The centipede sees the gnome casting and lashes out at him, opening its jaws to swallow the small mage. However, flames shoot out of the gnome's hands, burning the inside of its mouth and killing it! The insect's corpse collapses to the ground, smoke still seeping out of its mouth!
The gnome plops down to the ground at seeing the centipede fall. "Maybe Anka is missed a bit more than I originally thought. That thing just about finished all of us. Once everyone is able to walk again, I think we need to go back to town and heal up. That was a nightmare!"
Jalal groans and rolls over, looking at the sizzling corpse of the centipede. As the second wave of healing closes his wounds, he says, "Kakra, I'm really glad you didn't decide to join that other group."
He stands up and spits on the giant insect. "That was close. Is everyone ok? Should we press on or retreat back?"
"Perhaps we should fall back soon, but I'd like to try and secure the garden grounds if possible." He casts a healing spell on Alzaar.
"Maybe we should also see if we can recruit another to take Anka's spot." Jalal steps down to the hole where the centipede came out. he looks around for any signs of the insect's lair.
After the harrowing fight, the party returns to the Tooth and Hookah to regroup. The mood in the inn is somber, as you hear some of the other adventuring companies have also had bad luck and not returned or have quit. The groups you met the night before are still exploring according to reports. You make discrete inquiries to try and replace Anka's spot but nothing pans out. You rest for the night and with some first aid attention, Jalal recovers his lost dexterity.
In the morning, you are approached by a number of candidates seeking to replace Anka's spot, but none seem to fit. That is until you see a towering half-orc who approaches you...
Alzaar leans against the counter, the tip of a hookah hanging loosely from his teeth. A single coin flips in the air over and over, landing perfectly in his palm before being deftly launched back by a thumb and forefinger, but he barely seems to notice it as he watches the applicants try to talk their way into the group. When the half orc steps into the room, he quickly stores the coin, pulls on the hose, and steps forward.
Hey, you there! What's your name?
Rhade's mood was much more dour after the group got their butt kicked in their assigned tomb. It wasn't Rhade's Folly, but it was close the little gnome thought. He was stunned out of his silence, by the lights being blocked out by the imposing figure.
"Now that's more like it. That centipede would have never even been able to see me over that thing," Rhade cackles to the rest of the group.
Gorguk walks up closer to the group that is looking for another member to join them. He waits quietly as those before him take their turn talking to the mixed group of elf, gnome, and 2 humans. One by one the applicants are heard and dismissed. none of them seem to have the right caliber for what the group is looking for. From what Gorguk can gather it seems like they are in need of him as much as he is in need of them. Not one among them looks solidly built to take on the rigors of the creatures that are rumored to be within the various tombs, crypts, and mausoleums that are now open for exploration.
The last of those in front of Gorguk have had their turn and he strides purposefully up clad in his scalemail, light shield, and scimitar. The holy symbol of Sarenrae on a chain hangs from his neck. Not the largest of specimen of half-orc, Gorguk still has the presence around him that exudes strength and power. Perhaps it is his broken left tusk that lends a much more feral nature to him as one would assume harshness and brutality. Instead as he speaks it is with more of a cultured tone than you would expect. diplomacy
Nodding at the woman present to pay his respects Gorguk begins his pitch to all not knowing who is the leader. He does make strong eye contact with the human male who has addressed him though. My name is Gorguk Durok and I have heard that you are in need of another to help brave the perils that have been reported these last few days. I myself was one of the few chosen to be part of the exploration and reclamation of artifacts long ago buried. Unfortunately my troop was ill prepared to handle the dangers of the crypt we were assigned. It started out well enough as our scout discovered a trip wire immediately placed on the entrance. She disarmed it quickly enough but was too full of herself after such quick success that she led us into one folly after another. she did not see the poison dart trap till after she had stepped on the pressure plate. The darts missed her but hit another member of our party. The poison was nefarious and quickly reduced his ability to fight it off. Only by luck did the poison run its course before he died. Our 'leader' was too stubborn to go back and ordered the group to go on. Next it was a pit trap that sealed itself before we could get our cleric out. We searched for a way to free him but to no avail. We heard screams from below us as our cleric died in some horrible fashion. We had only gone in three rooms and had already lost 1 member of the group and another was practically incapacitated.
What happened next is hard to tell as I think our scout set off another trap. I do not know for sure as he and our leader where searching a chest for a way to open it. Next thing I know they are running past me with a look of absolute terror on their face. It must have been a spell but they ran past me without thinking where they were going. They took a hallway that we had not explored yet and they paid the price for it. The room was the antechamber to the burial room. Inside was a group of 3 skeleton warriors lead by a skeleton cheiftain tasked to protect the room from invaders. In their feared state they barely lifted a weapon as the undead killed them.
I hate the undead more than anything in this life. They took my brother from me and are a bane to the living. Drawing my scimitar I chose to fight the abominations and exact revenge on them for the deaths of the 2 of my party. May Sarenrae guide my hand always but the undead were no match for my righteous wrath. Calling upon her blessing I smited the chieftain down and the other 3 skeletons crumbled to dust. the force that kept them here gone.
I retraced my steps through the dust to the entrance carrying the last remaining party member with me. He is still recovering and has vowed to never go into another crypt again. I understand his feelings but I can not accept that path. My path is to continue on in my journey and ensure that none of the undead come out of these ancient places. I am not interested in the relics and history as some are. I am not interested in the making of money from selling items on the black market. I am here to fulfill my calling: to prevent the release of undead into the world of the living and making this place a necropolis for their evil machinations.
I have stated my reasons for wishing to join with you. If you find this acceptable than my shield and sword are yours. I only ask that when we find the undead you help dispatch them at any cost.
"Some of us have had some troubles on explorations before," the gnome nods as he sneaks a knowing peek at Alzaar, "so be are no stranger to the travails you speak of. Sit down and grab a drink. Let us fill you in on our latest little adventure. We haven't seen any undead in this place yet, but a great deal of vermin so far. And big, big as a house. I have no doubt there are undead further in. We didn't make it too far last time out. One of our group was scared away for good after the centipede episode..."
So far so good. thinks Gorguk as he takes a seat. None of the others were offered a drink or a chance to sit.
Thank you mister...? I didn't catch your name. Thank you for the offer of a drink but I will just take some water for now. It would not be prudent to imbibe anything else so early in the morning when there is a chance that I will need all of my wits and faculties later. Perhaps later in the evening should I join you today then I will be more obliged to partake of something stronger.
What is this about a centipede scaring people off? I have never heard of a centipede the size of a house. Clearly you have run into some foul luck on your expeditions.
sense motive
"Ah, apologies. I some times get ahead of myself. I am Rhade Poshment, arcane spellcaster extraordinaire.,,I'll let the rest of this motley crew introduce themselves. Yes, it was the biggest vermin I've ever seen. It had us pinned down, but good. As soon as we'd move, it would bite one of us. Those fangs drove one of our group away from adventuring and exploring all together. Quite sad, actually. "
"Big enough of a bug to feed a village on feast day probably. That is, if centipede meat were palatable." The elf stands to welcome him as Gorguk is seated.
"My name is Jalal’mederiel Hammada, but most simply call me Jalal. I am both a devotee of Pharasma as well as student of elven lore. My family has been here in Wati for many centuries and helped re-found the city after the Plague. A follower of the Dawnflower is always welcome when undead rear their heads. In this, our two mistresses are well aligned." The elf smiles and pours himself some watered wine. Despite the precise speech, there's not much of the aloofness typical of elves. It may be that Jalal considers the group as family already.
|
"The bug was certainly of a formidable size and specimen though I doubt it would feed an entire village, in fact I'm willing to bet that if a village did try to ingest the creature there would be no more village."
"I am Kakra, I come from Tephu." The young cleric speaks, her face scarred and her hair is two different colors. "I cannot tell you much about my past, for it all burned away in a fire four years ago on Transmutatum. I am a cleric of Nethys, and I suppose I am what you would call the party healer." Kakra looks away, rubbing her burns as she speaks of them, feeling them pulsate with heat, her plate armor not exactly helping in this aspect.
Gorguk acknowledges each introduction directed towards him with a nod of the head for the men and a bow towards the woman when she gives her name. He continues to try and be polite to the group even though he is uncomfortable in such settings. Kakra, I will remember such a name as it is quite unique as I am sure is the woman behind the name. It is good to know that we have someone of your caliber in the group to aid in the repair of body and mind.
Turning to the gnome Gorguk continues, Ah, so where Kakra is the divine authority you then are the arcanist. If I may be so bold Rhade, what type of arcanist are you?
Lastly to Jalal, And to continue with the introductions and inquiries may I ask what your position is in the group? It seems like there is a need for a trap expert. Is that you or are you the leader of this group? Either way it does not matter to me but I do like to know who is in charge should we need some direction.
"Why big fella, I'm just a regular old gnome arcanist. Spin a few spells, tell a story or two, hope to meet a sphinx one day...you know, the usual."
"I've got a couple fire spells up my sleeve. All we gnomes have been warned we like fire a bit too much. I don't really listen to that, though!"
Gorguk lifts an eye at the relatively small gnome, Just do me a favor and warn me before you start throwing out gouts of flame. I may be able to avoid most of the flames and am hardy enough to withstand the rest but I would prefer to not have to worry about such actions.
Gorguk looks at the last member of the group, Alzaar, the one who asked the initial question of who he was. And you sir. May I ask how you fit into all of this. You seem quite soft spoke and reserved.
Alzaar lets everyone else in the group finish before speaking.
My name is Alzaar. Alzaar Na' Keth. I grew up in the slums of An, and learned my skills there. I'm the trap specialist, and the eyes and ears of the party when we're exploring. I possess a small amount of arcane power, due to sneaking into temples and schools and whatnot over the years, but it is mainly to assist with finding that which was meant to be hidden.
He smiles at Rhade and Kakra for a second, and then chuckles and speaks again.
Dear Kakra. Rhade is right... There are indeed "houses" in the slums that are much, much smaller than that beast was.
He takes another long drag on the hookah, and extends his hand for a handshake.
Jalal chuckles. "Me? I am...how shall we call it...a spiritual warrior, perhaps? I have a unique touch with spirits, particularly those of my elven lineage. They help to strengthen me, defend me, and help me in sticky situations."
He smiles and reaches over to tap Gorguk's armor. "In time, I believe they will protect me as well as this does for you, but I am still learning to access their power." He reaches for his drink again, and the cup slides two inches into his hand. Jalal picks it up and nods to it. "Diola lle, Grandfather."
"As you can see, Gorguk, I don't necessarily control them. Sometimes it helps to be polite."
Very well then. I see that you all are quite organized and well prepared. One last order of business and then I am content to proceed onward. Although I am not in this for riches or glory there are expenses that must be paid for. How are all profits and expenditures handled? Am I to be hired on or am I to be an equal member of the group and all profits and expenses are shared equally?
Gorguk leans in at this last part to see what his standing will be with these strangers. Are they willing to treat him like an equal or are they going to look down on the half-Orc like he has been used to his entire life.
Sense motive
"If you earn your keep, and you stand beside us, I've no objection to you earning your fair share, just like all the rest of us. No more and no less than we all take. If I have to face vermin the size of a house, I want someone who is not worried about how much gold they are taking home as they swing their sword. A full share to you."
Alzaar looks at the half orc, an incredulous look on his face.
My friend, why on Golarion would we give you anything less? Even if we simply hired you, a full share is only fair... However, as our treks seem to be getting more dangerous each time we skip our merry way into the necropolis, you should count yourself in for the long haul. Taking new people into ruins each time you go can be... disastrous, right, Rhade? It's best to keep someone who already knows what to expect, is my point. So, what say you? Shall you join us in search of ancient secrets and power?
Gorguk can't keep his face from expressing his dismay. This does not seem quite right. They are willing to give me a full share of any profits and we only just met. Perhaps they are more trusting and accepting than most other people. Either that or they are expecting me to do more of the work. Regardless if it is the second scenario it is surprising but easily agreeable. I do not mind hard work and it sounds like they will treat me like an equal.
Gorguk stands up to belatedly hide his reaction and reaches out a hand to all of the men. To Kakra he gives a deep bow but keeps his head up to still see what is going on around him. These are strangers still and it never pays to be unwary. I find the terms agreeable and complete. Shall we proceed onward then to your location or are we resting and preparing for the remainder of the day? I have my gear upstairs that I can fetch easily and be ready in 5 minutes time.
"We need holy water. Not just for the restless spirit, but for later too. If we encounter undead it will help."
Agreed, although we should probably buy a few things. Primarily, whatever we need to disable that haunted gate. Let's not have a repeat of that, shall we? Alzaar chuckles as he speaks, and then pats Gorguk jovially on the shoulder.
Well, welcome aboard. We'll get ready, meet back here in about ten minutes, and go purchase a few things before heading back in.
Gorguk rises along with the others and pauses as he hears about a restless spirits. Excuse me, what is this about spirits and haunts? Clearly I should have asked more questions about what we were up against. Be that as it may I am still with you and will hep to clear the area of any danger. In the exact manner of spirits and haunts though I have heard that positive energy is quite useful in quieting them. Perhaps a combined effort of holy water, channels and an application of Laying of hands would be enough to end the problem?
I will see you in 10 minutes then. I will grab my gear and check on my companion and be ready to go.
Gorguk will purchase 2 holy water vials as well.
"Holy water would be most clever I think. There might be more of those haunts all over the place. Trust me, Mr. Gorguk. It was a terrifying experience! If I never have one of those mess with my mind again, I'll be rather happy."
Rhade buys two vials of holy water as well.
With the purchases made, the party makes its way back to the Pentheru manor, entering through the broken gate and quickly sprinkling some holy water on it, to prevent the haunt from manifesting. Alzaar spends several minutes working on it, repairing and securing it, and you eventually feel a sense of calm in the area, as the negative energy dissipates.
Gorguk lets the rest make the decisions as he makes his way with them. He keeps his eyes open for any disturbances so he could be ready when the time came. He has his shield strapped on his arm and his scimitar in hand should they be needed.
After repairing the gate, Alzaar stands, dusts his knees off, and unfurls his whip from his belt.
I suppose we'll continue on toward the mausoleum then?
He takes point, and after they pass centipede See, I told you Gorguk. Absolutely, ridiculously huge..., he stays fully aware of his surroundings, keeping his eyes open for any devastating traps there may be.
"Lead on, Alzaar! Please do your best to keep us all in one piece..."
Jalal likewise purchases 2 vials of holy water. Along the way to the tomb, the elf hands Gorguk another vial. "Here. This is a healing potion. If things get back in there, I don't want you to be without only because you're new to the group. We might need you to save the rest of us or to finish killing whatever we can't."
When the arrive, Jalal watches as Alzaar repairs the gate and then the haunt dissipates. "Ah, excellent. The spirits have been able to make their way home." Jalal then follows Alzaar into the yard again, drawing his sword now to prepare for things to come.
Seeing the centipede Gorguk is indeed impressed with its size. You might have exaggerated a bit Rhade about its size but that is by far the largest centipede I have ever seen. Surely that creature would have kept all others out by it presence alone. What did it eat to ge to be taht size?
Gorguk accepts the potion graciously. Thank you in advance for the potion. I will put it to good use if it comes to needing it. Sarenrae has blessed me with the ability to mend light wounds multiple times a day but one can never be too careful.
A rectangular stone building sits in the northwest corner of the estate. At each corner stand columns carved to resemble men and women with their arms crossed over their chests. A set of stone doors stands in the southern face of the building, carved with bas-relief faces of two men. Hieroglyphs are carved into the doors just beneath the faces.
The faces on the doors are of Pentheru the Elder and Pentheru the Younger and match the faces on the statues outside the property.
The Ancient Osiriani hieroglyphs, translated by Jalal, identify the building as the “Crypt of the House of Pentheru” and warn, “May defilers be cursed by the gods until their day of judgment.”
Alzaar checks the doors for traps but finds none. The crypt's doors, though heavy, are open and you see a wide stairway descending into darkness.
To the east, a short flight of steps leads between a pair of pillars to a set of stone doors in the side of the house.
"I think we should go ahead and search the Side buildings. That way, if we clear one and need a place to rest later, we can hole up in the clear area, sort of safely."
Excellent idea Rhade just let me take a peek down through the open doors while we are here. Then I will join you at the other buildings.
Gorguk stays out of the building but does look inside with his darkvision seeing if anything moves or not. Even if he does see movement he does not go in but rather detects evil and then goes to join Rhade and the others.
Perception
Alzaar peers into the door as well, but politely tries to avoid pushing Gorguk out of the way. After a moment he whispers Just to be on the safe side, you should let me turn the corners first. Not that it's a bad thing, but it with your size, it would be a lot easier for a trap to hit you. I've been doing this for years, so I know what signs to check for.
He ends his words with a charming smile, and turns to face the party to tell them what he saw.
Gorguk gladly lets the man look into the mausoleum. Whispering back, Be my guest good sir. You know what you are looking for where I do not. I was just peeking into the darkness to see if I saw any movement before I followed Rhade to the side door over there. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of anything before we shed light into the room and alerted them to our presence.
"Easy. Alzaar knows what he's doing, though I bet he'd love to have your darkvision. If the last place was any indication we'll all have more than enough to contend with soon enough."