Mummy's Mask

Game Master Samy

"I think someone would pay a nice bit of gold for that fake dresser/hidden chest contraption. You just know something reaaaaally good has to be hidden in that chest. To take that much trouble for something? Yeah, that's something nice, I bet."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Turel turns his gaze from the hallway where he had been keeping an eye on the area to give Harmose a long look, something in the other man's mannerisms catching his eye.

What is going through your mind now, my brother? Thoughts of your impending...ceremony?

He calls out to the others, "That would make the most sense here, they key would be found somewhere on the property. By all means Polux give the key a try."

Kito replies to Aleris "That would remove the challenge! Locks are a puzzle, something to be solved."

Although I'm glad that Polux took care of the trap. I will need quite a bit of practice before solving one of those alone.

Harmose raises an eyebrow. "Well, so long as the trap is gone, Kito can feel free to take the practice. But if that doesn't work, try the key! I really do want to know whether that key is the one that opens it. I do think that the hidden chest and dresser combo should be worth something. Maybe we can appraise it after we find out what's in there."

Kito smiles and steps up to the locked chest.

She sits in front of the chest and examines the lock. Taking a small bundle out, she opens it beside her. Lifting a small, curved wire and a hook out of the bundle, she starts to work on the lock.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Either that will do it or (more likely) the lock is beyond her.

At one of the doorways looking out for threats, Ra turned his head and glanced at the concealed safe.
"Hm. Some good work there. That can be sold for a decent amount." He said confidently.

Kito's jiggling feels for the longest time like it's going nowhere, but just when she's about to give up, the lock clicks open. She just barely made it.

Pentheru was a businessman as well as a noble, and the concealed chest served as a safe for some of the family's cash assets. The chest contains 20 small gold ingots, each bearing a seal.

Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Hanging back near the door with her head turning back and forth waiting for something to spring out of the shadows Deseri doesn't join any of the conversations. Not really even paying attention to what the others are doing but the glint of gold catches her attention. Forgetting about the dangers possibly lurking just around the corner Deseri moves behind Kito.

Placing a hand on Kitos back to steady herself and lean over the other woman. Ohh! That is pretty. Completely distracted and invading Kito's personal space Deseri leans a little further and pulls a ingot out. Running her hands along the seal. These things would be worth a lot. Depending on the buyer maybe 25gp or more. Unless the Church wants them. Is this a symbol for the family who owned the house or someone else?

"Almost have it... There!" Kito says as she opens the lock. She then puts her tools away and stands up.

Knowledge: History: 10 + 10 = 20

Looking in the chest, Kito replies to Deseri "Someone else, the Keleshite sultan who governed during the Plague of Madness."

Brushing her clothes off, she adds "We may need a wheelbarrow to carry those ingots. Gold is heavy."

"That is a nice little discovery. No telling how long those ingots have been there. I do wish there had been a nice dusty tome or something more pertinent, but gold is always pleasant as well."

"I'm not certain how long they have been there, but that seal was used over two thousand years ago."

"Well...even though that seal is old, the ingots probably don't hold a lot of historical value. So we'd probably be okay to sell them if we wanted," Aleris offers cheerfully. "25 gold for each one isn't anything to sneeze at."

"Unless one of them is in pristine condition, you are quite likely correct. I recognize the seal because others have found many examples of it."

Kito pauses a moment, thinking. "Still, there should be no harm in checking first. Make sure they have no significant historical value."

Still turning the ingot over in her hands, But if we melted it and made it into jewelry that would be better. Glancing up at Aleris, You are so pale and the gold would look so pretty in your hair. For the wed... Staring at Qari Or her horns would she dig her horns in gold? That would be so pretty and shiny.

"Oh...you think so?" Aleris replies shyly. "I'd always thought that pale metals went with pale skin, but I'm definitely not an expert on things like that." She can't help but smile as she thinks back to the first day she'd met Harmose and Turel, how they'd all gone to the market and bought scarves. "Harmose has a good eye for color, too. Maybe the two of you can pick out and coordinate all the outfits!"

Smiling at the thought, she looks around at everyone and then blinks. "Wait...is that everything here in the house? If so, then I think we're done here for the day - unless everyone's changed their minds about the crypt outside, that is."

Kito winces at the mention of the crypts.

"I would prefer to leave the crypt for another day, if you don't mind."

Turel nods in agreement. "I see no reason to brave the crypt at this time. We can handle the haunt situation at the front gate upon our return."

As the party prepares to depart the house, his gaze travels over Aleris and Harmose with a look of wistfulness on his face and in his eyes.

This is a difficult road I have chosen here. I must be strong...for BOTH of their sakes! I could no more turn away from them any more than I could walk away from my tribe.

"Agreed, let's go back. We have things to buy and sell, stories to tell, and..." he grins as he looks at the Aleris, "an engagement to celebrate!" He follows the rest of the group back to Wati in the best of spirits, happily chatting with the others while he watches Aleris's beautiful hair dance in the breeze.

That is a brilliant idea. Smiling at the idea of leaving for the day Deseri moves as fast a possible to get back out the gate. Twirling around seemingly at peace with the world once on the other side of the gate.

"A celebration is in order, then! Let's get back to town and enjoy ourselves!"

You leave the House of Pentheru. It's still early afternoon and the sun is relatively high, so you run into no unsavory encounters on your trek through the Necropolis.

You return through the Necropolis gates into the living city. Lay out your plans, people. What things do you want to get done during the afternoon and evening? You may pursue any of the open subplots, interact with any of the characters introduced, work on the celebration and/or any combination thereof.

Perception + Thera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

After leaving the Necropolis, Kito excuses herself saying "There is something in the markets I want to pick up. I'll meet you back at the Hookah?"

Find a scroll of Burning Hands to deal with those dang swarms.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Qari scans the area as the group leaves the old building. "We've attracted a friend," she whispers, as she points to the spot in the shadows. "It was a humanoid figure wrapped head to toe in grey cloth tatters. It was watching us for some reason." Her spirits fell as she could not locate it again. "It must have vanished already. It was there though, I swear!"

Harmose pulls his gaze away from Aleris's pretty hair and looks to where Qari points.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"You have sharp eyes, Qari! I missed him. Hmmph. We'll have to keep an eye out for our 'friend' as we travel. It's a good thing we're in such a big group. Speaking of markets, do we want to get the buying and selling done first?"

Kito looks back towards where Qari pointed.

"Are you sure?" She then notices how Polux and Ra-Khefer are struggling with the chest of gold ingots. Gesturing towards it, she says "I suppose that carrying that through town would attract a attention. Perhaps we should stay together as a group -- at least until we have dealt with the chest."

Turel nods slowly, a troubled look on his face. He rubs his scalp briefly as he slows his pace watching behind the party. "We need to keep a sharp eye out for that person...and his friends. I suspect they are keeping an eye on us. Remember we know others have braved the Necropolis looking for easy pickings here. They may be after our spoils." He nods in reply to Kito. "A wise decision. We should stay together, at least until we rid ourselves of our load."

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Looking back but not seeing anything Deseri frowns. I really should pay attention. That sounds like a good idea. Where do we go to sell something like this? Waving her hand at the chest/dresser.

Knowlege Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Perhaps at some of the antique shops in the Morning Sun district?" Harmose offers. "We should get a good price for it there, unless anyone else has a better idea?"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"I didn't see anything either; must be my eyes readjusting to the sunlight out here," Aleris sighs as she peers around. "Sticking together until we take care of business sounds good to me. It's already been an emotional day and I'd rather not sour it by having to fight off would-be thieves. Let's go with Harmose's suggestion and try the Morning Sun district first and see if we can at least find a buyer for these ingots."

Ra helps horse the heavy items back from the mansion, using a cart or wheelbarrow if he can scare one up.
He is unable to see anyone following, even when they're pointed out.
"Are you sure Quari?" He said after peering about.
"There are a lot of disreputable types about lately, attracted by the influx of ancient treasures." He said sourly, aware he could be lumped among them nowadays.
Still sore and somewhat injured, he will likely drink some in the common room and go to bed early to rest.

Ok I am going to try and appraise what looks like it need to be appraised and hope I get a few.

Appraise on turquoise earring: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Appraise on silver anklet set: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Appraise on dead man's headband: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Appraise on inexpensive jewelry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Appraise on strand of freshwater pearls: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Appraise on kohl of uncanny discernment: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Woot I think I did well!

Time to aid another, gang!

Harmose helpfully takes notes as Deseri studies the jewelry, trying to help her assess the values of everything.

Aid another appraise Dead Man's Headband: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Nope.
Aid another appraise Inexpensive Jewelry: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Nope.

He stares hopelessly at the Dead Man's Headband and the pile of inexpensive jewelry. One is too weird. The other... why would you wear the inexpensive stuff? He has NO idea what it's worth.

Aid another appraise Fresh Water Pearls: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 +2 to Deseri's roll.

The pearls, however... "Oh my mother had a set of these! Lovely, aren't they? This set is especially nice because of the coloration and quality of the pearls.."

Pleased to see Harmose is happy to help she cannot help but mumble a dirty reply at him since he only seemed interested in one item. They would look very pretty on Aleris. Especially if that was all she had on Nudging Harmose as she speaks.

Aid Another, Appraise Deadman's Headband: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Nope.

I had already tried on the pearls and jewelry, so it appears I have nothing more for me to appraise.

Harmose grins and looks hopefully at Aleris. "What do you think of Deseri's idea? It is fairly warm in Wati..."

He then laughs, ducking away before he can get swatted.

"May I try?" Aleris asks as the group puts their collective heads together on appraising the last few items that they'd found.

Appraise - Dead Man's Headband (Aid Another): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

As she attempts to study the headband, Deseri's sly suggestion on how best to wear the set of pearls they'd found is met with an explosive coughing fit and a stammered, "Er...I'll t-take that under a-advisement!"

She then shoots Harmose a look and throws a 'punch' at his arm as he ducks away from her. "Is this a game you two came up with, 'See How Many Times We Can Embarrass Aleris'? Maybe I should make you wear them instead!" Though her tone might sound irritated, the corners of her mouth twitch which shows that she's nowhere near as irritated as she's letting on.

"Oh...now I forgot what I was going to say about this," she sighs, looking at the headband. "Wonderful...let me try the jewelry instead; that might be easier..."

Appraise - Inexpensive Jewelry (Aid Another): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"Hmm...they may not be crafted out of precious metals or be studded with gems, but I think the craftsmanship on these pieces is actually pretty good," she asserts after a few moments of study.

Turel reluctantly takes the pearls in his hand and looks them over with an odd, almost plaintive look on his face. "How am I supposed to tell the value of these pearls? They are not found where I live, and I have not seen their like before." On seeing the looks from the others, he finally gives a small sigh. "Ahhh, very well. I shall see if they are cracked or flawed!"

Appraise, Freshwater Pearls (Aid Another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

"Well, they look...pretty..." He mutters after a few moments.

Harmose grins and bats his eyelashes. "Aleris, if you want me to model the pearls that way, just say the word. But you are lovely no matter what you wear. Please don't mind Des and I being silly."

Smiling as Aleris takes a swipe at Harmose. Feeling pleased with herself that Aleris is wanting to smile and not actually indignant. Well that would be a sight.

Grinning at Aleris Well it is a rather fun game. But I think you would have to try a little harder to do it back. Would it help if we picked someone else for tomorrow? Oh and I love pearls so I would not mind either.

"Sometimes it's enough to know that something is pretty," Aleris smiles gently. "Or at least that you find it pretty."

The sylph sighs with mock exasperation at Deseri as she continues her teasing. "Honestly, I'm starting to think that the two of you will do as you please whether I object to it or not."

"But I will say that we should probably finish taking care of business first before we scare off Ra-Khefer and Polux and everyone else with our shenanigans," she adds with a laugh. "Besides, you need to save some of that energy for the celebration you're intent on having!"

Glaring at Aleris with far to much mirth in her eyes for the look to hold any actual irritation. Dropping the mock glare after a moment and smiling. But I have been working this whole time. What if this game helps me work, huh?

Looking Aleris up and down as if sixing her up, I promise I have plenty of energy. What matters is if you can keep up. Ending with she apparently had to say with a wink.

Holding up the pearls like a shield and stepping back, Sorry I will stop if you really want me to. And the others haven't run yet. Maybe they are enjoying the show.

Let's see.

Deseri gets the earring, anklet set and kohl without help. She gets the inexpensive jewelry with Aleris' help and the freshwater pearls with Harmose and Turel's help.

15gp earring
150gp anklet set
35gp inexpensive jewelry
200gp freshwater pearls

ring, kohl and headband have list prices

2000gp ring of protection +1
1500gp kohl of uncanny discernment
3600gp dead man's headband

I have updated the Google Drive Treasure List

I have also updated the experience points -- you have blipped just past the halfway point from level 2 to 3.

"Excellent." Harmose looks around the group, beaming. "We've got it all priced. What here do we want to sell, and what do we want to keep?"

Ok so I have learned that I need to be harassing Aleris to appraise things. A valuable lesson. So level up? Yay!

So are we keeping anything? The Khol could very useful. The pearls are nice. Winking at Aleris again.

No levelups, except to 2.5. :)

Ah now I see the halfway word. I need to work on my selective reading.

That's okay, we haven't finished taking care of the crypt or the swarm. I don't expect to level until we finish with the house.

"We'll need some cash in order to sanctify the gate, deal with the swarm and deal with whatever glorious items await us in the crypt. I'd like for Aleris to keep the ring. We banished the haunt using it in our engagement, so I think we made a verbal contract to use it. I am a man of my word. I don't want to betray that poor lost spirit... I'm going to suggest selling the other jewelry and the headband though... I also need a list of what we need. Kito, are there yummy spells we can purchase for Thera other than Burning Hands? Could we afford a want of Protection from Evil?"

"Of course I can keep up!" Aleris blurts out before the implied meaning of Deseri's wink registers. "Er...I mean...nevermind..." she sighs, knowing when she's beaten. "But no, I don't mind. It's just your way of being friendly," the sylph smiles. "Other people have done that too, it just took me awhile to learn to tell the difference between being friendly and having fun at my expense."

"As far as what to sell goes, I'd agree and say all of it. We can always find more jewelry later and we could use the extra supplies now," she agrees.

"Of course I can keep up!" Aleris blurts out before the implied meaning of Deseri's wink registers.

Grinning widely at Aleris.

"Er...I mean...nevermind..." she sighs, knowing when she's beaten. "But no, I don't mind. It's just your way of being friendly," the sylph smiles. "Other people have done that too, it just took me awhile to learn to tell the difference between being friendly and having fun at my expense."

The grin falls away to a frown as she waves her hand and takes a step towards Aleris then stops, No, no, no. I am not wanting to have fun at your expense. That was never my intent and if that is what you think I am doing I will stop. My fun should never be at anyone's expense. If I cross a line please make sure to tell me.

I wonder if all groups have these sort of discussions in the middle of the street?

Kito gets a mischievous smile on her face as she hears Deseri's statement.

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a little bit of Thera's bird feed. Offering it to the small Thrush, she says "ثيرا، فأرجو أن يطير إلى الأمام ونقطة الصفر خط في التراب. ذلك هو علاج للسيدة جميلة. صديقتها سوف تتيح لها معرفة متى حان الوقت."

The thrush eats the offered food, then takes off flying ahead of the group.