** spoiler omitted **
Amunet-Ra takes a look wether she can see something through the fog or if there are any gaps.
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 19And if it is poisonous:
[dice=kn:dungeoneering]1d20 + 16
The elf can vaguely discern some half-dozen or so humanoid shapes on the other side of the barrier, seemingly gathered in an attitude of cautious observation not unlike that of her own companions.
The gas is definitely poisonous.
"Yes, they are on the other side of the mist, and would like to know who we are, and how we got here." Hamza says, continuing to translate.
Hamza, tell us. Is it friendly? Or do we have another fight on our hands?** spoiler omitted **
The gases are poisonous. Walking through might harm us. There are probably 6 or so of them on the other side.
She states all of this very calmly, as a matter of fact, then, with some more emotion adds:
Can't they speak the trading tongue? Or Nibenese? The interesting question is how they got there, who they exactly are and why they are there. The number of strangers and delegations down here is really amazing.
She looks at Hamza directly:
You may tell them we are a mixed delegation investigating the curious events down here. Unfortunately we don't have any trading goods with us at the moment, but we could arrange for some trading later and are open to negotiations.
Then at the rest of the group again:
Walking through there might proof difficult because of the poison. Teleporting there one after another might be too dangerous, in case they are hostile. Perhaps we can see how the situation enfolds.
"What is the source of the poison?" Raxus asked. "Where is it coming from?"
The fog itself is poisonous. Such vapors are not uncommon underground. Although in here it might be worth to take a closer look.
Amunet-Ra inspects the source of the vapor as far as she can make it out.
Brace yourselves, I'm going to attempt to clear the mist...
Rokan grabs ahold of the still, subterranean air in his mind and begins to force it to flow backwards rapidly.
Hamza, tell us. Is it friendly? Or do we have another fight on our hands?** spoiler omitted **
[dice=Intelligence]1d20+5
The psion's mind wanders back to the meeting on the previous afternoon in the Pavilion of Mercy, the mobile palace of Faalcuun the Majestic, former apprentice of the Dread King Dregoth of Giustenal.
He remembers the words of Faalcuun's emissary Nalcaros to the kreen magic user Pak'cha:
Pak'cha wrote:
Before he arrives at the Pavillion, Pak activates the Conceal Thoughts power and casts Mage Armor in case battle is to be joined. Sleight of Hand - cast Mage Armor 1d20+9Pak'cha speaks, "Forgive this intrusion Falcuun, the Lady Almah was getting worried that there was no response form her initial delegation and bade we come to inquire as to what the delay in negotiations could be.
It is clear by your demonstration that what we are involved in is no petty dispute over the ownership of ruins and trade routes. You have shown this to our delegation for a reason, I beg your indulgence to explain once more what you seek from House Vordon and what the House as well as what we as delegates can expect in return for any services you may wish us to render or rights you wish for the House to accede.
Furthermore, if this is indeed what you state, a gate to another world, who or what is now operating this gate?
And what is that object?..."
Knowledge Engineering - What is that which just came through the gate? 1d20+9
Pak takes in the demonstration and tries to square what he has seen with what he already knows...
Lore - Blue Age 1d20 + 10
Knowledge History 1d20 + 9
Knowledge Arcana the orbs 1d20+9
Knowledge Psionics the orbs 1d20+8Falcuun's appearance is off putting even to Pak, what the hell is he?
Knowledge Nature 1d20+9
Knowledge Arcana 1d20+9
Knowledge Psionics 1d20+8
My apologies, I got so caught up in answering all the knowledge checks, I overlooked your character had asked a questionThe hideous, bloated mass upon the throne continues to wheeze, and his emissary, the small, black-skinned creature known as Nalcaros of Ebe, speaks on his behalf.
"Very well, Faalcuun cares not who undertakes this important venture, so long as its aims are accomplished. He will offer his benediction to you as well, to strengthen you for your task."
"As to your mission -- the Great Orrery must be closed to prevent the ingress of hostile powers to Athas. The bard speaks the truth, in that the Dragon of Tyr himself, the invincible Borys, as well as Dregoth, Hamanu the Lion or Urik, and the Shadow King Nibenay, at the very least, have dispatched forces that will arrive in the next few days to seek an advantage in the unfolding crisis. If they are able, they will use the device to obtain a 'greater seed' from one of the worlds accessible through the gates."
"The sorcerer-queen's presence forbids my master from entering the city, for she requires a new body of sufficient power to contain her terrible mind. Your more limited vessels will not tempt her possession, and so you may pass within the domain of the Orrery without fear, treading where my master may not."
"The Great Orrery consists of two halves -- the skein and the circlets."
"The first, the skein, is the network of obsidian orbs which you witnessed in operation -- they number in the thousands, if not millions, and are housed in a central reservoir far, far below the city when not active."
"Moreover, they are of several degrees, with some orbs containing greater minds than others -- and are under the ultimate aegis of the Orbs of Kalid-Ma, a pentad of the most powerful such spheres, the greatest of which houses the disembodied mind of the defeated sorcerer-queen herself."
"The latter component are the circlets, a number of ring-shaped passages to other lands and worlds which are opened by the power of the skein."
"The power of the skein is channeled through a group of five pylons spaced equidistantly throughout the city, with the central spire rising from the Temple of the Great Mother, in whose depths the sorcerer-queen once made her dwelling. Far, far beneath this structure lies the reservoir in which the greater mass of the orbs which comprise the skein are collected. Further, each of the pylons contains the key to awakening and subduing one of the Orbs of Kalid-Ma. The four lesser pylons must be deactivated before the central plinth within the temple may be approached and returned to dormancy."
"The operations of the gate are significant but focused, for when the skein opens a gate, it cannot maintain the sphere wall around the perimeter of the city, which accounts for the success of the other sorcerer-kings in their ancient assault on Kalid-Ma -- for they attacked when she had opened the gate to the world which held one of the greater seeds."
"However, now that the gate has closed, the only way to enter the city is through the Great War Gate, or, it is rumored, through a network of underground corridors. Otherwise, you must wait until the device begins to operate once again, perhaps unleashing even greater terrors."
"As my master has explained, the Orrery extends its reach further and further with each revolution -- the next concordance when it opens anew will doubtless bring some new power from beyond the dark barrier with which Rajaat's celestial champions encased the system surrounding Athas' crimson sun."
"In return for your aid, Faalcuun the Mighty will strengthen you with the power of the Pavilion, and also offer much-needed intelligence for your quest to restore the power of House Vordon in Kelmarane. The gnolls who now rule the trading post are no mere tribe, and are guided by a greater malevolence whose overthrow will only be accomplished with the intelligence my master is able to supply."
It seems likely that this delegation are the aforementioned servants of Nibenay who Nalcaros indicated would arrive soon, though their appearance seems quite soon, only a day after the meeting with Faalcuun, instead of several days...
The gases are poisonous. Walking through might harm us. There are probably 6 or so of them on the other side.
She states all of this very calmly, as a matter of fact, then, with some more emotion adds:
Can't they speak the trading tongue? Or Nibenese? The interesting question is how they got there, who they exactly are and why they are there. The number of strangers and delegations down here is really amazing.
She looks at Hamza directly:
You may tell them we are a mixed delegation investigating the curious events down here. Unfortunately we don't have any trading goods with us at the moment, but we could arrange for some trading later and are open to negotiations.Then at the rest of the group again:
Walking through there might proof difficult because of the poison. Teleporting there one after another might be too dangerous, in case they are hostile. Perhaps we can see how the situation enfolds.
The fog itself is poisonous. Such vapors are not uncommon underground. Although in here it might be worth to take a closer look.
Amunet-Ra inspects the source of the vapor as far as she can make it out.
[dice=Perception]1d20+19
The source of the noxious gasses is a series of fissures gouged out of the rock of the tunnel floor. These rough intrusions into the stone spew forth a continuous stream of acrid yellow smog that draws a thick veil over the rocky corridor of the tomb. It is apparently a series of solfaratas, a volcanic area or vent that yields only hot vapors and sulfurous gases.
The vapoours are coming out of fissures in the ground. If we could seal them, at least temporarily, we could pass safely as well. Sealing them could have different effects, like pressure building underneath, though.
Rokan's eyes light up as his expression conveys a sudden realization or remembrance.
Everyone, I've just recalled something and believe I know who these new entities in the mist are! Faalcuun, the one who dispatched my original delegation to investigate the happenings at Kalidnay and ultimately seal the newly opened gate, informed me that agents of the Shadow King would arrive in some days time to try to gain their own advantage from other worlds via the gate. It appears they've arrived much sooner that he expected. They will most certainly oppose our efforts to close the gate. I think I have a way to clear the mists and remove their advantage.
Rokan's eyes light up as his expression conveys a sudden realization or remembrance.
Everyone, I've just recalled something and believe I know who these new entities in the mist are! Faalcuun, the one who dispatched my original delegation to investigate the happenings at Kalidnay and ultimately seal the newly opened gate, informed me that agents of the Shadow King would arrive in some days time to try to gain their own advantage from other worlds via the gate. It appears they've arrived much sooner that he expected. They will most certainly oppose our efforts to close the gate. I think I have a way to clear the mists and remove their advantage.
The dense billowing sheets of acrid ochre fog coil and whether like a living beast suddenly beset by its death throes, and unwilling peacefully to accept the foresshortening of its mortal tenure. Resistant to the force of mental manipulation, they part only by degrees and slowly and fitfully, struggling insistently against their occult displacement.
Gradually, the unwilling clouds part to reveal a small company of seven individuals, apparently humanoid, despite their features largely lying unseen beneath a dense artificial carapace of ornamental armor.
One of the seven stands before the rest of its companions.
Its breastplate or cuirass is made of two large, leather-lined iron plates. Other parts are of small lacquered iron plates laced together with silk cord in parallel rows. Metal splints linked by chain cover sleeves of blue brocade fabric. Colored lacquer and maki-e designs executed with gold and silver powders are used for the breastplate decoration.
Divided into two welded metal sections, the cuirass can easily be put on and removed. Its solidity also provides superior protection. A divided skirt, suspended from the breastplate, allows the soldier to twist, turn, or jump on his horse, while affording protection for the hips and thighs. Completing the protective gear are shoulder guards, arm covers, thigh armor worn under the skirt, and shin guards. Constructed from thin strips of lacquered iron joined with braided silk lacing, these parts are flexible and relatively lightweight.
An elaborate figure decorates the front of the cuirass.
Very wrathful, blue in colour, with one face, three eyes, hair flowing upward and two hands, he holds aloft the flaming sword of wisdom in the right hand. With the left placed at the heart in a wrathful gesture he holds a lasso. Adorned with a crown of skulls and gold and jewel ornaments, earrings and necklaces he wears a scarf of silk and a lower garment of tiger skin. Kneeling with the left knee pressed down and the right raised he dwells upon a sun and lotus seat as if about to stand, completely surrounded by the flames of pristine coloration.
Other elements of the design create a distinctive appearance for the soldier who wears this armor. The bright blue lacing and the running, sword-wielding figure painted on the breastplate are both eye-catching and showy. The rich materials and colors used here suggest the wealth and status of the wearer.
Ri'Kli'Klek lands a little off to one side and stands still, observing these new strangers. Was it some sort of strange fate that he should be awakened just as so many breached the tombs?
...how many might have done so without awakening him?
I'm not surprised. City-dwellers are city dwellers, ever ready to betray their own mothers even for the illusion of power. So they gather to haggle with their very own demise. Ridiculous. Are going to fight them or do you want to have a talk first?
Hamza here seems to know more about them? Are you related to them somehow? Should we fight, which side will you stand on? Is there even a chance we don't fight them? Certainly they have some ridiculous demands.
Amunet-Ra shifts her feet in an impatient way on the stone floor of the cave, planting them firmly on the ground in a casual yet ready stance as she speaks.
Hamza, still in his guise as a merchant, sighs loudly. "Perhaps you missed it earlier, but House Minakshi is mercantile family. I speak their dialect because Nibenay is a trading powerhouse. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not my fault none of you are cultured or educated enough to know their tongue."
"When I went to sleep, the language did not exist," Ri'Kli'Klek observes.
At least we now see them fully.
He then mentally sends a missive directly to Hamza.
Hamza, how have you parlayed with them thus far? Do they have demands of us? Have they revealed plans related to the gates that we might want to prevent?
"Do you wish them dead?" Raxus asked, still palming a half-ton stone like a child's ball.
"I have not yet replied to their asking who we are. I will attempt to avoid combat, but be ready for one, just in case." Hamza says to Rokan.
Turning his attention to the just revealed group, the merchant addresses the person in the ornate armor. "Greetings, my name is Hamza Minakshi, of House Minakshi. I speak for this group. Ee are a mixed delegation investigating the curious events down here. Unfortunately we don't have any trading goods with us at the moment, but we could arrange for some trading later and are open to negotiations."
"I have not yet replied to their asking who we are. I will attempt to avoid combat, but be ready for one, just in case." Hamza says to Rokan.
Turning his attention to the just revealed group, the merchant addresses the person in the ornate armor. "Greetings, my name is Hamza Minakshi, of House Minakshi. I speak for this group. Ee are a mixed delegation investigating the curious events down here. Unfortunately we don't have any trading goods with us at the moment, but we could arrange for some trading later and are open to negotiations."
The figure standing at the front of the party, arrayed in the elaborate cuirass, responds to the disguised demon after a short pause, as if considering its next words carefully. Its utterances echo in a disquieting drone within the metallic vaults of the ornamented helmet before issuing forth to Hamza's hearing,
"House Mīnakshi... so your party hails from the city-state of Raam? It is pleasing to find that we share a common enterprise, for our company are emissaries of House Shom of Nibenay, the principle mercantile establishment of the venerable metropolis."
"Having received word from our agents in the port of Cromlin regarding unexpected skimmers passing through our trade routes at night, the Lord Mandarin Niowanggiyan Batu dispatched both myself and these worthy friends to investigate the matter. We tracked the surreptitious smugglers to Balic, and then followed their trail to these ruins."
"And so I, Giotoho Alin, the Beggar of the Mountains, am now here, and my worthy associates are also here, and this is the place where we have met you, Hamza Mīnakshi, face to face."
"And, pray tell, how did an inhabitant of distant Ramm find himself in these climes? The tale must be worth the telling and the hearing."
"I have not yet replied to their asking who we are. I will attempt to avoid combat, but be ready for one, just in case." Hamza says to Rokan.
Turning his attention to the just revealed group, the merchant addresses the person in the ornate armor. "Greetings, my name is Hamza Minakshi, of House Minakshi. I speak for this group. Ee are a mixed delegation investigating the curious events down here. Unfortunately we don't have any trading goods with us at the moment, but we could arrange for some trading later and are open to negotiations."
Pef-aa-khons-Phrahiunamif-Pa-du-pthah, draconic eidolon of Itzpapalotlilamatecuhtli-Aghathlelb, the Intellect-Devourer who appears to serve as the tiefling Fenriz-Bilé's chamberlain, as well as one of the chief inductees of the demon's Ymeri-worshiping Cult of the Auroric Inferno, once again plies Hamza relentless for information,
"Ack! Who are these new intruders, demon?"
The voice of the eidolon assumes a hushed, conspiratorial tone,
"I do not recognize their manner or their mien! This is most displeasing to the Master. Our sacred halls have been profaned by many feet in these few moons!"
"Forgive me my friends, but my companions are uneducated, and lacking culturally. Thus, they do not speak your tongue, so I must translate for them."
** spoiler omitted **
Jimbli shrugs off Hamza's slights...
"They may be from a mercantile house, but they are here...."
He leaves it to Hamza to infer his implication.
Jimbli eyes Giotoho as he asks "Are they still tracking their quarry, or has the trail gone cold? Not the safest place to wander aimlessly."
Jimbli shrugs off Hamza's slights...
"They may be from a mercantile house, but they are here...."
He leaves it to Hamza to infer his implication.Jimbli eyes Giotoho as he asks "Are they still tracking their quarry, or has the trail gone cold? Not the safest place to wander aimlessly."
[dice=sense motive]1d20+12
The halfling detects an unmistakable hint of subterfuge. Giotoho also seems mysteriously interested, perhaps too much so, in the fact of Hamza's connection to Raam.
Turning his attention briefly to the unseen presence, Hamza asks.
"They claim they are tracking smugglers, but I am not so sure. If they turn hostile, will you aid us in defending the scared temple?"
Turning his attention briefly to the unseen presence, Hamza asks.
** spoiler omitted **
"Tracking smugglers? An explanation that raises additional questions, to be sure. What contraband, praytell, as might these vagabonds have been pursuing? Ask them demon, so that I might know. Rest assured, young demon, that I will aid you so long as the desires of your heart, mind, and body flow in the same courses as those of the Master."
Turning back to the Nibenese envoy Hamza inquires about their quarry.
"Who were these smugglers, and what had they stolen? Have you caught them yet or are they still at large? While I do not doubt your prowess, this ruin does not seem to be the type one wanders about aimlessly."
Rokan looks at Jimbli, and then back to Hamza. Hmm... I'm having trouble with this as anything more than a flimsy cover story over their knowing of the goings-on at Kalidnay, and wanting to extract some advantage from that situation. Hamza, what is the other language and recipient of your other discourse? One party you address is obvious, but then you turn your attention to one unseen by me.
Rokan opens his minds eye and scans for additional interlopers...
Still standing stock-still, Ri'Kli'Klek says, "It should not be possible for the defenses here to be active and yet for others to use this place to hide. Did they not find it difficult to enter this place?"
Rokan looks at Jimbli, and then back to Hamza. Hmm... I'm having trouble with this as anything more than a flimsy cover story over their knowing of the goings-on at Kalidnay, and wanting to extract some advantage from that situation. Hamza, what is the other language and recipient of your other discourse? One party you address is obvious, but then you turn your attention to one unseen by me.
Rokan opens his minds eye and scans for additional interlopers...
Jimbli pinches the fingers of one hand together at the center of his brow, pulls them outward as if tugging a string, then splays his fingers. There is a brief and barely visible glittery puff which expands then disappears.
Jimbli pinches the fingers of one hand together at the center of his brow, pulls them outward as if tugging a string, then splays his fingers. There is a brief and barely visible glittery puff which expands then disappears.
Amunet-Ra, not harboring any prejudice at all, looks strangely satisfied. Or more like someone who feels confirmed. She looks around between her companions and the group on the other side of the vapors as well as Hamza, who now stands in the spotlight.
It is indeed very curious how some seem to be able to enter this place like it's their home. We used a kreen carapace armor to open the door, but still triggered the traps. What did they do?
Jimbli notes the hidden figure Hamza is speaking with, but says nothing about it. Keeping an eye on it for now is enough.
He sends a quick telepathic message to Hamza. "Giotoho hiding something. Too interested in your connection to Raam."
He nods to Rokan, and shrugs at Amunet-Ra "Language barrier on top of being shady." He shakes his head. "I'd prefer a clear enemy to this awkwardness."
...and then out loud to the group "Well.. are we done here? If we aren't going to trade, join, or kill them.. I think we should be off."
Turning back to the Nibenese envoy Hamza inquires about their quarry.
** spoiler omitted **
"The nature of their contraband is... mysterious, Hamza of the House Mīnakshi of Raam. By luck and perseverance, one of our guard battalions at Cromlin apprehended a campsite of theirs, a quickly deserted Silt Islet. There, they discovered only several peculiar containers of beetles. This cargo is all we have apprehended. It is not that they have stolen aught of House Shom's property, but rather that they have infringed upon its ancient privileges with regard to the approved trade routes of the Tablelands. We suspect they may be attempting to smuggle some of this enigmatic freight into Nibenay, though for what reason... it is difficult to imagine."
Amunet-Ra begins to look annoyed and a bit helpless, since she can't judge the situation at all. She looks over to Rokan and Jimbli and begins to unassumingly motion with her hand while talking.
Mh right Jimbli. We could continue, but it seems there are some longer negotiations going on, so we could as well sit down and have some tea, what do you think?
What's going on here? Do you understand anything? Can we trust him and them?
Rokan gets the message and decides to reply simply, telepathically, to Amunet.