Seeing the skeleton back up a bit, Mirri saw an opportunity to escape. With one hand clutching at her sucking chest wound, the halfling staggered forward past her companions. As she did she rasped, Everybody back! We can't beat that thing!
Petra has a flash of insight, not from Anubis necessarily, but more a moment of clarity born from both her own experiences as a guardian, as well as her understanding of the undead. This man was fiercely loyal to his god, and his sense of duty and honor seems to drive him to continue his obligations in his undeath. To this end, he gets no pleasure out of fighting, nor does he fight you out of any evil intent. He merely needs to protect the Sanctum (not just this room, but the entire building). He is also conflicted--something about the other intruders has disturbed him greatly. He doesn't seem to know much about modern Wati, nor does he understand that Pharasma is now the ultimate authority of the Necropolis (and thus doesn't understand your claim to this place). If you could align your divinely mandated authority to his ends, perhaps discovering what his fears are and helping him safeguard the temple...
Petra does not loose another arrow, though her arm trembles on the string as she is torn between two impulses: she has never met a creature of undeath before that she did not seek to destroy; that is Anubis's will, not to parley with them.
"Forgive me, Lord of the Tomb," she mutters under her breath. Perhaps if a necromancer can be destroyed as a result of this, her god will pardon her... she can only hope.
"There is no call for this!" she cries at a louder volume to both her companions and the guardian. "You are no mindless abomination-- and we are no mindless desecrators. Guardian, you have served faithfully and long, as my people serve in Erekrus, where we also guard tombs, and have for thousands of years... even if I personally am younger, as you say.
"I would speak with you to know more of the intruders-- and to tell you of the world as it is now-- if you will stay the fury of your weapon. We shall our own as well. Please, guardian."
Petra lowers her bow, holding her breath.
The skeleton considers for a moment, then speaks: Very well, young dwarf--stow your weapons and swear a threefold oath, to Anubis, Pharasma, and Nethys. May they inflict their combined retribution upon you if you take up arms against me or this sanctum while under protection of our truce. Swear thus, and we can parlay.
Petra hesitates. Anubis still had spoken no words to her regarding his will on this creature, this dead thing that talks as though it were still alive, that perhaps even still has its soul. And in the absence of a divine direction, she must prioritize... the living. Her comrades.
She slings the bow over her shoulder, continuing to speak in the ancient tongue with her hands raised. "I swear by Anubis of the jackal head, and Pharasma of the Spire, and Nethys the two-sided god, that we shall not strike at you or to destroy that which you guard while our peace is declared."
--and because Mirri can understand nothing of the conversation as it has progressed, Petra tacks on- "Mirri, I am striking a truce with it-- do not rejoin the attack, by all gods!"
That will serve, the skeleton says, stowing his spear and tossing a wand to Petra.
I am Senenmerek, last survivor of the Sanctum of the Erudite Eye. See to your friends' wounds, I've no use for such a thing, now that my own friends are lost to the passage of time. Tell me what circumstances bring you to my temple.
Petra ducks her head respectfully to the guardian and hurries forward to help Akhentepi before the bird can be lost, knowing well how Say'ri cares for her feathered companion. "Anubis, hold the bird here..."
"Thank you. I am Petra of Erekrus," she says. "And this is Say'ri al Bashere.... she serves Horus as you do Nethys, as a temple guardian. And... I do not know the gods my other friends serve. Um."
Petra does not consider herself any sort of gifted speaker: humans are glib creatures with ready words, very chatty by the standards of her people, and even among her own people she was not knowin for making pleasant speeches. With the immediate crisis no longer loosing her tongue to strike a peace, Petra's natural shyness asserts herself. She throws beseeching looks at Say'ri and Ibrahim, but carries on nonetheless.
"As of circumstances... you have been here a long time, Senenmerek. The world has changed in many ways."
A throat clearing, then Petra continues. "This part of Wati... for many city blocks around... has long since been abandoned by the living. It is called the Necropolis now. It is infested by many undead that prey on the living. Not guardians as you, but packs of ghouls, mindless skeletons, disease-ridden zombies." Petra's tone is more confident speaking of these things at least.
"The area is forbidden to all because of the dangers, or at least until recently. The church of Pharasma has opened the Necropolis to those who would explore, if they also destroy the evil undead that they find. Some seek only to plunder the riches of Wati's past." (Note Petra not looking over her shoulder at Mirri, here.) "Others seek glory. I seek to put the souls of the dead to rest. If there is a necromancer around, as you say, then my duty is to destroy him. Can you speak more of him?"
What calamity could befall the mighty Wati, to shrink it to such depths. The Pharasmins stooping to hire mercenaries to carry out their sacred duty? He shakes his skeletal head.
The necromancer bade me stay my hand, and I obeyed, though he was here through no church's orders. I do not fall lightly under the sway of magic--he was strong, and he moved with purpose. Long have I pondered why Lord Nethys would keep me here, while all around me fades. I fear there was a great source of power safeguarded here, and that he took it. As to specifics, I cannot speak, but if one such as he were to unlock the potential of something hidden away from the High Priests, calamity will soon follow.
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Say'ri lowers her flail and takes deep breaths - calming the battle rage that had flared so violently when Mirri and Akhentepi were struck down. "I swear by Horus that I shall respect the parlay sworn here. May the far-seeing falcon strike me down if I am false."
"Guardian Senenmerek, many centuries ago now a plague was unleashed upon Wati. The city was near deserted by the time the plague came to an end and the Pharaohs deemed it unimportant - bidding the Church of Pharasma seal the city walls into a vast necropolis and leave the problem out of sight and mind. It was well that they did for many dangers were left behind by the plague. Apart from the Pharasmins only followers of the old gods of Osirion have kept knowledge of those times. Like you I guard the Temple of my God, Horus the Sun Falcon, although I to am the last of my line."
She pauses a moment before continuing. "It is only within the past century that Osirion has thrown off the rule of Katapesh and restored the true Pharaohs. The current pharaoh, called the Ruby Prince, decided that it was expedient to open the Necropolis to adventurers, both to gain knowledge and to gain access to the wealth hidden within without risking unwilling lives. We were duly appointed by the Church of Pharasma and assigned this temple, although we had no knowledge of its purpose and now I fear that we are facing something far greater than a simple information gathering mission."
Mirri gasped as Petra's wand partially closed the wound in the halfling's chest. She staggered back a few more steps, her knife raised in a helpless defense. But she then went wide-eyed as Petra put away her bow and began talking again to the skeleton.
Mirri nodded with a stunned expression as Petra quickly told her to not re-engage with the foe. You think I'm crazy?? I ain't gonna fight that thing! She then watched as Say'ri entered the conversation and the skeleton tossed a wand to Petra. Keeping close to the shadows, and wary as a rabbit that smells the sent of the wolf, Mirri spied the incomprehensible conversation unfold before her eyes. She slowly uncorked a potion bottle as well and threw it back, letting out a soft, relaxed sigh as the additional healing washed over her.
Lastly, she spoke back to Petra. Let it know that I wasn't gonna take anything, I was just tryin' to get to safe spot!
Ibrahim stands, the electricity coursing through his sword dissipating as he dismisses his magic.
Then, he addresses the creature in it's native tongue.
"We have fought many undead, but none with their own thoughts, let alone honor such as yours. I don't keep the gods in quite as high esteem as my companions, but I will instead swear on my honor to not break the rules of parlay. I will further pledge this: if the magic that is reanimating you is also binding you to this chamber, I will hunt down this necromancer thief on your behalf and reclaim what he stole."
If you have the blessings of the Pharoah and the gods, I will not stand in your way. I know not how my oaths hold when times have changed so much. The others here display worship of the All-Seeing Eye and I will not move against them. But if they violate the laws of your city they will receive no further protection from me. Come this way, I will negate the advantage they have over you...
"There is more at stake here than theft... well, your thefts," Petra mutters in the common tongue to Mirri, as she listens with brows furrowed to Senenmerek's words.
"Guardian Senenmerek: this necromancer. Can you describe him? A human like these two, or another race? His fashion of dress? I will willingly hunt down such a person if he has stolen a thing of power that should have been left here," Petra says as she squints down at the wand, discovering she's familiar with the spell contained within.
"...this is a gracious gift, thank you, guardian," Petra says of the wand. "We will follow."
The dwarf's brows are knit as she picks things up from the ground that she had dropped earlier. The thought of a powerful relic stolen by some necromancer.... it puts her hackles up... almost as much as being around the guardian himself does. She keeps staring out of the corner of her eye at the unnaturally moving fleshless bone-limbs, a sight that's always evoked horror in her. This still feels wrong to let it live... but it has treated with them fairly thus far.
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Say'ri breathes a slight sigh as Petra heals the remnants of Senenmerek's spear thrust. She retrieves her fallen weapons and walks close behind the guardian, keeping herself between him and the rest of the group - just in case. As Akhentepi settles onto her shoulder Say'ri can't help but feel a sense of kindred with this guardian - undead or not she feels that in life the two of them were likely very similar...
I will further pledge this: if the magic that is reanimating you is also binding you to this chamber, I will hunt down this necromancer thief on your behalf and reclaim what he stole."
It may come to that, but first we should attend to the matter at hand.
"Guardian Senenmerek: this necromancer. Can you describe him? A human like these two, or another race? His fashion of dress? I will willingly hunt down such a person if he has stolen a thing of power that should have been left here,"
Yes--he was human, Osirioni, slight of build. He was bald, with a rune of a serpent swallowing its own tail carved on his forehead, forming a circle. He had other hieroglyphs written all over his body. He wielded a leg bone like a staff, and there was an aura of power emanating from him. When you deal with the interlopers, come find me in my chambers, and we will discuss further. Avoid the northeastern chamber--the statues will attack you if you are not with me. For now, we must hurry. The others command another guardian of the temple, and we must destroy it.
Senenmerek leads you around a winding corridor into view of two bronze gates. Beyond the eastern gate you can see 3 humans and a half-elf--it is the adventuring group that calls itself the Scorched Hand, the followers of Nethys whom you spoke with a few days past.
The leader, the Taldan with the foppish feather hat shouts at you This holy temple is ours to explore by divine right! You have no business here! Your undead guide unlocks the northern gate with a key, hands the key to Petra, and crashes through the flaming fountain, pressing a panel on the wall and revealing a secret room.
A large, star-shaped fountain with a circular basin in the center occupies most of this octagonal chamber, surrounded by a ring of stones engraved with hieroglyphs. Roaring blue flames rise from the basin to almost touch the ceiling. The area is separated from the rest of the complex by a metal gate just to the south.
You, help me destroy this! He yells to Say'ri, and as he speaks the flat blade of his spear morphs into a mace-head. Inside the tiny room is a large carved stone figurine.
As the other team shouts at them, Petra calls over her shoulder, "There is more at stake here than simply treasure rights!" before shoving the key into her belt pouch. She hurriedly makes room for Say'ri, dropping back behind her to allow the warrior to stand next to the statue.
Her bow won't do much against the stone, but a little is better than nothing, she supposes. Petra draws a blunted arrow, observing the way Senenmerek's spear had shifted, and fires it at the statue.
Baffled at the rapid turn of events, Mirri follows Say'ri blindly forward, trying her best to keep an eye out for traps as she does. The halfling continues to watch in utter confusion as, apparently on command from the undead, Say'ri launched herself at the statue. Mirri did not join the fight against the inanimate object, but instead looked back over her shoulder to offer a shrug and a weak smile to the Scorched Hand group.
A strange, ghostly form starts to emerge from the wall near Senenmerek, but it dissipates soundlessly after he and Say'ri attack the statue, smashing it to pieces.
Good luck--I await your return, the skeleton says, kneeling in front of the fountain and staring into the flames.
Petra takes a breath, turning the other direction. She quickly translates for Mirri. "This was another guardian that might have caused us trouble; Senenmerek helped us to destroy it before it could. A necromancer took a powerful relic from Senenmerek's charge-- but that may have to wait until we deal with this other group! Let us avoid killing if possible-- they are not our true foes here."
Petra find her useful wand again and calls down a blessing of the gods once more.
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"Then perhaps you should speak to them Petra - your tongue seems more silver than the rest of ours!" Say'ri responds with a small grin before marching back into the room to confront the Scorched Hand.
"Your divine right means little here. Pharasma holds the entire necropolis in her hands and your presence here is in contravention of the will of her church. Depart immediately and I will speak nothing of it to the Grand Mausoleum. Once we have finished our sanctioned exploration then you may well be able to return here with the temples blessing."
Mirri nodded gratefully as Petra explained the situation. The halfling's head was still spinning with the changes, but at least now she understood. All of the concern over guardians and statues seemed somehow less important than the Scorched Hand though. They're gonna try to take our stuff!
Wordlessly, Mirri then ghosted along in the shadows behind Say'ri, letting the larger human woman's form cover hers. She then took up a hiding place along the wall and unlimbered her sling. Afterward Mirri took in the conversation Say'ri had with the interlopers, a stone in her sling looking for an unarmored foe to strike in such were necessary.
When you turn the corner the Scorched Hand is more visible, and you see that they have summoned a ball of fire just beyond the gate.
The Taldan woman seems to have duplicated herself, as multiple copies of her shimmer in the same proximity (there are 6 of her, in total). She chuckles at Say'ri's threats.
How...cute. That's so very kind of you to let me leave unharmed. I have an alternate suggestion--leave now and you can keep your life. She levels a wand, shaped like a serpent, at Say'ri's face. I don't suspect you'll take it--I see your conjurer has left you, which proves she's the only one of you with any sense.
The half-elf crouches expectantly behind the pillar, twin blades drawn. The young man with kohl-rimmed eyes smirks at Velriana's words and smooths back his hair. He,too, holds a wand. Near him the armored priest stands guard, watching you with a stern look on his face.
Petra is unfamiliar with the magics on display, but eyes the ball of fire with particular wariness as she moves to have a better view of their foes.
"I seem to recall you were assigned a brothel, not this place," she says bluntly. "And we are the trespassers? No matter. Come, let us leave, we must find the necromancer, not battle on ground ill-suited to it against... magicians and so forth," Petra grunts, glancing at the gate that separates them from the Scorched Hand... and the other gate of that room.
Mirri smiled unseen in the shadows. Now THAT I got! Mirri remained amused as understanding subtle innuendo from Petra far better than that ancient blabber the entire group was conversing in before. Attempting to stay hidden from the Scorched Hand, Mirri followed Say'ri and Petra way from the potential fight.
Ibrahim joins his teammates, trying to suppress his eagerness to jump into a fight.
If that is what I think it is, we should wait a few minutes for her protections to run out anyhow
Ibrahim knows the spell to be "Mirror Image".
The party retreats, exploring around the other corridor to find a similar gate as entrance into the room.
The Scorched Hand has slightly changed position when you reemerge.
Upon seeing the open secret door, Mirri frowns. Oh man, they're already takin' all the good stuff Still, the halfling encourages the group to explore the room, checking for traps and other items of interest as she does.
Mirri then enthusiastically encourages the group to explore the closed double door room, but listens with chagrin when Say'ri and Petra explain what Senenmerek instructed.
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"Mirri - we can't wait to search now, the Scorched Hand would be fools not to expect us to be coming, searching now runs the risk of opening us up to ambush... We can come back afterwards." Say'ri thinks for a moment and then pauses, eyes still fixed down the corridor.
"What is our plan here? If we seek to negotiate then we should go on ahead - but they do not seem keen to do so and have trespassed unlawfully. The Grand Mausoleum would see us in the right and they as little better than tomb robbers. As far as I am concerned they have broken the laws of this city and deserve to be punished, but I would hear you all speak first."
Mirri nods sullenly at Say'ri, seeming to understand the human woman's concerns while remaining disappointed at leaving potential financial reward behind. The halfling shrugged when asked about a plan for the Scorched Hand. Those guys looked kinda tough, and we fought a buncha stuff already. Mebbe we come back after reportin' them to the priests?
Petra grunts when the other passage proves to be much the same with a gate that they cannot tell to be locked or not without coming with a dangerous range to try it. They pull back behind hearing range or sight, discussing quietly.
"I agree that these interlopers should be punished. By the right of the lotto, this place is ours to explore, no?" Petra says grimly.
"But trying to get through the gate to them is an invitation for pain-- even if Mirri can open the lock swiftly. It would still mean time they attack us with impunity. I wonder if it is possible to come at them from whatever path they entered the temple through... if there is another entrance? Perhaps Senenmerek would know."
Mirri watches the conversation between Petra and Say'ri with worry on her face. We got that key the skeleton gave us, but I dunno...that group looks pretty tough.
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Say'ri is just about to say something when Akhentepi tightens his claws into her shoulder. The gate is open. We should strike swiftly to retain the advantage. His voice is quiet, but firm - the voice of a seasoned commander used to giving orders.
Say'ri looks at the rest of the group. "We'd best move quickly. Mirri, you and I engage the big warrior woman. General, go for the leader - I imagine she is a caster so distract her, make it hard for her to cast. Ibrahim, Petra, drop the others as quick as you can. Everyone wait for my signal and then go!"
Petra frowns at the plan, rubbing at her jaw. She dislikes attacking an entrenched foe, but under the circumstances they may have little choice. Waiting until their enemy's spells cease seems like something, at least. Petra would far prefer not to have to face that ball of roiling fire... she may no longer wake in the night from dreams of Thurzen's laughter, but she will never bear flame any love, either.
"I am well armored," she whispers to the others, "but I cannot be quiet well. If someone is to take the lead to try and open the gate, perhaps it should be me, to weather any initial attacks. Then you others might move through freely."
Seeing that the others were intent on a violent confrontation with the Scorched Hand, Mirri shrugged in resignation before drawing her small knife. Whispering back she says, Let me sneak up to the gate and open it after the magic wears off. Then you all charge through. I'll look for good targets after, 'kay?
Mirri overhears the Taldan woman speaking to the priest, about how the exit from the room they're in must lead to the high priest's tomb, but they should ensure you are gone before they explore. They discuss the matter for a while and the priest seems to agree with her. After some time, the flame winks out of existence (about the same time that Petra's bless spell ends).
After another minute or so, Mirri sees the group walk past her line of sight and towards the other door (the one you all originally approached from).
Seeing the group move, Mirri slinks back to the party and reports in. They're moving to the other door! The one we first saw 'em from! Mirri kept her voice to a whisper despite her excitement.
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"We should strike now then, while they're distracted. Let's move!" This aggression is almost the antithesis of Say'ri's usual careful, planning attitude - a small part of her can recognise that Akhentepi is having an impact on her emotions, pushing her to be more commanding, more aggressive. The larger part of her mind shelves the though for later - knowing that distraction in combat will do more damage than any fears about her own sanity.
Moving close behind Mirri, she waits for the halfling to throw open the door - flail held firmly in both hands.
Petra nods shortly and snaps her wrist to get her wand at the ready again.
Mirri nodded in response to Say'ri's command, the halfling's eyes wide at the forcefulness and conviction in the human woman's voice. The halfling quickly crept back up to the gate and through it open. She then attempted to dive back into the shadows.