping on a cool drink he picked up from a passing cart.

As far as he is concerned he is simply awaiting the results of the Lottery, not participating in all of the haughty religious rites that went alongside it. While he was secretly excited about exploring the Necroplis' ancient architecture he was careful not to let that get the best of him. The Guild had already gone out of its way to insert as many of its agents as possible into the adventuring groups that entered the lottery. The expectation was the each liaison put aside any of their personal ambitions in favor ensuring the cities best interests. That same expectation applied to Gil and he was not one to disappoint.

Take ten on knowledge local and arcana for 19. Also dotting, will have a post ready once I talk to Bastion later today hopefully.

Lilia stands in the shades (closer to the group than Gil but still in the shades(she still dislikes the desert sun)) watching everything with great curiosity, subconciously touching her pendant from time to time.

She has set quite some hope in the Lottery, the creatures living in a necopolis and the reagents used in enbalming should provide good and plenty of research material.

Bastion looked on with a stern face that hid his excitement. He had gathered a capable exploration group handpicking each for their expertise . Two other strong type for any unforeseen issues and two who were knowledgeable and offered alternative ways of dealing with threats outside of martial prowess.

" Well now, Let us hope the Lottery gives our Unit a choice pick. I would rather we discover some great tomb rather than an ancient Privy. Private Lilia you seem jittery is there an issue? "

Tobias laid sprawled out spread eagle up against a nearby building trying to get what little shade he could from the hot sun.

He hadn't wanted to attend the event. Pageantry and ceremony were very much not what a lottery was all about, furthermore, Tobias found he didn't very much care for the lottery at all. He hated games of chance, and the idea that the most interesting tombs could go to someone else didn't sit well with him at all.

Still, he had been forced to attend the event all the same by the insipid Chalcedonian bastard named Bastion. Tobias determined himself to salvage the day as best he could. Bastion may have forced him to attend, but he didn't specify in what capacity. So he whipped up a potion before heading out the door of the inn.

He lay there unable to move, mouth quite dry, as he watched two enormous kobolds waltz across the sky, while below a marching band of various fungi strolled across the square, tuting and banging bizarre instruments.

Polypurpose Panacea, not even once.

Lilia stops herself from touching her pendant.

" No, m Sir. I'm just a little nervous." She barely managed to not call him ma'am.

The High Cleric, Sebti the Crocodile, rises to her feet and surveys the crowd. She holds up her hands and the noise begins to die away. First the locals fall silent, recognizing her authority quickly. Soon the adventurers here for the lottery realize that the time has come and they, too, cease their noise.

When she speaks, Sebti the Crocodile speaks in modern Citrinic. It will be up to others to translate her words into a language others can comprehend.

"We call upon Ausar the Green-scaled (long may he guide us) and ask his blessing on this day as we peel back the veil of mysteries he originated oh so long ago. In the name of Opal, Totem of Death, Ausar the Green-scaled (long may we serve) gave us the tools of mummification and the rituals of entombment. Sadly, the Plague of Madness drove those rituals to their most extreme when the entire city of Shibbati had to be walled off during the Age of the Injured Turtle due to the Plague of Madness which infected the city's citizens. Now, many Ages later, we open the gates of that sacred necropolis for the first time. Opal, Totem of Death, guide us. Ausur the Green-scaled, fill our hearts with knowledge so we may know the difference between exploration and desecration."

Sebti the Crocodile lowers her hands as the benediction ends.

"There are three rules you must follow while you are in the necropolis. First, remember How This Came to Pass. The necropolis is a sacred place, dedicated to Opal. Those who engage in banditry and needless conflict are not only criminals but cursed. Second, Every Slave's Hut is a Memorial. The entire city is a tomb that must be preserved for reasons both sacred and historical. Vandalism and willful destruction will not be tolerated. Finally, Honor the Departed. Treat the dead with dignity and respect. If you must disturb the dead to recover a relic or antiquity, return them to their resting place. Opal strike you down should you violate these rules!"

The High Cleric waits until these rules have sunk in before she continues.

"Then let the lottery begin! Many of you have requested specific sites to explore within the necropolis. We must deny those requests and leave this matter to fate. We believe Opal is a far better judge of destiny than we of this mortal world. The gates of the evening will open at sunrise tomorrow. Use this evening to prepare yourself for the task ahead. Let the rule I have spoken guide you in your endeavors in this most holy of places. May you go with the Totem's blessing."

Sebti the Crocodile then sits down once more. Her acolytes do the actual drawing for the lottery. First, one draws a token from one urn. This token represents one of the adventuring groups who have entered the lottery. The second token represents the tomb they have been assigned. A representative from the group then steps up onto the stage and presents the token the group received during registration. Sebti the Crocodile then gives the representative a map of their assigned location within the necropolis.

The first group called to the stage are the Cryptfinders. Their representative is a human named Falto who appears to be at least of partially Obsidianu origin. The next group are the Daughters of the Desert. Their representative is a red-headed human in somewhat scanty armor named Sigrun. The third group is the Scorched Hand and their representative is a well dressed woman of obvious nobility wearing a mask of gold named Lady Velriana.

Finally, the Surveyor's Guild is called to accept their assignment.

One of you will need to go and pick up your token and map. If you want to ask any questions of Cleric Sebti at that time you can.

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Gil approaches the stage alongside whomever else to collect their assignment. While inside he is thrilled to have actually been selected to enter the Necropolis he tries his best to maintain a calm exterior. The High Cleric seemed to have very strong feelings for the tombs and would probably have some issue with a member of the Breakers Guild entering them largely unsupervised.

So once he gets up to the stage he simply waves and nods to the others that have gathered, foreigners and natives alike, offering polite greetings but otherwise remaining silent.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Dorian doesn't even seem embarrassed when he shouts "Go, Gil!" as Gil takes the token and map.

Bastion would have accompanied Gil to the stage but knew no idea what was being said and as such appointed the man to the stage. His frustrations were already mounting as the waste of space Tobias was lollygaggig around besmirching the Guild's name. However if he left the man to his own devices he would surely go off and do something worse. A spoiled brat through and through. The Tavistons were traitors for a reason.

Bastion nodded to Lilia though the hesitation was alarming. " Good then, I wish to make a good impression and have you get used to this, there may be more stressful situations in the tomb and as such is a great exercise in functionality under pressure. I look forward to your contribution. "

Off in the distance others may hear Tobias yelling, "Ey you mushroom, your head is like that of Morchella angusticeps, but your stem stucture is that of Amanita abrupta; you're woefully inconsistent! Get out of here!"

Gil returns to Bastion to deliver the token and map:

"They consider these sites sacred just so you know. She said to avoid doing anything necessary while we are there."

Dorian slaps Gil on the back. "Well, how soon can we go out? I can't wait!"

The process seems simple enough. Gil presents the wooden token that designates him as a member of the Surveyor's Guild. The acolyte checks the group token and then hands the assignment token to Sebti the Crocodile. Sebti the Crocodile then uses red ink to circle a spot on one of her many maps before handing the parchment over to Gil.

When Gil returns, he holds in hand a parchment.

The parchment map Gil holds

Exploration begins at sunrise.

I'll give you guys a chance to react, convey information RP and prepare before moving us onto the tomb entrance.

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Knowledge: Engineering: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"Sunrise tomorrow, until then you should make whatever preparations you may need. No real way to tell what we may face until we get there."

You guys are free to take 10 on most of these Knowledge checks unless we're in a combat situation. 20 if you take some time to do research.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 9 + (5) = 28

"Ey, bring me see that scroll of pepperoni there, I want to see what tomb we got. "

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Dorian will act a little disappointed that we cannot set out immediately.

"Well, okay. Where should we be at sunrise?"

Lilia takes a look at the map(over gils shoulder).

"Well I will be gone prepare my gear, where do we meet tomorow?"

I will prepare 1x cure light wounds and prepare my mutagen to give con bonus

Gil hands the map off to Dorian. "Here, see for yourself"

Bastion looked to the map as well it seemed important enough and he would be one step closer to his other goal. " Great work Private Odalis, if only SOME soldiers had the same discipline as you. " Obviously motioning to Tobias. " Private Lilia and Private Quartz preparation is the right idea for the morning, survival is key even in situation where you think you might be safe. For now could you translate all that was said to the group Private Odalis, at least until Private Taviston has... become useful again. Then we shall hand it to him I'm sure by then the knowledge he holds would be more stable. It is one of the FEW reasons I keep him around. After we have learned as much a we can the party shall meet inside the Inn and set out. "

"Well aside from your standard honorifics all she did was lay down some ground rules: don't go picking any unnecessary fights, don't break anything that doesn't need to be broken, and avoid messing with any of the tombs, er... residents unless absolutely unavoidable."

Bastion nodded at the debriefing Gil gave, " Well then as long as we abide by these rules everything else should be fair game. Let's hope this site is a well stoked and lesser on the danger scale. However I expect the worse. Fine job. The residents.. if they are walking around will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. It'll be good to stretch these muscles again and utilize Tobias for what I hired him for. " A slight smirk crested his visage as Bastion thought of the countless possibilities that lid in the tomb.

" Private Odalis, do you know much of the area we are assigned to? "

Guess I'll take 10 on that Knowledge (Engineering) now.

"It's probably booby-trapped. Beyond that no. Honestly, I'm not even sure whose tomb this is...map says it belongs to a gentleman named 'Akhanlepi' for what it's worth."

" Good so at least we aren't completely blind going into this and have an entire day to be absolutely aware of the situation. In that case assist me in gathering the rest of the Guild... just Tobias ...so that we can regroup in a place more comfortable for our planning..I would rather not roast in my uniform. " He mainly wanted help to prevent him from ringing the Taviston's neck for his showing but he would not tell that openly, though his body language was... less than amused.

With that Gil approaches Tobias:

"Lottery is over friend, how ya feelin'?"

"Arms are quite heavy, you know Gil you should have left your hair color the way it was, red doesn't suit you. Hang on a second, I brought something"

Tobias slowly lifts one arm and fumbles around his coat before finding a small vial and drinking it down. "Fun time is over I suppose."

Standing up from against the wall, Tobias takes a moment to brush off the dust that had gathered on his clothes as he lay in the street.

"I heard you mention Akhentepi just a moment ago. I'm surprised you don't know him being a native from here. Akhentepi, the Rebel Slayer! Was a pretty well known general from a few centuries back, served the last pharaohs of the Citrine Kingdom before the whole thing went to hell. Spent most of his time crushing rebel kobold uprisings in the region who tried to break away from the kingdom. He died a few years before the Plague of Madness though. Which presents us with a potential concern, Akhentepi would have been fairly wealthy, and his tomb should be totally sealed. We can expect traps."

Gil is forced into stunned silence at the sudden burst of lucidity from the man. On top of that he offered a whole slue of new information that Gil only vaguely recalled from the stories of his childhood.

When he is finally able to respond all Gil can muster is: "That sounds like something Master Raphiel would like to hear about. Speaking of: he wants everyone to gather up so that we can go over our options before we set out tomorrow."

Tobias opens his coat to reveal another small vial.

"Don't you tempt me Gil, this street is suprisingly comfortable."

"I could say the same to you, I don't mind carrying ya if it comes to that."

"Hah, no doubt you could too. Fine, fine, if I'm to be forced I might as well do it on my own two legs. Are you ready for an eventful evening listening to a Chalcedonian repeat the same plan for tomorrow for the next three hours? I can't wait, personally."

Small terminology note, Tobias. The people of Krystallos don't mark time in centuries but, rather, in Ages. 250 years instead of 100. I apologize for being anal here but I'm hoping the proper terminology helps set the world mood.

Bastion has paid for a small group of suites at the Kobold's Tail Inn. Well, in a side building they've rented for the influx of guests they're getting due to the lottery. It consists of a central chamber the size of a living room - there's a low lying table and pillows for sitting on there - and several "rooms" off of this which are essentially closets with beds tossed in. It isn't comfortable but it is private.

I'll hold off on advancing you forward to the tomb for now, to give everyone a chance to RP and to give Bastion a chance to order his troop, if need be. I'm enjoying your RP thus far!

"Having a basic plan would certainly help us, telling each outher what we can do would also be usefull and refreshing my knowlege of undead would be appreciated"

Lilia knows only the bare basics about undead, because they are very uncommon in the swamps, carnivous plants and slimes are not very picky and the swamp itself is always hungry.

does taking 10 on Knowlege(Nature) tell me anything about the more natural creatures we are likely to encounter?

"Right then, up you go." says Gil as he helps Tobias to his feet. "Keep an open mind, maybe you'll end up enjoying it."

I'll accompany the group with their planning but retire to my own abode for the evening.

Bastion sighed but gathered up the rest to the secluded room he had rented. It was small and cramped but it was the best he could procure for the price. His eyes went alight as Tobias was brought forth by Gil meaning all persons were accounted for.

He laid the map out upon the table for everyone to see and pointed to a corner than held various supplies. " Alright then. As everyone is present we can make ourselves the most prepared state possible for maximum success. I will allow each to state their knowledge and in lieu of that your current specialties and areas of comfort so that we are aware of both the weaknesses and strengths. This will increase Survivability. "

He looked around the room at each on and pointed at Tobias. " Since you seemed so talkative during the Lottery, why dont you go first Private Taviston? I'm sure you have a plethora of knowledge to impart upon us and certain skills so that we know WHERE to place you in the Tomb. "

Tobias winces noticeably at the words Private Taviston, "Tobias will suffice, please."

Stepping forwards and setting his pack onto the table Tobias begins to place objects on the table, "As you are all aware, I am a Taviston, and that carries a certain responsibility to be well-read, as I'm sure you all are. As such I have a wide range of applicable skills and knowledge."

"The works I am most familiar with include, but is not limited to,
Taviston's Tales: Alchemy Revisited, Magic from the Mundane;
Taviston's Tales: On Mysticism and the Occult;
Taviston's Tales: Architecture, Engineering, and Public Works of the Amethystian Empire;
Taviston's Tales: On the Geography of Krystallos, 3rd Edition;
Taviston's Tales: Krystallos' History, a primer; 2nd Edition;
Taviston's Tales: The Citrine Sultanate, at a Glance;
Taviston's Tales: Flora and Fauna of Krystallos, 5th Edition;
Taviston's Tales: On Politics and Governments of Krystallos, 2nd Edition;
Taviston's Tales: The Glorious Totems and their Icons, 2nd Edition;
Taviston's Tales: Espionage, Sabotage, and General Purpose Law-Breaking"

As Tobias continues on he sets on the table various vials and flasks.

"As such I believe you will find me adequately acquainted with a majority of tasks, including disarming locks and traps. As well as Identifying, hopefully, the majority of entities we may encounter whilst inside the city walls. I also posses a certain flair for Alchemy, which is, after all; the noblest science."

Tobias then begins to point at each vial he has set on the table, along with some circular metal balls.

"On my person, you will find,
Alchemist's Fire, three;
Acid Flask, three;
Antiplague;
Antitoxin;
Troll Styptic;
Two Potions of Cure Light Wounds;
a Flask of Shard Gel;
Two Flash Powder;
a Tanglefoot Bag;
Four Iron Pellet Grenades;
a Fuse Grenade;
Impact Foam;
and Liquid Ice.

"When it comes to fighting, I have been trained by some of the combat manuals printed by my family, of course. In addition to some private tutoring in my youth. As such, I hope to be able to hold my own in a fight if it comes to it, but I am green when it comes to combat outside of sparring."

Nodding to Bastion, "I hope this is adequate information? Is there anything else you require of me?"

"Wow, Tobias. That's just so... so accomplished sounding. I'm light on my feat and good with my rapier, but... but... but, if you need a legal document, I know how to do that too!"

Bastion raised an eyebrow at the information dump that Tobias seemed to show to the rest of the group. quite verbose this one but he clearly knew his stuff. This of course might have overwhelmed the other recruits in comparison but Bastion would see to it that is less of an issue. He gave a curt nod, acknowledging his prowess in intellectual pursuits. " Yes Private Taviston, you have shown your exemplary skills in both background and current information as well as choice ability that will be good for tomb-raiding. However I did notice you lack of combat experience would need to be worked on, nor did I hear the essential picks of Torch, Flint and Tender nor Rope. Obviously thee items would weigh down your less than soldier trained body. However, you show an air of preparedness, much like your lineage. You shall be at the middle ranks when we travel. "

Bastion then looked to Dorian, " Do not discourage yourself, a man of few words is no lesser to a braggart. Sometimes those with simpler design are even better. Unlike myself, you are particularly swift and in a unit there needs to be one who is martially trained but agile rather than using brute force, much like I was trained. Variety and versatility is king when it comes to the unknown, only trumped by adaptability. Your skills will be what keeps those like Private Taviston Alive. I assume you understand Private Quartz?" The gruff Sergeant stared with analytical eyes as he scans the rest, " Who shall be net? "

Forced to sit on a crate lest one of the taverns flimsy chairs were to break under his massive frame, Gil shifts uncomfortably before speaking:

"Well I know buildings and the like pretty well and I'm uh...big"

Lilia sits on a chair(she is taller than Gil but way lighter), even if the chair is unconfortable by being too small for her.

"I am an Alchemist, that means I can brew potions and craft usefull things. I carry some Acid, Oil and Alchemist's Fire and my bombs. I have a basic training in healing, wilderness survival and the theory of magic and know how to defend myself with knifes or a Blowgun (with poisoned darts). My Mutagen can make me quite tough and resilient, but I prefer to fight at mid range.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 9 + (6) = 33

"Gil sells himself short. Gil is a member of the Shibbati Breaker's Guild, demolition specialists, responsible for the clearing of derelict buildings here in Shibbati to pave way for new construction. As such he possesses intrinsic knowledge of building construction, and especially structural points and weaknesses. If there is a part of a tomb that's unsafe, Gil undoubtedly will see it first; and if there is a door I can't open, Gil no doubt can."

"The same is true of Ms. Lilia, as an Amazonite she must have passed her trials into adulthood which include surviving the harsh Amazonian wilds on her own. Her knowledge of wilderness and swamp survival is far more than basic as she lets on. "

Knowing things, it's my job. Knowledge is power!

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