Wynrey chops into the doll pounding on her legs and the blade sticks slightly before she can pull it free. She then jumps aside, clearing the way for Harmini to work her magic.
Harmini raises the wand high and chants a few mystical words, then she brings the wand down as a fan of flame spreads from it, covering both dolls in fire. The dolls move quickly though and manage to avoid most of the flames. The fire though has definitely weakened them, leaving them charred and smoldering.
- Warrior Doll Blue
- Warrior Doll Red
Chai begins his attacks with a flanking bite against the blue doll.
Damage
Damage
Damage
Chui rakes his claws and teeth savagely at the doll but it is surprisingly quick. His one claw scraps across it but little more than paint comes off from the attack.
The doll continues its assault on Wynrey and reaches in to strike her.
- Slam 1
- Damage
- Slam 2
- Damage
- Slam 2 Crit Confirm
- Damage Crit Confirm
Wynrey tries to stop the doll from moving in but it manages to get by. Its small fists pound on her legs again causing her to stumble a little as the beating begins to take its toll on her.
Elendra delays until she sees that chui needs a flank
The second doll raises its fists as it charges Chui trying to hammer into him.
- Slam
- Damage
YOWL! Damn ancient sex toys!
Damage
Chui tries to take a chunk out of the doll as it moves in closer. His claw slashes across it but the wood is harder than his claws and resists. The doll smashes its fist against his leg but his leather takes the brunt of it.
Flame erupts over the dolls again. The dolls manage to avoid most of the flames but enough cover them to scorch their wooden bodies. The slump to the floor, still smoldering.
- Warrior Doll Red
- Warrior Doll Blue
Chui takes a few minutes checking everything else out making sure it is safe. No additional danger appears to be found. On one wall is found three shields, two light wooden shields and the remaining one a light steel shield resembling a scarab beetle.
On the other wall rests a small collection of weapons. The is a masterwork khopesh and a masterwork spear. Hung next to those is a masterwork shortbow but the bow string has deteriorated to nothing and will need to be replaced.
On the floor there are five chests. Three contain what is left of ancient mundane materials such as clothes. The fourth chest contains coins, gold and silver. The last contains several scroll tubes.
In the hall the four masks also appear to be made of gold, and probably of some value.
Harmini and Elendra move in and examine the room for magic. The scarab shaped shield is identified as the only magic aura present.
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That is a nice looking shield, fingers crossed it is not cursed
I pick one of up the masks and examine it briefly, turning it over in my hand.
Huh, when I was little I would sometimes be dragged to these fancy parties for "social obligations" and in Cheliax they would often have masks like this and other trinkets on their mantles. I hated those parties, but I liked hearing her friends talk about all the history behind their collection. Someday I'll visit again, I remember it being so nice this time of year.
Unless you were a halfling, gods help you if you were a halfling.
I hand the mask over to the closest smart person, Harmini, and give the shield a once over without putting it on.
Now this is nice, something we could use. The handle is a bit loose but that can be adjusted. Is this just a better shield or does it do anything special?
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Harmini drops the wand she was holding. A second wand appears in her other hand.
Wynrey... I'm surprised you're still standing after those dolls assaulted you like that. Allow me.
She taps Wynrey with the wand and then drops it on the ground with an audible sigh.
This stuff better be worth it. I've used nearly everything magical I brought with me and will need to restock.
Let's see what we've got here then.
harmini why are you so grumpy? I can help you whith some of this you known
Chui has pretty much used up the last of his adrenaline reserves and quietly and somewhat listlessly examines what's been found in the room.
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I walk over to Elendra and put my hand on her shoulder.
Oh don't worry about it El, it's just that everyone is whooped and hungry. I'm getting so delirious that I didn't know that both my legs were fractured and Chui looks like he's about to pass out. The only one here that isn't showing signs of wear is Alabaster. This could be a pretty nice haul though and I'm sure we will all feel better once we are out of this hole.
Uggghh I'm feeling it now.
I turn and limp over to a wall and use to to steady myself as I sit down.
I'm sorry...venerated resting place. If you don't mind, I think I'm going to have a bit of a lie down while you figure out what things are.
I take out my hip flask and chug down the rest.
Why does this taste like cat?
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I grab Harmini's discarded wand and take off my empty scabbard. Using my bandoleer strap and the two sticks I fashion a crude splint.
It's not pretty, but at least I'll be walking out of here.
As I finish tying up my leg I begin to mutter to myself.
"Oh, how was your day Wynrey?" "Oh me? Well I had to move a bunch of sand, dodged darts coming out of the walls, grappled living sand, watched as my friend got attacked by a mirror, got eaten by a angry coffin, and then got the s~~@ kicked out of me by children's' toys. Oh and then I had afternoon tea; a normal day.
Next she examines the scrolls. They appear to contain personal records, notes, and plans. Notably they discuss the plans to expand the tomb for Akhentepi's mistress. The area discussed appears to relate to the unfinished section the group found earlier. To a collector these would probably be worth 250 gold coins.
Last she examines the magic shield but beyond determining its enchantment of faint conjuration, she cannot determine it's properties.
She then examines the shield as well. She has trouble with it and cannot even tell the nature of the enchantment.
Chui does not know the names of the gods, but he recognizes the two unidentified mask as being representations of two of the old Osirion gods. One appears to be a lioness' face
Chui appears to perk up a bit
It's my girl, Bastet!
That's a good note to end on. Time for a nap followed by some nip and tabby nibbling.
That old chariot hasn't got enough bling for me! Chui will get a real ride!
The Tomb Tossers return to the world above, and make the walk back to the gates of the Necropolis. The guards note the wounds you have suffered and briefly ask about your encounters. They recommend heading to the Grand Mausoleum for any healing you may need, and to report any findings.
The trip through Wati is uneventful and the Tossers find themselves approaching Sunburst Market, Golden Lake, and the Grand Mausoleum. It seems like business as usual, though there is an air of excitement as merchants call out to returning adventurers and young men and women look on seeming to dream of their own adventures.
As the Tossers approach a young acolyte of Pharasma greets them.
Ah, greetings explorers! I see you have returned and I hope with some great success. Please come to the infirmary and we will tend to your wounds. At the same time you can tell us of what you have found. We are eager to learn what mysteries will be uncovered by your explorations.
The young acolyte motions for you to enter the Grand Mausoleum and he then follows you inside. He direct you to a large room with cots and many people milling around. Most seem not worse than you, but a few probably will not make it.
Please sit and rest. Our healers will be here shortly. Now, tell me, what have you found?
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Hello acolyte, the High Priestess tasked us with finding and exploring the tomb of Akhentepi, and we have completed that task. The tomb had become a nesting ground for many insects, some the size of a man! Akhentepi was an interesting fellow and placed a metal snake and a creature of living sand to guard his resting place. His traps were treacherous, with darts flying from the walls and a false sarcophagus, that animated when approached. We did however find several items worth taking back. We have two large tapestries, some scrolls and books written around that period, as well as a few funerary masks. Also within his tomb was a pair of particularly lovely mosaics on the walls in a hallway depicting The River of Souls. The tomb appeared to be unfinished, and we have evidence to suggest that the man planned to have his mistress buried with him but this did not come to pass.
The acolyte nods and motions for a scribe to come forward and make notes.
The Tomb of Akhentepi. Interesting to hear. What more can you tell us? Was he a worshiper of our Mistress or another patron involved with the River of Souls? Was he an important man, perhaps a leader of some kind? Please tell us all you can remember.
The acolyte looks at the scribe to make sure he is ready.
Perhaps you could describe this mosaic in more details and an artist could recreate it.
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Oh yes of course. Well I would say that he did worship Pharasma but also covered his bases faith-wise and also looked to Abadar and other gods for guidance, at least that is what we were able to tell from the iconography he buried himself with. Two of the books we found might interest you, as we found these gold plated books. One is a biography of Akhentepi, the other is a description of one of his military campaigns. Interesting reads, feel free to look though them while I talk about the mosaics...
I gently hand over the two books to the acolyte (which I guess I have unless anyone says otherwise) while I go into in excruciating detail about the 2 mosaics, noting the color pallets used, the craftsmanship, the framing, the emotion and style of the brush stokes, and the shadow work.
I hope they fix my leg soon, it's still very broken. At least I'm better of than that guy over there. Looks like a swarm got him, what with the insect bites covering his whole body and the bugs flying out of his mouth once in a while. Wait...is he dead? I almost hope he is.
The acolyte turns to taking care of the wounds in the group. The scribe continues to write and then draw what Wynrey describes. As he works, the acolyte continues to ask the group questions.
Now hold still while I set this thing. So, my feline friend, what can you say about this tomb? What sort of treasures did you find?
The acolyte twists Wynrey's leg and she flinches. He says a short prayer and the leg mends instantly with a soft glow.
There, now let me look over the rest of you.
The acolyte checks over Chui and calls over another healer to tend to him. He finally turns to Elendra.
What a state you are in my dear. Let us take a look at your hands.
Elendra pulls her arms away quickly.
Nothing seems to help. I've been seeing healers from Sarenrae's clergy for a couple of years now.
maybe just maybe she could ease the discomfort these wretched burns cause
After a moment elendra carefully removes tattered bandages.
If you could gently clean them I will be grateful sir.
The acolyte looks over the wounds on Elendra's hands then rests his hand on her shoulder. He whispers a prayer to Pharasma and his hand glows slightly. The brand on her forehead disappears but her hands seem to burn hotter for a second.
Huh, something is resisting me. I do not understand but there is an inner fire that caused this. Please let me speak wi...
As he is speaking to Elendra he pauses while looking at her face. On her forehead the brand reappears, declaring to all who can read it her actions within the tomb.
You my dear seem to be suffering from more than one dangerous wounds. Perhaps you should speak with High Priestess Sebti of these things. I think I have done all I can here, and I thank you for the information. If you are inclined to explore more, there are other locations to be assigned, you just need to discuss with the administration. When you inquire there, you may also inquire with Sebti about those wounds. May the Mistress find no need to judge you soon.
The acolyte bows and turns to lead. The scribe is done with Wynrey and has produced a rough sketch of the mosaic she was describing. The wounds are all healed up and the Tossers are free to handle the rest of the evening as they see fit.
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After seeing the brand reappear on Elendra's head, Wynrey puts two and two together.
Aww I'm sorry El, but you might be stuck with that, umm, mark for a bit. My mom has an inquisitor friend that brands himself with a mark to announce his obedience to his god Vildeis. It might take a few days but it will go away. Lets get you a cool headband while it runs its course. I saw this nice shop that had a few Tian-Hwan clothes and no one on this planet makes better headbands. In my youth I spent a year there training in one of their fighting colleges.
I lean in closer to Elendra's ear and half whisper to her.
The place is great, women are the fighters, the scholars, and the rulers but aren't total jerks about it. Retirement spot? I think so.
I snap back up straight and stare at the dying man covered in insect bites before continuing.
I'm thinking we can grab the info for our next site while we are here so we don't need to come back to this room again and then chill for as long as we want.
I gotta say that most of what we found wasn't that tasty. There were a couple nice mole rats near the entrance but it went downhill really fast after that.
I was happy to see some real Osirian gods like my girl Bastet represented in the tomb, not just those johnny come lately foreign "gods" we got all over the place now.
OK, lay some intel on us acolyte guy. Then, I'm off to do the tabby two-step.
Elendra heads the acolyte's advice and goes o speak with Sebti
Excuse me ma'am your acolyte said that you could better explain the burns on my arms and hands. Anything could help. Why would Sarenrae allow this to happen to me?
The Tossers head over to the administration area of the Grand Mausoleum and find there is another acolyte overseeing the assignment of locations.
Welcome back explorers. I see you survived your trip to the necropolis, well at least some of you did. Now let's see what location we have next.
The acolyte turns to a bag of tokens and pulls one out. While he looks at it, Elendra asks politely to speak with High Priestess Sebti and is directed to a door nearby.
Sebti is in her office. Please knock first but she should be able to see you for a few minutes.
The acolyte turns to the rest of the group again.
This sounds interesting I must say. You are next assigned to look into the House of Pentheru. Seems like it might be an estate of some minor nobles. Please take this scroll, it notes the location. Good luck and remember the terms you agreed to.
The acolyte stands and hands Wynrey the scroll.
Is there anything else we can assist with?
After some introductions, Elendra asks the question on her mind. Sebti looks at Elendra's scarred and cracked hands. Sebti says a short incantation, and seems to look into the distance. Shortly she returns her attention to Elendra.
My child Sarenrae, as with all the Gods, does not have total power in this world. These wounds are not Sarenrae's to allow or take from you. They come from the fire itself, the fire that now burns within you. Such power is a blessing and a curse, and I assure you there is nothing within this world that could ease the wounds you bear.
Sebti stands and crosses to Elendra
The fire has chosen you, and unless you renounce the fire these wounds will remain. I assure you though, the Gods have no influence in this but they will see what you do with this power and judge you as always. The question becomes how do you use this power?
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Hmmm... The House of Pentheru. Interesting. This place reeks of Pharasma. Maybe it's this acolyte? Eww. I'd rather not spend another instant longer than necessary here.
Nothing for me, thank you Acolyte.
Harmini smiles as she bows gracefully.
Once out of the Grand Mausoleum, she will regroup with the others.
Do you mind if I take a look at that scroll, my dear?
I'm not quite sure that I understand what you mean.
after a brief pause to gather herself after the shocking realization that Sarenrae may be watching to see what she does with the new found powers
Thank you for your time and insight. Would you know where my friends and I are going next?
after her conversation comes to a close Elendra stands bows and gracefully leaves returning to her allies.
The House of Pentheru is a minor noble family the died out completely during the Plague of Madness. No modern public record has any mention of them.
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Harmini reads the scroll over thoroughly and divulges what she knows once Elendra rejoins the group.
It would seem that House Pentheru was a lesser noble house of Wati wiped out during Lamashtu's Plague of Madness hundreds of years ago. The house itself was converted into a tomb like many others of the time to satiate the restless souls who failed to find their way to the river of the afterlife...
I'm afraid there's nothing more I tell you about them without firsthand investigation. Suffice it to say, we are likely to come across several disquieted entities.
She pauses for a moment before continuing.
I suggest we return to the Tooth & Hookah and discuss how we'd like to proceed toward our next target.
What we've found so far is barely enough to cover my travel expenses... Let's hope House Pentheru was more well endowed than Akhentepi.
Elendra rejoins her companions as they leave the administration wing of the Grand Mausoleum, and then the Tossers make there way back to the Tooth & Hookah.
After finding some food and taking a rest, the group finds themselves in the common room of the inn. They had heard there was to be a gathering of various groups who are participating in the exploration of the necropolis.
The common room is crowded. There seem to be several groups gathered, chatting about their experiences of the day. Some good, some bad.
Near the back stairs a small group of adventures stands with a priest of Sarenrae. It seems he is one of their group and they seem in good spirits. One member stands out, a bravado filled young man, seeming to lead the others.
Near the corner of the stage is a group of halflings. One member, a brutish fighter, seems to be getting more sullen even as the others try to console him. It seems things didn't go as well for them.
Across from the halflings, near the bar, are a serious looking woman and a veiled man. They whisper among each other and seem to be trying to remain away from the other groups. The veiled man does seem to be paying attention to what else is going on.
Leaning near the fireplace are a rough looking woman, and her more demure looking companion. As you watch the rough looking woman approaches another group near the door and starts up another conversation. The group the door seem to be lead by another woman, who stands with her two other companions.
Off on her own is a last women with unusually dark skin for a half-elf. She stands watching the group near the door, seeming to keep a protective eye on them but trying not to socialize to much.
I move through the crowd as gracefully as I can to the group near the stairs.
Good evening. I hope your day was successful.
should I talk about Sarenrae? I think I should.
I stand awkwardly among the group of potential friends waiting for one more of the Tossers to approach
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Seeing that Elendra trying to talk to people and isn't sticking the landing I move behind her to come to the rescue.
Ugg, she's talking to one of those types. He's all quill, no ink.
Or at least half as successful as ours! Hah! Tells us, tell us...was your conquest measured in monsters slain or discoveries found?
An slight smirk spreads across my face.
Or both maybe? If your day is as interesting as you are, I'm sure its a tale my friend would love to hear.
From behind her I brush Elendra's hair away from her face and lean in for a whisper.
Just keep him talking about himself, he'll love that.
I glance at the dark half elf across the room.
Now her, I bet she has some ink in her.
Chui orders an iced fermented goats blood and surveys the crowd.
Doesn't look like any potential customers in this crowd. Maybe a nice bar brawl would be relaxing?
And I bet I don't even have to do anything. I'm certain I can depend on the natural "talents" of my fellow Tossers.
Chui smiles and nods his way to a point around 10 feet from Elendra and Wynrey where he begins making small talk while waiting for the inevitable faux pas which will kick off the "festivities."