"Have you thus not yet caught these smugglers? If you have not, what are intentions now?"
[dice=Int(16)]1d20+3
The words of Giotoho Alin, the Beggar of the Mountains, emissary of House Shom of the city-state of Nibenay quickly brings to mind the mission that brought Cae to the ruins of Kalidnay.
Members of a faction of Balic's Veiled Alliance known as the Pistoi Angeleollenikoi, a sect which includes the members of House Nicephorus including Cae's mistress Arsione and her mother Persephone, the 'Stalwart' or 'Faithful' in the common Trade Tongue of the Tablelands, their motives and methods have increasingly diverged from those of their confederates. Determined to directly oppose the tyrant Adrophinus, the members of the Pistoi Angeleollenikoi have secretly cultivated their own power within a camp hidden deep amid the ruins of ancient Kalidnay. There, in concert with mysterious powers, they have begun to breed, raise, and circulate the abominations known as the beetles of Shafqat-Rekhta, a genus of insects whose presence dampens nearby psionic and magical abilities. The Pistoi Angeleollenikoi hope to employ these creatures in a violent coup against the Tyrant of Balic.
However, the current report of this Giotoho Alin of House Shom indicates that the conspiracy of the Pistoi Angeleollenikoi may extend beyond their attempted revolt in Balic. Indeed, if the stranger's words are correct, it appears that this fanatical sect of which Arsione is a key functionary, may nurse similar designs against the other sorcerer monarchs of the Tablelands...
** spoiler omitted **
"Know, Hamza Mīnakshi of the House Mīnakshi of the city-state of Raam, that I, Giotoho Alin of House Shom of the city-state of Nibenay, and my fellow subjects of the Shadow King Nibenay of the city that bears his name, have not yet discovered these brazen interlopers upon our great sorcererous patron's rightful and long-held trade routes."
"However, we are persistent hounds of the King of Shadows, and shall not be turned aside by length or trial. "
"But, again, I ask you, what has brought your company to these strange halls?"
"For our part, the trail of the smugglers led to these strange tombs. It appears that the expedition upon whose trail we are set camped in the dunes outside the city several days past, and then descended into these halls..."
Rilkus nodded. He closed his eyes, concentrating. Within seconds his form shimmered until it became insubstantial. He had taken the form of an air elemental. The dwarf hovered above the ground. Telepathically he said to Jimbli:
”I am ready.”
"Thus have I heard, son of stone, and brother of the mountains..."
"Know that Rilkus had opened a magical gateway through the living stone to the tomb of Kla'Tra'I, Trapmaster of the Red God Dargulin -- or so claimed the arcane prayers written in ancient kreen on the sides of the sepulcher, and deciphered by the elf Amunet-Ra of the Serpent Singer tribe, and Ri'Kli'Klek, the kreen warrior who had awoken from his sleep within these ancient mortuaries."
"These magical writings not only identified the tomb as that of the Trapmaster of the Six Fingers, the hextad of the greatest priests of the ancient master nature bender Dargulin, a kreen of the Blue Age who had learned the corruption of naturebending at the feet of the pyreen Rajaat, but also spoke of the cult of Ymeri, the Princess of Evil Creature of Elemental Fire. Apparently, those ancient kreen who had constructed this tomb also included evil clerics of Elemental Fire."
"Upon avoiding an impending trap by the ingenuity of the halfling Jimbli Willit, the company were confronted by a wall of acrid yellow smog. This was pealed aside to reveal a party of travelers of House Shom of the city-state of Nibenay."
"Their spokesperson, in conversation with the cloaked strange Hamza, identified himself as Giotoho Alin of House Shom, and his mission as the protection of the hereditary trade rights of his merchant employers. House Shom's port on the Silt Sea, known as Cromlin, was recent trespassed by smugglers from the south. These left behind a strange cargo of insects in the camp which House Shom's servants intercepted, but no other hint as to their designs and purposes. Following the trail, Giotoho Alin and the other servants of House Shom tracked these smugglers to the ruins of Kalidnay."
"And now they stand face to face with a party from Raam and Tyr, including the dwarf Rilkus."
In spite of the description, Raxus still felt he had little idea of what was going on. The names and places meant nothing to him. Still, he was used to being used as a weapon, and cared little for whom he was aimed at so long as they were not children or other innocents.
It was only a matter of time before his skills were needed. Until then, he would wait and listen.
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[dice=Int check (below 11)]1d20
In spite of the description, Raxus still felt he had little idea of what was going on. The names and places meant nothing to him. Still, he was used to being used as a weapon, and cared little for whom he was aimed at so long as they were not children or other innocents.
It was only a matter of time before his skills were needed. Until then, he would wait and listen.
The words of Giotoho Alin, the Beggar of the Mountains, emissary of House Shom of the city-state of Nibenay quickly brings to mind the mission that brought Raxus to the ruins of Kalidnay.
Members of a faction of Balic's Veiled Alliance known as the Pistoi Angeleollenikoi, a sect which includes the members of House Nicephorus including Raxus' forner mistress Arsione and her mother Persephone, the 'Stalwart' or 'Faithful' in the common Trade Tongue of the Tablelands, their motives and methods have increasingly diverged from those of their confederates among the Preservers of Balic.
Determined to directly oppose the tyrant Adrophinus, the members of the Pistoi Angeleollenikoi have secretly cultivated their own power within a camp hidden deep amid the ruins of ancient Kalidnay. There, in concert with mysterious powers, they have begun to breed, raise, and circulate the abominations known as the beetles of Shafqat-Rekhta, a genus of insects whose presence dampens nearby psionic and magical abilities.
The Pistoi Angeleollenikoi hope to employ these creatures in a violent coup against the Tyrant of Balic.
However, the current report of this Giotoho Alin of House Shom indicates that the conspiracy of the Pistoi Angeleollenikoi may extend beyond their attempted revolt in Balic.
Indeed, if the stranger's words are correct, it appears that this fanatical sect of which Arsione is a key functionary, may nurse similar designs against the other sorcerer monarchs of the Tablelands...
As the negotiations went on in Nibenese, Rilkus crossed his stony arms. He reached out with his mind to pick up on whether these servants of merchants planned any harm to them behind their polite words.
1st Round: Presence or absence of thoughts (from conscious creatures with Intelligence scores of 1 or higher).
2nd Round: Number of thinking minds and the Intelligence score of each. If the highest Intelligence is 26 or higher (and at least 10 points higher than your own Intelligence score), you are stunned for 1 round and the spell ends. This spell does not let you determine the location of the thinking minds if you can’t see the creatures whose thoughts you are detecting.
3rd Round: Surface thoughts of any mind in the area. A target’s Will save prevents you from reading its thoughts, and you must cast detect thoughts again to have another chance. Creatures of animal intelligence (Int 1 or 2) have simple, instinctual thoughts.
Each round, you can turn to detect thoughts in a new area. The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
As the negotiations went on in Nibenese, Rilkus crossed his stony arms. He reached out with his mind to pick up on whether these servants of merchants planned any harm to them behind their polite words.
** spoiler omitted **
Turning to his companions Hamza translates "It would appear they are tracking smugglers who violated trade routes. They haven't caught them yet."
"Several of my companions are investigating the curious events down here. Honestly, I have just met up with them myself, so I am not completely sure just what said 'curious events' are. As to what I am doing down here, I am tasked with solidifying a trade alliance for my elders in Raam."
Turning to his companions Hamza translates "It would appear they are tracking smugglers who violated trade routes. They haven't caught them yet."
** spoiler omitted **
Giotoho chuckles as he replies in a slightly chiding manner,
"But a trade alliance with whom, Hamza of the House Mīnakshi? What merchants are in these ruins? A wiser man might imagine you were attempting to conceal some delicate matter with these evasive replies to my honest queries!"
my people care little about trade routes. Are they searching for them? Or someone who came from down here? And what did they smuggle? Perhaps we might actual offer or aid, for a prize of course... But speed this up a bit, it's most certainly not wise to pause here for a long time.
"It is troublesome that so many are come to this place. We must make certain those that sleep here remain sleeping. Are these to be certain they do not wake them?"
Hamza taps his nose at Giotoho's question. "My friend, we have just met, and you expect me to reveal all my secrets? Just know that these 'ruins' are vast, and I assure you that have not explored every corner yet."
Pausing, he listens to his companions commentary. "Those I am with seem to think it best not to tarry here much longer and I'm inclined to agree with them. Where will you go from here?"
** spoiler omitted **
Suddenly, the voice of Giotoho enters Hamza's mind, unbidden assuming a strikingly different tongue and a tonal register:
"Once again, a most evasive answer, Hamza of the House Mīnakshi! Know that your machinations are not hidden from us, and that none shall turn aside the will of the one who rules the sleeping city."
"I see that you have somehow acquired two of the half-men we traded to the tiefling and his minions in exchange for passage through his domain."
"If, indeed, you have entered these premises in alliance with the tiefling that rules the diamond mines, then we have bartered with the same toll master, and have no need for quarrel with you or yours."
"We should pass unmolested and be about our business, and you may pursue yours, if it does not hinder ours."
"Great changes are coming soon to Raam. You will do well to heed the warnings of those who shall soon rule its streets."
"It's quite rude to enter one's mind uninvited. I would appreciate it if you would gain permission next time. As for my city, we shall see what happens when it happens, yes? With that, I bid you adieu." The young man replies with a slight bow.
To his companions he says aloud "Shall we continue? They are going to go their way, and we ours."
** spoiler omitted **
To his companions he says aloud "Shall we continue? They are going to go their way, and we ours."
As Giotoho finishes his menacing reply, Hamza recalls the following exchange with the tiefling soul merchant who refers to himself as the Master of the Aerie,
"This unwelcome trespass upon my domain has also brought unwelcome attention from outside quarters. Dregoth's former apprentice, a sniveling creature known as Faalcuun, has camped upon my doorstep, and the sorcerer-kings and queens of Nibenay, Urik, and Raam have already doubtless dispatched their own servants to Kalidnay. It is said the former ruler of the city, Kalid-Ma, attempted to use the Grand Orrery to open a door to a world containing an artifact that could speed the dragon metamorphosis process."
"It is now apparent to you, I suppose, why the reawakening of the city if of great interest to many parties -- particularly Dregoth, former ruler of Giustenal by the Silt Sea."
"As of yet, only several of Dregoth's servants, a seemingly newly-created race of reptilian creatures who call themselves dray have been detected. They parlayed, absent my permission, with several of my servants, who have been punished. Yet the dray passed into the city, and their ends and abilities remain unknown. They have manifested impressive powers of illusion that allow them to change their appearance."
"An large embassy of House Vordon, the merchant house of Tyr that was borne in Kalidnay, is also now ensconced on the edges of the ruins. Several of their members accosted my servants, but then left before they were escorted to my presence. My servant Itzpapalotlilamatecuhtli-Aghathlelb," he gestures at one of the devourers who currently wears the body of morlock mystic,"assures me that these hirelings of the merchant house are in a camp of the Serpent Singer tribe, the elves who used to operate the market in Kalidnay. I need you to collect them, and return them to the task I had intended to put towards their company before they absconded. This is the destruction of the serpent-spiders -- these outrageous creatures are not only about to sunder my trade, but they have even taken hold of the audacity to corrupt my good servants, blotting out the blessed ardor of Ymeri with their blasphemies."
"My allies in Alaka can assist thus -- I will guide you through the tunnels to the ancient mortuary which lies beside the Serpent Singer camp, there you will find the emissaries of the Merchant House, and will be able to return them to me."
Giotoho is obviously a disguised dray related to this embassy from Giustenal with which the tiefling recently bartered.
Rokan looks at the other party suspiciously, but defers to Hamza.
Yes, that is probably best for now. I suppose we can't patrol every group descending on Kalidnay, though I suspect that at some point this party or one like it may become our problem again. Onward.
He turns and proceeds down the tunnel, stoically, without making any eye contact with the passing group.
Ever eager to reunite with his mistress, Cae quickly follows.
Raxus follows diligently.
Rilkus nodded, shakily. He had tried to read their minds, but one of them had mental strength the likes of which he had rarely seen. It was a mind that he truly did not want to try to probe. Nor one he wanted to converse with, lest he give away far more than he intended.
"Aye. For the best."
Ri'Kli'Klek deeply distrusts leaving these strangers here, but does not want to challenge them with such uncertain allies, so he turns and follows them.
As the group moves on, Jimbli blinks ahead and up fifteen feet or so, then turns around to keep an eye on the Nibs. He also checks to see if the invisible figure is still there... and whether or not it is following with them.
Rokan again summons the winds to his bidding, whipping them up to a speed that they thoroughly cut through the smoke and impure air for a time that allows his group to pass further in the tunnel.
Quickly now, the smoke will return again soon with Athas-knows-what hiding in it. It seems we must meet with another foreign party around every corner.
He proceeds swiftly, and deliberately forward desiring distance between them and their recent encounters. Given the direction other voices were heard, he veers to the right at the next fork .
Hamza flashes his fingers quickly at Jimbli "Unsure. Stay alert."
Hamza flashes his fingers quickly at Jimbli "Unsure. Stay alert."
Pef-aa-khons-Phrahiunamif-Pa-du-pthah, draconic eidolon of the Intellect-Devoure sorcerer Itzpapalotlilamatecuhtli-Aghathlelb, the seneschal of the tiefling Fenriz-Bilé's the so-called 'Master of the Aerie', focuses on Hamza's communication with Jimbli,
but fails to discern aught of its meaning, and instead returns to its seemingly habitual sullen mood.
"Those were interlopers of the Master's domain, demon! We must report this matter to the Master upon our return, for he shall wish to take council on it."
"Calm yourself Pef-aa-khons. Right now, it appears those interlopers are focused on their own mission. I doubt they will be much of a concern till they find those smugglers. However, if it concerns you greatly enough, you can return to the master and inform him of their presence."
** spoiler omitted **
The detestable creature chuckles,
"Ah, my friend, but I was sent to keep eyes upon you, and so I shall!"
Hamza Mīnakshi: Memory: 1d20 ⇒ 11
As Giotoho finishes his menacing reply, Hamza recalls the following exchange with the tiefling soul merchant who refers to himself as the Master of the Aerie,
Quote:"This unwelcome trespass upon my domain has also brought unwelcome attention from outside quarters. Dregoth's former apprentice, a sniveling creature known as Faalcuun, has camped upon my doorstep, and the sorcerer-kings and queens of Nibenay, Urik, and Raam have already doubtless dispatched their own servants to Kalidnay. It is said the former ruler of the city, Kalid-Ma, attempted to use the Grand Orrery to open a door to a world containing an artifact that could speed the dragon metamorphosis process."
"It is now apparent to you, I suppose, why the reawakening of the city if of great interest to many parties -- particularly Dregoth, former ruler of Giustenal by the Silt Sea."
"As of yet, only several of Dregoth's servants, a seemingly newly-created race of reptilian creatures who call themselves dray have been detected. They parlayed, absent my permission, with several of my servants, who have been punished. Yet the dray passed into the city, and their ends and abilities remain unknown. They have manifested impressive powers of illusion that allow them to change their appearance."
"An large embassy of House Vordon, the merchant house of Tyr that was borne in Kalidnay, is also now ensconced on the edges of the ruins. Several of their members accosted my servants, but then left before they were escorted to my presence. My servant Itzpapalotlilamatecuhtli-Aghathlelb," he gestures at one of the devourers who currently wears the body of morlock mystic,"assures me that these hirelings of the merchant house are in a camp of the Serpent Singer tribe, the elves who used to operate the market in Kalidnay. I need you to collect them, and return them to the task I had intended to put towards their company before they absconded. This is the destruction of the serpent-spiders -- these outrageous creatures are not only about to sunder my trade, but they have even taken hold of the audacity to corrupt my good servants, blotting out the blessed ardor of Ymeri with their blasphemies."
"My allies in Alaka can assist thus -- I will guide you through the tunnels to the ancient mortuary which lies beside the Serpent Singer camp, there you will find the emissaries of the Merchant House, and will be able to return them to me."
Giotoho is obviously a disguised dray related to this embassy from Giustenal with which the tiefling recently bartered.
I looked over the old posts, and I don't think anyone from the party ever explained to Hamza that they're in the tomb trying to find a treasure to barter with one of the elf rulers for aura-reading magic to detect the disguised Dray, tell me if I'm wrong?
The Rākṣasas of Alaka are aware of the dray, who are the ruling power behind a cult known as the Chosen or the Children of the Deep(est) Gray(s).
These dray are engaged in a hidden conflict known as the 'Veiled War' with the Druid order of Raam dedicated to conserving the flora and fauna of Athas. The BrahmanaŚauca are known as the 'Order of Purity', though in the Devanāgarī language the name really means the 'Purity of Order' or the 'Ordered Purity'. This ancient order of druids was founded by remnants of the ancient halfling nature masters of the Blue Age who survived the transition to the Green Age.
The Chosen or the Children of the Deep(est) Gray(s) also have occasional conflict with the Pāriṣada Prabhāvanā or Prabhāvanāsaṃyaktva -- 'The Council of Good Works (and Right Belief)', the Rākṣasa council of ten unnamed members that rules part of the underworld of Raam, as well as the Syāmavarṇa Karāroṭa (“Dark Ring”), a notorious assassin and slaver guild made up of the descendants of deposed Desi aristocrats who used to serve the various yakṣa tribes that once ruled Raam.
However, for the Rākṣasas of Alaka, this is a peripheral interest, a matter with which even their fellows in the Material Plane city of Raam are not greatly concerned.
Yes go ahead Rokan, but let me look for further traps!
Amunet-Ra walks side by side with Rokan, but keeps an eye on Hamza.
A few meters after the next corner, she turns to Hamza while walking and looking for any traps.
Hamza, is there perhaps anything additional you want to tell us about that encounter just now? Perhaps if you keep us company we should discuss some more things. The party is down here on a quest. A test given to them by my elders, to see if they are worthy to be introduced to some secrets. Secrets which would reveal other secrets, like people not being what they seem, what is an urgent thing to know for some. Seemingly nothing less than the fate of our world depends on this. I guess your honorable help and loyalty would be welcome, but we also need to be sure of it.
She gives an invitational smile to him.
You see, i'm officialy here to see how well they fare, but i also owe my life and witnessed some unpleasantries which put us in the same duneskiff. Forgive me should this seem rude, but my people have a history of trust issues.
Hamza once more taps the side of his nose "We all have our secrets, yes? For example, I have been told little of your quest, despite my readily agreeing to assist you. Perhaps I would fill you in on some of mine, were you to be more open with me."
[dice=Perception, search for traps]1d20+12
Rokan detects no traps in the corridor ahead.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20 + 15
Yes go ahead Rokan, but let me look for further traps!
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 21
The elf detects no traps.
To Hamza:
Mh you know how to trade. That is already good. I agree, we can exchange some information. As i said, our group is down here to be tested and to retrieve an artifact for the elders of my tribe, so they will teach us some secret knowledge to demask those who aren't what they seem and can't be demasked by usual means. I guess we were also send to find out what is going on in tis cursed tomb.
To the group:
The way seems to be free of further traps...for now.
"Prudent to be wary,
Yet, let us not tarry."
Leonidas urges the group forward.
Ri'Kli'Klek watches this all, his insectoid face inscrutable. He notes the friction within this group, hoping he will not have to use it but wanting to be ready if he must. He moves forward silently with the others as they continue on.
Rokan carefully enters the next rooms and sees....
Rokan carefully enters the next rooms and sees....
Location 33: The Convocation of Silenced Echoes
The party finds themselves in a massive open area, the ceiling of which is obscured by shadows.
It is roughly octagonal, and a little over 150 feet to a side.
The main entrance is a rough hewn passage almost 100 feet across from which the party emerges from the long tunnel which twisted beyond the obscuring fog. On three sides, at the forefront, left, and right, stairs rise from the floor of the large chamber, rising to elaborate doorways.
In the center of the octagon is a slightly raised area defined by eight large pillars, each 10 feet to a side at their respective bases. These rise to a height of perhaps 100 feet, but do not reach the roof of the chamber, which terminates in some kind of angular dome, the summit of which is hidden from view.
The first two pillars, as well as the three entrances to the left, right, and front of the chamber, are all guarded by massive statues. They measure some 10 feet to a side at their base, and rise at least twice that dimension in height.
The ground between pillars, forming a kind of open-air hall or gallery, is inscribed with long rows of hieroglyphics.