MUMMY'S MASK ADVENTURE PATH - GM Spazmodeus

Game Master Spazmodeus

Once chui has him i grab the manacles from my haversack and slap them on him.

If you wish to aid another, this is to be declared before rolling and determine who is aiding and who is performing the action. You can't see your results and then ask for it.

Chui grabs the thug as he is trying to escape.

Get off of me!

The thug tries to get out of the grapple. Chui manages to hold on though and now has the chance to pin the thug.

Bam, you can't just toss manacles on him without him being pinned and he gets a chance to escape while that is happening.

More craziness in my life, need to take dog to vet hospital this morning. When I get back, Bam and I will do the grapple/pin drill properly.

I guess healing this guy before we bound him was a favor to me so that I could kill him if I wanted to.

Turned out we don't need to leave for another half hour.

Chui snarls at the struggling thug …

I want a reason to hurt you, so lie still or else.

Basing my actions on the charts found HERE.

Chui attempts to maintain the grapple with a +5 bonus and, if successful, Chui will pin the thug.

Bam can attempt the aid another action to give Chui another +2.

it looks like chui has this under control
listen ta Whiskers or bambara pulp you too I say as I hold Krunch in my hand still with blood and skull bits on it from his friends and the manacles in the other hand.

Chui has the thug pinned.

In the future Bam, please indicate what you are trying to accomplish with a check.

In the future Bam, please indicate what you are trying to accomplish with a check.

Honestly i thought it was obvious but ok... Scare tactics to get him to do what he was told

Technically, I think it would be to demoralize the thug and give him the shaken condition so it would be harder to escape Chui’s pin.

Technically, I think it would be to demoralize the thug and give him the shaken condition so it would be harder to escape Chui’s pin.

This may be correct but should be made clear.

Of note, he is no longer attempting to escape.

Chui wat now. Bambara think bring him guards?
bambara glad i no had to hit him. That make bambara a monster
I attempt to pit the manacles on him urging him to go peacefully so no one else gets hurt.

Bambara easily puts the shackles on the man now that he is pinned and not resisting.

Oblivious to the struggle that is happening, unaware that it has begun and ended, I begins to talk to the dry earth, the heat of the day evaporating the signs of my distress.

Miss Hypaxes was supposed to come back with me to the temple. We were going to explore together, learn with and from each other. I wanted...I was hoping she would mentor me.

Absent-mindedly I begin drawing a picture in the dirt.

I’ve never had someone to mentor me. I taught myself so I could ‘escape’ from the people who saw me as meat that was ripening instead of a person. And then my magic came...it was frightening. Even now I don’t understand it, I can barely control it. She was going to...well it doesn’t matter now.

I look over to chui shall we bring him now?
Guard peoples believe us bambara hope
I start to help the thug to his feat and prod him forward

Harmini looks over to Bam and Chui.

Yes. Take your captive elsewhere and learn what you can. I will stay here with Alex and await your return. Don't worry, Bambara, I promise I will take good care of her in your absence. Nevertheless, please come back as swiftly as you can. The day is young and we have much left to do.

She smiles then turns back to Alex and continues her work.

This healing will likely take time...

Once Chui and Bambara head out, we can do some RP w/ Harmini & Alex. Sounds like she's got a story to tell.

I'm assuming that Chui has picked up his short bow and Bam has put the weapons we collected in his Handy Haversack.

Chui whispers to each members of the party individually so the captive thug doesn't hear ...

We're going to play it totally straight with the Voice, except no Inamish, OK?

Then with greater vigor ...

Yes, my good Mega-Melon, we have an appointment with the forces of law and justice. Let us return to the Voice guards at the gate to this fine necropolis.

Good luck Lady H, that's a strange and terrible psyche you're about to enter.

Chui, Bam, and their prisoner cautiously set off for the main gate.

Using cautious movement mode with Chui 20 ft in front of the prisoner and Bam directly behind the prisoner holding on to his manacles. This gives Chui a Perception of 20 and Stealth of 21. I'm assuming we're moving around 20 ft per round, and based on the map in the Player's Guide, it looks like we're at most 3,000 ft. from the gate for a total march time of 15 or so minutes (assuming my numbers are accurate).

After a few minutes Chui, Bambara, and their prisoner approach the gates to the Necropolis. Four men dressed in traditional Pharasmin garb stand watching on this side of the gate. A fifth younger man stands off to the side, seeming to watch the others in admiration.

One of the four men steps forward as Chui approaches.

So, what is this about?

As planned, Chui is playing this totally straight (with the exception about leaving out Imanish) and will attempt to tell as convincing a story as is possible to the guards. This may require one or more Diplomacy checks.

Chui gives a small bow to the guards …

Greetings Stalwart Guards. It’s my sad duty to report that there has been villainy inside the Necropolis - a murderous assault on my fellows and I, Perilous Forays, and we fear an attack upon the integrity of the lottery and explorations sponsored by the church of Pharasma.

As we made our way to our assigned location, the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye, we were ambushed by six hired killers. Thanks to my ability to absorb numerous well aimed arrows …

Chui gestures to his still blooded armor, clothing, and fur.

And my compatriots' skill at arms and magic, we emerged victorious. Four of the attackers were slain, and their bodies await collection and burial at the ambush site. One, a ruffian apparently named Jalel, fled after I tagged him with an arrow.

And we have this individual here who we healed back to consciousness and who we wish to turn over to your custody. It is our hope that he can provide you with additional evidence, such as the identity of his employers. If he does cooperate, we hope you treat him mercifully as we bear him no ill will. We suspect that he was only a pawn in a larger and more treacherous game.

Two of our number remain at the ambush site, Mistress Alexandra Trazaron and the noble Lady Harmini Wakestep, close friend and house guest of the Mahfre family. Mistress Alex was grievously wounded, and the Lady Harmini is currently healing this injury.

Chui will pause here for a moment in order to judge the reaction of the guards.

The leader stands there listening to Chui's explanation and motions for his men to take control of the thug.

Sounds harrowing. We'll certainly turn this man over to the guard for trespassing within the Necropolis, unless he can prove he had permission to be here.

The guard looks to the thug, who remains silent.

Dangerous business being in the Necropolis. You and your allies should remain vigilant for such dangers.

Unless you are trying to gain something specific from the members of the Voice, there would be no need for Diplomacy rolls.

I start to pull their stuff and the empty sack i have in the haversack. Putting all the loot from them into it to hand the guards.
Bambara give you weapons from bad people. i say as i fill the sack.
After its filled with tgeir gear i hand the sack over to the Voice guards

After Bam finishes turning the captured weapons over the guards, Chui continues.

Alas, we fear this situation is more dire than just a simple attack by a group of brigands. We have reason to believe that one of the groups invited to explore the Necropolis was behind the attack upon us and in doing this, they have acted against the will of the High Priestess Sebti the Crocodile.

Our attackers had set a well-prepared ambush along the route to our assigned location. They knew the identity of Mistress Alexandra and focused their attention on her. There is clearly a malign intelligence behind the attack on us, someone who provided orders and information to these ruffians. That is why this one should be questioned not just about whether or not he had permission to be in the Necropolis, but who sponsored him and his fellows to be there and to attack us. During the attack, Jalel, the thug who fled, cried out “The gold she paid isn't worth this” as he ran away.

Aside from ourselves and Church of Pharasmin, the only other person who knew our plans was the Taldan Velriana Hypaxes, the leader of the Scorched Hand and a fanatical follower of Nethys. Last night, at the Tooth and Hookah, Mistress Alexandra spoke with this Hypaxes in the spirit of good will and proposed that our two groups cooperate. Hypaxes rejected this offer and attempted to corrupt Mistress Alexandra and turn her against us. Alexandra refused, leaving this Taldan creature angry and rejected. I witnessed this conversation myself. Also present was Hypaxes’ bodyguard, a woman by the name of Idorii. Idorri seems to be a person of honor, and I imagine she would be horrified to discover that she is employed by a base and traitorous villain such as Hypaxes.

If you value the integrity of the lottery sponsored by your church and the authority of High Priestess Sebti, I would must strongly encourage you to seek out and question Hypaxes and the other Nethys-isites in her group. Not only have they sponsored an attack against us and defied the rules and wishes of the Church of Pharasmin, I fear what they will do to the sleeping dead of the Necropolis as they madly pursue what they regard as “knowledge.”

The leader seems less than concerned by Chui's pleading.

Sounds dire indeed my friend. As I said before, we will see that this man is handed over to the guard, you no longer have to worry about it.

The leader leans in as he continues.

As for the integrity of the lottery and the will of the High Priestess, I believe we would be better judges of that than some wandering adventurer. The Crocodile's hands were forced in this event and your presence here is not the desire of the church. If you feel you have been wronged by his person, Velriana you said, then I suggest you seek her out and settle it on your own.

Now unless there is more you wish of us, I bid you good day and good hunting in the Necropolis.

The leader returns to his men as they are banging on the gates to have them opened.

Chui addresses Bam ...

Bam, could your remove you manacles from our friend so that he may enjoy the company of these dedicated and diligent representatives of organized religion.

He then turns back to the gate guards ...

We shall then bid you a good day. I always appreciate hearing the judgement of a stationary security guard.

Chui smiles and gives a small bow again.

Bam, shall we return to our colleagues?

If possible, I'd like to take a slightly different route back to where Alex and Harmini are waiting for us, maybe curving a little to the north instead of heading straight back. We'll use the cautious movement mode returning, though Chui will walk alongside Bam.

Three questions:

1) Have we seen or heard any “rules” for this event other than Sebti’s statement at the start of the adventure?

2) The Voice guard seemed to imply that the normal laws of Wati don’t extend into the Necropolis. Is this our undestanding? We could, if we wanted to, attack the Scorched Hand, or anyone else, without fear of legal reprecussions?

3). Was this the first time that we’d heard that the church of Pharasma was against this event and was forced to accept it?

Three questions:

1) Have we seen or heard any “rules” for this event other than Sebti’s statement at the start of the adventure?

Nope.

2) The Voice guard seemed to imply that the normal laws of Wati don’t extend into the Necropolis. Is this our undestanding? We could, if we wanted to, attack the Scorched Hand, or anyone else, without fear of legal reprecussions?

Feel free to give me a Knowledge (local) check to see what you know about the legal situation in Wati.

3). Was this the first time that we’d heard that the church of Pharasma was against this event and was forced to accept it?

This is the first I recall mentioning it to you.

I leave the sack full of stuff but take my manacles off the thug.
Nodding to chui bambara and whiskers make good team.
I puff my chest out and match stride with my feline compatriot.
bambara hope Harmany and Alex ok
Chui you see bambara an krunch right? We beated those guys good.

Chui smiles and drapes one furry arm across Bam's shoulders ...

My Awesome Artichoke, there was no need to see you. I felt the force of your blow through the balls of my paws. It was a "beateding" for the record books.

As Chui and Bambara turn one of the members of the Voices shouts out.

Hey, Tree-man. From what you said this man and his friends won't be needing this stuff. You should hold on it, maybe you can find a use for it.

I hear the guard, point to myself...
Bambara get it on way out? Keep safe for bambara?

The member of the Voices shakes his head.

No promises my friend. If you leave it here, it may not remain here.

oh, ok bambara take it then

the sack of stuff goes into the haversack
I grab the stuff and put it back.
well whiskers shall we
I start back to the ladies once more

As Chui and Bam cautiously return to the others by a slightly circuitous route, Chui casually remarks ...

I owe those Voice guards a debt of thanks. They were such fine ambassadors for Pharasma that I'm happier than ever to have found Bastet, The Sly Enchantress.

Chui is happy to chat a bit with Bam on the way back, but otherwise he's going to continue to move cautiously and assume we get back to Alex and Harmini after a total time away of 40-45 minutes or so (15 minutes to the gate, 5 minutes to interact with the guards, and 20-25 minutes taking the slightly northern route back (once again, assuming that my understanding of distance and movement speeds is correct)).

bambara only mad when alex in danger. Whiskers fall and bambara sad. Bambara and krunch, crunch one for whiskers. Maybe bambara too strong. Him deded by bambara. Bambara just protect family... Chui help bambara if bambara hurt?
bambara feel bad maybe dem had family protecting like bambara

Not to worry Oh Noble Be-Sprouted Tuber, if you are injured, I will do my utmost to reduce those doing said injuries to small mounds of finely sliced flesh.

I am paying attention but not interrupting. Let me know when you wish to move on. No rush, RP is the element of this format.

Thank you Miss Wakestep, it looks good as new.

I pull out a piece of dried fruit from my pocket and call out to my mule.

Coriander, yipyip.

The animal looks at me and then at the food in my hand and slowly walks towards the latter. After getting a well deserved meal, Coriander sits still while I take out a folding chair, an umbrella, and a bright blue tin filled with a blue paste. I pop the seat open and do the same with the umbrella.

Wait, is that them? Where are the guards?

I'm ready to arrive back at Harmini and Alex's location if that's good with everyone else.

Seems like Alex and Harmini are finishing up. I'm fine with moving on to the four back together.

im good

Hey guys, great timing. Umm, so, are the guards meeting us there? What’s happening?

Chui and Bam stroll up …

I like it, a little rest and relaxation before the main event. Nice umbrella.

About those guards, well, that’s a funny story. Our chat with them didn’t go quite as expected though it was very educational.

First, we learned that the Necropolis is a bit of free fire zone. The city guards don’t patrol in here, and the Voice guards of Pharasma focus on regulating movement in and out of the Necropolis not on policing what folks do to each other inside the Necropolis. We’re not outside the law so much as we are in a place where nobody spends any effort enforcing it. In fact, one of the guards went so far as tell us to “seek her out and settle it on your own” when we explained our suspicions about little Miss Velriana

Second, it turns out the Pharasmans aren’t so hot on us being here poking around in the Necropolis. I don’t think they’d shed too many tears if all the groups in the lottery ended up knocking each other off. It seems that His Extreme Largeness, the Ruby Prince, ordered the church to open this place up to us and the other riff raff over the Big Croc's objections.

Chui pauses, extends one claw, and scratches that particularly annoying spot on his right buttock that always seems to itch.

Harmini finishes packing and stands up. She looks over at Chui and Bam expectantly.

They didn't know that already? Hmm... interesting. They may need my counsel more than I thought.

Welcome back. I'm glad you both learned something about the local authorities in Wati and Pharasmin politics but what did the thug have to say for himself when you questioned him? Are we in any immediate danger beyond the ire of our competitors, The Scorched Hand?

Chui shuffles his feet and looks mildly chagrined (perhaps the first time that this particular expression has ever been seen on him)...

Well .... that's a funny story too. OK, maybe not funny. Fact is we clean forgot.

Chui rubs his recently healed mid-section.

I blame blood loss.

Harmini smirks at Chui.

Right. Well, the good news is that whatever that man had to say probably wasn't important anyway.

She signals the others that she is ready to move on.

Let's not forget why we came here today. Are we all ready to press on toward the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye?

I careful stand up so as not to ruin Harmini's work.

So they don't care what happens out here? If they aren't going to do even the slightest bit of enforcement, is the lottery just a cheap way to track us so they know what parts of this city are left to exploit? They don't prep us to fight things they know are out here and they act as if we are trash taking care of itself. They could do nothing or actually follow though with their orders, but right now they are in a sweet spot where someone is going to touch the Black Ankh and summon Nyarlathotep!

Dad did love the Black Pharaoh. I didn't know much, it made my mind hurt every time I had to read about him.

My legs start to wobble and I have to lean on my chair for balance.

Whoa...sorry, as Chui said, it must be the blood loss talking. I agree with Miss Wakestep. We need to confront Miss Hypaxes while she is still in the sactum. To delay risks her finding everything and leaving...and if what you say is correct, and I have no reason to believe otherwise mind you, the guards might just let her walk out of town.