As the first lot comes up for bidding, Nimaethep casually comments on it to the lady that had earlier been discussing the quality of weapons in Wati. "It is interesting how the style of arms has remained so constant while the materials and craftsmanship has changed over the decades, isn't it?"
She leaned forward as if to get a better look "So many remarkable craftsmen were lost in the Plague of Madness. Its a tragedy that their talents were taken with their passing" She looked pensive for a moment before sitting back. "I wonder if it would be possible to relearn their techniques by studying examples of their finest works?"
Nimaethep smiled "And of course a spear enchanted for and blessed by the worshipers of Nethys himself. Such a beautiful blend of the finest craftsmanship and potent magics Wati had to offer. It must be a powerful weapon if the priests of Nethys chose to arm the guardian of their very temple with it."
Teos listens to the cat-woman talk-up the value of the items on the auction block. Her smooth banter makes him take a second look at the items before he smiles at her showmanship and steps back for others to have a look.
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Harmini takes this opportunity to approach the pair of obviously Nethysian clergy and gauge their interest in her lot.
Let's hope these two have a more sensible temperament than the late Velriana Hypaxes or at least equally sizable purses.
I can assure you both that you'll find no items of greater historical value at auction than those unearthed from the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye; treasures worthy of Nethys beyond any doubt. I'd be more than happy to appease your curiosity should you wish to know further details regarding this lot.
She smiles coyly. Alabaster's center gem glows dimly and the surrounding evening air refreshes with the scent of calming jasmine.
Such power should belong in the hands of a true believer and not some noble's private collection, yes?
The young noble takes note of the spear that Nimaethep speaks about.
"I'd much prefer something greater than a spear." he says seeming to contemplate the lot.
The two clergy of Nethys nod to Harmini in thanks. The young man steps closer to the items, and speaks to the auction house owner, leaving his companion to ask any questions she wishes.
"I assume you were among those who confronted the Scorched Hand?" she asks. "Shameful it came to that. Still, our lord cares not for morality. The staff there is simply a tool, but this spear is intriguing. My companion had read long ago about such an item, but to actually see one still exists is interesting to him. What can you tell me about it?"
Malera will approach Basif once more, politely smiling, saying, "I did say I would be back, yes?" She chuckles, somewhat, but then continues.
"I am unsure just how interested you would be in these artifacts, being a coffee merchant like yourself, but even you cannot deny the historical significance of the findings and writings I have found amongst the tombs, no? I imagine any great historian would love to get their hands on such works, especially a tablet of this magical value. Imagine the knowledge that could be derived from such things, yes?"
Nimaethep raises an eyebrow "It might only be a lowly spear, but what greater weapon would you hope for than one that hones one's senses to better anticipate danger before it happens? That has the ability to grant just enough foresight that what may have been a fatal miss is instead a victorious strike and that can alter itself to pierce the defences of those foes that may otherwise be immune to lesser weapons?"
She turns back to the lot in contemplation for a moment "Unless of course you are simply interested in a show piece. If you are looking for a weapon that will help protect you and bring you victory, this humble looking spear will do far more for you than the fanciest looking khopesh or great sword"
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Harmini struggles to keep her smile upon mention of the Scorched Hand.
Again with the Scorched Hand?! What will it take to make them ancient history?
Sadly, The Scorched Hand proved unworthy of the treasures of Nethys. Had they been wiser, they may not have met their demise at the hands of the final guardian of the Sanctum, a devout skeletal champion. His name was Senenmerek, as it happens the previous owner of that exquisite Spear of the Watchful Guardian. Destroying those unfortunate scoundrels was no doubt the least of his great accomplishments.
Basif smiles at Malera as she discusses the upcoming lot.
"I certainly will have to take closer look at those when they come up." he says. "Coffee may be my main focus, but my own collection of historical pieces could use a new addition I would say."
The young Okhenti scion seems to reconsider the item that Nimaethep describes as the auctioneer waits patiently for those who want a closer look continue to examine the piece.
"A simple spear may not be flashy," he says with a smile. "but its historical significance must make it highly valuable. Perhaps this would make a suitable gift for my father, something he can show to his friends and smile."
The young noble steps toward the item for a closer look. "Perhaps..." he trails off for a moment then turns back briefly. "Thank you for convincing me of value of such an item."
Intef, the priest of Nethys speaking with Harmini seems unconvinced by Harmini's words.
"A guardian that could fell the entire Scorched Hand must be great indeed." she says as the other clergy joins her again. "Perhaps there is more to this spear. Though, from the look of my companion's face, perhaps not.
The two member of the clergy step aside and discuss the spear together, leaving Harmini to her own schedule.
Malera nods, satisfied with his answer and leaves Basif with a quick farewell as she moves to convince others to bid for these items.
She sees the man, who's stone-cold face intrigues her greatly and moves to speak with him. "You seem like a man with a sharp eye," Malera says to him as she arrives. "Allow me to introduce myself, firstly. I am Malera Hann, a protector and guardian for the Dawnflower. I also was one of the adventurers that managed to come back from the Necropolis."
"I must say the weaponry brought back is quite the amazing sight, is it not? Perhaps it would interest someone like you?"
The young man greets Malera politely as she approaches him.
"It is my pleasure to meet you." he says with a warm smile. "I am Menya, a local smith here in town. They are fine specimens of arms but my specialty and interest is in the armor that protects us, not the weapons that we need protection from."
"Still," he continues. "it is good to see a holy warrior such as yourself aiding in the exploration. Perhaps if you return to the necropolis I could see about upgrading your own armor? Sometime tomorrow, please come by my shop and we can speak."
Nimathep has one more idea about who might be interested in the spear in particular. She talks to the Lanterns once more.
"Hi. I was considering who would benefit from the powers of the guardian spear when I remembered that you were thinking about continuing with the lottery. Is this still the case? If so, consider the value that this spear would have for your scout or trapfinder."
She motioned to the guardian spear as she continued "It's ability to heighten one's senses would be invaluable at spotting traps before they are sprung, or, if I might be so bold, spotting ambushers who might be eager to claim your prizes before they strike."
She turned to the group with a subdued smile "And the spear is uniquely suited to prodding or probing anything suspicious from a distance. This functionality is on top of its magical powers to alter its own form to whatever is best suited to overcome the resistance a foe might have to more mundane attacks.
"You should consider it as being a valuable investment into your continued success in the necropolis"
”Ah, of course I understand where you come from. I, myself, have dabbled somewhat in the crafting of arms and armor. I’m not quite an expert yet, however, I’m sure that will take much more time. Perhaps I could come to you for tips sometimes? As well, of course, as upgrading my armor,” she poses the question, smiling softly at the man.
The members of the four lanterns seem distracted as Nimaethep tries to interest them in the weapons being auctioned off. One member in particular does acknowledge her though, his robes seeming to indicate he is some sort of arcane magic user.
"The weapon seems a fine item," he says. "but its use would not suit my strong companions. I may be able to make use of such a weapon, but I would rather see what other more arcane items may come up."
After a few minutes the people gathered begin to settle down again. Those that were examining the items more closely return to the seats and the auctioneer, Minnothet, returns to the podium.
"Lets begin the bidding now shall we."
The bidding goes quick. Its a decent series but not a firestorm of bids. After a little back and forth, the young Okhenti scion has the winning bid. His bid of ten thousand three hundred twenty gold leaves nine thousand two hundred ninety six gold for Harmini.
The crowd smiles along with several of the people congratulating the winner. Then Minnothet knocks lightly on the podium and a few servants bring out the next lot.
"Here we have some fine records from within the Necropolis." he says. "Mostly old documents but two carved tablets. This last one I am told is an aid in translating some of the more regional languages, as well as the old Osirion language. Perhaps those without the gift for tongues could make use of this?"
As he finishes a few people begin to move towards the items, trying to get a better look.
No worries. Post holidays and work always seems to slow things down.
Nimaethep considered the content of the library. She wasn't certain who might be the best to approach regarding the contents, however considering that the majority of the books contained ancient lore on arcane subjects particularly focusing on Nethys the clergy members seemed to be the most reasonable choice.
Approaching the clerics of the two faced god, Nimaethep commented on the items. "Such a fascinating library, is it not? Even if the knowledge contained in it is antiquated, it is quite interesting to learn how arcane knowledge has progressed. Understanding the path one has taken to get here can lead to insights on where one is going in the future."
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Harmini makes her way out of the view of the two Nethysians as best she can and spots a representative of the church of Pharasma near the back of the crowd.
This one seems quiet. Might as well make sure they're paying attention.
She steps up to greet the Pharasmin politely with a bow.
Greetings. My name is Lady Harmini Wakestep. I couldn't help but notice you back here all alone.
She smiles.
The Pharasmins have taken great care to ensure these artifacts don't leave the city without adequate compensation to the church. There must be something of interest here for you? These historical documents and ancient translation tablet perhaps?
As Nimaethep approaches the Nethysian priests, the two politely nod to her. The young man nods to his companion and as if understanding his intent, she heads up to look at the items.
"Greetings." he says simply. "It is rare to have a chance to speak with one of your kind, so thank you for being here. You are right that we may be interested in such things. My companion is the scholar among us, so she will have to see if the knowledge is worth the investment."
After a moment, his companion returns and shakes her head.
"It seems that while the pages are old, they are far from unique. Perhaps another lot will be interesting to us. Thanks anyways.
The Pharasmin seems distracted as Harmini approaches.
"Huh?" he says as he comes around. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you approach."
He seems to pause for a moment in thought, then turns back. "Yes, thank you. I am Ptemenib, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am sorry but I will have to ask you to repeat what you asked."
When Harmini begins to repeat herself again, he interrupts suddenly. "I am truly sorry, but I need to excuse myself. Please forgive the rudeness, it has been a pleasure to meet you."
Then Ptemenib turns and heads out of the building by the main door, without looking back.
Malera approaches the wizard of the group of explorers, and talks to them about how the spellbooks and scrolls could easily help in the study and aid of magical prowess.
Teos stands and watches the bidding and is slightly in awe at the money that these people are spending. That last lot could take care of his family for years and years!
Not knowing what to say, but seeing the others speaking to prospective buyers, he keeps his own counsel, afraid a misspoken word might harm his returns for the items he has sent to be sold.
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Harmini seems a bit shocked by Ptemenib's sudden departure but quickly decides that her efforts would be better spent elsewhere.
As the third lot comes to bid, Harmini focuses her attention on the pair of women (young and old). She magically enhances a soft glow about her (prestidigitation) to subtly pique their interest before opening with a volley of examples detailing all sorts of wondrous things that can be achieved through the study of the arcane.
Nimaethep was disappointed that the texts weren't interesting enough for the priests.
I hate feeling like I am pestering them, but everything here seems to be what they would be interested in. If texts on arcane theory weren't enticing enough, actual magical writings and spells should be. This lot is custom made for a wizard.
She approached the priests of Nethys one last time.
"Its unfortunate that the library of old texts weren't useful to you. I believe that the last lot will be much more to your liking. No old theories, it a fine collection of arcane lore put into practice."
The bidding on the second and third lot go well, earning a little more than the usual market value. Harmini is called to the front of the house to collect her gold. The next several lots see success for the other adventurers in the group. Each in turn is called up, gaining a portion of gold as well.
The auction moves along with numerous lots coming up. Among some of the items are a number of pieces that the adventurers may find interesting.
- Amulet of Might Fists (equal to a +1 bonus, if there is a special ability you want) - 4000
- Amulet of Natural Armor +1 -2000
- Belt of [stat bonus] +2 - 4000
- Bracers of Falcon's Aim - 4000
- Buffering Cap - 2000 (the mask reskin is fine, still takes head slot)
- First Aid Gloves - 4500
- Headband of [stat bonus] +2 - 4000
- Headband of Aerial Agility +2 (INT) - 4500
- Lens of Detection -3500
- Pauldrons of the Serpent - 3000
- Ring of Protection +1 - 2000
- Ring of Sustenance - 2500
- Scabbard of Vigor - 1800
- Vest of Surgery - 3000
- Wand of Barkskin (CL 3, 20 charges) - 1800
Malera went up to collect her newest items, happy with how the auction had worked out. There were a few other items she would love to acquire, but unfortunately hadn’t earned enough. She bows her head in gratitude towards the merchants, but especially Sarenrae for the extra help in her crusade.
Nimaethep agonizes over the decision. "I've never seen so much wealth, let alone possessed it. Uncle Hebony would be proud." She felt guilty spending it all at the auction.
Still, if these kept her safe then there would be even greater rewards later. Her gnomish companion in the Silver Scarabs always said that it took gold to make gold.
She perused the items up for auction. There were so many items that interested her, but in the end she narrowed down her choices to just three.
he mithril snake armbands looked intriguing, and the ancient mask of Anubis was something that she definitely couldn't pass up. Finally the amulet that would enhance her fighting style was also something that seemed too practical to skip.
All told, she had bid on 4500 gold worth of items. It wasn't until too late that she realized that she had perhaps enjoyed the bidding process a little too much. Even with her own funds before the auction there was still a shortfall of 57 gold, but Nimaethep found it embarrassing that she had made such a mistake.
"I seem to have overspent my means" she abashedly said to the group. "Could I impose on someone for a small loan of 57 gold? I promise to pay 60 in return as soon as I am amble to. I am normally so spendthrift. If you require collateral, I am prepared to offer something in exchange until my debt is paid."
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Harmini spends a minute or two appraising her purchases before nodding with satisfaction and proceeding to a nearby moneychanger. With consolidated funds in hand, she beckons to a Mahfre servant and hands them a pouch lightly jingling with platinum coins before waving them off.
That should take care of business... for now. This will at least be enough to keep looking a while longer.
She returns to her newly met associates and encounters Nimaethep expressing her plight. Harmini then smiles and offers a similarly sized pouch of coins to Nimaethep.
Fear not, my dear. I specialize in small details and it is my hope that our newly formed arrangement will yet pay far greater dividends than a few gold coins. I'll also have no talk of debt among good company. After all, we must rely on our deeds to prove our worth.
Teos looks at the money he has been given, then looks at all the amazing items for sale. He examines a heavy brass belt that reportedly increases one's strength. He looks over all the items, then turns away. His family can use the fund to live safely for years to come, and his father can finally leave the quarry, and his sister will have her dowry back.
"Thank you but I cannot afford such an item."
He waits for the others to finish their purchases then gathers with his new teammates.
"Thank you for your generosity" Nimaethep said as she accepted the coins from Harmini.
She paid for the items and studied them now that she was able to inspect them more closely. The coiled mithril serpent were exceptionally well crafted. One might mistake them for actual snakes, magically turned to metal. They fit snugly around her upper arms and she felt them impart their mystical swiftness.
The amulet of the winged sun, a symbol of divinity and power. A fitting symbol to represent the bestowal of magical power turning her whole body into a mystical weapon.
Finally the mask of Anubis. She held it reverently for a moment, saying a small prayer to the guardian of tombs and shepherd of souls. The enchantment would protect her from what might otherwise be a mortal blow. It would protect her life so that she may better serve the dead.
She felt somewhat uncomfortable wearing these displays of wealth, accustomed as she was to a more spartan lifestyle. But as she donned the mask she was put at ease. These items would allow her to better serve Anubis, and keep her team mates safe.
Teos says his farewells to the others and promises to meet up later that night.
He hurries home, afraid of being caught by thieves, or worse, a tax collector, and finally sighs in relief as the door to their small home slams shut behind him.
"So, your back I see.", his father says from the kitchen table. The family had just sat down for their evening meal, and a small lump catches in Teos' throat as he sees how little food is on the table.
"Back from a big adventure!", his sister taunts, a sullen look on her face.
"Leave him be, all of you. Come, honey, sit and join us for dinner. "
He notices that his mother takes more than half the food out of her bowl and places it in another, which she then fills with the remaining stew.
He feels the heavy purse under his goat-skin cloak, and as he sits he sets it down on the table before his father.
"What is this? Don't tell me it is another bag of 'sphynx' droppings!"
His two younger brothers giggle, remembering the story of a young Teos who paid a travelling merchant a silver coin for a bag of 'sphynx' droppings. The snake-tongued merchant had told the boy that if he spread it out in an open field with a little meat, it would attract other sphynxes. Turned out it was a bag of ordinary sheep manure. Their father had tanned is hide so hard he could not sit for a week...or so they were told.
Teos waited silently until his father finally gave a bull-like snort and reached over to open the drawstring and empty out the contents. The look on his face as the stream of gold coins cascaded from the bag put a smile on Teos's face. His mother and sister too were gobsmacked, and he laughed at Meb's opening and closing of her mouth. The twins were too young to really understand what was happening, but his other brother, Eos looked concerned.
"Where did you get this? Quick father, put it back before we all get in trouble!" He glared at his older brother.
"What have you done?"
Still smiling, Teos told his family of the auction and that all that wealth came from the 'worthless trinkets' he had returned with from the Dead City. As he finished, he told them about the merchants and the fabulous belt of strength, but that his family need the funds more. The silence after hi9s tale somewhat surprised the young warrior.
"Will you all please excuse Teos and me for a few moments."
With the twins bitterly complaining that they did not get their 'sticky bun' for dessert, the rest of the family departed to the outside.
"Son...I don't know what to say? This is more money than I have ever seen in one place...ever! In fact, it is too much money!"
Before he can reply, his father continues.
"Don't get me wrong Teos, this is a great gift you have brought me, and I am so very proud of you. I know I have not been very supportive of your choice to become an adventurer, but that was my own fear that you would be killed in some idiotic outing, or that you would never succeed and would become like those old drunks at the tavern. I wanted a good, stable life for you..a family and a good job, but I understand now that those were my dreams and not yours."
Again Teos attempts to interject a few words into the conversation, but his cut off yet again by his father.
"Just let me finish boy! You might be a famous warrior with gold and gems dripping from him, but I am still your father! Now, where was I...oh yes. The money is a great help to us, as you know. It will help to pay your sister's dowery and get us back on our feet, but it is too much. This kind of money will draw unwanted attention from many places and could end up being more of a curse than a blessing. So here is what I propose. We will take enough for our immediate needs, and the rest you take back to that merchant and buy that enchanted belt! If it will keep you safe and make it so you will return to us after these crazy adventures of yours, then I think it will be money well spent!"
This time Teos has nothing to say, just a trickle of tears rolling down his cheeks. He moves forward and hugs his father...something he has not done in many years.
"Thank you, father. This means more to me than any amount of gold."
He hugs his father until the older man gives a grumbling cough and gently pushes away from the warrior who is his son.
"Enough of that boy. Tell your siblings and mother to come in as you get to that merchant and buy your belt! I will fill them in on all the details."
Smiling and wiping the tears from his face, Teos heads outside and directs everyone back inside, then he runs back to the auction just in time to catch the merchant packing up his wears.
"Ah, I knew you'd be back...", he says while holding up the heavy brass belt.
Teos finishes up his purchase and begins walking back towards the other adventurers, a fine belt around his waist. Everything is relaxed for the moment as people are examining and comparing their purchases.
Suddenly a frantic pounding comes from The Canny Jackal’s front door. As a servant moves to open the door, it suddenly collapses, reduced to splinters, and several lumbers forms enter. From the experiences in the Necropolis it is clears they are undead. The forms lurch into the servant and one of the unlucky guests, driving them to the floor with fresh bleeding wounds.
Malera was nodding along with her new companions as they conversed with one another. She wanted to get to know them as much as possible before she would have to put her life into their hands. She wasn't too sure about Harmini at first glance, but after seeing her generous offer towards Nim, has had a change of heart on what she first thought might be an uptight noble woman.
When the pounding had started abruptly, Malera had gotten an extremely bad feeling all of a sudden. Her fears were proven correct as soon, piles of undead zombies crashed through the door and she grit her teeth in righteous anger at the sight of them injuring innocent people!
"Everyone, get back! I will handle them!" She yelled back towards the other patrons of the auction as she moved her way through the chairs blocking her path to a more advantageous position and pulling out her bow in the process. When she had reached a better spot, she clasped her holy symbol of the Dawnflower tightly in one hand as a burst of radiant energy floods over the abominations in an attempt to destroy them! "The Dawnflower forbids you, wretches!"
Nimaethep was still admiring her new mask when the pounding started on the door. "Who would be pounding on the doors when the auction is already over?"
She was momentarily startled as the doors splintered and the undead started swarming in. The assault on the two people nearest the door sharpened her focus. "The undead? Here? How did they get through the wall?"
The moment of surprise over, she leapt into action. As the warm glow of Malera's deity washed over the room Nimaethep made her move. She instinctively adopted the ibis stance that she had practiced for so long. With wide, sweeping motions she moved to try and attract the attention of as many of the unedead as possible, putting herself in the midst of the pack, standing over one of the fallen.
With this many assailants, it would be difficult to guard against them all, yet as long as they were focused on her, others would not be in danger.
"Theo, prevent them from surrounding me if you can" she called out.
Following Nimaethep's direction, Teos moves forward, and in one swift move unsheaths his khopesh and slices at the zombie before him (Yellow)
Attack:
Confirm Crit:
Damage:
Crit:
The wave of bright energy washes over the undead horde, searing the decaying flesh. Several of the horde stagger back, obviously battered heavily. Nimaethep moves up, taking a defensive position over the other guest already felled by the horde.
The horder begins to surge forward. One stumbles its way around its companion, trying to get at Nimaethep but the chairs cause it to sway and it cannot reach her yet. The one just to the north of her tries to batter her, but she dodges easily.
Teos draws his sword and moves in to begin cutting down the animated dead. The khopesh blade cuts easily through the weakened flesh of the first zombie he approaches and its body falls, broken and in pieces.
As the first zombie falls, another zombie batters against Nimaethep but her reflexes are to fast for it.
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Well, this is unexpected! A delightful display of bravery as well... for a change.
Harmini stays back as directed by Malera while her companions spring into action. She takes cover among the chairs and conjures a simple spell to stabilize the injured.
Alabaster. Stay with me.
Harmini then observes the action unfold and assesses the danger.
Let's hope these are common zombies as I suspect...
Harmini's spell stops the flow of blood coming from the fallen guest but as she moves into the chairs one of the zombies begins to make its way towards her. The crowded area slows it down but it soon finds itself within arms reach of her.
Another zombie from the horde swings at Nimaethep but still her agile moves keep her safe.
Seeing a zombie edge its way closer towards Harmini, Malera swiftly readies her bow, takes a quick step back, and fires an arrow straight at the head of the (Red) zombie!
Nimaethep dances around the grasping corpses. Although they were slow moving, they were numerous and keeping track of them all was taxing.
As the first zombie swung at her she grabbed its wrist and placed a hand on its shoulder and gently pushed, redirecting its momentum into the second zombie. The second zombie was momentarily tangled and with a low, swooping motion she ducked under its clumsy swipe.
As she stood up she made a somewhat ungainly twist to avoid the meaty fist of the third zombie as it came dangerously close to hitting her. Still, her plan was working. As the zombies focused on her, Theo was free to cut down the undead and other guests had time to escape.
With Theo backing her up and the zombies badly wounded by the light of Malera's god she decided to go on the offensive.
With a practiced flourish, she drew her sickle made up to resemble a crook . Stll being somewhat cautious, she struck at the blue zombie that had moved up to her.