MUMMY'S MASK (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Penfold 351

Acide does bypass Dr as do all energy based attacksa, but constructs count as objects so things get wonky and they take half damage from it. As for the Loot, i've been recording it, not to worry

After leaving the tomb and doing any shopping you want you are told that the majority of the other explorers are staying at/drinking at an inn called the Tooth and Hookah.

Scorched Hand: Led by a Taldan woman. Also has 3 Osirians, one of whom is a cleric of Nethys

More discussion on the loot in the discussion thread. I'll keep Rp stuff here.

As the group walks toward the Tooth and Hookah, Omor finds it difficult to contain himself. "I am very impressed with you all. The difficulties and surprises in the tomb were much greater than I expected when I signed up to explore the necropolis. You have my respect and I will follow any one of you to the Boneyard and back should that be asked of me."

Once they arrive at the inn, Omor moves from the door and looks for the proprietor. He announces "Inkeep! Inkeep! A table for the Relic Seekers, if you will."

The innkeeper leads you to a table

"The first round is on the house, provided you tell us about your adventures in the ruins

When they arrive at the Tooth and Hookah and are seated Idichi asks for a water and promptly begins sketching and writing in his book. I agree Omor. Nice first exploration team![b] Idichi says as he arranges what's left of the iron cobra in his sack. Here's to many more![/b] Idichi raises his water to toast his new teammates.

To the innkeeper Idich excitedly says, I'll leave it to Aya and Omor to tell you the entirety of exploration of the tomb, as original Relic Seekers. However, I will give you a sneak peak and tell you it involves a METAL SNAKE! I have the drawings once they get to that part of the story.

A metal snake, eh, that sounds interesting, tell us more

"Thank you, Omor. Thus far we have made a good team! You were right, Idichi, taking this opportunity was a good one. I hope we continue to meet with success!"

At the inn, Jabari scans the room, looking over the competing treasure-hunters as though cataloging them. He makes sure that his hand brushes the handle of his ancestral khopesh a few times so that people know it's the real deal.

He adjusts his baldric and takes a seat with the team.

"Yes, Aya, Omor, tell the beginning of the tale! That will give me time to get started on drinking!" he says with a hearty chuckle.

"I'll have wine while I tell the story of the glorious and conquering Relic Seekers and their exploits in the Tomb of Akhentepi, " says Omor to the innkeeper.

Omor waits a few minutes for the crowd to gather while he stands up and looks about the crowd. He sees several people that look like foreigners and a few halflings as well. He also takes a grip on some of his pouches as a few of the people look a bit unsavory.

I have a plane flight later today, will make a longer and more involved post when I'm in the air. Standby for that. There will be lots of puffery and exaggeration for Idichi to repeat later.

On other topics, Jabari - this is a MW Khopesh in the treasure which you might want. It could look more impressive to scare people with unless there is an IC reason to keep your starting sword.

My sword is a family heirloom and it's connected to my Steelbound archetype. When I reach level 5, this specific sword awakens into an intelligent magical weapon. While I can transfer these properties to a different weapon, story-wise it's "my father's sword."

It is not too hard to get someone to cast masterwork transformation on it at some point.

After the crowd quiets itself to a low rumble, Omor starts with a flourish. He smiles widely as he raises his arms and tries to get everyone's attention on himself.

"The tale of the exhaulted Relic Seekers starts as any. We gathered in the square, seeking a place in the exploration of the Necropolis. We were blessed by the Ruby Prince and the Lady of Graves to win a slot in the lottery. Little did we know what we would face in the day ahead. After we got our tomb assignment at dawn, the four of us met at the tomb at dawn and began our recovery. We thought the tomb to be quite secure, having gathered many, many years of dust and dirt outside its doors. "

After the introduction, Omor starts the story of exploration with a somber note. "Our first discovery was a grousome one indeed. At the bottom of a deep shaft into the tomb, we encountered the dried body of a person who proceeded the Relic Seekers into the tomb. Undoubtedly, he was a grave robber or other thief, acting without the blessing of the Prince. The Lady of Graves protects those under her charge and Being the goodly and righteous party that we are, the Relic Seekers none the less gave this person a proper burial and hope to speed his trip across the Boneyard."

Continuing on to describe some of the treasure and conquests, Omor's voice picks up a much more excited note. "From there the Relic Seekers discoverd all sorts of wonders, left behind to both guard the tomb against intruders and to aid Akhentempi and his family in the afterlife. In one crypt inside the Tomb, there were animated guardians akin to moving statues set in place to kill unwary plunderers. The great combat prowess of the Relic Seekers and out magic made short work of these animated guardians. They also gave up many finely crafted weapons and antiquities that were placed in the tomb."

"In another room, clearly set as a decoy or trap for the unwitting, a sarcophagus itself was animated by the power of magic. After awakening the magic and mecanical monstrsity, the Relic Seekers proceeded to blast the guardian with the power of magical fire and make that part of the tomb safe for further visits."

"There are also wonders of history in the tomb. We found records and trophies that Akhentepi created or won during his life. In addition, we did find a complete and likely working chariot in the tomb, ready to carry Akhentempi and his family into the afterlife. There was also a great tapestry, showing the journey and conquests of the family while they were alive."

After talking about the treasures he found, Omor shakes as if he were dirty and grimaces as he continues. "Not every challenge was due to magic. Down a crumbling stairwell we uncovered a nest of giant beetles, no doubt feeding on the refuse from the city above. Even living residents of the tomb were no match for all of our combat prowess."

"And all this brings us to the mechanical snake, parts of which you see before us on the table. Here, I think our grand storyteller can pick up the tale as he was there to witness it." Omor makes a wild gesture and tries to hand off the rest of the presentation to Idichi with some showmanship.

Thank you, friend Omor. I hope I can be half as captivating as you.

Clearing his throat and straightening his glasses Idichi begins, "Akhentempi and his council were just as wise and cunning in death as they were life. Death awaits the poor unfortunate souls, such as the one my companion mentioned finding upon entering the tomb, who take the ingenuity of the Osirians of old lightly."

"Look no further for examples of their dangerous and cunning craftsmanship than... Idichi, dramatically raises the head of the Iron cobra making sure the jaws are opened and the fangs can be seen.here on the poison dripping fangs of the Iron Cobra!"

"This instrument of death protected the venerable Akhentempi since his death and looked as new and freshly oiled as the day of it's creation when we encountered it.It's skin plated with metals that few weapons could pierce. An assassin by trade the iron cobra, if still alive, would not rest until everyone in this room were dead to protect Akhentempi's final resting place."

"Foolishly, I was ready to charge in and attempt to take the metal beast. However, thanks to the wise counsel, something that seems to be a common trait in Osiria, of Omor and Jabari and Aya's,the powerful Sorceress Supreme, arcane wisdom they stopped what would be a lethal mistake on my part. Instead we together devised a plan so cunning I'm sure Nethys himself smiled on us today. Before the poisonous contraption could even strike out he had succumbed to our plan. Thank Nethys, because with only a snap of his powerful jaws... Idichi, snaps the Iron Cobra jaws closed menacingly. we would all be dead or poisoned!"

With that Idichi returns the Cobra head to his bag. "We look forward to finding more and more brilliant relics of Osiria's past to share with you all!" He finishes and sits back down.

There is a big round of applause as you finish your story and the innkeeper brings you another round of drinks on the house and says your drinks are on the house for the rest of the night

Do you want to talk to any of the other groups?

After helping to impress the crowd with the stories of their exploits Omor spends some time at the inn, enjoying a little bit of fame and fortune. He tries to keep his wits about himself while finding what information he can about the other groups.

I wonder if any of the other groups were as successful in finding relics and antiquities as were the Relic Seekers, he thinks to himself.

Omor pays special attention to the priestly types, trying to get the attention of an Osirian with a two-toned mask on a cord around their neck. from the Scorched Hand ... one of whom is a cleric of Nethys. I'm also not sure if the cleric is a man or woman. "I presume you were also so lucky as to get a tomb to explore in the lottery? Were you able to find other artifacts of antiquity as well?"

Roll if needed
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 8

"We managed to find some minor treasures. We were allocated what appears to have once been an ancient brothel. There was a nest of zombies in the basement but we dispatched them easily", says the cleric, shaking his head

[i]At this point the leader of the Scorched Hand, a young woman called Velriana Hypases pipes up

Have you learned about an ancient temple called the Erudite Eye being assigned?

"Bah! Filthy things, I agree!" says Omor. "Once a person has started their journey to the Boneyard, keeping them bound to this planet is a horrid thing. Thank you much for sending those zombies on the way to the Lady of Graves."

After hearing the leader of the group inject, Omor's curiosity is piqued. "Velriana, is it? Good to make your acquaintance. I have not heard of this Erudite Eye. Is there another lottery we must enter to gain access to this temple? Have you and the rest of the Scorched Hand already been given access?" he asks.

I should make sure to tell the rest of the Relic Seekers about this, thinks Omor.

Yeah the priestess insists every day that they have this lottery. I asked if we can get access to the Erudite Eye, I'm fascinated by it but she said it was all in the lap of the gods.

Aya's fox ears twitch briefly, as she sneaks over That sounds rather interesting... Erudite eye huh? She gets a familiar mischievous look in her eye and lets out a quiet giggle.

"I will be happy with whatever we find!" says Jabari, raising his mug. "So far we have already found adventure and treasure and come out with a good tale. Even if the next lottery is a dusty, dry crypt that is long since emptied, I will cherish the opportunity to walk where no sandaled foot has trod upon Osirion's soil for centuries."

Hearing that they must attend the new lottery to get access to the Erudite Eye, Omor thanks Velriana for the information. "Well, Velriana, it seems that we must attend this new lottery. Thank you for alerting me to the need here. I hope to see you there. Perhaps it is large enough that both of our teams will be given access. It is in the morning where we got the assignment for the last tomb? "

Omor continues to make small talk with Velriana, hoping to get more information than he gives.

Yeah its the morning that the next assignments come out, I think there's still lots of the old city to be explored.

Omor, you get the impression that Vesorianna and the rest are intensely interested in the Erudite Eye, to an almost obsessive degree, although you don't know why

Yeah its the morning that the next assignments come out, I think there's still lots of the old city to be explored.

Omor, you get the impression that Vesorianna and the rest are intensely interested in the Erudite Eye, to an almost obesssive degree, although you don't know why

Omor keeps up the conversation, hoping to learn more while the leader of the Scorched Hand talks. "There is much of the city left to be explored. This is true. Do you know where the Erudite Eye is, relative to other landmarks in the Necropolis?"

Omor tries to keep up the questions, hoping to learn more about what the other team is looking for.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 15

As Idichi is walking over to join his companions with the scorched hands he notices a table of rogues.

"They all look like experienced trap finders. Maybe they'll have a tip or two for me," he thinks before approaching their table.

Bowing slightly to the table he says, "Greetings fellow explorers. How was your delve today into ancient Osiria?'

We don't know exactly says Vesorianna, it#s somehwere within the Necropolis.

Despite your words Vesorianna and the others are very cagey about why they are interested but it is clearly very important to them.

As Idichi arrives at the table the topic of conversation changes. A female dark skinned half-elf who is sitting with the scorched hand indtroduces herself as Idorii turns to Idichi.

We haven't found many traps in our exoplorations so far. From what others have said I think traps in this area are designed not so much to kill but rather to hamper potential thieves. But the tombs usually have their own guardians who will kill if they find you. My advice is to search as you go, it takes longer but its better than running into a trap as you're trying to flee from something

Does anyone else want to talk to either the Scorched Hand or any other group?

Omor is going to try to pawn the Scorched Hand off on Idichi while he works the room.

"Thanks for the tip, Vesorianna. I hope we see you at the lottery in the morning. May the Lady of Graves smile on you," says Omor as he tries to signal the Innkeep.

Assuming he can get the Inn Keeper's attention, Omor asks for another cup of wine. "One more for me, please. "

After getting his drink, Omor wanders around the room slowly until he comes upon a table with only women sitting around it. Seeing one of the group that looks like a cleric, he addresses her directly. "Greetings, blessed one! How has the lottery been treating you and yours?"

You head to the table of the Daughters of the desert. It is led by an ulfen woman who introduces herself as Sigrun Firehair. She introduces you to their cleric, a cleric of Iomedae.

Greetings brother. We were assigned the exploration of a house of a pawnbroker. We encountered several traps but not much else. We're holding on to the stuff we found, apparently there's going to be an auction of the best stuff in a few days' time

Ok, going to move things on a bit, we can always retcon more conversation if you want

You retire for the evening, flushed with your success. The following morning you arrive at the square. This time the relic seekers are given the House of Pentheru to explore. Pentheru was a minor noble who owned a section of farmland and was responsible for its administration.

Now switched to maps link- have copied your images over, you start on the top part of the map (where your tokens are)

Slight Retcon between talking to the other groups and us going to
bed.

Trying to get the rest of the group's attention before they split up, Omor whispers to the rest of the goup, "Did you find out anything new? I have two things to report. First, there is an auction in a few days time for all the relics recovered from the tombs. We may get a higher price for our things if we have a place to store our treasures until the time is right. Also, there is a ruin known as the Erudite Eye, which is apparently quite important and interesting to the band known as the scorched hand." More on the loot in the discussion thread.

Next, at the square/lottery...
As people start to gather in the square, Omor sees some of the people he met at the inn in the last evening. He makes an effort to speak with Velriana and Sigrun especially, wishing them luck and good fortune before the drawing starts.

After the Relic Seekers get their assignment Omor shrugs, "Well, I guess we are not so lucky as to get the Erudite Eye. Based on what we found in the last tomb, the House of Pentheru could be very interesting for us indeed. Do be careful, though. There are sure to be traps and dangers, much like the other groups reported in all the tombs. I do hope we avoid nests of the walking dead. Those creatures should be well on their way to the boneyard."

As they leave the square, Omor looks at the wares and various vendors hawking adventuring gear. He'd really like to buy a thing or two, see notes in the discussion section.

You notice that the Temple of the Erudite Eye has not been drawn on this occasion

Well, that is interesting, thinks Omor. It seems that the Scorched Hand will be back as their favored ruin has not yet been awarded.

At one table, Omor sees a vendor selling a variety of weapons. He selects a flail with a weighted end and gets some additional arrows to complement what they found in the last tomb. He purchases them and leaves his leftover sling bullets with the vendor. "Do you all need anything while we are walking to the tomb? I know I thought I needed a few additional things after our foray into the Tomb of Akhentepi and I will be better prepared this time, " notes Omor to the rest of the Relic Seekers.

Spells, equipment, & sheet all updated. Ready to move when everybody else is.

Fervor uses day 4/4
Blessings left: 4
Holy Water: 2
Rations: 4
Arrows, Common: 20
Arrows, Cold Iron: 5
Potion of Lesser Restoration: 1

Prepared spells:
L0 - Light, Stabilize, Guidance, Detect Magic
L1 - Bless, Remove Fear, Forbid Action

Everyone else ready?

Ready!

"I am as ready as I have been," says Jabari. "With my father's blade and my faithful companions I have no question about our ability to succeed."

Idichi buys 25 crossbow bolts checks his equipment and lets his team members know he is ready to leave.

Ok, on to the House - just outside B1 on the map

Sandstone walls ten feet high enclose this estate, affording those who once lived inside some privacy. A two story stone house is visible beyond the walls, adjoining the rear wall of the property. In the centre of the estate's southern wall stands a pair of tarnished bronze gates hanging partially open. A pair of statues flanks the gate. Dusty hieroglyphs are carved into the wall at eye level to the left of the gate.

Woah... she looks over the hieroglyphics, running her hand along the walls

Jabari arrives in front of the open gates and says, "Statues and hieroglyphs always say 'guardians' to me. Perhaps we should try going over the back wall instead?" He looks over the sandstone walls with a careful eye.

"I wonder how this place came to be abandoned. It seems like the kind of house that one would want to keep in the family."

Give me a minute, im good with hieroglyphics and ancient
Osirian. best to be sure.

"Impressive, " declares Omor, "I bet this house was quite the sight to see when this part of the city was inhabited. It seems that the House of Penthru was quite wealthy indeed."

Responding to Jabari, Omor notes "Jabari, I'd think that this house was abandoned at the same time as the rest of the city when the plague was unleashed on the ancient city. It's possible that either the family fled their home to avoid the plague or was killed along with many others if they were not so fortunate."

Omor looks over the partially opened gates, trying to see if anybody has entered the house before the Relic Seekers.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

The hieroglyphs read "House of Pentheru. The statues depict two men with a regal bearing and dressed in loose short robes and traditional Osirian head cloths. The figures are named Pentheru the Elder and Pentheru the Younger.

[i]Dust and sand cover the ground of this small courtyard. To the east and west stand pairs of columns, once brightly painted and now bleached from the sun, which support stone archways leading to other sections of the property. Tarnished bronze gates hang open under both arches. To the north, a small flight of steps leads up to a pair of ornate doors in the south wall of the house between another set of columns.

"Ah. That makes sense," says Jabari. "I am sadly not as well-versed in the history of this city."

What next?

"Well, " starts Omor, "it does seem that this area has been fairly undisturbed for some time. Let's start new day off right."

Omor moves forward into the courtyard, trying to take care to not disturb or otherwise break the bronze gates further. "Are you all going to join me?" he asks.

Map updated, Omor just moving into the courtyard and waiting for the others.

"Very well," says Jabari, khopesh out as he watches the guardian statues warily. He moves to accompany Omor, ready to leap in front if something should attack.

"I still think it would've been smarter to climb over the back wall."

The glyphs say House of Pentheru, And those statues are the elder and younger of the house. Not magical guardians likely

"Very interesting! House of Pentheru, you say?

I want to see if I know if there's any weird things that Pentheru was involved in or urban myths about the house.
History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Idichi you know that the estate was constructed by Pentheru the Elder. He passed away during its construction and the completion of the building was done by Pentheru the Younger. When the Plague of Madness struck Wati, Pentheru the Younger fell victim and quickly died. His family interred him in a crypt on the property and tried to weather the plague. His servants and guards did their best to defend the estate and the family but amid the chaos and the plague's virulence the entire household perished

What next?

"It looks like we have 3 choices, " says Omor. "We could go up the steps into the house or into either of the side doors. Personally, I say we do the house last."

which way?, 1 = left: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Omor walks to the left and looks at the set of doors there. "Unless anybody objects, I say we go this way. "

I want to give everybody a chance to have a say but if nobody wants to do anything different, Omor will open the door.

If nobody wants to do anything else....
Omor pushes against the set of doors, trying to gain access to the innards of the complex.
strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

"That suits me fine," says Jabari, waiting to see if Omor's action yields fruit. "Let me know if you need me to push on the door."

As you move into the courtyard you suddenly hear the sounds of an angry mob in the distance. although you can see nothing