Vash turns and fires at the vanth, but his arrows are wide of the target. Then Nimaethep moves in and Ajin Ra Baqa seizes the opportunity left by Nimaethep. His scythe swings a wide arc and cuts her side deeply.
Then Teos moves in and swings a heavy blow, but the vanth moves aside from the blow. Ajin Ra Baqa motions towards Vash and shouts an order to his pets. "Take him, I'll deal with these mortals."
The first esobok launch at Vash, trying to take his focus off their master, but the second esobok ignores the command and launches at Teos, seeing an opening for an advantage. Vash takes a hard bite and becomes held in the beast's jaws, but it's claws don't get through his armor. Teos manages to avoid the beast's teeth but a rake of the claws draws blood from his leg.
As Harmini moves into a better position the esobok that attacked Teos takes a chance to claw her. The slash tears her flesh but a moment after her healing burst cure some of her wounds.
Ajin Ra Baqa seems to ignore Harmini's new position and raises his scythe to Teos. The adamantine blade cuts through Teos' armor with ease and draw a line of blood across his chest. The the vanth pushes off with his wings moving gracefully trying to avoid any counter attacks. He ascends to about 10 feet above the ground, just out of reach and a little further away than before.
- Included Power Attack and Vital Strike
Unable to use his bow while grappled, Vash does his best to slip away from the beast.
If he manages to do so, Vash will take a step back from the beast and prepare to fire arrows once he recovers his equilibrium (5 foot step).
Unhappy with the rent in his prized armour, Teos turns and slashes out at the Eosbok that attacked him.
Attack:
Damage:
Vash feels a tug inside of him, almost as if something was trying to pull him out of his skin and he twists from it, managing to escape the jaws of the esobok. The esobok grunts in annoyance at losing it's prey.
Teos turns and runs the blade of this khopesh across the exposed belly of the esobok in front of him. The beast hunches low from the wound, now taking a more careful approach to it's attack.
With Ajin safely out of her reach, there was little Nimaethep could do to influence his next move.
There were till the esoboks however. Moving quickly she attempted to skirt by the one menacing Teos
Trying to go faster meant that the attempt was a little messier than she would have liked
Once in position behind the beast, she struck swiftly at a vulnerable looking part of its anatomy.
Nimaethep moves into position and attacks the esobok with it's attention divided. Her blow strikes hard and the esobok stumbles from it, but it continues the assault on Teos. It takes a step to the side and clamps its jaws on his arm, but he manages to twist away from the beast and avoids it's claws as well.
The esobok the Vash managed to escape from continues its assault on the archer. The beast's jaw miss Vash but one of the claws rakes across his chest.
Harmini casts her spell at Ajin Ra Baqa. An eruption of sparkling glitter covers the psychopomp. It blinks aware the momentary annoyance and smiles at her as it turns back to the group.
"Clever idea, witch." the vanth says as it summons a familiar green glow upon its hand again. Then it takes wing back towards her preparing to try to curse her again. The green glow washes over her again as he touches her shoulder almost lightly.
Taking another step back from the red Esobok, Vash shoots another two arrows at Ajin, trying to hopefully take it down before it does permanent damage to his ally!
Twisting out of the maw of the beast, Teos growls back at the monster and slices at it again with his khopesh.
Attack:
Damage:
The situation was not going well. Ajin had evaded all attacks launched at him and had total control over the air giving him the advantage of striking when and where he pleased. There was little she could do to hinder him.
Instead, she turned her attention to the only opponents that she had any influence over. The esoboks were still vulnerable. The best way to protect everyone at this point was to end the contest as quickly as possible.
She once again moved in behind the esobok and sent a swift kick at an exposed knee, attempting to hobble the creature.
The strike was true and the esobok staggered for just a moment, but the beast proved more resilient than she had hoped.
With the first esobok felled, Nimaethep saw a glimmer of hope that the melee was turning in their favour. The second one was menacing Vash and Harmini though. She had to act, but without someone distracting the crocodile dog she wouldn't be able to take the extra moment it needed to strike with precision.
As the esobok was clear of her allies, she took the opportunity to fire the crossbow she had been given. She didn't normally use weapons, but she was familiar with the use of the simpler ones such as this thanks to her time as a robber.
The bolt struck true, only fractions of an in from hitting it in a vital organ.
She then raced to place herself between the last esobok and her companions.
Vash fires his bow at the esobok but his aim is off. Teos cuts deep into the esobok on him and it falls bleeding to the ground in front of him. Unlike the esoboks from before, this one remains. Nimaethep takes the chance now that she is free from immediate melee to fire the crossbow that Harmini has given her. The adamantine bolt strikes the vanth in the arm and draws blood and a slight growl from it.
"Seems the witch properly prepared you to some level." the vanth calls out. "I will say you are proving more resourceful than Nahkt gave you credit for. Still, it may not prove to be enough."
The remaining esobok takes a shot at Nimaethep when it sees an opening. Then it moves to continue its assault on Vash. It seems distracted by Nimaethep's attempt to block it though and can't seem to get anywhere near Vash.
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Harmini staggers away from Ajin, she appears disoriented for a moment but manages to refocus and continue to taunt the vanth.
"You'll have to do better than that, monster! We're not through with you yet..."
She conjures glowing energy within her which travels through her flowing hair to connect with Teos a short distance away.
Teos feels the healing flowing into him and with a smile, turns and takes a step or two before slamming his khopesh into the side of the remaining esobok.
Attack:
Damage:
Harmini steps forward and heals Teos, his wounds closing slightly. He is still hurt though. Ajin Ra Baqa sees his war dog esobok is being surrounded and moves to bring the fight to his opponents more. He swings his adamantine scythe in a wide arc, seeming to try to cut down both Nimaethep and Vash.
The blade cuts deep into Nimaethep, though she remains conscious for now. Vash dodges the blade barely though and remains on his feet.
- CLEAVE
Teos moves to the remaining esobok and cuts deep into it, give the group a chance to maybe recover this fight.
Seeing the remaining Esobok hit, Vash decides to switch targets, stepping back from both enemies and firing a pair of arrows at the injured creature.
Nimaethep was shocked at the ease with which Ajin had been able to cut through her defenses. He seemed to be able to effortlessly anticipate her moves.
Perhaps it was better if he took the lead on the assault against the undead. Even if the esobocks were reckless Ajin seemed to much more disciplined in his efforts and commanded obedience from the lesser servants.
Badly bloodied Nimaethep had little choice. Another blow like that would likely end her life. She painfully withdrew from the fight "I yield."
Vash's arrows find the mark this time, driving into the esobok and causing it to stumble. It's breathing becomes labored and it seems near it's limit. As Nimaethep also stumbles and calls out her submission, Ajin Ra Baqa rises up and spreads his wings.
"Noble Cat," he shouts. "your submission is not accepted, nor necessary. You and your companions fought honorably, and I feel that your skills will be suited to discover the source of this new plague upon Wati."
Ajin turns to Nahkt and Sebti. "High Priestess, Brother," he continues. "I and my war dogs are able to combat the undead, but it takes the experience of a group of heroes to solve such a problem. The last time we fought the actions of a goddess, this time it seems the actions of men. These heroes have proven they are worthy. Please see to the wounded and care for them well. They should be at top form to continue their investigation."
Sebti nods and motions to the gathered priests. "Please see that they are healed up. That includes Ajin's war dogs as well." The healers come forward and begin administering to the group as Ajin flies over to Nahkt. Sebti herself approaches Harmini and with a quick incantation her eyes glow with the tell-tale sign of magic. She looks her over for a moment and continues. "This may take a few more minutes. Once we are done here, come with me and we will see to removing the curse placed upon you."
With the undead incursion into the living part of of the city halted Nimaethep returned to her small apartment and took some much needed rest.
The next day after a hasty meal she visited with her brothers to make sure that neither was harmed during the troubles.
Her mind set at ease, she returned to her work at the small church dedicated to the old gods. Her first few days were spent practicing her
profession as an embalmer preparing the bodies of those victims of the undead who had wished their remains to be interred according to the old
ways. She was thankful for the added assistance of the magical ushabti that had been recovered.
She had never tended to dead who had fallen to such violence before, but the experience provided her with grim insight into which parts of the anatomy were more vulnerable. Insight that would enable her to better place her own strikes to increase their effectiveness.
In the evenings she meditated and reflected on the battle with Anjin. It perturbed her how easily he had defeated her defences. As a nimble
guardian she had followed the traditions of Bast in order to protect others, but in this case her skills fell woefully short. She would have to do better.
As the undead seemed to be confined to the necropolis and with life in the city gradual returning to normal Nimaethep offered an invitation to
Vash, Harmini and Teos and his sister should she care to join them.
Her apartment was small, consisting of only two rooms. A curtain of coloured beads separated the living area from the small bedroom. The main living area contained a simple wooden table surrounded by four chairs. In one position the surface of the table was marred by short, deep
scratches as if claws had been repeatedly dragged across its surface. The walls of the room were largely unadorned save for a set of wooden symbols representing the old Osirion pantheon.
In one corner was a fireplace for cooking, a small pot bubbled with stew while the smell of baked bread filled the room. Flanking the stove was a set of shelves holding cook and dinner ware.
Shortly after the guests had arrived Nimeathep's older brother, Sekhemib, came by with a pair of fish he had just caught from the river. While Nimaethep set about cleaning and preparing the catch while he introduced himself and talking about the challenges that the farm where he worked was facing.
Shortly there after her younger brother Nakhti joined the gathering. He spoke of the new work orders that were coming in to the masonry shop at which he worked, many to do with repairing buildings that had been damaged the previous week.
Nimaethep finished the night off by offering an expensive date wine and some exotic treats that she had splurged on with her newfound wealth. It was a little bright spot amidst the otherwise dark days.
Vash will happily spend some time with Nimaethep and her family, though it makes him miss his own parents. He offers to craft replacement ammunition for anyone who needs it free of charge.
Spending much of his time at his shop, Vash invests most of his remaining funds (after upgrading his gear) in the business. Soon, though, he becomes anxious to get back to hunting for the undead and searching for his missing parents, so he seeks out the others to discuss when they will be ready to proceed.
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Harmini thanked Sebti the Crocodile politely for removing the curse placed upon her by Nahkt's planar puppet, Ajin. She then informed her companions that she would need rest, solitude and time for reflection on the days' events before continuing their quest to unearth the mystery of the undead uprising. After making arrangements to meet again, Harmini retreated to her comforting and luxurious surroundings in the Morning Sun district.
The ancient and noble Mahfre family had provided Harmini with a lavish villa on their estate in exchange for her talents as a uniquely skilled Rahadoumi physician upon her arrival in Wati. Matriarch Damej Mahfre would often spend hours in her company discussing the news of the city, politics and vanity. Lady Damej's disdain for the commoner Pharasmin high priestess was well known to Harmini and several plots were already well underway to bring about Sebti's undoing. However, Harmini had taken increasingly less pleasure in Lady Damej's companionship and schemes of late, her own personal interests having now been thrust forward in light of recent events. Apart from a brief brunch to gloat of her apparent victory over Nahkt and Ajin, Harmini spent her time confined to her apartment, deep in thought and arcane research.
Again the Lady of Graves mocks my existence with her minions. There is no mere coincidence here. Events have been set in motion that I cannot ignore. I must find the source of this uprising at all costs. This artifact could be the key in unlocking the mystery of my supposed immortality.
Harmini glanced at her loyal, constructed familiar with determination. Finding comfort in the glowing and revolving ioun stones, she spoke aloud even though they were alone.
"No more idle distractions. We have work to do."
For the first time ever, Alabaster replied. "Yes, master." Harmini could not conceal her smile.
Over the course of the next several days, Harmini and Alabaster worked diligently in preparation for the next chapter of their journey.
Each of you recuperate with friends, family or business, and are left alone for 2 days. The city is still on edge, but the flood of undead from the necropolis has slowed to a trickle, but a constant trickle nonetheless.
On the morning of the third day, a messenger arrives bearing a missive from Ptemenib...
Hello friends,
I hope this missive finds you well. The city of Wati and the Grand Mausoleum thank you for you effort. But, as you know you are still needed. Please come to the Mausoleum for an audience with Sebti and Nakht Shepses where next steps will be discussed.
Ptemenib
Vash finishes up his work at the family archery shop and locks up, preparing for further work of the undead extermination kind--and hopefully a chance to find clues as to his parent's disappearance. With his new kit ready to go, he heads to the Mausoleum at the appointed time and awaits the summons to their next adventure.
Nimaethep sighed upon reading the letter. She had hoped that the surge of undead had been a transient event and that things would have been back to normal by now. But that did not seem to be the case.
She felt a little guilty about leaving her duties while there was still work to be done, but it would be better that the undead plague was ended so that she had no victims to attend to in the first place.
She explained to the priests that she had been called to investigate the source of the undead and made her preparations. Packing her supplies and making sure her tools were stocked and in order she then paid homage to the old gods. Distant as they may be, she still felt comfort as unlike Pharasma these were uniquely Osirion deities.
In particular she entreated Bast to give her the strength to protect her allies and at the end reaffirmed her devotion to Anubis and vowed to return the dead to their proper rest.
She then headed to the appointed meeting place.
Teos has enjoyed his time at home with his family. With the disruption in the city, the family has stayed at home, protected in their small house. Luckily Teos had garnered such riches from his actions against the undead, the family now had more than enough money to survive for months.
When the call from Ptemenib came, Teos was not truly surprised. He had heard that undead still trickled from the dead city. He gathered together his panoply and headed to the Mausoleum.
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The morning sun illuminated Harmini Wakestep's villa with a warm pink glow. She barely noticed that two days had passed while neglecting her usual and proper routines. She hadn't eaten and hardly slept thanks to the sustaining powers of her magic ring. Rest was one of the few luxuries she could not afford at present.
After reading Ptemenib's letter, Harmini had no intention of declining the invitation to continue her quest. She made swift work of uplifting her appearance through magic: Her mundane hot weather outfit transformed into a splendorous white cape and corset with matching tall leather boots, her long platinum hair meticulously coiled and pinned with a jade comb. A faint scent of jasmine complimented her presence.
A confident smile crossed Harmini's lips as she strode through the courtyard toward the gates of the Mausoleum. With so many unknowns yet on the horizon, simply knowing that she was appearing fashionably late to the meeting and thus forcing Nakht and Sebti to wait for her arrival, gave her no small measure of satisfaction. It would also be good to see her promising and compassionate companions again as well.
Each of you make your way to the Great Mausoleum in you own time, making your way through the city that is slowly getting back to its usual routine.
The ususal crowds of mourners and celebrants and city officials were more sparse than usual, but nothing could curtail the observance of birth and death...and government.
Ptemenib manages to find each of you in the crowds and brings you one by one to a comfortable sitting room, hurrying off to fetch the others. Eventually, he ushers in the fashionably late Harmini, and clasping his hands together, says "Thank you all for coming, Sebti and Nakht Shepses are waiting. Please come this way..."
He escorts you through the maze-like corridors of the Mausoleum, until he arrives at an ornate wooden door. Without knocking he opens it and enters, obviously expecting you to follow.
You enter a cavernous room lined with steps...a kind of auditorium perhaps. Light pours in windows high on the walls, streaming down to the central area where a number of desks and tables were arrayed.
Ptemenib leads you toward one such table, where Sebti and Nakht Shepses were in deep discussion. When she sees you approaching, Sebti smiles and walks to greet you. Nakht Shepses remains at the table, arms crossed, glaring down at what was on the table.
"Come, come. Welcome , my friends" Sebti declares, sweeping her arm back towards the table and Nakht Shepses. When you come to the table he merely nods at each of you in greeting.
Upon the table are a number of maps of Wati, the top most one depicting the environs of the Necropolis.
Sebti places her hands on the table and looks at you meaningfully, "I trust you find yourself rested for what is to come? " she asks, then continues without waiting for an answer, "You indicated your willingness to continue your work on behalf of the citizens of Wati, and I take your presence here a testament to that!"
"The undead continue to emerge from the Necropolis....someone or something is creating them, and they , as you must know, make their way into the city!"
"Now, Sebti here wished to unleash an army of psychopomps...esoboks particularly to deal with the issue. He's held off on that in order to allow you the chance to re-enter the Necropolis and find the source of you undead plague."
Nakht Shepses continues to scowl unhappily during Sebti's speech.
Looking at each of you for confirmation of your willingness to help, she says, "Good, as before you'll have my grace to enter the Necropolis...understanding that you'll be beholden to the three rules as before : Remember How This Came to Pass, Every Slave's Hut Is a Memorial, and Honor the Departed. "
Again she looks at each of you to confirm that the rule of operating in the Necropolis was accepted and understood.
Nodding, she continues, "We realize how daunting a task we put to you, but listen closely."
She pulls the map of the Necropolis closer. You can see that there were five locations marked on the map. Pointing to each of them, Sebti says, "When the Necropolis was first walled off nearly 1,800 years ago, more than a dozen necromantic detectors called elegiac compasses were concealed inside. These devices can sense large sources of necromantic energy, and church inquisitors have used them to track and subdue fell influences in the necropolis. As of 30 years ago, the last time they were used, five elegiac compasses remained functional and could possibly be used to triangulate the source of the undead uprising. "
Sebti pauses, "we are not sure if the elegiac compasses are still functional, but take this map so you can determine that for yourself."
Nakht Shepses then clears his throat, "I suspect that a cult of atheist lamias called the Amushet may be behind the undead uprising. They possess knowledge of bizarre magics and have been known to take paramours from the city's populace, releasing them only after blinding them and driving them insane. They occupy a building called the Cenotaph of the Cynic...here..." he says, marking the map with an L.
Ptemenib then speaks up , after first asking Sebti's approval, "In my investigations in to the grave robbing gangs, I've made contact with a clan of dark folk called the Xotl who dwell beneath Vizier's Hill. [b]"You should seek out their leader Unwrapped Harmony, in the old Vill of the Asetit family....here," he says, marking another location on the map with a V, "They could have information on the nature of the outbreak of undead."
Sebti nods at both Ptemenib and Nakht Shepses for thier assistance, and looks back to you , "There you have it. I suggest you investigate all three of these possible sources of information..."
"If these Xotl could be allies, I say we go there first--especially if they have knowledge of the tactical situation on the ground in the Necropolis," reasons Vash, adding, "We can decide from there whether to go after the sensors, cult, or perhaps another lead the dark folk may have."
Nimaethep nodded in agreement with Vash. "That sounds like a good starting point, allies that are more knowledgeable about the area than we are would make any further investigation easier."
"The more information we can get the better chance we have to discover what is really happening out there!"
Teos shoulders his pack and readies to move out.
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I seriously doubt we can trust Nakht's opinions on these matters. He only seems interested in dealing with monsters who serve their own purpose. I do believe that Ptemenib means well though he is less careful than I would like. I have no desire to follow his example into yet another den of thieves. Who would these officials send to our rescue? Psychopomps?! I'd prefer to seek a death of my own choosing. Finding the elegiac compasses is the clear choice."
Harmini patiently takes in the information before releasing a heavy sigh.
"I must admit that I have reservations about relying on any so called 'allies' who would dwell among the dead."
She looks over to Sebti.
"I find that the most reliable knowledge comes from careful study. What more can you tell us of the elegiac compasses? Are there any texts detailing their operation? How do they function, exactly?"
Why has no one attempted to use them recently? 30 years was not so long ago, was it? Someone must still remember.
You've never heard of the Xotl before, not surprising if they live in the Necropolis. However, you have heard the name Amushet. Last year, one of your family members told you a story about a man who'd been found wandering the streets, incoherent, except for his exclamations of the word 'Amushet'.
In your studies you have come across mention of the elegiac compasses, large clockwork mechanisms, that utilize a special crystal to detect strong necromantic energies. From what you've read, once activated the device would send a beam of light across the Necropolis in the direction of the strongest necromantic aura.
Sebti spreads her hands at Harmini's probing questions on the compasses, "Alas, much knowledge has passed from our hands over the years..."
Sebti then nods, happy that you've somewhat decided on a course of action, "Whichever avenue you choose to follow is of course your choice, the only remaining issue is how to get you into the Necropolis. The front gate is constantly occupied by a throng of undead, usually numbering in the dozens. " she says, tapping her chin, "You could climb the wall, but Ptemenib says that most of the escaped undead have found a way out through the many old canal tunnels that still exist under the walls. Perhaps that would be the best option..."
Nimaethep considered that scaling the walls would be no problem for her. Though her claws were not as honed as her cousin's, they were still more than adequate for allowing her to effortlessly climb. But, that didn't mean that such a feat would be as simple for her companions.
"If you can direct us to the tunnels, that sounds like it would be the simplest way forward. We might also be able to block a passage to prevent more undead from slipping out of the Necropolis if the opportunity arises."
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We've certainly come too far to let a mere wall stand in the way. Besides, who knows what may lurk in the tunnels of the late Silver Chain now...
Harmini smiles coyly. "The Dry Veins were dangerous even before the dead woke. I'm certain it would be more direct to simply rise above."
After a moment, she looks to her companions.
Oh... the others may have trouble with the wall.
"On second thought, perhaps Nima is right. Let's try the tunnels first."
"Climb or go under...either is fine with me and I think we can accommodate those who might have trouble going over the walls. I must admit being in an enclosed space full of undead would not be my first choice."
The warrior gives a grim smile and waits to see which direction the group decides on.
”Sounds like a target-rich environment to me either way,” comments Vash, checking his full quiver. He adds, ”Though if we pick our place to go over the wall carefully, we could have a shorter path within the necropolis to our first destination “
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Harmini's smile widens.
I do so appreciate their confidence!
"Very well! I've always preferred the direct approach myself. Over the walls it is. I'll leave it to our scouts to select a favorable spot to cross."
She gestures to Nima and Vash before looking to Sebti and Ptemenib, making a point to avoid acknowledging Nahkt.
"Unless there are any other concerns to address here, we should be ready to depart, yes?"
Sebti nods at Harmini's observation, "Nahkt?" she asks, looking sidelong at the scowling man.
He give a peremptory shake of his head, not even deigning to look at the party.
Sebti turns back to you with a roll of her eyes, "Here let me see..." she says as she shuffles some papers around on the table. She finds what she's looking for, and slides it across, "Here..." she says, pointing at a section of the Necropolis wall, "...between the 6th and 8th wall section...our watchers have observed a marked decrease in the presence of the newly awakened. And I believe that the buildings there are somewhat higher, making the way down somewhat easier..."
She nods a friendly dismissal, then turns back to Nahkt to resume the intense discussion they'd been having as you entered.
Ptemenib walks you back out of the Grand Mausolem, talking to you as he does so, "My friends, in my experience using the tunnels is the safest and quickest way to enter and leave the Necropolis, but I leave it up to your discretion...Ah, I almost forgot, Sebti wanted you to have this..."
He reaches into the folds of his robe and pull out a thin rod made out of a bluish metal, "She hoped it might aid you..."
Vash waits for their business to be completed, consulting his map and already considering the best path to their objective. Having only minor spellcasting ability, he has no need for the magic rod, so he makes good use of his time, assessing both the tunnel and the over-wall approach for potential undead complications.
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Harmini smiles warmly at Ptemenib. She accepts the gift and puts it into her haversack.
"Thank you, my dear. This will certainly be of some use to me. I will make a point to express my gratitude to Sebti in person when we return with news of our findings... and to you also. Stay safe and farewell."
Once all parting pleasantries have been exchanged, Harmini prepares a few magical boons. She first summons an invisible shield around herself then pulls out a small pearl to recast the same spell on Nimaethep. With a slight gesture and arcane word she muffles her voice to a whisper.
"This will help us maintain some measure of silence. With any luck we may slip passed unnoticed.
Vash works the options in his head....zero undead complications in climbing the wall, possible undead complications taking the tunnel. However, the tunnel would present a 50-60ft underground walk, while the wall, some 50ft high would present a difficult ascent.
"It will be quite the climb over the wall. We'll need extra rope and a climbing kit to set pitons in case we lose our grip--unless someone can fly us over," comments Vash, suggesting, "Perhaps the tunnel would be a safer route."