Mummy's Mask

Game Master Samy

Looking over at Kito with a wide smile, Greetings, followed by the full name?"

Knowledge Nobility, Take Ten: 10 + 8 = 18

"I would address her like this."

Harmose smiles at Kito, and then bows. "Your excellency, Muminfroh, it is an honor to meet you. Welcome to our lovely city. I trust your trip went well?" He grins. "It's also customary to kneel and kiss the ring, but wait for her to signal that she's ready for petitioners and sycophants to approach. She has not signaled that yet."

"Huh...are we all expected to introduce ourselves when the time comes?" Aleris responds, still at a whisper. "There's an awful lot of people here; surely she wouldn't be interested in speaking with every single one?"
________________

Edited slightly due to ninja.

"But we are exploring the Necropilse, so is it not likely that we will have to?"

"My understanding is that the party is for Khammayid, celebrating his return from studying abroad." Kito quietly points out.

Looking to Harmose, she adds "Thank you."

Next time I'll have to get the etiquette lessons before attending one of Harmose's events.

Qari shook her head. "I'm not prepared for any of this. All I wanted was to try and find some information about what I can do, and now I have to worry about proper manners greeting a noblewoman," she frets under her breath.

"Don't worry too much Qari" - Polux chuckles again - "Stick to the basics, and you'll be fine. I know I would probably lose a tooth, if I went the way Harmose suggests, or bite my tongue or something" - he winks.

Harmose's roll counts for this.

More to come within an hour or two.

Perception, +Thera: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 2 = 16

Thera gently nudges Kito and then points with her beak. After peering for a moment at the crowd in that direction, Kito gives a small chuckle.

Moving next to Aleris, she gives her a friendly nudge and whispers "It seems the buffet tables are dangerous for others as well! See how the guest of honor has been trapped?"

Meehr asks Ra-Khefer, "So do you think we could hire some assassins to fight these assassins? And do you think we could arrange it to happen on some arena, for entertainment purposes? I know some people, so it could be funny."

The Okhenti family's patriarch and the party's host Ahbehn tries to strike up a conversation with Deseri, approaching her to ask her about her journeys to the Necropolis. "You seem like a fairly large group compared to most I've known. You must have felt safe in such a group. Were there any moments during your explorations when you were in high danger?"

Everyone may make their second Will save at this point versus the main course to see whether they can resist overeating because everything is so damn delicious. As before, I leave the exact effect up to you.

Will save vs. Food: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sense Motive, Khammayid, Thera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
General Perception, Thera: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 2 = 19

Although she was very careful with the appetizers, either she misunderstood how many courses were to be presented or the lure of the food was too great.

Moving from dish to dish she fills her plate with a couple of skewers of the lamb kebab, some stuffed grape leaves, some salad, a pita filled with kofta, an olive, and some cucumber on the side. Hesitating a moment, she diverts over to add a slice of grilled fish to her plate before looking for a place to sit.

Will save (food): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Sense Motive DC 25 on Muminofrah: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Perception DC 20 (room): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Turel smells the succulent food from the main courses and enjoys the various odors. He does manage to avoid the temptations of the richest dishes staying with the fruits and vegetables, along with a healthy portion of the grilled fish.

He does take note of the large woman but her mannerisms are difficult to read, so he turns his attention to the party's host Ahbehn talking with Deseri and idly watches the interplay even as he proceeds to start on the tasty dish.

Perception (Khammayid; DC 15): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Sense Motive (Muminofrah; DC 25): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Sense Motive (Khammayid; DC 15): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Sense Motive (Ahbehn; DC 15): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"Hehe, you're right! I'm sure he's probably enjoying the attention; there's a lot of very pretty women here tonight," Aleris whispers to Kito with a smile. "Oh...wait, I actually think he'd like a little bit of a breather. But I'm not sure that me butting in would really help..."

Now presented with a variety of food that she's never seen before in her life, Aleris' stomach growls loudly. Unable to make up her mind on what looks best she settles for taking a tiny portion of nearly everything available, loading down her plate to such a degree that it takes both hands to hold it steady. She follows Kito to a section of empty seats at one of the tables and sits, unashamedly setting her plate in front of her.

"Try new things, right? I'm so hungry, I thought I'd try all the things! Don't worry though, I'll stop when I feel full," she states. She glances around idly, noting Ahbehn speaking with Deseri but otherwise nothing else out of the ordinary. However, the sound of arguing drifting in from somewhere nearby does catch her ear and she turns to look in the direction of the agitated voices.

Perception, Khammayid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Will Save vs Food: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Sense Motive Muminfroh: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Sense Motive, Khammayid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Sense Motive, Ahbehn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Perception DC 20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Harmose had noticed the ladies piling up on Khammayid, grateful for once that it was not on him. It's not until Aleris states that their young host might want a rescue that it occurs to him... Oh hells, Harmose. Of course he wants a rescue. You always hated it when chased by that many women. One or two... fine. But with that many, all demanding attention, some are bound to get hurt or catty.

Piling up his plate high with delicious vegetarian delicacies, he turns to Aleris. "I didn't see him in need of rescue, but your instincts are better than mine. Let's help the boy out, shall we?"

Taking Aleris by the arm, he approaches Khammayid genially. "Khammayid! You promised us a tour of the gardens, remember? You can't hide behind these lovely ladies, oh no. You're not getting out of it!"

Bluff, Secret Message: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

As he's traveling along... he pauses, catching that discussion.

Is that Namaru and Maru Meshoten? Harmose thinks back to the young girl and her social climbing grandmother, so desperate for a title. Crap. I may have to do more than one rescue here...

"Huh...? Oh, okay..." Aleris responds, giving her mountain of food a sad glance as she allows Harmose to guide her over to where Khammayid and the group of women are gathered.

Turel

"Master Garaldo", a voice comes from behind Turel. (Perception DC 10 to notice the person approaching.) Sebti the Crocodile comes up to the monk, giving a polite nod of greeting. Nakht Shepses, who was with Sebti earlier, isn't nearby. "I wanted to thank you again for all you've done for me."

Sebti continues, "You've served the church of Pharasma well and I was wondering if you would have any interest in joining our ranks in a more official capacity. Bal Themm speaks highly of you and we can always use skilled agents. If I may ask, what are your religious views?"

More to come for other situations...

Harmose waggles his eyebrows flirtatiously at the ladies. "Ladies, I hope you don't mind me stealing him from you for a bit, but Khammayid can't welch on a promise. It's just not done. We'll return him back to your attentions soon enough!" He gives them a winning smile and waves, even as he extricates Khammayid from their midst.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Not as smooth as it could have been... but not terrible either.

Harmose and Aleris

Khammayid seems to pick up on Harmose's bluff easily. "Ah yes, the gardens. I had completely forgotten about my promise. My undying gratitude for bringing it up. I would have lost all honor had I failed to uphold my word, after all. Ladies, I'm sure you understand", he shakes the hands of the various women around him to extricate himself and head out of the dining hall with Harmose and Aleris.

"Thank you for that save", Khammayid says as he leads Harmose and Aleris through some hallways and opens a door leading to a nice inner courtyard with a fountain and lots of pretty flowers. "And here we go, a garden, as not-promised but earned nonetheless by a gracious save. One of my favorite places in this household, in fact, as it does tend to be quite peaceful. Somehow the yelling never quite seems to reach this spot." He chuckles and holds out a hand. "That sounded bad, don't get me wrong, we don't yell any more than a regular family. At least I don't think so."

Currently I have the following situations open:

1) Harmose and Aleris are with Khammayid in the inner courtyard.

2) Turel is with Sebti in the dining hall where the main courses are.

3) Ra-Khefer is with Meehr Zet still in the initial lobby with the entrées (although with a line of sight into the dining hall).

4) Deseri is with Ahbehn in the dining hall.

These four situations are separate and distant enough from each other that you can only be involved in one of them at a time (although you can move from one to another). If you are not one of the characters listed above you may choose to join any of the four open situations.

Feel free to note explicitly which of these situations you are the closest to, so I know where to include your presence as well.

Kito watches as Harmose and Aleris move off. Do I try to insert myself in this? No, that would give the other women a chance to join as well. I best leave it be. Perhaps later I can ask him about his studies abroad.

Looking around, she notices Turel talking with Sebti. That looks like a potentially uncomfortable situation. Think I'll try to give Turel some support. Taking her plate along with her, she moves in their direction.

Does Kito have any outward signs of being a Pharasmin worshipper? Holy symbol, tattoo, anything that Sebti might notice? Or has she attended church services that she might be recognized from?

She would have attended church, yes. She recently learned the skill Profession (midwife) and I assumed that was via contacts through the church. Inner Sea Gods says "In art, Pharasma is depicted as a midwife, a mad prophet, or a reaper of the dead, depending upon her role. "

As for the holy symbol, I forgot to give her one. :( I should fix that.

In short, if Sebti had any interest in followers that were part of the groups she could have easily found out about Kito. Even without that, she might recognize her because of the above.

Turel nods in greeting to the enigmatic priestess, upon reflection not too surprised to see her. "Your presence does me great honor. No thanks is required. I did what needed to be done." He responds quietly, bowing to her in a show of respect.

When she queries him concerning his religion, he gazes at her serenely for a moment before he responds "That question you raise, while easy for some to answer, is not as easy for others such as myself. As Bal Themm surely has explained to you I have heard...it is difficult to put into words, but I would call it the stones have been singing to me. I believe it is one of the ancient Osirian gods...speaking to me. For what purpose I cannot say...yet. I have not sensed any anger from the stones during my time spent in Wati so I do not believe your teachings conflict. I do not wish to anger you, but honesty compels me to be forthright with you." He sighs and rubs his temple for a moment. "Still, I would be willing to listen to your proposal. My experiences dealing with Velriana and her companions have taught me her passions and hatred nearly destroyed her...and myself. I seek to avoid that fate and perhaps we can help one another..." His voice trails off as he notices Kito approaching but does offer her a smile, encouraging her to stay.

Inner Courtyard

"That's okay, neither do we," Aleris chuckles as she takes the offered hand in greeting. "Us and the rest of our group, I mean. We're like a family in our own right and we act the part, for good and for ill."

She looks around for a moment, marveling at the beauty of the small garden when she suddenly realizes that she's not actually introduced herself. "Oh! I'm sorry," she gasps, looking embarrassed. "I'm Aleris, Harmose's fiance. It's very nice to meet you."
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Had to go back and reread a bit but couldn't find anywhere where Aleris had been specifically introduced to Khammayid, though I know Harmose probably mentioned her when he was talking to the whole family earlier :)

Sense motive on Ahbehn: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 Oh you wanted me to notice something? Nope
Sense Motive on room: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19So close but still a no!
Will save vs. food!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 Stupid dice roller!

Smiling at Ahbehn, "You have no idea! The group I am with is a wonderful collection of people. I am so lucky they let me join them."

"The Necroplise has been an interesting experience so far. I could do with out the bugs though." Shuddering a little overly dramatically when she mentions the bugs. "We found one that was massive. I am not a fan of bugs but if they are my size it is a bit much."

Waving a hand to gesture towards the closest of the others, "I have felt perfectly safe traveling with them. They are a really skilled group. I have never feared for my life." Yep I do not know you enough to talk about the terrifying stuff.

Bluff to keep things light: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 If it is a believable lie then add 5 more. Though it seems Deseri is still a little bothered by things.

"So do you think we could hire some assassins to fight these assassins? And do you think we could arrange it to happen on some arena, for entertainment purposes? I know some people, so it could be funny."

Ra is astonished.

Will save (entree): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Hey! This stuff is even better! Soon his handkerchief is fully loaded...
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10 Kneecaps. Nothing but kneecaps...

Sense motive ahben 1d20 ⇒ 12
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Will save, food 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Qari was quite enjoying the delicious food when she spotted Ra talking to Meehr. "Hey Ra, what's going on," she smiles as she pops on olive into her mouth. "The food is so good here," she said, face turning red as she noticed she interfered with an ongoing conversation. "So sorry to but in. My apologies."

Perception for Khammayid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Sense Motive on Muminofrah: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Sense Motive on Khammayid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Sense Motive on Ahbehn: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Perception in the Room: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Polux was momentarily distracted by the mix between the salted snacks and the white wine, but not enough that he wasn't taking in most of the details of what was going around him.

He scanned the room with a smile, glass in hand, and taking in the interactions left and right - he was amused by the second and third meanings behind almost every exchange, and could not deny his curiosity about Muminofrah's look, which he purposefully returned.

He head toward her through the room, trying to elicit a reaction while not being too obvious about it, and instead veering at the last moment to loom over Deseri and Ahbehn.

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

So Polux is across from Muminofrah, and close to Deseri.

He remains in silence initially but then pipes in - "Come now, don't be modest. You are more than capable of handling yourself"- he nods at Ahbehn, and raises his glass at Deseri.

Blushing at the complement, "Thank you Polux."

Inner Courtyard

"That's okay, neither do we," Aleris chuckles as she takes the offered hand in greeting. "Us and the rest of our group, I mean. We're like a family in our own right and we act the part, for good and for ill."

She looks around for a moment, marveling at the beauty of the small garden when she suddenly realizes that she's not actually introduced herself. "Oh! I'm sorry," she gasps, looking embarrassed. "I'm Aleris, Harmose's fiance. It's very nice to meet you."

Harmose puts his arm around Aleris's waist, reaching around to take her hand in his. "I'm the luckiest man in Wati."

You do realize, boy, that this means you need to write a letter about this to your mother -- tonight? Rumors about this will fly faster back to Ipeq than a falcon's wings.

I have Aleris. What else matters? Then the image comes to him, of his mother arriving in full state, here. Crap! I'd better write that letter.

Still, Harmose smiles up at Khammayid. "All families have their issues." Mine, more than most. "My family's wasn't fighting. Mother was heavily into politics, and Father enjoyed helping her do what she wanted. They were the ideal political couple. Him, quiet and supportive. Her, bold and charismatic."

Harmose looks up at the stars, smelling the scent of Aleris. How can anyone so light be so solid? "They were an arranged marriage that... worked. Against all odds. Then their only son was kidnapped and murdered. And suddenly nothing they had done, nothing they had accomplished... mattered. They threw everything into bringing him back, and what they got back..."

Harmose trails off. "They did the impossible. Worked miracles. Then had to deal with a child who was different in every way from the boy they had loved, and they had to learn to love the new child he had become. But it wore them out. My parents used to be in perfect synch. They used to share the same goals. Now they travel separately, and live off the good will of different friends, and only come together for parties and as public show."

Harmose squeezes Aleris's hand lightly while he meets Khammayid's gaze. "I miss the love that I remembered them having for each other. I miss the team they were. Even worse is to realize that somehow I was the cause for them not being that, anymore." He sighs. "At least yours are still together."

Great job, Harmose. Way to lift your host's mood.

He gives Khammayid and Aleris a self deprecating smile. "So tell me, Khammayid. When you come to this Courtyard, what do you dream about? With this fountain, these flowers, these stars... I think that I would spend all my time dreaming of glorious possibilities."

Blushing at the complement, "Thank you Polux."

"You are welcome Deseri" - he offers a polite nod.

Aleris' eyes widen and then grow teary as Harmose explains that his resurrection had cost his family much more than just gold and worldly possessions. She'd heard that the death of a child would either strengthen a bond of love or shatter it completely, but to pay for bringing a child back only to find that they'd brought back what seemed like a stranger?

I...didn't know that what had happened to Harmose had changed his family so much. Do either of them regret their decision? For Harmose's sake, I hope not.

Unfortunately, even this is too public of a setting to say what she desperately wants to say - so she simply squeezes his hand and quickly blinks away her tears.

The rest of the party goes off without any significant conflicts. Harmose and Aleris spend some pleasant time chatting with Khammayid in the seclusion of the garden. Ra-Khefer and Meehr Zet hang out for a little while, talking about various trivial things. The Four Lanterns, miracle of miracles, do not get thrown out at any point, although they do pull a few stunts that get them close, and earn several disapproving glances and you can hear guests murmuring wondering why the Lanterns are even here. Muminofrah has a great appetite but more than that she seems to be very popular with many of the party guests who court her for attention, no doubt to try and get closer to the proxy of the Ruby Prince so that they could earn political favors. The haty-a, the governor of Wati leaves fairly early, appearing to have little taste for this sort of lavish pomp and circumstance. Nakht Shepses gets more drunk than he should and gets close to picking a fight but gets talked down.

The party goes on well into the night. By the time the last guests trickle out, it's about halfway between midnight and sunbreak. The streets of Wati are fairly quiet at night, especially so in the Morning Sun district where the mansion is located, and fairly so in the Midwife district where the markets and temples are. You don't receive any trouble on your way back to your lodgings.

Despite the unexpected moment in the garden, Aleris finds that the rest of the evening at the party goes well. Her earlier worries about overheard conversations melt away and she enjoys a pleasant chat with Khammayid and Harmose as well as all the food she could ever eat. By the time the party finally ends and the group begins heading back to the Tooth & Hookah, she can barely keep her eyes open.

"Well...that was certainly fun!" she yawns as they meander down the street. "But I don't know if I could be nobility if all their parties are like that..." she adds with another yawn.

"Are you sure?" - Polux chuckles - "I could see some serious potential fun in all of it, amidst the adult versions of 'Let's pretend' that is" - and smiles at Aleris, before turning to Deseri and Qari - "I got to walk in some VERY good company for most of the evening, for one"

Qari smiles at Polux's compliment. "Aw, thanks Polux. You know after things calmed down just a bit, that wasn't terrible. It was just that initial rush when all of us almost got crushed that overwhelmed me. After that, it was kind of nice. And the food was amazing! At least we made a better impression than those awful Lanterns, I think."

Nodding, Kito agrees with Qari. "I have to wonder if they do it intentionally. After all, they are so far from home maybe they think no one there will ever hear of it?"

Rubbing her belly, she adds "I don't understand how anyone had room to eat anything from that last course!"

Kn: Geography? What is that? :)

After his meeting with Sebti. Turel returns to the other silent and thoughtful. As the others gather around he gives each of then a smile, the largest smile for Harmose and Aleris. "I trust this evening was pleasant for you all? As for myself, I found it most...edifying."

"Well...I do feel like I learned a lot," Aleris admits. "About all sorts of things. And now I'm a little sad that I never approached Muminofrah, even just to say hello. Then again, she looked very busy and I didn't want to bother her. I'm actually a little amazed that the Lanterns didn't get tossed out on their butts after some of the things I overheard them saying!"

Grinning over at Polux, "Thank you Polux. You were wonderful company too. Almost as fetching as Qari." Ending her complement with a wink at the quiet Tiefling .

Looking at Qari, "You would thing those tables were an oasis with the way those people rushed to it."

Ra slowly walked back to the hotel, thinking about Meehr.
He really liked some things about her, and didn't like some others. All in all she was less of a caricature, like some actress on a stage far away, and more... human?

Qari smiles at Polux's compliment. "Aw, thanks Polux. You know after things calmed down just a bit, that wasn't terrible. It was just that initial rush when all of us almost got crushed that overwhelmed me. After that, it was kind of nice. And the food was amazing! At least we made a better impression than those awful Lanterns, I think."

"C'mon Qari, is it that important that we make a good impression?" - Polux winks at his companion - "No need to bend over backwards here, right?"

"Heh...I'm glad you three had a good time too," Aleris smiles slyly. "The three of you together make quite the striking trio."

After chatting amongst yourselves a while, you make it back to whatever lodgings each of you has. You sleep the night restfully and wake up to Day 13.

Each of you heals a number of hit points equal to your hit dice.

You may make Relationship rolls for Day 12.

Now, do you have plans for Day 13?

Aleris rises the next morning and for a moment her memories are jumbled from sleep; she stares up at the ceiling and blinks, trying to remember what day it is.

"Harmose...did we really throw down with the Scorched Hand and then go party yesterday?" she mumbles sleepily.

The morning sun pierces Turel's slumber far past when he is used to waking up. Even after he fully wakes he spends a while lying in his bed replaying the words from Sebti in his mind.

A difficult path for me to follow...yet no more than I have already chosen to walk. Perhaps this way leads to my purpose...but always must be ready to follow a different course. The gods lay obstacles for us and to overcome them may require a different path.

Rising from his bumk, he forgoes his normal meditations and instead quickly washes up and dons his typical garb. Hurrying to the common room he orders a hot herb tea for himself and awaits the others to join him.

Turel would like to visit Bal Themm again to check upon the Scorched Hand and also to finish exploring the Sanctum. Relationship (Bal Themm, Day 12): 1d20 ⇒ 15

Grinning over at Aleris and winking, "We do, don't we."

Pulling off the soft dress and draping it over a chair before eagerly crawling into bed after an exhausting day. Sprawling across the bed and staring at the ceiling until her eyes are too heavy to remain open. Much of Deseri's sleep is plagued with an amalgamation of the various horrors she has seen in her young life. Some seen with her own eyes and other through eyes that are nor hers. Harmose being run though, a massive Blue Dragon flying over the desert, riots in Wati, starving people slowly dying in alleyways, bugs descending on caravans and ripping them apart...

Thrashing about in her bed and whimpering through the night. Jolting awake with her head hanging off of her bed and her feet tangled among her pillows. Glaring at the barely risen sun and forfeiting the option of going back to sleep, nightmares reside there. Crawling out of bed and slowly pulling herself back together. I am a mess. I need to not be a mess.

Splashing water on her face and taking the time to let the red fade from her eyes before getting dressed and meandering down the stairs. Putting a smile on her lips before leaving her room.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Spotting Turel and his tea. Slowly meandering over after requesting some tea and fruit for breakfast. Glancing at Turel and mumbling "Morning." Then focusing on her breakfast.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

"Good morning." Turel nods in greeting to Deseri, and pulls out a chair for her. Seeing she had not slept well the previous night he decides to bide his time and wait for Deseri to start the conversation. He knew from first hand experience sometimes it takes time for thoughts to clear in one's mind.

Seems to be a truth for others as well as myself. He reflects as he sips his tea.

Chipper bastard.. Stop being so whiny! Turel is a nice man and has far more right than I do.. Slowly eating her fruit piece by piece in silence. Oppressive and deafening silence.

Her plate empties far to quickly and it is still so quiet. Glancing over at Turel, "So what is the plan for today?"

Day 12 Relationship: Meehr: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9 We're growing apart...

Day 13: Checks equipment. Broods. Combat excercises.